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On April the nineteenth, the entire neighborhood and half of Cheyenne was invited to come and celebrate the birthday of Robert Vogel and Michael Decker at the Vogel residence.

April had been unseasonably warm and perfectly suited for the party to be held outdoors, so multiple tables were set up to accommodate all of the food, and friends and family turned out en masse.

To Emma’s surprise, her stepmother and father had driven in for the party, bringing with them one of her father’s longtime workers.

Gary Price was nearly sixty and lame in one leg.

Papa had kept him on out of sympathy for the man.

Old cowboys had nowhere to go once they were no longer able to do the hard work required of them.

Gary, however, continued to earn his keep in whatever way he could and was more family than employee.

“I was thinking about your desire for chickens,” her father told her as they climbed down from their wagon. “Tomorrow, Gary and I are going to build you a proper coop and chicken yard. We even brought a passel of hens for you to get started with.”

“I don’t know what to say. That’s wonderful. Thank you.” Emma gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. “I do have the shed out back with its small apartment attached. The previous owners used it for the gardener. As you can see, I’m going to need to hire one soon.”

Her father drew her aside. “That’s another reason I brought Gary.

He’s a hard worker, but ranch life is agreeing less and less with him.

I think he’d be good for you to have around here as a gardener.

I trust him with my life, and it might put Colton’s mind at ease when he heads back to Texas to know the two of you gals have someone watching over you. ”

“Do you think Gary would be willing to help with the yard and shrubs?” Emma knew old cowboys could be quite prideful. It might be beneath the old man to help with gardening work.

“I think if you were the one to ask him, maybe emphasize that having him around would make you feel safer, then he would say yes and save himself embarrassment. He’s always had a soft spot for you.”

“Then I’ll do it.”

Gary came to join them just then, and Emma surprised the older man by giving him a hearty embrace and kiss on the cheek. “Gary, I haven’t seen you in such a long time. You were on a trip for Papa when I came back last September, and the other day you were busy elsewhere.”

“I was indeed, but it’s mighty good to be here now. You’re all grown up.”

She laughed and patted his shoulder. “I was all grown up nine years ago when I left for Texas. Oh, but it’s good to see you. I remember all those wonderful stories you used to tell me.”

“I’ve got a bunch more, right up here,” he said, thumping his head.

“I will certainly look forward to that.” She looked back to her father. “Where are you staying?”

“We put Gary up at the hotel, and we figured to stay with you, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course. I would have Gary, too, but I’ve only got one extra bed.” Emma looked apologetically at the man.

“Now, that’s not a problem. I even told Rich that I could sleep outside in a bedroll, but he said no. Civilized neighborhoods might frown on that.”

Emma laughed. “It wasn’t that long ago that many of these folks were living in tents. I don’t see that they should have room to criticize, but I’m glad Papa chose a nice place for you.”

“It’s good to spoil a man now and then,” her father declared. “We’re gonna unload the things we brought, including the chickens. Then Gary’s gonna take the wagon to the livery and himself to the hotel. He’ll join us tomorrow to work on settling the chickens.”

“That sounds wonderful. We can just put the chickens in the garden shed for now.” Emma looked around for Rosie, then remembered she’d gone to the Vogels’ to help Marybeth with setting up for the party. “Rosie will be beside herself with delight.”

When Emma and her folks were finally ready to head to the party, the Vogels’ yard was already full of people. They even found that Colton had gone there first rather than come to the house.

“I figured you and Rosie would already be here,” he told her, looking around at all the people. “Where is Rosie?”

“She wanted to help Mrs. Vogel set things up for the party.”

Colton frowned. “Do you think it was wise to let her go alone?”

“Relax, Colton. She’s in good hands with Marybeth. The woman adores Rosie, and they enjoy each other’s company.”

He looked skeptical, but Emma didn’t give him time to brood. “My folks brought us chickens, and tomorrow morning Papa and Mr. Price are going to build us a proper coop and chicken yard. You should come and help. I’ll be fixing breakfast, so come early.”

“Ranch style early or city life early?” He grinned and shrugged. “There’s about a two-hour difference.”

Emma chuckled. “Let’s go with the city life. My father seldom gets to ease into the morning. He and Lucille deserve a leisurely time before setting to work.”

“Emma, Mr. Benton, how good you could make it.” Marybeth moved to where they stood. “Where are your folks? Did they come?”

“They did. I thought they were still here with us, but apparently, they’re already mingling in the crowd. This is quite the grand party.”

Marybeth nodded and turned to see the bulk of her guests. “I would never have been ready on time if not for Rosie and Greta’s help. Those girls are so organized. They had the food table set up and dishes and silver in place before I could even ask them to see to it.”

“I’m so glad. I would have come to help as well, but you assured me you didn’t need anyone else.” Emma wondered if Marybeth had just been polite.

“We really didn’t, and besides, it gave me time to be with Rosie and hear about her reading lessons. I understand she’s progressing quite nicely.”

“She is. She’s so eager to learn. The primers that Mrs. Decker lent me are perfect for the job. I’m no proper teacher, but things are going quite well.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Mr. Benton,” she said, turning to Colton, “how are you finding your time in Cheyenne?”

“Good,” he admitted. “I’m enjoying myself more than I expected to. The town is quite enthusiastic about the prospects of statehood.”

“Yes, although I daresay we aren’t getting the attention of Washington. They’re far too consumed with the upcoming land rush in Oklahoma. They anticipate thousands and thousands of people will participate. No doubt it will be quite the ordeal.”

“Free land is always going to attract a certain kind of man,” Colton replied, shaking his head. “The real challenge will be setting up an actual place to live within the six-month requirement.”

“Especially since so many of the people they expect to race for the claims are poor immigrants,” Emma added. “I read about that just a few days ago in the paper.”

“I also read that the town fathers here are inviting those who lose out on Oklahoma to come to Wyoming,” Colton shared. “Though I don’t think a rush of new settlers is exactly what is needed. Crime would almost be certain to rise.”

Marybeth glanced up as someone called her name. It was her husband. She gave him a wave and then took hold of Emma’s arm. “Come with me. I have a surprise.”

“A surprise?”

Emma allowed Marybeth to lead her through the mass of people to where the food tables were assembled. There she found Melody Decker, along with her son Michael and Rob Vogel. Rosie was standing just to Rob’s side.

“We thought we would include you and Melody in the birthday celebration. I learned from your stepmother that you had a birthday on the thirteenth of April. You should have told us, Emma. That’s also Melody’s birthday.”

Emma was more than a little surprised. “I don’t know what to say. It’s very kind of you.”

“I was just as surprised.” Mrs. Decker took hold of Marybeth’s arm. “But leave it to my dear friend to pass along such kindness.”

“Well, since folks were coming to have a party, we figured the more the merrier. Happy birthday!”

Several other voices joined in. “Happy birthday!”

“I knew about the surprise, Emma.” Rosie came to her side and gave her a hug. “I know we celebrated at your father’s ranch, but Marybeth said it was all right to celebrate more than once.”

Emma glanced around at all the happy faces. “Well, I can hardly complain.”

Colton handed her a small box. “You caught me off guard with the first celebration, but Rosie apprised me of this one, and I was able to secure you a gift.”

“You shouldn’t have.” Emma opened the box and gasped. Inside, nestled down in folds of black velvet, was a diamond-and-ruby broach. “Oh, you really shouldn’t have done this.”

Colton shrugged, and Rosie frowned. She turned to her brother and shook her head. “You shouldn’t buy expensive gifts for Emma. She’s not your wife.”

Hours later as the party wound down, Emma announced that she was going to head home. Her stepmother and father were caught up discussing cattle with several of their friends, and she encouraged them to stay on and enjoy themselves.

She kissed her father on the cheek. “The front door will be open, just lock up when you come in for the night.”

“I’ll walk you back,” Colton told her. “Just let me find Rosie.”

They located her helping to wash dishes. She was so happy, and Colton didn’t have the heart to demand she join them.

“I can walk her back when she’s ready to come home,” Rob offered.

Colton had watched him throughout the evening with Rosie. He was very considerate of her and never overstepped the bounds of decency.

“I think that would be wonderful, Colton,” Emma whispered. “It will give Rosie a feeling of independence.”

If it hadn’t been for the fact that Colton wanted to talk to Emma alone, he might have found a reason to say no, but instead, he nodded. “Thank you, Vogel. That would be fine.” He offered Emma his arm. “Shall we?”

“Of course.”

They walked at a leisurely pace, leaving the revelry behind them as they made their way to the house.

“Would you like to come in for some coffee?”

“Yes, I’d like to come in for a few moments to talk, but no coffee. I’m still quite full even though I ate hours ago.”

They made their way inside, and Emma turned on the front room lights.

“It was quite the party. I think most of Cheyenne was there.” She took a seat in the rocking chair and sighed.

“I’m glad to just sit and relax a bit. Tomorrow will certainly be very busy, so I plan to go to bed early. What did you want to talk to me about?”

Colton sat on the sofa and leaned forward. “I hope you weren’t offended by my gift this evening. Rosie made it clear that she thought it was inappropriate, and I was worried that I might have made you uncomfortable.”

“Not at all.” Emma fingered the broach that she’d pinned to her dress. “I thought it was quite special. I was really touched by it, in fact. Thank you.”

“I thought it only right. You deserve beautiful things. I know Tommy was always lavishing them on you.”

“He did. That is certainly true. I was always telling him to stop. I didn’t want anyone thinking I was with him for the fancy baubles and gowns.

I told him you and your brothers were going to think very poorly of me, but he didn’t care.

He said, ‘I want to deck you out in a way that will make everyone stop and look.’” Emma laughed.

“He said his friends were going to be so envious, because he’d .

..” She fell silent as her cheeks reddened.

“It’s not important. I’m not that woman anymore. ”

“But you are an amazing woman, and were even then.”

Emma nodded. “I just want to be done with the old Emma and all her hurtful attitudes and actions. Though I still find myself wanting to have a good time. I loved the party tonight. The people were happy and full of life, and I felt truly cared about.”

“You are cared about, Emma.”

“Oh, I know. My father loves me; there’s no doubt about that. My stepmother has turned out to be a surprising influence in my life, and I can honestly say that she loves me as well. And of course, I know Rosie loves me.”

“And I love you.”

He hadn’t meant to speak the words aloud, but now that he had, he watched to see what Emma’s reaction might be. She looked at him for a long moment and then smiled.

“That’s good of you, Colton. I know you care. I’m your sister-in-law.”

“It isn’t that, Emma. I had no intention of telling you this tonight, but...” He tried to organize his thoughts so that he wouldn’t make a fool of himself. “From the time Tommy first brought you home to meet me, I was ... well, for lack of a better word, I was dumbstruck.”

She said nothing, so Colton hurried to continue.

“I never believed in love at first sight, but it happened to me with you. There was something about you that spoke to my soul. I wanted to take you aside and tell you how I felt. I wanted to woo you, but you were with Tommy, and I couldn’t intrude on that.

He was my brother, and I would never hurt him by betraying him that way.

“I honestly figured he’d play out his time with you and then be off to someone else. Then after a bit of time, I could seek you out for myself. But instead, he really loved you—at least in the manner of love you both chose.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know what to say.”

“I know, and I’m not trying to cause you further grief.

But I wonder if you could think about a future with me.

We wouldn’t have to marry right away, but I can’t go on not being honest with you.

I overheard Rosie speaking to someone at the party about how much she hates lies, and I knew that I was living a lie.

I came with you two to Cheyenne because I couldn’t bear the idea of letting you get away.

I saw the way the men looked at you tonight, and it worried me.

I figured if I didn’t say something soon, you might well take up with one of them.

I need you to know that I care about you .

.. that I love you, and I always will.”