Unexpected Romance

“We’re going to be late! Hurry up, Catherine!” Bianca shouted up the stairs to her sister. “We need to get to the theater quickly. I don’t want to miss one single moment of Bradley’s face.”

Catherine took one last look in the mirror and sighed.

“I guess this is as good as I get.” she mumbled. She had her long blond hair in a braid down her back and her maroon gown did bring out the green of her eyes. However she knew that standing next to her sister she would disappear.

Bianca had curly brunette hair that hung in ringlets around her face and dark brown eyes that men found intriguing. Bianca’s figure was also much slimmer than Catherine’s. Bianca was always the center of attention with the men and Catherine was always left in the corner alone.

“Hurry up Catherine! Emmett is here! We have to go!” Bianca yelled impatiently up the stairs again. Catherine sighed in defeat and ran down the stairs.

“Hello ladies. How are you this evening?” Emmett asked as Catherine and Bianca opened the front door to greet him.

“Oh Emmett, you can stop pretending to be such a gentleman. I have known you since I was but a baby and I know that you are not.” Bianca said waving her hand. Emmett feigned surprise.

“Have you no faith in my ability to change?”

“You change? Ha. Ha. You make me laugh darling.” Bianca replied lightly and walked out the door toward the waiting carriage.

Emmett turned his gaze to Catherine and she felt herself blush. She had always loved Emmett but he was far out of her league. He was dashing and handsome and very popular with all of the women. He was tall and broad and filled every room he entered with his presence. She was only glad that he found her worthy of his friendship and could only dream of more.

“Cat, you look lovely this evening.” Emmett said throwing her one of his trademark smiles that showed the deep dimples in his chiseled cheeks.

“You told Bianca that you could change but apparently you are still a liar.” she replied smiling back at him.

“And you are still blind my cat.” he replied. They looked into each others eyes for a long moment and then Emmett cleared his throat and held out his arm.

“Your chariot awaits my lady. Shall I escort you?” he asked in a regal tone. Catherine laughed. She seemed to laugh easier with Emmett. She was able to forget about being second place to her sister because Emmett had a way of making her feel like she was first.

She looped her arm into the crook of his and they walked out the door.

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“Hurry up Catherine! You are always so slow! Perhaps if you quit eating seconds at dinner you would be able to move faster!” Bianca shouted back at the carriage.

They were at the theater and Catherine was searching frantically for her handbag. Emmett was waiting patiently at the side of the carriage to help her down but Bianca was a different story. Catherine felt her face flame with embarrassment as her sister yelled at her across the crowded sidewalk.

“I’m sorry Bianca. I’ve misplaced my handbag.” she replied while struggling to hold back her tears.

“Oh no. Poor Catherine lost her snacks! Just come on and forget about it. You probably left it at the house.” Bianca yelled back while stomping her high heeled foot impatiently.

“Cat, don’t listen to her. You know how she gets when she’s man hunting.” Emmett said quietly. Truthfully he thought that Bianca needed a swift kick in her backside but he knew that Catherine was much to passive and gentle to give it to her.

A sob escaped Catherine and Emmett felt anger well up in him toward Bianca.

“Cat, don’t let her get to you.” he said. Catherine jumped down from the carriage refusing his outstretched hand.

“Please excuse me Emmett. I need to powder my nose.” she said and rushed off into the theater. Emmett cursed under his breath and stormed off toward Bianca. Bianca saw him coming and braced herself against the stone wall.

“How dare you Bianca. She is crying just so you know.” he snarled. Bianca looked up at him and felt fear. His brown eyes that always danced with amusement were now hard with anger. His strong jaw was set and he was practically shaking.

“Emmett, love, you need to calm down. Catherine is just sensitive because she is fat.” Bianca replied while curling her nose as if she smelled something foul. Emmett grabbed her arm roughly.

“She has twice the grace and elegance that you will ever have Bianca. You are nothing but a rude obnoxious brat.”

“Let go of my arm Emmett.” Bianca hissed pulling her arm out of his grasp. “Go find your cow if she is what makes you happy. Why you passed up on me, I’ll never know.” With that Bianca turned and she too disappeared into the theater.

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Catherine managed to compose herself in the powder room and walked back into the lobby. She looked around but Emmett and Bianca were nowhere to be seen. Catherine no longer felt like watching the play so she walked back out to the carriage and up to Emmett’s driver Edward.

“Miss Catherine, aren’t you supposed to be inside?” he asked after tipping his top hat.

“I suppose I have lost my yearning for entertainment this evening Edward. I was hoping that I could get you to drive me home, if it is not too much trouble.” He smiled warmly at her and reached out a hand to help her up into the carriage.

“Of course my lady.” he replied, knowing that her tear stained face was evidence of her earlier encounter with her sister.

“Thank you very much.” she said taking her seat. She wondered if Emmett was having fun. She knew that there was probably already women hanging all over him. She felt jealousy and sadness well up inside of her at the thought. She wished she could just tell him how she felt but she knew she could not stand his rejection.

She rode home in silence and after Edward had seen her in she walked up to her room and changed into her nightgown. She undid her braided hair and lit the candle at her writing desk. She always turned to her poetry and diaries when life was too much. She had discovered her love for writing as a small child when her mother had died during childbirth and her little brother, whom her mother died giving life too, passed away three days after.

After losing their mother, Catherine and Bianca had become very different people. Catherine who was the oldest had taken over the roll of mother in the house. She cooked and cleaned and tried to make sure that everyone was happy. Bianca on the other hand had become very rebellious and irritable, caring only about making herself happy.

Their father had been a very rich man so life hadn’t been too difficult financially, however after losing his wife, their father had become very withdrawn. He too passed away only six years after his wife. This left Catherine who was then thirteen and Bianca, ten, on their own.

Even though Emmett had always been around he had become a very big part of their lives then. At the time he was seventeen and Edmond had entrusted his daughters and estate to Emmett to keep safe. Catherine smiled when she thought of Emmett. She loved him dearly and could not imagine her life without him.

She frowned then, imagining what he was doing at the theater. No doubt Bianca was already in Bradley’s arms. He was the lead in the play and Bianca’s newest conquest. Emmett was most likely surrounded by beautiful women and flirting mercilessly.

“He probably doesn’t even notice that I’m missing.” she said sadly. She carried her pen and ink over to the arm chair by her bed and curled up to write.

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“Bianca, have you seen Catherine?” Emmett demanded, finally getting her attention away from the stage where Bradley was performing.

“No I have not, Emmett.” she replied. “If you don’t mind I’m trying to enjoy myself. Her temper tantrum and whining is not going to ruin my night.” Emmett growled under his breath and practically ran back down the aisle and out into the lobby. He searched the theater for Catherine to no avail. He walked outside and went quickly over to where Edward was just pulling back in with the carriage.

“Where have you been?” Emmett demanded. Edward tipped his hat apologetically.

“I’m sorry sir. Miss Catherine asked that I take her home and so I did.”

“Was she ok?”

“Just a bit sad sir. I saw her in and left.”

“I’m going to go check on her.” Emmett said.

“Shall I drive you sir?” Edward asked. Emmett shook his head.

“No you better stay here. It is your responsibility to ensure that Bianca gets home safely.”

“Of course sir.” Edward replied with a sigh. Emmett grinned.

“Good luck, Edward.” he said and started down the sidewalk.

It was a thirty minute walk to Catherine’s home and when Emmett arrived she didn’t answer when he knocked on the door. He tested the knob and it was unlocked.

He let himself in and the entry room was dark. She must be upstairs.

“Catherine.” he called out. He waited but there was no response and he could not hear any movement from upstairs. He took the stairs three at a time and tapped lightly on her bedroom door. She didn’t answer so he opened the door and smiled.

Catherine was curled up and sound asleep in the armchair with a book in her lap. Her long blond hair hung over her shoulders and Emmett swallowed hard when he saw that it barely covered one of her perfect breasts that he knew would be visible through the sheer fabric of her nightgown.

He couldn’t seem to stop staring at his beautiful Cat sound asleep and peaceful. He finally shook himself out of the trance that she had him in and pulled the blanket off of her bed. He laid it over her, ran a gentle hand down her cheek and kissed her forehead. He blew out the candle on her desk and then walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

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Bianca walked up to the front door and breathed a sigh of relief when it was unlocked. She snuck in quietly while Edward drove away and she was about to slip up the stairs when she heard someone clear their throat in the sitting room.

When she lit the lamp she was startled to see Emmett sitting in the armchair.

“Emmett darling, you scared me.” she said. “I’m afraid that I’m awfully tired. I must be getting to bed.” Emmett laughed.

“I would be tired too if I had stayed out half the night. Where have you been? That play must have been over hours ago.”

“Bradley approached me after the curtain closed and we began talking and lost track of time.” she replied. Emmett stood up and raised an eyebrow.

“You talked huh?” he said sarcastically. “Did you do this talking with your dress on or off?”

“Emmett Masters, how dare you ask me such a question!” Bianca said angrily. Then she smiled and walked slowly toward him.

“What is it Emmett darling?” she purred. “Are you jealous? I’ve already told you before that I will gladly let you take my dress off.” She ran her hand down his chest quickly, undoing the buttons of his shirt with ease.

Emmett felt his loins harden in spite of himself. There was no denying that Bianca was incredibly desirable but she was also a horrid wretch of a woman. He reached out and grabbed her arm roughly.

“Get off of me woman.” he hissed quietly. “I have turned you down before and this time will be no different. You are not the woman in my heart and hers is the only dress that I care to remove.” He stormed past her angrily and out of the house.

Bianca slammed her fist roughly into the chair that he’d been sitting on and then ran up to her room

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Catherine awoke the next morning with a very stiff neck. She sighed when she realized that she had fallen asleep in her chair while reading. She didn’t remember covering herself with a blanket. She guessed that Bianca must have come in in the night to apologize and covered her then.

Catherine poured some water into the wash basin and washed herself with her rose scented soap. Then she slipped into a plain blue cotton dress and walked downstairs to cook breakfast.

Bianca came downstairs not long after, just as Catherine was finishing the eggs.

“Thank you Catherine.” Bianca said as Catherine sat her plate and a glass of water in front of her.

“You’re welcome.” Catherine replied sitting down to her own breakfast. “Thank you for covering me with that blanket last night when you came in. I don’t know how I fell asleep in that chair.” Bianca didn’t even look up from her food.

“I didn’t cover you up, Catherine. I felt that you were very childish leaving the way you did. Emmett could not even enjoy the play. He had to leave early to check on you.”

“Emmett was in my room last night?” Catherine said more to herself than to Bianca. Catherine had dreamt last night that Emmett had run his hand down her cheek and kissed her head lightly. Had she really been dreaming or had he actually been there? She quickly decided that she must have dreamt about the kiss and the tender touch. He had simply covered her up and then left. After all caring for her and her sister was simply a responsibility left to him by their father and nothing more.

“I wouldn’t read too much into it Catherine. After all he thinks of you as his sweet, fat sister.” Bianca said quickly. She didn’t want Catherine to know how much Emmett cared about her. Bianca was determined to have him one night and then Catherine would not want him anymore and he would be hers.

“I wasn’t reading anything into it.” Catherine replied quickly. “Would you like some more eggs because I would.” She spooned some more eggs onto her plate.

“No thank you, Catherine. Some of us women actually care about what we look like.” Bianca replied. Catherine stopped eating and pushed her plate away.

“So what are you going to do today?” Catherine asked and Bianca rolled her eyes.

“I don’t know. I’ll probably spend the day out shopping.” she replied. Catherine wished that her sister would invite her along but knew that she wouldn’t.

“I believe I will do a little sewing. I am making myself a new dress to wear to the dance tomorrow night but it is taking longer than I planned.” Catherine said taking a sip of her water.

“Perhaps if you were smaller it wouldn’t take so much fabric or time to make a dress.” Bianca said with a laugh. Catherine felt her heart break just as it always did when her younger sister insulted her.

“Quit it, Bianca. That’s not funny.” she said quietly.

“Have a good day sewing, Catherine. I’m going out.” Bianca replied and with that she practically danced out of the room her dark curls bouncing. Catherine finished eating her breakfast now that her sister was gone and then cleared the table. After washing up the breakfast dishes she settled down to work on her dress.

Chapter Two

“Oh can you believe it, Catherine? Bradley just sent a message saying that he wants to take me to the dance tonight!” Bianca said happily as she twirled around the sitting room. Catherine smiled.

“I’m happy for you, Bianca.” she said. Emmett snorted from the armchair where he was reading the newspaper.

“What’s the matter, Emmett darling? Are you jealous?” Bianca asked. Catherine felt her own jealousy spark but didn’t say a word and didn’t look up from the placemat she was knitting. Emmett looked over at her from the corner of his eye and then sat the paper down in his lap and looked over at Bianca.

“Jealous? Of what?” he asked with mock curiosity. Bianca put one hand on her hip and laid the other on her chest.

“Of me of course.” she said with a light laugh. “I have two arms you know. I’d be delighted to have you hold one of them.”

“Ouch!” Catherine yelped as she cut herself with the scissors she’d been using to cut her thread. She stuck her bloody finger into her mouth and jumped up.

“Are you ok?” Emmett asked standing up. Catherine nodded and walked to the kitchen. She could hear Emmett’s footsteps following her.

“What did you do?” he asked. She turned and showed him her finger which was still bleeding freely. He grabbed her wrist gently and she felt a jolt of lightning run through her body. She saw his brown eyes darken to nearly jet black as he looked down at her and she wondered what that meant. He shook his head and brought her hand up closer to his face to look at her bleeding finger.

“I’ve never known you to be so clumsy.” he scolded as he reached behind him and grabbed a clean washrag. He wrapped it around her finger and held it in place.

Catherine could not stand his touch any longer. It was causing a tingling and a heat in her that she was not sure how to handle. She pulled her hand away from him and held the rag around her finger herself. She offered him a smile and shrugged.

“I guess I just was not paying close enough attention to what I was doing.” she replied. Just then Bianca came into the kitchen. She did not want to give Emmett and Catherine any privacy. If she did then they might realize how they both felt about each other.

“Is she ok?” Bianca asked laying her hand on Emmett’s arm. Emmett looked down at her hand on him and fought the urge to smack it away. Catherine nodded and unwrapped her finger.

“I’m fine.” she said. “See it stopped bleeding.”

“You better clean that good.” Emmett said matter-of-factly. Catherine smiled.

“Yes sir.” she said teasingly. Emmett flashed her a grin and then sighed.

“I must be leaving ladies. I have some things to get ready before tonight.” he said. Bianca batted her long eyelashes up at him.

“So am I going to have both arms full tonight?” she asked. Emmett shrugged and moved her hand away from his arm.

“You might. But it won’t because I’m on one of them.” he replied patting her hand and then releasing it. Bianca felt her face turn red with embarrassment as her arm dropped to her side.

“I on the other hand will have both hands free.” Catherine said as she led everyone back out to the sitting room.

“That is a good thing.” Emmett said as he walked to the door. “You’ll have plenty of room on your dance card for me.” He gave her a wink and she felt her heart skip a beat.

“There he goes pretending to be charming again.” Bianca said as she sat down on the couch. Emmett glared over at her but did not say anything in response to her comment.

“I will be here around seven to pick you up.” Emmett told Catherine. Bianca laughed.

“I on the other hand am not such an old maid like my sister. I have a very handsome date coming to pick me up so I won’t need a ride from you.”

“And Cat gets me.” he said pointedly and he could see the anger spark in Bianca’s eyes. “You poor thing.” He added smiling over at Catherine. She blushed and laughed lightly.

“You are the one that everyone will feel sorry for.” she said only half joking. Emmett shook his head as he opened the door to leave.

“Will there ever come a day that you are not so blind?” he asked gently and then he was gone.

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Catherine looked in the mirror and tried to fight back the butterflies she was feeling in her stomach. Emmett had not really meant that he was going to be her date tonight. He was just a jokester and a flirt. He was taking her to the dance because it was his duty. She smoothed out the new emerald green, satin dress she had just finished making that morning. She wore matching emeralds in her ears and a gold locket around her neck.

She had all her long blond hair piled atop her head with several long tendrils hanging down her neck. Her pale skin glowed in the candlelight. She actually thought she looked kind of pretty and the dress did make her eyes look as green as emeralds. She walked out of the room and down the stairs. Bianca was in the sitting room and Catherine suddenly realized just how unpretty she would look next to her little sister.

Bianca was wearing a bright red satin gown that was very tight around her tiny waist and pushed her breasts up so that they were nearly falling out of the low plunging neckline.

Her curly dark hair was only half pulled up and her dark curls hung down her back in long waves. She had colored her cheeks with rouge and darkened her lips. She had powder on her tan skin making it glow.

“You look very beautiful tonight.” Catherine said matter-of-factly. Bianca nodded and ran her hands over her tiny hips.

“Yes I know.” she replied. A knock came on the door and Bianca squealed happily.

“That should be Bradley!” she said. She opened the door and sure enough Bradley was standing there. He was tall and skinny with long pale blond hair and bright blue eyes. His face was smooth and stubble free and he wore the charming smile of someone who knows the whole world already loves him.

“Well hello there my beautiful maiden.” he said in his smooth voice. He pulled Bianca into his arms and laid a very improper kiss to her lips. Catherine was shocked when her sister pressed herself up against him and kissed him back. She felt herself blushing and quickly turned her head.

“I believe we’re making your sister uncomfortable.” Bradley said as he pulled away from Bianca. Bianca laughed and waved her hand as if dismissing his comment.

“Catherine is just jealous because she has no date.” she said matter of factly. Bradley looked Catherine up and down as if assessing cattle at an auction and shrugged.

“I believe I have a free arm if she wants to come along. I hate to see a woman so dressed up with nowhere to go.” he said. Before either of the women could respond a throat cleared from behind Bradley and Emmett pushed past him and into the house.

“That won’t be necessary, Bradley.” Emmett said with a broad smile. Catherine’s heart began beating faster at the sight of Emmett. He was as tall as Bradley but he was much more muscular and well built. His brown hair was slicked back on his head and his white tux made his tanned skin and dark eyes look even darker.

“Well hello Emmett. Haven’t seen you around the club in a while.” Bradley said shaking Emmett’s hand. Emmett shrugged. He hadn’t been at the men’s club much the past few months because he had enjoyed spending all his free time here with Catherine.

Now if he could only grow a spine and tell her how he felt about her.. But he was too big of a coward. He knew that she was too good of a woman for a man like him. She was beautiful, gentle, kind, graceful and he was too big of a chicken to risk losing her friendship if she didn’t feel the same way about him.

Emmett looked over at Catherine and felt his mouth go dry. He had never seen her look so beautiful.

“You..uh…You look…uh…You look real pretty tonight.” he stuttered. Emmett had never been the type of man to stutter or not know the right thing to say. He was usually really good with words but the sight of her in that dress had him feeling turned completely inside out.

“Are you feeling okay Emmett?” Catherine ask with concern as she laid a gentle hand on his arm. Emmett cleared his throat and nodded.

“Yes of course.” he replied. Then the same charming grin she was used to seeing on his face was there. “Are you ready to go my lady? Your chariot awaits.” He said holding out his arm as if he was a great knight and she a princess. Catherine laughed happily and wrapped her arm through his.

“Yes good sir.” she replied. Emmett laughed and led her out the door. Bradley looked down at Bianca who was watching Emmett as he and Catherine climbed into their carriage.

“Why don’t you turn those beautiful eyes back this way sweetheart?” he said with an edge of jealousy in his voice. Bianca looked over at him batting her eyelashes and biting her painted lip.

“Are you ready to go show me off?” she asked in a breathless voice. Bradley smiled though Bianca noticed it didn’t quite reach his eyes and she wondered what had him so upset.

“I’ll be the envy of every man at the dance.” he replied as she wrapped her arm through his and he led her out the door.

“And I’ll be the envy of every woman.” Bianca agreed though she couldn’t stop thinking about how handsome Emmett had looked or the look in his eyes when he had seen her older sister.

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Emmett whirled Catherine around the dance floor through a number of fast paced waltzes thoroughly enjoying holding her close, seeing the happiness in her green eyes and hearing her laughter.

When the music slowed down and the band began playing a much slower and more romantic song Catherine moved away and looked around at the dancing couples holding each other close uncomfortably. Emmett was about to ask her if she wanted to dance with him again when she laid her hand on his arm.

“I need a rest.” she said with a smile. “I am afraid you have worn me out.” Emmett was too much of a gentleman to let her see his disappointment. He had been hoping to hold her close against him but she did not seem to want him to.

Emmett wrapped her arm through his and led her over to a small empty table. He helped her in her seat.

“Thirsty?” he asked. She nodded.

“Yes a bit.” she replied. Emmett smiled.

“I’ll be right back.” he said and walked away toward the refreshment table.

Catherine watched Emmett until he disappeared into the crowd. Had she wanted to feel his arms wrapped tight around her and his body pressed tight to hers? Yes she had. But it had not seemed like a good idea because of the reaction her body seemed to keep having every time their hands touched or their eyes met.

She had always been good at keeping her feelings for him hidden but she was finding it harder and harder to do with every passing day. She could not risk him discovering her true feelings. He may decide he did not even want to be her friend if he knew and she would have nothing if she lost his friendship.

“What are you doing sitting all alone, Catherine?” Catherine looked up to see Peter Walsh smiling down at her. At thirty-five Peter was thirteen years older than Catherine. He was short, barely taller than Catherine herself and he had black hair and friendly blue eyes that crinkled around the edges when he smiled.

“Taking a bit of a break.” she replied with a warm smile. Peter held out his hand as the band again began playing a fast paced waltz.

“May I have this dance?” he asked. “You look absolutely stunning tonight.” Catherine shook her head.

“I’m afraid I have to turn you down, Peter. Emmett Masters will be back in a moment with a drink.” Peter smiled.

“Good news for me.” he said. “The line for drinks is quite long. Emmett won’t mind if I steal you away for a dance.” Catherine laughed and took his hand. She liked Peter. He had always been very friendly and nice to her. He led her onto the floor and they began to dance.

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Emmett walked back to the table with two glasses of wine and found that Catherine was gone. He scanned the dance floor and saw her laughing and twirling around the room with Peter Walsh. He felt a moment of jealousy but quickly pushed it aside. He had no right to be jealous of another man dancing with Catherine. She was beautiful and plenty old enough to find a husband. Of course, he wanted that husband to be him but he had not told her that yet.

He sat the wine glasses down on the table and was about to sit and wait on Catherine to be done dancing with Peter when a short bubbly red head in a purple gown walked up to him. Emmett cursed silently and forced a charming smile onto his face.

“Good evening, Rebecca.” Emmett said holding out his hand. Rebecca giggled and laid her hand in his. Emmett kissed her hand politely and then released it.

“Good evening, Mr. Masters.” she replied blushing. Emmett knew this girl was barely eighteen and her mother had been pushing her to every dance and social gathering in hopes of pairing her with a rich husband. Emmett looked out at the dance floor but Catherine was still smiling happily while she danced with Peter. Emmett looked down at Rebecca.

“Would you care for a dance?” he asked. She giggled again and Emmett barely managed to keep his eyes from rolling as he looked down at her and took her hand before leading her out to the dance floor.

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Bradley shoved Bianca away from him with an irritated growl. She turned her attention away from Emmett who was currently dancing with that red headed gold digger Rebecca Stewart and looked up at Bradley with shock.

“What is wrong, love?” she asked her eyes widening innocently as she ran her fingers down his chest. Bradley shook his head and pushed her hand away as if she was no more than an annoying fly. Bianca bit her lip and her cheeks flamed red with embarrassment. No man, other than Emmett, had ever pushed her away when she turned on her charms.

“You must think you are really something special.” Bradley said his blue eyes angry. Bianca smiled and pressed herself up against him.

“Of course I’m special.” she purred. “You know exactly how special I am.” Bradley laughed and stepped away from her.

“You think too highly of yourself.” he said. “I could have any woman that I wanted at this dance.”

“What are you saying?” Bianca demanded.

“I’m saying that you blew your chance, sweetheart. I don’t need to waste my time on some tramp that’s pining after her sisters lover.” Bianca couldn’t think of anything to say in response and Bradley turned and walked away from her leaving her standing alone, embarrassed and angry.

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“Thank you for the dance, Peter.” Catherine said as the song ended. Peter brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently keeping his eyes locked with hers. Catherine looked around uncertainly.

“Thank you.” he said while still holding her hand. “I was hoping that perhaps we could talk privately.” Catherine looked around for Emmett but he was dancing yet again but this time with a black haired beauty named Isobelle. She felt a twinge of jealousy but pushed it aside. Emmett was not hers to be jealous over.

“I could use a bit of fresh air.” she agreed. Peter smiled happily and led her out onto a small empty balcony. The summer air was warm even though darkness had fallen hours ago and Catherine breathed it in deeply as she looked at the star covered sky.

“You really do look beautiful tonight Catherine.” Peter said as he stood next to her and leaned against a stone pillar.

“Thank you Peter.” Catherine replied. “What were you wanting to talk to me about?” She saw Peter blush in the lantern light and wondered what was on his mind.

“I’m not sure how to start so please bear with me.” he said picking at the plants in the flowerpot on the ledge.

“Are you okay?” Catherine asked. Peter stopped shuffling his feet, took a deep breath and squared his shoulders as he looked at her. Catherine’s eyes widened and she wondered what in the world he was about to say.

“I want to be your husband.” he blurted out and Catherine had to grab the stone pillar beside her to keep her balance.

“Husband?” she gasped. She had long since resigned to be an old maid. She was older than most unmarried women and had not believed any man would ever be interested in marrying her.

“Perhaps I should not have just come out and said it like that.” Peter said wringing his hands together nervously. “I know we do not know each other well but I have grown quite fond of you through the dances and short conversations we have shared over the last few years.”

“Peter, I don’t know what to say… This is very unexpected.” Catherine said as she laid a hand on her chest. Peter smiled and nodded.

“I know. If you need time to think about it, I understand completely. I know that I am older than you by a few years but I would take good care of you. I would be a good husband.” Catherine could not think of a reply. Her head was spinning. She had always dreamed of having a man ask her to be his wife and Peter was a good man. The only problem was that he wasn’t Emmett.

“I…um…” she mumbled. Peter nodded. He stepped closer to her and laid a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“You just let me know when you’ve made up your mind.” he said gently. “Shall I walk you back in before I leave or do you need more air?”

“I believe I’ll stay out here a while longer. Thank you for your offer of marriage but….” he stopped her by holding up his hand.

“Please don’t say no so quickly. For my prides sake please think about it for a day or two.” he pleaded and she could see the desperation in his eyes. She wondered how she hadn’t noticed his feelings for her before. She nodded.

“Goodnight Catherine.” Peter said and then walked back into the crowded room. Catherine let out a breath that she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding. She leaned against the stone ledge of the balcony and stared up at the stars.

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Bianca saw Peter walk out the front doors and toward his waiting carriage. She was more jealous and angry than she could ever remember feeling before. She was supposed to be the one that had men hanging on her not her sister. Now Catherine had a man who was clearly wanting to court her or more….

There was no way Bianca was going to let Catherine be happy when she was so miserable. She saw Catherine walking back into the crowded ballroom and knew by the way her eyes were scanning the crowd that she was looking for Emmett.

Bianca saw Emmett walking toward Catherine and decided that this was her opportunity to put an end to any thoughts that Catherine had about being with Emmett.

She stepped in front of Emmett, stopping him on his path to Catherine. She could see Catherine out of the corner of her eye crossing the room toward them.

“Are you having a good time tonight, Emmett?” Bianca asked licking her painted lips. Emmett grunted.

“I was. Now if you’ll excuse I would like to get away from you so that I can go back to having a good time.” Bianca laughed breathlessly and leaned herself against him.

“Oh but Emmett… I can give you a
very
good time.” she said standing on her toes so her lips were mere inches from his. “Dance with me.” she whispered. Emmett looked down into her dark eyes and had never wanted to slap a woman more than he did just then. She needed someone to knock some sense into her and he was about two seconds away from doing just that.

“I think you’re forgetting one small thing, Bianca.” Emmett replied leaning into her even closer. She bit her lip.

“What’s that?” she asked running one long fingernail down his stubble covered cheek. Emmett put his lips to her ear.

“I don’t like you.” he whispered. “As a matter of fact, you make me sick.” He grabbed her shoulders and moved her away from him. Bianca turned quickly to look for Catherine but she was nowhere to be seen and Bianca smiled.

888

Catherine felt as if her entire world was falling apart while she had been able to do nothing but sit and watch. She could not hear what Emmett and Bianca had been saying to one another but given how close they were standing and the way their lips had been all but touching… The way Emmett had pressed his lips against Bianca’s ear. Catherine had had no choice but to run. She ran out the doors with tears streaming down her face.

Peter was just pulling away in his carriage and he turned his head and saw Catherine. He hollered for his driver to stop and jumped out. He ran to her and caught her in his arms when she tripped.

“What is wrong?” he demanded gently as he sat her back on her feet. Catherine wiped her face with her hands and tried to compose herself.

“Oh Peter… It’s nothing.. I’m not feeling well. Would it be too much trouble to ask you to drive me home?” Peter smiled and wiped away one of her tears with his gloved finger.

“Not any trouble at all.” he replied. He held out his arm and she took it in hers. He helped her into the carriage and they pulled away.

888

Emmett searched for Catherine but she was nowhere to be found. He walked outside but she was not there either. Bianca came out several moments later.

“What’s wrong, Emmett dear? Did Catherine run away again?” she asked. Emmett was nearly in a panic himself and seeing the smug look on Bianca’s face caused anger to spark within him.

“What did you do?” he demanded. She smiled and ran a hand through her long dark hair.

“Oh nothing.. I think it may be something
we
did.” she replied. Emmett thought back to Bianca’s little display on the dance floor. He growled and narrowed his dark eyes as he looked at her. She nearly turned and ran at the anger she saw in them but forced herself to stand her ground.

“You knew she was watching. That’s why you threw yourself at me.” he said. Bianca’s eyes widened and she laid a hand on her barely covered chest.

“Would I do something like that?” she asked batting her eyelashes. Emmett clenched his fists and turned away from her. As he walked toward where he knew Edward was waiting with the carriage he wondered why Catherine would care so much about who he was spending time with? Why would she be bothered if he was involved with another woman? And how did Bianca know that seeing him and her together would bother Catherine so? Emmett wondered if maybe he’d missed some flashing neon sign that the rest of the world had seen.

“Edward, did you see Catherine leave?” Emmett demanded as he walked up to the carriage. Edward who had been stretched out and sound asleep in the drivers seat jumped up and nearly fell off the carriage.

“Peter Walsh was taking her home I believe, sir.” he said quickly. Emmett shook his head. That damn Peter Walsh.. Sticking his nose where it didn’t belong.

“I’m going to head home and check on her.” Emmett said. Bianca stomped her foot impatiently.

“I’m not ready to leave yet.” she said matter-of-factly. Emmett waved his hand in the air as he started walking away down the cobblestone street.

“Get her home safe whenever she’s ready Edward.” he said. Edward let out a long sigh as he looked at Bianca who was stomping back up to the dance hall.

“My lucky night.” he said to himself and then stretched back out in the seat to go back to sleep.

Emmett walked into Catherine’s home to find it dark and silent. He walked up the steps toward her bedroom and could hear her crying through the door. He felt his heart breaking at the sound of her tears. He didn’t really understand why she was so upset but he knew that Catherine was not the type of woman who normally cried.

She was always too busy taking care of everyone else to spend any time feeling sorry for herself. He wondered if he should knock on her door and try to comfort her but he didn’t really know what he would say.

At least now he knew that she was home and that she was safe. He walked back down the stairs and into the sitting room to wait on Bianca to get home.

Sometimes he wished he could punch Edmund hard in the mouth for giving him the job of being responsible for Bianca. That woman was like a out of control bitch in heat and there was nothing Emmett could do to control her, short of tying her up in her room.  And knowing Bianca, she would probably like that.

Chapter Three

Catherine did not come out of her room until late afternoon the next day. She had read through every diary entry she’d ever made in her life and had been surprised to see that Emmett’s name was mentioned in every single one of them. He had been such a constant in her life for as long as she could remember. He was her best friend and had been the man in her heart for her whole life…. And he didn’t feel the same.

He wanted Bianca. Catherine shouldn’t be surprised. Every man wanted Bianca. Except of course for Peter Walsh. For some reason he wanted to marry Catherine. She thought about Peter while she readied herself to go down to the homeless shelter to serve meals.

Peter was a good man and Catherine was seriously considering excepting his proposal. She was fond of him and she was sure that in time that could turn to love. And besides it wasn’t exactly like she had men lining up at her door and asking her to marry them.

She heard a knock on the door and ran downstairs. She opened it and felt her heart skip a beat when she saw Emmett standing there. Then the image of him with his lips on her sister flashed through her mind and she turned away from him quickly.

“How are you this evening?” Emmett asked walking in and shutting the door. Catherine grabbed her handbag and turned to face him keeping her eyes on his chest instead of looking up at his face.

“Fine.” she replied. Emmett wondered why she acted like she was angry with him. He wondered if perhaps her tears last night had been caused by his interaction with Bianca… She should not be angry with him. After all he had pushed Bianca away.

“I’m afraid I slept all day. I was up rather late last night.” he said. Images flashed through Catherine’s mind of what he had been up late doing and she felt tears come into her eyes. She quickly blinked them away.

“I left early.” she replied. Emmett nodded.

“I know. I was worried about you, Catherine. You should have told me you were leaving and I would have accompanied you home.”

“You were busy.” Catherine replied smoothing out her blue cotton dress.

“Have I done something wrong Cat? You act as if you are upset with me.” Catherine shook her head and forced a smile onto her face. She had no right to be treating Emmett so coldly. He had every right to spend time with any woman he wanted. She just wished he could have picked someone other than Bianca. She didn’t know how she would feel about having Emmett be her brother-in-law.

“No Emmet, you’ve done nothing wrong. I’m afraid I’m just feeling a little off today.” she replied. Emmett laid his hand on her forehead gently checking for fever and Catherine pulled away.

“Are you sure you are okay?” he asked.

“I’m just fine.” she promised. Emmett nodded and held out his arm.

“Are you ready to go to the shelter?” he asked. He accompanied her to the shelter once a week so that she could volunteer her time serving dinners. He had always loved how generous and caring she was. Most women with her money would not bother with such things as charity.

“Actually Emmett, I think I will go alone tonight. I will just get Edward to drive me.” she said. Emmett felt hurt by her words.

“I want to come Cat.” he said matter-of-factly. Catherine shook her head.

“Yes but you said yourself that you did not get much sleep last night. The last thing you really want to do is spend all evening on your feet serving meals. I will go alone tonight.” she said and Emmett knew that she was not going to change her mind. Catherine was very kind and gentle but when she had her mind made up about something it was impossible to make her change it.

“As you wish.” he said. “I will go tell Edward.” He left the house and Catherine bit her lip to fight back her tears. She did not want to lose her best friend but she didn’t know how to separate her feeling of love for him from her feelings of friendship.

When another knock came on the door she opened it to find Edward standing there looking quite confused.

“Mr. Masters told me that I am taking you to the shelter this evening.” he said. Catherine nodded.

“You don’t mind do you? I know that Emmett had a late night last night.” she said. Edward smiled warmly but did not mention that he too had had a late night last night waiting on Bianca to get done man hunting.

“No I don’t mind at all, miss Catherine.” he replied. He held out his arm for her and she took it.

“Thank you Edward.” she said and he led her out the door.

888

Emmett saddled up his horse and rode down the cobblestone streets to the gentleman’s club. It had been a long time since he’d stopped in and had drinks and played poker and he really felt like tonight would be a good night. He had no idea why Catherine was so upset with him. She had never before turned down his company and he was surprised by how badly it hurt him.

He sat down at the bar and ordered a scotch. Bradley sat down next to him.

“Well hello there, Emmett. Nice to see you back around.” he said and Emmett could tell that Bradley had already had several drinks.

“How are you this evening?” Emmett asked taking a drink of his scotch. Bradley winked.

“Great. Just woke up a few hours ago actually. I had quite a late night last night.” he replied. Emmett nodded.

“I could not help but notice that you did not bring Bianca back home. Did something happen between the two of you?” he asked. Bradley laughed.

“That tramp actually thinks she’s something special. Every man around knows that all she is, is a good ride worth having once.” Though Emmett agreed with Bradley he could not let the drunken man talk this way about Bianca. He was responsible for her well being after all.

“Bradley, I really don’t think you should be saying those kinds of things to me about Bianca.” he said. Bradley snorted and stood up, clearly angry that Emmett had scolded him.

“Well I guess I’ll just leave you to it then. Seems you get to have both sisters anyway.” he said and then staggered off to one of the many poker tables. Emmett shook his head and took another drink. He was suddenly sure that the entire world had lost their minds.

What made anyone think that he had either sister? He would not have had Bianca if she were the last woman in the world and Catherine was not interested in him as anything more than a friend. He would know if she was. He wasn’t that blind.

Emmett walked over to a blackjack table and played several hands but his mind just wasn’t on the game. He finished his scotch and was walking toward the door to leave when Peter Walsh stopped him.

“I was just on my way out.” Emmett said trying to step around him. He was in no mood to talk to the man who had taken Catherine’s attention away from him the night before. If not for Peter Walsh asking her to dance, last night could have turned out much differently.

“I won’t take up much of your time.” Peter assured him. “There is something very important I was hoping to speak to you about.”

“I only have a minute.” Emmett said irritably. Peter nodded.

“It won’t take any longer than that.” he said. Emmett turned and led Peter back to an empty table in the corner.

“Now what was it you were wanting to talk about?” Emmett asked. Peter cleared his throat and Emmett realized that the man was nervous.

“I know that I should have discussed this with you before I asked Catherine but I’m afraid the moment just seemed right…”

“Asked Catherine what?” Emmett asked with a feeling of dread.

“Last night I asked Catherine to be my wife. I’m afraid that she was not quite sure and so she asked for time to think but I’m hoping that…..” Emmett slammed his fists on the table and stood up silencing Peter.

“No.” Emmett said his voice cold as steel. “Absolutely not. I am in charge of Catherine and I forbid it.”

“But…” Peter started as he too stood up but Emmett was already walking away.

“I said no.” he said without looking back.

888

Catherine was exhausted when she finally walked into the house at nearly midnight that night. She was surprised to find Emmett sitting in the armchair in the sitting room.

“Hello Emmett.” she said as she sat her handbag down.

“Did things go well at the shelter?” he asked. Catherine nodded. She could tell he was angry and there was something else in his eyes as he looked at her but she wasn’t sure what it was. She pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“Where is Bianca?” she asked. Emmett shrugged.

“Upstairs. I am assuming that she is asleep.” he said. Catherine bit her lip and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Well I’m afraid that I’m rather tired. I must be getting to bed.” she said. Emmett grabbed her arm to stop her as she tried to walk past him. He stood up.

“Something is wrong with you and I want you to tell me what it is.” he said. Catherine shook her head. She hated fighting and arguing. And she and Emmett had never done either.

“Nothing is wrong, Emmett. I’m just tired.” she replied. He snorted and let go of her arm.

“Cat, you know I would do anything for you but if you don’t tell me what I’ve done wrong how can you expect me to make it right?” Catherine looked down at the ground.

“What makes you think you’ve done anything wrong?” she asked quietly.

“Well I must have done something. You won’t look at me or say more than three or four words at a time when you speak to me.” he replied. “I’m your friend, Cat, I would never hurt you on purpose. Just tell me what I’ve done.”

’
You chose my sister over me.’
She thought to herself but she didn’t say those words aloud.

“I am sorry if I made you feel as if I was mad at you, Emmett. There is nothing wrong.” she lied laying a comforting hand on his arm. Emmett knew she was lying and when she looked up into his eyes he could see something there. Something that he realized had always been there but he had never before recognized.

Then he wondered if that was really love in her eyes or if he was just seeing what he wanted to see.

“You should be getting up to bed, Catherine. It is very late.” he said as he walked around her and headed for the door.

“Goodnight Emmett.” Catherine said quietly. Emmett stopped with his hand on the doorknob.

“Oh by the way Cat, I saw Peter this evening and I told him no for you.” he said. Catherine’s eyes widened in shock. She had not wanted Emmett to know about Peter.

“What are you talking about?” she asked shifting her feet uncomfortably and wishing she was as good as Bianca at putting on an act. Emmett was angry. He was angry that Catherine had kept this from him. He was angry that she was so upset at him and wouldn’t tell him why and he was angry that he was such a damn coward he couldn’t just tell the woman how he felt about her and be done with this nonsense.

“How come you didn’t tell me about the conversation that you and Peter Walsh had last night?” Emmett asked turning back around to face her. Catherine shrugged and hugged herself tight, rubbing her hands up and down her arms.

“I did not think that our conversation would be anything that would interest you. You were rather busy with Bianca at the time.” she said and immediately regretted the words.

“So you are upset with me?” he said happy that he’d finally at least figured out that much. “Over
Bianca
?” he added incredulously. Catherine felt tears forming in her eyes.

“I saw what I saw.” she replied biting her lip to try to keep the tears from falling. Emmett saw the sadness in her eyes and immediately went to her. He hugged her tight and she let herself be held for several long moments.

“You did not see what you thought you saw, Cat.” he assured her. Suddenly Catherine realized how vulnerable she was right now. She needed to get away from Emmett before she blurted out how she felt about him. She pulled away from him and wrapped her arms tight around herself.

“What did you tell Peter no about?” she asked. Emmett crossed his arms over his chest.

“I told him that there was no way the two of you were getting married.” he replied wondering why she had pulled away from him. Catherine’s green eyes flashed with anger.

“Why would you do that?”

“Are you saying that you want to marry him?” Emmett demanded feeling his heart break. Catherine looked away from him and nodded.

“I was considering accepting his proposal.” she replied. Emmett shook his head.

“No.” he said.

“Why?” Catherine asked softly. Why would Emmett care who she married? Peter was a good man and he had plenty of money. Emmett should be happy that she had found someone who wanted to take care of her. Emmett would not have to worry about her anymore. He would have one less responsibility.

“Because dammit!” Emmett said storming back to the door. “I said so.” he added and then walked out slamming the door behind him.

Catherine walked up to her room feeling more confused and hurt than she’d ever felt before. Emmett had never yelled or cursed at her before and she didn’t understand why he was now. She felt her heart breaking when she realized that it truly seemed as if their friendship was over.

Emmett had been the biggest part of her life for as long as she could remember but now her love for him was in the way of their friendship and she knew that she couldn’t get past it. She couldn’t be just his friend. It hurt too badly.

888

Emmett paced the floor of his bedroom until his legs were screaming at him to sit down. He sat down hard at his writing desk and cursed himself for being such a coward.

He loved that woman. He should be her husband, not that stupid Peter Walsh. He couldn’t tell her to her face that he loved her because every time he had tried in the past few years he had become a stuttering, mumbling pile of nerves and never could get the words out.

Emmett had never backed down from a fight in his life. Most people admired his bravery but this was one area in which his courage was failing. Emmett looked down at the paper and ink on his desk.

Maybe he could write it down. He nodded and opened the bottle of ink. It was time to let Catherine know how he felt…

888

Catherine and Bianca ate breakfast in silence. Catherine was not sure what to say to her little sister. She couldn’t get the images of her and Emmett’s lips all but pressed together in the dimly lit ballroom.

As they finished eating Bianca looked over at Catherine.

“Are you okay this morning?” she asked. Catherine nodded.

“Of course.” she replied as she gathered up the dirty dishes and carried them into the kitchen.

“You look a mess.” Bianca said as she smoothed out her long dark curls. Catherine closed her eyes and let out a long breath before turning back to her sister.

“We cannot all be lucky enough to look our best at all times.” she said quietly. Bianca laughed.

“I suppose I am one of the lucky ones.” she replied. Catherine remained silent. “I heard you and Emmett fighting last night.” Bianca added trying to hide the smile on her face.

“We were not fighting.” Catherine replied. “Just having a discussion.” Bianca nodded. She knew that Catherine and Emmett had been fighting. She had heard Emmett curse and yell at Catherine the night before and it had made her smile. She wanted Catherine to be just as miserable as she was.

“Well I must be going, Bianca. I have some shopping I wanted to do today.” Catherine said smoothing out her plain yellow cotton dress as she walked to the door.

“You should dress more appropriately when you go out.” Bianca said. “Is Edward driving you?” she added. Catherine shook her head.

“No I am going to be walking.” she replied.

“Good. Walking might help you lose a little of that weight.” she said with a laugh. Catherine wished that her sister would leave her alone this morning but knew that that would never happen. Bianca lived to bring her down.

Without another word Catherine walked out the door and into the warm summer morning air. She walked down the cobblestone streets and onto the main street of town. She walked into the grocery and left the shop keep with a list of what she wanted delivered to the house the next day.

Catherine was in the fabric store looking through new dress fabric when she heard a throat clear behind her. She turned to see Peter Walsh standing there with his top hat in his hands and a nervous smile on his face.

“Good morning, Catherine. You look lovely today.” he said. Catherine knew he was simply being polite. Her blond hair had refused to lay smoothly that morning and so was pulled up in a tight bun on her head and her dress was too loose and simple.

“Thank you Peter. You look very handsome as well.” she replied.

“I was wondering if perhaps you would like to join me for an early lunch.” Peter said. Catherine really was not hungry after having ate such a late breakfast but she could use some friendly conversation today and it seemed that neither Emmett nor Bianca were willing to be friends with her any longer.

“I would love to, Peter.” Catherine replied. “Just allow me to purchase my fabric.” Peter bowed his head.

“Of course. I’ll wait for you outside.” he said and walked out of the store. Catherine quickly went about finishing her purchase and she walked back outside. She saw Peter waiting down the walk and was about to go to him when Emmett stepped in front of her.

“Good morning, Catherine.” he said flashing her that smile that always made her heart beat fast and her legs get weak.

“Good morning, Emmett.” she replied surprised to hear the breathless quality of her voice.

“I stopped by your house this morning and Bianca told me that you had come out shopping. You should have let me know, I would have accompanied you.” he said. Catherine wondered why he was suddenly acting like himself again.

“I thought you would be sleeping late.” she replied. “Why didn’t you stay and keep Bianca company?” Emmett looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

“You keep saying things about me and Bianca. What exactly do you think is going on?” he asked with a grin. Catherine shrugged and felt herself turn red with embarrassment.

“I just thought that the two of you were growing quite fond of each other. Especially after the dance the other night.”

“I knew something was wrong with you… Is that what has had you so upset?” he asked. She bit her lip and nodded knowing that lying to him would be pointless. He knew her too well.

“Come on Cat, you know better than that.” Emmett scolded gently. “You shouldn’t read so much into what you saw at that dance. You know how your sister is. She would throw herself at a cactus if she could figure out a way to avoid the thorns.” Catherine laughed despite herself and the sound was music to Emmett’s ears.

“You should not say such things.” Catherine said as she laid a hand on his arm. Emmett laughed simply because he was so happy to see her happy and smiling again.

“Thank you for making me laugh, Emmett.” she said. She silently called herself a stupid fool for thinking that she and Emmett were no longer friends. Emmett was the one person in the world that Catherine had always been able to count on and she should have known he wouldn’t turn his back on her.

“I wish I could spend the afternoon with you but unfortunately I have a meeting I have to be getting to.” Emmett said laying his hand over hers on his arm.

“I understand. I was actually getting ready to go to lunch. Peter invited me.” she said looking around Emmett to Peter who was standing a few feet behind them and making it a point to look in the other direction.

“Peter huh?” Emmett said with a sneer. He was starting to like that guy less and less. “Well have a nice time.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope.

“What is this?” she asked as he placed it in her hand. She could tell he was nervous and wondered why.

“Nothing important…uh.. Just something I thought you should have. You can read it once you’re back home.” he replied quickly. Catherine nodded and slipped the envelope into her handbag. Emmett reached out and took her hand bringing it to his lips. His dark eyes stayed locked with hers as he pressed a long gentle kiss to her knuckles.

Catherine felt sparks shoot through her body at the feel of his lips against her soft skin. Her lips parted slightly and her eyes widened. Emmett saw her reaction and felt his blood grow hotter. He quickly released her hand and stood straight again while clearing his throat.

“I will see you later, Cat. Have a good day.” he said and quickly walked away. Catherine watched him leave, her head swimming. She had seen something in his eyes when he had kissed her hand. Something she had seen before in men’s eyes as they looked at Bianca but never her. She wondered why his lips pressed against her hand had caused such tingling and heat everywhere in her body. She felt like she was on fire from her head to her toes.

She was still looking down the street, though Emmett had turned a corner and was no longer visible when she heard Peter clear his throat behind her. She turned and looked up at him.

He saw the flush on her cheeks and the darkness in her green eyes. He gave a small smile and nodded.

“I understand now why he told me no.” he said quietly. Catherine didn’t hear him and shook her head to try to clear her thoughts.

“Pardon?” she asked with a warm smile. “I’m afraid I didn’t hear you.” Peter smiled at her but she could see a sadness in his eyes that had not been there when they had spoken in the store.

“I asked if you were ready to go.” he replied holding out his arm for her. She nodded and wrapped her arm through his.

888

When Catherine finally made it back home the envelope in her handbag was the only thing she could think of. She called for Bianca but she was not at home. Catherine went up to her room and locked herself in. Her hands were shaking as she sat down on her bed and pulled the envelope out of the handbag.

She took a deep breath and opened it feeling her eyes fill with tears of disbelief as she read the words he had written.

My Dearest Catherine,

I suppose I am writing this letter because I am too much of a coward to tell you how I feel in person. Catherine, you are the most beautiful, graceful and caring woman that I have ever known. There are times when all I can do is sit and watch you because you keep me captivated. I used to sit and think when I was younger about how I wanted to find a woman like you one day to share my life with, however now I sit and think about how I long that it be you that I have forever. I know that I should be saying these things to your face however I am so frightened that I am not good enough or worthy enough for you and I cannot stand the thought of your rejection face to face. I love you, my beautiful Cat.

Truly Yours

Emmett

Catherine read the letter several times just to be sure she wasn’t imagining the words. She had always dreamed of Emmett loving her but she had never truly thought that it would ever be reality. But here in her hand she had proof that he did indeed love her.

Catherine felt like she was floating on a cloud when she walked back downstairs to find Bianca walking into the house.

“What do you look so happy about?” Bianca asked. Catherine smiled.

“I found out some good news today.” she replied. Bianca sat her handbag down on the small couch and flopped herself down as well, folding her legs beneath her.

“What kind of good news?” she asked. Catherine didn’t answer just smiled even more widely. She was not going to discuss any of this with Bianca until she had first spoken to Emmett. Besides her sister would just try to bring her down if she did tell her and Catherine was too happy to deal with that right now.

“Where are you going?” Bianca asked as Catherine walked toward the door.

“Out.” Was all she said in response before she walked out the door.

Catherine walked across the street to Emmett’s house. She knocked on the door but no one answered. She tried the knob but it was locked. She sighed. Emmett must not be at home. She walked around to the small stable and found Edward cleaning out the stalls.

“Hello Edward.” she said to get his attention. He turned quickly and smiled warmly at her. He leaned the rake he’d been using up against the wall and wiped his sweat covered brow with his sleeve.

“Well hello Miss Catherine. I’m afraid that Mr. Masters has not made it back from his meeting yet.” he said. Catherine nodded.

“Yes I noticed.” she replied. “Could you do me a favor?”

“Of course.” Edward said.

“When he gets home would you please tell him that I would like him to come over and eat dinner with me this evening? I have some things I would like to talk to him about.”

Edward could see the sparkle in her eyes and he figured it was about time that the two of them talk about some things.

“Of course Miss Catherine. I will tell him.” Edward replied.

“Thank you very much.” she said giving him one last big smile before she turned and walked away. Edward chuckled and got back to cleaning the stable.

Chapter Four

Emmett wiped his sweaty hands on his black pants and cleared his throat before knocking on Catherine’s door. He had knocked on this same door every single day for as long as he could remember but never before had he been such a nervous wreck when he’d done so. He kept telling himself that it was a good sign that she had invited him to dinner after reading his letter but his mind was having a hard time convincing his scared heart.

When the door opened he was irritated to see Bianca standing there to greet him in a black lace dress that seemed to be several sizes too small.

“Well hello Emmett darling.” she said laying her hand on his arm. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

“Actually,” Emmett said while removing her hand from his arm. “I am here to see Catherine. She invited me.”

“Oh yes. She has a big meal planned.”

“I was hoping this was a dinner for two.” Emmett said his voice full or the irritation he was feeling. Bianca laughed and her breasts nearly fell out of her too tight dress.

“I could never leave and deprive you both of my company.” she said as she turned on her heel and walked away to the stairs.

“Catherine! Emmett is here!” Bianca yelled up at her sister. Emmett winced at the loud harshness in her voice.

“You’re such a lady.” he said as he sat down on the couch.

“Oh I am much more fun than a proper lady could ever be.” Bianca replied. Then she rolled her eyes. “Perhaps if you hadn’t taste tasted everything you cooked today you’d be able to move a little more quickly!” she yelled up the stairs. Emmett shook his head.

“One of these days she’s going to get tired of that and you are going to wish you’d been a bit nicer to your sister.” he said. Bianca laughed and sat down close to him on the couch. Emmett could not scoot away because she had him pressed against the arm and before he could jump up Catherine came down the stairs and into the sitting room.

Before reading Emmett’s letter the sight of Bianca all but sitting in Emmett’s lap would have had Catherine running quickly from the room in tears. However now that she knew how Emmett felt about her it gave her the courage to stay. She saw the irritated look on Emmett’s face and the smug look on Bianca’s.

Catherine cleared her throat and smoothed out her green satin gown.

“Bianca, I believe Emmett may need a little room to breath.” she said. Emmett shoved Bianca off him and stood quickly.

“Good evening Cat.” he said and she could hear nervousness in his voice.

“Hello Emmett.” she replied as a blush colored her cheeks.

“You look beautiful.” he said as he stared at her. She was wearing the same green gown she worn to the dance and he couldn’t stop staring at the way it hugged her waist and her chest. Her hair was only half up and most of it fell down her back in long blond waves.

“Thank you.” she replied quietly.

“What about me?” Bianca asked standing up and laying her hand on her chest. “You didn’t tell me I look beautiful tonight.” Emmett glanced over at her and shrugged.

“I didn’t?” he said and then looked back at Catherine.

“What’s for dinner?” he asked. Catherine smiled and held out her arm. He wrapped his around it and they walked away to the dining room. Bianca was fuming. How had this happened? Just yesterday the two had been at each others throats and now all of a sudden they acted like lovers getting ready for a secret rendezvous. Bianca would just have to work harder. She could not let Catherine or Emmett find out what they meant to each other because she knew Emmett enough to know that once he was in a relationship with her sister he would be faithful to the end and then Bianca would never stand a chance at having him for a night.

Catherine and Emmett did not get a chance to say a single word to one another over dinner because Bianca did not stop talking. Catherine thought for sure she was going to die of boredom as Bianca rambled on about the latest fashions in Paris and about the play that was going to be taking place the next night that she was dying to go to.

Emmett’s face nearly fell into his plate as he dozed off and he cleared his throat and stood quickly.

“Well ladies I am as full as a man can get.” he said rubbing his stomach. “I believe I’m going to call it a night.” It was clear to him that he was not going to get to talk to Catherine while Bianca was around.

Catherine wiped her mouth with her napkin and stood as well.

“I’ll walk to you to the door.” she said. Bianca jumped up.

“So will I.” she said. “Can’t ever have too many beautiful woman wish you farewell.”

“Oh yes you can.” Emmett mumbled under his breath.

“What did you say?” Catherine asked. Emmett shook his head.

“Nothing.” he replied. He wrapped his arm through Catherine’s and barely held back an irritated growl when Bianca wrapped her arm around his free one. He walked both women into the living room and then shook Bianca off his arm.

“Good night Bianca.” he said sternly. Bianca could see the obvious threat in his eyes and knew that she was in danger of being hurt if she didn’t give him a little space.

“Good night Emmett darling.” she purred and then walked over to the arm chair and sat down. Emmett sighed wishing that Bianca had at least left the room.. That woman was like a leach determined to latch onto him and he could do nothing other than run like hell and pray that she eventually grew tired of chasing him.

Emmett looked down at Catherine and reached out his hand to smooth a strand of hair from her face.

“Dinner was delicious.” he said. “Thank you.” Catherine blushed as she looked up at him. There was so much she had wanted to talk to him about tonight but Bianca had made that impossible. She wondered if maybe her sister came between her and Emmett on purpose or if she did it without truly realizing what she was doing.

“I was hoping that we would have some privacy so we could talk.” Catherine said. Emmett nodded.

“I was too.” he replied. “If we had gotten a few moments of privacy, I wonder what we would have talked about.”

“I think you know.” Catherine said with a happy smile. Emmett nodded. He leaned close to her and pressed his lips against her ear.

“Be my date to the play tomorrow?” he asked in a whisper so that Bianca’s nosy ears could not hear him.

Catherine felt her knees nearly buckle beneath her at the feel of his lips on her ear and a heat spread throughout her body. She found that her mouth had suddenly gone too dry to speak so she nodded instead.

“Goodnight Cat.” Emmett said. He pressed a quick kiss to her cheek and quickly left.

“So Catherine have you thought any more about Peter’s proposal?” Bianca asked once he was gone. Catherine shook her head and walked over to the couch feeling as if she was floating on a cloud.

“No. Emmett forbid it.” she said. She had not understood why when he had first told her no but she understood now and she felt very foolish for not noticing the look in his eyes before tonight. It had been very obvious to her tonight every time her eyes had met his how much he truly cared for her.

“I’m sure he’ll change his mind.” Bianca said quickly as she twirled her dark hair around her finger. “Once he realizes that it’s the best offer a woman like you is ever going to get he’ll let you marry Peter.”

“Perhaps.” Catherine replied as she grabbed her knitting off the floor. She didn’t want to tell her sister about Emmett’s letter just yet. She was no longer sure that she could trust her younger sister.

888

Catherine came downstairs the next evening dressed in her maroon satin dress. It had delicate gemstone beads along the top and the waistline. She had her hair pulled up on her head again with several long strands hanging loose down her neck.

Bianca was wearing a black dress that showed off her tiny waist and perfect chest just like every other dress she owned. Catherine was starting to see her little sister differently however. She was seeing her as being less and less beautiful the more she watched her throw herself at Emmett.

“Who is your date tonight?” Catherine asked. Bianca smiled.

“I’m hoping to catch Gregory’s eye before the play is over.” Catherine nodded and fought hard to keep her eyes from rolling. Gregory was the lead in the play they were watching tonight. Apparently since Bradley had not worked out her sister was already moving on to the next man in line.

A knock sounded on the door and Bianca ran to open it.

“Good evening ladies.” Emmett said with a charming smile on his face.

“Good evening.” Bianca and Catherine said in unison.

“Are you both ready?” he asked. Bianca pushed past him and out the door.

“Of course Emmett darling. You are the one that is late tonight.” she said. “Gregory will already be onstage before we even arrive and I’ll never get his attention.”

“Your father rolls over in his grave one hundred times a day listening to you.” Emmett said matter-of-factly. Bianca waved her hand impatiently.

“Well then he can just stop listening.” she replied and walked to the waiting carriage.

“Hello Cat.” Emmett said pressing his lips to her gloved hand. Catherine felt the heat from his kiss through the silk fabric.

“Hello Emmett.” she replied quietly. She noticed that Emmett was keeping a hand behind his back. “What do you have in your hand?” she asked.

Emmett gave her a charming grin and held out a single long stemmed red rose. Catherine blushed as she took the rose and pressed her nose against it.

“Thank you.” she said. “You did not have to bring me this.” Emmett simply smiled and helped her wrap her shawl around her shoulders.

“Your chariot awaits my lady.” he said as he held out his arm. Catherine couldn’t help but laugh lightly at his usual line.

“Thank you good sir.” she replied. Emmett laid a kiss to her blond hair and led her out to the carriage.

“Where is my flower?” Bianca demanded after they were all settled inside the carriage and Edward was driving them down the road to the theater.

“At the florist, I suppose.” Emmett replied. His tone was teasing but Catherine could tell that his patience with Bianca was clearly at its end.

“Well Emmett dear I knew you had not changed. You are still a horrid man with no manners. It was very rude to bring a rose for one lady and not the other.” Bianca said with a sniff.

’
I brought a rose for the only lady here.’
he thought to himself but he knew better than to say this out loud. He was supposed to be a gentleman and all too often he found himself acting like less than one when Bianca pushed his buttons. He would not allow her to ruin tonight for Catherine. He wanted Catherine to be happy and so he would work hard to keep his patience with Bianca and avoid a confrontation.

“I assumed that you would have a date for tonight Bianca and that he would ensure that you had a rose if you wanted one. Please forgive me for my oversight.” he said forcing his voice to remain polite. Bianca did not know what to say so she just looked out the carriage window. She had expected Emmett to scold her or grow irritated, not apologize politely.

They rode to the theater in silence and once there Emmett helped them both down from the carriage. Emmett led the ladies inside and as Bianca had predicted the curtain was opening just as they settled into their seats. Emmett sat between the two sisters wishing that he could have Catherine to himself so that they could talk.

Catherine saw that Bianca had indeed caught Gregory’s eye and as intermission came he threw Bianca a look that clearly said ’
meet me backstage.’
Bianca stood quickly and smoothed out her dress.

“I’ll be back.” she said and quickly walked away toward the door that led backstage. Emmett shook his head. He knew he should stop her but he had spent several years trying to control Bianca and had realized it was a pointless waste of energy. The woman was uncontrollable. He turned to Catherine.

“Alone at last.” he said. She smiled and looked at the crowd of people still around them.

“Not exactly.” she replied. He stood and held his hand out to her. She took it and let him help her to her feet.

“Why don’t we step outside for some air?” he asked. She nodded and he led her out into the lobby and then outside into the warm summer night air. They found an empty bench beneath a glowing lantern and sat down.

“Are you going to keep me in suspense forever, Cat, or will you end my suffering now?” Emmett asked after several silent moments. Catherine folded her gloved hands nervously in her lap.

“Your letter….” she said falling silent again. Emmett nodded and waited for her to continue but she did not.

“I love you, Catherine.” Emmett said finding that the words came out much easier and much more naturally than he had thought they would. Emmett had never said those words to anyone in his life. His mother had died giving birth to him and he had had no other family to speak of other than his father. Emmett grinned when he thought about what his stern fathers reaction would have been to hearing his son tell him that he loved him. It probably would have made him drop dead from heart failure that much sooner.

But here with Catherine he knew that those words had never been more true when spoken by any other person at any other time in the history of the world. He loved her.

Catherine could not bring herself to look up at him. Instead she focused on how her black gloves looked against the soft red petals of the rose in her lap.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand.” she said softly.

“Understand what?” Emmett asked wishing that she would look at him.

“Why you feel that way about me.” she replied.

“Cat, you are amazing. You have such a gentle soul and a giving spirit. How could I not fall in love with you?” he asked. “You have always been able to make me laugh and you know all my deep dark secrets.” he added and she could hear the teasing in his tone.

“Cat, you are the only woman that I want to be with. I think about you from the time I wake up until the time I lay down at night and even when I dream you are on my mind. But surely you had to have known how I felt about you long before that letter.” he said. Catherine shook her head.

“I did not. I thought we were friends. I did not realize that your feelings ran any deeper than that.” she replied honestly.

“And what of your feelings?” Emmett asked laying a gentle finger under her chin to bring her eyes up to meet his. Catherine laid her hand on his cheek and smiled.

“Emmett, darling, I have loved you for as long as I can remember.” she replied. “Why did you not come to me long before today and let me know how you felt about me?” she asked. Emmett sighed.

“Because I am a coward.” he replied. Catherine shook her head.

“No you are not.” she replied. “You are one of the bravest men I know.”

“Thank you for the compliment.” Emmett said. “But I have been a coward when it comes to you. I was so scared of not being worthy of you that it forced me to keep my feelings to myself rather than risk your rejection,”

“My rejection?” Catherine asked her voice filled with disbelief. “Emmett, what on earth would make you feel like you were not worthy of me? Bianca says I am….” Emmett cut her off before she could go any further into what her horrible sister thought she was.

“You need to stop listening to what your sister says. She is not as smart as she thinks she is.” he said matter of factly.

“You should not say such things about Bianca.” Catherine scolded but he could see the amusement in her green eyes.

“I guess perhaps we have both been to cowardly to make our feelings known.” Catherine said. Emmett nodded. He reached out his hand and ran a finger down her soft cheek. Before he could speak to her anymore Bianca came upon them breaking up the intimate moment.

“What’s wrong? Is Catherine not feeling well?” she asked pushing Emmett aside so she could sit next to her sister. Catherine shook her head.

“I’m fine Bianca.” she promised. “I’m better than fine.” she added as she looked over into Emmett’s dark eyes that were filled with so much love as he looked at her that she wondered how on earth she had not recognized his feelings before. She supposed it came from her own lack of self worth. And that lack of self worth came from her sisters constant verbal abuse.

“The play is about to resume.” Bianca said grabbing Catherine’s hand and pulling her to her feet. Catherine dropped the rose on the ground and before she could bend to pick it up Bianca’s high heeled foot flattened the beautiful bloom.

“Oh dear.” Bianca said covering her mouth with her dainty hand. Anyone passing by would truly think the look of guilt and distress on Bianca’s face was genuine but Catherine and Emmett both knew her well enough to know otherwise.

“Bianca, why did you do that?” Emmett asked trying to keep his anger out of his voice. It would not do to have him yelling at her in such a public place. He already had to explain to several members of the community why he had grabbed her arm and yelled at her so loudly only a short time ago at the last play they had attended.

“She didn’t meant to.” Catherine lied for her sister. She hated fighting and knew that it would do no good anyway. Bianca never felt guilt for anything she did wrong.

“That’s right Emmett darling. I didn’t mean to.” Bianca agreed. Catherine reached down and picked up the trampled rose but it hung limp on it’s broken stem.

“Don’t worry my dear. I will get you a dozen more.” Emmett promised Catherine as he laid a gentle kiss to her gloved hand. Catherine blushed and felt her heart beat faster. Bianca glared at both of them and then pulled on Catherine’s hand which she still held tightly.

“Come on Catherine. We have to hurry back in or we’ll miss the rest of the play.” she said impatiently. Catherine rolled her eyes, threw one desperate, helpless glance at Emmett and let Bianca drag her away. Emmett shook his head, wondered when Catherine would finally give her sister the sound beating she deserved, and followed both women back inside.

When the play ended Emmett led both women back outside. Edward was waiting down the street with the carriage but before they got to him Gregory ran them down and held out his hand for Bianca.

“Bianca dear, I was hoping we could perhaps go for a walk and…. Err.. Talk.” he said. Even Catherine who had zero experience with what happened between a man and a woman behind closed doors recognized the glint in his eyes for what it was. Emmett clearly recognized it too.

“No, I don’t believe that is a good idea. It is very late and I was just about to escort the ladies home.” he said politely as he helped Catherine up into the carriage.

“Emmett, I won’t be out long.” Bianca said as she stepped closer to Gregory. “Don’t worry about waiting up, I am sure that Gregory will see that I get home safely.” Emmett looked at Gregory. Gregory was new around town and Emmett didn’t know much about him.

“Bianca, I am responsible if something happens to you.” Emmett said with uncertainty in his voice.

“Nothing will happen to her.” Gregory assured him. “I promise I am more than capable of making sure she arrives home safely.” Emmett looked up at Edward on the carriage but Edward just shrugged and turned his gaze back toward the road. Emmett sighed and nodded.

“Fine.” he said and then jumped into the carriage with Catherine. Truthfully he was happy to have some more time for just the two of them.

Catherine saw how tired Emmett looked at he sat down on the seat across from her and ran his hands over his face.

“Are you ok?” she asked.

“She tries my patience like no other person in this world.” he replied. Catherine laughed lightly and smoothed out her skirts.

“Yes she is hard to deal with. I bet you are so happy that our father left you in charge of us.” she said. Emmett smiled.

“Of course I am.” he said. “Otherwise I may not have ever gotten to know you as well as I do Cat. You are so quiet and shy out in public I would never have known what a fun and interesting woman you really are.” Catherine raised her eyebrow at him and shook her head.

“So you never once regret having to be in charge of my little sister?” she asked. Emmett laughed and knew it would be pointless to try to lie to her. This woman knew him better than he knew himself most of the time.

“She is a bit of a pain in the backside.” he admitted. Catherine nodded.

“She is that and more.” she agreed. Just then there was a cracking sound and the carriage tilted sideways dangerously. Catherine was thrown from her seat and would have landed hard against the side of the carriage if Emmett’s strong arm had not closed around her waist and pulled her to him. He braced both of them upright using his free hand and his long muscular legs as the carriage finally stopped sliding and came to a stop.

“Mister Masters! Miss Catherine! Are you alright?” Edward asked as he pulled the carriage door open. Emmett and Catherine were blind to his presence for several long moments as they looked into each others eyes. Both could feel the intense physical reactions that their bodies were having being pressed this close together.

Emmett could smell the scent of roses in her hair and he could feel her breath against his face. Every bit of his body was on fire and he prayed that she could not feel the evidence of his attraction to her pressed against her leg.

Catherine seemed to come to reality first and she reluctantly pulled herself out of his arms and allowed Edward to help her down off the carriage.

“What happened?” Emmett asked as he stepped out but it was clearly evident once he was standing outside what had occurred. The carriage wheel had snapped off and was lying uselessly on the cobblestone street.

“This will take hours to fix.” Emmett said with irritation. So much for a quiet evening with Catherine. Catherine laid her hand on his arm and smiled up at him hiding her own disappointment.

“There will be other evenings my love.” she promised. Edward turned his head when he saw Emmett’s eyes darken as he leaned down toward Catherine. There lips were mere inches apart when the sound of an approaching carriage forced them to look up.

“What happened here?” Peter Walsh said poking his head from his own carriage window. Emmett growled under his breath and waved his hand.

“Just a broken carriage wheel. No one is injured.” he assured the man. Peter looked at Catherine and then at the broken carriage.

“That looks like as if will take some time to repair.” he said. Emmett nodded. He had just said the same thing.

“It is getting to be a very late hour.” Peter added. Emmett again nodded wondering where the man was going with this.

“Perhaps I should give Catherine a ride home. It won’t do to have the lady standing on the side of the street all night while you and your man fix the carriage.” Edward looked over at Emmett and saw the muscle tensing in his jaw. He knew how Emmett felt about Catherine. He had known for a long time and he also knew that his boss was very angry right now at how the evening was turning out.

“That won’t be necessary.” Emmett replied keeping his tone polite. “I will walk her home and then come back and help Edward.”

“Emmett, that seems like a waste of time.” Catherine said quietly. “I will let Peter drive me home then you can get the carriage fixed more quickly.” Emmett looked down at her as if she were crazy and then pulled her gently further away from the road where he could talk to her without Peter overhearing.

“Cat, you know what that man wants from you…” he said with a warning tone in his voice. Catherine shook her head.

“Emmet, he is a gentleman and he has always been very kind with me. I feel as if I owe it to him to tell him myself that I cannot except his proposal and explain to him the reason why.” she said. Emmett shook his head.

“He may not remain a gentleman once he has you alone and you refuse him.” he said. Catherine made a face and put a hand on her hip.

“Nonsense.” she said. “Peter is a good man. Kind and gentle. He would never do anything inappropriate to me.” Emmett grinned a teasing grin.

“You sure you don’t want to marry him. You sound like you’re quite fond of the old guy.” Catherine slapped his arm playfully.

“Trust me Emmett, there is only one man that I truly want to marry.” she promised. Emmett smiled broadly.

“Do I know him?” he asked. She smiled.

“You might.” she replied. Then she turned back to Peter.

“I believe I will accept your offer Peter.” she said walking toward his carriage. “Thank you very much.”

“My pleasure Catherine. Twenty minutes of your company is well worth driving a few miles out of my way.” he replied with a warm smile. Emmett grabbed Catherine’s arm and she turned back to face him.

“Be careful.” he whispered. She laid a comforting hand on his arm.

“Stop worrying. Peter is harmless and I will be waiting at my home whenever you get done with the carriage.” she promised. Emmett nodded and released his hold on her arm. He watched her get into the carriage with Peter and hoped that she was right.

Emmett didn’t carry a gun with him all the time but he definitely had several and knew how to use them. He would be more than happy to use one on Peter Walsh if Catherine was wrong.

Catherine looked over at Peter who had been silent for the last few minutes. Every now and then he would look her way with sadness and then his gaze would go back out the window at the passing buildings and homes.

“Peter, I believe we need to talk.” Catherine said quietly. She hated having to tell him no to his proposal. She was not good at refusing people but this was one time when she had to.

“I already know, Catherine.” Peter replied looking at her with his kind blue eyes.

“You know?” Catherine asked. She had tried not to make it too obvious that she was in love with Emmett tonight while Peter was watching.

“You are in love with Emmett are you not?” he asked. “So you have to refuse my proposal of marriage.” Catherine was shocked. She had expected to have to awkwardly try to tell him about her feelings for Emmett but it seemed that he was already fully aware of them and even accepted them.

“I am very sorry, Peter.” Catherine said. Peter smiled that warm smile that was so familiar to her now. He always looked at her with warmth and fondness and it made it that much harder to hurt him this way.

“Do not apologize, Catherine. You are a beautiful woman and I should not have waited so long. It is my own fault.” They were silent for several more moments before Peter pointed at the broken rose in her hands.

“From Emmett?” he asked. Catherine nodded.

“Yes and Bianca stomped it.” she replied. Peter nodded.

“I am sure it was just an accident of course.” he said and Catherine nodded though she could tell by the look on his face that he didn’t truly believe it had been an accident.

“So did you enjoy the play tonight?” he asked. Catherine nodded and they continued with the small talk about the play they had seen until the carriage came to a stop outside of Catherine’s home.

“Thank you for the ride home Peter. And for the enjoyable conversation. I hope that we can remain friends because I do so enjoy talking with you.” Catherine said as he helped her out of the carriage.

“Of course.” he said as he laid a quick kiss to her gloved hand. Catherine walked quickly up to the house and closed the door behind her.

She walked upstairs to her room, lit several candles and changed into her sleeping gown. She did not really expect Emmett to come by tonight. By the time he and Edward got the carriage fixed it would be well past midnight. She loosened her blond hair letting it fall in waves down her back and then picked up her diary to make another entry.

She was relieved that her talk with Peter had gone so well. She could tell that he had been saddened to discover that her heart belonged to another man but he had not tried to make her feel guilty or less of a lady and that made her happy. She thought of Emmett and smiled.

His strong chiseled face, boyish dimples, dashing grin and his dark eyes with their mischievous sparkle. She loved him with all of her heart and now she knew that he loved her too. She was lost in her thoughts of him and barely started her diary entry before she fell sound asleep in the arm chair.

888

Catherine woke up with a small yelp of fear when she felt two strong arms wrap around her and lift her in the air. She opened her eyes to see Emmett looking at her with amusement in his dark eyes. He laid her down on the bed and covered her with the quilt quickly hoping to trick his mind into believing he had not seen the hint of her breasts beneath the thin fabric of her sleeping gown.

“How often do you fall asleep in this chair, Cat?” he asked as he took a seat in it. Catherine rolled over onto her side so that she was facing him and propped herself up on her arm.

“A lot. That is the reason my neck is always sore.” she replied. Emmett reached out a rough calloused hand and rubbed the back of her neck working out the sore muscles. Catherine loved how his hands were not soft like those of so many other rich gentlemen. Emmett had rough hands from years of manual labor. Catherine knew that Emmett did not use Edward to do the majority of the work around the stables. Emmett did much of it himself. He kept Edward on because the two had grown up together and Edward was more like a part of Emmett’s family then he was an employee.

Catherine could feel the tingling throughout her body caused by his large hand massaging her neck and she shivered. Emmett pulled his hand away and laid it on the arm of the chair. It would not be proper for him to continue on the course he’d been on…. If he had kept touching her then he would not have stopped until he’d made love to her and since he was not yet her husband that did not seem like it would be the proper thing to do.

“What time is it?” Catherine asked. Emmett smiled guiltily and looked at his pocket watch.

“Nearly two in the morning.” he replied. “I’m sorry that I disturbed you but I wanted to make sure you made it in safely and then when I saw you asleep in that darn chair again I could not just leave you there.”

“My neck thanks you.” Catherine replied as she yawned behind her hand.

“I will go. You are exhausted.” Emmett said but Catherine laid her hand on his arm to stop him.

“No. Please stay. I would enjoy talking to you for a while if you are not too tired.” she said. Emmett smiled though he didn’t look over at her and kept his eyes on his shoes. If he looked at her too much he was not going to make it out of this room without doing some very improper things….

“As you wish, my lady.” he replied his voice taking on the tone of the knights of old.

“Thank you, kind sir.” Catherine replied with a smile. “Did you and Edward get your carriage fixed?”

“Yes though it took us longer than we thought it would.” he said. “I trust that you made it home with no trouble from Peter?” he asked.

“Oh he was a devil and a half but I was able to fend him off.” she replied trying to force her voice to sound serious. She saw a protective angry gleam enter Emmett’s eyes and she laughed.

“I’m just joking.” she said quickly. “He was saddened but a perfect gentleman.”

“I would be saddened too at the knowledge that I was not going to have you. You are a prize that any man would be lucky to call his own.” Emmett said unable to stop himself from looking deep into her green eyes. Those eyes had held him captivated for years but finally he no longer had to try to hide his captivation… Finally he could look and not have to worry about scaring her away.

“You will never be without me, Emmett. Not now that I know how you feel for me.” she promised. Emmett had promised himself that he was going to keep her virtue intact until the day he married her but he was only a man. And she looked so beautiful with all of her long golden hair falling loose and free around her angelic face.

Her light freckles were visible in the dim candlelight and her green eyes glowed with the light from the tiny flames. Emmett could not have stopped himself from kissing her if someone had been holding a gun to his head and telling him he’d die if he dared… Just to have a taste of those soft pink lips he would have gladly taken the bullet.

He leaned toward her and was happy to see that she leaned toward him as well. Their lips touched and at first Catherine was unsure of what she was supposed to do but Emmett guided her with his own lips. The kiss was gentle and passionate and soon Catherine was swept away in it.

Emmett’s hands became lost in the waves of her hair and he pulled her face closer against his and deepened the kiss. Catherine moaned his name and he felt the last of any control he had slip away. He moved out of the chair and to the bed. He pulled away from her long enough to remove his shoes and jacket.

Catherine watched him, her green eyes dark with the passion she was feeling. Emmett slid into bed beside her and pulled her back to him so they could continue the kiss.

Their hands roamed and discovered each other through their clothes and Catherine had never felt such a delicious heat or pleasure in her life. Emmett stopped touching her suddenly and looked at her with a seriousness in his eyes that brought her partially out of her pleasure induced fog.

“I want to make love to you tonight, Catherine.” he said honestly. “I have every intention of becoming your husband as soon as it can be arranged but I do not want to wait to enjoy you the way only your husband should.” She could tell that he was torn by his sense of honor and his own passion.

“I will not do anything that you do not want me to do, Cat. All you have to do is tell me to stop and I will walk out of this room right now.” he said and she knew he was telling the truth. She knew all she had to do was say the word and he would leave her with her honor intact for another day… That was not what she wanted.

She wanted Emmett. She wanted to feel like a woman in every sense of the word.. She wanted to feel like Emmet’s woman in every sense of the word. She buried her hand in his dark hair and pulled his lips back to hers.

He couldn’t help but chuckle and he pulled away just enough to look in her eyes.

“I take that to mean you want me to stay?” he asked with that mischievous glint in his eyes. Catherine nodded even as a blush rose on her cheeks.

“Yes. I want you to stay.” she replied. Emmett said a silent prayer of thanks since he really wasn’t sure he’d have been able to walk out of the room if she’d asked him to and pressed his lips back to hers.

Chapter Five

Catherine snuggled deeper into the warm cocoon of Emmett’s strong arms as the sunlight streamed through the window onto the bed. She turned her head enough to see the way the sunlight shone on the tan muscles of his arm and the dark hair that covered it.

She could tell by his steady breathing that he was still sound asleep and she smiled when she thought back to the passionate way they had made love the night before. Her body was sore but it was a pleasant kind of sore and she finally knew the contentment that came from being a woman in love with a man that loved her back in every way.

She was lost in her thoughts when his arm suddenly tightened around her and he chuckled into the back of her head.

“I can almost see the smoke rolling out of your ears, Cat.” he said teasingly. “What are you thinking about so hard?” Catherine smiled and then turned in his arms so that she was facing him.

“This just seems like a dream to me.” she replied honestly. “I never once let myself imagine that I would truly wake up one morning lying in your arms.” Emmett kissed her hair and then pulled away from her and picked his watch up off the floor.

“It is not exactly morning, love.” he said matter-of-factly. He rubbed his face with his hand and groaned. “It is nearly noon.” Catherine’s eyes widened in shock. Never in all her life had she slept past eight in the morning. She was always up early to take care of the household duties.

“I’m sorry, Cat.” Emmett said as he looked at her. She pulled the quilt around her more tightly and gave him a questioning look.

“About what?” she asked. “Surely not about last night because I am not sorry.” Emmett stretched his long frame back out beside of her and kissed her forehead.

“Last night was amazing.” he assured her as he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to him. “But I am afraid that I did not mean to stay so long. It is hardly proper that I stayed all night here with you since I am not yet your husband.” Catherine smiled and kissed him lightly. Emmett tightened his hold on her and deepened the kiss and Catherine quickly felt her passion igniting again.

Suddenly the sound of stomping feet approaching Catherine’s room came to both of their ears.

“Catherine! It is lunch time and yet you have failed to even make breakfast!” Bianca yelled as she knocked on the door. Emmett quickly jumped from the bed and pulled his pants on. He was just finishing buttoning them up when the door burst open.

“Get your big butt out of the bed and cook some lunch!” Bianca whined sounding very much like a spoiled immature child. Bianca’s eyes widened when she saw Emmett standing next to the bed wearing nothing but his trousers and Catherine naked in the bed wrapped in a quilt.

She cursed under her breath. She had failed to keep them from discovering their feelings for one another. Now she would never have Emmett. She didn’t love Emmett. As a matter-of-fact she could barely stand the man. He was so honorable and safe… boring. But she did not want her sister to have him either. Perfect Catherine. No one ever had a bad word to say about her older sister.

Bianca smiled to herself but kept the look of shock on her face. She would just have to end this little affair of theirs now and she knew just how to do it.

“Emmett Masters! How could you do this!” She shrieked. Catherine’s eyes widened at Bianca’s loudness and she looked over at Emmett. Emmett found his shirt lying on the bedroom floor and quickly pulled it on. He looked at Bianca as he did the buttons.

“What are you talking about Bianca?” he asked trying to keep his voice calm.

“Having one sister was not good enough for you? You had to have us both?” Bianca demanded proud of herself for sounding so outraged.

“What in the hell are you talking about?” Emmett demanded angrily as his patience snapped.

“You must be very proud of yourself having both sisters in one night.” Bianca said as a fake tear slipped down her cheek.

“That’s enough!” Emmett yelled. Bianca looked at her sister and saw the confusion and pain on her face. Bianca felt a second of pity but quickly pushed it away.

“Sorry you had to find out this way Catherine.” she said. Catherine opened her mouth to speak but no words would come. Emmett stepped between them blocking Bianca’s view of Catherine.

“What are you playing at? You know I’ve never touched you.” he said. “Maybe every other man in the state has but never me.”

“How dare you insult me! Go ahead and lie to her since that is what you are good at. Tell her that I mean nothing to you the same way you told me that she meant nothing to you last night.” Bianca turned on her heel before he could reply and ran quickly from the room.

Emmett stood watching the empty hallway for several moments. He wanted to run after Bianca and give her a sound beating but knew that that would solve nothing and would only result in him spending some time in jail and having some very awkward social questions to answer.

He heard a sniff come from the bed behind him and it brought him out of his daydreams about ripping Bianca’s head off. He turned and saw Catherine sitting up in the bed. She had the quilt wrapped tight around her and her knees pulled up into her chest as she cried into them. Emmett went to her. He climbed into the bed and pulled her into his arms.

Catherine fought against him and stood quickly keeping the quilt around her.

“Cat I….” Catherine cut him off.

“Have you slept with my sister?” she demanded. “Were you with her last night before you came to me?” Even as she asked the question she realized how ridiculous it sounded. Emmett had never been able to stand Bianca. Catherine knew that.. But still did her sister hate her so badly that she would make up such a story just to hurt her?

“How can you even ask me that?” Emmett asked as he stood up. His voice was gentle but his tone was angry.

“Just answer my question Emmett.” Catherine said without looking at him. Emmett walked over and stood in front of her. She was looking down at her feet and he wrapped a big gentle hand behind her head and pulled her into his chest.

“I love you, Catherine. Only you. I have never been with your sister.” Catherine took comfort in his strong arms as she breathed in the scent of him. His scent was masculine and musky and she could smell the scent of her own rose scented soap on him where they had laid so closely all night.

“Why would Bianca make up something like that?” she asked trying to pull away from him but finding that her body would not listen to her mind.

“Because she is spiteful. Jealous. Evil. A complete wench. Desperate…. Need I go on?” he asked. Catherine looked up at him and she could see that mischievous glint in his eyes and the grin showing the dimples in his cheeks. But she could also tell that he was nervous and afraid and this caused caution to enter her mind and she forced herself away from him.

“If she is lying then why are you so afraid right now? Perhaps she is telling the truth and you are afraid that you are caught.” she said pushing her blond hair behind her ears and forcing her gaze to stay locked with his. Hurt replaced the fear and the mischievousness in his eyes then and he shook his head.

“You truly believe that I am that kind of man?” he asked sadly. “I have never given you a single reason to doubt my word, Catherine. You have known me for your entire life, in that time have I ever once lied to you? Have I ever once given you a single reason to doubt me?”

Catherine shook her head. She knew that Emmett was telling her the truth. She had known him her entire life, like he said, and she knew how to read his face well enough to know that he was being honest. Even as her heart soared to know that Emmett loved her and only her, it broke to know that her sister hated her enough to try to hurt her in this way.

“I believe you, Emmett.” Catherine said and she saw the way his shoulders seemed to sag with relief.

“I cannot believe you doubted me at all.” he said as he pulled her back against him. “How could you for one single second take Bianca’s word over mine?” Catherine shrugged.

“I just don’t understand why she would lie to hurt me like that. I have done everything for my sister her entire life. I have been both mother, father and sister to her. I have washed her clothes, cooked her meals, sympathized when she’s had a broken heart and always been there for her.” she said. “It hurts to know that she is capable of such evilness toward me.”

“I am sorry that she hurt you.” Emmett said kissing the top of her head.

“And you are sure you’ve never…” Emmett cut her off by pressing his finger to her lips before she could even finish the question.

“Cat, I won’t lie to you. I am for sure not as innocent as you but never with your sister.” he said. Catherine kissed his finger and pulled her head away.

“I love you, Emmett.” she said softly. Emmett kissed her gently.

“I love you too.” he replied.

“I think that you should leave now.” she said. Emmett looked confused as he stared down at her.

“I thought you believed me.” he said. Catherine nodded.

“I do. I know you well enough to know you are much too honorable a man to ever do what Bianca claims you did…. And I know that when you lie you get a little wrinkle in between your eyebrows and I don’t see it there now.” Emmett raised a hand to run a finger over the space between his eyes.

“I do?” he said. Catherine smiled and nodded.

“Yes. You always have ever since you were little.” she replied. “No, the reason I think that you should leave is because you need a bath.” she said wrinkling her nose. Emmett laughed at her teasing and wrapped her tight in his arms.

“I am so lucky to have you Catherine. Most women would not have been so trusting after hearing what you heard this morning.” he said matter of factly.

“Not many women have a man as incredible as mine.” she replied. Emmett grinned.

“You better quit looking at me like that or else I’ll never leave.” he said poking her nose. Catherine took a step away from him.

“You really do have to leave.” she said. “I need to have a talk with my sister and it would probably be best if you were not here to hear it.”

“Why?” he asked. He wanted to hear it. He’d been looking forward to seeing Catherine finally stand up to Bianca.

“Because I might say something that is less than lady like and I would rather you didn’t hear.” Emmett chuckled.

“Are you going to hit her?” he asked. Catherine slapped his arm.

“No of course not.” she said with her eyes wide. “I would never resort to hitting someone to get my point across.” Emmett raised his eyebrow and rubbed the spot on his arm that she had just slapped.

“No, you would never do that.” he agreed. Catherine blushed and grinned sheepishly.

“I’m just going to talk to her.” she assured him. He nodded and kissed her forehead.

“Fine, I will leave. But if for some reason you should decide to knock her teeth down her pretty little throat, I will still love you. And you will still be the perfect lady in my eyes.” He turned then and walked out of the room leaving her standing there with a smile. She heard him walk out the front door and then the reality of her sisters betrayal came back to her.

Catherine still had some water left in the wash basin and used it and her rose scented soap to clean herself off. She dressed in a simple light blue dress and pulled her hair back in pins before walking down the hall to her sisters room.

She knocked and heard Bianca’s footsteps come to the door. She opened it and immediately a look of sadness came onto her face.

“Oh Catherine.” she said throwing her arms around her sister. Catherine stood still and didn’t return the embrace. “I heard Emmett leave. I am so sorry you had to find out what a jerk he was that way.” Bianca added as she pulled away and walked over and sat on her bed. Catherine walked into the room as well and sat down in the arm chair. She smoothed out the skirt of her dress and laid her hands in her lap.

“I did ask Emmett to leave.” she said. “But it was not because I believe that ridiculous act you put on this morning. I asked him to leave so that you and I could talk privately.” Catherine saw the look on Bianca’s face change from sadness, to confusion, then to indignation in the blink of an eye and admired her sisters abilities to put on the perfect act.

“What do you mean ridiculous act?” Bianca demanded. “Catherine, you are in denial if you think I was lying this morning! Emmett hurt us both.”

“Oh would you shut up!” Catherine yelled and her green eyes flashed with anger. Bianca stared at her sister in wide eyed, open mouthed shock. As far as she knew Catherine had never yelled in her life and she had certainly never told anyone to shut up.

“Catherine….” Catherine silenced her by standing up and pointing an angry finger at her.

“You are the most immature, spoiled, vindictive woman I have ever known! I have always known those things about you but whenever anyone else tried to accuse you of being those things or worse I always stuck up for you because you were my sister and I thought that you cared about me!

“I have always done everything for you! I have been like a mother, a father, a sister, a caretaker, a maid! I’ve worked hard to try to clean up the mess you’ve made with your reputation by sleeping with every single actor that rides into town! Now to find that everything I have ever done for you has been for nothing because you hate me, is too much!”

“Oh poor perfect, Catherine.” Bianca spat. “She’s always had it so rough being everyone’s favorite and being the perfect model of a lady in society! You think I am going to feel sorry for you?”

“What are you talking about? I am far from perfect, Bianca.” Catherine said wondering if it was jealousy that she was hearing in Bianca’s voice.

“You always been everyone’s favorite.” Bianca said rolling her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest. “You were mother’s favorite..”

“Oh hush. You don’t know what you are talking about. You were three years old when mother died, you don’t even remember her.” Catherine interrupted.

“You were always father’s favorite and don’t even bother trying to deny that. You were his little kitten and he worshiped the ground you walked on.”

“Bianca, father loved you.” Catherine said softly. She had never realized just how many self worth issues her sister had. She had always assumed that because Bianca always acted so confident and sure of herself she had no issues lurking below the surface.

“Oh yes he loved me enough to always push me away. I was too much trouble for him to have to deal with.”

“Father, was never the same after mother died. He loved her so much.” Catherine said. Her anger was fading and it was being replaced by sympathy and pity for her sister.

“Then there was Emmett… Oh I had such a crush on him but he made it clear from the time we were little that he was not interested in me. I was just a pain in his backside. You were his favorite. His beautiful Cat. I’ve known for years that he loved you but you were too much of a blind, ignorant perfect little lady to notice it yourself.”

“You knew that he loved me..?” Catherine asked feeling the anger quickly coming back. Bianca snorted.

“Of course! God he has always been in love with you and he was not very good at hiding it! His eyes have always watched, followed and looked at you as if you were the Mona Lisa personified or something.”

“So you knew how he felt and I already know that you knew how I felt about Emmett and yet you continued to throw yourself at him day after day. Can I ask why?” Bianca glared at her.

“Because I was sick and tired of everyone choosing you over me! It was not fair that he looked over me and wanted you! I mean I am the desirable one! You are just a fat, plain woman who is so meek and humble it’s sickening.” Catherine stared at her sister feeling more anger than she had ever felt before. She could feel herself shaking with the intensity of her rage.

This explained why Bianca had spent the last decade and a half insulting her and trying to make her feel worthless. Her sister really had not ever cared about her. All the things that Catherine had ever done for Bianca had been for nothing because Bianca hated her all the more for them.

Catherine did not have time to think about what she was doing before she raised her hand and slapped Bianca sharply across the face. Bianca gasped in shock and covered her cheek with her hand.

“What in the world do you think you’re doing?” she demanded. Catherine’s fists were clenched at her sides and her muscles were so tight in her jaw that they were hurting.

“Something I should have done a long time ago.” she replied. Bianca screeched and jumped at her knocking her to the ground. The two women wrestled around the room in a ball of satin dresses and long hair. Catherine screamed loudly when Bianca ripped out a handful of her long blond hair and then Bianca screamed when Catherine raised her hand and laid it hard once again across Bianca’s face.

They didn’t even notice when the door to the room flew open and only when a strong arm grabbed each of them and pulled them apart did they realize they were no longer alone.

“What in the devil has gotten into the two of you?” Edward demanded. “I was out for a walk and heard screaming coming from your house. I thought someone was in here attacking you!”

Catherine and Bianca both looked at each other. Neither woman looked much like a lady at the moment. Bianca’s cheeks were covered in welts from Catherine’s slaps. Both of their dresses were ripped and their hair was a wild mess of tangles. Neither of them knew why but they instantly broke down into fits of laughter.

Edward let go of both of them and looked at them as if they had completely lost their minds.

“Are you all going to be ok if I leave?” he asked shaking his head. Catherine managed to compose herself long enough to nod.

“Yes we will be fine Edward. I am sorry that we worried you.” she said and then began laughing again.

“Women are crazy.” Edward said as he walked out the door, throwing one more glance Bianca’s way as he walked out. Once they were alone again both women became quiet.

“I’m sorry, Catherine.” Bianca said after several moments of silence. Catherine tried to fix the pins in her hair but gave up with a sigh and sat down in the chair.

“It’s only hair. It will grow back. I only hope that Emmett loves balds as well as blonds.” she replied rubbing the sore spot on her head where Bianca had yanked her hair.

“No I don’t mean about that. Although I must tell you that you could grow a third eye and antlers and Emmett would still look at you the same.” Bianca replied sitting down on the bed. “No, I am sorry for the way I have acted and treated you.”

“I still don’t understand why you would treat me like that.” Catherine replied.

“I was jealous of you, Catherine.” Bianca replied simply. She was being honest with her sister for the first time in her life and Catherine could see a glimpse of the girl that Bianca used to be in her eyes.

“Why? Why would you be jealous of me? Do you know how many times in the past I have wished that I had your figure? Or that I could be flirtatious, confident and sure of myself like you have always been?”

“Catherine, you don’t even realize the effect you have on people. You are so gentle and caring. You are right when you say you’ve always done everything for me. You have run this house, you’ve run Emmett’s house. You even use your spare time to volunteer at the shelter. You would help a complete stranger if they needed it.

“You want to know why not many men have ever dared show interest in you? Because everyone in the world could see the way Emmett cared about you and knew that it was more than just a guardianship relationship. Combine that with the fact that most men are intimidated by your classic beauty and elegance and that is why you have not had suitors.”

“I never knew you were jealous of me, Bianca. I always just thought you hated me and that is why you treated me so terribly. But I was desperate to earn your approval. I guess that I why continued to defend you even to Emmett.”

“You are right when you say I am immature and spiteful, Catherine. I promise you that I am going to try to change that.” she said. Catherine stood up and hugged her sister tightly. Bianca returned the hug and it was the first true hug that the sisters had shared since they’d been small children.

“I am really going to try to be happy for you and Emmett.” Bianca said as Catherine pulled away.

“No more throwing yourself at him.” Catherine warned. Bianca shook her head.

“No. I promise. You have quite a man there, Catherine. I have used every weapon in my arsenal and he has refused me every time.” Catherine was both angered to hear her just how hard her sister had tried to seduce Emmett and thrilled to know that Emmett cared so much about her he had actually resisted Bianca. Catherine knew that men who refused Bianca were few and far between.

“I know how special he is.” Catherine replied. Bianca sighed.

“You are lucky. First Peter Walsh, who is another perfect gentlemen, wants to marry you and then Emmett Masters who is both extremely handsome, rich, funny, charming and honorable wants to marry you too. I have no doubt that you and Emmett will be happy together.” Catherine could see a sadness in Bianca’s eyes and laid her hand on her arm.

“But…?” she asked.

“Nothing. I just wish I could find a man that would be so devoted to me. I wish I could find a man that wants to share his life with me instead of just his bed for a night or two.”

“Why don’t we go shopping later tonight?” Catherine asked trying to think of a way to cheer her sister up. Bianca shook her head.

“No, Gregory is coming this evening to pick me up. We are going out to dinner in town and for a walk through the park.”

“Gregory from the theater?” Catherine asked. Bianca nodded.

“Yes Gregory from the theater.” she replied. “He is a very nice man.”

“Sure.” Catherine replied picking at the shredded fabric around a tear in her dress.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Bianca asked.

“Nothing.” Catherine replied.

“Come on Catherine. If we’re going to be real sisters I have to work on being nicer to you but you have to work on being harder on me.”

“It is just that one moment you say you want to find a man who will share his life with you, but then in the next breath you are telling me that you are going back out with Gregory.”

“And…” Bianca said urging Catherine to continue. Catherine let out a long breath. She did not like to judge people or criticize their choices.

“Have you already… um…. You know… Done
it
with Gregory?” she asked. Bianca laughed at the dark red shade that colored Catherine’s cheeks. Bianca ran her fingers through her dark hair, trying to untangle the many knots. She felt shame color her own cheeks a color similar to Catherine’s. She didn’t like feeling ashamed of her actions and never had before but for some reason she felt ashamed about it sitting here next to her sister.

“Yes.” she said quietly. Catherine nodded.

“Have you ever stopped to think that maybe if you want men to start seeing you in a different way then you have to start acting different than you have in the past?” she asked. Bianca gave her a sad smile.

“It’s too late now. I already have a reputation.” she replied. Catherine sighed and walked toward the door.

“I will go start us some lunch.” she said. Bianca shook her head.

“No, I will….” she started. Catherine laughed.

“You have not cooked a meal in all of your nineteen years! I would much rather cook our lunch than take a chance on letting you burn the kitchen down.” she teased. Bianca felt a smile come on her face. She had forgotten that despite her sisters proper and giving nature she had a wonderful sense of humor and a lot of charm. She felt another wave of guilt at the way she had treated her.

“Okay you go ahead and cook some lunch. I am going to get cleaned up since shortly after lunch my date will be here.” she replied. Catherine shook her head sadly and walked out of her room.

Chapter Six

Catherine and Bianca were in the sitting room drinking tea and talking when there was a knock on the door.

“That will be Gregory.” Bianca said jumping up and walking to the door. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful as always.” Catherine replied. Bianca smoothed out her red skirt and nodded.

“I know.” she said then she bit her lip. “I mean thank you.” Bianca opened the door and then rolled her eyes and walked back to the couch when it was Emmett standing there instead of Gregory.

“Nice to see you too.” Emmett said. Then he saw Catherine and his dark eyes lit up.

“Good evening, Cat.” he said. She jumped to her feet and went to him. Bianca felt irritation at first but then remembered she was trying to change and be happy for her sister and couldn’t help but notice how much happier and lighter Catherine’s step was now that she and Emmett were together.

“Good evening, Emmett.” Catherine replied. Emmett wrapped his arms tight around her and kissed her blond hair.

“I missed you.” he said breathing in the rose scent of her hair.

“It’s only been a few hours.” Catherine reminded him. He smiled into her hair.

“I missed you just the same.” he said. Then he pulled Catherine away from him and looked down at her.

“Did everything go okay after I left?” he asked. Edward had told him about breaking up the fight between the two ladies but as far as Emmett could see there were no permanent marks on either. Though he could see that there was still a red welt on Bianca’s cheek and Catherine had a small scratch that Emmett assumed was from Bianca’s fingernail on her temple.

“Everything is just fine, Emmett. I want to offer you an apology for my behavior and for falsely accusing you.” Bianca said. Emmett reached down and pinched his own arm letting out a hiss of pain.

“What are you doing?” Catherine demanded softly. Emmett shook his head.

“Just wanted to make sure I was still alive and wasn’t dreaming.” he replied. Before anyone could say anything there was another knock on the door and Emmett opened it.

“Good evening. I remember meeting you last night but I do not remember your name.” Gregory said holding out his hand. Emmett shook his hand and then moved aside to let him in the house.

“My name is, Emmett.” he said. Gregory nodded and then looked at Bianca who had stood up and was flaunting herself in front of him like a peacock showing off it’s impressive plumage.

“You look wonderful.” Gregory said as he stared at her. Bianca nodded and looked him up and down.

“You look pretty great yourself.” she replied. Emmett looked down at Catherine but she didn’t meet his gaze before she walked over and sat down on the small couch.

“Are you ready?” Gregory asked holding his arm out for Bianca. Emmett looked at Catherine and could tell she was not happy about Bianca going out with Gregory. He did not know why but he knew that he didn’t like seeing Catherine unhappy.

“Where are going tonight?” Emmett asked. Bianca rolled her eyes and flipped her dark curls.

“To dinner and for a walk in the park.” she replied.

“Edward will drive you.” Emmett said matter-of-factly. Bianca shook her head.

“No that won’t be necessary.” she said. Emmett nodded.

“Yes it will. You should have a chaperone with you.” Bianca stomped her foot impatiently.

“Are you serious right now? I am not a child anymore Emmett. You have never insisted that I take a chaperone before.” she said. Emmett shrugged.

“I am insisting tonight.” he said. He saw that Bianca was about to argue again and cut her off. “If you do not want Edward to drive you, I could always just come along.”

“Honey, it won’t be so bad to let his man drive us. We will not have to walk into town and we will have the privacy of our carriage for our…uh.. Conversations.” Bianca bit her lip and nodded hoping that Emmett would not pick up on Gregory’s innuendo.

“Good. Just wait a moment for me and I will go get Edward.” Emmett said. He turned and walked from the house.

“This is ridiculous.” Bianca said angrily. Gregory ignored Catherine sitting on the couch and began to nuzzle Bianca’s neck.

“Not really… You know that no one will be able to see inside our carriage.” he said. Bianca pulled away from him and cleared her throat looking over at Catherine who was clearly uncomfortable as she picked at the tussles on the arm of the couch.

“Sorry miss. I didn’t even notice you there.” Gregory said stepping away from Bianca and walking to stand in front of Catherine. “I believe we met the other night but were never properly introduced.”

“My name is Catherine.” she replied not liking the way the man was standing so close. She was getting a strange feeling from him though she wasn’t sure why. He was handsome enough and his gray eyes seemed friendly but there was something in his smile that didn’t seem quite right to Catherine.

“I am Gregory.” he replied. He held out his hand and Catherine knew that she had to shake it or else she would seem rude. She wanted the handshake to be fast but Gregory did not let go when she tried to pull away. Instead he bent down to kiss her knuckles.

“I hate to think of you sitting here all alone, Catherine. Would you like to join Bianca and I for dinner?” Bianca’s eyes widened and Catherine jaw dropped in shock. The insinuation in his tone and his eyes was very clear. He was offering her much more than just dinner. Before Catherine or Bianca could say a word the door slammed loudly and a throat cleared behind them.

Gregory quickly dropped Catherine’s hand and turned to see Emmett glaring at him, his dark eyes hard as steel.

“That won’t be necessary.” Emmett said. “She already has plans.” Gregory nodded and walked back to Bianca who suddenly didn’t look so taken with her date.

“Of course.” he said. “Well are you ready Bianca?” Bianca didn’t meet Emmett or Catherine’s gaze as she nodded and allowed Gregory to lead her out the door, shutting it behind them.

Emmett walked over and sat down next to Catherine on the couch. She leaned against him and he wrapped his arm around her while she laid her head on his chest.

“I don’t like the thought of her going out with him.” she said. Emmett sighed.

“I don’t either. Not after what he said to you but you know as well as I do that it is impossible to control Bianca. If I had forbid her to go with him she would have snuck out her window and climbed down the wall to spite me.”

“Will Edward be able to keep her safe if Gregory….” Emmett chuckled and kissed her hair.

“Yes my love. Edward is very capable of handling Gregory.” Catherine kissed him gently and when she pulled away and looked in his eyes she could tell there was something serious on his mind.

“What is wrong?” she asked. He sighed and she swore that his cheeks reddened slightly.

“I’ve been thinking a lot today about being with you last night.” he said. Catherine blushed and nodded. She had been thinking about it a lot today too. “Cat, I don’t want you to be angry with me but we cannot do that again until I am your husband.” he said. Catherine felt disappointment at his words and folded her hands in her lap.

“Why?” she asked. Emmett ran his hand over the back of his neck. Lord knew he wanted to carry her upstairs and make love to her again and again just the way he had in his mind all day but he knew he shouldn’t.

“Because, Cat, I’m not your husband yet. You are a lady and I am supposed to be a gentleman.” he replied matter-of-factly. Catherine looked into his dark eyes and could see the same war playing in them that she had seen last night. The war between his desire to be honorable and his desire for her. It floored her to know that all the desire she saw in his eyes was for her.

She knew that if she really wanted she could easily make him put aside his desires for honor and act on his desires for her but she also knew that he would beat himself up for it later. Emmett was the single most honorable man she knew. He always tried to be a gentleman to everyone, except perhaps Bianca, he took his job of looking out for Catherine’s well being very seriously and had always been there to help her up whenever she was down. Whether it be from Bianca’s insults, stress over having to take care of everything around the home herself or even the loss of her father. She could even remember him helping her when her mother had passed. Of course she had only been six and had been a chubby little girl with big pigtails and knobby knees and he had been ten and covered in scrapes and dirt from climbing the trees behind his home.

She had been crying alone beneath the oak tree in his backyard. She had needed to get away from her house, the guests, the tears and the well wishes. It was all much too overwhelming for her six year old self. She was very grown up for a six year old but still not ready to deal with all the tension.

Emmett had fallen out the tree as she had cried beneath it. She had screamed in fear and then had run to his side convinced that he would be dead. He had stood up laughing and brushing the dirt off of himself. Looking every bit as brave and cavalier at ten as he did now at twenty-six.

“I’m just fine, Cat. Calm down.” he said with a charming smile and dimples on his smooth cheeks. Catherine had tried to wipe the tears from her face. Not wanting Emmett, who was older than her, to call her a baby for crying.

Emmett had reached out and wiped away her tears with his own small hand.

“Sorry about your mother.” he had said. Catherine had broken down again then and Emmett had held her awkwardly but gently in his thin arms. When she had finally calmed down he had walked her back over to her fathers house and had remained by her side the entire rest of the day until his father had demanded he return home. Catherine had only been six but her heart had been lost completely to Emmett from that day forward.

Emmett chuckled and it brought Catherine’s mind out of the past and back to the present.

“I believe I lost you for a moment. What were you thinking about?” he asked kissing her hair. She smiled.

“I was thinking about the way you fell out of that tree and scared me to death that day my mother passed away.” she replied. Emmett couldn’t help but smile.

“Well you know I was doing perfectly fine climbing that tree until this chubby little angel with blond pigtails and big freckles showed up and started crying beneath me. It threw me for a bit of a loop.”

“I still can’t believe you didn’t break your neck.” she said and he grinned. “You just jumped right back to your feet as if nothing had happened. Even back then you were tougher than anyone else I knew.”

“You give me too much credit!” Emmett said with a laugh. “I was not tough I was stubborn. I wasn’t about to let a pretty little girl know just how badly my backside was hurting.” Catherine found herself laughing with him.

“So you are not upset with me for wanting to wait.” Emmett asked his voice becoming more serious. Catherine laid a gentle hand on his cheek.

“Upset, no. Frustrated…yes. But I understand your reasons and I know that you are right. But I also know that you need to become my husband very soon because I don’t know how long I can wait to feel you loving me again.” Catherine was surprised by her own open flirtation but Emmett had awaken a passion and desire in her when he had made love to her, that the prim and proper Catherine had never known was there.

“I will see tomorrow about getting a license.” he said. “But I should warn you, obtaining a marriage license can take a bit of time.”

“Well then Bianca and I will just have to keep ourselves busy with planning the wedding so I don’t think so much about what I am missing….” Catherine replied. Emmett raised an eyebrow and looked at her with disbelief.

“Bianca?” he asked. “Aren’t you worried that she’ll slip sleeping powders into your bouquet so that you pass out at the alter and then she can proceed to kidnap me and…” Catherine didn’t let him finish before covering his mouth with her hand.

“Hush.” she said. “Bianca and I had a very nice talk today and I think we are really going to be real sisters from now on. I am sure she will be more than happy to help me plan our wedding.” Catherine pulled her hand from his lips but not before he kissed her palm. She felt heat from her toes to her scalp and quickly stood up.

“Well sir, if we are going to keep your honor intact I’m afraid we are going to have to do something to keep ourselves busy.” she said smoothing out her skirt. Emmett nodded.

“Yes I agree. Although it is your honor I am worried about. Not my own.” he said matter-of-factly. “I am curious though. This talk you had with Bianca, did it come before or after Edward had to pull the two of you apart? He says you were snarling and attacking each other worse than two junkyard dogs.”

Catherine blushed and looked away from him. She walked over to the larger couch and started fluffing out the pillows to avoid having to look back at him.

“Emmett Masters, a gentleman would never remind a lady about her less than ladylike behavior.” she scolded. Emmett laughed and tossed one of the pillows from the small couch at her very lovely backside that was wiggling deliciously as she fluffed up the pillows. Catherine squealed and turned quickly to face him.

“You are horrible!” she said but he could see the amusement shining in her green eyes as she smiled happily at him.

“I know.” Emmett agreed walking to her and taking her in his arms. “Are you going to answer my question?” he asked. Catherine sighed as she leaned into him enjoying his warmth and strength.

“A little happened before Edward arrived and a little happened after.” she said. Emmett rubbed his hands in gentle circles along her back and breathed in the rose scent of her. She was soft and warm in his arms. He quickly pulled away from her and cleared his throat.

“You are right madam. If we are going to keep my honor intact we are going to have to keep ourselves busy.” he said. Catherine laughed lightly.

“But I thought it was my honor you were worried about.” she reminded him. He shook his head.

“Devil woman.” he said teasingly. Just then his stomach growled loudly enough that she could hear it clearly.

“Are you hungry?” she asked. He could see her caretaker instincts kicking in as she started toward the kitchen before he had even answered. He grabbed her arm to stop her.

“You don’t have to cook, Cat. We could walk into town and eat something.” he said. Catherine looked down at her plain blue dress and shook her head.

“I am not dressed for that. And truthfully I don’t feel like taking the time to get ready to go out. I don’t mind cooking for you, Emmett.” she said. “I have always enjoyed taking care of you.” Emmett enjoyed her taking care of him too, of course his thoughts were focused more around the bedroom than the kitchen. He shook his head to refocus his thoughts.

“Fine. Then allow me to cook for you.” he said. Catherine laughed loudly and had to grab onto the couch for support. When she finally calmed and wiped a tear from her eye Emmett looked insulted.

“Oh my love…. I should not have laughed at you. I’m sorry.” she said but she could not get the amused grin off of her face.

“What is so funny about my offer?” he asked. Catherine could tell that he truly was insulted but she still could not keep herself from smiling.

“I was remembering the last time you offered to cook me dinner. Remember it was just after my father passed away and I was ill. Bianca was being her usual insensitive self and you came to the rescue determined to save the day. You locked yourself in the kitchen determined to make the best dinner I had ever eaten….” Catherine broke down into another fit of laughter. She knew it was not ladylike to laugh at someone else’s expense but she just could not help herself when she thought back to the charred plates of blackened food, most of which Catherine had not even been able to identify.

Emmett got caught up in Catherine’s happiness and found himself laughing as well.

“You must not have thought it was too bad. I mean after all you ate it.” he said. Catherine nodded as she again tried to compose herself and wiped tears from her face.

“I did not want to hurt your feelings.” she replied. “You looked so proud when you sat it on the table in front of me.”

“I love you, Cat.” Emmett said his eyes suddenly looking more intense and serious. Catherine felt her breath catch in her throat.

“I love you too.” she replied. Emmett quickly cleared his throat knowing that if he had continued to stare at her and see the look in her eyes as she stared back at him he was never going to keep his word about being honorable.

“Well, since I don’t want you doing all the work yourself and you refuse to let me in the kitchen alone, why don’t we cook dinner together?” he asked. Catherine smiled happily and Emmett followed her into the kitchen.

After dinner was eaten and the dishes cleaned Catherine and Emmett went back to the living room. Emmett started a fire in the fireplace and they settled down together on the couch. Catherine with her knitting and Emmett with his newspaper.

They were enjoying the comfortable silence. Neither feeling the need to say anything to fill the quiet. They had the comfortable intimacy of two people who knew each other well enough to simply enjoy being in each others presence without needing conversation or meaningless words.

Both let out startled gasps when the door burst open and Bianca ran in. She slammed the door behind her and when she saw them both sitting on the couch she looked scared to death, covered her face and ran up the stairs to her room.

“I don’t remember seeing that you had given her a black eye before.” Emmett said looking over at Catherine with alarm. Catherine’s eyes were wide as she shook her head.

“That’s because I didn’t give her one.” she replied.

“Son of a bitch!” Emmett yelled angrily and he took off up the stairs taking them three at a time. True he did not like Bianca. She had made his life miserable for as long as he could remember but still he looked at her as a sister. A horrible, self-centered, spoiled brat of a sister but a sister none the less. He would kill whoever had given her that black eye. If it was Gregory then he would go home, get his gun and go hunt that man down tonight.

Emmett was barely aware of Catherine behind him as he slammed his fist into Bianca’s door.

“Go away Emmett.” Bianca said from inside.

“Let me in.” he said angrily.

“No.” Bianca replied. Emmett growled angrily and then without warning he kicked the door hard enough to break the lock and make the door swing open. Bianca screamed from where she was sitting in tears on the bed.

“What do you think you are doing!” she demanded trying to use her long dark curls to hide the bruise on her face.

“What happened to you?” he demanded. Catherine pushed past him and wet a cloth with the water in the wash basin before going to Bianca and gently cleaning the dried blood that had come from the small gash on her cheekbone.

“Nothing.” Bianca said taking the cloth from Catherine and cleaning her face herself.

“Don’t tell me it was nothing… I suppose you fell off the carriage and attacked the cobblestone street with your face?” Emmett demanded. Bianca rolled her eyes and glared up at him.

“No.” she replied.

“Was it Gregory?” Catherine asked gently. Bianca sighed and closed her eyes. She nodded her head so gently it was barely noticeable and Emmett growled in a very angry and ungentlemanly manner.

“I’ll kill him!” he said. Catherine jumped up and laid her hand on his arm trying to calm him. She had never seen him so angry except perhaps for the time that Catherine had left the house one day without telling him where she had gone and he had been this angry then and had scolded her soundly when she’d returned home that night after dark.

“Calm down, Emmett. You don’t have to.” Bianca said. Catherine looked at her sister.

“What happened?” she asked. Bianca snorted.

“I took your advice and this is what it got me.” she said pointing to her face.

“Took my advice about what?” Catherine asked.

“I tried to end it with Gregory. I told him that I wanted a man who would one day become my husband and when he laughed and said he was not interested in marriage I told him that I was going to have to cut our date short. He became angry and unreasonable. I yelled for Edward but before Edward could get the carriage stopped and come to my aid Gregory hit me.” she replied.

“Where are Gregory and Edward now?” Catherine asked.

“Yeah and why the hell did Edward let you come back home alone?” Emmett added.

“Gregory and Edward were both a bit too preoccupied with other things to worry about how I got home. An officer gave me a ride.” she replied.

“Police officer?” Catherine asked and Bianca nodded.

“So where is Edward and where can I find Gregory so I can kill him?” Emmett asked.

“Well the last I saw of Gregory he was wishing that he was dead sitting on the street with what looked like a broken nose while they loaded Edward onto the police carriage and took him to jail.” Bianca replied.

“Edward is in jail?” Catherine demanded.

“Yes. He whooped Gregory very soundly for laying hands on me.” Bianca replied unable to keep from smiling slightly at his chivalrous behavior. She had never had a man come to her defense before and found it quite charming.

“Emmett, you have to go down to the police department and bail him out. This is horrible. How could they lock him up when he was defending a woman?” Emmett felt some of his anger melting away as he saw the distraught look on Catherine’s face. He hugged her comfortingly and kissed her hair.

“Are you okay, Bianca?” he asked. Bianca rolled her eyes.

“Don’t act like you care, Emmett. You’ve never cared before.” she said. Emmett was about to respond but Catherine beat him to it.

“Don’t you dare lash out at Emmett, Bianca!” she said angrily and Emmett was impressed. It made him so proud to see her finally standing up to her sister. “He is concerned about you and you could at least have the decency to act grateful!” she added.

“Perfect Catherine and her perfect Emmett!” Bianca replied flopping herself down on the bed. “Go get some salve for my face, Catherine it is killing me.” she added.

“I did feel sorry for you, Bianca, until about a minute ago. I no longer do. You can put salve on your own damn bruise because I will not do it for you.” Catherine said and then she grabbed Emmett’s hand and pulled him out of the room.

Once they were back in the sitting room Emmett grabbed Catherine and kissed her soundly on the lips. She looked up at him.

“Do you realize that you cursed up there?” he asked, his dark eyes teasing. Catherine thought back to her words and gasped as she recalled that she had indeed said damn.

“I was angry.” she replied defensively. Emmett chuckled and kissed her hair.

“I am very proud of you.” he said. “It is about time you quit letting her walk all over you.” Then he opened the door and stepped outside.

“I must go and get Edward out of jail and figure out what can be done with Gregory. What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“I am going to the shelter in the morning and then I have a luncheon with Gladice Schwan to discuss a dance she is wanting me to help her host.” Emmett looked down at her with amusement.

“Do you think perhaps you could pencil me into your social calendar for dinner?” he asked. “And not just dinner here. I want to take you out and show you off.” he added. Catherine blushed. She had never imagined a man wanting to show her off before.

“Of course.” she said. Emmett lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her deeply not caring if the nosy neighbors got an eyeful.

He gave her one last charming smile and then started the long walk into town.

Chapter Seven

“You look absolutely stunning tonight Cat.” Emmett said as he took her by her hand and spun her around so he could see every inch of her. It was the next night and as promised Emmett was picking her up to take her into town for dinner.

Catherine blushed when his eyes scanned over her hungrily and she knew she had done a good job making her dress. It was dark blue and made her pale skin look porcelain. Her blond hair was only half up and most of it hung down her back in long blond waves. Her dress was strapless and she wore a matching wrap across her shoulders and gloves of the same deep blue that came to her elbows.

Emmett was sure he had never seen her look more beautiful than she did right now.

“You look very handsome yourself.” she replied. He smiled and then held out his arm. He led her outside and she saw that the carriage was nowhere to be seen.

“I thought we could walk.” he said in answer to her unspoken question. “It is such a beautiful night and besides I gave Edward the night off to go out and relax. I figured that after last night he deserved it.”

Catherine nodded as they strolled arm in arm down the street.

“How is Bianca?” he asked after several quiet moments. Catherine sighed.

“As prickly and hateful as always.” she replied. “Yesterday I really thought she was going to try to change but now I’m not so sure.”

“Bianca is a grown woman now, Catherine. We can’t worry about her anymore. She is going to do what she wants to do and there is not much we can do about it.” he said patting her arm. She nodded and laid her head on his shoulder as they walked.

They made small talk until they arrived at the restaurant and found themselves laughing all through dinner. Only when Catherine saw Peter sitting alone in the corner did she stop smiling.

“What’s wrong?” Emmett asked noticing the sudden change in her mood.

“I just noticed that Peter is alone and that he can see us.” she replied. Emmett sighed. Peter Walsh again. That man had a way of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Invite him over… Maybe
he’ll
help you plan the wedding since Bianca seems to be a no go.” Catherine’s eyes widened and then turned angry.

“Emmett, I can’t believe you said that! I thought you were a gentleman!” she said. Emmett raised his eyebrow and took a sip of his water.

“The man wants to marry you. Sorry if I don’t feel sorry for him.” he said. Catherine had never noticed Emmett’s jealous nature before. It irritated her but boosted her confidence a little too. She reached across the table and laid her hand over his.

“Emmett, you have no reason to be jealous. I am yours, my love.” she said softly. Emmett gave her hand a squeeze but shrugged.

“I am not jealous.” he said matter of factly. “I just don’t like Peter Walsh.” Catherine tried to fight the smile that was forming on her lips but found she could not. Before Emmett could try to defend himself further Edward came bursting into the small restaurant and to their table.

“Edward, what’s wrong?” Emmett demanded as he stood.

“Miss Bianca has been attacked.” he said. Catherine gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.

“Attacked? Someone came into our home..?” she said. Edward shook his head.

“No. She decided to go out tonight. She did not make it far from your home when I heard her screaming. I saw Gregory running away but I did not have time to worry about him.”

“Is she ok?” Emmett asked. Edward nodded.

“She is shaken up and has now has matching black eyes but other than that she appears to be fine. I contacted the police but they cannot find Gregory anywhere.”

“Is she at home?” Catherine asked. Edward shook his head.

“No she is out in the carriage. I did not feel comfortable leaving her at home alone.” he replied. Catherine quickly ran out of the restaurant. She climbed into the carriage and wrapped Bianca tightly in her arms.

Bianca did not resist the contact. Instead she buried herself deep in her big sisters arms and cried.

888

“Catherine, stop being such a mother hen! I am fine! It’s been almost a month!” Bianca said her voice full of exasperation and irritation. Catherine pulled the brush away from Bianca’s hair and sat it down on the vanity.

“I’m sorry Bianca.” she said. Though the police, Emmett and Edward had searched for Gregory he had gotten away. Bianca had not left the house since Gregory had attacked her and Catherine had dedicated every second of her time to trying to take care of her little sister.

“Why in the world are you and Emmett not married yet?” Bianca demanded suddenly. Catherine just sat there not knowing the answer.

“I don’t know. He has not mentioned it since…” Her voice trailed off.

“Since I got attacked.” Bianca finished. Catherine nodded. “You two love each other. There is no reason for you not to be married yet.”

“Bianca, Emmett spends every spare second of his day prowling around here like a guard dog. He doesn’t ever seem to just sit and relax anymore. He rarely smiles or laughs even. He just looks out the windows and checks the door locks. It’s like he is expecting Gregory to burst through the door at any second.” Catherine said standing up and pacing the floors. Bianca had never remembered seeing Catherine look so on edge.

“You can’t place all the blame on Emmett.” Bianca scolded and Catherine looked over at her. Since when had Bianca become the level-headed sister that did the scolding? “You have been so busy playing mother hen to me you have not been spending any time with him.”

“I think I liked you better when you were whiny and self-centered.” Catherine said as she sat down in the arm chair. Bianca smiled.

“I still like to whine and I am very self-centered but I also can see how crazy both you and Emmett are becoming and I don’t like it very much.” she replied. Catherine looked over at her and could tell there was something serious on her mind.

“What is it Bianca? You look like you are wanting to tell me something.” she said. Bianca sighed.

“I don’t want to live here anymore.” she said matter of factly. Catherine looked at her questioningly.

“What do you mean? You’ll have this house to yourself as soon as Emmett and I get married.” she said. Bianca shook her head.

“That’s not what I mean. I want out of this city. I want to move somewhere where no one knows my name or my less then lady like reputation. Somewhere where I can start fresh and not have to worry that that monster is going to be lurking behind every shadow.” Bianca said.

“Where do you want to go?” Catherine asked. Bianca sighed.

“West somewhere. Somewhere where the land and the people are more wild and untamed. Somewhere that I don’t have to feel ashamed that I’m not a prim and proper lady… Because let’s face it, no matter how hard I try I will never be like you.”

“I’m not so perfect.” Catherine assured her. Bianca just laughed and shook her head.

“Do you think I’m crazy?” she asked. Catherine sat in silence for several long moments just staring down at the rug on the floor. Bianca wondered what her sister was thinking.

“I’ll talk to Emmett. Where do you want to go? Kansas? Wyoming? I’m sure that we could find a place big enough for all of us out there.” Catherine said finally. Bianca looked at her sister as if she’d lost her mind. She had expected an argument. She had expected to have to leave without Catherine or Emmett’s blessing and here was her sister telling her that not only could she leave but that they would come with her.

“You would leave your life here just to make me happy?” Bianca asked. She should have expected it she supposed. Catherine always did everything she could to make sure everyone around her was happy.

“Of course I would. You are my sister.” Catherine replied. “Besides this city is getting too crowded anyways. You are living in fear. Emmett is so darn fixated on playing protector he can’t relax and Edward is nearly as bad as he is. And me…. Well to tell you the truth I am getting awfully tired of always having to be the prim and proper lady. I would enjoy living somewhere where I could let my hair down and dig in the dirt. Grow a garden. Have some animals…” Bianca laughed as she could tell Catherine became lost in a daydream.

“How about Texas?” Bianca asked. Catherine looked over at her and smiled.

“Texas it is.” she replied. Bianca frowned.

“Do you really think you can talk Emmett into it?” she asked. Catherine laughed and waved her hand in a way that reminded Bianca of herself.

“Have you ever known a time when I couldn’t get Emmett to do what I wanted?” she asked. Bianca shook her head. “That’s part of being a lady…. You see a lady always gets what she wants.” Catherine added with a grin. Bianca laughed.

Catherine looked at her little sister and smiled happily. She hated to admit it but Bianca being attacked may just end up being the best thing that had ever happened. She and Bianca laughed and joked more now.. They still butted heads now and then but no more then every other set of sisters in the world. And now they were going to get out of this city.. All of them and start a new life and a new chapter.

Catherine stood up and smoothed out her skirts.

“Time to find the guard dog and have a little talk with him.” she said. Bianca crossed her fingers.

“Good luck.” she said. Catherine nodded and left the room. Surprisingly Emmett was not down in her sitting room like he had been earlier in the day. She checked the rest of the house but he was not there. She opened the door and found Edward sitting on the front stoop. She rolled her eyes when she nearly tripped over him.

“Edward, what on earth are you doing sitting outside the door? You are more than welcome to come into my house you know.” she said. Edward nodded and tipped his hat.

“I was just sitting here for a moment, Miss Catherine. Emmett had to run home to do a few things and he wanted me to stay and.. Uh.. Keep watch.” he replied. Catherine shook her head and laid her hand on Edwards arm.

“You men have got to calm down or else you are going to drive yourselves, and me, crazy. There is no crazy psycho waiting out there to strike any moment. It was just a jilted lover seeking revenge but he is gone now.” she said. Edward nodded but she had known him nearly as long as she had known Emmett and she could tell he was not convinced.

“I’m going to go talk to Emmett.” Catherine said with a sigh. She started across the street but then turned back to face Edward who looked at her questioningly.

“Edward?” she said.

“Yes?” he asked.

“How are you with a pistol?” she asked. Edward raised a brow and shrugged.

“Fair I guess. Why?”

“Because we’re moving to Texas and I hear it is pretty wild out there. It is probably a good thing to know how to use a pistol.” Catherine replied. She didn’t give him time to reply before turning and walking away. Edward wondered what in the world she was talking about as he scratched his head and watched her walk into Emmett’s house.

Catherine walked into Emmett’s house but the sitting room was empty. She called his name softly but he didn’t answer. She walked up the stairs to his bedroom and found the door open. She walked in and smiled.

His hair was still wet and she could tell he had just taken a bath. He looked like he’d been in the process of pulling his shoes back on when he had passed out asleep on the bed. She knew he had not been sleeping much the last few weeks and she had been worried about him.

Catherine decided that the conversation could wait until later. She grabbed a spare quilt from the hall closet and walked back into the bedroom. She pulled his legs up onto the bed and took off the one shoe he had managed to get one before falling asleep. She was just covering him up with the quilt when his hand grabbed her arm. She let out a startled gasp and then looked at him apologetically.

“I’m sorry love.” she said. “I didn’t mean to wake you.” Emmett just smiled and pulled her down into the bed. She stretched out on her side against him and laid her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms tight around her. They lay there in silence for several minutes. Catherine just let herself enjoy being held by him. It had been a while since he had just held her in his arms.

“Why are we not married yet?” Emmett asked his voice quiet. Catherine looked up at him.

“I am afraid you have to ask yourself that question love. You never got that license you talked about.” she replied. Emmett closed his eyes and sighed. She could see lines of guilt on his face and she raised her hand to try to smooth them away.

“I am sorry, Cat. I have just not been myself the last few weeks. I am afraid I went a little crazy.” he said. Catherine smiled and kissed his cheek.

“We’ve all been a little crazy the last few weeks.” she replied. Emmett looked into her eyes and smiled. Leave it to Catherine to try to make him feel better after he’d treated her so badly.

“I have not been paying enough attention to you.” he said. Catherine sighed.

“You’ve had a lot on your mind.” she replied. “Of course I barely even remember what it feels like to kiss you.” Emmett smiled and laid a hand on both of her cheeks.

“Allow me to remind you.” he said. He pulled her lips to his and kissed her passionately. The tension of the last few weeks seemed to melt away as their lips touched, tasted and remembered each other.

When Emmett finally pulled away, Catherine’s eyes were half closed, her cheeks flushed and her breathing a little harsher.

“When I first woke up I got the impression that there was something you were wanting to talk to me about.” Emmett said as she laid her head back on his chest and he ran his hands through her long hair.

“Yes.” she replied.

“Well don’t keep me in suspense woman.” he said teasingly. Catherine toyed with the button on his shirt wondering how to go about convincing him to move out west.

“I was not just trying to make you feel better when I said that we have all been crazy the last few weeks.” she said. “Bianca won’t leave the house, you and Edward are both like guard dogs on high alert, and I have been so caught up in trying to hold it all together that I truly feel as if I am about to shatter apart.” Emmett squeezed her tight and kissed her hair.

“I’m sorry I didn’t notice how hard this was on you.” he said gently. Catherine shook her head.

“I’m not trying to make you feel guilty, Emmett.” she said. “But I was thinking that maybe we all just need to get away from here.”

“You want to take a holiday?” he asked.

“No. I actually had something more permanent in mind.” she said. Emmett looked up at the ceiling wondering what was going on in that mind of hers.

“You want to move?” he asked. Catherine nodded against his chest.

“Yes. Bianca does too. She wants to go somewhere where not everyone knows about her or her reputation….”

“I’m afraid I cannot get us to the moon.” Emmett said teasingly and Catherine slapped his stomach.

“Hush.” she scolded. “She wants to go somewhere where she can start fresh.” Emmett twirled some of her long blond hair around his finger.

“What about you?” he asked. “Why do you want to move?” He would not put it past her to simply say that she wanted to move in order to make her sister happy. It was something that he knew Catherine would do in a heartbeat.

“I want to get away from here as well.” she said. She heard Emmett’s snort of disbelief and she raised up to look at him.

“I’m serious.” she said. “I am sick and tired of living right here in the middle of society. I am tired of having to act like the picture of perfection. The prim and proper lady every time I walk out the door. I am tired of satiny dresses and gloves. I want to live somewhere where things can be simpler.” she said.

“I don’t have a bit of a problem if you never want to put on another satiny dress again.” he said running his finger along the neckline of the purple dress she was wearing. He could see the passion enter her eyes but she pushed his hand away.

“Emmett, I mean what I am saying.” she said. Emmett nodded.

“I can tell. When you lie, not that it is very often, your cheeks get red and you get this guilty little grin.” he said. Catherine raised her finger to her lips.

“I do?” she asked. He nodded and kissed her forehead.

“Cat, I will do anything, go anywhere, just as long as I’m with you.” he said and Catherine sighed with relief. She might have spoken with confidence to Bianca and Edward but she really had not known if Emmett would go along with her plan.

“So where did you ladies decide you wanted to move to?” he asked. Catherine bit her lip… This was the other part of the plan she wasn’t sure he’d go along with.

“Texas.” she replied. Emmett’s eyes widened and he looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

“Texas? Most of that land is barely settled!” he said. Catherine nodded.

“That’s the point.” she replied. “We can build our own lives.”

“I don’t know a thing about cattle or any of the other industries that are big out there.” Emmett said. Catherine rolled her eyes dramatically and he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Really Emmett? Is that the best reason you can come up with not to move? Between the fortune your father left you and the fortune that my father left Bianca and I, we don’t really have worry about cattle and whatever other businesses are out there. Add to that the money you are making off your investment with the railroad and I think it’s safe to say we’ll survive.”

“I wouldn’t have even made the investment if you had not talked me into it.” Emmett reminded her. She smiled.

“See… All the more reason you need to listen to me now. This will be good for all of us.” she said. “You and Edward never did fit the part of proper city gentlemen. You have always enjoyed climbing trees, getting dirty, working with your hands. All of that will be far more acceptable there than it is here.”

“No more tuxedos?” Emmett asked hopefully. He had always hated tuxedos and top hats. Catherine smiled and nodded.

“No more top hats either.” she added.

“I think this is insane.” he said but Catherine could tell by the look in his eyes that he was thinking about it.

“You should not call me insane, Emmett.” she teased. “It is hardly polite.”

“Can I call you beautiful?” he asked. Catherine acted as if she thought about it for a moment and then nodded.

“Yes that would be ok.” she said. Emmett smiled used a hand to pull her face down to his so that he could kiss her again. Catherine moaned his name when his other hand moved from her hip, to her waist and then up higher to her chest. Emmett knew if he didn’t get out of this bed with her soon he was not going to be able to keep himself from making love to her.

He tried to pull away from her but she shook her head and pressed her lips harder against his. Emmett growled low in his throat and grabbed her face in his hands and pulled her head away.

“Cat, I might be honorable my love but I am still just a man and my strength and resistance can only go so far.” he said. Catherine smiled and laid her finger on his lips.

“Thank goodness.” she said. “Because I really really want you to be less than honorable right now.” Emmett quickly stood from the bed and Catherine thought he was going to tell her no but then she saw the intensity in his eyes as he stared at her and knew he wasn’t.

He unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off and Catherine felt her blood pumping hotter at the sight of his bare chest. He slid out of his pants and then joined her back in the bed bracing himself over her and kissing her passionately. He moved his lips to her ear, her neck, her collarbone. She moaned his name beneath him and he smiled.

He tried to move his lips back to hers but she turned her head and managed to raise her hand to his lips to block them from kissing her. He looked at her questioningly.

“Does this mean we’re moving?” she asked. Emmett laughed and Catherine was thrilled to see the mischievous glint was back in his eyes.

“I’ll go anywhere you want, Cat. Anywhere with you.” he replied.

“Good.” Catherine said. She moved her hand away from his mouth and raised her lips to his.

Chapter Eight

“This house is beautiful!” Bianca declared as she entered the large white farmhouse. Catherine stood outside and just looked up at the house in awe. It was so much larger then the small townhouses they had lived in back east. This looked like a true home. One made for a family.

“Do you like it Cat?” Emmett asked slipping his arm around her waist.

“I love it.” she replied. “I cannot believe you found it so quickly. It has only been three weeks since I told you I wanted to move.”

“I would and could do anything for you, Cat.” he replied. “This should also be the perfect place for a wedding.” he added. Catherine smiled and threw her arms around his neck.

“I love you.” she said.

“I love you too.” he replied kissing her nose. Edward walked away from them and out toward the large barn and corral behind the house.

“Catherine, get in here and look at this place!” Bianca yelled from inside. Catherine ran up the porch steps and laid a hand on the round white pillars on the porch before walking in the large oak door.

The floors of the house were solid wood and their was a large staircase in front of her leading to a second story.

Catherine walked away from the steps and down a short hallway into a beautiful yet simple sitting room. There was a long sofa and two arm chairs in front of a large fireplace.

“Emmett, this is amazing.” she said looking down at the beautiful rug on the oak floor. Emmett wrapped his arms around her from behind and pressed his lips to her ear.

“You should see the bedroom.” he whispered. She smiled and leaned against him.

“It was an awfully long train ride.” she replied. They were interrupted when Bianca came bouncing back down the stairs.

“There is only one problem here Emmett.” she said. Emmett sighed.
Of course there was…..

“What is that Bianca?” he asked trying to keep his full irritation with her out of his voice. Catherine was right when she said it had been a very long train ride and Bianca had worn on his patience the entire time.

“There are only two bedrooms.” she said. “Where are you going to sleep?”

“Bianca….” Catherine started but Emmett held up his hand.

“Actually I have to leave.” Catherine grabbed his arm and he turned her around to face him.

“What are you talking about?” she demanded. “You cannot leave. We just got here.” He sighed.

“I know my love but I have to finish things up back east. I have to finalize the money transfers and sales on the town houses and see about that marriage license. I’ll be gone a few weeks but the day I return I want you to have a reverend ready to marry us because there 
are
only two bedrooms here other than the bunkhouse outside and it wouldn’t’ be proper to share a room unless we’re husband and wife.”

“Emmett, this isn’t fair. I do not want you to go. I am going to miss you too badly.” Emmett could see the sadness in her green eyes and knew that it was echoed in his.

“Cat, I have to go and get these few things done and then I will come back and drive you crazy every day for the rest of my life.” Catherine shook her head.

“Emmett I…” Emmett cut her off by pulling her into his arms and kissing her passionately.

“Um… I think that I will go get Edward to help me bring my things inside. I should be busy for well over an hour so don’t’ worry about me.” Bianca said. She laughed when neither Catherine nor Emmett seemed to hear her. She quickly turned and walked outside to find Edward.

“I want to make love to you before I leave.” Emmett said. Catherine bit her lip and smiled as she pressed herself closer against him.

“You’ll need to make it good my love. It has to last me awhile.” she whispered in his ear. Emmett chuckled and then lifted her up into his arms. Her eyes widened in surprise.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Showing you to your bedroom.” he replied. She laid a trail of kisses down his neck and smiled when she heard him moan and felt him stiffen beneath her. He started up the stairs while she continued to nibble his neck.

“Don’t you mean our bedroom my love?” she asked. He opened the bedroom door and walked inside.

“Yes, my cat. Our bedroom.” He carried her to the bed and stood her up next to it. He walked behind her and began kissing the back of her neck. She shivered beneath his lips and he slowly unbuttoned her dress. It fell to the floor and he walked back around to face her.

“I’m going to miss seeing that.” he said as she undid her hair and it cascaded in long blond waves around her shoulders. “Cat, my love, I am so lucky to have you.”

“You will always have me darling.” she replied.

888

Catherine ran her hands down his bare sweat covered chest as she laid her head on his shoulder. They laid there in silence basking in the afterglow of the love they had made and finally Catherine raised up on her arm to look at him.

“Emmett, are you ok?” she asked. He looked at her and smiled warmly but she could see the sadness in his eyes.

“I am more than ok, Cat. I am just not looking forward to being apart from you.”

“I am not looking forward to having you be apart from me either.” she admitted. “However, as soon as you get back I will become your wife so that is something to look forward to.”

“I never thought I deserved you Cat. You are the most amazing woman in the world. You try so hard to take care of everyone and once I return and become your husband I will take care of you for the rest of my life. You will have everything you ever want, my love.”

“All I want is you, Emmett.” Catherine replied honestly. “Only you forever.” Emmett groaned and kissed her lightly.

“I must be leaving.” he said. The two of them got up and redressed and Emmett walked downstairs while Catherine went down the hall to Bianca’s room.

“Emmett is getting ready to leave if you wish to tell him goodbye.” she told her sister.

“Alright I’m coming.” Bianca replied.

A few moments later the three of them were standing out in the yard next to the wagon where Edward was waiting patiently to drive Emmett to the train station in town.

“You had better come back to my sister quickly Emmett. She will be lost without you.” Bianca said. Though Emmett still was not fond of Bianca even he had to admit that she had changed a great deal since she’d been attacked. She was much easier to be around nowadays.

“And I will be just as lost without her.” Emmett replied looking into Catherine’s eyes. He hugged Catherine tightly and kissed her passionately.

“I will miss you, darling.” he said after he’d pulled his lips away from hers. “Remember to have a dress, flowers, reverend and whatever else you want ready when I return so I can finally become your husband.” Catherine nodded and fought to keep her tears from falling.

“Goodbye, Bianca. Take care of your sister while I am away. I should be back within a months time.” He climbed up in the carriage quickly though he had to force his feet to move.

“I love you Catherine.” he said.

“I love you too.” she replied and then Emmett nodded to Edward and they pulled away in the wagon. Catherine watched until they were out of sight and then broke down in tears. Bianca looked at her uncomfortably for a moment. She was not good with taking care of others.

“Catherine, don’t cry.” she said awkwardly. She put her arm around her sister. “Come on let’s go inside.” Catherine let Bianca lead her into the house and close the door.

888

The weeks dragged on but Catherine and Bianca were able to pass the time by getting Edward, who had stayed with them while Emmett was gone, to teach them how to ride the horses and drive the wagon. They went to the town an hour away several times to shop for the wedding and made several friends and acquaintances. They even had lunch with the reverend in town and he had agreed to marry Catherine and Emmett as soon as Emmett returned.

Emmett was due back any day and Catherine was working out in the flower garden she had planted trying to pass the time and keep her mind off of how badly she was missing him. Her blue skirt, white blouse and cream colored apron were covered in dirt. Her blond hair was pulled back on her head but she had many wispy flyaway hairs around her dirt and sweat covered face.

She knew that her proper lady friends back east would disown her if they could see the way she looked right now with dirt up to her elbows from digging in the soil but she did not care. She was happier than she had ever been, except for the fact that Emmett was not with her.

Catherine stood straight and wiped her dirty hands on her apron as a man on horseback approached the house. As he got closer she saw the sun glint off the metal star on his chest and recognized him as sheriff Helms.

“Hello Sheriff. I wasn’t expecting company this morning.” she said politely. “What can I do for you?” Richard Helms jumped from his horse and took off his stetson hat. He did not want to be the one to tell Catherine this. She was such a sweet, gentle woman and he did not want to have to be the one to hurt her.

“Actually ma’am, I have some news for you.” he said. He glanced over at the house. “Is there anyone else home with you?”

“My sister is in the house.” she replied nervously. “And Edward is out in the barn. What kind of news is it?” she asked even though she didn’t think she really wanted to know.

“Perhaps we should go inside.” Richard said motioning toward the house. Catherine put a hand on her hip and sighed.

“Please just tell me why you’re here.” she said bravely though she could feel fear clawing at her heart. He looked down at the ground and kicked the dust with his boot.

“Well ma’am there was an attack.” he said.

“An attack?” Catherine said with confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“There was an attack on your fiance’s train.” he said and he could see the disbelief in her eyes. “I hate to have to be the one to tell you this but they are saying that there were no survivors and unfortunately the bandits burned the train and so they were unable to recover any bodies.”

Catherine felt the ground begin to move beneath her feet. The world seemed to be spinning. She let out a blood curdling scream, yelling Emmett’s name and then the world went black and she fell.

Chapter Nine

“Sheriff, how did this happen?” Bianca asked with misty eyes as she, Edward and the sheriff sat at the kitchen table. Catherine was still unconscious on the living room couch.

“Well ma’am, some bandits attacked the train thinking that there was money on board I guess. They murdered everyone on board and then burned the train leaving us with no bodes to return to the families.” he replied taking a sip of the bitter coffee that Bianca had made. He tried to keep a straight face as he swallowed the horrible stuff and sat his cup back on the table.

“I am really sorry about this. Do you want me to get the doctor out here to have a look at her?” he asked. Bianca shook her head.

“No, that won’t be necessary.” she said. “I will take care of her.” Bianca knew this was her chance to take care of her big sister the way Catherine had always taken care of her.  She just hoped her sister would be able to move on without Emmett. Bianca could hardly believe that Emmett was gone. He had been a part of their lives, their entire lives and now he was just gone….

“If you ladies need anything don’t hesitate to ask. Out here we take care of each other.” Richard said standing up and walking toward the door.

“Thank you, sheriff.” Edward said. “I’ll walk you out.” The two men left the house.

“Bianca! Bianca, where are you!” Catherine yelled from the sitting room. Bianca jumped up and ran to her sister.

“I’m here, Catherine. I’m right here.” she said. Catherine was sitting up in her dirty clothes and apron. Her tears had made trails down her dirty face and Bianca could see the desperation in her eyes.

“He’s gone, Bianca. Emmett is gone.”

“I know.” Bianca replied trying to sound strong.

“What am I going to do?” Catherine broke down again. “What am I going to do without him?” Bianca held her sister tightly in her arms as Catherine sobbed. Bianca felt tears running down her own cheeks as well and tried to stop them. Her sister had always been strong for her.  Now was her chance to be strong for her sister.

“You are going to pick yourself up and keep going.” Bianca replied. “Emmett would not have wanted this to stop you from living happily.”

“But how can I live happily without him?” Catherine asked desperately. Bianca smiled at her sister and pushed a stray strand of her blond hair behind her ear.

“I don’t know.” she replied honestly. “It will take time I suppose. I’m going to go get Edward to come sit with you and then I’ll go upstairs and heat you a bath and lay you out a gown to sleep in. You can get cleaned up and rest for a while.”

“Bianca, can I ask you a favor?”

“I’ll do whatever I can.” Bianca replied.

“Can I have your room? I just do not want to have to go back in that room where he and I…. That was supposed to be our room.” Catherine said. Bianca hugged her again.

“Of course I will. While you take a bath Edward and I will move all of your things into my room and I’ll take yours.” Bianca looked at her sister and felt fear creep into her. Catherine’s eyes, which moments ago had looked sad and desperate, now were blank and lifeless. Her face held no expression.

“You are going to be okay, Catherine.” Bianca said just as much to reassure herself as her sister. She got up and walked onto porch to find Edward standing there looking to be in just as much pain as she was over the loss of Emmett.

“Will you sit with Catherine while I get a bath ready?” Bianca asked. “I am worried about leaving her alone. She just looks so lost.”

“Of course, Bianca.” he replied. They had all decided that the formality that they had shown each other back east just didn’t seem to be needed out here. “I cannot believe that this has happened.”

“Neither can I. But we must not show our sadness. We must be strong for Catherine now. She will need us, we are the only family she has left.” Edward nodded and walked into the sitting room while Bianca went upstairs to heat some water for Catherine’s bath.

“Catherine, is there anything I can get for you?” Edward asked her. She just stared off into space seeming not to hear him. Edward had never seen her like this before. He grabbed a blanket off the chair and draped it over her shoulders. Bianca came downstairs a short time later and walked into the sitting room.

“Your bath is ready, Catherine. Come on and I’ll help you upstairs.” Bianca grabbed her sisters arm and helped her stand. Catherine’s eyes were still blank and as Bianca led her toward the stairs it was as if Catherine was a zombie or some other undead thing. Bianca led her upstairs to the bathroom. She untied Catherine’s apron and began to undo her dress but Catherine stopped her.

“I would like to be alone for a while.” she said her voice void of any emotion. Bianca looked at her uncertainly. “Don’t worry sister. I’ll be fine.” Catherine added. Bianca forced a smile and left the bathroom.

Catherine stepped out of her soiled dress and let loose her hair. She looked at herself in the full length mirror and began to cry silent tears. Never again would she hear Emmett’s deep voice telling her how beautiful he thought she was. Never again would she feel those rough calloused hands gently touching her body with expert skill.

She would never again be able to look into his dark eyes and see his love for her. She stepped into the tub and laid down letting the warm water rise to her neck.

She didn’t know how she could possibly learn how to live in a world with no Emmett. Emmett had been in her life for as long as she could remember. He had been her best friend long before he’d been her lover. He had always been the one to pick her up when she was down, so what was she supposed to do now that his strong arms and warm laugh were gone forever.

Catherine just could not see past this tragedy. Life would not go on for her without Emmett. She had to see him again. She closed her eyes and let her head sink beneath the water.

Bianca opened the bathroom door concerned for her sister and not feeling comfortable leaving her alone.

“Catherine, let me….” Bianca saw Catherine under the water and yelled for Edward.

“Edward, something is wrong! Get in here!” She ran to her sister and pulled her head up out of the water. Catherine began coughing and sputtering.

“Catherine, what were you doing?” Bianca demanded.

“I need Emmett.” Was all Catherine said in reply. Her eyes were unfocused and she was shaking uncontrollably. Edward came into the bathroom and quickly grabbed the blanket off of the floor and wrapped it around Catherine who was now standing in the tub. He picked her up in his arms and carried her out of the bathroom and to the bed in her new room.

“Edward, ride into town and get the doctor. I’ll stay with her until you get back.” Edward nodded and quickly left the room.

“Emmett… I love you.” Catherine mumbled. She was staring off into space and Bianca was becoming very scared. She grabbed a nightgown from the dresser and slipped it over Catherine’s head. Catherine allowed the movements but offered no help as Bianca struggled to get her arms through the sleeves. Bianca pulled Catherine up so she was sitting on the bed and then grabbed the brush off the dresser and began brushing Catherine’s hair.

“You have to pull yourself out of this Catherine. Emmett would not want you acting this way.” Bianca said even though she couldn’t tell if Catherine could even hear her. She continued talking anyway so that her voice would fill the eerie silence.

“Emmett loved your grace and your charm. You must not lose what he loved most about you.” Silence followed and Bianca just continued to brush her sisters long blond hair.

“I’m sorry, Bianca. I do not know what I was thinking.” Catherine said suddenly, causing Bianca to let out a small gasp of surprise.

“It’s okay, Catherine.” Bianca replied once her heartbeat slowed down. “You weren’t thinking clearly and that is understandable.” No more words were spoken. Catherine laid down and Bianca covered her with a blanket and watched her until she fell asleep.

888

A month came and went and in that time Catherine spent all of her time walking around in a foggy haze. She rarely left her room and did not speak much to anyone.

Visitors from town came quite often at first. Bringing food, condolences and well wishes but as the weeks went by their visits became less and less.

The only visitor that seemed to stop by nearly every day to check on them was Sheriff Helms. He would always try to speak to Catherine but Catherine was not herself without Emmett. Gone was the proper charming woman who was good with polite conversation. She now often just sat and stared into space even when people were trying to speak to her.

Bianca and Edward were growing more worried about Catherine every day. She had not made any more attempts on her life but at the same time she had stopped living. If not for Bianca keeping it up her flower gardens would have been overrun with weeds and the house would have long since become unlivable.

Catherine did not smile or laugh. She did not frown or cry. Without Emmett she had nothing worth enjoying life for.

888

“Well ladies, I guess I should be getting back to town.” Richard Helms said standing up from the kitchen table. Bianca rose to walk him out but Catherine just remained where she was staring at the wall.

“It was nice seeing you, Catherine.” Richard said. Catherine did not seem to hear him. Bianca sighed sadly and led Richard out the door.

“You don’t have to keep coming by, sheriff. I’m afraid my sister is not much company these days.” Bianca said as Richard mounted his horse. Richard just pulled his hat lower on his head to block the afternoon sun from his eyes and shrugged.

“Like I told you before, ma’am. Out here we look out for each other.” he said. What he didn’t tell her was that he felt a pull toward Catherine that he’d never felt toward any other woman since his young wife had passed away. Before the news of her fiance’s death Catherine had been quick to laugh and witty. She had always had a smile on her face and had been one of the most charming women he had ever meant.

Now to see her so catatonic and lifeless broke Richards heart. He would not stop coming to see her. He was hoping that eventually she would start to notice his presence. Maybe someday she would begin to heal and Richard would be there to help her. Maybe one day she would grow to care for him the way he had grown to care for her.

Bianca walked back in the house after the sheriff had left. She knew the sheriff was interested in Catherine and Bianca would be lying if she said it did not bother her.

She wondered how Catherine still managed to steal the attention of all the decent men even when she did nothing but sit around and stare at walls. The only men that had shown any interest in Bianca since coming west were some cowboys in town that always seemed to be drunk no matter what time of day they saw them. Bianca tried to push these feelings aside. She was determined to not be the jealous person she had once been and she was also determined to help her sister recover.

Catherine was still sitting at the table and staring at the same wall that she had been staring at when Bianca had walked out. Bianca sighed and walked over to the cabinet to get some bowls. She ladled some soup out of the cooking pot over the stove and sat a bowl and spoon in front of Catherine on the table before sitting down with her own.

Catherine began to eat slowly and she finally made eye contact with Bianca.

“Sheriff Helms seems like a nice man.” she said. Bianca hated the way her sisters voice sounded. There was no personality or life in her voice. Bianca nodded.

“Yes he’s very nice.” she replied. “I think he worries about you.”

“No one should worry about me.” Catherine said. “I’m just fine.” Silence came back over the kitchen.

“Where is Edward?” Catherine asked finally. Bianca wondered if it was a good sign that Catherine seemed a little more talkative. Sure she was only talking to Bianca and had yet to say a word to anyone else but it had to be a start.

“He went to town to get a few supplies.” Bianca replied. Catherine nodded and went back to eating her soup. The sisters sat quietly for a few moments and then Bianca felt a cramp low in her stomach. Must be getting time for her womanly courses. Suddenly Bianca realized what Catherine had not had in a while…

“Catherine.” Bianca said with alarm in her voice. Catherine looked up at her.

“What?” she asked her voice the same monotone it had been for the last month.

“When was the last time you bled?” she asked. Catherine looked confused.

“Your womanly courses? When was the last time you had them?” Catherine’s eyes took on a far away look and then suddenly Bianca saw a light in them that she hadn’t seen there in the last month. Catherine covered her mouth with her hand.

“I have not had them since we’ve been here…. It’s been a little over two months I guess.”

“You do realize what that means don’t you?” Bianca asked with wide eyes. Catherine nodded. Yes she knew what it meant. It meant there was a little piece of Emmett growing inside of her right now. Her one true love was not completely lost to her. He had left a part of himself with her. Catherine laid her hand over her stomach and smiled the first smile she’d smiled since learning of Emmett’s death.

“I’m going to have a baby.” she said happily. Bianca smiled as well.. Relieved beyond belief to finally see a smile on her sisters face. To finally hear happiness in her voice.

“You are smiling.” Bianca said. Catherine put a finger to her lips.

“Yes. I guess I am.” she said and closed her eyes imagining what Emmett’s face would have looked like at learning he was going to be a father. She could see the sparkle in his brown eyes and knew that the smile he would have gotten would have made his dimples show deeply in his cheeks.

Chapter Ten

The next day Catherine shocked Bianca when she walked downstairs early with a clean black skirt and white blouse on. She had her hair brushed and pulled half up and her face looked fresh and clean and she was wearing her gold locket around her neck.

“Catherine, you look well this morning.” Bianca said quickly making Catherine a plate of the eggs she had just finished cooking.

“Thank you.” Catherine replied as she began to eat quickly. Bianca was thoroughly surprised and pleased by the change in Catherine this morning. Catherine made a face at the watery quality of the eggs Bianca had made.

“I’ll make dinner tonight.” she said. Bianca was about to reply but Edward walked in then and he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Catherine.

“Nice to see you up so early.” he said. Catherine smiled and Edward was sure the sun started shining brighter through the windows. Edward had always seen Catherine as a sister and he had always loved the way that her smile caused her entire face to light up.

“I want to go out shopping today.” Catherine replied. Bianca nearly choked on her eggs.

“You do?” she asked with wide eyes. Catherine nodded.

“Yes I do.” she replied. “I would like to buy some fabrics to make some blankets and things for the baby.”

“Baby?” Edward asked. Catherine laid her hand on her stomach and nodded happily.

“Well that’s just about the best news we’ve heard in a while.” Edward said. “Do you want me to drive you into town?” Catherine shook her head.

“No that’s okay. I was hoping to go alone.” she replied. She saw the uncertain wary look that Bianca and Edward gave each other and she fingered the locket around her neck.

“I can promise that I have no intention of doing anything foolish.” she promised.

“Why not let me come with you then?” Bianca asked. Catherine sighed.

“Bianca, you’ve been worrying over me for a month. You deserve a break. Take a long bath… Read a book.. Go for a horse ride.. I’ll be fine.”

“Is there any point in me arguing with you?” Bianca asked knowing how stubborn Catherine could be once she set her mind to something. Catherine shook her head.

“I’ll go hook the small wagon up for you.” Edward said and quickly walked outside.

888

Catherine went to Doc Hawke’s office first thing and he confirmed that yes indeed she was pregnant and would have the baby probably around the beginning of march. Catherine walked out of his office and for the first time since Emmett had died she actually enjoyed feeling the sun on her face. She had cursed the sun for the last month. She had accused the sun of mocking her unhappiness. The sun was not supposed to shine when your entire world ended.

But today Catherine was happy to see that sun. Her life was not over. Emmett had given her the biggest gift a man could give a woman before he had passed. She was going to bring his baby into this world and she was going to make sure that this little boy or girl knew exactly what kind of amazing man their father had been.

Catherine walked to the small diner. Bianca’s runny eggs that morning had left quite an empty spot in her stomach. She sat down at a small table by the big window and gave her order to the young waitress. Catherine was sitting alone waiting on her food when Gretchen, an older heavyset woman with friendly gray eyes and a no nonsense personality walked over and sat down with her.

“Hello there Catherine.” she said. “It’s good to see you out and about finally.”

“It feels nice to be out.” she replied.

“I stopped by your house a few times in the last month or so but you were always in your room.” Gretchen added. “I wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear about your man.” Catherine felt the wound in her heart reopen and she had to bite her lip to keep herself from crying.

“Thank you, Gretchen.” she said. She looked at the older woman’s wrinkled face and forced herself to smile. She liked Gretchen. Gretchen had quickly befriended her and Bianca during the first month they had lived here but she also knew that Gretchen said whatever she wanted to say at all times with no regard for how her words might make someone feel.

“I saw you walk out of Doc Hawke’s office a while ago. Are you ok? You’re not sick are you?” Catherine smiled a real smile then and without thinking she laid her hand over her stomach.

“No, I am not sick.” she replied. Gretchen’s gray eyes widened.

“You’re with child.” she said matter-of-factly. Catherine nodded.

“You seem happy so I’m happy for you.” Gretchen said. “But child, I thought it was your fiance’ that got killed. I didn’t realize he was your husband.”

“He wasn’t my husband.” Catherine said feeling the wound in her heart growing by the second. She wished Gretchen would stop mentioning Emmett.

“Oh.” Gretchen said quietly. Catherine looked at the woman and wondered what that ‘oh’ meant. Catherine looked down at her stomach and then her own eyes widened. She closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair.

She had been so caught up in her own happiness at having a piece of Emmett with her that she had not even stopped to think about the social aspect of her situation. She was pregnant but had never been married… Emmett was her dead lover not her dead husband and she was carrying his child.

If she was still living back east she would have been shunned from society completely. She only hoped that out here the people would be more accepting.

Gretchen noticed the worried look on Catherine’s face and reached out and touched her arm comfortingly.

“Cheer up, sweetheart. You won’t get any judgment from me about this one. After all I am getting closer to fifty everyday and I have never been married. But trust me when I tell you that I know what it feels like to lay with a man.”

Catherine’s eyes opened wide and she looked at Gretchen with disbelief. Never would the ladies Catherine had eaten luncheons with back east have talked in such a way.

“Don’t look so surprised child!” Gretchen said as the waitress brought out Catherine’s plate and sat it in front of her. “I am a woman and every woman needs to feel the touch of a man from time to time. I just haven’t ever found the man whose touch I want to feel all of the time.” Catherine took a bite of her sandwich and swallowed before replying.

“I did. I found him and now he is gone.” she said as a lone tear escaped her eye and rolled down her cheek.

“Tsk Tsk…” Gretchen said waving her hand. “No tears now… I’m sure your man would not have wanted you to be so sad.” Catherine took a deep breath to stop the rest of her tears from falling and shook her head.

“No, Emmett would have wanted me to be happy. It is just hard to be happy without him. Ever since I was a small child he was my happiness.” Gretchen seemed to think about this for a moment before replying.

“I suppose that’s why I have never allowed myself to fall in love.” she said. “Because when you do your life and their life gets so tangled up together that it’s hard to separate them. The unfortunate part about life is that people don’t live forever and I have never wanted to feel the kind of pain that I know you are feeling now.” Gretchen took a drink of the water the waitress had placed in front of her.

“But Catherine dear, your love is not completely gone. You are carrying his child. Let yourself find a new kind of happiness in that. Let yourself be happy working in your flower gardens. Reading a good book. Having long conversations with your sister and that Edward fellow. Taking long walks and counting stars at night. From what I hear your Emmett was a good man and you will see him again someday, hopefully many years from now, when you pass through the gates of heaven. For now just try to live your life to the fullest. Try to be happy. I know that there is going to be sadness but don’t forget to smile at least once a day… Don’t forget to let people hear you laugh. It is ok to find a happiness without Emmett. He would have wanted you to.”

Catherine cried then. Openly and freely and Gretchen just sat there and watched her while rubbing her arm comfortingly. Thankfully the diner was empty other than the two of them so there was no one around to interrupt Catherine’s tears. When Catherine’s eyes finally dried and she wiped her face clean Gretchen smiled.

“Feel better?” she asked. Catherine thought for a moment and then nodded. She did indeed feel better. She had not cried since the day she had tried to end her life. She had not allowed herself to shed any tears but wished now that she had. She had not realized just how therapeutic they would be.

“Yes I do actually.” Catherine replied.

“Good. Finish your lunch and we’ll go do some shopping.” Gretchen said.

Catherine and Gretchen both purchased some fabrics at the store and Catherine also bought a new apron and some gardening gloves. She had every intention of getting back to working with her flowers.

“Well it was nice seeing you, Catherine. We will have to do this again sometime.” Gretchen said. Catherine nodded.

“Yes we will. You have no idea what your words meant to me at lunch.” Gretchen just smiled and gave her a warm hug.

“Be happy, Catherine.” she said and then walked away down the dusty street. Catherine was walking back to the town stable where she had her wagon parked when she heard someone call her name behind her. She turned and saw Sherriff Helms walking toward her with a smile.

“Hello Sherriff Helms. It’s nice to see you.” Catherine said holding out her hand. He shook her hand and then stuck both his hands in his pockets.

“It’s nice to see you out. You look real pretty today.” he said. Catherine smiled.

“Thank you, Sherriff. I was actually just about to head home. I came into town and did a bit of shopping.” she said. Richard nodded.

“I’ll take ya home.” he said. Catherine shook her head.

“That won’t be necessary.” she assured him.

“Not safe for woman to be traveling alone out here, ma’am.” he said matter-of-factly. Catherine sighed.

“I came to town by myself Sherriff and I am just fine.” she reminded him. Richard grinned. He was happy to see her acting more like her old self and he was also realizing that despite her proper and charming personality he could see a fire in her that he found himself liking.

“Ma’am, it really is not safe.”

“I suppose there is a danger lurking behind ever cactus?” she asked with a grin. “A villain behind every tumbleweed?” Richard found himself laughing.

“Something like that, ma’am.” he replied. Catherine could tell the Sherriff was determined to come with her so she sighed and nodded. As she loaded her small package of purchases into her wagon he walked over to the jail and unhitched his horse and then they rode out of town.

Catherine looked over at the man on the big black stallion beside of her. He sat tall and proud in the saddle. He looked to be around thirty or so and she could see wrinkles around his eyes and she wondered if they were from laughing or squinting in the harsh desert sun for years.

“Ma’am, I was….”

“Catherine.” she interrupted. He looked over at her.

“What?”

“Call me Catherine.” she said as she looked back at the road. He nodded.

“Catherine, I’ve been wanting to ask you a question about them flower gardens you got.” he said.

“What’s that?” she asked. He chuckled.

“This place ain’t nothing but deserts and sand. I know you all managed to get land with a good deep well and plenty of water but I for the life of me can’t figure out how you make such pretty flowers grow out of the dust.” Catherine shook her head.

“You’ll laugh at me.” she said. He looked over at her and shook his head.

“No ma’am.” he said. Catherine sighed.

“I have the good soil shipped to me. And I also use the manure from the horses and few cows and cattle we have. I know it seems like a lot of trouble to go through just to have a few flowers but a big garden was always a dream of mine and Emmett made sure before he…. Before he passed to make arrangements to have the soil sent to me every few months.” Richard nodded. He could hear the sadness in her voice when she had said Emmett’s name and he wished he could comfort her.

“I think your flowers are real pretty Catherine.” he said. Catherine tried to smile but couldn’t seem to make her lips move. She had a picture of Emmett’s face in her mind now. He was looking down into her eyes with passion and love just the way he had the last time they had made love before he’d left and never come back.

“Thank you Sherriff.” she said.

“Richard.” he said. She looked over at him. “Call me Richard.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“I’ve been mighty worried about you the last month, Catherine.” Richard said. Catherine sighed and looked out over the horizon.

“I am very sorry.” she said. “I am not proud of how weak I was. I’m afraid I scared everyone.”

“I don’t think you’re weak.” Richard said. “You really loved him didn’t you?” Catherine bit her lip and nodded. He could tell that she wanted to cry but admired her strength when she held back the tears.

“Yes I did.” she replied. “For that matter, I still do. I know that he’s dead but in my heart it just doesn’t feel like he is. I keep expecting him to ride over the hill and take me in his arms again. I keep expecting to wake up in his arms again one morning and find that all of this pain of the past month was nothing but a nightmare.” She looked over at him sadly. “But it’s not a dream is it, Richard? It is not a dream and Emmett is not coming back to me.” Richard looked out in front of them squinting in the sunlight.

“No ma’am. It’s not a dream.” he replied. “How did you and Emmett meet?” he asked. Catherine shook her head and waved her hand absently.

“I don’t want to bore you.” she said. He shook his head.

“Ma’am, I don’t think I could ever be bored with you.” he replied. If Catherine had not been so caught up in her thoughts of Emmett. If her mind had not been so full of the pain she was feeling she would have picked up on the depth of what he was saying. She would have noticed the tone in his voice and the look in his eyes when he looked over at her. But in her current state of mind those things escaped her.

“You do not really want to hear about it. You are just being kind.” she said. Richard chuckled.

“Perhaps I should add psychic abilities to the list of your charming qualities.” he said. Catherine laughed.

“You have a list of my charming qualities?” she asked with teasing disbelief. Richard shook his head and pulled his hat lower. He put the most serious look on his face he could muster.

“No ma’am. You are a monster of a woman.” he replied. Catherine found herself laughing happily. Not just a small laugh but a loud laugh full of humor. Richard sat up a little straighter in his saddle feeling proud that he had been the one to bring it out of her.

“I do want to hear, Catherine.” he said. “And I think it would be good for you to talk about.”

“Fine then. If you are sure.” she said. He nodded. “I cannot tell you exactly when Emmett and I met. I never remember a time of my life when he wasn’t there. I can remember when we were children and I used to follow him everywhere he went. Even though he was four years older than me and his friends laughed at him for hanging around with a little girl he never did turn his back on me or try to make me feel like a baby.

“He was the most honorable man I knew. My father left Emmett in charge of my sister and I when he passed away and Emmett always did everything to make sure that we were happy. I never realized it then, though I should have, that he paid extra attention to me. I won’t bore you with the details of all he did for me. Let’s just say that every happy memory I have, every good time I can ever remember in my life, he was there. And he was also beside me through all of the bad.

“We were going to get married as soon as he got back from his trip. He was going to bring our marriage license with him.” she finished.

“I hated to be the one to have to come give you the news about the train.” Richard said quietly. Catherine nodded and blinked to try to clear the tears from her eyes. “I know how it feels to lose somebody and I didn’t want to have to see you go through that pain.” he added. Catherine looked over at him.

“You lost someone?” she asked. Richard nodded and scanned the surroundings. His scarred face looked calm and relaxed but Catherine knew that he was aware of every single movement around them.

“My wife.” he replied.

“I’m sorry.” Catherine said looking back at the road. Richard shrugged.

“It was a long time ago.” he replied. “Almost ten years.”

“What happened?” Catherine asked. Normally she would not have asked such a personal question of someone she barely knew but given that she had just let him in on her own hurt and pain she figured her question was not out of line.

“You don’t really wanna hear it.” he said. Catherine smiled.

“We must both have psychic talents.” she said. Richard chuckled and then sighed.

“I was young and had just turned twenty. I was just starting to cut my teeth at the outlaw chasing business. I was pretty good with a gun so I was doing alright. I walked into this saloon in a dusty town in Kansas and there up on the stage was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. My Sarah.

“We barely courted for a week before I married her and we were barely married for a month before she started getting sick. At first we thought she was with child. I was scared to death but excited. Then she just kept getting sicker. About a month later I was burying my wife in the ground and riding like hell to get away from that tiny cabin we’d lived in.”

“I’m sorry.” Catherine said. Richard shrugged and looked over at her.

“I spent a few years running crazy after I lost her. Hunting down outlaws I had no right hunting down. Gambling in dark saloons I had no business being in. I guess maybe I was hoping eventually I’d meet up with somebody who would finally be better than me with a gun and I’d get to see Sarah again.”

Richard kept his eyes on her and Catherine wondered if he was waiting on her to judge him for hoping to die. She thought back to trying to drown herself in the tub after finding out that Emmett wasn’t coming home.

“I understand how you felt completely.” she said.

“At least I got closure when Sarah died. I was able to bury her and lay her to rest. I’m sorry you couldn’t do that with Emmett.”

“That’s hardly your fault, Richard.” Catherine replied. Catherine was surprised when she could see her home coming into view.

“This trip seemed much quicker than the one into town.” Catherine said. Richard cleared his throat to rid his voice of the emotion that talking about Sarah had caused in him.

“That’s because you had better company this time.” Richard replied. Catherine smiled. “Well ma’am I’ll just head back into town now that I know you made it home safe.” He said. Catherine said goodbye and he rode away.

Richard looked back at her, hoping just maybe she’d look back at him but she was already climbing off the wagon and walking into the house.

Chapter Eleven

The weeks passed quickly and Catherine was finding it harder and harder to hide her condition from Richard and the few other guests that came out to the house on a regular basis. Ever since Gretchen had reminded her of the reality behind her situation she had wanted to keep it from everyone else as long as possible.

She knew that there were some that were bound to scorn her and no longer accept her because she was going to be an unmarried mother. She was really worried about what Richard’s reaction would be.

She had grown very used to his companionship. He was a good friend and their conversations were one bright spot in her otherwise drab existence since Emmett had left. She did not want him to find out her condition and decide that he no longer wanted to be her friend.

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“Catherine, I’m definitely happy that you are feeling yourself again.” Bianca said taking a bite of the steak and potatoes that Catherine had cooked. Catherine sat a pan of steaming fresh baked bread on the table and Bianca moaned.

“She certainly does cook better than you, my dear.” Gretchen agreed loading her plate with heaps of food.

“I didn’t mind Bianca’s cooking.” Edward said with a mouth full of potatoes.

“Yes and I suppose that’s why you just helped yourself to seconds.” Bianca said rolling her eyes. Edward grinned sheepishly.

“I worked up an appetite today I guess.” he said. A knock came on the door and Bianca went to answer it. She came walking back into the kitchen with doctor Hawke.

“Hello Catherine.” he said walking over to her. “How are you feeling today?” Catherine smiled.

“I still feel good actually. A little tired perhaps but other than that fine.” she replied. The doctor started checking her heartbeat and other vitals.

“That’s good. You should be four months along by now.” he said. He looked down at her belly which was starting to show beneath her skirt and blouses. “That’s going to be getting harder to hide.” he added. She nodded and laid her hand on her stomach.

“I know.” she replied. “I just worry what people will think.”

“They’ll think whatever they want to dear. You can’t do anything about that.” Gretchen replied.

“And I’ll slap them right across the face if they have a bad word to say about my big sister too.” Bianca replied. Catherine smiled over at Bianca. Bianca was still the same person she had been before but she no longer insulted Catherine or tried to hurt her. They would never be the best of friends but they no longer fought the way they had before.

“Well Catherine, you and the baby both appear to be doing fine.” Doctor Hawke said standing back up straight. “I’ve got good news for you today too. The riskiest part of your pregnancy is over. From here on your condition is much more stable.”

“Her condition is stable? Catherine, are you sick?” Everyone turned to look at Richard Helms who was standing in the kitchen doorway looking very concerned down at Catherine. Catherine stood quickly and shook her head.

“No, Richard. It’s nothing like that.” she assured him. She sighed when she realized she was not going be able to keep her secret from him any longer.

“Richard, would you take a walk with me?” she asked. Richard gave her a questioning look but nodded. Catherine looked at everyone still sitting at the table.

“We’ll be back.” she said and then walked out of the house with Richard behind her.

“Sorry I barged in without knocking.” he said as they walked side by side across the dusty fields next to the house. “The door was wide open and I saw Doc Hawke’s wagon and I guess I panicked a little.”

“That’s okay, Richard.” Catherine replied. He looked over at her and saw the bright sun was shining harshly on her face. She had her eyes all squinted together as she tried to look around. Richard chuckled and pulled his hat off. He sat it on her head and she looked up at him questioningly.

“It’ll keep the sun off your face.” he replied.

“Thank you.” she said adjusting the black hat that was far too big for her atop her head. She had forgotten to grab her own sun hat before walking out the door.

“So what is wrong with you?” Richard asked. “What was the doctor talking about?” Richard prayed that she was okay. He was falling more in love with her every day that he spent with her. She was the first bright spot in his life since his Sarah had died. Surely God would not be cruel enough to take this woman from him too.

“I should probably have told you before.” Catherine said laying her hand over her stomach. Richard looked down at her and the way her belly was starting to grow beneath her skirt and his eyes widened.

“Are you…..?” his voice trailed off and Catherine nodded.

“Yes. I’m with child.” she replied. “I should be having the baby in early march or so.”

“Well that’s great news, Catherine!” he said happily. “Why didn’t you tell me before?” Catherine looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.

“I was afraid of what you would think of me.” she said. He raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Well I was never married to Emmett and yet here I am carrying his child.” she replied. Richard looked off into the distance for several moments his blue eyes squinting in the sunlight.

“Emmett was a lucky man, Catherine.” he said finally. “The way I see it you loved that man more than most wives love their husbands and now you’ll have a piece of him with you.” Catherine fought back the tears that his words brought to her eyes. They were tears of happiness at his acceptance of her situation mixed with tears of pain because of her loss of Emmett.

“Thank you, Richard. Thank you for being such a good friend to me. You have helped me so much in the last few months.” Richard smiled down at her and she realized just how handsome he really was. He had messy dark black hair that hung to his ears and his blue eyes were keen and ever watchful. The wrinkles around his eyes were deeper when he laughed and though his face was rugged and scarred from living a hard life when he smiled at her it lit up.

Catherine knew that in another lifetime, if there had never been Emmett, she could have very easily fallen in love with Richard. The problem was there had been Emmett and Emmett was the only man that Catherine had ever and would ever love.

“Catherine….” Catherine held her hand up to silence Richard. She could see the look in his eyes. She knew that look. He was falling for her. That might even be the beginnings of love shining back at her and it caused her already battered heart to break apart in her chest.

“Please don’t, Richard.” she said her voice breaking. “Don’t fall in love with me.” She saw the sadness in his blue eyes at her words. He grabbed her hand in his.

“Catherine, you are an amazing woman. I won’t rush you. I know you loved him and it will take time….” Catherine shook her head.

“No Richard, I will not ever love you. Not in the way that you want me to. That part of my heart died with Emmett. Please don’t fall in love with me. I don’t want to hurt you. You are a wonderful man and a great friend to me and the last thing I want to do is hurt you.”

Richard sighed and laid a gentle hand on her soft cheek. He would just have to give her more time and that was fine with him. He would wait on her for as long as it took. He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles gently then removed his hand from her cheek and patting her hand.

“I’m starving.” he said. “Was that potatoes and steaks I saw that you had cooked?” he asked. It took Catherine’s mind a moment to catch up with the sudden change of topic. She knew he was denying the truth of what she had just said and she knew that she just tell him to leave and not come back. It was not fair to him for him to be hanging around waiting on her when she knew she could never love him the way he wanted. But she could not bring herself to do the right thing. She needed his friendship too badly.

“Yes it was.” she replied. Richard smiled.

“Well then let’s head back so I can eat a bite. You are a great cook and I look forward to a good meal every time I come out here.” Catherine nodded and let him lead her back to the house.

888

After darkness fell and all their guests were gone Catherine made her way up to her bedroom and locked the door. She changed into her sleeping gown, let her hair down and crawled in her bed. She undid her locket from around her neck and then opened it so that she could see Emmett’s smiling face and mischievous brown eyes as she spoke to him.

She knew her family and friends would probably think that she had completely lost her mind if they knew that she spoke to Emmett every night. She no longer wrote in her diaries. She would come up to her room and lock herself in and talk to Emmett about her day.

Sometimes even she was sure she was losing her mind because it was almost as if he would climb out of her locket and be standing right there in her bedroom. He would be just as tall and dashingly charming as she remembered. His messy hair falling carelessly over his face, his dimples showing in his cheeks as he smiled at her. His dark eyes full of love and laughter as they gazed down at her. His face would be covered in the stubble that seemed to always be there because he hated shaving and refused to do it more than once a week….

There were times on the nights that Emmett came back to ‘life’ that he would climb into the bed beside Catherine and she would curl up against him lying her head on his chest. She would swear that she could feel his heat and hear the steady beat of his heart as she drifted off to sleep but when she would wake up in the morning the bed would be empty and it would simply be a pillow she was resting her head against.

The hole in her heart just seemed to get bigger with every passing day.

Catherine looked down at that picture in the locket illuminated by the flickering candlelight and felt her heart breaking and filling with love all at the same time.

“Hi Emmett darling.” she said aloud in the silence. “I miss you still so badly, my love. It’s been months since I found out that God took you from me and still I cannot quite believe it is real. Our baby is getting bigger inside of me everyday. I felt her move for the first time today.. Or maybe I felt him move. Wouldn’t it be something to have a little boy that looks just like you? With your dimples and mischievous eyes.

“Wouldn’t Bianca just love that? Whenever he throws a temper she would feel like it was you back again and yelling at her.” Catherine laughed and in her mind she could hear his deep voice chuckling with her.

“I do not know what to do about Richard. I like his friendship. I laugh with him almost as much as I always laughed with you, love. But now I am starting to see that he wants more than friendship from me yet friendship is all I have to offer him in return. I told him that but I am not sure that he listened.” Catherine yawned and she could hear Emmett’s voice in her head telling her to turn her overactive mind off and get some sleep. Catherine smiled a sad smile and laid a gentle kiss to the picture in her locket before clutching it to her chest and curling up to her pillow.

“Goodnight Emmett. I love you.” she said and on the gentle breeze that was blowing outside she imagined his gentle voice saying he loved her too.

Chapter Twelve

Catherine looked down at her very pregnant belly and sighed. She could barely manage to hoist herself up out of her bed and kept a hand on her aching back as she walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out a large cotton dress that Gretchen had given her. It was far too big but it allowed her belly plenty of room.

Catherine walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. Bianca had all the windows thrown open and Catherine had to remind herself that yes it was January but that it was also Texas and the winters here were like the summers back east.

Catherine walked out to the barn and got her gardening gloves and a bucket of her manure fertilizer that Edward had ready and waiting for her. Edward saw her picking up the heavy bucket and he ran over.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he demanded taking the bucket away from her. “You’re about to pop and the last thing you need to be doing is carrying around something that heavy. If Emmett saw me letting you lift that he would have killed me.”

“Well lead the way then, my hero.” Catherine said. Edward shook his head and carried the bucket over to her flower gardens.

“Where is Bianca this morning?” Catherine asked as they walked.

“She insisted on going for a ride alone this morning.” Edward replied looking out over the horizon. “I tried to tell her it’s not safe but you cannot tell that woman anything.” Catherine laughed and laid a hand on his arm.

“If you are worried about her why don’t you just follow after her?” She asked. Edward sat the bucket down next to the flowers and wiped his sweaty brow with his shirtsleeve.

“Because I value my life too much and if I disobey her direct orders she’s liable to kill me.” he replied. “I’ll let you get to work on your flowers, I’m going to go finish cleaning up the barn.”

Catherine got busy on her flowers. Pulling up the small weeds and laying new fertilizer over the ground. She didn’t know how much time passed before she finally looked up from what she was doing and nearly screamed when she saw Richard standing less than ten feet away watching her with an amused smile on his face.

“Catherine, that’s just about one of the prettiest sights I’ve ever seen.” he said. Catherine got back up on her feet, after a few minutes of a struggle with her pregnant belly and wiped her sweat and dirt covered brow with the sleeve of her dress.

“Richard…” Catherine started to scold him. He was always telling her how beautiful she was and how much he cared about her and she was constantly reminding him that they were only friends. Richard chuckled though his heart broke a little and he held up his hand.

“I know. I know.” he said. “We’re just friends. But since when can’t one friend tell another one that watching them working in the dirt with a bunch of beautiful flowers is the prettiest thing he’s ever seen.” Just then Bianca came out of the barn having just got back from her horseback ride. She walked over to them.

“Hey lawman, what brings you out here again today?” she asked while tossing her dark curls over her shoulder. “Aren’t you supposed to be catching bad guys and keeping us defenseless women safe?” Catherine rolled her eyes as she pulled off her gardening gloves. Her sister would never grow up.

“Done got all them locked up.” Richard replied with a grin. “Rest of ‘em are too scared of me to come around.” Bianca turned on her heel and went back to the house irritated that she had not managed to get on Richard’s nerves. She had always loved riling Emmett and desperately wanted that kind of relationship with someone else. Apparently Richard was a lost cause. She had already tried with Edward but he had even more patience with her than Richard.

“How do you always keep your patience with her?” Catherine asked Richard as she carried her gardening supplies back to the barn. Richard took the half empty bucket from her and matched her step.

“I grew up with three little sisters.” he replied.

“I do not think I could manage three Biancas.” Catherine said. Edward looked up from the stall he was cleaning.

“This world could not manage three Biancas, Catherine.” he said matter-of-factly. “It can barely manage the one that it has.”

“Actually Catherine, Bianca was right and I do have something I needed to handle a little further out of town. I was just passing by here so I wanted to stop in and see you.”

“Richard, you really should not spend all your spare time here with me.” Catherine said. Richard smiled and adjusted his hat on his head as they walked back toward the house.

“Ma’am, I can’t really think of anywhere else I’d rather spend it.” he replied. Catherine knew her heart would have broken if it wasn’t already shattered in her chest. She knew that Richard loved her and he was an amazing man that she really did not want to hurt but no matter how hard she tried she could not return his feelings.

“Richard….” he could tell she was about to shoot him down again so he interrupted her before she got the chance.

“I do have to be going, Catherine, but I wanted to ask you if you had heard about the dance they’re putting on in town tonight.” he said. Catherine nodded. Bianca had talked of little else all week.

“I was hoping that maybe I could come pick you up tonight and take you.” he added. Catherine bit her lip and shook her head.

“I was not going to go.” she replied. She laid her hand on large belly. “I can barely waddle around let alone dance.” Richard took his hat off and ran a hand through his dark hair.

“Don’t make me beg you, Catherine.” he said. “It would be good for you to get out for a while. You don’t have to dance if you don’t want to. Plus, pretty soon that baby will be here and then you won’t get the chance to get out for a while.” he added. Catherine sighed as they walked into the house and sat down on the sofa in the living room.

Catherine really did want to go but she hated to go as Richard’s date. She knew his feelings toward her and she did not want him to feel as if she was leading him on. She also grew tired of the looks and whispers from some members of the town. Most people did not judge or scorn Catherine for her situation but there were those that still looked down on her.

“I don’t know….” she said. Richard shook his head.

“You can’t tell me no. You got this tough old cowboy begging for your company.” he said. Catherine laughed lightly. She nodded.

“I will come with you Richard. But I want to make sure you understand….”

“We’re just friends.” he said cutting her off. He stood up and put his hat back on.

“Well ma’am I gotta be on my way if I’m gonna get back to town and cleaned up in time to come pick you up.” Catherine didn’t stand up… Though she knew it was rude to remain sitting her legs and feet refused to hoist her pregnant body up. Richard saw the look on her face and chuckled.

“Don’t worry about getting up, Catherine. I can see myself out.” he said. Catherine smiled gratefully.

“Thank you.” she said. “Will there be room on your wagon for Bianca if she wishes to come?” Richard nodded.

“Yes of course.” he said and Catherine was surprised that he did not seem bothered. She could imagine the look that would have crossed Emmett’s face at that request and smiled.

“Well I’ll be here about seven to pick you up.” he said.

“See you then.” Catherine replied and then Richard left. Catherine sat on sofa for a long while before finally hoisting herself up off of it and going into the kitchen to cook a meal for herself, Bianca and Edward.

Once Catherine had the soup and bread cooked and sitting on the table she rang the bell on the porch so that Edward and Bianca would both know it was ready. Bianca came bouncing down the stairs at the same time as Edward walked into the kitchen.

Catherine smiled when she saw the way Edward’s eyes followed Bianca as she crossed the kitchen and sat down at the table. It was clear, to Catherine at least, that Edward had feelings for Bianca and it was also clear that Bianca had no idea.

“I am so excited about the dance tonight!” Bianca exclaimed as she began eating. “Too bad I have no date to take me but hopefully there will be plenty of handsome men there to choose from.” she added as she licked her lip and winked. Catherine shook her head.

“Bianca, I thought you wanted to move west to build a new reputation for yourself. You can hardly do that if you continue to act the way you did back east. You are only building the same reputation for yourself but in a different place.” she said. She knew her words were harsh but she had watched her sister continue to flaunt herself and act the same way she had back east the last few months and was tired of it. She wanted Bianca to be happy and she knew that living this way did no make Bianca happy.

Catherine noticed that Edward nodded at her words but said nothing.

“Not all of us can be so lucky as you Catherine.” Bianca spat back.

“Oh yes Bianca, I am the luckiest woman alive!” Catherine said feeling tears fill her eyes. “The love of my life is dead and I am about to have his baby and his baby will never know what an amazing man he was! I never again get to see the look of love in Emmett’s eyes as he looks at me or the look of love when he sees his baby!”

Bianca put her spoon down and glared over at her older sister. She had listened to Catherine carry on about Emmett for the last seven months and ignore the amazing man that was practically throwing himself at her feet every day. She was thoroughly pissed off that Catherine had good men throwing themselves at her left and right with Emmett, Peter Walsh and now Richard Helms, while Bianca had none. Not one decent man had ever showed the slightest interest in her.

“Give it up, Catherine.” Bianca said. “Yes Emmett is dead. He’s been dead for a long time now! Get over it! We all miss him but not all of us have given up on life completely just because he’s gone! You are fat, pregnant and unmarried so can I ask why you haven’t taken Richard up on his many offers to be with you? Do you actually think that you can do better? Do you actually think that someone better than him is going to come along?” Catherine stared in shock at her sister and felt tears streaming down her face.

The kitchen was silent for several long moments and then Edward pushed his bowl away and shoved out his chair. He stood up quickly and strode angrily around the table toward Bianca. Bianca jumped to her feet and began to back away from him.

“What are you doing?” she demanded with fear in her voice. Edward had always been a very calm, patient man who did not speak much other than when it was required. He had grown up with Emmett and therefore had always been around but Bianca had never paid him much attention unless she needed his help with something.

“I’m gonna do what your father should have done more of back when he was alive.” Edward replied calmly. Bianca’s eyes widened.

“What exactly is that?” she asked. Edward grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. He pulled out a chair with his free hand and sat down. He laid Bianca, yelling and fighting against him, over his knee and spanked her soundly several times while Catherine watched on in amused shock.

Edward let go of Bianca and she jumped away from him red faced and sputtering.

“How dare you!” she screamed. Edward stood up and started toward her. She backed up until her back was against the counter and he was standing less than a foot from her glaring down at her.

“I have watched you for the last few years make a complete fool out of yourself. You run your mouth, insult your sister, chase after men who are no good for you. Why? Why do you do all those things?” he demanded. Bianca felt a delicious little shiver pass through her at the feel of his breath on her skin and his body pressed so close to hers. Then she wondered what in the world her body was thinking.

Edward had always been around but Bianca had never really realized just how tall and strong he was. She had never before noticed how bright blue his eyes were or how his chiseled cheeks were covered with a light dusting of blond stubble. He had also never lost his temper with her before and she found herself enjoying the fire in his eyes, though her backside was still burning from the beating he had given her.

“Answer me, Bianca. Why do you do all those things!” he said again. Bianca shook her head to try to clear her thoughts. There was no way she should be thinking those things about Edward. He was not the type of man she normally would have been interested in and he was certainly not the type of man to ever be interested in a woman like her.

“I don’t have to explain anything to you, Edward!” she replied squaring her shoulders and glaring back at him. Her cheeks were flushed with both embarrassment and passion but she was determined to stand her ground with him. Catherine was forgotten as the two of them stared each other down.

“Why are you so jealous of your sister?” he asked. Bianca rolled her eyes and looked up at him. She hoped that the tears she felt trying to form would stay hidden from him.

“Because every decent man in the country seems to want to marry her and take care of her forever! Meanwhile there is not a single decent man in this whole world who gives a damn about me!” she replied angrily. She regretted her words instantly but could not take them back. She did not want anyone knowing the pain that she felt inside.

She looked at Edward wondering what he was thinking behind those blue eyes. He still looked angry but there was something else in his eyes. Disbelief, maybe even a little bit of hurt. She wondered why he would feel hurt by what she had said.

“You are even more blind than your sister was for all those years with Emmett.” he said quietly and then turned and left the kitchen without finishing his meal. The door slammed signaling that he had left the house.

Bianca stood and watched the kitchen doorway for several long silent seconds. Her heart was hammering in her chest and she could still feel the heat where his body had been all but pressed against hers. Finally the sound of Catherine clearing the table reached Bianca’s ears and snapped her out of her daze. She looked over at her sisters tear stained face and instantly felt guilt for the harsh words she had said to her.

“Catherine, I’m sorry for what I said.” she said as she walked toward her sister. “I never should have said those things. I know how much you loved Emmett and I know how hard losing him as been for you.” Catherine simply nodded. She didn’t’ speak because she knew that if she tried to speak about Emmett she would break down in tears again.

The sisters went about cleaning the kitchen in silence. When they were done Bianca turned to Catherine.

“What in the world do you think got into Edward?” she asked. Catherine shrugged. She knew it was not her place to tell her sister her suspicions that Edward had very strong feelings toward her. But at the same time Bianca had sounded so lonely and hurt when she had said that no decent man wanted her.

“I think that maybe you and Edward need to sit down and talk to one another.” Catherine said. “Perhaps you would find out that you are not as alone as you think.”

“You think Edward…..and I…?” Bianca never finished the question as her eyes got a far away and starry quality. Catherine covered her mouth with her hand to hide her amusement.

“Perhaps. But then again I’m just a heartbroken, pregnant, hopeless romantic.” she said. “You should talk to Edward about it. As for me, I am going to go up and get a small nap before the dance tonight.” Catherine walked away leaving Bianca standing there looking very confused.

888

Catherine walked back downstairs that evening dressed for the dance. She enjoyed the simple cotton dresses that were acceptable to wear to dances out here. She would never have comfortably stuffed her large pregnant belly into one of those satiny dresses from back east.

Catherine found Bianca down in the sitting room. Bianca, who had always enjoyed dressing up, was wearing a light blue satin dress with matching gloves. Catherine was surprised to see that the neckline of this dress was much more modest than that of the dresses she had worn to dances back east.

“Are you riding into town with Richard and I?” Catherine asked. Bianca shook her head and opened her mouth to speak but before she could say anything a throat cleared in the doorway.

Catherine turned and saw Edward standing there wearing a clean black button down shirt and grey trousers. He had his blond hair slicked back and his face was clean shaven. His eyes seemed to light up when they fell on Bianca.

“You look lovely.” he said to her. Catherine was shocked when her normally self-absorbed and overly confident sister blushed at his compliment.

“Thank you, Edward. You look nice too.” Bianca said. Catherine was even more shocked to see the blush that colored Edward’s cheeks.

“Are you ready?” he asked. Bianca nodded.

“Could you give me just a moment to talk to my sister?” she asked. Edward nodded.

“Of course. I’ll wait outside.” he said and walked back out. Catherine looked at Bianca with surprise.

“I take it you took my advice for once in your life and talked to Edward?” she asked. Bianca bit her lip and nodded.

“Would you believe the man has had feelings for me for years?” she asked. Her eyes seemed to be full of stars as she talked about him. “He just never told me because he didn’t think I’d be interested in a man that had nothing to offer. Can you believe he thought he had nothing to offer? He’s so handsome and kind and he defended me and fought for me against Gregory…” Bianca stopped talking as Catherine’s laughter filled the air.

“I’m happy for you, Bianca.” she said. She had never seen her little sister carry on so about a man or look so thoroughly smitten.

“Who would have thought that I would end up with Edward?” Bianca said her voice full of disbelief. “Or that he would be such a good kisser.” she added pressing her finger against her bottom lip.

“You’ve kissed him already?” Catherine demanded. Bianca nodded happily.

“Yes. But don’t worry Catherine. I waited until after he asked me to marry him.” Catherine nearly choked on her shock.

“You two are not wasting any time are you?” she asked. Bianca shook her head.

“I’ve wasted years on worthless men Catherine. Now that I know such a good man wants to be with me I am not going to let him get away.” Catherine nodded and hugged her sister tightly.

“I truly am happy for you and for Edward.” she said. Bianca bit her lip as she pulled away.

“Are you certain? I feel almost guilty to be happy because you….” Catherine cut her off by laying a comforting hand on Bianca’s arm.

“Of course I’m certain. I want you to have the happiness that I had with Emmett. Everyone deserves to feel that once in their lives.” Bianca nodded and then looked out the door. The sun was starting to set.

“Shouldn’t Richard have been here by now?” she asked. Catherine had been thinking the same thing but she shrugged.

“He said he had some business to take care of outside of town today. It might of taken him longer than he thought it would.”

“Do you want Edward and I to wait until he gets here?” Bianca asked. Catherine shook her head.

“No of course not.” she said matter-of-factly. “You two go and have fun. He’ll be here soon.” Bianca nodded and walked out.

Catherine sat down on the sofa and propped her feet up on the small table. She knew it was unladylike but since there was no one around she was more worried about her own comfort and right now her feet were swollen and killing her.

Chapter Thirteen

Richard’s laughter woke her up from the sleep that had claimed her as she had relaxed. She stood quickly, turning red with embarrassment as she smoothed out her dress.

“Sorry about that.” she said quickly. “These days it seems like any time I sit down for a few moments I end up sound asleep.”

“That’s quite alright, ma’am.” Richard replied. “I’m sorry I was late.” Catherine saw the way he seemed to be standing awkwardly to keep his weight off his right leg.

“Are you ok?” she asked. He nodded.

“Of course.” he replied. Catherine raised an eyebrow and he could tell she didn’t believe him. He sighed.

“I ran into some trouble. Bullet grazed my leg but I’m fine.”

“Bullet grazed your leg but you’re fine?” Catherine asked her voice full of disbelief. He nodded.

“Yep.” he said.

“Did you go see the doctor?” she asked. He shook his head and chuckled.

“Catherine, if I went to old doc Hawke every time I got shot chasing after bad guys he wouldn’t have no time to patch up anybody else.” Catherine shook her head as she looked at him.

“You are quite a man, you know that?” she asked. He smiled and laid his hand on her cheek.

“Coming from you that means a lot.” he replied. Catherine looked up into his blue eyes and she could see his feelings for her shining back out of them. She tried to will her body into feeling something for him. She wanted to feel her blood heat or her heart beat faster. She wanted to feel like she was in a cloud the way Emmett had always made her feel but she just could not.

“Richard…” she said uncertainly. Richard sighed and pulled his hand away from her.

“I know.” he said. Then he shrugged.

“So you still wanting to go to that dance? I passed Bianca and Edward on my way out here so we still got plenty of time to get there and enjoy ourselves.”

“Are you sure you want to?” she asked. “Doesn’t your leg hurt?” He shook his head.

“I told you I was fine.” he promised. She smiled.

“Let’s go then.” she said. Richard held his arm out for her.

“Well come on then, Cat. Your chariot is out there waiting.” Catherine’s heart stopped beating at his words. An image of Emmett came into her mind so clear and sharp it was like he was the one standing before her. He had his arm held out and was saying ’
Your chariot awaits my lady’
with a charming smile on his face. It was his voice calling her Cat the way his was the only voice she’d ever heard call her by that name.

She felt tears begin to pour down her cheeks. She quickly turned on her heel and ran from Richard. She ran up the stairs to her room and locked the door behind her. She curled up in a ball on her bed and cried.

Richard looked at the space in the living room where she had just been standing seconds before feeling more confused than he’d ever felt before. He didn’t know what he had said or done to cause such a reaction from her but he knew there was no way he was going to find out by standing here. He went up to her room and knocked on the locked door.

“Catherine, let me in.” he said. There was no response. He shook his head. “Catherine, I’m an officer of the law you don’t have a choice but to let me in.” Still there was no response. “Ok fine but you made me do this.” he said and he took several steps back. He kicked his foot out hard sending the door flying open.

Catherine jumped up and screamed with a mixture of shock and fear when he came bursting into her room.

“What are you doing!” she demanded. He looked back at the broken door hanging on it’s hinges and then back at her with a shrug.

“I told you to open the door.” he said. Her face was covered in tears and her green eyes were red and swollen. These tears were his fault but he had no idea what he’d done to cause them.

“I didn’t think you would break it down.” she said sitting back down on her bed. “I only knew one other person that broke doors down when he was mad.” Richard nodded. He did not need to ask who Catherine was talking about. He already knew it was Emmett.

Richard had thought that if he just hung around long enough. If he was kind enough and cared about her enough then he could make her fall in love with him. He would be able to make her slowly start to forget about Emmett, but he had been wrong.

He was a living, breathing, warm blooded man but he found himself unable to compete with the ghost of the man who had come before him.

“Why did you run away from me crying?” he asked. Catherine sniffed and her breath hitched in a sob.

“It’s not important.” she said. Richard crossed his arm over his chest and shook his head.

“You might as well tell me, Catherine, cuz I’m not going anywhere until you do.”

“It’s just the way you said my chariot was waiting and the way you called me Cat.” she replied. Richard raised his eyebrow.

“You don’t like cats?” he asked. Catherine smiled despite the tears running down her face.

“No I don’t but that’s not why I cried.” she replied. “When you said those things to me it just reminded me so much of Emmett that I couldn’t stop my tears. He used to always tell me that my chariot awaits as he would get a silly smile on his face and bow like some great knight. He was also the only person to ever call me Cat. I was his beautiful Cat.” Richard did not know what to say so he just stood there looking at her.

“I’m sorry, Richard.” she said finally. “I told you not to waste your time on me. I cannot ever love you the way you want me to because my heart is Emmett’s.” Richard nodded. He knew she would never love him the way he had fallen in love with over the last eight months but he was in too deep now to turn away. He would happily settle for just her friendship and companionship for the rest of his life.

“Nonsense.” he said. “I’m your friend, Catherine. I won’t walk away from you when you are hurting and in pain.” Catherine broke down then in heart wrenching sobs that broke Richard’s heart. He went to her and sat on the bed beside of her. He pulled her into his arms and held her tight while stroking her long hair.

“When does it get easier, Richard?” she asked finally through her tears. Richard sighed and kissed her hair.

“I don’t know.” he replied. He was starting to wonder if he had ever truly loved Sarah. When she had died he had been hurt yes and he had cried and he had run around trying to get himself killed but the pain that Catherine was in just seemed to be so much worse. Richard wondered if Emmett had realized what a lucky man he had been when he’d had Catherine.

“Gretchen told me that I just needed to find happiness in other things and I have tried Richard. Sometimes I do feel happy. There are times when I’m talking with you or tending my gardens, reading a book or counting the stars that I feel a kind of happiness coming back but then there is always something to remind me of Emmett and I fall apart again. There will be some line in the story, or a scent on the breeze.. I’ll see a star that reminds me of that mischievous light that was always in his eyes and it’s like he comes back to life again and I lose control of myself!

“He has been gone for eight months, dead for seven but to me it still feels like he is alive and I am just waiting on him to come back to me. I feel like he must have gotten away from that train and for some reason he has not been able to come back to me or contact me. In my heart I feel like he is still alive and he is missing me just as badly as I am missing him.” Richard sighed.

“Catherine, they said the train….” Catherine laughed through her tears.

“I know what they said. I know he is gone. Well at least my mind does. The only trouble is that my mind cannot seem to convince my heart.” She broke down into fresh tears and Richard simply sat there silently and held her against his chest.

He didn’t know how long he held her before her tears finally stopped. He looked down at her and saw that she had fallen fast asleep against him. He kissed her hair gently and though he longed to hold her like this all night he knew that he couldn’t. She was not his and he was realizing that she never would be. Her heart belonged to a ghost and it broke his heart to know that she would never let herself love anyone else. He wanted Catherine to be happy and he wanted to be the one to make her happy and if the only way he could do that was by giving her his friendship, then friendship is what he would give her.

He laid her down gently on the bed. He pulled off her shoes and covered her with the quilt. He left the room as quietly as he could, careful not to wake her. He looked at the broken door that would not latch shut and made a mental note to come back out and fix it the next day. He walked down the stairs and out the front door. He climbed on his wagon and headed back to town.

888

Nearly one month later and Richard was down on the front porch with Edward. Both men were puffing cigarettes for all they were worth, though neither man liked to smoke. It seemed the only thing they were able to do as they could hear Catherine’s painful sobs and yells coming from upstairs.

Doctor Hawke’s wagon was sitting next to the porch like it had been for the last six hours. Richard had never been around a woman giving birth before and he wondered if all women experienced as much pain as Catherine seemed to be in.

“Gotta be over soon.” Edward said after letting a long breath of smoke. Richard nodded in agreement.

“Surely she can’t live through much more of it.” he said.

888

“Give me one more good push, Catherine, and then this will be all over.” Doc Hawke said. Catherine clutched her locket to her chest, took a deep breath and pushed for all she was worth. Sweat trickled down her forehead but Bianca wiped it away before it went in her eyes.

The next sound to fill the room was the crying of a newborn infant. Catherine’s eyes filled with tears as the doctor busied himself cleaning the baby off. He wrapped it in a blanket and then laid it on Catherine’s chest.

“You have yourself a brand new baby girl.” Doc Hawke said. Catherine cried as she kissed the babies forehead. Bianca ran her finger over the newborns soft brown hair.

“She’s beautiful.” she said. “She has Emmett’s hair.” Catherine nodded in agreement. The baby opened her eyes and looked at Catherine and Catherine realized just how deeply in love she was with this tiny bundle already.

“Well Catherine, seems like you are doing just fine. The baby looks good. I’ll be heading on my way. If you two need anything just send someone into town for me, otherwise I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you and the little one.” Doc Hawke said. Bianca stood up and walked the doctor to the door.

“I’ll walk you out.” she said and the two of them left the room. Catherine smiled down at her daughter. She used her free hand to open the locket and held up the picture of Emmett for the newborn to see.

“This is your daddy, baby girl. He would have been so happy to see you.” Catherine looked down at her daughter again and realized the infant had fallen asleep.

“You sleep well my little, Sophia Rose Masters.” Catherine said and then she too drifted off to sleep with the picture of Emmett still in her hands.

Bianca cleaned the room up before letting Richard up to see Catherine. Edward waited at the door with his arms wrapped around Bianca as Richard walked up to the bed. Catherine and the baby were both sound asleep.

“She woke up long enough to feed the baby a while ago but has been asleep since.” Bianca whispered. Richard nodded. If he had put in so many hours of such hard work he’d be asleep too. He looked down at her and the sleeping baby in her arms and smiled.

“You can wake her up if you want to. I’m sure she’d like to talk to you.” Bianca said. She felt sorry for Richard. She could see how much he cared for Catherine but everyone knew that Catherine’s heart still belonged to Emmett.

Richard looked down at the locket lying open on the table beside the bed. He picked it up and looked closer at the picture. Though he’d never seen Emmett before he knew this must be him. He looked like how Catherine had always described him. A handsome and dashing looking man. Richard rubbed his own jaw which was covered in scars from the hard life he’d led and sighed. He looked over at Bianca and shook his head as he laid the locket back down.

“No ma’am. There is only one man that I’m sure she’d like to wake up and see and he ain’t me.” he said. He knew it wasn’t proper for him to kiss Catherine’s forehead in front of her sister and Edward but he didn’t care and they didn’t seem to be in too big of a hurry to stop him. He kissed her head gently and then left the room.

“I’ll see him out.” Edward said. He kissed Bianca’s cheek and then followed after Richard. Bianca walked up to her sister and her new niece and looked down at them both. She had judged Catherine so harshly over the last eight months but she finally had some understanding of what Catherine had gone through. She could not imagine what she would do or how she would survive if Edward was suddenly taken away from her.

Chapter Fourteen

“Thank you for helping so much the last month, Bianca. I know you’ve had a lot on your mind with planning this wedding but I don’t know what I’d have done without your help with Sophia.” Catherine said as she helped her sister into her lacy white wedding dress.

“Nonsense. You are my sister and Sophia is my niece and I would do anything for both of you. Besides I let Gretchen handle most of the details. She was more than happy to help out.” Bianca looked at herself in the mirror of the small hotel in town. She and Edward were getting married down at the small church and she was using this room to get herself ready.

“Can you imagine all the jokes Emmett would have cracked over me wearing a white wedding dress?” Bianca asked. Catherine laughed.

“He would have had plenty to say I’m sure. You were always the one person that could get him riled up.” she replied Bianca sighed and smiled a sad smile.

“I miss that.” she said. Catherine felt tears in her eyes but quickly blinked them away and shook her head.

“We’re not going to be sad today.” she said matter-of-factly. “This is a day to be happy! My little sister has finally found a man who wants to put up with her forever!”

“How do I look?” Bianca asked. Catherine looked at the lacy dress that showed off Bianca’s slim figure. She had all her dark curls pulled up on her head and a tiny lacy white veil. Catherine smiled and handed her the bouquet of pink roses from Catherine’s own gardens.

“Beautiful.” she replied. “You look like a woman getting ready to marry the love of her life.” Bianca smiled. She knew her sister was in a lot of pain today watching her get married but she knew that Catherine was determined to hide her pain for Bianca’s sake.

“You look pretty too, Catherine.” Bianca said. Catherine had pulled out her green satin dress that she had made when they lived back east. She had her own hair pulled up as well and her locket around her neck. Just then a knock came on the door and Gretchen walked in.

“Are you ladies about ready?” she asked. “Your groom looks like he’s about to drop dead from nerves.” she added looking at Bianca. Bianca let out a long breath and practically bounced up and down in her excitement.

“Let’s go get married!” she said. Catherine scooped Sophia up off the bed and followed Bianca out of the hotel and down to the church. Catherine and Gretchen walked in and sat down in the pews. Catherine looked over at Richard who was sitting next to her and he gave her a happy smile.

“You look lovely.” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so dressed up.”

“Emmett loved this dress.” she said and then she frowned when she saw the look of sadness in his eyes at Emmett’s name. “I’m sorry.” she said. He shook his head.

“Don’t apologize, Catherine. Emmett was lucky to have a woman who loved him so much.” Before Catherine could reply the old organ in the front of the church came to life and everyone stood to watch Bianca enter the church. Catherine looked at Edward instead and saw the love in his eyes as he looked at her sister. She was so happy for Bianca and the happiness that both she and Edward had found.

The ceremony was short and sweet and once it was over everyone gathered in the large community center for a reception with food and music. Catherine kissed her sister goodbye, said she had to be getting Sophia home and then walked down to the stable where she had her horse hitched.

She was just climbing up onto the mare when a throat cleared behind her. She looked over and smiled a guilty smile when she saw Richard standing there with his arms crossed over his chest looking at her.

“What do you think you are doing?” he asked. She finished settling herself up in the saddle and adjusted the papoose she had Sophia secured in.

“Sophia and I are going home.” she replied. Richard sighed and held up his hand.

“You wait right here.” he said and then he walked over to the jail and got his horse. He jumped into the saddle and then joined Catherine. As they started out of town he looked over at her.

“What have I told you about trying to ride around out here alone?” he asked. He looked at the darkening sky. “Especially at night.” he added. Catherine bit her lip and smiled guiltily.

“Wasn’t it something about a bandit hiding behind every cactus?” she asked. He forgot his irritation and smiled.

“Exactly. So I will make sure you and miss Sophia get home safely. Did you have a good time at the wedding?” he asked. “You ran off as soon as the groom kissed the bride and I didn’t see you again.”

“It was just hard for me.” she answered honestly. “Don’t get me wrong I am happy for Bianca and Edward I just….”

“You wish that it could have been you and Emmett.” he finished for her. Catherine looked over at him sadly.

“I’m sorry, Richard.” she said. He shook his head.

“You have no reason to be sorry, Catherine. You have told me from day one that your heart belongs to Emmett. I just stuck around because I like having you for a friend.” They rode in a strained silence the rest of the way to the house. Catherine wanted to be able to fall in love with Richard. He was such a good man. He cared about her and he was good with Sophia. However it was impossible for her to make her heart feel something that it didn’t feel.

Richard walked up onto the porch with Catherine once they arrived at her home.

“I’ll see to your horse, Catherine. You and Sophia go on in and get some rest.” he said. Catherine wanted to hug him goodnight but was afraid of sending him the wrong signal… She just craved the feel of a mans arms around her. She took a step away from him and opened the door.

“Goodnight Richard.” she said. Richard could see the sadness in her eyes. He knew how hard watching her sister get married had been for Catherine even though she thought she was hiding her pain from him pretty well.

“I’ll be back out first thing in the morning to check on you.” he said. Catherine shook her head.

“You don’t have to.” she said. He nodded.

“I know I don’t.” he said. “But I want to. And besides I have to pass through to go out to El Paso. I’ll be gone a few days and I want to see you before I leave.” Catherine nodded knowing that he was going to come no matter what she said.

“Ok then. I’ll see you in the morning.” he said and then turned and walked away. She saw him take her mare by the reins and lead her to the barn and then she closed the door and took Sophia up to her room.

888

Hours later Sophia woke up screaming. Catherine fed the baby and stood pacing the room with her. No matter how gently she spoke or how gentle of a lullaby she sang. No matter how much she paced or rocked the tiny infant. she could not calm her tears.

“Oh Emmett darling I need you here.” she said aloud to the empty room. Suddenly her door opened and Bianca walked in followed by Edward.

“Are you okay, Catherine?” Bianca asked softly. Catherine broke down in tears and shook her head.

“I cannot make her stop.” she said. “I have fed her, rocked her and exhausted my knowledge of lullabies.” Bianca reached out to take the crying infant. Catherine shook her head and dried her face with her free hand.

“Bianca, it is your wedding night. You don’t need to be taking care of Sophia.” Bianca waved her hand impatiently.

“Don’t’ worry about that.” she said. “Edward and I will have plenty of other nights for just the two of us.”

“Hey either way tonight is going to be a good night for me because I’m not sleeping in the bunkhouse.” Edward added. Catherine was too tired to argue any more. She let Bianca take Sophia from her arms.

“You rest, Catherine. You have not had a single full night of sleep in the month since she’s been born. You said you just fed her so you have a good four hours to rest before she needs to eat again. It will be light out by then and maybe you’ll feel a little better.” Bianca said matter-of-factly.

“Are you sure?” Catherine asked. Edward nodded.

“We’re sure.” he said. He wrapped his arm around his wife and led her out of the room, closing the door behind them.

Catherine laid down in the bed. She curled up to her pillow and cried big silent tears into it as she thought about her Emmett and how badly she wished she could feels his arms around her again. She didn’t know how long she lay there and cried before sleep finally claimed her.

888

Emmett took his horse into the barn and wiped him down and gave him some fresh hay. His heart was heavy in his chest. He was scared to death to go inside and face Catherine. His decision to stay away from her had seemed justifiable at the time he had made it but now he worried that she would not accept him back.

He was filthy from the last two weeks he’d spent on his horse. He was covered in dust and dirt and he knew he didn’t smell his best. He should have went to the hotel in town and cleaned up and come out here in the morning. But he could not have stayed away from Catherine a second longer.

His every thought since he’d woken up from his two month sleep, six months ago had been about Catherine. He needed her touch and he needed to touch her. He needed to smell her rose scented hair and skin and taste her kiss. He gave the stallion a final pat on the rump and then walked back out of the barn.

The sky was turning purple and pink with the approaching dawn and Emmett limped up to the house. His right leg still ached and sometimes he found it hard to make it move when he wanted it to but he was finally able to walk without the use of a cane.

He tested the door and found that it was unlocked.. After he had begged Catherine’s forgiveness he would scold her and Bianca about leaving doors unlocked. He walked into the silent house and up the stairs. He stopped at the top and looked to the left toward the door to the room he and Catherine were to share as husband and wife.

He could not explain why but he knew she was not in there. He knew Catherine and knowing her as well as he did he knew she would have wanted to change rooms with her sister after his “death”. He turned right instead and stopped with his hand on the doorknob. He did not know what her reaction to seeing him would be after all this time. Nine long months he had been gone.

888

Catherine sat up quickly when she heard the door opening. She looked through the darkness and felt her heart speed up at the sight of that tall silhouette. The moonlight shone through her window and when the man took a step forward it hit his face and Catherine nearly cried out.

“Emmett, my love.” she whispered. She knew this was a dream. She had had many dreams of Emmett over the last nine months. She held her arms out for him and he was too her in three long strides.

“Catherine, I’m so sorry I stayed gone for so long.” Emmett said as he fell to his knees at her bedside. Catherine gave him a questioning look. In her dreams before, he had never spoken. She let his deep voice wash over her like the sunshine after a long rain but wondered why he would say something like that. She was not about to question him aloud however because she did not want to do anything that would cause her to wake up.

Catherine reached out a shaking hand and laid it on his stubble covered cheek. She wondered why he was so dirty but was not going to question that either. All that mattered was that in this dream she could actually feel the texture of his face beneath her palm and she was going to enjoy it.

“I have waited for you my love.” she said. Emmett could not believe how quickly she was accepting him. He had expected tears, anger, fighting. He had not expected her gentle hand on his cheek or the look of pure love and desire in her eyes.

“You are not upset with me?” he asked with disbelief. Catherine laughed lightly and Emmett found it to be the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.

“I could never be upset with you Emmett, my love.” she replied. “You are the other half of my very soul. I have been so lost since you left me.” Emmett looked up into her green eyes and felt guilt rip at his heart.

“I am sorry, Cat. I was a broken man. I could not come back to you a broken man.” Catherine looked at him and again wondered what he was talking about. Why would he be saying such things in her dream? Maybe because she had wanted him to come back to her for so long and tell her that he had never died in that train robbery.

She was not going to question him. This dream felt more real than any other dream she had ever had and she was not going to waste it.

“I love you, Emmett.” she said feeling a tear roll down her cheek. He wiped it away with his rough thumb.

“I love you too, my beautiful Cat.” he replied. Catherine could not wait another moment. She grabbed his face in her hands and pulled his mouth to hers. Their lips met and all thought and reason disappeared. It was lightning and it was thunder. It was wind and it was rain.

Catherine thanked God for this dream that felt more like reality. She could taste him as he parted her lips with his tongue and explored her mouth hungrily. Emmett kissed her like a desperate man who had thought he would never again taste something so delicious.

He stood up pulling her up with him so they could keep their lips locked together as long as possible. Catherine looked at his dark eyes as he pulled away. She could see his hunger and his desire in his eyes and again she realized that this was not like the other dreams she had had. Never before in a dream had they made love and she had no doubt that as long as she stayed asleep they were going to make love in this dream.

Emmett felt his hands shaking as she raised her arms above her head and he pulled off her sleeping gown. He ran his hands over her soft body and smiled when he felt her tremble beneath him. He kissed her lips, her cheeks, her neck. He gently traced her collarbone with his hungry lips. Catherine had to grab onto his shoulders to keep from falling as her knees weakened beneath her.

She moaned his name as he pulled away and quickly pulled off his clothes. Catherine looked at his hard glorious body and cursed the darkness. She could not see him nearly as well as she wanted to. He pulled her back into his arms and both of them could feel the sparks and heat where skin touched skin.

“Make love to me, Emmett. Quickly before I wake up.” she begged in little more than a whisper. Emmett did not have time to think of what her words meant. His body was on fire and he had to have her now. He laid her down gently on the bed and made love to her as slowly and passionately as his starved body would allow him too.

Emmett collapsed against the pillows thoroughly spent. Catherine laid her head on his damp chest and ran her fingers through the dark hair that covered it. She could feel sleepiness settling into her and she quickly tried to push it aside. If she fell asleep in her dream then the dream would end. She would wake up in the morning and he would be gone. There would be nothing more than a pillow beneath her head.

“I am so happy you came to me, Emmett.” she said. She felt him smile as he kissed her head.

“I always wanted to come back to you, Cat, just as soon as I knew I could be a real man for you.” he replied. His words confused Catherine but she did not want to question him. If she questioned him he might get angry and cause her to wake up.

“You’ll never believe what happened today.” she said instead. Emmett ran his hands down her smooth back and pulled the covers tighter around both of them.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Bianca and Edward got married.” she replied. Emmett’s eyes widened and she raised her head to look in his eyes. She laughed at his disbelief.

“They really did.” she assured him. He shook his head.

“Never would have seen that one coming.” he said.

“Bianca looked beautiful in her white dress.” Catherine said with a grin.

“I hope you just stood outside the church and watched through the door.” Emmett said matter-of-factly.

“Why is that?” Catherine asked.

“Didn’t the good Lord above send down a bolt of lightning and blow the place sky high when Bianca walked in in white?” Catherine laughed and Emmett found himself chuckling with her. He never dreamed she would accept him back so quickly. Not after being gone for so long. True he could not have sent her word that he was alive the two months after he’d disappeared but the last six he could have but had not.

“Bianca wondered what you would have to say about the dress being white.” she said. She laid her head back down on his chest and yawned.

“Turn that overactive mind off my Cat and get some rest.” he said kissing her head. She did not want to sleep… Because then she would wake up and he would be gone.

But as his hands slowly massaged her back and she listened to the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear she could not keep her eyes open and she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Fifteen

Catherine snuggled deeper into the warm cocoon of Emmett’s strong arms. She smiled as he sighed and wrapped his arm tighter around her. Catherine opened her eyes and saw the bright sunlight pouring in through her bedroom window. Then she raised her head and saw Emmett’s face sound asleep.

Emmett’s face! Emmett should not be here! Emmett was dead! Last night had been a dream and this morning there should have been nothing but a pillow beneath her head. She raised her hand and pinched her arm wincing in pain…

This did not make any sense. How could he be here. Catherine let out a scream and jumped from the bed. Emmett jumped awake at the sound of her scream and started across the room toward her. She held up her hands.

“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed. “Who the hell are you?” she demanded as she pulled on some underclothes and slipped into a cotton dress. Emmett pulled on his pants and shirt while she dressed and then looked at her questioningly.

“What do you mean who am I?” he asked. “You knew who I was last night when you made love to me.” Catherine shook her head.

“Last night was a dream! You are dead.” she exclaimed. “You’ve been dead for over eight months!” Emmett shook his head.

“Cat, let me explain….” Before he could say anything else the door to the room burst open and Edward came in holding a revolver aimed at Emmett.

“Emmett….” he said his voice full of disbelief. He lowered the gun and Emmett found his heart rate returning to something closer to normal.

“Hello Edward. I hear I need to congratulate you on your marriage.” he said but his eyes stayed locked on Catherine’s. Bianca pushed past Edward.

“What is going on in here!” she demanded and then her eyes widened and she gasped in shock when she saw Emmett.

“Emmett… You’re alive.” she said. Emmett nodded. Catherine felt her head start to spin and her legs getting weak. No matter how deep of breaths she took she felt like she could get no air in her lungs. She turned on her heel, pushed past Edward and Bianca and ran from the room. She ran down the stairs as quickly as she could and was about to run out the door to the outside when she collided with Richard’s solid chest. She collapsed against him and let him hold her while she cried.

“What is wrong with you?” he asked gently.

“Emmett….” she didn’t have time to finish before Emmett, Edward and Bianca came running down the stairs. Catherine noticed that Emmett was limping and wondered what had caused that.

“Who the hell are you?” Emmett demanded. Richard recognized Emmett from the picture in Catherine’s locket. He looked dirtier than he had in the picture, his face more covered with stubble and his hair was a little longer but it was Emmett.

“That’s Richard. The man who has been taking care of Catherine since you left and never came back.” Bianca replied. Emmett whirled around to face her and that’s when he noticed the baby in her arms. He looked from Edward to Bianca.

“Since when do you have a baby?” Emmett demanded. Bianca shrugged.

“Since I got pregnant.” she replied. She was not going to be the one to tell Emmett that Sophia was his baby. That was Catherine’s job and right now Catherine was barely holding herself up and looked pale as a ghost as she stared at Emmett.

Emmett glared at Bianca for another few seconds and then turned back to Catherine. He could tell she was confused and scared. She must have truly believed she was dreaming last night when he had come to her and his heart broke at the pain he saw on her face this morning.

“Cat, we need to talk.” he said ignoring the man who was standing behind her. Catherine moved her mouth but no words came out. It was like her brain had just shut down.

“She doesn’t want to talk to you right now.” Richard said matter-of-factly. This man had abandoned Catherine. He had abandoned her and still she had remained faithful to him for all these months. Her love had never wavered or faded. Emmett did not deserve Catherine though Richard knew deep down that she would take him back.

Richard knew his time in Catherine’s life was coming to an end. She would accept Emmett back in her life and then Richard would have to leave. He loved Catherine enough to accept her love for Emmett but too much to stay and watch her love another man.

“Richard was it?” Emmett asked and Richard nodded. “I don’t know who you are or what your relationship is with Catherine but I want to thank you for taking care of her while I could not.” Everyone looked at Emmett with shock.

“Since when are you the calm understanding type?” Bianca snorted Emmett turned his head to look at her.

“Keep your mouth shut. I have some things to talk to you about later.” he growled out. Bianca couldn’t help but smile as he turned back around. She had missed Emmett and how easily she could get him riled up.

“But Richard.” Emmett continued. “I want to talk to Catherine alone.” Richard was about to say something else when suddenly Sophia began to cry. Bianca tried to shush her but it was no use.

Her cries broke through Catherine’s shock and she shook her head and went to her. She pulled her out of Bianca’s arms.

“She’s hungry.” Catherine said matter-of-factly. Then she looked at everyone in the room. “I want to be alone.” she said and quickly went back upstairs.

Emmett stared after her until he could no longer see her then looked at Bianca and Edward with narrowed eyes.

“Why would Catherine be taking your baby upstairs to feed it?” he asked. Bianca rolled her eyes.

“Because Emmett darling, you big idiot, that baby is hers.” she said. Emmett grabbed onto the stair railing for support as the meaning of her words hit him.

“My baby….” he said. The words were a statement and not a question but Richard didn’t realize that.

“If you have to ask that question then you don’t really know Catherine.” he said. Emmett whirled around to face him. He didn’t know this damn cowboy, who was a sheriff judging by the star on his vest, but he didn’t like him.

“You don’t have a clue what you are talking about!” Emmett shouted angrily. “I know that woman better than anyone. I have loved her since before I even knew what love was.” Richard stood his ground and squared his shoulders.

“You have a funny way of showing that by abandoning her and your child.” he said. Emmett saw red. He had never been accused of having very much in the way of patience, had been in a fair number of brawls and right now all he could think of was how badly he wanted to knock this sheriffs head clean off his shoulders.

Emmett’s fist swung out and caught Richard hard across the jaw. Richard stumbled backward and spit out a mouthful of blood. Before he had time get his bearings Emmett was on him in a fury of angry fists.

Bianca screamed in shock as the two men wrestled right out the open door, off of the porch and onto the dusty ground outside. Richard had always prided himself on being a good fighter but Emmett Masters was more than he could handle. Just when Richard thought for sure he was going to pass out if Emmett landed one more punch, Edward intervened and pulled Emmett off of him.

“That’s enough. You don’t want to kill a lawman, Emmett. They’d hang you for sure.” he said. Emmett looked down at Richard who was currently holding his broken nose and trying to stop the flow of blood. Edward reached out a hand and helped Richard to his feet.

“Come on, Richard. Come out to the barn with me and we’ll see what we can do about that nose.” Edward said. Richard nodded and the two of them walked away. Emmett glared after them. He needed to talk to Catherine quick because he figured he was bound for jail as soon as the sheriff stopped bleeding.

“Look at your knuckles, Emmett, you big bully… Come inside and let me clean those up.” Bianca said from the porch. Emmett shook his head.

“I need to talk to Catherine.” he said.

“She said she wants to be alone so you are going to leave her alone. When she’s ready to talk to you she’ll come down. Do you really want her to see you with bloody knuckles?” Emmett sighed and shook his head. Bianca was right he couldn’t rush Catherine. He had never deserved her and now after the pain he’d put her through the last few months he deserved her even less.

888

Catherine had watched Richard and Emmett in horror from her window as she’d nursed Sophia. She knew it was horrible of her but she was relieved when Edward had pulled Emmett away from Richard and she had seen that Emmett looked unharmed.

She didn’t like seeing the blood covering Richard’s face but she had heard what Richard had said to Emmett and she had known what Emmett’s reaction would be. Catherine knew that Emmett had not abandoned her.

She remembered him saying the night before in what she thought was a dream that he had been broken… She knew he must have good reasons for staying gone as long as he did and just as soon as she was done feeding Sophia she was going to go find out what the reason was.

She looked down at the infant in her arms and realized she had stopped suckling and was sleeping peacefully. She also realized that the tears she’d been crying while thinking of Emmett had soaked the babies hair. Catherine wrapped Sophia in a blanket and laid her in her cradle.

“You rest my little princess.” she said softly as she wiped away her tears. “When you wake up I will introduce you to your daddy.”

Catherine stood and smoothed out her dress. She looked in the mirror and took a few moments to pull some of her hair back away from her face before opening her door and walking downstairs. She could hear Emmett and Bianca talking in the kitchen and she knew they didn’t know she was listening. She stood there and listened to their conversation trying to build her nerve to walk in.

“Bianca, that hurts!” Emmett said as Bianca scrubbed his knuckles with a wet rag.

“Well you should have thought about that before you turned Richard’s face to mush you big baby.” Bianca replied.

“You haven’t changed much.” he replied. “Still just as annoying as ever.”

“You haven’t changed much either.” she said. “Still just as short tempered and irritating as ever.”

“He shouldn’t have said what he said.” Emmett said matter-of-factly. Bianca finished cleaning his hands and then sat across from him at the table.

“Yes he should have. As far as we know you did abandon Catherine.” Bianca said tossing her hair over her shoulder. Emmett glared at her. He did not want to discuss any of this with Bianca. It was Catherine he wanted to talk to.

“So you and Edward huh?” Emmett asked. Bianca rolled her eyes at his change of topic but smiled happily as she nodded.

“Yes Edward and I are married now.”

“Never saw that one coming.” Emmett said. Bianca shook her head.

“Me either but he says he knew it would happen eventually.” she replied. Emmett nodded.

“I hear you wore white.” he said with a grin trying to form on his lips. Bianca tried hard to fight back her own grin and act annoyed but she had been waiting too long to hear Emmett give her a hard time over something.

“Is there a problem with that?” she asked. He shook his head.

“No, you’ve always been a good actress so I guess you probably pulled off the whole blushing bride thing.” he replied. Bianca laughed despite herself but it was only for several seconds and then the kitchen fell silent again.

“Emmett, where have you been? What happened? I think we all have a right to know.” Emmett sighed. “Were you even on that train that got attacked?” Bianca asked.

“Of course I was!” Emmett said his dark eyes blazing. “What do you think that I would really just abandon Catherine and that I was just out having a good time for the past nine months?”

“Then tell me what happened. Tell me I’m wrong.” Bianca said.

“I was on my way back from finishing up all the paperwork back east. I was about halfway here when the train was attacked by bandits. I was shot in the back and took a hard blow to the head but managed to drag myself a short distance from the train and hide. They killed everyone else and burned the train down. I lost consciousness shortly after that but there was a family that said they found me.

“The family had no idea who I was and so they took me back to their home and had a doctor come out and look at me. I don’t remember any of this because for some reason I could not wake up. The doctor had no explanation for my lack of consciousness. The family continued to care for me. They were able to keep me alive with broth but it was around two months before I finally woke up.”

“Two months? You slept for two months?” Bianca demanded. She looked at Emmett and realized that he was indeed thinner than she remembered.

“Yes it was around two months.” Emmett replied.

“But you were gone for six more months after that. Why didn’t you come home sooner or at least send her some kind of message that you were alive?”

“When I woke up I panicked. I had no idea how I had gotten away from the train. I had no idea how long I’d been asleep.” Emmett paused and looked down at his cut up knuckles. “And I could not feel or move my legs.” he added.

“That doesn’t answer my question. Why did you continue to let my sister believe you were dead?” Bianca demanded. Emmett buried his face in his hands as she continued. “Do you realize that she tried to take her own life? When Richard rode up and told her that you were dead it was like she died with you. Her eyes became lifeless. Her voice held no emotion. I found her in the bathtub shortly after trying to drown herself!” Catherine cringed from where she hid behind the door. She had not wanted Emmett to know just how weak she had been.

“She walked around in a fog after that. She would not speak to anyone other than me and even then she never said much and her voice was always blank. Then we found out she was carrying your child and she smiled for the first time in a month.” Bianca waited for him to reply or give some indication to how he was feeling but he kept his face buried in his hands. The only thing that gave a clue to how he felt was the fact that his shoulders were moving up and down as he cried silently.

“Richard, the man you beat up, stuck by her through it all. He held her while she cried a million tears over you. Not just in the beginning but for the entire time you were gone. He loves her but still she remained faithful to you even though she thought you were dead. She said the part of her heart that was made for being in love had died with you. So forgive me if I don’t welcome you back here with open arms, Emmett, but you put my sister through hell and I want to know exactly why that was!” Emmett didn’t look up as he replied.

“I couldn’t come home to her that way, Bianca….” he started but Catherine walked in then and cleared her throat. Emmett jumped to his feet and looked at her. She saw the tears in his eyes and on his face and quickly went to him. She laid her hand on his cheek.

“Emmett…” she said her voice breaking. He shook his head and covered her hand with his.

“Don’t feel sorry for me, Catherine. I deserve to be in pain after what I did to you.” he said. Catherine shook her head. No matter how badly she had been hurting she never wanted to see Emmett in such pain.

“I heard what you said to Bianca.” she said.

“Cat, if I had known there was a baby I would have done things differently when I woke up all those months ago..” he said.

“Why didn’t you come back to me or let me know you were alive? I’ve been lost without you, Emmett.” she said.

“When I woke up I couldn’t walk. I didn’t want to come back to you like that. And then one morning I woke up and I could move my toes and then I could move my feet…. I focused all my energy on getting better so I could get back to you. As soon as I could walk on my own I climbed on a horse and I rode for two weeks straight to get to you.”

“You called yourself broken last night.  You thought that I would not love you if you were broken? It hurts me that you had so little faith in my love for you.” Emmett shook his head and dropped to his knees in front of her holding her hands tight in his.

“You misunderstand me, love.” he said. “I knew that no matter how I came back to you, you would love me and you would accept me and I could not place that kind of burden on you.”

“Emmett, I would never see you as a burden.” she said looking down into his brown eyes that were full of so much sadness and guilt that she just wanted to try to kiss it all away.

“You do not know what you’re saying Cat.” he said as he pressed his lips to her hands. “I could not stand or walk. I could not have been a real husband to you. I could not have protected you or taken care of you like I promised I always would. I could not even use the bathroom by myself my love. I couldn’t do that to you. You have always had to take care of everyone and I did not want you to have to take care of me. I assumed that you already thought I was dead and I knew that if I never walked again that you would eventually move on with your life and find someone new… I thought that eventually you would be happy without me.”

“Never Emmett. You are my happiness. I cannot be happy if I don’t have you.” she replied. Emmett stood then.

“I am sorry, Catherine. If I had known about the baby… I was such a fool!” he said as fresh tears fell down his face.

“What about you Emmett… You say that you thought I would eventually be happy without you. Would you have gone on with your life without me and been happy?”

“No.” he answered simply. “You have occupied every single second of my thoughts and dreams for every single second that I have been away from you. You know how much I love you, Catherine. You know that you are the one and only woman that has ever and will ever have my heart. I thought I was doing what was best for you. I realize now how foolish I was. But I’m here now, Catherine. I’m here and if you’ll still have me I want to be your husband and I want to meet my child….” Catherine pulled away from him.

“So you just thought you could ride on in here and you just expected me to fall into your arms and we would start over right where we left off?” she asked. She was angry that he had just assumed she would get over the way he had hurt her by staying gone those extra months. Emmett’s eyes widened at her words and then he nodded and looked more defeated then she had ever seen a person look. He stepped away from her.

“I will leave. I never did deserve you, Cat, and I deserve you even less now. Just remember that I love you.” he said. He turned and began to walk away and Catherine felt a panic so deep and desperate that she nearly cried out. She grabbed his arm and he stopped in his tracks and turned back to her.

“You are a crazy fool, Emmett.” she said. He frowned at her words.

“What do you mean…?” he asked. She threw her arms around him and buried her face in his neck.

“I mean of course I am going to marry you and be with you forever, Emmett. It is not even something that I have a choice about. There is nothing in this world that would ever change that.” she said. “But you should not have just expected it.” she added. Emmett smiled broadly and wrapped his arms tight around her.

“I love you Cat.” he said as he spun her around and around. Catherine laughed happily and kissed him. She kissed his tear covered cheeks and tasted the salt. She kissed his lips and felt the heat in her veins and felt her blood pump faster.

Emmett was the only man who had ever or would ever cause such an intense reaction within her. She loved him and he loved her and now he was back and nothing else mattered.

They were lost in each others arms when a throat cleared behind them and they turned to see Edward standing next to Bianca at the kitchen table.

“Catherine, Richard is leaving. He said he would like to talk to you before he goes but that he’s not stepping foot back in his house.” he said pointing at Emmett.

Catherine bit her lip and felt a new pain replace the happiness she had been feeling the last few moments. She had forgotten all about Richard as she had spoken with Emmett. She nodded and looked up at Emmett.

“I’ll go talk with him.” she said.

“I’ll come with you.” Emmett said. He had been away from her for too long and did not want to let her out of his sight again.

“No, Emmett. I need to do this alone. Please just let me go talk to him and then I will take you upstairs to meet your daughter.” she said. A light entered Emmett’s eyes and he smiled.

“My daughter.” he said his voice taking on a dreamy tone. Catherine stood on her toes to kiss him and laughed when he instantly tried to deepen the kiss. She pulled away and he came closer to pouting than she had ever seen him.

“I’ll be right back.” she said and left the house.

“Nice to have you back.” Edward said as Emmett sat down at the table. Emmett nodded.

“Nice to be back.” he replied. Then he looked at Edward and Bianca. “Now tell me about this Richard fellow.”

888

Catherine found Richard standing at the top of the small hill at the edge of the road to town with his tall black horse beside him.

“You look happy, Catherine.” he said as she walked up. He could see that Emmett had sparked a light in her eyes that he had been unable to spark no matter how hard he’d tried. Catherine looked down at his dusty boots and bit her lip. She didn’t want him to know how happy she was when she knew his heart was broken.

“Look at me Catherine.” he said. She looked up and gasped. His face was a mess. Emmett had clearly broken his nose, split his lip and given him a very bad black eye. She laid her hand on his cheek.

“Are you ok?” she asked. Richard nodded and moved his face away from her hand.

“Given what’s happened today this is the least of my worries.” he said pointing to his nose. He saw the look of guilt on her face and shook his head.

“Don’t feel guilty about being happy with him, Catherine.” he said.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Richard. I never wanted to hurt you.” she said. He nodded.

“I know. And you warned me plenty enough times and if I’d have had any pride or sense at all I would have took off long before today. Unfortunately I lost all of that when it came to you.” Catherine smiled a sad smile.

“I take it this means you are leaving for good?” she asked. He nodded.

“Yes.” he said. “I was willing to stay when it was just a ghost I was up against… But I can’t stay now. Not now that he’s flesh and blood. If that makes me a bad friend to you then I guess that’s what I am.”

“No, Richard, you have been a wonderful friend to me. Thank you for everything you’ve done. I’m really sorry that this ended with you getting hurt.” she said.

“That’s not your fault. As soon as I saw him I knew this was over for me.” he said. “You should not feel guilty about it either. If that had been my Sarah coming back from the dead I would have run to her without a second thought.” He didn’t know for sure if that was the truth but he knew it was what she needed to hear. Catherine threw her arms around him and he hugged her tight knowing it would be the last time he would ever hold her.

“Goodbye Catherine.” he said as he pulled away and jumped quickly onto his stallion. He didn’t look back as he rode away as fast as the horse could gallop sending a cloud of dust behind him.

888

Catherine walked back into the kitchen and Emmett stood up quickly and limped toward her. She looked at his leg.

“Does it hurt?” she asked. He shrugged.

“Sometimes.” he said. “But it is nothing that you need to worry about.” he added. She let him wrap his arms around her and she just breathed him in and enjoyed the warmth and strength of him for several long minutes.

A small cry sounded from upstairs and Catherine pulled away from Emmett.

“Would you like to meet your daughter now?” she asked. Catherine smiled when she saw the mixture of fear and excitement on his face.

“Yes.” he said. Catherine took him by the hand and led him up to the bedroom. She walked over and picked Sophia up off the bed and carried her over to Emmett.

“Sophia Rose Masters… Meet your daddy.” she said. Emmett looked down at the tiny little girl and felt knew tears fill his eyes. He had never cried before in his life, but it seemed like in the past hour that is all he had been able to do.

“Hello my little girl.” he said softly.

“You want to hold her?” she asked. He looked at her as if she was crazy.

“She’s so tiny!” he said. “What if I break her?” Catherine laughed happily.

“You won’t break her.” she assured him. He reached out with shaking arms and Catherine laid his daughter into his arms for the first time. Emmett felt his heart fill with so much love he thought for sure it would burst.

“She’s beautiful.” he said.

“She has your hair and your dimples.” Catherine said. Just then Bianca and Edward walked in. Emmett looked down at Catherine.

“Cat, my love, do you still want to be my wife?” he asked. Catherine nodded.

“Of course I do.” she said. “You are my everything.”

“And you are mine.” he replied. He used his free hand to reach into the pocket of his trousers. He pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Edward.

“That’s the marriage license I promised I would come back with.” he said. Catherine’s eyes widened. “If it’s ok with you Catherine, maybe Edward could go get the preacher to come out here today. We can have a big wedding later but for right now I just want to become your husband as quickly as possible.” Catherine nodded and felt a happy tear fall down her cheek.

“That sounds wonderful!” she exclaimed. “I don’t ever need a big wedding Emmett. All that matters to me is that you are here. You are alive and my soul is finally back in one piece.” Emmett simply nodded because he felt the same way. Edward put the piece of paper in his pocket and kissed Bianca’s forehead before walking to the door.

“I’ll go get that preacher.”

(A/N: For those of you that read this story and fell as much in love with Richard Helms as i did writing him and are now worried about him and wondering if he will ever find his own happily ever after, i have written him his own love story and he might just find the woman made for him. I had a hard time breaking his heart in this story because he was such a lovable character for me to write and i grew quite fond of him. I could not leave him hanging like this… The next story i upload will be called ‘Love of a Bounty’ and it is his story)