“How can you be so sure?” Baxter asked.

That was the problem. Chase couldn’t be sure. Last night had meant everything to him, but how could he be certain it had meant the same to her?

Uncle Baxter straightened. “Royce is a gambler, just like your pa, and he’s betting that Emily will either leave of her own free will or be forced to leave. There’re a lot of angry people around here who could make her life hell.”

“She won’t leave,” Chase repeated. I won’t let her.

“She fled Boston,” Uncle Baxter said stubbornly. He stood and donned his derby, a dubious look on his face. “You better make sure she doesn’t run again. For the sake of the ranch.”

The moment his uncle left, Chase stormed through the house calling Emily’s name. It wasn’t the ranch that worried him. He now knew he could lose so much more. He could lose the woman he loved!

“She rode into town,” Cookie called from the kitchen.

“What?” Chase stopped in his tracks. “When?”

“About an hour ago. Said she needed to purchase more books.” Cookie frowned. “Something wrong?”

“I sure in blazes hope not.” Spinning around, Chase dashed outside and raced to the stables for his horse.

34

Emily took her time riding to town and savored every moment. Seen through the eyes of love, the world had taken on magical qualities that made her heart sing. Today, the air seemed clearer, the sky bluer, and the wildflowers on the side of the road brighter than ever before.

She rode past a herd of mustangs grazing upon the knee-high grass, tails to the wind. The air vibrated with the sounds of nature. Insects buzzed, prairie dogs barked, and songbirds sang.

She couldn’t remember ever feeling so happy. Even Daisy seemed to sense her good mood, and the mare was spunkier than usual.

She was Chase McKnight’s wife. No more pretending. Her marriage was real.

Still, she had a hard time believing it. They’d started out two strangers who were worlds apart, and now it was as if they had merged as one.

The very thought filled her with such awe and wonder that she was certain her heart would burst with joy. She couldn’t stop thinking of the night spent in Chase’s arms. The sweet words whispered between them. The way he made her feel…

How was it possible to live so long and not know the thrill of loving someone like Chase?

Her exuberance lasted until she reached the deserted Circle R ranch. The broken windmill and fences, the tumbleweeds and deserted pens hit her with a stab of reality. You’ll find lots of deserted ranches around here.

Her uncle’s unethical business practices had come to light during the trial. But seeing the destruction he’d brought about with her own two eyes made it so much more real to her. So much more horrendous.

Panic welled inside her. Last night in Chase’s arms, she had severed herself mentally from the past and pretended that it no longer mattered. But it did. Oh God, it did!