“I hope she turns up soon.”
“I keep wondering if she’s been kidnapped—or worse. Half the time I’m thinking awful things about her, and the other half I’m scared stiff.”
“Your brother called the sheriff?” When she nodded, he went on, “Cab Johnson seems like a capable guy.”
“He is. I trust him to do everything he can. I’ve got to go back tomorrow and watch Elise again—unless Mindy turns up overnight.”
Emerson hesitated, one foot on the bottom step. “You’re a good sister. I hope your brother knows that.”
Wyoming stood with him, noticing the glittering stars above them for the first time. It was a beautiful night despite all the trouble in the world. “I think he does on some level, but he’s not one for showing it.”
“That’s what you said yesterday. Sounds to me like he takes advantage of you.”
What did Emerson know about her family? “I’m happy to help in a situation like this,” she said tightly. “He’s my brother—family sticks together, right?” At least, that’s what everyone said. She certainly wouldn’t know.
Emerson shrugged. “I suppose so.”
Wyoming blew out a breath. The strain of the day had left her with little energy. “Look, I’m tired and hungry. I’d like to go inside.” He didn’t shift to let her past, and she had a feeling he would bring up the standing stone and the possibility of marriage again. That was the last thing she wanted to discuss right now. “It’s just… my brother didn’t even pay me back for the groceries. He acted like I should be grateful he let me cook for him. He’s always been like this.” Wyoming stopped herself before her rant escalated and she ended up ticking off her father’s offenses, too. “Sorry. Like I said, it’s been a long day.”
“And I’m keeping you standing out in the cold. Come on. I’ll take your things upstairs.” He reached for her purse. “You go find Cass. She’ll get you sorted out.”
“Thanks.” Now she felt like an ass for snapping at him. “You’re a good guy, Emerson.”
“I don’t know about that. If I was a good guy, I wouldn’t do this.” He bent down and brushed a kiss over her cheek, then captured her mouth with his. She knew she should push him away, but the spark that lit between them had her leaning in for more, instead. Up close, she could smell the soap he used, something masculine and fresh. His flannel shirt was soft to the touch, his muscles hard underneath. Kissing him felt good.
Emerson pulled back. “Dinner first, then we’ll put your feet up. Find something good to watch on TV.”
Before she could protest, Wye found herself inside Cass’s warm kitchen, a beer in her hand, her butt in a chair and the room filling with all Cass’s sisters and their husbands as they came to greet her and hear about Mindy. Her tension melted away among their questions and chatter. Emerson took a seat next to her a few minutes later, having stowed her things in her room. He leaned in close.
“Tell your brother tomorrow he can’t keep commandeering you forever. You’ve got people here who need you, too.”
“People?” Wye leaned back so Cass could set down a plate of food in front of her.
“Me. Look—whatever happens between us, I’m in your life now, and it makes a difference to me if you come home or not. If you’re happy or not. You tell your brother you have people who need you here—or I will.” He took her hand. “We need to talk. When you aren’t so tired. Things have gotten a little complicated.”
Did he mean because of Mindy’s disappearance and the time she was spending at Ward’s—or something else altogether? Had he changed his mind and decided he didn’t want to marry her after all?
Why did the thought make her wince? Hadn’t she promised herself she’d break things off with him?
“No more talking tonight—please?” she asked. “I’ve had about as much as I can take today.” She wasn’t sure if she was putting him off to avoid telling him they were through—or because she was afraid he might end the relationship himself.
She didn’t want to examine her motivations, either.
“Okay,” Emerson agreed. “I can wait.”
The next day passed much like the previous one had. Emerson busied himself helping the General and staying out of everyone else’s way. The General continued to fuss about the insubordination of his daughters and their husbands and refused to do any of his physical therapy exercises, even when Emerson pointedly did his own in full view of him. Everyone else was perfectly polite to his face, but he couldn’t help wondering what they were saying behind his back. Late that afternoon, he found himself searching online for apartments to rent in Billings—and looking for a full-time job to take on in addition to his reserve work.
He kept hoping the General would talk to Cass, Brian and the others and that together they’d decide about letting him—and Wye—stay, but no one seemed in a hurry to debate the topic.
Which left him hanging in an unpleasant way.
Wyoming missed dinner again, an awkward meal at which the General said little and everyone else said too much to try and fill in the gaps. When she did arrive later in the evening, she was on her phone. Emerson caught her heading in the kitchen door. Wye lifted a finger to tell him she’d be off in a minute.
“That’s good news,” she said. “Where is she?” She listened a beat. “Idaho? Is she coming back?” She listened some more, the furrow between her eyebrows deepening along with her frown. “Okay. See you tomorrow.”
“What was that about?” he asked.
“Mindy has been spotted in Idaho,” Wye said tiredly, shedding her coat, purse and carryall. Emerson helped her put things away. “She sped through a light, and an automatic camera took
