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# Table of Contents

Title Page

Gabe Men of Clifton Montana Book 2 (Men of Clifton, Montana, #2)

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

About the Author

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# GABE

Men of Clifton Montana Book 2

Susan Fisher-Davis

Erotic Romance

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this ebook allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Erotic Romance

Gabe

Copyright © 2014 Susan Fisher-Davis

First E-book Publication: November 2014

Cover design by Dawné Dominique

Edited by Amy Valentini/Romancing Editorially

Proofread by Rene Waring

All cover art copyright © 2014 by Susan Davis

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER:

Blue Whiskey Publishing

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# Dedication

I want to say a big Thank You to my friends, there are too many to list, but I'm sure you know who you are.

To Heather Almendarez with HeatherLynn Portraits for the amazing cover. www.heatherlynportraits.com

To fitness model Don Allen for being "Gabe." You made him come alive.

# GABE

Men of Clifton Montana Book 2

Susan Fisher-Davis

Copyright © 2014

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# Chapter One

Gabe Stone rode his horse along the fence. It was a beautiful July day, the sun beat down on his shoulders, and the rays felt good on his bare arms. His Stetson shaded his eyes and kept his face from the sun, and the tall grass whished as the horse walked through it. Daffodils bloomed in butter yellow, but his mind wasn't on the fence or the beautiful terrain of his ranch. It was on little Emma Conner. She used to be the little girl with a long blonde ponytail and freckles sprinkled across her pert nose. Now she was a tall, beautiful woman who still wore her hair in a ponytail, but the freckles had faded with just a few stubborn ones remaining across the bridge of her cute nose. When the trouble surrounding Becca Daniels broke, Gabe had sat with Emma to comfort her. She'd wrapped her arms around him and clung to him like it was all happening to her. His future sister in-law had been abducted by Steve Harris, a man obsessed with her. He and his brothers, Jake and Wyatt, went after them, and brought Becca home. In the end, Wyatt had no choice but to kill the man to protect Becca.

That was back in May and now two months later, Gabe still couldn't get Emma out of his mind. He knew he'd always felt something for her, since every time he walked into the feed store and she was there, his heart slammed into his ribs. Her father owned the store and Emma would work there when there was a need for help. Gabe had avoided her as much as he could because

Emma was a forever kind of woman, and Gabe...well Gabe certainly wasn't into forever. One night stands, definitely, but no way was he into forever. He was only thirty-four and had plenty of time to enjoy life before he had to settle down.

He pulled the reins to stop Dandy and glanced behind him. Damn it! So lost in his thoughts about Emma, he had no idea if the fence he just passed needed any repairs or not. He turned the horse around and rode back along the fence. He swore aloud when he saw a wire down. Fool that he was he'd missed it. He dismounted and got his tools and leather gloves out of the saddlebag. By the time he was done, his T-shirt was soaked with sweat. Gabe took his hat off, ran his fingers through his thick black hair, and then resettled the hat. He used a handkerchief to wipe moisture from his brow and he could feel sweat trickling between his shoulder blades and down along his spine. The day was already a scorcher.

Gabe's ranch sat between those belonging to his brothers. They each took turns checking the fence which separated their properties. Gabe just happened to get the hottest damned day yet. He removed his shirt and wiped his chest with it. What he needed was a nice long shower. A cold one would feel good about now and not just because of the weather. Thoughts of Emma had him hard and hurting daily since May when he'd actually felt that hot little body next to his. He stuffed the now soiled shirt into his saddlebag and mounted his horse. Spurring Dandy on, he took off at full speed but it didn't help. Emma's face rose in front of him. Those beautiful blue eyes seemed to sparkle every time he looked into them. He'd hoped his being there for comfort might help her open up to him, but she still shied away from him. It was somewhat a blessing he didn't see her as much now, since Becca opened her bed and breakfast and Emma worked there as a cook. It used to be Gabe dreaded going into the feed store for fear of seeing her there, but now he feared he wouldn't see her.

He rode his horse hard into the yard, kicking up dust behind him. The horse had sweat streaming off him with the exertion. One of his ranch hands met him as he rode Dandy in and offered to put the horse up. Gabe needed a shower too much to deal with Dandy right now so he allowed it. He had a firm rule that when you ride, you put the horse up and make sure it has food and water, but he was too damn hot and tired today. He was the boss so he could change the rules if he needed to. None of the hands ever questioned him because they respected him, and he was good to them. They rotated weekends when possible. Gabe took care of his employees, paid them well and so they worked hard for him. His brothers were the same with their ranch hands.

The small community of Clifton Montana respected the Stone brothers, and the way they treated their employees had a lot to do with earning that respect.

Gabe strode across the yard, eating up the distance, trying to get out of the staggering heat. He walked into the cool interior of the old farmhouse and groaned when the air conditioning hit his hot skin. Hanging his hat on a peg, he then pulled out a chair from the kitchen table, sat down and tugged his boots and socks off. He stood, unsnapped his jeans, and took them and his boxer briefs off in one full sweep before tossing them into the basket of dirty clothes. He then strolled naked through the kitchen, into the hallway and up the stairs to his bedroom. The house was really too large for just one person. It was a home made for a family. When his father died three years ago, Jake being the oldest had first choice of taking the house, but he decided not to and Gabe, being next in line, took it instead. Each brother inherited eleven hundred acres of prime land. Jake's ranch was on the north side of Gabe and Wyatt's on the south. The old house originally had six bedrooms, one bath, a dining room, kitchen, and large living room, which included a large brick fireplace. Gabe had taken two bedrooms and made them into one, added a full bath, and installed a fireplace in what was now the master bedroom. A half bath now took up the space under the stairs where there once was a closet. He'd done a lot of remodeling on the old house and he loved every inch of it, but what it really needed was a family. Once again, Emma's face popped into his head.

Gabe headed for his bathroom and turned on the shower. Stepping inside, he cursed through a low growl as the cold water hit his hot skin. He placed his hands on the cold, wet ceramic tile and dipped his head under the showerhead. The shower had enough room for ten people with seats built into it. The water sluiced over his big body, washing the dust and dirt off, turning brown as it flowed down the drain. After getting clean and cooled down, he stepped from the shower and grabbed the fluffy navy blue towel, which matched the color scheme of the room, from the towel rack. The top half of the wall was navy blue with white wainscoting along the bottom. The floor matched the walls with blue and white marble tiles. A large window brought natural light into the room along the wall above the huge modern claw foot tub.

After toweling off, he wrapped the towel around his waist, swiped his hand across the steamed up mirror then lathered up his jaw and neck to shave. Of course, he left his mustache alone. It had been a part of his face for so long he couldn't remember what he looked like without it. After he finished shaving, he walked into the bedroom and pulled on a clean T-shirt and sweatpants, headed down the stairs barefoot, and entered the kitchen to get something to eat. The countertops were black marble, which matched the appliances, including the smooth-top stove with a built-in black microwave above it. The floor reflected the color scheme in its large square tiles. A kitchen table sat to the left of the entry door, under a window with white plantation blinds. Gabe made a sandwich and sat down at the table. He picked up the local paper and skimmed through it. In a town the size of Clifton, the paper never consisted of more than four pages. Sighing, he put the paper down. He couldn't concentrate on anything he was reading. Christ! He needed to get laid. His thoughts went immediately to Emma, making his groin tighten. Standing, he grabbed a beer from the fridge and headed toward the living room. Tomorrow he was going to make a trip to town, get laid, and quit obsessing over little Emma Conner.

* * * *

Emma Conner stood in the kitchen of the Clifton Bed and Breakfast whisking up batter for a new cake recipe. She hummed along as the radio played a Luke Bryan song, her hips swaying back and forth in time with the music. Emma sang the words of the song aloud then spun around when she heard a snicker. Her employer and friend, Becca Daniels, stood in the doorway with a big grin on her face. "How long have you been standing there?" Emma narrowed her eyes at her friend.

"Long enough to know Luke has no competition," Becca said with laugh.

Emma stuck her tongue out at her then laughed too. "Just for that, you don't get to taste the new coconut cake I'm working on."

Becca gasped. "You wouldn't dare!"

Emma bounced her eyebrows up and down trying to express a maniacal intention, but she laughed when Becca put her hands together in prayer formation. "All right, but if you ever tell anyone about this, you will never taste another one of my delicious creations. Deal?"

Becca bobbed her head up and down, and shook Emma's hand, sealing the deal. They were chuckling together when Olivia Roberts walked into the kitchen and raised an inquisitive eyebrow at them. "Did I miss something?" Olivia asked suspiciously.

Becca shook her head, stifling her grin. "Not a thing."

"Was Emma singing again?" Olivia laughed at the looks on their faces. "I've heard you quite a few times," she said with a shrug. "All I can say is, don't give up your day job."

"I hate you both," Emma told them, making Olivia and Becca burst out laughing.

The back door swung open and Becca's fiancé entered the kitchen. Jake Stone strode directly to the love of his life and kissed her deeply. Then he kissed Emma and Olivia on their cheeks. "What are you making, Emma?"

"It's a secret, a new coconut cake recipe." Emma gave him a sly smile.

"I love coconut. Do I get to sample it when it's done?" Jake asked hopefully. He smiled when she responded with a happy nod of her head. She smiled at him then poured the batter into the cake pan before putting it in the oven. The smile left her face when the back door opened again and Gabe, the last person she wanted to see, walked into the kitchen. She turned her back to him. She could do without seeing Gabriel Stone, since he still saw her as a little girl. What did she have to do to get him to see her as a woman? Strip naked and parade her body around in front of him? She mentally shook her head. He'd probably say 'put your clothes back on, Emma'. The man was so infuriating.

"What are you doing here?" Emma heard Becca ask Jake.

"I told you I was bringing the new riding horses over today, Red. You weren't paying attention to me, were you?" Jake answered.

"I always pay attention to you, Stone. What were we doing at the time?"

Jake laughed. "Not saying in front of company, Red." Becca laughed and looped her arm through his before they walked together out the door.

Emma turned the timer on the oven and called after Jake and Becca. "I want to see the new horses." Everyone headed for outside except Olivia. Emma halted and smiled at her. "Come on, Liv."

"I see no reason to go out there and look at an animal I'm terrified of." Olivia sniffed.

Emma laughed and looped her arm through Olivia's and whispered alongside her friend's ear. "Wyatt's here."

Olivia got a huge grin on her face. "Well, hell Emma. Why didn't you say so?"

Everyone walked toward the trailer where Wyatt Stone was unloading the horses. Emma stopped to talk with Becca, feeling Gabe's eyes on her. She felt him behind her but she refused to turn around. She heard him grumble as he moved around her to help Wyatt. Why couldn't she talk to Gabe the same way she spoke with Jake and Wyatt? For one reason, Jake and Wyatt didn't get her all tongue-tied and make her feel klutzy. Sexy as the other Stone brothers were, it was only Gabe for her. Emma stood by the corral when she heard Olivia squeal. She ran behind the trailer and saw Olivia on her knees, hugging a miniature horse. Emma laughed.

"This is the cutest thing I've ever seen," Olivia babbled. Emma watched as Wyatt stopped beside Olivia and shook his head.

"You can't ride a horse that small," Wyatt told her.

"I have no intention of riding any horse, cowboy, but this little one is just precious." Olivia laughed. "I want one."

Emma smiled as Wyatt shook his head and led the little horse into the barn. Emma looked over at Jake. "Why did you get a mini?"

"We thought it would be a treat for the kids to see. If it goes well, we'll get another one," Jake told her, and then he kissed Becca.

"You two need to get a room." Emma huffed. They both looked at Emma and grinned.

"I know a great B and B where we could get a room." Jake laughed.

"Oh, no you don't. I just cleaned the rooms and put clean sheets on the beds. Go home and mess up your own sheets," Emma scolded. "More guests are arriving later today."

Becca laughed and looked at Jake. "I say we go home and mess up the sheets, Stone." She looped her arm through his and they walked toward where they'd parked their individual vehicles, separating to retrieve their own, and then they drove off one following the other.

Emma was so very happy for them. Becca moved in with Jake after he was shot during her rescue, refusing to let him out of her sight. The man who had abducted Becca shot him when Jake made himself a target. Olivia and Emma lived at the B and B now. The mudroom which had been at the back of the house had been gutted and remodeled into a small apartment, and the housekeeper's quarters had been upgraded with a new bathroom, which included a bathtub where it once only had a shower. Emma envied Becca and Jake their love for each other, but was truly happy for them. She just wished she had someone in her life. Her eyes instinctively moved to Gabe and found him watching her. Their eyes met and held. Her breathing faltered when she saw his eyes wander over her face and linger on her lips, but when his gaze met hers again, she blushed. His mouth twitched beneath his mustache as he looked away from her. Emma needed to get away from him and looked around for Olivia.

"She's in the barn with Wyatt," Gabe said in a quiet voice.

Emma jerked his way. "What?"

"Olivia. I assume you're looking for her. She's in the barn with Wyatt. Probably bugging the hell out of him." Gabe smiled.

Emma felt a smile lift the corners of her lips. "You're probably right." She shook her head.

"I don't understand why he doesn't like her."

Gabe chuckled. "Oh, I think he likes her all right. He just doesn't want to."

"I don't understand why not. Liv's beautiful and he's not in love with Stephanie anymore."

"Thank God for that. I'm glad she broke up with him. I never could imagine her as a sister in-law." Gabe gave a mock shudder making Emma laugh.

"I don't know what he ever saw in her anyway. Stephanie's always been a bitch for as long as I've known her," Emma huffed.

Gabe laughed. "I can't believe you just said that. I don't think I've ever heard you cuss,

Emma. I think you've been hanging around Liv too much."

She smiled shyly and turned to go back into the house. Gabe fell in step beside her. Emma halted in midstride and looked at him. "Where are you going?"

Gabe raised an eyebrow. "It looks like I'm walking into the house with you."

She put her hands on her slim hips and glared up at him. "Why?"

Gabe chuckled. "Are you trying to get rid of me, Emma?"

"You never wanted to go anywhere with me before. Why now?"

Gabe's intense gaze met hers. "I think you're beautiful, Emma." Her mouth dropped open. Gabe put his finger under her chin and pushed it shut. She put her hands on his chest and pushed him. Gabe sputtered. "What the hell was that for?"

"Don't you dare tell me you think I'm beautiful, Gabriel Stone. You still think of me as a little girl." She spun away from him and headed toward the house. She'd nearly made it in the door when he grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him.

"There is no way in hell I think of you as a little girl. I'm not blind, Emma. I'm a full-grown man and I know a beautiful woman when I see one."

Emma blinked back tears as she gazed up at him. She hated how he towered over her. The top of her head only came to his chin. "Leave me alone, Gabe." She slammed the door behind her as she went into the kitchen.

The oven timer went off almost immediately after she entered the kitchen, so she removed the cake pan to a cooling rack. She mumbled to herself as she took off the oven mitts and threw them on the counter. When she heard the door open, she refused to turn around, knowing it was

Gabe. After a few minutes of silence, she couldn't take it anymore and turned to look at him. She bit her lip to keep from groaning. He stood leaning against the door, his arms folded across his broad chest, and his booted feet crossed at the ankles. His hat sat low on his forehead. As if they had a mind of their own, her eyes raked over his tall frame. His black hair, which was a little long in the back, touched the collar of his T-shirt, making her fingers itch to touch it. His straight nose, high cheekbones, and amazing dark brown eyes surrounded by thick, lush lashes any woman would kill for, made him one sexy man. The thick mustache he always wore topped a sensual bowed lip but it was his full bottom lip that made her mouth water. She allowed her gaze to roam over the chiseled jaw covered with stubble before it traveled down his broad chest but when it landed on the fly of his jeans, her cheeks flamed. His worn jeans were tight across the fly and left little to the imagination. She quickly turned her back to him.

"Emma..." he started to say when Olivia tried to push the door open.

"Jesus, Gabe. Move your ass so I can get in." Olivia narrowed her eyes at him. "Your brother is waiting on you."

Gabe sighed. "Can't you talk to him for a while?"

Olivia burst out laughing. "It's like pulling teeth getting him to talk even a little bit." She shook her head. "I tried talking to him but all I get from him are grunts or one syllable answers. I gave up and decided to get out of the heat."

Emma and Gabe stared across the room at each other, but finally Gabe rolled his shoulders and went out the door. Once he closed it behind him, Emma collapsed in a chair and put her hands over her face. She felt Olivia sit down beside her.

"Did I interrupt something, Em?" Olivia touched Emma's hand.

Emma shook her head. "No not really. He just..." She stopped, lowered her hands, and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

"Just what?" Olivia asked.

"He told me he thinks I'm beautiful." Emma tried to laugh but it ended up coming out as a sob.

"That's bad?" Olivia looked at her with a confused expression.

"I don't know, Liv. He's thought of me as a little girl for years and now he says I'm a beautiful woman," she said blinking back tears. "I don't know what to think."

Olivia tilted her head. "I think he's finally noticed you, and it scares you."

Emma nodded. "I think you're right." She looked at Olivia. "What should I do?"

Olivia smiled. "Go with the flow, Emma girl. Just see what happens."

Emma grinned, even as she wiped her eyes. "I'll see. Now, what really went on with you and Wyatt in the barn?"

The smile left Olivia's face. "Nothing. I really do think he hates me though. He barely speaks to me. I tried asking him things about the horses but he mostly ignored me. If he wasn't so damn hot I'd give up, but I've never seen a sexier man in my life and so I can't give up yet." She shrugged. "I've never quit when I wanted something and I want Wyatt. I just don't understand why he doesn't like me."

"I told you he's not interested in a relationship. Wyatt goes from woman to woman."

"Well, in case he hasn't noticed, I'm a woman. Why can't he make a stop at me?" Olivia huffed. "I'm sure we'd be fantastic together. Hot."

"I think you two would burn the town down." Emma giggled.

"I have to get him first. I'm not interested in marrying the man. Can't he see that?"

Emma had no answer for that. Olivia was gorgeous and Emma couldn't understand why Wyatt wasn't interested. She couldn't imagine there was a man alive who wouldn't want the raven-haired beauty. She resembled a young Elizabeth Taylor, but with a Cindy Crawford mole at the right side of her upper lip. Emma had seen men stop and stare at Olivia but Wyatt didn't seem to notice her at all. Should she tell Olivia what Gabe had said? Emma mentally shook her head. That might do more harm than good. Men! Can't live with them and can't shoot them.

She heard Olivia sigh as she walked past Emma and headed into her room. Olivia had the housekeeper's quarters, and Emma had the new apartment. The rooms upstairs were for the guests, and they were full. The town of Clifton was thrilled the B and B was doing so well. It meant more business for the town since the guests loved shopping in the small town.

Ted Carter, one of the ranch hands, had a trail ride scheduled later in the afternoon. The group would camp out for the night by a large pond on the property. It was Emma's job to cook for the guests and pack lunches. Children were going on this ride-along with adults so Emma made up sandwiches and added carrot sticks. She smiled as she added cupcakes to the packs. There was a list showing who could have what in their meals. One little girl was allergic to chocolate, so Emma put a strawberry cupcake in her pack.

Emma had jumped at the chance to be the cook when Becca asked her. She'd always loved cooking and baking, so it was like a dream come true for Emma to work at the B and B.

She poured more batter into the cupcake pans, slid them into the oven, and set the timer. Picking up a magazine, she took a seat at the table and skimmed through it. Always looking for new recipes, she had her scissors beside her. When Olivia entered the kitchen again, opened the refrigerator door, and gazed into it as if something would magically appear, Emma shook her head. The woman should weigh over three hundred pounds the way she ate. She tried not to grin when she heard Olivia clear her throat. When Olivia did it louder, Emma sighed and looked at her.

Olivia grinned at her like a little kid. "Can I have a cupcake?"

"They're for the guests," Emma told her.

"One is going to make a difference?" Olivia stuck her bottom lip out in a pout.

Emma huffed, stood up, took a cupcake from the container sitting on the counter, and handed it to her. "That is all you get."

Olivia took a bite and closed her eyes. "Mmm, heavenly. You are amazing, Emma."

Emma shooed her out of the kitchen. "Go work on the books." She laughed when Olivia winked at her and left the kitchen. If only Emma could get that type of reaction from Gabe. She had to quit getting all gooey-eyed when she saw him. She didn't know what to think about him anymore. Muttering under her breath, she got the ingredients out she needed to make dessert for dinner that night. The guests had the choice of eating what she fixed, going to the diner in town, or taking a thirty-minute drive to the next town over to a fancier restaurant. Most of them ate whatever Emma prepared. An hour later, and covered in flour, Emma saw Jake pull up. He came in the back door and chuckled when he saw her.

"Did you actually use any flour in the baking?" He leaned against the door and folded his arms across his broad chest.

Emma smiled. "I do get a bit messy when I bake."

Jake raised an eyebrow. "A bit?" He shook his head. "I came over to ask if you could work some time in to work with Misty. She doesn't respond to anyone like she does you. I'll pay you for your time."

Misty was Jake's American Quarter horse which Emma had won several ribbons with in Barrel Racing competitions. Emma loved the horse and the feeling was mutual. "I'd love to.

Since we don't serve dinner on the weekends, I could come over then."

Jake grinned. "Yeah, I know."

Emma blushed and laughed. "I guess you would know, wouldn't you? Considering you're marrying the owner of this place, you should." She wiped her hands on a towel. "I can come by Saturday after I have breakfast, if that works for you? And you're not paying me. I'm happy to do it."

"If you insist. Any weekend you can work with Misty is fine with me." Jake winked. "You can also ride her in the competition in September if you want."

"I would love to." Emma smiled. "I'll get her in shape."

"Get who in shape?" Olivia entered the kitchen and smiled at Jake when she saw him at the door.

"Jake's horse. Misty. I won quite a few blue ribbons with her in Barrel Racing."

Olivia gave an exaggerated shudder. "No friggin' way would I get on one of those things." Jake and Emma laughed. "You don't know what you're missing, Liv," Jake told her.

Olivia snorted. "There's only one thing I'm interested in riding and it sure as hell isn't a horse."

Jake straightened up from the door. "And that's my cue to leave." He tipped his hat and disappeared through the door, leaving it to swing shut behind him. Emma and Olivia looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Olivia wiggled her fingers at her as she headed out of the kitchen for the front desk to check in guests leaving Emma smiling behind her. "I'll be out as soon as I put this cake in the oven and clean up."

Usually they sat at the front desk together checking in guests. Today was no different.

Emma would answer questions about Clifton since Olivia was still learning as she'd only been here a few months. Olivia listened as Emma answered them. As they watched several of the children running in and out, Emma's heart nearly stopped when Gabe walked in. She watched as he stopped to talk to the kids. The little boys were asking him if he was a real cowboy, and he seemed to be enjoying himself with them. Emma couldn't help but think he would make a great father. His eyes met hers as he walked to the counter.

"How's it going?" Gabe asked as he took his hat off. Olivia talked with him and Emma tuned them out, until she heard her name.

"What did you just say about me?"

"I just told Gabe you were going over to Jake's on Saturday to do some kind of barrel thing with a horse." Olivia smiled.

"Barrel Race," Emma and Gabe said together.

"Pffft...whatever." Olivia waved her hand.

Gabe looked at Emma. "Are you going over to work with Misty?"

Emma nodded. "Yes. Jake came by earlier and asked me. I do miss riding her."

"Are you going to compete in September?" Gabe asked.

"Compete in what?" Olivia butted in again.

Emma grinned. "There's a rodeo competition in September. I won last year." She nodded without looking at Gabe. "I think I will compete this year," she said as she glanced up at Gabe.

"You're going to, aren't you?"

"Do you compete in the same thing as Emma?" Olivia asked.

Gabe chuckled. "This is all new to you, isn't it, Liv?" At her nod, he continued. "I compete in tie-down, or calf roping as some call it. Jake competes in reining, and Wyatt competes in cutting." He paused then grinned. "Look it up. It would take too long to explain it all."

Emma laughed at Olivia's wide-eyed expression of confusion. "I'll tell you all about it when we have some spare time."

Gabe put his hat on and after giving a terse nod. He left without saying why he stopped by. Emma exhaled as he walked out the door. Two young girls coming in stopped to stare up at him. Emma saw him smile and put his fingers to his hat as he passed them. They giggled and walked into the foyer, glancing back over their shoulders at his backside. Emma wanted to skin them alive. She glanced at Olivia when she heard her snicker. Olivia raised her hands in surrender. Emma went to the kitchen to check on her cake. As she was taking it out of the oven, Olivia walked in and sat down at the table. She tapped her fingernails on the table. Emma hissed out a breath.

"Say whatever it is you're thinking, Liv."

"Why do you suddenly go so shy around Gabe? The man can't take his eyes off you and you barely look at him, even when you're talking to him. Don't you know that's your opportunity to let him know you're interested?"

Emma felt tears stinging her eyes and blinked them back. "I can't allow myself to be hurt by him. All Gabe cares about is sex. He doesn't want a commitment, and I do. I want to get married and have children. Didn't you see him look at those young girls who came in?"

Olivia placed her hand on Emma's arm. "People change. Take a chance. You could be the woman for him. Those young girls were just that...young. Gabe wasn't interested in them. He was just being polite."

"I have no idea how to act around him. I've known him almost my entire life, but the only thing I know to talk about with him is horses." Emma sniffled.

"That's a start. Then just be you." Olivia smiled at her. "You're gorgeous. I know Gabe sees you that way. You don't see the way he looks at you like I do."

Emma frowned at her. "Just how does he look at me?"

"Like a starving man looking at a delicious smorgasbord."

The comparison made Emma burst out laughing. Olivia joined in. "Now, if only I could get

Wyatt to look at me like that, we'd all be happy." Though she knew Olivia was teasing, Emma could see the sadness in her eyes. One Stone brother down, two to go.

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# Chapter Two

Emma left the B and B a little after nine on Saturday morning and the temperature was already in the mid-nineties. The sun beat down on the countryside, baking the ground. The hydrangea bushes flourished in the shade of the front porch boasting fat clusters of purple flowers. The large oak tree centered in the front yard provided the only shade. Horses grazed in the field next to the barn, their tails twitching to chase away flies. Jake's ranch was only five miles down the road so it didn't take her long to arrive there. She pulled up to the large metal building which Jake used for training. When she opened the car door, the heat felt like a blast furnace. She jogged for the door and stepped inside. The air conditioning was a godsend. Letting her eyes adjust, she looked toward the arena and saw where Jake already had three barrels set up for her. Wood shavings covered the floor of the large enclosure, filling the air with a fresh scent.

Emma walked down the pathway alongside the wood railing looking for Misty. She found her in the first stall. Jake's horse, Midnight, stood waiting for some attention in the stall next to her. He was a magnificent horse. Black with four white socks, and he was one of the smartest horses Emma had ever seen. Jake had won several competitions with him already. She rubbed Midnight's velvety nose then moved along to Misty's stall. After feeding her a small piece of apple she put the riding blanket on the filly's back, then threw the saddle on. When she put the bridle on, Misty butted her head against Emma's shoulder, making her laugh.

"I know, girl." She rubbed the horse's nose. "I love you too." She led her out to the ring and mounted the filly, settling into the saddle. Misty pranced around, excited. She knew what was about to happen. A competition horse lived for the thrill of it. Emma nudged her and ran her around the arena a few times to warm her up. When she figured Misty was ready, she galloped her to the far end of the room, and then let her go. The horse ran like a shot, heading for the barrel at the far end. She circled it perfectly. Close, but not too close. The idea was to get as close as possible without knocking the barrel over. After clearing the first one, she headed for the middle barrel, Misty did just as well, and then to the third, the filly clearing it a little wide. Misty circled the barrels so fast and low, it almost seemed as if she was on her side when she went around them. Emma ran her back to the starting position.

Patting Misty on the neck, she praised her. "Let's do it again, girl. That last barrel was a little wide. My fault, not yours." The second time was better, but Emma wanted Misty closer. As they came from the starting position again, the entrance door opened, and Gabe stepped in. What was he doing here? She shook her head but her concentration was suddenly gone. As she rounded the first barrel, they cut it too close, Misty hit it knocking it over, and Emma tumbled from the saddle.

"Damn it!" Emma punched her fists into the shavings. Gabe was at her side in no time.

"Emma, are you alright?" He squatted down beside her.

She glared up at him. "Yes," she said through gritted teeth. "I have fallen off a horse before, Gabe." He stood and put his hand out to her, which she ignored. She moved to her knees then stood up dusting herself off.

Misty came back to her and nudged her shoulder. Emma rubbed the filly's nose. "It's not your fault, girl. I got distracted and we know to never get distracted." She looked to Gabe, hoisted herself back into the saddle, and stared down at him. "Did you need something?"

Gabe shook his head. "Not really. I was looking for Jake."

"He went to town with Becca. Now if you don't mind, I have to get back to work here."

Gabe nodded but didn't move. Emma sighed. "I can't ride her with you in the way." He saluted her, moved to the other side of the fence, and stood behind it, resting his arms on the top rail. Her lips tightened into a thin line. She trotted Misty over to him.

"What are you doing?" she asked him, not masking the annoyance in her voice.

Gabe smiled and her heart did a little flip. "I thought I'd watch for a while, if you don't mind."

Emma could not believe this. "Yes, I do mind. Go home, Gabe."

He gazed up at her with a grin brightening his handsome face. "Why, Emma? Do I distract you?"

She couldn't answer him. She sat there staring down at him, her mind drawing a blank. God, he's gorgeous.

"And if I distract you, why is that? I've seen you ride. Hell, I've watched you compete. Why would I distract you all of a sudden?" He grinned, showing off perfect white teeth.

All she knew was she couldn't practice with him watching. She dismounted and walked

Misty to the barn. She knew Gabe was following her but she didn't speak to him as she wiped Misty down, fed, and watered her. Gabe watched her the entire time. He stood against the doorjamb of the stall with his arms folded across his broad chest and one hip cocked, looking entirely too comfortable. Emma refused to let him know he was bothering her. When she was finished with Misty, she left the arena and walked toward her car. Gabe followed behind her. She'd had enough and spun around to face him.

"What do you want, Gabe?" She glowered up at him. He closed the distance between them, cupped her face in his hands, leaned his face down, and kissed her. When he raised his head, he wore a surprised expression on his face. "Why did you do that?" she whispered.

He shrugged. "I have no idea. Other than you're a beautiful woman, and what man doesn't want to kiss a beautiful woman?"

Emma turned away from him and wiped away a tear which had managed to escape an eye and had slid down her cheek. "If that's all it was then don't ever do it again. I will never be a one night stand for you, Gabriel Stone." She ran to her car, got inside, slamming the door before starting the engine, and drove home, all the while praying no one was there to see her fall apart.

When she entered the back door of the B and B she was thankful no one was around. She could hear Olivia at the front desk talking with one of the guests. Emma just wanted to curl into a ball and cry for a few minutes...or a few years. Why had Gabe kissed her? She flopped down onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. For years, she'd wanted him to kiss her but when he finally did, it was because he thought she was beautiful and figured any man would want to kiss her. Was that supposed to make her feel better?

She groaned as she rolled to her side and placed her fingers against her lips. They still tingled from his kiss. His mustache had tickled her, but she loved it. She'd wanted more then, and wanted more now. She wanted deep long kisses from Gabe Stone.

Emma jumped when someone knocked at her door. It was probably Olivia. She was tempted to ignore her but knowing Olivia, she'd just walk in. Emma gave it up, and told her to come in. She felt the bed dip when Olivia sat down on it.

"What's wrong Emma?" Olivia asked, but Emma simply shook her head. A tear rolled down her temple into her hair. Olivia gently rubbed her arm. "Didn't the barrel thingy go well?"

For some reason, Emma found that extremely funny and started laughing. When she could catch her breath, she looked at Olivia to see her frowning, which only set Emma off again. She heard Olivia huff as she stood up. Emma reached for her.

"I'm sorry, Liv. The barrel thingy went fine, until Gabe showed up." Emma sobered up. "I don't know why he was even there. He said he was looking for Jake but when I told him Jake wasn't there, he stuck around. He..." She shook her head. "He kissed me."

"Then why are you crying? Isn't that what you wanted?" Olivia frowned with obvious confusion.

Emma snorted. "When I asked him why he did it, he told me 'what man doesn't want to kiss a beautiful woman'." She blinked back tears. "I want him to kiss me, Liv, not just some beautiful woman that's available to him."

"I know what you mean. Kissing you because he thinks you're a beautiful woman isn't the same as him kissing you. Right?" Olivia gave her a sad smile.

Emma nodded. "Yes, that's it exactly. I just don't know what to do about him. For years, I've wanted him and now he's flirting with me, but I don't know what to do. He's confusing me.

Why is he so interested all of a sudden? I don't know how to handle him."

Olivia nodded in understanding. They sat there for a few minutes in their own thoughts when the front bell rang, announcing a guest. Emma smiled at Olivia and pushed off the bed.

Together they walked out to the foyer only to discover Becca and Jake standing at the counter.

Emma moaned. "No, you cannot have a room."

Becca and Jake laughed as one. "I just wanted to stop in and see how things are going," Becca said, still smiling.

"I don't think she can drive past here without wanting to come in." Jake grinned as he leaned against the counter.

"Why didn't you just come in the back door?" Olivia asked.

Becca tilted her head. "I wanted to see how it was looking from this side."

Emma and Olivia glanced over to Jake. He shrugged. "I don't know how her mind works, but I love her anyway."

Becca swatted at him making them all laugh. The door behind them opened and Ryder

Wolfe walked in. He'd purchased Becca's Paint horses when she decided to open the B and B and needed gentler horses than Paints. He tipped his hat to them. His eyes stopped on Olivia.

Emma cleared her throat. "Ryder, have you met Olivia Roberts?"

Ryder shook his head, still keeping his eyes on Olivia. He grinned, showing perfect white teeth. "No. I don't believe I've had the pleasure." He put his hand out to Olivia. She placed hers in his, and grinned. They continued to stare at each other until Jake spoke up.

"What brings you by, Ryder?"

"What?" Ryder finally tore his eyes away from Olivia and looked at Jake.

Emma could see that Jake was trying not to grin. "Why are you here?" Jake asked. "Oh. I, uh, wanted to tell Becca that one of the Paints I bought from her is pregnant." "Oh wow. That's great, Ryder," Becca told him with a happy grin.

Ryder smiled down at her. "I stopped by your place." He glanced at Jake. "But when you weren't there, I thought I'd just stop here." His gaze returned to Olivia. "I'm very glad I did."

Emma watched as Olivia's smile grew. She wished she had that kind of confidence around men. Olivia wasn't shy about letting a man know she was interested. Emma could never be that way. Men like Gabe Stone and Ryder Wolfe didn't normally pay attention to her. She blew out a breath. Everyone turned to look at her. Her cheeks turned pink.

"I need to...uh...do something," she told them before she quickly left the foyer. She entered her apartment, closed the door behind her, and took a seat on the sofa, drawing her knees up and resting her chin on them. She needed to find the kind of confidence Olivia had, somewhere. She needed to dig down deep and find the strength to let Gabe know she wanted him. You just told him to stay away from you! He was going to think she was a nut case. When had her life become so complicated? The first time she saw Gabe Stone, she fell in love with him. She'd been ten at the time and he was seventeen, a young man. She grunted. Looking back, he'd still been a boy. Now he was a man. Emma groaned. God! What a man.

But she couldn't be just a fling to him. Gabe had a reputation for sleeping around. Then again, Jake used to have the same reputation and he settled down with Becca. Of course, Wyatt put them both to shame with his sexual exploits. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, wishing she knew what to do. It was a while later, when Olivia knocked on her door and entered without waiting for Emma to answer, that she knew she needed to know how Olivia did it.

"Are you alright, Emma?" Olivia whispered.

Emma nodded. "Yes," she said as she lifted her head to look at Olivia. "Where do you get your confidence around men from? I mean you and Ryder..."

Olivia laughed. "I'm not shy at all. When I see something I want, I go after it. I'm not saying you should be like me, but it wouldn't hurt to let Gabe know you want him. I suppose it comes from my having to fight most of my life for what I wanted. I never had anything handed to me. I had to, literally, fight for anything I wanted. It's what you have to do too, Emma. If you want

Gabe you have to let him know it in some way, and then fight for him."

"I was just thinking about that. I just don't know how to go about it," Emma said with a weak smile. "Maybe you can give me some pointers."

Olivia grinned. "Sure. I just have one question."

"What?" Emma asked hoping it wasn't too personal.

"Why the hell didn't anyone tell me about Ryder Wolfe? The man is gorgeous. I have never seen eyes that green—ever. He is a cool drink of water and I'm definitely dying of thirst, if you know what I mean. He's so damn hot."

Emma laughed as a flush of heat crossed her cheeks. She could never be as confident as

Olivia was, but she'd settle for half. The woman was amazing. They sat talking until the setting sun illuminated the sky with orange fading into mauve, and then finally disappeared behind the mountains.

Later, Emma sat at her window thinking of Gabe. The full moon cast a glow over the ranch like a huge spotlight. She could hear the crickets chirping and the whinny of a horse in the corral.

Glancing up, she saw a shooting star and smiled as she made a wish for the only thing she really wanted in her life. Gabriel Stone.

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# Chapter Three

A week later, Gabe was working alongside his ranch hands mucking out the stalls, but his men kept looking at him as he shoveled harder than they did. They had no idea how much he needed to get his mind off Emma, and that kiss. Tossing and turning had become his nightly ritual for the past week. He could still taste her lips. Fleeting as it was, it had packed a punch. The minute his lips touched hers, he was a goner. What the fuck were you thinking? He'd asked himself that question repeatedly and still had no answer. He wondered what was going through her head. Was she angry with him?

If only he could get the kiss out of his head. It never should have happened. He knew that.

Emma was a marrying kind of woman. She wanted commitment. The word made Gabe cringe.

He wasn't ready for all of what came with it. Sure, he loved kids, but he never thought of having his own. He wasn't getting any younger though, he probably should've had a wife and a couple of kids by now. Mumbling, he jabbed the pitchfork into the hay, lifted it, and tossed the hay to the other side of the stall. The sweat was rolling off him. He stopped and pulled a handkerchief from his back pocket to wipe off his face. His T-shirt hung on a hook by the stall gate.

Would Emma ever speak to him again? Gabe stopped and laid his arms across the top of the handle of the pitchfork. What the fuck were you thinking? The look on her face after he kissed her made his heart slam against his ribs. She looked shocked and surprised at the same time. Tears glistened in her eyes. Christ! He felt like such a dumbass. He tossed the pitchfork down and strode out of the barn. No one said anything even though he knew they all watched him go. They knew not to if they wanted to keep their job. He went inside to shower. He knew Emma was working with Misty again today and he planned to be there. He didn't care if she wanted him there or not.

* * * *

Emma ran Misty around the barrels. As she circled the second barrel, Misty knocked it down. Emma shook her head, but she'd make Misty go around again. She pulled the horse to a stop at the end, and then spurred her again. She noticed the barrel she'd knocked down was back up. She quickly glanced toward the railing and saw Jake there. Heaving a sigh of relief, she sent a smile his way and rode Misty around the barrels. This time horse and rider made it around all three without touching them enough to knock them down. Emma was so proud of Misty she let out a loud cheer. Jake clapped his hands as she rode the filly over to him with a big grin on her face.

"I knew she could do it," she exclaimed. "She just needed some practice."

Jake laughed. "I knew you could get her there. She won't do that for anyone but you."

She laughed with joy, for success had its own thrill, and dismounted. "I'm going to wipe her down and give her an extra treat."

Jake nodded at her. "Becca wants to know if you want to stay for dinner."

"I'd love to. I'll be right in after Misty is taken care of." She smiled as Jake tugged on his hat in cowboy fashion and left the arena. Becca was lucky and Emma could see how easily she'd fallen in love with Jake. He and his brothers represented the essential cowboy. Thinking that about Jake brought her thoughts to Gabe. Shit! She'd gone most of the day without thinking of him. She muttered as she wiped Misty down, but just about jumped out of her skin when Gabe spoke from behind her.

"Did Misty piss you off or is it me you're still angry with?"

Emma spun around to find him leaning against the doorjamb of the stall. His hands tucked deep into the pockets of his jeans and his black T-shirt emphasizing his broad chest, and muscled pecs. The sleeves were tight around his biceps. She bit the inside of her cheek to hold back a groan of appreciation. "I'm not angry with Misty..."

Gabe straightened up. "Then it must be me."

She shook her head. "I'm not angry with you, either. That kiss wasn't enough to get angry over."

"You sure seemed angry with me after that kiss," Gabe said in a low voice.

Emma turned back to the horse and continued brushing her. She just wanted Gabe to leave.

There was no way she could come on to him as Olivia had suggested. She knew she wasn't the type, or Gabe's type. The thought of sex terrified her, especially sex with Gabe. She felt him behind her. When he ran his fingers through her ponytail, she shivered.

"It's as soft as silk, just as I thought. I wonder what your hair looks like down around your shoulders," he murmured. "Or spread out across a pillow."

Emma turned toward him and looked up into his face. "You'll never know."

His mouth twitched, and one corner hitched up under the sexy mustache she remembered teasing her lips. "I wouldn't bet on that if I were you."

His words made her back up so suddenly, she bumped into Misty. The horse pushed back against her, and knocked her into Gabe. His arms went around her waist as Emma put her hands on his shoulders with every intention of pushing him away. She raised her gaze to his and swallowed. His head dipped and his lips touched hers. Emma tried, she really did, not to moan but it escaped her anyway, and she felt Gabe grin against her lips. It should have angered her, but she was too far gone with the touch of his lips and his mustache tickling her. He deepened the kiss, dipping his tongue into her mouth. It wasn't her first kiss but never, never ever, had there been one like this. Her arms slid around his neck and her fingers splayed into his thick hair, knocking his hat to the floor. She felt his hands move to her hips, and pull her against him. She could feel his erection straining against his jeans. Another moan slipped out, this time from Gabe. She wrapped her arms tighter, trying to pull him even closer, but then she suddenly pushed against his shoulders.

"Gabe..." Emma tore her mouth from his, gasping. He raised his head slowly, gazed into her eyes, and frowned. "Jake's calling for me," she explained. Gabe stepped back just as Jake walked into the barn. He came to a standstill and glared at Gabe.

"What are you doing here, Gabe?" Jake stalked toward his brother.

Gabe scooped his hat up from the floor and slammed it on his head. "I was talking with Emma as if it's any of your business, which it isn't." Jake moved closer to Gabe as they glared at each other. Emma stepped between them. She put her hands on each hard chest. They both looked at her.

"I'm fine, Jake. I'm a big girl. Gabe and I were just...talking." She knew her cheeks were flaming red at the lie, but she couldn't tell Jake the truth. The two men turned their heads back to stare at each other again.

"Back off," Jake growled between clenched teeth.

Gabe laughed. "Or what? Emma isn't your little sister, Jake. She's a grown woman and it's none of your business what she does."

Emma couldn't believe it when Jake stepped closer. She was being sandwiched between two huge men. Any other woman would have loved it, but not her. She glared at Jake. "Let it go, Jake. He's right. I know what I'm doing...please," she added when he didn't move.

Jake's jaw clenched and he continued to glare at his brother. "She may not be my sister by blood, but we've known her practically her entire life. I don't want to see her hurt."

"What makes you think I'd hurt her?" Gabe muttered.

Jake laughed. "Hell, Gabe. That's a real stupid question. I don't think you really want me to answer that."

"Fuck you, Jake," Gabe hissed through clenched teeth.

Having had more than enough of all the testosterone in the space, Emma stepped away from them, waving her hand at them. "Fine. Have at it. I'm going in to dinner." She walked away leaving the two men glaring at each other.

* * * *

"You want to tell me what the fuck you think you're doing?" Jake asked with a finger punch to Gabe's shoulder.

Gabe huffed, and turned away. "Shit, I don't know..."

"You don't know? Well, you'd better figure it out. I'm not kidding when I say I don't want her hurt. Christ! I will personally kick your ass if you hurt her. You got that?"

Gabe turned back to Jake, standing toe to toe with him. "You and what army?" He sneered.

Jake's lips tilted in a slow smile. "Wyatt's."

Gabe stepped back. "That's cheating. You know he can kick both our asses."

The brothers looked at each other, and then laughed. It was something they knew was very possible. Just because Wyatt was the youngest didn't mean he wasn't the meanest. Jake sighed.

"You want to come in for dinner?"

Gabe shook his head. "No thanks. I need to get some things done. I just came by to..."

"See Emma, yeah, I get it. She's beautiful, but Gabe, you aren't the right man for her. She wants a family. She tells Becca all the time." Jake shook his head. "You don't."

Gabe narrowed his eyes at Jake. "You didn't either at one time. Then a little redhead came into your life and look how happy you are now. Maybe I want it too, Jake." Then he strode from the barn, hopped in his truck, and tore out of the driveway.

Jake was wrong. Gabe wanted a family. He hadn't actually realized it until now. The question was did he want it with Emma Conner? He was still angry as he drove toward town. He had errands to run but now he wasn't even able to think of what they were. Maybe he should've agreed to stay for dinner. He wondered what the discussion was at that dinner table. Would Jake lecture Emma on him? Warn her to stay away from him? Should he stay away from Emma? He knew Jake was right about her wanting a family. Emma Conner was the kind of woman who dreamed of white picket fences, and a house filled with children. When he reached a crossroad, he turned the truck around and headed back. The only thing he needed to do right now was go home, grab a beer, and do some serious thinking.

* * * *

The next day, Emma sat at the front desk watching the kids run in and out with a smile on her face. Olivia sat beside her and growled. "Could they just stay in or out?"

Emma couldn't resist chuckling at Olivia's annoyance. "They're kids, Liv. Don't you remember what it was like being that little?"

Olivia glanced away from her. "No. I didn't have that kind of childhood, Emma. My childhood consisted of moving from foster home to foster home, and pissing off the people who took me in." She shrugged, dropping her gaze to the register on the desk.

Emma put her arm around her. "I'm so sorry. I know you had a rough time but you've never told me how rough."

Olivia moved away from her. "I'll tell you someday, just not today." She gave her a sad smile and disappeared into the kitchen. Emma felt horrible reminding Olivia of her bad childhood. She didn't know the entire story but from what she'd gathered, it hadn't been a good one until she'd met Becca and her parents. Emma had heard Olivia say Becca had saved her. She hoped one day Olivia would tell her so she might understand her friend better.

She redirected her attention toward the door with a smile on her lips until she saw Gabe enter. The smile immediately left her face. Her gaze ran over that tall frame, and then she looked around for a place to hide. Too late, he'd already seen her. Why did he keep showing up? Biting back a sigh, she sat up straighter and waited for him to get to the desk. He sauntered up, leaned his hip against the counter, and smiled at her. He nodded his chin toward the kids running in and out. "I wish I had half their energy." He chuckled.

Emma smiled but didn't say anything. She kept her face down, pretending to look at the reservation book. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Gabe rest his elbows on the desk. "Are you going to continue to ignore me, Emma?" The timbre of his voice slid over her like warm honey making her want to melt into his arms. She gazed up at him and just as fast, wished she hadn't. Her heart hit her stomach like a rock.

"I'm not ignoring you, Gabe. Why would I do that?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I have no idea, but you seem to be doing just that."

Emma sighed in frustration. "Why are you here? Did you need something?" She watched as he straightened up, and walked around the desk to her. She backed up as he moved toward her.

"Yes, I do need something. Do you want to know what it is?" When she shook her head to indicate no, he chuckled. "Too bad." He cupped her face in his hands and leaned his face down to hers. "I need this," he whispered before pressing his lips to hers. She moaned in response.

"Open your mouth for me, darlin'." When she did, he groaned low in his throat as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. Her hands moved up his chest to his neck and wrapped around his shoulders. Gabe pushed his arousal against her.

Good Lord! She needed this. She needed Gabe. He pulled back from her and looked down into her eyes.

"Gabe...I..." She stopped when he placed a finger over her lips and shook his head. He started to say something but stopped, and stepped away instead. She didn't understand why until Olivia entered the room. Gabe had heard her and Emma hadn't. She was glad he had. Her cheeks were already on fire. If Olivia had caught them, she'd never live it down.

Olivia stood there looking at them with a cookie in her hand. She tilted her head and looked as if she were trying not to laugh. She raised a black eyebrow at Gabe being on the wrong side of the desk and Emma leaning against the wall. Gabe cleared his throat. "I'll talk to you later,

Emma. Bye Liv." He muttered something under his breath as he went out the door. Once he was gone, Emma let out a long breath and sat down.

Olivia continued to stare at her. "Is everything okay, Emma?"

Emma nodded. "I...uh...have to start dinner." As she left the foyer, she heard Olivia say,

"Interesting."

* * * *

A day had passed since Gabe's strange visit behind the front desk. Emma stood in the kitchen whisking up chocolate batter for a little girl's birthday cake and lost in thought, trying not to think about Gabe when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She screamed and dropped the metal bowl. When the bowl hit the floor, the batter shot into the air and splattered all over her. It covered her hair and the front of her apron. She glanced around to see Becca with her hand over her mouth trying not to laugh, but it bubbled out anyway. Emma looked down at herself, and then at Becca. Tears were filling Becca's eyes from pent up laughter. Emma grinned. She scooped chocolate off her apron and threw it at her friend, hitting her in the face. Becca gasped making Emma laugh.

Olivia came running into the kitchen, Emma presumed because she'd heard her scream. She skidded to a halt when she saw Emma and Becca with batter all over them. She started laughing, but gasped when Emma smeared chocolate on her face. She glared at both women. Then the battle began. They were scooping the batter from the floor, the bowl, or each other, and smearing it all over the other. The batter on the floor made it impossible to keep their footing. They slipped, fell, and rolled around trying to get the better of each other. Screams and laughter echoed through the kitchen. None of them noticed Jake, Gabe, and Wyatt standing in the doorway watching them. When they heard Jake speak, in unison they stopped to look toward the doorway. "This is better than Jell-O wrestling," Jake exclaimed with a happy smile.

The women looked at each other and burst out laughing. Jake helped Becca up. She stuck a finger in his mouth. "You know I love chocolate, Red, especially if you're covered in it." He sucked the chocolate from her finger. "Come on, let's get you home, and cleaned up." Together they disappeared out the back door.

Emma felt Gabe's eyes on her. She gazed up at him. "Do you need help cleaning up, Emma?" He grinned at her. Shaking her head, she understood his insinuation. She didn't need his help but every time she tried to stand, she'd slide around the floor, making Olivia laugh harder.

Emma finally got herself up with a loud huff. "I'm taking a shower," she told them. When

Gabe started to speak, she narrowed her eyes at him. "Alone." Gabe chuckled. Before Emma started for her apartment, she watched as Olivia flirted with Wyatt.

"Help me up, Cowboy?" Olivia raised her hand. Wyatt pulled her up then stepped back from her. She grinned at him. "Want to lick the chocolate off me?" Although, he didn't move, Emma noticed the distance he put between them.

"I don't like chocolate," he said before walking out the back door. After one last glance at Emma, Gabe followed him.

Emma didn't know what to say when Olivia looked at her then back toward the door. Her heart was breaking for her friend. She put her arm around Olivia. "How about after we shower, we watch a movie?" Olivia nodded, but her eyes kept glancing toward the door. Emma felt her take a deep breath before letting out a sigh. Emma started cleaning up the mess on the floor. Olivia helped her until the kitchen was once again spotless. Once finished, they retreated to their own apartments to shower and afterward, meet up for a movie.

* * * *

Gabe was cleaning a stall when he looked up to see Wyatt walking toward him. By the looks of him, he had something on his mind. Gabe had a feeling he was about to have a replay of his encounter with Jake, something he really wasn't in the mood for. He set the shovel aside and put his T-shirt on. Wyatt stopped in front of him. Gabe waited and finally, he sighed. "What?" he asked his brother.

Wyatt leaned against the stall doorjamb. "Since when have you been interested in Emma?"

Gabe took a deep breath. "I'm not interested in Emma." He folded his arms across his chest in a manner he recognized as defensive, but couldn't help doing it.

"That's bullshit, Gabe. Christ! I saw the way you were looking at her. You wanted to lick the chocolate off her the other day."

Gabe hung his head, let his arms drop, and then took his gloves off. "Truth?" Wyatt nodded.

Gabe sighed. "I'm not sure when it started. I just realized she's a beautiful woman and suddenly, I wanted...well, I want to get to know her better."

"Damn it. We're dropping like flies. First Jake, now you, Well, I won't be that stupid again," Wyatt growled.

Gabe shook his head. "You think falling in love is stupid? That little bitch really did do a number on you, didn't she? That was a long time ago, Wyatt. It's over, move the hell on."

"Easy for you to say, you have no idea how it felt. You weren't the one she made a fool of, and no one in this town wants to let it go. I thought I found the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with and believed she felt the same, then a week before the wedding she decides I'm not the one." Wyatt was angry and he was right. Gabe had no idea how it felt.

"You got off easy, if you ask me. Stephanie wasn't the right one for you."

Wyatt moved to stand in front of Gabe, nose to nose. "I didn't ask you."

Gabe pushed him. "Maybe you should have. She's a spoiled rich bitch and she never would've made you happy." Gabe shoved him again. Wyatt came toward him but just then, Jake entered the barn and grabbed Wyatt's arm. Wyatt shrugged him off, but continued to glare at Gabe.

"Cut it out. What the hell is going on?" Jake yelled at both men, pushing them away from each other.

Wyatt pointed at Gabe. "He's got it bad for Emma."

Jake looked at Wyatt. "Why does that bother you?"

Wyatt shook his head and after sending a glaring glance at Gabe, left the barn. Jake watched him leave then turned to Gabe. "He's not interested in Emma, is he?"

"No. He's upset because you have Becca, and I want to see where this thing with Emma is going." Gabe shrugged. "Maybe he's tired of being alone too." His own words echoed in his head. Was he tired of being alone?

"He needs to get past this shit with Stephanie."

Gabe chuckled. "Yeah well, that's how all this started. That's about what I said."

Jake put his hands on his hips and narrowed his eyes at Gabe. "I'm glad I stopped by then or you two would be rolling on the ground by now."

"Why did you stop by?"

"I brought the papers for the competition in September. You need to fill them out if you plan on competing."

Gabe took the papers and nodded. "I'll get them in the mail tomorrow." He grinned at Jake.

"I'm glad you came over when you did, otherwise I'd be kicking Wyatt's ass about now."

Jake laughed. "Think again."

Gabe joined in the laughter. He knew Jake was right. "Hell, I don't have to think about it. He always could kick my ass." They talked for a while longer about the competition, and then Jake left to head home to Becca. Gabe finished up in the stables. As he headed inside to get a shower, he decided he was going to make a trip to the B and B to see Emma. It was time they settled this thing between them.

* * * *

Emma sat in her apartment alone. Olivia was on a date with Ryder and the guests were all on a camping trip. Usually the trips didn't include all the guests, but the B and B guests all belonged to one family so they all went camping this time. Emma sighed as she tried to find something to watch on television. A Friday night and here she sat, alone. As she flipped through the channels, she wondered what Gabe was doing and who was he doing it with.

She went into the kitchen to get a drink when someone knocked at the back door. She looked through the window and discovered Gabe standing there. What was he doing here? Blowing out a breath, she moved slowly to the door, opened it but blocked the doorway, and looked up at him. He had a grin on his handsome face, and she wished he hadn't.

"I take it you're not going to invite me in?" Gabe put one hand up inside the doorjamb and the other on his hip.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out on a date or...something?"

Gabe chuckled, giving her a cock-eyed smile. "Something?"

Emma huffed. "What are you doing here, Gabe?"

He moved forward, pushing his way in. "I came to see you." He glanced around. "Where is everyone? It's mighty quiet."

"The guests are on a camping trip and Olivia is..." She stopped. She realized she didn't want Gabe knowing she was alone.

"Olivia is...what?" Gabe pulled a chair out from the table, turned it around, and straddled it, pushing his hat back on his head. He looked incredibly sexy.

"Asleep." Emma swallowed hard and directed her gaze away from him. When he burst out laughing, she spun back around to face him. She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him.

"It's seven o'clock on a Friday night and there is no way Liv is asleep, so where is she?" Gabe grinned, showing off those pearly whites.

"She's on a date," she grumbled.

"With who?" Gabe raised his eyebrows.

"Ryder."

Gabe frowned. "I didn't know they were dating."

She shook her head. "They're not. This is their first date."

* * * *

Gabe knew Emma was nervous being alone with him. Really now, did she think him such a cad that he'd attack her? "Are you afraid of me, Emma?" he asked softly.

"Should I be?"

He stood, slowly moved toward her, and came to a stop in front of her.

"No. I'd never intentionally hurt you." He reached out to touch her hair and tugged lightly on her ponytail. He allowed his eyes to soak up the beauty of her face. Her eyes widened when he started to lower his head. His lips touched hers. Softly at first, then he deepened it when she opened to him. Gabe growled in the back of his throat when she shyly touched her tongue to his. Her hands slid around his neck as he backed Emma up until her back was against the kitchen counter. He leaned into her, letting her feel how much he wanted her against her belly. He smiled against her lips when she reached up, took his cowboy hat off, and tossed it to the floor. His lips traced across her cheek to her ear, taking the lobe into his mouth. He gently bit it, making her shiver. He trailed his mouth down her neck to her shoulder, before tasting his way back up to her lips.

"I want you, Emma," he said against her lips. She pulled back from him and gazed up at him. Those blue eyes were killing him. "Either tell me to go, or take me to your bed."

Gabe saw her swallow as she glanced away, then back. Emma reached for his hand, and as if in answer to a silent prayer, led him to her bedroom. Once in the bedroom, he kicked the door shut and moved to the bed with her. He picked her up and laid her on the bed before pulling his T-shirt over his head. Emma groaned. Gabe sat on the edge of the bed and pulled his boots off. Emma sat up and started pulling her shirt off, but he stopped her with his hand. She looked at him, confused. "I want to undress you...please," he whispered and grinned when she blushed. He stood up and unsnapped his jeans, but stopped when she turned away from him. He put his knee on the bed and bent over her. His hand cupped her chin and he turned her to look at him. "I can stop any time, Emma. All you have to do is say no."

"You might be able to stop, Gabriel Stone, but I can't. I've wanted this for too long," Emma said softly, making him want her more.

Gabe stood up and slowly unzipped his jeans. He was so hard he had trouble getting the zipper down. Shoving his jeans down and off his legs, he settled down beside her, leaving his boxer briefs on. His hand moved to her waist as he lowered his head to capture her lips with his in a slow kiss. When he felt her respond, he nibbled his way down to the silky skin of her neck, while his hand moved under her shirt and up to cup her breast. Emma groaned and arched into his hand giving him the permission he needed. He lifted her T-shirt over her head and groaned when he saw the peach colored bra. He gazed into her eyes while he unclasped the front closure. Her breasts spilled free making him close his eyes. He swallowed hard.

"Gabe..."

He kissed her. "I knew you'd be this beautiful," he said, his voice a near moan. "I knew it." His hand moved to the snap of her jeans and lowered the zipper. He kissed his way down along her neck, over her warm skin, until he reached her beautiful breasts. Taking one of her nipples into his mouth, he sucked on it, hearing her moan low in her throat. Emma's fingers plowed through his hair urging him on, so he gave her other lovely breast some attention too. After he made her nipples distend into tight peaks, he lifted his head slightly, and blew on them.

"Gabe..." Emma groaned as she shivered.

He pulled her up into a sitting position, reached behind her, and let her ponytail down. His fingers moved through the long strands then he leaned over her as she lay back down, fanning her hair out over the pillow. His mouth moved along her belly, pressing kisses on her skin as he pushed her jeans down over her thighs. He raised himself up, straddled her, and pulled them off. She lay there in front of him in nothing but her peach colored boy-cut panties. His eyes met hers as he lowered his head to her stomach and kissed the soft skin just above her panties. Then he hooked his fingers in the waistband, and lowered them down her legs, removing them. Gabe let his gaze roam freely over her. The dark blonde curls between her legs beckoned to him. Lifting one of her legs, he ran his tongue along her inner thigh making her gasp, before moving to caress the other one. Emma's hands were pulling his hair, but he didn't care because he was going to take his time.

Gabe glanced up at Emma's face as he slid his tongue across her skin and teased her belly button even as his fingers slipped between her legs. He pushed her legs apart, and moved a single finger along the crease in her folds. She was wet and ready for him, but he wanted more from her. Slowly he inserted his finger, and then another. Emma gasped. He moved his tongue down through her soft curls, and circled her clitoris, feeling her tense and move against him. He put his arm across her waist to keep her still as his tongue moved up and down through her folds, tasting her. Each time he moved back to her clitoris, she pulled on his hair. He knew she was close because he felt her clenching around his fingers. He sucked on her and rubbed her sensitive nub with his teeth. Emma screamed out his name as she came.

Gabe practically tore his underwear off and reached for his jeans to get a condom. He was so hard he ached. Emma lay panting under him as he sheathed himself and slid between her legs. Kissing her deeply, he slowly tried to move into her. Damn, she was tight, he thought as he pushed into her. Then, he felt it—a resistance he hadn't expected. He pulled back from her when she let out a loud gasp.

"Emma?" He knew he should stop but when she wrapped her legs around his waist and tilted her hips, he groaned. Unable to resist her, he pushed hard. Catching her cry with his mouth, he pulled out of her, and then pushed back in. He caught her tears with his tongue. She groaned his name. Gabe was lost. He couldn't hold back. "Emma, move with me, darlin'."

Emma did as he told her and moved her hips in rhythm with his. Gabe picked up the pace. Faster. Harder. Deeper. His hand slipped under her butt to pull her tighter against him. Her muscles tightened around him as she came again. He growled low in his chest and moved harder into her. His orgasm ripped through him, making him go rigid. He laid his forehead against hers, both of them breathing hard. Gently, he moved away to lie beside her. He wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her tightly against him. He'd known it would be amazing with her, but he sure as hell hadn't expected her to be a virgin. Swallowing hard, he fought to catch his breath.

"You want to tell me why you're still a virgin?"

Emma laughed through her breaths. "I'm certainly not anymore." He ran his hand down her ass and swatted it making her gasp. "You know how I was, Gabe. I was shy and I've only dated a few guys. My nose was always stuck in the books and I helped around the ranch all the time, plus barrel racing."

He nodded. "I'm not unhappy about it, just surprised. Women in this day and age usually don't remain virgins very long anymore." He smiled down at her. "I'm not a chauvinist about it. I don't believe in the double standard, but it never occurred to me you'd still be a virgin." He kissed her before rolling away. "I'll be right back."

Gabe got out of the bed and headed for the bathroom to dispose of the condom. Closing the door behind him, he reached down to remove it. Son of a bitch! It was broken. He closed his eyes and let his head fall back. When he opened his eyes, he saw beyond the ceiling and cursed his luck. Now what? Did he tell Emma or wait to see what happened? Gabe sighed. He couldn't tell her. Not yet, not after it was so perfect. He cleaned up, and then taking a deep breath, he opened the door and walked back into the bedroom.

Emma was sitting up in bed with the sheet tucked up under her arms. She looked so sexy and when she smiled shyly at him, he wanted to climb back in with her but the guilt was too much. Oh, man! He gathered up his clothes, putting them on way too fast. He leaned over and kissed her. "I need to get going." He saw the disappointment in her eyes. He ran his hand over her hair. "I want to see you again. This was amazing." He kissed her again and she nodded up at him as he pulled away.

Gabe walked out of her apartment and found his hat on the kitchen floor where it had all started. He slammed it on his head and before he left, he glanced back to where he knew she was and silently prayed she wasn't pregnant.

––––––––

Chapter Four

––––––––

Emma lay back among the pillows for a while after Gabe left. She couldn't believe it had really happened. She closed her eyes and allowed her body to remember the sensation of Gabe making love to her. Finally, she forced herself out of the comfort of her bed, took a shower, and dressed. As she walked toward the kitchen, she realized she was a little sore. She smiled. Wow!

Leaning her head against the refrigerator door, she closed her eyes. It had been amazing, just as Gabe had said. She glanced at the back door. Why had he left so fast though? She chastised herself as self-doubts began to crowd her good feelings. Had he just said it was amazing to make her feel better? Had he only made love to her because she let him?

Her appetite suddenly gone, she sat down at the table. She was feeling so confused. Never having sex before, she was amazed at how good it had been. Oh, she was a big fan of romance novels, and she'd always thought the sex overrated for the sake of the story but after what just happened with Gabe, she knew she was wrong. She blushed when she thought of the things he'd done to her and whispered to her. He really was a fantastic lover. Although she had nothing to compare it to, she still knew he was. She released a long sigh. It was early yet, so she returned to her apartment to watch television. She wished Gabe had stayed longer. She'd like to have cuddled, and perhaps talked. Maybe he wasn't a cuddling kind of man. The sex had been great, but afterwards...not so much.

A couple hours later, she heard Olivia come in. Emma opened her door slowly and peeked out in case Olivia was taking Ryder to her apartment. She was relieved to see her alone. "Liv?" Emma whispered so as not to scare her.

"Shit. Emma, you scared me to death," Olivia exclaimed placing her hand over her heart.

Emma laughed with an apologetic grin, so much for her not wanting to scare Olivia. "Did you have a good time?"

Olivia jerked her head for Emma to follow her into her apartment. Emma followed her in and took a seat on the small sofa while Olivia went to her bedroom to change. When Olivia returned, she was wearing a pair of man's boxers and a plain camisole. She poured them each a glass of wine, and then sat next to Emma on the sofa, curling her feet under her. Emma waited, taking a sip.

"I had a great time with Ryder. He's so nice, kind, sweet, sexy and gorgeous but..." Olivia swirled the liquid in her glass.

"After all that, there's a but?" Emma asked then sipped her wine.

Olivia nodded. "He took me to dinner in Hartland. A very nice restaurant, by the way, I know it was expensive too. We talked about everything and never seemed to run out of things to say, and we laughed a lot, but..."

Emma laughed. "There's that but again."

Olivia laughed. "When he walked me to the door, he kissed me, and don't get me wrong, it was nice. I mean, the man can kiss but...when he pulled back, he grinned at me and shrugged. Then he said, 'you didn't feel anything either, did you?' I shook my head and we both laughed."

She shrugged her shoulders. "So we decided to stay friends. There was just no spark at all." Olivia sipped her wine. "I think I've got my heart set on another cowboy. One who doesn't even know I exist."

Emma reached over to touch Olivia's hand but stopped when she saw the sudden change in expression on Olivia's face. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.

Olivia sat forward as if examining Emma's face for evidence. "You had sex."

Emma's mouth dropped open, but then she snapped it shut. "I did not."

Olivia chuckled. "Oh yes, you did."

"I'm not saying I did, but what makes you think so?" Emma folded her arms across her chest and glared at Olivia.

"If the whisker burn didn't give it away, then the hickey definitely did." Olivia burst out laughing at what Emma could only assume was a look of sheer horror on her face. Hickey?

Emma jumped up, ran to Olivia's bathroom, and looked in the mirror. There it was the proof—whisker burns and a hickey—on her neck. She was going to kill Gabriel Stone. Olivia stood behind her grinning. Emma spun around. "It isn't funny, Liv."

Olivia snorted. "Yes. It. Is."

"I'm going to kill him," Emma mumbled as she examined the purplish mark on her skin.

"Him being Gabe?"

"Yes," Emma hissed. She looked at her neck again. "How am I supposed to hide this? It's summertime for heaven's sake. I can't wear a turtleneck in the summer."

Olivia shrugged and turned, leaving the bathroom. Emma followed her. They settled on the sofa again with their glasses of wine. "So, how was it?" Olivia asked with gentle curiosity, but then laughed when Emma blushed. "Ooh...that good, huh?"

"I thought it was amazing but he didn't stay very long. Why did he do that?"

Olivia shrugged. "Who knows? How long after, you know, did he leave?"

"It seemed like immediately...within half an hour, I guess," Emma whispered, embarrassed by Gabe's behavior.

Olivia didn't say anything for a few minutes. "Why did he say he was leaving?"

Emma told her the conversation and how he left, but saying he wanted to see her again.

Wondering what Olivia was thinking, she nibbled on her bottom lip still swollen from Gabe's kisses.

"Em, don't worry over nothing. I'm sure he'll call you, or come by again."

Emma nodded. She loved being able to talk with Olivia. She knew Olivia didn't sugarcoat anything. After an hour of drinking and snacking, they decided to get some sleep. After returning to her bed where her thoughts immediately went to Gabe, she wondered when she would see him again. It had only been a few hours but she already wanted him again. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.

* * * *

Becca called Emma the next day to invite her to dinner. It wasn't going to be anything fancy, just the Stones, Becca, Olivia, and of course, her. As she was getting dressed for the event, Olivia called her name from outside her door. Emma told her to come in and watched with envy as Olivia glided into the room. She wore a pair of skinny jeans with an amethyst colored blouse, which matched those amazing eyes, and she wore black stilettos on her feet. The woman was a knockout. Her black hair held back from her face with barrettes completed the look. She smiled at Emma. "I'm glad we have Stacy to cover for us here so we can both go to dinner together."

Stacy Miller helped at the front counter most days and agreed to work tonight so she and

Olivia could attend dinner with Becca and Jake. "Me too. You look amazing, Liv," Emma said feeling envious.

"You do too, Emma. That blouse really brings out the blue in your eyes." Emma's blouse was a short-sleeved silk top she'd tucked into a pair of Levi's. On her feet were blue wedge sandals.

"I don't look half as good as you."

Olivia snorted. "Do you not see how gorgeous you are?" She ambled over to Emma and put her arm around her. "Don't you think Gabe is gorgeous and sexy?"

Emma frowned, wondering where she was going with this. "Yes, of course he is."

"Then why would a man that gorgeous and sexy want you if you weren't gorgeous and sexy?" Olivia looked smug then she turned Emma to face the mirror. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She shook her head. Olivia laughed and hugged her. "Emma girl, you are one fine woman. Trust me on that." Olivia grinned at her from the reflection.

When they arrived at Jake's place, Emma saw Gabe's truck but not Wyatt's. She glanced over to Olivia, but she either hadn't noticed or preferred not to say anything about it. When they entered through the back door, Jake and Becca were standing together by the table, and Gabe stood leaning back against the counter. Emma's gaze met his and held there a moment longer than she should have. He winked at her, making her blush. She watched him pour her and Olivia a glass of wine each, but after accepting hers, when she made a move away from him, he grabbed her arm and pulled her back next to him.

Olivia stood by the table looking at the finger food. "Can I have something to eat?" When everyone laughed, a look of confusion crossed her beautiful face. "What?" she asked annoyed, settling a hand on her hip.

"You eat constantly. How do you stay so slim?" Jake asked her.

Olivia laughed and winked. "I have ways of working the calories off."

Gabe choked on his beer and as if by design, the back door opened and Wyatt stepped in, his attention going directly to Olivia. He raised an eyebrow when he saw her grinning. Emma couldn't resist smiling. She knew Wyatt didn't stand a chance against Olivia. She used to think Olivia would never have him but since coming to know her, she felt sorry for Wyatt. Once Olivia made up her mind about what she wanted, nothing stood in her way. Emma wasn't sure what Olivia was waiting on but if anyone knew what she was doing, it was her new best friend.

Later, when everyone was in the living room, Jake cleared his throat and everyone looked in his direction. He glanced at Becca, and grinned. "Becca and I are getting married in May," he announced with pride.

"We all knew that, Jake," Gabe reminded him.

Becca stuck her left hand out and something glittered on it. "Yes, but now it's official." Olivia and Emma squealed, hopped up from their seats, and rushed forward to hug Becca and check out her ring, while Gabe and Wyatt slapped Jake on the back. Each brother, in turn, kissed Becca on the cheek.

After all the excitement died down, Olivia announced she wanted to leave, but Emma wasn't ready to go home. Gabe said he'd take Emma home and she was happy he would, but knew it wasn't like Olivia to end an evening so early. Emma walked outside with Olivia. "What's wrong, Liv?"

Olivia blinked back tears. "It is so hard being around Wyatt. He completely ignores me, and it hurts, Em." She shook her head. "You know I'm tough but when it comes to that cowboy, I just crumble and I hate it. I thought going out with Ryder would help, but it didn't. I'll just go home and go to bed. I have to run the front desk tomorrow so I need to get some sleep anyway.

I'll see you tomorrow." She got into her car and left. Emma watched the taillights disappear down the long drive. She wished she could do something to help her friend. When she heard the door open behind her, she glanced over her shoulder to see Gabe coming toward her.

"Is she all right?" he asked as he put his hands on Emma's shoulders from behind. She leaned back against him.

"She has trouble being around Wyatt, and the way he ignores her."

Gabe turned her around to face him. He kissed her, sweet and slow. "I've wanted to do that all night."

Emma smiled. "I've wanted you to."

Gabe chuckled. "We better get back inside." He leaned down and nibbled on her ear. "Maybe we can make out when I take you home."

Emma burst out laughing at his reference to something they might've thought about doing before going straight to the big prize. "Okay."

Gabe slung his arm around her shoulders as they entered the house and went directly to the living room. They sat together on the couch and ignored the glances from the others. Suddenly, Gabe cleared his throat and winked at Emma.

"Emma, did Liv mention how her date with Ryder went?"

Emma slyly glanced at Wyatt. Gabe's ploy was working. They certainly had Wyatt's attention. "She said she had a great time." What she said wasn't exactly a lie she was just leaving the rest out. She noticed how Wyatt clenched his jaw in reaction.

"She didn't tell me she was going out with him," Becca said.

"They've only gone out once. The first of many, I think." Emma bit back a grin as she watched Wyatt scowl as he stood to get another beer. He took a long pull on it and slammed the bottle down so hard Emma was surprised it didn't break. He put his hat on, said a gruff goodnight, and left without another word. Jake, Gabe, and Emma sat grinning at the outcome but Becca frowned for a moment, and then Emma saw it dawn on her what had just happened, and she grinned along with them.

"It doesn't matter how he acts, he's interested in her. He just doesn't want to be," Gabe said with a satisfied chuckle. Emma took note of the narrowed look Jake threw in their general direction, but decided to let it go. She wasn't sure she wanted the same kind of scrutiny placed on her and Gabe.

"The look on his face was priceless," Becca added leaning into Jake's chest.

Emma laughed. "I can't wait to see what happens. I thought he was going to break that beer bottle."

The four of them laughed together, and then spent the rest of the evening discussing the upcoming wedding.

* * * *

A few hours later, Gabe drove Emma home. He pulled his truck up to the back door and shut the engine off. He tugged on her hair. "Come here, you." Emma slid across the seat. He pulled her onto his lap. As soon as his lips touched hers, they both sighed. He ran his tongue over her lips then slipped it inside her mouth, touching her tongue with his. "Do you have any idea how good you taste, Emma?" he whispered hoarsely. He saw her cheeks turn pink and laughed. "I was talking about your kisses, darlin', but you taste good everywhere else too."

Emma hid her face in the crook of his neck. He tipped her head up so she was looking at him. "None of that, eh? Kiss me." She did as he told her, pressing her lips to his, and then slipping her tongue into his mouth to touch the tip of his tongue. When she broke the kiss, he didn't argue for she ran her lips along his whiskered jaw to his ear. He shuddered when she took his earlobe between her teeth and sucked it into her mouth, making him groan. He pulled back from her and pressed his forehead against hers. "Are you going to let me come in?" he whispered. She was worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. "Emma, I've been drinking. Do you really want me to drive home?"

Emma snorted. "You just drove me home."

Gabe chuckled softly. "You're too smart for me, woman."

He watched as Emma slid across the seat, opened the passenger door, and got out. She walked around the truck and up the stairs to the back porch where she stopped and glanced back at him. He sat in the truck staring at her, not knowing what to expect. When she crooked her finger at him, Gabe got out of his truck so fast he went to his knees in the gravel. He heard Emma laughing as he got up and ran up the stairs to her. He tossed her over his shoulder.

She squealed with laughter. "Gabe, how romantic!"

She laughed harder when he swatted her behind. He carried her through the kitchen to her apartment and straight to her bedroom where he tossed her down on the bed and stood there looking down at her. He raised an eyebrow. "Damn woman, hurry up and get those clothes off," he told her as he pulled his T-shirt over his head.

Emma sat up. "That's it? Get my clothes off. I may be new to this but where's the romance?

The foreplay? What's up with that, Gabriel Stone?"

Gabe grinned. He loved it when she used his full name. It was sexy and she didn't even know it. "Next time, darlin'. I'm so hot for you right now I might not make it out of my clothes."

Emma fell back on the bed laughing, watching him shuck his clothes, and then she groaned when he stood fully aroused beside the bed gazing down at her. She pulled her blouse off and started on her jeans but Gabe was there, practically ripping them from her. She lay back on the bed in nothing but her pink panties. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before reaching for the condom in his jeans. He hesitated, wondering if he even needed it. Not willing to take any chances, he sheathed himself and lay down beside her. When he pulled her on top of him so she was straddling him, he felt her hesitation. "Trust me, darlin'. You'll love being in charge," he said, trying to breathe through his desire.

* * * *

Inch by inch, Emma impaled herself onto Gabe's erection. She realized she very much liked being in charge. She lifted her hips, sliding to the tip of him before taking all of him into her again, each time a little deeper. When she had him buried to the hilt, he moaned loud and long. His hands went to her hips as she slid her own along his chest. Her hands moved through the light smattering of hair to his nipples. Leaning down, she ran her tongue around one, then the other. She felt Gabe's hands move up her ribcage to her breasts and cup them in his hands. She kissed him and began moving her hips. She pushed herself up and rocked her hips against him, grinding with each movement. Her gaze locked with Gabe's as she took charge.

"Take your hair down," Gabe groaned. Emma gave him a wicked grin and put her hands up behind her head but didn't release the ponytail, yet. She rocked against him, looking into those dark brown eyes. She laughed softly when Gabe narrowed his eyes at her. "You need to learn not to tease a man, darlin'."

"Is that what I'm doing? Teasing you, Gabe?" She moved her hands down to her breasts and cupped them. Gabe growled.

"I can see I've created a monster." Gabe moved his hands to cover hers. "Emma, baby, please...take your hair down."

Satisfied she still had control, Emma pulled her hands from under his and took the clasp from her hair. Her long blonde waves fell over her shoulders to the tips of her breasts. Gabe sat up and kissed her, dipping his tongue into her mouth. She moaned but pulled back from him, and pushed on his shoulders. Gabe fell back and closed his eyes as she rolled her hips. She gasped at the sensation she was creating with her movements. That wonderful feeling she remembered from before was coming over her, and she so wanted it. Her hips moved faster and ground against him. She began to pant when Gabe sat up again, wrapped his arms around her, and flipped her onto her back. He slammed into her, and she wrapped her legs around his hips, squeezing as tightly as she could. She screamed his name as her orgasm raged through her. A moment later, she felt Gabe stiffen and groan her name near her ear. She felt him throbbing inside her as he came. He used his elbows to keep his weight off her, but buried his face in her neck. Both of them were gasping for much needed air. After a few minutes, Gabe rolled to his side and pulled her against him. Emma put her head on his shoulder, and her arm across his waist. She smiled when she felt his arms tighten around her. They soon fell asleep.

In the morning, Emma woke up alone. She looked over to the pillow Gabe had laid his head on. There was a note. She reached for it, and smiled.

Emma,

I hate leaving you but I have a lot of work to do on the ranch. You look so beautiful lying there asleep. I seriously want to crawl back in bed with you. I'll call you later. I miss you already. Gabe

––––––––

She clutched the note to her chest and smiled. She loved Gabriel Stone and even though he didn't love her back, she was happy. She got out of bed and stored the note in her dresser. After dressing, Emma went out to start breakfast for the guests.

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# Chapter Five

Two weeks later, Emma knew she was in trouble. She'd missed her period and she was always regular as clockwork. She was terrified. How could this have happened? Gabe wore a condom both times, she was sure of it. She knew she had to tell him but she had no idea what was she going to do. There was no way she'd have an abortion. She knew, without a doubt, her parents would be there for her but what about Gabe? Would he be there for her and the baby? Would he be a willing father to their baby?

Emma sat on her sofa, placed her hands over her face, and let the tears go. She needed to get a pregnancy test to make sure and then call her doctor if the test turned out positive, but she couldn't help thinking what people were going to say. What would they think of her? She jumped inside her skin, her heart slamming in her chest, when she heard Olivia call her name. She wiped her face with the backs of her hands and sighed before calling out for her to come in.

Olivia strode in and stopped dead in her tracks.

"Did he do something to hurt you? Because if he did, I will personally cut his balls off," Olivia told her.

Emma shook her head. "No. Gabe didn't hurt me. I think...I think I may be pregnant." Her voice choked. When Olivia didn't say anything, Emma glanced up at her not knowing what to expect.

"Didn't he use a condom?" Olivia asked through clenched teeth.

"He did, yes, but I'm late and I'm never late."

Olivia sighed, and then sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "First time for everything, I guess. You need to make sure."

Emma nodded. "I know but the minute I go in the pharmacy to pick up a test, it will be all over town that I'm pregnant."

"I'll get it for you," Olivia said. Emma looked at her in disbelief. Olivia snorted. "You think I care what the locals think? They don't know me and it will drive them crazy trying to figure out which cowboy I did the nasty with."

Emma laughed through her tears. "Liv, you are something else. I'll love you forever if you pick it up for me."

"Pffft...you'll love me forever anyway." Olivia stood up, and patted her on the shoulder.

"I'll go right now. I should be back within thirty minutes so try not to freak out while I'm gone."

Emma sat there as patiently as she could while Olivia was gone. Stacy was at the front desk so it was covered. Emma had already prepared lunch and knew what dinner was going to be so no one would miss her for a while. She jumped nervously when she heard Olivia come in the back door. Hurrying, she met her in the kitchen. Olivia smiled at her.

"Well, the gossip tails are wagging." Olivia laughed as she handed Emma the test. She took it from Olivia's hand and stared at it. "It ain't going to do it by itself, Emma girl."

Emma took a deep breath, nodded and returned to her apartment with Olivia on her heels. Olivia took a seat on the sofa while Emma went into the bathroom. When she emerged a few minutes later, she was unable to hold back the tears.

"Are those happy tears because it's negative or sad tears because it's positive?" Olivia asked her, tilting her head in ardent curiosity.

"I'm pregnant." Emma started crying in earnest this time. Olivia jumped up and put her arms around her and she was suddenly grateful for her friend's comforting arms. They sat together on the sofa with Olivia muttering soothing words, but Emma was flabbergasted. Thinking she was pregnant was one thing, knowing it was another thing completely. How was she going to tell Gabe? Pulling away from Olivia, she stood up and took a deep breath. She knew what she had to do first.

"I have to tell Gabe," she whispered, and then shook her head. "How is he going to take this?"

"I can go with you. You know, in case he's a dick about it," Olivia said with a smirk of a smile.

Emma grinned. She knew Olivia would go to bat for her friends. It didn't matter how big or small the opponent was, she stood up to them. She took care of her own. "I'll go alone. If he's a...dick about it, I'll let you know."

Olivia burst out laughing. "You must be stressed. You've never used the word dick before."

Emma laughed and it felt good. "Maybe I have been hanging around you too much." She hugged Olivia, remembering Gabe commenting on the same thing. She grabbed her purse, and headed out for a confrontation at Gabe's ranch.

Her stomach was in knots the entire ride there. Emma pulled up to the barn, parked, and asked one of the ranch hands where Gabe was. He pointed to the hay barn. She entered the barn, stopping to let her eyes adjust. The barn smelled of newly cut hay. The floor, covered with pieces of hay made her steps silent. Gabe was at the end of the barn stacking the bales. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to him. He lifted his head and when he saw her, he smiled. She couldn't dig up the effort to smile back, and watched as his smile died. He met her in the middle of the barn. She could smell the sweat coming off him and found it sexy as hell. Looking up at him, she gazed into those dark eyes and couldn't bring herself to spit out the words. She heard him sigh.

"You're pregnant," Gabe muttered and his shoulders drooped.

Emma gasped. "How...how did you know?"

Gabe took his gloves off, reached for her hand, and in silence led her into the house to the living room. She'd always loved this home and felt comforted by it, but right now, her insides were anything but calm. She took a seat on the sofa and Gabe sat down beside her, holding both her hands. He cleared his throat. She wasn't sure she wanted to hear what he had to say.

"Gabe?" she whispered as her stomach fell. Something was wrong. Something he didn't want to tell her.

"The first time we were together," Gabe stammered. "When I went into the bathroom to take care of the condom, it was...broken."

"Broken?" She felt anger pour over her. She jumped up pulling her hands from his. "You didn't think to tell me?" she shouted. Gabe reached for her but she pulled back. "Do not touch me," she said through clenched teeth.

Gabe ran his hand down his face. "I didn't want to tell you, in case you turned out not to be pregnant. I didn't want to ruin what happened between us."

"That was weeks ago, Gabe. You've had plenty of time to tell me."

He shrugged. "I was hoping you weren't pregnant. I decided to...wait it out and see."

Emma was shaking with anger. "Well, you see now." She wanted to hit him, her hands tightened into fists. "But you don't have to worry about anything. I'll take care of it." She turned to leave when Gabe grabbed her arm and spun her around.

"You'll take care of it. What the hell does that mean? You will not get rid of my baby." He bared his teeth at her.

"I have no intention of getting rid of the baby. I'm telling you not to worry about it. I can raise it on my own." She blinked back tears and wished she was anywhere else but where she was.

"The hell you will. We'll raise it together. We're going to get married, Emma. Our baby will have two parents at all times, you hear me? I won't be a part-time father." Gabe was shouting at her now.

"Married? Are you out of your mind? What century are you living in, Gabe? No one has to get married nowadays."

He leaned in and put his face down close to hers. "We're getting married and that's that." Gabe straightened to his full height and glared down at her. "Once we're married, you'll move in here. I plan to be a part of my child's life before he even enters this world. Make the arrangements or I will, Emma. Believe me, darlin', when I say I'll get you to the altar one way or another, I mean it." He turned away from her and stalked out of the house, the back door slamming behind him.

* * * *

Everything happened so fast even when the day came three weeks later, Emma found it hard to believe she was standing in a church exchanging marriage vows with Gabe Stone. The only people in the church were Becca, as her maid of honor, Jake, as best man, her parents, and Olivia and Wyatt who sat separately in the pews. Counting the minister, there were nine of them in attendance. Definitely not the wedding Emma had imagined for herself someday.

Her eyes misted up as she repeated her vows, her voice trembling. Gabe spoke his with conviction. Her gaze shifted to Becca and she saw her smiling at her. Other than herself, Gabe, and Olivia, no one knew the wedding was because she was pregnant. She hated lying to them. They were her family now. She and Gabe decided to tell them all once they were back at the house. Gabe would tell his brothers and Emma would tell Becca and her parents. She glanced toward Olivia sitting in a pew alone. Olivia winked at her. Emma then looked to where Wyatt was sitting. He was leaning back in the pew with his arms folded across his chest. The expression on his face was unreadable. Emma had the feeling Wyatt knew nothing was as it appeared. She took a deep breath, and brought her attention back to Gabe when they were pronounced husband and wife. She turned to face Gabe. He cupped her face in his large hands, kissed her, and then whispered against her lips, "We'll be fine, darlin'."

Gabe smiled at her, and she shyly smiled back. Why she was suddenly shy, she had no idea.

The man had seen her naked, so being married shouldn't change anything. She caught herself before she snorted. She knew the reason. She was married to a man who didn't love her. Of course, it changed things. It changed everything.

Emma put on a smile even though she didn't feel it as Becca hugged her.

"I'm so happy for you," Becca said with true elation. Emma hugged her back, feeling like a fraud. Jake kissed her cheek, and then shook Gabe's hand while Olivia hugged Gabe. She whispered something to him. Emma saw Gabe jerk back, swallow hard then nod his head. Emma frowned at Olivia as she came toward her and hugged her.

"What did you say to Gabe?"

"I told him if he hurt you, his balls would be mine." Olivia grinned slyly.

Emma burst out laughing and looked toward Gabe. He smiled at her but swept his gaze over to Olivia. Emma watched Olivia wiggle her fingers at him and grin. Gabe ran his fingers around the collar of his dress shirt, and Emma stifled a true smile.

Everyone went to Gabe's home after the wedding to celebrate. Emma knew she had to tell Becca and her parents what was going on. They all assumed she and Gabe had fallen in love and just couldn't wait. Gabe planned to tell his brothers the truth too. When everyone was full from cake and food, Emma took Becca's hand, nodded for her parents to follow her, and led them to the bedroom. Olivia followed. Once inside, she turned to face Becca and her parents wringing her hands.

"What's wrong?" Becca asked her eyes wide with worry. Emma's parents stood by the door and stared at her. Emma had a feeling they already suspected the truth.

Emma sighed. "Gabe and I didn't get married because we fell in love. I'm pregnant."

"Pregnant?" Becca grabbed Emma's hands. "Didn't he use a condom?"

Olivia laughed. "That's what I said."

Becca swung around to face Olivia. "You knew about this?" Emma knew she was hurt because no one had told her.

"I'm sorry, Becs, but it wasn't my place to tell you." Olivia put her arm around her best friend and Becca nodded her agreement. Becca reached out and pulled Emma into a hug.

"Are you okay with this, Em? You didn't have to marry him, you know." Becca looked into

Emma's eyes and shook her head. "You've always been in love with him, haven't you?"

"Yes. I'm pretty sure I have been since I was ten years old." Emma tried to laugh but it ended in a sob. She glanced at her parents who stood silent by the door. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

Her mother came forward and hugged her. Emma sank into her embrace. "We already had an idea this was why you were getting married so quickly." She smiled at Emma. "I know how you feel about Gabe. Maybe you two can make this work. We love you, Emma, no matter what."

Olivia stepped forward and hugged Emma too. "Oh, honey. Don't cry. Gabe's an honorable man. I believe he'll do right by you and the baby." She smiled at Emma. "If not, I'll skin him alive."

"God, she means it too, Emma." Becca laughed joining everyone as they all hugged Emma who laughed along with them, her own laughter more relief than anything else.

* * * *

Jake stood by the fireplace while Wyatt sat in a recliner and both of them watched Gabe pace the room. "Jesus, Gabe. What the hell is wrong with you?" Jake asked as he moved to take a seat in a chair.

Gabe stopped pacing and looked at his brothers. "Emma and I got married because she's pregnant."

"That's bullshit, Gabe." Wyatt came to his feet with a frown. "No one has to get married these days. Try again."

Gabe glared at him then frowned. "I want to be a part of my baby's life."

Jake nodded approvingly. "I'm glad you did the right thing, but don't hurt her, Gabe. I've told you that before, and I still mean it."

"I'm not worried about you, Jake. Hell, Olivia said she'd serve my balls up on a platter if I hurt Emma."

Wyatt almost spit his water out. "She said that?"

Gabe nodded with a groan as he thought of his privates slaughtered by the woman. "I'm more afraid of her than either of you." He shuddered. "The woman's wicked."

Jake and Wyatt laughed at his imagined pain, but quieted down when the women entered the room with Emma's parents following close behind. Jake and Wyatt joined Gabe as he stood when the women entered the room. Becca walked directly to Gabe and hugged him. He stiffened when Olivia came over to him. She looked up at him and tapped his chest with her finger. "You just remember what I said, Gabe, and we'll all be fine." She gave him a haughty smile and he felt his family jewels withdraw. How the hell could a woman who barely reached five-foot-seven scare the shit out of a man who towered over her at six-foot-four? Gabe nodded his understanding. When Olivia stepped away from him, he let out a long breath.

* * * *

Emma became nervous when everyone left. She went up the stairs to change out of her wedding dress not because she wanted to get on with the wedding night, but because it had belonged to her mother and she didn't want it ruined. It was a beautiful ivory-colored long gown covered in lace with satin buttons down the back. Her shoes were ivory open-toe stilettos, which added four more inches to her height, but Gabe still towered over her. She stiffened involuntarily when she heard him come in the room.

Gabe came up behind her and kissed her neck exposed to him since her hair was up in a loose bun with loose tendrils around her face. She stepped away from him, but turned to watch him. He took off his jacket and started loosening his tie. He looked gorgeous in the black western cut suit with bolo tie. He was a true cowboy down to his shiny black cowboy boots. When his fingers moved to work the buttons of his shirt, she turned away. He stepped up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"I want to take this dress off you," Gabe whispered against her neck. Emma stepped away from him again. "What's wrong with you?" he demanded.

"I don't want you to touch me right now," Emma said softly.

"Too damn bad, Emma. We're married now and I'll touch you whenever I like," he exclaimed with an ugly snarl.

"Are you going to force me, Gabe?" Emma looked him in the eye daring him to answer.

His mouth turned up at the corners in a confident smirk accentuated by his mustache. "I won't have to force you, darlin'."

She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "Awful cocky, aren't you?"

Gabe burst out laughing. "Is this our first fight as a married couple?"

Her mouth twitched unsure whether to smile or frown. "I think it is," she said with a shy backward glance. "I'm sorry, Gabe, I'm nervous."

"Why? We've been together before." Gabe cupped her face in his hands, bringing hers up to face him. "We're going to make this work, baby. I only want to get married once in my life, so this is it for me and I hope for you too." He kissed her softly then deepened the kiss. Her arms slid up and around his neck so naturally, she couldn't fight it. Gabe pulled back from her and kissed her forehead.

Emma smiled. "It is our wedding night, isn't it?"

Gabe chuckled. "Yeah, darlin', it is. One day soon, we'll go on a real honeymoon. I'm just too damn busy right now." His hands went to the back of her dress and started working the first buttons open. "Now, can I take this off you?"

She nodded, and then sighed, relaxing against his hands as Gabe undressed her before carrying her to the bed. There they began their life as a married couple.

* * * *

Emma left the doctor's office with a smile on her face. Her baby was due in April, and Becca was getting married in May so Emma would be able to be in the wedding without an oversized belly. She was meeting Olivia and Becca for lunch at the diner and couldn't wait to tell them her happy news. As she crossed the street, several people waved to her. The wedding was a month ago and everyone already knew she was pregnant. It amazed her how nothing seemed to get past the people of this town. She strolled into the diner and spotted her friends in a booth. She sat down beside Becca, and picked up the menu.

"You're glowing today, Emma," Olivia said with a bright smile.

"Doc Anderson says I'm due in April," Emma exclaimed as she hugged Becca, who smiled at the news. "It all seems so far away though." Becca and Olivia nodded in agreement before they ordered their food. As they settled in to chat about the baby and the wedding, Emma felt someone step up to stand beside her. She glanced up and mentally groaned.

"Hello, Emma. Aren't you going to introduce me?" the tall, willowy blonde-haired woman asked her.

Emma sighed. "These are my friends, Becca Daniels and Olivia Roberts. This..." she said with a roll of her eyes, and a wave of her hand toward the woman. "Is Stephanie Taylor." Becca and Olivia nodded toward Stephanie while she grimaced. She didn't like Stephanie one bit. She was sure if you looked up bitch in the dictionary, Stephanie's picture would be there. She also knew Stephanie was up to something, and it didn't take long to find out what.

"So Becca, I hear you're engaged to Jake Stone," Stephanie remarked in a catty tone while folding her arms across her ample chest.

"I am." Becca didn't add anything more.

"He's just gorgeous. Of course, all three of them are."

"It's nice seeing you again, Stephanie," Emma said in a dismissive manner not looking at her.

Stephanie snorted. "Is it, Emma? So...you and Gabe, huh? And having a baby too. That's one way to get a Stone to marry you, I suppose."

Emma saw Olivia glance up at Stephanie, her lipping curling in a snarl. "I think that was uncalled for," Olivia said, glaring at the woman.

Stephanie shrugged. "I really don't care what you think, Olive."

Olivia started to slide out of the booth when Becca reached across the table and grabbed her arm. Olivia stopped and turned her head toward Becca. She gave her a "let me at her" look, but Becca didn't release her arm. "Let it go, Liv." Becca glanced up at Stephanie then back to Olivia, and shook her head. "She's so not worth it."

Olivia narrowed her eyes. "I don't like this piece of fluff talking to Emma like that." She turned her stare on Stephanie. "You need to apologize to Emma. Gabe loves her. He wouldn't have married her otherwise."

"Of course, I apologize, Emma," Stephanie said but her expression and tone of voice told

Emma she didn't really. "Does that make you happy, Olive?"

Olivia jerked her arm away from Becca, got out of the booth, and stood toe to toe with

Stephanie. "Look, I don't know who you are or who you think you are, but you call me Olive one more time, and you and I are going to go at it...Fluffy."

Stephanie stared at Olivia for a long second then stepped back, and smiled. "Sure." She glanced down at Becca and Emma. "Maybe we'll be related one day since I have every intention of getting Wyatt back."

Olivia sputtered. "You're the idiot that broke up with him?"

Stephanie glared at Olivia. "I am not an idiot and it was a long time ago. Things have changed. I want him back now, and I will have him." She narrowed her eyes at Olivia. "I suppose you think you can have him?"

Olivia smiled with a confidence, which belonged only to her. "If I wanted him, I'd have him."

"In your dreams." Stephanie huffed, turned on her heel, and strolled away with her nose in the air. Olivia laughed at her retreating backside, before sliding back into the booth shaking her head. Emma bit her lip to keep from crying.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Olivia touched her hand.

"Is that what everyone thinks? That I got pregnant on purpose so Gabe would marry me?"

Connie, the owner of the diner and top-notch server, had stepped up. She was busy filling their glasses with fresh tea. She snorted. "Gabe Stone wouldn't do anything he didn't want to.

Don't pay attention to Stephanie, she's just showing her usual bitchiness." Then without another word, she moved on to the next customer.

Emma laughed. She supposed what Connie said was true. Gabe would never do anything he didn't want to do and Stephanie definitely was a bitch. She gazed around the restaurant and realized no one was giving her judgmental looks and relaxed, until she saw a man in the back watching her. The way he kept glancing in their direction gave her the creeps. She shivered even though she wasn't cold. He saw it and grinned. "Can we get out of here now?"

Becca seemed surprised, but agreed. As the three of them left the diner, Emma could feel the man's eyes on her. The sensation made her feel physically ill. She just wanted to go home to Gabe.

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# Chapter Six

September moved in quietly. The leaves were beginning to show their best colors. Red and gold danced among the green. The air smelled of autumn. It wouldn't be long before colder weather set in. Emma smiled to herself as she walked toward the barn. She wanted to take one of the horses out and thought she'd ask Gabe to saddle one for her since she didn't want to risk lifting the heavy saddle. He was shoveling out one of the stalls when she found him. She allowed her gaze to travel over him and was amazed how the man still made her heart stop. His T-shirt was drenched with sweat and his jeans covered in dust, but he was one sexy cowboy. He must have sensed her presence since he looked up when she leaned against the stall opening. Gabe smiled when he saw her. Her heart flip-flopped and fell to her stomach. He put the shovel down, and sauntered toward her with that sexy cowboy swagger. Gabe removed his hat, swiped his arm across his forehead, before he resettled the hat on his head, pulling it down low on his forehead, and stopped in front of her. "Hi, darlin'," he greeted her with a big grin.

"Hi, yourself." Emma smiled. Gabe moved to put his arms around her, but she backed away from him.

"Come here." He crooked his finger at her and she knew he wanted to kiss her.

She put her hand over her nose. "You smell like manure, Gabe."

He laughed and reached for her again. "It never bothered you before."

"I wasn't pregnant before," Emma reminded him, covering her nose and mouth as she backed up. "Whew, you stink."

Gabe burst out laughing. "I'll clean up later, and then we'll talk about this."

She laughed knowing exactly how they'd end up talking about it. "Will you saddle a horse for me? I want to go riding."

The smile left Gabe's face in an instant. "Absolutely not."

Emma put her hands on her hips, ready to do battle. "Why not? I'm an excellent rider, and it's not going to hurt the baby as long as I'm careful. Doc Anderson said it was all right."

"I don't give a shit about her saying you can. I'm saying you can't," Gabe shouted.

She spun away from him. "Watch me," she exclaimed over her shoulder as she stomped away. It took all of three seconds to hear him running after her. He caught her as she rounded the barn. He grabbed her arm and pulled her around.

"I said no, Emma," Gabe growled.

Neither of them saw Wyatt standing near one of the stalls talking to a ranch hand or noticed how both men quit talking to watch them. Emma pushed at Gabe. "You cannot tell me what to do, Gabriel Stone."

Not willing to give up a chance to ride because Gabe told her not to, she strode away from him. Gabe caught up to her again, gently took her arm, and turned her to face him. "I'm your husband, Emma, and I'm asking you...no, hell, I am telling you not to do this," Gabe ground out. Emma looked to the ranch hand standing beside Wyatt. "John, will you saddle Ginger for me?"

"Do it and you're fired," Gabe snarled, his eyes shifting to John and back to her.

She noted how John glanced back and forth between them but didn't move from his spot beside Wyatt. He knew who paid him and he wouldn't cross his employer. She gasped. "Fine,

I'll do it myself!" She jerked away from Gabe and stomped her feet as she entered the tack room.

* * * *

Gabe hung his head in defeat, but jerked it up again when he heard laughter, knowing he didn't have to look far for its origin. He glared at his younger brother. "Something funny, little brother?" he asked and then watched as Wyatt turned his head away. Gabe could see his brother's shoulders shaking. "You'll get yours one day," he shouted at Wyatt before he trotted after Emma, calling out to her. "Emma, please don't do this. I'm afraid something will happen to you or the baby." When he heard Wyatt chuckle, he glared in his direction. "Don't you need to go somewhere?" Wyatt shrugged. Gabe entered the tack room only to find Emma gathering up a bridle and reins. "You're really beginning to piss me off, Emma," he muttered.

"Just beginning? Then I'll have to work harder at it." Emma moved to reach for a saddle.

He huffed and put his hand over hers. "I'll do it, but I'm going with you."

Emma beamed a smile at him. "That's all you had to say."

Gabe hardly took his eyes off her as they rode in the north pasture. The sun peeked through a puffy cloud. The air was crisp and the wind blew gently. Gabe saw none of it, he only saw

Emma. She looked so good to him. He shook his head. He shouldn't really worry. She sat a horse well, and she was a barrel-racing champion after all. She knew how to ride.

Emma glanced over at him and frowned.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"Quit staring at me like you're waiting for me to fall," she snapped at him.

"Do you want to stop for a while?"

Emma reined in her horse. "Gabe, we have stopped three times already. I'm fine. If you ask me to stop one more time, I will spur Ginger into a run."

"You wouldn't."

Emma gave him a haughty smile, and he knew she would do just what she threatened so he relented. He watched as she nudged Ginger again and trotted away from him. He galloped his horse to catch up to her. After an hour, she told him she was tired and wanted to head back. He was so relieved he wanted to shout it. The whole experience was nerve wracking to say the least.

If anything had happened to her, he'd want to die. Good Lord! He'd fallen in love with her. When the hell had that happened? He glanced over to find Emma looking at him with concern.

"Are you all right?"

He nodded and smiled. "I'm fine."

When they rode into the yard, Gabe told her to go lie down and he'd take care of the horses.

He helped her down from Ginger's back, and she rewarded him by standing on tiptoe and kissing him before heading into the house. He stared after her, rubbing a spot over his heart. He loved her, of that he was sure, but what if she didn't love him? Sure, they got along great, most of the time anyway, until that damn temper of hers emerged. She used to be such a shy woman, now she didn't back down even when he towered over her. Gabe grinned. He liked the spunky woman she'd become and he loved it when she tried to push him around. He chuckled under his breath. He didn't budge but she didn't care, she tried anyway. How many times had she told him not to manhandle her? He chuckled again. Hell, he couldn't keep his hands off her.

Later, when he entered the kitchen, he as always appreciated the changes Emma had made since coming to live there. It looked like a home now. She'd put up new curtains, and there were hanging plants everywhere. Her perfume flowed throughout the house. Entering their bedroom, he'd expected to find her asleep on the bed, but she wasn't there. She took quite a few naps lately. It had scared Gabe to the point he'd called her doctor. Doctor Anderson had reassured him it was normal, and laughed when he made her promise not to tell Emma he'd called. He heard a soft splashing sound in the bathroom. Emma was in the bath. The thought made his heart flutter strangely. So this was what being in love felt like. Smiling, he crossed to the bathroom.

* * * *

Emma was soaking in the huge tub with her head resting against the back with the bubbles up to her chin and she was enjoying it very much after her ride. She loved this tub. It resembled an old claw foot tub but it had jets in the bottom and sides. Anytime she got in the tub, she stayed until the water became cool. There were times when she was in it Gabe had to insist she get out because the time slipped away from her. She was just about to close her eyes and let the tub take her away as the old commercial used to boast, when she heard the door open. She glanced behind her to see her husband enter. She smiled up at him.

"How long have you been in there?" Gabe asked as he stripped his dirty T-shirt off.

"Not too long. I don't look like a prune yet, do I? The water hasn't cooled down completely." Emma smiled enjoying the sight of her husband without his shirt.

Gabe squatted beside the tub and put his hand in the water. "You're not using the jets?" She shook her head. "You have three speeds you know." She raised an eyebrow at him, and he grinned. "Low, medium, and who needs a man."

She burst out laughing. "I'll always need my man."

Gabe leaned in, kissed her, and then whispered against her lips, "I'm going to take a really fast shower, and then you're getting out of there, Emma Stone."

Emma nodded and watched him strip out of the rest of his clothes. Her heart fluttered and pounded in her chest as she listened to him move about the shower. After what seemed like only a few minutes, she heard the water shut off and the shower door open. Without waiting for him to ask, she stood up. Gabe grabbed a fluffy towel and wrapped her in it, lifting her from the tub, and setting her feet on the fluffy floor mat. He rubbed the towel over her, lingering on her breasts, and then between her legs. Emma had her hands on his shoulders to steady her when he dropped to his knees and kissed her mound of curls. She was unable to stifle a low moan. When Gabe slipped his tongue through her curls to her clitoris, and then moved his mouth on her, she grabbed fistfuls of his hair while she rested her butt on the edge of the tub. He spread her legs and feasted on her until Emma whimpered as her orgasm hit.

Gabe pushed to his feet, scooped her into his arms, carried her to their bed, and gently laid her on it. She watched him as he gazed down at her with damp hair, and smelling fresh, clean, and so masculine. Before he lay down beside her, he leaned down to kiss her, but Emma grabbed his strong arms, pulled him down, and pushed him onto his back. She smiled down into his face before leaning in to kiss him. She moved her tongue into his mouth and tasted him thoroughly before her lips trailed across his cheek to his ear, down along his neck before moving to his chest.

She felt Gabe thrust his fingers into her hair as her lips moved down his six-pack abs and lower. She wrapped her fingers around his stiff shaft, and slowly moved her hand up and down the length. She liked how he grew harder in her hand. She put her lips to the head and heard Gabe hiss in a breath. Smiling, she ran her tongue under the rim of the head, and then slowly down the length. Gabe groaned. Feeling powerful and in control, Emma put her mouth completely over him, and sucked.

"Christ!" Gabe's hands tightened in her hair.

Feeling daring and empowered, Emma slid her mouth up and down his length, taking him in as deep as she could. Her hand slid down to cup his balls. Gabe's hips began to move up and down in rhythm with her mouth. When she slid him from her mouth and lingered at the tip to run her tongue around it again, Gabe jackknifed up, and grabbed her.

"You have to stop, Emma...now," Gabe groaned as he reached under her arms and pulled her up over his chest. He was breathing hard, his chest rising and falling fast against her breasts. Emma kissed his lips, reached down, wrapped her hand around him, and slid her body down over him. Firmly seated on him, she rocked her hips and soon Gabe moved his hips into hers too. He put his thumb on her clitoris and the sensation sent her over the edge. She cried out his name and collapsed onto his chest. Gabe kept pumping until his orgasm shook his entire body. She pushed against his chest and looked down at him. She smiled in satisfaction.

"Now I need another bath." She laughed as she climbed off him to lie next to him, her fingers trailing through the hair on his chest.

"I need a nap." Gabe yawned.

Emma swatted at him and left him to take a quick shower. She loved him so much that at times like this, it was easy to believe he loved her too, but she knew he didn't. He'd never said the words, not once. She could only pray, one day he would.

The next day, Emma met Olivia at the diner for lunch. After she settled into the booth, she glanced around and almost gasped when she spotted the man from the other day who had made her feel nervous.

"Are you all right? You've gone white as a sheet," Olivia said leaning over and touching her hand in concern.

Emma looked at her and spoke in a low voice. "There's a man in the back who was here before and he keeps staring at me. He gives me the heebie-jeebies."

Olivia immediately looked around the restaurant until her eyes landed on him. Frowning, she turned back to Emma. "He looks familiar." Emma nodded and was about to say something when Becca stopped at their table.

"I thought I recognized your cars," she said smiling but it faded when she saw the looks on their faces. "What's wrong? Are you all right, Emma?"

"Please sit down beside me for a minute," Emma said patting the seat next to her. Becca slid into the booth alongside her. "See the man in the back at the table by himself? He keeps watching me and it's giving me the creeps. Liv thinks he looks familiar. Do you know him?"

Emma waited as Becca glanced around. Her sudden gasp confirmed she'd seen him. "Oh my God, he kind of looks like Steve," Becca whispered.

Olivia gasped. "That's it! That's exactly who he looks like." She turned to look at him again, but then turned back around. "He's not paying any attention to you now, Emma. Maybe you were imagining it."

She hoped so but she didn't believe it was her imagination. Her appetite now gone, she sat back and looked around. She knew everyone in the diner except that man. Who was he? Was it coincidence that he bore a resemblance to Steve? She shivered at the thought he might be related to the man who'd tried to kill Becca. Her gaze involuntarily shifted back to him. He was looking at her again. She elbowed Becca and gave a slight nod toward the man. This time, Becca saw the man looking at them. Together, they watched him stand and walk to the counter to pay his bill. Without looking their way, he left by the front door. Emma released a breath just as their server came over and laid down their bill.

"Connie, do you know the man who just left?" she asked glancing toward the door.

"No. He's been coming in here every day, though. Not much of a tipper." Connie sniffed in an indignant manner before strolling away.

"Emma, it's probably just a coincidence that he looks like Steve. All that shit happened just a few months ago, and we're all still a little on edge," Olivia said.

Becca agreed with Olivia. "We can't keep looking over our shoulders. Steve is dead, and there's no way he can ever hurt us again."

Emma looked at each of her friends and nodded in agreement, before turning her attention to

Becca with a frown. "Why are you here, Becca? You said you couldn't join us for lunch."

Becca opened her mouth to reply when the bells on the door jangled and they watched Jake stroll in. She smiled a smug grin. "I couldn't because I'm spending the day with my man. It's not often he takes a day off. So..." She shrugged then stood up to greet him. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her until the other diners started whistling. They broke apart and laughed. Emma envied them their love.

A few minutes later, she and Olivia paid their bill and left, but Emma couldn't shake the strange man's face or the way he watched her.

* * * *

Gabe rolled over and kissed Emma's cheek. "Time to get up, darlin'," he whispered alongside her ear, and then chuckled when she slapped at him. He nuzzled her neck, and smiled when she moaned. She rolled over to face him. "As much as I would love staying here in bed with you, we have to get moving if we're going to get to Butte on time."

"Ohmigod, the competitions start today." Emma practically flew out of the bed. Gabe watched her scurrying around the bedroom, gathering up clothes. God help him, he really loved her and the baby. He got out of bed, and after brushing his teeth, he pulled his boxer briefs on, grabbed his jeans, T-shirt, socks and went downstairs.

He needed coffee. It was early. Hell, the sun wasn't even up yet. It was a two-hour drive to Butte and he still had to load his horse, Dandy. He poured himself a cup of coffee and gazed out the window. The sky was beginning to wake up, glowing with pink and yellow hues above the mountains. He sighed with satisfaction. Life was good. No one could have told him he'd like married life. Like? He shook his head. He loved it.

Gabe set his cup on the table, and pulled on his jeans and T-shirt. After taking a seat at the table, he pulled on his socks, and then his worn cowboy boots. Hearing a couple of vehicles pull up outside, he stomped a boot on as he stepped to the door and opened it. He watched Wyatt and Jake get out of their trucks with Becca and Olivia following them.

He left the door open and went back to his coffee. A moment later, Emma entered the kitchen, stood on tiptoe, and pressed her lips to his. He started to deepen the kiss when someone cleared his throat. Still kissing Emma, he glanced over her shoulder to see Jake grinning at him.

He reluctantly broke the kiss. "What? I can't kiss my wife good morning?" Gabe grinned when Jake laughed while Emma buried her head into his chest, and blushed. He kissed the top of her head. Olivia took a seat at the table and grumbled. "What was that, Liv?" he asked.

"Why did we have to get up before the sun?" Everyone laughed when she yawned and laid her head on her folded arms.

"Because, sleepy head, we have a two-hour drive, then we have to sign in and get to our rooms," Gabe told her while he hugged Emma against him.

"Pffft..." Olivia waved her hand and yawned again.

Becca laughed. "And you all wonder why I love her."

"If you behave yourself, Liv, Emma and I will give you the last puppy." Gabe smiled when Olivia lifted her head and looked at him with wide eyes.

"Really? You still have one left?" She looked to Emma, who nodded, and then Olivia glanced over her shoulder to Becca. "Can I have one, Becs?"

Becca shrugged. "I don't see why not."

Olivia squealed, leaped up, and hugged Becca, and then Emma. Then she went to Gabe who was standing out of the way, wrapped her arms around him, and glanced over her shoulder to

Emma. "Don't hate me." She kissed Gabe quickly on the lips. Emma burst out laughing. Gabe could feel the heat in his face as he stepped back from Olivia, especially when she winked at him.

He cleared his throat. "I don't think that's behaving, Liv," he choked out, making them all laugh except Wyatt, who he noted was standing in the doorway to the hall scowling at Olivia. He had to wonder what his brother's problem was with Olivia. Gabe mentally shook his head. Whatever it was, Wyatt needed to get over it since they were all going to be together for the next week.

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# Chapter Seven

Emma, Becca, and Olivia sat on the metal seats in the arena watching the rodeo while Emma explained to them what was going on. She chuckled when Olivia shuddered at the details of bull riding even as she sat on the edge of her seat watching it. Becca seemed entranced by it all, though. As the day wore on, the women decided to get a late lunch at a nearby diner. The men were relaxing at the hotel since their competitions weren't until the next day. As they left the diner to head for the hotel, Emma felt the hair rise on the back of her neck. She stopped and looked around, letting her gut lead her.

Becca touched her arm. "What is it?" she asked softly.

Emma shook her head. "I don't know. I just had the feeling someone was watching us." She shivered against the sensation.

Olivia glanced around quickly. "That's not even funny."

"I'm probably just imagining it. Maybe it's my hormones out of whack." Emma tried to smile, but she knew it didn't quite reach her eyes when both women frowned at her. They walked a little faster toward the hotel and the safety of the men. Once they reached it and went to their rooms, Becca hugged each of them.

"I feel like a damn fifth wheel," Olivia muttered.

"That's crazy, Liv. We love having you with us." Emma hugged her. Olivia nodded with a sigh, and went into her room alone. Becca smiled sadly at Emma before they separated to enter their separate rooms.

The next morning, Emma woke to an empty bed. She knew Gabe had to be at the arena early to check the line-up so she pulled his pillow to her and tried to go back to sleep, but it evaded her. Her mind played over the night before when they'd made love. She'd almost told him she loved him. It had been on the tip of her tongue and she literally had to bite it to keep from shouting it out. Tears filled her eyes. Damn hormones! Lately, she cried at the drop of a hat. Why couldn't he love her? He had no problem telling the baby. He'd put his mouth to her belly and say it to the baby. Emma tried choking back the sobs, but they tore out from her. She buried her face in the pillow and let her tears loose.

Two hours later, she sat with Becca and Olivia in the stands once again watching the competitions. Emma was surprised when she saw Wyatt join them and take a seat beside Olivia.

He opened the program and scanned through it. Emma noticed Olivia hadn't acknowledged him. The arena smelled of horses, leather, sweat, and manure. She loved it. She sat up with excitement when they announced the barrel racing was next. Jake and Gabe moved along the aisle and took seats beside them. Emma looked to Jake. "I'm sorry I couldn't compete with Misty for you." She smiled and nodded. "I'll compete next year."

Gabe leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Not if I get you pregnant again." She elbowed him, and he grunted. "I take that as a no?"

"You, Gabriel Stone, are not going to keep me barefoot and pregnant," she hissed low, hoping no one around them could hear their conversation.

Gabe chuckled. "Okay, you can wear shoes." She burst out laughing and shook her head.

She looked to the arena when Stephanie Taylor's name came over the speakers as the next competitor. Stephanie came roaring out of the tunnel and headed her horse for the first barrel. She cleared it, and pushed her horse toward the second barrel. She cut it too close and knocked it over. The crowd groaned. Becca and Olivia giggled. Emma grinned with satisfaction.

"You beat her every year. The one year she has the chance to win, since you aren't competing, and she beats herself," Gabe whispered then he chuckled when she nodded in agreement and gave a low giggle.

She laughed outright when she heard Olivia announce with a snicker, "Oh, that's too bad."

Emma leaned forward to look to Wyatt. She watched him raise his head from the program only briefly to look to where Stephanie was riding off, but went right back to the program. Jake and Becca laughed too. No one cared for Stephanie.

The afternoon moved on and soon it was time for Gabe, Jake, and Wyatt to compete. Tie down roping was first, Gabe's event. Emma sat on the edge of her seat awaiting her husband's appearance. When the announcer said his name over the loud speakers, a row of women behind her started screaming for him. She turned to glare at them, but they paid her no mind. She turned back to see him sitting in the roping box with the calf ready to go in the chute.

"What goes on here, Emma?" Becca asked.

"The calf will be released from the enclosed chute next to the box. There's a rope barrier stretched across the front of the chute, so when the rider is ready to start, he signals with a nod of his head. The calf will get a slight head start, so as soon as it breaks the barrier, the cowboy charges after the calf. He tosses his rope around the calf's neck, bringing it to a stop. The cowboy jumps off his horse, runs to the calf, lays it on its side, and ties three of its legs together with a piggin' string, which is just a small rope. The calf has to stay tied for a minimum of six seconds in order for the tie-down to qualify. The cowboy who completes the entire sequence the fastest is the winner. If the rider jumps the gun, there's a ten second penalty," Emma explained. "Also, the horse has a lot to do with how well he does. His horse has to know to back up and keep the rope tight once the calf is roped. There's no better horse than Gabe's Dandy at doing just what he needs him to do."

Emma beamed as she watched Gabe give the nod, and then the calf shot out of the chute.

Gabe, a second behind him, twirled the rope over his head and tossed it. It went over the calf's neck, Gabe jumped off Dandy, and the horse pulled the rope tight. Gabe grabbed the legs of the calf, tied three of them, and stood up throwing his hands in the air. The crowd roared. The announcer proclaimed it a new record. Gabe bowed to the crowd and mounted Dandy. He rode the horse over to the rail below where she was sitting. He tugged his hat in her direction with a proud smile. She felt a blush rise on her cheeks, but she grinned at him with pride. The women behind her screamed again.

Olivia burst out laughing. "What are they, rodeo groupies?"

"That's exactly what they are. Buckle Bunnies, some people call them. They follow the circuit and love the cowboys." Emma rolled her eyes.

Soon they were watching Jake in the Reining competition. Emma loved watching this event. The rider maneuvered his horse in figure eights, changing its gait from first one lead foot to the other, and then he would make the horse spin in circles. Then the rider would run his horse in a straight line as fast as possible, stop the horse, and have it back up. If not done in a straight line, the judges deducted points. Jake's horse, Midnight, was the horse to beat. She noticed Becca was on the edge of her seat. The women behind them were yelling Jake's name. Emma chuckled.

They had no idea Gabe's wife and Jake's fiancée sat right in front of them.

At the end of the Reining competition, the voice over the speakers announced Jake the winner. He waved his hat in the air at Becca. The Buckle Bunnies called out his name. It was obvious to Emma now they thought Jake and Gabe had been waving at them. She laughed. Becca glanced at her and laughed along with her. Olivia just shook her head. The Cutting Horse competition was next, so Emma elbowed Olivia. "This is Wyatt's event. He's the best. Just watch," Emma told her with an eager grin.

When Wyatt's name sounded over the speakers, it seemed like the entire crowd screamed his name. Emma, Becca, and Olivia grinned and applauded along with the others. They sat forward and watched as a group of cows trotted into the arena.

Emma explained to her friends what was going to happen. "The cutting horse, that's the kind of horse Wyatt is riding. It has a terrific cow sense and is able to respond quickly, and turn sharply. A cutting horse's job is to keep a cow from returning to the herd. Any breed can be used, but most cowboys prefer Quarter horses. The horse and rider select and separate a cow from the group. When the cow tries to return to the herd, the rider loosens the reins, puts his hand on the saddle horn, and leaves it entirely to the horse to work at keeping the cow apart from the rest. The best horses seem to really love doing this job, and do it with real style. A contestant has two and a half minutes to show what their horse can do. Typically, a rider cuts three cows during a run, but only two cows is acceptable too. A judge awards points to the cutter based on a scale ranging from sixty to eighty, with seventy considered average. The horse turns with the cow, while the rider sits centered over the horse, keeping his eyes focused on the cow's neck to anticipate the cow's next move. The team of horse and rider are judged on how well the horse moves in relation to the cow. The rider can use his legs to steady his horse, and keep him from falling in on the cow or drifting towards the herd throughout the run. No horse is better at this than Cochise."

They watched as Wyatt rode into the arena on a beautiful black and white horse. The horse and rider moved easily as one. Wyatt let the horse pick out the cow and together they went to work. It always amazed Emma how any rider was able to stay on his horse as it bounced back and forth to stop the cow from getting back to the herd. Dust flew from the floor as Cochise's hooves dug in as he shifted in front of the cow moving it to the back of the arena, and then picked out another one. Wyatt had his horse remove three cows from the herd in record time. At the end of the cutting competition, the announcer named Wyatt as the winner.

Later that night, they were heading home to Clifton. Emma rested her head against the back of the seat. She was exhausted, but it had been a good day. Gabe took her hand in his and she glanced over at him. She smiled.

"Are you tired, darlin'?" he murmured.

"I am, and I have to pee," she said with a bashful sigh.

"Again? We just stopped not more than ten minutes ago."

"If you had something pressing on your bladder, you'd have to go a lot too."

Gabe groaned, but pulled into a rest area and walked her to the restroom. She was back out in a few minutes. He hugged her close. "Do you think we can make it home before you have to stop again?"

"I seriously doubt it, but I'll try." Emma huffed and started toward the truck. She heard Gabe chuckle behind her as he followed, making her smile.

* * * *

Two days later, Emma wanted to ride. She knew she had to do it soon or she wouldn't be able to get up into the saddle. Now to convince Gabe she was able to go alone. She saw him leading a horse out of the barn, and he stopped when he noticed her.

"Hey." Gabe smiled and her heart hit her stomach.

"Hey, yourself, I'm going for a ride." She noticed his shoulders immediately stiffen. "Before you say anything, I'm more than capable of going on my own. I'll take Ginger. You know how gentle she is. I'll only be gone an hour and I'll take the two-way radio. This will be my last ride before the baby." She needed some time alone and she wanted him to see that. She saw him take a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh.

"All right, but please don't be longer than an hour. If you are, I will come looking for you and turn you over my knee." He narrowed his eyes at her.

She rolled her lips in to keep from laughing and nodded her head then stepped up to him and kissed him. Gabe pulled her to him and deepened the kiss. "I want to show you something first," he told her leading her to a stall in the back, where he stopped her in front of one, and nodded toward it. She frowned at him, and then looked into the stall. She gasped when she saw the beautiful horse standing there, and then glanced back at Gabe. He was grinning at her. "She's yours, baby. I know how you love Paints. I saw her and knew I had to get her for you."

"When though? How? We just got back from the competition."

"I saw her last month at Ryder's. I had him bring her over while we were gone. She's a beauty, isn't she?" Gabe grinned with obvious pride.

Emma threw her arms around him and kissed him. "You are so getting lucky when I get back, Gabriel Stone." She smiled up at him.

Gabe burst out laughing. "I'll be waiting for you." He winked at her.

She had one of the ranch hands saddle Ginger, and then she walked her out to the north pasture. The sun was high in the sky beating down on her shoulders. The tall grass was already beginning to brown. Being higher in the mountains, winter set in quickly. The air here was cooler and it whipped around her. She couldn't believe Gabe bought the Paint for her. She shook her head in amazement at his generosity. Paints weren't cheap, but the ones Ryder sold definitely went for high prices. Smiling, she dismounted Ginger so she could walk for a while. She heard a loud crack shatter the peacefulness of the pasture, and looked around. She knew what it was. Being a country girl, she knew a gunshot when she heard one. Who was shooting and where? Was Wyatt or Jake shooting at something on their properties? Ginger nervously pranced. Emma talked to her softly to calm her.

Once she settled down, Emma put her foot in the stirrup to mount up when she heard another crack and almost at the same instance, felt a burning sensation in the back of her shoulder. Gasping, she lost her balance and fell to the ground knocking the wind out of her. Ginger took off running toward home. Her shoulder felt like it was on fire. She could feel the blood soaking the back of her blouse. Should she be bleeding so much? She knew she was losing consciousness and the two-way radio was on the saddle. "Gabe..." she whispered before passing out.

* * * *

Gabe walked from the barn heading toward the house when he heard a shot. His blood ran cold at the sound. Emma. He started running back into the barn when he heard a second shot. He yelled for two of his men to mount up. As he ran for his horse, he grabbed the two-way radio and tried calling Emma. There was no answer. He then took out his cell phone, called Jake and explained what was going on. There was no proof something had happened to Emma but he wasn't taking a chance. He hung up after Jake told him he'd be right there. He knew Jake would call Wyatt. He had to get Dandy saddled. He'd wait before calling Sam Garrett, Clifton's Sheriff.

Gabe swung up on Dandy and spurred him into a run out of the barn. His two ranch hands were right behind him. They halted at the top of the ridge. He sent them off in different directions in search of Emma. "You call me immediately if you find her," he ordered them. Both men nodded in acknowledgement and rode off.

He took his binoculars out and used them to search the pasture. He saw Ginger running toward him, and his heart stopped. Emma wasn't on the horse. Ginger would return to the barn. She was the least of his worries. He peered through the binoculars again and saw Emma lying on the ground. He spurred Dandy on, running him at full speed. When he got to Emma, he jumped off Dandy before he came to a complete stop.

"Emma," Gabe bellowed. He kneeled beside her and lifted her onto his lap. He felt the wetness coating his hand, and rolled her over. Her blouse was soaked with blood. He placed his fingers on her pulse and felt a faint beat there. Picking her up, he whistled for Dandy, and the horse came trotting back to him. He slung Emma over his shoulder and mounted the horse. He then laid her across his lap and spurred Dandy for home. On the way, he phoned for Sam and an ambulance. Fearful tears were making it hard to see. Dear God, please don't let her die! He prayed. When he rode into the yard, he saw Jake, Becca, Wyatt, and Olivia waiting for him. Jake ran to him to help.

"Give her to me." Jake reached for her. Gabe shook his head, swung his leg over Dandy's head, and jumped down just as the ambulance and Sam's cruiser barreled up the drive. The paramedics ran toward him with a stretcher and tried to take her from him, but he shook his head.

"Gabe, they can't help her if you don't let them," Wyatt told him. Nodding his head, he reluctantly laid her on the stretcher. He heard Olivia and Becca gasp when they saw the blood.

"What the hell happened, Gabe?" Sam Garrett asked with concern even as he tried to keep a professional manner.

Gabe shook his head. "I don't know. She was riding. I heard two shots and tried to reach her on the two-way, but when she didn't answer, I went looking for her." He swore under his breath. "Who would shoot Emma?"

"Maybe it was an accident..." Sam started to say, but Gabe swung around at him suddenly fisting his hands with anger that Sam would suggest something so ridiculous.

"Two shots? I don't think that's an accident." He wasn't in the mood to hear such stupid suggestions as to why his wife was nearly bleeding to death. He was so angry he wanted to punch something or someone. Rather than risk striking a law official, he ran to the ambulance and hopped inside after the paramedics finished loading Emma into it.

Jake walked over to stand by the open door. "We'll be right behind you," he told him. Gabe nodded as the doors to the ambulance closed. The ride seemed to take forever but it was less than ten minutes. He ran behind them as they wheeled her into the emergency room. A nurse stopped him at the double doors leading to the operating rooms.

"They're going to take good care of her. Please have a seat in the waiting room, Gabe," the nurse said, directing him to a row of chairs. He knew her. Sherry Watkins was married to a friend of his and he hoped she was right. He nodded and moved away from the doors to the waiting room. He took a seat in a hard plastic chair, resting his forearms on his knees. He clasped his hands together, and stared at the floor. Less than five minutes later, his brothers, along with Becca and Olivia, arrived. Jake and Wyatt took seats on each side of him. He could faintly hear Becca and Olivia crying. Hell, he wanted to cry himself. Emma could die. And what about their baby? Emma lost so much blood. Would that harm the baby? He ran his hands over his face. He wasn't much of a church going man. To him, the people who went to church were worse gossips and hypocrites than those who didn't, but he needed to talk to God now. He clenched his fists and prayed for the life of his wife and baby. He told him he'd gladly give up his for theirs.

Hours ticked by, or so it felt, and Gabe never moved, only to shake his head when Wyatt asked if he wanted something to eat or drink. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Olivia pacing and he almost smiled. At one point, Becca had crouched in front of him and laid her hands over his.

"She'll be fine, Gabe. Emma's a fighter," she'd whispered then smiled when she saw his eyes shift in Olivia's direction. "She paces when that mind of hers is in full gear. Believe me she's having one hell of a talk with God right now."

Gabe nodded and smiled. "I'd hate to hear that conversation."

Becca smiled and stood, and then leaned down to press a kiss to his cheek. Everyone jumped when the doors opened and a doctor came out dressed in less than clean scrubs.

"Mister Stone?" His gaze ran over the three men who'd leaped to their feet as one and now stood looking at him.

"I'm Gabe Stone, Emma's husband." Gabe stepped forward. The doctor took him aside and spoke to him in low tones.

"Your wife has lost a lot of blood but not to the point of a transfusion. She's resting now. The surgery went well, she's in recovery now, and she's going to be just fine. Another few inches to the left and it would have hit her heart."

Gabe swallowed hard. "The baby?"

The doctor smiled. "The baby's fine." He touched Gabe's shoulder. "I'll have a nurse take you to your wife in a few minutes."

Gabe stood staring at the doors where the doctor disappeared back through, and then suddenly dropped to his knees and felt tears roll down his face. Jake and Wyatt kneeled beside him.

"Gabe? What is it?" Jake asked in a choked voice.

Gabe raised his head. "They're both all right." He smiled through his tears. He didn't care that his brothers or anyone else saw them. He saw Jake and Wyatt smile in relief. A moment later, the nurse came to get him and he followed her back to where Emma lay unconscious. He quietly walked in and stood beside the bed gazing down at the love of his life. He'd tell her he was in love with her once he got her home and she healed. He pulled the chair closer to the bed and sat down. He wrapped his hand around hers, leaned his head back, and closed his eyes.

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# Chapter Eight

The pain woke Emma. She was thirsty too, and wondering what happened? Where was she? Moving her head slowly, she saw Gabe sitting in a chair next to the bed with his head back and his eyes closed. He was asleep. Why was he asleep in a chair instead of bed? She allowed her gaze to roam over his face. From the looks of the stubble on his jaw, he'd been there awhile. As her sight focused, she realized she wasn't at home but in a hospital.

"Gabe..." Her voice was raspy, her throat slightly sore, so she cleared her throat and tried again. "Gabe."

His eyes snapped open immediately. He sat up and smiled at her. "Hey."

She smiled back at him. "Hey. I'm thirsty." Gabe reached for the crushed ice in a Styrofoam cup and fed some to her with a plastic spoon. Emma chewed and sighed. It tasted so good on her tongue. "More please," she whispered. Gabe continued to feed her ice chips. "What happened?"

Gabe set the cup down and took her hand in his. He kissed her palm and held it against his cheek. "You were shot. Do you remember anything?"

She felt the blood drain from her face. "I do remember. I was walking Ginger and heard a shot. I remember wondering if Jake or Wyatt were shooting at something. It spooked Ginger. I calmed her down but when I went to get back on her, I heard the shot almost the instant I felt the pain in my back. I fell and Ginger ran." She gasped when her thoughts and her hand shifted toward the life inside her. "The baby?"

"The baby's fine. You were lucky, darlin'. The doctor said a few more inches to the left and it would have hit your heart." His voice choked up and Emma knew he'd been scared for the baby. She was sure he'd been scared for her too, but the baby meant everything to him.

"When can I go home?"

Gabe grinned. "You must be feeling better if you're ready to go home."

"How long have I been here?" she asked running her hand over his whiskered jaw.

"Three days. You've been in and out, but the doc says it's normal." He leaned in and kissed her. "I'm ready for you to come home too, but we have to see what he thinks when he comes in to check on you."

Emma closed her eyes. She was so tired for someone who'd done a lot of sleeping over the past three days. Who shot her and why? She opened her eyes and looked at Gabe. "Did you find out who shot me?"

Gabe shook his head. "No. Do you have any idea what direction it came from?"

"From the south, I think Wyatt's direction." She bit her lip. "When I heard the first shot, I remember looking in that direction but with the hills echoing, I couldn't be sure. But I remember now because of which way my back was facing when I was getting ready to mount Ginger."

"I'll let Sam know. He can narrow his search down." Gabe took his cell phone from his pocket just as the doctor walked in. She took comfort in his putting his phone away as if Sam could wait. Gabe obviously was more interested in what the doctor had to say about her.

After the doctor examined her, he agreed to let her go home the next day, explaining she was to rest and not over do anything. He told her to expect her back would be sore, and so he prescribed mild painkillers because of her pregnancy. Emma already made up her mind not to take any at all. He wanted to see her in seven days to remove the staples.

After the doctor left the room, she gazed up at Gabe. "You need to go home and rest." When he started to shake his head, she slapped his hand. "Yes, you do, Gabriel Stone. You're dead on your feet and you desperately need a shave. I'm going back to sleep, exactly what you need to do too." She touched his cheek gently. "Please. Go get some sleep."

Gabe stood and stretched. No matter how bad Emma felt, she couldn't keep her appreciative gaze from roaming over his hard, gorgeous body. He leaned down and kissed her before telling her he'd be back tomorrow to take her home. She smiled up at him and closed her eyes. Sleep dragged her under before Gabe was even out of the room.

* * * *

A week later Emma had had enough of being inside so she decided to visit her new Paint, Beauty. Taking an apple from the fridge, she headed outside to the barn. She stopped in front of the stall where Beauty was housed, cutting the apple into slices. The horse walked over to her when she smelled the apple. Emma smiled and delighted in the feel of the horse's velvet lips against her palm as the horse took the pieces from her hand. She hadn't been able to spend too much time with her yet, and she wanted to bond with the horse. She heard more than saw Gabe enter the barn. She turned to smile at him, but it froze on her lips when she saw his expression.

He looked ready to explode as he strode toward her.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" His voice thundered.

Emma flinched in surprise. "I'm giving Beauty an apple..." She gasped when he grabbed her by the arm and started to lead her from the barn. She jerked her arm from his grip and scowled at him. "Let go of me, Gabe!"

Gabe wrapped his fingers around her wrist and began pulling her behind him. His grip was firm, but she pulled against him and her temper rose with every step he forced her to take.

Finally, she dug her heels in and got him to stop and look at her. "Gabriel Stone, you let go of me this minute! I will not be manhandled."

Gabe leaned his face close to hers. "You need to be put over my knee! What the hell are you doing out here? In case you've forgotten, you were shot. You need to be resting."

Emma put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at him then she poked him in the chest with her finger. "I have been cooped up in that house for a week and three days before that in the hospital. I'm going crazy."

Gabe put his hands on her shoulders. "Yeah, you're crazy all right. You need to rest, Emma."

She stomped her foot in frustration. "Ooooh! Get out of my way!" She pushed at his hard chest, and then walked around him and into the house, slamming the door behind her. She hoped he was hungry because she wasn't making him dinner. He could starve for all she cared.

The next day, Olivia and Becca came by for a visit. Emma was so happy to see someone other than Gabe and the ranch hands. They sat in the living room talking when Gabe came through and said hello to them. He scowled at her and headed for his office. She knew Becca and Olivia were watching her with loads of unasked questions. She heaved a sigh.

"He manhandled me yesterday, and so I'm not speaking to him," she explained.

Olivia burst out laughing. "You go, girl."

Emma laughed even though she was still angry about it. She told them about the incident in the barn. Somehow, telling her friends about it made her realize the silliness of it, and how overprotective Gabe was acting. She realized she liked the idea. Soon they were laughing over it when Gabe came back through the room. They quit laughing and looked at him innocently. He narrowed his eyes, and then left the room. The women howled with laughter.

After they left, Emma decided to take a long soak in the tub. The afternoon had worn her out. She knew Gabe was right and she needed to rest, but he just didn't understand how lonely it was to be stuck indoors with no one for company. Her mother had visited a few times, but Emma needed to get out. She took her clothes off, wrapped her hair on top of her head, and slid down into the tub. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back. When she heard the back door open downstairs, she knew Gabe had come in. She could hear his boot heels clicking on the floor. Listening, she heard him come up the stairs and enter their bedroom. He paused outside the bathroom door and she held her breath. When he knocked quietly on it, she exhaled and told him to come in. He entered and after putting the lid down on the toilet, he took a seat there. She refused to look at him. She bit her lip to keep from smiling when she heard him release a deep sigh. She waited.

"I'm sorry about yesterday, Emma. I shouldn't have reacted like that." She heard him pause. "I didn't want you to hurt yourself."

Emma glanced up at him. He'd never looked more gorgeous even with sweat stains on his shirt, and his jeans and boots had dust all over them. His hair hung down over his forehead, and a shadow of sexy stubble covered his jaw. Even though he shaved every morning, by late afternoon the stubble was back. She took a deep breath, partly in appreciation of his apology and partly in appreciation of his undeniable sexiness.

"It's all right, Gabe. I do understand, but I know how to take care of myself and I know how I feel. I just wanted to see Beauty. I'm only a little sore. I won't overdo it." Gabe nodded as if he understood, and got to his feet. She gazed up at him, her body warming with a heat brought on by more than the hot water. "You're awfully dirty, Gabriel Stone. I think you need a bath."

"Ya think?" he asked. When she nodded, he kneeled by the side of the tub and put his hand down in the water. "I suppose I could take a shower in the other bathroom." Gabe swirled his hand through the water.

Emma smiled. "Why waste water when this tub is full?"

Gabe leaned forward to kiss her but then stopped. Their eyes met until Gabe dropped his gaze to her lips. He moved closer. With his lips barely touching hers, he whispered. "Were you planning on staying in there too?"

She nibbled at her lip, trying to look like she was giving it some serious thought. She touched his face. "I guess I can, if you want me to." She felt his soft laughter against her lips before he captured them in a deep kiss. He moved to sit on the edge of the tub. Emma couldn't resist, she grabbed his shirt and pulled him into the tub. He let out a yell. Water sloshed over the side of the tub. Gabe laid across her sideways his legs holding his weight off her.

"Now you definitely won't get out of here," he told her with a deep sexy laugh.

She kissed him. "What makes you think I want to?"

Two hours later, Emma woke up alone. Gabe had already left their bed. She smiled remembering their lovemaking. He never failed to please her in every way possible. She climbed from the bed, grimacing a bit from the stiffness, which tended to set in when she slept. After steadying herself on her feet, she carefully put on her sweatpants and T-shirt, before going to the kitchen to make a sandwich. Gabe had made her work up an appetite, which was a good thing she didn't mind.

Upon entering the kitchen, she decided to give Olivia a call. She hated that Olivia was all alone at the B and B except for the guests. It would close in two weeks for the season, and then her friend would be totally alone. A new cook had been hired to take Emma's place, but she wasn't going to live there. Emma still helped occasionally but the more her pregnancy progressed, she knew she wouldn't be able to continue and since her injury, she felt useless.

She picked up her cell phone and dialed Olivia's phone. There was no answer. She tried again, but still no answer. It wasn't like Olivia not to have her phone on, and with her. Emma started to feel a panic rise in her gut. She called the B and B front desk.

"Clifton Bed and Breakfast," Stacy answered, sounding very efficient yet friendly.

"Stacy, it's Emma. Can I talk to Liv?"

"Sure, let me get her." Emma knew Stacy had put the call on hold while she went to find Olivia by the corny music now playing in her ear. When the sound clicked off, she expected

Olivia's voice but it was Stacy again. "I'm sorry, Emma. I can't find her right now. Her car's here though. I'll tell her to call you, okay?"

"Sure," Emma answered as she disconnected the call. She thought she might be

hyperventilating the way her head was pounding, and she couldn't seem to breathe. She pulled out a chair and sat down while trying to catch her breath. She heard Gabe enter the kitchen and drop to his knees in front of her.

"Emma? What is it?" She heard the panic in his voice as she shook her head. "Take a deep breath, baby, and tell me what's going on. Are you okay?"

"Liv..." She raised her gaze to look at him through tears.

"Liv, what?" Gabe took her hands in his.

"I called her to talk to her and she didn't answer, so I called Stacy but she can't find her." She stared at Gabe as fear clutched her gut. "What if someone took her? What if whoever shot me isn't just after me?"

From the look on Gabe's face, she knew he'd never considered that possibility, but he had now. He stood and glanced around as if trying to consider what best to do. "I'll go over there and find her."

Gabe was just about to leave when Emma's cell rang, the screen lit up with Olivia's picture.

"Liv?" she answered cautiously, and sighed with relief when Olivia answered her. Emma looked up at Gabe and nodded. She knew he was genuinely relieved when he pulled out a chair, took a seat, and exhaled. When she ended the call, she glanced at him and shrugged her shoulders. "She had Punkin outside to do her business." She grinned suddenly feeling foolish for overreacting.

"Punkin?" Gabe asked with a frown furrowing his handsome forehead.

"The Aussie we gave her."

Gabe jerked upright and out of the chair. "She named her Aussie, Punkin? You're kidding me, right? Her purebred Australian Shepherd is named Punkin?" he hissed the word out through a clenched jaw.

She laughed at his indignation. "Yours is named Annie."

"I call her Annie. Her registered name is St. Anna of Montana."

Emma lost it then, she laughed so hard tears began to run down her face. "Why didn't you just call her Anna Montana?" She laughed harder when Gabe glared at her unhappily. She saw his mouth twitch in annoyance under his mustache as he sat back down.

"Okay. I get it. But in my own defense, I didn't name Annie. A little girl from the 4-H did."

She continued to laugh then squealed when Gabe scooped her out of the chair. "Let's see if I can make you stop laughing, Missus Stone," he growled in her ear as he carried her up the stairs.

"You can try, Mister Stone. You can always try."

* * * *

The month of October brought the first snow and as always, it was beautiful. The cottony looking flakes covered the grass slowly at first, but with more effort as the afternoon progressed. Emma sat on the couch in the living room staring into a roaring fire. The crackling sounds and the smell of the burning wood soothed her and made her feel safe. She rubbed her hand over the little bump where her baby grew a little bigger every day. Gabe was in the arena training a horse for a client and she knew he'd be out there for hours. Her wound had healed enough she could move easily without feeling even the slightest pinch or pain.

A knock at the front door startled her. She glanced around and wondered if she should call for someone to answer it. Feeling foolish about answering her own front door, she cautiously moved toward the door and peered through the large, etched glass. She sighed with relief when she saw Clifton's Sheriff standing on the other side of the door. Opening the door, she stepped aside to allow Sam Garrett entry. He smiled at her and tipped his hat before removing it as he wiped his damp boots on the welcome mat. "How are you feeling, Emma?" Sam asked as he brushed the snow off his Stetson.

Emma had always thought him a gorgeous man. Tall, at six-feet-five, with a chiseled jaw, which carried a faint dark shadow, dark brown hair, and blue eyes, Sam was very popular with the women of Clifton. "I'm fine, Sam. Come on in and get warm." She led him to the living room. She took her seat on the sofa and Sam settled into the chair opposite her.

"It's getting colder as the day goes on," Sam said. He twirled his hat then looked up at her, his expression becoming serious. "I didn't find any shell casings anywhere in the region of the direction you thought the shots came from, Emma. Whoever did the shooting must have picked them up, and the shell taken from you was too damaged to give us anything. Even then, it probably wouldn't be enough to find out who the rightful owner was. A rifle can easily be purchased at a gun show without a background check." He shook his head. "Please be careful, Emma. I'd rather you didn't leave the house but I know that's not possible, so just be careful. Take someone with you until we know what's going on." He stood. "Where's Gabe? I'd like to talk to him before I leave. I want him to know what I found, or rather what I didn't find."

"Thanks, Sam. He's in the training arena." Emma watched him politely nod his head at her before walking down the hallway. She heard him go out the back door. She knew Sam hadn't meant to scare her, but he had. The idea of not leaving the house was unthinkable, but now she was afraid to do just that.

* * * *

Gabe saw Sam enter the arena and rode the horse he was training over to him. He dismounted, and shook Sam's hand. He'd known the man for years and considered him a good friend. "Hey, Sam, what brings you out here?"

"Gabe." Sam nodded at him the way men tended to do to acknowledge each other, much the way women hugged. "I just told Emma we didn't find any shell casings. I also told her it's difficult to find the owner of a rifle since it might've been bought at a gun show without a background check. There were some footprints in the area, but it looked to me like he kicked around to disturb the area. He's smart, Gabe."

"You're sure the shooter's a he?" Gabe asked. They all knew it could as easily be a woman as a man.

"Footprints seemed awfully large from what I could tell. The boot heel was large so I'm presuming it's a man. I told Emma she needed to stay indoors, but I'm sure she won't listen." Sam smiled knowingly. Gabe suspected Emma probably already made her thoughts known on that subject.

He shook his head. "I don't see that happening without a fight. I really don't understand what the hell is going on, Sam. First Becca and now Emma. God help the crazy bastard who tries to take on Olivia." He chuckled at the thought. "I mean, I know Becca and Emma are strong willed, but Olivia is wicked mean."

Sam laughed and nodded. "She's like a mama bear when someone takes her cub."

Both men sobered as if both suddenly remembered the baby Emma was carrying. Gabe sighed. "I'd die if something happened to Emma."

"Does she know that?"

Gabe cleared his throat. "I haven't told her, if that's what you mean. So much has been going on with her being shot and me training fourteen hour days..." He glanced over at Sam. "I know I need to."

Sam gave him a terse nod. "Yep, you do. I'll let you know if I find out anything more."

The Sheriff left the building, leaving Gabe staring at the closed door. He knew Sam was right. Emma needed to know how much he loved her, and the baby. He'd tell her tonight. He mounted the horse and went back to work.

Later when he walked into the kitchen, the delicious aroma filling the room almost brought him to his knees. Emma stood at the stove grilling steaks. He walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her neck. She leaned back against him and turned her head to look at him.

"You're filthy," she said, pulling away and wrinkling her adorable nose.

"I know. I need a shower. How soon will dinner be ready?"

"The steaks are just about done. I just have to nuke the potatoes."

"Sam mentioned you need to stay inside..." Gabe waited for it.

"I will not be a prisoner in my own home, Gabriel Stone." There it was, and Emma was vehement.

He huffed. "I had a feeling that's what you'd say." He kissed her quickly. "I'm going to take a shower." Striding away, he turned back to gaze at her over his shoulder. "Want to join me?"

Emma laughed. "I thought you'd never ask." She put the steaks in the oven to keep them warm then ran to him and wrapped her arm around his waist. Gabe picked her up in his arms, and carried her up the stairs.

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# Chapter Nine

Gabe jerked awake. He wasn't sure what had startled him from his sleep. Emma lay quiet beside him, still sleeping. They didn't get to dinner after their shower, but instead ended up in bed again. He was about to close his eyes again when he heard it. A gun shot. He jumped out of bed, and grabbed his clothes.

"What's wrong, Gabe?" Emma sat up rubbing the sleep from her eyes. He put his knee on the bed, leaned over, and kissed her.

"I heard a shot. Please do not leave this room, Emma." He took her hand in his and kissed her palm. "For once, listen to me, please. Stay here until I come back." He heaved a sigh of relief when she nodded. "I'll be back as soon as I can. I'm calling Sam now. I..." He stopped himself. Now was not the time to tell her his feelings. "I promise I'll be back." He left the room pulling on his shirt as he went.

Gabe ran down the stairs and out through the kitchen. Three of his ranch hands were standing in the yard looking toward the pasture. He stopped beside them. "Did you hear which direction it came from?" The youngest hand, Adam Lang, pointed toward the north pasture. Gabe nodded. "Saddle up. I want to find this son of a bitch." He looked around noting someone was missing. "Where's Tim?"

He saw Adam swallow hard. "He went to check some fence, Gabe."

"Where?" He dreaded hearing the answer because his gut told him what it would be.

"North pasture," Adam answered.

"Shit!" Gabe ran for his horse, as the men followed to get their own. Once mounted they all rode like hell out of the yard. The snow slapped at his face as he rode Dandy toward the pasture.

What was happening? The thought he could be shot didn't enter his mind. All that mattered was one of his men was out there. Tim Larson was his foreman. Gabe had known him for five years and he trusted him completely. He prayed silently that Tim was all right. As he came over the rise, he slowed Dandy to a halt and pulled out his binoculars. It was déjà vu. He saw a horse standing in the pasture beside a body on the ground. Tim. His friend was lying on his stomach on the ground.

Gabe spurred Dandy on, and rode down to where Tim lay unmoving. He reined in Dandy, dismounted, and hurried to his friend. Squatting down, he touched Tim's shoulder. "Tim?"

He swallowed the lump in his throat. He pulled his glove off and pressed his fingertips to

Tim's neck to check a pulse. There wasn't one. Gabe rolled him over and swore when he saw the blood on the front of Tim's shirt. He leaned down to listen to see if Tim was breathing. When he didn't hear anything, he began cardiac compressions. Pumping on Tim's chest and breathing into his mouth, but there was no response.

"God damn it, Tim. Come on," Gabe shouted as he kept trying. He hadn't even realized Sam had arrived at his side until the man spoke.

"He's gone, Gabe." Sam touched his shoulder.

Gabe sat back on his heels and looked up at Sam. "How did you get here so fast?"

"I was in the area when you called. It only took me a minute to get to the house. One of your ranch hands was getting ready to ride out, so I took his horse," Sam explained.

"Tim is...was a good man." Gabe stood up. "Fuck!" He threw his hat to the snow covered ground. He was so angry. His hands clenched into fists and he gritted his teeth so hard he was surprised they didn't crack. His eyes scanned the area, seeing nothing. He heard Sam on his two-way radio telling his deputies to walk the entire area. The only place a person could hide was the small group of trees on Wyatt's ranch or the line of trees sitting at the edge of the glaciers. Gabe was sure the shot had to come from the trees on Wyatt's property. They were close enough for a clean shot.

"The coroner is on his way. I'm really sorry about Tim, Gabe. Is there family I need to notify?" Sam asked.

Gabe shook his head. "When I hired Tim, he said he was a loner and had no family. I haven't seen him involved with anyone in town either." He shook his head, a deep sadness filling his chest. "Christ!" He moved away from Sam, picked up his hat, and slammed it on his head then he sat down on a boulder to wait for the coroner. He gazed down, saw the blood on his hands, and wiped his hands down his jeans. His gaze shifted back to where Tim lay on the ground. Tim didn't deserve this. Hell, no one did. Gabe wanted the bastard stopped and soon, before anyone else was hurt or killed. He narrowed his eyes at Sam. "You need to catch this asshole, Sam."

"I'm doing what I can, Gabe. You think I'm not doing my job?" Sam said his jaw clenched defensively.

Gabe walked over to him and stopped inches from him. "I want this bastard caught," he repeated.

Sam glared at him showing no sign of backing away. "I said I'm doing what I can." The two men glared at each other until the coroner stepped between them.

"I don't need to see you two go at each other, so step back." Doctor Russell Montgomery looked at one then the other. He nodded when they stepped away from each other.

Gabe swore under his breath, and spun away from Sam. He kept his attention on Doc Russ as he examined Tim. The man was older than dirt but there wasn't a person in Clifton who didn't respect him. With his round belly, white hair, and beard, blue eyes and wire-rimmed glasses, he seriously resembled Santa Claus, and sometimes played the part at Christmas. He'd been a schoolteacher years ago and still used his voice of authority when needed. The old black hearse

Doc used sat up on the ridge. Four of Gabe's men stood beside it waiting to help carry the body.

Adam was nowhere in sight. He'd been good friends with Tim so Gabe was sure he must be off somewhere alone with his grief.

"I guess I don't have to tell either of you how he died." Doc looked up at Sam. "You find any evidence after Emma was shot?"

Sam's lips flattened into a thin line as he shook his head. "I'm doing—"

"Yeah, we know...you're doing what you can," Gabe said, interrupting the sheriff with a mocking tone. When Doc Russ scowled at him, he felt chastised and glanced over at Sam.

"Sorry, Sam," he muttered.

"Get your men down here, Gabe. I have to take Tim in and do an autopsy. You know a slug probably isn't going to do you any good, Sam." Doc stood and removed his plastic gloves. "Damn shame. Tim was a nice guy." He slapped Gabe on the back, squeezing his shoulder in sympathy. "Sorry for your loss, Gabe." He walked up the hill toward the hearse as Gabe's men passed him with a stretcher to carry Tim's body up the hill.

As soon as Gabe entered the house, he ran up the stairs to the bedroom. When he opened the door, he saw Emma standing at the window. She turned when he entered the room, and then launched herself at him. He caught her and held her tight against him, before leading her to the bed, where he took a seat and pulled her down against him.

"What was it, Gabe?" Emma asked softly her hand tracing along his jaw.

He took her hand in his. "Tim was shot."

Emma gasped. "Is he all right?"

He shook his head, his heart aching. "No, baby, he's not. He's dead."

Tears filled her eyes, and when Emma blinked, they rolled down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Gabe, so very sorry." She wrapped her arms around his neck. He felt a tear slip down his cheek as he pulled Emma across his lap, and put his head against hers. It was a long time before either of them moved.

* * * *

Three days later, Emma stood alongside Gabe, Jake, Becca, and Wyatt at the cemetery with most of the people of the town of Clifton, Montana. She clung to Gabe's hand as the preacher read from the bible and said some good words about Tim. She knew Gabe was hurting. Tim had not only been Gabe's ranch foreman, he'd also been a good friend. Jake and Wyatt knew him well too. It was a very sad day for the small community.

Afterward, most of the people went to Gabe and Emma's house to pay their condolences.

When Emma and Gabe walked in the back door, Olivia greeted them both with hugs. She'd stayed behind to take care of all the food people brought by, as was the norm in a loving community.

Gabe seemed so solemn and Emma had no idea what to say to comfort him. She watched him head toward the living room to join his guests there. Becca and Olivia stayed in the kitchen with her. When Sam came in the back door, Emma hugged him. She knew he was blaming himself because he hadn't caught the man after she'd been shot. He hugged her back and handed his jacket to Olivia, who hung it up.

"He really is gorgeous," Olivia whispered, making Becca and Emma chuckle. Then Wyatt entered through the back door. He pulled Emma into a tight hug before pulling off his coat. Olivia grabbed his coat as he headed toward the living room. She pulled the coat up to her face and buried her nose in it.

Becca swatted at her. "What are you doing?"

"It smells so good." Olivia grinned like a lovesick teen.

"Oh my God, Liv, you are terrible. Give me the coat, I'll hang it up," Emma told her. Olivia reluctantly handed over the coat. She hung up Wyatt's coat, and then took a seat at the table with

Becca and Olivia. "I wish I knew what to say to Gabe. He's hurting so much over Tim."

"Jake's upset too, but he's not as bad as Gabe. It will get better," Becca said.

"I hope so, Becca. I really hope so," Emma murmured.

* * * *

Gabe was in the arena working with a horse when Sam walked in. He hadn't seen him since

Tim's funeral, which was two weeks ago. He dismounted and walked over to him, giving him a nod of his head.

"I just got the results of Tim's cause of death. It was just as we figured, a gunshot wound to the chest..." Sam seemed to hesitate.

"If you've got something to say, Sam, say it."

Sam tipped his hat back on his head. "I don't think Tim was the intended target."

"What do you mean by that? Tim was the only one out in the pasture. Who else could it have been?" Gabe asked, even as a bad feeling descended on him.

Sam looked him straight in the eye. "I think you were the intended target, Gabe."

"What? Why would you think that?" He took his hat off and ran his hand through his already messed hair.

"Think about it. You and Tim are the same height and build. You both have dark hair and mustaches. The shooter may have thought it was you out there. It makes sense if this person shot

Emma first, he may have made you the next target."

Gabe could feel the blood drain from his face. He moved to the wall, put his back to it, and slid down to the floor. He glanced up at Sam when he squatted down in front of him.

"I didn't mean to upset you but the more I thought about it, the more it makes sense. Why would anyone want to kill Tim?"

Gabe stared at him as if he might find the answer in Sam's eyes. "Why would anyone want to kill me?"

Sam frowned and shook his head. "Which brings us back to the first question, why would anyone want to kill Emma? It's possible he's targeting both of you for some reason, and Tim was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

He knew in his gut Sam was probably right. "It brings us right back to square one, doesn't

it?"

Sam nodded and stood. "I'm not sure what this is about, but you and Emma need to be careful. Don't go anywhere alone. Definitely, no riding alone, you hear? Hell, you don't need to be out riding right now anyway. Stay close to home. I think this guy might be following you. He followed Emma from a distance, and then he followed Tim thinking it was you. We don't know what he has against you, but I'm determined to find out."

Gabe stood and put his hand out to Sam who accepted it. They shook hands. He knew Sam was more than capable of doing his job. "Sam, about what I said..."

"Forget it, Gabe. You were upset. I get that. No problem." Sam put his fingers to his hat and left. They were still friends and Gabe was grateful for that.

He tried to get back to work but what Sam had said bothered him immensely. Gabe wondered if the shooter thought he'd killed him. If not, would he try again? Why would someone want him or Emma dead? Neither of them had any enemies, at least none they knew about anyway. All they'd ever done was gotten married. It made no sense. He put up the horse he'd been training, and headed toward the house and his wife. He needed to be close to his wife.

* * *

Christmas was only two weeks away, and one of the presents Emma had ordered for Gabe hadn't arrived yet. She was beginning to panic over it. "I need that for Christmas, Junior. It's really important." She stood on one side of the counter at the feed store, glaring at the young man standing behind it.

"I-I, uh, I know that, Emma but it ain't come in yet."

"Hasn't come in yet," she said, correcting him.

Junior frowned at her. "That's what I said. It ain't come in yet."

She sighed and resisted rolling her eyes. "Never mind. Can you call them and see if they shipped it yet? I'm just getting antsy."

Junior nodded. "Yes, ma'am, though I don't know what antsy is."

Emma bit her lip to keep from laughing. Junior wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he was a sweetheart. He was only twenty years old and already been tossed too many times by angry bulls. She waited as he made the phone call. She glanced over her shoulder toward the door when she heard it open and the welcome chimes jingle. Ryder Wolfe entered, bringing a bit of cold air with him. She allowed her gaze to roam over yet another fine specimen of man living in Clifton. A blush heated her cheeks and she chastised herself. Her hormones must be going crazy. She was a married woman, for heaven's sake. She snorted. Olivia would tell her that although it was true, she wasn't dead and a gorgeous man was a gorgeous man. He strolled toward her.

"Hi, Emma, how are you?" Ryder asked in a deep sexy voice, which made her pulse speed up. Stop it Emma! You're married!

She smiled at him. "I'm doing wonderful. How are you, Ryder?"

"Great. How's that Paint of yours doing?"

She beamed at the mention of Beauty. "She's so beautiful. I named her Beauty. I'm so glad you and Gabe got together on that."

Ryder chuckled. "She came from good stock and my stallion. I knew she was going to be gorgeous. As soon as Gabe saw her, he wanted her for you."

She smiled at him, and turned back toward the counter when Junior hung up the phone.

"They said they done sent it, Emma. I ain't got no idea when it will be here for sure, but they said it would be here before Christmas."

"They already sent it and I have no idea," Ryder said, correcting the young man's grammar.

Junior looked at him with a confused expression. "'Bout what, Ryder?"

Emma covered the giggle threatening to burst forth but couldn't contain it when she heard Ryder mutter under his breath. "That boy's been tossed too many times by angry bulls." He winked at Emma, shook his head, and bid her goodbye. She watched him walk away with that sexy cowboy swagger unique to men who tame horses.

Turning back toward Junior, she told him if it hadn't arrived in a few more days, she would be back. She saw him gulp. It wasn't really his fault but it made her feel better knowing he was worried about making her angry. Done with that frustration, she hurried out of the feed store and headed across the street to the diner where she was meeting Becca and Olivia for lunch. When she entered the diner, the patrons hollered out hello to her. Emma waved back, nodding to a few, and smiling at most as she made her way to the booth where Becca and Olivia sat. She slid in next to Becca. "Sorry I'm late. I had to check on something."

She picked up the menu and scanned it. Setting it down, she glanced around and her heart stopped when she saw the strange man who made her nervous sitting in the back again. He was staring at her with narrowed eyes. "That man is here again," Emma hissed in a low voice.

Neither Becca nor Olivia looked around. "We know. We saw him when we came in. I don't like him. He's creepy," Olivia said.

"Have you told Gabe about him, Emma?" Becca asked.

"No. I hadn't really thought about it. Do you think I should? Have you told Jake?"

Becca shook her head. "No, I didn't have a reason before but with you being shot, and now Tim killed, I think it's too much a coincidence this man is in town at the same time." She shivered. "It could be nothing, but who in Clifton would want to hurt you or Tim?"

"Sam thinks whoever killed Tim thought he was shooting at Gabe." Emma's voice cracked.

Olivia laid her hand over hers. Emma smiled at her as best she could.

"With the B and B being closed, I don't like you being there alone, Liv," Becca said.

"It's kind of creepy with all the silence, but no way am I staying with either of you." Olivia shook her head. "I'm not listening to you have sex with hot guys when I don't have one."

Emma glanced at Becca, who started laughing. Olivia snorted, and then they all laughed together. They ordered their lunches and Emma tried to keep her mind off the man in the back. When he stood to leave, she noticed but made a point not to look his way. She shuddered with worry. "I'm going to tell Gabe about him, and I think we should tell Sam too."

"Ooooh, the sexy sheriff, I'd like to tell him a few things," Olivia said with a naughty chuckle. Becca swatted at her arm. "What? He's gorgeous, and those blue eyes. Oh yes, he's very yummy."

Emma grinned at her. "You thought Ryder was gorgeous too, and look where that got you."

"Ryder is gorgeous. We just didn't feel any spark so we're remaining friends," Olivia explained.

They finished lunch, and then decided to go do some Christmas shopping. Later, inside the only boutique shop in town, Emma was looking at sexy teddies when Becca held a green silk teddy up and asked, "Do you think Jake would like this?"

"Jake wears lingerie?" Olivia asked with a pretense of innocence. Emma burst out laughing.

Becca threw it at Olivia. "You can be such a smart-ass." She laughed. "I meant would he like me in it?"

"In case of fire, you mean?" Olivia chuckled.

Emma shook her head in confusion. "I don't get it."

"It means she'd be naked and if a fire broke out, she could put that on," Olivia explained making Emma grin knowingly.

"I seriously don't know why I'm looking. I'll look like a cow in a few more months." She pouted, pushing the beautiful teddies aside.

"Christmas is only two weeks away and believe me, you can still fit in one now," Becca said with a naughty grin.

Emma nodded. Becca was right so she picked out a blue one, which matched her eyes. Becca purchased the green one and although Olivia had no one to wear one for, she picked out an amethyst one, which matched her eyes perfectly. She shrugged when Becca looked it over.

"You never know. I might find me a cowboy that likes purple." Olivia grinned and winked.

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# Chapter Ten

Gabe nibbled on the back of Emma's neck as she slept. He moved her hair away and gently took her earlobe between his teeth. He knew she was awake when her breathing changed, and became deeper. His hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her back against him. When she wiggled her butt against his erection, he chuckled against her hair.

"I'm trying to sleep, Gabriel Stone."

He snorted. "Sure you are." He rolled her to her back. "Merry Christmas, baby," he growled before capturing her mouth in a deep kiss.

"Merry Christmas to you too," Emma said grinning up at him. "Is that my present I feel against my leg or are you just happy to see me?"

"It can be one of your presents, I suppose." He kissed her again then whispered against her lips, "I do have something I want to give you."

Emma burst out laughing. "I bet you do."

He groaned. "You have definitely been hanging around Olivia too much." He nuzzled her hair with his nose. "Seriously, I have a present I can't wait to give you."

Emma pulled away and sat up. "Really? Can we go downstairs now?"

He chuckled, reaching for her again. "So you don't want this present now?"

"Pffft...I can have that any old time." Emma jumped from the bed. He watched her put on her robe, and after visiting the bathroom, she ran downstairs. He groaned and climbed from the bed to follow her.

Gabe was in the kitchen getting a cup of coffee when she came in, stepped up beside him to pour herself a cup, and then crooked her finger at him to follow her to the living room. He grinned and happily followed her. They each retrieved gifts from under the tree. He pulled Emma down onto the sofa and laid several boxes in front of her on the coffee table. She stared at the boxes with pure surprise. "Open them, darlin'," he told her. She glanced up at him and smiled before grabbing one.

He watched her pick up the box ripping the paper off it. Emma lifted the lid and gasped at the beautiful blue blouse. She rubbed her hands over it and lifted it out. It was a maternity top made of silk. "It's so beautiful. Thank you." She kissed him then reached for another box. The next box contained a new bridle and reins trimmed in blue. She ran her hands over them and looked at him with tears in her eyes.

"I thought with a new horse, you'd need new tack. There's also a new saddle in the barn for you." Gabe touched her hair. "You can see it later." He handed her another box and watched in delight as she opened it. Emma inhaled with deep appreciation when she saw the new cowgirl boots inside. The soft brown leather had blue weaving through the sides. She put the box down and threw her arms around him.

"I love them, Gabe. Blue's my favorite color. I love everything and I can't wait to see the saddle." Emma retrieved the gifts she'd set aside for him, and set them on the coffee table. "Your turn," she said with an excited smile.

Gabe grinned as he picked up a box. He held it to his ear and shook it. Emma laughed and slapped his arm. He laughed as he opened it. He pulled out two pairs of leather work gloves, and new piggin' string. "I needed these. I'm always losing my gloves, and my piggin' string has about had it. Thanks, baby." He kissed her. She handed him another box. He was shocked when he saw a new shearling coat. They were expensive coats. He kissed her again. "I really needed this." The last box she handed to him was small. He opened it, lifted a book out of the box. He ran his hands over it with appreciation, and then looked at her, smiling. "How?"

"I found it on eBay, and had it shipped to the feed store. Junior drove me crazy telling me it hadn't come in yet, and all the time, Daddy had it in his office." Emma grinned with obvious pride.

"I've been looking for this book forever." Gabe turned the book over in his hands. It was a book about the history of the rodeo. He put his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her to him. "Thank you. This is the best gift you could've given me, except the baby, of course." He grinned as she handed him yet another one. He opened it and pulled back the white tissue paper. He lifted out the blue teddy. Holding it up, he sighed and shook his head even as he stifled a grin.

"You don't like it?" Emma nibbled her lower lip with her teeth.

"I don't think it will fit me," he said as deadpanned as he could manage. Emma gasped and punched his arm. He laughed. "I love it, and can't wait to take it off you."

Emma smiled, and then stood. "I'm glad you like it. How about breakfast first, and then I want to see my new saddle." She started to walk away, but he grabbed her hand. She stopped, looked down at him, and cocked her head in question.

"I have one more for you. Please sit down." Gabe waited for her to take a seat again, and then reached into his jeans pocket. He pulled out a small box. Emma's eyes widened. She looked first at the box, and then at him. He placed it in her hand. She sat staring at it in her palm. "Open it, Emma." He watched as she pulled the paper off, and then just stared at the black velvet box. "Aren't you going to open it?" He chuckled when she shook her head. "It won't bite you. I might, but it won't."

Emma handed it back to him. He was stunned. "Emma, please."

"I can't," she whispered not looking at him.

"Why not?"

"Because it might not be what I think it is and I don't want to be disappointed, or it will be what I think it is, and I won't know how to react."

Gabe laughed. "Okay. I'll open it." He started to open the lid and stopped. He took her left hand in his. "We got married too quickly. Neither of us was prepared for it, but I felt bad that you didn't get the kind of wedding all young women dream about growing up. I pushed you into it, I suppose, but I think we've done pretty well together." He opened the lid and a one-caret princess cut diamond sparkled from inside. "I believe every woman deserves an engagement ring, and although we were never engaged, you deserve one next to your wedding band." He turned her hand over and slid the diamond on in front of her band then he lifted it, and kissed the back of her hand. "I hope you like it." In answer, she threw her arms around him and they fell back on the couch. Emma rained kisses all over his face as he laughed and wrapped his arms around her. Breakfast was late.

* * * *

Now eight months pregnant, Emma felt more like one of the heifers in the pasture than normal. She could no longer even see her feet. Until her seventh month, her baby bump was barely visible but then all of a sudden, it just popped out. She now looked like she had a basketball stuffed under her shirt. When March roared in, so had the baby and now she no longer walked but waddled, and her hormones were driving her crazy. Poor Gabe never knew what to expect from her or what to do when she was acting insane. There were days he steered clear of her completely and she couldn't blame him. He gave her flowers one day and she burst into tears. The day he'd mentioned she looked tired she'd almost taken his head off. He'd literally backed out the kitchen door.

Emma lowered herself to the sofa and placed her hands over her swollen belly. "I hope you're enjoying yourself in there, because I'm not having a good time out here while you dance." She received a strong kick for that comment, and she was so concentrated on her belly she hadn't heard Gabe come in so when she saw his boots in front of her, she flinched in reaction. "What?" she snapped at him.

Gabe cleared his throat cautiously. "I think we should pick out names. What do you say?"

"I want to name her Sophie Ann." She folded her arms across her chest, not being in the mood to argue.

"We can name the next one Sophie Ann. This one is a boy, and I want to name him Joshua Gabriel."

She snorted. "This is a girl. The next one can be Joshua." She couldn't believe they were calmly discussing having another child. They'd never even exchanged words of love and they were talking about the next kid.

Gabe sat down beside her, gently pushing her legs aside. "Okay. We like the names so whatever he is, we'll choose those names."

She turned to glare at him, but then nodded her agreement. "Can we go for a ride?" she asked in a less snappy tone.

"On a horse? No fucking way," Gabe growled.

"In. The. Truck," she said through clenched teeth, not in the mood for his macho overprotective nature at that moment. "I need to get out of this house or I'm going to kill someone." She gazed at Gabe, letting him know who that someone might be.

Gabe stood and put a hand out to her to help her up. "Sure. Let's go."

Together they made their way to the truck, Gabe patiently moving with her while she waddled. Once there, Gabe helped her up into the front seat of the truck. Emma could smell spring in the air, the sun was shining, and the day was beautiful. The blue sky was cloudless. She smiled as she slipped her sunglasses on then watched Gabe get into the truck and settle in behind the wheel. He put his sunglasses on too, and after smiling at her steered the truck out of the driveway. He turned left onto the road toward Wyatt's ranch, but drove on past it.

A few miles further, they passed Ryder Wolfe's place. Emma saw his horses enjoying the day in the pastures. He had the most beautiful Paints she'd ever seen. Tantamount proof was

Beauty. She hadn't been able to ride the beautiful animal yet, but she was looking forward to it. She looked over at Gabe and smiled. For a couple who hadn't married for love, it seemed to be working. She loved him, but she also knew he didn't love her. Maybe he would one day. At least, she hoped he would. She knew he loved the baby and he seemed to enjoy making love to her.

Emma suddenly couldn't keep her eyes off her gorgeous husband. Her gaze drifted down to where his legs met, his jacket parting just so, framing his crotch. Oh my, she was horny. She wanted to laugh at the thought of how far she'd come since losing her virginity and slapped her hand over her mouth.

Gabe glanced over to her. "What's funny?" He smiled at her.

She shook her head, embarrassed by her thoughts. There was no way she was going to tell him. He hadn't even acted like he wanted sex lately so she wasn't going to be the one to bring it up. Then again, why would he want her? Could it be because you look like the Goodyear blimp?

She narrowed her eyes at him. It wasn't as if they couldn't still have sex. Now, her good mood was turning into a bad one. How dare he not want sex? Was he getting it somewhere else? The thought he might be, sent a pain through her heart. She shook her head. No. He was either in the arena training or with her. There was no time for another woman. He just didn't want her.

She folded her arms across the top of her huge belly and huffed. She noted the way Gabe's head snapped to the side to look at her. She almost laughed at the fear on his face. He was so afraid of her moods. "What's wrong now, Emma?"

"What's wrong now?" She heard Gabe swearing under his breath.

He sighed. "I just meant, what's bothering you?"

"It doesn't matter. I want to go home."

"We just left home," Gabe shouted, slamming his palm on the steering wheel.

She turned in her seat to stare out the window. "Take me home, Gabriel Stone!" She heard him sigh as he pulled off the road and turned the truck around to head home. After he pulled into the driveway, Gabe stopped the truck by the back door, shut it off, and turned toward her, laying his arm along the back of the seat. He tugged on her hair. She refused to look at him. He did it again and she still stared straight ahead. When his hand reached for her hair again, she jerked away from him.

"Pull my hair again, Gabriel Stone and you'll be sleeping on the couch," she said scowling at him.

Gabe sat back against the door with a sigh. "You mean I'm not already? I was sure I'd already pissed you off somehow today."

Emma looked at him and almost groaned. Why did the man have to be so gorgeous and sexy? Those sexy dark eyes and that mustache still made her insides melt. She turned away from him and stared straight ahead. She felt him scoot across the seat, so she scooted closer to her door. He moved closer but now she had nowhere to go. His thigh was touching hers. He leaned forward and ran his tongue around the shell of her ear, and she shivered. She felt him grin. Damn him! She jerked her head away, but he did it again. She frowned at him.

"What?" Gabe raised his eyebrows innocently.

She huffed and looked away from him. She felt him running his finger along her jaw, and then he moved his lips there. She moaned, stifled it, and folded her arms across her chest. He chuckled. She turned to tell him to stop, but Gabe captured her lips with his. As if they had a mind of their own, her fingers plowed through his hair as he deepened the kiss. He ran his lips along her cheek to her ear. "Let's go inside, baby," he whispered and leaned in to kiss her again.

Emma opened the door and got out. Gabe fell face first onto the seat. Not waiting for him, she headed into the house. Inside the kitchen, he came up behind her, and tried putting his arms around her, but she pulled away from him. "I'm angry with you, Gabe. Don't you get it?" She had no idea why she was angry with him, but she was.

"I get that I want you. As for being angry, you'll get over it."

She swung around to stare at him in disbelief. "You think so?"

"Uh, well, you will eventually, won't you?"

She snorted and started up the stairs. Gabe took the stairs two at a time and caught up to her at the top. He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. After entering, he kicked the door shut, but didn't put her down. She looked at the bed. "I'm not making love with you, Gabriel

Stone."

Gabe laid her on the bed and started undressing. "Then I'll just have to entertain myself with you."

Her mouth dropped open as she tried to scoot off the bed, but Gabe threw himself across the bed and caught her. He pulled her back onto the bed. She struggled. "Stop it Gabe," she yelled trying to keep up her façade of being angry.

"I can't stop now, darlin'. I'll do this with or without you." She could hear laughter in his voice. "I prefer you cooperate, it's so much more fun that way."

Emma tried not to laugh, but it bubbled out before she could stop it. "How can I stay mad at you when you make me laugh?"

Gabe laughed then and kissed her. "Why were you mad at me? All I did was take you for a ride when you asked me."

"I don't know. I seem to go from hot to cold in a heartbeat lately." She laid her hand on his cheek. "It's the hormones. I don't have to have a reason to be angry. I was thinking about how long it's been since we'd made love and suddenly, I started wondering if you were seeing someone else. It's so crazy since I know you don't have time for that."

Gabe jerked back from her. "Time has nothing to do with it, Emma. I will never cheat on you. You're my wife, and I plan on this being the only time I get married and I plan to stay that way."

She blinked back tears. "Make love to me, Gabe."

He kissed her. "With the basketball in the way, I think you'll have to make love to me." She gasped with indignation and tried to get up again. Gabe grabbed her and pulled her back. "I'm kidding. I love that basketball, but you'll have to be on top so I don't hurt you."

Emma lay back down and relaxed. "Okay. I don't have a problem with that."

She kissed him and moved her tongue along his jaw to his ear. She pushed him down against the covers as her lips trailed down his chest and across his muscle carved belly. She took his hard shaft into her hand and slowly stroked her palm up and down the aroused length. Gabe placed his hand over hers to show her how he wanted her to caress him. She leaned down and kissed the swollen head as her hand moved the way he liked. She heard him groan. Her tongue moved from the tip to the base and slid back up, and now Gabe's hands were in her hair and he was groaning.

"That's enough Emma. Please...stop." Gabe's voice was rough.

She kissed her way up his body to his lips, and straddled him. Reaching between them, she grasped his erection, and slowly lowered herself down over him, taking him in, inch by incredible inch. She noticed Gabe clenching his jaw and smiled with the knowledge, even in her huge state, she was driving him mad with desire.

His hands moved to her hips to set the rhythm. She moved on him, first rocking her hips back and forth before lifting up and sliding back down over him. She moved her hips up until the tip of him was barely inside her, and then she slid back down on him, making him groan each time.

"Faster, darlin'. I need faster," Gabe growled straining against her.

Emma complied. She threw her head back as the feeling she sought started deep inside her.

Gabe's hands tightened on her hips, helping her rise up and down. She glanced down at him and her eyes met his. When he licked his lips, she lost it. Her hands squeezed his biceps as her orgasm shook her body. "Gabe," she screamed.

"Emma, I'm with you baby..." Moving his hips against hers, Gabe groaned, and shuddered as he went over the edge.

* * * *

Gabe woke up with Emma sleeping on his shoulder. He felt the baby kicking against his belly through her stretched skin. It still amazed him there was a little life in there. He couldn't wait to hold his baby in his arms. He loved the little bundle of joy he and Emma had created, even if unplanned. It didn't matter what sex it was, boy or girl, he was going to love it as much as he loved Emma.

He grimaced at his not having told her how he felt yet. They'd been married quite a while, but he was too scared shitless to tell her. Fearing the idea of throwing his heart out there in the open and having her not feel the same way was terrifying. Maybe one day she would love him back, but until then he knew he'd never let her go. She was his heart and soul. Not having her in his life now was unthinkable. He had stood before God and promised to love, honor and cherish her. No other woman compared to his Emma. He'd been with quite a few but he couldn't remember feeling anything other than sexual pleasure, and even that didn't measure up to sex with Emma. He tightened his arm around her and smiled when he felt her snuggle against him.

She moved her head back and gazed up at him. "Hey," Emma whispered.

"Hey." He smiled down at her. It was their special greeting.

Emma stretched. "I'm hungry."

"Me too." Gabe teased as he leaned down to kiss her.

"I meant for food," she said with a grin holding him back with a hand to his chest.

He raised his eyebrows. "So did I." He winked, letting her know he was lying.

Reluctantly on his part, he followed her out of the bed and together they went downstairs to eat the dinner she'd prepared earlier. As they sat at the table together, he kept glancing at her.

"Emma, I..." Gabe started to say when the phone rang. With an annoyed groan, he answered it. After hanging up, he glanced to Emma. "I have to go to the barn. One of the horses is acting up." He stopped alongside her, kissed her, and hurried out the door. He'd almost done it. He'd almost said it, but then the phone rang. Was that a sign it wasn't time? You need to man up, Stone! Tell the woman you love her. Christ, grow some balls. Shaking his head, he headed into the barn.

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# Chapter Eleven

Emma was miserable. The baby was very active and making it difficult for her to sleep. She glanced down at her belly and smoothed her hand over it in a caress. "I know you want out, and I want you out but kicking me constantly is not speeding up the process." As she carefully made her way down the stairs, she heard voices coming from the living room. Stopping in the doorway, she glanced around and then glared at Gabe, who immediately stopped talking with Jake and Wyatt to look in her direction.

"What?" he asked cautiously.

She put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. "Why didn't you tell me we were going to have company?"

Gabe relaxed his shoulders and laughed. "Jake and Wyatt aren't company, they're family."

She found no humor in the situation. "You know I want to know when anyone is coming here. The house is a mess." She noted how Wyatt and Jake glanced around with confused looks on their faces. "I could have done a little cleaning. This was very thoughtless of you." She turned on her heel and waddled away.

* * * *

Gabe ran his hand over his face and shook his head in frustration while his brothers stared at him. He glanced over at them. "I swear, one of these days, I expect her head to spin around."

Jake and Wyatt burst out laughing. He stood and suggested they go out to the barn as he motioned for them to follow him. Together they walked through the kitchen where Emma stood at the sink with her back to them. After his brothers left through the back door, Gabe walked over to her and put his arms around her from behind. "I'm sorry, darlin'." He felt her sigh.

"No. I'm sorry. That was really stupid of me and probably a little over the top," Emma said, leaning back against him. He grinned, kissed her neck, then turned her around and pressed his lips against hers before smiling down at her. He stepped back, put on his hat, tapped the brim, and headed outside. His brothers stood in the yard waiting for him. They chuckled when they saw him exit the kitchen grinning.

"Looks like you made up," Jake said slapping him on the shoulder.

Gabe nodded. "She goes from mad to happy in a heartbeat. Of course, she'll probably be pissed about something else when I go back in."

Wyatt gave a mock shudder. "Better you than me, bro."

Gabe punched him. "One day it'll be you, little brother."

Wyatt looked at him as if he was crazy. "There's no way. I came too close to having a noose around my neck once. I'm more than glad I escaped it." He looked over at Jake. "No offense."

Jake narrowed his eyes at him. "I don't consider marrying Becca a noose around my neck and if you find the right woman, you won't either. That bitch Stephanie was not the right woman for you."

"I know she wasn't, but I'm not interested in looking for another one." Wyatt sauntered away leaving Gabe and Jake staring after him.

* * * *

Emma woke from a restless nap and as she worked her way down the stairs, she once more heard voices. She'd be calm this time, she told herself but her heart hit her stomach when she saw Sam standing in the living room with his back to her. She gasped at the thought something else might have happened. At her gasp, Sam turned around and smiled at her. She relaxed because he wouldn't smile if something had happened to someone. She hoped. Smiling back at him, she walked, or rather waddled toward him. "Hi, Sam."

"Emma." Sam nodded at her. "Need to talk to you, could you take a seat please?"

She frowned not wanting more bad news, but took a seat. She glanced toward Gabe.

"What's going on?"

"Sam thinks he may know who's doing the shooting," Gabe explained. "We're waiting for Becca and Olivia to get here." She wondered why Becca and Olivia had to be with them but she didn't have long to wait, since Becca and Jake arrived a few minutes later with Olivia right behind them. They came through the kitchen to join them in the living room. Olivia and Becca took seats on each side of her. Once everyone had settled in, she noted how Sam took a deep breath. His hesitation failed to make her feel less anxious.

"I just found out Charles Harris escaped from prison while on a work detail," Sam announced.

"What?" Jake's body went rigid with anger and he reached for Becca's hand. "Why weren't we notified of this?"

Sam shrugged. "I asked the same thing. The excuse they gave was they didn't have anything on file about notifying anyone. He's locked up for attempted murder on you, Jake, when he shot at you the night your horses were stolen, but there was nothing saying we had to be told."

"Oh my God," Becca exclaimed, jumping up from her seat with a horrified expression.

"What is it?" Jake asked her.

Becca looked down at Emma and Olivia. "The man at the diner."

"What man?" all of the men asked in one voice. Becca explained about the man they'd seen at the diner.

Emma watched as Gabe started pacing. Suddenly, he turned to face her. Gabe was angry.

She read it in his expression. "You didn't think to tell us?" he roared at her.

She flinched beneath his anger. "I kept forgetting to tell you and since nothing more has happened, it didn't seem to matter."

Gabe squatted in front of her and took a deep breath, but his anger was still there. "It didn't seem to matter? Jesus Christ, Emma. This could be the man who shot you and killed Tim."

"Don't you yell at me, Gabriel Stone." She burst into tears. Gabe swore at himself, and pulled her into his arms and held her to him.

Sam moved closer to where Becca and Olivia now stood, took a photo out of his pocket, and unfolded it, showing it to them. "Is this the man you saw in the diner?" Emma heard them gasp and knew it had to be Charles Harris they'd seen at the diner. When Sam showed it to her, she nodded her agreement.

Becca took her seat alongside Jake, and Olivia joined Gabe and Emma on the sofa. They all sat quietly while Sam spoke into the two-way radio attached to his shoulder. He told his deputies to check the motels and boarding houses in town, and the diner for Harris. He put out a BOLO, police jargon for be on the lookout, for Charles Harris. Emma knew Sam wanted the man found before he hurt anyone else. So did she. The man's brother, Steve Harris, had abducted Becca and ransacked her home before she'd turned it into the B and B. Charles Harris was obviously as dangerous as his brother was, if not more. He'd already killed once.

Sam needed to get back out there to do his job so he told them he'd be in touch and left. When Becca and Jake stood to leave, Emma turned to face Olivia. "I don't like the idea of you being alone," she said.

Olivia shrugged. "Nothing's happened so far. The place is locked up tighter than Fort

Knox."

"We thought that before, but Steve got in anyway," Becca reminded everyone.

"Yes, but this time I've got my own apartment separate from the B and B. Someone might be able to get into the B and B, but not into my apartment. Besides, Punkin is there. She won't let anyone in," Olivia said with a less than confident grin. "If it makes you feel any better, you and Jake can follow me home, Becca. Jake can check out the place before I go in."

Emma didn't like her being on her own, but she knew Olivia wasn't going to give in either. She hugged Olivia. "If you need us, you call. No matter what time it is."

Gabe put his arm around Olivia. "She means it, Liv. No matter what time it is. I can be there in no time, and so can Jake."

Olivia laughed it off, but the humor didn't reach her eyes. "Okay, now you guys are starting to freak me out a little. I promise I'll call if I need anything."

Olivia left in her car with Jake and Becca following close behind in theirs. Gabe turned to glare at Emma, his anger at her returning. "I can't believe you didn't mention this man to me. He could be the man who shot you, Emma. Tim is dead, and Sam thinks I was the target. Now I find out there's a strange man in town, whose presence made you nervous. What part of all that made you think I didn't need to know about him, or make you not want to let me know about him?" Gabe clenched and unclenched his fists.

She knew he was angry and didn't blame him. She sat down, feeling the weight of it all on her shoulders. "I'm sorry. Maybe I was hoping if I ignored him, he'd go away."

"You need to tell me when anything doesn't feel right, understand? I'd bet my last dollar he's still around." Gabe sat beside her and pulled her to him. He kissed her forehead. "You don't leave this house without me. Got it?"

Emma nodded. She had a feeling Harris was still around too. He was waiting for something, the right moment perhaps. "Do you think he wants revenge for his brother's death?"

Gabe nodded. "That's exactly what I think. What I don't understand is why he shot you?

Why not go after Becca instead? Not that I'd want that either."

She had no answer for him. Becca was the logical choice for Harris to go after for revenge.

She was the one Steve had abducted and it was because of her, the man's brother was dead. She yawned. She couldn't believe she was tired again. She just woke up. Gabe pulled her up from the sofa and lifted her up.

"Darlin', don't hit me, but are you putting on weight?"

Emma laughed even though she should be insulted. "Just a little bit. I'm hoping to lose most of the weight next month though."

Gabe chuckled as he shifted her in his arms. "I'm glad to hear it. I'm not sure my back can take it if you add any more." She gently smacked the back of his head. He burst out laughing then kissed her. "You can weigh whatever and I'd still...carry you around."

She put her head on his shoulder. "You're a good husband," she said against his neck as she nuzzled and pressed her lips against his skin.

Gabe growled. "Keep that up and I'll be taking a nap with you."

Emma sighed and smiled. "I was hoping you would."

"I can't right now but if you're still asleep when I come in later, I promise to join you." He nuzzled her neck. "I may just wake you up first, though." He carried her to the bed and laid her on it before pulling the covers over her. Sleep was pulling her under even as she felt his lips caress hers in a sweet kiss.

* * * *

A few days later Emma, Olivia, and Becca traveled into town to the local florist shop to pick out flowers for Becca's wedding. Madilyn Young sat behind the counter and greeted them with a smile when they entered. Madilyn was a tall, gorgeous redhead with porcelain skin and a sprinkling of freckles across the bridge of her nose. Thick, lush eyelashes surrounded luminous light green eyes.

"Hi Madilyn," Emma said with a smile. Becca and Olivia greeted her as well.

"Hi girls! Are you ready to pick out your bouquets, Becca?" Madilyn asked rising from her seat behind the counter.

Becca laughed, her voice filled with excitement. "I am. Let's do this."

An hour later, Becca had finally made a decision on her arrangements. Madilyn wrote up the order after pouring them each yet another glass of champagne. Of course, Emma was still nursing her first one. Madilyn left them for a minute to wait on another customer.

"She's so beautiful," Olivia mentioned after the redhead walked away.

Emma nodded her agreement. "Yes, she is. Poor thing had her heart broken about four years ago by Brody Morgan. They were such a hot item, and then he left town."

"Why?" Becca asked with obvious curiosity.

"Brody had an opportunity to join the United States Marshals Service and Madilyn didn't want him to. He worked for the local police here with her dad, and then her dad pulled over a speeder one night. The man shot and killed him. Madilyn was terrified from then on about Brody being in law enforcement." Emma shook her head sadly. "It was awful when he left. I thought she was going to fade away. It's just recently that she's even started smiling again. I don't think she'll love anyone the way she loved Brody."

"Another hottie, I presume?" Olivia asked, shrugging her shoulders sarcastically.

"Oh, dear lord, Brody's so hot. Well, he was then. I don't know about now. But he has black hair, brown eyes and believe it or not, he wears glasses and he looks so hot in them. There's not a woman in town who didn't love seeing him in those glasses." Emma slightly shook her head then shushed them. "Here she comes."

The women spent a little longer at the florist before heading off together to catch some lunch. As they sat in their usual booth in the diner, Emma glanced around but thankfully, didn't see Charles Harris anywhere. She let out a relieved sigh and smiled as Connie arrived at their table to take their orders. Maybe he'd left town and wouldn't be around anymore. She hoped so, even prayed for it. She listened as Becca and Olivia discussed the wedding. She was thrilled to be in the wedding. She just hoped she'd lose enough weight before then. Her gown wouldn't fit if she didn't.

"Tell me about Brody Morgan hurting Madilyn." Olivia suddenly changed the subject and smiled. Olivia certainly loved gossip.

Emma sighed. "Just what I told you. They were so in love, but he wanted to be a US

Marshal like Sam."

"Sam was a US Marshal? I didn't know that," Becca said with sudden excitement in her voice.

"Yes, he went in right after college. Then his parents moved to California and asked him to come home to run the ranch. Sam ran for the position of Sheriff here in Clifton, and won," she told them, suddenly proud of her old friend.

"Who wouldn't vote for Sam? I know I would." Olivia sighed. "He's so hot."

Emma and Becca agreed. "Anyway, Brody asked Madilyn to go with him but she refused.

I'm not sure what her reasons were, but he left without her. I spent some time with Madilyn after he left and she was a real mess. She kept saying she should have gone with him. She said she'd rather have a little time with him than none at all. I tried to talk her into going after him, but she wouldn't do it. She'd just cry and say she'd never forgive him for leaving her. I remember the day he tore out of here on that Harley of his."

"Ooh, he has a Harley. That's hot too," Olivia cooed, making Becca and Emma laugh.

"I should get going. I told Gabe we wouldn't be out all afternoon and..." Emma glanced at her watch. "Well, we've been out all afternoon." She laughed, feeling mischievous.

A few days later, Emma called Madilyn and arranged to meet for lunch. She missed her friend. They used to be close until Brody left and Madilyn crawled into a hole, and seemingly disappeared. She sat in the booth watching for Madilyn. Her eyes scanned the diner for Charles Harris, but he was nowhere around. She breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe he'd left town, if they were lucky. She couldn't believe he had the nerve to show his face here while he was a prisoner on the run. Apparently, the man had no scruples. She shuddered at the thought of the damage he'd already caused. She supposed not seeing him was a good thing.

She smiled with delight when she saw Madilyn enter the diner. The lovely redhead smiled when she spotted her in the booth. Emma watched Madilyn weave her way through the tables, stopping occasionally when someone spoke to her. Finally, she made it to the booth and took a seat across from her.

"Hi Emma, I'm so sorry I'm late. Katie and I are so busy at the shop, which is good but tiring," Madilyn exclaimed with a bright smile.

"It's okay, I haven't been here long." Emma picked up the menu and scanned it. Closing it, she laid it on the table. "Do you know what you want? I just realized I'm starving." She ran her hands over her swollen belly.

"I do." Madilyn summoned Connie over to them.

Emma gazed up at Connie. "I want one of everything." She smiled when Connie burst out laughing. "Just a burger and fries for me, Connie...oh, and a vanilla coke. I'll get dessert later." Madilyn and Connie laughed as she shrugged and grinned.

"You are eating for two after all, Em," Madilyn reminded her.

"That's as good an excuse as any," Connie said with humor behind her wink.

Emma giggled. "I'll tell Gabe that when I weigh three hundred pounds."

"Oh, Emma, Gabe will love you no matter what. You have a great man there," Madilyn told her. Emma did her best to keep the smile on her face. She didn't want any reminder of how much Gabe didn't love her. She blinked quickly to keep the tears at bay. Madilyn touched her hand.

"What is it? What did I say?" she whispered.

"Nothing...I," Emma murmured while shaking her head. "It's nothing."

"You can tell me anything, Emma. I know we haven't seen each other a lot lately and that's my fault, but you're my friend and I love you."

She sighed. "Gabe and I only got married because of the baby." She shook her head. "He doesn't love me, Madilyn."

"Bullshit. I've seen that man looking at you. If that isn't love, I don't know what is,"

Madilyn exclaimed, and then glancing around lowered her voice. "He loves you."

She tried to smile. "He loves the baby."

Madilyn snorted. "No one has to get married nowadays."

"He wanted to be a part—"

Madilyn burst out laughing. "Please do not say he wanted to make sure he could be a part of the baby's life, like he couldn't be if you weren't married. This town is so small it would be no problem for him to be a part of the baby's life. He didn't have to marry you."

Emma nibbled on her bottom lip. No one knew how Gabe had practically forced her into marriage. They didn't understand just how much he wanted to be a part of his child's life. She smiled at Madilyn. It was time to change the subject. "So, how have you been, Madilyn? I've missed you." She noticed how the light seemed to go out of her friend's eyes.

"I'm all right." Madilyn shrugged and smiled at her.

"Are you really? I know it's been a while since..." Emma paused. She knew by the look on Madilyn's face that she'd said the wrong thing.

"I'm fine, Emma. Brody's been gone for a long time and I've gotten over him," Madilyn said not looking at her, but instead looking down at her folded hands.

Emma frowned. "You can tell anyone else that but don't try it on me. I know you. I know how bad you took it when he left."

Madilyn sighed. "I've learned to live without him. That's all I can say about it, Emma."

"I know how hurt you were when he left. You two were such a hot couple. And so in love." She leaned forward and touched her hand to hers. "You should have gone with him, Madilyn."

"I used to think so. A few days after he was gone, remember? I wanted to go after him but then I realized he didn't care enough to stay, why should I care enough to go?"

"He had a dream. To become a US Marshal." Emma shrugged. "You had no one here. You should have gone with him. I'm your friend and I can say this to you. Just because your dad was killed on duty, didn't mean Brody would be. Now you're alone. Your dad's gone, and so is Brody."

"I know that, Emma." Madilyn practically growled the words. "I've been dating again, and

I'm ready for a new relationship. Brody Morgan is my past and I'm moving on."

Emma knew there was no more to say. She wanted to suggest Madilyn try to contact Brody, but she knew her friend had made up her mind. Brody was in the past. She mentally shook her head and wondered how two people so in love could just walk away from one another? It made her think of how easy it would be for Gabe to walk away from her since there wasn't anything but the baby keeping them together.

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# Chapter Twelve

Emma parked near the back door, and after clumsily climbing out of the driver's side seat, she waddled through the back door into the kitchen. There she found Gabe seated at the kitchen table with Sam. "Is there something wrong?" she asked.

"No. I didn't mean to alarm you, Emma. I was just out this way and stopped in," Sam said as he stood to greet her. Gabe took her things from her and hung them up.

She let out a sigh of relief. "I didn't even notice the cruiser."

"I was out front when Sam pulled up." Gabe shrugged. "He's parked out there down from the porch."

She nodded her understanding, poured herself a cup of coffee, and once she settled herself into a seat at the table, the men took their seats again. Emma smiled as she sipped her coffee.

Gotta love cowboys and their good manners. "Anything on Harris?" she asked while the coffee warmed her insides.

Sam shook his head. "No, but that doesn't mean he isn't still around."

"Did you have a good time at lunch, Emma?" Gabe asked. She was sure he was still annoyed she'd gone to lunch in town without him, or the girls.

"It was good to see Madilyn again." She nodded and smiled.

"You had lunch with Madilyn?" Sam smiled at her.

"I did. It's the first time we've gotten together since..." Emma's voice faded away.

"Since Brody left?" Gabe gazed at her. "Surely not that long."

"Yes. We've seen each other but never got together. I was there for her when he first left, but then she pulled away from me." She blew out a breath of frustration. "I even asked her to be my maid of honor at our wedding, but she flat out refused."

"She pulled away from everyone. She blamed me for a long while," Sam said in a quiet voice.

"I know she did. But she realized you didn't force him to leave, Sam."

"Well, she's certainly not going to like me when she finds out he's coming back," Sam muttered.

"What? Brody's coming back? Here? When?" Emma stared at Sam in disbelief.

Sam sighed. "In a month or two. I'm not sure what's going on, but he quit the Marshals Service. I talked to him last week and he needs a job." Sam shrugged. "I need another deputy, so I hired him."

"Holy hell, Sam! Madilyn's going to freak out," Gabe told him.

"I know. I'm not looking forward to it," Sam murmured not looking at either of them.

Emma stared at Sam. "How long have you known he was coming back?" She watched as Sam ran his hand over his jaw rubbing it as if she'd just slapped him.

"A while," he admitted and then shook his head. "What was I supposed to do? He's a friend. He needs a job and I need a deputy. And he asked me not to say anything."

She groaned and then smiled briefly. "I'm not blaming you for anything, Sam. It's just that I know how it's going to affect Madilyn when he comes back."

"I know and I mentioned that to him. He said he'd figure it out when he got here." Sam stood. "I need to get going. I want to check with Rick on Harris." Sam looked down at her. "I'll get him, Emma, one way or another."

Emma reached her hands up and Sam leaned down. She hugged him. "I know you will, Sam." He gave her a nod, shook Gabe's hand, and left through the back door.

She yawned and smiled at Gabe. "I'm so tired. It seems like all I ever want to do is take a nap."

Gabe smiled a devilish grin. "Well, come on then, darlin', let's take one." He scooped her out of her chair and carried her up to bed. She didn't complain.

* * * *

It was the third week of April and Emma couldn't believe her baby still hadn't come yet.

Becca's wedding was at the end of May. At this rate, she may still be pregnant, or at least as big as cow. She sat at the kitchen table drinking iced tea. The baby kicked, making her groan. "Why won't you come out of there?"

Gabe strolled into the kitchen, stopped at the fridge, and grabbed an apple. He took a bite, and then offered it to her. She frowned at him. "Will it make this baby come out?"

Gabe chuckled and leaned back against the counter. "You know I heard sex can induce labor."

She climbed out of her chair, her big belly leading the way. "Oh yeah, well let's go. Get those pants off." She headed toward the living room. Gabe grabbed her by the arm stopping her.

"I can't, baby, Wyatt's here and although I'm sure it'll only take a few minutes, we're waiting on a client who has two horses he wants us to train. Besides, you said your back hurt." Gabe hugged her to him.

"I don't even need a few minutes, Gabe. If sex will get her out, let's get to it. I'll suffer with my back if it will get this baby out."

Gabe burst out laughing then kissed her. "Later, darlin', I promise." Still chuckling, he walked out the door.

Emma glared at his back. She grabbed an apple out of the fridge, and decided to visit Beauty if she couldn't have sex with her husband. When she entered the barn and saw Wyatt leaning against a stall door. He grinned at her and tipped his hat.

"Don't you dare say anything about how fat I am," she said with a scowl.

Wyatt threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it, Emma, I think you look beautiful."

She blinked back tears. "You're so sweet, Wyatt." She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and waddled on past him toward Beauty's stall.

The horse stuck her nose over the gate and nuzzled Emma's shoulder, making her laugh. She fed the apple to the horse, rubbed her velvety nose, and talked to her in a soft voice. She turned to leave when a sudden sharp cramp hit her stopping her in her tracks. Taking a few more steps, another cramp hit her, doubling her over. She took deep breaths until it subsided. She needed to find Gabe. As she headed toward the office, another pain hit her making her scream and grab for the wall. Gabe and Wyatt came running from the direction of the office.

"Emma!" Gabe dropped to his knees in front of her. "Are you all right?"

She waited for the pain to pass then glared at her husband. "Do I look all right, Gabe?" She saw him glance at Wyatt, who ran his hand down his face trying to hide a grin. She wasn't appreciating either of them right now.

"I hope when you go through this someday, it's ten times worse," Gabe yelled at his brother.

Wyatt shook his head then turned his attention to her. "Do you need to go to the hospital, Emma?"

She tried straightening up. "I don't know if..." She ended on a gasp then doubled over again. Wyatt and Gabe went into action. Wyatt walked her to the truck while Gabe ran inside to get her suitcase. She couldn't get up into the truck so Wyatt picked her up and put her on the seat. She placed her hand against his cheek and smiled at him. "Someday, believe it or not, Wyatt, you'll make someone a wonderful husband."

"What about me? Don't I make a wonderful husband?" Gabe asked when he returned to the truck.

Emma glared at him. "Not at this minute, you don't. This is your fault. You wore a condom that broke. What is wrong with you, Gabe?"

He looked so confused that Wyatt burst out laughing, making Gabe swing around to face him. "I swear you will get yours," he growled before jumping in the truck and throwing gravel everywhere as he steered the large vehicle out of the drive. Emma cringed and held on for dear life while doing her breathing exercises. As soon as they got to the hospital, the staff took her to a room, and away from Gabe.

* * * *

Gabe waited impatiently while the medical staff got Emma settled. Someone told him a nurse would come for him, but he was worried about his wife. He paced back and forth wringing his hands and only relaxing a little when he saw his brothers, Becca and Olivia running toward him.

"What's going on?" Jake asked through heavy breaths.

"They're making her comfortable. They'll come get me when they have her settled," Gabe told them all. "It better be soon." He got his wish a few minutes later when a nurse called his name and escorted him back to Emma's room. When he entered the room, he immediately noticed the monitor hooked up to her to track the baby's heartbeat. It was so fast. It made him very nervous. He pulled up a chair and sat down near the bed. With Emma lying so quiet with her eyes closed, it reminded him of when she lay in a hospital bed after being shot. He didn't like it. She suddenly opened her eyes and looked at him. Emma smiled at him and his heart skipped a beat.

"Looks like little Sophie Ann's about to make her appearance," Emma said with tears sparkling in her eyes.

"Or little Joshua Gabriel." Gabe grinned. They had decided early on they didn't want to know the sex of the baby. They wanted it to be a surprise. He held her hand when a contraction hit her. Emma panted until it passed, but he wished he could take on this burden for her.

Hours seemed to pass. Gabe didn't know what more to do for her. At one point, he was rubbing his hand across her wrist and she jerked it from him, and smacked him on the head. Thank God, no one else had been in the room. It was embarrassing. He kept his eyes on her and helped her when a contraction hit her, but he had no idea what he could do to help her. All of a sudden, Emma grabbed his arm and gritted her teeth. Suddenly, the bed linens were soaked. In a bit of a panic, he ran from the room to get a nurse.

When the nurse checked on Emma, she nodded and smiled. "You're ready, honey." She called for an attendant and together they wheeled the bed out, and down to the delivery room. It was all happening so fast. Gabe stood behind Emma, helping her sit up when she had to push.

Emma's doctor sat on a stool between his wife's legs barking orders at her. "Come on,

Emma. Push."

She sat up and pushed then lay back down. Then Emma suddenly glared at Gabe over her shoulder. "Don't you ever do this to me again," she yelled at him.

Gabe felt his ears turning red as everyone laughed. The doctor looked up at him, winked, and grinned at him. "Some women even ask for divorces in here." She turned her attention back to Emma. "Okay, honey. One more big push and your baby will be here." A moment later, he heard their baby crying and blinked back tears.

"It's a girl," Doctor Anderson announced, holding up the baby for them to see.

Emma gazed up at him with a frown. "You're not disappointed, are you?"

He kissed her, and then laughed feeling his heart swelling with love. "Hell no! Now I have two beautiful females to spoil."

The doctor laid the baby across Emma's chest. "Emma and Gabe, meet your daughter."

Gabe kissed his daughter on her tiny forehead, and then pressed a kiss to Emma's forehead. "She's beautiful, just like her mama."

He watched Emma's tears roll down her cheeks as she kissed her daughter's tiny face. "I love you, Sophie Ann Stone."

Gabe strode into the waiting room like the proud father he was. His family, Emma's parents, and Olivia all stood up with anxious looks on their faces. He grinned. "We have a daughter." He laughed when everyone cheered. "Sophie Ann Stone weighed in at eight pounds, fifteen and a half ounces and she's twenty three inches long. She's beautiful." His brothers slapped him on the back and shook his hand while Becca and Olivia hugged him. Emma's parents hugged him too. "I have to get back to her now." He left them to go back to his wife and daughter, the two most important women in his life. The two females he loved more than anything in this world.

* * * *

Two days later, Emma sat in the living room holding Sophie when Gabe entered the room wearing a grin and with Madilyn Young following him. Emma smiled up at her friend.

"Madilyn, I'm so happy to see you." She started to get up but Madilyn motioned her to stay put.

"No, no. Stay there, Em. I'll sit with you. I just had to see this gorgeous baby." She sat down and peered into the pink blanket. She lifted her gaze to Emma and smiled. "My God, she is the most beautiful baby." She glanced to Gabe and gave him a nod.

"Of course she is. Look at her mama." Gabe winked at Emma.

"He's biased." She laughed.

"She gets her good looks from both of you." Madilyn touched Sophie's tiny hand.

"Do you want to hold her?" Emma asked.

Madilyn gasped. "Could I?"

She nodded and handed Sophie to her. "Of course you can."

Madilyn sat back, cradling the baby, and talked to Sophie in a soft voice. Emma's eyes filled with tears watching her friend. She barely noticed Gabe leaving the room. When Madilyn raised tear-filled eyes to look at her, she thought her heart would break.

"I wanted a baby so badly with Brody," Madilyn said in a hushed voice.

"I know you did. I remember you talking about it all the time." She gently touched her friend's hand.

Madilyn shook her head slightly. "He did too. We used to talk about having a family all the time." She smiled sadly. "A boy and a girl perhaps, and of course, we'd have a dog or two..." Her voice faded off.

Emma didn't know what to say. This was the most Madilyn had said about Brody in years. She knew Madilyn needed to talk about him. Brody was the love of her life.

"I still miss him. I miss him every day, Em." Madilyn glanced down at Sophie. "You're right. I should have gone with him."

"I think so too. It's been years and he's still alive. You could've had those years with him. Instead, here you are all alone. Madilyn, I believe we get one shot at real love in our lifetime, and yours is Brody."

"I find it hard to forgive him though. He did it all behind my back. He didn't ask me what my thoughts were at all. Brody just did what he wanted without any thought to my feelings." She shook her head. "He should have talked it over with me before he even applied for a job with the Marshals Service."

"What's going on with you and Zach Johnson?" Emma asked and noticed how Madilyn tensed at the mention of the man's name.

"We're dating."

"Seriously Madilyn? The one guy that Brody hates and you're dating him?"

Madilyn shrugged. "He asked me out. He's been asking me out for years ever since Brody

left."

"He's only doing it because he hates Brody," Emma told her.

"That doesn't make sense, Em. Brody isn't even here to see me with Zach."

Emma shrugged. "I don't care for Zach and I'd bet my last dollar he's dating you to spite Brody even though he isn't here to see it. It makes Zach feel like he has something Brody doesn't."

"That's crazy, Emma," Madilyn snapped back in defense of Zach.

"It's not. Zach wanted you the entire time you dated Brody and you know it. That's one reason Brody kicked his ass."

Madilyn gasped. "What? What do you mean Brody kicked his ass?"

Emma mentally groaned. That was something she wished she could take back. She sighed.

"They got into a fight one night. Brody was at Dewey's with Sam, and Zach said something to the effect that if Brody was out without you, maybe he should go see you and let you have a real man." She shrugged. "Brody hit him. It only took one time and Zach hit the floor like a ton of bricks. Brody stood over him yelling for him to get up, but Zach was out cold. Sam had to physically remove Brody from the bar."

"Why didn't I ever hear about it?"

"Who would tell you? Every guy around here was afraid of Brody's temper and having the friends he did, didn't help. Hell, the Stone brothers, Riley Madison, Trick Dillon, Ryder Wolfe, and Sam were all his friends. Who would tangle with them? And Zach sure as hell wasn't going to tell you."

Madilyn stared at her as if trying to absorb it all then handed Sophie back to her. "I need to go." She stood and faced Emma. "It really doesn't matter anymore does it? It's all in the past and no matter how much I love Brody, it's over. I'll never see him again." She kissed Emma's cheek and left. Emma stared after her. Gabe walked in and sat down beside her. He ran his hand over

Sophie's head.

"You didn't tell her did you?" Gabe asked softly.

"No, I couldn't bring myself to do it." She sighed. "I hated to see the look on her face if I told her. She's not going to take it well at all, Gabe. She loved Brody with all her heart. In fact, she still loves him."

Gabe nodded in silent agreement. "Yeah, I heard her. I don't envy Sam telling her."

"Poor Sam, she's always blamed him for Brody going into the Marshals Service."

"It wasn't Sam's fault. Madilyn knows that," Gabe said.

"She admitted that, but only after Brody left. She honestly thought Brody wouldn't leave her." She gazed at Gabe and thought about him leaving her. No one ever thinks it will happen to her until it does. "No one thought he would, but it about killed her. You didn't see her after he left. I was so afraid she was going to do something stupid. It was that bad. I was with her every day and night for two weeks before she finally stopped crying."

"I remember not seeing her for a while and being worried about her. Jake, Wyatt, and I went over to her apartment one day to check on her and she seemed fine. A little distant with us, but other than that she seemed on the mend."

"I feel so bad for her loving him like she does and not having him."

"Did I hear her say she was dating Johnson?" At Emma's nod, he went on. "What the fuck is she thinking?"

Emma laughed and shook her head. "I don't know. If Brody does come back, I can see trouble brewing."

"Hell yeah! Brody will kill him."

She stood. "I need to put Sophie to bed and I think I'll take a nap too. I'm tired."

Gabe gently kissed her and caressed Sophie's head. "All right, darlin'. I'm going back to the barn. I have a client coming in fifteen minutes, but I'll see you later."

* * * *

A week later, Gabe walked past the living room to head upstairs to grab a shower when he halted in midstride. Emma was standing on a chair while a woman on her knees stuck pins in the gown his wife was wearing. Becca sat nearby on the sofa holding Sophie. When Emma glanced in his direction, she smiled with delight and then frowned. "Gabe? Are you all right?" she asked.

He swallowed hard, and nodded. He couldn't drag his eyes from the vision before him.

"What are you doing?"

Emma grinned as if proud of herself. "My bridesmaid gown needs to be taken in. Isn't it pretty?"

He nodded. Pretty? It was fucking beautiful. The blue matched Emma's eyes perfectly and made her skin glow. She had told him Becca had chosen her attendants gowns to match their eyes. He knew Olivia's gown was amethyst. They were all the same design with skinny spaghetti straps, a tight bodice, and a flowing skirt, but he hadn't expected Emma to look so amazing in hers. He shook his head trying to push the sudden sinful thoughts away, thoughts, which filled his head and his jeans. He turned toward the stairs. "I need a shower," he muttered. "A cold one." He heard the women laugh. Not funny, he thought.

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# Chapter Thirteen

Everyone was meeting at the church for rehearsal Friday evening. Inside the church, everyone was laughing and having a good time. At one point, Jake threw Becca over his shoulder and announced, "The hell with this, we're going to Vegas." Of course, Becca argued against it, even though Gabe was sure Jake was kidding. Afterwards, they all went over to Gabe and Emma's for the dinner Emma had meticulously prepared. As the party began to wind down, he came up behind his beautiful wife, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her temple.

"I know he's out there somewhere," Emma whispered leaning back against his chest.

"Sam will find him. Don't worry," he said with stern conviction.

Emma sighed. "I'm sure he will, but I can't help but worry."

"You two need to get a room," Gabe said over his shoulder with a chuckle when he noticed Jake passionately kissing Becca in the hallway.

Jake laughed. "We have a room, at home."

"I'm staying with Olivia tonight, remember?" Becca teased, and then laughed when Jake swore under his breath. Everyone laughed.

When Wyatt grabbed his hat and coat to head out, Gabe stopped him with a hand on his arm. "Be careful," he told his younger brother. Wyatt nodded his understanding and headed out into the night.

"He's always going to be a Marine, Gabe," Jake reminded him.

"He was a Marine?" Olivia asked with curiosity.

"He is a Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He was a sniper and the best in his outfit." Jake glanced at Becca and sighed. "It's a good thing he was." he said with a smile.

"Why is that?" Emma asked.

"You didn't tell them?" Jake asked Becca.

"No." Becca looked at Emma, and then Olivia. "Wyatt is the one who killed Steve as I was running away from him." She shook her head as if wishing she could forget that event. "I thought Steve was shooting at me, but it was actually Wyatt shooting Steve. I don't know how he did it. He had to shoot past me to hit Steve," Becca told them with an expression of astonishment.

"I can't believe you didn't tell us," Olivia exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips in annoyance.

"I was too busy worrying about Jake, and then taking care of him." Becca shrugged.

"Eventually, it slipped my mind, I guess." She suddenly moved toward the back door.

"Where are you going?" Emma asked her.

Becca smiled. "I never thanked him." She disappeared out the door with Jake following close behind her.

* * * *

The day of Becca's wedding dawned with the sun shining brightly down on the town of Clifton. The women were meeting at Gabe and Emma's home. Stan Watson, the foreman on Becca's property, was walking her down the aisle and giving her away. Since her parents died six years ago in an auto accident, the only family she had, before meeting Jake, was her best friend Olivia. Now, she had Emma and Jake's families, as well as the ranch hands at the B and B to call family too. They had all grown close since Becca had moved to Clifton.

Olivia and Emma helped Becca into her gown, and a beautiful gown it was with a tight bodice covered in lace and tiny pearls. The long sleeves were lace, a silk ribbon of green wrapped around her waist, and the skirt was full with a long train behind it. The back of the bodice was open, clasping at the neck so the shape was like a heart.

"You look so gorgeous. Do you want something to drink?" Emma asked her. Becca shook her head.

"Did you sleep well?" Olivia asked her. Becca shook her head again.

"Are you nervous?" Emma asked, trying not to laugh as Becca shook her head yet again.

Olivia took her friend's chin in her hand and forced Becca to look at her. "Are you just going to keep nodding and shaking your head?"

Becca started to nod, and then stopped. "I'm getting married today," she said, her voice filled with awe.

Emma laughed. "Yes, we know. We're in the wedding, remember?"

"I'm not really nervous. I love that man more than I thought possible, but...I'm getting married today," Becca repeated making Olivia and Emma laugh.

"Come on, let's get downstairs," Emma told her, sliding her arm through Becca's and steering her toward the door. The women carefully descended the stairs, and went into the kitchen to wait for Stan. The back door opened and Gabe walked in, looking gorgeous and sexy in a black western-cut suit. The jacket hung open showing a black silk vest covering a white shirt with a bolo tie. On his feet were shiny black cowboy boots, and a black felt Stetson sat handsomely and oh so, very sexy on his head.

Emma strolled over to him and kissed him quickly on his lips. He reached for her but she stepped back, and shook her finger at him. "That's all you get, you'll mess up my makeup."

She watched with appreciation as Gabe allowed his gaze to roam leisurely over her. When his eyes met hers, he grinned. "You look beautiful, darlin'."

She blushed and smiled up at him. "You look very handsome too, Gabriel Stone."

Gabe chuckled and glanced toward Becca. "How are you doing, Becca?"

"I'm fine. Is Jake all right?" Becca asked fidgeting with her skirt.

"He's fine and ready to marry the woman he loves," Gabe told her with a big smile.

"How does it feel having three women in your kitchen so early in the day?" Olivia teased.

Gabe laughed. "Three beautiful women," he said as if correcting her. "One is my wife, one is my future sister in-law, and then there's you." He pointed at Olivia. "I haven't figured you out yet."

Olivia laughed. "You never will."

Emma gazed up into his gorgeous face. "You need to get going so you can get Jake to the church on time." He nodded, gave her a quick kiss, and then she watched as he walked over to Becca, and stopped in front of her. He took her hands in his.

"You look absolutely amazing. Jake won't be able to breathe." He leaned down and in a voice too loud to be a whisper said, "It's not too late to back out." The women gasped and Gabe laughed. "I'm kidding."

Becca grinned. "There is no way I'm letting my cowboy get away. I love him way too much."

Gabe kissed her cheek. "Good. Just keep that beautiful smile on your face." After kissing Emma quickly once more, he headed out the door.

She looked to Becca. "Are you ready?"

Becca nodded just as Stan walked in the back door. He looked so handsome in his black suit.

He walked over to Becca and took her hands in his. "Hattie would be thrilled to death that you're marrying Jake. She loved you both so much."

Emma saw tears well up in Becca's eyes and quickly handed her a tissue. "Don't ruin your makeup."

Stan put his arm out for Becca to loop her hand through, and following behind them, Emma and Olivia headed out to see their best friend wed. Stan's car awaited them. Becca sat in the front with Stan while Olivia and Emma took seats in the back. She glanced over to Olivia and smiled.

Her friend looked beautiful in her purple dress. Her bouquet rested in her lap just as Olivia's did in hers. The bouquets consisted of white Calla lilies, purple and blue roses with ivy, and baby's breath. Becca's bouquet matched theirs only larger. Madilyn had done an amazing job on the flowers.

The ride to the church was over quickly. There was a crowd of people standing outside the church waiting for them. Emma laughed at the sight.

"What is this?" Becca asked in a nervous voice as she gazed out at the crowd.

She reached over the seat and touched Becca's shoulder. "These are the people who couldn't fit in the church. Since you and Jake didn't send out invitations, everyone came." Since neither Becca nor Jake had much in the way of family, they just let people know when they were getting married and anyone who wanted to attend was more than welcome. She knew the turnout shocked Becca, but Emma also knew the little town of Clifton, Montana would want to see one of their own get married. Stan got out of the car and strolled around to open Becca's door. When she climbed out, the crowd roared. When she and Olivia got out more cheers went up. Olivia burst out laughing. Emma had to admit it made her feel a little like royalty. They walked into the church, and went to the room where they would wait for the wedding to begin. Becca sat on the edge of a sofa gazing toward the window.

"Were you nervous on your wedding day, Emma?" Olivia asked.

"No. I was too pissed off to be nervous," she muttered, making Olivia and Becca laugh, breaking some of the nervous tension filling the room.

When they heard the music begin, they all knew it was time. The women left the room and moved to stand at the entrance leading into chapel. Emma and Olivia both hugged Becca before they took their positions in front of her. Emma took a deep breath and started walking down the aisle. Her eyes searched the space at the end and immediately found Gabe. He looked scrumptious. His gaze locked with hers then he winked. She smiled and continued down the aisle. Her gaze shifted to Jake. He had the biggest smile on his face, and then she looked to Wyatt. She mentally shook her head. The man was drop-dead gorgeous. Wyatt glanced at her and smiled, but the momentary grin left his lips when he looked to where she knew Olivia was following behind her. She saw his jaw clench, and she nearly laughed. No matter how he acted around Olivia, he was most certainly interested. It was like Gabe had remarked about his little brother, Wyatt didn't want to be but he definitely was.

Emma took her place at the altar and turned back to look to where Becca stood. Olivia took her place beside her and turned toward Becca. The wedding march began, and Becca moved slowly down the aisle with Stan escorting her. Emma kept glancing over to Gabe. He was watching her. Even as everyone else watched Becca come down the aisle, Gabe watched her. She wanted to believe his gaze was on her because he was in love with her and no other woman mattered, but she knew the truth. She blinked back tears remembering their own wedding. She loved him so much. It didn't matter what kind of wedding they'd had, because for however long it lasted, he was her husband, and they had a beautiful baby girl. Sophie was with Stacy today and she missed her already.

Jake stepped forward, took Becca's hand, and led her to the altar. Stan stepped back and then took a seat. Emma's eyes filled with tears as she listened to them exchange their vows. The entire time Jake never took his eyes off Becca. His thumb rubbed the back of her hand. After Jake slipped the band of gold onto Becca's finger, he kissed the back of her hand. It sounded like every woman in the church sighed all at once. When the preacher pronounced the two officially husband and wife, Jake lifted Becca's veil, scooped her into his arms, and kissed his bride. Emma's tears slid uncontrolled down her face. She was so happy for them. Someone cleared his throat when the kiss went on for what may have been more than proper for church. Everyone laughed when Jake looked up, and grinned. The couple turned to face the people of Clifton, and everyone cheered. Emma laughed along with Olivia. Jake and Becca walked down the aisle followed by Olivia and Wyatt, and then her on Gabe's arm.

* * * *

Gabe sat beside Emma at a table at the reception in the Town Hall listening to the music filling the large room. The band was in full swing. Everyone was awaiting the arrival of the bride and groom, who were still at the church having more pictures taken. The rest of the wedding party had arrived a while ago, but folks were getting impatient to begin celebrating. When the bride and groom finally arrived, everyone stood and cheered. Jake took a bow and Becca curtsied, and then he swept her into his arms for their first dance as man and wife.

Gabe watched as Emma's eyes filled with tears when the band started playing one of her favorite songs, Anything for You by Jake Owen. He suddenly wished he could have made sure she had a wedding like this.

When the bridal couple's dance ended, the dance floor filled up with couples. He glanced at Emma who was dabbing at her eyes with a napkin. "Would you like to dance, Emma?" he asked, hoping she'd agree.

Emma nodded and stood. She placed her bouquet on the table and walked to the dance floor with him. The band was playing an old Hollies song, All I Need Is the Air That I Breathe, and it was a definite slow dance. As he listened to the words, he realized it was true for all he needed in life was to love Emma. Tonight would be the perfect time to tell her. He'd waited long enough.

Emma and Sophie Ann were his entire life and he'd die if he lost them. He pulled her tighter against him and rested his cheek on the top of her head. Hearing her chuckle, he pulled away from her to gaze down into her eyes and raised an eyebrow at her. "What are you laughing at?"

"Olivia's dancing with Ryder and Wyatt's glaring at them something fierce," Emma told him in a low voice.

He glanced around and saw his younger brother standing at the bar with a beer in his hand. He was definitely watching Olivia and Ryder with more than a casual interest. Gabe shook his head. "I don't understand him. Olivia's a gorgeous woman and she's let him know she's interested yet he won't take her up on it."

"So...you think Olivia's a gorgeous woman, huh?" Emma gazed up at him.

Shit! "Uh, well...not as gorgeous as you, Emma," he said with a quick smile.

Emma burst out laughing. "I'm teasing you, silly. Liv is gorgeous and I would have been more suspicious if you hadn't said so."

He growled. "You'll pay for that, Missus Stone. Maybe not tonight, but you will pay for it."

Emma giggled. "I can't wait Mister Stone." She gazed around him and laughed again. "If looks could kill, Ryder would have hit the floor a long time ago."

He chuckled. "If those two ever get together, it's definitely going to be too hot to handle." Emma laughed and leaned her cheek against his chest. Lord, he loved her so much. How did he ever survive without her? He couldn't imagine his life without her and their beautiful daughter.

Sophie meant so much to him. He'd never let either of them go. He felt Emma flinch in his arms when people outside the Town Hall began screaming. Gabe pushed her behind him.

"What's going on?" Emma asked in a shaky voice.

"I don't know. Stay here," he told her as Wyatt ran past them. Gabe felt her clutch at his arm.

"No! Gabe, please don't go out there," Emma pleaded, a fearful expression having replaced the smiles and joy he'd seen there only moments ago.

At that moment, the sound of a gunshot drowned out the band and a shot hit a wall inside the hall. The people inside hit the floor, scrambling under tables and behind pillars, even as more people from outside ran into the Town Hall for cover. Gabe saw Becca grabbing onto Jake to stop him from running outside. Whatever she said to him made him stop and put his arms around her. When sirens sounded loud outside, everyone seemed to sigh in relief. It wasn't much longer before he saw Sam run inside and head straight toward him with Wyatt right behind him.

"Wyatt? What are you doing?" Gabe had a bad feeling but he already knew the answer.

"I'm going to help Sam get this son of a bitch," Wyatt announced, his jaw tense and his hands fisted ready to take on the world.

"There's no way Wyatt's going out there," Gabe said to Sam through clenched teeth.

"I need him, Gabe. I'm going to deputize him and he's going to do what he can to take this bastard down." Sam looked him straight in the eye and dared him to argue. "This guy's up in the church tower across the street. He has a chance to take out anyone he wants. I need to get out there and find out what it is he wants, but I need Wyatt on the roof of the Town Hall. I'm positive it's Harris. I'll get out to my cruiser and try to talk him down."

Gabe shook his head. "I don't like it."

"I'm a sniper, Gabe. I'm more than willing to take this bastard out for shooting Emma, and killing Tim," Wyatt told him. Gabe swore, and shook his head. He knew if anyone could do this, Wyatt could, but it didn't mean he liked it. He walked away from them and back to where he'd left Emma. She was crouched under a table so he squatted down beside her and took her hand in his.

"What's going on?" Emma asked, her voice trembling.

"There's a man on the roof of the church, and he's shooting at people. Sam believes it's Harris and he's sending Wyatt up on the roof of this building with his rifle." He shook his head and sighed. "I don't like it. For once, I wish Wyatt didn't carry that damn rifle in his truck. If Harris sees him, he could shoot him. Sam's going out to his cruiser to try and talk the man down." He noticed a shiver flash over Emma so he pulled her against him and wrapped his arms around her.

Suddenly, he heard Sam on the bullhorn outside. "Is that you, Harris?" Emma gasped against him and he heard someone shouting, but couldn't understand what he was saying. Sam spoke through the bullhorn again. "Give yourself up. I'm not letting you kill any more people."

He released Emma and motioned for her to stay put as he stood up. "I'll be right back. I want to get a little closer. Stay here," he told her and pushed himself against the wall before she had a chance to stop him. He moved along the wall toward the door and listened as Harris answered Sam.

"I wanted to kill the woman responsible for my brother's death but she stays glued to that damn cowboy of hers, so I shot her friend instead. Bitch didn't die though." Harris laughed, his voice echoing through the street. "I did kill her husband though for payback, just like his brother killed my brother!"

"You didn't kill Gabe Stone, Harris. You killed Tim Larson, a man who had nothing to do with you or your brother," Sam told him through the bullhorn.

"I did too kill Gabe Stone. I saw him, and I killed him," Charles Harris screamed down at

Sam. "And I'm going to take out more of his family and friends, before the day is over."

Gabe knew he had to do something to help end this. If the man knew the truth perhaps, he'd give it up so without giving it any further thought, he stepped out of the door. "You didn't kill me, you stupid son of a bitch. You killed a good man for no fucking reason," he yelled up toward the church tower. He heard Emma scream his name from inside the reception.

"Get back in there, Gabe," Sam yelled as a shot hit the door beside Gabe's head, making him duck and take a step back.

"This is a trick. I know I killed him," Harris shouted out in frustration.

"You didn't kill my husband, you idiot," Emma shouted from beside Gabe, where she'd suddenly appeared. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back inside the building.

"Are you out of your fucking mind?" he shouted at her, not caring hundreds of pairs of eyes were on them.

Emma shrugged. "I figured you were so I thought I might as well be too."

He took her by the arm and dragged her back to the table where he thought he'd left her in safety. He put his hand on her head and pushed her under it. "Do. Not. Move," he growled at her. Their eyes met and they glared at each other. He shook his head, leaned down on one knee, and kissed her hard then stood, and went back to the door. Sam was still trying to talk Harris down.

"Give up, Harris. This can end the easy way or the hard way," Sam said through the bullhorn. He watched Sam jump behind his cruiser when a shot ran out and a slug hit the car. He saw Sam curse more than heard it. "I'm giving you one more chance, Harris. I won't let you hurt any more people in my town," Sam told the man in the church tower. More shots rang out. "Do what you have to Wyatt, but I'd like him alive," Sam said into the two-way radio he'd asked a deputy to hand him.

The next shot that rang out came from the roof of the Town Hall, after which no more shots came from Harris' direction. It was silent. Gabe watched as Sam ran across the street to the front door of the church and disappeared inside with several deputies behind him. A few minutes later, Sam stood in the opening in the tower of the church.

"You got him, Wyatt. Good shot, man, he's still alive," Sam yelled across the street to the roof of the Town Hall.

Gabe sighed and walked back inside. He announced in a calm voice that it was all over. He pulled out a chair and sat down, placing his clenched fists on the table. Emma pulled a chair beside him and sat, putting her hands over his. He jerked them back from her touch and immediately knew from the look on her face he had hurt her. "I'm sorry," he told her wishing he could take back the hurt and all of the bad events of the day. Jake and Becca walked hand in hand over to the table and sat down with Emma and him.

"Definitely a reception we'll never forget," Jake said as he put his arm around Becca.

"You got that shit right." Gabe sighed.

"What's wrong with you?" Jake asked him. Gabe didn't answer him because he was distracted when Wyatt and Sam walked into the room together. He gritted his teeth in an attempt to bite back his words. Sam noticed the way he glared at him and frowned as he approached the table.

"Problem, Gabe?" Sam asked as he folded his arms across his broad chest.

"Why is it you always have to get Wyatt to do your dirty work?" Gabe stood, narrowing his eyes at Sam.

"Christ! Because he's the best there is, Gabe." Sam shook his head. "I'd have him as a fulltime deputy if I could." Sam stepped closer to him, ready to take him on. It wouldn't be the first time they'd come to fisticuffs over a disagreement and probably wouldn't be the last. "How many people do you think would have died if Wyatt hadn't stepped in and made short work of things?" The two men stood staring at each while everyone seemed to hold their breath before Sam finally shook his head and strode away, leaving him to sit back down, anger still fueling his resentment.

"He's right, Gabe. Wyatt knows what he's doing. He saved a lot of people today," Emma said softly.

He turned on her, his narrowed eyes meeting her surprised gaze. "It's not your brother out there risking his life." He watched as Emma stood up and stared down at him with glistening eyes before walking toward the doors and disappearing through them.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Jake asked him.

Gabe took a deep breath and readied himself for yet another verbal attack. "She thinks it's great what Wyatt did."

Jake looked surprised. "I do too. We all do. What's your problem?"

"I hate that it's Wyatt who sticks his neck out every time."

"He's a sniper, Gabe. It's what he does, and he's the best. He wouldn't put himself in a position to get hurt. He does it because he knows he can." Jake glared at him as if Gabe had no idea what his little brother was capable of doing with a rifle.

He suddenly realized he was wrong. He stood up and stared down at his brother. "I hate it when you're right," he growled before heading toward the door through which his wife had disappeared. Gabe knew he was going to have to do some major groveling.

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# Chapter Fourteen

Emma blinked back the tears in her eyes as she headed out the door of the Town Hall. Taking a deep breath, she hurried toward where she knew Gabe had parked the truck. She climbed into the passenger side and folded her arms across her chest. She heard Gabe get in the driver's side but refused to look at him. She heard him sigh.

"I'm sorry," Gabe said in a low voice. She felt his hand on her hair. He tugged on the strands. She jerked her head away from his hand and refused to look at him. He tugged on her hair again and this time she swung out a hand to slap him away.

"Stop it, Gabe. It's not going to work this time." She turned to face him. "You're wrong about what happened."

"I know that, Emma. That's why I'm apologizing." Gabe reached for her hair again. She slapped his hand away. He looked at her in surprise.

She was very angry with him and his cute apologies weren't going to work, not this time.

"Take me home. Now," she hissed at him.

Gabe must have realized she really meant it this time because he dropped his hand, turned in his seat, and started the truck's engine. They rode home in silence. As soon as the truck stopped near the back door, she was out of the truck. She entered the kitchen and went directly to the living room, not really knowing why she was so angry. Gabe had apologized and she needed to accept it, but he'd embarrassed her by yelling at her in front of everyone. Of course, she'd also thought Harris had completely ruined the reception but as she was leaving, she'd heard the music start up and people were starting to dance again. Soon Becca and Jake would be leaving for their honeymoon in Hawaii. She was pleased because it seemed nothing was going to ruin their day.

"Hi Stacy. How did it go?" She smiled at the young woman who had descended the stairs and was now standing in the doorway to the living room.

"Great. She's so precious, Emma. I didn't have any trouble at all," Stacy announced with a smile. "She's sleeping like an angel."

Emma grinned in response, but let her smile fade when Gabe walked past Stacy into the living room. He stopped in front of her and leaned in, wrapping his arms around her and whispered the words "I'm sorry" into her ear. She leaned into him and nodded, letting him know she had let her anger go. Gabe spun her slightly so they faced Stacy.

"Hi Stacy. How's my beautiful daughter?" Gabe smiled at the young woman and she noticed how Stacy blushed. Emma knew how she felt. She still blushed when Gabe spoke to her.

"Stacy thinks our daughter is precious and of course, she is." She looked over her shoulder at him. "I'm going up to see her. Stacy, thank you so much for everything."

Stacy nodded and as Emma climbed the stairs. She heard Gabe trying to convince the young woman to accept payment for babysitting, but Stacy refused. She heard the kitchen door open and close. Minutes later, she heard Gabe coming up the stairs. He entered the nursery, stood beside her at the crib, and stared down at their daughter. Emma smiled when he gently put his hand on Sophie's stomach. "I can't believe how fast she's growing. It seems like we just brought her home," he whispered.

"She's a month old already. It just flew by." She gazed down at their daughter, still amazed she was here with them.

"It won't be long and she'll be walking and then running." Gabe smiled.

Emma softly laughed. "I know. Her life will flash before our eyes." She blinked back tears at the thought of her beautiful daughter growing up and venturing off to lead a life of her own.

Gabe wrapped his arms around her. "You're right." He kissed her on the forehead and she closed her eyes at the sensation. "I didn't know it was possible to love someone this much." He shook his head and pressed his cheek against her hair. "I love her so much."

"I do too," she whispered, wishing he could declare a love for her the way he did his daughter.

"Come on. We've had a long day. Let's get some sleep." Gabe led her from the bedroom and down the hall to their room. They each undressed and crawled between the sheets. Gabe pulled her against him, pressed a goodnight kiss against her lips, but nothing more. It had been a long day and soon they fell asleep.

* * * *

Emma sat at the table waiting for Gabe to come in from the barn. She'd decided to finally put her heart out there and tell him she loved him. If he didn't return the feeling and say he loved her, too, she'd just have to live with it. It was difficult for her to believe he could act the way he did and not care in some way. She knew he loved Sophie but wanted him to love her too. His love for Sophie was a start. They had the bond created by their daughter, but she wanted more. The doctor had told her last week at her appointment she could have sex again, but she'd put off telling Gabe because he would come in dead on his feet and collapse into bed. This was ridiculous, she thought as she pushed her coffee cup away from her. She wanted her husband and didn't have the guts to let him know.

Sophie's cry came over the monitor. Emma left the kitchen to go feed her. She picked her daughter up from her crib and took a seat in the rocking chair Gabe had bought for her. She sat quietly while she fed Sophie, reveling in the beauty of her daughter. When she finished she held

Sophie, and rocked her while talking to her softly. So engrossed in her daughter, she hadn't heard Gabe come upstairs. She glanced toward the door to see him standing there, leaning against the doorjamb. He smiled as he pushed himself away from it and sauntered toward her. He squatted down in front of her. "I'll never get tired of watching you breastfeed our daughter." He ran his hand over Sophie's head, ruffling the dark hair.

"I know, but I also know you like feeding her." She smiled at him, wanting to ruffle his dark hair the same way he had done their daughter's downy fuzz.

Gabe laughed. "Yes, I do. She looks up at me with those blue eyes and I just melt," he said, gazing into her own eyes and making her insides melt with unspoken desire.

She cleared her throat and glanced down at Sophie. "She's just growing so fast. I can't believe she's seven weeks old already. It went by so quickly," she whispered.

"Seven weeks?" Gabe stood and moved alongside the rocker. He leaned in close and lowered his lips to her neck. Closing her eyes at the sensation, Emma laughed softly.

"Yes. Seven weeks," she said looking sideways at him with a shy smile. "Why? What are you thinking?"

Gabe gently lifted Sophie from her arms and placed her in the crib while Emma pulled herself out of the rocker. When he turned to face her, she almost squealed when he scooped her up and carried her from the room.

"I'm thinking it's a week past the six weeks we couldn't have sex," Gabe said giving her a mock glare. "And you didn't say anything."

Emma grinned and shrugged her shoulders. "I planned to tell you today. Last week you came in from the barn every night and went straight to bed."

Gabe looked self-conscious. "I know I did. I had to stay away from you and keep busy. I've wanted you every day." He kissed her passionately, thrilling her and making her clasp onto him tighter. "I'm sorry, darlin'. What do you say we take a nice bath together, and then get reacquainted? I've missed you."

"I'm all for that. Just let me get out of these clothes."

Gabe set her on her feet and cupped her face in his hands. "Let me take them off." He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her, moving his tongue over her lips he slowly slipped it into her mouth, deepening the kiss. She moaned and wrapped her arms around his waist leaning into him. She could feel his hard arousal pressing against her belly. His fingers slid down her front side to the zipper of her jeans and lowered it slowly. She reciprocated by slipping her hands between them to open the fly of his pants. She cupped her hand over the hard bulge there. Gabe groaned.

Her hands grabbed the bottom of his T-shirt, lifted it off over his head and shoulders, tossing it to the floor. She felt cool air hit her back as Gabe pushed her blouse off her shoulders with his lips never leaving hers. Her hands busied themselves fumbling with his belt. Gabe pulled back from her. "I can do this quicker," he said through ragged breaths while his hands worked the belt open and had it pulled through the loops in no time. He dropped his jeans to the floor and stepped out of them never looking away from her.

Emma laughed and then squeaked when he picked her up. "I thought we were taking a bath first," she mock scolded.

Gabe laughed against her neck. "I don't think I can wait that long. I need you now, baby." He carried her to the bed and dropped onto it so she landed on top of him. He rolled her under him and ran his fingertip over her eyebrows, down her nose to her lips. His finger touched her lips softly as he outlined her mouth then he leaned down and captured her mouth with his in a passionate kiss, which stole her breath and her heart.

"God, I need you Emma," Gabe whispered against her lips.

She moaned and reached for him, pulling him close. "Gabe, I...need you."

* * * *

Though the room was dark, Gabe's mouth found hers like a beacon. He had Emma completely naked in mere minutes. Her mouth was hot and wet and he couldn't get enough of it. He captured it hard, parting her lips with his tongue and tasting the recesses of her mouth. She kissed him back just as roughly. Her fingers thrust into his hair, massaging his scalp. Her hands cupped the back of his head, pulling him tighter to her as she moved her tongue into his mouth, hers dueling with his. He groaned a sound full of yearning. He moved over her, spreading her legs with his knees.

Emma took the condom from him and rolled it down over his hard shaft.

He rested his forehead against hers and sighed. "I want you so much."

He moved his hands to cup her breasts and ran the pads of his thumbs over her nipples, hardening them into peaks. He knew he was fast losing control and needed to slow down, but he about lost it when she wrapped her legs around his waist and undulated against his erection.

"Fuck. Emma, it's going to be over before it starts if you don't stop," he growled low in his throat. Emma's hands went to his butt and she dug her nails in, urging him on. He shuddered and moaned as he moved up onto his arms so he was looking down at her. He moved one hand between her legs, and felt her wetness. His thumb moved over her clitoris.

"Gabe." Emma threw her head back on the pillow and whimpered. Gabe watched the rapture on her face as her orgasm rushed over her. He jerked when her hand wrapped around his hard shaft. He thrust into her palm and grew harder.

"Emma." He caught her wrist to stop her. "I want to be inside you." When she nodded, he rolled her to her stomach and kissed his way down her spine. Every time she gasped or moaned, his groin twitched. He lightly nipped at her butt with his teeth, and then raised her hips and thrust into her from behind. "Get on your hands and knees, darlin'."

Gabe almost came when she complied without hesitation. Tightening his hands on her hips, he slowly started moving in and out of her. "Move with me," he groaned through clenched teeth. He reveled in the way Emma moaned and rocked back faster against him. His hands held her tighter as she moved back against him.

"Yes." Emma moaned arching back into him. "Gabe...please, I..." She paused on a gasp and withdrew then thrust back against him.

He could feel her muscles start to squeeze and clench around him as she came. He thrust harder against her, groaned, and moved faster against her as he drew closer to his own orgasm. Sweat broke out across his forehead, arms and chest when his body gave in to the pleasure she gave him. Emma fell forward and he collapsed on her. He quickly rolled his weight off her and onto his back. He pulled her onto his chest, trying to catch his breath as he ran his hand down her spine.

"Are..." He had to clear his throat. "Are you all right?"

"I'm..." She giggled and sighed. "Wonderful."

Gabe chuckled and ran his hand down her sweat covered back. "I think now would be a good time for that bath or shower." Emma nodded and started to get out of the bed when Sophie let them know through the monitor that she was unhappy about something.

He sighed and reluctantly climbed out of the bed. "I'll get her. Go get a shower." He kissed Emma on top of her head before he put his boxer briefs on and left the room. When he entered

Sophie's room, she was fussing even louder. He walked to the side of the crib and looked down at her.

"Hi, baby girl. Are you still hungry?" Gabe picked her up. "I bet you're wet too." He laid her on the changing table, changed her diaper, and put fresh pajamas on her. He carried her downstairs to get a bottle for her. Even though Emma was breastfeeding, she kept bottles of her milk available. He loved that it allowed him to feed his little girl. After warming up the bottle, he carried her to the living room, sat in his recliner, and gave her the bottle. She took it. He spoke softly the entire time he held her. Her big blue eyes gazed up at him. Gabe felt the sting of tears in his eyes as he gazed down into her beautiful little face.

"I can't believe you're still hungry. You fell asleep before you got that little belly full, didn't you? You're such a beautiful little girl, Sophie Ann. Daddy loves you so much." He leaned down and kissed her forehead while she greedily sucked at the nipple. "You look like your beautiful mommy." He smiled down at her. "And I love you just like I love her. I will always love you both. You're my girls." Gabe leaned over her again and whispered to her. "I'll work on getting you a baby brother to push around, okay?"

* * * *

Emma sat in the bathtub letting the hot water soothe her. She smiled when she thought of Gabe and their time together. He was such a wonderful and thoughtful lover. No one could ever have told her sex would be that amazing, that hot, and that consuming. She wanted him every minute of every day and she knew she always would. For the rest of her life, she'd want, desire, and love Gabe Stone. There would never be another man in her life she could ever love the way she loved him.

Sighing with contentment, Emma stepped from the tub and dried off. After wrapping her robe around her naked body, she walked into the bedroom only to find it empty. She thought for sure Gabe would come to bed after taking care of Sophie, but he wasn't there. She tiptoed down the stairs and caught a glimpse of the back of his head in his recliner. She moved quietly around to the front of it and put her hand over her mouth at the sight before her. She smiled with the joy she witnessed. Gabe was asleep with his head back against the chair. He held Sophie against his chest while she slept. His large hands cradled her little back and bottom. Her little bow mouth was moving in a sweet sucking motion even though her empty bottle sat abandoned on the end table next to the chair.

Tears filled her eyes and she knew this picture was now forever in her heart. She gently put her hand on Gabe's shoulder. He opened his eyes and gazed up at her. He smiled and her heart slammed against her ribs. "Let me take her." She reached for the baby, but Gabe shook his head and slowly pulled himself up out of the chair doing his best not to disturb Sophie.

"I'll put her to bed." Gabe pressed a sweet kiss to Emma's lips before slowly walking up the stairs with her following close behind him. Her gaze couldn't resist dropping to his boxer briefs and his fine ass.

"You're giving me one hell of a view here, Gabe," she said in a near whisper. She chuckled low in her throat when he halted and glanced back at her.

"Are you ogling my ass, woman?" He raised an eyebrow at her and grinned.

She laughed aloud but quickly covered her mouth to keep from waking Sophie. "As a matter of fact I am. It's a great ass. What can I say?"

Gabe's mustache-framed mouth lifted at the corners as he shook his head and continued up the stairs. "As soon as I put our daughter to bed, I'll let you see it," he said over his shoulder with a wink.

She snorted. "I've seen it many times. Can't you just take a compliment?"

Gabe chuckled. "Sure, as soon as you learn to take one without blushing." He glanced over his shoulder again and cocked an eyebrow at her.

Emma blushed even as he teased her about it. "Get up the stairs," she muttered, making Gabe laugh. She continued into the bedroom while Gabe put Sophie to bed. When he returned, he got in beside her and pulled her over to him. She put her head on his shoulder and they fell asleep together.

The next morning, Emma was heading toward the kitchen when she heard Gabe's voice and realized he was on the phone. She paused in the hallway not meaning to eavesdrop, but couldn't help it. She heard Gabe say, "It's just a little hard being in a relationship where the love is one sided, Wyatt."

She threw her hand over her mouth and felt a stabbing pain in her heart. God help her, he knew, she thought. Gabe knew she was in love with him, but he didn't love her. The tears started down her cheeks. She ran back up the stairs quickly and climbed back into bed.

How had she ever thought this would work? Gabe was right. A one sided relationship was hard and even unfair. She knew what she had to do. Once he left for the feed store, she would take Sophie and leave for good. It would kill him to lose Sophie, but Emma couldn't stay and she wouldn't leave her daughter behind. Of course, she'd let Gabe see his daughter anytime he wanted. When she heard the back door open and close, she walked to the window and watched him get into his truck and drive off. He didn't love her and it was killing her.

Emma quickly packed her clothes, and then Sophie's. She returned to the bedroom where she'd made love with Gabe so many times, all the while hoping he'd fall in love with her. She glanced around for anything else she needed to take. She opened the drawer in the table by the bed. When she came across Gabe's note, the one he'd written after their first full night together, she fell apart. Sobs shook her body so hard she thought she'd never breathe right again. Lying down on the bed, she cried until she couldn't cry anymore.

Why had she ever thought this sham of a marriage could ever work out? Why? True, they had a daughter together and his love for Sophie was enormous, but he had no love for her mother. She chastised herself over and over again for being a fool.

After a few minutes more of self-pity, she pulled herself together enough to finish packing. Once done, she called Olivia and told her she needed to leave Gabe. Olivia told her to come to the B and B and use her old apartment. As Emma loaded her car, she prayed Gabe wouldn't come back before she had a chance to leave. He didn't.

When she pulled up to the back door of the B and B, Olivia met her and helped her carry her things. Emma walked into her old apartment and placed Sophie in the little bassinet she'd brought with her. She sat on her bed and cried. Olivia hugged her and let her weep. She reached for more tissues, and then told Olivia what had happened. Olivia didn't say anything but simply listened as any good friend would do.

"I heard him telling Wyatt it was hard being in a relationship that's only one sided." She gazed up at Olivia with tears clinging on her lashes. "He must know I love him and since he doesn't love me back, it's difficult for him, Liv." She shook her head. "I don't know what to do."

"If you have to come back here to live Emma, you know you can. I'll help you with Sophie." Olivia rubbed her back. "Damn men, anyway, especially those Stone men. Well two of them, that is, Becca must have gotten the only good one."

Emma nodded her agreement. "I think I'll lie down while Sophie's still sleeping. I'm so exhausted, and I just woke up a little while ago."

"Crying will do that to you. You sleep all you want. I can feed Sophie if you need me to. I'll check in on you both later." Olivia kissed her cheek and left her to sob into her pillow until sleep captured her.

* * * *

Gabe pulled his truck up alongside the barn and yelled for the hands to come out to help him unload the feed. He was hungry and tired, but he always helped with the unloading. After he finished, he pulled the truck up to the back porch, parked, and climbed out with a long stretch.

When he entered the kitchen, the empty room surprised him. He'd expected to find Emma busy with making dinner. It was something he'd grown accustomed to every evening.

He'd spent most of the day in town taking care of things, and expected Emma to be cooking dinner when he returned. It was possible they had plans he'd forgotten about but even as he wondered where she was, he was too tired and in need of a shower to look right now. He entered the mudroom and stripped out of his dirty clothes.

The house seemed unusually quiet. He glanced out the back door to where Emma usually parked her car. It was gone. Maybe she'd taken the baby to visit Becca or Olivia. Gabe glanced to the kitchen table to see if she'd left a note, but there wasn't one. It wasn't like her to do such a thing, he thought, shaking his head as he headed upstairs.

When he entered their bedroom, Gabe immediately noticed the closet door open. Suddenly, an alarming sensation rushed over him as he looked to the closet. He had a bad feeling as he moved slowly toward it and pulled the door open. Her clothes were gone. His heart nearly stopped when he ran to Sophie's room and saw her clothes were gone too. What was going on? Where were his wife and daughter?

Taking a shower in record time, he quickly dressed, and then ran outside to his truck. Why would Emma leave him? He thought they had a good marriage and got along great, in and out of bed. They had a daughter together. She doesn't love you! The thought echoed through his head.

He hit the steering wheel with his fist as he steered the truck out onto the main road. He had to get her back. There was no way he could live without her or Sophie. If someone had told him a year ago he was going to fall madly in love and be happy as a father, he would've laughed in their face. Gabe knew of only two places she would have gone, the B and B or her parents. Neither was a place he was looking forward to going to for answers. He'd rather deal with a bear than deal with Olivia, and Emma's parents would never let him see her if she didn't want to see him. He might be able to get past Olivia...if he groveled enough.

Gabe pulled up to the back entrance to the B and B. Olivia stepped out onto the porch with her arms folded across her chest. Shit! Emma must be here. Olivia glared at him as he slowly got out of the truck. This wasn't going to be easy, but he wanted his wife and daughter back. "Where is she, Liv?" he asked her, but Olivia didn't budge. He put his hands on his hips. "I asked you a question."

Olivia continued to stare him down. She wasn't easily intimidated. It was time to start groveling. Gabe walked over to the steps and gazed up at her. "Please, Liv. I need to talk to her."

Olivia sighed and dropped her arms to her sides. "Right now, she's sleeping. She wore herself out with all the crying she did." Her voice held a hint of anger, but also perhaps a touch of compassion. Would she help him?

Her words surprised him. "Why is she crying?"

Olivia walked down a step. "Because she heard you on the phone this morning with Wyatt, telling him about how hard it was being in a one sided relationship."

Gabe glanced at his feet and kicked at the gravel with the toe of his boot. "I see. So she left because she doesn't want to hurt my feelings."

"What? Hurt your feelings? What are you talking about?" Olivia looked at him as if he'd suddenly gone crazy.

He shook his head. "It doesn't matter. I thought eventually she would come to love me.

We're good together, I thought anyway, but you can't make someone love you." Feeling dejected, he turned to head back to his truck.

Olivia ran down the steps and grabbed his arm. "Wait a minute. You love her?"

"Yes, more than life," Gabe whispered even as his heart felt like it was being torn from his chest.

"Did you tell her that?" Olivia stood in front of him, blocking his path.

"No. I kept meaning to, but I-I didn't want to hear her say she didn't love me," he muttered.

"How can two people be so fucking blind? I knew you were in love with her by the way you look at her, and I know she loves you because she told me," Olivia shouted at him. "How could you not know?"

Gabe's head jerked up. "She loves me?"

She nodded. "She's been in love with you for years, Gabe."

He glanced toward the old house and then back at Olivia. Gabe set her aside and took the steps to the door two at a time. When he reached the door, he turned to look back at her. "I'm going to see her now, Liv, whether you like it or not." She didn't say anything. She simply stood leaning against his truck with her arms folded across her chest.

"Does it look like I'm going to stop you?" Olivia said with a big grin. He smiled, opened the door, and went inside.

* * * *

Emma lay on her side facing away from the door. She heard it open and assumed it was

Olivia coming to check on her and Sophie. She felt the bed dip. "I'm okay, Liv. So is Sophie.

We'll be up in a little while." When she didn't feel Olivia leave the bed, Emma rolled over. She gasped when she saw Gabe sitting there. She climbed off the bed on the other side.

"What are you doing here?" she asked in a quiet yet stern voice to keep from waking Sophie. She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him.

Gabe lay back on the bed, making himself more than comfortable. He clasped his hands behind his head. "Don't you think it's time you came home, darlin'?"

She turned away from him and fought the onslaught of new tears. "No. Leave, Gabe."

"I will, but only when you and Sophie go with me."

"I'm not going home with you." She felt tears clouding her vision, but she refused to cry in front of him.

"Why is that?"

"Because..." She bit her bottom lip to keep it from trembling.

"Because why, Emma?"

"It doesn't matter. You need to leave." She wiped her eyes and turned to face him.

"I told you, I'll go when you and Sophie go with me." Gabe flashed a smile at her. She put her hands on her hips and glared down at him. How could he smile at a time like this? Their marriage was over. There was nothing to smile about now, or ever again.

"And I told you, I'm not going with you." She stomped her foot and turned away from him again because tears threatened once more.

"I'd like to know why, darlin'." His voice was like a soothing hand along her spine but as much as she wanted him, she had to be strong. She had to make the break.

"As I said, it doesn't matter. Go away and leave us alone." She bit her lip harder to stop it from trembling.

"I can't do that, Emma. I won't leave here without you and Sophie." His voice was a low sultry whisper and it pained her to hear him plead.

She spun away from him and toward the door. "I-I can't go home with you." Her voice cracked, her resolve was beginning to crumble.

"Why not? I deserve to know why you took my daughter and left me. No note. Nothing. I have a right to know, Emma."

She spun around to glare at him, her hurt turning to anger. "You really want to know?" He nodded. "Because it's a little hard being in a relationship that's one sided." She choked back a sob on the last word.

"Is it one sided, Emma?"

She couldn't believe how infuriating he was. She folded her arms over her chest. "Yes it is, and you know it," she hissed in anger, wanting to shout but Sophie was asleep just feet away. She watched him rub the whiskers on his chin. Why must he always be so sexy?

"Really? On whose side is it one sided?" Gabe stared up at her.

She stomped her foot again, this time in frustration rather than anger. "Why are you being such a jerk?"

Gabe's eyes widened. "A jerk? I'm being a jerk?" He rose up on his elbows.

She stalked over to him and slapped at one of his arms, making him roll away slightly. "You know you are."

"No, I don't know it. On whose side is it one sided, Emma?" Gabe asked her again.

"You want to know on whose side it's one sided?" He nodded. She took a deep breath. "Mine. Okay. It's mine. It's one sided on my side. Are you happy now?" Emma shouted then quickly quieted, looking to see if she'd disturbed the baby.

Gabe lay back down, clasping his hands behind his head again and grinned up at her. "I'm ecstatic."

She frowned at him, confused by his words. "What? What do you mean?"

Gabe swung his legs over the side of the bed and pulled her between his thighs. "I'm ecstatic because it's one sided on my side too."

She gasped. "Gabe, what are you saying?"

Gabe fell back on the bed bringing her with him. "I'm saying, Emma, I'm in love with you, darlin'. I have been for quite a while. When you heard me talking to Wyatt, I was talking about me. I didn't think you loved me. I was so afraid to tell you. I thought you'd throw it back in my face, and I couldn't take the chance."

She cupped his face in her hands. "You love me? Big, bad Gabriel Stone, the man who never wanted to settle down, is in love with me?"

Gabe grinned up at her. "That would be me." She squealed and rained kisses all over his face. "Now can we go home, woman? I miss you and our little girl. Hear me well though, I will always come after you, Emma."

She stood up, and smiled at him, her heart filled with joy. Emma put her hand out to her husband. "Let's go home, Gabe."

––––––––

Epilogue

––––––––

Madilyn Young stood in the greenhouse helping a customer, but her thoughts kept traveling back to the conversation she'd had earlier with Emma. Her dear friend had called her, all excited because Gabe had finally admitted he was in love with her. Madilyn wanted to share her friend's joy, but her heart ached for the only man she ever wanted to love her that way. Staying busy was the best way not to think about Brody Morgan but just then she glanced toward the door. She saw Sam Garrett standing there, and her heart nearly stopped. He was looking straight at her and the serious look in his eyes told her he was there to tell her something she knew she didn't want to hear. She started shaking when she saw Sam's sister walk quickly toward her. Katie grabbed her gently by the arm, and pulled her aside. "Sam wants to talk with you a minute. I'll take care of your customer."

Madilyn nodded and slowly moved toward Sam. He took his hat off as she approached him.

She swallowed hard. "Is he dead?" she asked in a whisper of a voice.

"No. He's not dead," Sam told her.

She almost collapsed from relief. "Then what do you want, Sam?"

Sam cleared his throat. "He may be coming back to town. I talked to him a while back and at the time he was set on coming back, but now he's not sure."

Madilyn shook her head. "What's new? He's never sure about anything."

"That's not true, Madilyn. He was sure about you. He loved you."

"Did he, Sam? He left me." She clenched her fists in an attempt to push down the rising despair and anger threatening to overwhelm her.

"You could've gone with him. Damn it, Madilyn, Brody supported everything you did, but you couldn't support him when he wanted to become a US Marshal. You blamed everyone except the only person who was truly to blame. Yourself."

She shook her head. Sam was wrong. Brody left her she hadn't a choice. Or had she? He wanted you to go with him, but you refused. Maybe everyone was right. She sighed. Brody Morgan would be a part of her life until the day she died. That was something she had to admit to herself. If he were to come back, her life was never going to be the same. Her heart was going to be broken all over again.

"You're wrong, Sam. I did blame myself, after I finished blaming everyone else." She sighed. "I'm sorry I blamed you." She gazed up at Sam. "It wasn't your fault. I know that now. I knew it then too. I just had to blame someone." She shrugged. "You seemed like the most logical person since you were a US Marshal, and he'd spoken to you about it before he did me."

"I had nothing to do with his decision, Madilyn. I only told him that I liked working as a

Marshal. I didn't twist his arm," Sam explained.

"I know, but, Sam...I don't want him to come back here. Why would he want to come back?"

"It seems he's left the Marshals Service and needs a job." Sam shrugged. "I need a deputy." She gasped with indignation. "You're hiring him?" She practically shouted at him.

"He's my friend, Madilyn. What did you want me to do?" Sam put his hand up when she started to speak. "No. I know what you want me to do, but I'm not going to turn him down just because you don't want him back here."

"You said you aren't even sure he's coming back, Sam." God help me! She prayed he didn't come back.

Sam nodded. "I'm pretty sure he'll be back. The way he talked he doesn't really have much of a choice."

She shook her head. "God no, Sam, how can I be in this town with him? You had to know what it would do to me. Why are you doing this?"

"I'm not doing anything, Madilyn," Sam said through clenched teeth. "You just don't get it.

It's not all about you. He's a friend, he needs a job, and I have a job opening."

She blinked back tears. "I guess he didn't give you a choice. He knew all he had to do was call you and you'd help him out."

Sam huffed. "I have to. I know he wouldn't let me hang if it were the other way around."

She snorted. "Of course not, you two were too close. Like brothers. All of you were the same, you, Brody, Riley Madison, Trick Dillon, the Stone brothers, and Ryder Wolfe. You were all inseparable, and you never cared who got hurt along the way."

Sam stepped forward. "That's bullshit, Madilyn, and you know it. We never hurt anyone. You're the one who wouldn't go with him. That is all on you, Madilyn. Don't try shifting the blame again." Sam put his hat on. "I wanted you to know he may be back. I think I just wasted my time." He turned and stormed out the door before she could say another word. She stared at the door Sam had just disappeared through and hadn't realized how tense she was until she felt Katie touch her shoulder. She flinched.

"Are you all right?" Katie asked softly.

"Did he tell you why he was here?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, Madilyn. I know it's going to be hard on you to see Brody again."

Madilyn turned to stare at her friend. "Hard? It's going to be damn near impossible." She sighed. "Maybe I'll be lucky and not run into him, ever. I know Clifton is a small town, but we don't have to see each other."

They both knew that wouldn't happen. Clifton may have only fifteen hundred people, but the center of town was where everyone met. The Sheriff's department was just down the street from the Clifton Greenhouse and Florist. The animal hospital was down the street from the Sheriff's department and the Clifton Feed Store was up from the animal hospital, and the Clifton Diner was just up the street from all of them. The entire town sat in the center of ranches and farms. The hub of social gathering was here in town. There was no way she and Brody wouldn't run into each other.

Madilyn felt hot tears roll down her face. Katie hugged her as she cried. Brody Morgan coming back to town was the worst thing that could ever happen, and Madilyn Young wasn't going to survive it. She knew it in the depths of her already broken heart.

*The End*

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# About the Author

Susan Fisher-Davis was born and raised in Cumberland, MD. She moved to Tennessee in 1996 with her husband. She now lives in a small town outside of Nashville along with her husband and their two rescued dogs. Susan is a huge Nashville Predators hockey fan. She also enjoys fishing, taking drives down back roads, and visiting Gatlinburg, TN. She would love to hear from her readers and promises to try to respond to all. You can visit her Facebook page and website by the links below.

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www.susanfisherdavisauthor.weebly.com

Other books by Susan Fisher-Davis

Jake (Men of Clifton Montana Book 1)

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