The Colorado Bride by Mary Burton

Author:Mary Burton
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781460359877
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2001-11-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

An hour later, couples square-danced, the men had set up the targets for the shooting contest and the children played kick ball.

Rebecca sat on her quilted blanket under the shade of a tree. Mac lay on his stomach asleep by her side. She’d have left the picnic but Dusty had begged her to stay another hour. He’d looked so happy, she couldn’t deny him. He’d gone off with Prudence’s son, Jared, to look at the horses in the livery.

Cole had kept his distance, spending most of his time dancing. The women in town, bedazzled by his transformation, had flocked. Each had taken a turn dancing with him. And to Rebecca’s annoyance, it stirred jealous feelings.

Everyone was having a wonderful time.

Except Rebecca.

She felt utterly alone, betrayed by the friends whom she’d known the better part of her life. Five days ago, she’d have bet everything that they’d never side with Cole. And she’d have been dead wrong.

Now that they’d struck a deal with Cole, what would stop someone from telling him about Mac? It was a matter of time before the entire truth tumbled out.

A dark shadow fell on her. She looked up to see Cole. He held a plate with two slices of cake. “Can I sit down?”

“No.”

Cole sat down next to her and stretched out his long legs over her blanket. “I brought you a peace offering.”

“Go away.”

Unruffled, he set the plate down. “Have some cake.”

“Ernie wouldn’t like it.”

Laughter sparkled in Cole’s eyes. “He’s not been near you for the last hour. I think you scared him off.”

“I have not.”

An awkward silence fell between them and for a time they sat not saying a word. “No one in town wants to see you unhappy. And they wouldn’t have sold me the mine if they weren’t scared for their own livelihood.”

He was right. But that didn’t erase her fear.

Cole laid his hand on Mac’s bottom and watched the gentle rise and fall of the boy’s back. He stared at the child for a long moment before he said, “You’re lucky to have him.”

“I know.” She choked back tears.

Cole plucked a blade of grass then tossed it aside. “Why don’t you trust me? Is my past so awful to you?”

She’d held herself in reserve since the moment they’d met. He knew it and it was becoming a sore point with him. “No.”

He was silent, as if mustering patience. “Then don’t you think it’s time we called a truce?”

Her back stiffened. “I didn’t realize we were at war.”

“Right.” Anger swirled beneath his words. “If you weren’t so stubborn we could reopen that mine together. We could do so much more if we were partners.”

He touched Mac’s silky blond hair and she had to fight the urge to slap his hand away. He’s my child! “No.”

“What do you have against me?” he said, trying to control his temper.

Nothing. Everything. “Just leave me alone.”

He muttered a curse. “I’m taking over the mine whether you like it or not. I’m gonna be in your life for a long time so do yourself a favor and make peace with the idea.

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