thought I heard you say he’s in demolition.”
“Yes. His company has other businesses, but that’s the one he loves and takes an active part in. A big active part. That’s how he hurt his foot. Somehow, I can’t see him taking this well at all. He doesn’t have serious relationships. I wonder if he goes out much because of his lifestyle. He keeps to himself and spends holidays alone, including Christmas.”
“Christmas—alone? Through his own choice?”
“Yes.”
Her sister’s frown reflected her own feelings about Zach’s view of holidays. “Wow. Well, even if he has nothing to do with you or the baby, you have a family who will be right with you.”
“If Connor doesn’t try to punch Zach.”
Mary Kate laughed. “He won’t. Connor grumbles, but he’s too much like Dad to resort to fists unless someone else starts something. Do you think Zach will give you any financial support?”
“I’m guessing he will, but I don’t know. If he doesn’t offer, I’m not pursuing it. I’ll manage and he paid me extravagantly for the job I just did, plus I have a good job with his company and money saved. I’ll manage.”
“I’m sure you will,” Mary Kate said, shifting to a more comfortable seat on the side of the bed. “What about your education and a teaching job? That’s what you’ve always wanted.”
“I think that will have to be postponed,” Emma said. “I’ll use this money for the baby. Later on, I hope I can pick up where I left off, go back to college, get my degree and then teach.”
“I hope Zach Delaney does what’s right and gives you financial support. Marriage sounds like an unlikely event.”
“It’s impossible. He’s totally solitary. MK, how will I tell Mom and Dad? It’s Dad I’m worried about. I think this will break his heart. And I know—I should have thought of that before now.”
“You’re not getting a lecture from me. Dad’s able to take news and he’ll help you and so will Mom. I know it’s hard to think about telling them, but don’t worry about it. Just do it and get it over with.”
“I’m waiting until after Christmas and you wait, too.”
Mary Kate ran her fingers over her lips. “Absolutely. This is your deal to tell the family, not mine. I’m just here for you. And don’t expect it to be long before Mom catches on. She’s been through this five times.”
“I know.”
I better go see what the kiddos are doing. Bobby’s watching them and he’s as much a kid as they are. Holler if you want to talk again.”
“Thanks, MK.”
“Sure.”
Emma settled back against pillows and watched her sister leave the room. She could count on MK. Actually, she could count on her whole family. It was just Zach who was an unknown factor.
She thought about New Year’s Eve. That would be the time to break the news. As soon as Christmas had passed, she would tell the family.
She missed Zach. How long would she continue to miss him? Months, years, forever?
Christmas Eve morning, Zach sat at his desk trying to think about work and finding it impossible. Emma dominated his thoughts every waking hour. He hadn’t gone to Italy and he still didn’t want to go. He wouldn’t do any more in Italy than he would on the ranch, so he just stayed. He felt closer to Emma here and the house reminded him of moments she had been there. How many times during the week had he pulled out his phone and started to call her?
He tossed his pen and rubbed the back of his neck. He wanted to see her and he was tired of trying to think about work and failing completely.
The phone rang and he saw the caller ID indicated Will, which was no surprise. Zach was tempted to avoid answering and the questions that would follow. Taking a deep breath, he picked up his phone to talk.
“Yes, Will, I’m here at the ranch. I decided to stay in Texas.” He tried to put some cheer in his voice and realized he was failing.
“Are you sick?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Is Rosie there?”
“No. You know I gave her and Nigel three weeks off. I’m okay. Merry Christmas. Let me talk to Caroline.”
He talked briefly to his niece and she suddenly said goodbye and Will returned. “We’re getting snow. How’s the weather there?”
“I know you didn’t call to get a weather report.”
“No, I didn’t. Just some small talk while I walked into another room and closed the door for privacy. Zach, if you’re in love with Emma, do something about it. You might have to live life a little more on the ordinary side like the rest of us do.”
Zach had to laugh. “And a merry Christmas to you, too, Dr. Phil. Stop giving me advice.”
“Okay, but this is so unlike you. Do you want to fly up here today and spend tomorrow with us? I promise we’re fun.”
“I’m sure you’re fun galore, but I’m happy here,” he said, giving some thought to Will’s invitation. For the first time, he was slightly tempted, but he still preferred Texas where he was closer to Emma. “When have I not been happy alone?”
“Maybe since you met Emma Hillman. Well, you’re a grown man and I won’t give you advice, just an invitation. And a merry Christmas.”
“Thanks, Will. Thanks for calling and for your invitation. I really mean it. Merry Christmas to you all.”
As he hung up, Zach had to smile over his brother’s ridiculous call. He paced restlessly and then stopped to look down at the largest box of memorabilia. He pulled up a chair and picked up a letter to read.
“All right, Emma. I’ll try again to find something fascinating in my ancestors’ lives.”
He read two letters and tossed both in the discard box. He picked up another and saw it was his written by his great-great-grandfather during the second year of the Civil War.
“My dearest Tabitha:
“My love, we covered twenty miles today in the rain. It is dark and cold now and I write by firelight. I am glad we did not encounter any of our enemy because our ammunition and our supplies run low. I am fortunate to have both my rifle and my revolver, plus ammunition. Others are not so fortunate. This ghastly war between the States is tearing our country apart. My dearest, how I miss you! If I could just hold you against my heart. You and our son.
“This fighting is lonely and desperate. How I long to be with you this night and see your smile, that would be a Christmas treasure to me. Know that I send my love to you on this Christmas night. You and our little one are the most important part of my life and what I am fighting for. I dream of peace for our babe and his descendants and their offspring. How I wish I could see our son, this precious babe. My heart aches with wanting
