ONE NIGHT TOGETHER

She sighed. "I'm trying. I have to make a list and then after breakfast Bobby's going to take me to town to get groceries."

"Maybe taking this housekeeping job isn't such a good idea." Rose sat on the edge of the bed and saw *Texas Gourmet: the Best of the West* tipping toward her. "You've never had much experience in the kitchen."

"I never had a reason before now." And held up a book opened to a page displaying plump blueberry pancakes stacked beside scrambled eggs. "Do you think Bobby would like this for breakfast?"

"Anyone would."

"Good." Francisca stuck a piece of paper in the book to make the spot and then tossed it to the floor. "I'll have to get up early, you know."

"I'm sure," Rose agreed, wondering how on earth her very spoiled, very young niece was going to take over the running of a ranch house. It would be a good lesson for her, though, when she realized that there was more to marriage than riding tandem across the prairie into the sunset. "Good night."

"Good night," Aunt Roro. Thanks for helping me out with the wedding."

Rose hesitated as she got off the bed. "Bobby seems like a very nice young man."

"But?" Francisca asked.

"But nothing. If getting married is what you want, then that's what you will do."

"Really?" Her niece looked a little suspicious, which made Rose smile. "Then you won't oppose the wedding any more?"

"Not if that's what you want. And," Rose added, her voice firm, "I think a bride should plan her own wedding."

"With the help of her mother. Or her aunt," Francisca insisted.

"I will help you." Rose relented. "But you are going to have to make the decisions." And maybe come to the realization that getting married is serious business and not an excuse to throw a great party. "Besides, Francisca, what's the rush?"

Francisca's cheeks turned pink. "Well, we haven't, um, made love yet."

"Oh." Thank goodness. There was still some sanity involved then, Rose thought, remembering the past hours spent with Andrew. At least one of the Marti women had some self-control.

"And we are both tired of waiting," Francisca added. "So the sooner we get married the better."

"I see."

"Do you?" Francisca gave her a hopeful look. "I mean, do you really know? Don't you get tired of being by yourself all the time?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you want a family, too? I don't mean having kids---i can wait a long time before I do the motherhood thing---but don't you want your own life?"

"I thought I had one."

"In Texas," Rose added, wishing she could run to her own room and crawl into bed this very family or making a life with someone. Being alone felt---well, easier.

"Don't tease. You know what I mean."

Rose backed up a couple of steps. "Of course. but we can talk about it in the morn....."

"Maybe I don't like being alone as much as you do."

Rose tried to ignore the pain that comment caused. "So do you want the cowboy or would marrying anyone be okay?" It was a logical question, considering Francisca's propensity for impetuous behavior.

"I like him. A lot."

"But do you love him?"

Francisca nodded. "I think so. What about you and Andrew?"

"What about it?" Rose was almost out the door, ready to pick up Pookie and make her escape.

"I've seen the way he looks at you," Francisca said.