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? ? Linda -------Original Message------- From: bluedolphin@... Date: 4/26/2018 12:57:15 AM To: Ladies Of The Magnificent Seven Group Cc: Colleen; Sam Subject: Fw: RPG Cheyanne and Belle Apologies if you get this twice ? ? Linda -------Original Message------- From: bluedolphin@... Date: 4/26/2018 12:52:14 AM To: Ladies Of The Magnificent Seven Group Subject: RPG Cheyanne and Belle Since Colleen has been crazy busy and I was ready to go we switched places. Let me know if you can't read the attachment. Hope you enjoy the post. ? ? Linda

Belle watched as Nathan, the resident healer, walked the young dress maker from her shop. She hoped the girl had not been injured by her ordeal. The bounty hunter had been in her store purchasing some supply’s when he spied the young woman unlocking her door across the street. Bell had seen that look in his eye’s before, she knew it meant trouble. As soon as he had left Belle ran for the sheriff’s office and quite accidently, literally ran straight into Nathan Jackson. After explaining what she saw, she’d followed him waiting at the door way just in case she was needed. Not wanting to pry she’d left as Nathan saw to the young woman. Belle had heard that the girl had been wounded somehow and had been ill for some time. She refused to listen to the idol gossip that had been making its way around town since. Why or how the woman had been injured was none of her business and she didn’t care to listen anyone else’s opinions either. She was hoping the dress maker would be well soon for her sake. Recuperating from such things was often very hard and tedious. She remembered well the time it took for your strength to fully return. Perhaps when the young woman was completely recovered she’d take a couple of dresses that needed mending to her. She had been meaning to do so when she had heard of the poor girl’s misfortune. Oh, she could probably do the job herself, but with running the store she was finding that she never seemed to have the time nor the energy to take the task on. *** The doors to the saloon swung open and Dan Parker walked purposely toward Chris who was standing at the bar. The gunfighter filled his glass again when out of the corner of his eye he saw Parker approaching. “You know for someone who’s so concerned about a man he wants hung, you’re sure not in any hurry to go after him. Thought I told you it was time for you to leave.” “I’ll be on my way, as soon as the little breed is in jail.” Chris glanced over at Lilly with a look of frustration then turned Steele eyes toward parker. “I'm not putting that girl in jail,” “you’ll have no choice Larrabee, I’ve already wired the judge, he’ll be here in two days.” Lilly let out an annoyed sigh. Thinking sarcastically that his was just getting better and better. She threw an aggravated glance Parkers way and nearly slammed the glass she was drying on to the counter. *** Vin stealthily reigned in his horse near the back of the church and dismounted deciding to hide his mount in the barn with Blaze just in case the bounty hunter was still lurking about. Pulling his hat over his eyes he hurried to the back door and knocked. There was no answer, he knocked again and whispered as loud as he dared. Cheyanne, it’s Vin. He waited another few seconds and the door opened. As he walked inside Josiah shut the door behind him. “Vin, what are you doing back? I thought you were staying clear until Parker was gone, you tryin’ to get yourself hung boy.” “I heard what happened, I came to make sure Cheyanne was all right.” Josiah gave a slight gesture with his hand and motioned toward where Cheyanne stood in the corner of the room. Even though she stayed quiet a glint of a smile crossed her lips and a small sparkle seemed to shine in her eyes when she acknowledged Vin. Vin tipped his hat and took a step toward her “are you all right?” Cheyanne nodded that she was. They’re eyes locked for only a moment before Vin turned his attention back to Josiah. “Is Parker still around?” Josiah nodded “Vin you shouldn’t be here, if he recognizes you, you want her in more trouble for breakin you out of jail next?” “Let me take her out of here Josiah, just until this blows over, if he hasn’t left yet then he’ll be after Cheyanne and he won’t quit til she tells him what he wants to know.” The big man shook his head. Though he was tempted he felt better if she was there, right where he could see her and protect her. The last thing he wanted was for Cheyanne to have to live her life on the run. The thought of losing her once more not knowing where she was, if she was dead or alive would be too much for him to bear again. After seeing the bounty hunter’s reaction recently, he was sure if Cheyanne left with Vin now they would both be in even bigger trouble than they already were. Cheyanne slowly moved from her spot walking up to Vin until she stood so close he could feel her breath putting a gentle hand on his chest she looked up at him. “you should go, I do not want to lose you also.” Vin looked down into the deep blue pools of her eyes. There was something there that he had not seen since before she’d been taken. A feeling he believed they both shared. A deep genuine affection. Since their return to town all that had remained in those eyes was pain, fear, and a sadness that over whelmed her. Today he saw something different, and it gave him hope. “Please, go, I could not stand to see you taken away too. Please Vin, for me You must leave.” Resisting the urge to take her in his arms and taste the sweetness of her lips. His eyes stayed fixed on her. When she looked at him the way she did now, there was nothing he would not do for her. “It don’t seem right, but I’ll go, for you.” He laid a gentle hand on her cheek gazing at her as if burning her image into his mind then gradually let his hand drop and walked away. When he reached the door, he pulled it opened slightly before he looked back at her. “But I won’t be far.” With a nod to Josiah Vin left just as quickly and quietly as he had come. **** JD accompanied by Ezra strode purposely up the front steps of the church. Finding no one inside when they entered they made their way behind the pulpit to the door leading into Cheyanne’s living area and knocked. Josiah opened the door just enough to pear out. When he saw who was on the other side he let them in. Both men scanned the room when they entered. “Where’s Cheyanne?” JD spoke in an uneasy tone. “She’s asleep, what’s wrong now?” “well” Ezra answered “It seems Mr. Parker has made it his life’s work to see that your ward is punished to the full extent of the law for liberating his quarry. In his mind I’m sure he would prefer she be tied and flogged in the middle of the street to which he knows he would meet with more adversity than he him self could handle so he is insisting that she be thrown in jail ” “You know I ain’t gonna let that happen Ezra.” “Nor would I my friend” “That’s why Chris sent us” JD interrupted. Ezra pulled a deck of cards from his vest pocket before he made himself at home retrieving a chair from the table. “It seems we are to be your house guest for the time being.” “Chris said to keep her hidden til the judge gets here” “The Judge?” JD nodded “Parker sent for Judge Travis, he’ll be here in a couple days. Chris said its better if it looks like she’s under arrest just not in jail. Her be’en a girl and all.” Josiah took in a heavy breath then blew it out. God how he wished Fancy Dan Parker had never come to this town. He would like nothing better right now than to run the troublemaker out of town. *** Ezra sat with his chair leaning back against the wall as he fiddled with the deck of cards in his hands. His jacket hung neatly on one of the other chairs and his hat sat on the table. The night was quiet. JD had been sent to warn Buck and Molly that Parker was still around and that he’d sent for the judge. Chris was afraid that the man would find out how Molly had distracted Buck long enough for Cheyanne to help Hawk escape. He thought Buck might want to keep the girl hidden a while longer. Josiah leaned against the door from inside the church. Ezra contemplated opening it if only to curb the man’s snoring. But that was not what kept Ezra from slumber, aside from the fact that he’d sworn to watch over Cheyanne and not let anyone come through the back door. His mind was on Emma She’d told him what had happened earlier, and he was beyond livid. His first instinct was to find Parker and make sure he never bothered anyone again. Fortunately, between Emma and Nathan they were able to restrain his anger. He took solace in the fact that she was now in total slumber inside his room where not only did no one know where she was, but both Lilly and Chris had avowed to look after her. He wanted to bring her here, so that not only could he help to protect Cheyanne, but he could look after Emma as well. Emma insisted that she would be fine, and it was Cheyanne who was in danger. She had begged him to help protect her friend. He could deny her nothing and agreed. Still, he would have preferred her here. He missed her, he missed holding her while she slept. The almost silent noise of a door slowly opening pulled Ezra from his thoughts, he was immediately on guard, his gun drawn before he noticed Cheyanne cautiously emerge from her room clad in a white flannel night dress and robe. He quickly holstered his weapon and stood. “My dear, why on earth are you up at this hour?” Cheyanne’s eyes stayed focused on the ground, she was still not sure how to act around Ezra, so she stayed submissive. “where is Josiah?” Ezra pointed toward the door. “Snoring blissfully in his slumber” Cheyanne hid a smile. “Cheyanne, there is no reason for you to hide your eyes from me, you have nothing to fear.” His voice was soft and gentle as he tried to put the girl at ease. “Come sit with me, I find myself in need of company. I promise I have no intentions of harming you in any way.” Cheyanne took a step toward him then stopped and slowly looked up. “I will make coffee” “That would be delightful.” It wasn’t long before the coffee was brewed. Cheyanne poured the hot liquid into two cups setting one in front of Ezra as he returned to his seat and the other on the other side of table in front of her before she sat down. “Now tell me what is it that has you up at this ungodly hour” Cheyanne shrugged “I could not sleep” “Something on your mind?” “Many things” Cheyanne picked up her cup and took a sip. “why are you here Ezra” “Well now that my dear is a subject best discussed with your guardian.” “The bounty hunter, he thinks I know where Hawk has gone, I do not.” Ezra’s eyes were sincere when he looked at her. “I believe you and that is why I am here.” Cheyanne let a small smile escape. Perhaps she was beginning to see why her friend Emma was attracted to the self-sufficient gambler. It was not that Ezra had no compassion, he was just very good at hiding it. ? ? Linda

I'm sending this out for those who have just joined the group. Say hello to Ann who will just be a reader in the group. Ann this should get you caught up to where we are now. Characters: Cheyanne Beaujuex: Ward of Josiah Sanchez and in love with Vin Tanner Josiah was a friend of Cheyanne's father when he was killed Josiah found 16 year old Cheyanne beaten and raped. He has been her guardian ever since. Josiah Sanchez :is one of the seven men who protect the town we call Four Corners. A preacher of sorts. He and Cheyanne live at the church he is fixing up. He built Cheyanne a living area behind the church. While he sleeps in the room inside the church. Vin Tanner: ex buffalo hunter and bounty Hunter In love with Cheyanne Annabelle (Belle) Chandler: Recently arrived in Four Corners She bought the Potters store after Mr Potter was killed and then later on Mrs. Potter decided to sale and move away. She will be Josiah's love intrest. Emma Clark; Resident dress maker and Ezra's love interest Ezra Standish: Gambler, and One of the Seven men who protect the town Lily Patterson, nee Deveraux; Chris's Love interest, also co owns the local tavern. Chris Larabee : The leader of the Seven who protect the town. Molly O'Rourke; Bucks love interest and The only School teacher in town Buck Wilmington: one of the Seven, Buck loves women he was raised in a whore house. But he sees something special in Molly. Writers: > > Linda writes for: Vin,Josiah, and her own character's > Cheyanne,and Belle Chandler > > Colleen writes for: Nathan, Buck and her character's > Molly O'Rourke > > Samatha writes for: Chris, Ezra and her character's Emma > Clark, Lily Patterson nee Deveraux The Story began... Early morning… "Smells like rain." Vin Tanner commented to Chris Larabee as the two peacekeepers settled into chairs outside the Four Corners jailhouse. It was early morning and the growing frontier town was just beginning to come alive The two men sipped their cups of strong coffee and watched as shopkeepers emerged from their stores and began setting out barrels and boxes of wares to lure citizens into their establishments. Tantalizing aromas began to drift down to the two men from the hotel restaurant and the kitchens of the new boarding house and bakery in town. Before long either one of the other five men of the seven would arrive at the jailhouse to relieve them from their posts or send a waitress down from the restaurant with trays of food for them to enjoy. Chris tilted his head back and squinted up at the brightening sky. "There's not a cloud in the sky, Vin. You must be mistaken." "There's three things a Texan knows well, Cowboy," Vin said grinning at Larabee over the brim of his coffee cup, "How to love a woman; shoot a gun, and decipher the weather. Mark my words, we'll see rain today." "Awfully cocky aren't you?" Chris laughed as he took another sip of his coffee. "Not cocky, just speakin' the truth." Vin replied. By noon the bright sunlight of the morning was chased away by tattered soot colored clouds. A hard wind had swept up from out of nowhere, blowing things about, slamming doors, and causing hats to leap off of their unsuspecting owners as if they had wings of their own. The initial round of rain was heralded by the townsfolk as a welcomed relief from the horrible heat and drought the area had been under for several weeks, but it was slowly becoming clear to all that this was more than a usual summer storm. "Guess you were right about the rain." Chris said, holding onto the brim of his hat as he and Vin left the jail and headed to the restaurant to grab some food before they headed off to catch some shut eye. Buck Wilmington and JD Dunne had taken over for them a few moments earlier. Vin cast an appraising eye up at the darkening sky and frowned. "This is turnin' into a humdinger of a storm…I ain't likin' it Chris." Something in the Texan's tone caused Larabee to abruptly stop and glance at the sky too. A shudder of foreboding swept over him. "Yeah…neither do I. As soon as we're done eating, we'll rally the boys to go spread the word around town for folks to hunker down in their homes and wait it out." Vin nodded and the two men kept walking toward the restaurant. Two o'clock set in with crackling arch of lightning, earth shattering boom of rolling thunder and a torrential downpour. The dirt streets were quickly turning into muddy pathways, gusty winds was throwing anything about that wasn't nailed down, and several windows were shattered by flying debris. Though he and the other peacekeepers had done their best to spread the word for the citizens of Four Corners to take shelter from the turbulent weather, none of them could have possibly been prepared for the disastrous storm that would wreak havoc on their bustling frontier community. Only when the heavens calmed, the winds died down, and the rains dried up, would survivors emerge to survey the damage and begin to put together the pieces of their shattered worlds. * * * Cheyenne huddled close to Josiah beside the large trunk of the big Elm tree they sought refuge under when the storm struck with a vengeance before they could find more suitable shelter. Josiah pulled Cheyenne's blanket further up over her shoulders in an attempt to keep her more shielded from the cold and the stinging rain. The blowing wind made it harder to stay protected against the pelting downfall. The thunder roared and the flashes of bright light could be seen across the darkened sky. Josiah became increasingly aware of the darting light that cut through the blackness lighting up the skies with every flash, ever watchful should it hit anywhere near them. "God's wrath has no mercy on this day Annie, wish we'd a done like your Grandfather wanted and stayed in the village one more day." He shouted over the noise of the storm and pulled Cheyenne closer to him trying to keep her warm and shield her with his body from the menacing weather. Cheyenne nodded her agreement. Suddenly a loud boom echoed like the crash of a cannonball. It shook the ground and lightning split the sky overhead. Josiah jumped up from his spot, pulling Cheyenne with him. He practically threw Cheyenne as far away as he Could. "RUN!" he shouted. Cheyenne stumbled, but quickly came to her senses and got up and ran. The horses spooked and broke free of their ropes and ran from danger. Cheyenne looked back and called out for Josiah but it was too late. The tree split in two as the lightning cut through it like a knife through butter. It fell so fast there was no time, Cheyenne heard Josiah urgently call out again to her "Run Annie!!!!" just as she saw half the tree fall directly on top of him. Cheyenne screamed and the branches from the tree slapped at her with the force of a kicking mule knocking her to the muddy ground and burying her beneath them. Cheyenne woke dazed and unsure of how long she had been lying there. The rain was still falling and the wind howled as it gust across the leaves of the fallen tree, and she could hear the clapping thunder in the distance. She called out for Josiah. When he did not immediately answer and come to her rescue she started to panic, "Josiah!" she screamed, as blood trickled down her cheek from the cut above her eye. Struggling to free herself from the branches of the fallen tree she grimaced with pain when she finally got to her feet and stood. Her left knee nearly giving out on her as she tried to walk and blood ran from the gash on the right side of it. "Josiah?"she cried out again, fearfully sobbing as she scanned the area for him. She saw him lying motionless partially hidden under the top branches from the burned, split tree. She painfully limped over to him. Falling to her knees next to him; a painful whimper escaped her and she sat on the wet muddy ground taking the weight off of her injured knee. She lifted Josiah's head and set it gently in her lap, brushing away the leaves and mud. "Josiah?" she spoke softly as she shook his shoulder trying to wake him. Josiah stirred and moaned against the surge of excruciating pain that swept through him. His eyes fluttered open "Annie" he spoke in a weak gravelly voice, "are, you..alright? Every word that left his lips seemed to be a struggle. Cheyenne nodded "I am alright" she lied. "The hor.. horses" he asked, "They spooked, broke their ropes, and ran" Cheyenne glanced looking around in case she could see them nearby Josiah swallowed and tried to keep his speech audible. "You ..have to .. find them" he told her "Get back.. to town.. for help." "No!" she abruptly blurted out "It will take too long, I will not leave you! "You must!" he insisted. "No!" Cheyenne argued. She carefully moved away from him gently lowering Josiah's head to the ground putting his hat underneath him. The partial tree limb was of course too heavy for her to lift alone. Try as she might, she only succeeded in causing herself more pain. Despite Josiah's objections Cheyenne was on a mission braving the still ravaging storm she quickly she set about to finding the horses and saddles. · * * * Molly had seen her fair share of storms come up off the Atlantic and rumble through the city of Baltimore but nothing she'd been through there came close to matching the ferocity of this storm. The stage was still a couple of hours from their destination, Four Corners, and there was absolutely no place to take shelter. The land here was open, flat and until this storm came through, arid and dry. The driver tried keeping the team going even through the worst of it. Once the road turned to mud they were stuck, quite literally. "It'll pass on fast enough," one of the other passengers said out loud. He had to shout to be heard over the sound of the wind and rain battering the coach. Molly only nodded as she looked out the window trying to see past the curtain of rain that obscured the world around them. With the same speed that it came upon them, the storm stopped. The driver appeared at the door and announced that the second driver had taken one of the horses to ride ahead to Four Corners for help - the coach was completely stuck and the road not fit for walking. Molly looked out and down at the road. She desperately wanted to stand up and be out of the coach but the mud looked like it'd be knee-high. At the point where Molly thought she would truly lose her sanity the sound of hoof beats could be heard coming toward them. Soon it was clear that help had arrived. Two of the male passengers stepped out of the coach. It was announced that the coach and the luggage would follow as soon as the coach could be dug out from the mud. The passengers would ride with the men who'd come from the town. The other two women passengers were lifted out of the coach and Molly waited her turn. The man that appeared in the doorway looked the picture of every western cowboy that Molly had seen in the newspapers and books back east. Nearly as tall as the coach itself he was lean, dressed in serviceable pants, shirt and jacket despite the heat that was creeping back since the rain had cooled the temperatures down. A gun-belt hung low on his hip. His hat was wide brimmed and he wore a faded red bandana around his neck. A broad smile curved beneath a short trimmed mustache. "Well hello there darlin'," he said touching the brim of his hat. "Let's get you out of this road," Molly tipped her head in a quiet thank you and reached for his hand. His much larger hand engulfed her small, gloved one. Molly had been helped out of dozens of carriages in her time. But never did the gentleman doing so invoke a strong sense of awareness this one did. Ignoring the very inappropriate and hardly ladylike sense, Molly ducked her head to clear her hat from the doorway and made a move to step as gracefully as one could in mud that looked to threaten to engulf her entire foot. The bottom third of the man’s pants and boots were caked with it. As if sensing what she was about to do both hands went to hold her upper arms, keeping her from stepping down. Molly's hands gripped his shoulders. "Now, now we don't want you gettin' those shoes or this pretty dress in the mud," he said in the same jovial manner as his initial greeting but Molly detected something else in his voice, something much more personal than propriety would allow. She felt her body being shifted and then before a proper protest could pass her lips she was in his arms and being carried over the muddied road and toward a rather large looking saddled horse. He carried her as if he carried women in this fashion every day. He set her on her feet next to the horse. "Now then that's better," he announced. "Buck Wilmington at your service, Miss..." he prompted. Reflexively, Molly placed her right foot behind her left before the one piece of advice, the one warning Dora told her to heed above all others rang in her head. Don't, under any set of circumstances, curtsey. To anyone at any time for anything. That movement, that deference to her betters had been drilled into her since she'd been able to walk. It more than anything else could give her away. She hadn't even made it to the town yet and already she was risking her future. Almost too late she stopped herself causing her to lose her balance and tumble into Mr. Wilmington. His hands reached to steady her and Molly straightened herself as if nothing happened. "O'Rourke," she responded to his question. "Molly O'Rourke. I'm to be the new school teacher in Four Corners. Thank you for your kind assistance, Mr. Wilmington." "Kids in town are mighty excited to see you," he said. "But I'm afraid the first day might have to be delayed a bit. Storm did a number on the town and the church got damaged pretty badly." Molly watched him look toward the horizon. She realized that late afternoon had turned into evening. Night had come on fast since she'd reached the prairies of the west. "We should be gettin' you to town," he said, mounting the horse. He reached a hand down to her. It was then that she realized the other passengers were gone. She was alone with Mr. Wilmington, the two drivers and two other men she didn't recognize. She was clearly expected to allow him to lift her on the horse. "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, sir," Molly began. "I've never been on horseback." "Well they say there's a first time for everything," he winked at her, again being much too forward. "Miss Molly it's gonna be dark soon and I'd like to get you safely to town before that happens." With only sight hesitation, Molly took his hand and was lifted with that same remarkable ease in front of him. Both of her legs were off to the side and she had to lean into his chest to keep from tumbling backwards. She tried to think if riding astride would be less scandalous when the horse began to move. Mr. Wilmington kept up a steady stream of conversation about the town and it s residence. It was clear he had a great deal of affection for it and those that resided in it. Molly forced herself to concentrate on his words rather than the way it felt to be cradled next to him or the way he smelled like the grasses of the prairies that surrounded them. Soon the outline of the buildings of a town came into view. It was nearly full dark and Buck slowed his pace as they reached the edge of town. The sounds of hammering and breaking glass reached her ears. As they rode down the main street it was clear the storms fury had hit the town hard. Despite the darkness people were out with lanterns and torches working to secure damaged store fronts and gather debris. Mr. Wilmington rode up to a building marked that it was the sheriff's office Several people approached them and Molly was lifted off the horse to the ground. Mr. Wilmington dismounted as the others began telling him of people hurt, buildings damaged and people missing. Molly got swept aside and stepped out of the way onto a boardwalk. As she took in the scene in front of her, one thing was clear even in the darkness of night, in the aftermath of a destructive storm, she was a world away from the high society and brownstones of Baltimore. · * * * Ezra Standish stepped off the walk into the alley. The pressure of the building storm was heavy in the air. He could feel sweat seeping down the back of his neck. Chris and Vin wanted word spread through town about the storm. Ezra had already spread word in the saloon and now worked his over to the boarding house. He caught sight of a familiar figure exiting the front door of the clapboard building. “Mrs. Clark.” Ezra called out to the young woman. She stopped shading her eyes to see him. The wind which continued to grow picked up tendrils of her blonde hair. “A word, please.” “Mr. Standish, if you’ve come to enquire as to your vest, I’ve not had a chance to finish the repairs. In fact I was on my way to Mrs. Potter’s for some thread.” She moved to step past him but he caught her wrist with a firm gentle hold. “I am not here about my vest. Our illustrious tracker, Mr. Tanner, who has spent more nights than not in the wilds, tells us that there is a storm coming.” .” He nodded his head toward the dark clouds gathering on the horizon. “He believes this storm to be particularly bad and we're asking citizens to seek cover before it arrives.” Part Two to follow ? ? Linda

Forgot to add the last of the Seven men who protect Four Corners. Nathan Jackson: A former slave and resident healer/Doctor though he has had no formal training. He used to be a stretcher barrier in the army which is where he picked up his doctoring. John Dunn aka JD: The youngest of the seven, fast with a gun, but still has a lot to learn. The story begins part two: “I should go see if Mrs. Potter needs any help.” She looked down to where Ezra still held her wrist. His thumb rubbed a small circle against the skin on the underside of her wrist. “Is that where you’ll be waiting out the storm?” “I-,” Ezra cut off her words. “It would please me to know where you’ll be and that you’ll be safe.” “Yes, I’ll stay with Mrs. Potter.” Emma tried not to think about Ezra as she moved goods from the wooden walk into Mrs. Potter’s store. His attentiveness and concern was something she hadn’t experienced from a man in a long time. She had heard the stories and rumors of the person he had been before coming to Four Corners, but that was not the man she saw now. Sudden darkness pulled Emma from her thoughts. The sun had disappeared behind rolling black clouds. Dust and dirt swirled in the street. Emma grabbed a basket of apples wishing they’d had time to bring everything in. It took both Mrs. Potter and Emma to push the door closed, wedging a sack of flour against to keep the door from swinging open. They huddled in the store room with Mrs. Potter’s two children. The raging howl of the wind outside deafened any attempt to talk. After what seemed like days, the sound of the wind died. Emma dared a look through the front windows. Glass and wood littered the road. A handful of people ran between buildings and voices screamed out for help. She watched Buck tear out of town with a pair of men headed north. Mrs. Potter’s storefront had survived without damage but the same could not be said for other businesses along the main street. Emma spared a look to the sky. Even through the quickly darkening evening, she could see the clouds remained and rolled. "You get through okay, Mrs. Clark?" JD Dunne had emerged from the sheriff's office next door. Emma liked the young man. He remained her of her brother "Yes, I was in Mrs. Potter's." "Vin says it ain't over. Says storms like this come in waves." Cheyenne found Blaze first, then Josiah's horse not far from where they had been tethered. Blaze's bridle was caught on some bushes, but he didn't spook when she approached and untangled him. Josiah's horse was nearby and easily caught too. After looking them over to be sure neither horse was injured she lead them back over to where Josiah lay trapped beneath the tree, and secured them until she could finish her other tasks. Next she found the saddles covered beneath more fallen branches jerking and pulling at them with all her strength until they loosened and finally slipped free. She then set about saddling the horses and taking the extra rope from Josiah’s mount she tied one end to Blaze's saddle horn. Then digging through the mud beneath the thick branches close to where Josiah was pinned she slid the other end of the rope under it then took that end and tied it to Josiah's mount's saddle horn making a loop under the fallen part of the tree. She positioned herself next to Josiah and bent down trying to get her arms under enough that hopefully with the horses pulling at it she could lift it just enough to free her guardian from his trap. Taking in a deep breath, she prayed her plan would work and not cause Josiah more pain. Letting her breath out she whistled and Blaze began to pull causing Josiah's horse to follow suit. She strained to lift the tree. At first nothing happened. She whistled again and called out to Blaze. "Ha!" she yelled and both he and the other mount began to once again pull, this Time the tree moved. Josiah cried out in pain. "Whoa!" she yelled and the horse stopped moving. She hurried to Josiah's side. "It's okay, I'll be all right...Keep going Annie." Hesitantly, she tried again. This time she could feel the tree lift ever so slightly. "Go Blaze pull!" she encouraged her horse. The tree limb moved; Josiah cried out again but she didn't stop the horses. She knew this was Josiah's only chance to get free. If she had gone for help as he had wanted her too, he could have very well been dead by the time she returned. Within minutes the tree was off Josiah and she called the horses to a stop and hobbled over to him. He was grimacing in pain and trying to sit up, but couldn't. He clutched at his ribs and his left leg hurt like hell. "You cannot ride," she said knowingly. "Think my legs broke Annie" Cheyenne nodded her understanding. Once again she was off ignoring her own injuries as she set about making a travois attaching it to her saddle. She'd seen her father do this many times as a small child when he would take his furs to sale in town. Once she'd finished, she helped Josiah on to it. She fastened it on to her saddle and tied Josiah's horse to hers. Once she was sure Josiah was secure, she mounted her horse, and set off back to town the wounded Josiah in tow. · * * * Molly watched the people of the town work frantically to deal with the damage. A woman on horseback who looked ready to fall off the beast came into town, a man lay on a makeshift stretcher behind them clearly hurt. Molly watched people approach them when someone came up to her. "Miss O'Rourke?" the woman's voice inquired. Molly turned to see a blond woman a few years older than her holding the hand of a young boy. The woman s apron was smudged and strands of hair had come out of the knot her hair had been arranged in. "I'm Mary Travis. I hope you came through the storm alright though there's talk of more weather on the way." "I think the stage avoided the worst of it though it got stuck. I'm very happy to see you - I hope you made it through alright?" Molly inquired. "Some broken windows but nothing too terrible. This is my son, Billy, he'll be in your class when school starts," she announced proudly. Billy looked up and gave her shy smile. "Very pleased to meet you, Mr. Travis," Molly held out her hand and the boy shyly shook it. "I have your room all ready," Mary told her, leading her down the boardwalk. "My things are still on the stage, they said they'd be bringing them once they got the coach free..." "Chris, Chris," Billy pulled from his mother’s hand and ran towards a man that if Molly didn't know better she'd think was the banshee. Dressed head to toe in black with a black gun belt hung low on his hip he walked the way she'd seen men of considerable means walk down the streets of Baltimore, his stride spoke of influence and power of a man that you did not disagree with and that you did not deny. He walked the way Darren walked. His demeanor changed only slightly as Billy ran up to him and was swung up in his arms. The shadow of a smile crossed his face. Molly stopped walking and moved off to the side, hand clasped at her waist, eyes turned down. She d made herself invisible to powerful people this way since she'd entered service when she was twelve. A man like this would pass by her and not even know she was there. As if she needed further proof of just how far away from what she knew she was she heard Mary mention her name and the sounds of footsteps approaching. Molly raised her head just enough for a showing of differential respect. "Molly this is Mr. Chris Larabee, he's one of the protectors of this town," Mary finished her introduction. He tipped his hat to her. "Ma'am," Molly gave a soft nod of acknowledgment in response. She resumed her quiet stance out of the way as Mrs. Travis and Mr. Larabee checked in with each other about damage done by the storm. Mrs. Travis explained that she was taking Molly back to her place and they'd wait out any other storms there. Mr. Larabee responded that someone named Vin though it'd be best if most folks waited the worst out in the saloon. Soon she and Mary were making their way down the boardwalk again. Chris met Ezra as he headed toward the Potter's store. Chris had seen Miss Emma helping Mrs. Potter move most of her goods in before the storm hit and guessed she waited it out there. "Mr. Tanner is under the impression that Mother Nature is not finished showing her wrath this evening," Ezra drawled in greeting. Chris nodded. "Might be a good idea to take his advice and get as many people to the saloon as possible," Chris responded. "Who is the young lady with Mrs. Travis?" Ezra nodded at the two women who were making their way inside the Clarion's storefront. "That's the school teacher, Molly O'Rourke," Chris answered. There was something about the girl that struck him as off. Judge Travis had said he knew of one of the families she'd worked as a private tutor for in Baltimore and that she came highly recommended. She'd attended some fancy finishing school and knew Latin and French. He'd expected a young woman who was more confident and though he was well aware his appearance and reputation had most people giving him a wide berth, Molly looked like she was trying hard not to be noticed, not to draw his attention. A crash of thunder that sounded more like a bundle of dynamite exploding filled the air. Ezra and Chris spared only a glance for each other as Ezra ran toward the Potter's store and Chris ran across the street for the Clarion. Lighting lit up the sky in crazy zig-zag patterns as he opened the door and ran through. "Mary?" he called out. She appeared from the back with Billy at her skirts and Molly only a few steps behind. "Mary we gotta get to the saloon," Chris said. He half prepared for an argument from the normally stubborn woman but the presence of her son had her agreeing with him. The four of them went back outside. The wind was blowing harder than the first storm. Chris picked up Billy instructing the boy to put his face against Chris's shoulder so any flying dust or debris wouldn't hit him. He spared a glance behind him to see Mary and Molly struggling against skirts blowing around their legs. Molly gripped Mary's hand tight, the wind pushing from all directions. The thunder sounded again and Molly froze when lighting struck the top of a weather-vain on top of a building across the street. Suddenly something struck her forehead causing her to stumble and go to her knees bringing Mary with her. The world spun in a crazy dance and darkness pricked the edge of her vision. Then she was being lifted, held against something solid and the smell of prairie grass filled her nose. "I gotch'a darlin'," Mr. Wilmington's voice reassured. Soon she was being lowered down and she could hear many voices around her. Something was being pressed against her forehead. "We'll have Nathan take a look at'cha soon," he said. Molly nodded but the movement caused a spike of pain to flow through her head. She wanted to speak but it was taking all her effort not to go into the darkness that still threatened at the edges. "Now you stay awake for me, you hear?" Mr. Wilmington's voice commanded gently. Not wanting to risk more pain by nodding Molly reached for his hand and squeezed it. He moved to sit next to her, his hand still holding hers as the world fell apart outside. · * * "Emma?" Ezra's voice was lost in the howl of the wind. He pushed on the door to the Potter store. He clung to the door handle as the wind threatened to pull him down the street. The door opened from inside sending Ezra tumbling through the doorway. Mrs. Potter stood over him her face twisted in a scowl. "Mrs. Potter, I am pleased to see that you have survived without any damage. But the storm seems to have returned bringing as Mr. Sanchez would say, 'the wrath of God'. Mr. Larabee is trying to gather everyone in the saloon together." "You can tell Mr. Larabee that we are quite secure here. I'm not taking my children out in that." She pointed to the dust and rain swirling outside the windows. Ezra had never found it productive to argue with the widow and could only nod his head. "I believe that Mrs. Clark is here, as well?" "Yes." She turned toward the back room. "Emma." Mrs. Potter's daughter slunk into the doorway. "Where's Emma?" "She went to get Mr. Cat. The back door blew open and he ran out." Ezra pushed past Mrs. Potter to the back room. He saw nothing but blackness. Night had over taken the town with the resurgence of the storm. He felt his way along the back of the buildings calling out for her but the only response was the cries of the wind. **** "Damn cat." Emma swore as she grabbed for the animal and missed. She should have let the cat fend for itself, but Alice Potter had started to cry. She knew how much this cat meant to the little girl. It was the last gift her father had given her before his murder. In the darkness, Emma could barely make out shapes. Was that movement to her right? She turned away from the building, fighting against the wind to follow the cat. She stopped at a sound fighting against the wind. Was that her name? Was someone calling her? The wind swallowed the rest of the sound. She pushed ahead, the air thick and heavy. A shock of lightning struck a tree ahead of Emma. She fell backwards, her head striking the ground. The world had gone silent. Her eyes were open but all she saw was blackness. Not the blackness of the night but the blackness of nothingness. Her hands grasped for something to hold on to, rolling to her stomach. She pushed up to her knees. The air smelled of smoke. Deep ragged breaths came from her chest. Town would be to her right. She couldn't be more than a few feet from the saloon or another building. Her steps were hesitant. The world remained dark and silent. She called out, hoping someone, anyone would hear. Her hands searched the air frantically for anything, but found nothing. **** Ezra entered the saloon through the kitchen. The main room was a mess of voices and sounds. People huddled in groups, seeking comfort from the raging storm outside. He spotted Chris on the far side of the room speaking with Mary Travis. Ezra's eyes searched the room's occupants for Emma. "I thought you were bringing Mrs. Potter and her kids." "I endeavored to convince her that the safer spot to wait out the storm was here, but she refused my invitation. She believes that she and her children are safer there. And I did not wish to attempt to carry an unwilling Mrs. Potter over here." A smile tugged on the corner of their mouths at the thought of Ezra trying to carry Mrs. Potter anywhere. "Have either of you seen Emma?" "No." Mary shook her head. "I haven't seen her since the storm began." "I thought she was with the Potters." Chris was sure he had seen her there. He searched the crowded room just as Ezra had been doing. "She was, however, the young Miss Potter's feline companion decided that the storm would make an excellent time for a getaway. Em--Mrs. Clark was attempting to retrieve the animal and I have been unable to locate her." "I'm sure she's fine." Mary laid a hand on Ezra's arm. It hadn't escaped her that he had twice referred to the young widow by her first name. "She probably just holed up somewhere else till this passes." · * * Vin held tight to his hat as he trudged urgently onward along the wooden walk toward the boarding house where he and Nathan had taken the injured Josiah and Cheyanne earlier. He ducked protecting his eyes as blowing debris and dirt whirled past him. Chris had thought it best if they would get everyone they could into one place, namely the saloon, in hopes it would be safer than trying to hunker down and weather the impending storm on their own. Vin was on his way to help Nathan bring in Josiah and Cheyanne, but by the looks of things now. He wasn't sure they were going to be able get back. ** Nathan had already talked it over with Mrs. Kimball the proprietor of the building earlier that day and made plans to use the boarding house as a make shift hospital in anticipation of people getting caught and hurt in the storm even before the first wave had hit. So when Josiah and Cheyanne had arrived back in town wounded and drenched it had been the first place he brought them Now with the second half of the violent storm hitting even harder he was doubly glad he had. He just prayed there would be no casualties. He looked over at the still sleeping Josiah and wondered how the man could sleep threw the thundering and banging against the outside walls of the building as the wind unleashed its fury. He hadn't even stirred earlier when Nathan and Mrs. Kimball had bound the splints along both sides of his broken leg to keep it straight and set in place while it would heal over the next few weeks. ** Mrs. Kimball sat nervously behind the front desk praying for a quick end to the violent weather outside. She jumped every time she heard the thunder crack or something outside slam into the building. So when Vin practically blew through the door as he entered she nearly fell off her chair startled to the point of screaming. “Good Lord!” she exclaimed as Vin pushed against the door to shut it just as the rain started to beat down with a vengeance. “Sorry ma’am,” Vin apologized quickly. “Chris thinks it's best if we all wait this thing out at the saloon, thinks it'll be a might safer there. I'll gather up the others if you'll wait right here.” Mrs. Kimball nodded to afraid to move anyway. Just as Vin opened the door to Josiah's room Josiah's eyes opened scanning the room from wall to wall finally setting on Nathan. “Where am I?” he asked momentarily forgetting what had happened. Before Nathan could answer Vin spoke as he entered the room. “We need to get him to the saloon, storms get'n worse, Chris thinks we'll all be safer there.” But before they'd take a step forward it sounded as if rocks were pounding down on the roof top and windows. Suddenly they heard the unmistakable sound of breaking glass shattering and the howling wind sounding as if it had broken threw the walls then a scream from upstairs cut through the air like a knife. “Cheyanne?” Josiah asked desperately, “where's Cheyanne?” “I'll get ‘er, Nathan get Josiah ready to move” Vin ordered as he ran out the door sprinting past Mrs. Kimball and up the stairs taking two at a time. ** Cheyanne had already been awake when the roaring wind and rain began pounding at her window. She had gotten out of bed to brave a look outside when the white rocks as her people called the hail that had begun to slam into the window frightened her. She had grabbed the small quilt from the end of her bed and threw it around her shoulders and was making her way to the door when her window abruptly shattered causing a surprised and fearful scream to escape her. The wind blew wildly threw the window tossing hail and rain threw the opening and blowing in debris from outside, knocking over anything inside the room that wasn't nailed down. Cheyanne had tried desperately to open the door but unable to do so against the pressure of the wind. She fell to the floor crawling into a corner of the room and huddled there. Vin slammed himself against the door to Cheyanne's room trying to open it calling out for her. He pushed and leaned into it until he thought he would break his shoulder before the door gave way. When finally it did give way and he burst through it. “Cheyanne!” he called out over the sound of the howling, scanning the room for her. Then he spotted her and quickly made his way over to her. Helping her to stand then taking her hand he led the way out of the room. Cheyanne, though limping from her injured knee, fallowed close behind him with a deadly grip on his hand and the other holding tight to the quilt around her shoulders. By the time they had reached the bottom step Nathan and Josiah were in the lobby Josiah leaning on Nathan for support and trying to keep from putting weight on his broken leg. Mrs. Kimball was doing her best to help Nathan, Vin quickly went over and took her place with Cheyanne next to him “you two stay close” he encouraged the two women. Before they could get to the door another window shattered on the other side of the lobby. They could see how intense the storm had become in just a short while. “Were' not gonna make it” Vin announced he'd been afraid of this to begin with but wasn't sorry he'd come. “Best we hunker down here and ride it out. Nathan, can you and Mrs. Kimball find some blankets and pillows maybe a lantern? Maybe we can hold up in Josiah's room only one window in there and we can tip the bed over in front of it. Nathan agreed and helped Vin to move the bed and set it up against the window then moved the heavy dresser against it to hold it there should the window break and the wind threaten to knock it over. He helped to get Josiah settled in then hurried to help Mrs. Kimball find more blankets and whatever else they may need to settle in for what was sure to be a rough night. ** When morning finally came, the winds had died; the rain and hail had stopped The sun began to show itself. Vin's eyes fluttered open he smiled inwardly as he looked down at the still slumbering Cheyanne who had fallen asleep sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall between he and Josiah, sometime during the night she'd repositioned and her head was now leaning against his shoulder her blanket lay over her and down into her lap. Mrs. Kimball leaned against the wall not far from him with a pillow behind her head and wrapped in a blanket. Nathan was on the other side of her. Vin tried to move slowly as not to wake her but as he stirred Cheyanne's eyes slowly opened. “Mornin’,” Vin greeted her with a smile, trying to hide the fact that he enjoyed her leaning against him. Embarrassed when she realized where she had been laying her head, Cheyanne quickly moved away causing Vin to break out in a bigger grin; but tried to conceal it as not to embarrass her more. Within moments the others one by one opened there eyes and began to wake. “Listen,” Nathan broke the silence They all turned to him “It's stopped, I think it's over.” Smiles crossed every ones lips and while Nathan and Vin helped Josiah to stand with Cheyanne doing what she could. Mrs. Kimball made her way over to the door and opened it. Tables and chairs lay disheveled all over the floor, curtains were blown off, paper and debris lay everywhere. She made her way to the front door that miraculously had sustained very little damage and opened it. Walking outside within a few minutes the others were standing beside her. The devastation they beheld was unbelievable. · * * The storm had lasted the rest of the night. Molly was exhausted. Afraid of having her fall asleep before a man named Nathan could look at her, Mr. Wilmington had kept her awake telling stories of adventures he'd had most of which were just outrageous enough that Molly thought he was making them up and most of which included a friend of his named Chris. It became clear as he told his stories that Chris was the Chris Larabee Mary had introduced her to. Mr. Wilmington had to have been just as tired as she was and a couple of times she urged him to sleep. As the morning drew near, the storm dissipated until the early sunrise began to show through the windows. People began to cautiously venture outside to look over the damage. Mr. Wilmington helped Molly to stand, the side of her forehead was throbbing and all she wanted was to take a hot bath and sleep. She'd never gotten to change out of her gritty travel clothes after arriving in town. She had taken her hat off at Mrs. Travis's and her hair, which had been arranged in a chignon, was now in complete disarray. Slowly she let Mr. Wilmington lead her to the saloon doorway. He called out to a young man, addressing him as JD" and asking where Nathan was. "He's at the boarding house," the young man answered acknowledging Molly by touching the brim of his hat the style of which reminded Molly of the men back east. "Looks like they got hit pretty hard. Saw Vin with Cheyanne though and he said they came through it okay." Another man approached them. Though his clothes were dusty they were of high quality suggesting a person of wealth. "I'm hoping I can impose upon you gentlemen to form a search party with me. It seems Mrs. Clark may be missing," his heavy southern accent was laced with worry. "I'd be glad to go with you, Ezra, but Molly here's been hurt and I need to get her to Nathan," Mr. Wilmington replied. "I'll take her to Nathan," Mr. Larabee's voice replied. "Buck, you and JD go with Ezra. We should also see if anyone else might be missing." Molly did not want Mr. Larabee taking her anywhere. Mr. Wilmington had taken care of her and he was really the only person she knew here. He put both his hands on her shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze. "This here's the Chris I was telling you about last night. He's gonna take you to Nathan have him take a look at that bump on your pretty head there alright?" Molly swallowed hard and nodded. What other choice did she have? I'll come check up on you later," he said before going off with JD and Ezra to look for the missing woman. "Think you can walk?" Mr. Larabee asked her. Molly nodded again though she was far from sure of her footing. The last thing in the world she wanted was for this man to have to carry her through the streets of the town. Mr. Larabee took a hold of her arm as she stepped down from the boardwalk to the street. Her knees nearly gave out as a wave of dizziness hit her and her stomach rolled in protest. If there were a God in heaven she would not vomit in front of his man. His arm came around her back steadying her. "I'm sorry, I just need a moment," Molly said softly gathering her wits about her. One foot in front of the other was all she had to accomplish. "That's a pretty nasty bump on your head. Maybe it's not such a good idea you walking," Mr. Larabee said to her. A lot more people were out and about now and she was well aware of several of them taking interest in the new woman being braced in the arms of one of their protectors. It was not the first impression she wanted to give them. Her response was to start walking; keeping her eyes focused down to keep the dizziness at bay she put one foot in front of the other having to trust that Mr. Larabee would lead her in the right direction. Soon they reached the boarding house and Mr. Larabee helped her up onto the board walk. He called for Nathan and a tall dark skinned man appeared. "Molly O'Rourke, new school teacher. Buck said she got hit in the head last night on her way to the saloon," Mr. Larabee's voice spoke. "Come on, honey, let's get you inside and take a look at that," his deep voice was gentle as he took her arm and led her inside the boarding house. Several beds had been lined up in the main parlor. It reminded Molly of the hospital where Miss Laura had volunteered. A man lay in one of the beds, his leg in a splint, his eyes closed and a young woman who appeared to be Indian sitting next to him. Nathan led her to another bed and helped her sit. His fingers began touching her head carefully and in spite of herself Molly cried out in pain. "You're gonna have a nice sized goose-egg there for a while I'm afraid," Nathan said to her. "I want you to stay here for a little while so that I can watch you." Molly saw over his shoulder that more people were being brought inside that were clearly hurt and she wondered if he had anyone to help him. She didn't want to take up a bed that may be needed for someone more hurt than she was. She began to protest when he cut her off. "I want you to just lay down for while alright? Keep this cold cloth on your head and I'll check on you later," his tone brokered no argument as he gently he pressed her back into the bed and placed the cloth on her head. Before she realized it sleep over took her. Cheyanne spent the morning helping Nathan by fetching water, bandages and anything else he needed. She liked being useful though she tried hard to avoid most of the town's people. She also spent time watching over Josiah who was sleeping off and on. Most of the town's people who were hurt only required patching up. The only other person in a bed besides Josiah was the girl that Chris Larabee had brought in. She had long reddish hair and dark eyes. She had been sleeping the last few hours and was now starting to stir and was softly talking. Suddenly her body jerked and she began yelling, "Mr. Thomas stop...Brendan, Brendan help us..." She sat upright just as Nathan came rushing into the room. "What happened?" Nathan asked Cheyanne. "A nightmare I think," she answered him knowingly. Nathan had been the one to tend to her after her own real life nightmare. Cheyanne watched Nathan approach the girl and speak quietly to her. Their voices were soft but it was clear that she was denying anything was wrong. It was also clear to Cheyanne that she wasn't being truthful. Something had happened to that girl It was also clear that she wanted to leave the boarding house and that Nathan wasn't so sure it was a good idea. Then Nathan called Cheyanne over. She stood and made her way to them. "This here's Cheyanne, she's a friend of mine. Cheyanne this is Molly O Rourke, the new school teacher. Can you walk with her over to Mrs. Travis's? Come get me if she gets in a bad way? Josiah's just gonna keep sleepin' for now anyway." Cheyanne nodded and satisfied Nathan led them to the door. "Thank you for everything you've done for me, Nathan," Molly said as they reached the door. Nathan made her promise to come see him if she got faint or dizzy and only after she agreed did he let them go out the door. "What possessed Emma to go out in that damn storm?" Buck asked as they saddled their horses. Ezra tensed at Buck's use of Emma's first name. He had seen Buck flirt often with the seamstress, though she always rebuffed him. At least in public she had. Ezra relayed the story of the Potter cat. "A cat? She went after a cat?" Buck didn't know as much about tracking as Vin, but more than the other two. Even with his skills, not even Vin could have followed any trail Emma might have made. The storm had left the surrounding area a muddy mess. Any footprints she might have made were long gone. The three moved west from town thinking that Emma might have been turned around in the dark and stumbled away blindly into the storm. They stayed within visual distance of one another as they scoured the area. Any places a person might have taken refuge in the storm were few and far between out here. Scrub brush lay in battered clumps in the drying mud. Ezra felt any hope he had at finding Emma sinking fast. He pulled his horse to a halt near an outcropping of rocks. Four Corners was still visible behind him, but far enough away to be just a hazy shape on the horizon. He drew a long drink from the flask he always carried. He wondered if anyone even knew if she had family that should be told. A faint moan from behind the rocks pulled him from his thoughts. Ezra hopped down from his horse and his heart stopped for a second when he saw her. "Emma." Ezra dropped to his knees next to the woman. She was curled into a fetal position pressed against the rocks. She was dirty, her dress torn, but he didn't see any obvious injuries. "Emma? Can you hear me?" "Gr-Grace," her voice was a whisper. Her eyes fluttered open for a second. Emma is my mother." Ezra stood and fired his revolver into the air to draw Buck and JD to him. Buck was the first to arrive. Neither man needed to speak. They both could see that she needed to get to Nathan as soon as possible. Ezra mounted his horse and let Buck lift Emma into his arms. Her eyes opened again for a moment as she was settled against him. "Ezra?" Her voice weak and crackling, he still liked the way his name sounded coming from her. He tightened his arm around her. "I do believe I asked you to take refuge during the storm, not chase errant felines." He thought he saw a trace of smile around her mouth. JD rode ahead to let people know that Emma had been found. The pace returning was slower than Ezra wanted, but it was difficult to ride and keep Emma from falling from the horse. Buck did his best in helping to lead the gambler's mount. Ezra tried asking Emma more questions but she had slipped into unconsciousness. Her body shook as if chilled but Ezra could feel her hot, damp skin. Ezra hadn't bothered to notice the state of the town before they left. But now he saw it as they rode down the main street. Broken boards and glass littered the ground wherever he looked. The sounds of hammering could be heard as some began the long rode of repairs. Nathan and Vin waited in front of the boarding house. Vin took Emma's limp body from Ezra. He looked to Nathan for direction. "We're full up in here." He jerked a thumb behind him. "How bad is she?" "Nothing appears broken, but she's running a fever." Ezra dropped down from his horse. "What about her own room?" Ezra couldn't see the older boarding house from here to see how it had survived. "Place half collapsed. She might be lucky to get some of her things out of there but no one's going to be staying there for a while." "Then we'll put her in my room. In the saloon." The suggestion was met with raised eyebrows and silence. "I am assuming that the saloon survived the storm and that I am not half-owner to half a building." "Survived just fine, but-," Nathan wasn't sure how sure how to say what they all were thinking. JD, however had no problem blurting out the question. "But is that proper?" "At this time, I am not concerned with propriety." Lily Patterson swept broken glass from the front windows. It would be weeks before everything in the saloon was repaired. Though she knew that wouldn't stop folks from coming to drink. The saloon had managed to weather most of the storm without damage. A few windows would need to be replaced and there was a hole in the roof above one of the spare rooms. Luckily, her and Ezra's rooms were spared any damage. She hadn't relished the idea of trying to replace her wardrobe. She looked up as Vin came through the swinging doors carrying Emma Clark. Ezra was right behind them. "Ezra? What's going on?" She didn't know the young widow well, except to have her make a pair of dresses. But she seemed to be a well-bred and well educated woman. "She was caught up in the storm. It seems our makeshift hospital is full, so I'm going to put her in my room." "Your room?" The disapproval was evident in her tone. "Yes, I am quite aware of how that might appear. However, at this moment my only interest is seeing that she receives the care she needs." Lily followed Ezra and Vin up the stairs. Those in town, more proper than her, already spun wild tales since she and Ezra kept rooms under the same roof. If word spread that Emma was ensconced in his room, things for the young woman would be far worse. "Put her in my room." "It was not my intention for you to offer your room, Lily." Lily nodded to Vin as he hovered in the hall unsure what to do. He pushed open the door to Lily's room and disappeared inside. She smiled at Ezra and gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "I know that your intentions are far more decent than most would assume." She had seen the way Ezra looked at the seamstress when she came into the saloon. Lily had also seen the stolen glances from Emma at Ezra when she thought no one was looking. "Tread carefully." ? ? Linda

Cheyanne was quiet as she and Molly walked slowly in the direction of Mary Travis's Clarion office keeping her eyes adverted from any other passing townspeople. The way some of them looked at her, made her self-conscious, she knew it was because she was half Indian and maybe because she lived in the church with Josiah, either way, it gave her an uneasy feeling and she shied away from them. The girl walking next to her seemed to have that same uneasiness and Cheyanne wondered if it had anything to do with the obvious nightmare she'd undergone at the boarding house; though she had denied that there had been anything wrong. The half Indian girl had seen something in the girl’s eyes that told a different story. Cheyanne still limped somewhat from the injury on her knee and it made her stride a little slower. It was the first time Molly had taken notice. “Are you going to be all right?” she asked concerned. Cheyanne gave her a timid smile and nodded “It is not so bad now.” Molly managed a small smile herself and again an awkward silence fell between them. After all they had just been quickly introduced and neither of them felt completely comfortable in the situation. But Molly being the more forward was determined to make conversation and ease the uncomfortable silence. Besides it helped to take her mind from her still pounding head and off of the awful nightmare she had just experienced. “I do appreciate you walking with me Miss Cheyanne?” She commented. “It is nothing” she assured the school teacher sparing a glance her way. “The man you were taking care of is he your husband?” Molly asked her inquisitive nature coming forth. This suddenly made Cheyanne nearly laugh out loud she tried to stifle her laughter and it came out making a not so lady like sound from her nose. After all how could this woman know, she hadn't been in town for more than a few hours and had just been recently introduced to her. “No,” she replied shyly keeping her amusement at anyone thinking Josiah was her husband at bay. He was more like a father to her than anything else, a father and her best and dearest friend. Embarrassed that she must have said something wrong, Molly didn't think it was funny at all. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry.” She apologized. “No, no,” Cheyanne tried to ease Molly's embarrassment, she felt bad that she may have insulted the school teacher. “He is my, how do you say, (in French)gardien? He has cared for me since..” Cheyanne's demeanor suddenly changed to a more solemn one “My father was killed.” She finished. “I see” Molly sympathized. “I'm very sorry for your loss.” Cheyanne gave her a short nod of acceptance but kept her eyes forward. Just before they reached Mrs. Travis's Cheyanne stopped in front of one of the shops peering in from where she stood threw the picture window with the word Seamstress in white lettering painted across it. Molly thought this odd but made no mention of it. Seeing no one inside Cheyanne continued on her way with the new school teacher; concern for her friend that worked in that shop weighing heavily on her mind. When they had finally reached the Clarion Mary Travis met them at the door. “Miss O'Rourke, please come in, let's see if we can get you settled in this time.” She said putting a comforting arm around Molly's shoulder. “Cheyanne, how is Josiah? I heard that the two of you got caught outside in the first wave of the storm, are you all right?” She asked noticing the bandage above Cheyanne's right eye. Cheyanne gave her a short nod, “I am fine, Nathan says Josiah will heal with rest.” “I'm glad to hear it” Mary said at the same time her attention changed and she abruptly adverted her eyes from the girls to what was taking place down the street behind them. “Oh thank goodness they must have found her.” She breathed a sigh of relief, “I hope she will be all right.” Cheyanne and Molly turned to see what Mary was looking at. They saw Vin carrying someone inside the saloon but they were too far for Cheyanne to make out who it was. “Someone was lost?” Molly asked turning back toward Mary “Yes,” she answered “Emma Clark the town’s seamstress.” Cheyanne's head snapped back around and her eyes met Mary's “Emma is missing?” “Yes, I'm sorry Cheyanne, I thought you knew. “ Cheyanne's face mirrored her distress and concern for the only female friend she had ever known. “I must go,” she said and promptly left the two women standing there as she hurried toward the saloon. Had it not been for her still injured knee she would have been on a dead run. When she reached the saloon Cheyanne nearly burst through doorway but stopped short. Taking in a deep breath and summoning her courage before carefully pushing open the swinging doors and cautiously walking threw them. Her eyes darted back and forth wary of the bars patrons who, though few, were busy getting the room back in order and ready for business. She had never entered this place alone; only once or twice with Josiah at her side. The odor of smoke, cigars, and alcohol still lingered attacking her nostrils and the smell nearly sickened her. All eyes seemed to be staring at her as she searched for a familiar face. “Cheyanne!” She heard a well-known voice call out her name and looked up to see Vin coming down the stairs. Seeing how unnerved Cheyanne was Vin hurried over to her and put a protective arm around her shoulders. “You heard about Emma didn't ya?” He asked knowing full well she would have never entered the saloon on her own for any other reason than an emergency. Cheyanne answered him with a timid nod. “She's upstairs Nathans with her, c'mon I'll take ya to her.” Vin said leading her toward the stairs. As they reached the top Ezra was still waiting outside Lily's door for Nathan to emerge. He tipped the brim of his hat to her. “Cheyanne, I see you ve come to check on the well-being of our mutual friend Mrs. Clark.” Her only comment was to ask, “how bad?” “I am awaiting Mr. Jackson's report as we speak.” Ezra answered. The words no sooner out of his mouth than the door opened and Nathan walked out drying his newly washed hands on a small towel. “Nathan?” Cheyanne spoke up clearly troubled “Emma?” “She'll be alright” he said trying to sooth the girl’s concern. “Her fever's startin’ to come down, she's got a sprained ankle, that's gonna take some time to heal. Other than that just some bruises, she just needs some rest is all.” “I can see her?” Cheyanne asked him. “Not too long now” he answered her. “I want her to get some sleep, she's had quite an experience out there in that storm all alone.” Cheyanne nodded her understanding. And Nathan moved aside giving her room to enter when Vin gently touched her elbow and stopped her. “I'll wait here n' see ya get back to Josiah.” “Now now Mr. Tanner,” Ezra interrupted, “there's no need for you to bother yourself, I'm sure you have other pressing duties awaiting you. I would be honored to see that our dear Cheyanne gets to her destination safely.” He offered with a broad smile at Cheyanne. Both Nathan and Vin looked at Ezra surprised and suspicious at their friend’s volunteering. It wasn't like the gambler to go out of his way to voluntarily help anyone. “T'aint no bother Ezra,” Vin bit out somewhat annoyed. He wasn't sure what it was but he would bet money the man was up to something mischievous. “I assure you my intentions are strictly honorable sir.” Ezra stated seeing the uncertainty in his companions’ faces. “I have yet to check in on Josiah s well-being and as such escorting Cheyanne back to him will give me the perfect opportunity.” Vin took in a deep breath and let it out still wary, he looked over at Cheyanne. She gave him a small smile and a nod letting him know that she didn't mind and turned to enter Emma's room. Of course she really didn't need anyone to see her home, she was perfectly able to do that herself, but an escort through the saloon downstairs was very much appreciated. “I need to get back over to the boarding house and check on some folks, I told Miss Lily to send for me if there's a problem.” Nathan said still holding the towel he'd been drying his hands with. “I'll go with ya,” Vin volunteered. “Best go see if Chris is needin’ help anyhow.” Ezra watched as the two men made their way back down the stairs. Indeed he did have an ulterior motive for escorting Cheyanne back to the boarding house and he had no intention of letting that be known. Something Emma had said when he had found her had puzzled him. Cheyanne being the girl’s close friend may be able to help him make sense of it and this was the perfect opportunity to ask her about it. As Cheyanne entered the room Lily had just finished making sure Emma was comfortable. She smiled when she noticed Cheyanne, and walked over to her laying a gentle hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Don't stay to long, she needs her rest,” she whispered. The half breed girl gave her a shy nod that she understood and made her way over to Emma's bedside as Lily left the room. Sitting in a chair that was next to the bed, Cheyanne reached over and touched Emma's hand letting her know she was there. Emma's eyes flickered open and she braved a smile when she saw her friend. “Cheyanne,” her voice still sounding a little raspy. “How are you feeling?” Cheyanne asked “Better now” Emma answered her as she tried to sit up to visit with her friend. “Lie still,” Cheyanne encouraged her, “you should not move.” Finding it harder to sit up than she thought she did as her friend suggested. “What happened?” Cheyanne asked “You should not have been out in the storm?” “I know” Emma agreed annoyed with herself “It was Mrs. Potter’s little girl, her cat got scared and ran off, the poor little girl was beside herself.” Cheyanne shook her head somewhat displeased then smiled at her friend’s compassion. “Animals instinct is to take shelter, you should have done so too.” Emma agreed. ”Oh don't scold me Cheyanne,” she told her holding in a grin at her friend’s reprimand. “How,” she paused feeling tired, “how was your visit with your grandfather?” Cheyanne could see the girl was exhausted. “I will tell you another time.” She said as she stood. “For now you must rest, I will come again tomorrow.” There was much to tell her friend of her visit to her mother’s village and getting caught in the storm. But there would be another time. Emma smiled and her eye's began to close as sleep over took her. Cheyanne made her way quietly out of the room and softly shut the door behind her. Ezra stood in the hall way waiting for her. “I trust our Mrs. Clark is resting comfortably?” “Yes.” Cheyanne answered. “Well then shall we check in on Mr. Sanchez?” He asked offering her his arm. Cheyanne accepted the gambler’s arm with a small smile and slipped her hand around his elbow. Ezra amused her, made her laugh with his southern style and decorous. He always had an angle always searching for that next money making scheme. But she could see that deep down Ezra Standish had a heart, probably made of real gold. As they made their way down the stairs into the saloon Cheyanne held tighter to Ezra's arm. There were stragglers sitting now and drinking instead of outside helping where they could, making the half breed girl nervous. Feeling Cheyanne's grip tighten Ezra reach over with his other arm and patted the girl’s hand in an attempt to comfort her. “Now, now my dear, nothing to fear I promise you.” Cheyanne didn't ease her grip until they were outside and walking away from the saloon. They walked in silence for a bit while Ezra tried to determine the best way to approach Cheyanne with his question. Deciding to just come out with it he spoke up. “Cheyanne, how well do you know Mrs. Clark?” Cheyanne stopped and let her hand drop from Ezra's arm and looked at him quizzically. “Why would you ask this?” “Please,” Ezra explained. “I am only curious about something, has she ever mentioned the name Grace to you?” “No.” Cheyanne's furrowed brow displayed her puzzlement to Ezra's off the wall question. “I see, well no matter” Ezra remarked. Not wanting to make a big deal of his curiosity. “Shall we continue on then?” He again offered her his arm. This time Cheyanne hesitated still confused about Ezra's inquiry. She made a mental note to ask Emma about it the next time she saw her., taking Ezra's arm once more. Ezra tried to make small talk as they walked in an attempt to dismiss his question about Emma. “I trust your visit with your Grandfather was a pleasing one?” Cheyanne only nodded her reply as they made their way to the boarding house with Ezra making idol conversation. When they reached the impromptu hospital Josiah was awake and being a very difficult patient, desperately trying to get out of bed and Nathan was doing his best to keep the man from getting up and possibly injuring himself further. “Annie!” Josiah bellowed when he saw Cheyanne with Ezra coming over to him. “Where have you been?” He scolded. “I was worried about you, and what are you doing with Ezra!?” He asked his demeanor somewhat confused at his ward’s uncharacteristic companion. “I take offense at that Josiah,” he boasted. “I merely escorted the young lady back from paying a visit to her injured friend Mrs. Clark and this is the thanks I get?!” He really wasn't offended but he pretended to be. Josiah quieted. “Sorry Ezra, I didn't know Emma'd been hurt.” He apologized to Cheyanne. “Now both of you help me up so I can go home and see how the church fared the storm.” Nathan looked at Cheyanne and threw his hands in the air irritated with Josiah's stubbornness “You deal with him, I got work to do” Cheyanne smiled at Nathan’s exasperation with Josiah. Her smiled turned serious when she looked over at her guardian. “You should stay still,” she huffed pointing her finger at him. “You have broken two ribs and a broken leg, you cannot go home. I have seen the church, it is not so bad.” She chastised. She had gone home earlier that morning to change and seen the damage for herself. The front door of the church was hanging ajar from one broken hinge. A couple of broken windows a few benches knocked over. As far as the rooms in back that Josiah had remodeled into living quarters for Cheyanne had been spared any real damage. Although the corral and barn he had been working on were a shambles he would need to start it all over again She had also checked in on the horses at the livery being worried about her pinto especially. Though some of the equine had scattered her beloved Blaze had made it through unscathed. “Well I can heal at home just as well as I can layin’ here. Ezra, help me up ” He demanded as he tried to swing his broken leg over the side of the bed and sit up grimacing slightly from a small twinge of pain in his ribs. “Oh no, I'll not be a party to you absconding from doctor’s orders Josiah I ll come back when you’re in a more agreeable state of mind.” He grinned, amused by Josiah's insistence and stubbornness and just as amused at Cheyanne trying to play mother hen. Tipping his hat to Cheyanne, “good day my dear and good luck, you’re going to need it.” He chuckled as he turned and left. Cheyenne folded her arms and glowered down at Josiah, her slender body rigid with determination, a familiar stance the older man had seen the younger woman use many times before. Within a few minutes they were surprised by Nathan’s return pushing an old wheel chair in front of him. Cheyanne recognized it as the same one used when JD had been shot and was unable to get around on his own for a while. “You’re so darn anxious to go home, I got ya a ride,” Nathan said helping Josiah into the chair. “You win” he told him, then turned his attention to Cheyanne. “You be alright looking after him alone?” “I will be fine,” she answered giving Josiah a stern look. “Alright then, I'll give ya a hand getting him settled in. Maybe then we might get some peace and quiet around here.” Josiah gave them both a wide grin happy he'd gotten his way after all. Molly watched Cheyanne hurry toward the saloon to check on her friend. She found herself curious about the woman and what she said was her relationship to the man with the broken leg. Before she could think on it further, Mrs. Travis led her back to the room that was to be hers. She'd only gotten a cursory glance at it before Mr. Larabee came to get them during the storm. It was a lovely room with a large window that was open part way to let in a breeze that fluttered ivory lace curtains. The bed had an iron headboard with scroll work and a cozy looking patchwork quilt covering it. A large high-boy dresser with a mirror had a white pitcher and bowl on top and a small desk and chair completed the furniture in the room. Molly also noticed a small closet in the corner and was happy to see her trunk had been placed against it. Mrs. Travis explained that while she was free to always use the front door, the back door was closest to Molly's room and provided her with a key that would work in both locks. Molly was grateful that Mrs. Travis didn't seem to find it necessary to impose any rules about coming and going. After Mrs. Travis left her to get settled Molly couldn't get out of her clothes fast enough. Desperate for a real bath she settled for using the water left in the pitcher to wash as best as she could. Locating a clean dress and her other toiletries in her trunk Molly brushed and rearranged her hair and got dressed. The process left her exhausted and she lay on the bed to close her eyes for a few minutes before going to see if Mrs. Travis needed help. Mary looked up at the sound of the bells hanging over her door twinkling as it opened. She smiled as Buck Wilmington made his way inside removing his hat as he did so. "Afternoon, Ms. Travis. Wanted to check in see how the place fared through the storm," he asked jovially. "We fared pretty well. Some of the wood siding outside in the back will have to be replaced I'm afraid but it could have been worse." "That's good. I also wanted to check on Ms. O'Rourke, Nathan said that she left with Cheyanne a few hours ago." "She seems to be doing alright considering and I'm sure she'd appreciate a visit but I'm afraid she's asleep. I'll let her know you stopped by," Mary said. "Would you mind terribly if I just peaked in on her?" Buck asked good-naturedly. "Just to ease my mind that she's okay?" Mary hesitated. She didn't want to have any gossip run rapid about the new teacher before she'd even begun her position - the wrong person hearing that Buck Wilmington, notorious ladies-man, had been in Molly's room could ruin the young woman's reputation. "I'd just be the fastest minute," Buck stated. Mary nodded. "A very fast minute Buck," she said letting the warning hang in the air. Buck quietly walked down the hallway to the last room and softly knocked on the door. When there was no answer he slowly opened the door to see Molly laying sound asleep on the bed. The late afternoon sunlight was coming in brightly through the window highlighting her rich auburn hair that she'd arranged back into place. Buck had liked seeing her long hair unconfined when they'd been sitting together in the saloon. Her face was peaceful though a large bruise marred the skin on her forehead. He'd swear that his heart had stopped when he saw her drop after the sign had hit her. He shook the image from his mind as he took a step into the room. Something about this girl drew Buck in from the first moment he saw her on the stage coach. Buck could find something to enjoy about any woman he encountered from the joy he got hearing a little girl giggle in play to trusting in the wisdom of a gray-haired grandmother. He'd indulged in his share of young women that was true and enjoyed the company of them all. But Molly was different in her quiet, shy but strong way. He found himself wanting to know all about her, to divulge all her secrets and learn what put that beautiful smile on her face. Despite himself, Buck took another step toward the bed and placed the back of his hand against her face and traced a soft pattern. Her skin was so soft... The soft sound of a throat clearing caused Buck to jump back and turn toward the door. Mary looked at him as if he were Billy and had just tried sneaking off with pieces of the penny candy she kept on the counter of the Clarion office. Buck placed his hat on his head and nodded toward her before hurrying off back down the hallway and outside. Molly awoke and noticed that the sun was very low in the sky. It seemed that she'd slept the better part of the day away! She got out of the bed, straightened her dress and patted her hair in place. She'd had the oddest dream that Mr. Wilmington had been looking over her while she'd slept, that he'd touched her face. Double checking her appearance in the mirror she went to the front of the Clarion's office. Mary was working at her desk and gave her a smile. "Mrs. Travis, I'm so sorry to have slept for so long," Molly apologized. "Please, Molly, call me Mary. And there's no need to apologize; after everything you've been through you needed the rest," Mrs. Travis responded. "I'm sure you must be famished." Molly realized it had been more than two days since she'd eaten. She was grateful for the small meal that Mary had prepared. The two women sat at her small dining table, Mary drinking tea and Molly eating a simple stew. Mary did most of the talking while Molly ate She talked about the town's protectors, seven men (that included Mr. Larabee, Mr. Wilmington and Nathan) who acted in place of any formal law man She also told her about some of the families who had expressed an interest in having their children attend the school and asked if Molly would like to give a short interview that could be put in the next edition of the Clarion. The familiar sense of unwanted panic at being found out fluttered in Molly s stomach. If she didn't give the interview that might call more attention to her than would be good. "Buck Wilmington stopped by to see you," Mary said. "You were asleep and I didn't want to wake you but he...looked in on you," Molly didn't miss the hesitation. It seemed her dream wasn't a dream after all. "Molly, Buck has risked his life many times to protect this town and those that live here. He'd never do anything to deliberately harm anyone but he does have a...a reputation as a bit of a ladies' man," Mary finished. She covered Molly's hand with one of her own. "Just be careful," she finished. Molly nodded her understanding and Mary changed the subject. "I'd had an idea to bring some food over to the saloon for the men that are helping with repairs and for the families that had major damage to their homes. I've mentioned it to a few of the other town's women and I thought if you were willing to help it would be a good introduction to the town for you." Molly thought the idea was a good one and the two spent some time planning how to proceed. The hotel's cook had offered to let the women use their larger kitchen and after Molly had finished eating her and Mary walked over there to begin getting things organized. Several of the town's women were already there and Molly began helping by preparing bread dough and setting it to rise. She listened to the chatter of the women and answered their questions about her life back east trying hard not to give too much detail that she'd have to try and remember later. She wasn't a deceitful person by nature and she hated that circumstances had forced her into this situation. If it weren't for Miss Dora and her help... One of the women interrupted her thoughts by asking if she'd been to look in on the church where her small school would be held. Molly told her she hadn t. Mary then suggested it would be a good idea for her to bring one of the baskets they'd already prepared over. "With Josiah hurt I'm sure Cheyanne's had her hands full and hasn't had time to prepare a meal," Mary said. "Josiah Sanchez is also one of the town's protectors and has been filling the role of minister for the town," she explained as Molly helped her pack a basket. Molly told Mary she'd be back home after dropping it off. It was nearly full dark and Molly debated the merits of entering the church so late, especially if the minister were injured and still recovering. She gripped the basket containing the simple cold supper for Cheyanne and Josiah harder as she quietly made her way up the stairs and inside. There were two rows of pews facing a simple lectern. Rows of candles were behind that, one on each side of a large stained glass window outlined in bright red. A simple wooden cross hung in the center of the window and before realizing she was doing it, Molly made the sign of the cross. Someone appeared in a doorway off the front of the church startling Molly. It was Cheyanne. "I'm...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb," Molly spoke softly. "You're not," Cheyanne replied. "Josiah never closes the church. He says that anyone who needs it should be able to come inside. I'll leave you to pray," Cheyanne turned to walk away. "Actually, that's not why I'm here," Molly said. "We, that is, some of the women in the town, are preparing food for people who were affected by the storm. It's not much because we're still getting organized but we thought with Josiah hurt you may not have had supper," Molly offered the basket to Cheyanne. She took it with a smile. "Come back with me and see Josiah. He'll want meet you and thank you for your kindness," Cheyanne said. She led Molly into a living space that had been attached to the back of the church. The man that Molly had seen Cheyanne sitting with in boarding house after the storm, the one she thought was her husband was seated in a chair next to a small fireplace. What she hadn't noticed at that time was how large and imposing of a man he appeared even sitting. She imagined that when he stood he'd fairly tower over her. Cheyanne walked up to him with the basket. Three other men were sitting with him. One was Nathan and the others were two that she'd never met. One of those was a young man who immediately reminded her of Brendan. He had dark brown hair he wore long over his ears and brown eyes that shined with a young man's innocent mischief when he smiled her way. The other man had lighter hair he also wore long and blue eyes. He gave her a nod of acknowledgment as she walked into the room. "This is the new school teacher, Molly. She prepared supper for Josiah and I," Cheyanne said to them. As they all fully focused their attention on her Molly fought against the old instinct to figuratively place herself in a corner in deference to her betters. She clutched her hands tightly against her waist and kept her head held up but for a nod of greeting. Josiah looked inside the basket and gave a wide smile in return. His light eyes held wisdom and, for a moment Molly feared, read into her very soul. He would find her out in a second. For the first time since Dora had come up with this plan Molly doubted it would work. In the beginning, she'd had to trust that it would because her very survival depended on it. She was used to being ignored, to only having her existence acknowledged when someone wanted something from her. Knowing these men were lawmen of a type concerned Molly when Mary was discussing them. With the attention of four of them firmly on her she was afraid. She'd heard tales of the West and while she'd always assumed a good amount of exaggeration went into the telling, the men in front of her reinforced that this was a hard land and they'd had to become hard to survive it. They watched her now in a way that stripped all her secrets bare. If she did not remove herself from this room immediately she'd be found out, discovered and this time the consequences would be worse than being sent to her family's home unemployed with no reference. She had nowhere to go that wasn't thousands of miles and several dollars she didn't have away. Not to mention that since they were the law and she'd been deceitful they might throw her in jail or...do worse. She simply had to get out of this room and she had to do it in a manner befitting the lady they thought she was, not the often ignored lady's maid she had been. Though her hands were shaking she made herself stop clutching them so tightly. The etiquette lessons she'd witnessed Dora having flowed through her mind. A lady did not show emotion. She was always pleasant despite the circumstances. She was unfailingly polite. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you," she said in what she hoped was a fair representation of Dora's always sure tone even though she hadn't been formally introduced to two of the men there. "I don't want to disturb Mr. Sanchez's rest further. If it's agreeable I'm happy to come back in a couple of days to discuss the start of the school term?" "That'd be alright with me," Josiah responded. "Well good evening then. I hope that you recover soon," Molly forced a smile and struggled against the need to curtsy upon leaving a room filled with people over her in station as she turned to leave the room. "Ah wait a minute. It's gotten dark outside. You shouldn't walk to Mary's alone," a voice tinged with a touch of the east spoke out causing Molly to close her eyes swiftly against a twinge of homesickness. She turned back around to see the younger man had spoken. She couldn't help but to smile at him. Oh how she reminded him of darling, sweet Brendan. "I was headed back toward the Clarion anyways, I can walk with her," the other man spoke as he stood. "Name's Vin Tanner, Ma'am," he introduced himself. Molly could hardly protest so she simply nodded and walked back into the main part of the church. "Wait, Miss Molly," Nathan's deep voice had her turning back around. "I meant to check in on you earlier but with so many folks hurt..." his voice trailed off in an apology that was hardly necessary. He seemed to be the only person in this town to tend to folks and despite what seemed like considerable skills Mary had told her that he wasn't a formally educated doctor. She was sure that the color of his skin had much to do with that, a notion she personally found absurd. "I slept for quite a while this afternoon and ate a small meal when I woke up. My head aches only a little and I feel much better than last night. Thank you for taking such good care of me," she replied. "I hope you've been able to get some rest yourself," she said. "I'm headed back to my place after I finish checkin' on Josiah," Nathan replied. "Be sure and get some food at the saloon before you go. If the women of this town have anything to do with it there's sure to be plenty," Molly said Nathan nodded his thanks before walking back to the living area. Vin Tanner didn't strike Molly as someone who spoke a great deal. She hoped he wouldn't feel the need to make conversation especially since, aside from Mr. Sanchez, he seemed to be able to know all her secrets with only a glance "Nice evenin'," Vin commented as they reached the bottom of the stairs and offered Molly his arm. Molly's hesitation before taking it wasn't lost on Vin. Neither was the way she'd acted at Josiah and Cheyanne's - like she was guilty. Of what Vin wasn't sure but it was clear that the girl had secrets and that she didn't want much attention paid to her. And odd thing for someone whose job it'd be to stand in front of a room full of kids and teach. Vin felt the slight tremble of her hand on his arm as they walked. She was nervous. Of him or of what she was hiding, or hell maybe both he wasn't sure yet. "Nights 'round here can get mighty cold," he said. "It's pleasant enough now," she replied. "Thought maybe without a wrap you were chilled. I can feel you shivering," Vin replied keeping his voice nonchalant. He knew he struck a nerve when he felt her hand start to slip off his arm. "You know a town like this is a good place to make a fresh start. Most folks keep to themselves; don't bother with wonderin' what someone might have done before so long as they're decent whiles there here." She stopped walking. "The Clarion is just right there," she said nodding toward the building that was still a ways away. "I'll be fine from this point. I'm sure there are things you must tend to. Good night, Mr. Tanner," Molly said taking her hand off his arm and backing up a couple of large steps. If Vin didn't know better he'd have sworn she was going to run hell bent for leather away from him. He didn't want to push or make her more afraid than she clearly was. If she thought she was fooling him by pretending otherwise she wasn't. Vin knew better than most that just cause someone said you'd done something didn t make it so. "Alright, I'll just watch after ya," he said touching the brim of his hat to her. He couldn't resist an attempt at making her feel safe. "Miss Molly," he called to her. She turned around. "Town's awful glad you're here. The kids are real lucky to have a teacher like you." He was rewarded with a soft smile and then she did something Vin couldn't figure: she quickly curtsied to him like he was the prince of England then turned and hurried away. While Josiah, Nathan, and JD delved into the food Molly had brought, Cheyanne quietly slipped out, and made her way to the church's main door. JD and Vin had fixed it just before the sun went down. Carefully she pushed the door open just enough to watch as Vin and Molly walked away. A twinge of envy passed through her and she felt a pang of hurt watching them walk away, Molly's hand slipped inside the bend of Vin's arm. She wished that it was her walking so close beside Vin. She wondered if he looked at the new school teacher the way she wished he looked at her. “Hey Cheyanne,” came the inquisitive voice of JD Dune behind her. “That door still not closing right?” He asked totally oblivious to Cheyanne suddenly turning and shutting the door quickly as if she were a child hiding the snitch of pie she'd just taken. “Yes,” she lied as JD came up to her and inspected the door hinge. “It is fine now.” She hoped JD had not noticed that she had been watching Vin and Molly as they walked back to the Clarion. JD stood satisfied the door hinge was still holding nicely. “Well Josiah's lookin' for ya.” She said nothing as she hurried down the aisle toward the back of the church where the living quarters was located and Josiah waited. Vin had not been exaggerating when he stated that the town's older boarding house was half collapsed. Ezra could see that most of the second story had fallen in on itself. The owner, a man Ezra was sure had never met a bathtub in his life, was bemoaning the damage from the front steps. Ezra feigned sympathy for a moment before enquiring as to the location of Emma's room. Luckily hers was on the first floor and away from the damaged areas. But even if the boarding house was rebuilt, which seemed doubtful, it would be a long time before she'd be able to occupy her former residence. The room contained a small narrow bed and small chest of drawers. Ezra found a carpet satchel stowed beneath the bed that must have been what Emma used for luggage when she came to town. He took down the pair of dresses hanging behind the door and tried to fold them neatly before placing them inside the bag. The drawers revealed few items. Mostly it was undergarments that Ezra was sure Emma would be embarrassed that he was touching. He wondered briefly if this perhaps had been a better undertaking for Cheyanne. He tried not to dwell on it or focus too long on the fabric in his hands, knowing how close it had been to her skin. Buried in the second drawer he found half dozen envelopes tied together with a scrap of blue ribbon. All the envelopes were addressed to Grace Tolliver. There was that name again, Grace. He stuffed the envelopes into the bag and finished gathering the few items remaining in the room. In the dwindling light of the day, men were still making attempts to shore up buildings that had suffered during the storm. Roofs were given makeshift patches to keep out any lingering effects of the storm. Patrons in the saloon were few, which for once was fine with Ezra. He found himself surprised by his desire to sit with Emma rather than at a gambling table. Emma was still asleep when Ezra returned to Lily's room. He settled into a chair beside the bed and pulled out one of the two books he'd found with Emma's things. "Ez--Mr. Standish?" She had called him by his first name when he found her but now she returned to using his last name. "I don't believe that I properly thanked you for finding me after the storm. I don't know how I can repay you." "I believe I have an idea for a proper remuneration." He could see the hesitation in her eyes. "First, you will have to promise me to never again attempt to rescue errant cats during a storm." "And the second?" "I believe our acquaintance has progressed to a point where we can do away with some formality. I would like you to call me Ezra." Lily held a hammer while Chris and Buck jockeyed with the broken back door to the saloon. The door had been almost ripped from its hinges in the storm. Chris had already decided that a new door was needed but for tonight they could secure this one in place to keep out any animals that might be looking for scraps. "Now why are we doing this?" Buck asked as he braced the door in place. Ezra owns this place, not me. Shouldn't he be here doing this?" The question was clearly asked in jest and Lily laughed. "I believe he is upstairs right now with Mrs. Clark if you'd care to go tell him so." "I just might." Buck winked at Lily. "Nathan said she'll be okay." There was a hint of question to Buck's statement. "She's a bit drained from her experience but nothing broken." Lily had helped Emma into a clean nightgown after Cheyanne had departed. The young widow's main concern had been about putting Lily out of her own bed for the night. "I can finish this, Buck. Find JD, you and him can check around town, see if anyone else needs anything tonight." "Alright, Chris." "Thank you, Buck. Consider the next drink on the house." Lily turned to Chris as Buck excused himself from the kitchen. "The same goes for you, Mr. Larabee. I do appreciate your help." "Can I ask you a question?" Chris had finished with the door and leaned on the edge of a table. "Is this where you ask me, why a woman like me is here and not in Denver or New York or even, San Francisco?" Lily laughed as she asked the question. She turned away from him to reach for a bowl on a shelf. Chris couldn't help but smile. That question had crossed his mind more than once. "No, but I'm gonna remember that one for another time." He moved closer to her. He laid a hand on the counter on either side of her body, boxing her in Lily felt her chest constrict. He was so close. His chest pressed into her back. Since nearly her first day in town months ago, she had tried to make her intentions toward him known; as much as a lady who wasn't seeking payment could. She had heard about his past and until this second, she had believed all her actions had been for naught. His breath tickled her ear when he spoke. "Why don't you call me Chris? Everyone else, Buck, Vin, JD, you call all of them by their first name. Not me." "I-I don't believe you've ever asked me to call you Chris." "That's all, huh? Just needed to ask you?" Lily couldn't speak. She managed a nod in response. A clearing of the throat from the doorway to the saloon halted Chris's next words. "I trust I am not interrupting anything?" Ezra asked with a grin. "No, no," Lily swallowed hard. "Mr. Larabee was helping secure the back door " "Of course he was." Ezra stifled a chuckle. "Well my thanks then, Mr. Larabee. I came down to get something for Emma to eat." "Mr. Larabee, perhaps we can continue this discussion another time?" "I'll hold you to it." He leaned close again, his voice low so that only she might hear it. "Maybe then, you can tell me what else do I just need to ask for you to do?" The next morning Cheyanne finished cleaning up breakfast, after Josiah was settled in his room reading a book. She retrieved a small basket from the top of the cupboard and set it on the table putting a petite towel inside then filled it with several pieces of fry bread along with two apples. Not much of a meal but a good snack to help Emma get back on her feet. Covering the food with the edges of the towel she made her way out the back door and toward the saloon. When she reached the boardwalk she became more cautious as she passed by some of the townspeople going about their daily business. A man tipped his hat as he passed by her, two women with baskets of their own coming out of the general store stopped and let her pass before they stepped out of the doorway, all the while whispering to each other as they watched her. Cheyanne ignored them and keeping her eyes straight ahead continued on her way passing a few others who paid her no more mind than she did them. When she reached the saloon she peeked over the two swinging doors and saw Vin, Buck and Chris Larabee having their breakfast at one of the tables she quickly backed out of sight and leaned her back to the wall as if she could melt into the wood and not be seen. She smiled seeing Vin Tanner again, just the thought of him made her heart leap with delight. She had come to visit her friend Emma, seeing Vin was a welcome surprise. Now she just had to summon the courage to go in. Once again she stood in front of the double doors leading into the saloon, peering over them her eyes surveying the people inside before falling to rest on the handsome bounty hunter. “Cheyanne?” A soft voice from behind surprised her and she spun around to see who was there. “I'm sorry I startled you,” Molly apologized “It is nothing.” Cheyanne assured her hoping the girl had not noticed who she'd been watching inside the saloon. “I, uh, came to bring some food to your friend, Emma is it? I see we both had the same idea?” She said glancing down at the girl’s basket. Cheyanne gave her a small smile. “We can go in together if you like. Safety in numbers after all.” Molly suggested feeling just as apprehensive as Cheyanne looked to be. Cheyanne nodded. “Yes, that would be good” "Lily, can we get some more coffee?" Buck raised a cup with his question. Lily nodded and ducked into the kitchen for the pot. She needed some herself after so little sleep for two nights. She had no desire to put Emma out while she was injured, but Lily did want to return to her own bed. While the bed in the spare room upstairs was passable, it wasn't nearly as comfortable as her own bed. When she emerged from the kitchen, Chris had joined Buck and Vin at the table. The man had made her blush like a primary school girl with his words last night. An occurrence she was not used to. "Mornin' Cheyanne, Miss Molly." Vin called out to the two young women who had just entered the saloon. Lily knew Cheyanne, at least enough to say hello to in the street. But the other woman, not much more than a girl, was new to town. "Lily, have you met our new school teacher?" Buck nodded to Molly. "Molly O'Rourke, this is Lily Patterson. She and Ezra own the saloon." "Ah, yes, I believe Mary told me about you. You're from Baltimore, correct?" "Yes, ma'am." "Beautiful city. I was there once, seems like a thousand years ago." Lily looked at Cheyanne, who held a small basket with biscuits and a pair of apples in it. "Did you come to see Emma?" "Yes, but I do not wish to disturb her if she is resting." "Go right on up. She was awake not long ago when I stopped in to check on her. And if Ezra is in there, just shoo him out." Buck barked a laugh at the last bit. He and Lily had a chuckle early at how smitten the gambler seemed to be with the seamstress. Lily watched the two women walk up the stairs. If she hadn't been mistaken, Molly had been close to giving her a curtsy when they were introduced. The movement had been quick and Molly had stopped herself. But Lily had seen the right foot duck behind the left. That and the way she kept her eyes turned down when Lily spoke to her, reminded Lily more of one of the many ladies maids she'd had growing up. Not something she expected from the daughter of a well –off Baltimore family. “They do look best walkin' away from a man don't ya think?” Buck said admiring Cheyanne and Molly as they walked up the stairs, and noticed Vin doing the same. Chris looked at Vin with a small glint of a smile. Yup, that was Buck for you; always looking at the ladies. But he, too, had seen Vin's indiscriminate glances toward Cheyanne now and again. Vin returned his eyes quickly to his meal, ignoring them both as he continuing to finish his breakfast. “Ya know Vin,” Buck could not resist the temptation to give his friend some more ribbing. “If Josiah was to catch you lookin' at that little girl the way you do, why he'd more 'n likely knock you senseless, that is if he didn t take you apart piece by piece first.” Buck grinned as he took a drink of his coffee. “Yer talkin' out yer sock Buck.” Vin sneered determined not to show his embarrassment at being caught admiring Cheyanne. And just as determined not to let Buck start any rumors, no matter how true they may be. The bounty hunter gulped the last sip of coffee and stood up. “Hey, where ya goin?” Buck asked jovially as Vin put his hat on and headed for the saloon doors. “Got better things to do than sit here and let you shoot your mouth off.” Vin answered somberly as he walked away hoping he didn't sound as annoyed and aggravated as he felt at Bucks ribbing. Grinning innocently, Buck looked over at Chris, and shrugged. Chris just shook his head and continued with his breakfast. **** As Molly and Cheyanne reached the top of the stairs Ezra was just exiting the room where Emma was staying. He tipped his hat “ladies” he acknowledged them with a respectful nod and polite smile as he passed by them. Cheyanne smiled inwardly. She had seen the way Ezra looked at Emma when he thought no one noticed, it was the same way she looked at Vin when she thought no one was looking. When they came to Emma's room the door was closed and Cheyanne softly knocked. “Come in.” They heard Emma's voice from inside. They could see Emma sitting up in her bed as they entered the room. “Good morning,” she greeted them. Molly returned the greeting. “Good morning.” “We have brought food for you” Cheyanne said setting her basket gently in Emma's lap. “Thank You.” Emma said removing the edges of the towel that covered the food in the basket in her lap. “How nice of both of you. Oh Cheyanne, you know how I love your fry bread.” Cheyanne smiled at her. “This is why I made it for you.” Emma turned her attention to the girl with Cheyanne, she didn't recognize her and it was strange that Cheyanne would be in the company of a stranger. She looked over at Cheyanne with the silent question. “Molly, this is my friend Emma.” Cheyanne introduced them as if on cue. “Nice to meet you.” Emma held out a friendly hand and Molly took it having to once again catch herself as her right foot automatically went behind the left for the briefest second. Of course neither Emma nor Cheyanne noticed in the slightest. “Molly will teach the little ones,” Cheyanne went on. “That's wonderful, the children need a good teacher.” Emma expressed. “I will do my best to be that good teacher.” Molly said shyly. “I'm sure you will do fine.” Emma assured her. The young women visited for a little while before leaving so that Emma could get some more rest even though she protested. When Molly and Cheyanne left Ezra made sure the two were safe as they departed. Still both of them feeling very uncomfortable walking through the saloon, practically ran out the door. Vin walked intently behind the church where he knew the back door that lead directly to Cheyanne and Josiah's living quarters was. He stopped just before turning the corner as something behind the church caught his eye. Cheyanne stood scrubbing laundry along the wash board inside a big tin tub that set on a small wooden stand. After wringing the water out as best she could she set the wet clothing in a big basket that sat on the ground next to her. Vin glanced around to be sure he was alone. The last thing he wanted was for someone to see him staring at Cheyanne and rumors to be spread that he was some sort of peeping tom. He'd come to see Josiah and to bring him a gift he'd made for him. At least that's what he told himself. Deep down he knew it was an excuse to see Cheyanne but he would never admit it even to himself. He watched as she went about washing another piece of clothing scrubbing it with the soap along the washboard. He let himself daydream about what it might be like to be able to walk up behind her take her in his arms and hold her close to him To be alone with her, just the two of them maybe some where away from the town in their own cabin in the woods maybe. Cheyanne wrung out the last bit of her wash and dropped it in the basket then bent down to pick it up. It was heavier than she thought and she struggled to lift it off the ground. Vin pulled himself from his imagination, seeing Cheyanne struggling with the basket of wet clothing he decided it was time to let his presence be known. And he rushed over to help her after leaning his gifts for Josiah up against the side of the building. ? ? Linda

“Here,” he said as he hurried over to her. “Let me help ya with that,” he insisted as he bent down to lift the basket from the ground Cheyanne turned as he did so, too stunned at his sudden appearance to move. Their eyes met and for a brief moment the two gazed into each other’s eyes their faces so close to each other that if either one moved forward their lips would certainly touch. Cheyanne's heart beat so fiercely she thought for sure it could be herd. Then as if suddenly realizing what she was doing she stood so fast she felt a twinge of dizziness flood over her. Doing her best to hide her embarrassment but she could feel the warmth in her cheeks start to rise and she just knew her tan skin must be turning a bright shade of red. Although his heart pounded so hard he thought for sure it would pound right out of his chest Vin tried to make light of the situation and ignore what had just transpired between the two. He lifted the basket and asked very casually, “Where can set this for ya?” Still speechless Cheyanne pointed to a rope Josiah had strung for her between two posts right behind him. Vin turned and took a few steps and set the basket down. “Thank you,” Cheyanne choked out finally finding the courage to speak. Vin tipped the brim of his hat. Here he was now, finally alone with her, Cheyanne the beautiful Cheyenne princess he had had his eye on since they first met and even more recently wanting to know her better. Here it was the perfect opportunity talk to her and he could not think of one thing to say he was as tongue tied as a school boy with his first crush. “I, uh, brought somethin’ for Josiah.” Vin said breaking an awkward silence that had fallen between the two. Hurrying over to where he had left them leaning Vin retrieved the two crutches he had made for his friend and brought them closer for Cheyanne to see. She smiled approvingly. “How is the ole cuss any ways?” Vin asked. Cheyanne's demeanor changed the corners of her lips turned downward. “He is like an old bear.” Her aggravation clearly emanating from her tone. Vin smiled at Cheyanne's obvious annoyance directed toward Josiah. “Gettin’ a might restless is he?” Cheyanne nodded. “Well, let me see if'n I can settle him down some,” Vin offered. “Annie!” Josiah bellowed from inside. Cheyanne started to go and see what her guardian needed when Vin stopped her. “I'll go, you go on and finish up what ya need to, I'll keep him company, maybe see if he wants to try out these crutches.” Cheyanne gave Vin a thankful nod turning back to her task of hanging the laundry out to dry as Vin made his way to the door. Stopping for a moment to relive the moment when they had been close enough to touch. Molly left the saloon with Cheyanne wishing her a good day as she headed toward the Clarion. She'd held her breath from the moment she entered the saloon until she got to the top of the stairs where the living quarters were Vin Tanner had been seated at one of the tables along with Mr. Wilmington and Mr. Larabee. The one thing she knew not to do she did - she'd curtseyed to Vin Tanner. Perhaps he didn't notice, she tried assuring herself, perhaps he didn't understand it's meaning. She was afraid that he'd say something but he and the other men just nodded in greeting as she and Cheyanne headed up to see Emma and it was the same when they'd come back down. Emma had been very friendly toward Molly and she hoped the two could become friends. The other woman she'd met, Lily, was a woman of means that much Molly was sure of. As was Mr. Standish who she'd also met - the last of the town's protectors that she had to meet. While the others might sense she was keeping a secret she was sure that Lily and Mr. Standish would know her for exactly what she was. But if they'd had any suspicion she wasn't anyone other than a school teacher come from back East they didn't give any indication. The best thing Molly could do to distract herself was work. Mary had told her she had gathered some potential supplies for the school and put them in crates behind the printing press at the Clarion. She told Molly to sort through and take what she'd like. No one was in the Clarion and Molly found the crates right where Mary said they'd be. Kneeling in front of the first she began sifting through the contents; paper, pencils, some text books. After creating a couple of piles Molly decided to make a list of things she d like the students to have. Not wanting to take from the school supplies she began looking for a blank piece of paper and pencil in the neat cubbies that were built into the back of the counter top. Finding an old half-used notebook Molly pulled it off the shelf. A piece of paper fluttered out of the back of the notebook to the floor. Molly picked it up with the intention of returning it to the cubby the notebook came from when she realized she was holding a penciled sketch of Vin Tanner. When she noticed the word "wanted" in large block letters in the center of the page it startled her into dropping the paper again. Slowly she knelt down and picked the paper back up. If she thought the sketch was just a fair resemblance of Mr. Tanner the rest of what the paper had to say confirmed it - Vin Tanner wanted for murder in a place called Tascoa Texas. Was this what he meant when he said that the town was a good place to make a fresh start? That people wouldn't care what he'd done before as long as you were decent? And what was Mary doing with this paper? Molly finished organizing the supplies her mind distracted by what she'd found. She knew better than most that the way someone behaved in public could be the exact horrifying opposite once you were alone with that person. What if Mr. Tanner had the whole town fooled - what if he was the murderer the paper said he was? Then again, she wasn't what she said she was either and such thoughts about another were hypocritical at best. Before she had time to consider if her next action was the best course to take, Molly found herself heading back toward the saloon in search of Mr. Wilmington. Of course she had no idea how to broach the subject as she clutched the notebook with the paper tucked firmly inside. Mr. Wilmington was standing just outside the saloon talking with Lily his back to Molly. The words of their conversation were too faint for her to make out but she couldn't help but to slow her stride as Lily tilted her head back in a flirtatious laugh and placed her hand on his chest. He took a step toward her that was closer than proprietary should allow and said something softly in her ear that had the hand on his chest give him a playful shove. Molly stopped as disappointment filled her. She knew better than to hope that Mr. Wilmington would be anything other than a friend, an acquaintance, one of the protectors of the town who'd done just that - offered his protection to her in getting her off the stuck stage coach and seeing she was safe during the storm. But a tiny part of her had done just that - had hoped this man would see her for someone other than just a lady's maid and would want more from her than friendship and would see her as more than another town's person to be obligated to. Then there was the problem of Vin Tanner. There was no one else to bring this too - It was clear from their entrance into the saloon earlier that day that Cheyanne was sparking after Mr. Tanner and unless she missed her guess he was smitten as well. To bring this to her would only break her heart especially if there were some sort of mistake. She didn't know the other protectors well enough and didn't know the lengths they'd go to protect one of their own - innocent or guilty. The poster was found in Mary's office and appeared to be deliberately hidden so Molly wasn't ready to take this to her without knowing why. Disappointment, loneliness and the slightest taste of fear threatened to shake Molly from the calm facade she was determined to always adopt for appearance's sake. "Hello, Molly," Lily's greeting forced Molly to regain her composure. "Did you come back to visit with Emma?" she asked. "Yes, I was if she's feeling up for it," Molly responded before thinking. "I believe she'd enjoy the company," Lily responded, "She is getting tired of being cooped up." "Well I'd best be takin' over for JD at Joshiah's," Mr. Wilmington responded "Miss Molly," he said with all manner of appropriate politeness touching the brim of his hat to her. "Miss Lily, always a pleasure," the way he drawled out the word 'pleasure' wasn't lost on Molly who was determined to not allow any aloofness or disappointment show. Lily swatted at him again as he turned and laughed and walked away. Lily put a friendly arm around Molly's shoulders and led her inside the nearly empty saloon. "You just go on up," Lily said directing Molly to the stairs. Molly knocked on Emma's door and found her sitting up in bed reading a book. She gave Molly a bright smile and told her to come in. "I hope you don't mind, I just thought I'd stop by to visit again," Molly said, moving to sit on the chair that was next to Emma's bed. "I don't mind at all. I hope the storm hasn't made it too difficult for you to get settled in," Emma responded. Molly shared with her the chores she'd been doing and assured Emma she was sure the boarding house would be repaired in short order. Soon they were chatting away about things of insignificance as if they'd been old friends. Molly began to feel a kinship with the seamstress and the faintest glimmer of hope that she'd found a friend in this place. "I have something to ask you and I don't want it to seem as if I'm a gossip or want you to betray any confidences," Molly finally said. "But I was wondering if there's anything I should know about the town or about the people living here? Things that might make it difficult to do my job as a teacher." Emma seemed to think about her question for a moment and then began sharing some things about a few families. Nothing too horribly scandalous but also nothing about the protectors or Vin Tanner. "Anything I should know about the protectors?" Molly asked. "Are you thinking of any one in particular?" Emma answered, and Molly noted the light expression and the teasing in her eyes. "Whatever do you mean?" Molly responded. "Ez...Mr. Standish told me that it appeared Mr. Wilmington had set his cap toward you," Emma answered. Molly couldn't help the blush that crept up her face. "Stuff and nonsense," she said, "If anything it seems as if he's sparking after Miss Lily." "Lily?" Emma responded. "I don't believe Lily is interested in Mr. Wilmington as anything other than a friend." Molly wasn't entirely sure how to respond to that. She knew what she saw and she knew that a man like Mr. Wilmington wouldn't want someone like her for more than a passing acquaintance. Molly was taken from her musings by Emma unsuccessfully try to stifle a yawn. "Goodness I've been talking your ear off," Molly said rising from the chair. "You really should be resting." Emma reached out and took Molly's hand, squeezing it. "Promise you'll come see me soon. And you must promise to come see my shop. I'd love to hear about the newest fashions. Lily tells me some but I'm not even she would know the very latest styles." Molly promised and made her way out of the saloon and back to her room. She was disappointed that she was no closer to the truth of Mr. Tanner but hopeful about making a friend. Deciding to hide the paper until she could learn more, Molly opened the back of the notebook. The paper was gone! Panicked, Molly hurried back to retrace her steps keeping her eye to the ground as she made her way back to the front of the newspaper office and outside. She hurried down the boardwalk toward the first alley, spotting a folded piece of paper. Relief gave way to panic as she froze in mid-stride, watching Mr. Larabee bend down to pick it up, unfold it and begin to look around in a fashion as if he were searching for a culprit of some sort. Pure self-preservation had Molly spinning back around and walking with a calm she didn't feel toward the Clarion office. At any second she expected to hear Mr. Larabee's voice demanding she halt. Shaking she opened the door to the newspaper and walked back to her room. She sat down on the edge of her bed. Just as it had been with Darren, she may never know the truth about Mr. Tanner until it was too late. Chris folded the poster and tucked into a pocket. If someone was in town searching for Vin this was the first he'd heard of it. But he was willing to admit that he had been preoccupied with getting the town squared away the last couple days, all of them had. He stepped into the saloon letting his eyes adjust. Lily was behind the bar chatting with a man he didn't recognize Chris took a place along the rail a few feet down. She said goodbye and made her way to Chris, pouring a glass of whiskey as she walked. "Afternoon, Mr. Larabee." "You noticed anyone new around town? Anyone asking questions?" Any bounty hunter worth their salt would make the saloon their first stop in town for information. And he'd witnesses more than one man unwittingly spill secrets to Lily as she poured their drinks. "New?" She tilted her head while she thought. "Guy Royal has a couple new ranch hands that have been in. But they're actually more civilized than most his men. There were two new gentlemen that came in this morning on the stagecoach. But I only saw them, haven't spoken with them. Believe they checked into the hotel." Chris had seen them as well. Well-dressed with leather satchels, they looked more like bankers than bounty hunters. He opened his mouth to ask another question when his attention was drawn to the landing above. Emma, dressed in a dark blue robe, walked gingerly between rooms with Nathan and Ezra trailing behind. "What's going on there?" "Emma insisted on staying in the spare room tonight and relinquishing my bed back to me." "If I didn't know Ezra better, I'd think he was sweet on her." *** "This is absurd." Ezra deposited Emma's satchel on the floor in the room. Lily told me herself that she did not mind you staying in her room." "She might not have minded, but I did." Emma softened her tone. She wasn't mad with Ezra just tired of spending all day in bed. "It was kind of her to give me the bed when I was injured, but after resting all day today, I feel much better. I should have no problem going back to work tomorrow." "You could have died out there, I don't think a day or two of respite is too much to ask. Is it Nathan?" "Oh no," Nathan back toward the door, "I'll let you two discuss this without me. Miss Emma, I do wish you'd rest another day, but it ain't my say." He closed the door behind him once he stepped in the hall to let them duel in peace. "You heard what he said." "Yes, I did. He said it was up to me." Emma turned on her heel. The movement made her head spin and the throbbing pain roared back. She reached for the bed but missed. The floor rushed at her. Ezra's arms came around her, catching her before she could fall. Emma felt a sense of déjà vu and realized he must have held her close like this when he brought her back to town. "Should I get Nathan?" "No, I'll be fine." Her body relaxed against him. She let her head rest on his shoulder. Ezra savored the moment knowing that it wouldn't last. "Can you please help me into the bed?" "Of course." *** Now that the most pressing of the storm damage had been repaired, people were returning to their usual activities. The afternoon and evening had passed so quick with the increased number of patrons that Lily had lost track of when Chris had left. She had noticed a distinct difference in the way he looked at her and had hoped for the chance to invite him to her room. Even for her, it would be a bold move, but being meek had never been part of her personality. The room had dwindled to a single card game in the corner. Ezra had an eye on the participants and assured Lily that he would have them out within the hour. Her room was dark with only the faintest bit of light from the moon filtering through the curtains. The hazy light was enough for her to see the outline of her bed and the dresser across the room with an oil lamp on the corner. She lit the lamp but kept the flame turned low. She began the arduous task of undoing the row of small buttons that fastened up the back of her dress. Why she hadn't been smart enough to bring her lady's maid with her when she headed west, she'd never understand. How could anyone expect a woman to dress properly without a maid? The buttons were half undone when the sound of a chair scraping against the floor stopped her movements. Someone was behind her now, crossing the room. Lily knew it would be Chris before he reached her. His hand clasped the back of her neck then moved to push aside her dress to expose the bare flesh of her shoulder blade. "Why do women's dresses have so many damn buttons?" "I suppose to frustrate men like yourself, Mr. Larabee." "Call me Chris." *** Ezra paused outside the door to Emma's room. He had brought her supper earlier in the evening but wanted to check on her one last time before heading to bed himself. Her spell earlier had worried him. He had asked Nathan to look in on her in the morning. The lamp beside the bed was still lit. Emma was sitting up, but her eyes were closed in slumber. A book had fallen from her hands to the floor. He reached for the book. "Ezra?" Emma's voice was heavy with sleep. She gave him a smile. "It was not my intention to disturb you. I merely wished to check on you before I retired for the evening. Please go back to sleep." "Wait." Emma bit down on her lower lip. "Would you stay for a minute?" "Of course." He sat down in the chair next to the bed and slipped his coat off. "What were you reading?" "The Scarlet Letter. It's about-," Ezra stopped her words with a hand. "I am familiar with the story." He turned to where the bookmark lay. Walking in the shadow of a dream, as it were, and perhaps actually under the influence of…" Ezra stopped as Emma's eyes had drifted shut again. He tried to stifle his own yawn. He would stay just a few minutes. *** Ezra awoke with a start. The flame on the lamp had died out, leaving the room in darkness. He could make out Emma's sleeping form in the bed. Carefully, he climbed from the chair, his limbs stiff from sleeping sitting up. He closed the door gently behind him and stepped into the hall surprised to find that he was not the only one seeking to leave a room silently. "Mr. Larabee." Ezra nodded to his friend. The man's shirt was untucked, his gun belt in his hand. Chris took a glance at Emma's door and then to Ezra. He nodded in return. "Ezra." *** Ezra woke tired but knew by the sounds outside that it was later in the morning than he had planned to sleep. He dressed and knocked on Emma's door. There was silence from the other side. He wondered if she was still sleeping Turning the knob carefully he was surprised to find the bed and room empty. Emma's satchel was gone as well. He met Lily's on the stairs. "Where's Emma?" "She didn't tell you?" Lily sighed when Ezra shook his head. "I believe you ll find her at her place of employment." "What?" Ezra tore down the stairs and out the doors. He strode down the boardwalk. The door to the seamstress’ shop was open but he did not see Emma inside. The laundress, Mrs. Galloway, was inside unloading a pile of shirts on a table. She fixed Ezra with a smile. "Mr. Standish, what can I do for ya?" "I am seeking Mrs. Clark, I was under the impression that she was here." "Yes, right back there." She nodded to the back room. Emma was spreading a blanket on the bed. "Lily told me that I might find you here." Emma turned startled by Ezra's voice. "Ezra, I'm sorry. I did not want to disturb you this morning." Emma could see that Ezra wanted a further explanation. "I couldn't stay in the saloon forever. And there is no room at the boarding house and my old room, well, you know the state it's in." "But here?" Ezra looked around the room. The back room was even smaller than the front of the shop. It held a stove and now a narrow mattress. "I'll be perfectly comfortable here. And it saves me the expense of paying for a room somewhere else.” "But do you not worry about staying here by yourself?" "I'll have you to watch out for me, won't I?" *** Vin stretched his legs out as he settled into a chair in front of the saloon The strong coffee Lily was serving helped to wake him up. He hadn't slept well last night after Chris's revelation about finding the wanted poster in the street. His friend approached from the hotel. He nodded at him. "Mornin' pard." "What do you think about leaving town for a few days?" "You find the bounty hunter?" "No, but I don't think it'd hurt for you to lay low a couple days. Go visit the Seminole village. Stay out at my place. Just find someplace else to be." "I don't like running away, Chris." "Just think about it.” Lily found Emma at the entrance to her shop. She followed the young woman's gaze as it followed Ezra striding across the street. Ezra's caretaking seemed to have fueled the attraction between the two. A blush crept across Emma's face as she noticed that she had been caught staring after Ezra. "You must have told Ezra where to find me." "Yes, I do hope I was not out of line. He was concerned when he woke and found you had vacated the saloon." "No, I knew he would find out as soon as he woke. I'm not sure he understands or approves." "Well you cannot always depend on men for either." "What can't you depend on men for?" Mary Travis appeared behind Lily. Lily's interactions with the newspaper woman had always been pleasant, though she wasn't sure that Mary approved of her. "Understanding or approval." "I whole heartedly agree." Mary smiled at the women. "Emma, I'm happy to see you up and around again. We were all scared when we heard that you had wandered away during the storm." "Thank you, Mary." Emma noticed the bundle of fabric in Lily's hands. She recognized the dark blue silk as one of Lily's dresses. "Oh Lily, did something happen?" "Oh yes, I need the buttons repaired. I have them all with me." It had taken crawling on the floor to retrieve the last two. Next time Chris Larabee decided to undress her, she'd make sure he didn't do so much damage. "Lily, do you have a moment to speak? I've been talking to some of the other residents and I think it might be good for town morale if we were to have a party. A dance of sorts." "A dance?" "Yes, to celebrate surviving the storm, you could say. As soon as repairs are finished to the grain exchange. We could hold it right here in the middle of town." "It sounds like a wonderful idea. We could bring out tables and chairs from the saloon. They can go one night without their card games." Lily gave Mary and Emma a wink. Emma chuckled. "That's what I was hoping you would say." She nodded to both women. "I have to be off and see what trouble Billy is getting in to. Good day." "Emma, when you finish with the dress," Mary could still hear Lily's voice as she stepped away, "tell Mr. Larabee the cost to repair it. He'll be paying for it." Cheyanne watched as Josiah and Nathan left for the saloon. Josiah was anxious to try out his gift from Vin, despite Nathan's objections and insistence that his ribs still needed more time to heal before he went traipsing around on the crutches. But the call of a smoky room, the smell of liquor, and the need for a good poker game was too strong and there would be no holding Josiah back; he was just plain tired of lying around doing nothing. Knowing there would be no chance in hell that he could convince the big man otherwise, Nathan had agreed to accompany him. It was Cheyanne's turn now to get some time for herself and Blaze was in need of some exercise, giving her the excuse she needed to go out for a long ride. Going into her room she went to her closet and retrieved her buckskin dress and set it down over the end of the bed. Undoing the buttons on her skirt she let it fall to the ground then stepping out if it she picked it up and laid it on the bed. After unbuttoning her shirt and removing it she laid it on top of her skirt then slipped into her buckskin, it was looser than the skirt and less confining making it more comfortable to ride in. Taking the leather pouch that hung over a nail on the wall she slung it over her head and under her left arm. It was good to gather herbs in should she find any on her ride. As she left out the back door from the living quarters behind the church she snatched an apple from the bowl on the small table that sat in the middle of the room. Cheyanne walked to the livery stable where Blaze was boarded. Her horse whinnied and stomped at the ground as she walked through the doors and over to his stall. She spoke softly in both Cheyenne and French to him. Blaze shook his head up and down as if he understood and were answering her. Cheyanne held out her hand with the apple in it and the horse took it eagerly. She smiled, “You want to go eh?” Blaze stomped at the ground as Cheyanne opened the stall door and went inside to saddle her mount. Blaze was more to her than just a horse. He was her pet. She'd had him for the last 7 years. He had been a gift from her guardian. Josiah had been working at a ranch in Wyoming helping the owner to keep a rival rancher from taking over his land. Cheyanne had fallen in love with Blaze from the first moment she saw the nearly all black paint with the almost completely white main and tail, he had four white socks, a huge white spot on his rump and a smaller one under his belly. He held his head proud and ran like the wind. The Rancher had said he couldn't be broken. But Cheyanne made a liar out of him, after befriending the horse with treats such as apples and carrots and training him the Indian way when no one was looking. The Rancher had been so impressed with her accomplishment that when Josiah asked to buy the horse for her the man had just given the steed to him along with his pay. Besides, no one else could ride him, it seemed the horse was quit picky about who he would let sit on his back. Cheyanne bridled her mount, then threw the saddle blanket over his back and led him out of the livery. Normally she would have saddled him, but today she would ride free. Grabbing the horse's mane she flung herself up and onto his back in one fluid motion. Vin sat outside the saloon, with his chair leaning back against the wall, and sipping on a cup of coffee. He'd just seen Josiah go into the saloon with Nathan and now watched Cheyanne lead Blaze out of the livery and then mount him. She gave him a nudge with her heel, setting the horse into a fast run out of town. Vin sat his chair back down on all fours as he suddenly had the idea to ride out after her. She was alone; it was the perfect opportunity to spend some time with her without prying eyes. Besides, if there was a bounty hunter snooping around as Chris thought there might be, maybe it was best he make himself scarce anyway. Setting his cup on the ground next to the chair, Vin hurried to the livery, saddled Peso and then mounted, giving him a kick, and sending his horse racing out of town in the same direction Cheyanne had ridden. Vin followed Cheyanne's tracks until he grew closer to her location. He kept his horse downwind as he tried to summon the courage to ride up and start to a conversation with her. Being alone with her made him as nervous as a caged cougar. His palms started to sweat and he got all tongue tied. He couldn't remember feeling this way about anyone ever before, and it made him uneasy, even a little afraid. He found himself thinking about her more and more every day, wanting to know everything about her. “Well, ain't no time like the present,” he told himself and spurred his horse into a gallop. Cheyanne let the reins lie loosely across her mount's neck as he walked lazily down the wagon road, until she heard the sound of another horse galloping up behind her. She grabbed the reins and looked behind her, ready to give her steed the command to run when she realized it was Vin and relaxed. “Mornin',” Vin greeted her as he eased his horse up beside her, “Nice day for a ride.” Cheyanne gave him a slight smile, a little suspicious of his sudden appearance, but happy to see him. “Mind if I ride along for a spell?” Cheyenne shook her head no. Truth be known, she was excited and pleased to be in his company. From the first moment she had laid eyes on the handsome bounty hunter she had been smitten. Something in his eyes drew her to him. He was strong, soft spoken and gentle, he not only knew the ways of her people, but he could speak the language as well. Never before had she been interested in a man the way she was with Vin. She had always been afraid of men, and cautious around all strangers. Except for Nathan, Josiah had been the only man she had trusted for a very long time. But since they had more or less settled in Four Corners, she'd found herself starting to be more trusting. Emma's friendship had taught her that not all white people looked down on her, something Cheyanne still had not yet come to terms with completely, as for the other men that protected the town they too had shown her nothing but respect. And then there was Vin Tanner, her heart fluttered every time he was around. He made her feel different; he made her feel happy inside, even though she was unsure of this growing attraction to him, she liked it. “What are you doing out here alone?” He asked not wanting her to know he had seen her leave and followed her he feigned concern for her welfare, it wasn t that far from the truth anyway. “Blaze must run. It is not good for him to stay in that small place to much ” “Guess ya got a point there,” Vin agreed. “Josiah knows you road out alone?” “He knows,” she replied. “Sometimes he does not like it, but sometimes it is what I want.” Vin understood, “Town gets a might closed in don't it? Guess we all need time to clear our head once in a while.” “Sometimes,” she agreed glancing over at him. “Is that why you ride now? To… clear your head?” The question caught Vin off guard and he hesitated before he answered “Guess ya might say that,” he smiled keeping his eyes straight ahead, sensing the girl may be suspicious of his sudden arrival. He hoped she didn't think Josiah had sent him out after her. Blaze began to stomp his hooves and pull at the bit. Cheyanne reined him in. “What's wrong with him?” Vin asked concerned that the horse might rear or buck his rider off. Cheyanne amused at the concern in Vin's voice. “He wants to run.” She answered him with a mischievous smile. The bounty hunters eyes twinkled playfully, was that a challenge he had just heard? “Think you can keep up?” Cheyanne gave him a sideways grin, secured her feet and knees tightly against her horse's middle, loosened the reins and gripped onto Blaze’s mane Leaning slightly forward and barely above a whisper in her father’s language commanded, ”Aller” (go) and they were off like a shot. “Hey!” Vin shouted after her, “I didn't say go!” He gave Peso a strong kick and raced after her. Cheyanne looked back to see Vin starting to catch up. She gave Blaze more rein but Vin was catching up fast, she guided her horse toward the trees and up the hill thinking she could lose him there, but he kept coming, whatever twist and turn she made Vin followed suit easily. She laughed as she turned her mount and headed back the other direction slowing to work her way through the denseness of the forest, then speeding up again. Working her way back down the hill she looked back to see Vin getting even closer. Knowing where she was going, Cheyanne urged her horse on toward her favorite place where the rocks were like the stairs from the church and a clear stream ran over them much like a small waterfall, there was plenty of shade, it was quiet and secluded, she could find the herbs she wanted, and was hoping to share the spot with Vin. When she'd reached the area she reined Blaze to a stop just as Vin caught up to her. “That was cheatin',” he grinned dismounting from his horse. “I do not cheat.” she shot back at him with a crooked smile as she led her horse to the stream to let him drink. Vin did the same for Peso. “You sure found a real purty place here, kinda peaceful,” he said surveying their surroundings. “You come here a lot?” “Sometimes, it is a good place to gather sweet grass” Cheyanne answered letting Blaze's reins fall to the ground to let him roam and graze. “Reckon it would be,” Vin dropped his reins also and let his horse do the same. Cheyanne began to search for the sweet grass it didn't take long before her search revealed the tall grass, she bent to pull some from the ground filling the pouch that hung over her neck. Vin took the canteen from his saddle and filled it at the stream, then made himself comfortable sitting on the ground with his back leaning against a tree trunk. He picked a blade of grass, stuck it in his mouth, softly chewing on the end and watched as Cheyanne went about collecting her herbs and such. Something about this quiet moment made him feel completely at ease. Still not wanting to be caught staring at her, Vin tried to keep a conversation going. Although he would be just as happy to sit there all day and just watch her. But he was afraid if he didn't keep talking to her she would finish gathering her herbs and ride back to town, and he wasn't ready for that to happen just yet. “Josiah seems to be doin' some better. Seen him goin' in the saloon with Nathan earlier, looks like he's getting around pretty good on them crutches ” Cheyanne put the last handful of sweet grass in the pouch and walked over to where Vin sat and lowered herself to the ground across from him. She took some sweet grass from her pouch and began braiding it so as to keep her trembling hands busy and hopefully from Vin from noticing. To be alone with the man she had been dreaming about from afar made her giddy and somewhat afraid. Here she was, in the woods sitting across from him, so many times she had dreamed of this, and now that it was reality she wasn't sure how to act. “He should rest more, but he is stubborn.” Vin smiled, “That he is.” He agreed taking the blade of grass out of his mouth. “Still, can't be easy for a man like Josiah ta be laid up like that.” “My mother's people sometimes call him Squirming Bear,” she grinned. Vin could not hold back and chuckled, “Squirming Bear, huh?” Cheyanne nearly laughed herself, “He is always walking, fixing, learning, fighting or drinking.” “Sounds like Josiah alright. ” Vin said with a broad smile. The light hearted laughter seemed to calm Cheyanne's nerves and she became more relaxed as the two of them sat for hours talking until Vin noticed the time. “It's getting late, better be getting you back to town, Josiah'll be on the worry.” Reluctantly Cheyanne agreed. Vin stood first offering his hand to Cheyanne helping her to stand and for a moment they stood there looking into each other’s eyes, both wondering if the other felt as they did. Vin was the first to break the silence between them. “Uh, maybe we could do this again sometime?,” he asked swallowing hard and hoping he hadn't been to forward. Cheyanne gave him a shy smile “I would like that.” Vin heaved a sigh of relief as Cheyenne turned to go to her horse that stood nearby. Vin gave her a leg up then mounted his own. It was nearing sunset when they arrived back in town Cheyanne dismounted when they reached the livery. "I best say goodnight now, I've got me a few things that need tendin' to before the night's over." He tipped his hat at her. "Next time ya feel up to a race, let me know, I'll be around." Cheyanne led Blaze back to his stall, removing the blanket and bridle. Then picking up his curry comb she started to brush him down, her mind reliving the afternoon as she did so. It had been a good day. She did not remember ever having such a day as this. It left her warm and happy inside, and placed a smile on her lips she didn't even realize was there. Vin dismounted when he reached his wagon and hesitated for a moment before stuffing a few necessities into his saddle bags and grabbing his bed roll. Putting them behind his saddle he began to tie them down when he stopped again. He didn't want to leave, he never liked running away, but until he could get his name cleared maybe it was for the best. The last thing he wanted was to have his friends caught up in his troubles. And then there was Cheyanne, if he had to run he would give anything to take her with him. "Tanner what's gotten into you," he chastised himself out loud. He finished securing his things to Peso’s saddle, and mounted. Shaking off the hesitant feelings he kicked his horse and road out of town toward Chris's place. He'd stay there for a couple of days, just until Chris gave him the all clear. He was just now finally getting to know the girl he'd been pining for from the first day they met. He wasn't about to let anything get in the way of that. Brendan hurried both her and Heather out of the room and to the servant's stair-case. "Get her downstairs, now," Brendan's sharp brogue didn't broker any argument as he pushed Molly toward the nearly catatonic Heather. "I'll not leave you alone with him. He can't be trusted," Molly argued. "She needs lookin' after," Brendan said. "I can handle him." Molly put her arms around Heather and practically carried the girl toward the servant's stair-case. Nellie, one of the other downstairs maids was making her way up "Jesus, Mary and Joseph what happened?" she exclaimed seeing the state both her and Heather were in. "Take her to the kitchen and get her cleaned up then send Mr. Bates up right away, as discreetly as you can," Molly instructed, passing Heather off to the other maid. "I can't leave Brendan alone with him." "I can't go into the dining room while they are serving. Mr. Bates will have my job," Nellie fretted. "Then get one of the other footman to do it," Molly wasn't brokering any arguments. She turned and hurried back up the stairs. Brendan was standing in the hallway. He didn't see the door at the end open, didn't see the buckskin clad man with the gun step out. The gun fired..." Molly woke up with a start, her heart hammering in her chest, her nightgown soaked with sweat. She'd had the dream many times since the incident with Darren Thomas but this time the ending was worse. This time instead of Darren once again setting after Brendan it was Mr. Tanner who emerged from the upstairs sitting room with his gun. Molly flung back the sheets and stood, quietly walking to the window. She'd heard from Brendan at the last stop-over before coming to Four Corners. He was alive and well and thinking of heading west himself. But in the dream... The day before she'd been out running errands with Mary and had watched Cheyanne and then Mr. Tanner both leave town on their horses, Mr. Tanner following her. She'd been nothing but a mess of distractions until a few hours later she'd seen Cheyanne come back seeming none the worse for wear. In fact it seemed from Molly's vantage point as if she were content - more content than Molly'd seen her. Mary had asked after her distracted state but Molly used the excuse of being nervous for the start of school. The sky was starting to brighten at its edges and Molly knew she'd get no more sleep Mary had mentioned the town was planning a dance once the grain exchange building was repaired which was hoped would be in the next week or so. Molly walked to her closet and pulled out one of the dresses that Dora had given her. While the clothes Dora gave Molly were at least a year or two out of fashion the thought was that no one in the west would be the wiser given that it was taking so long for the latest trends to catch up here. Having seen Lily the last couple of times Molly wasn't so sure. The dress she pulled out was one that at the time she'd given it to her Molly declared it much too fancy. Dora insisted she take it saying that she'd never know when she'd have a chance to wear it. It was a peach chiffon with short sleeves (Dora had given her a pair of opera length gloves) and lower cut than anything Molly had ever worn. She wondered if Emma would be able to do something with it to make it less ball-gown like and more appropriate for a town dance. Later that morning Molly brought the dress to a very frazzled Emma. As the only seamstress in town she was sure to be in high demand but it appeared that her convalescence had backed up her work load considerably. Molly was fully prepared to forget about her dress and simply pick another to wear but Emma was curious to see what was in the brown parcel Molly carried in with her. "It's the best dress that I brought with me but I'm afraid it might be too.. much for a town dance," Molly said as Emma unwrapped it. As soon as the dress came into view Emma behaved as if she were handling the most reverent of items. "Oh Molly. This is just the most beautiful dress I've ever seen," she exclaimed. "And with your coloring you just must look like a princess. But you are right; it might be a bit too much for our little dance. Are you sure you want me to alter it?" "It seemed so frivolous to bring anyway and you have excellent taste," Molly indicated several dresses around the shop that were in various stages of completion. Emma agreed to modify the dress and asked Emma if she could do her a favor. She handed her a brown paper wrapped package. "Can you please bring this to Lily at the Saloon? She asked me to repair it for her." Molly took the package from Emma and told her that while she wasn t a seamstress of any quality, she did know how to make repairs and was happy to help her if she needed it. Pleased that just her suggestion seemed to lift a weight off Emma's shoulders Molly made her way to the saloon. The town was its usual bustling self and there was still the sound of hammering and sawing in the air though it appeared that most repairs had been finished. Molly had come to know many people by helping to serve food to the people affected by the storm and many offered her a warm greeting as she made her way. "Lily hasn't heard of anyone askin' after you," Mr. Larabee's voice drifted from ahead of Molly and she looked up to see he and Mr. Tanner were walking a few feet ahead of her. "Still maybe you headin' out for a while isn't such a bad idea. You can use my place." "I ain't one to run, you know that," Mr. Tanner replied, keeping his voice low but Molly was still able to hear him. She was just about to turn and go the other way when the two men stopped and Mr. Tanner looked in her direction. "Mornin' Miss Molly," he greeted her, touching the brim of his hat. Molly forced a pleasant smile on her face. "Good morning, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Larabee," she greeted each man in turn with a polite nod. "Please excuse me, I'm on an errand for Emma." Molly made her way past them and continued on her way to the saloon hoping with each step that no one would notice just how badly she was shaking. Molly made her way inside the saloon which only had a couple of patrons, none of whom seemed to pay her any mind. Mr. Standish was behind the bar writing in a ledger and he gave her a smile as she made her way up the stairs. Emma had told her that Lily's room was actually the room Emma had been recuperating in. Molly remembered which door was hers and knocked on it. Lily's voice told her to come in. Molly stepped into the room and saw that Lily was sitting at her dressing table. Lily caught Molly's reflection in her mirror and gave her a smile. "Good morning, Molly. To what do I owe this pleasure?" "Emma asked me to bring this to you. It's the dress you had asked her to repair. Would you like me to hang it for you?" Molly asked. "I would appreciate that, thank you," Lily said. Molly unwrapped the dress and brought it to the closet and hung it taking note that several of the dresses were in fashion when Molly left Baltimore. Closing the door she turned to see Lily trying to arrange her hair. "I lost a few pins and I haven't had the chance to replace them," Lily mussed out loud. "Now I can't get my hair to..." she cut herself off in a sigh and began pulling out hair pins. "May I?" Molly asked, stepping toward Lily. Before she was able to give an answer Molly began twisting Lily's hair and arranging it in a style that would require less hair pins. As she placed the last pin Molly caught Lily s gaze in the mirror. "You've done this often," Lily stated. There was a tone to her voice that had Molly feeling a flutter of unease. Lily turned in her seat to face Molly. "You weren't a teacher in Baltimore, were you?" "I don't...I don't know what you mean," Molly answered, the unease becoming panic. Lily turned back to face the mirror, angling her head so that she could better see her hair. "Men reinvent themselves all the time," Lily stated. "Why shouldn't a woman? Though I dare say if you'd been my lady's maid I'd have offered you a king's ransom to stay in my service. At least tell me that your lady begged you not to go." Molly was saved from having to outright lie to Lily when she said, "Of course I'm sure that proper dress and fashion would be lessons that any tutor of a young lady would have in her repertoire, wouldn't she?" Molly swallowed hard and nodded, so grateful for the alternate explanation that she hadn't even thought of it was all she could do not to hug the woman. Lily turned and stood, walking up to Molly. "This room is my sanctuary. Nothing that is said or done here leaves this place, understand?" she said to her. "Thank you," Molly said, "I'll leave you to finish getting ready for the day " She walked to the door and left the room. Walking to the stairs she felt as if a weight was taken off her shoulders. Someone knew her secret and didn't care. They knew and didn't seem to think any less of her. In fact it seemed as if there was a sense of admiration from Lily toward her. Molly was so distracted by her thoughts she didn't see the man coming up the stairs toward her until he was on the stair directly below her. It wasn't anyone Molly had met. He smiled a wide, leering smile at her. His breath smelled of liquor. "Excuse me," Molly said softly moving to the side to let him pass. He shadowed her, keeping her from continuing down the stairs. "Why don'tcha turn around and come upstairs with me?" his speech was slurred and his movements unsteady as he walked up a stair, Molly backing up two in an effort to get away from him. "No," Molly said firmly. "Let me pass." With a speed that she wasn't expecting given his intoxicated state, the man grabbed Molly's arms pinning them to her sides and pressing her into the wall using his body to hold her. She was about to scream when he suddenly let go of her, causing her to lose her balance and grab for the banister to keep from falling. "Get him out of here before I do something he regrets," Mr. Wilmington's voice filled with an anger she'd never heard from him before came from the bottom of the stairs. Molly used the banister to lower herself to sit on a stair, her legs not able to support herself. Mr. Wilmington turned around and she saw an anger in his eyes that she knew and understood wasn't meant for her but it startled her all the same. "Are you okay, honey?" he asked her. Molly nodded. "Are you sure?" He knelt down next to her and cradled the side of her face in one of his hands. His touch was so soft but Molly could sense the power in his large hand. "Chris put him in the jail to sleep it off," JD Dunn's voice came from the bottom of the stairs. "She okay?" he asked, concern in his voice. "I'm alright," Molly forced herself to speak. "Come on, let me take you home," Mr. Wilmington stood, reaching his hand out to her. Molly took it but wasn't as steady as she thought. Mr. Dunn appeared on her other side and together he and Mr. Wilmington walked her down the stairs. When they got to the bottom, Mr. Dunn made sure Mr. Wilmington had her steady before he stepped away. She thanked him as Mr Wilmington walked her outside. As soon as she stepped out of the saloon she felt better in the fresh air. "Thank you for your help," she said as they made their way back to the Clarion. "I'm just glad that you’re alright," he said to her, leading her to the back door where her room was. She was grateful that he did that as she wasn't ready to face Mary and have to offer an explanation. Molly was certain town gossip would take care of that fast enough. "There's somethin' I've been wantin' to ask ya," Buck said, taking his hat off as he faced her. "You heard about the town dance comin' up?" Molly nodded. "Mary told me about it last night. It sounds like a fine idea." "I was wonderin' if you'd do me the honor of lettin' me escort you?" Buck asked her. Molly's heart beat faster at his question - he didn't seem the type of man who'd be courting one woman and ask another to a dance so maybe there wasn't anything between him and Lily. "It would be my pleasure," Molly replied, giving him a soft smile. He took a step toward her and bent his head. Before Molly could understand his intent to kiss her, his mouth was on hers in a kiss so soft and gentle it brought tears to her eyes. "I'll check on you later," this time another previously unheard quality was in his voice and though her experience was limited at best, sheltered at worst, she knew it for what it was - desire, for her. He stepped back, put his hat back on his head and made his way around back to the street. Three days had passed without any further sign of a bounty hunter in Four Corners. Lily had discreetly questioned the 'bankers' that had been in town but they were exactly what they seemed, bankers. She had reported back any information she had gleaned to Chris, who had been more than happy to show his appreciation that evening behind closed doors. Chris sent JD out with word to Vin that it was safe to come back. He knew the tracker was probably even closer to town than they all knew, anxious to return. Chris settled into the chair in front of the sheriff's office and took a long drink of coffee. The work on the grain exchange had been finished and things were finally getting back to normal. He'd already seen Mary about this morning starting arrangements for the party happening two nights later. "Good morning, Mr. Larabee." Ezra approached from the direction of the saloon. "Morning, Ezra." "Mr. Larabee, I was hoping that I could have a word with you." Ezra didn't wait for an answer. "The other evening, when we, crossed paths in the saloon .. I believe I should explain-," Chris cut him off with a wave of his hand. "None of my business how you're spending your nights." Chris looked Ezra in the eyes. "Or who you do it with." "That is my point, you see, we didn't, I mean, I didn't-." "Town like this, small, people talk. Some people might not approve of a woman spending so much time with a man that ain't her husband." Chris' gaze moved to look toward the saloon. Lily was standing in front talking to Nathan. "Now, some women, they might not care what folks around here think about them. But Emma, she's a nice woman, respected. She might not like people thinking certain things about her. Know what I mean?" Unfortunately Ezra understood all too well what Chris was trying to say to him. He thought he'd made a better impression on a man he considered a friend and the townspeople in his time in Four Corners but maybe he was wrong. But he had no interest in letting Emma's reputation be seen as sullied because of her association with him. "I appreciate your candor and your counsel, Mr. Larabee." Emma set down the iron on the stove when she heard the ring of the door over the front door. Butterflies filled her stomach that it might be Ezra. She hadn't seen him since the morning before and hoped he'd come to visit her again. Disappointment filled her when she saw it was Molly standing there, not Ezra. She smiled broadly and hoped that the young woman didn't sense anything. "Molly, how are you this morning?" "Good. And you?" "Oh fine. I'm glad you stopped in. I'd like to have you try on that dress you brought to me." "You've finished already?" Molly knew Emma had been busy the last three days She'd barely had a moment to visit since it seemed that everyone was interested in having a new dress or at least alterations to ones they already owned. "Oh, and I brought you something to work on." "From Mary?" Emma smiled and took the folded green dress from her hands. She had repaired a tear in the dress previously. "If you want to step behind the screen there, we can have you try on your dress." Molly found the garment hanging on a hook waiting for her. It was more beautiful than it had been before. Emma had removed most of the layers and ruffles leaving the dress looking simple but elegant. She stepped into the dress and waited for Emma to help with the buttons down the back. "Oh Emma, it's beautiful." "I'm glad you don't think I ruined it." "Ruined it? No, it's more lovely than before." Molly turned in a circle looking at herself in the mirror. "Where did you learn to do this?" "My mother, she was a seamstress before she married my father. She used to joke that I was sewing before I could walk. I'm not nearly as talented as she was. My skills are passable but nothing compared to her." "I'd say you were more than passable. I bet she's proud of your skills." Emma didn't know how to respond. She didn't want to talk about her mother, didn't want to talk about her family at all. She turned away for her pin cushion and knelt down. Her fingers shook as she pinned up the bottom of the dress. The hem would need to be brought up an inch. A simple task that she could finish before the party. The bell over the door rang ending any further conversation about family to Emma's relief. "Cheyanne, good morning." Emma looked up at Molly's greeting to see the half-Indian woman standing in the doorway. "Didn't Emma do a beautiful job with this dress?" "Yes." "How is Josiah doing?" Emma asked. "He would heal better if he would stay still." All three women laughed. "I should stop in and say hello." Emma liked Josiah. He had been kind to her since her first day in Four Corners. "He would like that." Emma went behind the screen with Molly to help her out of the dress. She brought it back out hanging it back up to work on it in the afternoon. Cheyanne found her eyes drawn to a dress hung from a hook on the far wall. It was a simple dress with long sleeves, dark brown with tiny pale blue flowers dotting the fabric. "Isn't that fabric pretty?" Emma had come up behind her. "Mrs. Larsen asked me to make it for her before they lost their farm. She never came to retrieve it before they headed back east." "Will you go to the party, Cheyanne?" Molly asked from behind the screen as she redressed. "I do not know. If Josiah wishes, I will help him over to it." Cheyanne was nervous at the prospect of the party. She knew all too well how the women in town liked to gossip about her. But for once, maybe it wouldn't be too bad now that she had two friends that would be there as well. "No one has asked to escort you?" "Why? Has someone asked you?" Emma asked Molly gleefully. "Uh, Mr. Wilmington asked me the other day if he could escort me." Molly's cheeks burned hot. She saw the look that passed between Emma and Cheyanne. What?" "You should be wary. Buck, he, he likes women. A lot." Emma burst into laughter at Cheyanne's statement. That was putting it mildly. She saw the look of hesitation pass over Molly's face. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Buck, is, well Buck. What Cheyanne said is true. Buck is quite fond of women. But he's also quite a gentleman. Not to worry, I'm sure that you will have a lovely time with Buck." "What about you, Emma?" "Um, no, I won't have an escort for the party." "Ezra has not asked?" Cheyanne's blunt question brought the reality of the last couple days to a head for Emma. She had not seen or spoken with Ezra since early the morning she left the saloon. In fact, yesterday evening she could have sworn she saw him purposely cross the road in order to avoid crossing paths with her. "Oh no, Mr. Standish and I are just acquaintances. I'm sure he has better things to do than to escort me to a party." *** Cheyanne smiled taking notice of Emma's sudden anxiety at the mention of Ezra escorting her to a dance. Emma may try to hide it, but Cheyanne could see it in her friend’s eyes that she was attracted to Mr. Standish the same way she herself was attracted to Vin Tanner. Sometimes she thought that she could see some glimmer that Vin felt the same way toward her. And other times she wasn't so sure. But the afternoon they had spent together a few days ago gave her hope that maybe someday his heart would feel the same way. Cheyanne continued to look at the dresses in the shop. The brown one with the blue flowers had caught her eye first and she was curious how she would look wearing it to the dance then quickly shook the thought off as she continued to walked among the other garments and material that filled Emma's shop, stopping to admire some of them when suddenly one garment in particular caught her eye, it was a pale peach colored gingham dress with long sleeves and White lace around the wrist and collar, it buttoned down the back and had a sash around the middle that tied into a bow at the back, it was plain and simple, and the color wasn't bright, something she could ware and not stand out, If she could pick a dress she would want for a special occasion, this would be it, the color was pretty and she liked the simple lace trimming. Cheyanne glanced over at Emma and Molly who were busy with the alterations on Molly's dress, satisfied they weren't watching her, she took the dress from where it hung and held it up against her, curious to see how it would look. She turned around to find a mirror when she noticed both Molly and Emma looking her way and smiling. Embarrassed she quickly hung the dress back up and bashfully hung her head pretending not to see them. Molly and Emma glanced at each other stifling a chuckle at their friend’s shyness. “Why don't you try it on?” Emma encouraged her. Cheyanne shook her head no. Molly who would not take no for an answer walked over and took the dress from its hanger grabbing Cheyanne by her hand and pulling her to the dressing curtain. “Go on,” she insisted, “There's no one here but the three of us, appease our curiosity, try it on, just for fun.” Cheyanne's eyes glanced around the store making absolutely sure there was no one else lurking about giving both her friends a small mischievous grin she took the dress behind the screen to change. Emma and Molly waited anxiously When she finally stepped out from behind the dressing screen holding the back of the dress shut as she could not fasten all the buttons on her own. Molly and Emma both seemed a little shocked and pleased at what they saw. “Oh Cheyanne,” Emma exclaimed, “That dress was made for you,” She finished as she stood up and walked behind the half Indian girl and lead her over to the mirror then finished the buttons and tied the sash behind her. “Emma is absolutely right Cheyanne,” Molly agreed as she crossed the floor over to them “You could unbraid your hair,” she continued as she began to undo the leather strips that held Cheyanne's braids in place and unfolded the strands “You could pull the sides back like this and tie it with a matching ribbon ” Cheyanne stared at herself in the mirror, was that really her? She looked, pretty. A smiled crossed her lips and she dared to wonder what it would be like to go to the dance on Vin's arm. The bell over the door rang bring her from her reviver and she quickly dashed behind the dressing curtain and changed back into her skirt and shirt, leaving her hair upbraided she emerged from behind the curtain and quickly handed the dress to Emma. “I must go,” she said giving them both a quick nod and hurried passed Mary Travis, the bell rang again as Cheyanne opened then shut the door behind her Mary looked at the girls inquisitively. “What was that all about?” Emma gave her a small smile, “She's just very shy you know.” Vin walked purposely toward the church. He'd been thinking about it all day. This celebration and dance that was planned for Saturday had the whole town talking about it and that included JD and Buck who took more pleasure in goading him about asking Cheyanne than they did in paying attention the game they were playing with Ezra and both ended up losing their shirts. He in turn had told them he didn't pay any mind to these kinds of things and didn t intend on going. But that wasn't exactly true. He did intend on going if he could escort the right girl. But just wasn't sure whether he should ask Cheyanne or just go, wait, and hope Josiah would bring her. Then maybe he could steel a dance or all since Josiah was still on crutches and in no shape to kick up his heels on the dance floor. After pondering on it most of the day he'd decided to do the more honorable and gentlemanly thing and ask her proper and that meant asking her guardian first for permission. Once he reached the door to the church he anxiously wiped off the dust from his coat before he opened the door and stepped in. Josiah was sitting on a stool sanding along a window ledge, his splinted leg out stretched to the side. Cheyanne was nowhere to be seen. Vin removed his hat nervously clutching it to his chest. “Evenin' Josiah,” he greeted him. “Evenin' Vin” Josiah responded jubilantly “And what brings you to my house on such a glorious evening?” He asked still paying attention to his sanding. “I ..uh, ” Vin started his eyes uneasily staring at the floor . “I, come to ask ya, if'n' I could ask you, I mean since your Cheyanne's guardian and all ” Cheyanne was just opening the door from the living quarters into the church to see if Josiah needed anything when she herd Vin's voice and hesitated, keeping the door just cracked enough to hear what the two were saying. She stood quiet as a mouse and listened, unsure if she should make an appearance or not. “I wanted to ask ya proper like if n' I , “ he paused again trying to find the right words. “Well out with it boy, I've never known you not to come right out and speak up once ya had somethin’ on your mind Vin. What’s trouble n' you son?” Josiah asked concerned as he stopped what he was doing and looked straight at his companion. The man seemed down right scared in a funny sort of way. This was a demeanor that was quite unnatural for Vin Tanner who normally was the calmer and easy going of the bunch. “I” Vin started again summoning his courage then decided to just come out with it. “I come to ask if n' I could escort Cheyanne to the dance tomorrow night,” he finally blurted out. Cheyanne let a small smile escape her lips when she herd Vin's question and stifled her excitement. She peeked through the crack between the edge of the door and the door frame trying to see if she could see Josiah's face and maybe guess what he might be going to say next. Vin stood ready and waiting for Josiah to grab hold and throw him through the door head first. But he hoped he'd just say yes. Josiah was silent for a moment almost glaring at Vin. You could see the burly man thinking intently about the bounty hunters question. He wasn't sure if he heard him right, did Vin just ask what he thought he had? Was he serious? Should he laugh as if it were a joke or be angry? Or should he just say yes. Vin was a good man. But Cheyanne? His little girl so shy and timid, not at all comfortable around strangers, especially in crowds. Cheyanne was holding tightly to the door frame in anticipation of Josiah's answer. Normally she did not like to go to social gatherings in town, but with Vin that was a different matter entirely, and deep down she really did want to fit in after all, these were her people too. Josiah's eyes narrowed and his head tilted a bit had he truly heard Vin ask to take Cheyanne to a dance? “You want to What?” Vin's heart pounded as he answered the preacher. “'I'd like ta escort Cheyanne to the dance Saturday night if'n it'd be alright with you?” “That's what I thought you said.” Josiah paused for a moment then blurted out, “What are you thinkin? Cheyanne don't socialize. You know how timid she is “No Vin, Hell No!” Vin was caught totally off guard and for a moment was at a loss for words, but he wasn't going to give up that easily after all the courage it took just to walk over here and ask. “Why not?” He didn't understand why Josiah would say no I'd look after her, you know I wouldn't let nothin’ happen to her. Don't you trust me?” “No.” Josiah answered lowering his tone. “When it comes to Cheyanne I don't trust anyone.” Cheyanne's eyes started to fill with tears, her heart was breaking. She was angry with Josiah for treating her like a child. She didn't want to hear any more and slammed the door shut leaning her back against the wall as the tears fell down her cheeks. Both Vin and Josiah turned toward the slamming door. “Damn” Josiah swore. He knew that Cheyanne must have overheard everything. “See what ya did,” he said angrily as he maneuvered his way to his crutches and hurried toward the living quarters leaving Vin standing dumfounded, alone. Josiah opened the door to find Cheyanne standing glaring at him with tear filled eyes, “you heard all that didn't you?” she said nothing and ran to her room slamming the door behind her, falling on her bed she sobbed. Josiah went to her door and knocked “Annie?” She didn't answer and he slowly opened the door and made his way over to her Sitting on the bed next to her he was quiet, not sure what to say. He hated to see her like this and wasn't sure why she was upset. Finally summoning the courage he spoke. “You don't really want to go do you? I mean you ain’t never wanted to attend those kind of social events before?” Cheyanne said nothing. ”If you do want to go to that dance I'll take ya,” he said putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. She pushed him aside. “Go away,” she sobbed Josiah felt hurt and confused when suddenly the thought hit him like the slamming of a book. “Or is it you want to go with, Vin?” “Fiche-moi la paix!” (leave me alone) Cheyanne shouted. Josiah hesitated still baffled at his ward’s unusual behavior he conceded to her wishes and left her, shutting the door behind him. He had some thinking to do and made his way back into the church to contemplate what had just transpired. The town had finally settled on a date for the first day of school. It was to begin in just a few days. Excitement filled the town at both the social and dance being planned for the next evening and the start of school. Molly had been ferrying supplies over from the Clarion offices to the church for the last hour. She had been distracted by thoughts of the dance...and if she were being honest with herself by thoughts of Buck Wilmington. This was her third trip with supplies to the church. Mr. Sanchez had gone out just after the first trip she'd taken with help from J.D. Dunn on an errand and she hadn't seen Cheyanne. This particular box was rather heavy and as Molly was ready to remove some items to make it smaller the bells on the front door to the Clarion signaled the arrival of a visitor. Mary had also gone out on an errand. Molly turned around to greet whoever it was but her smile froze on her face. Vin Tanner was closing the door behind him. She had so far managed to avoid being alone with him since she'd discovered the wanted poster. She was still no closer to learning the truth about this man. Awkward and heavy as the box was she held it in front of her as a shield. "Mornin' Miss Molly," Mr. Tanner said lightly touching the brim of his hat to her. "Mr. Tanner," Molly responded with a polite nod. "If you're looking for Mrs Travis I'm afraid she's not here. I'd be happy to pass along a message for you though." "Actually I was lookin' for you. Been watchin' you take boxes over to the church and thought you could use some help," he said taking a step toward her and reaching for the box. Molly took a step back herself nearly upsetting the box as her grip slipped on it. "That was very thoughtful of you but I could hardly ask you to go through the trouble." "Ain't no trouble at'all," he responded this time succeeding in taking the box out of her hands and tucking it under his arm as if it were light as a feather pillow. Molly was a strong girl - years of housework had seen to that but Mr. Tanner was clearly much stronger than her. If he decided to turn on her, to try and hurt her, there'd be nothing she could do to stop him. She'd had the dream again; Vin Tanner coming out of the upstairs room to shoot Brendan... "Lead the way," his voice took her out of her musings and she had no choice but to go to the door and outside. Perhaps when they reached the church Mr. Sanchez or Cheyanne would be back. Molly noticed almost everyone they passed by greeted Mr. Tanner with affection. Perhaps her best source of learning about him was from the man himself. And a lady always made polite conversation. "Have you lived here long?" Molly asked. "Not very," he responded. "Where are you from?" she asked keeping her tone light as if she were just making conversation. "A bit of everywhere I suppose," he answered. They reached the steps of the church and Molly led them inside. It appeared no one had returned and she was alone with Mr. Tanner. "You can just set that over there with the others," she directed him to the small pile of boxes she'd set up at the back of the church. "Seems like a lot of stuff for a small school," he commented, his tone teasing. "I actually wish that I had more text books but we'll make do with what we have," she said. "Thank you for helping me." With a huge sense of relief she hoped didn't show on her face, Molly watched him touch the brim of his hat to her and move to leave. She turned to the box he'd just carried over and made to lift the top off. It slipped and caught Molly's hand, a large splinter embedding itself in her palm. Her gasp and the sound of the box top falling to the floor caused Vin to turn back around. Molly was cradling one hand in the other her face a mask of pain. "Are you alright?" her head snapped up and the expression on her face reminded him of an injured animal caught in a snare - pain and fear were bright in her eyes. "The lid slipped out of my hand and I've caught a splinter," she responded. "Here," he approached her again, reaching for her hand. "Let me see." It wasn't lost on him that she struggled to not match him step for step away from him and then as he reached her she did take a step back. "That's hardly necessary," she said, trying to make her voice light. He took her hand and carefully removed the splinter. No sooner had the small, sharp piece of wood cleared from the soft flesh of her skin than she pulled her hand from his grasp. She'd been shaking, trembling like she had the night he'd walked her home. Molly O'Rourke seemed made of some pretty stern stuff and it didn't appear that she had this kind of reaction to anyone else in town but him. "Thank you again," she said having seemed to compose herself. She stood in front of him the very picture of the cool and collected Eastern lady as if she wasn't just trembling in total fear of him a few minutes before. Soon she'd be spending time in this church with the town's children and only steps from where Cheyanne lived. He didn't think Molly herself was dangerous but she was keeping one hell of a deep dark secret and Vin knew those kinds of secrets came with their own brand of danger. He was determined to uncover her secret and make sure that the danger from her past didn't visit itself on the town. Before he could try and ask her any questions that might help to shed some light on what Molly was hiding, Buck came in the church. It wasn't lost on Vin the way Molly's smile lit her face as Buck greeted them. It was as close to a genuine smile as Vin had ever seen from her and it was reflected in Buck's own. Buck had a thing for the ladies that was certain but the way he smiled at Molly was different like it was meant just for her alone. He just hoped whatever Molly was keeping wouldn't play a role in breaking Buck s heart. Making a half-hearted excuse about running an errand Vin left the couple who didn't seem to really notice he was leaving. Buck sat later with some of the others in the Saloon. Even Josiah had come over though it was clear to anyone that something was going on between he and Vin and Buck was pretty sure it had to do with Cheyanne. "Molly's workin' hard gettin' the school ready to start in a few days," Vin commented out loud to no one in particular. Buck had gone to the church earlier to see if she'd needed help. He'd had the feeling he'd walked in on something between her and Vin but when he asked her about it all she'd tell him was that Vin had been good enough to help her carry a box over from the Clarion and then had assisted her when she'd caught a splinter from the top of the box. "She ain't afraid of hard work that's for sure," Josiah said. "She's spent almost the whole day rearranging things, cleanin'. Smart lady too. She's gonna try and teach the kids Latin." "You talk to her much?" Vin asked. Josiah took a sip of his beer before answering, "Some. She is usin' the church after all." "Somethin' on your mind?" Chris asked. "She seem awful skittish to you?" Vin asked seeming to address all of them. "Well it's a new town, far away from home it'd be natural she'd be a mite shy," Buck responded, curious as to what Vin might be aimin' at. "I'm not talkin' about shy," Vin said. "I'm talkin' about scared." "Well hell everyone's scared around Chris," J.D. joked as he shuffled a deck of cards. "He can't be anything to judge by." The others smirked in agreement, even Chris. As the rest of the conversation progressed, Buck noticed Ezra heading downstairs from the upper rooms. Miss Emma was on her way up carrying what appeared to be a dress, probably for Lily. Buck watched as Ezra passed by Miss Emma with the barest hint of acknowledgment. Ezra had always been friendly toward the seamstress and Buck had wondered when he'd start courting the gal. It appeared that something had changed and he had to wonder what it was. Emma heaved a sigh and stretched her arms over her head. It felt like she had been working non-stop for days to finish dresses and alterations before the dance the next day. Her fingertips were sore and nearly numb. She stared longingly at the sewing machine in the corner willing it to work again. The thing had been half dead when Mrs. Potter had sold to it at a discount just to get it out of her storeroom. But two weeks before it had completely stopped working. No amount of fussing or coaxing had convinced the darn machine to start again. But a new sewing machine was not a luxury that Emma could afford. She hoped that people would understand if it took her a little longer to finish pieces. She folded the dress she had just finished. It was for Lily. The dress was one she had brought with her but had asked Emma to make some changes to it. The long tapered sleeves had been replaced by cap sleeves and the lace around the neckline removed. The fabric was a deep burgundy and shimmered in candlelight. Emma remembered what it was like to own dresses like this, but she had left that life behind. She pushed those thoughts from her mind. She folded the dress carefully so it wouldn't wrinkle. Emma locked the door to the shop behind her as she headed for the saloon. She could hear the sound of hammering from the far end of the street. A stage was hastily being constructed for the dance the following evenings. It took her eyes a moment to adjust Emma stepped inside the saloon. A small number of the tables were occupied. She knew that by the time the sun went down most every seat in the room would be filled. Several of the town's protectors sat at a table halfway between the door and the bar. It didn't escape her notice that Ezra was not among them. Emma had hoped to see him. Lily stood a couple feet away from their table and seemed to be listening to the conversation the men were having. Emma couldn't make it out, but thought she heard Molly's name. "Oh, Emma, thank you for finishing the dress." Lily fingered the fabric. "I ve always loved this dress. Do you think you could put it up in my room for me?" "Of course." Emma was halfway up the stairs when she realized that Ezra was coming down. He gave her the briefest nod, his gaze barely touching her. Her step faltered a second before she continued on to Lily's room. She didn't understand it. She thought that Ezra might feel something for her. In the very least, they were friends. Now, he barely acknowledged her existence. What had she done? Lily watched Emma on the stairs for a second before moving closer to the men s table. She hadn't heard everything being said but enough to know that Vin had questions about Molly's behavior. Too many questions asked here and now could lead to bigger questions asked from those back East. And that was something that Lily was sure that Molly did not want to have happen. The conversation stopped as Lily stopped behind Chris, her hand resting on the back of the chair. "Gentlemen, anything else I can get for you?" "Another bottle'd be nice." "My pleasure." Vin stood up and followed Lily to the bar. "I was happy to bring the bottle back myself." "Oh I know, just wanted to ask you something." "About Molly?" Lily smiled. "I heard you talking. You think she's skittish? Hiding something?" "Don't know. Just a feeling." "I think this is all just new to her." Lily patted Vin's hand. "You have to remember, she's from another type of place. She's not like Casey or any other woman raised out here. This is a different life. I think she's just a bit scared and out of place." Vin nodded. Lily's words made sense though there was still a niggling in the back of his mind that things weren't right Emma took a deep breath and forced back the tears that wanted to fall. She was being ridiculous. She had no claim to Ezra Standish, nor did she want one. At least those were the thoughts that made things easier to bear. As she descended the stairs, she saw Vin and Lily talking at the bar. She didn t feel like stopping to talk to Lily tonight. Lily could pay her for the dress alterations tomorrow. Right now she wanted to retreat to the sanctuary of her little room in the back of the shop. *** Josiah sat quietly across the table from Nathan. He held his drink up in front of his mouth yet not taking a sip just starring thoughtfully into space. “Got somethin' botherin' you Josiah?” Nathan asked as he watched his friend. Josiah set his drink on the table and leaned back in his chair; a confused and daunted look masking his strong features. “Cheyanne” he answered turning his eyes to the friend sitting across from him. “I think I hurt her feelings last night Nathan, and I'm not sure how, somethin's botherin' her that I'm just not understanding, she hasn't spoken a word to me since yesterday, she slipped out of the house this morning before the sun was up and I ain't seen her since. I'm worried.” “Maybe she just went to the livery to spend some time with her horse, she do love that animal. What happened to make ya think somethings bothering her? “Vin.” “Vin?!” Nathan repeated surprised Josiah nodded. “He came to me last evenin’, asking if he could escort my little girl to the dance, my Annie, of course I told him no. Annie? She don t attend those kind a functions, she never has. I can't let her go to something like that, her feelings might get hurt or she might get scared, you know how some of the townspeople are with her.” Nathan smiled, “Maybe it’s you that's afraid Josiah. To you Cheyanne's always gonna be your little girl. But in case you hadn't noticed she's changed some, she’s all grown up. she ain't been that scared traumatized little girl you found near death all those years ago for a long time now, you just ain't seen it. Maybe it’s time you did, maybe it’s time you let her go.” “Let her go! I ain’t ever letting her go! I promised her pa, I promised her I would always be there to take care of her. And by damn I will be!” “Easy now, I know that, and so does she. But maybe she just needs to spread her wings a bit. You know, Vin's a good man, and he ain't never been anything but Kind and respectful to Cheyanne. If you want the truth I think he's had eyes for her for a long time now.” “What!” Josiah bellowed starting to stand nearly tipping over his drink in the process. “I'll kill him!” “Now hold on,” Nathan said reaching out a hand to calm his friend. “Sit back down here now and listen to me.” Josiah reluctantly conceded to Nathans wishes and sat back in his chair. “She's not a little girl any more Josiah, she's a grown woman, and Vin's not the only one's been lookin’, your Annie's been looking back.” Josiah nearly paled at Nathans words. “My Annie?” Nathan nodded. “There ain't no harm in going to a dance, ya ever think that just maybe, Cheyanne wants to go, with Vin and just maybe that's the reason she’s actin the way she is.” Josiah leaned against the back of his chair thoughtfully. “Think on that while,” Nathan said as he stood. “Think how Cheyanne might be feelin’ right now,” he finished, leaving Josiah to ponder the situation on his own. ** Half an hour later** Josiah opened the door of Emma's shop and uneasily walked in. He spied the dress's hanging in the corner walking over and clumsily started to thumb threw them. “Good afternoon Josiah,” Emma greeted him. “Emma,” Josiah let a sigh of relief escape him. “Thank goodness, I need your help.” Bewildered at Josiah's urgent tone Emma started to cross the distance between them. “What can I do for you?” “Cheyanne,” he began, “I need a dress, I mean, can you pick out something pretty something that would fit her, something you think she might like?” Emma smiled and went over to the rack of dresses Cheyanne had been looking at yesterday. “I have the perfect one.” She told him as she retrieved the dress Cheyanne had tried on. “She was in here just yesterday and actually tried this on, Josiah she looked so pretty in it. The burly preacher eyed the dress up and down imagining how his precious Annie would look in something so out of her normal attire. He was pleased. “Yes,” he nodded. “That'll do, can you maybe find her what other things she ll need, I mean , Uh..” He stammered with embarrassment, “maybe some shoes and ..oh whatever you ladies wear.” Emma nearly laughed; she guessed he was trying to ask her to buy undergarments. “I don't have a lot of those things here, but I would be happy to go to Mrs. Potter’s and get them. Josiah heaved another big sigh of relief. Digging into his pocket he pulled out several coins and handed them to Emma. “Is this enough for the dress and everything?” Emma looked down at the money and quickly mentally counted it. “I'm sure this will be more than enough Josiah.” “Good. Are you sure you don't mind doin’ this on short notice now?” “Not at all,” Emma answered giving him big smile. “I am so excited. I can't wait to see Cheyanne, I would love to come over and help her get ready, and I take it she is going to the dance.” “Yes, yes she is,” Josiah said with a touch of sadness in his voice. “And that'd be right nice of ya to help her get ready; this is all new to her, and me.” He finished then turned toward the door when he stopped suddenly and face Emma again. “I'll be back directly to pick her up her things” “I'll have them ready for you” Emma assured him. Josiah leaned on his crutches as he slowly made his way to Vin's wagon. Vin hadn't been in the saloon and Josiah hoped he would find the bounty hunter where he made his home. Vin sat inside his wagon, his back leaning against one side, with one foot on the floorboards and the other pulled up in front of him as he braided leather into a new bridle. He glanced toward the corner of the building when he heard footsteps. Seeing it was Josiah who rounded the corner, Vin turned back to his task. “Nice work,” Josiah complimented him as he hobbled closer. Vin glanced over at him. “Josiah,” he greeted him with a short nod. “What brings you here?” Vin asked expecting the answer to be a warning to stay away from Cheyanne. “I been thinking,” came Josiah's answer as he leaned against the wagon next to Vin trying to take some weight off his good leg as best he could. “Too much thinkin' can get a man in trouble,” Vin commented as he continued to work on the bridle. Josiah tilted his head slightly to one side in a silent agreement. “I was wrong Vin,” he began apologetically. “I came to tell you it's alright with me if ya still want to escort Cheyanne to the dance tonight.” Vin stopped what he was doing and looked over at the preacher in surprise. Trying to keep a smile from bursting through. “What changed your mind?” Josiah shrugged “Guess I just needed to realize some things is all. She's not my little girl anymore; she grew up on me before I knew what was happenin'. You‘re a good man Vin. There’s just one thing I gotta know?” “What'd that be?” “What are you intentions?” Josiah locked eyes with Vin. “My intentions?” “Yup, I got to know this ain't just a game your playin’ Vin, I don't want my Annie getting hurt.” “I think you know me better than that Josiah,” Vin bit out laying his craft down and climbing out of the wagon to face Josiah. “Look Josiah, I like Cheyanne. I like bein' with her; she makes my day a little brighter. I just want a chance to get to know her better is all, spend some time with her. But if I'm standin' in your way or it's causin' you grief I'll stay plum away from her.” “Just hold on Vin, don't get your dander up,” Josiah said trying to ease the younger man’s growing animosity. “That isn't what I meant at all. Annie's had a hard life, harder than most. I just want to make sure you understand that. And...,” he paused again. “Hope you'll forgive me for bein' a might overprotective sometimes. Maybe even a little bit jealous. I've known her since she was just a little girl and it's been just Annie and me from the time she was 16. I couldn't love her any more if she was my own flesh and blood. I trust you to watch my back Vin, guess maybe I can trust you to watch over Cheyanne too. But…” “But?” “I'm still not letting her go without a proper chaperone.” Josiah smiled. “Guess I wouldn't expect nothin' less.” Vin hid a mischievous grin knowing the answer to his next question. “And who'd be the chaperone?” Josiah positioned his crutches under his arms and started to walk away. “Me ” he answered him matter-a-factly as he began to limp away leaning on his crutches. “You pick her up at 7, I'll see she's ready.” Vin let a smile escape as he shook his head and watched Josiah hobble off. He let himself enjoy a moment of glee and a rush of delight before he headed off toward the bath house to get cleaned up. *** When Josiah made his way back to Emma's, she was just returning from Mrs. Potter's store and met him at the door. “Just in time,” she smiled, “I have everything right here.” “Much obliged Miss Emma.” “Why don't I carry them to the church for you Josiah, it would be hard for you to pack everything being on crutches and all.” “That would be right kind of you ma'am,” Josiah said accepting her offer. ? ? Linda

When they reached the church, Josiah asked Emma to stay put while he took the box with the dress in it through the door leading into the living area. He wanted to surprise Cheyanne, he hoped she was there. He wasn't disappointed. Cheyanne was moving about the kitchen as she gathered what she would need to fix their evening meal. “Annie,” Josiah spoke her name softly. “I know you're angry with me,” he continued when she didn't turn toward him or greet him. “I guess maybe you got a right to be. I’ve been a cantankerous ole fool and I'm sorry. I love you Annie, and I guess I been so busy trying to protect my little girl that I ain't seen how she's grown into such a beautiful young woman.” Cheyanne looked out of the small window above the sink while she cleaned potatoes for their supper. A tear threatened to drop from the corner of her eye as she listened to Josiah's apology. “Here I was trying to protect you and I'm the one that made you cry.” Josiah continued even though she still wouldn't look at him. “Well I'm gonna change that. You heard Vin asking me to take you to the dance tonight, you turn around here and you tell me you want to go with him and you'll have my blessin'.” Cheyanne could not hold back the tears any longer as she slowly turned to face her guardian. Both fear and excitement rushed threw her like an early morning breeze floating over the stillness of a lake. “Yes, I want to go,” she spoke out just above a whisper, “with Vin.” Josiah smiled “Well then,” his tone beginning to sound more jubilant “You’re going to need something to wear,” he finished as he set down the box he had procured from Emma down on the kitchen table. Cheyanne stared astonished at the gift then looked back to Josiah “For me?” Josiah nodded. “Go on open it,” he encouraged her. Cheyanne stepped closer to the table and carefully opened the box. Her eyes widened in stunned surprise as she beheld the grand dress she had tried on at Emma's shop just the day before. Happy tears fell as she ran to Josiah and flung her arms around his neck and kissing him on the cheek. “Thank you ” she spoke in French, “you have made me very happy.” Josiah returned her embrace glad to have made his precious Annie smile. When they had parted, “Miss Emma!” Josiah called out, “I got one more surprise for you Annie.” He grinned. Emma walked through the door holding in her arms two more packages. “Emma here is gonna help you get ready she's got everything you need, you go on now, and get into that fine dress. Vin'll be here in a couple of hours and I'm gonna get cleaned up myself.” “Well?” Emma exclaimed, “Come on, don't just stand there like a stunned deer, let’s get you dressed!” * Cheyanne sat on the chair in her room as Emma put the finishing touches on her hair. She had twisted and pinned the sides of her hair into pretty roles on each side and fastened them together at the back with the ribbon she had picked up at Mrs. Potters, it was a perfect match to Cheyanne's dress. “You will be there, no? To the dance.” Cheyanne asked her friend. “Yes, I'll be helping Mary Travis with the food.” She told her quickly changing the subject. “There,” she announced as she finished tying the ribbon in a bow, then moved to look at Cheyanne from the front. “Stand up now and let me look at you.” She insisted as she took Cheyanne by the hand and guided her from the chair. “You look grand!” She exclaimed, “Vin and Josiah are going to simply fall over when they see you” “Is that good?” Cheyanne asked innocently. “Yes that's good! You silly” Emma nearly laughed. Emma's eyes suddenly began to search Cheyanne's room hoping to find a mirror sure enough there in the corner was a long oblong mirror on its stand with a quilt laying over it She went over and removed the blanket tossing it on Cheyanne's bed. “Come here,” she called to her. The Indian girl did as her friend asked. Emma positioned the mirror so that Cheyanne could see herself full length. Cheyanne was speechless; she gently ran her fingers over the lace on the collar of the dress then back part of her hair that fell over her right shoulder. She could not believe what she was seeing in the reflection. Emma stood behind her. “See how pretty you look?” Cheyanne smiled unable to say anything. A soft knock at the door interrupted the women. Emma crossed the floor to open it and smiled widely when she saw it was Josiah behind it. Opening the door wider inviting him to enter. Cheyanne turned around slowly she'd herd her guardian's crutches hitting the floor as he walked. Josiah's jaw nearly dropped to the ground when he beheld the sight of her. “Annie?” Cheyanne nodded timidly fidgeting with the skirt of her dress not know what to do with her hands. Josiah moved closer until he stood in front of his ward. He reached up and gently smoothed her cheek. “What happened to my little girl? I see a beautiful young woman standing before me.” Cheyanne lowered her head then looked back to her guardian somewhat embarrassed unaccustomed to such compliments. Josiah stood for a moment admiring the girl, amazed at the transformation. Finally he spoke, holding out his elbow for Cheyanne to take it. “We best not keep Vin waiting” Cheyanne's heart started to beat against her chest, her hands felt damp and she could feel her face flush as she took Josiah's arm and they began to walk toward the door. Then suddenly she stopped and looked back at Emma then back to Josiah and started whispering to him in French. “You should ask Emma, no one has asked her, you should ask,” she insisted. It was Josiah's turn to be flustered as he replied back in French also, “ Annie, I can't do that, it’s to short notice, I mean, she's, well maybe she. ” “Ask!” Cheyanne told him firmly still speaking the foreign language. Sensing something was up Emma quickly excused herself. “Have a good time Cheyanne,” she smiled and hurried toward the door. Cheyanne nudged Josiah once more and he followed Emma out stopping her just outside the doorway. “Miss Emma,” she stopped turning to face him. “I, uh, well I would be honored if you would let me escort you to the dance tonight.” Emma smiled knowingly. “Cheyanne put you up to this didn't she?” “No,uh, well yes,” he admitted. “She thinks a great deal of you, she's never had a friend before, I'm sure she just wants you to have a good time. But I would still be very happy to escort you.” Emma softly touched the big man’s arm. “Thank you Josiah, I'm sincerely moved by your offer, but really, I do have other plans. I've promised Mrs. Travis to help with the refreshments and such.” “I understand,” Josiah grinned sheepishly. “Don't think I’ll be able to much dancin' tonight anyhow.” Emma smiled back. “Tell Cheyanne thank you for being so concerned for me.” She said, then turned and left. Josiah returned to Cheyanne's room where she stood nervously waiting for him. “From now on you let me pick my own dance partners.” Josiah halfheartedly scolded her then offered his arm. Cheyanne took it and together they made their way into the church where Vin waited anxiously holding his hat trying to keep from crunching it nervously. As soon as Cheyanne came into view he seemed to freeze where he stood, unable to take his eyes from her. Cheyanne gripped Josiah's arm tight as they made their way down the aisle until they reached Vin. Josiah hid an approving grin when he saw Vin's reaction as he took in the sight of the young woman in front of him. And he felt as proud as any father would of his daughter and completely certain that his daughter was the most beautiful woman in town. Pulling himself from his revere Vin snapped out of his trance. “You look real pretty tonight,” he complimented her. Cheyanne gave him a timid smile. “Shall we?” He asked offering her his arm. Slowly Cheyanne slipped her hand threw Vin's arm. The tenderness of her touch sent a shiver of warmth coursing threw him. They made their way from the church and slowly down the street to where the festivities were taking place. Both so captivated with each other they seemed oblivious to Josiah hobbling along a few steps behind them. When they reached the doorway Cheyanne could hear the music playing, voices and laughter from the towns people inside echoed through the night air. A sudden rush of fear threatened to stop her in her tracks, but she only clenched Vin's arm a little snugger as they walked through the door. The morning of the dance had arrived and there was a sense of anticipation throughout the town. Emma had delivered Molly's dress the afternoon before - it had turned out perfectly. Molly was still a little worried that it might be too formal but Emma assured her she'd look perfect. Molly had helped to serve at plenty of parties and balls given by her employers and of course there had been the annual staff holiday ball and the big yearly summer festival held in Baltimore every year that included a dance the staff were given the night off to attend. This dance was going to be different; it was going to be special for Molly. She'd woken early and went to the Potter's store to fetch a punch bowl that Mrs. Potter was letting the refreshment committee, headed by Mary, borrow for the dance. Between trying to get the latest edition of the paper laid out and getting herself and Billy ready for the dance not to mention coordinating the refreshments, Mary was being pulled in all directions. Molly offered to pick up the punch bowl feeling too anxious and excited to remain inside. She smiled to herself at the line she saw forming outside the bathhouse of several of the town's men. She passed by the alley where Vin Tanner had his wagon parked and noticed he and Mr. Sanchez deeply absorbed in conversation. Emma had shared with her that Mr. Tanner had wanted to escort Cheyanne to the dance and Mr. Sanchez wouldn't allow it. Emma had said that Cheyanne was very disappointed. Molly hated the thought of her friend feeling downhearted but deep inside she was relieved at Mr. Sanchez's decision - Molly didn't want to see anything happen to her. Molly entered the Potter's store. Mrs. Potter greeted her and gave her the punch bowl which Molly placed in Mary's market basket. She noticed Lily at the end of the counter and walked over to say hello. "I'm finally getting around to replacing those hair pins that I...lost," Lily said in greeting to Molly. There was an almost sly tone to her voice and her gaze was directed out the window at a point distant. Molly turned around to see what had caught Lily's attention and noticed Mr. Larabee across the street, leaning against a post as he sipped from a coffee cup and watched the town's people. "I'm glad that I came across you this morning," Lily said, bringing Molly's attention back to her. She stepped closer to the girl and bent her head as if she were going to reveal a confidence. "I wanted to ask you a favor. I wanted to know if you would dress my hair for this evening?" Molly appreciated not only Lily's discretion in asking but in the complement being paid to her abilities. "I would love to," she replied. Lily was very glad to have seen Molly at the Potter's store so she could ask her the favor of dressing her hair for the evening. While Chris hadn't formally asked her to the dance she knew it was understood they'd be spending the evening and likely that night together. She wanted to look her very best and had been impressed with the style that Molly had been able to accomplish with a scant few hairpins. They arranged for Molly to arrive later that afternoon and Lily suggested Molly get herself ready in Lily's room as well to help her save time. Completing her purchase she returned to the Saloon not at all surprised to see a few of the town's protectors sitting at tables sipping coffee. She noticed Buck Wilmington among them and approached his table asking for a minute of his time. Lily liked Buck and while they flirted with each other on occasion nothing of a physical nature had ever taken place between them. She considered him a friend. But Buck was Buck and he did have a reputation and while she was sure what she had to tell him went without saying, she was going to say it anyway. She led him to the end of the bar where they could have a bit of privacy. "I understand you're escorting Molly O'Rourke to the dance this evening," Lily stated. It didn't escape her that the smile Buck gave her in response to the statement was different than the usual mischievous smile he wore when speaking about a young lady who'd caught his attention - it was softer, almost reverent. "Why that I am," Buck responded. Even his voice seemed different. "I don't think I have to remind you that Molly's position and reputation in town are still both very precarious. You and I both know there are those of influence here who won't hesitate to scandalize her to the Judge if they think it'll suit their purposes. Just keep that in mind, all right?" Buck gave her a smile and a nod of acknowledgment before returning to his table. Lily made her way upstairs to await Molly. Molly double checked her carpet bag again to be sure she'd had everything and then carefully picked up the dress, re-wrapped in brown paper and made her way out of the Clarion offices toward the Saloon. The town was quiet with most everyone probably getting themselves and their families ready for the big celebration. Molly made her way into the Saloon and upstairs to Lily's room. She knocked softly before being invited in. Lily was seated at her dressing table wearing a silk robe. It was the same scene Molly had entered into a thousand times since she'd been promoted to Lady's Maid but it felt different this time. Lily treated her as an equal, as a friend. While Molly had been a confidante of sorts to Dora it wasn't an equal friendship for Molly knew better than to ever confide in her - however well she may have been treated, however secure in her position above stairs, she was not one of them. She was the daughter of Irish born parents both of whom were also servants, not the pedigree-born girl that Dora and her sisters were. "What thoughts have brought such a look to your face?" Lily asked bringing Molly out of her reverie. Molly smiled at Lily softly in the mirror as she twisted another section of her hair into place. "Thoughts of another time and place," Molly responded simply. "Do you miss it?" Lily asked. Molly wasn't exactly sure how to respond. She missed her family and most of the household staff. She did miss Dora in a way. She missed Baltimore with it's closeness to the ocean. She missed knowing and understanding exactly what her position was and where she fit in But there was a sense of freedom here, of what Lily had said to her before about reinventing herself, that she wouldn't have had in her life had she remained - supposing she could find another position. "In a way," Molly responded finally. "There," she said, patting the sides of Lily's hair in place. "I hope that it meets with your approval." She stood back while Lily examined the style. "It's so very lovely," Lily commented to Molly, standing and taking her hands. "Thank you for making me look so beautiful," she gave Molly two quick kisses, one on each cheek and Molly couldn't help but blush at the affection. "Now, I hardly have your talent but I'm sure I can come up with a style for you," Lily pulled on her hands to lead Molly to the spot in front of the dressing table that Lily had just vacated. "Oh Lily, that's quite alright, I can style my hair," Molly began to resist Lily's gentle tugging. She couldn't remember the last time someone had dressed her hair aside from her and the other household Lady's Maids practicing the latest styles on each other so they could style their respective mistresses. "Don't be silly," Lily exclaimed. "That's half the fun of going to a dance; friends helping friends get ready." Before Molly was aware of it she was seated facing the mirror, Lily had taken her hair out of the serviceable chignon she'd always worn it in and was brushing it out. It was clearly an argument that Molly wasn't going to win and she'd gotten the impression that what Lily Patterson wanted, Lily Patterson got. Molly couldn't help but to admire the style that Lily had put her hair in. Several small braids were wrapped around themselves in a style that Molly was sure Dora would have admired. Lily finished helping her fasten the buttons at the back of her dress and stood in front of her. Lily's own dress was a beautiful deep red with a bodice that was close to being scandalously low. Black lace trimmed it as well as the bell sleeves that hung just past her elbows. Molly smoothed down the front of the modified dress. "Oh you look simply beautiful," Lily exclaimed. "But there is just one thing missing..." she stepped to her dresser and opened a jewelry chest. Molly watched her pull out a necklace and earrings and bring them over. The necklace was a string of pearls with a teardrop crystal in the center. The earrings matched. "You'll wear these tonight and return them to me later," Lily stated as she placed the jewelry on Molly and stepped back again. "Oh Lily, they are so beautiful. Thank you so much," Molly was nearly in tears and couldn't help but to quickly embrace Lily. "Come now, we mustn't keep our gentlemen waiting," Lily said leading them out of her room and down the hall to the stairs. "You and Buck will walk over to the dance with Chris and I," she stated as she began to descend the stairs into the saloon. Molly followed a few stairs behind, butterflies dancing in her stomach with every step. She forced her hand to glide down the bannister rather than grip it tightly as walked down into the saloon. She stood on the last step and watched as Lily approached Mr. Larabee who was standing with Mr. Wilmington at the bar. Mr. Wilmington said something to both Lily and Chris before his attention found Molly. He slowly made his way over to her and despite her best intentions, Molly found herself gripping the banister. His smile lit up his eyes and Molly couldn't help but to return it. "Miss Molly," he said with a gentlemanly tip of his head. "You are absolutely breathtaking," his voice was low and soft and for a second Molly imagined he'd said anything. She'd never had such a generous complement paid to her and felt her face heat at the unaccustomed attention. "Mr. Wilmington," she said as she dipped a small curtsey, the appropriate gesture of a lady to her male suitor. She felt him lift her hand off the banister, taking it within his own so like what he'd done the night of the storm when they'd first met. It seemed like a lifetime ago rather than just a couple of weeks. She had the inappropriate wish that she wasn't wearing gloves so that she could feel his hand directly in her own. "I think it's about time you called me Buck," he said, stepping back to allow her to come off the step. The pair followed Lily and Chris out of the saloon into the evening. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Emma closed the door to the shop and drew down the shade on the window. She was exhausted from the flurry of the last few days. All she wanted to do was lay down and sleep till morning. But there wasn't time for that. Now that she had helped Cheyanne get ready, she had little time to get herself ready. She had promised Mary that she would help set up the food table and serve refreshments. Emma stepped into the backroom and surveyed the three dresses hanging there. A laugh bubbled up from inside her at the thought of how when she was with Isaac, she would have had thirty dresses to choose from, all fancier than these for a dance. She quickly changed into a dark green dress with lace that edged the neckline and cuffs. She repinned her hair and locked up the shop. Turning too quickly, her heel caught in a loose board and Emma felt herself falling backwards. A pair of hands caught her arm and helped her to get righted. "Are you alright, Mrs. Clark?" Emma tried to keep her face neutral at the sound of Ezra's voice. "Yes, Mr. Standish. Thank you for your assistance." Ezra looked down to where he still held her arm. He didn't want to let go. He missed being in her company, the sound of her voice. He regretfully let go and touched the brim of his hat to her. He tried to block out the sounds of laughter and people's voices as he walked back toward the saloon. Lily was standing on the walkway in front of the saloon. She raised an eyebrow at him as he approached. "Ezra, may we speak for a moment?" "Of course." "I was under the impression that you were fond of Mrs. Clark." Lily nodded toward Emma's figure that retreated around a corner. "She... I...," Ezra found it difficult to find the words to answer the question. He sighed. "I find her company quite enjoyable." "Then why haven't you spoken to her in days. Since her recovery, I've hardly seen you spare her a glance." She could see Ezra weighing the words he wanted to speak. "While my intentions towards Mrs. Clark have always been honorable. There may be some who would see her less favorably because of our acquaintance." Lily knew that there were some in Four Corners who were looked down on the seven who protected the town. Those same people no doubt thought that she was a brazen whore for owning a saloon. But she also knew that there were those in town who saw the honor these men had. "Ezra, I hope you won't think me out of line to say that you're an idiot." A smile caught the edges of his mouth. "Emma is fully capable of making the decision about whether or not your acquaintance will be a detriment to herself or her reputation." Lily squeezed Ezra's arm. "Please make up with her. I can't stand the both of you walking around looking as if someone died " "I shall endeavor to make reparations and get back in her good graces this evening." _______________________________________________________________ It took everything Cheyanne had to stay calm as she walked through the door into where the festivities where taking place. She had to keep herself from gripping Vin's arm to tight as not to alert him to her anxiety. It was one thing to walk among these people out in the open where she was able to give them a wide birth, but quite another to be under the same roof with so many people all at once. There were some who greeted them graciously. But there were others that she could feel more than see their eyes gawking at her, appalled that she dare make an appearance at such an event. Cheyanne averted her gaze toward the ground as not to meet their stares as she and her escorts made their way farther inside. She was becoming increasingly more agitated and frightened. She fought off the urge to run into Josiah's protective arms instead of clinging to the arm of her escort. Looking up slightly she began to scan the room her eyes darting back and forth searching the crowd for her friends Emma and Molly. Josiah's ever watchful and protective regard taking in every twitch of his young wards muscle, every hesitant step, and every heavy breath she took. Reaching a comforting hand over and laying it upon her shoulder. Cheyanne glanced up at him answering his unspoken question with the smallest of a nod acknowledging that she would be alright. "Well now, Looks like I found the perfect place to enjoy the night," Josiah spoke up with a mischievous grin spying the chairs lining wall next to the refreshments, from the looks of the men milling around one certain punch bowl he surmised that punch was probably made not entirely of fruit juices he guessed there may be some "spirits" lurking in the red fruity liquid. Looking at Cheyanne with a more serious tone. "I'll be right there if you need me." Cheyanne gave him a small grateful grin and a small nod. Acknowledging Vin Josiah limped away leaning on his crutches. Vin took Cheyanne's hand in his the music filled the air as the band played a slow waltz. The festive mood filling the air tonight made him smile and he felt like dancing "C'mon we'll start out slow" he asked more than insisted. Cheyanne almost hesitated but nodded her approval as he began to lead her to the dance floor. ___________________________________________________________________ A large building called the Grain Exchange was being used for the dance. It was on the edge of town and inside had been set up with a small stage for the musicians, a swept area for dancing and several long tables set up with refreshments. Several tables and chairs were also set up for people to sit and eat or drink at. Children were running with excitement while good natured calls of mothers to try and stay clean were filling the air along with other excited murmurs from towns people arriving. The building was already crowded as they entered and the musicians had begun with a waltz. A few couples had begun to dance and Molly noticed that Vin Tanner and Cheyanne were among them. Cheyanne looked so pretty in a dress that Molly had heard Mr. Sanchez had purchased for her after he'd acquiesced and let her attend the dance with Mr. Tanner. She looked so happy and Molly reasoned that he certainly wouldn't try anything in front of so many people. If anything he'd wait for an empty hallway... "Everything okay, darlin'?" Buck asked, squeezing her fingers that were on his arm. She realized that with her wayward thoughts she'd begun gripping tightly to his arm. She loosened her hold and offered him a smile. "It's just fine," she said. "Would you like to dance?" he asked. "Very much," she responded. She might not have received official dancing lessons but she knew most dances and was reasonably sure she wouldn't tread on his feet. It went against society etiquette to begin dancing a dance that had already started but Four Corners didn't play by those rules and a sense of freedom thrilled through Molly at the thought of deliberately and willfully going against what she'd always been taught was proper behavior. She allowed Buck to lead her to the edge of the dancing area before he led her in. He was a wonderful dancer and Molly was pleased that she'd remembered the steps. All too soon the song ended and Molly offered him the traditional end of waltz curtsy. He bowed to her with an air of silliness she found charming. Another song began, this one a country dance that she wasn't sure of the steps too but before she could beg off she found herself in his arms again being led through the steps. That song ended and laughing and out of breath she begged off a third dance in a row. Buck led her over to the refreshment table where Emma and Mary were tending to things. The three exchanged greetings and Buck retrieved a glass of punch for Molly. A woman approached the group that Molly had seen in town but hadn't been introduced too yet. It soon became clear she had no intention of joining the conversation with the women but instead was looking to speak with Buck. "I'd been hoping I could steal you away for a dance," she said. "That is if you don't mind," she directed to Molly in a tone that suggested she could give a fig if Molly truly minded or not. "Not at all," Molly offered cheerfully. "I could use a rest anyway." Buck gave her a smile of thanks that suggested she'd saved him some kind of trouble and Molly watched the pair go out. She began a conversation with Mary and Emma and soon Emma was approached by Mr. Standish and asked for a dance. Molly was pleased when her friend accepted. Her attention was drawn back to the dance floor and she noticed a different woman than the one who'd approached dancing with Buck. Molly couldn't help the twinge of disappointment and jealousy that went through her. Feeling the need to compose herself, Molly set her punch glass down on the table and walked outside. Dusk was coloring the horizon with various shades of blue as the sun set. Molly knew she was being foolish. Buck Wilmington was a large part of his growing town and she'd only been here a matter of days. She tried to convince herself that the loneliness of being homesick combined with the nerves of school starting was the more likely culprit. A few moments of fresh, cooler air would be just the thing, she reassured herself, rubbing her hands up and down her arms. Vin and Cheyanne stepped off the dance floor to take a break. Vin was pleased that Cheyanne seemed to be enjoying herself albeit cautiously. He looked around the room and spotted Lily and Chris sitting together at one of the tables, Mary was at the refreshment table with Molly. A familiar masculine laugh brought Vin's attention back to the dance floor where he spotted Buck dancing with Miss Daisy Williams. She was the second town's woman that Vin had seen him dancing with since they'd arrived. He looked back over to the refreshment table and watched as Molly set her punch glass down and walked out the side door. "Why isn't Buck dancing with Molly?" Cheyanne asked. Vin picked up the trace of worry in her voice. He knew she was coming to see the school teacher as a friend. "I don't know," Vin asked, wondering the same thing. Buck was Buck and while Vin hadn't quite yet figured Molly out yet he trusted his instincts enough to know that she wasn't like most of the women who normally grabbed Buck Wilmington's attention. More than that, Vin felt that since Buck had escorted Molly he should be with her. "I want to go make sure she's alright," Cheyanne said. Vin nodded. "You go on. I'll meet up with you in a few minutes." He walked over to where JD was standing on the edge of the dance floor. "Hay there, Vin. You and Cheyanne havin' fun?" he asked. "Why isn't Buck dancin' with Miss Molly? I thought they came together?" "Go cut in," Vin said to JD. "I already danced with Miss Daisy. I'm waiting on Casey to finish dancin' with Mr. Potter, I promised her the next dance...Vin!" his protest was cut short as Vin pulled him by his arm onto the dance floor and toward Buck and Daisy. Vin tapped Buck on his shoulder and the pair stopped. "JD wants to cut in," Vin said, pushing JD toward Daisey and grabbing Buck by the arm toward the edge of the dance floor. He'd upset Molly which had upset Cheyanne and that had upset Vin. "Why aint'cha dancing with Miss Molly?" Vin asked in a low tone so as not to cause a scene. "She's takin' a rest and I don't see what business it is of yours who I dance with," Buck replied in an equally low tone. "She ain't takin' a rest. She got upset when she saw you dancin' with someone other than her, twice, and went outside. Cheyanne went to see if she's okay." Buck opened his mouth to respond but Vin cut him off. "You want this town thinkin' she's just another conquest to you?" Vin asked. "Where she comes from a man courts one woman at a time. You don't wanna do that you leave her be." "Alright, Vin, you've made your point," Buck sighed. Vin stepped aside to allow Buck to walk toward the door that Molly had gone out of. "Molly? Are you alright?" Making sure she wouldn't betray the negative feelings that had sent her outside, Molly hesitated a few seconds before she turned around to acknowledge Cheyanne's greeting. "Perfectly. It just was getting so dreadfully warm in there. I needed a touch of air," she responded. "Are you and Mr. Tanner enjoying yourselves? You look so pretty by the way," Molly hoped the complement would be enough to distract Cheyanne from further inquiry. "So do you," Cheyanne responded shyly. "You must have had so many pretty dresses back East." If she only knew, Molly thought. "Everything alright out here, Ani?" Mr. Sanchez's deep voice came from the doorway. Molly watched as Cheyanne hurried over to his side. He was supporting himself against the doorway. "Josiah, you shouldn't be up and around," Cheyanne gently scolded moving to stand next to him. "Band's takin' a break," Josiah said. "Sure wish I was able to join in the fun, dance with my girl. Maybe See if I could get the lovliest school teacher this side of the Mississippi to honor me with a dance or two." "You, sir, are a caution," Molly responded lightly making her way back to the doorway where Mr. Tanner and Buck appeared. Molly wondered if it were her imagination or if Buck truly looked as if he'd been chastised. He shared a glance with Mr. Tanner before stepping outside. "Can I talk to you for a minute? Alone," he added. Mr. Tanner, Mr. Sanchez and Cheyanne all walked back inside. "Seems I owe you an apology," Buck began. Molly shook her head. "Not at all..." she began but he cut her off, stepping toward her and taking her hands in his. "No, I do. You are the loveliest woman here and I should be thankin' the good Lord above that you're on my arm tonight." His thumbs traced the tops of her hands as he spoke and again Molly had the inappropriate wish about not having worn gloves. "There you two are," Lily's voice interrupted. "The band is about to start again." "Do you want to go back inside or should I see you home?" Buck asked Molly. She gave him a smile. "Of course I want to go back inside," she said. He tucked her hand in his arm and led her past Lily and back inside just as the music began again. Molly knew how to keep a stoic face no matter the situation. When the young blond woman dragged Buck on to the dance floor, Molly hid any feelings behind a solid, if fake smile. She hoped that her attitude of non-chalance could also deceive the other two women. "I dare say, that I fear for the men in this room with three women as lovely as those standing at this table." Ezra touched the brim of his hat in greeting. His gaze turned solely to Emma. "Would you do me the honor of joining me for a dance?" Emma was tempted to say no, but there was an earnestness in his voice that she'd never heard from Ezra. She nodded and let Ezra lead her to the dance floor. He was wearing one of the vests she had made. She knew him well enough to know that was a deliberate act on his part. "I believe that this town would be rebuilding into the next century if not for Mary's intervention." "I suspect that you are correct. Mrs. Travis has a habit of taking charge and seeing this town returned from the edge of ruin." Ezra took a deep breath. "I owe you an apology. I have been behaving deplorably toward you of late." Emma didn't repsond, her gaze not even meeting his. He knew had no reason to expect or deserve her forgiveness. Her single word came out as a whispered question. "Why?" "I had the occasion to take counsel from a friend, who I believe that while he had both our best interests in mind...his words did not reflect my true feelings on the matter." "And what are your true feelings on the matter?" "That I would like us to have the chance to become closer." ? ? Linda

The girls had all been kidnapped during a bank robbery, the outlaws intended to sale the women into slavery. Vin had been shot when Cheyanne was stolen and I think Ezra had been shot during the robbery. Emma,Lilly, Cheyanne and Molly had all been taken. Emma and Lilly ended up in a brothel in Mexico? Or near by, Lilly was beaten, drugged and raped. Luckily Emma was rescued before anything like that happened to her. Molly had been sold to a rancher who had intended for her to become his wife She was rescued in the nick of time also. Cheyanne had been sold to a mining company in Mexico where she was forced to help cook with two other women that were already there. Here she met her childhood sweet heart Hawk McCloud. Who's mother was Sioux and father was a trapper and friend of her fathers. They were like family as it was Hawks mother who had nursed Cheyanne and helped raise the girl after her mother died. Hawk who was with the other men captured and put to work in the mines. He and the other men devised an escape plan. Hawk rescued Cheyanne and took her to his mothers village. As the other women had been rescued and taken back to town. Josiah and Vin dredged on searching for Cheyanne. In the mean time while Cheyanne was enjoying being back with her own people ( Actually Cheyanne is half Cheyenne on her mothers side) at least in familiar surroundings and reunited with Hawks mother. (After Josiah had found Cheyanne years ago at her fathers cabin when she woke up days later she did not remember her attack or what happened so Josiah lied to her about what happened hoping she would never remember. But being back with the Sioux she was near where she use to live with her father and she started to get flash backs.) When Josiah and Vin finally found her Cheyanne was in a dilemma. She eventually chose to stay with the Sioux and not go back to Four Corners. She felt safer among her people and as the Sioux had plans on meeting up with Cheyanne's grandfather who was Chief of the Cheyanne she wanted to be where she felt more accepted. After the kidnapping it left her in fear of being in town........ The army attacked, her grandfather had been killed when they attacked the Cheyenne and now they massacred the Sioux. She and Hawk were rescued by Josiah and Vin and ended up back in town. Cheyanne was very different when they returned with drawn and she would not speak or see anyone. She finally remembered what had happened to her years ago, the rape and beating and it destroyed her. When her friend Emma was shot by her estranged husband Cheyanne started to come out of it with the need to help her friend. Emma and Ezra began a courtship as did Buck and Molly. Now..... A bounty hunter came to town looking for and finding Hawk. Hawk was thrown in jail and the bounty hunter (Fancy Dan Parker) intended to take him back to Colorado where he was wanted for a murder that was in fact self defense. Cheyanne was not about to let the man she once intended to marry and the only family she had left hang so enlisting the help of Molly she broke Hawk out of jail. As the story stands so far Buck has whisked Molly out of town, Emma had been accosted by Fancy Dan Parker, and Cheyanne is in house arrest as you probably read in my recent post. This should probably get you all caught up on what's going on Ann. Hope you Like reading our story's ? ? Linda

Thanks for being so patient with me - Molly listened as the sound of a horse galloping away faded. Of course Vin would head straight back to town the moment he knew Cheyanne might be in danger never mind the danger that might pose for him. Molly expected Buck to come back inside the small cabin once Vin had left. Several minutes passed and she let out a sigh. He'd ordered her to stay inside as if she were a disobedient child. Sheer stubbornness had her walking toward the outside before she stopped. He was angry with her and she knew he had every right to be. What she'd done, deceiving him, lying to him was nearly unforgivable. From the second she'd met him on that storm drenched roadway he'd been nothing but decent and kind and good to her. She wasn't sure there was an apology big enough for what she'd done but she had to try. And she had to tell him the truth about herself. It was a risk but she had to take it. She'd apologize, tell him the truth about her background and they'd go back to town. Hopefully with no one the wiser. She'd hate to think what it would do to her reputation if the powers that be in the town found out she'd run off with Buck Willmington in the middle of the day, un-escorted, to a cabin. She heard footsteps approach the cabin, boots scrape the small porch and then Buck's form filled the door way. He took off his hat and walked over to the small kitchen area. He was carrying a bucket and Molly watched him pour water into a basin, splash water on his face and use a small cake of soap to wash his hands. He dried his hands with a towel and turned to face her for the first time since entering the room. "Horse is bedded down," he said. Molly didn't understand his statement. He walked over to the small stove in the corner, gingerly touching the top of it as if to gauge the temperature. He crouched down and opened the door and fed a few logs to the fire that had started to die down. "Buck...what...what are you doing?" Molly asked. "We have to be heading back soon." The look he leveled in her direction had whatever she was about to say next die on her lips. If she'd been asked in that instant to state her name she wouldn't have been able to articulate the correct response. She'd been on the receiving end of various looks from him from teasing that sparked light in his dark eyes to a gaze that was just this side of lust. If she were going to lie to herself she'd claim inexperience as to understanding what this look meant. But the feminine part of her that was as old as time understood it clearly. She was not leaving this cabin until he'd had her. She should be indignant, she should play every inch the put out, proper lady. But she'd decided she was done lying to this man and to herself. She wasn't a lady, put out, proper or other wise and God help her she wanted him. She wanted him to teach her the secrets of a man and woman together, wanted him to be the first she'd take into her body in that way. Whatever the consequences would be she'd face them and she'd do it with her head held high. She felt for this man and he for her. That would have to be enough to pay the fiddler when this...dance was over. "I was never a governess," she found herself saying. She watched him slowly stand up. "I've...I've worked in service since I was about 9 years old but never as a governess. My last position was as a lady's maid." Molly told him the story about the night Darren attacked Iris and then turned on her when she tried to stop it. How it resulted in the loss of her position with no reference and how Dora worked it out so Molly could come to Four Corners and take the teaching position. Buck didn't utter a sound the entire time Molly spoke. "The only other person here who knows is Lily but not the whole story. She figured out I was a maid but I haven't told her the rest. I wanted you to know who I really was before..." Molly felt heat flood her face. "Molly O'Rouke you are every bit a lady," Buck replied, walking up to her. "I don't care where you're from or what you did to survive. That's not my place to judge. But, I'm glad you told me the truth," he said, taking her hands in his. "You might not be so generous when I ask that you keep this to yourself. Buck, if I lose my position I'd have no where to go. I can't go back to Baltimore..." Buck cut her off by pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around her. Being held like this by him never failed to make her feel safe. "You're not going anywhere," he said to her, his voice thick with promise. "Except back to Four Corners," Molly said. She felt his body tense and she pulled back to look up at him. "Buck, we can't stay here much longer. I'm sure people are going to start to wonder where we are - I left Mr. Sanchez in charge of the school. The children are bound to tell their parents I wasn't at the school not to mention anyone might have seen us leave town together..." Molly was so intent on her argument she didn't notice his head dip down before his mouth captured hers. Being kissed by Buck wasn't a new experience for Molly. What was new this time was the way he lingered. They were in private with no one to discover them. 'Was this how it would begin then?' she wondered. She felt his fingers trace the row of buttons on the back of her dress and a shiver flowed through her. Buck pulled back and leveled a soft look at her. "Everything's gonna be alright, I promise," he said to her, trailing the back of his hand down her face. Molly steadied herself with a deep breath and stepped back and walked toward the door. "It's so quiet here," Molly said. She heard Buck walk up behind her. "Do you miss it?" he asked. She knew he meant Baltimore. "Some things. I miss my family and the household. I miss the smell of the ocean and the shortbread from Berger's." She turned to face him. "Baltimore will always mean a great deal to me. But it wasn't Baltimore that I thought of when we were taken, when Henderson was holding me. It was Four Corners and the life I have here. And it was you." Molly placed her hand on his face, her thumb stroking the edge of his mustache. "My mother told me once to never fight fate, that it will always find a way." "Seems like good advice," he replied. "I do trust you, Buck. I've trusted you from the moment you lifted me out of that stagecoach and carried me across the mud." "I'm tired of fighting fate." Molly turned back around and reached behind her to the buttons at the neck of her dress. She got the first two undone and looked over her shoulder at Buck. "At some point you'll have to help me," she said. She felt his hands go to the middle of her back and the fabric of her dress start to loosen as the buttons came open. Finally the last one was open. "Molly..." she turned around pulling her arms from the sleeves as she did so. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life," she answered his unasked question as she let her dress fall to the floor. Molly snuggled closer to the warmth that was at her back. When the scent of sweet grass and something earthier just underneath caught her nose she slowly opened her eyes. She was with Buck. In a bed. Naked. In Mr. Larabee's cabin. And she was no longer a virgin. "Well, there was that then," was the thought that drifted into her head. She'd expected to feel a sense of panic at the knowledge that what they'd done could not be undone. Panic at what it could cost her future. Panic at any...consequence that might result. Instead she felt content. Content and safe. She felt him shift next to her and she turned on her back. He was awake. "How long were we asleep?" she asked. They'd spent the better part of the rest of the morning and early afternoon in bed. Exploring and learning each other - Lily had been right about Buck being a good teacher. Molly felt heat fill her face and other parts of her body as she recalled things they'd done together. It had been borderline hedonistic and decadent and Molly didn't regret a single second of it. "I'm not sure," he answered, brushing hair back from her forehead with his hand. "Are you hungry?" he asked. At his question, Molly suddenly felt famished. She hadn't eaten since the early morning and her emotions had been so tied up she'd not eaten much at that. "Yes," she replied. He gave her a soft kiss. "Let me see what I can scare up then," he said, moving to climb out of the bed. Molly made a move to follow him as he pulled his long johns on and then his pants. "You just stay right where you are," he said, teasing in his voice. "Buck? Buck, Molly? You here?" JD's voice called from outside. The startled look on Buck's face had Molly giggling. Of course JD would interrupt this moment - he seemed destined to interrupt them at the most inopportune times. "I suppose it's better now than...before," Molly said. "Buck?" "Yeah just hold your horses kid I'll be right there," Buck called out before walking outside. Buck really hoped someone was dead or the town was on fire because if JD were here for any other reason Buck might be forced to horribly murder him. "Hey Buck," JD said. "Molly inside?" he asked. "Yeah," Buck replied, taking a step in front of him to prevent him from going inside. It was then that JD seemed to realize that Buck was only half dressed. "Okay well...um..." "JD just out with it," Buck said. "There's trouble with Parker. Chris's making it look like he's got Cheyanne under house arrest. Seems Parker wired Judge Travis, wants to see Cheyanne go to jail for helping Hawk escape. Chris figured out Molly helped. Thinks it's a good idea if you lay low here for a bit." "I'd like to see myself," Molly's voice came from the porch. Buck looked over at where she stood. She'd put her dress on but judging from how loose it fit, she'd been unable to get all the buttons done herself. Her toes peaked out from the bottom of her skirt. Her hair was unbound sending Buck's mind back to earlier that day when he'd slowly pulled the hair pins holding her hair up. He'd never seen her with her hair completely unbound until that moment. "I'll not stay here hidden while Cheyanne answers for something we both did." "Parker wants someone to pay," JD said. "And he don't much care who it is. Cheyanne would want you to stay here where Buck and I can keep you safe." "Absolutely not," Molly argued. Buck walked up to her. She was his now, completely and absolutely and he wasn't about to let her put herself in danger. "Vin make it back?" Buck asked as he stood in front of Molly. "Yeah but he left again, just wanted to make sure Cheyanne was okay. Probably not far away but he's out of sight," JD replied. "If we go back, if we take you into town, Vin might see it as his duty to come back to town," Buck let the statement hang in the air. He knew that Vin had shared with Molly when they'd gone to Bitter Creek there was a bounty on his head for murder. He let the implication of what he was saying hang in the air. "I can't just leave her to face this alone," Molly said. "You're not," Buck said, "The others are with her. When Judge Travis comes we'll go back and it'll get straightened out." Molly let out a sigh and Buck tried not to hear defeat in it. "Will you please...?" she turned around and Buck quickly buttoned up the buttons on her dress she hadn't been able to reach. "I'll pull supper together," she said, walking back inside the cabin. Buck wanted to follow her, take her into his arms and distract her in bed for the rest of the night. Blowing out a breath he turned to JD. "Let's get the horses bedded down."

Emma’s had a restless night of sleep alone in Ezra’s bed. While she missed him, she was glad it was because he was standing guard for Cheyenne. Lily had been livid while they’d eaten supper after telling her about what had happened with the bounty hunter. She had assured that Judge Travis would sort out this mess and send Parker on his way. Emma returned to her shop after breakfast. This time though she kept the shades drawn and the front door locked. She would not be caught off guard by Dan Parker again. It was nearly noon when she took a break. No doubt Nathan would not have approved of her working so much. But it felt good. Things were clean and straightened. She’d even spent a little time with her sewing machine finishing the hem on a dress. What would have taken hours by hand took minutes. Emma took the shaw that hung in the back room when she left. The air had been considerably colder the last few days. It occurred to her that she had no idea what winter would be like on the frontier. Would there be snow? The thought of snow made her think of Christmas and her brother. It saddened her to think of him believing that she had died. Maybe there could be a way to get a message to him, let him know that she lived and was well. Perhaps Lily would have an idea. She left her shop and headed not in the direction of the saloon but to their mercantile. The bell over the door announced her arrival. The store keeper emerged from the back a moment later, a guarded smile on her face. “Good day, how are you today?” “Quite fine, thank you.” Emma rubbed her hands together to warm them. “I wanted to come and tell you thank you again, for yesterday. I do not relish the thought of what that man might have done had you not alerted Mr.Jackson.” Belle nodded. She didn’t know the words to voice what she’d seen in the bounty hunter’s eyes, just that he’d meant to cause trouble. “Glad that I could help.” Emma turned to leave. “Ms. Clark? I’d been meaning to ask about having you mend a couple dresses. I could do it myself but with running the store on my own,” she waved her hand at the room. Mrs. Potter had not been the most organized and Belle felt like she needed to start from scratch when it came to a simple inventory. “Of course, I’d be happy to. Perhaps we could arrange a trade. I’m always in need of fabric and notions.” “I think that’s a fine idea.” The two women discussed the arrangement before Emma took her leave. The noon stage tumbled into town stopping just down from her. She wondered if Judge Travis was onboard. The sooner the judge sent Dan Parker on his way the better they’d all be. The coachman handed a trunk down to one of the hotel porters. Emma crossed the street headed to the restaurant for dinner. A well-dressed man exited the coach. She spared a sideways glance at him. She guessed he was over 40 with a salt and pepper neatly trimmed beard. He tipped the coachman and promised one to the porter for taking care of his bag. “Good day,” he tipped his hat to her. Emma nodded. “I don’t suppose you know a Mrs. Lily Patterson and where I might find her.” “At saloon.” “Of course.” A slow smile crossed his face. “Thank you Mrs. ...” “Clark.” “Mrs. Clark,” he tipped his hat again, “have a lovely afternoon.”

This is also sent as an attachment because the email messes up the paragraphing. So if you can see the attachment I would read it from there. ? ? ? ? Linda My Angel Wings are in the shop for repair good thing my broom is in working condition.. The dust from the arrival of the morning stagecoach settled as the carriage came to a stop. The driver climbed down and set the stepping stool in front of the door before he opened it and helped the passengers to embark. Judge Travis was the second passenger to exit, he pulled his coat tighter in an effort to keep warm in the cool morning air. The older man stood tall surveying the town as he waited for the other passengers to depart and for the driver to retrieve his bag from the top of the stage. It was early, the streets were still quiet not everyone was up and moving around yet. He had no sooner recovered his luggage than he was met by a very pervasive Fancy Dan Parker. The man’s arrogance and insistence that he immediately attend to the purpose he’d been summoned for exasperated the Judge. “Mr. Parker. I assure you I will take care of the matter. Right now, it’s been a very long coach ride, I am tired and I’m hungry. I intend to have some breakfast, rest and have a visit with my grandson. I will attend to your complaint this afternoon.” “Judge, this *is* an urgent matter, every minuet we waist…” Judge Travis held up his hand signaling the man to be quiet, his tone clearly resonated his aggravation. “I said I will take care of it this afternoon” A small boys voice echoed through the noiseless streets. “Grandpa!” Mary and Billy Travis hurried over greeting the judge welcoming him affectionately. Chris Larrabee followed behind greeting the judge with a warm handshake then taking the man’s baggage escorted him and his family to his room, leaving Parker standing at the stage stop. ** As the bright afternoon sun climbed higher so did the temperature. Lily stacked clean glasses behind the bar while some of the men from town rearranged chairs and set tables at the back of the room save for the ones to be used, With no formal court room, the saloon often double as one. JD turned the saloons open sign in the window over so that it read closed. Ezra and Nathan stood outside the door way collecting weaponries from those who had them and desired to attend the hearing. Judge Travis made his way inside followed my Mary Travis who took a seat in the front row paper and pencil in hand. ** Emma locked the door to her shop and walked briskly down the boardwalk afraid would she be late for the proceedings. Belle Chandler watched from the doorway of her store across the street contemplating attending the hearing herself. It Seemed as though most of the town was rushing to see what would happen to the half breed girl who set an accused murder free. The girls Guardian was a regular customer, and a very kind gentleman, even if he did flirt excessively and showered her with sweetness and honey every time he came into the store. She hated to admit it but she was beginning to enjoy his flirtation, he made her feel at ease and gave her a sense of confidence that coming here had indeed been a good move. The least she could do is show some support for him now. Quickly plucking the keys from her pocket, she removed her apron and tossed it on the counter snatched up her blue shawl from the hook and turned her open sign to closed before she shut and locked the door then rushed to catch up with Emma. The had stuck up a sort of friendship when she had come into her store the other day. Maybe they could sit together. Cheyanne braided four strands in each braid and secured them with a piece of soft brown cloth then finished buttoning the front of her tan gingham dress. Her beaded necklace with the cameo that had been her mothers hung around her neck. She pulled on her moccasins then crossed the room to the full-length mirror that stood in the corner to give herself a once over, making sure she looked presentable, instead she stared blankly into it. She didn’t know whether to be afraid or sad. Maybe it would have been best if she had run away with Hawk. It would have saved Josiah and the rest of the men all this trouble. Maybe she should have lied and not admitted to releasing Hawk that night. It had been her intention, but then she could never lie to Josiah, it was too bad Chris Larrabee and Parker had been in the room when he asked her if she knew anything about Hawk’s escape... Pulling herself from her thoughts Cheyanne picked up her white shawl putting it over her shoulders before opening the door. *** Chris and Josiah each flanked Cheyanne as they walked from the church to the saloon. The sound of horse’s hooves coming up behind them instantly had them on the alert. Pulling Josiah’s ward behind them both men stood ready to pull their guns should there be a threat. Buck Wilmington reigned his horse to a stop and dismounted then helped Molly to dismount as well. She wasted no time in going to Cheyanne who seemed more angry, than pleased to see her friend. “You should not be here.” “I will not let you face this unaided” Molly insisted. Despite Cheyanne’s protests and pleadings that she leave now, until this was all over. Molly stood her ground. “I was just as much a part of this as you were Cheyanne, I’ll not sit by and watch you go through it alone. My mind is made up, now let’s get on with it ” Taking Bucks arm Molly took the lead and walked a head, followed closely by a reluctant Cheyanne with her two escorts. * Vin Tanner slipped from behind the saloon He’d figured Parker was going to be so caught up with the hearing that he doubted he would take any notice of him he would just blended in with the crowd. But then he couldn’t hide from JD and Ezra who stood guard outside the entrance. “Vin!” JD’s Voice carried, and Ezra’s elbow caught the boy in the ribs. “Must you be so flamboyant?” “I’m sorry, I was…” “What are you doing here my friend?” Ezra turned his attention to Vin. “You are aware that Parker is inside.” “I know that, but he’s got other things on his mind right now. There’s enough people in there I’ll just blend in.” “Your taken an awful big chance there Vin.” This time JD kept his tone lower. “It’s a chance I’m wil’n ta take kid.” He thanked JD for his concern with a pat on the shoulder before following three farmers who’d just arrived into the saloon. Taking a seat in the back Vin pulled his hat a little lower. He knew he was taking a chance that Parker would recognize him but, he would not sit back and wait while the woman he cared so deeply for stood before Judge Travis on charges that she helped a murdered escape. The judge was a fair man, he hoped he would see fit to just let it go. She’d never been in trouble with the law before. But should this go sideways he was ready, Cheyanne’s horse was saddled and ready to go, tied up out back with his own mount. * Buck and Molly entered the saloon first. Josiah stopped at the door. Aware of Cheyanne’s aversion for crowds, especially as of late, putting a comforting arm around her he leaned down close speaking softly. “Everything’s gonna be just fine, I’ll be right her with you.” Chris, Ezra and JD could see how afraid the girl was, it was written all over in her expression. She tried hard to not let it show, but the thought of all those people inside that room still terrified her so that she began to tremble. “you have nothing to fear my dear” Ezra spoke compassionately. “You have a varying cornucopia of friends who care about you in there. One in particular I would suffice to say would give his right arm for you.” Ezra’s attempt at inconspicuously telling Cheyanne that Vin was here did not go unnoticed by Chris and Josiah. Chris took in a heavy breath then let it out. “Vin’s here?” JD nodded “said he’d blend in with the crowd. He doesn’t think Parker will notice who he is cuz he’s more interested in what’s go ’in on right now.” “Oh, that’s just great.” Chris growled “I hope he’s right.” He should have known Vin would be here it wasn’t a secret that Vin was sweet on Cheyanne. He just hoped this would go smoothly and there wouldn’t be any trouble. He looked down at Cheyanne “Are you ready?” Cheyanne could say nothing she only looked up at him with fear filled eyes. Chris’s demeanor softened. “You got nothin to worry about, we ain’t gonna let anything happen to you. That’s a promise.” **** The room fell silent as the doors opened and Josiah led Cheyanne to the front of the room. Fancy Dan Parker smiled confidently glaring at the frightened young girl as she made her way with Josiah to stand in front of Judge Travis.

Emma heard her name called from behind. She paused and waited for the new mercantile owner to catch up to her. Emma had fixed a tear in a dark brown dress to wear to the hearing. The somber color felt appropriate for the proceedings. “Good afternoon. I’m afraid I don’t really chat. I’m headed over...” Emma wasn’t sure the proper way to phrase things. “No, I assumed as much. I was going there as well. I thought we might walk over together.” Belle gave a guarded smile. “I don’t know the young woman but her guardian has been in. I thought I’d go to show my support.” “That’s quite kind of you. Josiah would appreciate the gesture. Cheyanne is like a daughter to him.” Ezra and Nathan stood outside the saloon’s doors collecting weapons from all entering. Chris didn’t expect trouble but he wasn’t willing to take the chance. If it had been up to Ezra the bounty hunter would be hearing from the judge about the way he’d manhandled Emma. But she’d asked him to let it go as long as the man stayed away from her. He had never experienced the need to protect someone like he did with Emma. “Good afternoon ladies,” Ezra tipped his hat. “I believe that we can assume that neither of you is hiding a firearm under your petticoats.” Emma laughed and Belle offered the hint of a smile. The gambler had had little interaction with the new store owner up to this point. “Ms. Clark, a moment please.” Ezra took her hand and lead her a few feet away. “I would feel better if you did not attend. I do not like you being in the same room as that man.” Emma looked down to where Ezra rubbed a slow circle on the underside of her wrist. She was touched by his concern. She wished she could kiss him right this second. But for as improper that most would find their relationship, there were still things not done. “Your concern is... I greatly appreciate it. I do not believe there is any cause for concern. He would not dare approach me. And I cannot let Cheyanne stand in front of the Judge alone. She needs all her friends present.” Belle could not hear the words being said between the seamstress and the gentleman. But there was no mistaking the affection between them. He raised her hands to his mouth and kissed them. A blush spread across the woman’s face. Belle turned her head. It was none of her business what transpired between the two of them. Emma wrapped her shawl tight around her shoulders as she rejoined Belle and Nathan. “Shall we?” It appeared that everyone in town had crowded into the saloon. Most had no connection to the parties involved but anything involving a judge drew them like flies to honey. Emma maneuvered them through the crowd to chairs on the far side. From here it would be easy to leave via the kitchen if necessary. Emma searched the crowd for Lily and spotted the saloon owner speaking with Mary Travis. “Excuse me a moment, I need to tell Lily something.” Emma was forced to pass Dan Parker to reach Lily. The look he gave her was pure malice. Emma did not doubt that if he man did find Hawk he’d kill him out of spite. “Lily, a moment,” Emma called out. “Of course, what is it?” “There was a man on the stagecoach earlier asking after you.” “Really?” Lily’s brow furrowed. “Yes, tall, salt and pepper hair.” “Handsome?” A blush spread across Emma’s face. Lily laughed. “I believe I know who it might. He’s an old friend from New Orleans. Though I cannot imagine why he would have traveled here.” She would have to sort that out later. A ripple ran through the crowd. Josiah had entered with Cheyanne. They moved to the front of He crowd to where Judge Travis sat. “Alright, let’s get these proceedings started.”

OK hear you go, this is mot my best writing, but that's what I get for waiting to the last minuet to get my post out. It's pretty sad. But it gets the story across. I have sent this with an attachment because it's paragraphed better that way But it's also in this e-mail for those who can't open the attachment. ? ? ? ? Linda My Angel Wings are in the shop for repair good thing my broom is in working condition.. (((((“Mr. Parker, you may also refrain from speaking at present. There is a procedure we will observe. Anyone who has issue with that may leave.” People shifted around to see if anyone would leave. It appeared everyone was willing to obey the rules and stay. The Judge shuffled some papers in front of him and Molly took the opportunity to reach over and take Cheyanne's hand in her own. She gave it a squeeze before letting go. She believed with every fiber of her being what they'd done was right and just. Now they had to convince the Judge of the same. ))))) Judge Travis looked up form his desk. “Now Miss Beaujuex, by your own admission you’ve been charged with aiding and abetting a possible murder to escape the confines of his jail cell and assisted him in leaving town. Do you understand the seriousness of this charge?” Cheyanne’s eyes never left the ground in front of her. She was afraid to look up, afraid to speak. Josiah gave her a light nudge with his arm and quietly urged her to speak up “Annie, answer the man” Fear filled eyes glanced up at her benefactor then back to the ground as she simply nodded that she understood. “Would you care to elaborate with more than a single nod? You know you are intitled to give us your side of the story.” Still Cheyanne would not answer. “Miss Beaujuex if you will not speak up I will be forced to have you taken to jail until I can conduct a trial with a jury of your peers to formally charge and sentence you for this crime.” “Your honor” Josiah swiftly came to the girl’s defense “She’s just afraid to speak, it’s all the people. Cheyanne she’s very quiet she…I can speak for her, you see Cheyanne and Hawk.” Judge Travis was beginning to get annoyed at Cheyanne’s refusal to open up, interrupted him. “Are you acting as her counselor then Mr. Sanchez?” Josiah stepped forward, respectfully holding his hat in his hands. “Yes Sir, yes I am. Molly stepped closer to her friend and whispered, “Cheyanne, you have to tell the judge everything you told me that night. Please.” Cheyanne’s continued silence forced Molly to step in. “Please your honor she told me everything, I can tell you what happened.” Judge Travis opened his mouth to scold Molly for speaking out of turn when Dan Park quickly stood so recklessly that his chair nearly toppled over bellowing at the top of his lungs. “She knows Exactly what she did! This hearing is a waist of time!” The Judges gavel hit on the table in front of him with such a loud thud Both Molly and Cheyanne nearly jumped out of their skin, Molly felt sure that the sheer force and sound of the ligneous Gavel hitting the wood table that the counter had most certainly been broken or at the very least cracked. “MR. Parker! One more out burst from you and I will have you escorted from these proceedings, is that understood?!” A Shout from the crowd followed by the loud undeniable sound of a gunshot abrupted from somewhere in the crowd before Parker could answer or sit. Everyone turn to the back corner of the room. Chris and the others jumped into action but were stopped by the man’s gun aiming threateningly toward them. “Everyone just calm down. You..” he pointed to the Chris, Buck, Ezra, Nathan and JD. “Over by the judge, and You..” this time he pointed his weapon at Parker “over there too so I can keep an eye on you.” “How’d he smuggle a gun in here?” Chris whispered crossly. “JD and Ezra both shrugged they were just as staggered as everyone else. They did not remember even seeing this man approach them to enter the building. “You three and the judge, you stay where you are. Josiah took Cheyanne and Molly by the arm carefully moving them behind him. Cheyanne’s eyes stayed trained on the man holding the gun. There was something about him, his voice she knew that voice. The intruder retrieved another gun from under his serape and pointed it toward the crowd “The rest of you get out.” The people in the make shift court room stirred but seem too fearful to move. “OUT!” the man shouted again firing another shot into the ceiling. Vin stayed hidden in the mass of towns people hurrying towards the door until he was closer. But before he could make his move a gun was aimed at his head. Their eyes met, and recognition hit. “Don’t be a hero bounty hunter.” The man whispered “I’m not here to hurt anyone, but I will if I have too” Vin glared into desperate eye’s barely able to see them under the sombrero that partially hid the man’s face. “Why are you here, I won’t let you at…” “I’m here to get Cheyanne out of this mess, now get the hell out of here before we both end up in jail.” Cautiously and under duress Vin followed the rest of the towns people out. Cheyanne stared at the stranger, his voice, she new the voice but his face was hidden behind the sombrero he wore. When the room had cleared the outsider shut the inside doors and locked them then taking a rope that hung on his belt unseen under his poncho he tossed it at JD. “Tie him up.” JD looked at Chris for consent. Chris gave him a small inconspicuous nod. “Now you just wait one damn minuet” Parker protested “Who are you?” His question remained unanswered until he was firmly tied to a nearby chair. The man removed the serape and sombrero at the same time. “My name is Hawk McCloud your honor, I’ve come to set things straight and turn myself over to you. And beg for your forgiveness and mercy for Cheyanne and her friend.” Setting his gun on the table Hawk held his hands in the air and gave up. Chris and the others quickly hurried over to him and confiscated his weapons Judge Travis was staggered and annoyed that his hearing had been so violently interrupted. “Mr. Larrabee take that man and lock him up.” Hawk struggled against the strength of Chris and Bucks grip as they tried to lead him out and to the jail. “Wait Your honor, please hear me out. Cheyanne was only trying to help, I didn’t kill anyone!” The judge held up his hand in a silent command for Chris to stop and wait. “The hell you didn’t boy and your gonna swing for it, I promise you!” Judge Travis glared steel eyes at Parker causing the man to stop talking. “Please judge,” Hawk continued “You hand me over to Parker and I’m a dead man. That’s why Cheyanne helped me, she knew this. Even If I made to back to Colorado there wouldn’t be any trial, they don’t care about the truth they just want me dead.” Cheyanne unexpectedly turned to the judge, fear and desperation etched in her features. “Please, help him, I know he did not do this thing they say, I beg of you.” The judge ran his palm over his face deep into his thoughts he said nothing. The sincerity in both Hawk McCloud and Cheyanne’s words weighed heavily on him, and he felt that there was indeed more to this story than he had been led to believe by Fancy Dan Parker. When he finally spoke, it was not the words Parker wanted to hear. “Mr. Larrabee remand Mr. McCloud to the jail. He is not to be extradited until I’ve had a chance to speak with him. As for you two.” He looked straight at Molly and Cheyanne speaking with authority. “Being that Mr. McCloud has seen fit to return and turn himself in and since neither of you have ever been in any sort of trouble before I’m going to overlook this matter.” His voice softened “But for now, your both free to go, I expected you both to stay in town I’ll have some questions for you later. And I expect to Hear your answers this time Miss Beaujuex is that understood?” Cheyanne nodded and quietly answered “yes” “And as for YOU Mr. Parker. You are not to go with in ten feet of either of these women nor the jail. Unless you want to occupy one of the cells inside is that understood?” Parker scoffed answering reluctantly “yes sir”

Sorry this took a little longer than normal: Molly waited until Parker was led out of the Saloon before heading for the door. Mary waited just outside. "You've been missed the last few days," she said as Molly approached her. "Buck and JD thought it best that we stay at Mr. Larabee's until the Judge arrived," Molly said. "I trust that Buck...behaved himself?" Mary asked. Molly had anticipated the question and struggled with how to answer it. She wasn't ashamed of what she'd done but society would be. The attitudes in this place might be a bit more relaxed but she was the school teacher, and the town thought her a lady. That the Judge hadn't put her or Cheyanne in jail didn't mean she still held her position. Would admitting what her and Buck did be the final nail in that coffin? Molly drew in a breath and looked Mary square in the eyes. "Buck behaved...exactly how I wanted him to behave," she responded. "I took over lessons for you," Mary commented after a beat. "I appreciate that," Molly replied. Mary reached out and took Molly's hand in hers and squeezed it. "I think I'd like to get myself sorted out," Molly said. "I would imagine you'd like some time with your father-in-law." "He'll be busy with some other business while he's here, but I hope you'll join us for dinner later?" Mary said. "Are you sure that's wise?" Molly asked. Mary smiled. "The Judge isn't one to hold a grudge and he believes in second chances. I think it would be good for him to get to know you better," Mary replied. So it was later that evening that Molly found herself fussing with the placement of her hat, nerves making it difficult to pin it to her head the way she wanted it. She was just about to unpin it for what seemed like the millionth time when Mary appeared in her doorway. "Leave it," she said. "It's just fine." "I think the angle is all wrong," Molly said. Before she could unpin it, Mary walked up to her and adjusted it just the slightest. "There," she said, not giving Molly a chance for one last look in the mirror, Mary reached down and picked up her shawl and pouch from the bed and handed them to Molly as they walked out the door. She could hear voices coming from the front of the office - Billy's and a man's that she presumed was the Judge's. Stopping to draw in a quick breath Molly held her head up as she walked into the main part of the office. Their chatter stopped when Molly entered the room. "Miss O'Rourke," the Judge said with a nod. Molly gave him a small curtsy. "Judge Travis," she said. "Baa, we don't stand on that kind of formality here," he waved off her gesture as she rose. Mary appeared in the room just then and walked over to her father-in-law. "Are we ready then?" she took the Judge's arm. "Billy, would you please escort Miss O'Rourke?" Molly was completely charmed when Billy walked up and offered her his arm. She accepted it and they made their way out of the office and up the street towards the hotel. Once seated in the hotel dinning room, Molly struggled to not let her nerves get the better of her. The meal went fine, the conversation light, until the end of the meal when Judge Travis handed his grandson a coin and suggested Mary take Billy to the store to pick out some candy. "I'd like to have a word with Miss O'Rourke," he'd said. Molly carefully folded her napkin and set it next to her plate as the waitress appeared. The Judge ordered a neat whisky and looked over at Molly before saying "and a sherry for the lady." Molly hesitated just the slightest before nodding her agreement to the waitress feeling as if she were taking a test she was ill prepared for. She reminded herself what the Judge thought he knew about her. Having a small glass of sherry after a meal wasn't unheard of for a woman back east. "You understand that I'd be well within my rights to fire you as the teacher in this town and send you packing back to Baltimore?" he said. Molly took in a breath. "Yes," she responded simply. The waitress returned just then with their drinks. "So why am I not doing just that?" he said after the waitress left their table. "I won't presume to know your mind, your Honor," Molly replied. "But if you're fishing for an apology or an acknowledgment of wrong doing, you'll not get it." "Mary said you were strong willed," the Judge replied, taking a sip of his drink. "She said you'd confronted Parker on your own, tried to get him to release Hawk. Some might call that foolish." "Others the right thing to do," Molly countered. "Regardless, it meant he set his sights on you which forced Buck Wilmington to play the hero and take you from town in a rather unconventional way and un-escorted. Don't think in the drama of all this Parker business that hasn't gone unnoticed." "We weren't un-escorted, JD Dunn was with us," Molly responded. "I was told JD left several hours later. That was also noticed." Molly reached out and picked up the glass of sherry and took a sip. The action prevented her from lashing out that she was a woman grown and asking why Buck wasn't under the same scrutiny. She knew very well why - the rules for men were different. Here in the wild frontier of Four Corners or in the high society of Baltimore it didn't matter. She doubted very much that the Judge planned to have a similar conversation with Buck and imply his position in town was at risk. "What did or didn't happen between the two of you is your business," the Judge said. "But you both hold positions of authority in this town and I plan to remind him of the same." He took another sip of his whisky. "You seem surprised," he said and Molly realized she was holding the Sherry glass halfway between her mouth and the table. Carefully, she lowered the glass to the table. "It's been my experience that most men of your position aren't as forgiving of a woman's...indiscretion. Real or assumed." Molly replied. "Yes, well...maybe in spite of my best efforts I'm a progressive man after all," the Judge replied. "Well then, a toast, to progression," Molly lifted her glass and was pleased when the Judge did the same, clinking it to hers. After taking the obligatory sips, the Judge checked his watch. "It's getting late," he commented and the nodded behind her. "And it appears I should surrender your attention to someone else." Molly shifted in her seat to look behind her. Buck was standing in the entry to the dinning room, his hat in his hand. The Judge finished his whisky in one last gulp before standing and waving Buck to the table. The waitress approached the table. "Have a drink on me, Buck," the Judge said. "And then be so good as to see Miss O'Rourke home, would you?" He turned to Molly who was still seated. "It was a pleasure, Miss O'Rourke," he said with a nod. "Likewise, your Honor," Molly replied with a nod of her own. Buck took the Judge's seat and reached out to take Molly's hands in his own. "I've been dying to see you all afternoon, on pins and needles wondering if..." Molly squeezed his hands in return. "I still have my position. At least, I believe I still do," she replied. "Though I did get somewhat of a dressing down for leaving town un-escorted with one Mr. Buck Willmington. I expect you'll be in for one of your own." "Every word of it will have been worth it," Buck replied, his deep tone making Molly feel warm. They were interrupted by the appearance of the waitress with Buck's drink. When they'd finished, Buck walked Molly home, their pace slow in an effort to drag out their time together. "Will you do something for me?" Molly asked as they reached the back door. "Anything," Buck answered. "Watch over Mr. Hawk and Cheyanne for me. I don't trust Parker." "We'll keep them safe. I promise you," Buck said, giving Molly a kiss. Molly wrapped her arms around him praying he'd be able to keep his promise.

I couldn't remember who's turn it was and as you are both having a great vacation. I just through this in. It's not very long. But it tally's up the recent story line. Again it is also sent as an attachment for better paragraphing. ? ? ? ? Linda My Angel Wings are in the shop for repair good thing my broom is in working condition.. Cheyanne ran the curry brush through Blazes long white mane. It had been a long few weeks and she was glad they were over. She and Molly had been forgiven for any wrong doing in Hawks escape and they were both relieved and Thankful for the judge’s mercy. Molly especially, since she had been allowed to keep her job as teacher. Her part in the escape was kept as quiet as possible although it was no secret she had helped Cheyanne in some way. Buck and some of the other men had made an official start on the new school house that was being built not far from the Church. Josiah had even left his continuing work on the church to help build the school. The women in town had been bringing the men their lunch so that work could be continued without interruption until evening. They hoped to have the building finished before winter set in, and there was talk of a celebration once the work was complete. Hawks murder trial had been held here in Four Corners to assure he was given a fair and unbiased one. Elly Conner had finally admitted on the stand that what Hawk had said was the truth. He had not intended to kill Chase Hancock. The man had attacked her when he found out that She and Hawk were in love. Hawk had been protecting her when Chase pulled the knife and tried to kill him. Hawk was only defending himself when he Knocked Hancock down and the man fell on his knife. She admitted to that it was fear of her father’s wrath that had made her lie in the first place. Afraid of what he would do if he knew that it was the half Indian young man she was in love with and not the man he believed was the best choice for her. Hancock was a controlling and cruel man who cherished her father’s money more than he had ever cherished her. She and Hawk had shared a awkward moment when they had said their good byes. It was obvious the love they had had for each other was now only a hurtful memory. Fancy Dan Parker had made the biggest mistake of his life when he chose to challenge Judge Travis after the trial. Chris and the others had stepped in, but it had been Chris Larrabee’s expertise and speed with his gun that had ended Parkers life. Cheyanne was relieved to see the famous bounty hunter dead. Now both Hawk and Vin were safe. Hawk had left not long after the trial. He had finally accepted the deep feelings Cheyanne held for the once buffalo/bounty hunter Vin Tanner and he wished them both happiness. He knew she would be safe now with both Tanner and Josiah looking out for her. Now that he was a free man, he would continue on his path back to the Sioux That is where he belonged. And Perhaps one day he would find some one who would help to heal his heart, someone who would love him the way he had always hoped Cheyanne still did. Cheyanne set the curry comb on the rail of her horse’s stall and opened the gate giving her beloved stead a pat on the head before she exited she longed to climb on the horses back and go for a long ride before the weather became to cold to do so. But the events of the past summer still left its unseen scares upon her. It was only recently that she had began to step out side the church or walk through the town as long as Josiah was at her side. The courage to ride away on her own had not yet returned but, she was trying. Returning to her home Cheyanne gathered some bread, some fresh churned butter and apples then put it in the basket that was sitting on the table. She covered the food with a cloth and walked thought the church and out the front door. Molly, Lilly and Emma met her at the bottom of the stairs it was their day to bring lunch for the men building the school. Lilly had made a pot of stew and Molly had made some dessert. Emma had brought eating plates and utensils. The women fell into step as they made their way to where the new school was being built. Through everything the woman had been through the past summer, one thing had never faltered. Their friendship.

Hi everyone. So I took my laptop in to have it cleaned up from viruses and such and just a check up. The Guy at PMT Tech force who usually works on my computer and who I absolutely prefer was busy last week and unable to take care of it. So he let the other guy do the work on my computer. it should have been just an easy clean up no problem. Well I get it back and my email is GONE, all my folders, addresses everything. So I take it back in for Ed ( the guy I prefer) to fix it and he spent over an hour trying to fix what the other idiot screwed up , long story short, My email was so screwed I lost Everything! and he had to load another email program. so I'm starting over with folders and addresses. I lost bill receipts, work stubs , all my RPG stuff. which thank goodness I can just go to my groups and pretty much find everything from there. I'm sending this out to make sure it number one the email program works the way I need it to and to make sure I have addresses right. Thank goodness most of my email addresses were on the other computer so I could copy them. If you would please let me know you got this email from both the RPG groups and your personal email I would appriciate it.

Okay excuse any typos since I primarily wrote this on my phone (because the bus is about the only time I have currently to write). And sorry it took so long. I promise to do better! Emma knelt on the floor while she marked the hem for Lily’s new dress. It was dark emerald green silk with black lace. There had been two adjustments to the bodice before Lily was happy. Emma found the amount of décolletage showing to be a bit scandalous but LIly never concerned herself with such things. Emma wished she could feel the same. For the first time Emma noticed a trunk that sat behind the dressing screen. “Are you planning a trip?” Emma nodded to the trunk. “No, it’s not mine. Do you remember the man you said inquired after me that day? Handsome, salt and pepper hair and beard?” “Oh yes,” Emma nodded. It had been when Judge Travis arrived for Cheyenne’s trial. In the commotion after that and the ensuing time, Emma had forgotten about the gentleman but realized she didn’t remember having seen him since. “He asked me to keep it for him while he took care of some business in the area. He’ll be back.” There was disapproval in her voice. “Lily,” Emma had been practicing this talk in her head for days, “may I talk to you about a matter.” “Of course, my dear.” “You know that I care deeply for Ezra.” “And I believe we both know he feels likewise about you.” Lily stepped down from the chair and Emma began to help her out of the dress. “Now that he and I no longer have secrets between us, I wish to,” Emma’s cheeks burned. The words did not want to come. “You two haven’t?” LIly waved her hand in the air. Emma shook her head. Dear god, the state he must be in most nights, Lily thought to herself. “My mother never really told me anything about the act, other than it was something that a wife must endure.” LIly snorted. “And I can’t say my experience with my husband disabused me of that notion.” Emma twisted her fingers. “When I was recovering from the tornado and stayed in the room next to you. I.... I heard... sounds that...” “That lead you to believe that it can be pleasing?” LIly finished the sentence for her. A small smile rugged at the corners of her mouth. “Quite pleasing in fact. Sit down my dear, let’s have a talk.” The morning sun woke Ezra. He’d forgotten to close the curtains fully the night before. He’d forgotten more things than the curtains the night before, like properly hanging his jacket which lay crumpled on the floor. But he’d lost the ability to think when he’d arrived to the room the evening before and found Emma clad only in her dressing gown. If he needed reminding of the pleasures they’d taken in each other’s bodies, the feel of her warm flesh against his did it. If sensing him awake, Emma snuggled against him interlacing her fingers with his. “Good morning my dear,” he laid a kiss on her shoulder. “Good morning,” Emma answered sleepily. “May we lay in bed all day?” “I do believe people would talk.” He teased. “I think they already do. And so what if they do.” “I do believe that Lily has been a terrible influence on you.” He kissed the side of her neck. “I’m going to fetch us some coffee. And the. We can discuss this plan of yours to stay in bed all day.”

If the weather forecast of the men who gathered outside of the livery was to be believed, Four Corners was in for a big snowstorm. Apparently these men had been accurate enough in the past that Mary had suggested to Molly school should be canceled for the day. The problem was there were enough children who lived outside of town that getting word would be difficult. Molly decided to hold classes for the morning and if the snow prediction held, release the students at the dinner break. She had just set the students up with a series of arithmetic problems when the door opened bringing with it a blast of cold air and a bundled up JD Dunn. The distraction was enough for several of the students to turn around. "Back to work please," Molly said as she walked down the aisle to where JD stood. "Sorry to interrupt," he said. "Not at all. Come with me, you're half froze," Molly said, leading him over to the stove at the back corner of the room. She poured him a cup of coffee and he wrapped his hands around the mug gratefully. "Buck sent me, he and the others think you should close the school now. This looks to be a bad one," he took a sip of the coffee as Molly let her gaze out one of the windows. The clouds did seem to be building and getting heavier. Before she could open her mouth to answer him, the door opened again, this time admitting the father of three of the students. "Sorry to interrupt, Miss," he said, taking off his hat. "But I've come to take the kids home. Looks to be a bad one." "Yes, of course," Molly said. "Class," she addressed the students. "Put everything away and gather your things. We're dismissed for the day." Excited chatter greeted the announcement as the children hurried to put books and slates away in their desks and rushed to the side wall to pull on coats. Two other fathers arrived to gather up their children and arrangements were made that those who lived outside of town all had an adult seeing them home. Billy Travis and a girl named Mae were the last students from town to leave. Molly was helping Mae button her coat; in her haste the little girl had paired the wrong button with the wrong buttonholes leaving the coat gaping. Molly placed the little girls hat on her head. "Mr. Dunn will walk you and Billy home. Hold his hand and mind what he says," Molly said. Mae nodded her promise. "Will you come see my snowman when I've built it?" she asked. "Of course," Molly responded. "Perhaps we'll have enough snow to build him a family." She stood and led the two children to JD. "We can wait for you," JD said. "I'll be fine. I'm going to finish some things here and then I'll head home." JD seemed to hesitate before leaving with Bill and Mae. Molly shut the door behind them. "You should be a mother," a man's deep voice came from behind her. Molly spun around, her hand clutching for the doorknob, ready to pull the door open and run. The man who stood at the other end of the room was dressed in a black pin-stripe suit of a cut and fit that Molly hadn't seen since she was back East. He wore a buttoned up vest over a starched, bright white shirt, the sleeves of which were rolled up over his forearms. The gold chain of a pocket watch gleamed at his waist. His beard was neatly trimmed and it and his hair were salted with grey. Molly had seen him a couple of times with Lily and had asked her about him. All Lily would tell her was that she'd known him for a long time and his name was Deacon Kay. Any other questions had Lily changing the subject. "I'm sorry," he said, holding out his hands in front of him as he took a couple of steps forward. "I didn't mean to startle you. I hope you don't mind my using the library while you have school?" Molly let herself relax slightly. Despite any history that Lily may have with him, she also knew if he was dangerous the men in the town would have run him off by now. "Of course not," Molly responded. The lending library had been Mary's idea and the men were able to easily add space to the new school building for it. "I'm being rude, I should introduce myself," he walked up to her and held out his hand. "Deacon Kay." "Yes, Lily told me your name," Molly responded taking his hand. "Molly O'Rourke, very nice to meet you," she said. "So you've been warned off then?" he responded, holding on to her hand for a few seconds longer than would be considered proper. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean," Molly responded. "If you'll excuse me, I'd like to use this time to get caught up on some things." "Of course," he said, giving her a sort of half bow and stepping to the side. Molly nodded her thanks and walked to her desk feeling his eyes on her the whole way. It wasn't until she sat at her desk that he walked back into the library. The soft click of the connecting door closing had Molly letting out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Deacon Kay had the kind of air about him that said he knew he was attractive and had means and would use either or both to get what he wanted - often before the giver knew what they doing. Even though their interaction was nothing more than an introduction, Molly had the sense she had something he wanted. The room had grown cool and the light was going dim, which is what drew Molly's attention from her work. She checked her watch. It was not quite three o'clock, but it appeared much later outside. Molly stood and walked over to one of the side windows and looked out. Snow was falling so fast and heavy she couldn't see anything. A strange sort of panic filled her as she went to the door and opened it. She should have view of the town but instead could see nothing. She had to leave, now, before it got full dark. Hurrying back down the aisle she walked to the door connecting the library. She hadn't heard the outside door since Mr. Kay had gone back into the library but she'd also been fully focused on her work. She gave a cursory knock "Mr. Kay?" she called out, opening the door. "Mr. Kay are you still here?" The sound of a chair being scraped back greeted her and he appeared. "I'm terribly sorry but the storm has come and I must lock up and leave." She said as she walked to the coat rack and pulled on her coat. He walked up to the door and opened it then closed it. "You're not going out in that and neither am I," he said, walking over toward the stove in the corner and building up the fire. "We can not possibly stay here," Molly said, pulling on her gloves and gathering her things. "Please stop that, we must go." He stood from the stove and dusted his hands together. "I'm afraid for the time being we are going to have to stay here. The snow is too heavy and it's only going to get worse. People have died less than three feet from their own front doors in weather half as bad as this. We're staying here." Molly watched warily as he took two measured steps and stopped in front of the door. "Fine," Molly said, frustration filling her tone. "If you want to stay here you're more than welcome but I am leaving." She spun on her heal and walked toward the connecting door between the school room and the library. "Ms. O'Rourke. Molly," Mr. Kay's voice reached Molly's ear and turned around, nearly colliding with him. He placed his hands on her upper arms to steady her. "I'm afraid I can't let you leave. Not in this weather." Molly's entire being froze. She'd been held at the mercy of a man once and swore she never would be again. Her expression must have shown her fear because he let go of her and took a step back. "I promise you, whatever you might be thinking, my motives are pure." "I have a feeling, Mr. Kay, you've never had a pure motive in your life," Molly retorted, pulling off her gloves. "You're unmarried," he said, with a nod toward her left hand that just appeared out of her glove. Molly unbuttoned her coat but left it on in deference to the still cool room. "Is it your reputation you're concerned with? I don't know what Lily's told you but I'm hardly a scoundrel. Unless you'd like me to be." Where Buck's voice might have gone lighter in tone making such a flirtatious statement, Mr. Kay's went lower, darker. This man could be dangerous to a woman who didn't know better. Molly was thankful she knew better. "Understand something, Mr. Kay, right here and now. I have faced worse than you and I'm still here. If you so much as lay a finger on me uninvited, I will open that door and scream bloody murder. I've no doubt that at least seven men in this town will come running, storm or no and it will not end well for you. Do you understand me?" Molly understood what she was saying was bluster, for one thing she'd have to get past him to get to the door and for another she doubted with the raging storm if they could hear anything. "Understood, but just one question, is there any chance of you inviting me to lay a finger on you?" Molly's temper was about to go up when she realized the darkness was gone in his tone and this time he was truly teasing. "None whatsoever, Mr. Kay," she responded. "Pity, just think of the story we could tell our children one day of how we met." Molly didn't try to stop herself from rolling her eyes as she walked over to the lamp on the edge of the desk and lit it. It was going to be a long night.

Josiah shielded his eyes from the biting wind and blowing snow. “Cheyanne!” he shouted as loud as he could so that his voice would carry over the encompassing wind. Cheyanne threw another arm full of hay into Blazes stall. She’d already seen to Josiah’s horse and was doing her best to keep her steed calm. Storms made the black and white paint nervous and this one in particular seemed to have him more anxious than usual, especially the wind, he was even refusing the sugar cube Cheyanne offered him. “Annie!” Josiah called to her as he was half blown in through the barn doors he held tight to the inside of the door to regain his footing.“Com’on girl, you need to get inside” “No.” She insisted “Blaze is very afraid. I must stay with him.” Josiah let the doors swing open and strode purposely over to her. Today he was not taking no for an answer and took hold of her arm.“He’ll be fine, now you get your tail into that house before I throw you over my shoulder and carry you there you hear.” Cheyanne had not heard that fearful fatherly tone from her guardian in a very long time, she knew what that tone meant, something bad was coming. The authoritative sound in his voice assured her that Josiah meant business and he meant it now.Telling the horse in her native Cheyenne language that he would be alright she gave Blaze one last gentle pat and reluctantly obeyed. “Yes Josiah” Josiah closed and latched the barn doors from the outside to keep them from blowing open. Cheyanne shielded her face against Josiah holding tightly to him as they made their way through the blinding snow back to the house. Once inside Josiah pulled off his coat and hung it on one of the hooks next to the door, then put another log on the fire thankful he’d brought in extra wood earlier. Cheyanne hung her shawl next to Josiah’s coat then moved to the window over the sink and stood there looking out at the barn doors. Even though they were latched the wind was so strong that they still rattled. Josiah came up behind her wrapping his comforting arms around her. “Don’t worry so much, He’s safe and warm in that barn, he’s got plenty of hay and water. He’ll calm down. “ “I have never seen him like this Josiah.” A commotion out in the church interrupted anymore comforting words Josiah could offer. Both he and Cheyanne rushed to see what the disturbance was. Vin shook the snow off and grinned when Josiah and Cheyanne came through the door from Cheyanne’s residence. The surprised look on their faces nearly made him chuckle. “Well, since Christmas is only a few days away and you mentioned you were thinkin’ about gettin’ a tree for the church, just thought I’d do my part and donate one, for the church you know.”His voice said the church but his eyes were on Cheyanne. “Well now brother Vin that is right kind of you.” Josiah walked up to his friend giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder and a wink that Vin acknowledged with a small nod of his own. Truth be told, the two of them had planned this all along, getting a tree, not so much for the church as for Cheyanne. It had been several years since they had had a real Christmas. Now that they had set down roots, and given everything Cheyanne had been through this year. Josiah wanted to make this holiday special for her. “I Think right up there on the pulpit would be a good place to set this handsome tree. What do you think Annie? We could make some fine ornaments and string some corn, it’d give us something to do while we wait for the storm to pass. Vin did you get those supply’s I asked for while you were in Eagle Bend.” Vin Helped Josiah to set the tree on the pulpit in the corner opposite Cheyanne’s door then nodded. “Yup sure did they’re over there in the corner.”He tilted his head toward the back corner of the church. A noise from behind the back pew drew Cheyanne’s attention from the tree. “Oh ya, I almost forgot, there’s one more thing” Vin quickly finished helping Josiah secure the tree in place then hurried over and retrieved a box from behind the pew. He handed it to Cheyanne who eyed him curiously. “Merry Christmas Cheyanne. I know it ain’t quite Christmas yet, but I don’t think this present can wait much longer, best open it now.” Something inside the box moved and a small whimper echoed inside. Cheyanne carefully untied the string while Vin held the box steady. A little black nose poked up out between the flaps of the package, then two little ears and a head as the fluffy little 9-10-week-old wolf pup struggled to free himself from the confines of the box, a big red ribbon was around his neck. Cheyanne’s heart melted as she reached for the little animal, she cooed and spoke softly to it in her French/Cheyenne language as she lifted him from his confinement and snuggled the little pup close to her. “Little feller lost his mama.” Vin told her as he set the box aside. “I found him out in the woods near where I found the tree poor little guy was half froze. Knowin how you are with critters ‘n’ all I thought maybe you’d be a good substitute mama for him.” Cheyanne looked up at him and for the first time in months genuinely smiled.“A’ho” Seeing the sparkle in Cheyanne’s eyes again was all the thanks Vin needed. He tipped the brim of his hat to her “A’ho” Josiah grinned and nodded approvingly. He had not seen the light shine so brightly in his ward’s eyes in a very long time. “well what are you going to call him Annie?” “I do not know” she giggled as the pup stood in her arms and licked at her nose.“he will earn his name soon enough.” Taking his gaze from Cheyanne Vin turned toward the door. “I Best get the buckboard back and get the horses to the livery, snow’s comin down pretty hard and that winds bound to start it driften.” “Vin” Cheyanne called to him. Hearing his name Vin turned to face her. “When you have finished, I have food inside, you are welcome to eat with us.” Vin let a smile escape and politely removed his hat. “I’ld like that.” Josiah had been watching the two of them with a twinkle in his eye. His Annie was slowly starting to get her life back. He could see the deference in the way she smiled at Vin. A few months ago she wouldn’t so much as come out of the house when anyone was around, and when she did it wasn’t for long and she would quickly retreat back into thesafety of her home. Especially when it came to Vin. Now she was inviting him to dinner. It warmed his heart to see her coming out of the darkness that had overshadowed her for so long. “Vin, why don’t you let me take the horses and buck board back to the livery.” Josiah offered “I should go check on Miss Chandler make sure she’s got everything she needs to hunker down in this storm since she’s all alone you know. You stay here and have some of Annie’s stew and get warmed up.” Vin did his best to hide a knowing grin, it was no secret that Josiah had been smitten with the new store keeper since her arrival. Cheyanne followed Josiah into her living area while he retrieved his coat. “Josiah?” Her concern for him had replaced the joy that masked her delicate features only moments ago. “I’ll be alright, and so will you. I won’t be long” he assured her laying a comforting hand on her cheek.“Vin, you make sure she don’t try to go out to that barn.”Josiah warned before shutting the church doors behind him. * It took Josiah longer that he had expected to get the horses and buckboard back to the livery. The snow was indeed beginning to drift by the time he made it to the Mercantile. The wind gusts were enough to knock even the strongest man to the ground. The doors to the store were locked, and the sign in the window read Closed. Josiah pounded on the door for what seemed like an eternity until Belle finally answered. “Mr. Sanchez, what are you doing out on a day like this? Come in. Is there something important you are in need of that would have you braving this weather?” “No M’am” Josiah answered humbly removing his hat. “I Just thought I would check on you. and see if there was anything you needed to weather out this storm. Do you have enough wood for the fire?” Belle smiled sincerely appreciative of Josiah’s gesture. “That’s very kind of you and Yes I have plenty, Young JD was good enough yesterday to make sure I was overly stocked. I’m fine, thank you for being concerned.” “We’d be glad to have you at the church it might be safer? Cheyanne’s a mighty good cook and suppers on the stove.” Belle was grateful for the invitation but refused. She had every intention of spending this unexpected time to herself writing letters to her he father and brother and catching up on some reading. “Thank you very much for your kindness Mr. Sanchez but..” “Please M’am , Josiah ” he interrupted. “Josiah” Belle blushed “but I’ve had my supper and as you can see I have all that I need here in the store. I plan on settling in with a good book and turning in early.” “If you insist m’am, I won’t keep you enjoy your evening.” Putting his hat back in its place he politely tipped the brim to her and turned to leave suddenly snapping his fingers as if he had forgotten something he quickly spun back around. “I’ll be conducting a small service on Christmas eve at the church, if you’d like to join us, around 7:00.” “I will remember that, Thank You for the invitation Mr., I mean, Josiah. It’s been a long while since I’ve attended a Christmas service. I look forward to it.” “Until then” Josiah smiled graciously bowing slightly with a tug on his hat brim before he started back toward the church. * Josiah, Vin and Cheyanne finished a supper of hot stew and warm fresh bread.Josiah popped corn in a pot over the fire as the snow storm raged outside.Cheyanne strung the popped corn into a garland for the tree which proved to be a bit of a task trying to keep Josiah and Vin from eating her decoration.The three of them spent the rest of the evening adorning the Christmas tree with the popcorn strings and wooden ornaments that Josiah had carved for just this occasion along with several pine cones Vin had picked up along the way. As Josiah set the wooden star on the top of the tree then began lighting the candles that sat in small candle holders secured to several of the branches Cheyanne took a step back and was suddenly quiet, a tear escaped from the corner of her eye as a memory from the past abruptly popped into her mind. A memory she had long forgotten. Josiah quickly picked up on the sadness that fell over the young woman who only moments ago seemed so happy. “Annie? What is it?” “Papa” she answered softly as she wiped away a tear. “I remember When I was little, he did this with the tree, it was Christmas eve. He gave me a present he had sold many beaver pelts to buy.It was a store-bought doll. She was like me, dressed in buckskins with braided hair.When I was older Blue Leaf told me he had taken the doll to her and asked her to make her look more Indian.”saddened eyes looked up at him for solace. “I miss them” Josiah put a comforting arm around her shoulder and did his best to ease her melancholy. “They loved you very much, let their memory bring you comfort, not sadness. I know for a fact they would both be very proud you and how far you have come. I know I am.” Cheyanne offered him a small appreciative smile. The howl of the wind and a sudden gust blowing the church doors open sent Vin and Josiah running to close them and startled the little wolf who’d been laying in the corner on a blanket sleeping. Cheyanne hurried over and gathered him in her arms blanket and all. The drifted snow made it hard for the men to get the doors shut but perseverance paid off and the church doors finally closed. Josiah had to bolt them from the inside. Vin helped to set a couple of benches in front of it to make sure they didn’t blow open during the night. “I’ve got an extra bedroll, Vin you best sleep here tonight.” “Appreciate it Josiah.” “Blaze!”Her horses name fearfully erupted from Cheyanne’s lips. She turned on her heels and ran back into her home heading straight for the back door, Vin and Josiah were on her heels. Josiah catching her before she could open her door. “Barn doors are still closed” Vin announced relieved. It was hard to see through the nearly snow-covered window. But he could definitely make out the barn doors. Cheyanne hastily pushed her way in front of him. Vin was right, the doors were still closed. Cheyanne breathed a sigh of relief, still she would feel better if she were there to help calm Blaze’s anxiety.She prayed he would stay safe.

"Shall we deal you in?" Ezra asked as Lily set the bottle of whiskey on the table. Chris nodded in thanks. She laughed and shook her head. The saloon was empty but for their table. Snow and wind blew outside. Lily wrapped a shawl around her shoulders. "I've never seen weather like this." This was the first time Lily had seen snow. From what the mean had said, it was rare even in this part of the country. The door burst open, snow and wind chilling the room. Buck pushed the door shut behind him, brushing snow off his shoulders. "Can't see a damn thing out there. I was going to go over to make sure that Mary and Molly are settled and can't see across the street." Anyone who had spent any time on the prairies knew stories of folks losing their way in the few feet between their house and the barn and dying out in the snow. "She ain't with Ms. Travis." JD spoke up from where he was camped by the stove. "She's at the school." "At the school?" Buck hit JD with his hat. "Why didn't you bring her over here?" "She asked me to help take the kids home. But she wasn't alone." JD nodded toward Lily. "Lily's friend was there." "Deacon? Deacon is with her?" Lily's brow furrowed. "Yep, so at least she ain't alone." Emma had lost track of the time. She'd only meant to go to the shop to collect some handwork and pieces that she could work on in the saloon. The wind and snow had come on so quickly. She could make the faintest outlines of the buildings across the street. Taking a peek out the back had been even worse. It was a landscape of blowing snow, white swirls blocking out anything. Fear gripped her chest as she remembered wandering the storm months and months ago. She had could wait out this storm in the shop. It couldn't last more than a few hours, she assumed. It wasn't the first time she'd seen snow. She'd come from Chicago, snow was part of every winter. But this was different. The front door rattled and swung open. Cold air filled the room before the door was shut again. "Miss Emma, what are you doing in here? You ought to be over at the saloon." Nathan rubbed his hands together. "I could say the same to you." She took his arm. "Come stand by the stove. What are you doing out?" "Was headed that way when I saw you in here. I dare say Ezra's going to be beside himself in worry." "I was going to head there, but then," she stared out the window. "I thought I'd just wait it out." "Probably best." Nathan held his hands over the heat of the stove. "Person could get lost out there." "You must stay too." "Uh, I don't know, ma'am. Not sure what folks would say about that." "I care little about what they might say. I could not live with myself if something happened to you. Were it not for you, I'd probably be dead." "Are we to assume by that look that you do not feel that our young schoolteacher is safe in the company of Mr. Kay?" Ezra asked as he shuffled cards. Ezra had a sense of the man in the time he'd spent in Four Corners. There was something about him that he didn't quite trust, though Lily certainly did. "What? Oh no, it's not that... I just...," she stalled her words as she stared out at the raging storm. "Just what?" Chris hadn't trusted Deacon Kay from the moment he stepped off the stagecoach. He hadn't done anything while he'd been in town, but the feeling he gave Chris made him distrustful. He was a little too polished; too quick with a smile. Chris had known too many men like that, men that in the end would sell you out to save themselves. Ezra had been that type of man when they first met. He didn't hold the same opinion of the gambler anymore. Ezra had proved himself many times. "Oh it's nothing," Lily tried to smile, "Deacon wouldn't overstep any boundaries, but he can be a bit of a scoundrel." "What's that mean?" Buck huffed up his chest. He was already burning to race into the storm to fetch Molly. "Mr. Wilmington, I would think if anyone would know the definition of the scoundrel, it'd be you." Ezra smiled and stood from the table. "Excuse me a moment, won't you." "How long do you think the snow will fall?" Emma poured