Patty Wilkinson Writing, traveling, having fun and meeting up with friends old and new!

#3 The Doctor's Daughter

#3The Doctor’s Daughter

By

Patty Wilkinson

(Some strong language, adult themes and violence)

As told by Jess Harper & Carrie Baker.

Chapter 1

Jess

We were sitting around the table in the main room of the Sherman Ranch and Relay Station after breakfast and all eyes were on me with various expressions in them ranging from worry to exasperation.

Mike the youngest member of the group, the little boy my partner Slim and I had adopted after his parents were killed by Indians, had a look of fear in his eyes.

Mrs Daisy Cooper our kind motherly housekeeper was looking distinctly worried; where as Slim my business partner and best friend looked irritated as he spoke.

“Come on Jess we can all see you’re not well will you quit being stubborn and let the Doc. check you over?”

I jumped up from the table knocking my chair over and yelled, “I’m OK I tell ya, how many times do I have to say it?” and with that marched from the room slamming the door behind me.

I strode over to the corral fence and leaned on it to get my breath back the pain sending white hot stabs across my lower gut. I bent forwards and took a couple of deep breaths to steady my self and ran my sleeve across my face to wipe away the sweat that had suddenly formed.

I heard Slim come up behind me, “Jess……..I think...”

“Leave it Slim”, I growled and turning on heel went to the barn to saddle up Traveler.

Truth was I was scared.

The pain had been coming and going for a few weeks now, sometimes just a low, dull ache and sometimes like now gut wrenching pain that threatened to overwhelm me. I was used to pain, God knows I’ve been beat up and shot up enough times to be able to cope. This was different though, I couldn’t see what the problem was and I was scared that if I went to the Doctors, well he’d say what I was thinking, I was real sick and wouldn’t be getting any better.

If that was to be the case, well I sure as hell wasn’t about to put my adopted family through nursing me to the end, heck no. Trav and I would just head for the hills and disappear, nothing left to see but the circling buzzards above where I had fallen.

I leaned against Traveler desperately fighting the rising nausea that always accompanied the pain when it got this bad. I didn’t hear Slim come up behind me until he put a gentle hand on my shoulder.

“Are you goin’ to lose your breakfast again,” he asked quietly.

Taking another deep breath I turned to face him and with a faint smile said, “No, guess I’m OK this time pard”, and turning back started to saddle up my horse.

We rode out soon after and spent the day checking the fences over on the north pasture.

As the day wore on the pain lessened and I did what I was best at, just ignored the situation in the hope that it would resolve its self. Apart from a few anxious glances in my direction Slim said nothing more and we just got on with the job in hand. It was without the usual banter and teasing laughter that was our style though, as I just didn’t have the heart for it and I could see Slim was feeling the same

At noon we sat down by the stream, backs to an old log and ate the lunch Daisy had packed up for us. At least Slim did, after a few bites I gave up and stretching out with my hands behind my head, I settled down for a quick nap. After a few minutes I felt Slim’s eyes on me though.

Looking over I said, “What?”

He took a deep breath,” I need to talk to you Jess an’ I don’t want you runnin’ off OK?”

“OK”

“Your shit scared aren’t you?” he said.

Without waiting for an answer he continued, “No matter what it is, how bad it is, we’ll cope buddy, but until you see the Doc. we won’t know what we’re up against, you just have to go Jess,” he finished quietly.

After a long pause I finally answered.

” Guess you’re right Slim, I’ve been a fool, I’ll ride into town tomorrow. But there is one thing”, I continued firmly,” if its bad news,” swallowing hard and taking a deep breath I looked over at my best friend,” If it’s the worst news, well I ain’t stayin’ around to die here “

“Jess!”

“No” I held my hand up to silence him.

“Mikes been through enough, seen enough death in his short life, an’ as for you an’ Daisy, well I just couldn’t stand to see what it would do to you both……”

I couldn’t go on and lying back down I put my hat down over my face as though to finish my nap and Slim took the hint that the conversation was over……for now at least.

We got back to the ranch in the early evening, hot and tired after a long day in the relentless sun. Leading our mounts to the stable we started to rub them down and feed them.

I was leaning over Traveler rubbing the sweat from him when suddenly it hit me, worse than ever before. I yelled out and sank to my knees as the white hot pain seared through my guts. I was doubled up on the floor and writhing in pain as Slim ran up and kneeling down beside me, held me in his arms looking at me with anguish unable to do anything. After a second a very scared looking Mike came up and Slim told him to fetch Daisy from the ranch house.

As soon as she arrived she looked down in concern.

”Oh Slim.” she said,” I had no idea he was this bad, I thought he was just suffering from the odd stomach upset”.

The pain eased a little after a while, and I was able, with Slim’s help, to make it to the couch by the fire in the house and then he quickly rode off for the Doctor.

Old Doc Johnson had retired a while back and had been replaced by Doc Sam Baker and he sure was a nice guy.

A widower with a pretty 16 year old daughter, Carrie, he had taken the town by storm with his very modern views. Hailing from back East he was bang up to date with all the current medical stuff and had a state of the art surgery back in his office. Instead of offering a swig of Red Eye as an aesthetic like his predecessor, he had Chloroform and instead of being paid in the odd chicken or couple of bottles of rye he expected hard cash, which didn’t endear him to some of the Laramie residents.

Anyways, the number of times Slim an’ I got beat up or shot we were pretty regular visitors and the Doc had taken a shine to our family and often enjoyed a bite of supper or spot of fishin’ with us.

Suddenly his cheerful presence breezed in through the ranch door and he was looking down at me lying pale and sweating on the couch.

“Jess, Jess, you old son of a …… Why didn’t you come and see me earlier”, he said, concern written all over his face.

The family withdrew, giving us a little privacy. Then as the doc undid my denims and pressed down firmly on my belly I leapt up in agony before falling back down, fresh sweat pouring down my face. He continued to check me thoroughly and after awhile pulled the blanket back over me and called Slim and Daisy back in.

“Well”, he said looking up at my anxious family.” It looks to me like ol’ Jess here has been suffering from a grumbling appendix for a few weeks now.”

A ghost of a smile crossed Slims face, “Yeah, grumbling that sounds about right for Jess,” he said. Then more seriously,” just what is that Sam?”

Meanwhile Daisy had sat down quickly and gone real pale; “Oh no”, she whispered,” I should have spotted it.”

Sam turned and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

”Easy to miss Daisy”, he said gently,” particularly if you’ve got a difficult patient like Jess here who’ll never admit to being sick”, he added with a grim smile.

Turning back to Slim, he answered his question.

“The appendix is a little biddy bit of the gut, that’s like a kind of blind alley. Sometimes it gets sort of infected and then, well if it isn’t treated, removed that is, well, lets put it this way, it’s not a good outcome. A grumbling appendix isn’t life threatening, but well an acute……”

“Anyway”, he continued, “it’s not grumbling any more we’re looking at a full blown acute case here and if we don’t operate tonight to remove his appendix, well……” he shook his head and turned to put his stethoscope back in his bag.

I felt a tight knot of fear in my stomach, this was it, the end I thought. I’m a dead man.

Slim was talking now, “Can you do it Sam, do you know how?”

He turned to face my partner looking worried,” seen it done once back East, guess I’ll have to have a go, no choice”, he finished curtly. “We’ll need to get him over to my office”, he continued and Slim left the room immediately to hitch up the buckboard while Daisy fussed around getting blankets and pillows to make me comfortable in the back.

Just as I was about to leave, Mike ran into the room tears spilling down his face and flung himself at me, his little arms around my chest and I steeled myself not to yell out in pain as he lent his weight against me.

“No, No, Jess don’t go I don’t want you to die” he cried.

“Easy Tiger”, I said gently, “It’ll be fine you’ll see, I’ll be back before you know it,” looking deep into the boys eyes I said “I’ve gotten a real important job for you while I’m away Tiger, I want you to care for Traveler for me ..OK? “

“Ok,” the boy nodded, sniffing and wiping his eyes with his shirt sleeve.

“And I want you to start right now,” I continued,” I don’t want you to say goodbye to me, I want you to go an’ give Trav the best grooming he’s ever had, an’ you keep at it till be shines OK boy?”

“OK Jess,” he said, again and went slowly to the door and with a last backward glance at me, went out closing it quietly behind him.

Slim had come back in and witnessed the scene and I turned to him and said quietly,

“If I don’t get back Slim, see he has Trav as his own.”

“Jess don’t talk that way,” he said sharply suddenly turning away from me.

Daisy walked over to him and squeezed his arm gently before coming to me. Leaning over she brushed my unruly black hair back and kissed me gently on the forehead.

“I’ll see you later dear”, she said and then,” and you behave for the Doctor Jess Harper”, she said firmly, smiling down at me, hiding the tears I knew were just below the surface.

When we arrived at the Doctor’s office Carrie was there to meet us and I was struck by how young she looked even in her white nurse’s uniform. I knew she had been helping her Pa since she was knee high to a grasshopper, but even so I longed for Daisy’s sensible presence and the wealth of nursing experience she had. I knew that it was the right decision that she should stay with Mike to look after him, but I sure missed her.

I was lying on the operating table and Doc Sam was checking his instruments and talking to Carrie in a low voice when Slim came in.

He leaned over and squeezed my shoulder, his eyes kinda bright, “OK?” he asked.

I nodded.

“I’ll see you later then pard” he said.

“Yeah, sure” I said and then” Slim, I wanna tell ya….”

“Yeah, I know Jess”, he said softly, and with a last look at me walked out closing the door quietly behind him.

Chapter 2 Jess

The last thing I saw as I went under the anesthetic was Carrie’s smiling face.Even though she was dressed in a white nurses uniform, her long dark hair caught up under a white nurses cap, she still looked like a little kid to me and I sure hoped she knew what she was doin’.

My last thought was of Maria, the girl I had hoped to marry and spend the rest of my life with until she had been murdered the year before by that bastard Marcus O’ Leary. I kinda wondered if I’d make it to Heaven and be reunited with her, but thought it to be mighty unlikely what with my past track record an all. I really didn’t think I was goin’ to make it anyway, that was for sure.

So it was with somethin’ bordering on amazement and disbelief when I came round to see Carrie’s anxious eyes peering into mine.

My first thought was to thank God I was still alive and my second was I was going to be violently ill.

I figured that this new Chloroform wasn’t a lot different to Red Eye as far as my stomach was concerned as I apologized profusely to Carrie for up chucking all over her. She smiled kindly at me never the less and set to cleaning me up as I lay there feelin’ sore and embarrassed in equal proportions.

Then I saw Sam’s face smiling down at me.

“Sure gave me a difficult time there Jess boy, thought we’d lost you at one stage, but guess your stubborn streak kicked in”, he said, an amused look in his eye. “Try and get some sleep now and I’ll come and check on you in a couple of hours.” he finished.

That was the last rational conversation I was to remember for a couple of days as I swam in and out of consciousness, fever gripping my body with shivers and sweats. Every time I awoke briefly, Carrie was sitting patiently beside me wiping my damp forehead with a cool sponge, brushing my hair back with a gentle hand, a caring look on her pretty face. I figured I’d been wrong about her and she sure was a good nurse…..

*******Carrie*******

I really thought Jess wasn’t going to make it. My Pa was doing his best but the appendix was near to bursting and it took all his skill to remove it safely. As it was, there was some contamination and we were ready for some post operative infection and fever.

As I sat next to him over the following days, swabbing him down with cool water to try and break the fever I thought about the first time I had seen Jess Harper.

It was at his fiancees funeral. Pa and I were staying with friends prior to our move to the town where Pa hoped to be the new Doctor,and they, like the entire town, were going to pay their last respects to Maria and although we didn’t know the couple we were invited too.

Watching the dignified way he carried himself that day and the sight of him standing at the graveside holding little Mike’s hand, their heads bowed in sorrow, had a profound effect on me and I think I fell in love with him at that moment.

I quizzed our friends about the family that lived at the Sherman Ranch and Relay station, although to be honest it was only Jess that I was interested in.

Our friends were extremely upset by Maria’s death and the effect it had had on Jess. Apparently they held him in great esteem and said what an good person he was. How at one time he had a reputation for being a gunslinger, sometimes on the wrong side of the law and had a very troubled past. However all this had changed when he had gone to work for Slim and now he was looked upon by the whole town with great respect and affection, even deputizing for the Sheriff Mort Corey on occasion.

It wasn’t until several months later, when my Pa had started work as the new Doctor that I first met him properly , when he brought his best friend Slim Sherman in with a nasty gun wound to the shoulder. I was endeared to him immediately for the concern he showed his partner, insisting on staying with him, even sleeping in the old rocker by the bed, for two nights until Slim started to recover.

After that we saw a lot of Slim and Jess with a variety of wounds after fights or shoot outs. Jess particularly seemed to be a magnet for trouble and kept Pa pretty busy. Soon we were invited to socialize up at the ranch for fishing, picnics or supper. Jess was always kind to me and had a wonderful sense of humor forever playing tricks on Slim and messing about telling jokes to little Mike and the more I saw of him, the more I fell for him. However although Jess was lovely with me he treated me just like Mike and obviously thought of me as just another kid.

Now sitting next to him tending his fever, I figured I could show him how grown up I really was. I had never spent so long in his company and my feelings for him were even stronger than before.He was all I could think of and I wanted to be with him day and night. I could see Pa was becoming worried that I was overdoing things, but he just thought I was trying to prove how good a nurse I was and he had no idea of my real feelings.

Eventually he insisted Mrs Braddock, our housekeeper, took a turn in nursing Jess and while I hated being away from him, knew I shouldn’t say anything in case Pa became suspicious.I knew if he thought I had feelings for Jess he would refuse to let me nurse him as it would not be professional. Anyway I thought Pa would tease me if he knew the truth as he still looked upon me as his little girl.

It was at times like this that I sorely missed my Ma. I knew I would have been able to pour my heart out to her and she would have understood and offered me sound advice.I longed for a girly chat about boys, clothes, hair and make up too and had nobody to turn to. I knew how beautiful Maria had been and that I couldn’t possibly compete with her, but looking in the mirror I knew also that I was quite pretty and I just wanted to try and make the best of myself.

I was just pondering on this problem when Jess’s long lashes flickered and suddenly his beautiful deep blue eyes opened and he looked directly at me sending all rational thought from my head.

Chapter 3

Jess

When I finally came around properly on the third day after the operation I was surprised to see Carrie still sitting by the bedside.

“Hey sweetheart ain’t you got anything better to do than nurse a poor beat up ol’ cowboy,” I said in my usual teasing tone.

To my surprise she blushed deeply and seemed lost for words.

” Are you OK?” I asked looking quizzically at her.

“Sure”, she said jumping up quickly and busying herself tidying the nightstand.

Just then there was a gentle knock on the door and my partner Slim popped his head round.

Grinning he came on in and said,” Hey have you finished lying’ around moaning pard, ‘cos I sure haven’t gotten much sense out of you these last couple of days. You’ve been driving this young lady crazy with all your sweating an’ swearing,” he continued laughing.

“Oh that’s not so!” said Carrie quite sharply.

“Jess never swears and he’s been a very good patient”, she continued, before marching out of the room without a backward glance, closing the door a might more firmly than necessary.

“What’s gotten into her?” said Slim looking surprised, “I was only kidding.”

“Search me”, I said,” so anyways what have I missed Pard?” I asked changing the subject.

We had a good chat and Slim filled me in on everything that had been going on since my operation. How Sam had ridden over to the ranch to put Daisy and Mike’s minds at ease so that Slim could spend the time in town looking in on me everyday, even though I had been too sick to take much notice. I sure was glad to see him now though and when Doc Sam came and joined us, the first thing I asked was when I could go home.

“Whoa there Jess boy”, he smiled, “you’ve still got a fair bit of mending to do before I’m going to let you out of my sight! Besides Carrie would never forgive me if you went and had a relapse after all the hard work she’s done to get you this far”.

“Yeah I must thank her for that”, I said thoughtfully before a huge yawn signaled it was time for the chatting to stop and I was asleep almost before my friends left the room.

When I awoke Carrie was sitting by the bedside gently taking my pulse and I decided it was a good time to thank her properly.

Looking up at her and smiling I said,” Your Pa has been saying how hard you’ve worked carin’ for me Carrie and I just want to say thank you so much sweetheart. I really appreciate it. Guess I’ve been sort of out of it the last couple of days an’ I’m sorry I’ve made so much work for you”.

“Don’t be silly”, she said quickly,” I’ve loved nursing you,” and then seriously looking deep into my eyes, “you must know that Jess.”

Then she turned away obviously embarrassed and quickly made an excuse to leave, calling a hasty goodnight over her shoulder, leaving me feeling kinda puzzled.

The following day she seemed her usual self so I thought it better not to mention her little outburst and put it down to tiredness.

Slim came in again and we exchanged the usual banter.

Carrie was very attentive, checking my temperature and even shooing Slim out of the room while she checked my dressings.

Afterwards she left us for a while and looking over at Slim I noticed he had a cheeky grin on his face.

“What?” I asked.

Nodding his head towards the door that Carrie had just left through he said, “I guess young Carrie there is a bit sweet on you Jess”.

“What” I said and burst out laughing,” No, she’s just a kid”. “Hey don’t make me laugh Slim it pulls my stitches somethin’ chronic, anyways all I’ve done recently is puke all over her and moan, I hardly think that’s goin’ to make me too popular with her pard.”

“I’m not kiddin’ Jess he said more seriously,” I’ve been watching her with you these last few days and I reckon she’s got a real bad crush on you.”

“You’re crazy”, I snorted and changed the subject.

“So have you seen Millie?” I asked quietly.

“Sure have,” he replied,” and she says to tell you she sends you all her love and to get well real quick as she’s missing you something fierce”

A broad grin spread across my face.” Hell, I’ve missed her too”, I said quietly.

Millie worked at the saloon and we were real good friends. We understood each other perfectly and had a very uncomplicated open relationship, as friends and occasionally lovers. We both needed, and wanted an easy, no stings relationship and if I sometimes shared her bed, then that was OK by us both .Oh yeah, I cared for Millie and she for me, but we both knew I wasn’t up for anything serious after Maria, at least not yet anyway. I’d really missed her company though, these last few weeks when I hadn’t felt up to the long ride into town and vowed to make it up to her and visit as soon as I was well enough.

“Take it easy Hot Shot”, said Slim smiling down at me,” don’t reckon you’re quite up to visiting lady friends yet a while, besides reckon Miss Carrie wouldn’t approve.”

“Aww Slim will you stop it” I said laughing again and holding my side.

Chapter 4

After Slim had gone back to the Ranch, I lay there and mused over what he’d said about Carrie. She had been acting a bit strange now I came to thinkin’ on it. There had been the odd time I had caught her looking at me with a sorta sad far away look in her eyes and another time she jumped a mile when I suddenly woke up and saw her staring intently at me, but hell I thought she was just day dreamin’ about something like all young girls do.

Slim had been gone about an hour and there was no sign of Carrie with my dose of medicine and the pain was really beginning to kick in, my gut hurtin’ somethin’ fierce.

She finally arrived and looking down at me saw I was lookin’ in a bad way and was immediately full of apologies.

“I’m so sorry Jess,” she said as she went and fetched the drug and handed me a cup with the pain killing medicine in, “I guess I lost track of the time”.

She looked pale and a lot like she had been crying.

“That’s alright, I’m fine”, I said, and then “Hey are you OK sweetheart?”

Patting the bed I said “come and sit down and tell Uncle Jess all about it.”

She gave me an agonized look and then yelled angrily “you’re not my uncle, Jess why are you so mean to me?” and ran out of the room crying and leaving me staring after her in surprise.

A few minutes later Sam came in and looking down at me said,” What have you been doing to upset my little girl then buddy?”

Sitting up quickly and looking concerned I said,” Nuthin’ Sam, really nothing, I don’t know what’s got into her these last few days.”

“It’s OK Jess; calm down,” he said “I’m just teasing you. But well, you ought to know I think my little girl is growing up fast and has got a bit too fond of you, in fact, I’ve got a feeling she thinks she’s in love with you Jess.”

I looked thoughtful, “Umm, Slim seems to be of a similar mind, but I can’t believe it” I said quietly.

And then a thought occurred to me, “Hell, Sam I ain’t encouraged her; you know that don’t you,” I said grabbing hold of his arm.” I wouldn’t, Hell, she’s just a kid “… I finished looking up at him my expression now full of worry.

“Jess, Jess of course I don’t think anything of the sort. But we do have a real problem here and I’m not sure how to deal with it”.

Then more quietly to himself, “It’s times like this I miss her Ma so much.”

He stood looking thoughtful and then snapping his fingers he looked over and said, “Got it. The Patterson kids have all gone down with the Chicken Pox and poor Ellen Patterson is going frantic trying to nurse ‘em all, I’ll take Carrie over there first thing tomorrow that should sort the problem.”

Beaming at me he went off to tell his daughter to pack as he had another nursing job for her, while I sank back on the pillows, with a sigh of relief and as the medicine did its work I fell into a deep sleep.

*******Carrie*******

When I left Slim and Jess talking, I stayed by the door for a few minutes, curious as to what they were saying and if Jess would mention me. My Ma was sure right, people that listen at doors never hear anything good.

I smiled as they chatted and laughed together and then something in Slim’s voice made me lean forward and strain my ears to hear more and heard him say, “I reckon she’s got a real bad crush on you.”

His reply made me blush to the roots of my hair and I felt so awful I could have just died there and then, but worse was to come.

Jess had quickly changed the subject and asked about someone called Millie.

Slim had said she sent all her love and was missing Jess something fierce.

I couldn’t believe my ears and my heart thumped so fast I was scared they would hear it on the other side of the door.

What Jess replied devastated me, “Hell I’ve missed her too”

Who was this girl? Then I remembered, once when Jess was in town buying supplies I was secretly watching from the office and he stopped in the street right by the window and touched his hat to a very pretty girl who I recognized and remembered she worked in the Saloon opposite.

They chatted laughing and joking for a while, completely unaware that I was watching them closely from my hiding place behind the office blind. There was something in the way they looked into each others eyes, so intimately that made me think they knew each other well. Then as she turned to go she flashed him a brilliant smile and walking away called over her shoulder, “see you later cowboy, don’t be late”, and walked off, Jess’s admiring gaze following her every move.

That had been months ago and I had suffered many a sleepless night replaying the scene. However I never saw them together again and gradually the memory had faded. Now though I was sure her name had been Millie and I was suddenly overcome with jealousy and I ran for the sanctuary of my room as the tears began to fall.

I must have fallen asleep after my crying fit and awoke about an hour later. Quickly splashing some water on my face I ran down to Jess’s room to check on him. As I entered he looked up, pain etched onto his face and I suddenly realized l was late with his medication. Feeling terribly guilty I said “Oh Jess, I am so sorry,” and fetched and administered the dose at once.

He said he was fine, although I could see he was not, and I smiled inwardly thinking ‘typical Jess’. Then he must have noticed I had been crying and patting the bed next to him invited me to share my problems with ‘uncle Jess’. At that I felt so stupid, just like a little girl and ran from the room again almost bumping into Pa on the way.

I saw him go into the bed room and knew he would ask Jess what was going on. Oh God, now Pa would know how crazy I’d been acting around my patient and put two and two together.

A little while later Pa knocked on my door and asked me if I would go and nurse the Patterson brood the following day as poor Mrs Patterson couldn’t cope. My heart sank, I knew the real reason he wanted me to go, but neither of us mentioned it, and I left first thing the following day, without looking in on Jess, I felt I just couldn’t face him.

Chapter 5

Jess

I awoke late the following day and Carrie and her Pa had already left, but I figured that was probably not a bad thing and maybe with a bit of distance between us Carrie would come to her senses and see me as I really was and not with the rose tinted eye glasses she seemed to be seeing me through.

As the week wore on I began to feel much better and by the time Friday rolled around I could manage without any pain relief and was beginning to feel my old self again. I had moved out of the Doc’s office as he had another patient in need of the bed and had put up at the hotel the night before. This was to be my last night in Laramie for a while as I was catching the early Stage back to the Relay Station the next day, so I decided to call in and see Millie.

It was late Friday afternoon and the saloon was quiet when I walked in. As soon as she saw me she gave a little squeal of delight and rushed around from behind the bar to give me a huge hug and then kissed me full on the lips. Leaning back and looking up at me she said, “It is just so good to see you Jess, are you OK now Honey ?”

I assured her I was fine before she was called away to serve a customer. In a minute she came back and drew me a cold beer and placing it on the counter between us, reached out and took both my hands in hers, smiling into my eyes.

“It’s been a while”, she said looking up at me through her beautiful dark eyes.

“Yeah”, I drawled, “I’ve been real lonely lately Millie I murmured, “real lonely”

Just then her attention was taken by someone who had just entered the saloon and come over to stand next to me, turning I looked straight into the hurt, angry eyes of Carrie.

“What are you doin’ in here?” I asked in surprise.

“More to the point what are you doing in here?” she spat.” Drinking, and stuff”, she said giving Millie a withering look.

“Now hold on a minute……” I started

“No you listen to me Jess, you’re only just out of your sick bed and you come in here flirting with ………her”, she said a look of contempt on her face.

“Alright that’s enough young lady,” I said firmly.

Turning to Millie I said,” Excuse us, back in a minute”, and firmly grabbing hold of Carrie’s elbow escorted her from the bar.

Outside I turned my full fury on her.

“How dare you speak to a friend of mine like that” I yelled.

I guess she’d never seen the full Harper temper let rip and she paled and looked terrified.

Taking a deep breath I calmed myself down some and said,” Carrie you’re way out of order. I know I owe you for all you’ve done recently, but heck you don’t own me and you can’t say what I can and can’t do……understand?” I finished quietly.

She looked totally lost and turning away said……. “Sorry Jess, it’s just that….”

“Just……what?” I asked patiently,

“Oh nothing”, she said, “see you around”, and she turned and ran across the street, before she quickly disappeared into her father’s office.

Shaking my head sadly I turned and went back into the bar.

Millie came over and I took hold of her hands again and looking deeply into her eyes.

” Now where were we?” I said.

“You were just telling me how very lonely you were feeling” she responded, “and I was just going to say, well Jess I get off at 8 tonight.”

I grinned at her,” guess it’s a date then” I said.

Leaning over and whispering for my ears only she said, “And you can tell your little nurse I promise to be real gentle with you cowboy,” and giving me a wicked wink swung off to serve another customer.

*******

The following morning I was just leaving the saloon after breakfast with Millie when I glanced over at Sam’s office wondering if I should go and make my peace with Carrie, when I saw the blind twitch and caught a glimpse of her dark head.

Umm, maybe not, I thought remembering how upset she had been, seeing me holding hands across the bar with Millie, now she knew I’d spent the night with her I guessed I would be in for even more grief, so I quickly turned and headed for the Stage office instead.

It sure was good to be home again.

As soon as the family had greeted me off the stage I made my excuses and went to check on old Traveler.

Entering the stable he gave me a soft whinny in greeting and I went over and scratched behind his ear and gave the ol’ fellah an apple from the bowl I kept there especially for him.

“Guess you’re stuck with me a little longer boy”, I said softly.

A voice behind me said quietly. “Guess we all are, welcome home Pard”, said Slim slapping me hard on the back as I turned to grin at him.

Chapter 6

Jess

The following week I drove Daisy into town to pick up supplies and I had to call in to see Sam to have my stitches removed. I sure wasn’t lookin’ forward to the visit wondering what sort of reception I would receive from Carrie.

However I needn’t have worried as she gave me a big beam as soon as she saw me.

Sam greeted me with enthusiasm too and I was soon on the operating table and he asked me to loosen my denims so that he could perform the simple procedure of removing the stitches, assisted by Carrie.

I felt even more embarrassed having her see me that way than I had when she first nursed me , knowing how she felt about me, and I was rather surprised that Sam had asked her to assist too, under the rather delicate circumstances.

Soon after Sam had finished working on me, Carrie asked to be excused as she had arranged to see a friend and she ran off with barely a backward glance in my direction.

Sam watched my puzzled expression and finally burst out laughing.

“Sorry Jess,” he said,” but guess you’re last week’s news, young Carrie there has up an found herself a real boyfriend,” he chuckled.

I sighed with relief.

“Well thank God for that, someone as wonderful as me I hope”, I said laughing.

“Yeah, turns out to be a real nice boy, brother of her best friend in fact so she’s known him a long time and a good bit nearer her age and experience if you get my meaning” he said grinning at me.

“Sure do”, I replied.

I soon said my goodbyes to him and suggested he come over to the ranch in a week or so to try his hand at fishing in the lake as the fish were biting real good and he promised he would do that thing and I went off in search of Daisy.

“You’re looking pleased with yourself”, she smiled at me when I caught up with her outside the mercantile.

“Yeah, just heard some good news about a friend”, I said grinning at her and with that we loaded up the buckboard and headed back to the ranch.

The following Sunday afternoon saw Doc Baker’s buggy rattling into the yard and to my surprise after Doc Sam jumped down he helped Carrie alight.

I had thought Sam was coming alone, but obviously not so. Carrie was looking very grown up with a dark riding skirt and boots with a tight quite low cut white shirt and her hair sorta piled up on top of her head.

Daisy raised an eyebrow slightly, but none of us said anything, except Mike who said,” Yuk why is Carrie all done up to go fishin?’” But we all shushed him and I don’t think she heard.

Daisy decided to stay at home for some much needed peace and quiet, and so Slim, Sam, Mike, Carrie and I set off for the lake and were soon in place with our rods in the water and it was real relaxing and peaceful, for a little while.

Carrie had decided she would just watch and had set herself down between Mike and I and after along silence I thought I should make the effort and be a bit neighborly and chat a while.

“So Carrie I hear you’ve got a boyfriend”, I said smiling encouragingly at her.

Well, that was my biggest mistake of the day, Mike and I spent the next three hours hearing how wonderful, clever, thoughtful, caring tall and handsome Robbie Mitchell was.

By the end of the afternoon Mike and I would have been happy to see young Robbie at the business end of a rope, as Carrie droned on about him.

Pausing for breath Carrie said,” Of course I doubt if we’ll be getting engaged any time soon, because we both have college in the Fall, but maybe next year,” she smiled looking dreamily at the distant horizon.

Luckily before we could say anything Slim came over and reckoned it was time to go and check out the supper Daisy was preparing for us back at the ranch and Mike and I gave a sigh of relief and were right behind him as he made tracks for home.

Much later after the meal, Sam finally said he must get going as he had an early start in the morning and so we stood on the porch and waved them off.

As they disappeared in a cloud of dust up the track, Mike piped up,” Girls are real funny, guess they have different eyes to us boys”.

Looking down fondly at him I said” How so Tiger?”

“Well it’s like this Jess”, he said,” You know all the stuff Carrie was sayin’ about Robbie bein’ tall and handsome?”

“Yeah”, I replied.

“Well he ain’t, he’s a good head shorter than Carrie, got bright red hair and kinda buck teeth. And I don’t know how as he’s kind and thoughtful, cos I never even seen ‘em, talk to each other, in school that is,” he finished sleepily.

Slim and I grinned.

Then I said “What is that sayin’, you know, out of one of your books, about eye of the beholder or somethin’?” I asked Slim.

“Oh yeah, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” he quoted.

“What the heck does that mean?” asked Mike.

“Well, I guess that people see others the way they want to and iffen they’re a little bit in love they see that person different to how others do”, Slim said.

“Like Carrie thinkin’ Robbie’s handsome?” asked Mike.

“Sure, and someone could think another person was really wonderful when everyone else sees ‘em as just plain ordinary, or even ornery” he continued.

Then looking over at me said ,” I reckon Carrie’s real good at that don’t you pard?”

“Yeah, reckon so” I said sleepily, then what he’d just said registered.

” Why you!”……….. I yelled and took off after Slim as he high tailed it across the yard much to the amusement of Daisy and Mike.

Guess that was the last bit of relaxation we were to have at the ranch for a while although we didn’t realize it then.

The following morning Slim and I headed out to where we had penned some wild mustangs we had herded over the last few weeks and now we were bringing them back to the ranch for breaking.

It was a real important part of the business with good healthy, well broken stock always fetching good money. I guess that is where I was really able to pull my weight in the partnership because where as Slim had the business brain, I was the horse whisperer and could break even the most hard nosed mustang.

So that morning with Mike and Slim yelling encouragement from the corral rails I made a start on a cute little bay filly that looked like she’d be an easy ride. Like all females she sure wasn’t easy to understand and after the third time she’d thrown me I figured I needed a break and was a wondering where Daisy was with the lemonade she had promised us.

Just then we heard an almighty crash and a yell from the kitchen, the door being open to get a bit of air in, and out dashed our old marmalade cat, Jasper, closely followed by Mike’s dog Buttons, barking fit to bust as he proceeded to chase the cat up the nearest tree.

All three of us dashed to the kitchen door and what I saw made me stop dead in my tracks my heart missing a beat; Daisy was lying on the floor out cold and with a trickle of blood running down her temple.

I took a deep breath and followed Slim over to where he had already started to lift her gently up and carry her into the main room and place her on the couch.

I offered to ride and fetch Sam as I couldn’t face seeing Daisy the way she was.

Quickly saddling Traveler I headed for the Laramie road and had only gone a few miles when I spied Sam’s buggy just leaving the Patterson place where he had been visiting with Carrie to check out the children who had been suffering from the Chicken Pox. He pulled up his team and his friendly smile of greeting quickly changed to concern as he saw the stricken look on my face.

“Can you come over right away Sam, it’s Daisy, she’s had a fall an’ I think she’s hurt real bad”, I said, swallowing hard.

Calling to Carrie to hold on tight Sam whipped the team to a gallop as we headed back to the ranch.

On our arrival Mike ran out and offered to take care of the now profusely sweating horses and Sam and Carrie jumped down and ran into the ranch.

Daisy was lying back on the couch propped up with a couple of pillows, but her color was better and her bright blue eyes sprang open and gave us an inquiring look as we charged noisily through the door.

“Oh Sam dear, the boys shouldn’t have bothered you really” she said,” I’m fine. I just took a tumble when those blessed animals ran into me in the kitchen”.

“Let me be the judge of how you are”, said Sam sternly, the twinkle in his eye belying his strict manner.

Slim and I went off to the kitchen leaving Sam and Carrie to examine Daisy and brewed up some much needed coffee. After about ten minutes Sam called us back in and said Daisy was suffering a mild concussion and a severely sprained ankle which would need complete bed rest for at least two weeks.

Slim and I breathed a sigh of relief and as the news sank in I responded more aggressively than I meant to.

” If the good Doc says to stay in bed that’s exactly what you are to do Daisy”, I said looking at her sternly.

Slim agreed with me.

“Yeah, you know what you’re like Daisy, you will be getting up in a day or so saying we can’t manage, well that isn’t going to happen,” he said firmly, and then more lightly. “Even if I am taking my life in my hands risking Hot Shot’s cooking.”

Then Carrie piped up.

” Why, I could stay over at the ranch and care for Miss Daisy and manage the housekeeping too couldn’t I Pa?” she asked looking pleadingly up at her father.

Smiling over at us Sam said,” it seems like the perfect solution if it’s OK with you all?”

I wasn’t any too sure with Carrie’s recent behavior towards me still making me feel a little uncomfortable around her.

I gave Slim a look, and slight shake of the head, which he chose to ignore as he beamed over at Sam and Carrie and leaning over to squeeze Carrie’s shoulder, said “Thank you so much that would be a real help,” and looking over to me said,” won’t it pard?”

“Yeah,” I said quietly with a weak smile, before turning away to go and help Mike with the Doctor’s team.

Later that evening Slim and I were sitting out on the porch enjoying a last cup of coffee before turning in.

So far Carrie had been the model nurse and housekeeper, caring lovingly for Daisy and producing an excellent meal for us all before retiring early to bed. She was sleeping in with Daisy on a small bunk Mike sometimes used when he was poorly and said it would be just perfect for her needs and she would be near Daisy should she require anything in the night.

Slim now turned to me and with an appraising look on his face.

“You didn’t want her to stay did you Jess?” he asked, keeping his voice low so as not to be overheard.

“Not really”, I replied.

“Come on pard, she’s over all that nonsense” continued Slim smiling at me, “besides she’s got the gorgeous Robbie” now he whispered, chuckling.

“Sure I know,” I said,” I’ve just got a bad feelin’ that’s all .”

Then after a pause I reflected, “Anyways, young girls like that, they’re so darn emotional”, and grinning ruefully over at Slim I continued,” makes me kinda nervous, you know?”

He smiled back,” Yeah I know what you mean pard, but it’s only for a couple of weeks and if it means Daisy’s well cared for then guess its worth it,” and I nodded in agreement.

After a friendly silence as we enjoyed our coffee and the summer night time sounds.

Then Slim asked, “so which one of the bunch are you gonna give the pleasure of adding to all those bruises you got today?” he said grinning over at me.

He was referring to the mustang breaking and the pretty little bay filly that had given me such a hard time.

Eventually after the Doc had left and Daisy was comfortable I had gone back out to the corral and got up on her again. This time I had managed to keep my seat and she had eventually given up the fight.

“I reckon that little bay should be OK to start schooling on now, so thought I’d have a go at the big black fellah next”, I replied.

“What that big angry bastard, the one Mike’s named Fury,” he asked looking concerned.

“Gotta be done pard, I replied,” It’s my job. Anyways think I’d like to tackle him before I get too beat up fallin’ off any of the others”, I said laughing.

“Yeah, suppose so”, he said.

I looked over and saw he was smiling to himself.

“What?”

“I was just thinkin’”, he said, “if you were a horse reckon we’d call you Fury! It sure would have been a good name for you when you arrived here anyway” he said smiling over at me.

“Yeah well guess I had a few things to be angry about”, I replied.

“Umm I know,” said Slim looking off into the distance, “You used to get so mad sometimes you scared me Jess,” he said looking back over at me.

I looked back at him in amazement.

“Come on you’ve never been scared of me”, I said looking closely at him…..”have you?”

“No, not of you, but for you. I used to be so scared at what you’d do when you rode out of here in one of your rages, used to think you’d end up dead.”

“Yeah, well people change”, I replied,” I’m a real pussy cat now Slim.”

“Ha, yeah right,” he replied laughing.

Then more seriously,” you’re still mad as hell about Marcus though aren’t you Jess.”

At the name of the bastard that had gunned down my fiancee I tensed and looking over replied,” sure I am, who wouldn’t be”, then in a whisper almost to myself,

“Killing him didn’t help you know Slim.”

“I know buddy, but you have to let it go, or it’s just gonna eat you up, you know that don’t you”.

“Yeah, I guess”, I replied.

We sat quietly for a while and then Slim said softly, “Millie seems to make you happy”

“She sure does,” I said grinning over at him, “She’s a great girl, and it feels right, you know?”

“Sure.”

“She wants the same as me you know Slim,” I said quietly,” she’s happy with the way things are between us, she doesn’t want a serious relationship either,I’m not using her you know”, I said softly,” I care for her, and I guess we’re just real good friends as well.”

“I know, we talked once, Millie an’ me, she really cares about you buddy and yeah, she’s happy with the way things are, I know that.”

“Hey”, I said suddenly,” I clean forgot, last time I saw her she said that new girl………what’s her name?”

“Bella”, said Slim quick as a flash.

“Yeah, that’s it, well according to Millie, this Bella is real keen to be introduced to you pard! I thought I might help you out there when I see Millie next Saturday”.

Slim’s face fell,” Oh No, that’s the day Mr Peterson from the Overland has arranged a business meeting with me about the new routes and I can’t put him off.”

“Don’t worry buddy, I’ll give your apologies and you can ride over the next day, should be OK I reckon.”

Slim beamed over at me,” that would be great;” he said happily, “Daisy should be well on the mend and I guess Carrie could cope with Mike for a few hours.”

We got up and turned to go in and as I stood up I felt the stiffness as all the knocks and bruises I’d gotten that day making themselves known. Heading for bed I wondered if Fury would live up to his name the following day as I yawned sleepily and turned in for the night.

Chapter 7

Jess

The following morning I was awoken by the smell of coffee and bacon cooking and was soon up and dressed ready to sample Carrie’s cookin’ again. She sure didn’t disappoint and Slim, Mike and I were treated to a real good spread. Polishing off the last of the biscuits and swigging our coffee, Slim and I headed out to the yard to start our chores while Mike offered to help clear up inside.

By mid morning we were ready to start breaking the mustangs again and I quickly got a rope on the big black fellah and started working with him .I had already made a start on sweet talkin’ him and trying to get his confidence previously and had gotten to the stage where he would just about tolerate a saddle up, on a good day, but today was the real test, when I actually mounted him for the first time. As I gently jumped on board the mustang did what had been predicted and truly lived up to his name, furiously bucking and rearing while I clung on with all my strength.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Carrie walk over and lean on the corral fence along with Slim and Mike.

My heart sank all I needed was another member of the audience I thought crossly.

At that moment, with my attention wandering for a second the horse took his chance and with an almighty kick of his back legs he threw his head down and I sailed over the top landing hard on my front. It pretty much knocked the air out of my lungs and I lay there with my face in the dirt for a few seconds trying to get my breath back, then I heard Carrie scream and looking up saw Fury charging back towards me his lethal hooves inches from my head. Using the last of my energy I rolled and reaching the corral fence vaulted over it to safety and to a great cheer from Mike and Slim.

Carrie came running over and throwing her arms a round me cried,” Jess, oh Jess are you alright?”

Pushing her gently away I assured her I was fine while Slim looked on laughing. Carrie turned on Slim and Mike, who was also grinning from ear to ear.

“What is so funny, poor Jess could have been killed,” she yelled and promptly burst into tears.

Slim rushed over and put a comforting arm around her and after a few minutes she calmed down.

Trying to make her feel better Mike smiled up at her and said, “You don’t want to worry Carrie, Heck that was nothing, Jess has just got bruised a bit that ain’t nothing to fret about honest. Why last year he broke his wrist and his collar bone,” he said smiling triumphantly.

“Mike you’re really not helping,” I said quietly as the expression on Carrie’s face changed from fear to horror.

Dusting off my denims with my hat I then rammed it firmly on my head and with a determined look on my face turned back towards the corral.

But Carrie grabbed my arm and said” what are you doing Jess? “

“Getting back up of course”, I responded firmly.

“No”, she screamed “you can’t,”

Then turning to Slim said,” Slim do something you can’t let him go back in there that beast will kill him!”

Slim looked perplexed and then said,” Well, I’m sorry Carrie, but that’s just what he has to do, it’s his job,” And then more quietly,” couldn’t stop him even if I tried anyways.”

Completely ignoring the conversation I continued towards the corral, but Carrie wasn’t finished yet and running after me she grabbed my arm again pulling me round to face her.

” Jess, please,” she said. Looking tearful again.

Suddenly I lost my temper I was hot, tired and hurtin’ all over somethin’ fierce after the fall and I pulled roughly away from her and shouted ,” For gods sake will you stop your fussin’ Carrie I got a job to do an’ you ain’t makin’ it any easier”, and with that I marched off to face my rival again.

Carrie turned and ran into the house crying and looking after her my anger evaporated and I cursed myself for being so unfeeling and promised myself to make it up with her before bedtime.

In the meantime I roped Fury and after petting him and offering a bribe of sugar lumps finally managed to get back on board only to be thrown off again almost at once.

This carried on throughout the day and it was odds on as to which of us would give in first. Eventually the bucking’ and prancing lessened until he gradually came down to a walk and then stood still, head bowed completely spent.

Leaning over and patting his neck I whispered,” I know just how you feel boy.”

Sliding down from his back I took him over to the corral fence and removing the saddle and bridle loosed him out and he galloped off and started rolling to get rid of the bad feeling of the saddle.

Slim slapped me on the back and said,” well done buddy, gee he was a tough one”, Then looking more closely at me said,” boy are you a mess!”

Walking over to the outdoor washstand I splashed cold water on my face and then looked into the little triangle of glass above the bowl and saw a large dark blue bruise across my cheek bone and a nasty graze to my temple and figured the rest of my body was covered in similar abrasions.

Turning to Slim I said,” well guess that’s my good looks gone buddy, good job I’ve got such an endearing personality”, I joked and throwing my arm round his shoulders we walked back to the ranch, laughing and in search of coffee.

There was no sign of Carrie and as we’d worked through dinner we were getting a mite hungry. I was just reconciling by self to Slim’s cooking when Carrie returned and although she didn’t look at us she marched into the kitchen and started banging and crashing pans around.

Figuring I’d better make my peace with her before she completely smashed the place up I went into the kitchen and stood quietly for a minute. She must have sensed my presence because she turned slowly and as she looked up at me an expression of shock crossed her face , she gave a little cry, and her hand shot up to cover her mouth.

Her brown eyes were huge as she saw the state I was in and taking my courage in my hands I walked forwards and said,” I’m real sorry for the way I spoke to you out there Carrie, real sorry.”

“It’s OK,” she whispered and then,” Oh Jess your poor face”.

Picking up a clean cloth she soaked it and came over and cleaned the graze on my temple and looked deep into my eyes. I suddenly felt uncomfortable as she was standing so close and backing slowly out of the room I said,” Thanks Carrie that feels much better now ”, and fled to the sanctuary of my room to clean up for supper

Slim who had witnessed the scene came into our room a few minutes later and said, “that little girl sure puts the fear of God into you doesn’t she pard?”

“It’s alright for you,” I spat, “ain’t you she’s always messin’ with.”

“She was only fixing’ up your head”, buddy Slim said reasonably.

“Um”…I growled and left it there, he hadn’t seen the look in her eye as she tended me though I thought to myself.

Supper went off OK and Carrie again produced a wonderful meal and we were all sure ready for it. We helped her clear the table and then Slim offered to help wash up and I made my excuses and went and sat with Daisy in her room for the rest of the evening .She was good company and relaxing after the difficult day I’d had. After a couple of hours I saw her trying to hide a yawn so said my goodnights and went off to my own room.

A little while later Slim came in and started to get ready for bed by the light of the lamp I’d left turned down low for him on the night stand. He climbed into his bed and then said quietly, “Jess, you asleep?”

“Yes”, I replied.

He chuckled, then, “So, tell me what this Bella said again”.

“Aww Slim shut up,” I laughed and chucked a pillow in his direction,” I’ll tell you what though buddy she sure is a cracker…far too good for you” I said, and the pillow was returned with full force.

“Good night Slim,” I said firmly and was asleep the next minute.

Chapter 8

Carrie

The only good thing to come out of the sorry business of my unrequited love for Jess was the fact that the relationship I had with my friend Jenny suddenly changed.

I had been longing for my Ma’s advice or at least someone I could talk to about all the things I wanted to know, how to be attractive to men and all the 1001 things I felt I was so ignorant about. Up until now all Jenny was interested in was her blessed horse Charlie. All I ever heard about was Charlie this and Charlie that. I accepted the fact that she was a little younger than me and just hoped she would catch up soon.

As it happened I didn’t have long to wait, suddenly, almost over night Jenny woke up to boys, make up, hairstyles and all the things I loved to discuss.She really understood about how I felt about Jess and she thought he was really cute too.

I hadn’t seen her for a while as Pa had sent me off to look after those dreadful Patterson brats and so she didn’t know what had happened that awful Friday when I got back home and followed Jess into the saloon and embarrassed him in front of Millie.I had never seen him so mad and I was literally shaking with fear. I had heard tell about his short fuse, faster than his draw some said, but had never been on the receiving end of it.

I knew in my heart that although he was very angry, that he was also very forgiving, so I hoped he would maybe come and see me before getting the early Stage. I hung around the office from first thing, constantly peeping out of the window, looking over at the hotel where I knew he had a room. Therefore I was absolutely devastated to see him emerge from the saloon very early after obviously spending the night with Millie. I saw him glance over, look like he would come across and then change his mind and walk off quickly towards the Stage office.

After the Stage left I ran straight round to Jenny’s place and she let me in and up in her room, where I broke my heart crying tears of misery and anger.

” How could he”, I said to Jenny,” how could he sleep with that woman.”

Jenny was very understanding and kind and when I finally calmed down she helped me to hatch a plan to get Jess away from that woman’s clutches. She reckoned that the way was to make Jess jealous and she figured the best way was to pretend I was in love with her big brother Robbie.

I knew Pa was taking Jess’s stitches out later that week and so I decided to be very business like and disappear afterwards to visit my ‘friend’ hoping Jess would ask about it. I had already told Pa I was seeing Robbie and he seemed very pleased and I felt quite guilty at lying to him to be honest. Anyway I managed to get through the appointment and left the office as soon as the procedure was completed.

When Pa told me he was going fishing over at the ranch I begged to go along too and then spent the day telling Jess and Mike all about how wonderful Robbie was. I thought Jess seemed a bit quiet towards the end of the visit, but wasn’t sure if maybe he was just tired.

Much to my disappointment I didn’t see him in town again for a while and guessed he was busy on the ranch. Therefore I couldn’t believe my luck when he rode up just as we were leaving after visiting those blasted Patterson kids. He looked terrible, really upset and as soon as Pa heard Daisy was sick we high tailed it over to the ranch.

I desperately wanted to stay and help out and pleaded with Pa to let me and to my delight he agreed. I had thought Jess was a little quiet at first, but once I’d cooked him a nice meal he seemed a bit happier. Another of Jenny’s tips, she said her Mom always said, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and Jess sure liked his food.

Now I was lying in my little bed in Daisy’s room and longed for Jenny’s company and advice.

I had been awake half the night worrying and trying to decide what to do next. I knew I had made Jess mad again today taking on so when he was breaking that dreadful animal, but I just couldn’t help it. I was so upset when he was thrown, my heart beating so loud I thought they would all hear it.

Then he yelled at me again and I just wanted to die. When he came into the kitchen later and apologized I was so shocked to see his poor face and then when I was cleaning up his wound I looked into his eyes and I think I would have told him I loved him had he not suddenly disappeared to wash up for supper.

Afterwards he had spent the evening with Daisy and then went straight to bed. As I was tidying up in the living room I heard Slim and him laughing and banging about and feeling awful lonesome I went off to bed.

Lying here now I thought for the hundredth time, about what I could do to win him over. Then I had an idea. I would be indispensable, I would help him at work and he would see what an excellent rancher’s wife I would make and happily I turned over and finally slept.

*******Jess******

The week went on, with the horse breaking and all the usual chores around the ranch. The only thing different was that Daisy was thankfully much better and so Carrie had more spare time and she seemed to spend it all dogging my footsteps.

Every time I turned round she was there wanting to help me.

“God damn it Slim”, I said “she’s drivin’ me loco”.

Even Mike had noticed and piped up one day, to nobody in particular, “Carrie sure likes helpin’ don’t she……well helpin’ Jess that is,” he said grinning.

I heard Slim guffaw, but luckily Carrie was out of hearing distance.

“Why you little….” I said and aimed a cuff at his ear, which he neatly dodged before running off with me in hot pursuit.

Later I talked to Slim and we agreed for the sake of my sanity, I should have a rest from Carrie’s constant attention and breaking the horses, as I was pretty beat up by now anyway, and take myself off checking the fences over on the far side of the east pasture. I would be gone all day and I looked forward to some peace and quiet.

When I got back it was quite late as I’d stopped on my way home and made camp and cooked some supper, so I was aiming to settle Traveler for the night and sneak in to bed. I was whistling softly and grooming ol’ Trav when I heard the barn door open behind me and Carrie walked in.

She came over and it struck me how pretty and grown up she looked with her hair piled up and that tight low cut white shirt on again.

I smiled over at her “Hey sweetheart thought you’d be in bed.”I said lightly.

She came and stood very close to me and I turned back to my task of grooming Traveler.

“I was worried about you Jess,” she said, “I couldn’t sleep”

Continuing to brush my horse I said casually,” No need to worry about me honey I can look after myself, just stopped on the trail for some food that’s all”.

Then she said softly, “Look at me Jess”.

I stopped brushing and stood with my back still turned to her. Then I bent my head to rest it on Traveler’s neck, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, waiting for what I knew was finally to come.

I felt her hand on my shoulder,” Jess”, she whispered.

Slowly I turned to face her.

She looked deathly pale her eyes wide and frightened in the dim light from the lamp that hung on the beam above us.

“ Don’t”… I started.

“Jess please hear me out…. Jess I love you, I have from the first moment I saw you and I just can’t bear it anymore,” and then she burst into tears and fell into my arms.

I was backed up against Traveler with nowhere to go, so I stood there and gently stroked her hair like I did to calm Mike after one of his nightmares and gradually the crying stopped.

Looking up into my eyes she lifted her hand and gently stroked my bruised face.

” Jess I love you so much,” she said again.

“No”, I said, gently removing her hand, “no you don’t Carrie, you don’t know me sweetheart, I’m not the person you think I am.”

“But you are, you’re good and kind and brave and I just can’t go on without you”, she said again, and then reaching up she pressed her lip against mine in a passionate kiss.

For a split second I kissed her back and then pulled away shocked.

” No,” I shouted, “no this ain’t right, Carrie go back to the house…. now.”

She looked at me like I had struck her.

”Honey, listen”, I said gently,” these feelings you have for me, I’m……well I’m real honored that you feel that way, but it just wouldn’t work. I’m way too old for you. I come with one Hell of a past and I just ain’t good enough for you, you must see that.”

“Of course you are,” she argued, “you are the most wonderful person I have ever met, you kind and caring and thoughtful and …..”

I broke in quickly.

“Carrie I’m a’ beat up ol’ cowboy. Look at me. I’m an ex gunslinger, who’s been in prison and had a noose round my neck more than once, been in so many shoot outs and killed so many men I haven’t even kept count. My family were all burnt to death when I was younger than you an’ I still get the nightmares, waking Slim up with my yellin’ an’ carryin’ on’, and I’ll always carry the hatred with me for those who did it. I really ain’t an easy person sweetheart.”

She just stared at me looking full of concern.

“I’ve spent half my life on the drift living by my gun, and if it hadn’t been for Slim I’d have died by it long ago,” I continued desperately trying to convince her.

“I’m forever in trouble getting’ beat up or shot up, God knows your Pa can vouch for that, an’ finally…really finally Carrie, after Maria….” I paused and took a deep shuddering breath before continuing.

“ After Maria, I ain’t ever going to fall in love again. I’m sorry sweetheart, real sorry, but that’s the way it is,” I whispered.

I paused looking sadly at her white, pinched little face the misery etched into it.

Reaching over I gently patted her arm.

“Go to bed now Carrie, you’re worn out,” I said softly and with that I turned my back to her and resumed grooming Traveler.

After a few minutes I heard her turn and quietly leave the barn.

As I heard the barn door close behind her I leaned forwards against Traveler’s back resting my head on my arm, shaking. I stayed like that for a long time until my heart had stopped pounding and the shaking lessened. I gradually stood upright again, aching in every muscle, and pulling Traveler’s blanket over him made my way wearily over to the ranch.

I entered our room and saw that Slim had left a night light on for me and as I came in he must have heard me and he stirred and looked over.

” You’re late, everything OK pard?” he asked sleepily.

I sank down on my bed, head in hands and said quietly,” No, it ain’t.”

Slim was instantly alert and looking over said,” What’s up pard?”

“It’s Carrie”, I said,” she just made a pass at me in the barn Slim, I can’t take this anymore the girl’s got to go.

“What?” asked Slim looking shocked.

“She went way too far this time and we need to put some space between us, or I won’t be responsible for my actions. She pulls another stunt like that an’…. I tell you I’m puttin’ her across my knee and giving her a good walloping.” I finished angrily

Slim said nothing , just watched me, concern in his eyes.

Then more quietly, “she’s got to learn she can’t play about with a man’s feelings that way Slim or she’ goin’ to end up in real bad trouble.”

I knew I was probably overreacting, but I guess it was born of the guilt I was feeling for that split second I had returned her kiss.

’ God, what are you thinking Harper?’ I said to myself .’the kid’s only sixteen.’

Chapter 9

Jess

The following morning Carrie was very pale and quiet and wouldn’t look me in the eye. Daisy who was up and about now, with the aid of a walking stick, was very concerned about her and thought she might be coming down with something.

Slim and I exchanged a glance but said nothing.

It was Saturday morning so we were all around the breakfast table enjoying a more leisurely meal than on a normal week day when Daisy turned to me.

”Will you be seeing Millie when you go to town tonight Jess?”

“Umm, yeah”, I mumbled, trying to ignore the sharp intake of breath that had come from Carrie.

Daisy didn’t seem to notice anything was amiss and went on.

“Oh good, then you can give her that recipe I promised her when we saw her last week, could you bring it please Mike dear it’s on my nightstand.”

Taking the paper from Mike I made my excuses and disappeared into the yard to start my chores.

A few minutes later Slim followed me out and gave a low whistle.

“Gee, the atmosphere between you two is something powerful,” he said looking expectantly at me. “Not sure if she wants to make love to you or kill you pard, but sure looks like it’s going to go one way or the other.”

“No it ain’t because I ain’t going to be around”, I growled

“You’re not?”

“ Nope, I’m out of here,” I said,” be down on the North pasture if you need me,” and with that I turned on heel and went to saddle up Traveler.

Slim followed me into the barn.” So what exactly happened between you two last night?” he asked

I sighed and looked across at Slim, pushing my hat back I said, “Well it’s kinda embarrassing Slim. She just said as how she loved me and then there was a whole lotta cryin’ an’ then she……she kissed me,” I finished quietly, turning to saddle Trav.

“And what did you do Jess?”Slim asked softly

My eyes flashed angrily at him.

“What do ya think I did?” I asked ,“I told her she didn’t want a beat up ol cowboy like me …and told her there was no way I would ever fall in love again anyway after,after ,……Oh you know Slim,” I finished, my voice breaking.

“Yeah, I know Jess an’ I’m real sorry. I guess I shouldn’t have invited her here after what happened when you were sick, but Hell I thought she was over all that.”

“Yeah, me too,” I replied and leading Trav out of the barn hopped up.

” See you tonight”, I called and spurred him out of the yard without looking back.

I spent the whole of the day out on the range, checking the fences and rounding up a few strays and by late afternoon I was feeling tired and hungry as I’d left so quickly without a thought to fixing anything to eat.

Turning back towards the ranch I figured old man Peterson from the Overland Stage Company, for whom we worked, would be landing on the late afternoon Stage and I could have a quick coffee and bite of pie with him before heading off to town and my hot date with Millie.

As I entered the ranch house all was quiet and there was no sign of Carrie and I guessed she was in Daisy’s room changing the dressing on her ankle. I decided to take off for my shower and get changed while Carrie was out of the way.

About half an hour later I was washed and wearing a clean blue shirt and denims and was just looking ruefully in the mirror at the still prominent bruise and cut on my face when Slim breezed in.

” Don’t worry Jess,” he teased” I’m sure Millie loves you for your mind!”

“Ha, ha very funny”, I responded and then as an after thought,” If you’re still after my fixing you up with Bella you’d better play nice pard, “I said laughing.

Just then we heard old Mose, the Stage driver, pull into the yard and we hurried out to change the team and welcome our old friend Mr Peterson. He jumped down and shook hands and Mike escorted him to the ranch while we sorted out the horses and sent Mose on his way.

When we returned I was surprised to see no sign of Carrie or Daisy and worse still no sign of any coffee or pie .

As Slim went to try and fix something to eat and put the coffee on I went in search of Carrie. After knocking, I popped my head around Daisy’s door and she was lying fast asleep on her bed, but there was no sign of Carrie.

Taking Mike with me we made a quick check of the yard, barn and surrounding area. Then suddenly Mike called over to me, “Hey Jess, Annie is missing!”

“Who?”

“You know Jess, Annie, the little bay mare you broke last week, I called her after my friend at school,” he continued,” well she ain’t in the corral and the small saddle is missing too.”

“God damn it,” I yelled” she can’t have taken that green broke horse she’ll break her damn neck”

Running back to the house I told Slim what had happened and that one of us would have to go after her. I knew as I spoke it would have to be me. The business Slim had with Peterson was essential to our lively hood and I just didn’t have the same experience as Slim had, to conduct the meeting. He looked over at me thinking the same thing and shaking his head gently said” I’m sorry Jess…but”

“Yeah, I know,” I said, and walking from the room I went and fetched some food and medical supplies and put them in a gunny sack, before collecting an extra blanket from our room and then headed out to the barn.

It looked like there was a storm brewing and it was beginning to get dark unusually early and I didn’t figure I would be able to make it back to the ranch that night. I sure wasn’t going to risk Traveler bustin’ a leg in the dark I thought angrily as I set off following the tracks up to the road and then across open country towards the lake.

I could pretty much guess where she was headed as I knew she didn’t know the area too well so it had to be a place we had taken her and the one that came to mind was a place just on the other side of the lake. It was a good hour ride away and a lovely spot for a picnic. There was also a small cave, with just about enough height to stand up in and went into the rock for about 10 feet. We had all sheltered there one day after a summer storm and I guessed that was where she was headed for now.

I became increasingly anxious as the tracks I was following suddenly became deeper and churned the ground up more , indicating that the bay mare was galloping and I wondered if I was chasing a runaway and expected to see Carrie’s mangled body on the ground at every turn I took.

As I rode on through the increasing gloom my feelings ranged from worry and fear about what I would find to rage at what she was putting me through. I knew perfectly well that this was all a plot to stop me going to town. She new enough from conversations she had overheard that Slim was the one involved in the meeting with Peterson, leaving me the only one to go after her .For a second I considered turning Traveler towards town and calling her bluff, but then I remembered she was only a kid and probably a very lonely frightened one by now, so I spurred Traveler on towards the lakeside and the cave.

The night time sounds were beginning, as I finally had the cave in view and I heard an owl call and its mate’s ghostly reply.

Kicking Trav on I suddenly saw the little bay tethered near the lake edge and dismounting I walked slowly over to her and reaching out gently scratched he neck and sweet talked her. She was still sweating and I felt a rush of anger that Carrie hadn’t taken care of her properly.

Leaving Trav with the mare with a promise I would be back to bed them down I turned to the steep path up to the cave.

There was still some day light and as I peered into the cave mouth I saw something move and suddenly Carrie was in my arms crying hysterically. My relief at finding her safe and well was quickly replaced by anger as I realized how the outcome could have been so different. Pushing her roughly away from my arms I let rip with the full fury of the legendary Harper temper.

“What the Hell do you think you’re playin’ at you stupid girl” I ranted.” You could have gotten your self killed. Of all the darn crazy things to do! What were you thinking of, going off on a green broke horse?”

I continued on in a similar vein for several minutes before coming slowly to a halt, all emotion spent and I just stood there shaking with anger, staring at her.

Then all of a sudden it was over and opening my arms she ran into them and I held her tight, gently stroking her hair.

Chapter 10

Jess

As I held her I became aware that she was trembling violently and whether from emotion or cold I wasn’t sure. Either way I figured a blazing camp fire and cup of coffee would do us both good. Gently disengaging from her I left her in the cave returning shortly with enough kindling and logs for a good fire. Once it was alight I told her to stay close to it while I went back down to the lake side to bed down the horses and bring back the gunny sack and bedroll.

When I returned she seemed to be shaking less, but still hadn’t spoken.

Looking across at her as I prepared the coffee, I said “It’s Ok you know I’ve stopped ranting now, and I ain’t about to start again any time soon.”

She gave me a watery smile and said quietly, “well it’s all I deserve Jess and I am truly sorry for what I have done.”

I just nodded at that.

“Will Millie be awfully angry with you when you don’t turn up for your date?” she asked.

“Hell no”, I smiled weakly, “she’ll just think I’ve taken one tumble too many off of one of the mustangs, it’s happened before. Anyways, I’ll see her tomorrow”, I said giving Carrie a hard look.

“Yes of course”, she mumbled.

“Because I’ll be going into town to deliver you back to your Pa you see,” I continued.

“What?” she stammered.

“Yeah, Slim and I had a chat earlier and guess we can manage now,” I said.” Daisy’s on the mend and I’m sure your Pa must be missing you” I finished quietly.

“That’s not why is it Jess?” she said looking like she was about to cry again.

“No, not really” I said softly

She stared back at me a solitary tear falling down her cheek.

Ignoring it I handed her a cup of coffee and lying back, using my saddle for a pillow, I took a deep swig of mine and wished to hell I had a drop of Red Eye to liven it up.

Then in a small voice she said,” Jess please don’t send me away”

“Carrie it ain’t up for discussion,” I said firmly, before turning to fix some food for us both.

I guess she must have seen the stubborn look on my face because she didn’t challenge me and the rest of the evening was spent in silence as we ate our scratch meal.

As night fell a wind got up and although I’d put more wood on the fire, the cave was extremely cold and damp and I half wondered if we’d have been better off taking our chances out in the open under the trees.

Looking over at Carrie I could see that she was beginning to shake again and was looking very pale. Taking off my jacket I reached over and put it around her shoulders.

She smiled up at me for the first time since I had found her,” thank you,” she murmured her teeth chattering. I looked at her feeling real worried now.

“Are you OK honey?” I asked.

“Yeah, just cold,” she stuttered.

Laying down the bedroll beside the fire I indicated she lie down on it and then getting the spare blanket I covered her over. Then I lay down behind her spooning up to her, feeling her cold and shivering against me.

“Listen sweetheart, I whispered,” I’m worried you’re getting too cold so I’m going to lie right next to you to keep you warm, OK? “Just to keep you warm, nuthin’ else, you understand, “I finished firmly.

“OK Jess, I understand” she whispered.

Lying close up to her with a protective arm flung across her belly, I gradually felt her tremors stop and after a while she seemed to fall asleep, and I relaxed into sleep myself.

*******Carrie*******

Lying there in the cave with Jess so close I could hardly breathe as I felt his firm muscular body up hard against mine, the heat from him gradually warming and relaxing me.

He smelt so clean, of soap and fresh air and I guessed he had had a shower in preparation for his night out and I felt a pang of guilt at ruining his evening.

As he lay beside me his right arm was flung across my belly and I studied his hand the skin so brown as to make the nails appear almost white. The way he was holding me protectively reminded me of one night recently when Mike had had a bad nightmare.

Slim, Jess and I were having a final coffee by the fire when the little boy burst in and made straight for Jess scrambling up onto his lap crying something awful.

Jess was wonderful with him, talking in a low murmur, all the while stroking his hair or rubbing his back gently. And once the little one fell asleep, Jess had held him against his chest, a protective arm lying across him in exactly the same way he was holding me now. I knew Jess didn’t love me, the way I wanted him to, but I felt that at least at some level he really did care about me.

I thought back to the preceding few days and what a pest I had been. I had put my plan, to be Jess’s indispensable helper, into place the following day. I was there to carry in the kindling when he chopped logs, helped him clean the stables and groom the horses and was generally around to fetch and carry as needed.

During the afternoon he went back to Mustang breaking and all I could do was sit up on the corral fence with Slim and Mike and yell out encouragement, although really I hated it and my heart nearly stopped every time he took a fall.

By the end of the afternoon he looked exhausted and was so filthy it was difficult to know where Jess started and the mud ended. Vaulting over the corral fence he took off and I ran after him, “What are we doing now Jess?” I asked brightly,

“Well don’t know about you but I’m takin’ a shower and I don’t need no help!” was his curt reply as he marched off.

Mike was just behind me and he giggled.

“I guess Jess has had enough of your helpin’ for one day”, he said grinning up at me and I suddenly realized why Jess and Slim seemed to spend so much energy chasing him around the yard and clipping his ear.

Ignoring him I had marched off to start on the evening meal, giving the outside shower a wide berth.

The following morning Jess was missing and Slim said he’d gone out for the day and had left at dawn, checking stock.

When I seemed surprised Slim responded, “Well ,I guess he’s got pretty beat up these last few days, spending most of his time falling of off horses, thought a change would do him good” , he finished grinning down at me.

I was upset, “he’s not badly hurt is he Slim?” I asked unable to keep the fear out of my voice.

“Nah, he’s fine,” he responded, just a mite sore,” heck he’s as tough as old boots, no need to fret about him Carrie,” he finished.

All day I waited for his return and it wasn’t until I was preparing supper that Slim casually announced, “I shouldn’t fix anything for Jess, he packed food and will probably eat on the trail on the way back.”

That was the last straw; I had missed him so much I decided I had to finally tell him how I felt no matter what the outcome.

All evening I was expecting him but as night fell I was in despair.

As I peeped through the window yet again Slim came up behind me and smiling down said, “you aren’t worried about ol’ Jess are you, he’ll be along when he’s ready and knowing him he’s probably stretched out under the stars fast asleep, by now, I should turn in too Carrie,” and with that he went off to bed.

When I entered the room I shared with Miss Daisy I was surprised to find her still awake and very restless. It was obvious her ankle was giving her some pain and I guessed she had overdone walking that day. I offered her some pain relief, which she took willingly and was soon in a deep sleep which I knew would last until morning.

I wondered around the little room feeling restless and then I heard it, the unmistakable sound of Traveler trotting into the yard.

Knowing how attentive Jess was in the care of his horse I figured I had a good half hour to change and smarten myself up. I quickly pulled out my white shirt from its hiding place at the bottom of the draw, where I had hidden it as I had felt Miss Daisy disapproved of its revealing fit. I piled my hair up and added a little make up and headed for the barn.

As I entered I saw Jess brushing his horse and he glanced up a look of surprise and admiration in his eyes. But after a brief greeting he turned back to the task as I went and stood close behind him.

I needed his full attention, but I had to touch his shoulder before he would finally turn and look at me

I stood before him trembling so much I feared he must see, my heart was pounding in my ears and I suddenly felt dizzy and faint.

As I told him I loved him I saw a variety of emotions in his eyes at first shock and maybe fear, but then as I started crying, compassion, as he held me like he did Mike , gently stroking my hair.

It was that loving gentle touch that made me reach up and kiss him and I had never felt such a powerful emotion rush through my body. A thousand butterflies made my stomach flip and as I felt him start to respond I wanted the moment to last for ever.

Suddenly he wrenched free, pushing me away and saying, “No this is wrong”, a look of deep shock on his handsome features, and ordered me back to the house. I felt like he had physically hit me so raw were my emotions.

He must have seen the effect he had as he continued, more gently, to explain that he was too old for me and not good enough. The more he told me about his past the more I yearned for him. Didn’t he understand that it was partly all his, “Hell of a past”, that made him so attractive to me. Boys my own age were so boring with no experience of life at all, where as Jess had seen and done things I could only ever imagine.

It was when he mentioned Maria and said he would never fall in love again, with that heart rending look of deep sadness in his eyes, that I finally gave up and went back to my room before I embarrassed us both anymore.

Now lying in his warm strong embrace in the cave my feelings were in turmoil once again, but as his warmth enveloped me I finally feel into a deep sleep.

Chapter 11

Jess

I awoke to see light filtering into the cave and arose trying not to wake up Carrie. She looked fine now with a healthy pink glow to her cheeks so I guessed she was warm enough and had suffered no ill effects from her night in the damp cave.

Stretching I walked over to the entrance and decided to head down to the lake to check on the horses and have a wash before Carrie woke up.

Traveler and the little bay, Annie, seemed pleased to see me and I petted them, talking quietly for a while before stripping off my shirt and going down to the lake edge to wash.

I was standing there a little later, admiring the view when I heard someone come up behind me and give a sharp intake of breath. Turning I saw Carrie standing there, her hand to her mouth and a look of shock on her face.

Walking towards her I said, “Hey what’s up honey?”

“Your back Jess, all those cuts and bruises I had know idea you had been hurt so badly”

I grinned at her.

”Ain’t nuthin’ to fret about.” I said kindly, “goes with the territory of breakin’ horses I guess,”I finished smiling down at her.

She came a step closer and putting a hand on my naked chest, she looked deeply into my eyes.

” I hate to see you hurt Jess,” she whispered and leaning forwards she looked like she was going to kiss me again. I took a step backwards, but was aware the lake was jut a few feet away and I certainly didn’t relish a dip in the cold water right then.

Suddenly I heard the sound of a twig snapping and looking up I was staring directly into the barrel of a 12 bore and behind it was Wes Smith, an ugly grin on his face.

“Well, ain’t this cosy”, he drawled ,” see you like them real young now Jess boy,” he said nodding at Carrie who was clutching my arm in fear.

“It ain’t like you think Smith and it damn well ain’t any of your business either,” I yelled.

“Oh I think it is Jess boy, ‘cos I’ve been makin’ a real study of your life since you just about ended mine by makin’ sure I was banged up in jail, with the key thrown away.

“What did you expect me to do after you’d robbed the bank and killed three people in the process Smith, shake your hand and help you load up the money?” I replied sarcastically.

Ignoring my comment he said,” Yeah, you’d be real surprised the amount of gossip we get to hear in the State Penn Jess boy. Like how as you got yourself engaged to a real pretty little Irish filly, Maria wasn’t it, and how someone came and gunned her down before you could be wed, yeah we all had a real good laugh at that I can tell you,” he spat.

At his words I was filled with a white hot, overpowering rage and ignoring the 12 bore launched myself at him.

Unprepared for my violent reaction he was caught off guard and I wrestled the gun from him before he had a chance to shoot.

I hit him so hard he flew through the air, falling down several feet away and striding over I dragged him up by his shirt front and landed another punch although he was already pretty much out of it. I then completely lost it and continued rain blows upon him until I suddenly felt firm arms around me pulling me away. I continued struggling shouting I was going to kill the bastard, but the arms were too strong.

Then somewhere through the red mist I could hear Slim’s concerned voice, saying,” Jess, come on buddy, he ain’t worth it, get a grip.”

Gradually I stopped fighting and turning, focused on Slim and Mort Corey, who both had a hold of my arms.

All the fight went from me and I fell to my knees, head in hands. Slim squatted down beside me an arm flung loosely around my shoulders and said gently, “Its Ok now Jess its Ok,” talking like he would to a spooked horse, an’ I guess that’s pretty much how I was feelin ’my heart poundin’ fit to burst.A wave of nausea and dizziness suddenly flooded over me and Slim held me until it passed and I was finally able to stand again.

Looking over at Carrie I could see she was terrified and pulling myself up and shaking my head to clear it, I went over and said, “I’m so sorry you had to see that, are you OK?”

She looked up at me her eyes huge and whispered, “I didn’t know, I didn’t know it would be like that Jess, so brutal… I thought fights were glamorous, but they’re not are they, they are hard and cruel and…..and Jess I was so scared,” she finished before throwing herself into my arms and weeping uncontrollably.

After a while Slim came and took control as I reckon he could see I was pretty near breakin’ point after all that had happened, and gently disengaged Carrie from my arms and took her off to break the camp and get ready to ride home.

And Mort took a semi conscious Wes Smith off to the jail to await transport back to the State Penn where he had escaped from earlier in the week.

On the way home Slim filled me in as to how on escaping from jail Smith had sought me out hoping to get his revenge. Unfortunately he had duped Mike into thinking he was a friend and he had set him off in the right direction. It was only when Mort had arrived on his trail that they had put two and two together and had ridden out to the lake, and luckily for me arrived not a second too soon.

When we got back to the ranch there was a very anxious Daisy and Mike waiting for us.

Mike was almost beside himself with remorse at the way he’d been duped into setting Wes on my trail by saying he was a friend of mine.

Smiling down at him I said, “you really aren’t to blame Tiger , knowing what a rough lot of friends I’ve got, its often pretty difficult to tell the difference between them an’ outlaws ,” I said cocking an eye brow at Carrie hoping she was taking all this in and seeing what a sinner I really was.

She had been very quiet all the way home and refused to look at me, and rode her horse at a walk as though afraid of losing her seat even though I had broken a golden rule and let her ride Traveler. This was much to Slim’s surprise as he knew I never let anybody else ride him. However I felt like I’d had enough excitement for one day and so I’d put Carrie up on Trav and I’d taken the little bay. As it was, she was fine and the fear I had of her bolting was unfounded and I figured she might make a nice little pony for Mike some time, once she was broke proper.

Later that evening I was settled on the ranch porch with Slim, a coffee in my hand and I relaxed for the first time that day. I’d figured I was just too bushed to ride Carrie back into town and imagined Slim felt the same so I left word with Mose when he passed through to give Millie my apologies and to say I would see her real soon.

Now in the peace of the evening I looked over at my buddy.

“Sorry Slim, guess I was way out of control this morning with Wes,” I said, shooting an embarrassed glance at my partner.

He took a deep breath and looked over at me.

“Jess, I’ve just never seen you like that before…never,” he said looking anxiously across at me.” What the Hell did he say or do to make you act up like that?” he asked his kind, concerned eyes peering into mine.

I looked down into my coffee cup for a long time and took a deep breath, then replied quietly.

”It was about Maria, Slim, he was laughing about her bein’ dead, I just…”

I stopped and swallowed hard feeling the tears coming, my breathing getting faster, my heart pumping overtime …

“I just couldn’t stand what he’d said.”

Then almost in a whisper,” If you hadn’t come along when you did, I think I might have killed him,” I finished, the tears finally breaking through and coursing down my cheeks as I angrily brushed them away with my sleeve.

Slim reached across and squeezed my arm,” Oh pard I’m sorry,” he said, “so sorry.”

We sat in silence for a while and eventually I said,” It’s scared me Slim, really scared me, God knows I’ve killed enough men in my time, but never like that, with my fists, he was unconscious for God’s sake,” I said casting a stricken glance at my best friend.

“Take it easy pard, I guess you’d have pulled back before it came to that”, he said gravely.

“I hope so, I sure hope so,” I said, shaking my head, before looking across at Slim, my eyes full of pain and fear.

We lapsed into silence for a while and then I said, “I guess I’d better turn in if I’m takin’ Carrie back to town first thing.”

There was an embarrassed silence before Slim replied.

”We’ve got a bit of a problem there Jess. You see Sam came by earlier today when you were out and asked if she could stay a little longer as he’s got to be out of town on business and he didn’t want to leave her home alone…in case she got into any trouble”, he finished looking ruefully across at me.

“What!” I exploded, lurching forwards and nearly falling off my rocking chair.

“Well I’m headin’ out of here at first light,” I said,” I’ve just about had enough of her messin’ with me Slim”, I said angrily. “I can ride over to Cheyenne for a few days see if I can pick up a good deal on the mustangs.”

“Sorry you can’t do that pard”, he replied calmly,” Old Man Peterson has struck a deal with us for some of the mustangs, but he wants ‘em green broke by the time he passes back this way in a couple of weeks. You’re goin’ to have your work cut out to get them ready Jess, so you can’t go high tailing it off now, you really can’t.”

I stood up quickly and punched the porch upright

“God damn tt Slim,” I shouted,” that kids near driven me insane what with her cryin’ and helpin’ and runnin’ off and sayin’ all sorts of crazy things, I tell you Slim you’d just better keep her away from me, or so help me I won’t be responsible, A man’s only got so much control ya know, an’ she just might push me too far,” I finished, and strode off to settle Traveler for the night.

The following morning after a breakfast, so full of charged emotions that I could hardly eat, I made my excuses and escaped to the yard.

Nobody had spoken much, but it was obvious that things were not right. Carrie kept peeping at me from beneath her fringe when she thought I wasn’t looking. Mike was unusually quiet still brooding about ‘letting me down’ as he saw it. Slim was just looking worried and it was only Daisy who seemed to be making any kind of effort. She was talking animatedly to Carrie all about bolts of material and patterns or somethin’ I wasn’t really listening, but whatever it was she seemed all fired up about it.

Slim joined me in the yard a few minutes later and said, “Don’t worry about Carrie Jess, I’ve got Daisy on side. She’s going teach Carrie all about dressmaking and that should keep her good an’ busy and out of our hair,” he said grinning at me.

“It better had,” I said with a hard look and set off for the corral to decided which of the Mustangs was to have fun throwing’ Harper about that day.

As it turned out we had a real good day, with me more in the saddle than out and I figured if things kept on that way we should just about meet Mr Peterson’s deadline. It wasn’t until the late afternoon Stage rolled in with Mose doin’ his usual attempted massacre of our chickens, that things changed for the worse.

He brought news that a good friend and neighbour of ours, Charlie Good, had died suddenly and his wife was distraught and asking if Daisy could go and stay and help her make the arrangements. Daisy’s ankle was pretty much healed and she took no time to pack a bag and half an hour later Slim drove her off in the buckboard promising to be back before supper.

My heart sank. “Come on Mike,” I called,” were goin’ fishin’,” and over my shoulder I called to Carrie, “see later, back for supper,” and we fled like two naughty little kids.

“Gee Jess”, said Mike,” ain’t you inviting Carrie to come too?”

“No I ain’t Tiger,” I replied” I sure ain’t !”

We’d been fishing for a couple of hours without so much as a bite and I was beginning to feel pretty guilty at running out on Carrie so we decided to call it quits and get back to the ranch.

By the time we got there our stomachs were growling and we went to wash up ready for supper. On entering the ranch the meal was all ready, but there was no sign of Slim and so after waiting a little longer we decided to go ahead and eat.

Carrie was just as quiet as she had been ever since we got back from the cave and looked a bit flushed and tired.

When I inquired if she was Ok she insisted she was fine and so we lapsed into silence again, with Mike dominating the conversation, full of his new best friend at school, Annie.

After supper Mike and I cleared and washed up, both of us trying to make it up to Carrie for having left her alone all afternoon and I even brewed her some fresh coffee and took it into the main room.

She was sitting close to the fire which I had just lit as the evening had turned chilly and after giving her a cup I went over to the window to see if there was any sign of Slim who was now nearly two hours late. Mike wanted to stay up until he returned but had been shooed off to bed as he had school in the morning.

Turning back to the room I went and sat in my favourite rocking chair and decided I must say something to break the charged atmosphere between us.

Looking over at Carrie, I said thoughtfully, “Guess I ain’t handled things very well have I? All I’ve done is bawl you out an’ run away, I’m sorry Carrie. It’s…. well I’m not very good at things like this.”

“No I’m sorry Jess, it’s all my fault, but I just can’t help it, I can’t help the way I feel, if I could change I would but…..”she stopped looking into the fire, struggling to stop the tears coming again I guessed.

There was a long silence between us where I desperately tried to think of the right thing to say and then suddenly I heard the sound of a horse entering the yard at a brisk trot and thought, thank God Slim’s back, so I was surprised to hear a loud knock on the door a few minutes later and opening it found Mort Corey out on the porch.

“Evening Jess, sorry to disturb you so late, but I’ve just been over to Old Charlie Good’s place to offer my condolences and Slim asked me to call by”

“Come on in Mort,” I smiled glad of the diversion from the emotional atmosphere within.

“Sorry Jess can’t stop, needed back in town. Slim just said to tell you he’s stopping over night, something about a problem with some livestock and old Ma Good can’t manage on her own, says he’ll be back in time for the early stage.”

With that he was on his way and I returned reluctantly to the fireside, standing with my back to the room head bent leaning on the mantle as I wondered desperately if I should turn in.

Then I felt Carrie’s presence behind me, she had disappeared into the kitchen to fix more coffee thinking Mort would be visiting for a while.

“Where is Mort?” she asked as she came back in with the coffee.

“ He had to go back to town,” I said briefly,” an’ Slim’s staying over at the Good’s place tonight,” I finished turning to look at her for the first time. I saw her take a deep breath and turn to put the coffee pot on the table before turning back towards me.

She came up close and said,” This is meant Jess, us being alone tonight.”

I said nothing just continued to stare at her stony faced.

Ignoring my attitude, she said,” Jess just one night that’s all I’m asking, I just want my first time to be with you,” she whispered huskily looking deeply into my eyes.

Swallowing hard I looked down at her, “Carrie, I don’t love you,” I said harshly.

“I don’t care Jess, I know you care about me, that is enough, I just need to be with you tonight,” she whispered and with that she reached up and kissed me gently on the lips.

I suddenly realized how innocent she was, her words after the fight,’ I didn’t know it would be like this…’came to mind and suddenly I knew what to do.

As she kissed me I kissed her back, passionately and as she returned my feelings I tangled one hand in her loose hair and ran the other up and down her back, pushing her towards my firm body. I broke off from kissing her mouth and whispering her name urgently moved down to kissing the base of her neck my breathing becoming faster….

Suddenly she froze and pulled back looking up at me with shocked, fearful eyes. As soon as I saw that look, I reined back and after a moment rested her head on to my shoulder and gently stroked her hair whispering to her as if she was as frightened child, which in a way I guess she was.

After a while she pulled away and looked up at me,” I’m so sorry,” she said,” I got scared.”

“It’s Ok,” I murmured,” guess your not quite ready to play grow up games yet are you Carrie?”

After a long pause when she was obviously struggling with her emotions she finally whispered,” no,” guess not. Oh Jess I feel so silly, I’m so, so sorry.” she finished softly.

“It’s OK,” I said ,” I just want the old Carrie back, the one I could have a laugh with that’s all , I’ve kinda missed her.”

Leaning forwards I placed a gentle kiss on her forehead,” get off to bed sweetheart”, I said quietly and watched as she left the room , turning to glance back at me before entering the bedroom and closing the door quietly behind her,

After she had gone to bed I took a deep breath, I was shaking and it took a while to calm myself. I knew she had no idea the effect she could have on a man and I guess that was kinda disturbing. I knew I would have to have a conversation with Sam about her, but I sure didn’t relish it.

I was so tired, what with all the bronco bustin’ and the emotions running wild that night, I had kinda had enough and so I decided to call it a day and after banking the fire up, I locked the door, turned down the lamps and went to bed.

As I entered my room I was hit by a wave of exhaustion and after pulling off my boots and shirt I crashed on to the bed with my denims still on and fell asleep instantly.

It was in the early hours of the morning when Mike burst into my room and shook me awake.

Slowly coming to I said,” Aww Mike, what is it are you dreamin’ again?”

“No Jess, it’s Carrie, she’s callin’ for you Jess, come quick.”

My heart sank, what now I thought.

Getting up I entered her room with Mike in hot pursuit and was shocked to see her sweating and pale, in the glow from the lamp on the night stand.

“Jess, I feel real sick”, she whispered.

Telling Mike to go run for the bucket I helped her sit up and then supported her when Mike got back just in the nick of time, I held her hair and rubbed her back gently and when it was over cleaned her up.

As she lay back exhausted I felt her forehead and was shocked to note how hot she was. Sending Mike off for a bowl of cold water and clean cloths I turned her pillows and talked quietly to her as she began to toss and turn with the fever.

Sending Mike back to bed I sat with her, gently wiping her brow and as the fever heightened I removed the blankets and used the cool water on her arms and neck to try and reduce the fever. I wished that Daisy were there to tend to her and I knew she should be stripped and her whole body bathed in cold water to reduce the ever growing fever, but I felt I couldn’t do that. I sat with her all night and finally towards morning she became a little cooler and I figured that the worst was over.

Dawn had broken and I had fallen into a light sleep sitting on a chair at the bedside, when I was woken by the front door suddenly banging open and going out to investigate I bumped into Slim entering the main room.

He stopped in his tracks and stared at me. I was naked apart from my denims and my hair was mussed up and I guessed I looked pretty rough, but I wasn’t expecting the reception I got.

He stood stock still glaring at me and then,” Jess! What are you doing? he yelled shock etched on his face.

” What the Hell are you doin’ in Carrie’s room?”

“What the Hell do ya think I’ve been doin’ Slim? She’s sick, been up with her all night.” I yelled back.

He looked embarrassed,” sorry Jess it’s just the way you’re dressed and how you said, a man could be pushed too far……well I guess I jumped to the wrong conclusion.”

“You think I’ve just slept with her?” I shouted tiredness and frustration suddenly laying my emotions raw.

“What the Hell do you take me for, what do ya think I’ve been trying to stop all this time?” I cried angrily.

“ Garl darn it, I could have had her anytime Slim, I wouldn’t have waited for you to go off if I was gonna do that,” then in disgust, “ I really thought you thought better of me than that,” I spat, before striding off to the stable slamming the front door behind me.

I marched over to the stable feeling real sick to my stomach. Did Slim really think that little of me after all this time?

I sank down on a bale of straw, my head in my hands and a few minutes later I heard the barn door creak open and Slim was suddenly standing before me.

“Jess……”

I looked up at him, so angry I thought I would punch him and then suddenly I felt so worn out I just didn’t care anymore, all the anger and emotion draining from me and all I wanted to do was be free of it all.

“Something else happened didn’t it Jess?” he asked squatting down before me looking up into my face,” you’re over reacting to what I said”.

After a long pause I finally answered, looking into Slim’s kind worried eyes.

“Yeah,” I said, “she came on to me again, wantin’ me to sleep with her last night and I suddenly thought, why not…..”

“What! “Slim cut in.

“……..I suddenly thought,” I continued,” why not play along; call her bluff pretend I was going ta….. I figured she would get cold feet an’ back off as soon as things got kind of interestin’ and she knew it was for real.”

“And did she?”

“Oh yeah”

“Jesus, you were playin’ with fire there pard how did you know she’d do that, back off I mean?”

“Because her mind is full of fantasy, she thought all my shootin’ an’ fightin’ was romantic, until she saw the real thing and realized it was brutal and cruel. I guess it was the same with the love makin’ she wasn’t prepared for the passion and it kinda frightened her.”

He just shook his head looking amazed.

“She sure won’t be playin’ those kind of grown up games any time soon I finished dryly”, looking across at Slim, feeling completely exhausted now.

“You look done in Jess, why don’t you come back over an’ I’ll make us some coffee,” he said patting me on the shoulder.

As we sat at the table with our coffee facing each other, Slim said again” I sure am sorry for doubting you Jess,” and then more quietly, “guess the way she’s been hounding you, well you could kinda understand it if you had……………”

Changing the subject I said, “So how is Ma Good facing up to things?”

“None too well, he son’s comin’ over from Denver today and guess she’ll be goin’ back with him after the funeral”. Then he said, “Daisy’s comin’ home later, ol’ Mose said he’d pick her up as the Stage goes right past their place.”

“Thank God for that,” I said with feeling,” I sure missed Daisy last night,” I said grinning across at Slim.

Later, while Slim fixed breakfast I looked in on Carrie and found her in a peaceful sleep all signs of the fever gone. I figured the rest would be better than food right then so went out closing the door quietly behind me and went in search of food, even Slim’s cooking being welcome by then as I suddenly realized I was starving.

Chapter 12

Carrie

When I awoke in the cave to find Jess missing I felt a wave of panic, and then quietening myself thought that knowing how much he cared for Traveler , he had probably gone down to check on him and I made my way quietly down to the lake side.

I saw him at once looking across the lake to the horizon, his shirt removed to wash and his naked back towards me . As I got closer I was stricken by the multiple cuts and bruises, earned from the horse breaking, and must have given a little cry as he turned and greeted me. He quickly reassured me, making light of his injuries with his usual cheerful grin.

Moving closer I was looking up into those wonderful, clear deep blue eyes and had reached out to touch him when some thing startled us and suddenly there was this huge ugly man there pointing a shot gun right at Jess’s head.

I was terrified and grabbed Jess’s arm as the man made a crude comment about me. Jess was obviously furious by the way he replied, but that was nothing to what he did when the man, who Jess called Wes Smith, said some dreadful things about Maria. I had never seen anything like the way Jess reacted, jumping on him ignoring the gun and hitting the huge man with such force he literally flew through the air.

The smack of the punch was sickening and then Jess seemed to lose all reason and was hitting and hitting the man, the rage on his face making him look like a person I didn’t recognize and I was terrified. If Slim and the Sheriff hadn’t arrived when they did I don’t know what would have happened.

They pulled Jess off him and while Mort hand cuffed the evil man, Slim looked after Jess who was near to collapse, he went deathly pale and seemed to be struggling to breathe, but after a few minutes he pulled himself together and as he came over to me and held me gently, I collapsed in tears in his arms.

All the way back I couldn’t get the picture of Jess attacking the man out of my mind and I felt almost wary of him, although I knew he would never harm me.

All my preconceived ideas about his shoot outs and fights being romantic and glamorous were gone and I knew now that fighting was brutal and I felt sick to my stomach as I relived what had happened in my mind, over and over.

The following day I was still feeling quite subdued and when Slim said I would be staying a while longer because Pa was out of town I had mixed feelings, part of me wanted the safety of home, but I wanted to be with Jess too, even though he had frightened me, I still felt the excitement and a yearning to be near him.

I was feeling really mixed up, so I was glad when Miss Daisy offered to help me with some dressmaking and we spent a companionable time together, away from the men folk. Then suddenly everything changed and I found myself alone, with Slim and Daisy gone to help a neighbour and Jess and Mike off fishing. Feeling lonely I decided to go and fix a special supper and it was waiting when Mike and Jess finally returned.

Later after supper we were expecting Slim back and so I was really surprised and shocked when Mort Corey called and said Slim wouldn’t be home that night.

Suddenly everything fell into place and I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for, for so long.

When I turned to Jess and he said he didn’t love me, even that didn’t deter me. I just had an overwhelming need for him to hold me and gently kiss me, just like I had read about in all those ‘penny dreadful’ novels that my friends and I so enjoyed.

I reached up and kissed him gently on the lips and he returned my kiss equally gently and then more firmly taking control. Just like last time my stomach flipped over with butterflies and I longed for the moment to carry on and on for ever as my pulse started racing and I gradually became aware of feelings I had never experienced before.

I felt his hand in my hair and the other stroking my back, the motion slowly getting stronger and more insistent as he pushed me against his hard muscular body. I could hear his breathing coming faster and then he broke away from my lips and I felt him kissing the base of my throat and he whispered my name, an urgency in his voice making him sound different to normal and suddenly I was scared, what was I doing?

I pulled back looking into his eyes and for a split second I saw a person I didn’t recognize, then he was back to normal again and as I started to apologize I felt him relax against me, all the tension gone as he talked gently to me, stroking my hair and calming me down, for what seemed like a long time.

I had thought he would be angry with me and call me a tease, but he was just so kind and kissed me gently on my forehead just like Pa so often did at bed time.

Eventually when I was calm once more he suggested I should go to bed.

I went off, feeling so mixed up, but relieved that he understood me so well, better than I did myself I thought, and I realized that I really wasn’t ready for proper adult love yet. I figured I would stick with the novels for a while longer and maybe wait until I was in college for my next boyfriend.

When I woke up later feeling so sick I called out for Jess and he came and cared for me just as my dear Pa would have done and as I finally drifted off to sleep again, the last image I saw, his concerned face looking down at me.

*******Jess*******

Later that morning we were pleased to see Doc Sam’s buggy arriving in a flurry of dust and he jumped down and turning he helped a pretty dark haired woman of about forty down and introduced us.

Jess, Slim meet my little sister Jane,” he said smiling broadly at us both.

“Jane lost her husband a while back and so I’ve been out to St Lois to try and persuade her to come and stop for a while and then accompany Carrie back when she goes to college in the Fall .I’m happy to say she has agreed.” Then more quietly,” I guess Carrie could do with a mother figure right now and I think her Aunt Jane fits the bill.”

She sure could do with some advice I thought to my self, but kept my mouth shut.

Just then Carrie, who had been enjoying a late breakfast came running out and straight into Jane’s arms obviously delighted to see her. As Slim and Mike took the two women into the ranch for coffee I asked to have a quiet word with Sam and we wandered over to the corral together and stood leaning on the fence, watching the mustangs as we talked.

I found it really difficult to know how to begin, but Sam was very understanding and got right to the point by saying,” I guess this is about my daughter and that crush isn’t it?” he said smiling kindly at me

“I’m sorry Jess, I figured she was all over that and then her friend let the cat out of the bag by mistake, seems she wasn’t dating that boy after all. Knowing how stubborn my little girl can be I kind of thought she had given up on you too easily”, he continued grinning at me.

When I went on to tell him everything, including how I’d finally called her bluff and brought her to her senses, the grin disappeared and was replaced by a look of deep concern.

He gave a low whistle, “Gee, Jess I’d no idea she would be so forward”, shaking his head sadly,” guess she’s more grown up than I thought”.

When he went on to consider everything I had told him he turned pale, realizing what could have happened.

Turning to look at me he said,” thank God she chose you Jess and you dealt with it all with such understanding and care, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you have done.”

“Hell, I replied I ain’t done anything ‘cept bawl her out and try and see my way through it all without her getting hurt too much.”

“You couldn’t have done more than that,” he said smiling” and I guess I might have put her over my knee, if I’d been you,” he continued.”

“Oh, don’t think I didn’t consider it,” I said laughing.

Just then the Stage arrived and we walked over to welcome Daisy home and take her in for coffee with the others.

“I sure am glad to see you Daisy,” I said with a sigh of relief, grabbing her over night bag. She flashed me a look of understanding.

” It’s good to be home dear, “she replied quietly.

Epilogue

Jess

Slim and I were sitting out on the porch feet up on the railing enjoying a coffee and waiting for the afternoon Stage.

It was early Fall and we had been up on the high ground bringing down some of the stock for the winter, but had come back down as there was a certain passenger on the stage we both wanted to see.

The day Daisy came home, Carrie went back with her Pa and Aunt and we didn’t see too much of them for a while. Then Sam’s visits to go fishing resumed, but without Carrie, and we figured she was a bit embarrassed after everything that had happened.

Then one day Daisy invited all the family for a picnic and Carrie and her Aunt Jane came too and it was sure good to see them. Carrie was a bit quiet at first and then gradually she became her old self, helping Mike and I to play tricks on Slim and by the end of the afternoon we were holding each other laughing so much we had tears streaming down our faces and everything was back to normal.

Suddenly the Stage was rattling into the yard and ol’ Mose jumped down opening the door for Carrie and her Aunt Jane.

“Don’t you two ladies look beautiful,” I said as they emerged in their Sunday best clothes.

“Well it’s not every day a young lady goes off to college,” smiled Jane, looking over at a very prettily blushing Carrie.

Slim escorted Jane in to sit with Daisy for a few minutes while the teams were changed, and Mose went to help Mike with the horses while I took Carrie’s arm and walked her over to the porch.

Sitting down together I looked over and said,” You look wonderful, are you excited?”

“Oh yes!” she smiled.

Then looking shyly at me she said,” Jess there is something I need to say before I leave.”

“Carrie it’s Ok you don’t have to…”I started

“Yes, Jess I do,” she cut in.” I want to apologize for the way I was, I must have nearly driven you crazy,” she said turning to smile at me.

“Yeah well……” I agreed smiling back.

“Anyway, all I want to say is, thank you so much for,…. well not taking advantage of a silly love struck girl.”

Looking deeply into my eyes she went on,” I’ve really grown up now Jess and I know one day I’ll meet the right boy and be glad I waited for him.”

I said nothing, just smiled at her.

She leaned over and very gently kissed me one last time.

”But Jess Harper,” she said softly,” you were my first love and you will always be special to me.”

The moment was broken as Mose called his passengers back on board and as Slim, Daisy, Mike and I waved them off , Slim turned to me and said,” well, I guess she’s all grown up now, and grown out of you too Hot Shot!”

"Uh, shame, she's grown up kinda cute too ain't she?" I said, turning to grin at Slim as the Stage disappeared in a haze of dust.

Slim rolled his eyes and threw a gentle cuff in the direction of my head, then we laughed together before going in search of yet another cup of coffee.

Women I thought with a sigh, as I followed him back inside, can’t live with ‘em…can’t live without ‘em!

The End

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