DISCLAIMER: Trilogy, MGM, and the Mirish Corporation own The Magnificent Seven characters. They are not mine. The only purpose of this story is for entertainment. No money is being made.
Thanks to Michelle for beta-reading it for me.
Josiah smiled as he looked through some old photo albums. He came across a picture of a young woman that was very important to him. "Oh boy I was so young then," he mumbled to himself. He shook his head as he closed the album.
"You look so far away there," a soft female voice called out to him.
Josiah looked up and he frowned. He knew that voice. He watched the woman the voice belonged to come closer to him and a smiled crossed his face. "Michelle is it really you?"
The woman nodded. "Yes, Josiah it's me. It's been a long time hasn't it?" She watched the smile play across his face. "Still as handsome as you were back then."
Josiah stood and pulled her into a bear hug. "Other then the silver in your hair, you haven't changed a bit. What brings you to Denver?"
Michelle smiled as she returned the hug. "Still as strong as ever too. I was looking for you actually. I had heard you got married when you came back to the states."
Josiah nodded. "Yes, I did, to a wonderful woman." He sat back down on the bench.
Michelle sat next to him. "I'm glad you found happiness. Tell me about your life. Please."
Josiah smiled. "You don't really want to hear about my life do you?"
The woman that sat next to him smiled. "Sure I do. I want to know about it all. Did you ever go through with your plans to join the law enforcement ranks?"
Josiah nodded. "Yeah, I did. I just retired from the ATF here in Denver. As for a family, well I ended up marrying my best friend from high school. We had a son. He grew up and got married, but we lost him when he was killed in a drive by shooting before he could see his daughter born. We lost our daughter-in-law in childbirth, so we raised our granddaughter." He pulled out a picture and held it out for her to see. "This is her. We named her Michelle Elizabeth, after her mother and you. We just call her Beth."
Michelle nodded. She looked at the picture. "She's pretty. She looks like you in a lot of ways. I'm honored that you named her after me."
"Thank you. She's my pride and joy. So what happened after you left there?"
"Well, when I got back to the states, I wondered for a while with a traveling show. Then I finally stopped traveling and settled in Seattle. I never married, just couldn't find anyone that came close to you." She blushed and looked down embarrassed.
Josiah smiled and took her hand. "I'm honored. There's still a chance for us if you want it."
Michelle looked up. "What about your wife?"
Josiah looked down saddened at the memory. "She died when Beth was 10, and I never remarried." He looked up at her. "My Liz was the only one to come into my heart except for you."
The sliver-haired woman smiled. "I'd like that chance again." She leaned in and covered his lips with hers in a kiss.
Josiah returned the kiss tentatively at first and then with more enthusiasm. He pulled back hating to break the kiss, but all to aware that they were in a very public place. "How about we go somewhere were we can be alone?"
Michelle nodded. "Alright." She stood and let him lead her to his car.
Josiah smiled, helped her into the car, and then went around and got in on the driver’s side. "I know just the place. We can't go to my place. I live with my granddaughter. But I have a friend that's out of town right now, and I'm house sitting for him. We can go there."
Michelle agreed as she lightly ran her finger across his cheek. "That sounds perfect."
Josiah blushed, feeling as young as he was when they first meet. He started the car and headed to where he was staying.