Chris and Mary: A Love Story

PART 1--LEAVING FOUR CORNERS

Mary walked into the stables to find Chris saddling his horse. She stopped next to the horse and stated, "It seems Marshall Bryce is here to stay."

Chris muttered, "Yeah."

Mary continued, "Well, I suppose a town can never have too many peacekeepers."

Chris grinned as he answered, "How come I get the feeling our new Marshall doesn't agree with you?"

Mary gave Chris a smile of her own, "Bryce may not want you here. But the people of this town do."

Turning back to his saddling job, Chris failed to hide his amusement. They both knew that wasn't the whole truth.

Mary tried again, "Alright, maybe not everyone, but...."

Chris jumped in quickly, as he turned towards her again, "I been here long enough as it is...."

Mary asked curiously, 'So, what will you do now?"

Chris replied, "I got some unfinished business I been puttin' off...take care of that." He paused. Then, looking directly at Mary, he asked politely, "Mary, will you say goodbye for me?"

Mary slowly shook her head. Deciding it was now or never, she made the boldest move of her life.

Stepping closer to him, she quietly told him, "Billy will miss you...and so will I." Then, lightly kissing him on the lips, she added, "Be careful, Chris. And remember, you'll always have friends here."

The blonde lady exited the stable, leaving a stunned gunslinger in her wake.

It took a few minutes for Chris to recover from his shock. He finished with his horse, mounted up, and headed onto the street, his thoughts lingering on what Mary had just done.

Why would she do something like that? She knows I'm nothing but trouble. Had to have just been out of friendship, he decided to himself.

Riding past The Clarion, he swore he saw Mary watching him from behind the curtains. But thinking it was best for everyone, he continued on...away from her and Four Corners.

+ + + + + + +

After leaving the barn, Mary walked back to the newspaper office. Not until she got within the security of those walls did she let herself give into her feelings.

"What have a I just done?" she thought out loud.

Then she turned towards the window and watched Chris go past-leaving maybe forever. A few tears ran down her face. When he was finally out of sight, she let the rest of them flow.

He's gone and I'm alone again, she thought as she sat on the chair by the door.

She cried until no more tears would come. Finding herself in her bedroom, she laid down on her bed without even changing her clothes. The exhausted woman fell asleep quickly, dreaming of what might have been--if only he'd stayed.

PART 2--TRAGEDY STRIKES

The next few days were very dismal in Four Corners and Mary's mood fit the weather perfectly. She was depressed and didn't want to work on the paper, or even go outside of the building. Going out into that town, with Chris no longer there, was unbearable. Just getting out of bed and dressed every day was hard enough.

Why hadn't I been more forward sooner? Maybe he would've stayed. But no, I waited 'til it was too late, and now he's gone! went through Mary's head until she thought she'd go mad.

"Oh, this is crazy! Chris Larabee and I would've never worked," she tried to convince herself.

Deciding she needed to try and get a paper printed before folks started talking, she walked over to the cupboard to get some paper. As she turned back towards her desk, she heard gun shots from in the street. She tried to hurry to safety behind her desk, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in her back and fell to the floor.

As she laid there, unable to move, she heard a voice outside yelling, "You've got 'til tomorrow morning to get out a town!! Then we're gonna burn it all down!"

Mary was confused as to what exactly was going on, then realized she couldn't move. She started yelling for help, praying someone would hear her. She needed to get to Billy, to protect him. But the pain was so bad and no one was coming to help.

Where's Chris? He's always here when I need him. Why won't he come? she thought.

Finally, someone came in the back door and was calling her name.

It's Chris...He's here, she thought weakly to herself. As she opened her eyes, she found JD kneeling down beside her, asking her if she was OK. Once he realized she'd been shot, he began to panic.

Mary tried to calm him, "JD, you have to get Chris. Go, find Chris, and bring him back here."

"But Miz Travis, you've been shot! They're gonna burn the town down at sunrise. I can't just leave you laying here. You're hurt!" JD exclaimed.

"JD, listen to me! You're the only one here that can help me. You have to find Chris, NOW! GO NOW!!!" the blonde said sternly.

"Yes, Ma'am, I'm goin'! I'll find him. I promise, Miz Travis. You just hang in there, OK?" the young man replied as he backed out the door, silently saying a prayer that Mary would still be alive when he got back.

On the floor, Mary was thinking the exact same thing. Closing her eyes when the pain became unbearable, she let the blackness overtake her.

PART 3--THE MESSENGER BOY

JD rode south towards Purgatory, remembering that Chris said he was headed that way. Spotting Chris sitting outside the cantina, JD whispered a quick 'thank you' and rushed over to him.

The sight of JD jumping off his horse before it had even stopped alerted Chris that something was very wrong.

The young gunslinger could only get out three words, "Mary's been shot!"

But that was all Chris needed to hear to put him into action. In a flash, he was on his horse and headed back the way JD just came from. The kid had to hurry onto his horse to catch up to Chris.

When he did, Larabee inquired, "What happened?"

JD quickly explained that a few days after everyone else left, some cowboys rode into town and started shooting it up. After shooting Marshall Bryce, the outlaws announced they would burn the town at sunrise.

JD continued, "I was running behind The Clarion, when I heard Mary yelling for help. I went in and found her on the floor in the front office....she'd been shot in the back. She told me that I had to leave her and go find you. I didn't want to, Chris! Honest, I didn't, but she said I was the only one who could help her!"

"You did the right thing, Kid. Anyone else in town?" Chris asked.

"Just Buck, but he's still in jail. They locked Bryce up, too, after they shot him." JD answered.

"We need Nathan first. LET'S GO!!" Chris yelled as they headed for the Indian village to find Nathan and Josiah.

After locating them, Chris and Nathan headed to town--while Josiah and JD went in search of Vin and Ezra.

PART 4--THE GUNSLINGER'S VIGIL

Upon hearing of Mary's condition when JD left her, a concerned Nathan had to wonder just how long Mary could hold on. Hopefully long enough for him and Chris to get to her. Chris hadn't said a word. He just kept his horse going as fast as it would go. They snuck into town through the woods and made their way to the newspaper's back entrance.

Chris was first through the door and into the front office. The sight of Mary's still form on the floor stopped him briefly. He didn't honestly believe she had been hurt-part of him wouldn't let himself believe it. But now, seeing it with his own eyes, he had no choice.

Quickly, he was beside her, quietly calling her name, "Mary? Mary? It's Chris. I'm here and it's gonna be alright now. Nathan's here, too. He's gonna help you. Mary, can you hear me? Please, open your eyes. Mary, try to open your eyes for me."

Nathan, already doing a quick exam, told Chris to keep talking to her while he prepared the medical supplies.

Mary faintly heard someone talking. She heard her name. She wanted to open her eyes and see who was calling her name, but her eyelids felt so heavy.

Wait! I know that voice. It's...it's Chris. Chris is here! I have to open my eyes. Even if it's to see his face one last time. she thought to herself.

Chris saw her eyelids start to flutter and encouraged her, "There you go, sweetheart. Open your eyes. Come on, now. Let me see those beautiful eyes of yours. Please, Mary, look at me."

The injured woman blinked her eyes open, focused on Chris' face and smiled--giving him some relief.

But all she whispered was, "Chris, it's you. I knew you'd come." Then she closed her eyes and was unconscious again.

Nathan appeared and announced they needed to move her very carefully to her bed. He needed to get the bleeding stopped, as well as check for an exit wound.

Upon discovering the bullet passed right through, the healer stitched up the wound. After what seemed like hours, he was also able to stop the bleeding. Now all that was left was to wait to see if there was any infection, and pray she would wake up soon.

Since they had arrived back in Four Corners, Chris never left her side. And that's just where JD, Josiah, Vin and Ezra found him when they arrived. Nathan motioned them out into the hall and told them of Mary's condition.

Vin asked, "How's Chris holdin' up?"

Nathan replied, "Ain't left her side at all. He keeps talkin' to her. Which I think'll help. As long as she don't develop an infection, she should be just fine... I hope."

JD was the next to speak, "What're we goin' to do 'bout the town?"

Just then, Chris appeared in the hallway and announced the plans for taking down the outlaws. First they needed to get Buck out of jail, so Ezra and JD headed off to accomplish that task. Chris wasn't leaving the Clarion, or Mary. And Nathan was positioned nearby...just in case. That left Vin and Josiah to the rest of the plan.

After Buck was broken out of jail, the seven men sprang into action to take back their town. As usual, they worked together and conquered the outlaws. Unfortunately, the ones that didn't run off when the shooting began were killed. There was no way of finding out who set up the whole thing. They had a hunch that it was the cattle ranchers, so Vin announced he was going after the ones that had run off. Josiah, JD and Ezra volunteered to offer their assistance and ride along.

Chris stayed with Mary. Even during the shoot out, he was only as far as the front porch of the Clarion-afraid if he went too far, something might happen to her again.

After another quick exam, Nathan was relieved to find Mary hadn't developed a fever and there was no new bleeding. He told Chris that he was goin' to check on the townfolk and make sure none were hurt, he'd be back soon. Chris only nodded his head, continuing to stare at the lady still lying motionless in the bed.

When they were alone, Chris took Mary's hand, leaned close to her face, and whispered, "Please, don't leave me, Mary. I need you to come back to me." After lightly kissing her forehead, he sat back in his chair and continued his vigil.

+ + + + + + +

A few hours later, Vin and his posse rode back into town with three of the outlaws in custody. After depositing them in jail, they headed towards the newspaper office. Running into Nathan on the way there, they learned that Chris was still with Mary and that she hadn't awakened yet. Deciding that Chris needed to be alone with Mary, Josiah suggested they help the townfolks clean up the mess from the earlier shoot out.

Marshall Bryce didn't survive his gunshot wounds, so as soon as the telegraph wire was repaired, word was sent to Judge Travis that he was needed. It seemed that most of the folks were more than glad to see the seven were back and had once again saved their town.

PART 5--THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR

Two days later, Mary still hadn't awakened. And Chris hadn't left her side for a second either. He finally gave into exhaustion and laid his head down on the side of Mary's bed. Intending to rest his eyes for just a few minutes, the worn out gunslinger was sound asleep instantly.

He kept dreaming of Mary. She was happy and laughing and very much alive. But each time he'd start towards her, she'd turn away from him and disappear. Then he heard her voice calling his name. But he still couldn't see her. If only he could see her, then he could help her. But something kept touching his face, so he lifted his head up, opened his eyes, and saw that it was Mary touching his face and calling his name....She was awake!

"Mary, you're awake!" he exclaimed as he slid onto the bed next to her. He had tears in his eyes as he took her in his arms and hugged her to him.

"Thank God, you're ok! You've come back to me. I'm so sorry I wasn't here to protect you. I should have been here. I shouldn't have left you alone" he tenderly said as he kissed her hair.

Mary couldn't believe what she was hearing Chris say to her. She figured she must still be pretty out of it, cause Chris never talks so much or says how he's feeling. But she decided she liked feeling safe in his arms, so she hugged him back as best she could.

Nathan appeared in the doorway and cleared his throat to announce his arrival.

Chris excitedly informed him, "She's awake, Nathan!"

The healer walked over to the other side of the bed and asked, "Miz Travis, how you feelin'?"

Mary quietly answered, "Tired and a little sore. What happened?"

Chris explained to her, "You were shot in the back, Mary. Some guns rode into town, shot Bryce and you were hit by one of the bullets while you were in your office."

It all came back to her, "Yes, I remember now. JD went to find you and bring you back."

"I never should've left in the first place, Mary. I should've been here and this wouldn't have happened" Chris blurted out.

But the lady protested, "Chris, you couldn't have known this was going to happen. No one could've known." She paused, realizing no one had mentioned her son. "OH MY GOD!" Mary screamed. "Where's Billy? I have to get to Billy!"

Chris quickly answered, "Billy's fine, Mary! He's ok! He was with Mrs. Potter's son when it all began, and she's kept him with her this whole time. Now, calm down and lie back before you rip open your stitches. There you go."

Mary began to calm down and laid back on her pillow, but started to cry as she admitted, "Chris, you were right. I should've left a long time ago. This town isn't safe. Not for a single woman to raise her son. I could've been killed. Then who would Billy have? But my foolish pride has kept me from selling the paper and going back home, where it's safe."

Chris tried to comfort her, "Mary, hush. It's ok. You're a terrific mother to Billy. And the bravest woman I know to stay here and fight for what you believe in. Billy will be so proud of you when he's older and realizes all you've gone through for him. If I had stayed here, I could've made sure you were safe. This wouldn't have happened to you. I'm the one to blame, Mary. You and Billy are very important to me. From now on, I'm going to be here for both of you. I promise you that, Mary."

Nathan had made his exit when the discussion became serious--he knew Miz Travis was in good hands. They were alone in her room again.

Mary's strength wasn't much after all she'd been through. So when she began to fall asleep again, Chris whispered, "You rest now. I'll be right here. You sleep and get to feelin' better. I won't leave you ever again."

The blonde lady fell asleep feeling the safest she had in a very long time.

Chris settled in for the night right there beside Mary. If he had anything to say about it, this was where he would be from now on. He'd almost lost her before he had even realized how much she meant to him. He wouldn't make that mistake twice.

After being awake for almost three days straight, exhaustion overtook him. He fell into a deep sleep beside the woman he recently discovered meant the world to him.

PART 6--REALIZATIONS

Towards morning, Mary stirred and tried to stretch. But something beside her prevented her from doing it. She opened her eyes to find Chris sound asleep beside her. She moved back a little to get a better look at him and was once again startled at just how handsome this man was.

When he rode out of Four Corners just days ago, she felt like she'd lost someone very important to her. She knew she may very well never see him again. But here he was lying next to her-where he'd been all night long. Maybe it was time to admit to herself just how important he was to her. Just what exactly were her feelings towards him? Could he possibly feel the same towards her?

Mary reached her hand out to push back a few strands of hair hanging down on his forehead. Her fingers began to tingle just from lightly touching him.

Yes, it was definitely time to explore these feelings she had for Chris before it could be too late. she though, smiling before leaning towards him and kissing him on his cheek.

Chris felt something soft touch his face and woke to see Mary's face only inches from his.

"Morning." she greeted, still smiling

After realizing the soft touch was her lips, Chris reached up and put his fingers on her mouth. Leaning over and lightly kissing her back, he returned, "Morning yourself. How you feelin'?"

"Much better after a good night's sleep." Mary answered, her eyes relaying to him just why she had a good night's sleep.

Chris propped himself up on his elbow to get a better look at her. She did look better than she had yesterday. But, the always suspicious gunslinger had to ask, "You sure you're feeling better? You're not just saying that?"

"Honest, Chris, I feel a lot better. You being here is just what the doctor ordered," she insisted.

Larabee reached out and tenderly touched her face as he admitted, "I'm so glad you're gonna be alright. If anything would've hapened to you- I could've never forgiven myself for not being here to protect you, Mary."

Overwhelmed, Mary bowed her head slightly. A concerned Chris put his hand under her chin to tilt it back up and saw the tears in her eyes.

Quickly he asked, "What's wrong, Mary?"

The blonde shook her head and waited a few minutes before replying, "I guess I'm just realizing the seriousness of the events from the last few days. I could've died, Chris. Where would that have left Billy? An orphan at the age of six! What kind of parent have I been to that little boy? Staying in a town as dangerous as this one. Risking my life and his and for what? Is this paper really worth dying for?"

Chris wiped the tears from her face before he said to her, "Mary, remember that day in my room after the Judge had been shot? You told me that the paper was all of your husband's dream you had left to give to Billy. That you'd fight anyone to see that happened, 'member? I admired you that day and I still admire you today, for being so strong and determined...and passionate about your life. Billy is a very lucky little boy to have such a great mother."

He continued, "It's me you should be mad at, not yourself. I should've stayed here even when Bryce came. Instead, I took off at the first chance I got to run after the past. Can you forgive me for not being here when you needed me, Mary?"

Again Mary had tears in her eyes, but this time they were tears of happiness, not sadness.

"Chris, you were here when I needed you. After I'd been shot and I heard you calling my name, I thought I was dreaming. But I told myself I had to open my eyes-even if it was to see you one last time. But when I did see your face, I didn't want to give up and die. I wanted to live, so I could tell you how much you mean to me. I knew you'd come and you did. You gave me the will to fight and stay alive, Chris."

She swallowed hard before continuing, "I want to live in the present, too. I want to tell you how it felt to think I may never see you again when you left. But I also knew it was something you had to do. You have to put your past to rest, Chris, if you ever want to have a future. It doesn't mean you have to forget Sarah and Adam. Just as I will never forget Steven or let Billy forget him. But we can move on-feel alive again and not feel guilty for it."

Mary put her hand on his face and offered, "And I'd like to help you do that, Chris, if you'd let me. I want to be there for you like you've been there for me. I think I've fallen in love with you, Chris Larabee, and I can't imagine life around here without you. I just hope I don't have to."

Now the self-proclaimed bad element was the one to have tears in his eyes. Chris leaned down to Mary and kissed her so sweetly that, even though she was lying down, she felt light-headed.

Ending their kiss, he whispered, "I think I've fallen in love with you, too. It's been so long since I've felt anything but pain and anger. I didn't know for sure how I felt towards you 'til I saw you lying on the floor, bleeding and maybe dying. I knew at that instant that I loved you, Mary-and I couldn't lose you."

He took her in his arms and held her close to him, never wanting to let go. Reluctantly, he loosened his hold as Nathan appeared in the doorway.

PART 7--COMMON GROUND

"Oh, 'scuse me. I didn't mean to interrupt, but I was wondering how our patient was doin' this mornin'? Miz Travis, you're lookin' much better today," Nathan said.

"Thank you, Nathan. I do feel much better, except for still being a little sore." Mary answered while Chris loosened his grip on her, hoping he wasn't holding her too tightly.

Mary looked over to him and commented, smiling, "It seems Chris here is the perfect medicine-exactly what I needed. I think he might have had some doctorin' training previously."

Chris explained, "No doctorin' skills were needed here. Just told her some things that needed to be said for some time now."

Nathan couldn't help but notice the look that passed between Chris and Mary. Smiling, he said, "Don't look like there's much left for me to help with here. But, Miz Travis, I would like to check the wound to make sure it's still not infected. Then I'll leave you two alone, ok?"

Chris gave Nathan room to examine Mary, but still wasn't more than an arm's length away from her. After happily announcing she was healing nicely, Nathan excused himself.

Chris sat down beside Mary, who was propped up against the backboard of the bed. Taking her hands in his, he thought of how lucky he was to have been given this second chance with her. He was determined not to waste it.

Looking up into Mary's lovely face, Chris admitted, "I almost blew it with us, Mary. But I promise you that from now on, I will always be here with you and Billy. I'm going to make sure you're both safe. And I promise not to do anything that might take me away from you again."

Chris leaned towards her and kissed her once again.

After the kiss ended, Mary told him, "I do love you, Chris. And I never want you to leave us again, but what about your job here, protecting this town? You stand up for what you believe in. It's part of who you are and why I love you. But it can be dangerous. Are you going to give that up?"

"If I quit protecting this town, then I also quit protecting you and Billy. They kinda go hand in hand. How about I promise I won't take any unnecessary risks..." Chris tried to say as Mary broke in, "You mean like the time with Morgan Coltrane?"

Chris smiled and continued, "Something like that. You're right, it's part of who I am and it is dangerous sometimes. But I will not take any risks that may cost me you, Mary. Not now that we finally have each other. You have to believe me and trust me, ok?"

The smiling lady reached up and kissed him, then said, "I do believe you, Chris Larabee. And I do trust you. And I do love you with all my heart. I always will."

Realizing how lucky he was, Chris wrapped his arms around Mary and help her as close to him as possible, without hurting her.

He whispered in her ear, "I love you, too, Mary Travis."

PART 8--GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER

Mary continued to recover from her gunshot wounds. Chris was never very far from her side, helping her with everything. Even things she insisted she was able to do! But she rather enjoyed having him around-it was nice to know someone was there for you. They were both enjoying each other's company, and used this time to get to know one another a little better.

Mary learned that Chris' parents were killed when an Indian war party raided their ranch. He was only 13 years old when that happened. Then he lived with a neighboring family until he was old enough to be on his own. Mary couldn't help but feel that most of his life had been filled with grief. But, from now on she was determined to make his life only happy.

She could tell he had a heart of gold, but every time he'd let anyone into it, he'd lose them. Not this time though. She was going to make sure of that. Just in the past few days since they admitted their feelings for each other, she'd realized that her love for him was deeper than she had first thought. She was never going to let him out of her life again.

Two days later, after being cooped up inside for almost a week, Mary insisted that she needed some fresh air. She talked Chris into letting her sit on her porch swing for a short time. But only if he sat with her.

He was even going to carry her out to the swing, when she put her foot down, "Chris Larabee! My legs aren't broken! I am going to walk myself out to my swing and that's that!"

Smiling, Chris shook his head and moved out of her way. But he did offer her his arm while thinking to himself, How am I ever going to win an argument with her?

Once seated on the swing, Mary took a deep breath, let it out and said, "Boy, I needed this. That fresh air smells so good!"

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Being in that sickroom all this time, you did need to get the stink blown off!" Chris added jokingly.

For that reply, he got an elbow in the rib from the woman sitting beside him. "You haven't got a lot of room to talk there, mister. Remember, you've hardly left that room either!"

Chris put his left arm around Mary and gently took her hand with his right. "I couldn't leave you," he murmured. "I still don't want to, even now. I realized that, except for the guys, no one knows I'm still staying with you at night. At least, I hope no one knows."

Mary was quick to respond, "I don't care if anybody knows or not. I love you, Chris, and you love me. That's all that matters. Anyhow, it's not like I'm in any condition to do anything that would give them something to talk about!"

He laughed and they continued to swing, just enjoying each other's company.

After a bit, Mary laid her head on his shoulders and whispered, "This is nice."

Chris kissed her hair and murmured, "Umuh, it is, isn't it? I could get used to this, you know!"

"Well, I certainly hope so! I'm not letting you get too far away ever again! I want to make you feel like this always, Chris. You've had so much pain to deal with in your life. I want to take all that pain away and make you happy," the young woman said lovingly.

"I want that too, Mary. We've both had too much pain for too long. It's time to be happy again. And with you and Billy, I really feel I can be. I knew you were a special lady the first time I saw you. The effect you had on me was so overwhelming. My first instinct was to run, but I couldn't. And the more I got to know you, the more I wanted to stay. Even when I did leave for Purgatory, I was planning to come back after I finished takin' care of things. Now I know, though, I don't have to find who killed my family. I have to just let them rest in peace. You've helped me see that, Mary. Thank you," Chris stated.

Mary kissed him and said, "Promise me, that if a way to find the man who hired Fowler ever appears, that you will find him. But please don't go running off alone, Chris. I want you to find him, but I don't want him to do to you the same thing he did to Sarah and Adam. I couldn't stand to lose you, Chris. I love you too much."

Chris pulled her closer to him and promised, "I won't let anything take us away from each other, Mary. If I can find the man responsible, I will. But I can go on with life whether I find him or not. Sarah would've wanted me to be happy again. She would've hated the life I've been leading for the last three years. I know she's happy for us, now."

They continued to sit there, watching the sun set until Chris insisted it was time for her to get some rest.

"And this time, I AM gonna' carry you!" he stated with a look she knew not to challange.

Besides, being in his arms wouldn't be all that bad! she thought playfully to herself.

PART 9--THE JOINING OF TWO LOVERS

Chris only spent one more night with her before he went back to staying in his own room. Nathan felt that she was healing nicely and should be able to be on her own more now. So they spent the nights apart, but that was all. Chris would appear in the morning and have the place filled with wonderful smells for Mary to wake up to-then serve her breakfast in bed.

When she began to feel stronger, they would go for walks around town. Most folks were beginning to get used to the idea that wherever Mary Travis went, Chris Larabee was by her side. It seemed fitting that two people who both lost loved ones were able to heal each other and look so happy again.

Three weeks after the shooting, Mary had an issue of the Clarion News printed and distributed. Most things had returned to normal in Four Corners. Except that, instead of Chris spending his days and nights in the saloon, he was spending all his free time with Mary and Billy.

Fishing had become an afternoon ritual for him and Billy, as was dinner with both Mary and Billy. More than a few times, one of the other men had offered to watch Billy so that Chris and Mary could spend some time together alone. The six were happy that their two friends had finally acted on the realization that they were meant to be together.

On one of those occasions, Billy was with Buck and JD. Chris suggested a picnic at this spot which overlooked the valley. So Mary packed a lunch for them and they were off for the day. When they arrived at the spot Chris had picked, Mary was amazed at how beautiful it actually was. From atop the hill you could see the entire valley for miles.

"It's so beautiful, Chris. I may never want to go home" Mary exclaimed.

"I've ridden past this spot so many times and thought of bringing you here, but never really believed I ever would. I'm glad we're here now" Chris added, taking her horse's reins and giving her the basket.

There was a cluster of trees which Mary decided was the perfect place to set up their picnic. After tending to the horses, Chris joined her on the blanket and they began their lunch.

They talked casually in between eating, until Chris began to choke on a chicken bone. After realizing what was happening, Mary started to pound on his back while asking him if he was ok.

After a few seconds, Chris started to laugh and replied, "NO! I'm not ok! I'm choking and you ask me if I'm ok?"

Mary was shocked at his admission of pretending to be choking when he really wasn't. She sat back and started throwing food at him.

"How dare you scare me like that! I thought you were really choking, Chris! And you were just teasing me.....take that and that!" she yelled as she continued to throw whatever she could get her hands on. Chris, meanwhile, was trying to grab hold of her hands to keep her from doing that.

Very quickly there was a very big mess around them and on them of what had been their lunch. But they were laughing as they were doing it until Chris succeed in stopping her by getting a hold of her arms. He pushed himself towards her-lying her down on the blanket and imprisoning her hands with his above her head.

"Now, that wasn't very nice of you, Mary. I think we're wearing more of our lunch than we ate!" Chris complained after she finally quit squirming.

"Nice of me? What about your little fake choking fit? Was that very nice of you, Mister Larabee?" the lady asked sharply.

Smiling an evil grin, he answered, "Well, I accomplished my goal anyhow! I've got you right where I want you. Except now were covered in food!"

Mary looked up into his eyes and saw the passion in them. Deciding on a retaliation of her own she smiled as she replied, "Well then, maybe we should get out of these food covered clothes."

Reaching up she began to unbutton the top button of Chris' shirt. Stunned the gunman allowed her to get a couple of the buttons undone, all the while holding his breath. When she had undone the top few buttons, she ran her hands inside his shirt along his chest. What had began as a game now turned serious, as Chris let out his breath in one big whoosh. Looking in each others eyes, seeing the unleashed passion, they both quickly moved to bring their mouths together.

After thoroughly tasting the sweetness of her mouth, Chris moved his lips to place kisses along her cheek to her ear and then down her neck. When he got to the top of her blouse, he was stunned to see Mary had started to unbutton the first button.

As their eyes met, she looked directly into his as she whispered, "I want this, Chris. I want you...here...now."

"Mary...," Chris asked, "Are you sure?"

"I've never been as sure of anything in my life. I want to show you how much I love you, right here. Right now." Mary answered him.

Knowing by the tone of her voice that she meant exactly what she had just said, Chris put his hands on top of hers and finished unbuttoning that button and the rest of them. After exposing the creamy softness of her skin, he let his lips follow his hands. Chris relished the feel of her skin beneath his lips down to her belly and back up to her neck.

Mary quickly repaid the favor of removing his shirt with the same practice. Once his shirt was shed, the rest of their clothing followed. They continued to explore each other's bodies. The promise of completeness was building with each passing second-intensifying their hunger 'til neither could wait any longer.

Chris leaned over Mary as she laid back down and murmured, "I love you, Mary. Let me show you." Then did just that.

Their joining was magical for both of them. The deepness of their love for each other was felt in the passion they were experiencing together. At first, both were a little shocked at the intensity of their lovemaking, but quickly surrendered to it.

Chris felt like Mary was made for him and only him. She knew him so well already. She gave herself completely and unconditionally to him. He thought to himself that he'd never be able to get enough of her, that there would always be the desire to love her like this.

Feeling their passion building to the point of no return, both gave fully into their desires and savored the rewards. After a few minutes, Chris laid down beside Mary. No words were needed for him to tell her how he felt-for he saw it mirrored in her eyes as she looked back at him. He had just given her an experience she never knew possible. For that she loved him even more than she ever thought she could.

When both of their breathing had returned to normal, Mary was the first to speak.

Playfully, she said, "Now, please don't tell me you think less of me for being so bold and forward."

Chris laughed, "You're not serious, are you? The only thing I'm thinking right now is that I want more and more of you!"

"Well, I'm sure we can arrange that. But first, maybe we should think about just where we are and how we must look right now."

Chris agreed and they began to redress.

When they were all dressed again, be it in food stained clothes, they began to pack up what food they hadn't thrown at each other. That was when Mary noticed Chris had become rather quiet and he looked preoccupied with some thoughts.

Figuring she knew what he had to be thinking about, she told him, "Chris, I have no regrets about this."

Walking over to him, she put her arms around his waist, looked up at him and continued, "I'm not expecting anything more than what we just shared here. Please, don't think this is a trap to force you into something more than either of us is ready for right now. I know we will be someday. Whether it be in a few weeks, months, or even years. I'm happy with what we have right now. As long as we're together, that's all that matters to me."

Chris bent down, placed a very soft and sweet kiss on her lips, then asked, "What did I do to deserve you?"

Mary smiled, then added, "I do have one thing to ask of you, though. Will you take me to the sweethearts dance?"

"My first invitation to a dance, how can I say no? I'd love to go with you, but only if you promise to save every last dance for me, agreed?" Chris offered.

Standing on her tiptoes, Mary placed her hands on either side of his face and replied, "Agreed!" Then gave him a kiss to seal their deal.

PART 10--PONDERIN' THE FUTURE

They continued on just like before the picnic. In spite of this, Buck and the others kinda had their suspicions that the relationship had developed even further. Chris was actually in a good mood most of the time and as Buck commented, "There's only one thing that can make a man smile like that all the time!" But not one of them dared to let Chris know what they thought-they rather liked his mood just like it had been recently.

In the few weeks before the dance, Chris and Mary spent a lot of their free time together. Billy was starting to ask innocent questions to Chris when they were fishing, like "When are you and Ma gettin' married?" or "Do you love my ma, Chris?" or "How do you get in to make breakfast for us if Ma's still in bed when it's done?"

The last one left Chris speechless, but also gave him something to really think about. Was he ready for the next step? Was Mary ready? What if he asked her to marry him and she wasn't? Could he scare her away for good? He knew what she'd said that day after the picnic was true-someday they'd be ready. Maybe someday was here? He was finally certain of one thing: His love for Mary and Billy ran so deep that he wanted to be with them forever.

"So why don't I just propose to her?" he thought aloud.

Just as he said that, Buck appeared from out of nowhere, moseyed on over to sit down next to Chris, and asked, "Why don't you just do it, Chris?"

"Do what?" Chris replied.

"Aw, come on there, old pard, I know you want to propose to Mary. So why don't you just do it and get it over with?" Buck inquired.

"Get it over with?" Chris countered. "That's not exactly how I see it, Buck. What if she says no?"

Buck smiled, "Chris, you've been my friend for what now, 12 years or so? Mary is the one for you. You just have to look at her face when she spots you in the street or hear her laugh when you tell her something funny to see how much she loves you. You're lucky there, pard. You've been loved by two wonderful ladies in this lifetime. I wouldn't waste any time if I were you. Ask her as soon as you can."

Realizing how true Buck's words were, Chris shook his hand and replied, "Thanks, Buck. I think I will."

PART 11--THE DANCE

Chris decided that the dance would be the perfect time to ask Mary to be his wife. It was only days away, too, so he wouldn't have to wait too long.

The day of the dance, the three of them had lunch together. Mary went fishing with them afterwards for a little while.

"Oh, Chris! I'm so excited about tonight. It's been so long since I've looked forward to a dance. Plus, I'm going to be dancing with the most handsome man there all night-it's going to be wonderful!" Mary exclaimed before leaving to begin getting ready for the dance.

Smiling, Chris thought to himself, You don't know the half of it!

+ + + + + + +

Later that evening, Chris arrived at the Clarion to pick Mary up for the dance. Before heading over there, he checked his pocket for the hundredth time to make sure the ring he'd bought in Bitter Creek two days ago was indeed still there. He had figured on buying a diamond for Mary, but when he spotted the aquamarine colored ring, he knew that was the one for her. When it caught the light, it was the exact color of Mary's eyes.

So with the ring safely in his pocket, he knocked on the door.

Billy opened the door and launched himself into Chris' arms, "Chris!!!! My ma's not ready yet, but she said to let you in anyhow."

Chris sat on the chair by the door with Billy on his lap and said, "Now, you remember what I said earlier, don't you Billy? 'Bout not tellin' your ma the secret I told you."

"Course I didn't tell her a thing, Chris. I promised I wouldn't. You really gonna' marry her, Chris?" asked a smiling little boy.

"Yep! That is if she says yes. You think she'll say yes, Billy?" Chris asked as he was interrupted by Mary's appearance in the doorway.

She inquired, "Say yes to what?"

Chris turned his head, hoping she hadn't heard what he and Billy were just saying, but instantly forgot that worry when he spotted the vision standing in the doorway. Mary wore a satin dress much like the wine colored one the first day he'd ever seen her. Except this one was the same color of her eyes, light aquamarine.

Billy was pulling on his sleeve, asking him if he thought his ma looked nice. Nice wasn't even close, more like angelic and gorgeous! He stood up and gently put Billy in the chair, then walked over to Mary.

"Well, what am I going to say yes to?" she asked again, still smiling.

Chris ignored her, took her hand and pulled her closer to him. Looking deep into her eyes, he whispered, "You look so beautiful, Mary."

"Thank you." she quietly replied.

"Are you two gonna just stand there all night or are you gonna go to the dance?" Buck announced as he came in the door to stay with Billy.

"No, Buck, we're going! Billy, you be a good boy for Buck, ok?" Chris said bending down to give him a hug and kiss before offering Mary his arm. Mary quickly kissed Billy goodnight, nodded her thanks to Buck, and they were out the door and headed for the dance.

"So, Chris, you obviously approve of the dress!" Mary grinned on the way there.

"So much I was thinking I may just skip the dance and carry you up to my room instead! But a promise is a promise. And 'sides, I think I'll enjoy showing off the most beautiful lady at this dance!" Chris said playfully looking over to her.

PART 12--THE PROPOSAL

Music was already playing and couples were already dancing as Chris and Mary entered the barn. So, Chris led Mary straight to the dance floor, expertly taking her in his arms and sweeping her across the floor. Not many words were spoken between them during their dancing. Being in each others' arms and swaying to the sound of the music enveloped their senses, leaving little room for words.

No one else dared to cut in for a dance with Mary. Chris had always displayed a BIG 'no trespassing' sign when it came to Mary. Now, after seeing them dance together, it had become obvious to everyone that she was off limits.

They danced quite a few dances at first. Then, after taking some time to mingle and get refreshments, they returned to the dance floor. Chris hadn't felt this happy or had fun at a town function in such a long time - he felt a joy that he thought had been lost to him forever.

Close to the end of the evening, Chris decided it was time to pop the question. After the last dance they shared, he led Mary over to a corner of the barn and sat her down on a chair. She was wondering what he was doing, until he bent down on one knee. Then, she realized what was about to come.

Chris took her hands in his one hand, while the other pulled the ring out of his pocket. He looked into her eyes and said, "Mary, I love you and I want to be with you always. Will you marry me?" Then he slipped the ring onto her finger.

Mary, who had tears streaming down her face by now, was afraid to trust her voice. Putting her arms around Chris' neck, she hugged him and faintly whispered, "Yes."

He hugged her back as he felt his own eyes get wet.

Mary pulled back a bit, looked him directly in the eyes, and again said, "Yes." And kissed her future husband.

From across the barn, the rest of the seven had seen Chris and Mary head to the corner a few minutes ago. Now they knew for sure what had been going on with their two friends lately. After giving them a few minutes alone, the five decided to head on over to offer their congratulations to the happy couple.

Spotting the boys coming their way, Chris and Mary stood up to greet them.

Vin was the first to shake Chris' hand, "Congrads there, Pard. Miz Travis."

Nathan congratulated Mary next, tipping his hat to her, "Miz Travis. Chris. Best of luck to you both."

The hand shakes and salutations continued while Mary displayed her new ring.

PART 13--CELEBRATING THE FUTURE

After the dance ended, the engaged couple headed back to the newspaper office arm in arm.

Mary told him, "Chris, I had no idea you were going to propose tonight! You really made this night magical for me. I love you so much and I can't wait to become your wife."

"I thought you said you'd be patient 'til this happened between us. Wasn't it even if it took years, or something like that?" Chris asked jokingly.

"Well...I guess I was hoping it wouldn't take that long. But I'd have waited that long for you, Mr. Larabee. I knew you'd be worth it," the blonde added.

"So, I guess we ain't gonna have a long engagement, then?" Chris asked curiously.

Mary grinned, "Is tomorrow too soon for a wedding?"

"Not at all, if that's what you want. Tomorrow it is!" Chris exclaimed.

"Chris, I was only joking! There's no way I could be ready by tomorrow. There's so much to do and we still have to tell Billy....." Mary sputtered.

"Billy already knows!" Chris broke in, shocking Mary so much she stopped walking and turned to him. Chris continued, "I told him this afternoon when you went home to get ready. I made him promie not to say a thing to you. He'd been asking a lot of questions lately 'bout when we were gettin' married anyhow. So I told him I was gonna ask you tonight at the dance."

"He never said anything to me. He really did a good job hiding what he knew. So he's ok with this then?" She asked.

"What? Are you kiddin'? The boy's ecstatic! Said he's wanted me to be his pa for a really long time!" Chris explained.

"That doesn't surprise me. It's always been 'Chris this' and 'Chris that'. You've become his hero, Chris. He thinks the world of you." Mary said to him.

"Well, that's good 'cause I love him like he was my own and I'm crazy about his Ma too!" Chris told her before taking her in his arms and kissing her right there.

In the distance, they heard Buck yelling at them to 'stop all that neckin' right there in the middle of the street and get on over here.' Regrettably, they ended their kiss and found their way over to Buck, who was sitting on Mary's front porch swing.

Once they reached him, Buck jumped up and excitedly announced, "Well.....come on there, let's see the rock!" as he reached for Mary's hand.

"So, Buck also knew?" Mary asked of Chris.

Chris could only shrug his shoulders as Buck defended, "Someone had to watch the kid and miss the actual show! So Chris had to let me in on the preview! WOW! What a stone! And goes right along with the color scheme you got goin' on there, Ma'am. What with your dress and eyes and all. Looks mighty pretty."

"Isn't it about time for you to be gettin' on home, now, Buck?" Chris smiled.

Buck got the hidden meaning loud and clear, finished offering his congratulations, and made his exit.

Mary was studying her ring when Chris asked, "Do you like it, Mary? 'Cause if you'd rather have a diamond, we can exchange it."

Looking at Chris, Mary smiled and replied, "I love my ring and you'd be in for quite a fight trying to get me to take it off!! It's on my hand now and it's never coming off again! Understand me, Chris Larabee?"

"Completely, Ma'am! Maybe we can continue this celebration inside?" Chris eagerly suggested.

The newly engaged lady took her fiance's hand, led him through the door, and closed it behind them.

PART 14--THE WEDDING

Chris and Mary decided to be married on Christmas Eve. They had asked Josiah to perform the ceremony and he had graciously accepted. Mary had sent a telegraph to Orrin and Evie Travis to tell them of her engagement, invite them to the wedding and spend Christmas in Four Corners. The Judge and his wife were both happy for Mary, Chris, and Billy. They were getting a second chance at happiness and they wanted to celebrate with them. Orrin had also accepted Mary's request that he give her away.

Chris and Mary spent every night together until the night before the wedding. They tried somewhat to stick to tradition and not see each other that day until the ceremony. Chris had moved his belongings into Mary's place the day before the wedding. Everything was coming together nicely. They were all going to be happy again.

The morning of the wedding, Mary woke, yawned and stretched. She hadn't slept very well last night without Chris beside her. But she smiled to herself upon realizing it would be the last night she'd spend without him, since they were to be married today. Climbing out of bed, she looked towards the window. The sun shining on the blanket of snow, that had fallen the previous night, created a beautiful sight.

"It's the perfect day for a wedding," the lady said quietly, wrapping her arms around herself.

Billy came bounding into the room and jumped on the bed singing, "Ma and Chris are gettin' married! Ma and Chris are gettin' married!"

Mary took her son in her arms and asked, "Are you happy about something, Billy?"

"You bet, Ma! Chris is gonna be my pa and live here with us forever!" Billy answered enthusiastically.

"You really like Chris, don't you?" the mother asked her son.

"Yeah, Ma. Chris is the best!" the young boy replied.

Hugging her son, Mary agreed, "Yes, Billy. He is, isn't he? But, now we have a lot to do before the wedding. Plus you have to get ready for Santa Claus tonight too!"

Billy cheered. On the way to his room, he said, "Santa already brought me what I wanted."

Mary thought to herself that he'd already brought them what they both had wanted.

The actual ceremony was to be shortly before the Christmas Eve service, and only for the few close friends that Chris and Mary had in town. Mary spent the day getting ready with Evie and Inez, who was going to stand up for her.

Chris was kept entertained by the boys taking turns "checkin' up" on him. He had a feeling they were really making sure he didn't get cold feet and disappear. Not that there was a chance of that happening.

Chris had finally put the past to rest. Although he would never forget Sarah and Adam, they were gone and he was still here. He had accepted that now and moved on. Sarah would've wanted this for him. Until he'd met Mary, he'd been only half alive - drowning himself in a whiskey bottle.

But Mary had changed all that. She gave him a chance at life again- to be fully alive and whole inside. Most of all to be happy and feel love again. She was a special lady and soon she'd be his wife. With that thought, he smiled and finished getting ready for his wedding.

PART 15--THE CEREMONY

To Chris, in a word, the church looked like a little bit of heaven. The candles adorning the altar joined with those spread throughout the church created a very warm and inviting atmosphere.

Perfect, said Chris to himself, feeling really at ease-which was unusual for him, especially in a church. He decided it went along with the feeling that this was all meant to be.

He had wondered why he stopped in Four Corners that day, or why he stayed after helping Judge Travis? It made him feel like it all lead up to where he is right now. Almost like fate led him to Mary and Billy, his second chance.

The rest of the men appeared in the doorway, bringing Chris out of his thoughts. He smiled to himself as he looked at his six friends.

They all clean up rather nicely, he thought.

Buck and the others had decided that, in honor of this very special occasion, they should look their best. So, the ones that hadn't owned a suit before, now did. Even Vin had agreed to don a new suit, but 'only for today' he had insisted.

"You all ready, Chris?" asked Josiah.

"Ya know, now would be the time to run." teased Buck.

"I'm not goin' anywhere, until I have my wife by my side!" Chris smiled.

Buck slapped him on the shoulder as he shook his hand, "I'm happy for you, pard."

"Thanks Buck." Chris replied.

Billy and Evie were next to enter the church and announced that Mary and Orrin were outside and ready to start. Everyone took their places. Billy's was next to Chris at the altar, with Josiah standing above them, his bible in hand.

Billy was very excited and proud when Chris had asked him to be his best man, after asking for his permission to marry his ma, of course. Now he was anxiously awaiting his turn to give Chris the ring when he was asked to do so.

Mrs. Potter, Evie Travis, Casey and Nettie Wells sat on one side, while the five men sat on the other side. The wedding march began and the doors opened.

Inez made her way down the aisle and took her place at the altar. Buck's attention was on her the entire time. The music grew louder as Orrin and Mary appeared in the doorway. All eyes were focused on them.

Chris actually forgot to breathe his next breath. He was so taken aback at how beautiful Mary looked at that moment.

She wore an ivory dress, that Evie had brought from home for her. The lacy veil was attached to her golden blonde hair from behind and flowed down past her waist. Chris thought he was looking at an angel, she was that beautiful. In a way she was his angel. The smile she gave Chris made him get that 'meant to be feeling' once again.

As Mary looked down the aisle at the man waiting for her, she thought he had to be the most handsome man she'd ever seen. Their eyes locked and stayed that way the whole way down the aisle.

When they reached the altar, Orrin kissed her cheek, put her hand in Chris' and said to both of them, "Be happy."

They turned towards Josiah and he began, "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to join together Chris and Mary in holy matrimony."

Turning to Chris, he asked, "Do you, Chris, take Mary to be your wedded wife?"

Chris turned towards Mary and replied, "I do."

"And do you, Mary, take Chris to be your wedded husband?"

Mary answered, "I do."

Josiah then asked, "Who gives this woman to this man?"

Orrin Travis stood and answered, "I do."

Josiah turned towards Billy and asked, "Do you have the ring, young Billy?"

Billy proudly answered, "You bet I do, Josiah! Here you go"

As he handed the ring to Josiah, the rest of the congregation chuckled at Billy's obvious enthusiasm.

"The wedding ring is a symbol of a love that, like the circle it is, has no ending. Just like the love these two fine people have found. This is a new beginning- a second chance for these three to be a family. All have faced great loss in their lives. But, the good Lord has seen fit to give them a second try at happiness by bringing them together today. Chris, Mary, you two belong together. I believe that as much as I believe in eternal life. You've each healed what was broken with the other one. You made each other complete and whole again. Now, as you take your vows before God and these witnesses, remember that you are truly blessed."

Josiah continued, "Chris, will you take the ring and place it on Mary's finger, then repeat after me?"

Chris took Mary's hand, placed the ring on her finger, then looked deep into her eyes as he repeated after Josiah, "With this ring, I thee wed. And with all that I have and all that I am, I honor you. In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, together, forever."

Josiah then explained, "Chris wants the world to know he's Mary's as much as she is his. So, he has decided to wear a ring also. Billy, the second ring, please."

"There you go, Josiah!" exclaimed the young boy.

"Thank you. Mary, will you put this ring on Chris' finger and repeat after me?"

Mary put the ring on. Looking up into Chris' green eyes, she repeated, "With this ring, I thee wed. And with all that I have and all that I am, I honor you. In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, together, forever."

Josiah took both of their hands in his and said, "By the taking of these vows and with the giving and receiving of rings, I now pronounce that you are husband and wife. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Chris, you may kiss your bride."

"Thank you, Josiah," Chris said before putting a hand on Mary's face, while the other one went around her waist, drawing her to him. He looked deep into her eyes and told her, "I love you, Mrs. Larabee." Then kissed her.

It was the most tender and sweetest kiss Mary had ever experienced- she wished it would go on forever. But, they regrettably ended it when Josiah put a hand on each of their shoulders and stated, "Ah, guys, the Christmas service starts in 20 minutes. Think we can wrap this kiss up before then?"

As they ended their kiss, Billy began to pull on Chris' pant leg and asked over and over again, "Are you my pa, now, Chris? Are we a family?"

Chris picked Billy up in his arms and said, "You bet, Billy! You, me and your ma are now a family forever."

Everyone gathered around to offer their congratulations to the newlyweds.

JD kissed Mary on the cheek and said, "Congratulations, Miz Travis....." He paused when he realized that wasn't her name anymore and then added, "I mean, Mrs. Larabee."

Everyone laughed at the honest error JD made, then Billy asked, "Hey, Ma, do I get a new name, too?"

Mary smiled at her son, and said, "Honey, Travis was your daddy's name."

"I know, Ma, but daddy's gone and Chris is my new pa now. I want to have the same name as you and Chris." Billy pleaded.

Chris bent down to Billy and suggested, "How 'bout Billy Travis Larabee?"

"Great! I'm a Larabee now, just like Chris and my Ma!" grinned the boy.

Chris looked at Mary for her approval as he hugged Billy. She nodded gratefully to him for once again being so important to her son.

PART 16--THE RECEPTION

The townfolks started to arrive for the Christmas Eve service, so they all took their seats as well. Josiah told the Christmas story as part of the service and a few Christmas songs were sung. He also made an announcement of the ceremony performed a short time before- for any of the folks who lived outside of town and hadn't heard of the pending nuptials. He ended the service with a prayer for health, happiness, and love in the coming year for all.

When the service ended, everyone began filing out of the church. Those that attended the wedding, stayed to get their photographs taken. They had two of Chris and Mary taken, one of which they kissed for. One of them with Billy. And one of all their friends and family.

After all of the photos were done, the group made their way to the hotel, for the dinner reception.

There was a beautiful triple layer wedding cake Mrs. Potter made as a surprise for the bride and groom. After spotting the cake, Mary hugged Gloria and thanked her for it.

To which, Gloria replied, "Oh dear, I'm just so glad you two found each other and you'll be happy again."

Billy ran up to Mary, grabbed her arm and asked, "Ma, can we eat? I'm starving! Please, Please, Ma?"

"All right Billy, let's go to our seats and then we can eat." Mary told her son.

With the festive atmosphere, everyone enjoyed the meal.

Towards the end, Buck rose from his seat and announced, "I'd like to make a toast to the happy couple. Chris, Mary....Congratulations to you both. I'm glad you both have found happiness again. And Mary, I wish you the best of luck trying to live with this guy here."

Putting his arm on Chris' shoulder, he continued, "It's true. He was born in a barn!"

The guests started laughing at the joke. Buck quieted them by raising his hand and adding, "Seriously though, I wish you both and Billy many happy years together. Here's to Chris, Mary, and Billy!"

Chris rose and hugged Buck as he thanked him.

Mary stood next and said, "Now, I'd like to toast my new husband. You've made me the happiest woman in the world, Chris Larabee. And for that, I thank you. I've never been one who believes in fate, until I met you. It had to have been the fates that brought you to me. That's how strongly I feel that we're meant to be together. You're my soulmate and I love you with all my heart. I'm so proud to be your wife. I only hope I'll make you as happy as you've made me."

Chris felt a lump in his throat as he stood and kissed his wife. Looking out to his friends, he told them, "I'm not known for being one with words...."

There were a few 'shocked' "No, not Chris" from the audience. Turning to look at Mary, he continued, "But, I'm gonna give it a shot. I've felt it too, Mary. That fate brought us together. That everything we've both been through, has led us here today. You've already made me happier than I ever thought I could be again. And this is just the beginning, Mary. You, me and Billy...we're a family. You two are the most important part of my life now. I'm going to always be there for you, to protect you, make you happy, and most important, always love you, forever."

The bride had a few tears running down her face, but she was smiling at her husband. Leaning closer to Chris, she said, "For someone not too good with words, you could've fooled me." They embraced each other while everyone else applauded. Some of them even wiped tears from their eyes, after hearing Chris' uncharacteristic toast.

The cake cutting was next. The bride and groom fed each other nice and lovingly- ignoring the cheers from JD and the other guys to 'smear each other' with the cake.

The music began, Chris offered his hand to his bride as he asked, "May I have this dance, Mrs. Larabee?"

Mary smiled, gave him her hand and followed him to the dance floor. Chris took her in his arms and thought to himself how right it felt to hold Mary to him like this. They fit so well together. He was happy and he loved this woman so much. Two things he never thought possible for himself again, 'til he met Mary.

Both were thinking how happy they were and what a great and wonderful future they have ahead of them. They danced very close to each other and with the sound of the music, got lost in that feeling.

Mary whispered to her husband, "I love you so much."

To which Chris answered, "I love you, too, Mary."

When the first dance was over, Orrin asked for the next dance. So, Chris danced with Evie.

Evie Travis had always been one to speak her mind and tonight was no exception, "I still think of Mary as my daughter-in-law. She's a wonderful woman."

Chris agreed, "Yes, Ma'am, she is."

"And you, Mr. Larabee, are a great man to have made my Mary and Billy so happy again. For that I'm eternally grateful to you. You're family now, even if it isn't blood family. You'll always be welcomed in our home," the older lady offered.

Chris replied, "Thank you, Ma'am. That means a lot to me."

Mary shared a dance with each of the men and one with her son, who had started to come down from the excitement of the day and yawned about ten times during their dance. So, she decided it was time to head home.

Everyone said their goodbyes and the newlyweds, with Billy in Chris' arms, made their way home.

Chris stopped and waited for Mary to unlock the door. After stepping through the door, he told her, "Wait here." Then he took Billy to his bed and returned to Mary, who was waiting for him where he'd left her.

Smiling, she asked, "Why did you want me to wait out here, Chris?"

Getting a grin on his face, he put his arms around her and quickly scooped her up into his embrace. She squealed in surprise and Chris looked into her lovely face as he told her, "Because, Mrs. Larabee, we're going to do this right. I'm going to carry you across the threshold, so we can begin our own celebrating....alone!"

Mary brought his lips down to hers and kissed her new husband. As he walked through the doorway, he kicked the door closed with his foot, and headed towards their bedroom to celebrate the beginning of a wonderful future together.

PART 17--A NEW BEGINNING

Married life was an easy adjustment for everyone. They all seemed to blend into this new lifestyle with such ease, making you still believe it was all 'meant to be.' But, it was also different this time around for Chris and Mary. Both knew all too well not to take anything for granted, and to live each day to it's fullest. So, they started a ritual that very first night of marriage--always tell each other ' I love you' each night and every morning.

Billy didn't go back to live at his grandparents after the wedding. He was going to stay here in Four Corners with his ma and Chris. The new school would be opening soon enough and neither Mary nor Chris really wanted to send him away again. He'd been gone long enough already, so he spent a lot of his free time with Chris doing "guy things", as he liked to put it.

It was amazing to Chris how much Billy reminded him of Adam. Only now it didn't hurt to think of his dead son. He could remember the good times and not feel like a knife went through his heart every time. Billy and Adam would've been good friends, if things had been different. But, Chris had to believe his son was in a better place and watching over him. Otherwise, he never could've made it this far alone and found Mary and Billy to make him feel so alive again.

These ponderings Chris had about Adam and Billy quite naturally led to another pondering: When would he and Mary be having a baby of their own? They definitely weren't lacking in the trying process. He just couldn't get enough of her, she was always exciting him. And their joinings were always filled with so much love.

Hopefully, soon we'll be adding to our family, thought Chris to himself, with a smile.

PART 18--A NEW LIFE

Mary loved being married to Chris-having him around gave her a feeling of such completeness. And it was so hard to believe that this was the same man who, not too long ago, had stood in her office, telling her that he was the bad element she was trying to scare away form this town. Now, being married to him, she couldn't imagine a life without him in it.

Chris Larabee was not the same wounded man he was back then either. He didn't even wear the black clothing he had become known for anymore. But the biggest difference Mary noticed was that his eyes didn't have that emptiness in them that they had back then. Now they sparkled all the time and whenever he had a smile on his beautiful face, she thought she could actually see his heart in his eyes.

Yes, one could tell that Chris Larabee was a happy man nowadays. And it was all because of his beautiful new wife and adopted son, Billy.

Around the second week of January, Mary began to notice that she didn't have as much energy as she had a month ago. She briefly wondered if she may be pregnant, but quickly dismissed that idea, figuring it was too soon.

However, by the end of that week, when she was cooking dinner one night and had to quickly run to the back porch to throw up, she had to rethink the situation. The feeling at that moment was so familiar. She had only felt like that twice before- each time when she had been pregnant.

She was pregnant with Chris' child. She was going to make him a father again.

"That's if what happened last time doesn't happen again," she thought out loud.

She'd never told Chris about the baby she had lost after Steven had been killed. No one knew about it- not even Steven. It had been her own little secret that was too painful to share with anyone.

What if it happened again? She knew Chris would be thrilled to be a father again. He was a natural at it. But, losing another child could very well kill him. He might not be able to heal from that kind of devastation again. She wasn't so sure she could either. After losing Steven, to also lose his child, a child she didn't even have the chance to tell him about before he was killed, was almost more than she could bear. Billy was the only reason she didn't curl up and die too.

"I have to tell Chris right away, no matter what. God, I don't want to disappoint him by losing this baby. Please don't take our baby away from us. It would destroy him. Then I would've destroyed him. Please, God, don't do that." Mary pleaded as she began to cry.

Sitting on the back porch, with her head in her hands, was how Chris found her a short time later.

"Mary? Are you ok? What's the matter? Are you hurt?" a worried husband asked, while kneeling down beside his wife.

Mary lifted her tear stained face to him and announced, "Chris, I'm pregnant. We're going to have a baby. You're going to be a daddy."

Stunned, Chris couldn't believe what he was hearing, but quickly wondered why such good news was making her so upset.

"A baby? We're having a baby? Mary, that's great! So why are you crying? Don't you want another child?" Chris asked.

"You don't understand. What if it happens again, just like it did before. If I lost another baby, your baby, it would destroy you. I know it would. You couldn't get over that again. And....it would be.... my fault." She said breaking down again.

Chris gathered her into his arms to calm her. But still wondered what she was talking about. If what happened again? He soothed her until she slowly quit crying and was able to speak again.

Leaning away from him slightly, she answered his question, "I lost a baby. Soon after Steven was killed, I miscarried our baby. He never even knew about the baby before he died. I hadn't told him yet and then it was too late. I never told anybody...until now."

Taking a deep breath, the lady continued, "I felt so guilty that I hadn't been strong enough to protect our child. I failed him. I failed our baby. I even failed Billy by not being able to give him a brother or sister. What if I do that again, Chris? You could never forgive me if I lost your child. You already lost one son, could you survive losing another?"

Chris was shocked to learn how much this woman was burdening herself with.

Looking her in the eye, he told her, "Mary, losing your baby back then must have been terrible, almost unbearable not to have anyone to share it with. You really did know what I had been through, didn't you? I feel so much closer to you now that I know that. You're an amazingly strong woman. Having the miscarriage had nothing to do with what you could've or couldn't have done. It was just something that happened. You were under an unimaginable amount of stress with losing your husband-that probably had a lot to do with it. But now is different. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere!"

He cupped her face in his hands and leaned his head down to touch her forehead with his and smiled.

"A baby! You and I are going to have a baby! I didn't think I could be any happier, but I am! I love you, Mrs. Larabee. And baby," he added, reaching down to lay his hand on her stomach.

By now, Mary had tears streaming down her face again, only this time they were tears of happiness.

She covered his hand with her own, and whispered, "I love you, too, Mr. Larabee. I'm so glad you're happy about the baby. I know you're right, it's going to be different this time. It just has to be, right?"

"Right! And it will be. I'll make sure of it. I promise." He added as he kissed his pregnant wife, who had just given him the best gift anyone could give a man.

PART 19--NINE MONTHS AND COUNTING

Mary's pregnancy progressed along nicely and without complications. Chris was just amazed at how much she glowed all the time. The morning sickness only lasted a few weeks, then passed.

Billy was thrilled he was going to have a little brother or sister to play with. Meanwhile, Buck and the others were all placing bets on who would become the baby's godfather. They, too, were excited about a little Larabee running around.

Mary's worries about miscarrying again soon subsided and she began to thoroughly enjoy being pregnant. Chris absolutely doted on her-catering to her every need. She was barely allowed to change her own clothes without his help. Though she rather liked his help in doing that because it always led to other things.

Every night in bed, they would talk to their baby. They would tell him/her all about Four Corners, their friends, how they met each other and fell in love, about Billy-the big brother he/she would have-anything they could think of. It was their special time together, just the three of them.

That was where they were one night when it finally happened. As they were in bed talking to the baby, Chris was rubbing Mary's belly and the baby kicked.

"WOW! Was that what I think it was?" Chris asked excitedly.

Smiling, Mary answered, rubbing her own belly, "Yes, Daddy, I think your little girl is making her presence known!"

"How come you think it's a girl, Mary?" Chris inquired.

"I don't know. I guess it's just a feeling. What do you think it is?" she replied.

"After that kinda kick, it has to be a boy!" the proud papa answered.

"Now, why is that, Chris? A girl can kick just as hard as a boy!" Mary defended.

"Well, it doesn't really matter one way or the other, Mary. Just so long as we get a healthy baby. When are we going to decide on a name?" the father to be asked.

"We still have some time, you know. But, I was thinking for a girl I like Elizabeth. And if it does turn out to be a boy, I'd like to name him after his daddy, Christopher Jr."

Chris leaned over, kissed his wife, then whispered to her, "I love you. There's just no stopping you from making me happy, is there?"

Shaking her head and smiling, Mary replied, "I'm only returning the favor."

Interrupted once again by another powerful kick from their child inside Mary's stomach, they returned their attention to the baby.

PART 20--A NEW HOME

Their new addition would make the small living quarters in the newspaper office even more cramped. Concerns about this were on both Chris and Mary's minds. Chris had been thinking about asking Mary if she would like him to build them a house on her old property. No one had bought it even after her old house burned down. But, he thought maybe it would be too hard to live there again with all the memories.

So, as he was trying to think of another solution, Mary brought up the subject at dinner.

"Chris, once the baby's born it's going to be awfully crowded here. What would you think about building a new house on my property just outside of town? I mean it's just sitting there and we're going to need more room and all," she ventured. She was afraid Chris may not want to live on the land that her first husband and her had bought.

"What about all of the memories of everything that's happened there? Would you be able to live there again?" Chris returned.

"I thought of that already. But, we're going to be making new memories there. Good memories," Mary answered.

"I was thinking of our space problem earlier today and the idea of building there....."

"See, then if we both were thinking of doing the same thing, then it must be meant to happen. We'd be happy there, Chris, I know we would. I know you'd rather not live in town. You're a guy who needs his peace and quiet. Am I right?" she added.

"I'll give you that. It would be nicer to live out of town. My place in the hills is a little too far from town to be raising a family. And with your paper here, I don't want you traveling that far back and forth even when you're not pregnant. How about I sell my place and use that money to build our new house? I want to build you a beautiful house, Mary. You're dream house!" he grinned.

Mary got up from her seat, moved over to Chris' lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Chris Larabee, you are too good to me. But, don't you dare stop! It doesn't really matter what the house looks like, as long as you're living in it with me, it'll be my dream house. I love you so much."

So, within the next few weeks, Chris sold his place and began on their new house. The design they both came up with was perfect to fit their growing family, plus extra room for any other blessings that may come along.

Everyone helped whenever they could. Even Billy was there pounding nails from the time school ended 'til he nearly passed out at night. Mary was the only one not allowed to lift a finger. She helped with the design and Chris said that was enough.

One day, when Chris came into town for supplies, he stopped by the Clarion to check on Mary. Finding her at her desk in tears, he was immediately by her side asking what was wrong.

"Nothing. Nothing's wrong, Chris. It's the most amazing thing. Here listen to this," she said as she stuck these things into his ears. It was the stethoscope Nathan lent to her today to listen for the baby's heartbeat. Chris listened closely, then heard what it was Mary wanted him to hear.

"Is that our baby's heart beating?" he asked.

Shaking her head, with still more tears streaming down her face, she whispered, "Yes."

Becoming mesmerized by the incredible sound he was hearing, Chris continued to listen. As tears started to form in his own eyes, he took his wife in his arms and held her tight to him.

"That's our baby in there, Mary. Our child. It's just so......" he murmured.

"I know. Nathan let me borrow this to try and hear it. He said there was no guarantee we could hear it, but we could try it anyhow. When I did find the heartbeat, I was just so overwhelmed, I started crying. That's a little person we created, Chris. And I can't wait to meet him." Mary smiled.

"Him? I thought you were convinced it was a girl? Now, you're calling it a him?" he teased.

"Well, he's got a strong heartbeat just like his pa," she replied.

"Funny, I was just thinking it sounded a lot like her ma's when she's fast asleep," he laughed.

As the months passed and Mary's middle became larger, Chris figured she'd be getting tired of being pregnant. But, she only seemed to be happier. She looked bigger and more beautiful with each passing day. They were both getting more excited as the birth drew closer. With the new house almost ready, and their baby's imminent appearance, all was right with the world.

PART 21--THE CHOICE

The whole thing with the Achilles gang and JD accidentally shooting Annie happened when Mary was about 8 months pregnant. The night the gang came back for the body was the night their lives were changed forever.

Chris didn't like the idea of leaving Mary and Billy for the night, but felt he had to do his job, especially considering he hadn't been around much since beginning the new house.

Josiah offered to stay at the paper, making Chris feel a little better with the situation.

The night started off like any other and there was no reason to believe it would change. Until Chris heard the wagon being overturned, which lead to the gun fight in the middle of town.

After the last shot was fired, the dust had begun to settle. Chris told Vin to ride out in the morning to see which way they went. That was when *it* happened.

As their leader was heading back to the jail, the door to the Clarion flung open as Josiah bellowed, "CHRIS! NATHAN!"

Thinking that Mary might have been struck by a stray bullet, Chris was like a streak of lightening as he rushed towards home. Nathan and the others weren't far behind.

The father-to-be found his pregnant wife lying in their bed, crying hysterically and holding her stomach.

Josiah explained, "When she heard the gunfire, she got to the window and saw you out there, Chris. She just started crying and screaming for you. When she doubled over, holding her middle, I managed to carry her back to bed and called for you as soon as the shootin' stopped."

Chris tried to calm his wife, "Mary, honey, it's ok. I'm here. Everything's ok."

"Chris...I heard the guns....and saw you were....in the middle of it all. You could have been shot," she exclaimed in-between sobs.

"No, Mary. I'm ok. You have to calm down now," he tried.

"Mary, are you having contractions?" Nathan asked worridly.

But, Mary only continued to cry, until Chris spoke loudly to get her attention, "MARY! CALM DOWN! THINK ABOUT THE BABY!"

She finally stopped crying and slowly became aware of her surroundings and what was being asked of her.

Nathan asked again, "Are you having contractions?"

She shook her head no, as Chris climbed into bed with his wife and gathered her into his arms.

Nathan relieved his fears when he said, "Just keep her calm and she and the baby should be fine."

Exhausted, Mary fell asleep in her husband's arms. While Chris was left awake to ponder the night's events. He knew he shouldn't have left her alone tonight. Although he still had the responsibility to protect the town, he now had a family to also think about. And, Billy, Mary and their unborn child meant the world to him.

He figured the time would come when he would have to choose between his job and his family. Tonight was that time and he had almost made the wrong decision. He knew what he had to do. Laying here with his wife in his arms and feeling their baby move inside of her womb only reassure him of that.

Mary woke the next morning in Chris' arms. Turning to face him, she found he was already awake. Or maybe had never even slept, from the looks of him.

"Chris, I'm sorry about last night. But, all I could think about was you being shot and killed out there. I've watched you risk your life time and time again. I can't do it anymore. I won't do it. I can't raise another child alone. And I'm so afraid I'm going to end up doing just that 'cause you'll be killed one of these times. No more, Chris. Please, no more gunfights," she pleaded with him.

Chris listened to all she told him, then kissed her forehead and answered, "I'm sorry too, Mary. For leaving you alone and causing you so much worry. I've already decided, last night while I laid here with you in my arms, feeling that life in your belly, I'm resigning from being the law here. My family is so much more important to me and I'm not going to risk losing you."

So, it was decided that the seven men watching over Four Corners would be diminished to six. But, everyone knew Chris was much happier now with his new life and family and that's the way it should be.

PART 22--MAKING A HOME

Mary hadn't been out to the new homestead since that night in town with the shootout. Chris didn't want her traveling when it wasn't necessary. And besides, he wanted it to be a surprise when it was all done.

So, the day the house was ready to be presented to Mary, Chris arrived at lunchtime to take her there. He even insisted on blindfolding her not far from the house, so she could truly be surprised. Plus, he wanted to see her full reaction as she saw their new home for the first time.

When they stopped in front of the place, Chris turned in the wagon and removed the blindfold. The sight that greeted Mary was spectacular.

The house was two stories with a beautiful wrap around porch that went clear to the back. There were pillars from the porch clear to the roof of the second floor.

She felt the tears welling up in her eyes, as she looked to Chris and told him, "It's so beautiful, Chris! I love it! Oh, I can't wait to see the inside. Can we go in now?"

Happy she liked it so much, he helped her down and held her hand as they went up the seven steps to the front door. Stopping there, he quickly swept her up into his arms, momentarily startling her.

"Chris! What are you doing? Put me down. I'm much too heavy for you to be doing this to me!" she exclaimed.

"Come on, Mary! I'm carrying you across the threshold into your dream house. I wouldn't care if you weighed a ton, which you don't, I'm doing this!"

Once inside, Mary gasped at the most beautiful setting she'd ever laid her eyes on. The furniture they had picked out of the catalog was all in its rightful place. She hadn't even known it had come in already.

But, there were also other pieces of furniture that she didn't recognize. The china cupboard was the first piece to catch her attention. The craftsmanship on it was incredible.

"Chris, this is so beautiful. Where did you find it?" she asked.

"I made it," was his simple reply.

"I had no idea you were so good at making furniture. It's absolutely wonderful." she stated.

Downstairs there was a living room with a huge fireplace, a dining room to the left with a table Chris also had made. Along with enough chairs to include Buck, Vin, and the others. And beyond that room was a kitchen with so many cupboards and drawers, Mary wasn't sure if she'd have enough to fill them all. In the living room was a desk for Mary to be able to work on her paper even here at home.

Upstairs there were four bedrooms, one for each of them, plus an extra one for Buck, as he kept teasing it was for. They had decided to move their furniture from the newspaper office to these bedrooms, except Chris had one more surprise for his wife. In their bedroom was a bed of enormous size.

"Wow! A person could get lost in a bed that size, Chris!" she said excitedly.

Wrapping his arms around his wife, Chris replied, "Maybe that was my motive for making it for us! Do you like it?"

"Of course I do. The headborad is amazing. Why haven't I seen this hidden talent of yours before? You've done remarkable work with all of this."

"I didn't really do anything like this before. Mostly all I ever did was whittle small pieces. But, I've decided what I'm going to do since I'm not the law anymore. I'm going to start my own business making furniture. That should be a safer profession than being a hired gun," Chris said.

Grinning from ear to ear, Mary wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and agreed, "Oh, Chris! That makes me so happy. Now, you won't have to put yourself into danger all the time. I love you so much, Mr. Larabee."

PART 23--AND BABY MAKES........

The next night was their first night in their new house. And the move was not a moment too soon. The second night there, Mary went to bed shortly after dinner, leaving Chris and Billy to the clean up. She figured with all the unpacking and situating of everything in the new place, it was no wonder she was exhausted.

However, a few hours after Chris came to bed, he heard her moaning softly beside him.

After the third time she had done it, he reached over and gently shook her awake. "Mary? Mary, are you alright? You were moaning in your sleep."

She started to answer him but was quickly interrupted by a pretty strong labor pain.

When it had passed, she looked up into Chris' worried eyes and told him, "I think our baby is about ready to come into this world."

Shocked, Chris exclaimed, "What? Now? Well, I have to go and get Nathan!"

As soon as he finished his sentence, another pain shot through Mary.

"No, Chris. I think it's going to be soon. It didn't hurt this much with Billy 'til right before he was born."

"Who's going to deliver the baby then if Nathan doesn't have time to get here?" he asked, not really thinking straight.

"You," was all she said before yet another pain wrecked her body.

Dumbfounded, it finally started to sink in. But, she must be joking.

"ME? You're not serious?" he cried.

She snarled out to him, "Well, I don't think Billy's up for this. And since you're the only other one here, I guess it's up to you, Chris."

Continuing, she finished in a more calming voice, "Don't worry, we've both been through this before."

Quickly, he broke in, "Maybe you have. But I wasn't with Sarah when Adam was born. I don't know what to do, Mary. What if something goes wrong?"

"Nothing's going to go wrong, Chris. Women have been having babies since the beginning of time....and since my water just broke, you had better get yourself ready for this 'cause....it's not .....going ....to be ...long...now," she said as the pain became stronger.

Labor progressed quickly, and, with it, Chris accepted the fact that it was up to him and Mary to bring their baby into the world.

"Chris....it's time...I've got to push," she said as she began to bear down.

Chris' words of encouragement helped tremendously, "Come on, Mary. You can do it. Just a little bit more. I can see the head. Mary, the head's coming!!! Keep pushing, there you go, sweetheart. It's almost over...here it comes. One last push....there...it's a girl! Mary, we have a daughter! A baby girl!"

Mary, Chris and the baby were all crying as he laid his new daughter in Mary's arms. After kissing her forehead, he sat down on the bed to admire their daughter.

A few minutes passed, and Mary suddenly handed the baby to Chris and told him, "Chris, take the baby! I feel like I have to push again! I think I'm having another baby!"

After quickly taking the baby and laying her in the cradle beside the bed, he asked, "What do you mean, another baby?"

In between contractions, she answered, "Another baby....as in twins, Chris!.....We're having twins!"

Then screamed as the next head appeared and landed in Chris' waiting hands. As the rest of the baby emerged, Mary fell back against her pillow.

"What is it, Chris?" she asked tiredly.

As the baby started crying, Chris looked at his wife with tears running down his face, "A boy!" he announced.

He handed Mary their son, and walked over to pick up their daughter before returning to the bed. Both parents knew words couldn't express their feelings as they just sat there, holding their new children.

Finally, Mary spoke, "Well, we were both right, Chris. It was a girl and a boy."

Chris kissed her, then told her, "I love you so much, Mary. Two babies--WOW! Did we do good or what?"

Mary laughed, then kissed each baby, Christopher, Jr. and Elizabeth Larabee, welcome to the world."

The room began getting brighter as the sun started to come up. And the new parents were discovering the happiness they'd created together.

"Oh, Chris, they are so beautiful. Thank you for giving me our little boy and little girl. I love you," Mary beamed.

Kissing his wife, he then asked, "Think we should wake Billy up and introduce him to his little sister and brother?"

END