Observations: The Dance

by Jilly

"What does it say Vin?" she asked me. I squinted my eyes just slightly to read the poster she was working on in her office as I came for yet another of my lessons. It was my last one.

"Dance Saturday night at 7 o' clock," I said reading the poster to her. I could smell the rose scented lotion she used. It filled my sense easily, so I stepped away as Mary turned a bright smile on her face.

"Very good!" she said excitedly. I couldn't help but smile at her. Our lesson began.

+ + + + + + +

I can't believe it is our last lesson. It seemed so far away a few months ago, and now it's here. When he read my poster to me I was elated, and now I am sad. I am not sad because Vin has learned to read, but I am sad because now he won't be there to spend time with anymore. That's what I want. I sighed and tried once again to concentrate on Vin's lesson; and not Vin himself.

+ + + + + + +

It's over. The lessons, they are done. It creates such sadness in me I can't explain it, or describe it. I don't really want to either. All I know is that Mary and I no longer need to be this close any more. But I want to be. What do I do now about it? How can I begin this battle to win her heart? Do I have a chance to do so? God! Why can't I just be a normal man, one without a price on his head, and someone who can and wants to settle down? But am I? Can I? I sighed as I watched Mary. Her back was to me, but her shoulders were slumped as if she was sad about this as well. No she can't be. Can she? My eyes land on the poster she had been working on. Should I? I cleared my throat and jumped a bit when she turned.

"Vin is something wrong?" she asks me. I shuffle my feet ever so slightly, but not that anyone would notice.

"Mary I was wondering," I started. "Are you going with anyone to that dance?" I couldn't bring myself to look at her.

"No, I'm not," she said slowly walking over to me. I knew she had to be walking slowly cause I didn't hear her moving, and wasn't expecting her tiny hand on my arm.

"Well then maybe, do you think that we could go together? I mean, I could escort you?" I suggest, not looking at her directly. When I finally did I was not expecting the radiant smile on her face, an emotion, was it joy?, shining in her expressive eyes.

+ + + + + + +

"I'd really like that Vin," she said. Oh Lord! She said yes! She said yes? Was I hearing her right?! Um, what do I do now! Oh lord, I can't believe she said yes. But none of those emotions crossed my face I know. Ezra would be proud. I slowly give her a small smile. I once heard someone call it my lazy grin that sent women's hearts pounding, but I never realized it. Till now. Did Mary's heart pound when I gave it to her? I pondered that thought as I tipped my hat to her and left the newspaper office.

+ + + + + + +

He asked me to the dance! Oh Lord! I never expected that. But it's what I wanted. Wasn't it? Of course it was! I mean, it's what I have wanted I think forever. To have that strong and handsome, and quiet man being there for me. Taking me somewhere. Being my escort. My heart was fine as we talked, but then he smiled at me and my heart slammed against my ribs. I felt it too, that smile was any woman's dream. So soft and promising, yet barely there. I looked around my office and instantly began to wish that Saturday was there so that I can dance in Vin's strong arms and feel his body close to mine. I walked over to my desk and tried to get some work done.

+ + + + + + +

The dance is tonight. No, the dance is in half an hour, and I feel like I can barely breathe. I have to go get Mary soon, but I feel like I can't. No I have to. I love her. The thought startles me. I just admitted I love Mary Travis. I feel free to a point. I know what keeps me from feeling even more so, I haven't told Mary. I sigh and go to pick her up.

+ + + + + + +

I tug at the curl that won't stay in its place. I know it is because I am so nervous. I don't understand why. I know Vin, he and I are friends. But my mind is telling me that I know it's more. It is. I love him. I admitted it that day I found out he couldn't read. I love him. But why can't I tell him? Am I so scared he doesn't return it that I won't say it? He will be here soon to get me. I am almost ready. My ears perk up when I hear his boots on the boardwalk outside. His knock sounds on the door. I make my way to the door and open it. My breath catches. He looks so handsome. His buckskin pants are clean and he is just wearing a flowing white shirt. His jacket isn't on, and I realize it's the first time I have actually seen him without it on. His hat is off, oh how I want to run my fingers through his hair. I smile at him and take the flower he has. It's a single white rose. I wonder were he got it from, but I don't care.

"Are you ready?" he asks me. I nod my head and take his arm, choosing to take the rose with me. We walk in companionable silence to the seed exchange were the dance is all ready swinging. I wish for nothing more that to feel Vin take me into his arms. Perhaps later.

+ + + + + + +

I still can't believe she had said yes. It has been hours since we have arrived, and yet I still can't believe it. Feeling her in my arms as we danced felt so good. The silence between us as we walked here wasn't uncomfortable, and she still held the rose I gave her. I took great pride in catching her as she would slowly smile every so often lifting the flower to her nose and smelling it. I smile. I wanted to make her smile. I straighten as she walks over. I notice she is tired.

"Are you ready to go home now?" I ask her. I really don't want this to end, but I know we both need rest. Mary slowly nodded her eyes sleepy. I slip my arm around her waist. I tell myself it's to support her cause I know she is tired, but who am I kidding? I want to feel her close. Our night is coming to an end. We step in front of her door. Mary looks up at me, and instantly I feel myself drowning in her green eyes.

"Thank you Vin. I had a wonderful time," she says. I smile down at her. I gently brush my finger over her cheek.

"I had a wonderful time too," I say. Mary looked up into my face more, her lips parting slightly. I move closer and before I realize it, my lips are connected to hers. It feels natural, like coming home. My eyes flutter closed, and I feel Mary part her lips beneath mine. Slowly my tongue creeps out to taste her. She tastes like the punch that was served at the dance, with a hint of roses assaulting my senses. It is an incredible feeling, to feel her lips beneath mine. It feels so right. Very slowly, as if it would break fine china, we part. I look in her eyes as she gazes up at me.

"Good night Mary," I say my voice sounding husky with emotion. Mary slowly smiled.

"Good night Vin," she whispered. I signal with my fingers like tipping my hat to her and head to my wagon, making sure she walked inside of the newspaper office. I smile. Yes, it was like coming home.

+ + + + + + +

I touch my lips again as I head to bed. I can't believe we kissed. It was incredible, so right. I smile behind my hand as I reach for my brush to brush out my hair. I can still feel his lips on mine. I can still smell his skin, the smell I can only associate with Vin. A woodsy outdoor scent I only smell from him. I've been close enough to all the men to notice, and I could pick Vin out easily. His every fiber was intertwined in mine. His eyes, his hair, his scent. Everything. And now his taste. I know what he tastes like and I can dream about it tonight. Yes that's what I will do. Dream about Vin, and dream about the next time we share such a kiss. Maybe one with more passion? Yes definitely one with more passion.

The End
Next Story: The Courtship