Be My Valentine

The crisp blue sky that greeted Four Corners seemed almost like an intruder after the long cold winter that held the tiny village in its grip with its frigid winds and swirling snows. The welcomed interloper cast down its warm rays to beckon the inhabitants of the small town out in the open. To once again revel in the warmth of the sun and the companionship of their neighbors. As the citizens began to wander about town, the thunder of hooves and the crack of a whip announced the arrival of the first stage in weeks. Vin Tanner was leaning against the post awaiting the stage's arrival, when from behind he heard the thunder of tiny foot steps pounding the boardwalk in almost perfect unison with the stage that was moving swiftly down the main street.

Billy Travis darted out from behind Vin, and was just about to step into the path of the oncoming stage when Vin reached down and grabbed him by his coat collar. "Whoa Billy! Can't have you gettin' run over now can we?"

"Gotta go Vin." Billy said as he tried to wiggle his way out of Vin's arms.

Vin continued to hold onto the squirming boy until the stage passed and came to a stop in front of the hotel. Vin set the boy down and knelt down to face him. "Billy . . . you gotta' be more careful," he said with a grin.

"Yeah . . . .I know, but I got something to do, so I gotta go." He wrestled out of Vin's hold and darted across the street, still yelling something about where he was going, but Vin could not make out what it was.

Vin stepped back up onto the boardwalk, watched Billy bound down the street head for the general store. The ex-bounty hunter shook his head and smiled. He was so wrapped up in what could possibly have Billy so excited that he almost didn't notice the stage driver walking up to him.

"Hey! You Tanner?" Vin nodded. "I got something for ya'." The driver continued as he got closer.

He cocked his head in question and asked, "What is it?"

The driver reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a twice folded letter with faded writing on the envelope and handed it to him. Vin didn't need to know how to read to tell it was a woman's handwriting.

"A lady outside of Paradise had me stop the stage and gave me this here letter and asked me to hand deliver it to a Vin Tanner in Four Corners," the old driver recited.

Vin nodded his thanks to the driver and continued to stare at the letter. He couldn't imagine who would write him, let alone a woman. He was busy speculating as to who would write to him when he felt a hand reach over his shoulder to swipe at the letter. Vin swung around and there stood Buck with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Vin, " Buck began. "If a lady took the time to write ta ya' and stopped the stage to get it delivered to ya, don't you think you owe it to her to open it up . . . right now?"

Buck was grinning from ear to ear, he was dying to know who the letter was from. "Well? Open it up, Vin!"

Vin looked at his friend, grinned, and shook his head. He placed the letter in his pocket and stepped down from the boardwalk, heading for the livery.

"Vin!" Buck yelled after him, "Ain't ya gonna read the letter? Come on! Ya can't torture a man like that. It ain't fair!"

Vin started to walk down the street, glad to be outdoors. He was due to patrol the country around town and figured he would read the letter when he reached his special spot. A place he liked to go to be alone.

+ + + + + + +

Vin thoughts were interrupted when he strolled into the livery and saw Chris saddling his horse. "Mornin' cowboy."

Chris looked up from what he was doing and acknowledged the tracker with a small nod of the head and replied, "Mornin'. You headed out?"

"Yeah, thought I'd ride out to Baker's Canyon and then over to the flats and check on Reynold's place."

Chris nodded in agreement and then went back to finish tightening the cinch on his saddle. Vin walked up and leaned against a post. "Where you headed?"

The man in black who rarely smiled, let loose a smile like he meant it. "Told Billy that the first really nice day, I'd take him fishing." He paused and lowered the stirrup. "Plan on takin' him out to the pond over at Nettie's place."

Vin chuckled. "Do you really think you'll catch anything? The water ain't even warm yet."

"No." Chris laughed. "But Billy doesn't care. He just likes to fish, and..well, I'd like to spend some time with him. It's been awhile for me too."

Nothing more was said between the two gunman . . . nothing more needed to be said. Chris took the reins of his horse and led it out of the livery. He glanced back and watched Vin finish saddling his own mount. Chris hesitated a moment before adding, "Be careful out there. You never know what's coming till it's to late."

"Don't need no mama Chris," Vin shot back good naturedly. "I'll see ya' when I get back."

Vin gathered the reins and walked out of the livery to where the other man stood. Once outside he put his foot in the stirrup and swung his leg over the saddle and settled into the soft leather seat. He gathered the reins and looked down at Chris. He placed his fingers at his hat brim and tipped his head, then spurred his horse forward and rode slowly down the main street.

Chris was walking back to the Clarion when he saw Mary looking frantically up and down the street. He had to smile. He knew she was probably looking for her son, Billy, who had a knack of disappearing and worrying his mama unmercifully.

"Mary." Chris called out.

She spun around and walked towards him. She took his arm when she spoke to him. "Chris . . . have you seen Billy?"

"No, I haven't. We're suppose to go fishing." He replied.

"Yes, I know, but I can't find him," she said as she turned her head looking up and down the street. Chris watched her in amusement. She still had a grip on his arm as she moved around Chris in circles looking for her son. Chris continued to let the lady lead him around and slowly she entangled the both of them in the long leather reins attached to the bridle of his horse. Chris' horse began to pull back and when he did she was pulled into Chris's arms. She had to lean on him for fear of losing her balance and when she looked up at him, he was smiling down at her.

Flustered with being close to such a source of irritation, she demanded. "Mr. Larabee, DO something?!"

He chuckled, before replying, "Exactly what is it you'd like me to do Mrs. Travis? I can't let go of the horse, he'll drag us down the street, and I can't let go of you...you'll fall."

She looked at him and then at the horse. She wasn't sure who she was madder at . . . the man in black or his horse.

Chris' arm snaked further around her waist and he pulled her closer to him. He leaned down closer to her and whispered into her ear, "Mary, you're spooking my horse. Just relax."

She glared at him. NOW she knew who she was more upset at. "I'M spooking your horse Mr. Larabee?! I'm doing no such thing!"

At the sharp sound Chris' horse pranced further back and it was all Chris could do to calm his already fractious horse. He glanced over towards the saloon and noticed his friends standing there, enjoying his latest "go around" with the lady editor. He motioned with his head for Buck to give him a hand.

Buck stepped down from the boardwalk and strolled over at a leisurely pace to the entangled couple. As he got closer the grin on his face became wider.

He tipped his hat in greeting. "Mighty pretty day, ain't it Mary?"

She turned her head and scowled at the overly friendly cowboy. "It WAS a pretty day Mr. Wilmington. Do you think you could help us get out of this mess?"

"Why, yes ma'am, I think I surely can." He turned towards the horse, but before he did he caught Chris's eye and winked and began to lecture at Chris' horse, "Don't you know that ain't no way to treat a lady?"

It was all Chris could do not to laugh. Mary was obviously distressed over the situation and Buck wasn't helping. As Buck tried to calm the horse, the reins seem to grow tighter around Chris and Mary's legs. She was flush up against the gunslinger, and her usually unruffled demeanor was fading fast.

Buck was steadying the animal as best he could, but there was little in the way of leather between the bridle and the two people tangled together. "Whoa now . . . easy now . . . ." He chided at Chris' mount. "Chris, I think you better get outta' there. Now!" He said with emphasis on the word now.

The humor of the situation was gone, and Chris wanted to get Mary away from the predicament he found them in, before someone got hurt. Vin had started to ride out of town but turned around when he heard Mary calling for her son. He stood by at first, snickering at the plight of his two friends, but soon he realized that they needed to get out of the tangled leather reins quickly. He rode up and helped Buck calm the horse.

Jumping to the ground he grabbed horse's bridle. "I got the horse Buck," he yelled, "Cut the reins if you have too!"

Buck reached down and tried to untangle the reins, but the only way he could do that would be considered an ungentlemanly thing to do. He hesitated.

"Buck, do it now!" Chris warned.

Buck took a deep breath as he bent over and grabbed both of Mary's legs as he hoisted her over his shoulder.

"Ahhh!." She screamed, "Mr. Wilmington! What on earth do you think you're doing?! PUT ME DOWN!" She beat her fists against Buck's back.

With Mary out of the way, Chris was able to step out from the reins that wound around his legs, and when he was free, Buck rather unceremoniously dropped Mary in Chris's arms.

Chris's surprise of having Mary in his arms was nothing compared to the surprise to Mary of BEING in his arms.

"Put me down." She demanded tersely.

He gently placed her down on the ground and leaned closer to her, "Mary, everything is fine. Relax."

She was fuming as she struggled to free herself from him. "Relax! If you tell me that one more time Mr. Larabee . . . you won't have to wait for some gunman to shoot you . . . I'll do it myself."

She gathered up her skirts and stormed into the Clarion, slamming the door behind her so hard that the windows rattled.

The men were chuckling over the incident. Vin stepped out from behind Cinco. "Well pard, I think the lady mighta' meant what she said."

Chris spun around and frowned at Vin. He then turned to face Buck. "You just had to throw her over you shoulder didn't you Buck? Couldn't do it gently, could you?"

Buck shook his head, still grinning. "Well Chris, you told me to do something, and I did. Besides, makin' up with a lady can be mighty fun." He paused to let his words sink in. They did, and he got just the reaction he was expecting.

"Is that right Buck? I don't have nothin' to make up for! I'm not the one that threw her over my shoulder," he replied adamantly.

"Well, I don't know Chris. I ain't the one she threatened to shoot . . . .so you MUST have done SOMETHING wrong." He said with an infectious grin. "Oh hell Chris! Maybe that's what she wanted you to do all along."

Chris turned and walked up to Vin and grabbed the reins to his horse. "Women." He mumbled.

Chris started to walk towards the saloon while Vin and Buck were still chuckling over the incident. Buck hadn't had this much fun in quite a while.

"Hey Chris! Why don't you write that ad-vice column in Mary's newspaper? Maybe Miss Josephine can help sort this out for you."

Chris spun around, and if Buck wasn't such a good friend, he would have shot him for sure. He tied up his horse and slammed the batwing doors open and stormed inside.

Vin looked at the settling dust in front of the saloon and turned to Buck before saying, "He'll make you pay for that one pard."

Buck was still tickled with himself. "Yeah. Probably so. But then ain't it fun?"

+ + + + + + +

Billy bolted through the front door of the general store, practically taking out the display of fabrics and blankets.

"Billy Travis!" Came a voice of authority.

Billy stopped dead in his tracks and looked over at the person behind the counter.

"Sorry Mrs. Potter, I'm in a hurry. Chris is taking me fishing, and I got something to do first. Is Casey here?" he finished in one breath.

Mrs. Potter smiled and shook her head. "I don't know what all this secrecy is about. But she's in the back."

Billy ran through the store like a whirlwind and opened the door to the family quarters in the rear of the building. He stopped and smiled when he saw that Casey was still there.

"Casey, did you get everything?" he asked.

"'Course, Let's see what you have," she replied.

Billy pulled out a piece of lace trim, very dainty and white.

Casey took the trim and laid it on the table. "This will do just fine Billy. Is it from something your ma wears?" she asked.

"Yeah," he replied sadly.

"Billy, what's wrong?"

"It's a piece of lace from my ma's wedding dress. She kept it in a book in her room. I thought if I used it on her card, it could be from papa and me," he finished softly.

Casey stooped down and took his face in her hand. "I think that's a fine idea Billy, and your ma's gonna love it."

The two sat down at the kitchen table in the back of Mrs. Potter's store, hovering over the creation of something special for Billy to give his mother for Valentine's Day.

When Casey and Billy got through, they sat back and admired the handiwork. "Oh Billy, your ma's just going to love it."

"Think so?" He smiled at the card he made his mother. Mrs. Potter had given them some red paper and Casey had made lacey cut out hearts to glue on it and the largest heart in the middle had the lace from her wedding dress around it. And in the center of the heart it read . . . . To the most wonderful Valentine of all.

Casey looked at Billy as he looked at the card. "Ya' know? I'd love to get a card like this. I'm sure your ma will too." She paused, "Are you going to sign it."

He looked up at her and shook his head. "Oh no, I want it to be a surprise."

Casey reached over to the other end of the table and folded a sheet of paper and glued the ends. "Here you go. Just like one of those fancy-store bought cards. Here's an envelope." She took the card and slid it into the envelope. It was a perfect fit. She picked up the pen and wrote on the outside of the envelope . . . ..To My Valentine.

Billy looked at the envelope. "Why didn't you put ma's name on it?" He asked.

"Billy," she explained. "If we write ma on it, she'll know it's from you, and you can't call her Mary, now can you?"

"No, guess not," he replied as he shrugged his shoulders, still a bit puzzled.

He picked up the envelope. All the while smiling at the card and at Casey.

Casey got up from the table and ran her hand through the boys' hair, messing it up. "Ok squirt. We need to go. Chris'll will be waiting for us."

Billy looked startled. "Chris, we're suppose to go fishing."

Casey stood up. "I know. I'm going along too. So come on, let's go!" She said as she picked Billy and the two scurried out of the kitchen, through the general store, and out to the boardwalk. They hurried down the main street, heading for the newspaper office.

+ + + + + + +

Chris was just walking out of the saloon when he spotted Casey and Billy running down the street. Mary stepped out of the newspaper office just as the pair were about to reach Chris.

"Billy!" Mary called.

Billy stopped in his tracks. He looked at his ma and then back at Casey. She leaned down and whispered, "Give me the card Billy. I'll hide it for you."

She took the card and watched Billy run to his mother. She turned around and walked to her horse. "Sorry we're late Mr. Larabee. We had something that couldn't wait," she explained.

"That's ok Casey. Are you ready now," he asked.

She looked back at Billy and noticed Mary walking Billy across the street. She had the envelope in her hand and she turned to Chris. "Mr. Larabee, hold onto this for me will you?" she pleaded.

Chris nodded his head and looked at the envelope. He could tell the writing was Casey's and it was probably for JD he thought. Billy saw the exchange and gave a sigh of relief; if Chris had it, it would be safe.

Before he walked back to his horse he handed the card to JD. "Here."

JD looked at the envelope and recognized it was Casey's handwriting. He opened the card and read it. He looked up at Casey and smiled at her. He had never received a Valentine's Day card from a girl before. What was he to do now? He put the card down on the table outside the saloon and walked over to Casey.

"Casey, hi. How ya' doing?" he said nervously as he removed his hat, not knowing what else to ask her.

She grinned and stared down at him. "Fine JD. What's wrong with you?"

"Nothin' Casey. Nothin' at all," he replied, flustered by her tone. "Find day ain't it?"

"JD are sure you ain't sick?" she asked, puzzled by his behavior.

"No I ain't sick. I just thought . . . " he stumbled along.

When Billy ran up to Chris he saw the envelope in JD's hand and gasped. He looked back to his mother. He grabbed Chris's arm. "Why does JD have ma's card?"

Chris wrinkled his brow. "That's your ma's card Billy?" he asked.

Billy's eyes grew wider, and he shook his head. He could not say yes, because then it would not be surprise anymore. Chris walked over to his horse and hoisted Billy up in the saddle.

Chris then walked back to the table and retrieved the envelope. "I'll be right back." He said as he ducked into the saloon.

Once inside he noticed Ezra at his usual table. "Ezra," he said as he placed the card down in front of him. "This is for Mary. See that she gets it, will ya?"

The gambler looked at the card and then his eyes drifted up towards the gunman. "It would be my pleasure sir."

"Yeah, thanks."

Ezra picked up the card and thought to himself, 'Why is Mr. Larabee giving Mary a card? Unless? A smile crossed his face at the thought of Chris finally extending a gesture in the general direction of Mrs. Travis.

"Well, Mr. Larabee, perhaps this morning's encounter has at last provided you with the momentum to pursue our lady editor after all," he said softly and snickered as he tucked the card into his pocket.

+ + + + + + +

As Vin rode to the top of the crest that overlooked the small fertile valley below he could not help but smile. He loved this place. He loved the solitude, but more importantly, he liked the stillness and quiet that surrounded him here. Off to the east was a small pond that pooled there from the run-off of the mountains. To the west was a stand of cottonwoods, swaying in the crisp winter air. The blue sky hung like a fine painting to be admired and enjoyed and the winds that whipped through the mountains created the finest music imaginable.

Vin stepped down from Peso and let the reins drop to the ground. He walked over to the edge of the bluff and scanned the far horizon. As he knelt down, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the letter the stage driver gave him. He looked at the name scrolled across the front of the envelope Vin Tanner. He could not imagine who would be writing to him. He wasn't even sure where Paradise was. He had never heard of the town before, but that wasn't unusual. Towns were cropping up everywhere.

He slipped his hand beneath the seal on the envelope, then ran it along the edge. The white linen paper felt fine against his callused fingers. He opened the letter and smiled. It was the first letter he had received since learning to read.

As his eyes moved slowly back and forth across the written page. He stood up. His heart began to race when he realized who the letter was from. He drew a deep breath and swallowed hard.

He read each word at least twice especially the last five words in the letter. I will never forget you. When he was through, he folded the letter into the envelope and gently slipped it back inside his jacket.

He walked back to his horse and gathered the reins. He touched Peso's head and turned around looked out at the vision that only moments ago gave him such peace. He placed his foot in the stirrup and swung up into the saddle. The scared heart once again wept for a life that could never be. He rode silently back to town and towards the only life he knew.

+ + + + + + +

The little bell on the door tinkled as Ezra opened the door to the office of The Clarion . . . or at least, it should have rung. After his entrance, Ezra was bombarded with the smell of ink, the sound of machinery grinding and the very unladylike curses of a disheveled looking Mary who was pounding a tool of some sort against the massive printing press.

"Good Afternoon, Mrs. Travis."

Mary continued her banging and muttering. She obviously had not heard him.

Ezra tried again, this time, a little louder, "Good Afternoon, Mrs. Travis!"

There was still no response . . . .

"Perhaps," thought Ezra, "this would not be the ideal time to foist the prose of devotion upon Mr. Larabee's amore."

He was about to try again as a particularly loud bang followed by a shriek of frustration followed. Mary looked up and saw Ezra standing there and a look of hope crossed her face. Ezra who was practiced in the art of recognizing that he was about to be asked to engage in menial labor, and who did not relish the idea of dirtying his new New York City shirt, hastily retreated back out the door. But not before leaving the card in an envelope on the table, and calling out even as he fled, "Larabee sends a declaration of his intentions. Good Day!"

Mary had seen the look of panic that briefly crossed Ezra's face when she had seen him. She saw him leave something on the table and heard him utter the word "Lara—intentions . . . " before running out the door. She was about to call out to him, to ask him to repeat what he had said, but suddenly her machine sputtered and coughed and began running again. She had not heard anything for quite some time after that, so intent was she on getting the next edition of The Clarion out.

After all, she had a hit on her hands. In honor of Valentine's Day, Mary had recruited an advice columnist, "Miss Josephine," to give advice to the lovelorn. What she had thought would be an "interesting" gesture had taken on a life of its own. Everyone in town eagerly awaited each days issue to see what advice "Miss Josephine" would give. Not to mention everyone was trying to figure out who "Miss Josephine" was. Since Mary had declared it a secret. Questions would be dropped in the church box and every evening, the questions would be answered. Josiah was no help either. He refused to identify the writer's name as well.

It was a few hours later when she finally ceased work and wandered over to the desk to take a sip of water. Only then did she notice the envelope. Puzzled, she opened it up, flipped it over, and read it. It took only a few seconds to make the connection. "Oh my God!" Mary thought. "This simply can't be. Ezra can't possibly be in love with me? But what else could explain his panicked look? Ezra must have tried to slip me the card, and then in alarm at being found out left quickly. I've got to talk to him." Quickly, she tucked the card in a large pocket in her dress and exited into the street. Distracted as she was, she did not see the oncoming carriage until Buck had already pulled her back to safety.

"Almost had an accident there, Mary. That's almost two in one day. Gotta be careful," chastised Buck.

Mary looked up at the resident Romeo and said somewhat distractedly, "Yes, but something's just happen without rhyme nor reason." She patted his arm good naturedly and walked off again, still in search of Ezra.

Buck took his hat off in confusion, and moved to call out to her, when he noticed the card on the ground. He picked it up, opened it, read it, and his eyes widened in horror. Had Mary meant for him to have this? Is that what she had meant by "without rhyme nor reason"? What about Chris? Oh no. Chris! Chris was going to kill him. Chris was his best friend and the girl the man in black could not bring himself to admit he liked, had just declared her love for Buck. What he needed now was a good stiff drink. He still had the rest of the day to figure out what to do about this. He walked quickly towards the saloon. Ezra would be there. Ezra would know what to do. That "damned" Southerner would be able to help him solve this dilemma.

Meanwhile, Ezra had settled himself comfortably into a corner watching the newcomers at the card table out of the corner of his eye. It seemed that there might be a fruit ripe for the picking. He had already done his good deed for the day by delivering the letter and so his conscience was clear and read y to wreak a little havoc. Unfortunately at that chosen moment, the "missus" entered the scene and firmly escorted her mate out of the "den of sin." Ezra's handsome face soured at the sight of the wife's escort, who was grinning a toothsome smile back at him.

"Mr. Wilmington," Ezra said dryly.

Buck pretended not to notice the negative tone and bellowed heartily and somewhat desperately in one breath, "Hey Ezra! Whew! That little lady's madder than a hornet ready to sting, ain't she. Sure glad I ain't him. She seemed sweet enough while she was pacing outside. Right purty too. You know the kind right?"

"It's nice to know that nothing escapes your scrutiny, Buck."

"Apparently SHE did."

"If you are referring to Miss Roscillos, I am sure that she is around, trying desperately to avoid your "animal magnetism."

"Well," concluded Buck, who seemed undeterred by the sarcasm laced statement, "we'll just have to help her along."

His curiosity getting the best of him, Ezra sighed deeply, thinking that they were still talking about Inez, asked, "And how do you plan to manage the incredible feat of getting Inez to come to you?"

Buck grinned; he could not resist such a challenge, and he did need a drink. Buck leaned down and whispered conspiratorially, "Watch and learn, Ezra. Watch and learn . . . ." And with that proceeded to sit himself down, next to Ezra, and propped his long legs up on the table and crossed his legs and began to count under his breath, "One. Two. Three—."

Seconds later, "FEET on the floor, Senor Buck."

"Inez!" Darling! How good of you to come because today is your lucky day—."

"Perdon senor, pero your feet are still up and in making a mess in my cantina, which I must clean, so forgive me if I do not feel lucky."

"But sweetheart, you didn't let me finish, today is the day you can finally give your corazon to the man you love," he concluded with a wink and smile.

"What do you want to order today Buck?"

Buck's smile faded, as he remembered why he was in the saloon. "Just a beer Inez. Thanks."

She nodded, and a short while later she returned with the beer.

Buck opened his mouth to speak just as Josiah, looking a bit haggard, walked in and sat down with the duo. Buck gulped down the remainder of his beer and fled. The card fluttering to the floor as he vacated his seat. Neither of the other two men noticed it.

An hour later, Inez returned to the table to collect the empty glasses. Josiah was the only one at the table. Ezra was at the gaming tables, but his red jacket hung on the back of one of the chairs. Inez nodded to Josiah and he greeted her with a smile. Then something on the floor caught her eye. Assuming it had fallen out of the Ezra's jacket, she knelt and slipped it into Ezra's jacket pocket without even looking at it. Ezra, on the other hand, was returning to claim his coat, and had very clearly seen Inez put something in it. By the time he got to the table though, Inez had already collected the glasses and left.

Ezra opened the card and was amazed at the content. He was also a bit confused. Inez had never shown any interest in him before this. How could he have missed the signs? Had there even been any signs? He scanned the room for her, but she was nowhere to be found. What about Buck? Oh no. Buck! Buck was going to kill him. Buck had been trying to get Inez to go out with him for ages, and the girl had just declared her love for him.

Ezra decided to get the heck out of the saloon before Buck could hunt him down. If Buck found him, Ezra had no doubt he would find himself soon skewered on the pointy end of Don Paulo's son's blade. He bid a hasty farewell to Josiah, but upon his exit, he saw Buck coming at his with a determined and somewhat maniacal gleam in his eye.

"Hey Ezra! I wanna talk to you!" hollered Buck.

That cinched it. Ezra took off at a dead run, a very un-Standish-like thing to do. Ezra turned the corner, only to run into Vin and Nathan. They seemed to be talking at length about something. Ezra did not ask what the topic was. His mother had taught him to get rid of all evidence connecting him to the crime. He practically shoved the card into Nathan's hands, tipped his hat, and continued running . . . .

Buck scratched his head in confusion. He had no idea why Ezra had taken off like that. Chris would be coming back soon and then all hell was going to break loose.

+ + + + + + +

Josiah sat alone, staring at the glass in his hand. So lost in his thoughts of how he had been railroaded into such an uncomfortable situation that he never noticed the friend who walked into the saloon. Not until he felt a hand on his broad shoulder did he look up from the table.

"Josiah, are you all right? You look like you lost your best friend." Nathan asked with a grin.

"I don't think I've lost anything yet. However the day is young." He answered back with such gloom and doom that even for Josiah it was odd.

"Come on, it can't be all that bad. It's a beautiful day, and Rain is coming for a visit," Nathan punctuated his statement with an even broader smile.

"Rain? Coming here? Is something wrong?"

"Josiah, remember? I told you about it last week. I wanted to do something nice for her. It being Valentine's Day and all."

Josiah nodded his head, "So you did brother."

"Josiah, I don't know what's has come over everyone. First Ezra, now you."

Josiah lifted his head and stared at his friend. "What do you mean 'First Ezra'? What has our resident card shark done this time? Fleeced some poor unsuspecting mortal again?"

Nathan was in to good a mood to be drawn into this banter with Josiah . . . not today. "Probably," he admitted with a chuckle. "But that ain't it. Remember last night when we was playing poker and I mentioned that I'd like to give something to Rain that was nice and pretty."

Josiah nodded. "Yes, I seem to remember you saying that."

"Well, Ezra just gave me this really nice card to give to Rain and then took off running. He didn't even ask for no kind of payment or nothing." Nathan opened the card and smiled. Inside was the loveliest card he had ever seen. It had lace around the edge of the heart.

Josiah looked across the table and saw pure happiness written on his friend's face.

Without lifting his eyes from the card Nathan said. "You know, I was gonna write to that 'Miss Josephine' to ask her advice on what to get Rain, but I think Ezra's idea is just fine. What do you think Josiah?" When he looked up and stared at the preacher as a look of pure terror slowly crossed Josiah's face.

The big man started to rise and say something, then thought better of it. He waved his hand in the air and started to leave the saloon. Nathan was on his feet and grabbed him.

"Josiah! What has got you so distracted?" Josiah's saddened blue eyes looked at him and then past him. For a moment Nathan wasn't sure if he was going to say something or not. He knew Josiah was a private man, but this was different. "Please . . . let me help," Nathan implored.

"Help? I wish you could. But I'm afraid . . . " He sighed deeply. "I'm afraid there's nothing I can do but ride it out."

"Josiah, ain't nothing that bad."

"Not that bad." He snickered, all the while measuring his friend. "If I tell you this . . . you better swear never to breathe a word. I'll break your back, you know I can."

Nathan chuckled. "That's a fact all right."

Josiah pushed open the batwing doors and he and Nathan strolled across the street to the hotel. While the two men were engrossed in their intense conversation, they became a curiosity to two men seated on the boardwalk outside the saloon.

Vin and Buck scrutinized the two men . . . and Buck chuckled to himself. He turned around and was about to speak to Vin when he noticed the wistful expression on his face. He leaned over and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Nothing's that bad Vin. Ya' wanna share some?" He asked.

Vin looked up and caught Buck's eye and shook his head and looked down at the worn planks that shaped the boardwalk beneath him. Buck was about to goad him a bit when a commotion from across the street caught his attention. He turned around just in time to see Josiah stomp off towards the church with Nathan fast on his heels, apologizing every step of the way.

He turned back to Vin and inquired, "What do you suppose that was all about?"

"No tellin'," Vin replied. "But something's got Josiah riled up."

Buck turned towards Vin. "Yeah you're right. I sure hope it ain't catchin'."

+ + + + + + +

Josiah stormed into the church, furious with Nathan for laughing at him. He was about to start throwing things when the door slammed behind him. He spun around to face the person who just walked in.

Nathan removed his hat, but could not get rid of the grin on his face. "Josiah, I am truly sorry for laughing at you," he paused to compose himself. "I truly am, but how did you get talked into such a thing anyway?"

The preacher dropped into the chair he had in his hand and sat down. He looked up at Nathan and threw up his hands in despair. "I don't know. One minute we were just talking and the next minute, I'm writing this column in Mary's paper." Josiah shook his head before continuing sadly. "I don't even think I saw it coming."

"They can be like that for sure." He said as he walked towards where Josiah sat. "Fact is, they can be down right deceitful sometimes," and chuckled before adding, "Even though we know better, we just do what they ask anyway, I suppose."

Josiah nodded his head in sad agreement. But smiled to himself when he thought about the lady editor and the day she stopped by to chat with him. "Some chat," he mumbled.

+ + + + + + +

Buck was still seated outside the saloon when he saw two riders coming down the main street. He glanced up towards the sun and noticed the sun was half way through the sky and the afternoon was growing short. When he stepped down from the boardwalk to greet the riders, he felt the sudden chill in the air.

"Howdy pard. Billy?" he paused. "Catch anything?"

Chris stopped his mount and swung his leg over the back of his horse. He shook his head to indicate a negative answer when he caught Buck's eye as he tied his horse to the rail. He walked around the animal and reached up and helped Billy down from his pony.

Buck stooped down and pulled at Billy's jacket. "Hey pard, it's ok. Gotta leave some of them big fish . . . so's that they can make little fish."

Chris was leaning against the pony, listening to Buck try to finagle a smile out of the boy. Billy had so wanted to catch something to bring home for his ma.

"I told Billy that next time we'll catch some fish and have his ma cook em' up for us." He tousled Billy's hair. "What do ya' say?"

Billy looked up at Chris the man he idolized, nodded his head, and offered up a meager attempt at a smile. As Chris turned around he ran into the person walking up to them, Billy's mother, Mary.

She looked at Chris and then at her son. She was still furious with the gunslinger, but he was always kind and caring towards her son. She stiffened when he placed his hands on her arms to catch her and in her most sarcastic tone said, "Mr. Larabee, it seems as if we are destined to run into each other today."

Chris raised his hand to his hat brim and tipped his head forward and bent down closer to her and growled good naturedly, "Afternoon ma'am."

Buck stood up and watched the sparks fly between his best friend and a woman that he was sure was just about perfect for him. He chuckled to himself and then remembered the card. He sobered up quickly.

Before he could think he yelled out, "Wait!"

Chris walked past Mary and turned to stare at Buck. Mary and Billy were about to leave the men to whatever men do when Buck had yelled out.

"Wait? Wait for what?" Chris asked.

"Well . . . .ah . . . .you see . . . ." He didn't know exactly what to do to get these two together, but he knew he needed to give Chris a chance to win back the woman that Chris did not even know that he had lost yet. "Uh, Billy . . . ." He paused and nodded his head.

Mary looked at her son and asked Buck, "Billy, what, Mr. Wilmington?"

"Well, Billy wanted to have Chris come to dinner tonight. That's it. I mean, that's all. He wanted you to invite Chris to dinner." Buck's infectious grin was nothing compared to the dangerous look he was getting from Chris.

Mary began to fidget and looked down at her son. His sorrowful face had lit up at the prospect of Chris coming to dinner. Mary took a deep breath and turned to the man who irritated her more than most. "Of course. Mr. Larabee, we would be honored if you would care to join us for dinner."

Billy ran up to the gunslinger and jumped into his arms. "Will ya Chris? Please!"

Chris looked at Billy and then at Mary and nodded his head.

Mary walked towards them. "Well then. Mr. Larabee we will be eating in about 30 minutes." She reached down and took Billy's hand before continuing, "We'll see you then." She and Billy turned and headed back to the Clarion.

Buck walked up to Chris feeling very self satisfied and slapped him on the back. "Well pard, the rest is up to you."

Chris turned on him quicker than lightening and grabbed the front of his jacket. "You'll pay for this Buck. What kind of stunt are you trying to pull?"

"Now hold on! You know you like the lady, and she likes you, but the two of you are always at each other." He paused hoping Chris would let go of him. "Now's your chance to say you're sorry for this morning."

"Sorry? For what?" he snapped.

Buck began to chuckle. "Well Chris, I ain't rightly sure, but whatever you did, she was going to shoot ya' for it." Chris finally let him go, but Buck wasn't done yet. "You know, she's a right pretty lady . . . .and well, there might be someone else that thinks that way too, and you never know who that might be."

Chris caught the gist of what Buck was saying and stormed off to the saloon for a drink before joining Mary and Billy for dinner. He wasn't sure what he needed to apologize for but he did catch the part about someone being interested in Mary and for some reason, that didn't sit well with him.

When he got to the bat wing doors of the saloon he stopped. He slowly looked down at his attire. He was dusty and dirty, which was no way to have dinner with a lady. He turned around and headed for his room at the boarding house.

+ + + + + + +

Chris' presence in Four Corners was never taken for granted; he was their guardian, dark and dangerous. It wasn't that he was feared; everyone just stayed a safe distance for the good of their own health. So about 25 minutes later, when he walked down the main street, something drew the attention of the citizens of the small community. He was still in dark and lean as ever, however, today something was different. Maybe his pace was different? Or maybe his expression might have been different? But more than likely it was the flowers he clutched almost nervously in his hand.

He stepped up to the boardwalk and opened the door to the Clarion. Once inside he was met by an enthusiastic Billy. Excited that his hero was coming to dinner.

Mary heard the commotion coming from the front room and stepped into the office and saw Billy in Chris's arms. He didn't notice her at first and she was able to watch the two of them together. She folded her arms and smiled. Chris looked up in time to see the smile on her face and walked towards her.

"Thought you might like these," he said handing her the flowers rather unceremoniously as he strolled past her still carrying Billy.

Mary raised the flowers to her nose and sniffed the soft fragrance of prairie wildflowers. She glanced back at him and shook her head. She found it hard to believe that not only had he actually shown up for dinner, but that he had brought her flowers too.

"Well," she whispered.

She turned and slowly walked towards he kitchen and stopped. She was remembering something from this morning. What was it? The card, that was it. What was it that Ezra said about Mr. Larabee, something about . . . . "Oh!" she said aloud and then peered over her shoulder to look at Chris and Billy in the parlor.

"It couldn't be . . . . No! . . . but then . . . ." She paused, then walked to the cupboard and retrieved a small crystal vase to put the flowers in and then looked back at Chris with Billy.

"Could Chris have sent me the card?" she whispered to herself as she watched Chris fuss over her son.

+ + + + + + +*

The dinner conversation left a lot to be desired and the two grown-ups were acting more like children then Billy. Fortunately for the adults at the table, Billy was able to carry most of the conversation and keep both of them amused with his questions and antics. Mary wasn't exactly sure what to do about the situation with the man sitting across from her and she was equally unsure of what he would do next. She played with the food on her plate, deep in her own thoughts when she was brought back to the present by the laughter of her son. She looked up in time to see joy and contentment on Chris's face, and it warmed her heart. Maybe I shouldn't expect too much she thought, after all, it wasn't like he was courting her. She didn't even know if she would want him to do so.

Chris was enjoying Billy's fish stories more than he cared to admit. The more Billy talked, the more he giggled. And Chris laughed right along with him. Chris hadn't known such peace in a long time. He hadn't realized how he missed the simple family things that he and his wife and son had shared. He sat back in his chair and smiled at the boy as he reached over and tousled his head of blond hair. When he glanced up at the boy's mother, he caught her staring at him. He smiled at her kindly as she tried to avert her eyes and began to blush ever so slightly.

After dessert was served, Mary rose from her chair and began clearing off the table. She walked into the kitchen and Chris followed her with a handful of dishes.

"Where do you want these?" he asked.

"Why, over there would be fine. Thank you," she said and pointed to the counter next to her.

"Need some help?" Chris asked.

She turned around to look. "That's kind of you to offer. Do you think you can handle drying?"

Chris chuckled. "Yeah, I think so. I used to do it." He paused. "I used to do it a long time ago." He stopped and walked over to the table and picked up a towel.

Mary could only imagine what he was about to say and didn't press him to finish. They worked in silence, neither speaking, only going about their respective chore. When all of the dishes had been washed and dried and put away Chris left the kitchen and picked up his hat to leave. He turned to see her standing in the doorway, waiting for him, or waiting for something from him. He walked towards her and when he finally reached her, he hesitated and picked his words carefully and neutrally. "Thank you for dinner Mary. Will you say good bye to Billy for me?" Mary nodded. He put his hat on and walked towards the front of the Clarion, but paused again when he reached the door.

With his hand on the doorknob he turned and looked at the lady watching him. He cleared his throat. "Ah . . . .I'm sorry." He tipped his hat and opened the door and was gone before she could acknowledge what he said.

Mary was leaning on the door, still puzzled by one Chris Larabee, when Billy ran into the room.

"Where's Chris?" He asked.

Mary looked down at her son. "He had to leave but he said--" that was as far as she got.

"Leave? He can't leave!" Billy bolted out the front door before Mary could stop him.

+ + + + + + +

Long shadows began to slowly creep across main street as Chris Larabee stepped onto the boardwalk. He glanced up to the sky and knew that within the hour . . . . . . the impending darkness would once again reclaim the day, and the cold bite of winter would return. He was impervious to the chilly wind as it picked up strength, no amount of cold could replace the warmth this evening had wrapped him in. His thoughts were of a simpler time, when his evenings were much like this evening filled with the sounds of laughter and the silence of peace.

Standing in front of the saloon he observed the activity around him. He saw Vin walking towards him from the livery. His head hung low and his pace not quite as sure as usual. A look over his shoulder he saw Josiah sweeping the front steps of the church. Every other swipe of the broom he would pause and lean against the stick in his hand as if he were carrying the weight of the world. From the laughter and banter coming from the saloon he knew that Buck was handing out more "brotherly" advice to the youngest member of the group. Over JD's protest could hear Casey's laughter. He smiled as he listened to JD's rebuttal to Buck's unsolicited guidance. Above the noise of the saloon he could hear the distinctive southern drawl of Four Corners resident gambler as he beckoned the newest arrivals to join him in a game of chance, "Good evening gentlemen, care for a game of chance?"

Across the street, on the second floor stood Nathan, only he wasn't alone, there was a woman with him. It was difficult to make out who it was but then he really didn't have to see who it was to know there was only one woman Nathan would be with . . . ..Rain. Chris smiled.

He watched quietly and listened to the sounds around him. How had he come to find such a place as Four Corners? he mused. He shook his head while waiting for the answer. Watching Nathan with Rain he shuddered to think what would have happened if he and Vin hadn't stepped in to stop the hanging. What if they hadn't? But they had, and things began to change for him. Slowly, but he began to care again. He couldn't explain the change, let alone understand it, all he knew was that he was a better man for it.

He was reflecting on the past, not the painful past, but the past that provided him comfort and strength. The part of his past that touched his heart gently and warmed his soul. He was about to join the others for a drink when he heard someone calling his name. He turned around to see Billy Travis running towards him.

"Chris! Chris!" Billy shouted.

The frantic look on the boys face caused Chris alarm. He stepped down into the street and started towards the boy. Half way to him he bent down and scooped him up.

"Billy, what's wrong?" He looked at Billy and then Mary.

Mary ran to her son. "Billy, what is it?"

Billy looked frantically at Chris and clamored, "Where is it? Where'd you put it?"

Chris wrinkled his brow and placed the boy down on the ground, then knelt down next to him. "Where is what, Billy?"

Billy shouted, "The card, the one you had this morning."

+ + + + + + +

JD met up with Casey right outside of the saloon when they saw Billy running towards Chris. They watched as Chris scooped the boy up in his arms and saw the frantic look on Mary's face, followed by the questioning look that appeared on Chris' face.

JD grabbed Casey's arm. "Go get Buck! Something's wrong."

Casey looked at JD and nodded; she ducked into the saloon.

JD ran to where Chris and Mary were standing, trying to calm Billy. As Vin passed the church Josiah joined him as they headed towards the small crowd. Buck, Ezra, and Inez bolted through the bat wing doors like they had been shot out of a cannon. Soon almost everyone had surrounded around Chris and the boy.

+ + + + + + +

Chris was still puzzled over the card Billy was talking about. "Card?" He asked.

Billy was out of breath and tears rolled down his cheek. "Yes, the card Casey gave you this morning; I need it."

"You need the card Casey gave JD? Is that it, Billy? I thought it was for your ma?" Chris asked.

Billy first shook his head and then nodded it.

Casey was stunned by what Chris said. "The card I gave JD? I didn't give JD a card."

JD looked at her and smiled smugly. "Yes you did. It's OK, I knew. Chris gave it to me and told me it was from you."

Everyone looked at Chris as he stood up. "I thought it was for JD, it was Casey's handwriting. Later Billy said it was for his ma, and I gave it to Ezra to give to Mary."

JD looked crushed. "The card wasn't for me?"

Everyone ignored him, and all eyes shifted towards the gambler. Ezra looked at everyone and frowned. He didn't like being cornered. "Excuse me gentlemen, but I think this is my cue to leave." He was turned around and ready to exit the scene swiftly, when he felt a large hand clap onto his shoulder. He turned around ever so slowly and smiled weakly before saying, "Yes, well, as I recall, Mr. Larabee came into the saloon and gave it to me, told me to deliver the card to Mrs. Travis at the newspaper office."

"I thought it was from . . . " Mary paused, and turned a shade lighter than the red heart on the card in question. "I put it in my pocket and then I couldn't find it."

Meekly Buck stepped forward. "I found it on the boardwalk, outside the Clarion, I . . . . ah . . . thought it was from Mary." He paused, positive that the lady would hit him at any moment and hurried to finish. "Then I took it to the saloon, where I might add, someone stole it, 'cause I never could find it again."

Inez grabbed hold of Buck's arm and spun him around to start berating him. Grateful to have Inez speak to him he just could not resist the temptation and grinned at her before declaring, "You don't have to use force darlin, I'm here for you, day or night." He grinned toothily at her.

"I did not STEAL the card Senor, I found it on the floor." She paused long enough to turn towards Ezra. "I thought it belonged to Ezra and put it back in his pocket."

A look of astonishment permeated Ezra's face. "THAT?! That was the card I delivered to Mrs. Travis, that was card?!" he repeated like a somewhat demented parrot. "It was in an envelope before . . . " He turned to Inez. "I thought you, but . . . " At last something had left the gambler totally speechless.

Everyone looked at one another, each asking the same question silently, where was the card now? Just then Nathan and Rain strolled over to where everyone stood.

They stopped short, looking at the expression on everyone's face. He was about to ask what the problem was when Billy found his vocal cords again.

He pointed to Rain and announced loudly, "She has my card!"

Nathan saw how upset Billy was and the confused looked on Rain's face. He slowly turned around and then glared at Ezra. "I just knew it was to good to be true, you doing something nice for somebody."

"Nathan," Josiah soothed, "It's not like you think, there seems to have been a lot of jumping to the wrong conclusion all the way around and you're doing some of the same."

Rain walked over to Billy and knelt down in front of him and held out her hand. "Is this your card Billy?"

Billy nodded his head and sniffed out, "Yes ma'am."

She opened the card and smiled up at the boy. "You made this for your ma, didn't you?"

Billy took his shirt sleeve and rubbed his nose. "Uh-huh."

She placed the card in Billy's hand and stood up. "You're ma's going to love the card Billy," proclaimed Rain. He beamed in happiness at the pretty lady's words.

Billy looked up at his ma and gave her his card. "Happy Valentine's Day ma," he said.

Mary stooped down and hugged her son. "You are the most wonderful gift of all Billy."

+ + + + + + +

"I am so sorry, Rain. I thought Ezra meant for me to give you the card," stammered Nathan.

Carefully neutral, Rain asked, "So it was Ezra who gave me the card?"

"No! No, the card was . . . is from me. I was having difficulty trying to get you something, so when he . . . I just . . . and then . . . . Well, you know," he looked down sadly.

Rain laughed softly, tilted his chin back up with her fingertips before saying, "Nathan, you do not have to 'get me' anything. A feeling is from the heart and soul, and when I look at you I can see a good and brave man. Do not worry, Nathan, I do not need 'things.' I have told you that I will wait for you."

"But Rain, I just wanted to give you something. I read this column and it said I should . . . "

"Shhh . . . " scolded Rain, lightly, cutting Nathan short, by placing her finger to his lips. "I liked your gift, and as I understand it, gifts are exchanged, so I too, have a gift for you. But in order for me to give it to you, you must close your eyes, and trust me."

Nathan complied, and Rain leaned in and kissed him. His eyes flew open in surprise. Rain broke off the kiss to whisper, "Happy Valentines' Day, Nathan."

Nathan smiled, and echoed her statement, "Happy Valentine's Day," This time, he initiated the second kiss.

The two lovebirds stood in quiet embrace, while a group of people stood nearby and watched. Each person, reacting differently to the scene in front of them.

Chris watched and the young couple began to morph into familiar and painful shadows from his own past and then the shadows shifted again. This time they shifted into figures he recognized as Mary and himself. Someday, when the past was laid to rest, he thought, as he turned his gaze onto mother and child.

Mary was scolding Billy for causing such problems. To which Billy replied anxiously, "But they liked it, Ma! And you do too, right Ma?"

Mary glanced at the happy couple and smiled remembering the past, and leaned down to kiss away Billy's fears. "I love it, My Valentine. Will you be mine forever too?" she said with a wink. She leaned into hug her son, the card held firmly in hand.

"Awww Ma, don't . . . " and then, little boy that he still was, he hugged her back.

+ + + + + + +

"Go ahead. You can say it. I know that it was for me."

"What are you talking about?"

"Inez, I just want you to know, I forgive you."

"What are you talking about, you thick headed mule?!"

Undeterred, Buck forged ahead, "I mean, if you feel like it, you can give me a peck, just like Rain's giving Nate. Today is special. You can give into your heart's desire and I won't hold back either. I'm fully prepared."

"You, senor, are the most infuriating man alive!" Inez screeched, as she stalked off towards La Cantina, cursing in her native language. Buck, not giving up hope was, of course, not far behind.

Ezra turned to Josiah and said dryly, "It seems cupid has still failed to capture some hearts. Any advice, oh great one?"

Josiah replied heavily and wearily, "My last piece of wisdom . . . 'Thank God for small favors and big miracles,'" as he gestured toward Buck and then Nathan and their companion's, both willing and unwilling.

Ezra's grinned wickedly until his gold tooth shown as he said to Josiah, "Amen, brother. And to celebrate your retirement as the bouncing baby's helper, allow me to buy you a good stiff drink. Besides, someone needs to give Buck a run for his money with Inez, and I am apparently, the one to do it."

Josiah shook his head, groaned, and said, 'God help us all. You'll have to make it two drinks, Ezra."

+ + + + + + +

"How long do you think they are going to keep this up for?" JD asked aloud.

"Dunno, but ain't it romantic, JD?"

" . . . "

"JD?!"

"I'm thinkin' on it, Casey. Give me a minute."

"JD Dunne, you don't have a romantic bone in your whole body!" began Casey.

"OK, Yeah."

"OK?"

"I meant, 'OK, yeah, it is romantic, I suppose.'" Then gathering his courage he asked, "Casey, could you--? I mean, if you're not . . . . Would you be . . . you know?"

Casey took his hand and without looking at him replied softly, "Yes, JD, I will."

JD let out a sigh of relief, "OK then."

"Yeah, OK then."

And the young couple stood together, watching the sun set, holding hands.

+ + + + + + +

He had not been a part of the stage show that had just ensued. Throughout the fiasco he had stood alone. In his hand he clutched a few scant pages filled with the words that he had read and reread, again and again. The words echoed in his head even now. If he listened hard, he could hear the wind carry her voice to him.

"Dear Vin . . . the days are long and hard here in Paradise, but everyone works together. Our first harvest was better than expected. I am not sure if this letter will reach you. I hope and pray that somehow it will find its way to you. I wanted you to know that you saved my life and my marriage. We will be forever grateful for your help. We have agreed that upon the birth of our child, in a few months, if he is a boy, we will name him Vin. May the Lord always protect and provide for you and yours. Please do not forget me . . . I will never forget you. Best Wishes, Charlotte."

He folded the now creased paper again and again and gently touched the letter to his heart before slipping it inside his pocket. He turned and stepped onto the main road and only then did he glance at the embraced couple that was now mere silhouette's in the frame of the setting sun. And though his heart was weary, he smiled and tipped his hat towards the couple who did not see him, so enraptured with one another, and he said softly, "Happy Valentine's Day friend." Then he looked in the in the direction she would be, and let the wind carry his whisper to her, "Happy Valentine's day, Charlotte."

Head down, he walked towards the saloon, to join his friends, but for this leg of his short journey, he still traveled alone.

The End