Red Iron Sunrise

[BLACK BART]

Tom Dalton hung his leg over the horn of his saddle and quietly rolled a smoke as Buck prattled away.

"I hear ya got a new neighbor over the hills, a high fallutin woman by the name of O'Connor that has notions of bein a rancher. Maybe we should fork our broncs over there and see if she makes them bear claws?"

Smoke wisped over Tom's grey eyes as he exhaled, his thoughts on the count so far and how the round up was going.

This was to the Rocking R's first roundup since Tom had driven a few hundred head into the hills and began eeking out a living in the solitary hills, his only contact with outside world now limited to old Buck and the occasional meeting with the natives that inhabited the Black Hills.

The first roundup of hopefully many, the first cash the ranch would have and dearly need for growth and improvements, maybe even build a real log cabin and not a lean to where the horses were sheltered next to them.

"We've got business needs attending to right here, Buck" Tom replied and fingered the heavy growth of beard on his face, then pushed the sweat stained stetson back to let the cooling air of the hills dry his black hair.

"Maybe after we've gotten a tally at the yards and the coin in our pockets"

Buck grumbled but gigged his grulla around and headed back into the brush, his mind on the old mossyback that was stubbornly backed into the ravine below...

"YeeHawwww" Came the rebel yell from above, Tom's baritone voice carrying to Buck and making him howl in return appreciation.

It was round up time in the hills...Time for men like Tom and Buck to sweat blood and tears and to cash in on the eight years of hard work...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Closed for McKenna and I, please read along and enjoy if you will.

And Thank You McKenna for joining me in this one

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

Buck had popped another hand full out of the clinging brush and we razzed them up the hills. Wild and strong they ran, eyes white as they tilted shaggy heads to look at what was chasing them, and running even faster when we came into sight directly behind them.

Cresting the hill we pushed them towards our growing herd and I smiled at the sight of them. It was a good, solid herd, the mix of Hereford and Angus making a resilient bunch of critters that fared the winters better than we did and still managed to put on weight. Glossy coats and well rounded haunches testified to their health and promised our bank account would be a fat one when we cashed them in.

These thoughts were on my mind when I saw a flash of white and red that disappeared in the dust and then over the bawling of the cows came a high pitched squeal.

"Buck! Push them towards the river!!!" I hollered, standing in the stirrups and sawing hard at Pete's reins, the cow pony responding instantly, spinning in a well practiced tight circle and shouldering a smaller heifer out of his way. Seconds later I was in the same ground where the flash of color had been and looking down at a woman dressed to the hilt in petticoats and of all things...a red dress!

"What in the tar nation?" I thundered, spinning Pete again to keep an eye on the growing mass of beef thundering towards us.

There was no time. No time to get off Pete and chuck her over the saddle, no time to out run the crazed animals and save both our hides, so I did the only thing I could.


Pulling my Winchester from it's resting place I jacked a shell into the chamber, then aimed carefully as the mound of red and white began to move...rising almost into the sights of the .44 caliber rifle.

"Get DOWN, DAMMIT!" I growled and feathered the trigger, the report deafening as the barrel bucked and I jacked another shell in, then quickly fired again.

The woman dropped with a loud squealing protest, placing fancy kid skin gloves over her ears and burying her face in the dirt as I emptied the rifle into and then above the herd.

And just like that it was over, the herd split, dodging the two carcasses that lay in front of them, the sound of the rifle spooking them into running at adjacent angles to us and not over...

The dust settled and a blue jay scolded us from a solitary tree nearby as I pulled off my hat and beat the dust from my clothes and shoulder length hair.

"What in tar nation are you doing out here during round up time?" I asked curiously as I offered a hand to the once again moving bundle, who was trying to raise to her feet. "Ya coulda got yourself kilt in the middle of us rounding up our cows!"

Thick hair askew and now on her feet she pulled the gloves off her dainty hands and brushed the hair out of the way. I expected a few words of thanks for saving her life, then I would find her own pony and give her a ride back to her husbands ranch...But instead?

"It seems you are the moron who tried to KILL me! And what do you mean YOUR cows? I paid for these fine Holsteins less than two weeks ago and have a bill of sale to prove it! Now get off MY LAND!"

Taking two steps back, my mouth hanging open, my eyes wide I looked at the fiery eyes of the woman as she stood with her hands on her hips and continued to berate me, her voice growing louder and shriller with each word...

Finally she ran out of steam and began to try to salvage the dress so unsuited for the range, her eyes and lips blaming me for ruining her new dress as well...That did it, I couldn't take anymore and as Buck rode up on his horse I began to laugh...

"Lady? I didn't ruin your dang dress! You DID! Probably when you fell of an untrained horse while riding on one of those sissy sidesaddles! Your husband otta be shot for letting you out on the free range without a hired man nursing you....and these critters ain't no MILKING cows...they're BEEF cows and danged good ones too. I should know! They're wearing my brand and I'm fixin to pack them into the rail yards and sell them!"

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

"Boss? Her horse is over in that ravine...It's limping...BAD"

Bucks voice was soft. That meant trouble. The only time it went soft was when a horse was hurt beyond saving or a man was about to die...

"GAWDDAMNIT" I barked, knowing what had to be done and hating it for the stupidity of it happening in the first place.

"Buck, Go take care of the pony and I'll give the LADY a ride back to her home."

I sat staring at the shaken woman, cursing the stupidity of the great man above for putting women on the earth below, wondering if it was his idea of a joke. Red hair, red dress, green eyes and a shape under all those layers that hinted at warm nights in the bunks.

But she wouldn't know what a bunk was. Never even dream of spending a night in the kind of room where a bunk was found, that was painfully obvious despite the fine cut and fabric of the dress she wore.

Buck's rifle went off with a sharp crack, the echo moving off the trees behind us, it's message quite clear in it as the sound floated over the prarie.

"That looked like an expensive dress" I commented finally and saw the surprise in her eyes as I slid off my saddle and to the ground.

"It was, but now it's ruined, I'm afraid." She replied sadly.

"Good"

"Good, why...Good?" She asked curiously as I approached her.

She had guts. I gave her that as I pulled my bowie from behind my back. She didn't back up or scream, only open her eyes wider as I grabbed her skirt and pushed the tip into it between her legs.

"What ARE you doing, sir?" She carefully spoke, her words crisp and steady as the blade sliced thru the fabric downward.

"You don't have a horse to ride...so I'm making a skirt that will let ya up on mine. If I was ya I'd pull them bloomers off and stow em as well."

Shaking my head I slid the bowie away and then fastened my hands on her waist, lifting and spinning her to deposit her on my saddle.

"Swing your leg over and fork that bronc then slide forward" I groused and snagged Pete's reins, then waited for her to comply.

She didn't. Just sat there and held the horn of the saddle and stared straight forward.

"Washa waitin for Lady?" I asked impatiently and grinned as Pete stamped his forefoot, I wasn't the only one that wanted her out of my hair.

"I...I can't...you'll see my...my legs"

"Lady I've seen plenty of legs before, and unless you got three of them under that skirt or want to walk back?"

Blushing she swung her leg over and quickly smoothed her dress down, her ankle and calf quite visible despite the layers of petticoats.

"That's better" I grunted and hooked my toe in the stirrup, swinging my leg over Pete's rump and wedging in between my bedroll and her...

She felt like a woman, smelled like one as well, the scent of lavender still clear despite the dust in her hair, and she sounded like one as Pete gigged into an easy mile eating lope...

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

The tears that fell on my hand after I had announced the death of her horse assured me that at least the woman in front of me was human, she could feel remorse for an animal that only lived to serve her and was rewarded with a bag full of feed each evening.

It almost made me feel guilty for being so hard on her and for a second I let that guilt guide me into giving her a backwards hug, the only consolation she would get from me in this awkward situation.

It grew more awkward as she relaxed and even turned to me, giving me a good look of her profile and a glance down her half torn off blouse. It plain grew when she squirmed in front of me, her padded bottom grinding against me as she righted herself to look forward, unaware of the havoc she had created.

"This is my place," The announcement came, pride and an awe for the natural beauty, the setting of the home among the wild that she claimed...Minutes later we stopped, Peye moving to the water trough then looking over his shoulder as if to ask if we were going to finally relieve him of his double burden and let him drink.

I did just that. Sliding and pushing myself off, then lifting my arms to help the woman down, my hands sliding up her ribs and past the full womanly mounds to her arms as I caught her weight and lowered her.

"I'd like to talk to your husband, ma'am. If you've been sold a bill of goods claiming my cattle to be yours...? That's the same as stealing them. On the open range whose brand is on the pelt first constitutes legal ownership and if you've paid for several hundred head of cattle you both have a large amount of money owed to you."

"I'm not married, Mister...I'm sorry. In all the confusion I never quite got your name, did I?"

It was pleasant looking into her eyes, she was quite tall for a woman, my six foot only clearing her by a few inches and as I considered the ramifications of her unmarried status?

"Mister...?" Her voice cut into my musings

"Tom Dalton, ma'am. I'm your neighbor to the south and the east, the river that runs to your place starts back in my hills, one of the purest creeks you've ever tasted and has never dried up."

Single and on her own. She had pluck, I gave her that. Pluck and a pair of green eyes that made you wonder just how wild she could be when stirred up.

"I've got to get back to Buck and the round up Miss O'Connor" I apologized and turned back to Pete, tightening his cinch and getting a friendly nip in the shoulder for it from him before mounting. "If I don't ole Buck will be off in some ravine drinking the last of his corn whiskey...and scaring all the cows off with his singing."

Looking down at the woman who seemed a little more settled now that she stood on her own wooden porch I nodded and tilted my hat.

"If you ever get lost in my hills again bring a pistol, ma'am"

"A pistol Mister Dalton? To signal for help?" She replied almost brightly, her eyes shining.

"Tom, you kin call me Tom" I replied and spun Pete around. "And the pistol is to shoot the polecats that live in the hills. There's been a few rustlers up near the snow line that I've been slow in cleaning out, you'd be doing me a favor if you'd wing one or two of them."

"And IF I did come to YOUR hills?" She played along a wisp of a smile at the corner of her full lips. "How would I find you?"

Grinning I pushed my hat back and gigged Pete into action, calling over my shoulder.

"Don't worry. I'll find you. The same way I did in all that dust before...I'll smell you"

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

"Buck, Lets git going I got a hankering to git home and check on things"

"Boss, If ya don't mind my old bones can't take the hammerin of that plug I'm ridin and I'd be happy to camp out under the stars tonight, ya kin bring me the vittles we need in the mornin and that way the cows get serenaded and you can check up on...things"

Cursing the old man who was only two years my elder I set off for home. It wasn't the ride that Buck was avoiding and we both knew it, nor was it his laziness I had cursed as I grinned at him. Rather it was the all knowing look in his eyes as he lit his pipe and watched me ride away.

The sun was setting as I stepped my own porch and pushed open the doors, then climbed the stairs to a room I hadn't walked into for seven years. I pulled open a chest and looked down, knowing where everything would be for I was the one who had packed it there so long ago.

Minutes later I carried the gunny sack down and hung it on the horn of Pete's saddle, then moved into the tackroom attached to the main barn.

"Riley" I called out knowing the hostler was hiding somewhere deep in the leather filled room. "Get out that roan that's been eatin all that feed and not earnin it and saddle her up with this saddle."

The voice coming from behind me startled me as the man who used it knew it would. Not because I didn't hear him coming, he was full blooded Sioux and forever loved proving he could creep up on me, even though he had trained me since I was a pup.

Rather it was the tone of voice he used this time.

Boss the only roan we've got is Forlorn and that saddle belongs to..."

I knew who it belonged to and cut him off gruffly, shoving the lighter and smaller version of the same saddle I used into his arms.

"Make sure ya use a good saddle blanket, I don't want that worthless cuss saddle sore when I deliver it."


"You sold Forlorn, Boss?"

"No dammit" I grouched with more heat than my friend and mentor deserved. "I'm giving her to someone who needs her"

Nodding the dark eyed man walked thru the door, shrugging his shoulders in that all knowing way which spoke volumes of the idiotic things a white man did.

Minutes later as I was switching my own saddle to a fresh mount and apologizing to Pete he brought the mare around the corner of the barn.

"I used the bridle and saddle bags that go with the saddle Tommy"

Turning I eyed the man who was more my father than my real one and nodded, accepting the reins and squeezing his shoulder in mute apology.

"There's jerky and some dried fruit in the bags, my squaw said that you'd need to eat today, I told her mules don't need to eat but twice a week but she insisted. She also packed the vittles you forgot when you took off last time, including Buck's tobacco. "

Grinning he watched me ride out of the yard and I knew he still stood there as I crested the first ridge, he was watching to see if I'd turn in the saddle and look back.

"A man don't look back, only forward, no time to waste doubting what's happened and no way to fix it if you wanted"

I spoke the words Buck and Riley had hammered into my head, then rolled a smoke as the gelding between my legs found it's second wind and stretched it's legs out.

The miles passed quickly under the three year olds legs and I was able to relax and despite my words reflect on the past and all of it's quirks. Eight years ago I had come to this country, a young but seasoned cowpuncher, naive of the world and it's ways...but with a dream.

Somewhere along the way that dream had failed. But I was still here, and still doing what I had set out to do, though not for the same reasons.

The same thoughts kept rolling thru my head and I dozed in the saddle, the roan seeming to read my mind as we crossed from familiar territory into range that had been till a short time ago open range.

The sun was creeping up behind the last hill, it's orange glow making it appear to be on fire as I topped it and rode into Miss O'Connors yard, and up to her porch. It was quiet as I swung down and pulled the gunnysack from my own saddlebags, transferring the rations Riley's wife had thoughtfully packed from it to my own before taking Forlorn to the water trough.

"Your new home" I told her and rubbed her head and nose fondly, sliding a peice of peppermint into it's mouth and grinning as her lips greedily took it. "Take care of your new owner, like you did your old one, but this time don't let her know it so much, ok?"

And as if she understood and not just wanting more candy her head bounced up and down, her eyes on me as I picked up the sack and carried it to the porch door.

On the roan again I watched the smoke curl out of the smokestack and knew at least one person was inside and moving about, and took it as my cue to go...

That is until the door opened and the surprised face of Forlorn's new owner opened it.

"Morning, Ma'am" I greeted her and smiled as I doffed my hat. "Seeing as how I can't stop you from riding your own range, I brought you a proper horse and a real saddle, one cut to a womans size and length. She's over there by the water trough and is a good cutting horse as well as having the smoothest trot ya ever did see. Oh, I almost forgot, you look like you're about a size four? In that bag at your feet is a real riding outfit, a doe skin jacket that will keep the brush from ruining your blouses and a half skirt made of the same that will let you fork a horse and not get your legs cold."

It occurred to me that I had spoken more words to a woman I didn't even know in one day then I had to my own crew in a year and I put my hat back over the mass of wild hair.

"Didn't mean to intrude ma'am, just trying to be neighborly, I've got to be on my way and get these vittles back to Buck before he up and quits me."

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

"Ma'am, I reckon there are a lot of things out here that are going to seem strange and unusual to you. Riding a horse astride for example. Sidesaddle is a much more dignified for a woman in a dress to ride a horse but it was never meant to be used when trying to chase down a cow for branding or a bronc to be tamed. You need your legs for those jobs, to keep you in the saddle and to guide your own mount, it frees your hands for other things, dallying your rope around that bronc for example or pulling a gun if that cow turns ornery and decides to charge ya intsead o run"

Shrugging my shoulders I pulled my old hat back on the mop of hair and grinned, my estimation of her had gone up several notches when she had admitted to being a tenderfoot...

"Your hands are used to letting you have your way, not trying to show you the way things are done out here and maybe they think they're right. But they're not. If you're going to be a rancher you need to know your own land, how good the grass is in each valley and grotto, where the best water is and what pools never dry up. The only way you're going to do that is either dress in pants or a skirt like the one....the one you have in that there gunnysack. Be ready for almost anything including having to camp out under the stars or riding in a rain storm for hours. Then when you've seen it all and know what it means you're on your way to having a good chance at keeping those beeves alive, if the weather don't get them, or the puma's that like to eat the calves, or the rustlers that think you're easy game cause you're a woman and won't shoot back..."

Walking over to the roan who was now standing and watching us I gathered it's reins and nudged her towards the woman on the porch, then held the reins out to her.

"Last night I thought you'd were crazy and stupid to be out here trying to make a life as a rancher. This morning I realized you're not the least bit stupid, just crazy like all the rest of us, and lacking the tools to make that living but not the gumption"

She reached out to take the reins, her eyes on mine as I talked and I knew how easy it would be reach up and touch that red hair...To carress her cheek...and maybe even kiss those full lips.

Instead I opened my hand and let her take the offered reins, the sensation of her touch sending a jolt up my arm and to my brain...

Droppping my hand I stepped past Forlorn and patted her rump as I moved to my own horse and mounted, then looked to the more and more interesting woman on the porch.

"Anytime you want help you head due east until you come to the river, then follow it as if flows down, you'll end up at my doorstep eventually. Call out and you'll be welcomed, and if I'm not around the place Riley will know where I am...I'd be honored to help you anyway I can, if you'd let me..."

It was time for me to leave, though I hated to, she was the most interesting and pretty thing I had seen for too long, but there were chores to be done first...

"That's what neighbors out here do for each other"

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

Endless teasing, sly looks and innocent innuendos.

That was the reception I found when I returned to the ranch and the pair of hooligans together.

"Goddamn it Buck...Riley, do I hafta remind ya who the hell is BOSS around here?" I barked out and was promptly ignored, the tirade about me trotting off in the middle of the work day to go courting...

"I wasn't courting, dang it all, I was just...being neighborly" I tried to counter and failed miserably, the two men sitting on the top rail cackling like old hens.

Flipping the yearling I tied opposite legs together and knelt, calling for the iron as I held it's squawling head down with my knees.

"Buck, you pull my tail one more time and I'm gunna use this iron on you both"

Grinning the cowboy backed off as I pressed the hot iron to the flank of the aninal and then removed it, rubbing salve over the brand before pulling the slipknot.

We had all worked the afternoon like madman, despite the rough teasing I had recieved we made good time and this was the last of the younger animals we needed to brand before we moved them all to the yards.

"Hell Boss, it would be worth it for the smile ya got on your face" Buck tossed at me as he took the cooling iron and Riley covered the coals.

Shirts off in the cooling afternoon air we all headed for the creek we had diverted into a small pond, myself dropping back and letting the other two take the lead shoulder to shoulder...

"Did you boys bring a bar of soap?" I taunted as they stopped at the cools waters edge and knelt to drink.

"For what, Boss?" Riley quizzed as he looked over his shoulder, his eyes growing large as I placed a hand on each of thier shoulders and replied.

"For your baths"

One huge shove and I had my revenge, the two men sliding down the steep bank and into the cool water, howling as if they'd both been shot...

Laughing I stood on the bank and berated them the two of them, taunting them for being so gullible and easy...

Until the two scrambled up the bank that is...and grabbed my arms...

Fighting like school boys in a tug of war, we twisted and swayed on the top of the bank, teetering as we vied for an advantage over...until inevitable happened and we all three tumbled into the water.

"Now who needs the bar o soap, Boss?" Buck cackled and slewed water in my direction, Riley joining in and myself returning in turn until a familiar trot was heard and we looked up at the figure astride Forlorn.

"Boy's" I broke the silence as they gaped upward at the vision highlighted in the sunset. "I'd like you to meet our new neighbor, Miss O'Connors"

Slogging out of the water I made introductions as we pulled our shirts on, then grinned as the pair beat a hasty retreat for the log cabin we shared most of the time and I was left alone with our guest.

"It's not very often we have guests or use the main house, Miss Dalton, but this is a special occasion. Would you like to share a cup of coffee and have something to eat?"

Watching with interest how she sat on Forlorn I nodded in approval the saddle and her astride it, then winced inside at the obvious discomfort she was feeling as she made to swing off Forlorn's back.

"Let me help?" I queried gently and stepped forward as her foot came over, my hands on her tiny waist and lifting her down...

"I see you've mastered the saddle, if you lengthen the stirrups slightly you can straighten your legs and take some of the weight off your backside" I suggested as we began to walk to the house and her discomfort was obvious.

Forlorn followed dutifully until we neared the gate and Buck came out, now dry and redressed, his hair slicked back and go to town hat on.

"I'd be pleased to take care of her ma'am" He offered gently and took the reins, leading Forlorn into the barn as we made our way to the porch and into the house.

"We don't get time to dust inside like it needs but it's still....home" I excused the interior as we stepping into the front room and I pulled opened the heavy drapes...drapes brought all the way from Boston at the insistence of the woman I used to share the home with....

"But the kitchen is still used, the firebox in the range is large enough to hold an entire cord of wood and stays warm for an eternity"

Offering a chair I grinned as she accepted and winced without grumbling as she sat, then turned to start a fresh pot of coffee before returning to the table.

"I'm pleasantly surprised Miss O'Connor" I admitted as I took in how she fit into the outfit. "Though you look wonderful in the riding suit"

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

Why was it the mention of "Mrs. Dalton?" always made me act this way? It had been six years now and despite everyone telling me I should be "over" her I still couldn't help it.

"Milk, sugar, Miss O'Connor?" I asked setting a can of condensed and the bowl of sugar beside our mugs, then rummaging in the cupboard drawer for clean spoons.

"Her name isn't "Mrs" it was Rebecca" I replied softly after pouring two large mugs of coffee and returning the pot to the stove. "It would be difficult to thank her...because, well you see...we buried her six years ago."

Sitting in my chair I studied the spoon as I dipped from the dainty ceramic bowl and added it to my coffee, then stirred it slowly as the memories washed back at me.

"I'm sorry Miss O'Connor, I had thought it would be better if her clothes went to someone who needed them, it was Becky's way to be practical and I thought she'd approve...she was always the planner..."

Standing again I moved to the cupboard and pushed aside the stack of dishes, reaching for the bottle I knew was there...and lifting it out to look at the amber liquid inside. Temptation..to open the bottle and drink it straight, and then a face and a voice I knew was inside my head and wished I could hear it for real only a false hope.

"You don't need that Tom, to make you a man..."

Turning I offered it to my guest as when she politely refused with a confused voice I nodded, then opened the bottle and poured the contents down the drain.

"Rebecca was my wife for two years, Miss O'Connor, she died her on the ranch which she loved dearly, the bullet of a rustler in her side and no doctor able to get out here because of the storm. I'm sorry for telling you all this but figure I owed you that much of an explanation for your questions."

Suddenly it occurred to me I should be drinking from the mug and not trying to crush it and did so, frowning at the too sweet mixture.

"I hate to waste good coffee" I explained and turned to the sink again to empty the contents. "But I never use sugar, don't reckon I know why I did this time..."

Grinning I scratched my beard and tugged on it, finally able to shake the memories and look at the lovely young woman in the kitchen with me.

"Was there ever a Mister O'Connor in your life ma'am?"

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

My hand still felt like it was burning from where she touched me, the skin on my entire arm tingling as she looked outside and brought the setting sun to our attention.

She was right. It would be dark before she even made it to the river.

"Ma'am, I wasn't kidding about bringing a gun and knowing how to use it. I watched one woman die and promised myself I'd never go thru that again. Now unless you want me to break that promise I think it would be best if you stayed here with me until the morning when I can see you safely home."

And then I realized how it sounded. As if I were propositioning her to SLEEP with me. And I tried to backtrack...

"I mean in seperate beds, ma'am....and different rooms..."

Suddenly the room was way too hot and I pulled at my shirts collar, knowing I was only making it worse...

"Fact is ma'am, you're safer here and Buck can burn a fairly good side of beef when he puts his mind to it, so you'd be doing us a favor if you'd accept the invite"

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

The thought of a real, home cooked meal by a woman made my mouth water and I swallowed. A day without Buck's "burnt on the outside and raw on innards" approach to food was akin to heaven in my mind and I quietly bet even Buck would enjoy it.

"Ma'am, it's a deal" I grinned at her and watched her own face light up, her eyes reflecting the smile in a way that made me warm to her and want to hold her...

"We have running water of a sort, the spigot over there is fed from the river, the drain in the sink runs away from the house and to the pasture. It cost Riley and I three weeks of work to figure it all out and make it work and I can still see the smile on Becky's face each time she used it, as if she were laughing at the sight of us playing in the mud as it was plumbed in"

Now why did I go say that?

Opening the door to the cellar I pointed out the rows of canned fruits and vegtables, each jar a testament to hours of hot and hard work in the kitchen above and ready to eat...And the bags of potatoes, onions and herbs the three of us had bagged earlier this fall...

"Buck will give you any cut of meat you want....as long as it's beef" I joked and was rewarded with a smile.

One place I wasn't at home at was in my own kitchen and it must have shown...for as Buck called out and entered Mary nodded as she spoke.

"Time for you to vacate your home then, Mr. Dalton, while I make you a meal to remember"

And off I did, straight to Riley's hideout in the tack shed, calling out...

"Riley you still got that razor honed sharp?"

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

"And you ma'am are one lovely lady" I returned, my eyes memorizing her as she stood in the kitchen.

Her hair was accented by a tiny tendril that had escaped the makeshift bun she had placed it in, the damp tendril trailing down her long neck and between the loose buttons of her blouse.

The blouse itself clung to her figure, the swell of her breasts underneath the fine cloth as obvious as the flesh revealed between it, her hands clasped in front of her as she looked at me.

"Buck and Riley sent thier apologies, ma'am" I broke the heavy silence that hung between us and closed the door behind me. "They both abhor the ideas of baths and sent this instead"

A bottle of wine, a tiny luxury not enjoyed for too long in this house, Buck had insisted as he handed it to me...

An observation I hoped wasn't going to land me in trouble as I listened to him.

"Ma'am, if it tastes half as delicious as it smells the boys are going to miss one heck of a meal."

The table was set, the china placed as I had remembered it so long ago, the delicate glasses polished and accepting the wine as I poured it into them.

"To new neighbors and good friends" I toasted as I handed a glass to the vision that stood before me. "May they both turn out to be the same"

Our eyes met and time slowed, my chest tight as I took in the beauty before ma and fought down the urges to pull her in my arms and kiss her...Mary had came over as a gesture of friendly curiousity and would run from me if I laid a hand on her and rightfully so...

Moving beside her I could smell the scent again, the lilac's drifting to me as I brushed against her and opened my arms.

"Allow me to seat you ma'am, we best eat before your fine dinner grows cold"

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

The excellent meal past too quickly. Even as I enjoyed and savored each bite of the beef my mind was on the woman who sat across from me, as I enjoyed the taste of the vegtables I wondered how her lips would taste on mine, as I sipped the wine I kept thinking if her own skin would be as similar to the blush of the wine.

The dishes pushed aside we shared another glass, and as the wine warmed my body her company warmed the growing ideas to my mind that I wanted this woman.

"You've told me who you were back home Mary, and I've seen the determination in your eyes, but tell me what brought you out to this wilderness?"

And to me. Was it truly good luck and her will that guided her to this part of the world, or was it a cruel twist of fate?

"Most have a past to forget, or hopes for a better and bolder new life, it's not often such a lovely woman makes it out here on her own?"

I cursed myself for asking it, knew it was beyond our western hospitality to be questioning her, but still I did...wondering just what was driving me as I knew the answer all along.

I desired this woman and wanted to make her...mine.

"Let me show me your room, Ma'am" I offered as she sipped her wine and seemed to be pondering my questions, or the validity of me asking them. "I've forgotten my manners over the years it seems and how to act with a lady"

 

[McKenna]

.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tom

I nodded as the door opened and I led her into the room we used for "guests"...when he had them...so long ago I could barelt remember who was last here.

"For some it's the natural order of things" I agreed and knelt to the logs in the fireplace and lit the kindling, then rose as the fire flickered into life.

"Marriage, children...love. All part of the greater dream two people share in life. Key elements to making them truly complete...happy...."

Until that dream comes crashing down around you, when you lose the one to share it with....

Straightening I turned and nearly bumped into Mary, she had moved to the fire and the light it was giving off and her eyes were drawn to it as I spoke, her hands extended to absorb the heat.

"You're a brave and strong woman Mary, to not let life choose your destiny and instead set out to chose it, I admire that. There's clothes in the closet that should fit you proper enough for a nightgown and for tomorrow."

And much more of her, I knew as I took in her firelit profile and how erotic she was without knowing it.

I moved again with a huge effort, away from the woman my body and mind wanted so badly and to the door, to hold the cool handle as if it were reassuring me I was in control of the emotions that were flooding over me.

"All of it means nothing unless you have someone to share it with though." I concluded as I stepped into the hallway. "I know that all too well."

Leaving the door open I moved down the hall to our...my own and entered, then undressed, knowing it would be a restless night, that my dreams would be invaded with the faces of two women now...One in my past that meant everything to me, the other in the current that I could guess on...