"I need one of you boys to ride out to St. Jo right away." Teaspoon stated storming into the bunkhouse. "It's very important. The company wants the name of each and every person connected with the Pony Express in their offices as soon as possible. Seems they had a fire and their roster book went with it. So, who's a volunteering?" The station master received no answer. Teaspoon placed one hand on his waist, seeing this would be more like pulling teeth. "Don't let me have to choose one of you now."

"C'mon Teaspoon!" protested Noah. "You can't ask us to go today of all days."

"I know you boys are looking forward to that dance tonight but if you want to get paid, which I personally do enjoy, you need to ride now."

Still no one said a word. "Alright!" Teaspoon said, throwing his hands in the air. "Noah, you're off the hook; you just got back from a run." Noah gave his beautiful smile of approval. "Okay you three, which one of you's up for the next run?"

Buck and Lou pointed and answered in unison. "Cody."

"Oh, you can't do this to me. Not today!"

"Sorry son but you're up next. Besides you can't spend all your time sticking 'round here tryin' to woo Victoria."

Cody got off his bunk, and grabbing his hat said, "Sure, why don't you just take me outside and shoot me right now. It would sure put me out of my misery." Cody left visibly upset. Just when he thought things couldn't get worse, they actually did. His last chance at Victoria had been snatched from him and there wasn't anything he could do about it.

As he headed to the stable, Buck's words rang clear in his head..."If it's meant to happen it will, if it's not, no matter what you do, it won't." He hated to admit it but Buck's words were true to the core. He had tried, but the road he traveled didn't lead him to her. He felt helpless. He had been so sure Victoria was the one for him. He loved her. Why didn't she return that love? Did her heart belong to someone else? He hadn't allowed himself to ask those very searching questions. He knew he already had the answers to them all. They were all encompassed in one word, Jimmy. His heart bled for her, for the woman he loved. He would have to let her go and that pained him more than dying a slow torturous death. Her happiness though was more important and he knew she wouldn't find that happiness with him.

Buck found Cody in the stable getting his horse prepared for the run. Cody said nothing at the presence of his Kiowa friend, trying in his mind to come to terms with all that had happened these past few days. His heart had been crushed and now there was no way to mend it. He felt that if the world could end tomorrow, he wouldn't care.

"I'm sorry Cody." Buck finally said.

"For what? I set myself up for this one Buck. You tried warnin' me, but I didn't listen to you. It's just not meant to happen between us." he said as he flung the saddle on the horse.

"What are you talking about?" asked Buck, baffled.

Cody looked at his friend with pain-filled eyes. "Victoria. I finally told her how I felt; she doesn't feel the same. I thought tonight might be my last chance to convince her she could love me but I was wrong again."

"Are you gonna be all right?" Buck sensed that his earlier suspicions were not just his imagination. Still, he said nothing to the effect.

"I'll be okay I guess. Could you let her know I'm sorry." Buck nodded.

Cody started out of the barn with his horse in hand and a heavy heart. He turned to Buck once again and uttered the words he thought he'd never say..."Tell Jimmy he has my blessing if he wants to take her. Maybe he's on the right road."

Receiving the important list of names from Teaspoon, Cody mounted his horse and quickly galloped away. "Ride safe son." shouted Teaspoon.

"Is he gonna be all right?" asked Lou once she stood next to Buck, being joined a split second later by Noah.

"I hope so." answered Buck

"What are you gonna tell Victoria when she gets back from town? She won't go without him." added Lou.

"He said Hickok could take her."

"If y'all forgot, Jimmy said he wasn't steppin' foot in that place tonight." reminded Noah.

"We'll just have to change his mind then, won't we?" noted Buck.

"And this is okay with Cody? He's not gonna be jealous?" asked Noah.

"From what I just heard, there ain't no more Cody and Victoria." Buck walked away leaving his two friends wide-eyed and open-mouthed, not believing the news that had just now fallen on their ears.

"What?!" asked Rachel angrily. "What do you mean he left for St. Jo?" she yelled.

"Now calm yourself down Rachel," said Teaspoon not wanting to stir the pot anymore than it already had been, "but he was up next. Fair is only fair. These boys know the rules and they can't always be bent...even on occasions like this."

Victoria sat silently at the table, not believing her unforturnate turn in circumstance.

"I'm really sorry Victoria." he said.

"It's his job, I understand." she replied softly.

"Why do things like this always happen at the worst times?" Rachel retorted frustrated.

"Everything's taken care of Rachel. Cody wants Victoria to go to the dance..." Buck hesitated briefly, "...with Jimmy."

"Jimmy's not going." she said still frustrated.

"We'll talk to him when he gets back, I'm sure he'll change his mind." Lou quickly added.

"Please don't. I appreciate your concern but I don't want to pressure Jimmy. I have to respect his decision." Victoria said. "Don't worry yourselves, things will work out fine." She picked up her dress and headed upstairs solemnly.

Once she was out of sight Rachel continued, "For the life of me Jimmy is taking that girl to that dance even if it kills him. Let me know when he gets in."

"Maybe you should let us handle it." voiced Noah. "You know how stubborn he can be when he feels like he's being made to do somethin' he don't want to."

"Fine, you handle it; but I want him here, ready to go." she finished, emphatically.

"I'm gonna take me a good long rest when we get home."

"Wish I could join you Jimmy, but I got a lady I have to take to a dance."

"Better you than me Kid."

The two riders pulled up their horses at the sight of the homestead. "Home sweet home." said Kid.

"Never looked more beautiful." added Jimmy.

"You thinking about the house or the girl?"

Jimmy smiled. "Both."

They urged their horses and soon were on the grounds of the homestead being greeted by their three fellow riders. Kid dismounted and greeted a happy Lou with a kiss on the lips and a hearty hug. "How was the ride?" she asked. "You won't believe what happened." started Kid, as they headed to the bunkhouse.

The two riders related their encounter with the wanted cattle rustler Jonas McBride, his subsequent capture at their hands, the stay in Blue Creek and the hefty payoff.

"You lucky devils." cried Noah, proud of his two friends.

"Not a bounty hunter huh?" teased Buck.

"Lou? Can I see you in private one minute?"

"Sure Kid." They excused themselves and went outside.

"Lou?" "Yes Kid?" Lou could see that Kid was about to say something serious. He always had that shy boyish look to him whenever he did. She listened intently.

"Remember that time I got that reward money in Willow Creek and I showed you that dumb saddle I wanted to buy?"

"How could I forget?" she replied, rolling her eyes.

"Well I wanted you to know that I didn't get it then, but I do now. You mean more to me than anything in this world Lou, and I want you know that." Lou looked into his beautiful brown eyes as her heart was filled by his touching words. He reached into his pocket and said, "I want you to have this...because I love you." He handed her the small black velvet box.

"What's this Kid?" she asked feeling the softness of the box.

"It's a surprise. I bought it for you in Blue Creek. Hope you like it." Lou just looked at him not sure what to say or do. "Come on, open it up." he encouraged eagerly.

"All right." she responded with a smile. A gasp left her perplexed. "Kid, it's beautiful. How'd you know?"

"A friend told me." She reckoned it had to have been Jimmy Hickok.

"I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say a word." Kid's voice was soft and full of love for her. He gently touched her rosy cheek with the back of his hand and leaned in to kiss her. She gave in to his waiting lips and their love exploded through a full passionate kiss. As they parted, both red from their tasteful enjoyment, they heard what sounded like yelling from the bunkhouse.

"NO, NO, NO!" shouted Jimmy.

"Come on Jimmy, you gotta do this...for Victoria." shouted Noah.

"Let me say it one more time; I'm not going."

"I wonder what's that all about?" asked Kid.

"I almost forgot." said Lou.

"What's goin' on?" he asked.

"Cody had to leave on a run to St. Jo, so he's not here to take Victoria to the dance and asked if Jimmy would take her instead."

"Cody said that?"

Lou explained to Kid all that happened in just the last few hours before their arrival. The details that led to Cody having to leave on this dreaded run and the shocking news that Buck had shared with them...Victoria and Cody were no more.

Lou also shared her thoughts about the doomed relationship and the concerns that Victoria shared with her about not feeling the same way about William Cody. To Kid, even though this news had pained his fellow rider, he knew it would be welcomed news for his best friend. Jimmy would certainly be happy to hear it and he was the perfect person to impart this knowledge on him.

"Maybe I can talk him into it." he said after a while.

"Good luck Kid. From the sounds of it, doesn't seem like anyone's gonna change his mind." noted Lou, as the arguing continued.

"I want all of you to leave me alone." shouted Jimmy as he opened the door of the bunkhouse, walking away from his pesky friends.

"Dang he's stubborn!" said Noah annoyed his friend wouldn't agree to the simple request.

"Let me talk to him." Kid said stepping forward.

"Just make sure you tie him down before you say another word...he might just shoot ya." cried Noah as Kid walked after his friend.

Kid caught up with Jimmy who had gone into the barn to feed his tired horse. Jimmy glared at his friend and warned, "Kid don't you start on me too. I'm too tired for a fight."

"Listen one minute would ya? You can't pass up this big chance Jimmy. You have the go." he said trying to encourage Jimmy.

"I can't do it Kid, though I want to, I can't"

"Why not? Cody said you could take her." he said emphatically.

"You don't know what you're asking me to do. If something happens between us I ain't gonna be able to look Cody in the eye knowing I stuck a knife in his back by hitting on his girl."

"She's not his girl."

A bewildered look crossed Jimmy's face. "What?" he finally was able to ask.

"That's right. The news has been confirmed. She likes him only as a friend."

"Who told you?"

"Lou. Like I told you, inside information is so valuable."

"Are you sure?" he asked, his heart pondering the possibility of a night with his love.

"Lou said it came straight from the horse's mouth, can't get more reliable than that. So what are you going to do?"

"I have to think about it."

"Well don't take forever. Rachel's expecting you up at the house on time. Just think," Kid continued as he waved his fingers magically, backing out of the barn. "...you and Victoria, you and Victoria, you and Victoria."

Jimmy smirked at his friend's foolish gestures. "Victoria and me." he repeated in a whisper. "Damn that sounds good."

Jimmy thought for what might've seemed like an endless hour. He had determined not to go to the dance for the mere fact that Kate Wescott would be in attendance and he wanted to avoid any unnecessary contact with her, seeing she was always trying to scheme her way back into his life. He figured though, he could handle her.

He wasn't sure he'd be able to handle Cody's reaction if things between him and Victoria were to start happening. There wasn't anything standing in his way now. The coast was clear. Why was he hesitating? He reached for the object in his pocket. He opened the box to reveal the beautiful piece he'd bought for his lady. It flooded him with feelings of uncertainty. For the first time in his life he had to admit he was afraid of a woman. His hand began to tremble and he quickly returned the box to its place.

"Look at me, I'm acting like a fool." He rested his head on his forearm as he leaned against the stall, thinking...thinking...thinking.

"You look good." said Lou straightening his tie. She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"What's that for?" he asked shyly.

"For being such a good man."

"We're gonna have fun tonight!" exclaimed Kid as he picked her up by the waist, twirling her around. Lou screamed, laughing at the playful gesture, the room spinning around her.

"Easy Kid," she said as he put her down, "you might wear me out before we even get to the dance."

"That's my specialty." he replied naughtily.

"Kid!" she cried embarrassed.

"We better get going. Rachel's waiting on us." he said.

"I'll go get her."

Victoria stood before the mirror trying hard to put on a smile and at the same time trying to ease the butterflies that fluttered wildly in her stomach. She almost felt sick from the queasiness. Her cold hands as always indicated her sense of nervousness. Lou knocked.

"Come in." she heard the voice from inside say.

"Are you ready?" asked her friend as she slowly opened the door.

"Yes, I suppose."

"Wow Victoria, that gown looks beautiful on you."

"Pierre outdid himself huh? You don't look so bad yourself."

"Thanks. Cody would've surely been speechless which in his case is a miracle. I'm so sorry he can't be here." she consoled her saddened friend. "So...by the way he left," Lou said as she sat on the bed, "I guess you told him."

"Told him what? He wouldn't let me say a word. But I know I hurt him so much and I can't fix it. I was hoping that tonight we'd be able to talk and air things out."

"Don't worry. Cody's a big boy. It won't take him long to heal, you'll see."

"I wish I could be as optimistic." she sighed.

"You know, I think things happen for a reason. You never know, there may be some handsome man you'll meet tonight who'll sweep you off your feet."

"That is very unlikely I assure you. You're so lucky to have Kid."

"It took me a long time to realize that. But you're right. I am lucky. Look what he bought for me."

"It's beautiful." she said holding the cameo between her fingers.

"Lou!" called Kid from downstairs.

"I think we better get going. The natives are gettin' restless." a faint smile crossed Lou's face.

"I hope I can do this." Victoria said putting her hand on her abdomen, letting out a deep breath.

"You'll be fine." she encouraged.

"By the way how's Jimmy?"

"Oh he's just being his usual stubborn self. I'm sure we'll see him before we leave."

Victoria's disappointment increased. Cody wasn't there and Jimmy obviously didn't want to take her to the dance. She guessed her preconceived ideas about him were all wrong, and that was a bigger disappointment.

The girls finally made their way downstairs, Victoria walking right behind Lou. Her face turned pale. Her knees weakened and she felt as if a huge lump was stuck in her throat. There he was. So handsome. His stately figure dressed in a white shirt, black jacket, pants and tie. His long brown hair softly draping his shoulders. Kid and Lou smiled at each other seeing the effects of their handy work. There were obvious fireworks there. A romance about to blossom. Victoria was surprised, pleasantly surprised by her expression.

"We'll be seeing you at the dance." said Kid.

"By the way, how's that tie Jimmy?" asked Lou as she walked out with Kid hand in hand.

Jimmy's pleasure at her presence was evident by his shy smile. She was more beautiful than he remembered. Her hair had been pulled up revealing her delicate neck. Single little white satin flowers adorned her curled hair. The off-the-shoulder black taffeta bodice which had been trimmed at the hem line with small white pearls hugged her pettite waistline as it draped over her long black taffeta skirt. White taffeta flowers flowed from her shoulders to her smooth chest, drawing attention to her slightly revealed cleavage. Sheer black sleeves which had also been trimmed with miniature white pearls at the wrists, highlited her slender arms. A dainty chain held a small golden locket around her neck which found its place against her heavily breathing chest.

"Jimmy." she whispered softly. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard there was a certain lady that needed a date for a dance?"

"But I thought..."

"I never break a promise." he interrupted, extending his hand to her. "I will always be there when you need me."

Victoria's heart pounded louder and harder she thought he could almost hear it if he were to listen close enough. "You look beautiful." She almost felt faint from his admiring words.

"Thank you." she smiled as she gently laid her hand in his. The feel of her hand gave Jimmy a sense of utter contentment.

"Shall we go?" he motioned towards the door as hand in hand they walked to the wagon that had been left just for the two of them. Jimmy helped her unto the buckboard and soon they were off; heading to a place neither one of them had dared to go before.

On to Chapter 12...