Morning dawned bright and sunny. Christy woke to the sound of knocking on her bedroom door. Rachel poked her head in. “Get up, sleepyhead. We’ve got a big day ahead of us.”

Christy yawned noisily. “We do?”

“Sure.” Rachel bustled around, gathering clothes and laying them at the foot of Christy’s bed. “Rock Creek is having its annual pie-eating contest. There will be roping contests, which Billy hopes to win, and a horse race. Plus, I know you’re getting tired of wearing my old clothes. We need to pick you up a few things.”

Christy voiced a concern that had been bothering her for a few days. “Gee, Rachel, that sounds great, but I’m kind of low on money right now. Maybe I can get a job working at the hotel or something…”

“Nonsense.” Rachel cut her off. “There’s no need getting a job in town, when you’ve got one right here. I need some help around this place. Taking care of these boys is more than I can handle, not to mention cooking and cleaning and laundry…”

“Alright, alright!” Christy laughed and held up her hand. “Stop, don’t tell me anymore, before I change my mind!”

Happily, Christy climbed out of bed and dressed. She understood why Kid was so content to stay here. Everyone had been so kind to her since she arrived. Christy was glad Kid had a little happiness in his life. Nothing would ever make up for the awfulness of their past, but maybe Kid’s little surrogate “family” could ease some of the pain.

Christy hurried down the stairs and out the door, where she found everyone else gathered around waiting. She noticed the only person missing was Ike, who had left on a run earlier that morning.

“Sorry to keep everyone waiting.” She apologized.

“I’d say the effort was well worth the wait.” Cody smiled at her appreciatively.

“Thank you, Billy.” Christy blushed. “You’re very kind.”

Rock Creek was brimming with activity for the day’s events. Women from the church were covering long tables fashioned from sawhorses and board with bright red and white checked tablecloths. Soon they would cover the tablecloths with many different kinds of pies, cakes, jams, and jellies to be sold. Two men were setting up a lemonade stand, where they would sell big dippers full of the cold, tart liquid for ten cents.

Cody was most excited about the roping contest. He had been practicing for ages, roping anything that would stand still, including the other riders, much to their annoyance. The prize for winning was fifty dollars, and in his mind, Cody already had the money spent.

“Will you be attending the roping contest?” Cody asked hopefully.

“Are you planning to enter, Billy?” Christy inquired; pretending she didn’t already know Cody had thought of little else for weeks.

“Why, yes, as a matter of fact I am.” Cody tried to look nonchalant.

“Then I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Christy stated.

Jimmy snorted. “Neither would I. I never miss a chance to watch Cody make an ass of himself.”

Cody turned red and stalked off, presumably to practice some more. Jimmy turned to Christy, noticing how much happier she looked today than the first time he saw her. She was wearing Rachel’s bonnet, and it was the exact same blue as her eyes. Not for the first time, Jimmy was aware of how pretty she was.

“You shouldn’t have hurt his feelings.” Christy said reproachfully.

“Who, Cody?” Jimmy laughed. “He’s too full of himself to have his feelings hurt long. Besides, I don’t doubt that he will win that contest. He’s good, bad as I hate to admit it. Now, would you like a tour of the town?”

Christy looked hesitantly at Kid, but he was deep in conversation with Lou. If she went with Jimmy, maybe Kid could spend some time with Louise. She remembered her conversation with her cousin last night. If only Kid could tell Louise how he really felt about her, Christy was sure they could work their problems out.

“Sure, why not?” Christy said, taking the arm Jimmy offered her.

Kid looked up in surprise as Christy left with Jimmy. His eyes narrowed. Jimmy was his friend, but Kid wasn’t sure if he like the idea of Christy and Jimmy together. Jimmy’s reputation preceded him. Kid and the other riders knew Jimmy wasn’t a gunfighter, but try telling that to every outlaw in the territory. Trouble seemed to find “Wild Bill” Hickok everywhere he went.

“Kid?” Lou was looking at him with concern in her dark brown eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“What? Nothin’, nothin’.” He muttered, still watching Christy and Jimmy.

True to his word, Jimmy gave Christy a thorough tour of Rock Creek. He was an excellent guide, and Christy was enjoying his company more and more. She found he lost some of his stiffness with her, and he actually had a wonderful, sly sense of humor.

“That’s about it to Rock Creek, I guess.” He said as they began to make their way towards the jail, which also served as Teaspoon’s office as Marshall of Rock Creek.

“Thank you for showing me around. You’re very kind.” Christy smiled up at her handsome escort.

“Well, if you liked it, maybe I can give you another tour sometime. There’s a pretty little creek about half a day’s ride from here. We could pack a picnic, and I could show it to you.” Jimmy’s voice had a light tone to it that belied his direct gaze.

“That would be lovely!” She exclaimed.

“Good, then we’ll plan to go when I get back from my next ride.” Jimmy said firmly. “Now, weren’t you looking for some new dresses?”

He deposited her in front of Thompkins’ Store with a promise to return soon. “I’m just going to go look at this gun display next door. Take as long as you want.”

Christy entered the clean, bright store and looked around. To her left were bolts and bolts of fabric. She made her way to them and began searching for patterns she liked. Soon an older gentleman appeared beside her.

“Can I help you, miss?” He asked in a deep voice.

“Yes, sir, hopefully. James Hickok told me you could help me with some new dresses.” Christy began.

“So you’re friends with those Express riders, huh? Loud bunch, I’ve had to kick them out of here a few times.” The man boomed.

“Oh, well, he, uh, didn’t mention that…” She stammered.

“Now don’t get me wrong,” The man said, noticing her expression. “They’re a nice bunch of boys, just rowdy is all. The name’s Thompkins, what are you looking for?”

Christy took the hand he held out to her. “T-thank you, Mr. Thompkins. I need a few new dresses…”

Within minutes, Mr. Thompkins had laid before her a vast array of fabrics to choose from. She carefully picked out three prints of a soft blue, and then she noticed a dark green taffeta.

“This is beautiful, it would make a lovely formal dress.” Christy sighed. She held it up for Thompkin’s approval. “What do you think?”

“Looks good, looks real good.” A voice whispered menacingly in her ear.

Christy whirled around and gasped. Behind her was one of the men who had attacked her outside of Blue Creek, she was sure of it. Her memory of that night was vague, but there was no mistaking the man called Joe with the long, dirty-blond hair, and mouth full of tobacco.

“I’ll come back later.” She said to Mr. Thompkins.

Christy turned and fled the store. The man followed her, laughing wickedly. She heard Mr. Thompkins yell for him to leave her alone. In a panic, she looked blindly around for Jimmy. Joe grabbed her by the back of the arm and pulled her towards him.

“Leave me alone!” She cried.

“Now, where are you goin’? We ain’t through talkin’ here.” Joe grinned, exposing a mouthful of tobacco and brown teeth.

Christy was debating whether to scream, when suddenly Cody appeared out of nowhere. Grabbing the man by his shoulders, Cody threw him against the wall of the store.

“I think the lady asked you to leave her alone.” Cody said through clenched teeth.

“Cody! What in tarnation is going on here?” Teaspoon yelled as he came running across the street, at the same time Jimmy came around the corner and joined him.

Cody still had the man pinned to the wall. “I’m not sure. Why don’t you explain, mister?”

Joe’s eyes danced wildly back and forth between Cody, Teaspoon, and Jimmy. “Why, nothin’s going on, fellows, I swear. I was just trying to talk to the lady is all.”

“Christy?” Teaspoon turned to her.

Her face pale, Christy struggled to stop shaking. “H-he’s one of the men who attacked me, Teaspoon, before Jimmy and Cody found me."

“Why, you-” Jimmy started for Joe, his fists balled up tightly.

“Jimmy!” Teaspoon held the hotheaded young man back. “Hold on a minute! Christy, are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m positive.” She nodded.

“Looks like you’re going with me.” Teaspoon grabbed Joe roughly by the arm and led him toward the jail.

“Are you alright?” Cody asked Christy. Still shivering, she tried to nod. Cody wrapped his arm around her and hugged her tight. “Come on, let’s get you somewhere you can sit down.”

Within minutes, it seemed as if everyone had heard of Christy’s near disaster. Cody led her back inside Thompkin’s store, where he insisted she rest in a chair in the back. Rachel, Buck, and Noah soon appeared, concerned about her condition.

“I’m alright, really.” Christy insisted. She felt embarrassed by all the attention.

“Christy! Christy!” Kid ran into the store, dragging Lou behind him. He looked frantic as he pushed people out of the way to get to her. He engulfed her in his embrace.

“Are you alright?” He asked, searching her face.

“Yes, I’m fine, thanks to Billy here. Once again, Mr. Cody, I am very grateful to you.” Christy smiled her appreciation at her hero.

“Do you want to go home?” Rachel asked worriedly.

“No, don’t be silly!” She exclaimed. “I’m fine, really, I’m much better now. Please, let’s don’t leave!”

“I’ll stay with her.” Jimmy spoke up.

“Like you did a few minutes ago?” Kid inquired sarcastically.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jimmy asked hotly.

Kid stood up straight and met Jimmy’s eyes. “I mean if you had stayed with her, none of this would have happened.”

Jimmy fought to keep his temper under control. “How was I supposed to know that lowlife was here?”

“Boys, boys!” Rachel quickly stood between the two angry men. “Jimmy’s right, Kid. I don’t think any of us would have left Christy alone if we knew one of the men who attacked her was in town. Now, why don’t we put it behind us and enjoy the rest of our day. Cody, I think it’s about time for your roping contest.”

Kid and Jimmy continued to stare at each other. Lou tried to diffuse the situation by looping her arm through Kid’s and pulling him gently towards the door. After a minute, Kid slowly followed.

Jimmy squatted in front of Christy. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” She paused. “What was that all about?”

“Don’t worry about it.” Jimmy’s face broke into a slow grin. “That was just Kid being Kid. Now, come on, we don’t want to miss Cody making a fool of himself.”

Christy looked at him doubtfully, then took the hand he offered. She followed Jimmy outside and down the street to the Express station’s corral, which had been cleaned up for the contest. Kid, Lou, and the others were already lined up against the fence. Jimmy and Christy joined them, but Christy couldn’t help but notice that Jimmy and Kid were careful to stay clear of each other.

Many of the ropers in the contest were good, but Christy had no doubt in her mind who would win as soon as Cody’s turn began. He roped and tied the small calf in minutes with seemingly little effort. As he left the corral amid much cheering, Cody caught her eye and winked.

“You’re right, he’s wonderful!” Christy said to Jimmy when Cody was presented the small brass trophy and fifty dollars for winning.

“Don’t tell him that, it will go to his head.” Jimmy chuckled. “Especially if he knows you said it.”

“What do you mean?” Christy asked innocently.

“Hasn’t Cody made it perfectly clear? I believe he’s sweet on you.” Jimmy’s smile grew wider.

Christy snorted. “Yes, me and every other female in the territory. I’m no fool, Mr. Hickok.”

“I didn’t say you were. In fact, I think you’re smarter than most people I know.” Jimmy insisted.

Christy looked at him incredulously. “Why do you think that?”

Jimmy shrugged. “I don’t know. You survived on your own, without a ma or a pa. And you found Kid by yourself. That must take some smarts.”

“No, Jimmy.” Christy said seriously. “You’re wrong, I’ve just been lucky. I never would have survived on my own without Charles Tunstall, and as for me finding Kid, well, I’ve got you to thank for that, don’t I?”

As they talked, Jimmy and Christy made their way through the crowd of onlookers and back onto the main street. The lemonade stand was busy, as the day had turned unusually warm for the month of March. Little boys ran in the middle of the road, lighting firecrackers and quickly throwing them down. Christy hardly noticed the noise. The more time she spent with James Hickok, the more she liked him. To have led such a hard life, he was surprisingly gentle.

“How did you get your nickname, Jimmy?” She asked as they took a seat on a wooden bench outside Teaspoon’s office.

Jimmy shook his head in disgust. “Fellow named Marcus wrote a book about me. He made up a bunch of lies, saying I killed a bunch of people. I guess most folks would rather believe a lie than the truth.”

“It must be very hard for you, knowing most people think you’re a cold-hearted killer.” Christy said softly.

Jimmy tried to look as if he didn’t care. “Teaspoon says if you believe something long enough, it becomes the truth.”

“Not if you don’t let it.” Christy insisted. “You’re not some hardened murderer, I haven’t even known you very long, and I know that. Don’t you?”

He shrugged. “I guess.”

Christy tried to force him to meet her eyes. “You guess?”

Jimmy looked away, his eyebrows furrowing together. “The fact of the matter is, I am a killer. I’ve had to kill to survive and I’m not proud of that.”

Christy gently touched his arm. “I think you’re too hard on yourself. You defended yourself the only way you could. The fact that you feel bad about taking another person’s life shows that you’re not the cold-blooded monster some people think you are.”

Jimmy stared silently at her. A dozen emotions conflicted within him. How could this girl who barely knew him understand him so well? He felt the beginnings of something stirring deep within him, and he fought to contain it. If there was one thing he didn’t need, it was to get involved with someone, especially if that someone was Kid’s cousin.

“Jimmy, I think you’ve hogged enough of Miss Tunstall’s attention for one day.” Cody suddenly appeared beside them. He was proudly brandishing his trophy, which shone almost as brightly as his smile.

“Maybe you’re right, Cody. Why don’t you take over for awhile.” Jimmy stood and pushed his black hat further down onto his head. Without another word, he walked away.

Cody looked stunned to have won his argument with Jimmy so easily. His mouth hung open as he watched his friend disappear down the crowded street. For her part, Christy didn’t know what to think. Had she said something wrong?

Cody quickly recovered from his surprise. “Well, that was easy! Now how about I show you a real tour of the town?”

Christy glanced again in the direction Jimmy had gone. Then she decidedly made up her mind and linked her arm through the handsome blond rider’s. “I’d like that, Billy.”

Christy didn’t get a chance to talk to Jimmy the rest of the day. She and Cody arrived home late as Cody’s idea of a tour included not only the saloon and the jail, but also dinner at the hotel restaurant. Everyone else was already tucked safely in their beds when Cody walked her up the steps to the house. They stood for a moment on the moonlit porch, laughing about the day’s events.

“Thank you, Billy. I had a wonderful time. I don’t know what people will think of me, though; a woman in a saloon!” Christy’s eyes danced in the pale light.

Cody smiled softly. “They’ll think the same thing I do-that I was the luckiest man in the place to be with such a beautiful companion.”

Christy felt herself blushing and was glad it was dark. “You’re very sweet, Billy.”

“Sweet enough for a kiss?” Billy removed his hat and looked at her hopefully.

She hesitated. She adored Cody as a friend, but she didn’t want him to get the wrong impression. She quickly leaned over and kissed his cheek. Cody looked disappointed but continued to smile.

“Well, goodnight…” He whispered.

“Goodnight, Billy.”

Chapter Six

The next morning, Christy dressed quickly and hurried to the bunkhouse, where she found most of the other riders already gathered around the table. Rachel was frying bacon and Cody was eating it as fast as she cooked. Christy noticed that Ike had returned. He shyly waved hello to her.

“Where’s Jimmy?” Christy asked Rachel casually. A quick glance had shown him to be the only person missing.

“He left this morning on a ride. He’ll be back tomorrow. Can you help me with the bacon? I haven’t even started on the eggs.” Rachel said as she slapped another plate of bacon on the table. Cody eagerly dived into it.

After breakfast, Christy pulled a large washtub to the porch and settled in a large rocking chair to shell some peas. She looked up when she heard someone climbing the steps and smiled when she saw it was Kid.

“Hi.” She greeted him.

“Hey.” Kid fidgeted nervously with his hat. “I need to talk to you.”

“Sure. What about?” She reached into the tub and grabbed a handful of unshelled peas.

Kid sat down in the porch swing. He rested his hat on his knee, then replaced it back on his head. “It’s about Jimmy, Christy. I don’t think you need to get involved with him.”

“What?” She asked, startled. “I’m not involved with Jimmy.”

Kid avoided her eyes. “You know what I mean. You spent the whole day with him, and I seen the way he was lookin’ at you.”

“Kid, Jimmy was showing me around as a friend. I wouldn’t even have gone with him, but I thought it would give you some time alone with Lou. He’s very nice, and we had a good time, but I hardly think that qualifies as ‘involved’ with him.” Christy stated emphatically.

“Look, all I’m saying is don’t let it go any farther.” Kid pleaded.

Christy could feel her irritation rising. “Are you trying to tell me what to do?”

“No! It’s not that, I just-I just don’t want you to get hurt, is all.” Kid looked at her earnestly with his deep blue eyes.

“Kid,” Christy sighed. “I appreciate you looking out for me, but really, Jimmy and I are just friends.”

Her cousin shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sorry. I just worry about you, I guess.”

“Well, stop.” She smiled to take the sting out of her words. “I’m a big girl now, Kid. I can take care of myself.”

“Yeah, I know.” Kid nodded. “So, you need some help with these peas?”

Despite worrying about Jimmy’s strange behavior the day before, the day passed quickly for Christy. The more time she spent with the Express group, the more attached to them she felt. Buck and Ike spent most of the afternoon with Christy, showing her the sign language the others used to communicate with Ike. She was very pleased with herself when she learned enough signs to be able to hold a simple conversation with the shy mute. A bond developed between them when Ike learned that Christy had also had scarlet fever.

Noah helped Christy and Rachel slice some tomatoes to go with supper. He told her a little about himself as they worked. Noah was obviously the most educated of the riders, and he was proud of the fact. Christy listened in awe as he spoke about his mother being a slave and his desire to see slavery abolished.

“Your cousin and I seem to have different opinions on the coming war.” Noah spoke carefully. “I reckon you feel the same as him?”

“I am a Southerner, Mr. Dixon, if that’s what you mean. However, I don’t condone the enslavement of human beings.” Christy said lightly.

“And if war breaks out, which side will you choose?” Noah looked at her intently.

Christy hesitated. “If war comes, I will probably choose to stay with my family, what little I have left.”

Noah nodded and let it drop. When they had finished with the tomatoes, he excused himself to go wash up for supper. Rachel smiled gently at her as she sat the table.

“You handled that pretty well.” Rachel commented.

Christy grimaced. “You think so? I felt like I might as well have been standing here with a whip and chains.”

“Noah’s had a lot to overcome, it’s been hard on him.” Rachel soothed. “I don’t guess the white man will ever really understand how it feels to be completely stripped of freedom.”

Just then Teaspoon came through the door. He rubbed his belly as he lifted the lids of the pots on the stove, stopping to sniff each one appreciatively. “Hello, ladies. Smells good.”

“You’re home early.” Rachel observed.

Teaspoon smiled slyly. “I sort of let Barnett take over, while I get something to eat. Christy, you’ll be glad to know we’ve got both those scoundrels who attacked you locked up. We didn’t recover your horse, though, I’m sorry to say.”

“That’s alright, Teaspoon. I’m just glad I don’t have to worry about those two anymore.”

The other boys and Lou soon arrived, and everyone sat down to eat. The conversation was lighthearted, and Christy was relieved to find Noah didn’t seem to have any ill feelings toward her. With all the good food, good company, and especially Kid’s presence, Christy felt she had never been happier. She went to bed that night with a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a very long time.

Christy rose early the next morning, partly because Kid was leaving on a ride, and she wanted to tell him good-bye, and partly because Jimmy would be arriving back, and she wanted a chance to talk to him alone. She quickly tied her hair back and ran down to the barn, where she found Kid in the process of saddling Katy.

“You’ll be back tomorrow?” She asked worriedly. Now that she had found Kid again, Christy was reluctant to let him out of sight.

“Yeah, don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” Kid grinned at her reassuringly.

Kid led Katy out of the stables and climbed up in his saddle. In the distance, Jimmy had just appeared over the horizon, galloping hard towards home. Katy pawed the ground impatiently, rearing to go. In minutes, Jimmy arrived. He threw Kid the mochilla, and reined in his horse.

“See you tomorrow, Christy! Watch out for Lou for me!” Kid called over his shoulder.

Christy waved at her cousin’s retreating back, then turned to Jimmy. “Have a good ride?”

“Yeah, it was alright.” Jimmy climbed wearily down from his horse.

Christy tried to think of something else to say. “Jimmy, did I say something to offend you the other day?”

“No.” Jimmy glanced at her. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know, no reason. I guess I’ll go help Rachel with breakfast.” Christy started slowly towards the bunkhouse.

“Christy?” She turned to find him watching her. He smiled a little. “You still want to go for a ride today?”

She let out a sigh of relief. “Yes, absolutely.”

He walked into the stables. Christy watched him, feeling very puzzled. James Hickok was certainly a strange man.

After breakfast, Christy and Rachel packed a picnic lunch while Jimmy disappeared on a mysterious errand. Christy was tying a warm woolen hat on her head when he returned. Smiling, he grabbed her hand and led her outside. She gasped when she saw his surprise--a gleaming buggy hitched to a small, dappled-gray pony.

“I thought we were taking the buckboard! Where on earth did you get this?” Christy exclaimed.

“I rented it from a man in town. It’s ours for the whole day.” Jimmy grinned, obviously very pleased with himself.

Rachel came outside to inspect the handsome carriage. “Ya’ll sure you want to go on a buggy ride on a day like this? It’s sure cold out.”

“We’ll be fine, Rachel.” Christy soothed.

“Well, at least take a couple of my quilts with you. You can wrap them around you and keep the draft out anyway.” Rachel went back inside, and reappeared a moment later with two large, heavy, patchwork quilts.

After burrowing under the warm quilts and securing the picnic basket between them, Jimmy and Christy set off. The day was extremely cold, but the sun was bright and pleasant. A cold breeze blew against their faces, and Christy’s cheeks rapidly turned a rosy pink.

“Are you too cold?” Jimmy asked.

“No, I’m fine. This is wonderful!” Christy loved the feeling of the wind against her skin.

Jimmy smiled over at her. “I’m glad you like it.”

“So, is this how you impress the girls?” She asked coyly.

“Just you.” He looked at her out of the corner of his eye.

Christy decided to change the subject. “Tell me about yourself, Jimmy.”

He looked at her, puzzled. “Like what?”

“Anything!” She laughed. “Why did you want to work for the Pony Express?”

“I don’t know.” Jimmy shrugged. “I saw a sign wanting workers and figured it would be a way to stay out of trouble.”

“You, stay out of trouble?” Christy said sarcastically.

Jimmy chuckled. “Believe it or not, I used to be worse, just ask Teaspoon. What about you? You don’t ever say much about yourself.”

“What do you want to know?” She asked.

“What was it like growing up with the Kid?”

Christy paused. “Kid was always very brotherly to me. He looked out for me. I can’t tell you how many fights he got into, taking up for me.”

“That sounds like Kid, always sticking up for other people.” Jimmy agreed.

They rode along in silence for awhile. The vast plain was mostly empty and brown, except for a large barn, which looked deserted. Next to the barn, were the charred remains of what must have been a house. The grass around it was blackened from the fire.

“I wonder why that house burned?” Christy mused.

Jimmy shook his head. “Don’t know. Could have been Indians, I guess.”

Christy turned to her companion. “Jimmy, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” He adjusted the reins and urged the horse to go a little faster.

“Why did you leave me with Cody the other day in town?” She searched his eyes.

Jimmy shifted uncomfortably. “I needed to be by myself for awhile, I had to think some things over.”

“I thought maybe I had said something that made you mad.” Christy sighed. “I wish you would have told me that.”

“Well, I didn’t want to tell you because you were what I had to think over.” Jimmy said hesitantly.

“Me? Why?” Christy’s clear blue eyes were confused.

Jimmy raised an eyebrow as he studied her. “I’ve never met anyone like you. Most people would be afraid of me because of my reputation. You act like you don’t even care.”

“I don’t care, Jimmy. I try to judge people by their character, not what other’s say about them.” Christy gaze was still puzzled. “However, that doesn’t explain why you would need time to think about me.”

Jimmy seemed to turn slightly red. “I just-just, can’t stop thinking about you, if you know what I mean.”

Christy felt her mouth drop open in surprise. “Wh-what?”

Jimmy looked annoyed. “Ever since I found you laying there on the ground, I can’t get you out of my head.”

“Is there something wrong with that?” Christy asked slowly.

“ Yes!” Jimmy snapped. “I can’t think that way about you.”

“Why not?” Christy felt more bewildered by the minute.

“Because you’re Kid’s cousin.” Jimmy stated flatly. “Because of who I am.”

“Whoa, wait a minute! First, what does Kid have to do with this? And what way are you thinking about me?” Christy exploded.

“I don’t know!” Jimmy practically yelled. “But all I can think about doing right now is kissing you!”

“Then why don’t you just do it!” Christy bellowed back.

Jimmy abruptly stopped the horse and pulled her into his arms. His lips found hers quickly and he kissed her with such passion and force, Christy almost fell out of the buggy. She wrapped her arms around him to support herself and gave in to his sweet kiss. Finally she pushed him away with both hands. They sat there, breathing wildly, and staring at each other.

When they finally resumed their ride, Jimmy glanced sideways at her and chuckled. “Now do you know what I meant?”

“I guess I have some idea.” Christy replied smartly.

Christy was quiet, thinking of what had just happened. She couldn’t deny that she had found Jimmy attractive from the start, but never had she expected anything like the kiss they had shared moments earlier. She wondered what Kid would think. He wouldn’t be very happy, Christy was sure of that.

She observed Jimmy out of the corner of her eye. He seemed to be lost in thought, too. Was he wishing he had never kissed her? Although Christy hadn’t anticipated his actions, she couldn’t honestly say she was unhappy about it.

“What are you thinking?” She asked after a time.

“I’m thinking we may have to cut our ride short.” Jimmy’s gaze was worried. He nodded toward some heavy gray clouds, hanging low in the sky. Although the clouds were still far away, they were steadily moving in their direction. “I’m afraid a blizzard may be coming.”

Christy felt a chill of fear run through her. “A blizzard? But where will we go? Can we make it back to Rock Creek?”

“I don’t think so. We better try to find some other shelter.” Jimmy swung the horse and buggy around and headed back in the direction from which they came.

“What about that old barn we passed?” Christy asked as she looked over her shoulder at the ominous clouds.

Jimmy urged the small gray pony to go a little faster. She seemed to sense her driver’s apprehension, and soon they were fairly flying across the bumpy plains. When they reached the barn, Jimmy handed Christy the reins, and jumped down from the buggy seat. He opened the creaky barn doors and Christy urged the pony inside.

The barn was dark and dusty inside and the smell of animals still hung heavily in the air. Jimmy stumbled around until he found a lantern hanging on the wall. He removed some matches from his vest pocket and lit the lantern. The small light did nothing to cheer Jimmy and Christy’s temporary shelter.

It was obvious the barn hadn’t been used in a while. Cobwebs grew in every corner, and the hay on the dirt floor was damp and moldy. Most overwhelming though was the bitter cold. Snuggled in the buggy with Jimmy right beside her, Christy hadn’t noticed the temperature. Now her teeth chattered and she began to shiver violently.

Noticing how uncomfortable she was, Jimmy set about trying to build a fire. First he cleared the hay from a small area of the dirt floor. He went back outside and began toting in several large rocks, placing them in a rough circle on the floor. In a corner, some old scraps of lumber lay piled in a heap. Christy helped Jimmy drag them over to their makeshift campfire. Jimmy poured a small amount of the kerosene from the lamp onto the wood and lit a match. The wood ignited with a blaze that soon settled into a small fire.

“Do you think that will last until the blizzard is over?” Christy stared at the small pile of lumber remaining.

Jimmy looked very grim. “Not unless this is a very short blizzard.”

Jimmy unhitched the pony from the buggy and led her into one of the stalls. He found a small sack of oats and sparingly poured some into a trough. Outside the wind began to blow fiercely. It pounded on the walls of the barn and howled around the corners.

Christy sat miserably huddled close to the fire, thinking how worried Kid would be. Kid! He was out on a run…what if he got caught out in this blizzard? She could only pray he would reach safety before the blizzard’s blinding snow started.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be alright for a day or two.” Jimmy said as he warmed his hands in front of the fire.

Christy swallowed the lump in her throat. “Actually, I was thinking about Kid. I hope he can find some kind of shelter.”

“He’ll be alright, Christy.” Jimmy reached over and lightly touched her knee. “Kid’s a smart man, he’ll find some place to hole up before it reaches him.”

The blizzard hit the barn with the force of a cannonball. The wind’s pitch raised to a scream that sounded eerily like a woman’s voice. The driving snow scoured and lashed against every inch of the barn. The small fire seemed very puny against the force unleashed outside.

Jimmy and Christy sat staring into the fire. Just thinking about Kid and her nice warm bed at Rachel’s caused a single cold tear to trickle down Christy’s cheek. Jimmy saw the tear but tried to ignore it. It had been his experience that crying women were best left to themselves. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to help, but he often found that he made matters worse.

Finally he could stand it no longer. He scooted closer to Christy. “Did Kid tell you about the time Teaspoon taught us to play baseball?”

“B-baseball? What’s that?” Christy’s lip trembled a little.

“It’s a game. You hit a ball with a bat and run around in circles trying to score.” He explained.

Christy looked at him doubtfully. “Sounds fun.”

Jimmy nodded understandingly. “That’s we thought, too, at first, but it really was fun. Until Cody and me got into a fight because he hit me with the ball. Jed was there…”

“Really?” Jed’s name seemed to catch her interest.

Jimmy was relieved to see Christy had stopped crying. Encouraged by this, he began telling her funny stories of things that had happened to the riders over the years. He told her of the time a woman had temporarily left her baby in the care of the riders, and when Kid had stupidly tried to move Lou out of the bunkhouse because she was a girl. He chuckled as he related the story of the rider’s claim in a gold mine that they thought would make them all rich. The hours passed by and before they knew it, it was almost midnight.

“So Lou and Kid kept it secret that Lou was a girl?” Christy shook her head in amazement.

“Yep, until Lou’s father kidnapped her younger brother and sister. When her father said he had two daughters and not two sons, Lou had to come clean.” Jimmy laughed.

“I like Lou. I’m glad Kid has someone like her in his life.” Christy commented.

Jimmy looked thoughtfully into the fire. “Yeah, Lou is very special.”

Christy glanced at him sharply. “Are you and Lou close?”

Jimmy didn’t meet her eyes as he shook his head. “Nah. Well, I guess we better turn in. It’s getting late.”

Christy couldn’t help but feel Jimmy was hiding something from her, but she didn’t ask anymore questions. She rolled up in Rachel’s quilt as close to the fire as she dared and tried to go to sleep. Without Jimmy’s amusing anecdotes to distract her, the cold once more seemed to chill her to the bone. Before long, her feet felt numb and her teeth began chattering.

Jimmy propped himself up on his elbow. “You know, two quilts are warmer than one.”

“Wh-what d-do you mean?” She stuttered.

“I mean if we share, we can have two quilts instead of one.” Jimmy caught the look on her face. “Don’t worry, I’ll behave.”

She flashed him a quick grin. “Maybe it’s not you I’m worried about.”

As she lay next to him beneath both quilts, Christy was very much aware of Jimmy’s presence. Her cheeks felt like they were burning and her heart raced at the feel of him next to her. She tried to lie stiffly, so that no part of her was too close to him. Christy didn’t know how she would ever get to sleep, but she had to admit she was much warmer. With the extra quilt and Jimmy’s body heat, she began to feel quite cozy, and despite her fears, she soon became drowsy and drifted off to sleep. Long after she had slipped into dreams, Jimmy lay awake, staring down at the girl who despite his best intentions, was slowly taking over his heart.