Pulling the tired old stage horse to a halt, McCatney looked down at the small town from a distance. It was nothing more than a cow town at the end of a cattle trail. The woman was devoid of sleep as her body reached the point of exhaustion from the last two days events. He held his arm tight around her waist as he kicked the horse to continue a gentle lope to the town. The faster they arrived the better.

He could feel the cold bite of much needed sleep enter into him when he reached the edge of town. Slowing his horse to a walk, knowing that the horse would jar too much in a slow trot. Looking around he found the saloon and dismounted brining the woman down into his arms allowing her to rest her soft silky black hair on his chest. She snuggled into him when he took notice of a small sandy blond kid walking toward him.

"Hey kid," he called, the boy jogged over, "what's your name?"

"Billy," his small voice answered.

"Billy you think you can cool this horse out and bed him in the livery for me," McCatney asked tossing Billy 4 bits for his trouble.

"Sure thing mister," he answered taking the money and then grabbing up the horses reins and leading him away. McCatney looked up at the saloon and sighed, hoping that the guy was right. Stepping up onto the boardwalk he covered the short distance to the saloon and walked inside. The place was as lively as a big city saloon, and twice as cantankerous. Looking around he wondered who the owner could be, and decided to ask the woman he found standing behind the bar. He moved over trying not to jostle the woman too much.

"Ma'am, I'm looking for the owner of this establishment," he asked the woman kindly.

"You've found her, cher, what can I do for you," Lily asked checking out the officer standing in front of her, "looks like you've run into a mite of trouble."

"Sure did, Ma'am, ways back, the lady here could use a place to bed down, she's been through a lot."

"Why don't you bring her upstairs," Lily said leading the way.

The sound of gun and cannon fire exploded all around, silence had been gone since the break of day on that god forsaken hill that the rebels were taking over. Jenson charged his steed through the woods chasing after the running yankee's as they tried the flee the fury of their attackers. A movement brought Jenson to pull his horse up short turning and darting for the area he had seen the movement. His gun at the ready as he circled his horse around to the other side of the bush. Trapped under his horse was a black man his eyes showing the anguish he felt. The fear. Kneeling over him staring straight at Jenson was a Sargent. A pleading in his eyes begging to be allowed to help the man.

"Wha've ya o're thar," yelled a southern voice. Jenson stared at the man for a moment before looking in the direction the voice was coming from, "Nuthin', jus an ol' coon," Jenson laughed as best he could and waited as the rider turned away and continued on. Looking around the area Jenson spotted a horse standing behind all the action and quietly without word rode away from the two and captured the horse. Bringing the stout creature back to the area he had left the injured and the yank, he dismounted and helped lift the dead horse off the man that was trapped below.

"Load 'im on the hoss, and get 'em to a safe place. Don't stop fer no one."

The Sargent smiled at Jenson, "Thank you Sargent. You can come with us."

"No, sir. This is my fate. Gotta stick to it," Jensen answered with a smile.

The Union Sargent approached Jenson, "Name's Jefferson McCatney," Pain seared in Jenson's ribs as an object punched into them, again and again.

Frank kicked KC again, "You dag fool, you let em go," he yelled at KC. KC looked up at the two faces, "Wha ya mean, was Jesse's turn to watch," Frank's thrashing turned to Jesse, "Hey now... No mind. I know where they're headed with the shipment." The two looked at KC both seemed to be frothing at the mouth and KC was beginning to wonder if they had rabies.

The early morning dawn provided little inside the room as McCatney lit the candle on the bed stand, the woman slept under the light covers. Pacing the small room he wondered again as to the plan and when it was to take place. In any event he had to be ready at the drop of a hat, to take action. He practically jumped out of his skin when he heard the knock on the door. Taking a moment he stared at the door.

"Come," he finally spoke more as if it were an order than an invitation.

The door opened and Lily stepped inside, "Nathan's going to take a look at Jane, if that's alright." McCatney nodded, and then looked over at the woman as Nathan bent over her. Lily quietly stepped next to McCatney, "Why don't we give him some room to work, cher, she'll be alright."

Offering his arm to Lily, he waited until she accepted his offer, and then reluctantly led her back into the saloon. He recited to her the events of the past few nights telling her about the Sargent who had once saved his life back in the war and now saved his life again.

Only this time his friend wasn't on the wrong side of the war, but on the wrong side of the law. He wondered if Lily would understand his desire to help this man whose name he had never known.

Lily listened to McCatney through all of this and thought of KC. Wondering if the man he was talking about was the same woman she knew, but was distracted when Nathan came down with Jane by his side.

Nathan smiled, "Food'll do you some good, why don't you sit here and I'll get you something." Jane sat quietly her body still shaking from the stress of the last days. She provided a wry strained smile at Nathan and then to McCatney and Lily. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying.

The morning of the box social dawned clear and bright. Molly had awoken early to begin her preparations for the box lunch she was going to make for that afternoon's social. An anxiousness filled the young woman as she moved about the small kitchen so not to disturb her still sleeping father. She wanted this day to be perfect. Her lunch could be bid on and won by any man in town but deep down Molly desperately wanted that man to be JD Dunne. Her father had insisted that if she was going to take part in the box lunch auction that she be accompanied by a chaperone and Mrs. Travis had agreed to help locate one. They were going to wait until after the auction was done to see who would be available to be with Molly and whoever won her lunch.

Molly wiped her hands on her apron before going to the kitchen table to gather up the bank's ledgers that her father had been working on until late the previous evening. More and more people were starting to put their money into the town's bank rather than keep it in their homes and risk getting robbed. Bryan would go every evening to the bank to get that day's receipts in order to balance the accounts. Some nights it would only take an hour, other nights he'd be up late.

Molly was careful in gathering them up so not to disturb her father's work. One ledger in particular seemed especially fragile. As Molly went to move them to a chair, it slipped off the top of the pile and fell open to the floor. Several loose papers also fell out. As Molly bent down to retrieve the book, she noticed that the handwriting was her father's but the words were unrecognizable to her.

The papers that had fallen out contained all different handwriting but was in the same odd language. Molly realized that it must be Gaelic, the native language of Ireland and one she wanted her father to teach her but he refused. He'd told her she'd have no use for it but he himself often spoke it, especially to Colum. Molly put the papers back inside the book and placed it on the pile before moving everything to the chair hoping she hadn't disturbed her father.

Bryan woke up to the sound of something falling softly on the floor. He opened his eyes to see Molly bending down to pick up a ledger that had fallen on the floor. He was about to tease her about being clumsy when he noticed that it was his old black one. He had forgotten to hide it back away the evening before.

He held his breath as he watched her gaze at the book and the papers that had fallen out of it. She wouldn't be able to understand what was in the book since it was written in Gaelic a language he wouldn't teach her even though she'd wanted to learn it since she was a small girl. It was one of the only ways he knew of protecting her from what they'd been doing all these years. Soon, he'd get out of it, turn everything over to Colum and he could stop looking over his shoulder. For now he offered a prayer of thanks that his daughter could not understand what it was she was looking at.

Molly flitted about between getting herself ready for the day and making her lunch. She had repaired and cleaned the yellow linen dress she'd worn the day of the tornado and had decided that she would wear it for the lunch. She had a small straw hat that she'd put yellow ribbon around the brim along with some dried out flowers. Her dress to wear for that evening's dance had been pressed and was hanging in her closet.

She was now in the process of preparing the lunch. She had baked bread the night before and was taking apple turnovers out of the oven. She was also cooking chicken to make sandwiches out of. Once it was cooked she'd let it cool and then half it for sandwiches. For now she was working on packing the basket with the items they'd need for a picnic. It was nearly time to get herself ready. She braided her hair and slipped her dress on.

"Molly Katherine, that auction isn't going to wait for you," her father called out to her.

"I'm coming, Da," she called back. She placed her had on her head and secured it with a hatpin. She gave herself one last look in the mirror before stepping out of her room. Her father was at the door with the basket in his hand.

"Leave it to you to wear the very dress that you were nearly killed in to a picnic," he teased her.

"She'll certainly catch the eye of any number of young men today," Colum's voice said from behind Bryan. Bryan turned to his brother.

"That's what I'm afraid of," his tone no longer teasing.

"Stop it, the both of you," Molly scolded them. "Today is meant to be a day to enjoy so let's be off and enjoy it."

"As you wish," Colum said, bowing to her. Molly laughed and took his arm, her father falling in step next to them.

The trio made their way down the main street into town. There was a lot of activity that buzzed with an excited energy. Molly felt almost like an overexcited child as they made their way to the center of town where a makeshift stage had been set up. For this afternoon it would be where the auction of the lady's lunches would be and this evening would be where the musicians for the dance would play. Molly took the basket from her father and brought it to the edge of the stage where Mrs. Travis was organizing boxes and baskets of all sorts.

"Molly, this smells wonderful," Mrs. Travis exclaimed taking the basket from her.

"Thank you. It looks like this lunch is going to be a huge success."

"Let's hope so," she answered her. "We'll be starting in just a few minutes." Molly was about to say something else when she noticed Lily stepping out of the saloon with a man and woman that Molly didn't recognize. The woman appeared to be distraught over something and Lily and the man were apparently both talking to her.

The woman listened to what Lily was telling her then took Lily's hands and gave her a weary smile. Lily left the two of them and walked toward the stage carrying a basket of her own. Molly smiled and was about to walk toward her when her father stepped in front of her and said, "We should find a place to stand," before leading Molly away from the stage abruptly.

"I wanted to say hello to Lily," Molly protested.

"I'm sure she's busy, you'll be able to see her later," he said continuing to lead her away. Molly thought his actions odd but didn't put up an argument not wanting to spoil the day. They chose a spot among a group of people that were gathering not far from the stage. Molly caught sight of JD and for a brief second held her breath. He looked toward her and tipped his hat in greeting to her.

"What're gonna do if you're out bid," Buck's teasing voice came behind JD, startling him.

"I won't be out bid," JD said his stubborn tone.

"There's still tonight," Buck said, waiting for a reply that didn't come. JD turned away from him as if he had something he didn't want Buck to know. "You did ask her to the dance?" JD still said nothing. "She's not gonna ask herself."

"I know that, Buck. I just . . . I haven't had . . . there hasn't been a good time to ask her," JD stammered. The truth was, he didn't quite know how to ask her. He'd never really asked anyone to a dance before and wasn't sure how to go about it but hell if he'd let any of the other men know.

"Just ask her, before someone else beats you to it," Buck said, good-naturedly slapping him on the back. JD whirled on him.

"You wouldn't dare," he threatened. Buck just laughed as he backed away.

"Buck?" JD warned, his voice drowned out by the auction getting under way.

Frank's stomach growled as the scent of ham cooking reached their noses. Smiling when the cabin came into view, he jammed his heels into his horse and tore off to the house, with Jesse following closely. KC watched the two men ride up to the house, keeping the grey at a slow easy trot. The place was nice, there were two old plow horses in a corral, chickens wandering around the place. A milk cow, and a small vegetable garden near the house.

"No," a female voice screamed from inside the house causing KC to dismount and run inside crashing through the front door. Frank held a woman at gunpoint as Jesse, had a younger girl pinned down to the floor. Jesse was smiling and laughing at the struggling girl. Between the two lay on the ground a man. KC lunged at Frank, slamming a closed fist into his temple, before turning on Jesse with a gun.

"Let her go, Jess," KC demanded.

"I'm just having fun," Jesse stated as if he we're doing nothing wrong.

The two locked gazes for a minute before Jesse decided to keep his life he'd have to let her go. He raised off the girl grudgingly.

"Grab Frank and lets go," KC ordered Jesse.

Outside the saloon McCatney watched as Lily as she left him alone with Jane. He smiled down at the woman before guiding her off to join the town festivities for the day. He found a nice spot and took his jacket and laid it on the ground for Jane before helping her to sit down on the navy blue coat. He smiled sheepishly at her before sitting in the dust beside her. She sat as close to him as she could not wanting to leave his strength or his side.

Vin took note of the uniform as he leaned peaceful like against the sheriffs office. His keen eyes scanning the crowd only to come back and rest on the man who sat with the woman. He knew they had only come in the day before. And Nathan had mentioned a description that the Captain had given him, that sounded a lot like KC.

Lily gave a last smile to Jane and Captain McCatney before moving closer to the stage. Her basket was to be the second one auctioned off. Secretly she hoped that Chris would be the one to purchase it, but she doubted he would even bid.

"You gonna bid?" Buck spoke quietly to Chris.

"Hadn't planned on it."

"I could always bid and then suddenly be unable to escort her. I'd need someone to take my place."

"Don't do me any favors."

"Two dollars." Ezra's voice called out a bid. Chris could think of worse people for Lily to have a picnic with.

"Two dollars. We have two dollars. Do I hear any more bids?" The auctioneer paused waiting for any more.

"Twenty dollars."

Gasps of surprise eminated from the crowd. Lily scanned the crowd looking for the bidder. A well-dressed white haired man stepped out from the left side of the crowd.

"Twenty dollars? That's quite a bid. Do we have any other bids?" It was a silly question. Twenty dollars was a large sum, for anyone. "Well then, twenty dollars it is."

Lily took her basket and crossed to the stranger. The two men that stood on either side of him were familiar. He took her hand and raised it to his mouth kissing it lightly.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you Mrs. Patterson."

"You seem to have me at a disadvantage. You know my name but I don't know yours."

"Guy Royal, ma'am. Several of my men have visited your establishment but their descriptions did not do you justice."

"Thank you very much."

"Mr. Larabee, how good to see you again." Royal spoke to the man that had just appeared on Lily's right. Chris stood silently at her side.

"Mr. Royal, where will be having our lunch?"

"I have a lovely spot in mind out at my ranch. A place as lovely as you." Lily looked down at the hand on her arm. Chris was gripping it gently holding her in place.

"It seems that our friend, Mr. Larabee would like a word with you before we depart. I'll wait by my carriage." Lily waited till Royal was out of earshot before turning to Chris.

"What?"

"Royal can't be trusted. We've had dealings with him before."

"After he bid all that money, I can't very well just refuse to have lunch with him." Chris sighed heavily. "Besides, with you watching over me. . . he wouldn't dare try anything."

Molly's lunch was on of the last to be bid on. Everyone was getting in the spirit of the day including her uncle who had bid on and won the lunch prepared by the woman who ran the town's laundry. Molly's father was in good spirits even though he couldn't bring himself to make a bid.

"She wouldn't mind, Da," Molly'd whispered to him after Colum won his lunch.

"I know," he answered her with a quick kiss on the head.

"Molly Gallagher's prepared a lunch with an eastern flavor," the auctioneer announced to laugher at his deliberate pun. He went on to describe the contents of the lunch which Molly failed to pay attention to, her eyes scanning the crowed for the one person she wanted to bid on it. She found him at the opposite end of the crowd from her. "We'll again start the bids at 50 cents." Molly held her breath.

"50 cents," someone that wasn't JD called out from the back. Molly closed her eyes. 'He was just too quick,' she thought to herself.

"We have 50 cents, what about a dollar?" the auctioneer asked.

"One dollar," this time the voice belonged to Ezra Standish. Molly looked over toward JD. 'I should have known better,' she thought to herself.

"One dollar from Mr. Standish do I hear a dollar and a half for the lunch prepared my Miss Gallagher?"

"Four dollars," a voice called out from where JD was standing. Molly's eyes flew open. It couldn't have been JD that offered that amount. It was nearly a week's wages for him. Even the auctioneer seemed taken aback for a moment.

"Well now, will anyone top Mr. Dunn's bid of four dollars for Miss Gallagher's lunch?"

'Please no,' Molly begged silently.

"The bid is going once, twice, sold to Mr. Dunn for four dollars," the auctioneer exclaimed. Molly resisted the urge to jump up and down.

"I would have bid five," her father's voice came in her ear bring her back down to Earth.

"Trust you for that," Molly said, playfully swiping his arm.

"Four dollars? Have you lost your mind, boy," Buck said to JD. JD turned and smiled at him.

"Not yet, Buck." With that he nodded at his friend and made his way over to the Gallaghers. Mary Travis approached him with the lock-box that the cash from the bids was being put into and handed him Molly's picnic basket.

"That was rather generous of you JD," she told him, approval in her voice. "It will help the town out a great deal. Of course you know that Mr. Gallagher as requested that a chaperone accompany Molly and the winning bidder? I've checked and Josiah agreed to do it." JD nodded.

"Don't matter to me. I'm just glad that I could help out, that's all," he said.

"Of course," she said, giving him a knowing smile. "Well, enjoy your afternoon." He made his way over to Molly and her father.

"Congratulations," Molly said to him.

"I have a nice place in mind to take the lunch," he said to her. "It's near the river, not too far out of town," he added for the benefit of Bryan. "Mrs. Travis got Josiah to go with us." Molly's stomach hit the ground.

"Oh, that's not necessary of him to do. I'm sure he'd like to stay in town. I'm sure there's someone else who'd do it rather than trouble him," she said in a rush.

"It's no trouble," Josiah's voice said from behind Bryan. Molly realized there was nothing she could do. Mr. Sanchez was going to chaperone them and that would be that.

Bryan had offered the use of his wagon to the couple. JD placed the picnic basket in the back along with a blanket and helped Molly into the seat of the wagon. Josiah was on his horse and would ride close enough to them to keep an eye on the young pair but far enough away to offer them some privacy.

They drove in a mostly awkward silence, each not quite knowing what to say to the other. They arrived at the bank of the river. It was a pretty spot with trees offering shade from the afternoon sun. JD helped Molly out of the wagon and took the blanket and the basket out of the back. They choose a spot near the bank and Molly spread the blanket. Josiah rode up to them. Molly began unpacking the basket with the food.

"I've brought plenty," she told Josiah. "Please help yourself."

"I don't mind if I do," he said to her with a smile, dismounting from his horse.

"I've been wondering about Cheyenne," Molly said to him carefully. "She left seemingly unexpectedly and I was wondering if she was alright?" Josiah stopped for a moment and blew out a breath before looking up at Molly.

"Cheyenne can take care of herself. She'll be fine," he said to her.

"If you hear from her, please give her my best."

"I'll do that," he said smiling at the girl. "I think I'll take this over by that tree," Josiah said to them. He couldn't help but notice relief cross Molly's face when he said that. Something was definitely going on with that girl and he'd made up his mind as he walked away to find out what it is. He'd promised Bryan he'd help her. He sat down against a tree and watched the young pair under the guise of reading his bible.

One of Royal's men had ridden ahead to the ranch to set things up. By the time they arrived a small table had been placed under a shade tree. Lily sighed in amazement as they sat down.

"Linen tablecloth, crystal, silver place setting? Very impressive, Mr. Royal."

"Thank you Mrs. Patterson. I suspect that like me, you appreciate the finer things in life."

Lily felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle. While seemingly harmless and charming there was something about this man that didn't feel right. Maybe she should have paid more attention to what Chris had said.

"Why do I believe, Mr. Royal, that you didn't bid on my lunch just because you wanted some pleasant afternoon company?"

"Beautiful and insightful." A sly smile crossed his face. "Actually I have a business proposition for you."

Molly and JD's lunch started out the same way their drive out to the river had - in silence. Molly was the one to finally broke it.

"It's such a pretty spot here," she said. "What made you think of it?"

"I . . . uh . . . I know you like the water," JD answered her.

"It was quite generous of you to bid that much on my lunch. I know that it's nearly a week's wages for you." JD smiled at her.

"Well so far it's the best four dollars I've ever spent." Molly blushed. The conversation slowly evolved. They found themselves talking about their families, their homes, and their dreams. Molly reveled to him that she had accepted the teaching position that was offered to her by Judge Travis. The laughed as they shared stories. Josiah watched the pair from the tree amused at the relationship he saw evolving that afternoon. They both cared a great deal for each other that was evident from his vantage point and he wondered if they realized it. He hid his amusement in his book.

Molly couldn't remember a time when she'd laughed so much. In spite of their chaperone, her afternoon was as she pictured it.

"That was the best lunch I've ever had," JD told her.

"Thank you. We should be starting back soon," she said as she began packing the basket.

"Are you . . . will you be going to the dance tonight?" he asked her.

"Yes," she answered hopefully.

"Maybe . . . do you think I could see you there?" he asked.

"I'd like that," she answered shyly.

"You would?" JD asked suprized. Molly suppressed a laugh.

"More than anything," she found herself answering. For a moment they're eyes were locked together in a spell that was broken by the approach of Josiah. Embarrassed, they finished packing the basket and placed everything in the wagon. They drove back into town to Molly's house.

"Your meal was straight from heaven," Josiah told her, tipping his hat to her.

"Thank you, Mr. Sanchez. Thank you for being willing to go with us," she said to him.

"A father always wants to protect his daughter," he said to her as he left leaving Molly wondering what he meant. Molly's father was waiting for them and he helped her out of the wagon.

"I trust you had a good time?" he asked.

"A wonderful afternoon," Molly said to him. "And Mr. Dunn was a perfect gentleman."

"I wouldn't have expected less," Bryan said to him, taking the basket from the wagon and into the house.

"Thank you for a wonderful afternoon," Molly said to him. "I'll see you this evening then."

"I look forward to it," he said to her, tipping his hat and walking away. He had a dance to get ready for. Molly waited until he was far enough away before clasping her hands together and letting out a squeal of delight before walking into the house to get ready for the dance.

Molly took great care in getting herself ready for the dance. She curled her hair and loosely piled it on her head securing it with a pair of mother-of-pearl combs. She allowed for several tendrils to frame her face. A pair of ear bobs that matched the combs adorned her ears. The peach of the dress showed off her light skin. The sleeves of the dress were slightly off shoulder, elbow length and puffed - a style popular back east. The dress was fitted to the waist with a skirt that was a straight length that flared out only slightly. She was fussing with her hair when a knock came on her door and it opened slightly. Colum's head appeared. She smiled at him in the mirror.

"Hello, Colum,"

"I feel like I'm stepping into the royal chambers," he said opening the door further. "I dare say the queen herself isn't as beautiful." Molly blushed.

"Well you're biased," she said to him

"Yes, I am," he replied. He walked up to the dresser and handed her a long, thin box. "I was going to wait until your birthday but I thought you'd want to wear them to the dance." Molly took the box and opened it. Inside was a single strand of small pearls.

"Colum," she said in suprize looking up at him with her eyes shinning. "They're beautiful." She took them out of the box and handed them to him. "Will you put them on me?" He took them, turned her around to face the mirror and clasped them. They overlapped her gold Clidaugh and went with the dress perfectly. Molly turned and kissed her uncle on the cheek. "I feel like a queen," she whispered to him.

"Are you both nearly ready?" her father said stepping into the room.

"You both look so wonderful," Molly said, noting that both men were in their best suits. She pulled on a pair of white kid gloves and grabbed her lace shawl and bag. "I'm sure most women of this town will be jealous of me being escorted by the likes of you both."

"I think it is us that will incur the jealousy," Bryan answered her. "You look beautiful." Molly walked up to her father and took his arm. Colum watched the pair walk off knowing Bryan and him felt the same thing at seeing Molly like she was - a woman and not a girl.

The sun hung low over the horizon when the trio caught sight of the town before them. KC said a silent prayer for the upcoming event, looking over at Frank in the near darkness KC tried not to show the contempt that she held for them. She smiled at him and tipped her head up and down his temple and eye had swollen since that afternoon. Frank, glared at her wanting as he tried to figure out a way to leave her behind and take the wrap for them all. Jesse followed Frank's mind the two of them seemed to talk without words as they rode closer to town.

The dance was just starting to get underway as they made their way to the center of town. Dusk was just starting to settle and lanterns had been lit along both sides of the street. People were walking by dressed in their finest. Children were laughing and chasing each other while mothers good naturdly hollered to be careful and to take care not to get dirty. There was a festive air among everyone unlike any Molly had ever felt in this place. Several men had taken places on the stage with various instruments and were starting to play. Several couples had already starting dancing.

Molly noticed Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Travis behind the refreshment table and wanted to go say hello. She whispered this to her father and made her way across the street. JD was also at the opposite end of the street with Buck and Ezra. Buck was giving him a hard time because he wasn't wearing his gun belt. He knew wearing it made Molly uneasy and he couldn't stand that he might bring her any discomfort.

"Well I think the debate over whether or not we call Molly Gallagher a girl or woman can be put at rest," Ezra said. JD turned around at that statement to see Molly making her way across the street. She turned her head toward them and JD felt as though he might faint. She looked like an angel. Buck said something that he didn't hear while slapping his back.

Molly walked over to the refreshment table and greeted Mrs. Travis and Mrs. Potter. The three women talked with the older two gushing over the young Molly. A woman Molly had never met before came over. Mrs. Travis introduced her saying she was Ezra Standish's mother. Molly also noticed that among the group of people was the man and woman she'd seen earlier with Lily. The woman still looked somewhat upset. Molly then noticed Lily making her way over and went up to greet her hoping to find out who the two people were.

"Lily, I was hoping to see you. You look so lovely," Molly said to her. Lily took hold of Molly's hand.

"Molly you look beautiful. Where's JD?" she asked her. Molly blushed.

"I haven't had a chance to meet up with him yet." Lily was about to say something else when Bryan came over.

"Good evening Mrs. Patterson," he said somewhat coolly. "I was hoping to steal my daughter away for a dance." Without waiting for an answer he took Molly's arm and led her to the makeshift dance floor in front of the stage.

"What was all that about?" Molly asked him.

"I can't have a dance with my daughter?" Bryan said to her. Molly just shook her head and smiled up at him and continued to dance.

Lily watched as Bryan and Molly danced. Molly's father had been acting oddly to her ever since the tornado. A light tap on her shoulder drew her out of her thoughts.

"Ezra, how are you this evening?"

"I'll be doing even better if you would honor me with a dance."

"How could I possibly refuse such an offer."

Molly noticed Chris Larabee standing off to the side. He was dressed in his usual black attire. Shyly she made her way up to him.

"Mr. Larabee?" she said softly. He turned to her. "I was hoping to see you. I never really got a chance to thank you for . . . well for taking care of me during the storm. I'm not certain what I would have done if you hadn't been there."

"I'm just glad you're alright," he said to her.

"Chris, Chris," a little boy's voice called out before Billy Travis appeared from behind Molly and was lifted right into Chris's arms. He was dressed in a suit that already was starting to see traces of dirt. "Are you and Miss Molly gonna dance?" he asked. Before either could answer he continued. "Because if not then I want to." Molly laughed as Chris set him down.

"Why, Mr. Travis, I'd be delighted," Molly said taking his hand and walking to the dance floor. Mary Travis came out and politely cut in while Molly went off in search of her father or uncle. She found her uncle standing off to the side. "Where's Da?" she asked him. He nodded toward the stage. Walking up the steps caring a violin was Bryan. He hadn't played for so long, not since they'd arrived. He led the men in playing a jig.

"Should we show them how it's done?" Colum asked his niece. She looked up at him and smiled her eyes twinkling. He led her on the floor and they began the dance that was nearly as old as Ireland itself. Molly used to love to dance like this. She followed her uncle's lead as he led her through the series of steps that was all feet and leg while the upper body stayed as still as it could. When the dance was over Molly was out of breath and laughing on the arm of her uncle. She looked at her father and blew him a kiss. He responded with a wink and began to play another song.

A movement by the bank caught Vin's eye as he turned to look he could see the shadowy figures of men. He watched the shadows for a moment before acting on the wrenching inside his gut. A feeling that made him move from his spot, and nearer the bank using the darker shadows as cover.

McCatney scanned the area taking in the sights when he noticed the buckskin clad man he had learned was Vin Tanner, moving away toward somewhere. He wondered why the man moved cautiously. He turned back to Jane and looked down at her frailness, "Will you be alright for a minute," he asked her not sure he should leave her alone.

Jane only looked up at him for a moment before turning her attention back to the crowd before her. He knew she wanted to pretend that the horrid event of her husband's death had never happened.

"I'd be happy to sit with her for you," came a kind rumbling voice. McCatney, turned to face the older man that crouch beside them. The man smiled, "The names Josiah." McCatney recalled the name Lily had mentioned the man before, nodding McCatney stood and let Josiah stay in his stead. Quickly he moved after Vin, trying to trace the mans tracks as he went.

"She ain't gonna ask herself to dance you know," Buck said to JD.

"I know that Buck," JD irritated.

"Then go ask her," Buck said. "If you don't, I will." JD glared at him but knew he'd do it. He straightened out his jacket and smoothed down his tie before walking over to her. A waltz was playing.

"Good evening, Molly," he said to her. She turned around and smiled. "Would you . . . do you care to dance," he blurted out.

"I would love to," she said taking his arm. The pair made their way to the dance floor. Bowing to each other they began to dance. Their eyes met and locked like they had at lunch, the sound of applause for the band breaking it. They danced through two more songs before stepping off to take a break. "Where did you learn to dance like that?" Molly asked him.

"They had a lot of fancy parties at the house my ma and I worked for. Sometimes I'd watch from the upstairs balcony. My ma, she'd teach me the steps in the hallway."

"Well, she was a wonderful teacher," Molly said. As if this were a cue the band finished the song they were playing and Judge Travis took the stage.

"I'd like to welcome everyone here tonight. This is a celebration of all this town has accomplished. We were lucky the tornadoes passed just out of town or the disaster could have been much worse. I'm happy to announce that the lady's of this town raised nearly $100 with their lunches this afternoon." Everyone applauded at that.

"We're beginning to rebuild and repair that which was touched by these storms. In a way it has made this community stronger and we will continue to prosper." There was applause again. "As part of this posperity, I am pleased to announce that this town now officially has a school teacher. Miss Molly Gallagher as accepted this position." People parted themselves to where Molly and JD were standing and applauded. Molly lowered her head graciously.

"We will announce more about the start of school in the Clarion. For now, everyone enjoy your evening." People came over to Molly to meet her and congratulate her. JD didn't leave her side pride on his face for her. Colum and Bryan were standing together at the side of the stage.

"You should be proud of her," Colum said to her.

"We both should be proud of her," Bryan answered him. "When that school starts I want to be out." Colum gave him a knowing look. "I mean it, Colum. She's worked too hard for this and I won't risk getting caught and ruining it for her. I want out." With that he resumed his place on stage.

Vin, slowly opened the banks back door. The creak it made causing him to cringe even though he knew it wasn't as loud as his mind imagined it. Stealthily moving through the back of the bank he found his way to the front counter keeping low and listening to the voices. Two men was all he could make out.

"Come on lets get the gold and git," one of the voices whispered harshly.

"Don' think tha'd be a good idea," Vin stated as he came out of hiding aiming his sawed off shotgun at the three would-be bank robbers. Frank reacted stunned as if he never thought that they could get caught. Jesse turned to run and was knocked unconscious when McCatney threw the banks front door open with a swift kick. KC held both her guns one on each man, her head flying back and forth trying to keep the two in sight so one or the other wouldn't get down on her.

"Come on KC put it down," Vin called over.

"Shoot em." Frank demanded watching the hesitation, "Shoot em." Vin and McCatney both tried to talk KC down, neither of them wanting to kill him. Frank moved his hand slowly inch by inch, until he had his hand firmly around the pistol, then like a sidewinder he flipped the pistol out and aimed down on Vin.

KC without hesitation aimed down on Frank and pulled the trigger, sending him to the floor grasping at his shoulder. Loosening her hand on the gun she let them hang on her trigger finger before letting them fall to the ground.

Molly and JD continued to dance together for most of the evening. Each of them danced with other people but the majority of the time was spent together. In an instant the perfect night was shattered. A single gunshot rang out causing everyone to drop to the ground. JD grabbed Molly and pushed her down. Slowly as if in a dream people began to rise up once it was realized that there was no more danger. The gunman was gone.

"Are you alright?" JD asked Molly helping her stand up. She nodded.

"Molly, Molly," Bryan called running to her with Colum close behind him.

"I'm alright," she said clutching for the two men.

"Oh God, Chris," a woman screamed out. Molly realized it was Lily. JD hesitated for a moment, torn between leaving Molly and wanting to see what was going on. Not having his guns made him feel helpless. He looked over at Molly who was being held by both her father and uncle. Nathan came running by along with Josiah. JD reached out for Josiah's arm stopping him.

"Chris got hit," Josiah said without JD even having to ask before following Nathan. Colum and Bryan exchanged a look over Molly's head. It took Bryan a moment to find his voice.

"JD, I know you're concerned for your friend but I was wondering if you would be so good as to take my daughter home?"

"Where are you going?" Molly asked trying to keep her voice from shaking.

"The ranch," Colum said.

"I don't understand. What does the ranch have to do with this?" she asked. Bryan took her face in his hands.

"I won't be gone long. Go with JD and lock the door behind you." He kissed her forehead and turned to walk away with Colum. Molly watched them go.

"I should get you home," JD said offering her his arm. She took it noticing the mood completely changed. Families clutched to each other and people began leaving. JD and Molly made their way down the street passing by where the other five protectors had gathered where Chris had fallen.

Buck gave JD a look that clearly said to get Molly home before he did anything. JD nodded his understanding. "Will you be alright? I could stay?" he offered at the door. Molly opened it and stood in the doorway.

"They won't be gone long. I'll be fine. I just hope that Mr. Larabee's alright."

"It takes a lot to take Chris down," JD said, but there was still worry in his voice. "I'm sorry about all this." Molly found herself smiling at him.

"It was a perfect day," she said. "I'm glad I was able to spend it with you.

Their eyes locked once again. JD leaned to her and brushed his lips softly and quickly against hers. When she didn't protest, he deepened the kiss putting his hands on her face. Suddenly a strangled cry came from Molly and she backed away the back of one hand to her mouth the other on the door.

"Molly, what's the matter?" JD asked. The look on her face scared him more than the thought of Chris being hurt did. Her face was pale and she was shaking. He reached for her and she jumped back. "What is it?" Molly tried to regain her composure.

"Thank you for the evening, Mr. Dunn. You should leave now," she moved behind the door.

"Molly?" JD started.

"You need to go, now," Molly said slamming the door and locking it leaving JD standing on the porch. Molly leaned against the door, her face in her gloved hands trying to make all the memories that had flashed in her mind as JD kissed her to go away.