Saddle Up Your Heart - Chapter 8

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream/vision. Please don't steal my original work.

Thank you to Sarah for the medical advice in this chapter.

"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord." ~ Proverbs 18:22

EPOV

In the gathering twilight, we assembled our search party quickly. We each had a bedroll and some food stored on each horse. We weren't certain how long this search would last. It would consist of Mike, Isaac Hale, and me. I felt if more men went, there would be more conversation amongst each other and quietness seemed the order of the evening. We needed to be able to hear where James was without creating too much noise and tipping him off to our location.

As we rode out of town, I noticed a piece of white cloth caught in the leaves of a tree near the road. What in the world? As I plucked the fabric from where it was caught, I noticed it was quite a delicate piece of material – almost something my mom would wear – a piece of a petticoat. Had Bella tossed this here to let me know I was on the right track? Alice told me it sounded as if Bella had trouble getting on the horse James had for her. Perhaps she'd ripped her petticoat then.

Lord, I prayed as we rode along; please help us get to Bella. I pray she's not hurt. If she is hurt, please help both of us to have the strength to endure it.

With James, I was never sure how far he would go. I would like to think he was an honorable man, but I could not be certain of that. The more I heard about him, the more I doubted that statement to be true.

Isaac, Mike and I agreed James wouldn't have Bella anywhere near town. It would be too easy for us to find him. He would likely be taking her in the direction of Carson City. We rode for what seemed like hours. In fact, after checking my pocket watch, it was hours. I was glad I had taken one of the horses from the livery instead of subjecting Bear to another punishing ride today.

For a moment, I felt a check in my spirit and I asked the other men to stop. There was a small rise in the path in front of us. I asked them to keep my horse back with them while I scouted out in front of us before riding over the rise.

I practically crawled in the dirt on my belly to peer over the rise in the embankment. Just over the embankment, I saw a small fire burning along with James drinking something out of a glass bottle and a figure with dark hair leaned up against a large boulder. That had to be them! Thank You, Lord!

I scooted back to Isaac and Mike and told them quietly of my discovery and we developed a plan of action. If James had been imbibing in alcohol, I wasn't certain what his actions would be toward us or Bella. We had to be very careful.

A slight breeze had come up which worked in our favor. We were able to come in to his campsite through a small thicket of trees and sagebrush without attracting too much attention. Each of us had our pistols out, at the ready.

I said in a loud voice, training my pistol on him, "James Smith, you are wanted for the robbery of the bank in Virginia City and the kidnapping of Isabella Swan."

He smirked at me and took another drink of the amber-colored liquid in the glass bottle and then said, "Just what are you going to do about it, you two-bit sheriff?"

"I intend to bring you to justice," I replied.

"I don't think so. I'm going to take your little woman here and show her what a real man is like. She's a feisty little thing so I didn't get the opportunity to soil her good and proper like I wanted to yet, but I will," he affirmed.

I could feel the muscle working in my jaw. He was trying to get a rise out of me. My gaze flickered over to Bella, still sitting silently beside the boulder. She looked miserable and like James had dragged her face-first on the ground. What kind of a monster was he?

He followed my gaze and said, "I had to give her some of my whiskey. She wouldn't stop caterwauling after I broke her leg. So that put her right to sleep. But we'll be on our way here before long."

I tried to live my life as a peaceful man even though I was the sheriff of Virginia City, but right now I felt anything but peaceful. I wanted to tear James Smith limb from limb. Not only had he hurt and broken Bella, he still thought he was going to leave with her? Over my dead body!

Things seemed to happen in slow motion then. As soon as James went to reach for his gun, mine went off, hitting him in the shoulder. At that same moment, another pistol went off as well, the bullet going straight into James' chest. I looked over and Isaac's gun barrel was smoking.

James was lying on the ground, gasping for breath, as his red blood was spreading quickly over his yellow shirt.

Isaac said, "You're a coward, James. I never expected you to end up this way. You had such a promising future. That's all gone now."

James lie dying as Isaac went over to him and kicked his gun from his grasp and I ran to Bella's side.

"Bella? Love? You need to wake up!" I implored her.

"Edward?" she questioned.

"Yes, it's me. I need you to come with me. Can you walk?" I cupped her face gently in my hand.

"No," she furrowed her brow and whispered, "My leg hurts so badly, Edward."

I told her I would be right back and went back to the small thicket of trees to find two small branches on the ground I could use to splint Bella's leg to hold it steady as we rode back to town.

I returned as quickly as possible, carrying the needed small branches. "Bella?" I said, "I'm going to splint these to your leg now. I'm going to need a bit of your petticoat." She nodded miserably and I tore off just the bit of cloth I'd need.

I pushed up her dress on her one leg to reveal the break. I'd rather be admiring Bella's shapely calf, but right now it was bruised and misshapen. I kept my mind on my task and was finished quickly.

By the time I was done, I heard Isaac say, "James is dead. I suppose I should wrap him up in my bedroll, sling him over one of the horses he stole and haul him back to town. I'll get the blacksmith to make a coffin for him tomorrow and get him buried. What a waste of a life."

Mike assisted Isaac as I set about extinguishing the small fire by dumping dirt on it and tamping it out with my boot and breaking up the small encampment. Once James' body was securely tied over the saddle of one horse, Isaac tied the two horses James stole to his horse so he could bring them back to town. Isaac and Mike then helped me lift Bella up onto my own horse so she could ride with me. I didn't want to chance her falling off a horse on her own with a broken leg.

The ride back was going to take a little bit longer as I didn't want to jostle her leg any more than necessary. We mostly kept to our own thoughts and didn't talk much on our ride back.

At one point, I heard Bella sigh. I swallowed deeply and asked with trepidation, "Did he hurt you?" I truly had to brace myself for the answer. I didn't know if James had been lying to us or not. I would still accept her, no matter what the truth was. I just wanted to hear it from her lips.

"No," she said quietly, "except for breaking my leg, slapping me and then dragging my face through the dirt. He never touched me inappropriately. Even if he had, Edward, I would only ever love you."

I hugged her to me and her hands hugged my arms. Tears must've fallen from her eyes as I felt her reach up with one hand to wipe something off her face. We only had the light of a somewhat visible moon to guide us on our way back.

Once we reached Virginia City, we dropped Isaac off at his house and Mike and I continued into town. Mike went home to bed. I continued on to the medical clinic. My dad was still there. It looked like he was just finished stitching up a saloon patron who had been in a fight. There was rarely a dull moment in our little town.

Dad met me outside the clinic and exclaimed, "You've found Bella! Excellent!"

"Yes, Dad, but that lowlife broke her leg and drug her through the dirt. Can you help her, please?"

"Of course, son. Let me help you get her inside," he said.

Once Bella was on my dad's operating table, she looked so small, pale and frightened; all I could do was hold her hand. I said, "He gave her some whiskey after he broke her leg to dull the pain, I guess."

By this time, Dad had Bella's skirt bunched up on one side so he could look at her leg. I couldn't stand to look again, so I looked deep into her eyes instead. I needed her to be well.

"Bella," my dad said, "you're going to need an operation to straighten out your leg so it will heal properly. I want to perform the surgery right now." Then he took me aside and said, "Edward, I want you to go home and stay with your mother and Alice."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he shot me a warning look. "I know you love Bella. But I think you're too close to the situation and you would become alarmed at surgical procedures and be more of a hindrance."

After telling Bella I'd be back in the morning, I went home. Thankfully, I had a dreamless sleep.

There were things to do in the morning. The first order of business was to inform Ali over the breakfast table that indeed, the "bad man" was gone and would not be coming around again. She was sad to learn he had hurt her Miss Bella, but she skipped off to draw a picture for her that I could take to her later. Dad informed me the ether he gave her would likely not wear off until mid-morning or thereabouts. One of his surgical assistants was watching over the clinic during the night.

After breakfast, I stopped at the boarding house to let Eli and Rachel know what was going on. Rachel immediately set a stockpot of broth on the stove. She said she would be over to the medical clinic to see Bella later and bring some broth.

My next stop was to the telegraph office. I figured Bella's parents should know what was going on and determined to let them know. I held the pencil in my hand and went through several drafts before I settled on: Judge Charles Swan and Mrs. Renee Swan: Bella victim of foiled kidnapping attempt. Leg broken but healing nicely. Sheriff Edward Cullen. I paid my quarter to the operator and went to the clinic.

Dad warned me not to wake Bella up, but I was determined to sit in that uncomfortable wood chair beside her bed until she did on her own.

I must've dozed off because the next thing I knew, I felt Bella's voice ask, "Edward?" and felt her hand drifting over mine.

I instantly jolted awake, looked over at her and said, "Bella, you're awake! How are you feeling?" I took her hand in mine and knelt with both knees on the floor next to the bed.

"My leg still hurts. Where am I? Where's James?"

I answered, "You're in my dad's medical clinic, healing after your operation last night. James is gone. He won't ever be coming back. Isaac shot him." Her shoulders shook a bit and I continued, "He won't ever hurt you again, love. I'm sorry I wasn't here to protect you."

She smiled a wan smile and stroked my cheek weakly. "As I recall, you were off, building our future, like a man in love would do." I thought about what she said for half a moment, and then smiled brightly.

I squeezed her hand and said, "Let me go get my dad so he can check you over. I'll run over to Rachel's and get you something to eat."

And so it went for the next couple of weeks. Dad forced me to go back to work instead of being underfoot, bothering Bella all the time. He assured me she needed her rest. When she wasn't resting, Jessica or Rachel was coming over to quilt or sew with her.

One night over dinner, Dad said, "I think Bella's trying to overdo it."

Immediately my ears perked up and I asked, "Why?"

He continued, "She's growing quite weary of staying in bed for the six-week recovery period for her leg to heal. She wants to begin teaching school again. I told her it might be possible a couple hours a day, but only in her room at the clinic and as long as the children don't disturb any other patients I may have. That girl certainly is stubborn when she gets an idea in her head."

I had to laugh at Dad's explanation. That was certainly true. In the months I'd known her, Bella certainly had displayed some stubborn tendencies. Not that being stubborn was always a bad thing – it had turned her into a wonderful cook and baker, it had taken her out of her comfortable and familiar environment in Chicago and brought her to Nevada, it had earned her a teaching certificate. Her stubbornness had also caused me to love her more when she refused my dreadful marriage proposal.

After Bella was hurt, a sign had been posted on the school that it was closed until further notice. After her suggestion to my dad, Jessica went to the school and gathered up the needed textbooks and slates for the children and brought them to the medical clinic. Then she and Rachel went around letting the children know school would resume in the medical clinic for a few hours each day. A lot of the parents were narrow-minded in their thinking and figured if Bella could only teach for a few hours each day, it wasn't worth it to their child's education and they would keep their children home.

I held Bella as she cried about those children missing out on their education. Jessica finally did come to report the children who would be attending the makeshift school the next day would be Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett. I wiped Bella's tears away with one of the beautiful handkerchiefs she'd monogrammed for me.

After about a week of Bella teaching, I could see it was doing her a world of good. It gave her a sense of purpose and happiness in the world again. She felt like she was a contributing member of society.

I saw the children with their slates leaving the clinic one day and decided right then to let them be a part of my plan to win Bella. And Rachel's lilacs were starting to bloom again.

The next morning, I got Mike to cover for me at the jail as I waited for the children at the clinic with my hand full of lilacs. They all came running up to me on the boardwalk, excited to get started. I gave the lilacs to Ali to hold while I wrote a word on each of their slates. I wrote the last bit on the extra slate Ali had brought for me. After reading them, the children giggled amongst themselves. Ali declared, "This is going to be so wonderful, Edward!" Then I noticed she had some kind of dreamy look in her eye as she looked over at Jasper. Oh boy, she's too young for this, I thought to myself.

Ali handed the lilacs back to me and we went up the clinic stairs quietly. Dad eyed us curiously but let us continue – I had told him of my plan last night and he seemed agreeable with it. Now hopefully the woman of my affections would be as well.

The children filed in Bella's room in order with their slates turned toward their bodies and I stayed out of sight in the hallway.

"Good morning, children," Bella said with a smile in her voice.

"Good morning, Miss Swan," they all said in unison.

She said, "You look like you're up to something. What is it?" No answer was forthcoming. "Alice?" she asked.

"Nothing," Alice answered cheerfully.

"What is on your slates?" Bella asked. I couldn't get anything by this woman.

I peeked around the door frame as the children turned the slates around one by one, just as I'd told them outside. The words formed: "Bella" "will" "you" "please" and then I stepped around the corner into the room. My slate held the last two words "marry me?" I wasn't looking anywhere else in that room but into her eyes.

I immediately dropped to one knee and held the flowers out in offering to her. She smiled, and then a tear trickled down her cheek. I was going crazy with worry as she wasn't saying anything. Finally she spoke the words that meant the world to me, "Yes, Edward, I'll marry you."

I let out a big whoop of joy in gratitude as did the children in turn as I went to hug Bella. I kissed her cheek. I didn't dare kiss her any further, not in a room full of children and not like I wanted to. I still wanted our first real kiss to be on our wedding day.

We were making such a commotion Dad came to see what was going on. Alice explained, "Bella's finally agreed to marry Edward, Dad! Isn't it exciting?" His knowing smile spoke volumes.

I left Bella – my fiancée – with her lilacs, her students, and a huge smile on her face and went down to the general store. I noticed the stagecoach was pulling into town. Mike was coming over to meet it as there was cash on board and he was covering for me.

As we both stood there waiting for the money to be delivered to the banker, we watched as three well-dressed occupants emerged from the interior of the stagecoach – a man and two women.

The man came right up to me, noting the star fastened to my vest. "Good day. Are you the sheriff?"

"I am, sir. I'm Sheriff Edward Cullen," I replied.

"Excellent," he replied. "I'm Judge Charles Swan from Chicago, Illinois. I received your telegram." He indicated the two women and continued, "This is my wife, Renee, and my mother, Marie Swan. I'd like to see my daughter, Bella."

Saddle Up Your Heart - Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream/vision. Please don't steal my original work.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. ~ Psalm 91:4

EPOV

Spring was finally budding in northern Nevada. Along with the warmer temperatures, more people were moving into town including new business people such as another doctor. My dad was thrilled to have someone to consult on cases with. It was getting closer to the time I could ask Bella to marry me again! I barely wanted to wait an hour between asking her and going to Pastor Webber to perform the ceremony.

Bella had been busy churning out occasional treats for me in Rachel's newly-labeled kitchen. She really was an excellent cook and baker, once Rachel had taken her under her wing.

With the arrival of spring, it was time for me to go purchase the house in Washoe Valley. I didn't want to be away from Bella for more than a day, but I was not sure how long this house-buying process would take. My dad decided he would travel along with me to see how Kate was progressing with her pregnancy.

I had to see Bella before I left that morning. I couldn't go without holding her to me so I could feel her in my arms. We were able to meet for a short time in the sitting room at the boarding house before she left for the school day.

"I'll miss you," I told her, looking into her beautiful brown eyes.

"I will miss you as well, Edward," she responded and placed her hand on my arm. That wasn't enough for me. I took her in my arms and crushed her to me for a moment and then let her go. I gently took a ringlet of soft hair near her face and wrapped it around my finger.

"I have to go," I sighed.

"I know," she said. "Be safe."

"I'll be back as soon as possible. I love you, Bella," I replied.

"I love you, too."

I had to go now. I had many things to do to get our future set in motion. She still had the rest of her contract to complete. I needed to get this house and ranch purchased and then work on disentangling myself from the police force of Virginia City. With Mayor Hale's blessing, I was hoping to appoint Mike as the next sheriff. He was my only deputy and was doing a good job.

I wanted to encourage Bear into a full gallop as soon as Dad and I hit the outskirts of town, but I knew I couldn't do that to my horse. Washoe Valley was a distance away and probably a good two to three hour ride.

When we finally arrived at the Cooper's, Garrett and Kate were happy to see us. There was definitely nothing hiding the fact Kate was with child now. She looked practically ready to burst at any moment. We settled our horses in the barn and went to join the couple for lunch before going to look at the adjoining property.

Once we reached the property, Jacob and Leah Black came out to greet us, along with their five children – whose names I never did catch. They were all rough and tumble, playing on a tree swing, or attempting to frighten the cattle.

All the buildings were in good condition, most likely needing a little fixing up due to these rambunctious children, but those were easy things for Garrett and me. I mainly concentrated on the big house and the barn, but then my dad drew my attention to a little cottage also on the property.

I said to Jacob, "Does this little place come with the deal?"

"Definitely," he said. "We never really had time to do much with it. I mostly used it for extra horse supplies I couldn't fit in the barn." He opened the door and showed me inside. There was a sleeping room off to one side along with a snug hearth in the main part of the house and a kitchen.

An idea began to form in my mind. I wondered if Bella would want her Gran to come live with us. She always talked of her so fondly. I always passed along my greetings for her with every letter she sent. Bella teased me into thinking her Gran had some kind of crush on me. I didn't know if her Gran was someone who was up for an adventure of living in the West when she had the comforts of Chicago at her disposal, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Once our business was concluded, Jacob and I signed the necessary paperwork, shook hands, money went from my pocket to his – along with a large portion from my dad that I hadn't known about previously – and it was done. I was now the owner of this ranch. The Black family and their brood would be moving within the week, leaving their cattle behind. Garrett and Kate would take care of them as well as their own until Bella and I moved here.

"Dad," I said as I caught up to him on the way back to the Cooper's, "you didn't need to give me any money."

"Edward," he replied, "There was always going to be an inheritance for you. But Irina didn't need to know about it." He clapped me on the back and grinned.

I returned his grin. My dad really was a sly dog. He'd known about Irina all along and exactly what she was after. I sent a quick thankful prayer heavenward once again for Bella. She'd come from wealth, but it wasn't that important to her. I wanted to pick her up and spin her around in jubilation right now. I could almost hear her breathless giggle in my ears.

On a ranch, chores are a constant presence. I went to help Garrett so I could reacquaint myself with ranch life. Kate was going to lie down for a quick nap. I couldn't blame her with the burden of life she was carrying. Any woman would surely be tired.

I had stripped down to my undershirt so my outer shirt wouldn't be soaked with sweat as I was carrying heavy hay bales throughout the barn. I was spreading out the hay so the animals would have some fresh when they returned to their stalls later.

Eventually, Kate's voice interrupted my musings about Bella as she said, "Edward, you'll make Bella a fine husband."

I looked toward where she was standing at the barn door and grinned. I said, "Do you think so?"

"I know so," she replied.

"Well, if she'll have me. I botched up my last proposal pretty bad. It wasn't very romantic."

She laughed and said, "I'm sure it wasn't. Knowing you, you probably just blurted it all out and it was all about you."

I grimaced and said, "Yeah, that was pretty much it."

"Well, next time, let it be about her and what she loves," Kate said as she stood there, rubbing her lower back.

"Hey," I said with concern, "are you all right?"

"Yes. My back is just hurting a bit. I was just coming to call you in for dinner." Then she left the barn.

I finished my task and then washed up in the outdoor sink provided for that purpose. It's a good thing Bella hadn't seen me right then. She may not have wanted a sweaty rancher who was back in the saddle on his first day as it were.

Kate was always a great cook and dinner that night was no exception. We had chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, and biscuits, followed by apple pie for dessert. I had to suppress a grin when I bit into my pie, remembering Bella's apple pie. I never teased Bella about it, though, because Rachel had taken her under her tutelage soon after that and everything I'd had the pleasure of tasting since then had been mouth-watering.

There were only so many people who could fit in Kate's kitchen, so I determined to help her clean up from dinner while Garrett and Dad challenged each other to a game of checkers. I figured if Kate's back was hurting, she could use a bit of help. We got everything in order in record time. Then we all sat and listened while Garrett read a few chapters from the Bible before we retired for the night.

Beautiful dreams of Bella were on my mind as I slept that night. I could almost feel the softness of that curl of her hair in my fingers right before I'd left her this morning. But then things were getting strange and fuzzy, almost out of focus. And then a shout interrupted my dreams.

"Carlisle!" I tried to orient myself. That sounded like Garrett. What was going on? I hurriedly dressed and looked at my pocket watch – 3 a.m. Ugh – who was awake at this hour?

I opened the bedroom door and stumbled into the hallway. A single candle was burning on the kitchen table. It seemed the action was coming from Garrett and Kate's bedroom. What in the world? I cautiously made my way down the hallway to the better-lit bedroom of the Cooper's.

Dad must've seen my shadow on the wall. "Ah, there you are, Edward. Could you run over and get Mrs. Black from next door? I need her."

Was he crazy? It was three in the morning! He must've sensed my reluctance as he continued, "Edward, could you wake up your head and your feet? Kate is going to have her baby and I'd prefer to deliver it with Mrs. Black in attendance."

Kate was having her baby? A bucket full of cold water couldn't have woken me up any faster than that statement. I hadn't even rehearsed what I was going to say to Mrs. Black when I went knocking on her door in the dead of night.

Thankfully, Mrs. Black was the one who answered her front door after just a short time of me knocking. She seemed to know right away what the emergency was. Dad had introduced himself to the Black family as a doctor the day before, and in my sleep-deprived state, I believe I remembered Mrs. Black giving him a knowing smile.

Now, why was Mrs. Black walking leisurely along? She was sort of tall and thin. I wondered if she would mind if I picked her up and carried her to the Cooper's. Did she not understand the urgency? Kate was having a baby!

Mrs. Black glanced over at me, put her hand on my shoulder, smiled, and said, "Mr. Cullen, I know you think I'm dawdling. But first babies take a long time to arrive. When we get to Garrett and Kate's, I'd like you to boil some water for me."

I agreed and we continued on our way. Finally we made it to the house. Garrett was standing outside.

"What's wrong?" I asked immediately.

"Nothing, supposedly," Garrett answered, "I've just been banished from the house – by Kate."

Mrs. Black, giving another knowing smile, continued into the house with me in hot pursuit. My job was to boil water. How much? I wasn't sure, but I'd use every large pot they owned so they'd have plenty. If that ran out, I'd boil more.

I stoked the wood in the stove and set the water on to boil. Then I joined Garrett outside – once I found him. He was in the barn.

"She didn't even want me in the same room," he started, his voice breaking.

I said, "I'm sure she still loves you."

"I don't know," he said. "She said some pretty choice words that I wasn't even aware she knew before finally kicking me out."

The horses eyed us curiously as we were invading their space well before their normal routine. Every so often, we'd hear Kate let out a scream or a cry. Garrett was going to go crazy until I suggested we get the morning chores out of the way so we'd have something to do.

Around 10 a.m., we heard the cry of a newborn baby. Garrett and I had been sitting on the porch, gazing out over Washoe Valley. Soon, Mrs. Black was out the front door with a bundle in her arms and we both stood up.

"Garrett," she said, "you have a beautiful daughter who looks just like her mother." With that, she handed the sleeping baby to Garrett and then she went back inside to tend to Kate.

Garrett was holding his new daughter like a china doll, barely able to believe it. I came over to him and looked down at the baby. She was beautiful, especially when she yawned a bit and then nestled back into her snug bundle.

"Congratulations, Daddy," I said, smiling. Garrett was grinning like a fool, staring down at his daughter.

Soon, Mrs. Black left to return home and Dad was outside, telling Garrett he could go back inside and see Kate. He took his daughter with him.

I said, "Dad, I'm grateful you were here when they needed you."

He replied, "I'm glad I was, too. Kate did beautifully. Thank you for going to get Mrs. Black."

We stayed with the Cooper's for another night as they adjusted to having a new baby. I was even able to hold her a time or two. It was definitely awe-inspiring. I was anxious to get home and back to Bella. I couldn't wait to feel her in my arms again.

BPOV

I expected Edward home today which is why I wore this ridiculous dress again; it wasn't in my normal rotation. It was the sapphire blue dress I'd been wearing when I fell out of that stagecoach so long ago. I didn't wear it on a regular basis because it had to be worn with an extraordinary amount of petticoats. I'd been tempted to give it to Rachel to use in one – or several – of her quilting projects. But I wore it today because I was hoping Edward was coming home today and my vanity was getting the better of me.

I looked again at the note Edward had left me at the school on the morning he left: Dear Bella, I will miss you every moment I'm away from you. I intend to be gone only the shortest amount of time possible – only to secure our future, my love. Until we are reunited, I long to be kissing you under the mistletoe. Your most incorrigible student, Edward. He truly was incorrigible!

Edward had made arrangements with Mike, his deputy, to walk me to school the mornings he was gone. I thought it was totally ridiculous, as it was broad daylight. It did give Mike an opportunity to see Jessica in the morning when he normally wouldn't, though, and I couldn't begrudge him that. James still did give me odd looks whenever he was around, so I avoided him as much as possible.

I don't know if it was just because this was my first teaching position or because of the students I was teaching, but I truly enjoyed each and every one of my students. I remembered when I was a student and having "spring fever" and wanting school to get out early in the spring. These children really did want to learn.

We were having story time in the afternoon when the school door opened and someone entered. I finished the paragraph I was reading and then I looked up.

There stood James Smith, nostrils flaring with an angry look in his eyes.

"Miss Swan, it's time for you to go," he said dangerously.

"Mr. Smith, I'm teaching a classroom full of children. You need to leave," I stated.

He pulled a pistol out of a holster on his hip and cocked the trigger, pointing it at me. "No, Miss Swan, you'll be leaving now."

I dropped the book to the floor and held up my hands. I said, "There's no need for violence. What is the meaning of this?"

He showed no move to drop the gun and replied, "I told you before. I'm tired of seeing you with that two-bit sheriff. It's time for you to be with a real man – me. You will come with me now. If you don't, I'll hurt one of these children." He waved his gun menacingly in their direction.

"There's no need for that," I said.

"Excellent," he said. "I'm sure it will break Edward's little heart when he finds out I've robbed the bank and kidnapped his little sweetheart. I've been doing some research on you, Miss Swan. I wonder how much ransom Mommy and Daddy are willing to pay for their little girl."

As James got behind me and dug his pistol into my ribs, I looked around at the children, my gaze last landing on Alice. She was petrified, but I could see Jasper reaching out to hold her hand.

James stated to the children, "You little brats, you will stay here for an hour and not say a word. Miss Swan and I will be long gone by the time you'll go home."

He led me outside to the two horses tied to the railing outside the school and attempted to help me onto one of the horses. I'd never been on a horse when I wasn't wearing trousers under my skirt. With all these petticoats, it was almost pointless.

Finally, I made it up on the horse, but not without leaving several of my petticoats in tatters. James just laughed. "They'll be ripped later after I ravish you anyway," he said. I shuddered.

Then he said, "We are going to ride through town calmly. You are not going to scream or create attention as I still have this pistol aimed at you. No one in town knows the bank has been robbed yet as I tied up and gagged the tellers good and strong. Once we are on the edge of town, we are going to gallop at full speed." We went in the direction of Mayor Hale's house and then on past it, which was the opposite way of Washoe Valley.

Before we broke into a full gallop, I was able to surreptitiously rip a piece of one of my tattered petticoats and throw it into a tree branch without James noticing. I prayed if someone came to rescue me, they would notice it.

Hours later when we finally stopped, James finally allowed me off the horse I was riding. When I stumbled upon dismount, he laughed at me again. "You really are clumsy," he said. "I'm not sure why Edward wants you."

"He loves me, not that it's any of your concern," I shot back.

"We'll see about that after you're a soiled dove," he said smugly. Then he was beside me and grabbing me around the waist. When I wrenched out of his grasp, he slapped me. I gasped in surprise.

"You'll come to learn to like my touch, Bella," he affirmed.

"Not likely," I said under my breath.

In one moment, the rifle was in a side pocket of his saddle. The next, he was striking my leg with the butt of it. I howled in pain as it tore through my leg. I'd never had a broken bone before, but I knew my leg was broken now.

"Shut up before someone hears you, you stupid girl," he said, as my sobs continued.

EPOV

Dad and I rode back into Virginia City in the late afternoon. It had been a relaxing journey to the Cooper's. They had a new baby. I was the owner of a new ranch that I couldn't wait to share with Bella. As we led our horses to the barn, Alice came tearing out of the house to meet us.

She clamped onto my waist immediately and cried, "Oh Edward!"

"Ali sweetie, what's wrong?" I asked.

She was crying and sniffling and it was difficult to get a word out. "That bad man came to school…and Miss Bella…and…and…she's gone."

I picked her up and held her close while she buried her face in my neck and cried. Just then, Mike came walking up.

"Hey Mike," I greeted him. "What's going on?"

"It's true what Alice says. James Smith robbed the bank today. Then he went to the school while Bella was teaching and kidnapped her. We're getting a search party together. You want in?" Mike asked.

"Yes." Dear Lord in heaven, where is Bella? I need her. Please take care of her and help me to get to her!

Saddle Up Your Heart - Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream/vision. Please don't steal my original work.

Many thanks to Adaywithjake for the fantastic Christmas ideas while she's suffering from summer heat! I appreciate you, sweetie!

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." ~ Luke 2:10-11

BPOV

The holiday season was quickly approaching. I had sent some money to Gran along with a newsy letter about the school children…and Edward. I asked Gran to purchase small wood trains for the boys in my class and dolls for the girls and ship them immediately so they'd arrive in time for Christmas.

The children were ready for their Nativity play. In the true spirit of the season, Rosalie had forgiven Emmett and they were friends again. You could barely tell her hair had ever been cut.

When the crate arrived from Chicago, Rachel and I were excited to delve into its contents. The wood trains were amazingly accurate in their detail, featuring an engine, a coal car, and a caboose for each one. The dolls had the most amazingly beautiful bisque faces I'd seen. She also included a box of handkerchiefs from a rather expensive shop in Chicago. These were for Edward, as I read in Gran's accompanying letter, and she suggested I embroider his initials on each one. Gran truly was a lifesaver. She had returned all the money I sent for the gifts; telling me I should save it for my future. I wanted to hug her and wish she had come along with the crate.

Rachel and I quickly stitched up some muslin bags to place the children's gifts in as Jessica worked on last-minute alterations to the children's Nativity play costumes. Once the bags were completed, I embroidered Edward's initials onto each of the five handkerchiefs in masculine colors. I couldn't resist one in green, though. It reminded me so much of his eyes. Then I rolled them back up so they fit perfectly in the box once again.

On the last day of school prior to the Christmas break, I brought in the gifts for the children. They were thrilled. That day was more of a celebration than a day of learning. We practiced the play once more, I read them a story from a children's book, and we spent some time playing games indoors as it was rather cold outside.

Finally, it was Christmas Eve. A light snowfall had dusted the area. I didn't really know how winter worked here in the high desert. Edward explained every once in awhile; northern Nevada was inundated with snow but usually there was just a light dusting.

Esme had spoken to Rachel. I would be spending the night of Christmas Eve at the Cullen's so I could spend Christmas with them. I was excited and nervous. I would be sleeping with Alice in her loft bed. Esme had been over earlier in the day to pick up some of Rachel's delicious yeast rolls and anything I'd need for the next day.

Pastor Webber's Christmas Eve service was joyous and candlelit, helping us to truly reflect on the reason for the season. I was able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere he'd created until it was my turn to stand up and direct the children in their play.

There wasn't a cause for me to worry. Emmett looked appropriately concerned over Rosalie as his Joseph to her Mary as they struggled up the aisle to the manger, baby doll in tow. Alice was brilliant as the angel announcing the glorious birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Jasper looked her right in the eye with a sparkle. Did I see something there or was I imagining things? When the children were finished, the entire congregation erupted into applause, not just the parents of the children involved. They had done so wonderful! I gave them all hugs and smiles as they came to the back of the sanctuary to remove their costumes.

Then it was time to go to the Cullen's.

Alice began by holding my hand, but she was still excited by the play she'd just been a part of. She kept flitting between Edward and me and her parents, chattering excitedly. Edward held tightly to my hand even if it was through gloves. He was so handsome in his black hat and his black duster jacket; I could barely keep my eyes off him. I was glad he was guiding me down the street.

Once at the Cullen home and seated in the sitting room with a cup of tea as Esme and Alice prepared a quick dinner and Carlisle and Edward took care of the outdoor chores, I looked around at how they decorated for the holiday season. Their Christmas tree tucked into a corner of the sitting room was decorated with strands of cranberries and popcorn. There were gingerbread cookies in the shapes of hearts, stars, angels, and bells scattered throughout the tree – all hanging by pieces of red embroidery floss or ribbon. There were also a few salt dough ornaments that appeared to have been made by Alice, representing their horses.

Evergreen boughs dotted with pinecones were draped across their fireplace mantle in the sitting room. Evergreen garland boughs were also hung over each open doorway. I also spied a sprig of mistletoe hanging above the entryway from the sitting room to the dining room. The entire scene was very homey and made me want to stay for a very long time, even just seated right where I was.

Edward came in from outside, hung up his coat, and asked, "Do you like what you see, Bella?"

"I do," I replied. "It's beautiful. Your mother did a lovely job."

"I was just thinking the same," he said. I flushed as I caught his double meaning.

Soon, we were called to the table to eat dinner with the rest of the family. I noticed Jasper made his way into a lot of Alice's conversation. There definitely must be something there. Sitting at this table didn't make me wish to be with my own family – they were too stiff and formal – it made me wish to be a closer part of this family. With all the conversation, laughter and teasing going on around this dinner table, the only one from my family who would be comfortable here would be Gran.

After dinner and cleaning up, we played some checkers. Alice was a worthy opponent. I thought I would go easy on her and let her win a couple of games. That wasn't necessary at all; she was very smart and won games all on her own. Edward was more difficult. I think most often we took turns gazing at each other concentrating on our next move.

Carlisle looked at the clock on the mantel and proclaimed it was time for bed. Alice headed up to her loft first after receiving kisses and hugs from her parents, Edward and me. The rest of us spoke in low tones for approximately a half an hour until Esme went up to check to make sure Alice was asleep.

Then they brought out the family's Christmas gifts and placed them under the tree. Carlisle and Esme had assured me I didn't need to get them anything, but I slipped my gifts for them, Edward and Alice under the tree as well.

Carlisle and Esme told Edward and me "good night" soon afterward, hugging us and then heading off to their bedroom. Edward and I were alone.

One kerosene lamp was still burning in the sitting room where Edward and I were standing. He gently took me by the hand and stood with me under the mistletoe. I know I was blushing from the heat I felt on my cheeks.

"Bella," Edward said softly as he held both my hands in his, "I want to kiss you under the mistletoe. But I think if I start kissing you, I will never want to stop. I want our first real kiss to be on our wedding day so that I don't ever have to stop kissing you."

I looked up at him and opened my mouth to say something, but he continued, looking at me earnestly, "Please say you want to kiss me just as badly."

"Yes, Edward." He pulled me into a tight hug. Then he released me a bit and kissed my forehead before moving down to kiss just the corner of my mouth. Then his mouth moved down my neck to my shoulder through my dress. His path of kisses had turned into a burning hot trail of desire.

He seemed to come to his senses. "Bella, I didn't mean to disrespect you. You are so tempting to me; it feels like you almost set my body on fire."

I let out a shaky breath. "I don't feel disrespected, Edward. I think, though, we should be careful about being alone together any longer."

"I know you're right," he replied with a sigh, his forehead up against mine. "Good night, sweet Bella. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Edward," I said and then turned and went up to the loft to sleep with Alice. It was a long time before I could get to sleep that night. My mind kept replaying Edward's soft but urgent kisses and the fact he was in the same house, sleeping close by.

The next morning, Alice was very excited to get to all her gifts, but Esme reminded her there were chores to be done before then. Carlisle, Edward and Alice headed out the door to tend to the horses and any other chores that needed done while I helped Esme get breakfast on the table. She had made some special cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs and bacon, along with hot tea and milk for Alice.

When Edward returned from his chores, he gave me a winning smile along with a wink and sat beside me at the dining room table. He squeezed my hand during the family prayer. Occasionally he would allow his hand to reach down between us and he'd thread his fingers through mine for a brief moment, then he'd continue eating.

After breakfast and clean-up, we gathered in the sitting room again. Carlisle read the account of the birth of Jesus to us from the Bible before we opened gifts.

Carlisle and Esme both exclaimed I did not need to get them a gift, but were truly appreciative of the personalized brass door knocker for their front door I gave them. I gave Alice some ribbons for her hair. I told her she could always share with her dolls if she already had them. Edward was very appreciative of his handkerchiefs. He, of course, used handkerchiefs every day, but he'd never had personalized ones.

Edward gave me a pair of combs with sparkling blue stones to hold my hair back on the sides. Alice explained, "Because Edward wants you to wear your hair down. He likes it better that way. And I helped pick these out!" Goodness – out of the mouths of babes!

The rest of the day was spent eating too much good food. Esme was an excellent cook making all the traditional favorites of turkey, stuffing, candied yams, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, all accompanied by Rachel's yeast rolls. There were apple and pumpkin pies for dessert, along with sugar and gingerbread cookies. I felt like taking a nap halfway through the day, but managed to stay awake with Alice's constant activity.

By the time Edward escorted me home later that evening, I was totally at peace. I'd shared the celebration of our Savior's birth with a wonderful family and I felt truly loved and desired by Edward.

EPOV

Pastor Webber liked to have a church fundraiser during January. This year, his idea was to have women of the church make up lunch baskets or boxes and then men could bid on them.

I got confirmation from Bella one day that she was going to have a basket in the social. It seemed from the gossip I got wind of at the general store, the women were going to mark their baskets or boxes in some way so their men would know how to tell them apart. Bella assured me she would do the same, but she wouldn't tell me how exactly she would do that.

As for the food she'd put in her basket, I didn't care if everything was made by Rachel. I just wanted to spend extra time with Bella. The men who were successful at bidding on the basket or box of their choice were able to spend uninterrupted time with the woman who made that very thing – all under the watchful eyes of the pastor, of course.

The Sunday of the box lunch social arrived. Bella was wearing that beautiful deep green dress again with the lace at the neck and the cuffs. After the service, the women had arranged and rearranged all the boxes and baskets on the long table set up at the back of the sanctuary for this event, so unless a man had a prior conversation with his wife, there was no way to tell whose was whose.

The bidding began and it appeared most men had joined in those previous conversations I'd imagined with their wives, being able to pick theirs out easily. Most lunches were going for the asking price of five to six dollars apiece; some a bit more when it was obvious the lunch contained enough for an entire family.

Most families had situated themselves around the pews or floor to begin eating their lunches. Finally, only one basket remained. I looked over at Bella; she seemed frozen in place but was chewing on her bottom lip. I looked at the basket. There was a small quilted heart looped to a thin deep green ribbon hanging from one of the handles. This had to be confirmation this basket was hers. I wanted to talk to her, but I knew I had to bid.

The pastor started the bidding at three dollars. I confirmed that bid immediately.

"Five dollars," said a voice behind me. I turned around. James Smith. What was he doing here? He was a spotty church attendee at best. Now he's here, bidding on Bella's lunch?

"Five fifty," I countered.

James looked me right in the eye and said, "Eight dollars."

Certainly he was kidding! "Ten dollars," I said. I was waiting for him to back down and tell me he was bluffing.

By now, we'd caught the attention of some of the congregation and they were looking on with wide-eyed fascination. I knew many of them had seen Bella and me around town, courting. It wasn't a secret. We weren't sitting in the same pew at church yet, but we weren't married either. My family sat in the pew behind Eli and Rachel Cope and Bella sat with them.

James looked over at Bella, who looked promptly horrified. He then said, "Twelve."

There was no way I could let him win this lunch with Bella, no matter what it cost me. I looked at Pastor Webber for guidance. "Fifteen," I ground out. That was a lot of money for one lunch in this day and age.

"Sold!" Pastor Webber crowed. James stormed out of the church, letting the door slam on his way out. I paid the pastor, and then made my way to Bella and her lunch basket.

We sat down on one of the pews near the front of the church and Bella spread out the offerings on a small blanket. "Thank you, Edward," she said as she briefly touched my hand in passing.

"I couldn't let him win; I hope you know that," I replied. "Besides, I was hoping most of your free time was mine."

She blushed and said, "Of course."

We joked and teased each other while we ate, just like any normal time we were together. She told me that even though she may not have made most of the items in this lunch, she did put them together. She did inform me, though; she made the apple pie all by herself.

It was an excellent and filling meal – I was almost groaning by the time we made it to dessert. I did want to show Bella I was appreciative of the pie she made. She carefully cut two slices and placed them on our empty lunch plates. I picked up my fork, sliced into my piece and indelicately shoved the bite into my mouth.

Right away, I knew something was wrong. This was not how apple pie should taste. It tasted like apples and too much…salt. Once the salt hit my taste buds, there was no getting away from it. I'd never been the ocean, but it tasted like I'd swallowed a gallon of salt water. I tried to manfully chew this bite and swallow it without grimacing. I needed to get outside to the water pump and rinse this taste from my mouth.

"Edward, does the pie taste all right?" Bella asked.

I just couldn't break her heart. "Yes, it's fine," I managed to choke out. "I'll be right back." With that, I was out of the pew and out the back door of the church in a moment. I could not get to the pump quickly enough.

After running what seemed like gallons of pure water down my throat, I returned to the church and the pew I was sharing with Bella. She had packed up the remains of our lunch and placed them back in the basket. I looked at her. She looked ready to cry at any moment.

"Do you want to go?" I asked. She nodded and got up to follow me out of the building. Some of the other congregants were still in the sanctuary and some had already left.

We were walking toward the boarding house when I chanced a look at Bella. A few tears were making tracks down her beautiful face. What had I done? "Bella, what is it?" I asked, clearly concerned.

"You could've told me about the pie, Edward. I took a bite of my slice while you were gone. It was absolutely horrible. Couldn't you just be honest with me?" she said.

"Bella, I'm sorry. I should've been honest. I wanted you to know I appreciated the fact you made me something. Am I ever going to do anything right when it comes to women?"

"You do a lot of things right. In fact, you're very sweet. But don't tell an outright falsehood to a girl if her baking is disastrous."

I promised I would never do that again in the future as I took her hand as we continued walking. Bella mentioned something about Rachel not labeling larger canisters in her kitchen which were used frequently. She felt that's where she went wrong in her pie-making.

I told her, "You're still the sweetest girl in Virginia City."

"Now see, Mr. Cullen, this is where you end up being totally wonderful," Bella said with a smile.

We were coming up to the boarding house now. James Smith was getting up from a rocking chair on the porch, getting ready to go inside, almost like he was waiting for us.

He sneered in our direction, "So, Miss Swan, still seeing the sheriff, I see."

"Yes," Bella replied.

"Well, let me know when you get tired of him and want a real man," he said.

"James," I interjected, "might I remind you, I'm standing right here and will not be spoken about in that manner. I am twice the man you are and your supervisor."

"For now," he said and then stalked off the porch and down toward the main street in town.

I said to Bella, "I will stay with you until Eli and Rachel get back. I still don't trust James. I've received information back on Eric and he checks out fine. I've heard nothing back on James."

I stayed with Bella in the sitting room of the boarding house until Eli and Rachel made it back from the church. I didn't want Bella alone with James. There were a couple of other guests in attendance who were not church-goers so we were not alone.

Saddle Up Your Heart - Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream/vision. Please don't steal my original work.

Thanks to Adaywithjake, GrrlInterrupted, Jilleynwv, and MusingBella for the horse names! A huge thank you to Donnersun for instructing me in horse etiquette and letting me know horses don't come equipped with engines or keys. I appreciate you all so very much!

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13

BPOV

I was continuing to write to and receive letters from my parents and Gran. I stuck to mostly news for my parents. I told them about Edward, of course, just like I told them about the other townspeople who were important to me. But with Gran, I was totally open and honest. She knew exactly how things were between Edward and me, about his botched proposal, how I'd hoped there would be another one – but more romantic – after we got to know each other better. I was beginning to think Gran had a secret crush on him!

I'd confided to Gran every once in awhile he left me gifts on my teacher's desk before I arrived in the morning – a shiny polished red apple, an orange, a leaf in all its beautiful yellow Autumn glory, a verse of poetry, a small sack of penny candy – and always left a note signed "from your most incorrigible student."

Some mornings were getting much cooler now that winter was arriving. I knew I'd need to leave the boarding house earlier so I could build a fire to warm up the school for the students. When I arrived one morning, smoke was already coming out the chimney. What in the world, I wondered?

I found Edward inside, already stoking the blazing fire in the stove. "Edward," I said as I shed my coat, "I didn't know you'd be here!"

He turned from the stove to look at me. "Good morning, Bella! I wanted to get the school warm for you…and the students, of course. The wood wasn't catching on fire as quickly as it should. I should've been gone by now." He looked a bit uncertain about me catching him in the act of doing something thoughtful.

"I appreciate it, Edward; I truly do. I appreciate everything you do for me – more than you will ever know."

He moved to walk by me and I reached out to touch his forearm in appreciation. In the next moment, he'd swept me up into his arms. My heart was beating a mile a moment. I was enjoying this embrace so much, but I knew students would be arriving soon.

"Edward," I started.

"I know, Bella," he said, "I know. But I just need to hold you for a moment. I'm going crazy. I know you agreed to teach the entire school term, but I didn't realize it would seem like forever."

"Do we need to spend more time together?" I asked.

He pulled back and said, "Yes! In fact, I want to teach you how to ride a horse. My mom has a horse she doesn't ride as often as she'd like and that horse would be perfect for you. Please say yes!"

His enthusiasm was infectious and I agreed.

Later, when Rachel and I were at the general store to buy trousers and cowboy boots for me, my enthusiasm waned. Edward had stated he wanted me to learn to ride a horse the regular way – not side-saddle. I would wear the trousers under my dress without all the petticoats.

Alice was happy to see me when I came by the Cullen home after school one afternoon. "Hi Miss Bella! Edward said you're here to meet the horses and learn to ride!" She was always very careful to call me "Miss Swan" at school, but when it was just us, she'd call me "Miss Bella."

Alice opened the corral gate and beckoned me inside with her. A light brown horse came trotting over to us. Alice gave it an affectionate pat on its muzzle and said, "Miss Bella, meet Butterscotch, our mare." I apparently looked a bit hesitant and she continued, "It's all right. She won't hurt you. I ride her a lot."

I reached out to touch Butterscotch on her mane and she turned her head to look at me. She apparently was satisfied with my touch as she let me continue to pet her and didn't shy away. She was very beautiful and looked very well cared for.

"Bella!" Edward called out as he came walking up. "I see you're getting acquainted with Butterscotch, our quarter horse. Are you ready for your lesson?" He joined Alice and me in the corral and immediately lifted my skirt a bit.

"Edward! What are you doing? That's improper!" I sputtered out, blushing beet red, and smoothed my skirt down.

He wiggled his eyebrows inappropriately and said, "Bella, you told me you'd be wearing trousers and cowboy boots, and I see that you are. You are completely covered. I needed to make sure you were ready for our lesson." He was smiling by the end of his explanation.

"You are incorrigible," I said under my breath.

"Indeed," he replied, laughing. Then he whistled and another horse came running out from their barn. If I thought Butterscotch seemed like a large horse beside me, Edward's horse was huge. "Bella, I'd like you to meet Bear, my Belgian." He was grey with a whitish grey tail and mane – an absolutely beautiful horse. I tentatively reached out to stroke his muzzle and he responded by turning my direction and leaning into my touch. Like owner, like horse, I imagine.

The Cullen's other horses, Biscuit and Bandit, came out to join the other two in the corral. Edward saddled up Butterscotch and Bear in record time and then I knew it was time for my lesson – how to get on the horse. When I watched men do this very thing, it looked effortless. I imagined that would not be the case with me.

Edward came up beside me near Butterscotch and said, "Bella, breathe. It will be ok. They're just horses. First, we'll work on getting on."

Edward instructed me on how my left foot needed to go into the stirrup as I held onto the horn with both hands and swung my body up onto the saddle. This took a couple of tries as at first I thought someone could see up my skirt, but then I realized I had trousers on. He was very patient with me, not laughing at any of my misguided attempts. He wanted me to feel comfortable with what I was doing; and thank goodness, so did Butterscotch.

When I finally made it so I was seated on top of the horse, I was excited I actually did it by myself. Edward was thrilled as well. He got on Bear and then demonstrated how to make the horse go forward – by either saying "walk on" and squeezing or kicking gently with his legs and making a kissing noise. I did the same with Butterscotch and she moved forward immediately. I was smiling ecstatically. We walked around the corral for a bit.

Then Edward demonstrated how to get Bear to stop. He pulled on the reins gently and leaned back in the saddle a bit. I did the same and Butterscotch responded. He explained I could also say a gentle "Whoa" if needed.

After that, Edward showed me how to get off Butterscotch. I think getting down required a bit more coordination than getting up, but I seemed to manage.

Edward had me attempt all my lessons several more times by myself before he was satisfied I could do it on my own. I felt confident I knew the basics of riding a horse – as long as Edward was there with me.

Then Alice climbed up on Butterscotch and Edward held out his hand for me to join him on Bear. There was no way I could reach the stirrup on Bear's saddle, so I had to rely completely on Edward's strength in his arms. There wasn't a lot of room in the saddle, but I seemed to fit perfectly right in front of him. From this distance, I could see Bear's height was a lot further off the ground than Butterscotch's.

"We'll take you home now," Edward's voice was low in my ear and I had no choice but to lean back against his broad chest.

The ride to the boarding house was incredibly short. He got off Bear and then reached up to place his hands gently around my waist to help me down.

Once I was properly on the ground, Edward asked, "On Saturday, would you like to go for a horseback ride to see Washoe Valley? We'll take along Ben and Angela Cheney so we'll be properly chaperoned."

I blushed and responded, "Yes. That would be lovely. What time shall I expect you?"

"Around nine thirty, ma'am," he said and tipped his hat. Then he put his foot back in the stirrup of Bear's saddle, swung his body surely over Bear's frame and settled onto the horse's back. He gave me a wink, then turned his horse and was headed back down the street with Alice and Butterscotch in tow.

My heart was pounding in my chest like thundering horse hooves. Bella, get a hold of yourself! I truly was becoming hopeless when it came to Edward.

When I came up the boarding house steps and was just about to enter the front door, James Smith was sitting in one of the rocking chairs on the porch. I hadn't seen him in the gathering dusk. "Good evening, Miss Swan," he said.

"Oh, Mr. Smith, I didn't see you there. Good evening to you," I replied.

"Are you having a pleasant evening?" he asked.

"Yes, it's quite nice. I was just coming in for dinner," I explained.

He said, "So I see. Is Sheriff Cullen your beau, Miss Swan?"

I didn't like where this conversation was leading. "As I'm sure you're aware, Mr. Smith, the school teacher in this town is to remain unmarried during her tenure."

"Are you seeing him?" he questioned, angrily.

"I don't see that is any of your concern, Mr. Smith," I concluded, and opened the screen door, letting it bang shut behind me and closing the heavy front door as soon as I was inside. Infuriating man!

Saturday dawned bright and beautiful and I was able to have a leisurely breakfast with Rachel and Eli before going back up to my room to finish dressing for the day. That meant I'd be exchanging my petticoats for trousers underneath my khaki colored skirt and leather button-up boots for cowboy boots. The plain white buttoned blouse would remain. I took a tweed jacket with me as it was chilly this morning.

Once I was back downstairs, Rachel provided me with a basket filled with lunch ingredients for all of us to share along with apples for the horses. Edward arrived then with the horses and I met him outside. I gingerly fed the apples to the horses and gave them an affectionate pat on the nose.

Edward watched me and said, "So, the horses get a treat and affection and I get nothing?" I looked at him then and he had his bottom lip stuck out a bit and I could swear he was pouting.

I ran my hand along his jaw, noticing he hadn't shaved this morning, and said, "I'm sorry I'm all out of apples. This will have to do."

He grabbed my hand gently as I was placing it back by my side and kissed the back of it. "That will do just fine, Bella," he said quietly, smiling. A bit louder, he continued, "Let's go pick up Angela and Ben and be on our way."

The ride was nice as we took our time going west out of town. It was fun spending time with Ben and Angela. They had set up house in a small home in town and loved married life. They seemed to have an ongoing playful disagreement about Angela continuing to work, but it sounded as though she would continue to do so until she was in the family way.

We rode until Edward decided we should stop. Apparently everyone else knew where we were going except for me. He swung his foot out of one stirrup and swiftly dismounted Bear to the ground. There was no way I'd be that graceful. Edward walked over to Butterscotch and carefully removed one of my boots from the stirrup and then walked around to the other side of the gentle horse and removed my other boot from the other stirrup. Then he grasped me around the waist and carefully set me on the ground.

Then I attempted to walk. Was I going to remain bow-legged for the remainder of my life? My dress didn't seem to flare out in a strange way on the sides when I walked, but it was definitely an interesting feeling. Now Edward was beckoning me onward. He wanted me to walk over to the side of a cliff? Was he crazy?

I joined Edward, Angela and Ben near the tree line. Edward held my hand with one hand and pointed with his other to a vista in the distance that was beautifully green and lush. "See that area down there?" I nodded wordlessly, not believing that something so beautiful could be part of this desert landscape. "That's Washoe Valley – where our ranch is located. Of course, you can't see it from here, but it's there."

He could've said so many things, like, "The ranch I'm buying is down there," or "That's my ranch down there," but he didn't. He could've taken total ownership of it, but he was still leaving that door open for me. He knew the obligation I had to the town and just how long it would last.

If I'd never come to Virginia City, I never would've met Edward. I never would've felt for anyone like I did for him. I did love my students and my job. We would get to know each other better through this wait. It was worth the wait – for both Edward and me.

We enjoyed our picnic lunch with the Cheney's. They were wonderful chaperones – around our age but not totally intrusive. It was perfect. They were a great younger couple to get to know.

At school, the roles for the Nativity play had been cast. Emmett and Rosalie were our Joseph and Mary. Alice would be our angel announcing the birth of baby Jesus. Jasper would be the head shepherd. The rest of the children filled in as other human parts. No one would be cast as sheep or camels. Jessica Stanley, one of Rachel's helpers, would be assisting with sewing costumes for the group. She'd been seeing Mike Newton on the side, but told me she wouldn't let that interfere with the costume making.

Author's Notes:

Let me clarify a few things:

Edward would love to propose to Bella again – the sooner, the better. However, back in the "wild West" in the 1800's, couples didn't have year-long engagements like we have today. Couples agreed to marry and were actually married within a couple of days or a week. He knows she has to remain unmarried throughout the school term.

The actual population of Virginia City, Nevada, in 1870 was 7,048 people. I didn't choose to write that large of a town as I thought a smaller town was a bit more romantic. Since the population in the year 1860 was only 2,345, I can contribute that to the silver mining boomtown it was. My inspiration in writing a smaller, close-knit community was the television program, "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." If you've never seen this program, you should put it on your Netflix account or obtain it from your library. The unresolved sexual tension between Dr. Mike and Sully (as portrayed by Jane Seymour and Joe Lando) is off the charts.