Anything Could Happen

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet expected her mother’s horse to be the biggest problem. Shadow had manners but he practiced them best around Rose. It surprised her when he was generally good while Becca’s horse pawed the water so hard everyone got wet then he managed to knock the bucket over. Becca and Scarlet finally managed to get all of the soap off of him. They took the two horses back to the barn while Patches shampooed Mr. Dawg.

Ella was getting Ruth out when Scarlet and Becca headed back to the creek with Lucky and Buddy.

Once Lucky was bathed Scarlet braided his mane and tail so it would be wavy when it dried.

“That horse is gonna be prettier than you tomorrow.” Becca laughed.

[Scarlet Angel]

The morning stage rolled in right on time. The passengers stepped off, Mr. and Mrs. Whirly among them.  Mr. Whirly took the luggage and began to load it onto the wagon Jimmy had brought.

“Got something up here for you Marshal Ross.” The driver called down. 

“Well hand it carefully on down.” He said stepping next to the stage.

Jimmy could see Miss Jane sitting in the stage wringing her hands nervously.  He stepped up and offered his hand. “Good to see you again ma’am.” He said.

She looked up at him, took his hand and stepped out followed by her son.

“Tell me James, how bad is he?” She said softly bracing herself for the worst.

“I think you would say God was watchin’ over him ma’am.” He replied.

“They reported the entire troop was slaughtered. Then I got a telegram from the Southern Starr….really the last place I would expect him to end up. He said he was going to look you up while they were in the area if he had the time...how bad is he?”

“He’s gonna be alright Miss Jane. We have a healer at the Starr that is taking very good care of him. She can tell you everything you want to know. I can tell you he’ll be back to his ornery ol’ self in short order.”

“He could have retired two years ago Jimmy….His lucks gonna run out, then I’ll be a widow. What’s it gonna take?”  She shook her head.

“Perhaps new scenery Miss Jane, perhaps a better offer. Most of all I believe the understanding of a good woman.” Jimmy said helping her up into the wagon.

He glanced over at Fritz. Fritz had told Scarlet he would leave the army a time or two. He and Bo got to hear her RANT about how Fritz better not end his career just for her. He half smiled knowing Fritz  had yet to see that display. Miss Jane would have jumped at a chance like that.  Folks sure were different in their views he thought as he climbed up on the wagon.

As they rolled through town Jimmy pointed out the things he thought folks would find interesting, especially Miss Jane and her son.

The girls were brushing up on their side saddle skills when the men came back from town. Scarlet, Becca and Rose were riding around the barns while Ella showed Patches the finer points of riding side saddle.

Spotting the wagon Scarlet, Becca and Rose rode out to meet them.

Tensleep double checked to make sure ‘Becca’s wedding gift was well covered and hidden amongst the luggage of the other folks.

“Now there’s something ya’ don’t see every day ‘round here.” Johnny said with a smile. He couldn’t remember the last time Rose had put a sidesaddle on her horse. She, like Scarlet preferred to ride bareback or in a western saddle.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

They'd ridden in a slow, easy pace.  He and Bo had just enjoyed the view and the weather.  Neither man spoke...they didn't have to.  Those who've shared in life and death together seldom do.  But he'd have to say something.

Fritz noticed Buddy's stall had been cleaned, and he'd been brushed down.  He put Strider in the adjacent stall.  The two seemed to get along well.

"Bo...?"

"Yeah?"

I don't know if I've asked you proper...God I'm getting senile."

"You have, and yes, I'll stand by you."

Bo smiled, for he knew his friend had alot on his mind.  He also smiled, knowing the project Johnny had set him on was finished.  He'd got it done a while back, before all this business got started.

"You'd better get cleaned up," Bo said.  "You wouldn't want your missus thinking you hung out in a saloon or something..." 

[Scarlet Angel]

T.J. was surprised to see his family, even more so when Jane told him she didn’t know who had provided the tickets for them to get there.

 Jane hoped she would have a chance to speak to Ella and get the truth about T.J’s true condition. She kept asking how bad he’d been hurt and he kept telling her he’d be ok can it was nothing to worry about.

Jimmy put Jane and her son’s luggage in the room Rose had told him they would be staying then waited for Bo. They were going to take the bed for Fritz and Scarlet to the house and set it up.

Mrs. Whirly got settled in their room, changed from her traveling clothes into more practical working clothes and met Rose in the kitchen to begin helping with what ever needed to be done.

Mr. Whirly asked Scarlet to show him the horses she’d picked for him to look at knowing she would busy tomorrow and most likely didn’t expect to see her before he left. Johnny and Bo could show him some of the other horses while Scarlet was off with her new husband. Both men were very good showing the horses and telling him the blood lines but he was looking for a new horse for his wife as well.

“Any of the horses you ladies were riding side saddle earlier for sale?” He asked.

Scarlet chuckled and replied “No, but I did pull a real nice one aside for you.” She said as they walked the breezeway.

Mr. Whirly stopped to admire Buddy. “I’m not losing one of my favorite people to buy horses from once you’re married.” He held out a sugar cube for Buddy.

“I doubt it.” Scarlet replied. “Fritz is real good with the horses. He finished this one.” She rubbed Buddy’s face “and I think he enjoys it.”

Mr. Whirly looked around, Fritz had left the barn. Scarlet had written to him about how she had bought Bo’s interest in Buddy so she could give the horse to Fritz as a wedding gift, but had told him the horse had been sold. Mr. Whirly enjoyed being in on the conspiracy. “He’s a lucky man.”

“I have something you’re going to like for the Mrs.” Scarlet said walking a few stalls down. “She is out of the same mare as Buddy, sired by Bo’s stallion and bred back to Lucky.” Scarlet said opening the gate to a mare that wasn’t as tall as Buddy but had a very similar look.

Mr. Whirly smiled. “Can we take them for a short ride?”

Scarlet chuckled. He’d been wanting to buy Buddy since the day he saw the foal, she supposed a short ride would be fine for helping her out in case Fritz started asking questions.

Mr. Whirly was an accomplished horseman himself so bareback was fine with him. Scarlet climbed up onto the mare and the two rode towards the corral where some of the other horses were. Buddy was on good behavior but it was obvious to Scarlet she’d made the right decision keeping him for Fritz.

Once at the corrals Scarlet told Mr. Whirly about the other horses, they switched horses and Mr. Whirly put the mare through her paces before they headed back to the barn.

“You set a high price but I think well worth it.” He said as they rode.

“She’ll be pleased.” Scarlet replied.     

[Scarlet Angel]

With everybody pitching in to help Rose found herself ahead of schedule by dinner time. Around the dinner table there was a lot of different conversations going on. The women talked about the wedding, what they were going to wear and how they were going to wear their hair, and how pretty things looked. The men talked about horses, cattle and guns.

‘Becca listened and joined in on some of the conversation, but her mind was on something else. It seemed to her the closer the wedding got the more nervous she became. On one hand she knew she loved John and looked forward to being with him, on the other the thought of possibly losing her independence and everything she had that gave it to her scared the hell out of her. She'd talked about it with John when they were discussing their relationship. She'd talked about it with Scarlet many times, she'd always felt better afterwards. Why was she so wishy washy?

When Ella got up to start clearing the table ‘Becca followed her into the kitchen. Setting down the dishes she brought in she looked at Ella. “How come you’re not with Allen? You don’t have to tell me, I know it’s personal.”

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Johnny lit a cigar and pulled a brown jug from under the table.  "So, Fritz...being a soldier and all, what would you like to see in a rifle?"

The jug came his way.  He took a long pull.  It burned going down, but wasn't bad.  Johnny's home brew no doubt.

"I carried a Smith during the war.  It was a fine little carbine.  Most of the rest of the Second carried the Sharps.  It hit harder."  The humidor sat open on the table.  Fritz took a short cigar.

"Near the end of the war, I got my hands on s Spencer carbine.  A very nice repeater, that exchanged parts with the Sharps.  My Captain put his hands on a Henry.  I liked the more powerful Spencer cartridge.  It didn't make sense to me to take a repeater, and replace it with a single shot weapon."

Johnny blew smoke rings.  "Probably some bean counter back east thought he'd save the Army some money.  Damned fools."

"Anyway," Fritz continued, "I'd like to see a repeater like the '73, firing the government cartridge."

"Probably too much for the frame to handle," Bo said.   
 

[Elegant Ella]

Ella sighed, "I ought to talk about it, instead of keeping everything bottled up inside.  Alan's last letter said that the money was stretching farther than he had expected it would, and he can spend another year learning, instead of coming home already.  He's in Vienna, which is probably the best place in the world to study medicine.  He's wanted to go study there his whole life.  He intended to go right out of medical school, except the War started, and he needed to serve there.  He spent more than he saved during the War, mostly by buying medical supplies that the Army couldn't or wouldn't supply, so he couldn't afford to go right after the War.  Then he married me, and we worked together to save up the money for him to go.  I thought I was going to go with him, because the inheritance from my grandmother would have paid my way, but he intends that money to buy us a house of our own after he gets back." 

Ella started washing the glassware, and Becca started drying. 

"In Boston, we lived with Alan's partner, who is a widower, so I kept house for the two of them.  With Alan gone, it wouldn't be proper for me to stay there, so Alan planned that I would stay with my aunt and uncle.  I love Aunt Margaret dearly, but Uncle Marvin has very strict ideas of proper behavior for women, and I feel stifled if I stay with them more than a week.  I actually stuck it out for two weeks before I decided to ride Ruth to California to stay with my parents.  It was fun at first, just riding generally West until I reached someplace that needed my skills where I could earn supplies for the next leg.  I got as far as Tucson before I signed on as a deputy Marshal along with Patches, Scarlet and Doctor Bill.  When we came here for New Year's, I was not planning to go back to Tucson.  I figured I would either find work in El Paso or spend money saved up from the deputying to buy a railroad ticket the rest of the way to California." 

[Scarlet Angel]

Becca listened intently to what Ella said.  She spoke differently of Alan than Scarlet had of Travis, but not so different than what she’d heard other women say of their husbands.

“Scarlet’s went a lot of places with Travis. She told me once he said he didn’t marry her just to leave her behind, course he never went to Europe either. She seemed very bitter for along time he left her behind that last time. One of the girls works for me, she had an inheritance from her folks passin’. She married, from what she says a few months down the road he kicked her out, everything that was hers belongs to him and she’s werkin’ for me.”

Becca put the glasses in the cupboard as she dried them.

“A house is a good thing to be saving for but did you and Alan discuss what you would have liked? I mean even as far as stayin’ with your Aunt and Uncle instead of sending you to live with your parents?”

[Elegant Ella]

"I wasn't very good about speaking up for myself.  He had been talking about his plans for this trip ever since we got married, and I never objected because I assumed I was going, too.  He had it in his head that staying with my Aunt and Uncle was the best thing for me, since California was too far for me to travel by myself, and an expensive trip when we had been saving everything we could for his expenses.  He never understood how smothered I had felt there, ever since the War.  Even if I hadn't been madly in love with him, I would have married him to escape!" 

Ella giggled, "I think I shocked him by running away from my aunt and uncle.  Aunt Margaret understood why I was leaving, and just said I was getting more and more like Grammy.  Uncle Marvin was probably relieved once he got over his shock, because I had been getting sassy."

She sobered again, "I hope he understands when he gets back that I don't think I can fit into the narrow role of city doctor's wife anymore.  It's easier to express myself in letters, so I've written more about my feelings that I've ever said out loud.  But I expect we're in for an interesting period after he gets back."

[Scarlet Angel]

“I’m sure he was shocked to learn you had left your Aunt’s. If he thought it was to far for you to travel if you’d have gone by train..just to up and ride yer horse! And just think of all of the stuff that’s happened in your life since you started your journey.” Becca chuckled.

“Well El Paso’s a grownin’ city and we could use a good doctor. Lord knows the one we got there now isn’t all that great, been there forever, maybe he’ll be retiring by the time Alan comes back.” She smiled.  “I bet the men here on the Starr were happy to have you here. Dr. don’t come out here no more. Scarlet tol’ ‘em she’d kill him, and I really don’t think it bothers Rose. They have enough knowledge between the folks around here to tend to the stock and one another unless it’s real serious.”

Becca stopped and looked at Ella with half a grin. “You told Alan about bein’ a deputy Marshal and riddin’ with the posse and such?”     

[Elegant Ella]

"I've told him.  I even sent him a rubbing of my deputy marshal badge.  He is interested in meeting the rest of the posse, especially Doctor Bill," replied Ella.  "I'm not sure he believes some of the stories I've written him.  Once, he responded to a long letter by saying that I was turning into a fine novelist.  Some of the comment might have been due to the fact that the letter was about 50 pages long." 

"Back in January, I suggested that we might settle out here when he gets back.  I think he took the suggestion seriously, because he said he's going to spend that extra year studying animal medicine, and not just horses.  A city doctor doesn't get much call to work on anything except people and maybe horses."

Ella stopped and looked at Becca, "I don't think this is being a typical 'advice for the bride' chat, but I think you already know plenty on how to keep a man happy.  For a marriage to work, both people have to be willing to negotiate and make compromises.  I made the mistake of not speaking up before Alan had his plans all set.  I think he would have been willing to wait another year for us to raise the money for me to go with him, if I had just said something before he bought his steamship ticket.  By everything I've seen, Tensleep is willing to listen, and think about multiple sides to an issue.  He does think before he speaks.  When you have an argument with him, remember that you love each other, and only talk about the problem without bringing up random other complaints.  Don't hold onto anger past sundown, but tell him when you are mad at him and talk it out before either of you go to bed."

[Scarlet Angel]

Neither one of the women had noticed Rose had started to come into the kitchen and just backed out figuring the girls were having a good talk and didn’t want to disturb them.

The smile grew on Rebecca’s face. “Tensleep is a very good listener, especially in a….somewhat heated debate, and I don’t believe he’s the type to hold in anger with me. I will take your advice and try to do the same.” Becca looked out the window into some far off place only she could see, her eyes a bit sad. “My mother was a very quiet woman, my father always had the last word and a woman was not to voice her opinions in many matters. I guess it was how they were brought up. Both of them were very good people though.” She said softly before her smile crept back “Imagine my surprise when I met Rose, and Scarlet’s even worse.” She laughed. “Course some of the women of the tribe are pretty fierce.”

Both she and Ella laughed. Before they knew it all the dishes were washed and put away.

Becca turned and leaned against the sink. “I guess one of my biggest problems is the fear of losing another family Ella, I’ve already lost two. Rose says love is worth the risk though and I really do love him.”

[Elegant Ella]

"I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all," quoted Ella.  "Love can be a great source of sorrow, but life without love would be shallow and meaningless." 

[Scarlet Angel]

Rose came into Johnny’s office, where the men had moved to; going to the window she opened it letting the cigar smoke drift out. She smiled sweetly, kissed his cheek. “Don’t stay up all night.” She said before leaving the room, closing the door behind her. It was her subtle way of telling him it was getting late and she was off to bed. 

Johnny glanced at the clock that stood against the wall; they had gotten so involved in the conversation and good time nobody noticed how late it was getting. It was a good thing the wedding was in the evening and not in the morning.

Mr. Whirly was the first to rise. “If you’ll excuse me gents, my wife is probably waiting on me.” He said with a smile then departed.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

The boys drifted off one by one, until only he and Johnny remained.  Fritz probably would've gotten up, but he wasn't sure his legs would work properly.  For the moment, he enjoyed the company of his future father in law, and the glow of good cigars and sippin' whiskey.

"Fritz, do you remember your latin?"

"Only what I was taught in church."

Johnny looked at him closely.  "En vino veritas."

"Ah yes," Fritz replied.  "In wine there is truth."

"So, what do you intend for my daughter?"

"I intend happiness...a home...family maybe..."

"You know she can't have children, right?"

"Yes...but the Lord works in mysterious ways."

"But you ARE a soldier...I've lived that life."

"What, exactly do you want to know Johnny?"

Johnny stood beside him.  "I know the life you lead...you don't expect this assignment to last forever, do you?"

"No...I don't.  That's why I intend to retire."

"Why are you retiring?"

"Because it's time," Fritz said.  He was a bit irritated.

"Is THAT the reason?"

"No...for the first time in my life, I care about someone more than the Army.   More than my life.  More than ANYTHING!  Is that what you want to hear?"

Johnny put his hand on Fritz's shoulder.

"As a matter of fact...yes it is." 

   

[Scarlet Angel]

Johnny took a long draw on the cigar and blew out the smoke. “But above all else, the truth is what I want to hear Fritz. It may not always make ya a popular man but at least you will be respected.”

He looked at Fritz for a moment; it was hard to believe they’d know one another just under a year.

“You know I was flabbergasted when Scarlet told me you had asked for her hand. I had bet once you left, that would be the last we’d see of you. Maybe because you are a soldier, maybe because Scarlet’s not an easy woman to live with, can be damn opinionated and will tell you, and hot headed, been like that since she was a child, maybe because I’d really hoped you wouldn’t come back. 

Fritz looked surprised at him although the comment didn’t shock him at all. “And now?” He asked.

A slow grin spread on Johnny’s lips. “And now I’m glad you came back Fritz. We aren’t an easy group to get along with, but you’ve earned the respect of the men that live here, most of all mine, some of us even have come to like you.” He teased then grew somber “I believe you will do right by Scarlet, because you’ve seen a lot of bad in the short time you’ve been with her and here you still are. I know you've been good to her and good for her. I’m proud to have you as part of my family.”

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz had always wanted to belong.  He was an outsider and he knew it.  It was part of the reason he'd joined the Army in the first place...to belong to something greater than himself.  To be part of this family made him very happy indeed.

Fritz slowly got to his feet.  "So, what should I call you now?"

[Scarlet Angel]

"Find yer sea legs, so to speak?" He replied watching Fritz stand. "There's a quilt on the corner chair case you can't manuver the stairs." Johnny pointed to the chair that stood in the corner. "Couch is pretty comfortable." He chuckled "Always been partial to Johnny. Stuborn ol' Goat is not option for you to call me, although at times it fits."

He considered the question, nobody had ever asked him that before they just called him what they'd always called him.  "What would you be comfortable with?" He asked.

[Elegant Ella]

After the dishes were done, Ella invited, "Becca, why don't you come with me for the evening check on my patients?  I'm sure they would all be delighted if you felt like singing a lullaby to them."

[Scarlet Angel]

“Ok” Rebecca replied with a smile as she followed Ella to the infirmary.

Rebecca helped Ella while she sang.

“Miss Ella you got the best hospital I ever been in. We got a doc with a gentle touch, good food AND entertainment. Makes a man wish he could stay longer.” One of them said.

The men tried to come up with a song ‘Becca didn’t know, just for the fun of it, but she seemed to know them all and be able to sing them all with equal enthusiasm.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"Johnny it is then!"  The men shook hands.  "Now if you'll excuse me sir, I have to get back to my wife."

"She's not your wife yet, son," Johnny replied.  "As I recall, you're not supposed to see you future bride 'til the wedding day.  And THAT'S tomorrow."

"Oh," Fritz said.  "Then I guess the couch will have to do."

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He maintained the semblance of balance until he got up to his room.  As he bent over to take his boots off, he almost toppled.  Truth be told, Johnny couldn't remember the last time he'd drank quite so much.

He tiptoed in and closed the bedroom door.  As he sat on his bed, he let out a brief chuckle.

"I was wondering when you'd come up," Rose said.  "Where have you been?"

"Oh, downstairs with Fritz" was his reply.

"You like him, don't you?"  Rose noticed his expression as he laid down.  "What's so funny?"

Johnny laughed.  "I told him he couldn't see his bride until the wedding day," he said, as he closed his eyes.

"Johnathan Longknife, you march right back downstairs and..."

It was no use.  Johnny was already snoring.

"Ah..."  Rose feigned disgust.  "If you want to do a job right, do it yourself."  She slipped on her dressing gown and headed downstairs.

She saw Fritz asleep on the couch.  He wore a sweet smile on his face, so different from his usual countenence.  Rose placed the blanket over him, and kissed his cheek.

"Good night son," she whispered. 

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet packed a few things in her saddlebags for the day after the wedding. When she’d asked Fritz what she should take he had replied “Not much Milady.” With a grin that brought a slight color to her cheeks.

Since they were going somewhere, which she’d only asked once and was answered only with a smile she’d asked Bo see if he could fix a pommel holster to go on the sidesaddle. He teased her about not wearing her gun belt over her wedding dress before he told her there was something around that went with the saddle pretty well thanks to Rose. Scarlet shook her head as she set it with the saddlebags. Most women didn’t carry a gun, she rarely went anyplace without it.

She feel asleep pleasantly thinking about what tomorrow would bring.

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet awoke with the same smile she’d fell asleep with, her head on Fritz’s pillow. The fact he’d not come back to their room last night worried her just a bit. She had made Johnny swear on his favorite gun there would be no snipe hunts, no getting Fritz drunk, taking him out in the middle of nowhere and leaving him to find his way back by trying to track Johnny, or anybody else. Johnny was not a prankster generally, that was left up to Bo, but every once in awhile when the opportunity struck he just couldn’t help himself.

The kitchen was buzzing with activity by the time Scarlet made her way down there. Rose was instructing the other women on what needed to be done for the day. She looked up and smiled at Scarlet for a moment, which told Scarlet everything was ok, then went back to telling everybody what needed to be done.

Scarlet made herself a plate and went out on the porch followed closely by Becca. The girls sat down and took a deep breath.

“Have ya ever seen so many folks crammed in a kitchen before? Ella was the only one Rose wasn’t telling what to do and how to do it and where to place it.” Becca said sipping her coffee.

Scarlet smiled. “Yeah, mom is good at taking control of any given situation, ‘specially in her own house, sorta like you. Mom knows she doesn’t need to tell Ella what needs to be done and she knows Ella has her own stuff to do. Some of them girls thought you were tough…they’re gonna appreciate you after this.” Scarlet laughed.

“Maybe I need to run a tighter ship.” Becca giggled. “I just can’t believe alla the fuss.”

“You’ve not been to many weddings have you? Rose likes to put on parties that are talked about for months…and now she’s got a double wedding, although the guest list is not huge I can guarantee it will be talked about.”

“If not the wedding and the party the wedding party itself will be somethin’.” Becca paused, sipped her coffee then grinned. “I thought I’d seen everything, cuz ya know I’ve seen a lot, but here we got a Yankee soldier marryin’  the daughter of Johnny Longknife, right on his own doorstep. Something I would have never bet money on…..Oh and wait if that’s not enough we got Grey Eagle standin’ up there too…was surprised to hear that.” Becca was enjoying teasing a bit.

“But the biggest shock of all is Break  Heart Becca’s gonna be standin’ there too. One man til death do you part.” Scarlet grinned wickedly. “Never thought I’d see that.”

Becca tried to think of some witty remark but she just shook her head and laughed then said “Guess I might have been listenin’ when someone said there is someone out there for everyone and he’ll come along when you least expect it.”

“Mom’s purty smart huh?” replied Scarlet.

The girls finished breakfast then headed for the barn. They both had their own list of things to do before the wedding. 

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz had awoke before the dawn.  The little man with the sledgehammer on his head was working overtime.  He rose and headed for the kitchen.  Fritz added some wood to the fire, and put a pot of coffee on.  Once he'd gotten a cup, he carried it out to the bathhouse.  No one was moving yet, so he got the fires up, and boiled some water for the tubs.  He knew he wouldn't be wearing his working clothes for awhile, so he dropped everything but his hat and boots into the hamper.  He fished a cigar from his vest pocket before it disappeared inside.  he settled into the bath with a good cigar and his tin cup.  All was right with the world.  He missed Scarlet, but he knew it wouldn't be long...