"You got a clear shot? " Daniel asked Cole.

"No, " Cole answered, his voice harsh.

"Go ahead, angel, " Donald urged. "You can tell him."

"Cole, " she cried out.

He was dying inside. Dear God, please don't let him hurt her . . .

don't let him . . .

"Abilene." He knew what she was asking him to do. He had her permission, he had his target, his gun was cocked, but God help him, he couldn't do it.

Daniel took the shot for him.

"No." Cole roared the denial. In his mind's eye, everything happened in slow motion. He saw Jessica's eyes flutter closed, saw her body drift downward to the floor. His mind wouldn't accept any more. He emptied his gun into the bastard, spraying him up against the wall.

Cole didn't stop. He kept pulling the trigger again and again and again, the only sound now the clicking as the empty chambers rotated, until Daniel grabbed the gun out of his hand.

"I didn't shoot her, " Daniel shouted in hopes that his words would cut through Cole's stupor. "She's all right. She just fainted. Get her off the floor." Cole rushed to her side and fell to his knees. His hand shook as he pressed his finger against the pulse point at the base of her throat. He felt the heartbeat, strong and rapid, and felt the tears sting his eyes.

He gently lifted her into his arms and stood, cradling her against his chest.

Jessica heard someone sobbing. She opened her eyes and saw Grace running toward Daniel.

There was a deputy standing in the doorway of the judge's chambers, watching Rebecca. The woman had her bloody hand pressed against her bosom. Her other hand was braced against the wall and she was slowly struggling to her feet when Grace ran past her.

"I'm all right, Grace, " Daniel called out as soon as he saw her tears.

He fully expected her to throw herself into his arms, but Grace suddenly stopped. A funny look crossed her face before she turned around and ran back to Rebecca.

Daniel didn't have time to stop her. Grace made a fist, swung, and coldcocked her. Rebecca crumpled to the floor.

Grace stepped back and looked at her. "It hurts, doesn't it? " Daniel was so shocked he laughed. He stopped when Grace was in his arms, kissing him.

"I love you, Daniel. I love you, " she fervently whispered as she kissed his brow, his nose, his chin.

He tilted her head up so he could look into her eyes, and then he whispered his declaration of love. "Don't marry Nigel."

"Because you love me, Daniel? " "I was getting to that, Grace . . .

because I love you." gvery one had gathered in the judge's chambers to watch the doctor work on Daniel's shoulder. He was sprawled out on the leather settee. Grace leaned against his side, holding his hand.

Cole sat nearby in an overstuffed wing chair with Jessica on his lap.

She had tried to sit next to him, but Cole wouldn't let her move.

The judge was still in the courtroom giving orders to two deputies before they dragged Rebecca to jail.

Cole was deliberately taunting Daniel as the physician prodded the injury with his instruments in search of the bullet.

"You're being awful brave, Daniel."

"Don't push me, Cole."

"It hurts, doesn't it, Daniel? " Grace asked.

"If I answer yes, are you going to coldcock me? " Daniel asked dryly.

Every one laughed but Grace, who was clearly mortified. "You're never going to let me live that one down, are you? " "No, " Daniel assured her.

"I'm having the last laugh, " Grace boasted.

"How's that? " Daniel asked. His voice sounded calm, but his brow was covered with beads of perspiration. He wanted to yell at the doctor to hurry up and find the damned bullet, but he didn't say a word because Grace was already anxious and upset.

"I never was going to marry Nigel."

"I know. I wouldn't have let you." Cole tugged on Jessica's blouse to get her to look at him.

"I want to hear you tell me you love me. No more messing around, Jessie. I mean it. This is your last chance or . . . " "Or what? "

He leaned down and whispered into her ear. She immediately turned scarlet. "You wouldn't. . . not here in front of Grace and Daniel .

. . " "I'm a desperate man. If taking your clothes off is the only way I can get you to cooperate, I'll do it."

"It sure would take my mind off this torture, " Daniel drawled out.

Grace covered her face and laughed. Jessica put her arms around Cole's neck.

"I'm waiting, " Cole reminded her.

"I love you, Cole Clayborne. I love you." His expression turned somber. "Forever, Jessica? " "Forever." The judge came striding into his chambers with a full bottle of good whiskey. He poured drinks for everyone and then sat down behind his desk.

"I'm still in shock, " Rafferty announced. "I can't believe that Donald Curtis, a respected businessman in this town, a pillar of our community, was the leader of the Blackwater gang. Whatever possessed him to turn like that? " "Greed, " Daniel speculated.

"The thrill, " Cole suggested.

"Maybe Rebecca will be able to answer your questions about Donald. She knew him well, " Jessica said.

"I know I shouldn't feel sorry for her, but I do, " Grace said.

"She loved him, and some women will do anything for the men they love, even kill." The judge raised his glass and said, "Why don't one of you marshals make the toast? " Daniel looked at Cole. "Are you keeping your badge? " "Maybe. What about you? " "Maybe." Cole raised his glass to Daniel. "To justice." Rosehill Ranch, Montana Territory Xma Rose was sitting on the front porch enjoying the sunset.

It was her daily ritual and one she tried never to miss, for, in her opinion, sunsets were one of God's special gifts to the world, and it was her duty to take a moment to appreciate His wonders.

She wasn't alone, for squeezed up next to her was the newest addition to the family, Caleb. The two of them had taken to one another immediately, and he was happily chattering away now in a language only he understood.

He was the most adorable child, and every now and then, she couldn't resist brushing her hand across his dark, silky curls.

The family had all returned home to celebrate the wedding of Jessica and Cole and to welcome Jessica and her son into the fold. The house was bursting at the seams, and Mama Rose couldn't have been happier.