Lindsay nodded and turned to face Ginny. Their eyes locked."So did I."

Ginny's mouth suddenly went dry and the bottom fell out of her stomach."Wh-what stopped you?"

Lindsay's mouth quirked into a tiny, somewhat melancholy smile."You, of course."

A relieved sob tore itself from Ginny's chest and tears pooled in soft blue eyes."I didn't mean what I said. It was horribly cruel and I would do anything to take it back. I'm so sorry." She reached out for Lindsay, half-expecting to have her hand knocked away. It wasn't. And she breathed an audible sigh of relief, letting it rest shakily on Lindsay's woolen-clad shoulder.

Ginny regarded Lindsay's open face with more than a hint of shame."Forgive me? Please," she added raggedly when there was no immediate answer. Please.

Lindsay looked away for several seconds, then back at Ginny. She sighed, long and hard before simply saying, "Okay."

Ginny blinked slowly, her mind scrambling to process what she considered to be the least likely response she could have received."What?"

Lindsay shrugged lightly, but her eyes had warmed."I said okay."She pointed wearily to the tracks."That's not...I just...It's not my home anymore. That's with you now."

Ginny started to cry.

"I might as well forgive you now," Lindsay paused and wiped away Ginny's tears, "since I know I'll just go and do it eventually anyway."

Ginny surged forward and hugged Lindsay with all her might. "I'm so stupid. When I get scared I say stupid things," she mumbled against a cool cheek, feeling Lindsay squeeze her even harder."You're so much more than what I said. You have to know that, Lindsay. I swear it's true."

Lindsay's mouth worked silently for several seconds as she absorbed the feeling of Ginny in her arms. She drank in the words greedily, needing to believe them."Really?"

"God, yes!"Ginny pulled away and grasped Lindsay's face with both hands. She looked directly into her eyes and spoke from the heart."Didn't you hear all of what I said before? No matter what I stupidly said just then, you're not just some bum, Lindsay. You're not!"

There was a ferocity in Ginny's voice, a fiery gleam in her eyes, and a sureness in the strong hands pressed to rail-rider's face that captured her completely. Lindsay forgot how to breathe.

"I'd marry you, if I could. I'd spend my entire life loving you, if you'd let me."

Lindsay turned her head and kissed Ginny's palm. Her throat had closed and she knew she couldn't speak. After a few hitched breaths, she moved her lips a fraction of an inch, and brushed them over a small scar caused by the tenement fire. When she turned back she was smiling."Marry, huh?" It was the most absurd, lovely thought she'd ever had. And though she couldn't quite wrap her mind around the concept, it made her giddy nonetheless."I dunno. Do you have a dowry?" she teased.

Ginny laughed, feeling lightheaded in her relief as a big part of her world righted itself."I don't and you know it. I come with only a big mouth, a bunch of sometimes-bratty, but mostly-loveable kids, and an extreme dislike of chickens."

Lindsay gave her a lopsided grin."Lucky me."

Ginny looked for it, almost afraid of what she'd find, but there wasn't a drop of sarcasm in Lindsay's words.

Lovingly, she brushed some blowing hair from Lindsay's face. She leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth, wanting to convey everything she felt in one perfect gesture.

Lindsay groaned throatily and deepened the kiss, hot wet tongues colliding in a passionate display that stole her breath away."God, I want to touch you all the time," Lindsay breathed hotly between kisses."I have to stop myself a million times a day."

"Lindsay..." Ginny threaded her hands in dark hair and crushed Lindsay's mouth to hers."Mmm...Don't stop now," she growled, the intensity of her voice shocking even herself.

Lindsay leaned forward pushing Ginny onto her back and they fell deeper into the tall grass, their blanket forgotten in the wake of urgent hands, ardent caresses, and soft cries of sensual delight.

They claimed each other once again on the windswept hilltop to the backdrop of the endless Texas sky. It was an explosion of desire, raw emotion, and love so fierce that it took most of the night to quench the flames that erupted between them.

Much later, dozy and sated, they snuggled closely together and sat to watch the sunrise splash color across the horizon and drape it over the land. Lindsay pressed her lips to Ginny's temple."I love you." The gesture and words were lovingly mirrored and then they talked.

About everything.

Lost in thought, the young women strolled back to the Gables' house at a leisurely pace. When they opened the gate in front of the house a harried-looking Calvin trotted down the steps; he had a dot of shaving soap still on his face and he was slipping into his suit coat."Ladies," he greeted, giving them a curious once over as he tugged on his dark felt cowboy hat and adjusted it until it was to his liking."Early for you, Lindsay, isn't it?" he teased, surprised to see them both up and walking past dawn.

He and Ginny shared smiles, acknowledging Lindsay's preference for sleeping in.

Lindsay rolled her eyes."Disgustingly early."

"Well, I'm off to work," he said brightly, reaching out and pulling a piece of grass out of Ginny's hair."Don't want to go walking around with this all day." His bushy eyebrows scrunched together. "Were you two wrestling in the grass or something?"He brushed a cluster of grass from Lindsay's sleeve.

Ginny had the good graces to blush. Lindsay just smiled and nodded, her slightly roguish, utterly satisfied look helping Ginny's cheeks shift from a rosy pink to bright red.

"Oh," Calvin said, a little confused. Women. I'll never understand them.

Ginny began inspecting herself for more grass."Where is everyone?" she asked, so absorbed in her task she didn't look up as she spoke. Her nervousness was starting to build.

"Laura's in the kitchen with Jane, cleaning up breakfast. They're coming by the store later. Lewis and James are still asleep. I think one of them had a nightmare. When I walked by their room I heard James crying about a fire and someone named Alice." His slightly boyish face took on a seldom-used, grim expression."By the time I got in the room, he'd quieted again."

"You're a very good man," Ginny complimented sincerely, her voice as warm and sweet as honey."Thank you, Calvin."

"You're welcome," he said easily, a blush erupting from beneath his starched white collar.

"Those poor little boys," Ginny murmured, suspecting that nightmares were going to be permanent fixture in their lives for sometime to come. She vowed to talk to each of them later and once again do her best to sooth their fears. They've been through so much. We all have. Jesus, I wish this was finally over.

Anxiously, Ginny glanced sideways at Lindsay, who lifted her eyebrows in question. The redhead's fists clenched and unclenched and for a few seconds she held her breath, but finally nodded.

"Are you sure?" Lindsay asked in a low voice, ignoring Calvin for the time being.

"Go. I'll be okay."Ginny tried to smile but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Lindsay hesitated."Ginny-"

"Go."She felt a little sick but was determined to press on."Like we discussed," she whispered.

Their eyes locked and held, neither one blinking as Lindsay studied Ginny's face.

"All right," Lindsay allowed after a moment. She didn't feel right about leaving, but apparently Ginny was sticking to her decision and their plan to talk to the Gables separately. Lindsay gave herself a mental kick in the ass. Dammit, Ginny. How did I ever let you talk me into this? She stepped forward and glanced up at Calvin who had no earthly idea what was happening. "I'll walk with you to work."

"I was going to saddle-"

"No, you weren't."

His eyebrows jumped."I wasn't?"

"Nuh uh." Lindsay shook her head."You only think you were."

"But-Hey!"

Lindsay grabbed him by the arm and began dragging him towards the road, the larger man having no choice but to yield to her insistence."We need to have a talk."

Helplessly, Calvin looked back over his shoulder at Ginny, who was standing in front of the house with her hands wrapped around herself in mute comfort.

Lindsay expertly lifted his pocket watch then held it out in front of her to check the time."You're going to be late."

Calvin's eyes bulged and he reached for the watch and Lindsay held it just out of his reach.

Ginny shook her head at Lindsay's antics, watching as the pair strode down the street and towards town. It took a little pep talk to get herself up the front steps and into the house. And she breathed a sigh of relief when she closed the front door behind her. She was struck by the heady aroma of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon rolls, but it was Laura's gentle voice that guided her to the kitchen.

When she reached the kitchen, she stopped in the doorway, unseen. A slow, charmed smile worked its way across her face at what she saw.

Naked and giggling happily, Jane was sitting in a wash basin next the sink getting her morning bath. The morning sun streamed through the windows giving the kitchen a cheery, bright quality that Ginny could never remember on Orchard Street. Steam rose gently from the water and the chubby toddler's skin was flushed pink and covered unevenly with lavender scented soapsuds. Her blonde hair was piled haphazardly on her head in a great mass of bubbles."Mama!" she squealed, laughing and splashing at Laura, whose smile stretched from ear to ear.

"Come on now. You know what to do," Laura instructed gently, sticking her hands in the water and tickling Jane's thigh.

Jane grinned and began mashing the bubbles on her belly in a fair imitation of scrubbing herself clean.

"That's my girl," Laura praised proudly, the twinkle in her eyes evident from across the room.

The scene made Ginny's heart hurt and the smile slid from her face.

The front of Laura's dress was wet and when she pushed back a stand of hair with the back of her hand she deposited a dollop of bubbles on her forehead.

"Bubbles!"Jane crowed with delight, pointing at Laura's forehead.

Laura's eyes narrowed playfully."Think that's funny, do you?" Giving up on trying to stay even somewhat dry, Laura bent and placed a sloppy kiss on Jane's face, allowing happy little hands to smear bubbles where they may.

Ginny swallowed thickly and closed her eyes. Forgive me, Jane. Please. Gathering her courage, she stepped into the kitchen, startling Laura.

"Oh!"The woman instantly straightened and tried to wipe the bubbles from her face and out of her rust-colored hair. An impish look settled on her face that made Ginny forget Laura was ten years her senior. At that moment, they seemed much more like friends.

"Gosh. Sorry," Ginny apologized, smiling at Jane when the little girl began saying her name over and over and splashing excitedly at the sight of her.

"Good mornin'. There's coffee." Laura gestured towards the pot on the stove with her chin as she reached for a soft towel.

"No thanks."Ginny went a little pale as she slumped into one of the chairs at the small breakfast table.

Laura noticed her pallor immediately."What's the matter?"

Ginny stared at Jane for a long moment, then closed her eyes. When she opened them, she gazed directly at Laura. Her voice quivered but there was a determined set to her shoulders that caused the older woman to take notice. "Laura," she paused and swallowed again, afraid the words wouldn't come.

"Yes?" Laura felt a surge of dread.

"We need to talk."

To Calvin's surprise, Lindsay didn't have much to say as they walked past the buildings and shops that comprised San Marco's downtown district. They had talked about the weather and other things Lindsay couldn't care less about. Eventually, Calvin decided to play tour guide, giving Lindsay a run down of the stores they passed and the owners, all of whom Calvin knew. The streets were full of people, horses, and wagons, and he stepped aside to allow an old woman pass in front of him."Pardon me, ma'am," he said politely.

The old woman smiled approvingly at Calvin's good manners.

"Hold up, Mr. Gable!" A skinny boy of twelve, with feet that looked to be at least three sizes too big for his gangly body, raced up to Calvin and held out a piece of paper. His coal-black hair was slightly tousled from his run. Breathing heavily, he shifted from one foot to the other, exceedingly pleased that he'd caught Mr. Gable before he got further down the street. "Telegrama," he said needlessly, the rocks crunching beneath him as he moved.

Calvin grinned at his youthful energy and glanced down at the paper.

The boy whistled through his teeth."Longest one I ever seen." He unapologetically stuck his hand out for a tip. "And I've seen many."

Calvin fished a nickel out of his vest pocket and pressed it into the boy's palm."Here you go, Enrique. Don't spend it all on candy this time and get sick."

The boy's face lit up at the sight of the shiny coin."Hot damn!"

Calvin turned to say something to Lindsay and his mouth dropped open. He spun around in a circle, his eyes flicking from place to place."I'll be..." He pulled off his hat and scratched his head, still looking.

She was gone. Vanished without a sound or a trace in a street crowded with people.

Chapter Sixteen.

"Shhh... Be very quiet, String Bean."Albert's moist lips were pressed against Lindsay's ear and his dirty beard scraped her skin. He fitted his body tightly against her back before she could even think to move. In deference to the rising temperature, she'd taken off her coat as she and Calvin walked downtown. It was slung over her arm, effectively hiding the razor-sharp knife jabbing her ribs."Not a single fucking word."His knuckles turned white as he gripped the knife's handle."Not one."

Her heart began to pound wildly and for a second she thought of screaming. Shit! Why is he doing this? Why won't he just leave me alone? From the corner of her eye she could see Calvin talking to a boy she didn't know, but her attention was drawn away from the scene by the stinging feeling of metal piercing her skin. She hissed in pain, instantly stifling the automatic response when she heard his warning growl in her ear. A rivulet of warm blood trailed down her abdomen, making her squirm. In a blinding flash of clarity Lindsay realized exactly what was going to happen. He wants to kill me? Anger swept through her. If I'm leaving this world today, bung hole, I'm taking you with me.

"Move," Albert prodded urgently, his voice so low she barely heard him. Discreetly, he gave her shirt a firm tug to the left, directing her movements."That's it. Not a sound." His dark gaze flicked from person to person, scanning for any sign that someone had figured out what he was doing. But the citizens of San Marcos appeared to be minding their own business as they traversed the streets.

About time I finally had some good luck, Albert thought bitterly. He and Bo, who he'd sent to steal a wagon the moment they'd laid eyes on Lindsay, had been roaming the streets of San Marcos for the past two days. Albert was tired of the endless Mexicans, Germans, and cowboys who populated the town. He was sick of the green hills and lush pecan and oak trees and the disgusting smell of fresh air. The big man craved the endless noise of the city and the smoke and rat pits he knew he could find any day or night. He wanted to go home.

But after looking for Lindsay for two days he wasn't about to wait for a safer time to nab her. The bitch owes me for all this trouble, he told himself. Even if I do want to go back to New York City, I can't stop now. Not after I've come this far. I won't! He knew what he was doing was ridiculously dangerous, but desperation and unspent rage had rendered him even more reckless than usual and he cursed himself for taking this job in the first place. Losers worked for a living. And hunting String Bean was far too much like work.

It only took a few steps for him to pull Lindsay into the narrow alleyway between the local doctor's office and the blacksmith. The odor of horseflesh was overpowering and Lindsay's stomach roiled, both from nerves and the reminder of the animals she still feared-even after what seemed like an endless ride atop the gentle Diablo.

Albert pulled out a thin brown cloth sack he had tucked in his shirt and handed it to Lindsay. The bag was damp and reeked of sweat."Put this on." He moved the knife against her ribs a little, making sure she wouldn't forget who was boss.

It didn't work.

"Go to hell, lard as- Uff!"A meaty hand clamped over her mouth and nose, yanking her head back in the process.

"Shut the fuck up!" he hissed, spraying saliva on her cheek.

The outline of the nearby building swam before her as the oxygen in her system began to dwindle.

"Put this sack on your head or I'll kill you now and save myself the trouble later."Gingerly, he removed his hand.

Lindsay gasped, pulling in a large lungful of air before wiping her face with her sleeve, half-hoping she'd go ahead and puke. The least she could do was make sure she heaved all over him before he stabbed her.

Nervously, Albert glanced at the opposite end of the alley."Where are you?" he whispered.

"Expecting someone, Rat Face?" she choked, her mind scrambling for a means of escape. The knife digging into her flesh reminded her that she didn't have one.