Busted Gulch vol 7

Ride With Me (naomimrshl)

Ride With Me

"Ride with me as far as the stable."

From his saddle, he bent -

Scooped her up with intent -

And settled her down twixt him and the pommel.

"It's cold." she said with a smile.

So he buttoned her inside his slicker.

Against her shoulders, she felt his heart flicker.

He chuckled, "Snug down in there for awhile."

Hugh's chestnut took the meander,

As the lovers spoke of their plans progression -

Both public and their private

passions -

At the stables, they noticed the shadows had begun to wander.

"Jump down , my pearl, and lead over ol' Cat"

Dixie slid off the chestnut and unhitched the old hissy.

"Did you pack the pickled eggs for Dusty, Stray and Joy?"

Hugh smiled at Dixie. "Yes M'am!... i did that! "

She reached up to hand Cat's lead to Hugh.

But he used the opportunity to grab her wrist.

She stood on tiptoe to accept his kiss.

"i'll be home soon - there's a lot to do."

"Dixiebird, are you sure you want to run for office?"

She looked up at Hugh and said with a plea -

"It's the easiest way to let em see how good the SSRM&PP can be!

Specially if i can show em how to turn problems to profits! "

"That reminds me! Next time Tiddly comes by...

Can you tell him we need an encyclopedia?

I need to learn bout those columbidae.

Tried to ask a friend bout em, but he seemed kinda shy. "

"i'll remember Mr. Bellows, now you best get on the road...

Remember, the sun doesn't wait for "peasant or lord".

"i'll be home in two days - back in your arms.

Stay out of trouble - come to no harm!"

One last kiss, then she watched the silhouettes gainst the sundown glows.

Hugh, the chestnut, ol' Cat... and... and... Sarah Rose?

She watched as the big man reached down and passed a note.

As they disappeared over the horizon, Sarah Rose raced up and dropped the note at her toes.

She read the words, by the fade'n day's light...

"I'll love you past death, my dear Mrs. Bellows. "

- Hugh