Opportunity (Micah Bell x OC)

Chapter 11

The night has fallen on Shady Belle. There was tension in the air, everyone was worried about how the confrontation with Bronte would go. Elizabeth was playing dominoes with Hosea to pass the time and distract herself. When they heard horses, everyone's head perked up.

"Hey, they're back! I think I see Jack" Bill shouted.

"Abigail! Abigail! We got you your son, everything..." Dutch started but soon got cut by John and Jack, also calling out to Abigail.

Everyone hurried to welcome Jack back. Elizabeth was smiling so hard, her eyes got a bit watery from the reunion scene in front of her. Then Dutch announced a party to celebrate Jack's return. Everyone gather around the fire, close to the reunited little family. Javier started to play guitar and everyone started to sing with him. Elizabeth was standing in front of Pearson's wagon, enjoying the sight of happy people singing together, when she felt a hand on her back.

"Dutch told me they got the boy back" Micah said, keeping his hand on Elizabeth's back.

"Yeah, they just came back" she said with a smile. "Weren't you on guard duty?" she then asked.

"I was, but Dutch told me to come celebrate with everyone, so here I am. Any complains?" he playfully asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"None" Elizabeth answered as she leaned against him.

She was lost looking at the Marston's family in front of her, a bit of envy in her eyes. She wondered if maybe, one day, she could too, with Micah? Micah noticed her gaze and he also started to think. He never thought of having a family. Never. But what now? As he looked at the woman in his arm, he thought that the idea of having a family was less repulsive that it has been until now. He could not believe the effect she has on him, but maybe it was for the best?

For the time being, Micah just decided to enjoy the present, with Elizabeth.

"Want a beer?" he asked, taking Elizabeth out of her thinking.

"Mmh? Oh yeah thanks" she said as she smiled warmly at him.

Later in the night, Javier stopped playing, a soft music now coming from Dutch's gramophone. Elizabeth and Micah were walking behind the house, talking and laughing when Elizabeth heard the music.

"Micah?" Elizabeth asked.

"Mm? What is it sweetheart?"

"Would you like to dance" she finally asked with, looking at him with a soft expression.

"I don't dance, you know" Micah started.

"But no one will see us here. Please" she asked again, using her puppy eyes power on him.

Micah looked at her, hesitant, before agreeing.

"Alright, but not too long" he mumbled.

Elizabeth gave him a triumphant smile as she got closer to him and put one hand on his shoulder and hold his hand with the other. Micah put his hand on her back, and pulled her closer. They danced slowly as Elizabeth leaned her head against Micah's chest and closer her eyes, a content smile on her lips. Micah sighted as he relaxed, and put his head on top of hers. That was not so bad in the end, he thought.

They danced a bit more before Micah walked Elizabeth to her tent.

"Thanks for the dance. I really enjoyed it" Elizabeth took Micah's hand as she smiled at him.

"My pleasure" he simply answered, looking at her with soft eyes.

"Good night Micah" she whispered as she kissed him softly.