Sam watched the stagecoach head out of town. He stood wrapped in his own thoughts, staring after the stage until it was just a dust cloud on the horizon. Removing his hat, he ran his fingers through his hair shaking his head at the sudden turn of events. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined being offered this kind of opportunity. He would be crazy to turn it down.

Still, he thought, as he walked back to his office, he needed to think about it a bit. Accepting the job would change his life drastically. Not just his life but Emma's as well.

His gut instinct told him to take the job. The pay was much better. He could keep regular hours and it would be less dangerous. But there was an awful lot of deskwork involved and he would also have politicians to deal with who, to Sam's way of thinking, weren't much better than outlaws. Still, the advantages outweighed any arguments against it that he could come up with. But in the end, his thoughts came back to one thing. Emma.

Would she come with him to Omaha? Sam knew that she loved him but he wasn't sure if that was enough to make her willing to leave her home and her boys. Sam figured that what he really should do was to talk to Emma about it. She had a way of making sense of things and like it or not; she usually knew what was best for him.

He entered his office and tossed his hat on the rack by the door. Walking to the desk he stood in front of it for a moment and considered the stack of papers that was waiting for his attention. Sighing in resignation, Sam sat down in his chair and started in on the paperwork. His picnic with Emma would have to wait.

The afternoon sun hung lazily in the cloudless sky. There was no breeze today but Emma hated being cooped up inside so she sat on the porch swing, a bowl of pea pods in her lap. Her hands automatically removed the peas from their pods, while her mind was busy elsewhere. Staring off into the horizon, Emma's troubled thoughts were of Sam and his unexplained absence. The heavy tread of boots on the porch steps made her jump and the bowl slipped off her lap, spilling the pods onto the wooden planks.

"I'm sorry, Emma." apologized the station manager, Teaspoon Hunter. He bent down, ignoring the slight pain it caused to his old knees, and started to pick up the mess he'd caused. "Didn't mean to startle ya."

Emma smiled up at him, kneeling down herself to place the last few errant pods back into the bowl, "That's alright Mr. Spoon. I guess I was a bit preoccupied."

Offering the young woman his hand, Teaspoon helped Emma to her feet. She returned to her seat on the swing and Hunter joined her. Removing his old hat, he waved it in front of his face, attempting to create a cooling breeze. He glanced aside at Emma who had returned to her work. Clearing his throat he asked tentatively, "Is there somethin' you want to talk about, Emma?" even though he suspected that the person she really needed to talk to was also the reason for her preoccupation.

Her hands stopped their work and she turned her face to him. "No, Mr. Spoon." She said simply. Emma looked at Teaspoon a long moment, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why do you ask?"

Hunter rubbed his chin pensively. He didn't want to interfere in Emma's business but he cared a great deal for her and hated to see her unhappy.

"You been out of sorts the last couple a days." He said cautiously, "Is somethin' wrong 'tween you and Sam?"

She smiled at the older man's concern for her. Teaspoon Hunter had become a good friend in the short time that they had known each other and he could read her like a book.

"There's nothing wrong, Mr. Spoon." She began. "At least I don't think so."

He raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. She looked down at her hands and continued quietly. "It's just that I ain't heard from Sam all week." She looked back up at him, the concern evident in her pretty face. "That ain't like him."

He nodded in agreement. Usually Sam would make it out to the station every few days or send word to Emma when he was going to be gone for a while. Teaspoon hadn't heard of any trouble in town to keep the Marshal occupied but something was definitely keeping him away.

Teaspoon reached out and patted Emma's hand. "Well, I just happen to be headed into town. I'll see if I can find our missing Marshal."

She gratefully smiled her thanks to the station manager and went back to her work.

Marshal Sam Cain leaned against the doorframe and took a long draw off his cigar. Slowly he exhaled, watching the stream of blue smoke trail away. The afternoon was rapidly fading with the setting sun and most of the townsfolk were trying to finish up their business before it got dark.

Thinking about Sweetwater brought a peaceful smile to his face. It was the first place he had lived in where he felt truly at home. There was nothing he would enjoy more than to put down roots and grow old here. But Sam had lived long enough to know that things didn't always work out the way you wanted them to. If he took the job as territorial Marshal, he would have to leave Sweetwater and move to Omaha.

The smile faded from his lips and he pressed his fingers to his temple, rubbing slowly. All this thinking was giving him a headache. And he wasn't any closer to making a decision.

"Sam?" The sudden voice startled him out of his thoughts.

He looked in the direction of the voice to find Teaspoon Hunter standing right next to him. "Teaspoon. I didn't hear ya walk up." He really needed to stop thinking so much and pay more attention.

Teaspoon chuckled. "I seem to be having that effect on people today."

Sam flicked the remaining stub of his cigar into the street and looked at his friend. "What brings you to town, Teaspoon." He didn't see any of the express riders so he figured it was social call.

"I come to pick up a load of fence posts."

Sam laughed. "Gonna put those rider's of yours to work?"

"Yep." Hunter grinned. "Don't want 'em getting' too lazy." Stretching out his chin, he gave it a good scratch. "You know Sam, if you're looking for somethin' to do, I'm sure the boys would appreciate your help."

Sam gave a quick chuckle. "Sorry, Teaspoon. I've got enough to do here. I don't need any more work."

"Figured ya might be busy, being as ya ain't been out to the station lately."

Judging by the sheepish look that came to Sam's face, Teaspoon knew his comment had the desired effect.

"I guess Emma's probably wondering where I been."

"She has mentioned it, yes."

Sam nodded and turned his gaze to look towards the open plain outside of town where Emma's home lay. Teaspoon watched the Marshal's face in concern. Something was troubling Sam and Teaspoon figured it most likely had something to do with Emma. He was about to offer up some advice to the younger man when Sam suddenly turned towards Teaspoon, a grin coming to his handsome face.

Clapping the station manager on the shoulder, Sam told him. "You can tell Emma to expect me tonight." Then he excused himself and walked back into his office.

In his small room above the Marshal's office, Sam Cain reached under his bed and pulled out an old, battered trunk. Inside were a lifetime of memories. Squatting down in front of it, he ran his hand over its dusty cover thinking of the long, hard years that it had seen; that he'd seen.

Carefully he unlatched the lock and lifted the lid. On top lay a yellow ribbon and a smile came to Sam's face as he picked it up. Running it through his fingers he remembered the night he had removed it from Emma's hair. They had gone to Sally Hogen's wedding and had stayed the night at the home of a friend. It was there that Sam had made love to Emma for the first time.

Laying it aside, he dug through the trunk ignoring most of the objects until he came to the picture frame. Slowly he lifted the frame out of the trunk. The glass had been broken years ago but Sam had never gotten around to replacing it. He looked at the young man he had been and the pretty woman who would always live on in his heart.

Sam stared at the photo for a while; his mind taking him back to the day it was taken. The day he and Jenny had gotten married. They had so many plans for their life together but all that changed three months later with her death. The hurt and guilt over her loss would always be with him but Emma's love helped to lessen the pain.

Then his eyes fell on the thing that he was looking for and he put the photo back down. As Sam picked up the small, cloth bag, his thoughts turned to the red haired beauty that held his heart captive now.

Sam loosened the strings that held the bag closed and poked his finger inside and lifted out a delicate gold band. Holding it between his thumb and forefinger, Sam contemplated the ring. It had belonged to his mother who had died when he was just a child. Sam tried to picture her face but the years had blurred her features to him.

He put the ring back in its pouch, pulled the strings tight and dropped the bag in his shirt pocket. He closed the trunk and pushed it back under the bed. Looking at the clock on the table by his bed he was surprised to see how late it had become. He needed to get cleaned up before supper. Now that he'd made his decision he was looking forward to seeing Emma tonight. The last thing he wanted was to be late.

The savory aroma coming from the bunkhouse set Sam's stomach to growling as he rode into the yard. As usual, he had gotten out of town later than he'd planned. He figured that the boys were already well into supper. But if Teaspoon had let Emma know that he was coming, she would be sure to save him some food. Of course, there was always Cody's appetite to consider.

Sam tied his horse to the porch rail and dusted himself off as best he could. He didn't know why he had even bothered to get cleaned up. The ride out to the station always added a layer of dust to his clothes. But Emma never seemed to mind, he smiled to himself.

Satisfied with his appearance, Sweetwater's Marshal stepped onto the porch and swung open the door to the bunkhouse. His sudden entrance interrupted Teaspoon in the middle of a story. "Marshal." He greeted in his heavy drawl, nodding in Sam's direction.

"Teaspoon. Boys." Sam replied. The riders all welcomed him as he hung his hat and gun belt on the rack. Walking to the table, Sam leaned over and gave Emma a soft kiss on the cheek before sitting down next to her. He ignored the snickers coming from the young men gathered around the table.

"Sorry I'm late, Emma. Had a little trouble in town."

Emma smiled warmly at him and gave his hand a quick squeeze. "That's alright, Sam. Cody hasn't eaten everything yet."

Her comment brought a chorus of rowdy laughter from the riders seated around the table, much to the annoyance of William Cody.

"Ah, Emma" he whined.

Sam helped himself to the chicken and dumplings and started in on his meal as Teaspoon continued his story.

Emma ate quietly next to Sam and listened to the conversation around the table. From time to time Sam would glance at her, giving her a quick grin before returning to his meal. She noticed that he didn't join in the banter around the table as usual. Granted, Sam Cain wasn't much of a talker, but she hadn't seen him this quiet before. Apparently whatever had kept Sam away from the station all week wasn't something he wanted to share with the boys.

After the meal was finished, Emma stood up and started to clear the table.

"Emma, why don't you let me and the boys clean up tonight." Proposed Teaspoon. His suggestion was greeted with moans from the boys seated around the table but one glare from the former Texas Ranger was all it took to quiet the complaints.

Emma looked in surprise at Teaspoon. He returned her look with one of perfect innocence but made a point to gesture with his eyes at the silent Marshal. He had also noticed Sam's preoccupation during the meal and figured that the couple needed some time by themselves.

"Why, that's awfully nice of you Mr. Spoon." Emma said sweetly. "Sam, why don't we leave and let these boys get to work." A chorus of groans from the boys was quickly stifled by another glare from Teaspoon. He watched Sam and Emma leave the bunkhouse, a concerned look on his weathered face.

Emma rested her head in the crook of Sam's shoulder as they sat for a quiet moment on the couch. It was times like these that Emma treasured. She loved Sam so much that sometimes it frightened her. She had been so independent before she'd met him but now she couldn't imagine living without him.

Emma turned her face to look up at Sam. She was about to ask him what was disturbing him when he smiled at her. Leaning close, Sam kissed her tenderly on the lips. Without breaking their kiss, he moved slightly towards Emma and slipped his arms around her waist, kissing her more passionately as she responded to him. Emma lost herself to the moment, forgetting her earlier fears, concentrating only on his lips.

After they parted, Emma brushed his cheek with her hand. "I've missed you too." She whispered.

Sam smiled guiltily. "I'm sorry 'bout that, Emma. I had some thinkin' to do."

"I figured something was troubling ya'." She said quietly. "Want to tell me about it?"

Sam nodded and then sat quietly for a moment. He reached out and rubbed her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "Mike Bennett stopped by a couple a days ago. Told me he's goin' to be retiring."

"Really?" she exclaimed, "Well, good for him." Emma knew and respected Marshal Bennett. Partly because of what he'd done for Sam but also because he had done a lot of good for the territory as well. The man that took over would have quite a pair of shoes to fill. "Who they gonna get to take his place?"

Unable to suppress a grin, Sam answered, "Me." His grin grew wider as he watched her surprised expression light up her face.

Emma reached out and pulled him into an embrace, hugging him tightly. "Oh, Sam! I'm so proud of you!" Sam buried his face against her neck, breathing in the light lavender scent of her skin. Pulling back, he grasped both of her hands in his and sighed heavily, knowing that the next part would not be as easy.

Emma noticed the sudden change. "What's wrong, Sam? Don't you want the job?"

"Yeah, I do. It's just that" He paused uncertainly, gazing into her dark eyes for the strength to continue. "It's just that I'll have to leave Sweetwater, Emma."

Emma stared at Sam, her mouth hanging slightly open in shock. In her excitement, she had forgotten that the government seat for the territory was at Omaha. She lowered her eyes, looking at his strong hands enfolding hers. "You can't pass up this chance, Sam. Even if it means leavin'." she said quietly.

Lifting a hand to her chin, Sam gently raised her head. A warm feeling spread through his heart as he gazed into her bright eyes. "I ain't leaving Sweetwater without ya, Emma." he told her. Before he could lose his nerve, Sam slid off the couch and got down on one knee before her. Taking her hands again in his, Sam looked straight into her eyes.

"Emma? Will you come with me to Omaha as my wife?"

For a moment all Emma could do was stare at the man kneeling before her. She had hoped and dreamed that this day would come but was caught off guard by the suddenness of his proposal. She wanted to marry Sam with all her heart but leaving her home was something she hadn't bargained for.

Still kneeling before her, Sam was starting to get worried. His heart hammered in his chest as he waited for her answer. "Emma?" he asked uncertainly.

At the sound of her name, spoken softly, Emma seemed to come out of her daze. "Hmmm?"

"Will you marry me?" Sam asked again.

Emma gazed at Sam, seeing her love reflected in his eyes and a sweet smile came to her lovely face. She leaned forward to kiss him softly, whispering against his lips. "Yes."

His head propped up with one hand, Jimmy Hickcok raised his heavy eyelids and looked across the table at Cody. His fellow Pony Express rider sat with drooping shoulders, his own eyes half closed. Frequently, he would start to nod off and would jerk his head up abruptly before nodding off again. At the head of the table, Teaspoon watched his charges with an amused expression on his grizzled face. Clearly his warning about stopping the horseplay and getting to sleep had gone unheeded last night. Well, he mused, they would have to learn that their lack of sleep didn't change their responsibilities any.

In stark contrast to the sullen riders, Emma practically floated around the bunkhouse. She hummed softly to herself while dishing out the boy's breakfasts. Seeing Emma in such a good mood brought a smile to Teaspoons face. It wasn't hard for the station manager to figure out why either. Sam had still been at the house when Teaspoon had finally gotten to bed last night. Apparently, whatever had been troubling the Marshal didn't have anything to do with Emma, as he had feared.

"Emma?" moaned Jimmy, "How can you be so awake this early in the morning?"

Lightly flipping two large flapjacks onto Lou's plate, Emma smiled in Jimmy's direction. "Why, because it's such a beautiful day, Jimmy."

Cody leaned to his left, a half-cocked grin on his handsome face and whispered to Buck, "And because Sam was over last night." Some of the other boys overheard Cody's remark and laughed, exchanging knowing glances with each other until Teaspoon's sharp glare silenced any further comments.

"Ain't I taught you boys any manners?" Teaspoon scolded, giving Emma his well-used boys-will-be-boys expression.

Emma seemed not to notice either the remark or his look and finished serving the meal before sitting down herself. The presence of food seemed to rouse the riders and they enthusiastically started in on their breakfast. Emma watched the boys eat, a bittersweet smile on her face.

Watching from the other end of the table, Teaspoon sensed the sudden change in Emma. His brow furrowed in concern and it was then that his eyes caught the glint of gold on her hand. He stared at the ring on Emma's finger, amazed that he hadn't noticed it before. How long had she been wearing it, he wondered. He didn't remember seeing it there last night. Gesturing with his fork, Teaspoon asked, "Is that a new ring ya got on there Emma?"

Emma lowered her eyes, a demur smile playing about her lips. "No, Mr. Spoon. It ain't a new ring." she said. She raised her eyes in time to see the confused expression that darted across his face. "But, it is to me." She finished.

Her answer only seemed to make the station manager more baffled and Emma could contain her joy no longer. "It belonged to Sam's mother. He gave it to me last night after I agreed to marry him." It took a moment for her words to sink in. Almost as one, the boys sprang from their seats, knocking over chairs and each other in their rush to congratulate her. Emma was barely able to stand up before she was engulfed in their hugs and kisses.

Teaspoon shook his head and smiled. Thinking back on the last week, he understood now what had been distracting Sam. The station manager watched the goings on and then rose from his seat. Gently moving the boys aside, he stepped up to Emma and taking her hands in his, gave her cheek a soft kiss.

"Well, it's about time." He drawled, grinning widely. Emma laughed heartily and pulled him into a tight embrace.

The Marshal's office offered a brief respite for Sam. Not just from the oppressive summer heat but also from the well-meaning townsfolk. The news of his engagement to Emma Shannon had spread quickly and Sam could hardly step out his door without being congratulated or offered some advice. Even Mr. Thompkins, the usually surly shopkeeper, had stopped by. Sam was overwhelmed by all this attention to the point that it was beginning to get in the way of him doing his job. This was mostly because of the fact that he dreaded leaving his office.

Sitting at his desk, Sam shook his head slowly, sniffing out a laugh. When he had asked Emma to be his wife, Sam had thought that they would have gone to the preacher the next day, had a short, simple ceremony and that would've been that. But it looked like the good people of Sweetwater weren't going to let them get off that easily.

Already, the town's baker had insisted on making them a special cake at no charge. The women in Emma's sewing circle were busy making decorations and arranging for the food. And the owner of the Sweetwater Hotel had offered them the use of the hotel's dining room for the reception plus a suite for afterwards. Sam had declined the room, knowing that Emma would prefer the peace and quiet of her own home.

After all this, Sam had thought nothing else could surprise him. Then Mr.Denninger, the tailor, had come by to measure Sam for his wedding suit. When Sam had protested that he had a perfectly decent suit already, the man had wrinkled his nose in disgust, explaining that Sam's old suit just wouldn't do. The tailor had continued with his measuring until Sam finally had to tell him that he just couldn't afford a new suit, much as he might like one.

The small, portly man had stopped and glanced up at Sam. He told Sam that the suit was already paid for. Sam had no idea what he was talking about. Mr. Denninger then patiently explained that when the Marshal had pursued and captured the outlaws who had ransacked his shop, he had paid for the suit. And when Sam had put his life on the line countless times to protect the citizens of Sweetwater, he had paid for his suit.

The tailor's gracious offer had left Sam at a loss for words. Any further protest died on his lips and he stood quietly as the man finished his work.

The generosity of Sweetwater's citizens only made it harder for Sam to hide the news from them that he and Emma would be leaving in a few months. Emma had asked him not to say anything, feeling that it would put a damper on their impending nuptials. Sam had reluctantly agreed to keep quiet and had also sworn Mike Bennett to secrecy.

A smile came to Sam's face as he recalled Mike's reaction upon learning of his forthcoming wedding. Sam could've sworn he'd heard his ribs cracking in the crush of Mike's bear of a hug. When Sam had then asked Mike to stand with him during the ceremony, the older man had stood quietly for a moment, then reached out and shook Sam's hand, saying simply "I'd be honored to, Sam."

Now Mike was on his way to Omaha where he was going to pick up his wife Ellen and bring her back to Sweetwater. Since Emma and her friends had the preparations well in hand, the only thing left for Sam to do was to show up at the church in two weeks.

Two more weeks. Sam didn't know if he could wait that long.

"Sam!" A gruff voice exploded in his ears and large hands gripped his shoulders, shaking him roughly. "Sam!" The voice called again. Cautiously, Sam Cain opened one eye and peered out at the grinning mug of Mike Bennett. Shutting both eyes tightly, Sam drew the blanket over his head.

"Leave me alone." he grumbled into his pillow.

Mike's laugh resounded through the small room, setting off the headache that Sam had gone to bed with only a few hours ago. "Can't do that, Sam. I promised Emma I'd take care of ya." He shook Sam again, getting nothing more than a few choice words from beneath the covers. Mike stood by the bed for a moment then reached out and whipped the blanket completely off the bed.

Sam bolted upright, wishing immediately that he hadn't. "Alright, already!" he shouted. He sat on the edge of the bed, bare feet on the floor, clutching his pounding head. "Gawd. Cain't a man get any peace on his wedding day?"

Mike grimaced, feeling more then a little responsible for Sam's condition. Last night, he and Teaspoon had treated Sam to an evening at the Wild Horse, playing cards, drinking beer and dispensing advice to the soon to be married man. Everything was going fine until the brawl had broken out. There was complete chaos for a few minutes as the two Marshals attempted to restore order. Unfortunately, in the confusion, Mike had accidentally punched Sam in the jaw, sending him sprawling into a jumble of chairs.

The fight had pretty much stopped by the time deputy Barnett showed up with a couple of men. As Mike and Teaspoon attended to the dazed and bleeding Marshal Cain, Barnett hauled the troublemakers off to spend the night in jail.

"Sorry Sam. I let ya sleep as late as I could but ya gotta get up now."

A heavy sigh escaped Sam's lips and he pushed himself off the bed. He shuffled over to the washbasin and splashed some cold water on his face. Hanging his head over the bowl he let the water drip off his skin. Mike offered him a towel and he rubbed it over his face.

"Dammit!" Sam exclaimed. He leaned forward to peer intently at the mirror. Bringing a hand to his face, he lightly touched the cut on the side of his mouth, wincing at the pain. Emma was going to be upset. He didn't know who had hit him last night but when he found out Sam would make him pay.

Mike took a look at him in the mirror. "It ain't so bad Sam. Once you get cleaned up, I bet Emma won't even notice it."

Sam looked sideways at his friend, not entirely convinced.

A soft knock sounded from the door. Ellen Bennett finished tucking in a strand of Emma's hair before walking over and opening it. She recognized one of the Express Riders but couldn't remember his name.

"Yes, young man?"

"Ummm" he began somewhat bashfully, "Can I see Emma, for a bit?

Ellen turned back to Emma with a questioning look and then opened the door wider, when Emma nodded. The boy dipped his head in thanks and stepped into the room. Gripping his hat in front of him, he looked aside at Ellen who was still standing by the door.

She understood his meaning immediately, smiling to herself. "I'll go check on Sam. " she said, stepping out of the room and closing the door softly behind her.

For a moment the boy stared at Emma. He had always thought that she was pretty but not before today had he realized how beautiful she was.

"That's a real pretty dress, Emma." he said.

"Thank you Lulubelle." Emma smiled. "I sure wish I could see you in one today."

Lou looked down at her suit of clothes, suddenly regretting her need to disguise herself as a man. She longed for the day when she could support herself and her siblings without the deception, but until that day came, she'd have to be Lou, not Louise. Or Lulubelle, as Emma affectionately called her.

"Me too." She agreed ruefully. Then Lou grinned suddenly, her smile bringing a sparkle to her eyes. "Sam's gonna be impressed."

A blush came to Emma's face. "Well, that's the idea!" she laughed lightly. Lou started giggling with her, embracing Emma in a warm hug. A loud rap on the door interrupted their merriment and they pulled away from each other to find Teaspoon Hunter's face poking into the room.

Clearing his throat, he stepped into the room, looking a bit bewildered at the two of them. It was difficult for Lou not to start laughing again and she had to cover her mouth with her hand.

"Emma. It's time we got goin'." He informed them.

Wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, Emma straightened her dress, and patted down her hair. Smiling warmly at Teaspoon, Emma slipped her arm through his. "Let's go, then."

Sam stood next to Mike at the front of the church, shifting from one foot to the other. He scanned the cheerful faces seated in the pews and standing along the walls. It seemed to him that the entire town was stuffed into the church, which only made it more hot and stuffy. Tugging at his collar, Sam hoped the ceremony was short so he could get outside and breathe some fresh air.

He caught a motion at the back of the room and all thoughts of uncomfortable suits and stifling air left his mind. Walking in on the arm of Teaspoon Hunter was the most beautiful creature Sam had ever seen. Emma was an ivory vision, gliding down the aisle towards him. Her usually undisciplined red hair was held back by a strand of fresh flowers. She looked even more lovely then he could ever imagine.

Emma found it hard to keep back her tears as she walked up the aisle alongside Teaspoon. He held her with a firm grip, apparently concerned that she might faint on him. There was no reason for him to worry, for Emma had her eyes locked in Sam's gaze, gaining strength from him. He was grinning at her in the lopsided way that she loved so much.

When they reached the spot where Sam and Mike stood, Teaspoon placed Emma's hand in Sam's, holding them both in his hands for a moment. Then he stepped away, leaving the couple alone in front of the congregation. Emma looked up at Sam and his heart nearly burst with the love he saw in her eyes. They stood facing each other, until the preacher stepped forward to begin the ceremony.

The words washed over Sam, his entire being was filled with Emma's presence. He heard nothing but her voice. Saw nothing but her face. Felt nothing but the light touch of her finger's against his. Suddenly, he heard the words "man and wife" and Sam looked at the preacher with a questioning gaze. A kindly smile came to the old man's face and he nodded once.

A big grin spread over Sam's face as he turned towards his beloved Emma. Taking her face in his hands, he tilted her head back and brought his lips down to kiss her tenderly. Pulling back, he gazed into her dark brown eyes that glistened with tears. He wiped away one before it could slide down her cheek then enfolded her in his arms, hugging her tightly.

Finally, the assembled townsfolk, who had watched the ceremony in an almost reverent silence, burst out with cheers and applause. Some came forward to offer their congratulations personally and Sam was forced to let go of Emma so she could return their embraces. He stood off to the side with Mike, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries but mostly watching the remarkable women he had just married.

Mike leaned over to whisper in Sam's ear. "You've got yourself quite a gal there, Sam."

At just that moment, Emma turned to smile at her husband. Sam grinned back at her, one corner of his mouth lazily curling up.

"I know that, Mike." He sighed. "I know."

Pulling his horse to a stop in front of the picket fence, Sam slid off, tied the reins to a post and then held his arms out to catch Emma. Sam grinned at her and quickly bent down to scoop her up in his arms, bringing a squeal of surprise from Emma's lips. Laughing, she wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him into a kiss.

Without breaking their kiss, Sam started to carry her up the path. Only when he reached the bottom of the stairs, did he free her lips so he could see where he was going. Emma pressed her lips against the side of his neck, kissing him with soft, feather light touches.

Sam tried to maneuver so he could open the door, but he couldn't get a grip on the latch without letting go of Emma. "Can you get the door, hon'?"

Emma reached out and turned the handle, giving the door a gentle shove. Sam shouldered his way in, kicking it shut with his boot. He set Emma down gently and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "I love you, Mrs. Cain." Sam whispered.

"I love you, Sam Cain." she replied and leaned forward to capture his mouth with hers. They stood kissing in the darkened hallway, lit only by a sliver of moonlight. His hands wandered over her body stroking her shoulders, her back, the soft curve of her buttocks, making her ache with desire. Then, finding the buttons on the back of her dress, Sam started to unfasten them one by one.

Pulling her lips away, Emma smoothed her hands along the lapel of his coat. She had thought Sam looked mighty fine in his new suit but right now, Emma wanted to see him out of it. She worked it over his shoulders, holding on to it as he drew his arms out, then she let it drop to the floor. Walking backwards towards the stairs, she grasped his vest, pulling him with her. Sam didn't need any more reason to follow. He reached out and pulled her body to him with one hand, pressing his lips to hers.

With an ever increasing sense of urgency, they climbed the stairs, leaving behind a trail of discarded garments. At the top of the landing, Sam picked up Emma and carried her into the bedroom. He laid her gently on the bed, then stood back to kick off his boots. Emma pushed herself to the middle of the bed, lying back against the pillows. She sent an appreciative glance down his body, admiring his broad shoulders, trim waist and the unmistakable state of his arousal. Sam had once told her that he was "Nothing but scars and calluses." but that was far from the truth. It didn't stop her from spending many a long night searching for all of them, learning the stories behind them.

"What're you looking at?" he laughed. She only smiled, patting the mattress beside her. Kneeling on the bed he crawled his way to her, lying down next to her. Supporting himself up on one elbow, Sam lowered his head to the space between her breasts, kissing the soft curve of one and then sucking gently on a nipple. He teased it with his tongue, bringing a moan from Emma's lips. His hand ran down her side and over the curve of her hips. Grasping her lightly, he pulled her body closer. Emma trembled when she felt his desire pressing against her.

Rolling into him, Emma slipped a leg between his and ran her foot up his calf. Sam let out a moan when her thigh pressed against his groin. Emma pushed against him gently and he obliged her by falling onto his back. Looking up at her, Sam reached out a hand to grasp the back of her head, running his fingers through her masses of fiery red hair. Emma ran her hand across his chest, scratching him softly with her short finger nails. She could feel the beat of his heart beneath her hand. Lovingly, she traced her fingers down his chest and over his ribs, caressing his body. Sam whispered her name softly, pulling her lips down to meet his. He kissed her with tiny nibbles, gently sucking on her lower lip.

Following the trail of hair that led down his stomach, Emma paused for a moment, tracing little circles around Sam's belly button, making him laugh against her lips. Pulling back from his kiss, Emma stared into his brilliant blue eyes. Smiling at him, she ran her finger along the length of him. The heat radiating from him sent a warm surge through her own body. Emma tickled him lightly, running him through her hand with long, slow strokes. Sam's lips parted and he drew in a slow breath, his eyes never leaving hers.

Sam endured the sweet agony for as long as he could but his burning desire to be inside her could no longer be denied. Bringing one hand down to her waist, Sam gently pushed Emma onto her back and rolled on top of her. Emma opened her legs and he pulled his body forward between them. Raising himself up with a hand on either side of her head, Sam slowly rocked his hips against her. A shiver of anticipation ran through Emma's body when she felt him pressing into her. Moaning her name, Sam pushed himself deep inside her.

They began moving together, setting a rhythm that soon matched their breathing. Lowering his head to her chest, Sam breathed in the light lilac scent of her skin. He brushed his lips over her breasts, barely touching her with his tongue. Emma lovingly ran her fingers through his hair, staring down at the top of his head.

Raising his head, Sam met her dark gaze, drowning in the love he saw in her eyes. Emma leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on his forehead before finding his lips again. Sam closed his eyes, accepting her kiss, opening himself up to her. He lost all awareness of everything but her mouth until his entire world had been reduced to just the two of them and their passion.

After what seemed an eternity, Emma whimpered against his lips, her movement against him becoming more urgent. He raised himself up and looked down into her eyes. Her fingers gripped his back, digging into his flesh as Sam pushed himself deeper into her, increasing his own rhythm. Emma arched her back, her breath coming fast and shallow. He felt her thighs tense around his hips and she cried out his name as his next thrust sent her over the sweet edge.

As her body trembled beneath him, Sam continued moving inside her, feeling his own desire building to a climax. Emma gripped his waist and pulled him against her, adding to his urgency. Pressing his cheek against hers, he released himself into her with a deep moan. Emma wrapped her arms around him, continuing to rock gently against him as he slowly relaxed inside her and the sweet ache of their passion faded.

Sam shifted against her in his sleep, muttering softly. Emma could feel his breath stirring the hair on the back of her neck; felt the warmth of his naked body against hers. She looked down at his hand lying on top of hers, his fingers entwined with hers. The moonlight sparkled on the gold bands encircling their fingers. A feeling serenity such as Emma had never known, suddenly came over her. Sam was her husband now and she could look forward to many years of lying safe in his arms.

They would be leaving for Omaha in a few months and she would have to say goodbye to Sweetwater and the friends she had made here. But when that day came, Emma knew that Sam would be with her to help her through.

Clutching his hand to her chest, Emma leaned back against his chest, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, a contented smile on her face.