Jimmy lay asleep next to Victoria. He had refused to leave her side and due to his stubborn determination to that fact, mere exhaustion had caught up to him. He had cared and tendered to her, talking and reading to her, fighting sleep to see if she would awaken. He wanted so badly to see her beautiful eyes, to hear her feminine voice. Now he lay as a protector next to his lady, sharing the sweet sleep she seemed to live in.

Victoria's eyes began to open slowly. She fought to focus her eyes from the glare of the light shining through her window. Her eyes stung, bringing the well of tears to soothe the irritation they felt. She was very disoriented and dizzy. Slowly turning her head to her left she finally began to recognize the familiar surroundings. She was in her room at the station. Suddenly the reality of her rescue came to life in her mind. She faintly recalled the images before her eyes. She could finally stop fighting and rest. Rest was good she remembered thinking. She all of a sudden felt a hand on hers. It had gone unnoticed before. Looking to her right, she saw the man she loved so dearly. Here he was, next to her. He looked so peaceful, yet the sight of him was the most beautiful she could've expected to see. Tears began to flow from the corner of her very reddened eyes.

"Jimmy." she called but no sound issued from her mouth. Her throat ached when she tried to talk but she had to let him know she was all right. She was here with him and she was all right. She began to call his name once again but her voice was too faint to be heard. She hated herself for not being able to speak; to wake him so she could gaze upon his beautiful eyes. Moving her aching body slightly closer to his, she brought her face right next to his. The feel of his breath on her sent a flood of emotion through her that the tears continued to flow freely.

"I love you." she said, but couldn't be heard. Fighting the pain throughtout her body, she reached over with her left hand and gently touched his face as she lay a soft kiss on his lips. The sensation startled Jimmy, snapping him out of his sleep as he raised himself on an

elbow. At first he thought himself in a dream until he looked at her. Her eyes were opened and she looked at him, a faint smile on her face.

"Victoria." he whispered, almost in disbelief.

The mere sound of his voice made her begin to sob an almost silent sob, her body shaking from the river of emotions she felt inside. She stretched her arms out to him for him to hold her. He sat up quickly, taking her in his arms, lifting her gently. As he held her, Jimmy was overcome by his own emotions.

"God Victoria, I love you. I love you so much. I was so scared I would lose you." he confessed as his face rested against her head. Victoria continued to sob. She leaned her mouth against his ear and whispered once again, "I love you Jimmy." His eyes pooled with tears. Tears of joy. She had returned to him and he swore he'd never again let any hurt, any pain come to her. Victoria found safety, relief and peace in his arms. Feelings she thought she'd never experience were a reality because of him. She let herself just go and he soothed her not only with his words but more importantly it was the strong bond they had developed together, the sense that no matter what, he would be there for her and she would be his loyal companion. They remained together like this, in peaceful solitude holding and comforting each other before Jimmy would break the news to his friends.

As they sat at the table in the bunkhouse, Taylor told Teaspoon all that he knew. The Marshal took the news graciously, as best he could without losing control. As soon as the riders were assembled he shared the latest news with them and Kid of course not being too happy out of all of them to hear what Taylor had been holding back. In the middle of this conversation, Jimmy entered in their midst. They looked up at their fellow rider with a sense of disbelief that he'd finally left Victoria's side. They looked at him with worry spread on their faces, sensing the news was not good but instead were happily relieved to know that she had regained consciousness. They were glad for the uplifting bit of news seeing all they had been getting as of late was nothing but the bad.

Jimmy inquired of the discussion at hand which had suddenly stopped at his presence. Teaspoon shared with him what Taylor had finally brought to their attention. Jimmy was not happy at this latest twist in events and voiced it readily.

"Who's side are you on anyway?" he shot at the boy.

"I ain't choosing sides." he retorted in frustration. What did they think? That this was easy for him? That he thought it to be a game? He was just as frustrated and tired of this entire ordeal just as much as they were. He couldn't wait to put this whole mess behind him and go on with his life. He continued, "I care for Ms. Victoria as much as I care about my brothers. I can't let nothing happen to Chet. Marcus Stiller already took Kyle from me. He ain't doing the same to Chet. Even if I have to find and kill him myself."

"You ain't gonna do no such-a-thing." warned Teaspoon.

"So knowing Stiller's involved gets us where?" asked Kid. "Fact is he's been gone some days now. We can't prove he's been involved in Kyle's murder or any of the rest. It's just his word against Taylor's." he added.

"And that ain't gonna stand up in court." voiced Noah.

"What about this other man?" asked Teaspoon.

"Didn't see his face." said the young boy.

"So we're back were we started." added Lou.

"Well not really. A rat like Stiller may not be one to get his hands dirty but he always leaves someone behind to clean up." Teaspoon told them.

"If his men are here well then they must be ghosts 'cause we ain't seen them either." commented Noah.

Teaspoon turned to the saddened boy and begged of him to trust them. He would need to let them know where Chet was hiding if he'd ever have a chance to catch the one's responsible for this entire mess. Taylor agreed to let the Marshal know of his brother's many hideouts only if he was allowed to go along in case Chet needed some sense talked into him. Teaspoon was reluctant knowing full well he would be risking Taylor's life if he left the protection of the homestead.

"You can't protect me forever Teaspoon. Marcus Stiller knows everything. And I know he knows I turned them in. That's why he killed my brother. He's gonna try to kill Chet and then me. I have to get Chet outta this, even if it means my life." Taylor's courageous words sent a chill through them all. This young boy who'd had a rough ride as it were all of his young life, was taking the stand of a man. He would lay everything on the line to preserve what was his own.

The doctor had been summoned immediately to check on Victoria's health. He examined her and informed them all that she didn't have her strength back so she'd have to remain bed-ridden for a few days, much to her dismay. He encouraged them to keep the excitement down around the poor girl so as not to exhaust what little strength she had, since the fever had finally broken.

"Lots of liquids and I can't emphasize, she needs rest, rest." he told Rachel. "You know how these young people are. They're down one day and think they can just carry on the next. Too bull-headed for the likes of me."

Rachel could only smile at the good doctor. "Consider it as good as done." she agreed. He bid them goodbye and would come back to check on her again tomorrow.

"Can we see her?" asked Lou.

"I suppose so. Just remember what the doctor said. She doesn't need to get excited so don't mention all that's happened. The least she knows, the better." charged Rachel from them all.

The riders took turns going up to her room and visiting briefly. Kid with Lou, then Buck, Noah and Teaspoon; Cody spent a few extra minutes letting her know he was glad she was all right. Victoria thanked him for his friendship, his concern and something was telling her that he had been there with her.

"Thank you for not giving up on me." she said softly, holding his hand. He gave her an understanding smile, as he sat next to her.

Taylor hesitated coming in to see her, feeling he was unworthy of her friendship seeing he'd considered sacrificing her for his brothers. She welcomed him with a friendly smile even though his countenance was severely downcast.

"I don't deserve your friendship Ms. Victoria. After all you done for me I-I was gonna leave you out there." he began to sob. Victoria held his hand comforting the sorry fellow.

"But you didn't Taylor. You didn't. If it weren't for you...I wouldn't be here right now. I owe you my life. I told you one day you'd have to make your own way and you did that. Your heart proved to be good and I've always believed that. Nothing has or will ever change my mind about that."

Taylor found a measure of comfort and absolution from her kind words and allowed himself to accept that she indeed cared much about him after all that she'd been made to suffer because of his brothers.

Jimmy was the last to come in and of course she found the greatest pleasure in seeing him.

"How's my beautiful girl doing?" he greeted with his handsome smile, a white daisy in his hand. She smiled up at him and took the delicate flower he handed her.

"You're either blind or a very good liar you know that?" she teased. She didn't feel very beautiful at all. Her complexion was still a bit pale, and the dark circles under her tired eyes only gave a minor glimpse of what she'd been through.

"You are beautiful to me." he confessed as he sat next to her on the bed. Victoria's eyes gazed on this man, this man that had changed her life. He loved her for who she was, all she is. Her need for him was great. She extended her fingers to his chizeled chin wanting to feel, touch his tender lips with her fingers. His lips were full, so soft, she desired a part of them now.

"Kiss me." she said. He obliged, bringing their lips together and giving her a gentle open-mouthed kiss.

"I sure missed that." he voiced mischieviously, making her blush.

"I love you you know that?" she told him. Jimmy nodded. "I want you to know that it was you that helped me to hold on. I felt your presense. I knew you were here with me and that you wouldn't let me go. And I fought hard for you...for us. I never knew I could love a man they way I love you Jimmy." she confessed through teary eyes. "Thank you for loving me back."

He let her know by the look in his warm eyes that he did love her more than life itself. He leaned in and kissed her softly once again, echoing the same sentiments he held deep inside for her. He hated leaving her side but told her he had to go. She inquired of him if it had anything to do with the Adams boys. He just looked at her softly telling her not to worry about anything and just concentrate on getting better for him. He didn't confirm the answer to the question. She could see it clearly in his facial expression. He was going after them. As he rose she grabbed hold of his hand and said, "Be careful."

With Taylor in their midsts, the riders set out to find Chet Adams. Taylor took them to their favorite hideouts but there was no sign of Chet. Teaspoon himself was amazed at some of the hiding places they chose; half of them he never knew existed. Last but not least they rode upon the Old Miller's place.

"He ain't here son." said Teaspoon, "We've checked this out days ago."

Taylor shook his head. "You don't know Chet like I do Marshal. He is here." said Taylor confidently as he dismounted his horse.

Chet was alerted by the sound of their horses' gallops and quickly drew his gun as he peeked through one of the many cracks in the old shack. He saw the Marshal and those boys of his. The look he saw on Hickok's face was one that looked to seek retribution. But it was the sight of his youngest brother, Taylor, that sent a shot of hurt through him. How could he turn his back on them now?! Betray them like this? Hadn't he taught the boy the value of loyalty to his family? Now his own flesh and blood sought to cause him harm. He had a good mind to shoot Taylor dead for his treason.

Taylor motioned for the Marshal and the rest to stay put while he went in the shack to look around for his brother. He knew Chet hated being on the run and if he were anywhere he'd be here where they had compiled a suitable hideout with necessary well-hidden provisions under the baseboards of the shack.

As Taylor neared the shack a shot rang through the quiet peacefulness hitting near Taylor's foot. Dirt sprang from the ground as the bullet impacted the target. Teaspoon and the riders ran for cover where they could find. Taylor on the other hand didn't. He proceeded ahead, knowing Chet would kill him if he had to. Fear was the last thing on his mind. His brother needed his help. He called for Chet in a loud clear voice but he gave no answer.

"Chet, the Marshal's here to take you in." he shouted, but again there was no response.

"Please turn yourself in." he urged his brother.

Instead of a vocal response, another shot was fired at Taylor and this time his heart skipped fiercely as the bullet shot by his head.

"We have to cover him Teaspoon. He's gonna get his fool self shot." cried Jimmy.

"If we start shootin' back he'll definitely get hit." responded Teaspoon.

"We can't do nothing." said Noah frustrated, as they crouched behind an old wagon.

"We need to trust the boy. He said he'd be able to handle it. Let's hope he knows what he's doing." added Teaspoon.

Taylor continued. "Chet listen to me. The Marshal's made ya a deal. If you give him the names of all those behind this thing you won't have to hang." he shouted.

"Taylor, you tell that Marshal he can go to hell!" was Chet's response. "He might a gotten you to squeal on your own blood but I ain't turning my friends in." he shouted.

"Friends?!" answered Taylor in disbelief. "They killed Kyle!"

"You're lying." he yelled back.

"It's the truth. They shot him in the back and they're gonna do the same to you."

Chet couldn't believe the news. His brother dead? Doubts began to ring in his head. He reasoned that Kyle's delayed return as was because he was either in pursuit of Marcus or at worst the possee had caught up to him and he was in jail, but dead? Kyle couldn't be dead. It was a lie. A damn filthy lie.

"No, it can't be true. They're lying so they can get their hands on me and hang me on the nearest tree." he whispered to himself trying to regain the confidence that had been pulled right from under him just a minute ago.

"Chet listen." called Taylor. "All they need is the names. Just give them the damn names and you'll be all right. We'll be all right."

"Taylor I'm warning ya. Get outta here. You done turned your back on us. From this moment on you ain't no kin of mine."

Taylor took a couple of steps closer to the beat up shack. "Fine, you don't want me as your kin, I'll live with that, but I ain't living with no guilty conscience. I love you Chet but I'm making my own way. You don't want to be a part of it I guess I'll have to live with that too but I ain't leaving here 'til you come with me."

Chet looked at his brother through the cracks in the shack. He was being put to the test. He was angry at Taylor enough to kill him but he loved the boy. He had practically raised him after both their parents died and now there he stood, all grown up and they were at odds with each other. It was never meant to end like this.

"Don't come no closer Taylor or I swear I'll shoot ya." warned Chet.

The Marshal and the riders were sitting on pins and needles. Every word that went back and forth could prove to be Taylor's last but all they could rightly do was sit there and hope for the best.

"I tell you Teaspoon, he shoots the boy, he's dead." said Jimmy as he aimed his gun in order to protect Taylor.

"Jimmy, I know how ya feel, but like Noah said we can't do anything...not yet. All we can do is wait and hope cooler heads prevail here."

Taylor was not giving up. His tenacity in this case would either gain him his brother or cost him his life. Either way, he wasn't just going to turn around and leave his brother behind. "Are you gonna let Kyle's murderer get away? You know Marcus Stiller don't care a damn about you, about any of us. He shot our brother! Where's your loyalty to Kyle?" Taylor's words stabbed Chet deeply yet at the same time shook him into certain reality. The boy made sense. Why would he protect those who sought and caused his family harm? For a sense of misplaced loyalty? No, Kyle was dead, he sensed that now. Even Taylor wouldn't lie about something like that knowing how dear these two boys were to his heart. Yes, Kyle's murderer should hang. It was only fitting. They had been used and left holding the bag. He would bring them all down. They'd pay for their betrayal.

The door of the wooden shack slowly opened after a few minutes. "Hold your fire boys." shouted Teaspoon. Chet threw his gun outside before stepping out into the bright sunny afternoon. Taylor's eyes welled with tears of sadness and joy at the sight of his eldest brother. He ran up and leaped into his brother's arms as soon as he stepped off the porch. Chet welcomed the boy's embrace holding him tight.

"You're right Taylor. You're right. Kyle's death ain't gonna be for nothing. I'll make them pay." he promised.

The boys and Marshal stepped out of their places of refuge, guns still pointed at the dangerous outlaw. Jimmy had started to be held back by Noah but quickly snatched his arm from his grip. He walked up to Chet Adams, ignoring Teaspoon's call on his name, a deathly stare in his darkened eyes and stood toe to toe with the man who'd hurt his woman.

"Why?" asked Hickok, a deep wrinkle in his brow. "What'd she ever do to you?"

Chet looked him straight in the eyes and said, "Is it gonna make ya feel any better if I told you?" Jimmy gave no response. "I didn't think so."

The Marshal took hold of Chet, leading him away from Hickok as they walked to the horse he would ride into town. Teaspoon gestured for him to hold his hands out so the schackles could be put on. Teaspoon said nothing as he secured his prisoner. Chet looked at the Marshal after he was done and asked why was he making this sort of deal with him.

"Don't worry yourself Chet, it didn't have nothing to do with you. Besides gettin' the people that's behind all this, you best be glad that you have a good brother with some sense in Taylor, 'cause if you hadn't I promised you a long time ago, that if you'd ever touch a hair on Victoria Sutton, you'd have to answer to me. So, count yourself lucky you don't have to."

Chet snickered. "Always a man of your word, huh Marshal?"

Suddenly out of nowhere a round of shots whizzed through the air, hitting the old shack and the ground around them. The men ran for cover as the shower of bullets rained on them. Buck looked in the direction in which the shots seemed to be coming from, dogging a couple of bullets shot his way and saw the two men with pointed rifles sitting upon their horses aiming directly at them. The men were quick with the triggers and continued the rain of bullets. When one stopped the other continued and vice versa. Then without warning, just as quickly as the shots began, so they stopped as the two men on horseback, seeing they had accomplished their duty turned their horses and swiftly galloped away in an instant.

Kid, Buck and Noah being signaled by the Marshal to go after them, mounted their horses and followed in pursuit. Taylor ran over to his brother. Chet lay face up on the ground, blood streaming from the corner of his mouth. The gunmen were accurate snipers, hitting their target at least eight times. Taylor knelt at his brother's side, tears and sobbing coming forth from his young face.

"Chet, Chet," he sobbed as he pulled on his blood stained shirt, his own hands becoming tainted with the warm liquid. "you can't leave me too. You can't."

Chet motioned for his little brother to bring his ear to him. "I love you Taylor." he whispered through the writhing pain of his body. He hadn't told him so in a long time as salty tears fell from the corner of his own eyes. "Take care of it little brother, take care of..." and with those words Chet Adams expired, taking with him the secret they needed to know.

, Jimmy, Cody and Lou stood around the boy and his dead brother, feeling the overwhelming sense of helplessness that now had been so cruelly poured on all of them. It just didn't seem fair, it didn't seem right that after all that each of them had gone through that this was the end of it all. Where was the justice they all sought? Where was the comfort of knowing the right decisions had been made? The gaping void they felt as Taylor mourned over the body of his dead brother was not the ending they had envisioned.

Later that evening, as they sat around the bunkhouse table, they tried comforting Taylor but he was in deep despair and pain and right now the ease they tried to administer wasn't there for him to feel. The reality that now his brothers were both dead numbed him beyond comfort. Buck, Noah and Kid had returned from their pursuit of the gunmen but just like two vanishing ghosts they were able to disappear without a trace. The plan had been carried out with the greatest expertise and the thought of knowing that they may never get to the bottom of this was the hardest pill to swallow.

News of Chet Adams' death and the rumors of Marcus Stiller's involvement in the kidnapping and attempted murder of Victoria Sutton, spread like wildfire. Everyone in town seemed to have an opinion or theory on the entire ordeal. When news of this was told to Phillip Wescott, his rage could not be contained.

"Kate! Kate!" he screamed at the top of his voice as he entered the house. Kate sat silently in one of the two Queen Anne chairs that furnished their elegant living parlour, a glass of wine in her hand.

"What is it you want Phillip?" she asked not really thinking on the question and really not concerned as to what he wanted. She sat there immersed in her own thoughts. How she had failed so miserably in attaining the one thing she sought and the pain that went along with that she tried to soothe inside herself. Marcus was gone, Chet and Kyle Adams were both dead and it seemed that the walls would soon come crashing down on her almost perfect world.

"I was just informed that Marcus Stiller had something to do with Victoria's kidnapping!" he exclaimed, knowing how his sister had been keeping close company with him as of late.

Kate didn't look at her brother. She seemed rather unconcerned as the look on her face gave no expression at all. "Don't pay it any mind. You know people love to start wild rumors." she replied rather absentmindedly, staring past Phillip.

Phillip was angered. He approached his sister, a blazing look in his eyes. He grabbed her face swiftly, snapping her head to look into his eyes, squeezing her cheeks hard. Kate dropped the glass, the stemware crashing on the floor, releasing the fermented content as her eyes widened, surprised by this violent act of his.

"Tell me the truth Kate. Did you have anything to do with it? If you lie to me, I will kill you." he said in a menacing tone.

Kate's eyes filled with tears. For the first time in her life, Phillip scared her. She had never seen him like this before. Even after all the foolish things she had done in the past, he had never been so harsh with her. The intense look in his eyes told her not to fool with him this time and she didn't respond.

"I'm going to ask you again Kate. Did you have a hand in Victoria's kidnapping?"

Kate shook her head as tears streamed down her face. "No Phillip, I swear. I knew nothing. Nothing."

He let her go in disgust not really believing her but not having any evidence to condemn her either. He leaned both hands on the arms of the chair were she sat as he towered over her and in a whisper that sent an awful shrill through her said, "If I ever find out different Kate," he paused giving her a tender, menacing kiss on the cheek, "I will bury you next to mother."

As harsh as the words came from Phillips mouth, so was the pain that stabbed Kate to the heart. Her own flesh would turn on her, all because of Victoria. She followed Phillips exit through glassy eyes, as streaks of tears continued to roll down her cheeks. She gasped in anguish, feeling defeat, torment and misery. Letting out her audible cries, she sobbed uncontrollably, falling to her knees, wallowing in the despair of her unwanted fate, her face nuzzled in her opened palms. She wept for her love. He was lost to her now. Her heart bled for Jimmy, this battle she'd certainly lost.

Victoria sat up on her bed, memories of the past few months dancing vividly in her head. How her life had changed so dramatically, she still found it difficult to comprehend. Anger, sadness, hatred, anticipation and love; she experienced each and everyone since she got on that stage to fulfill her dead father's wish. Yes, it had been accomplished and brought with it both joy and pain. The joy being that she finally found true love and a group of people she could really call friends. The pain being that two lives had been lost and easily she could've been the third and a boy was left all alone. Poor Taylor's life would never be the same and she felt somewhat responsible. She felt a need to make ammends the best way she could. She had kept her promise to Taylor, he wouldn't be a boy without a home.

Taylor knocked on the bedroom door and on hearing her answer proceeded to enter. He tried to put on a smile for her but the pain in his young face told a different story. He was hurting, he was lost. She extended her hand to him and he readily took hold of it.

"Taylor, sit." she told him. The boy obliged, taking a seat next to her on the bed. There was a silence that consumed the room. They both had thoughts that needed, that had to be spoken, yet neither wanted to uncover the pain they were both feeling inside.

"I'm so sorry Taylor." she said softly. "I'm so sorry about your brothers. I never meant to cause you such hurt."

"It wasn't your doin' Ms. Victoria. Please don't blame yourself. My brother's didn't make good choices in the things they done. It was you that told me it's not the lot that life hands us that makes us a good or bad person but it's what we do with what we got that makes the difference. I ain't forgotten that. You're a good person Ms. Victoria and you didn't keep that goodness to yourself, you shared it with me and ya didn't have to. I'll never forget that."

Victoria's eyes let go of the tears she had tried to conceal. His words meant so much to her. In as strange way she felt an attachment with the boy that would last forever. He had become part of her life.

"Taylor, remember I spoke with you about the land, your portion..."

He interrupted shaking his head. "I appreciate that Ms. Victoria but I can't take it."

"Why not?" she asked baffled.

He gave a deep sigh before answering. "There's too many memories there. I couldn't rightly stay there. Not without Chet and Kyle."

"What are you going to do then?" she asked deeply concerned.

He shrugged. "I'll figure something."

She shook her head emphatically. "I won't have it. No, you'll stay here with us until we figure something. I won't have you become an orphan a second time around."

Taylor surprisingly found comfort in her words. To think he didn't have to face the world all alone gave him a great sense of relief. He would hope to find a measure of peace, solace in their midst. Now his life would take a complete turn.

A week had gone by and Victoria was recuperating and gaining her strength slowly even though she protested having her activities confined to the homestead. Taylor was becoming less reclusive and began joining them for breakfast at least. He would often eat dinner alone which gave him time to think and try to sort his feelings. One small step at a time needed to be taken. The Express family found comfort amongst each other even though Marcus Stiller and whoever this other accomplice had been were never brought to justice, they still had one another. Jimmy found constant joy in Victoria, seeing how close he had come to losing her forever and how now when he looked at her beautiful face, his heart just overflowed with love for this woman that had captured his very being. Victoria was happy in his love, in his unreserved expressions to her. She loved him and nothing would ever change that.

As she sat on the rocking chair on the porch of the mainhouse, she received an unexpected visitor in the dashing Phillip Wescott. He neared after securing his horse, walking up the steps and being greeted by her friendly smile.

"Phillip" she said, extending her hand.

"Victoria" he responded and kissed her delicate hand. "You're looking well."

"I'm getting better." she informed and gestured for him to have a seat.

"I'm happy to hear it. I want to offer my apologies for not coming to see you sooner, there were some personal affairs I needed to tend to."

"Oh, I understand. I hope all's well. How have you been?"

"Better I guess." he said with a slight wrinkle in his brow as he stared out unto the homestead.

She noticed the saddened look he displayed and was moved to ask, "What's troubling you Phillip?"

"Truthfully?" he asked of her.

"Please."

"This entire affair with you and Marcus, the Adams." he paused, "I have to be fortright with you. Mr. Stiller and my sister, I hate to admit, have been good friends for a long time. I'd hate to think that Kate had any part in this. I wouldn't forgive her if she caused you any harm.

"Are you saying you think Kate may have...?"

"No." he interrupted, though his feelings betrayed what came out of his mouth. "She's assured me she hadn't any clue. I have to believe her Victoria. I know Kates' not been the most likeable or bearable presence to be among but she's my sister. I have to hold on to the good I see in her."

"I understand Phillip. You needn't explain your loyalties to me."

"I must. I hold your friendship in high regards Victoria, I wouldn't betray it."

"Thank you." she responded greatfully. Phillip remained for a while longer, speaking to the lady he had come to admire so much. Although he knew he had no place in her heart, she most definitetly had secured a place in his.

After dinner that evening, Victoria climbed in bed as Jimmy tucked her in, pulling the bedsheets over her legs. "Do I have to?" she whined. He looked at her in a fatherly manner.

"You know the doctor says you need your rest. Now I don't want to hear another word."

"Oh you're starting to sound like Rachel!" she protested. He looked at her with a finger pressed against his lips. "But it's so early." she pouted.

"Victoria."

"Oh alright! But will you read to me before you go?...A page or two?" she pleaded innocently.

"A page or two?" he said, trying not to smile.

"I'll be a good girl. I promise." she smiled at him.

"How can I refuse such a beautiful smile." She handed him "Sense and Sensibility" and scooted over to make room for him on the bed. As soon as he took his place next to her, she snuggled close up to him. He opened to the marked page. "Okay, let's see...Where were we?" Finding his spot he began to read...

"Marriane had been two or three days at home before the weather was fine enough for an invalid like herself to venture out. But at last a soft genial morning appeared..." he paused.

"Genial? What does that mean?"

"It means cheerful, pleasant." she answered as her head rested on his shoulder.

"I'll have to remember that one." he said sarcastically.

He continued, But at last a soft genial morning appeared, such as might tempt the daughter's wishes and the mother's confidence; and Marianne, leaning on Elinor's arm, was authorized to walk as long as she could without fatigue in the lane before the house.

The sisters set out a pace, slow as the feebleness of Marianne in an excercise hitherto untried since her illness required; and they had advanced so far beyond the house as to admit the full view of the hill, the important hill behind, when pausing with her eyes towards it, Marianne calmly said,

"There, exactly there"--pointing with one hand --"on that projecting mound--there I fell; and there I first saw Willoughby."

Jimmy continued the story he now found himself so engrossed in but the words went unheard by Victoria. His voice was so sweet and soothing. She turned her head and began smelling the side of his face, her nose gently caressing his cheek, then she began to nibble on his ear. Shivers ran through his body and he immediately called her attention.

"We're supposed to be listening as I read."

"I am listening. I just, you know...can't help it if I find you so irresistable." she said as she gave him sweet, tender kisses on his neck, cheek and corner of mouth.

"What the hell." he said, tossing the book aside and engaged her mouth in a sultry, passionate kiss, as he leaned her back on the bed. Victoria gave into his passion, returning the kiss with as much urgency.

Yes, they had finally been blessed with a love so wonderful, so unique, so special. A time for love had finally arrived and just as time is never ending, so their love proved to be.

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