Things Aren't Always What They Seem

Written by Wendy

Disclaimer: This story is in no may meant to infringe on the rights of the creator of the series The Young Riders, Ed Spielman and Ogiens/Kane. All other characters belong to the author. Copyright 2000

Theresa was just beginning to fall asleep besides the twins, when she heard what sounded like bells tinkling outside. The tingling noise increased, until she realized that the noise was coming from outside the cabin. She glanced over at the twins, and saw that they were still sound asleep. Not wanting to awaken them unless it was necessary, Theresa crawled slowly out of bed. Her head raced as she tried to figure out what could be making such a peculiar sound. Her heart began to beat in her chest as she crept through the house, using the flickering flames of the fire to guide her as she approached the sitting room. Carefully she reached up above the mantle and removed Jeremiah's Winchester from its pegs. She cocked back the handle and released the safety, letting the bullet enter into the chamber. Then she positioned herself in her rocker, and aimed the rifle at the door.

Fear seized hold of her, as muffled thumping sounds drifted into the cabin from right outside the door. She placed her finger ever so lightly on the trigger, as the doorknob began to turn. She drew a breath as the door opened slowly, and a large shape entered the cabin. She stared in terrified silence as the figure froze before her and a voice reached her ears.

"Theresa, honey, it's me. You can put the gun down. "Jeremiah said as calmly as he could, his heart pounding. He made no effort to move, fearing that if he did so, Theresa's finger would automatically squeeze down on the trigger. It appeared to him that he had scared Theresa enough that she wouldn't realize she had squeezed the trigger until it was too late. Never had he imagined that his appearance would frighten her so badly. Then again, it didn't help that he had drove a runner into the yard at break neck speed, the bells on the horses halter jangling loudly. The noise had been enough to wake the dead.

At the sound of her husband's voice, Theresa snapped out of her terrified stance and pulled her finger away from the trigger. Happiness at seeing her husband, took the place of the fear that had seized her earlier. Just as quickly as the joy came, the realization that she had nearly killed her husband took over.

"Jeremiah, I'm so sorry! I, I, the noise it woke me. I couldn't figure out what it was. So I came and got the gun. I was going to look outside, but the doorknob started to turn and I could think of nothing else. I, I-" Theresa stammered, her body beginning to tremble as shock took over.

Jeremiah rushed forward and wrapped her into his arms, crooning soothingly into her ears. "Ssh, honey. It's okay. You did the right thing. I should have slowed Tom's horse to a walk, instead of coming into the yard like that. I was just so anxious to see you that I didn't think."

"It's okay." Theresa said, her voice muffled by his duster. She pulled slightly away from him, so that she could look up into his eyes. " What's important is that you're home and that we'll never have to be separated again. "

Jeremiah lowered his lips down to hers. He kissed her long and deeply, his voice husky with something more than just the cold air. "I will never let something separate us again." He vowed seriously, bringing his lips down to meet hers again.

Chapter 8

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