It was the middle of the week and Newly had little to do but flip though the newest wanted posters before Matt got to the office. Looking up expectantly as the door to the jail opened, he was surprised to see a petite dark haired woman standing in the door way.
"Vera," Newly said standing up. "What brings you into town."
"Newly," Vera Cross said slowly. "My grandfather died last night. Johnny and I just brought him into town."
"I'm sorry," Newly said putting the posters on Matt's desk as he gently lead the woman toward the table.
"Can I get you anything?" he asked taking out a chair.
"No, thank you," Vera said taking the offered seat. "I just came to let the Marshal know."
"How are you holding up?" Newly asked taking a seat beside her.
"I'm alright, I guess," Vera said with a sigh. "Johnny wants to sell the property and leave Dodge."
"And, what are you thinking?" Newly asked evenly.
"Well," Vera said meeting his eyes. "I guess a lot of that would depend on you, Newly."
Newly cleared his throat as the door of the jail opened up and Matt walked in.
"Miss Cross," Matt said tipping his hat. "I just spoke to your brother. He told me about your grandfather."
"Yes, Marshal," Vera said standing up. "We just wanted you to know."
"Thank you," Matt said looking from Newly to the young lady. "What are your plans now?"
"Well," Vera said meeting Newly's eyes. "I'm not sure. Johnny wants to sell the farm and leave town, but I think I'm going to stay."
"Well, I'm not one ta give advice," Festus said from a chair on his porch later that evening. "Specially where shemales are concerned. But, if in I was you Newly, I be snatching up that ol gal before someone else does!"
"You would huh," Abelia said stepping out onto the porch as Doc smirked.
"Wal, what I meant was," Festus stammered uneasily as Matt and Newly smiled.
"I think what he meant was if that gal was you Miss Abelia," Newly said with a broad smile.
"Yeah," Festus replied quickly. "Course you know, I only gots eyes for you Bee."
Abelia smiled as he took her hand. "Supper's ready," she said with a slight nod of her head. "And if you want some real advice on woman Newly, talk to Kitty."
"Thank you, ma'am," Newly said with a wiry grin. "I'll keep that in mind."
"C'mon Vera," Johnny said throwing his fork on his empty plate. "Your really going to sit in this town waiting for that deputy to figure out if he loves you or not!"
"I don't expect you to understand, Johnny," Vera said angrily. "But this is my life and I don't need you telling me how I should feel!"
"Your being stupid," Johnny said harshly. "Texas is a big state. You could have your pick of men. Come with me?"
"I'll think about it," Vera said they got up to leave.
Johnny took her arm as they walked out the door of Delmonico's and into Dodge's darkened street and headed toward the hotel.
"I'm not going to wait long," Johnny said slowly. "I'm leaving right after grandpa's laid to rest."
I'll have an answer by then," Vera said knowingly. "I just know it."
"Morning, Newly," Kitty said pouring a second cup of coffee.
"Thank you," he said taking the cup from the saloon owner.
"So," Kitty said toying with her cup while looking at the nervous deputy. "What brings you here?"
"It's Vera," Newly said sipping the coffee. "She's looking for a commitment."
"And your not ready to give it yet?" Kitty asked quietly.
"After Patricia," Newly said gently. "It's just not easy for me to explain."
"Let me ask you something, Newly," Kitty said softly. "Did you love Patricia?"
"Well, yeah," Newly said slightly surprised.
"You remember what that felt like," Kitty continued as Newly nodded. "Do you feel that way about Vera?"
"I suppose, I do," Newly said replied as Kitty smiled.
"Well, then why wouldn't you want that again," Kitty said meeting the younger man's eyes. "It's really rare for someone to fall in love once, let alone twice."
Newly smiled as he handed her back the coffee cup. "Thanks, Miss Kitty."
"Your welcome," Kitty said smiling as Newly left the saloon.
Vera stepped out onto the boardwalk and looked around. Johnny had left earlier to see about her grandfather's funeral arrangements.
As she headed down the boardwalk toward the Long Branch, she noticed, Newly stepping out the doors and smiled as he turned around and started for her.
"Hi," he said stopping just in front of the general store.
"Good morning, Mr. O'Brien," Vera said coyly while looking at the items Jonas had on display.
"I think we should finish our conversation from yesterday," Newly said as Vera gave him a side ways glance.
"Do you," she said turning to look at him. "Alright, I asked you a question. Are you ready to answer it?"
"You really are forward, aren't you?" Newly said crossing his arms. "I could tell you that I'm not ready to answer that yet but it'd be untrue if I did."
"So, you don't want me to leave town," Vera asked hesitantly.
"No," Newly said with a broad smile. "I don't want you to leave, unless it's with me."