Women's Day (Lunch went wrong)

For those you who aren't familiar with my ASJ universe, a brief summary of the story so far.

Heyes and Curry have their amnesty. However, for the Governor's own reasons he does not want it common knowledge until the end of the year – in six months time. To keep the boys safe until then, Lom suggested they stay in Porterville. He had found each a job. Heyes helping out in The Hardware Store and the Kid in the livery. He also found them a place to stay, a small cabin on the edge of town.

Realising it was for the best, Heyes and Curry settled into life in Porterville. Heyes met Mary not long afterwards and their relationship grew and grew.

The first part started as a challenge.

"There you go," Heyes winced, dropping the hot plate on the table. "Sit down and eat it. Man! That's hot! Ah!" He grunted and shook his burning fingers.

The Kid looked at the plate him and then Heyes. "Ain't you eating?"

"I had mine earlier. Now sit. SIT!" Heyes marched away to the sink. "Didn't slave over a hot range for fun y'know," he muttered as he went. He pumped water over his hands, and then patted them dry on a not too clean towel.

"Where are you going all dressed up?" the Kid asked, as he prepared to sit down, looking at Heyes suspiciously.

Heyes was dressed in corduroy jacket, cream shirt and string tie.

"Out," came the less than helpful answer.

"Where?" the Kid asked through gritted teeth.

"The Women's Day Auction," was the mumbled answer. Heyes turned round, leant against the sink and rolled his eyes.

It took a moment for the Kid's brain to unscramble what he'd heard. When he had, he was incredulous.

"You're going … WHERE?" The Kid exploded.

Heyes swallowed hard, looked embarrassed and sniffed. "The Women's Day Auction," he mumbled.

"An' what the … is that?"

"Well. Every year Porterville has what they call Women's Day. They auction the men off for a day to do something that usually only ladies do. For charity. The orphanage …."

"An' you're going to the auction?"

Heyes cleared his throat. "Yes I am."

"Why?" The Kid suspected he already knew the answer but wanted to hear it from Heyes.

Heyes licked his lips. "Cos …." He cleared his throat again. "'Cos Mary asked me to accompany her that's why," he mumbled.

"I see," the Kid nodded. He walked away, rubbing his chin contemplatively. Then he turned back and looked at Heyes, who wouldn't meet his eye. "You know what's gonna happen don't ya?"

"Yes."

"D'ya know what she plans to "volunteer" you for?"

"No."

The Kid smiled at Heyes' discomfort. "An' you're fine with that?"

The tip of Heyes' tongue traced round his top lip and he sucked air through his gritted teeth. "Yes, I am."

The Kid's smile broadened into a grin.

"How are ya at arranging flowers?"

Heyes sniffed. "Not bad," he forced out and swallowed hard.

"Quilting? Now I know ya can sew!"

Heyes pulled at the collar of his cream shirt as if it was too tight.

"I'm sure I'll manage IF that's what I get volunteered for. Can't be that difficult. After all women do it!" He rolled his eyes at his attempt at humour and shuddered at what he'd said. Good job nobody of the female persuasion was in earshot!

The Kid chuckled at Heyes' distress. "Y'all have fun now y'hear." He sat down at the table where the dinner was waiting for him to eat.

Heyes gave him an icy smile just as there was a knock on the door. "Ah! That's Mary." Turning the smile from icy to warm, he opened the door. Sure enough, it was Mary. "Hi."

As she walked into the little house, she let him kiss her on the cheek. A tender look passed between them and she patted his arm.

"Hallo Thaddeus," she smiled, seeing him tucking into his dinner.

He nodded his mouth full. Heyes glared at him to get up and he started to do so. Mary waved him down.

"Has Joshua told you about the Auction tonight? Are you coming with us?" she asked, slipping her hand under Heyes' arm and smiling up at him.

"Yes ma'am he has and no ma'am I'm not. Walt has me working the late shift tonight. Only came back to get something to eat as Joshua had gone to all the bother of cookin' for me."

"That was nice of him," she smiled, looking up at Heyes. Then she looked away and widened her eyes as if she had a sudden idea. The Kid noticed and narrowed his eyes slightly. He had seen that look before.

"I'm a nice fella," Heyes said, indignantly.

Ah, yes! That's where the Kid had seen that look before. A further thought struck him. That filled him with a mixture of pleasure and regret. Heyes and Mary made a fine looking couple and they were comfortable together. In fact, very comfortable. Heyes and Mary had been seeing each other for over six months now and their growing closeness had not escaped notice. The Kid knew something he knew Heyes didn't. The town were running a book on when Joshua was going to ask her. As the Kid looked at them now, he knew it couldn't be long. While he was pleased for Heyes, he was going to lose his partner and that made him a little sad. It would be the end of an era.

The Kid looked at Heyes critically. Before the amnesty, Heyes had begun to look strained and tired. He had drunk heavily, put on weight and generally looked older than his age. His appearance had become sloppy, wearing his hair longer and his sideburns had threatened to take over his face at one point. The day after the amnesty, that first morning as free men, Heyes had shaved them back to where they should be. Now as he looked at Heyes, he was looking younger, his hair, still floppy but tidily cut. He was back to his skinny self and he was laughing readily. Probably for the first time since they were young boys, he looked happy. Whether that was all down to Mary or whether it was relief that the amnesty had come through, who knows. The Kid doubted if even Heyes knew. It was just good to see the anxiety missing from his face.

Not that the Kid wasn't happy and relieved too. He was. However, whereas Heyes was settling, the Kid still had the wanderlust. Shovelling manure in the livery all day wasn't his idea of a new career choice. He had accepted it at first. Could see the sense of staying put. However, it had served its purpose and that was now nearly over. In fact, it had been over months ago and they were still here. Heyes kept saying 'give it a bit more time Kid until the news really gets out.' They were safe here and Heyes didn't want to risk going anyway else. The Kid understood Heyes' reasons and accepted them. Yet he Jedidiah Thaddeus Curry wanted something more and if he had to leave Porterville on his own to find it he knew he would have to. Sadly, he knew Heyes knew that he would. Yet it hadn't been given voice but they both knew they would have that conversation. Neither of them were looking forward to having that conversation. Unconsciously they were both putting it off.

Heyes reached for his new black hat, startling the Kid from his thoughts.

"Well we'll be off now."

"Yes we don't want to miss the good auctions," Mary said cheerfully and then false smiled at Heyes when he gave her the look he used to reserve just for the Kid. Seeing that sent another stab through the Kid.

"Have fun." The Kid sent them off with a grin he really didn't feel.

As the door shut the Kid's face fell. Yep he had definitely lost his partner.

Facing the front, the Porterville Meeting Hall seating was arranged in rows. Heyes and Mary sat halfway down on the left in the same row as Lom and his wife, Janet, although not together. Lom looked like he was there under sufferance. The auction was under way and several lots had already gone.

Arranging the flowers in the church went to Mr Rogers in the Drug Store, who sat back with a smug smile and folded his arms. Whether it was because it was a job he felt he could do well, or because it was probably the easiest on offer, who knows.

Teaching school for the day went to Hinds from the General Store, who snarled out an acceptance. There was no doubt, what Hinds thought of that job. Heyes pitied the poor children when that day dawned.

Mary had suggested running the Hat Shop. Heyes raised his eyebrows suggestively at her. Couldn't be that much different than running the Hardware Store could it? But Mary had shaken her head.

"It would look suspicious," she whispered in his ear. Heyes smiled, at her closeness and the feel of her breath on his ear. He could smell her subtle perfume. He liked the one. The one that told him it was her. He nodded. "Besides …" Mary pulled away and faced the front, trying not to smile.

"Besides what?" Heyes whispered, giving her a nudge with his elbow.

Mary raised her chin. She sniffed when he nudged her again, nose in the air. "I'm saving you for something special."

"Oh yes?" A chortle burst out of Heyes. He cleared his throat when the woman in front turned round and gave him a stern look. He smiled and nodded an apology.

"I know exactly what I shall be auctioning you for," Mary said, turning to him with a knowing smile.

Heyes noticed the gleam in her eye and whimpered. He didn't think he was going to like this. He swallowed hard and faced the front, trying to concentrate on the next lot – the quilting bee. He glanced at Mary and she shook her head.

"Lom!"

Janet's hand had shot up. Beside her Lom put a hand over his eyes and shrank down in his chair.

"Do I hear ten dollars for our sheriff to join the quilting bee?" the auctioneer asked.

"Here," said a voice from the front row. Heyes craned his neck to see who it was, and then smirked down the row at Lom. The sheriff just sat shaking his head.

"Only ten dollars for our sheriff to join the quilting bee?" the auctioneer said, in mock despair.

"Fifteen!" A voice from the back this time and all heads turned. Lom growled when he saw it was his old deputy, Harker.

"Sixteen dollars, fifty," an unidentified voice said precisely.

"Seventeen," said another.

"Twenty!"

The whole audience heard the growl Lom made. Heyes smiled pleasantly at him.

"Any more bids for the sheriff to join the quilting bee?"

After a quick scan round the room, there was none.

"Sold! To Joshua Smith, our sheriff to join the quilting bee." The auctioneer looked at his card. "Thursday next, Sheriff so make sure you've no villains to catch that day. Moving on to our next lot …."

There were several more lots. Heyes raised his eyebrows at Mary hopefully at each one but she just shook her head and smiled secretively at him. Inwardly he growled. What could she be waiting for?

Finally, they came to the last lot. Now Mary was on the edge of her seat. Beside her, Heyes frowned. Okay, he thought. This was the one. He was really hoping it would be something simple, like washing up after the Townswomen's Guild monthly meeting or something.

No such luck!

"The President's Day lunch. We're hoping this lot will make seventy-five dollars."

Mary's hand shot up before the auctioneer had finished speaking.

"Joshua!"

Heyes squirmed beside her and gave her a look of pain. She smiled and patted his arm.

"I'll start the bidding at ten dollars," said the auctioneer with a smile.

Mary sat back, her hands primly in her lap and faced the front. Heyes looked at her profile, alternatively licking his lips and smacking them as he sucked air through his teeth. If they weren't in public, he would have something to say.

"Ten."

"Twenty."

"Thirty."

"Fifty."

Heyes glared along the row at Lom, who refused to look in his direction.

"Any more bids?"

Heyes growled long and hard when somebody else called out.

"Sixty!"

Mary laughed at his disgusted expression but he couldn't help smiling at her. Her eyes were bright. She was obviously enjoying herself. He found himself lacing his fingers with hers and he shifted a little closer in his seat as he watched her, fondly.

"Any more?"

Heyes widened his eyes as he looked round the room. Nobody appeared to be moving. Perhaps he was off the hook.

"Seventy-five!"

Heyes closed his eyes and shook his head in despair. When he looked round, it was at Mary's father. Heyes nodded weakly at the ex-sheriff who was standing at the back with an amused look on his face.

"Excellent! Sold to Luke Fletcher. The President's Day lunch this year will be courtesy of Mr Joshua Smith," grinned the auctioneer.

"And Thaddeus will be helping," Heyes said.

"Thaddeus isn't here, Joshua," said the auctioneer, sadly. "Only those who attend this evening can be volunteered." He paused, seeing further explanation needed. "It's so no one can be volunteered without their knowledge. It keeps things … civilised." He flashed a quick smile in Heyes' direction.

"Thaddeus will help," Heyes said, through gritted teeth. There were low murmurings and Mary looked at him, sharply. Heyes had surprised the audience with his menacing tone. All except, one that is.

Lom shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He hadn't forgiven Heyes for bidding and winning his participation in the quilting bee. His revenge, driving the price up on Heyes' lot. However, he knew Heyes and could sense the man's mood by the set of his jaw. He had seen it before. If he didn't step in now, things might get ugly and then he would be stepping in for real.

"Mr Henshaw." Lom stood up. "Joshua and Thaddeus are new in town. They don't know all our ways yet. I'm sure Thaddeus will be pleased to help Joshua out with the President's Day lunch." Lom glanced at Heyes, who was still scowling but looking slightly less belligerent.

Henshaw looked doubtful, consulted his notes and looked over at the Mayor for help before looking back at Heyes, who gave him the full intimidating outlaw leader look. Henshaw cleared his throat and swallowed hard, before nodding.

"Very well. If Mr Jones would like to help … Mr Smith, I'm sure that will be in order."

Lom nodded and sat down. He gave Heyes a look, which implied there would be some choice words heading in his direction later.

Later that evening, if a passer-by in the street happened to pop their head over the hedge, all the moonlight would have shown was a skirt sitting next to a pair of jean-covered legs. The bodies of those legs were deep in shadow, sitting on the bench outside Mary's house. The couple in question had been sitting there for some time, talking quietly and right now, they were kissing as if they had invented it.

Then Heyes pulled back.

"Josh?"

Mary frowned at him, her hand on his cheek, wanting to keep him close. She liked his kisses. At times, they were so tender and sweet. At other times, they were hot and passionate like tonight. She knew he sometimes wanted more but he always pulled back from pursuing it, like now. She was pleased but disappointed at the same time.

"I should go, Mary," he said, huskily.

Mary's thumb caressed his cheek and she sighed with regret. "I think you're right." She turned his head and kissed him gently. "But it's nice sitting here talking. We weren't able to talk much during the Auction."

He grinned and took both her hands in his.

"We aren't exactly talking," he chuckled. "But I've been meaning to ask you why did you volunteer ME for the President's lunch?" He sounded outraged but his smile suggested otherwise.

Mary snuggled her head on his shoulder. He slipped his arm round her and drew her close. "Seventy-five dollars, Josh. I knew you'd make big money and I couldn't waste you on something ordinary now could I?" She looked up at him, smiling. "Do you mind very much?"

Heyes looked down at her. "No," he said and kissed her tenderly. He growled again as he broke it off. "I really ought to go Mary." Yet he made no move to. He was happy sitting there with Mary in his arms and he was reluctant to leave her.

Mary could feel him shaking slightly, trying to keep his emotions in check. They had become so close in the last few months. She could tell that he felt the same way about her as she did about him. Yet he never said. So she decided to be bold and help him out. She pulled away and sat up straight.

"Josh, there's something I've been meaning to tell you," Mary said, with a deep nervous sigh.

"Oh yes?" He frowned in curiosity, confused by her sudden change.

Suddenly she felt shy. She was blushing but he couldn't see that in the dark. She kept her head down and Heyes leant forward in concern.

"Mary, what is it?" he asked, gently.

She looked at him and spoke softly. "Well, something has happened to me these last few months. It's never happened to me before so I didn't recognise it." She swallowed. "And I wasn't sure what it was at first."

"It sounds serious."

"Oh it is," she nodded. "You see I've come to realise something," she said, slowly. "I've come to realise …" She didn't turn away but she dropped her eyes. "That I've fallen in love." She bit her lip.

"Oh." Heyes was matter of fact. He sighed deeply, dramatically and leaned back on the bench, his arm casually draped across the back.

That wasn't quite the reaction Mary was hoping for or perhaps expecting. She looked up. He shrugged.

"I see." He pursed his lips, almost dismissively. "Well … I guess I thought as much," he said, slowly, sounding disappointed.

"You did?" Mary was confused. This definitely wasn't the standard reaction to this news – welcome or otherwise.

"Oh yes," he assured her with a nod. "The way you've made a big show of it gave it away." It was too dark for Mary to catch the glimpse of mischief on his face.

Mary opened her mouth. "I haven't!" she squeaked, finally.

"Oh you have. It's right there for everyone to see."

"I hope not." She gasped. "Oh, I haven't made a fool of myself have I?"

"Well I wouldn't say a fool exactly but everybody is talking about it."

"Oh no!" Mary's hand flew to her burning cheeks.

She only looked at him when the sound of his amusement reached her. He had a broad grin on his face, both dimples cracked wide.

"That blue hat with the peacock feathers you have in the centre of your window …" He reared back laughing hard as he swotted her slaps away. He caught her hands and pulled her to him. "I think you must be in love with it to have it on such prominent display," he said, eyes sparkling at her. "If my only competition is a piece of flamboyant headgear then I can live with it." He kissed her disgruntled face.

"There's no competition Josh," she said, haughtily, nose in the air. "I've fallen very much in love with you." She looked away. "And that was very ungallant of you to make fun of me."

"Mary, I'm sorry," he said, gently. "You caught me by surprise that's all."

She looked at him and even in the shadows, she could see how much that news pleased him.

"So you're not angry?"

"No. Why would I be angry?" His arm slipped round her shoulders again, his body confirming what his words were saying.

Mary took a deep breath. "Oh I don't know." She relaxed against him, turned her head and touched his cheek.

"Mary I thought you had," he murmured, turning his head so he could kiss the palm of her hand that touched his cheek. He took it down and held it and her other hand on her lap. He paused for a moment considering what to say. Then he took a deep breath and smiled at her. "I'd hoped you had." He kissed her again, gently.

Sighing he pulled away this time. "This time I really must go." He got to his feet reluctantly and looked down at her.

Slowly he reached for his black hat and settled it on his head. He still longed for the battered old hat he had worn for so long but this new one was gradually feeling more comfortable.

"We'll talk tomorrow. There's something I want to say as well." He paused, smiling. "'Bout the lunch."

He walked away quickly with a grin. Mary watched him thoughtfully. Then she sighed. Well she had told him how she felt about him. He had seemed … She frowned. She wasn't sure how he'd seemed. Perhaps she had shocked him too much. Then no that wasn't it. Somehow, she didn't think Joshua shocked easily but he hadn't appeared horrified at the idea.

She got up, preparing to go inside. If he had something to say and not just about the lunch, she would find out tomorrow.

The Kid settled the late rush of horses for stabling, tidied up, locked up and then made his way home. He was later than usual. He heard the voice as he stepped onto the porch. Just the one voice, belonging to Heyes. As he opened the door, he found Heyes pacing up and down, talking angrily to himself, his face like thunder.

"How could she do it? She knows I don't like cooking! I can't cook! Why does she think I can do it? Does she want me to POISON the mayor and his guests?" He was throwing his hands up wildly as he stalked up and down.

The Kid paused with his hand on the latch. Was it too late to go for a drink? Come back later, when the agitated one might have calmed down. When Heyes turned and spotted him, he knew it was too late. The Kid winced.

"Oh you're home are you? What time do you call this?" Heyes waved his hand in the air dramatically. Then stood hands on hips demanding an answer.

The Kid shut the door and straightened his shoulders, ready to face whatever was to come.

"What's got you all riled up?" he sighed, throwing his jacket from his shoulder onto the back of a chair.

"We've been volunteered."

"Yeah? That's what you went for wasn't it?" He collapsed heavily into an easy chair. Then he started up, realising what Heyes had said. He peered at Heyes with an icy stare. "Wait a minute! WE? Heyes, did you say WE? As in, me and you, WE?" His voice got angrier and louder.

Heyes thrust out his chin. "Yes I did. What's wrong with that? We're partners aren't we? That's what partners do. If one gets volunteered for something, the other helps out." Heyes yelled back.

"Yeah well you can be unpartnered y'know." The Kid leapt to his feet now and faced him.

"Huh!" Heyes huffed and turned his back, folding his arms. There was a sly look out of the corner of his eye and a faint smile on his face.

The Kid looked at his back and hesitated. "Yeah well you'll be getting a new partner soon anyway won't ya?" he said, petulantly.

Heyes snapped his head around.

"What's that mean?" he demanded and then saw the hurt look on the Kid's face and his anger died.

"Mary. She'll be your new partner I reckon."

"Aw, Kid. You'll always be my partner!" Heyes turned back and looked sadly at the Kid.

The Kid suddenly felt embarrassed at showing his feelings.

"I'm real pleased for ya, Heyes, truly I am. Mary's a great gal and she suits you down to the ground." He dropped his head. "But things'll never be the same between us agin will they?"

Heyes licked his lips as he thought what to say and how to say it. "No, I guess they won't but … we both knew … this … was likely to happen if we got amnesty. It's what we BOTH wanted wasn't it?"

"Yes," the Kid agreed, with pursed lips. "But I thought we'd have a bit of time to get used to it. Y'know live our own lives a little. I jus' …" He dropped his head. He was finding this difficult to say now it came to it. "Didn't think … it would happen this fast that's all."

Heyes swallowed hard. "No and I thought I'd be riding down to Colorado. See if I could … perhaps … pick things up with Jocasta," he tailed off, quietly.

Jocasta was a woman he had met briefly in Denver about six months before the amnesty came through. Heyes had only known her two days, yet she had left a lasting impression on him. Enough to make him start wearing a silver ring on the third finger of his left hand as a reminder of how he felt about her. That had disappeared soon after their arrival in Porterville.

The Kid looked at him. Heyes wasn't finished.

"But Lom told us to stay here so…" He took a deep breath. "I couldn't do that. And then I met Mary and …" He was finding it difficult now. "Well Jocasta is in the past," he finished quickly and swallowed hard with a frown. "All of it is in the past, Kid. Settling … is my way of … drawing a line under it." His words were coming in short bursts as he forced them out.

The Kid nodded. "Yeah I know that Heyes," he said, quietly. "Jus' I ain't quite there yet." He let that hang in the air between them for a moment. "I'm gonna bed." He made for the door of their bunkroom. "Ya can tell me about … what we're volunteered for … tomorrow."

As the door shut firmly on the bunkroom, Heyes threw himself into a chair. He chewed nervously on his thumbnail. Boy, did he have a lot to think on tonight!

Heyes was sitting in an easy chair, legs crossed and scribbling on a pad while the Kid ate the breakfast he had cooked for him.

"I think I've got it, Kid. How does this sound?" He cleared his throat and read from the pad. "Soup, followed by orange sherbet, served in orange skins, but then I'm torn between Fish a la Reine in paper cases and Beef a la Mode, either would be accompanied with chicken croquettes and French peas, followed by Montrose pudding, then wafers and cheese and coffee." Heyes sat back with a wide grin.

The Kid attended to a mouthful of breakfast, and then wormed a fingernail in between his teeth, before replying.

"Well … I reckon that'll have to be dinner for me to work up enough appetite to do that justice."

"It's not for you! This is for the President's Day lunch we've been volunteered for!"

"You mean YOU were volunteered for," the Kid corrected.

"I said WE and I meant WE. Kid, WE had this conversation last night."

The Kid pursed his lips and nodded. "You're right, Heyes, WE did have a conversation last night." He paused. "Seems it was 'bout more'n lunch."

"Yeah," Heyes said, quietly, licking his lips. "Mary told me she's fallen in love with me Kid," he squirmed out, looking nervous.

The Kid looked up. "Well that's … nice." He knew that didn't adequately describe it but it was all he could think of.

"Yeah," Heyes agreed.

"Not a surprise is it?"

"No," Heyes said, quietly and sighed.

The Kid sighed as well and turned back to look at his plate. "What ya gonna do 'bout it?" He wasn't entirely sure he wanted to know the answer.

Heyes hesitated. The muscle in his cheek twitching with indecision. "I don't know yet." He put aside the pad he was writing on and rubbed his forehead.

"You're gonna have to do somethin'," the Kid said, helpfully.

"I know." Heyes was short. "I know what I wanna do but it isn't that simple is it? I'd have to tell her." He winced. "About us."

The Kid nodded thoughtfully.

"Yeah I know that." He sniffed. "Seems to me that … you need to find out whether Joshua … will be acceptable first."

Heyes widened his eyes in realisation. He worried his thumbnail as he thought. "Yeah you may be onto something there Kid."

The Kid smiled faintly. He could almost see the cogs in Heyes' mind working.

"Glad I could help."

"Thanks." Heyes picked up the pad again. "I'll think on it. In the meantime, WE'VE got a lunch to see to. What did you think of my menu?"

The Kid looked up to meet Heyes' dimpled smug wide grin.

"Run it passed me again." He finished his breakfast as Heyes repeated his menu.

It's a little ambitious," he said finally through gritted teeth. "An' I don't know what most of it is. What's fish a la Reine?"

"Well it means fish how the queen likes it. It's French."

The Kid rolled his eyes.

"But it's not difficult," Heyes rushed on. "It's just flaked fish in a cream and mushroom sauce. I thought it would add a sorta Jen-e-say-quwar," he grinned, mangling the correct French pronunciation.

The Kid rolled his eyes again.

Heyes frowned, cleared his throat. "Yeah, perhaps you're right. Beef a la Mode it is." He scribbled out a line on his pad. Then he scratched the side of his head with the end of his pencil.

"Beef a la Mode?" the Kid queried, raising his eyebrows. He felt like he'd won a small victory but wasn't sure if it was a good thing.

"Beef stew!" Heyes snapped, irritably.

The Kid grinned. Now that was something he did understand.

"A sophisticated beef stew," Heyes clarified, rolling his eyes.

The Kid nodded, resigned. He pursed his lips. "French peas? How are they different from our peas?"

"Ah! It's not just peas, Kid. They're cooked with scallions and lettuce." He shrugged. "In a sorta French way." He saw the look on the Kid's face and he wasn't sure if he was winning him round. "It'll be alright," he spluttered. "Trust me."

The Kid still looked doubtful. "Like I said, it's ambitious."

"It's the President's lunch. It's supposed to be ambitious."

"Do we get to eat any of it?"

"NO!" Heyes was adamant. He paused. "'Least not unless they don't like it. Then we get to eat it." He avoided meeting the Kid's eyes. "But that isn't gonna happen 'cos it'll all be fine," he added, optimistically. "We can do this."

The Kid grunted and got up, carrying his empty plate over to the sink. He turned. "Ya got instructions?"

"Yes."

"Leave 'em on the table and I'll take a look see at lunchtime." He reached for his hat and placed it carefully on his head. "I'll tell ya then if we can do it. Alright?"

Heyes knew he wouldn't be able to do this without the Kid's help and right now, he was prepared to agree to anything. He nodded.

"I'll see ya later."

The Kid left, leaving Heyes studying his recipes.

At lunchtime, Heyes got back to find the Kid poring over the books.

"How you doing, Kid?" Heyes asked, pleasantly, leaning his elbows on the table beside him. The Kid gave him the look and Heyes smiled innocently.

"Heyes, let's look at these recipes in order shall we?"

Heyes nodded.

"Soup. What kinda soup?"

Heyes licked his lips. He knew if he said anything "ambitious", he might as well forget the whole thing.

"Vegetable."

The Kid nodded, gave him a lingering look that Heyes didn't like the look of and returned to the recipes.

"Orange sherbet, served in orange skins. Now that don't look too difficult. Ya can have that."

Heyes nodded, feeling relieved.

"Did ya see Mary?"

Heyes frowned. He'd rather they stuck to the job in hand.

"Did ya?"

Heyes swallowed. "Briefly. Jus' to ask her if she'd like to have dinner with me. Tonight."

The Kid nodded and turned back to the recipes. Heyes let out a deep breath.

"Now this sophisticated stew … the only difference from the beef stew you usually make is it has a few more vegetables in and right at the end you add some port wine." He looked at Heyes. Heyes looked back.

"So?"

The Kid shrugged. "It pains me to say it but I like your beef stew. You've got it down to a fine art now."

Heyes pursed his lips, not sure whether to be pleased or insulted. Finally, he rolled his eyes ceiling wards. In the eight months they had been in Porterville, Heyes had served it every week. On reflection, he supposed he did have enough practice now.

"Thanks," he said, throwing a lop-sided smile.

"So you make your beef stew, throw a few more vegetables and the port wine in it and there you are – sophisticated beef stew."

Heyes begrudgingly nodded. They turned back to the recipes and he wondered what was next.

"Chicken croquettes. Leave out the sweetbreads."

Heyes opened his mouth to protest but the Kid continued.

"We don't need 'em. Jus' chicken is fine. 'Sides it says ya need a silver knife." He shook his head.

"Well I could …"

"No."

"No?"

"No."

"'Kay."

"French peas. Leave out the lettuce. Can't see that it adds anything." He looked at Heyes hard until he nodded. "Now this Montrose Pudding … ."

By his side, Heyes was beginning to look a little sick. All his "ambitious" plans had been shot down. He had capitulated up to now to be pragmatic but this was his piece de la resistance! The line in the sand. The point where he would dig his heels in.

"The ingredients and the instructions go on forever." The Kid shut the book with a snap. "Strawberries and cream." He could see Heyes was winding up saying something. He got in first. He wanted to keep at least one finger on the upper hand before Heyes waded in. "Take it or leave it."

Heyes swallowed and blinked. He took a deep breath and smacked his lips. The Kid wasn't backing down. Finally, Heyes slumped in defeat.

"'Kay."

The Kid grinned. "Then I reckon I can help ya."

"Thanks," Heyes said, walking away with a false smile.

The Kid turned back and dropped his head. He swallowed the lump that came into his throat. This was looking like it would be the last time he and Heyes worked together. He was restless and staying in Porterville held no attraction for him. It would be hard to leave but he knew he would have to. While he would never stand in the way of Heyes marrying Mary, he didn't think he could watch her usurp his place in Heyes' life. He would leave once they were wed. Where he would go he didn't know yet.

The one thing that concerned him was his gun. Once folks knew who he was, he'd be a target. He knew that. He also knew that without Heyes' steadying influence he could be in a lot of trouble. He sighed.

For now, he didn't have to think about it. A few things had to happen first. He had a lunch to help prepare, Heyes had to ask the question, Mary had to say yes and then accept the news of who they were. So many things could go wrong. Hell! They could be riding out of here in a few days with a posse on their tail. Just like old times.

The Kid rolled his eyes. He hoped not. If Mary said no, if she couldn't accept who Joshua used to be, that would devastate Heyes. He'd be the one picking up the pieces! The Kid looked back at Heyes, who was wrestling a broadsheet into submission so he could read it more comfortably.

The Kid smiled. 'Course Mary would say yes and yes the news of who they were would be a shock but he reckoned she'd take a chance on Heyes. Why wouldn't she? It had been plain to see for some time that she was in love with him and now she had even told him so. The Kid didn't know her well but he did know she was a level headed, independently minded and reasonable woman. Not one given to crying needlessly or hysterical behaviour. Yeah it would be rough for a few days but things would work themselves out in the end. The Kid wasn't going anywhere until they were. Once they were safely wed, then he would move on.

"What you thinking Kid?" Heyes asked, from behind the newspaper.

The Kid sighed. How did he know?

"I'm thinking when are you gonna ask her?"

"Ask who what?" Heyes asked casually, intent on reading.

"Mary. To marry you," the Kid said, patiently.

Heyes dropped the paper and looked round. "Dunno exactly. There's a lot to consider. Y'can't jus' drop something like that into the conversation not …" He swallowed hard. "Not if you want the answer … ," He looked away. "To be yes," he finished quietly.

The Kid grinned. So Heyes had now confirmed it. "It will be Heyes, it will be."

Heyes looked embarrassed. "I dunno, Kid. Woman can be fickle and it's a big deal." He sighed. "'Sides there's the other thing." He licked his lips. "I'd have to tell her, Kid. It wouldn't be right not to and I … want to be married … with my own name." He swallowed hard.

"Once you explain about the amnesty …"

"It may not be enough!" Heyes got up suddenly. He sighed and then took a deep breath. "I love her to bits, Kid an' I really want her to be my wife." He sighed again. "You're right. I need to know if she will marry Joshua first." He sighed once more. "Then I'll worry about how to tell her about … the other fella."

An unhappy looking Heyes walked to the door. The Kid shook his shoulder in sympathy. This was a difficult one. Marry Mary as Joshua Smith, live a lie and fear discovery. Perhaps be happy for a few years. Or come clean, tell her who he really was and risk losing her straight away. It was a dilemma the Kid, for all his attempts to find humour in the situation, didn't envy his partner having.

"It'll be alright, Heyes. I know it will. What are you always telling me? You've gotta have faith."

Heyes sighed and hitched his pants. "Ye-ah. Not sure what to have faith in right now. I'll um get everything for the lunch this afternoon. We'll have to get cooking tonight."

"I thought you were seeing Mary."

Heyes had forgotten. "Oh yes … well, she volunteered me for this. She'll have to be understanding. I'll see her tomorrow when it's all over." Heyes smiled faintly. "We might need help eating the leftovers."

That evening saw two reformed outlaws chopping, stirring, tasting, and poring over recipes. It was the early hours when they fell into bed exhausted.

The next morning they were at the Meeting Hall bright and early. Tables and chairs were set out. Plates and cutlery neatly arranged. Heyes discovered he had a latent talent for table laying, trying several napkin arrangements before settling on the one. On all the dinner plates sat a neat little swan. Behind him, the Kid rolled his eyes. He was seriously worrying about his partner these days.

On a side table, standing over chafing dishes filled with hot water, was a cauldron of soup and another of beef stew. A dish of chicken croquettes and a pot of peas were by their side. On another table was the orange sherbets and the strawberries and cream, both standing on ice and covered by clean linen towels.

Mary arrived first and looked around in amazement.

"You've cooked!" she said in astonishment as Heyes walked over to her.

"Yeah, President's lunch as requested," he beamed proudly.

"But … you weren't supposed to cook!" Mary had a strange look on her face, a mixture of puzzlement and pride.

Heyes' face fell. He looked back at the Kid who stood hands behind his back. He shrugged. "I wasn't?" Heyes said, turning back.

"No," Mary squealed, her eyes watering. Suddenly her arms were sliding round his neck. "Oh, darling, it's … wonderful!" She hugged him tightly. Heyes grinned, delighted he was holding her close and that she had called him darling. He gave the Kid a foolish, lop-sided grin, who rolled his eyes, waved a hand dismissively and leant back against the table to watch with interest.

The double doors opened and a stream of townswomen came in, carrying baskets and tins. The ones in front came to an abrupt halt, the ones behind bumping into them. Open mouthed they came in more slowly, inspecting the tables, lifting lids and smelling.

"Smells good."

"Mmmm, it does."

"Oh I like these dear little swans!"

"How beautiful!"

"And so clever!"

At the back of room, the Kid felt a swell of pride. In the middle of the room, Heyes still held Mary in his arms. Her arms had gone from his neck as she hurriedly dabbed at her eyes, but his hands were still at her waist, holding her close.

"Wasn't I supposed to cook?" he hissed.

"No," she laughed. "Didn't you read the instructions on the card?"

"What card?" he frowned.

"The card I … oh!" Her fingertips went to her lips. "The card I slipped into your jacket pocket that evening. Oh!" She reddened with embarrassment. "I must have forgotten to tell you … ." Both their thoughts returned to the conversation that evening. She prodded his jacket pocket and they both knew it was there.

Heyes withdrew it slowly and read it, with a nod. It just said organise and arrange. No mention of cooking.

Mary looked at him anxiously. Was he going to be angry? He had gone to a lot of trouble, above and beyond the call of duty. By the reaction of the townswomen, he … and Thaddeus … had done a good job.

"I'm sorry," she said, when he didn't say anything, not comfortable with his silence. "If I'd known you hadn't …"

Heyes swept her into his arms and soundly kissed her. Not a chaste, sisterly kiss on the cheek but a highly inappropriate kiss with more feeling than their current location should allow. Eyes were discretely turned and knowingly smiles flashed at others. The Kid sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Those two really need to be married," sighed a woman next to him, with a touch of envy in her voice.

"And soon!" another said with a laugh.

The Kid turned to smile at the two women.

"It'll be your turn next Thaddeus. You won't be far behind Joshua. Mark my words."

"Nobody in mind jus' yet ma'am. Can I help with this?"

Without waiting for a reply, he started to help set out the cold buffet the women had brought.

Heyes set Mary back on her feet. She knew her cheeks were flaming and looked around nervously before back at Heyes.

"You're not angry?"

Heyes shook his head slowly. "Had to prove I was worth seventy-five dollars didn't I?" he whispered, with a smirk.

Mary smiled, touched her hand to his chest and walked away. Heyes watched her go with a sigh. He was standing hands on hips when the Kid, slapped him on the shoulder.

"Heyes, I think you're gonna have your work cut out with that one."

Heyes grunted, perhaps in agreement, perhaps with resignation.

"She's as devious as you are."

"No!" Heyes was shocked at the suggestion. "It was just a misunderstanding that's all." He folded his arms and continued to watch Mary moving about. "I'm sure it was," he added to himself.

The Kid grinned.

"When are you gonna ask her?"

Heyes took a deep breath. "Soon, Kid. Very, very soon."