CHAPTER ONE
As the wagon left the corral area, Jennie waved to Victoria and settled back. She gazed at the beautiful landscape and brilliant setting sun while giving thought to her future. Was she really going to head back to Laramie? Why? What was there for her – her father was gone; her fiancé not interested, other than a couple of old 'lifers', she had nobody and nothing left at Laramie. Nick said that she could be a wealthy woman if she stayed in Stockton as a dressmaker. Maybe she should think about that. She was so tired of running away and would love to put down roots and settle somewhere..
Meanwhile, Nick was quietly thinking to himself about the past couple of weeks. This shy woman had shown an inner strength when they stood together against the outlaws. Jennie Hall was an enigma that intrigued him...and he wanted to get to know her better. He couldn't imagine her running away from anyone or anything. But now she was planning to run away from Stockton and head back to Laramie – why? – what was there for her? What could he do to make her stay?
As they arrived at Jennie's shop, Nick carefully helped her from the wagon and carried her things inside. She looked around and let out a sigh. "You know, Nick, I will really miss Stockton", she said. Nick smiled and softly replied, "So then why are you leaving?". He settled her bags on the sofa and gave her a gentle hug –"Think about it", he said. Letting himself out of the shop, he took a deep breath...he really hoped she would reconsider.
Jennie stared out the window as Nick drove the wagon away. She was so confused. Nick had been so kind to her - the whole family had taken her in and treated her as an honored guest. Yes, she had used Nick to garner some attention – but, was she mistaking his protective friendship for something else?
Nick slowly headed towards the ranch – all the while thinking about Jennie. How many times had he run headlong into a relationship – only to have things go awry for one reason or another. True...Jennie was not what one would considered a raving beauty – but, there was something about her ...a steel quality...inner resolve...a deep strength...something he had never encountered in all his times of "falling in love". He also remembered the sick feeling he had when he realized she had been shot; and the nerve-wracking ride back to the ranch – riding double with her shoulder bleeding. When the doctor finally came down and reported that she would recover completely he felt he was able to breathe again. He hoped she would continue to recuperate at her shop and give his suggestion to remain in Stockton some thought.
Jennie put the kettle on the stove and glanced around the shop. Even though this whole crazy episode was Nick's fault... there he was...the knight in shining armor rescuing the damsel in distress. And what did he mean when he said "think about it"? She remembered him calling out her name when he saw she was hurt; cradling her close while he carried her on his horse and bringing her to safety. She absently stirred her tea wondering if maybe she should hang around Stockton instead of running away again.