Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. All original characters and plot are the property of the author. No copyright infringement is intended.

My grandma was a huge Louis L'amour fan and I inherited her VAST collection and just fell in love with the guy! I only just found this fandom on fanfiction and look forward to reading the listings here. I wanted to contribute also so this is an expansion around L'amour's short story called 'One for the pot' that I found super intriguing and couldn't help but imagine up history for the amazing characters. I wrote this some time ago and there's mistakes in it. I won't plead for mercy for my technical mistakes cause I really should know better by now.

I did change the couple's names in this from Steve and Laurie, hope that's ok. It's finished all the way to the end!

Northrop Cassidy "Cas" = Steve

Faith Whitfield = Laurie

The bloom of white steam rose up from the steamer blocking the view from window of the train the girl had been looking out of. Now she could only see her faint reflection. A small, heart shaped face with more angular eyes than round. Her dark eyebrows were low, straight and full, always making her look pensive. Her lips had been compared to a goldfish's before and so she was now very self conscious of them. But the face looking back at her's was smooth and assured, the glass did not reflect the anxiety that roared behind her eyes.

Other passengers were up and mulling around, gathering their things and making their way off the car.

Faith Whitfield felt paralyzed. Her small, dainty hands clutched at her valse, knuckles white. The steam floated by, thinning so that she could see the platform again at Henryville. Her eyes darted from one person to the next as they walked by, searching. Some folks were meeting those who had just arrived and others moving different cargo they had been waiting to ship or receive.

She saw a horse being led around the side of the platform, it walked unsurely as it must have been shipped out here on the train. It was a beautiful animal but stumbled on the now solid ground having traveled so far on the rocking freight car. She felt a connection with that horse. Perhaps taken from its familiar home and sent to a land so lonely and different, alone among strangers.

A tingle started in her dark blue eyes and she closed them against the threatening tears. She felt truly alone.

"Excuse me Miss."

The voice startled her and she turned sharply to the conductor. An older man with hooded eyes and a round face framed by a white beard.

"This here's the end of the line. Can I help you deboard?" He asked with a curious look in his eyes.

"Um…" She was so anxious, her voice caught in her throat.

The man considered her, "You meeting your folks or something child?"

Child. She was 17 but she knew she could pass as younger, perhaps even 15 or so. She was often taken for a child. Her clothing did not help. It was a child's dress with a higher hem that showed her black, scuffed boots and a bit of her dark brown stockings. Her coat was her father's, large and frumpy on her, coming far down over her hands. Faith had insisted upon having it with her.

There was no one else in the car now but the two of them.

"Come on then Miss…?"

"Whitfield." She supplied hollowly and forced herself to stand up.

Taking one last look at the emptying platform through the window she followed the man down the aisle and to the steps that led down from the passenger car. The old conductor took her arm as she stepped off. The town of Henryville sat in the flat of the prairie. There could have been a dozen buildings she could see beyond the station. Beyond that, the endless rolling of grass then hazing blue-purple mountains far in the distance, fringing the sky.

That was it. There was nowhere to hide anymore and her eyes darted from one man to the next. He would be here somewhere. The one she was to meet. She had never seen him before and only been given the vaguest of descriptions.

"Miss if you're waiting for someone you could have a seat right on that bench there out of the sun. It can get mighty hot and you with that coat…" Said the old man. He was cut off by another railroad worker who was calling to him.

"Pardon me miss…" he said and walked away.

Faith didn't want to sit. She wanted to run. Get back on the train or even run into the vast expanse of the land that opened up in front of her. She was from Philadelphia and used to the cozy crowd of people and buildings. Here she felt exposed and solitary.

For a few minutes she just stood there, the sun indeed sweltering even though it was still spring. She wore a small brimmed straw hat with a wide, faded blue ribbon banding it. Her long hair was pulled away from her face and knotted in the back. But much of it was left to spill down her back to her waist as was the fashion in the city. It had streaks of white-blond, honey and even brown were the sun hadn't reached and fell in natural waves and ringlets at the ends.

Perhaps he wouldn't come. She didn't know if that terrified her more than facing him.

She looked down the platform again and the old conductor was walking towards her but was first intercepted by a tall frame of a man with his back to her. The old man shrugged and shook his head but then looked straight at Faith. Then he spoke and pointed in her direction and the tall man turned to look at her.

He had to be over 6 feet tall and broad shouldered under his old white shirt which was worn with a faded vest. Narrow at the waist and hips he wore buckskin trousers, a line of fringe down the sides stuffed into well abused work boots. His face was shaded by a broad brimmed, dusty black hat. He had light brown hair, a bit shaggy and flipping out over his ears. His sober face was actually roughly comely with a new beard that was more neat than scruffy. The man looked at her for a moment then went back to the conductor who shook his head at whatever was being said to him.

Faith's heart was pounding, eyes riveted to the two men. The tall man turned back to her again and started towards her slowly.

Gripping her bag more tightly all she could do was bow her head and stare at the greying wood of the platform under her feet, wishing the ground would swallow her up.

The work boots came into her view and stopped a few feet away. After a moment she tipped her head up slightly, her eyes following the line of the man's body up to his face. Tanned and dusty, she could see he was a man accustomed to a strenuous life. But his eyes were a warm brown, gentle and honest looking.

There was a new jolt in her. It wasn't fear, but perhaps nervous anticipation.

Hesitantly he finally spoke, "Miss Whitfield?" he asked as if he were unconvinced, his voice rich and even.

Nodding she found her own voice and remembered her manners. "How do you do?"

He looked thoughtful at her response. She could tell he was sizing her up and not coming out with much. Then his eyebrows lifted a bit as if he were relaxing. His large shoulders sloped and he took his hat off, his posture relaxed as he sat his weight all on one leg.

"Fine thank you miss. I'm...I'm Northrop Cassidy. I'm the one what...sent for you." He told her quietly.

"Yes sir. Thank you." Was all she could think of.

He averted his eyes for a moment then put his hat back on, "Could I take your bag? Do you have all your things?"

Faith had almost forgotten about her valse. "Oh yes. I don't have much. This is everything."

She heard a throaty chuckle and looked to see the conductor smiling at them as he was getting back on the train. "She said it!" He said.

They both frowned at the man but Cassidy reached for her bag which she held to for a moment before she let him take it. For a man as tall as he, his hands were not burly but rangy with long fingers. In height she barely stood to his chest.

"I brought the wagon, thought you might have more belongings. We'd better get going, it's a fair piece back to Box Junction from here." He turned and started to walk back down the platform a few feet then stopped when he didn't hear her follow.

He was disappointed. Faith could almost feel it. Compared to these never endingly large plains she was nothing indeed. Women out here needed to be robust and sturdy. She didn't know if she was either. Back in Philadelphia she excelled in her studies, her love for reading prominent in her life. Around the house she did some things but there had always had servants, her father having been profitable in his practice of law in the city. But what could she do here?

"Miss?" Cassidy called to her without certainty.

This was her new life. He was, and it was like walking into a dark room, not knowing what was in there; be it objects to trip over or a fierce beast waiting to spring on her. But she started after him timidly.

At a buckboard that sat in front of the station, Cassidy put her bag in the bed and turned to her, eyeing her coat. She must look silly indeed keeping it wrapped around her. It felt like it was keeping her father with her a bit, and hiding her weakness and frailty.

He put his hands out to her slowly to help her up and she walked into them. He lifted her with ease up to the seat and went to the other side, climbing up to sit beside her.

He settled, the reins in hand but did not urge the horses yet. Awkwardly Faith looked up to him and he was looking back at her with subtle worry.

"Pardon for asking miss, but how old are you?"

"I'm 17, I know I seem younger, but I'll turn 18 the first of July." She felt scrutinized.

"They told me you was 18." Cassidy said slowly slouching forward to rest his arms on his knees.

"I will be."

He touched his tongue to his lips and sighed, "I'll pay your way back home Miss Whitfield if you have any notion this ain't what you's figur'n on."

Perhaps she was not what he had figured on and the rejection hurt her badly. But Faith was unwilling to let him see it and took in her breath, "I don't have a home anymore Mr. Cassidy. If you have no complaint, I'd like to stay here." Faith faced forward and didn't meet his eyes.

There was quiet, then the long length of rein slapped the rumps of the team and Northrop called out to them, "Hup."

It had been late morning when the train had pulled in and now they were rolling over the prairie towards those deceptively small-looking mountains that seemed too far to ever reach. Only the jingle of the harness, creaking of the wagon frame and the sounds of the horses broke the quiet of the ride.

Faith was tired and too many thoughts crowded her mind. Whatever she had left behind in Philadelphia was a thing of the past now and her present something she had been compelled into accepting. But now she had been given that chance to choose and here she still was. She had not known many men, especially with the intent of marriage but there was something that struck her about this stranger who would soon be her husband. She could not describe it but it gave her unexpected hope.

"Not a lot of womenfolk around Box Junction." His voice broke into her thoughts.

She looked over at him questioningly.

Northrop looked at her sidelong, "The closest town to my spread. There's not a lot of women about. Most women like to be in Henryville where it's not so off-lay'n."

Faith nodded.

"My place is up in the uplands. So's I don't get to town much, maybe every month to two." He continued.

"What do you grow?" Faith asked with honest curiosity.

He paused to look at her, "Cattle."

"Oh." She blushed feeling silly.

For the first time there was a hint of a smile on his face and he asked, "So you wanted to come west?"

At this question Faith blinked in surprise, "I had never considered it. I was born in Philadelphia and lived there my whole life. My father had been ill for sometime before he died and it took our estate. My step mother decided it would be in the best interest of everyone involved if I...married and so she arranged it."

Now Northrop looked forward with some concern, "They didn't ask you? I mean, I reckoned they'd at least ask you."

She didn't reply but her silence confirmed her lack of being consulted and he looked troubled.

"My brother's wife knew a woman that knew your stepmother...I think. I don't think I was ever sure on the relations of it all. But it's beautiful country up there miss. I think you'll take to it." He said in a gentle way.

She pushed her own cheeks into a small smile and he directed himself forward again.

"We'll have to stop in town for the night, it'll be too dark to go up the pass tonight, we'll go see the justice of the peace and….uh get married while we're there." he informed her as smoothly as could be expected.

The journey took most of the day and early evening when they rolled into the five-building 'town' of Box Junction. There was a blacksmith's with an attached livery, a saloon called the Copper Loop, a general store and law office. A few houses and shacks were at either end of the street. There were men out on the dirt walks and road that turned their heads as they drove by and parked in front of the general store.

Northrop frowned as the sign said it was closed for the night. "Joseph should still be open, I'll knock." He hopped off the wagon and came around to her side making as if to help her down.

"Maybe I'll stay here." She said shyly.

He stood for a moment there then nodded, "Suit yourself."

Then he went and knocked on the door, soon a balding, skinny man came to open it and Northrop stepped inside. The man who must be Joseph halted for a moment when he saw her then nodded to her pleasantly and went back inside after Northrop.

There was the sound of the horses blowing and a dog barking and Faith scanned the small town in the dimming light. It sat amongst the foothills of the towering mountains behind it. Cottonwoods and scrub oak grew here where the water drained from the streams and rivers of the heights. Northrop was right, she did not see one woman along the streets.

"Howdy." A heavy voice brought her head around and she looked down at another large man who had suddenly appeared standing next to her on the ground. He leaned against the wagon, very near her feet and she shifted over in the seat away from him.

But she gave him a polite nod.

He looked to be about Northrop's age which she would have guessed to be early to mid twenties. He wore his hat tilted to the side and he had a wide jawed face that seemed even wider with the grin that spread it. His hair was dark and curly and his face shaven smooth.

"Thought this was Cas' rig here, wanted to come say hi but you ain't Cas." He green eyes teased.

Faith caught sight of his gunbelt and she felt even more uneasy but she responded calmly.

"It is Mr. Cassidy's wagon sir."

The man's eyes flickered over her and he took out the fixings of a cigarette but said, "What you doing riding around with him? You his kid sister or something?"

Faith suddenly wished Northrop were back. "No." Was all she said.

Lighting the thin smoke he drew on it, making the end glow, "Well miss, you ever need anything you just come see me, Rett Miller, and I'd be obliged to help ya…."

"Seems you tend to help yourself to most anything you want." Sounded Northrop's controlled and level voice as he came out the store door. He held a large wooden box in hand filled with supplies.

The grin on Miller's face changed from flirty to a mischievous one and he turned to Cassidy who was setting the box down in the wagon.

"'Evening Cas. They told me you was going after a woman in Henryville. They all out of full grown ones? What's the baby girl for?" Rett prodded, his cigarette hanging from his lips loosely.

"You just keep to your business and I'll keep to mine." replied Cassidy shortly.

Rett chuckled, "Heh, you sure are up tight Cassidy you know it? These eastern women size in mighty small huh?" he glanced back up at her, "What's your name honey?"

Flushing at the man's forward behavior Faith just looked ahead but Northrop walked up to Miller who was only inch or two taller than he and looked to him boldly, warning hardening his eyes.

"You can respectfully call her Mrs. Cassidy. If you ever forget the name or the respectful part you can bet I'll remind you."

The playful grin fell from Miller's face and he glared back at Cassidy. "Don't bother with that new barn Cassidy, won't need it when I buy ya out."

"Ain't selling."

Stepping backward Miller's voice was ice, "You'll sell."

He turned and started walking across the street towards the saloon, "Be sure to tie her down to a nice heavy rock or something, she looks like she'd blow away in a stiff wind." He called back over his shoulder.

Northrop's face was rigid as he climbed back up into the wagon and he watched the man disappear into the saloon. "That's Everett Miller. There's five of 'em. Best you keep shy."

The slight girl nodded her understanding but cast a glance at him.

Mrs. Cassidy.

They pulled out of the town and followed a well packed trail with prairie grass growing up the middle. Soon they came upon a decent sized house among a grove of cottonwoods in a large hollow where deep shadows now gathered.

Throwing the break forward Northrop hopped down again and came round to Faith holding his arms up. Hesitantly she leaned into them and he lifted her down, her hands on his wide shoulders. She caught an unfamiliar scent, similar to fresh rain and wondered what it was.

They walked up to the door of the house and he knocked. Immediately an older man, not completely grey yet but with touches at his temples opened the door. His clothing of broad cloth was more fine than Cassidy's and he held reading glasses in his fingers. His blue eyes went from Cassidy to Faith who shivered in her coat.

The sun was going down and in this arid country, the temperature dropped easily.

"Cas. Didn't think you'd make it in tonight." The man said casually.

"Yes sir." Said Northrop who took off his hat, "Miss Whitfield, this is Judge Graham. He's the justice of the peace."

For the second time the man assessed her with wise eyes.

With a dip of her head she greeted him, "Sir it's nice to meet you."

"And you." He returned, "Won't you come in? Sit, I have some tea on."

He waved her into the room which, although it was not as finely furnished as some in Philadelphia, had carpets, drapes and some covered furniture.

"I'll see to the team." Northrop backed back out the door.

Graham motioned her to a chair which she politely took and he brought her a china cup of hot tea.

"So you're from back east hmmm? I was born in Delaware before moving out here after I had gained my degree some fifteen years ago. Tell me how it looks now?"

Keeping the warm cup in her hands, the overflowing coat sleeves slid back down her arms a bit. Faith described her city along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. The cobblestone streets and the towering pinnacles of the buildings, some even four stories tall.

The judge leaned forward, sometimes staring at the floor as if imagining it.

"Mighty different here ma'am." He finally said to her just as Northrop came back inside. The lamps had been lit and Graham started to get up, "You want some tea Cas?"

Cassidy looked weary but nodded.

"I'll fetch it sir." Faith got up quickly and went into the adjoining room. Northrop watched her, rubbing his hands on his trousers nervously.

With some salt the judge said to him lowly, "It's going to be a change for you."

Northrop nodded in agreement.

Faith came back with his cup and he took it from her.

"So are you figuring on getting married tonight or waiting until the morning?" Asked Graham.

With a quick glance at Faith, Northrop said decidedly, "Tonight Cecil. Got to get an early start. Stock's been left alone for three days."

Faith looked away, feeling the burning in her cheeks.

"Very well. Can I speak with you a moment Cas?" The man got up and went out onto the porch followed by Cassidy.

After the door was closed the older man put his hands on his hips tentatively, "Cas, I don't know. She's barely out of the foaling stall..."

"She'll be 18 in two months sir. You was married to Laurie when she was 16." Cassidy spoke mildly.

"17 huh? I wouldn't have thought you'd go younger. But look at her, she's just a mite! You're gonna need a stable woman who can rough it with you up in them mountains son. She's from the city you know and it's a different world. Instincts are different." Graham tried to rationalize with him.

Taking his hat off Northrop put a hand to the back of his head, rubbing at the hair there. "Gave her the choice to go back. She wants to stay."

The shadows dimmed their features and the elder man paused, letting out a soft scoff, "You want to marry her?"

There was silence for a moment and the yellow light of the oil lamp through the window shown off of Cassidy's solemn face, "Yes sir."

"Alright then. Don't just marry her for the sight of her boy. But I have to admit, she's a lovely one. Hope you know what you're doing Northrop. There's a storm coming, you know that." Graham suddenly looked even more worried but opened the door again, "I'll get my book."

Reaching into some packs that he had left on the porch, Cassidy took out two items and went back inside himself.

The girl was in the kitchen drying off their cups, still wearing the large coat. She had taken off her hat and he could see her long hair spreading over her shoulders.

He moved over to her, noticing her stiffen at hearing his approach.

Clearing his throat he said, "Miss, I got you a weddin' present."

She turned her slender neck to look up at him and he held out a folded, white linen shawl with embroidered flowers curling around it's edge. Sitting on top of it was a shell hair comb.

Faith's eyes widened a bit as she stared at them. He waited and watched her. She hadn't anything special she was going to wear. Just the clothes on her back.

At her hesitation his confidence caught, "I hope you like them. I growed up with 5 brothers Miss. I ain't sure what womenfolk like."

Looking up at him through thick eyelashes she smiled faintly, "They're beautiful. Thank you Mr. Cassidy."

She went to take them and he said, "Can I help you take your coat off?"

Her arms crossed in front of the coat reflexively and her smile dropped. For a moment she thought to tell him she would rather wear it but then she relented and unbuttoned it as he sat the shawl and comb on a chair behind him. Faith slid the warm wool off of her shoulders as Northrop reached for it. She refolded her arms in front of her guardedly. She was thin, she knew it. The dress she wore was plain and had no frills or lavishments to hide her.

Northrop Cassidy said nothing but took her coat to the other room as the judge was just returning. For a brief moment Faith looked at the two presents her soon to be husband had given her. She almost wished for her coat back but rolled her shoulders and reached for the comb, settling it into the hair at her crown that had been pulled away from her face and pinned into a bun. Then she wrapped herself in the new linen shawl. It felt stiff.

Then she walked in where the men stood waiting.

"And your full name my dear is Fran Whitfield?" asked the judge, starting to fill out a certificate.

Her face must have scrunched at it and the men noticed but she quickly corrected them, "No. My full name is Faith Lillian Whitfield."

The men looked at each other and Northrop almost coughed, "Begg'n your pardon. In the letter I got, it was Fran I thought."

She just brushed it off with a gracious smile and they began the wedding. The weight of what was happening made Faith light headed but she stood as tall as she could. She even looked at Northrop the whole time without glancing away. This would be her will and not others. He looked back at her, studying her sudden confidence. The corners of his lips uplifted slightly. He took out a ring when prompted, a golden band and slid it on her finger. It hung loosely.

"I now pronounce you man and wife." The judge finished closing his book. He looked from one to the other and said, "Congratulations."

Faith Cassidy. Such a change as a name and she didn't feel any different. He still held her hand, looking down at it. His were calloused with work but they still held hers gently, making them look even smaller. The ring was too big and would slip off, so Faith removed it trying to think of where she could keep it safe. Reaching into his pocket Northrop brought out a thin lace of rawhide and said, "Here let me see."

He strung the ring onto it and then tied the ends, then he placed it around her neck. There was a draw of reassurance in his face.

They had a quick meal and then the judge said, "Well if you're leaving early I'll show you your room."

Faith was instantly nervous again but followed him to a door on the opposite side of the kitchen. The room was small but had a single bed, washstand and chair in the corner. The man left them, bidding them good night.

Northrop had gotten her valse and coat and came in behind her, setting the things down on the bed.

"Faith." He said for the first time besides in the ceremony, as if trying it out. "Ain't a likely name."

"It was my mother's choice. You don't like it?" She decided to ask, remembering the name 'Fran' which left a poor taste in her mouth.

The tall man looked humbled, "It's a fine name ma'am."

"And am I to call you Northrop?"

As if considering it for the first time he rubbed at the back of his neck and shifted his weight to one leg as seemed his habit, "Some folks call me Cas, but I reckon you can call me what suits you ma'am. Do you need anything else?"

She shook her head.

He nodded and started to back out the door.

"I'll sleep out here. If you need anything let me know." He closed the door.

She stood surprised, and slightly relieved.