Disclaimer: As usual, just taking our friends out to play. Will put them back when I'm done.

The Prisoner Exchange

PT.1

Wes Martin and Al Barbar were determined, come hell or high water, to get their prisoners to Hays. They had just spent the better part of three weeks tracking and trailing these two vicious characters and they weren't about to lose the chance to collect on the reward being offered on their heads, even though it meant a split. Five thousand dollars each!

Wes had some doubts along the way. He had a bit of a time imagining a woman could do some of the things he had read, especially once he saw her, piercing blue eyes, ginger hair, delicate features. But Al convinced him not to be sucked in by her womanly charms.

While camped for the night, cuffed in a wagon, the two prisoners sat quietly. Leaning in with her mouth to his ear, "Mel, what do you think will happen next? Do you have a plan? You can't let them get us back to Hayes."

Patting her hands, "Oh now, now, Kate. Would I let anything happen to you?"

Shaking her head side go side. "Me? Do they hang women?"

"Oh, Kate. Now, Kate, don't you worry your head. You have me."

Now furrowing her brow, and under her breath, "That's what I'm worried about."

St. Louis, Missouri

A soft warm early morning summer breeze, blew across the room, lightly caressing the two entwined lovers. Her copper-amber tresses sprawled across his chest, slightly tickling his chin as he stirred at the breeze.

But he dared not disturb her, for he wanted to cherish every moment left of this time with the beautiful woman lying peacefully in his arms. This woman he has loved and, to his amazement, has loved him for better than half their lives, and to him was still as beautiful as the first day he laid eyes on her.

Slowly, she began to stir, then as he placed a kiss on her forehead, she said in a deep sultry voice, "Morning, Cowboy."

"Sleep well?"

"Uh huh. Ummmmm, wish we could..."

Before she could finish, he stopped her. "Ahhh, Kit."

"Oh, now wait. I know we can't and I understand. It's just been so nice having you all to myself. That's all. But, Matt, I do appreciate you making this trip with me."

"Kit, I'm glad I did. But ya know what would be great now?"

She was now biting her bottom lip, fighting back laughter. "Let me guess. Breakfast?"

With a boyish grin. "Well, yeah. I'm starving."

Rolling her eyes. "I should have known." She said, now letting the laughter go. "Hey!"

Now quickly rolling her over to pin her beneath him. "Ma'am, have I properly said good morning?"

"Hummmmmm. Well now, Marshal, let me think."

"No, I don't believe I have." He said grinning.

"Well, what are we gonna do about this?" She said, now with a teasing smirk.

Pulling her close, "Oh, I thought you'd never ask." Covering her mouth with his in a passionate kiss, turning it into a very intimate and passionate morning.

TBC