Vin Tanner stared with wonder into those big green eyes that he knew oh so well. Her face had matured, as can only be expected, but it seemed to him that she had grown even more beautiful than when he last saw her. 'Emma' he gasped in shock.
Emma Michigan looked at the man before her, desperate for something smart or witty to say.' Vin' was all she could manage. It had been at least three years but he hadn't changed. Dirtier than she remembered but still as handsome as ever.
They both stood in silence on the boardwalk in front of the saloon. Vin stepped forward as though to embrace her but Emma stepped back quickly and shook her head. 'Don't touch me Tanner' she spat, turning on her heal and sprinting away down the dusty street.
Buck, who had witnessed the whole exchange from the bat wing doors, stepped forward. 'She was mighty perdy Vin', he observed quietly. Vin turned to look at him, glaring daggers,' Touch her Wilmington and I'll break your fucking neck'. Buck recoiled in shock and watched as the usually peaceful tracker raced after the departing girl.
Emma reached the edge of town and cursed. She had no idea where she was going. She heard her name being called and turned to see Vin trying desperately to push his way through the throng of people congregated outside the church. Without a second thought she slipped down a little lane way certain she could find her way back to where her horse was tethered without having to bump into that damn man again.
Vin smirked to himself when he saw Emma flee down the lane by Burkes Apothecary. What she didn't know was that it was a dead end. Tipping his hat in apology to Mary as he pushed her slightly he raced after the young woman.
Emma groaned in despair as she reached the tall fence that was blocking her path. She climbed awkwardly atop a pile of old crates by the brick wall, said a quick prayer and leapt.
When Vin turned into the alley and found it empty he cursed savagely startling a passer by behind him. He thought quickly and realized that she must be going back to get her horse. He turned again and once more raced thorough the crowds.
Emma was about to mount her stallion when Vin reached her.' Emma wait', He pleaded. The young girl shook her head stubbornly.' Leave me be Tanner, ' she ordered. Vin flinched.' Used to call me Vin before', he murmured resting his hand on hers. She snatched it away.' That was before ' she stated coolly dismounting to pick up a bag that had fallen. She glanced across the street and spotted a little blonde boy playing in the dirt. The rumble of an approaching carriage could be heard. She raced as quickly as she could, not noticing the blonde woman who screamed the name 'Billy…'
Vin sat anxiously waiting outside of Nathan's' clinic. Billy had been unharmed but the carriage had struck Emma with such a heavy blow that the noise of breaking bone could be heard clearly. Vin cursed himself for not keeping his promise to Emma's Pa. 'I promised I'd look after her damnit' he muttered under his breath. He looked up as the door opened. Nathan looked grim' you can see her if you want', he said not looking him in the eye.' Is she…' Vin trailed off not able to finish the sentence. Nathan shook his head. 'Naw she's unconscious, the crash might have damaged her back though I can't tell yet'. The tracker nodded and pushed past Nathan to the room where Emma lay. He sat down in the wicker chair beside the bed and watched the rise and fall of her chest. The door creaked open and Vin looked up to see Buck standing in the doorway.' Need anything pard?' he asked quietly. Vin shook his head and continued to gaze sadly at the young blonde girl.' Did you know her well?' Buck ventured timidly. Vin nodded sadly' She's my wife' he said.
Emma lay with her eyes closed and listened to Vin talking quietly to Buck. How she had missed him when he left. After a while she had stopped missing him and started hating him, but now lying in the lumpy bed she felt the same longing for him that she had felt all those years ago.
