The train pulled into the station and passengers began to descend-first in ones and twos, then in a rush. Among them was a young women with blue eyes and fair hair, holding the arm of a tall young man. He had the dark complexion that went with his crisp black hair and deep brown eyes but at the moment he looked a bit pale and his voice was hoarse with weariness. "I don't see anybody waiting to meet you, Letty."

Letty looked guilty. "Rob, to tell you the truth, I didn't tell them I was coming."

The young man's eyes widened. "You didn't tell them you were coming!"

Letty shook her head. "I wanted to surprise them."

Rob looked at her shrewdly. "Is that the only reason?"

She smiled and took his hand. "I also didn't want a big reception as soon as we got off the train. I want you to see a little of Dodge before you meet my family."

He smiled back fondly, rubbing his thumb over the sparkling diamond on her left hand. "Sweetheart, I know you think of this place as home but after all, I'm not sure I'd want to spend the rest of my life here." She gave him a look and he held up a hand. "I know, I know. I'm supposed to wait and see what I think."

Letty's voice was sharp. "Rob, Dodge may not be as sophisticated as England or the East coast but I can promise you one thing. It's a place where you'll always be needed, and so will I."

Rob sighed. "Well, you wait here and I'll get the luggage. Where did you say we were staying?"

"Ma Smalley's." Rob's lips echoed the words soundlessly and Letty said firmly, "It's a very nice place. Ma took care of me when I was a little girl and we'll be treated like royalty there."

He shook his head. "I still can't believe you didn't at least tell Mr Haggen you were coming. I should think a policeman could keep a secret."

"Festus isn't a policeman, he's a deputy marshal." Letty paused, then said quietly, "And I couldn't write to him because he can't read."

Rob regarded her incredulously. "How can a man be expected to uphold the law if he can't read?"

Letty touched the tiny gold cross she always wore around her neck. "It takes more than reading to keep people safe, Rob." A shadow crossed her face. "Sometimes it takes all a man has to give."