Chapter 9: What to do about Joey…

"I swear to you, Vin, it's not true!"

The two of them were hiding in Belle's house, a fire in the fireplace, all the doors locked and windows covered. She convinced Joey to stay in town at the hotel, saying she was overwhelmed and needed some time to think. She was sitting on the bench in front of the fire, Vin's head in her lap, her fingers running through his hair. It was an intimate pose, but it felt comfortable. Vin had stormed off after Joey's announcement, only to show up at her back door hours later, in the darkness. He had said nothing, just entered, pulling her with him to the fireplace and getting comfortable in his current position.

"I believe you. But why did he say it?" Vin was confused, but he could hear the sincerity in Belle's voice.

She sighed. "We were engaged, before I came out West. My parents wanted me to marry him, so I went and was going to go through with it." This conversation was sounding dangerously close to the one she'd had with Josiah months ago. "But I found Mary's letters. About you. And I realized I didn't love him, could never love him, and I couldn't do that to him. So I told him about Mother and Daddy's stipulation: that I live with Mary for a year to learn how to care for myself and then I'd get my inheritance. I said I was leaving and I regrettably couldn't marry him. He must have thought I meant marry him at the time." She stared into the fire. "After a year with no letters or notes, I thought he'd given up. I never dreamed he'd come here to take me back with him."

Vin stared up at her from where he was laying. The fire played on her face and lightened her hair. He could get used to seeing her in its glow. Slowly he sat up, pulling her to him and guiding her head to his shoulder. His arm wrapped around her. He kissed her forehead and thought deeply. "You're just going to have to tell him the truth."

"I know that, Vin. I just don't think he's going to take it so well. He'll probably tell me I have an obligation to him. I made a commitment. I'm not sure if he'll let me out of it." Belle snuggled deeper into his chest, inhaling the scent of horse and the forest. He smelled like freedom to her.

"What if you were unable to get married?" Vin wondered, an idea starting to develop in his head.

"The only way that would work is if I was already married."

"Exactly. He saw us dancing. Why couldn't you just tell him we're married?"

Belle bolted upright and looked at him. "That would be a lie!"

"I agree, but if it's the only way he'll agree to let you out of your engagement, wouldn't it be worth it?" He scooted closer to her, brushing a strand of her now loose hair out of her eyes. It was nice to see her with her hair down; it was soft and framed her face beautifully. "Besides it's not like it won't be true some day."

Belle blushed and turned back to the fire. "You seem pretty sure of yourself."

He chuckled softly, his arms encircling her. "I know what I want, is all. And, unlike Ezra, I won't give up."

She smiled at his words, still watching the flames lick the logs on them. She sighed again, in resignation "I suppose it will have to do if Joey won't let me out of my agreement." She shook her head, her wavy hair flying in all directions. "I can't believe after a year of no correspondence that he thinks I'll still marry him." She looked at him. "Even while you were away, you found ways of writing to me. And you can't read. What the does he expect, damn it?"

Vin laughed at her pretty mouth saying such a dirty word. He rubbed her cheek softly, treasuring the closeness of the moment. He slowly worked his hand back to her neck and pulled her to him. He laid his body down on the bench, forcing her gently to lie on top of him. Her eyes were glittering in the firelight: anticipation. His mouth found hers in the semi-darkness and they kissed tenderly, gently. The passion they shared was there, but it was sweeter now, more fondness than the incredible attraction that usually fueled their kisses. He respected her, loved her, knew he wanted her forever. That meant he could be gentle at times and at others, let the raw passion that her touches provoked run rampant.

They lay tangled in each other for some time. The fire burned low while they kissed and whispered about their future in the dark. Close to midnight, Belle murmured that she was sleepy. Vin helped her sit up, then carried her up the stairs to her room. He'd never been in the room before, but it suited her: a big four-poster with a warm quilt on it, fluffy pillows, and a huge oak bureau. There was a rocking chair in one corner and Vin could see her sitting in it in the near future, rocking their child to sleep. The thought made his heart race with longing. Their child.

He placed her lovingly on the bed, tucking her in. She smiled sleepily up at him. He kissed her forehead and went to leave. Before he got very far, her small hand reached out and held fast to his.

"Please don't go." Her eyes pleaded with him.

Vin sank to the bed, brushing her hair off her forehead. "What would the parents of your students say? You can't lose face now."

"That's sweet of you to care, but once they find out I've been secretly married for months, they won't care."

Vin smiled, knowing she was right. They'd have to sell this lie, if they had to, so everyone believed them. It would be hard; several people would be hurt at not knowing the news. Vin's thoughts turned to Josiah. "What if it weren't a lie?"

"Hmm?" Belle mumbled drowsily, rolling on her side so she was facing him.

Vin sank to the floor, his face inches from hers. "What if we really did get married? Tomorrow."

Belle's eyes flew open. "Are you insane?"

"Don'tcha want to marry me?" Vin felt hurt.

"Of course, but we'd need witnesses, a license. It could take days!"

"Judge Travis is still in town from the wedding. I'm sure he could get us a license and fast. All you'd have to do is avoid Joey tomorrow. We can do it after church. Josiah could do it. Mary and Chris would be our witnesses."

Belle bit her lip, a sudden fear in her eyes. "Are you sure we're ready? I mean, once we say 'I do' there's no undoing it."

Vin kissed her softly. "Never been more sure of anything in my life."

"Well, let's just see what Judge Travis can do, and if it can be done, we'll talk more about it later." She yawned, then patted the bed next to her. "Come, husband, to bed."

Vin chuckled again then walked around the bed and climbed on top of the quilt beside her.

"You can get under the blankets, you know." She turned and cuddled into him, her breath slowing.

"I'm fine," he mumbled into her hair as she began to snore softly. He smiled down at her. If everything went as planned, tomorrow at this time she would be Mrs. Vin Tanner. The thought made him extremely happy as he shut his eyes, sleep overpowering him.