I OWN NOTHING BUT THE ORIGINAL CHARACTER OF ERIN

NUMBER TWELVE

:

:

Jimmy Hickok was nervous. It wasn't the same caliber of nervousness that he had when in a gunfight, but he was jumpy all the same. Jimmy was in love. He had been in love before but that hadn't worked out too well. This time, he was sure everything would work out, if only he could get a chance at real-life courting.

Walking across the yard to the house, he rehearsed everything he wanted to say. Emma, I know this may come as a surprise, but I wanted to ask your permission to court your niece. I think Erin is the most wonderful girl I have ever met, and I want the chance to prove to her, and to you, that I would make a good husband. I want the chance to get to know her better and for her to get to know me better.

Stopping in his tracks, he wondered about the wording of his speech. Perhaps I should forget the part about making a good husband. Jimmy tentatively took a few steps, then his confidence returned. Yes, he thought, now with a determined stride. It's too early for that. I'll get to that later.

Jimmy wondered if Erin was aware of his feelings. She's got to know, he thought. I spend as much time with her as I can, and I haven't been exactly subtle, but sometimes she seems like she has no idea. No matter though, soon she will know.

Jimmy thought to his friend Buck. Buck had been the one Erin had asked to dance for the ladies' choice at the latest Sweetwater social three days ago. It had nearly broken Jimmy's heart until he decided that perhaps Erin was genuinely unaware of the depth of his feelings for her. Perhaps she thought he just had a crush. After the dance Buck had the nerve to try and speak for Erin and say she never meant to hurt anyone. Jimmy was enraged. Buck couldn't have known how she felt and he had no business trying to speak for her. Jimmy told Buck that he was still going to try to win Erin.

Since the dance, he had been "treated" to the sight of Buck and Erin on long walks. Those long walks broke his heart. He had already been jealous of the time Buck spent with Erin after dinner. Jimmy had tried to join them but all they did was talk about boring things. He fell asleep several times before he just decided to stay away. And that's what did it. That's what made Buck feel like he could go after my girl. Jimmy decided to be more vigilant in the future.

Entering the back door, he found Emma rolling out dough for the biscuits for the evening meal. She was engrossed in her task, but still managed to hear him. Jimmy loved that about Emma: she always paid attention to her "boys" and was there for them when they needed her.

"Hello Jimmy. You're early! Supper isn't for another two hours!" Emma exclaimed, a smile on her lips.

"Well, I know, but I came to ask you something."

Emma noticed the serious expression on Jimmy's face. She had never seen him like this before. Her demeanor immediately changed from jesting to one of concern.

"Alright Jimmy," she said, wiping her hands on a towel. "I hope everything is okay." Emma was getting worried.

"Everything's fine, it's just this is real important to me."

Emma motioned for Jimmy to sit at the table. Taking a chair beside him, she asked, "What is it?"

Jimmy took a deep breath. "I was hoping you would give me your permission to ask Erin if I can court her."

Emma started to speak, the concern etched on her face growing more and more prominent.

Jimmy held up a hand. "Emma, please let me finish. I know I'm nowhere good enough for her, no one ever will be, but I want to try and show her, and you, just how important she is to me. I want her to get to know me better, and I want to know her better."

Having finished his plea, there was dead silence in the room. Emma sat surprised and stunned. The butterflies in Jimmy's stomach were dancing a jig in tandem.

Emma took a deep breath. "Well, Jimmy," she began, speaking very slowly as if gathering her thoughts. She stopped and took another breath before speaking at a normal rate.

"Well, Jimmy," she said again, "I have to say my answer is 'no.'"

Jimmy's face fell. Even though he was nervous about asking her, he had never truly believed Emma would refuse him. He decided to make a last-ditch plea. Maybe he could change her mind.

"Emma, like I said, I know I'm not good enough for her, but I think I would make a good husband. Please, please give me a chance."

Emma's eyebrows arched at his mention of the word "husband," but she managed to keep the surprise out of her voice.

"It's not that I think you're not good enough for her," her voice soft. "It's that Buck already asked me yesterday and I gave my blessing."

Jimmy felt his world crash around him. He barely heard Emma's next words.

"And I don't think it'd be appropriate for more than one man to court her at a time, don't you think?"

Jimmy didn't answer. As he stared into space, he started to get angry.

That little snake! He went ahead and asked! I've been showing my interest ever since she arrived, and he up and goes behind my back to ask if he can court her! I spend as much time as I can with her, and all he does is sit by the fire and watch her sew! It momentarily dawned on Jimmy that perhaps that was Buck's way of showing his interest.

It doesn't matter, Jimmy thought, his temper growing. He should have known better!

Jimmy loved Buck like a brother, but this was too much. He wanted Erin to be his girl, and he had thought that was on track to happen. The ladies' choice at the social had to be a fluke. Erin seemed to always enjoy his company. It's not too late, Jimmy thought.

"Jimmy? Jimmy? Are you okay?"

Jimmy realized Emma was calling his name. He snapped to attention.

"Yes, Emma?"

"I realize you must be disappointed, but I really think it's best that only one man court her at a time." Emma took a gentle tone. "And she was very excited when I told her Buck had asked."

Jimmy felt his temper flare even more, but he realized he couldn't show that to Emma. He forced a smile to his face.

"Of course I understand, Emma. Don't you worry yourself over me. We'll see how things go and if it doesn't work out, then I'll ask again."

Emma smiled, relieved that Jimmy had taken the news so well. "That sounds like a good plan," she stated.

Jimmy smiled and rose from the table. After wishing Emma a good day, he headed back to the bunkhouse.

It's not over, he vowed.

Emma stood in the kitchen, looking out the window at Jimmy crossing the yard. I hope that poor boy knows it's all over for him. He doesn't stand a chance, she thought, starting to cut the dough for her biscuits.