Buck had had the first watch. He was trying to figure out a plan of action to go over with Vin; their leader's mind was a little off-task because Belle was involved. Just as he was getting ready to go wake up J.D. for his shift, he heard some rustling a few yards away. It sounded bigger than an animal, so Buck got up, pistols drawn and walked toward the noise. He cocked his pistols as he got closer to two shapes, each with a gun.
"Drop the weapons. That's right, nice and slow."
"Mr. Wilmington!" Two arms flung themselves around his neck and Buck felt a very feminine form press itself against him. "I knew you'd all come for me! How's Mary?"
Buck pulled the body off of himself, and, his eyes finally adjusted to the darkness away from the campfire, he saw blonde hair on top of a pretty face. He smiled widely, putting his pistols back in their holsters, and tipping his hat in respect. "Miss Belle, it is a real pleasure to see you." He put a hand on her back and guided her toward the camp. He noticed the man following her, and moved a hand to his guns.
"Oh, don't hurt him, Mr. Wilmington. This is the priest Terrence Connelly kidnapped to force to marry us." Belle sounded calm, but Buck found it hard to believe she was; how could anyone be calm after escaping from captivity. He let her sit down in front of the dying fire, then went to wake up Vin.
"Wake up." He shook the sleeping body of Vin Tanner.
"I've been awake. Do you want me to take over for J.D.?" Vin sat up and looked over at the fire. His eyes widened and he was over by Belle's side in a flash. He grabbed her in his arms and squeezed tightly. Pulling away, he fought down tears. "Thought I lost you."
Belle didn't mind crying in front of him; she let the tears flow freely down her face and on either side of her smile. "Me, too." She placed her hand on the side of his face, looking deep into his perfect blue eyes. She couldn't resist the urge any longer; she leaned forward and kissed him deeply, wrapping her arms around him. When she pulled away, her smile returned instantly. "I love you."
Vin returned the smile, stroking a loose strand of hair out of her face. "I love you." Then his face became hardened. "Where's Connelly? How'd you get out of there?"
Belle sighed and commenced telling him all about the abduction; she reluctantly explained why she winced when he rubbed her arms and the cut in her lip; she told about breaking the pitcher over Kenneth's head and hitting David across the head with the gun's shoulder brace; then she introduced the priest to him and told how she had freed him and brought him with her.
She could see Vin's face get stormier by the second, so she decided to change the subject. "How's Mary?"
"I can answer that." Nathan had joined them, as had the rest of the Seven, who had all been woken up by Buck while the lovers were talking. "She lost a lot of blood, but she was resting when we left. I'm pretty sure she'll get better real quick. Chris is with her."
Belle sat in silent reflection. Mary was alive. And with Chris. She smiled softly. Maybe, just maybe, they would finally admit their feelings for each other. Billy would be happy about that. She looked back up at Vin. "Shouldn't we be going? I want to see my sister."
Vin and Buck had just finished discussing it. "Connelly will come back after you. You're going to be under protective custody at all times. We'll either arrest him when he comes back, or kill him." Vin looked as if he favored killing.
Belle's temper flared and she wanted to scream at him, tell him she didn't need protection; hadn't she just escaped by herself? But she was too happy to be away from that awful place and be back with him that she let it slide. Instead, she walked over to Vin's horse and began to ready him for the ride back to Four Corners. The other men followed her leave, cleaning up camp. J.D. was obviously disappointed that the fighting hadn't happened, but he was optimistic that tomorrow would bring more adventure.
Buck walked over to Vin after he was finished with his mount. "Got a feisty one there. Did a pretty good job getting herself out of trouble."
Vin nodded. "Yes she did. Wouldn't be surprised if she was a fair shot with that gun. I'm hopin she won't have to be." The protector in Vin was hurt; his pride had been damaged by his girl saving herself. However, he was really glad that she was safe and sound minus a few scrapes. He put out the fire, or what was left of it.
"You should be proud of her. Got a lot of spunk like her sister." Buck slapped him on the back and walked back to his horse. Vin knew he was right; if he had wanted a girl who couldn't take care of herself he could have had his pick of them. He smiled to himself as he walked over to Belle and his horse.
"Ready?" He longed to reach out and touch her, but didn't want to show how vulnerable he felt around her. So he settled for looking into her eyes.
Isabelle smiled up at him, a knowing look in her eyes. She closed the distance between them and snuggled into his arms. "I'm sorry I didn't believe you. I'm glad I have you to protect me."
Vin held her tightly then helped her onto his horse. He climbed in the saddle behind her and held her tightly around the waist. Then, in the darkness, the eight of them, with the priest riding with Josiah, rode off toward town to prepare for the battle ahead.
a/n: there you guys go: another two chapters! R/R…love, as always, ~Nelli~