Dangerous Territory

Love is like a puzzle. When you're in love, all the pieces
fit but when your heart gets broken, it takes a while to
get everything back together.

~Author Unknown

In the last hour, Enos had dialed the number to the Duke Farm at least a dozen times. Each time he had dropped the receiver back on the cradle before it rang. He was distracted. He brought his hands to his face and the unique scent of Jenny's perfume wafted from his sleeve. It went straight to his heart, causing it to warm and beat a little faster. He was still a bit shocked with himself. She had been in his arms.

Jenny was the kind of woman that could have any man she wanted, but there was an endearing humility about her. Classy, but not snobby. She was a beautiful woman, but she didn't use that quality like a weapon. Enos thought her dainty stature only made her more endearing and the way she had looked up with those amazing eyes made him feel bold, confident, masculine, like her protector.

When he felt those soft curves brush against him and nearly kissed those enticing lips, he had entered dangerous territory – cold shower territory. They knew very little about each other, yet invisible threads had wrapped around them like ribbons of desire, drawing him closer to her. He was perplexed, even fascinated, by the connection and found he had no desire to fight it.

He lowered his hands to the desk and stared at the phone. Daisy. He was in here to call Daisy. Not daydream about his unexpected tryst.

Good grief he didn't have trysts! Ever!

His godparents had given him valuable advice. Enos loved Daisy. He always had. Unfortunately, this last fight had broken something deep within him. She had broken his heart before, but he always got over it. Perhaps it was his spirit. He was tired of hoping only to be disappointed. After what she had said and done this week, he didn't know how they could move forward.

Maybe Gus was right. Enos had never given himself a chance to date other women. Jenny wasn't asking anything of him. They were just going for an innocent ride and Gus would be there. It wasn't as if he would lose control of his senses, but a part of him really, really wanted to.

Back to business. It was time to make his call. All he had to do was hear Daisy out, accept her apology, and make no commitments.

Three. Simple. Things.

The Duke kitchen was unusually quiet as the family cleaned up after supper. While Uncle Jesse and the boys did their respective chores, Daisy dried the dinner dishes by rote as she waited for her call. After listening to the phone ring all afternoon, it was now aggravatingly quiet.

Daisy had spoken with every friend, neighbor and local busybody today. All of them wanted to know if she had heard about Enos becoming a wealthy man. If Daisy failed to resolve the problems in their relationship, she would lose the love of her life and become the town joke. The money didn't mean anything to her, but Enos's wealth was hot news in Hazzard and her private life had just become not so private.

Emily helped her to understand how hurt Enos was, but Daisy was having difficulty sitting back and waiting for something to happen. It wasn't like a Duke to do nothing. She wanted to fix the problem.

Daisy again thought about her promise to Emily. She wouldn't call. She would give Enos the time he needed and in return, Emily promised she wouldn't let Enos drag it out. With a weary sigh, Daisy put the plates on the cabinet shelf.

That was a promise Daisy's heart might not allow her to keep. After years of shutting her heart out of the decision where Enos was concerned, she was going to satisfy it's needs.

Her mind was set. Daisy was flying to Wyoming and the only thing that would stop her was reconciliation. She felt guilty, but this was Enos. He was the perfect package and she had ripped the bow, torn the paper and smashed the box before leaving it in the corner to collect dust.

She had to make things right. She wasn't losing him.

Luke pushed the chairs under the table and retrieved a beer from the fridge when the phone rang.

He turned to Daisy. "Ya' want me to get it this time,?"

"No, but thanks. I'm getting pretty good at brushing off th' busy bodies."

While Daisy reached for the phone, Luke exchanged uneasy glances with Uncle Jesse and Bo.

"Duke Farm, this is Daisy."

There was no response.

Eighteen hundred miles away, Enos heard Daisy's voice and a landslide of painful emotions crashed down. His voice left him and the hurt flared to life, burning slowly into the vulnerable places of his soul. He wasn't ready to do this. He would get hurt or hurt her. Time. He needed more time.

Enos lowered the receiver when he heard her voice again.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" Daisy gasped. "Enos! Oh sugar! I know it's you! Please talk to me!"

Ding dang it. He put the phone to his ear. "H-hey, Dais."

He could hear the relief in her voice. "Oh, I'm so glad you called. We need to talk. I-I have some things I just gotta say."

Enos had scribbled on the notepad in front of him and he looked down to see what he absentmindedly wrote: 'Three simple things.'

He cleared his throat nervously "Um, s-sure Dais."

"What's wrong, sugar? Are ya' all right? Ya' don't sound like yourself."

"I'm finer than frog hair." Enos choked on his embellished truth. "Emily said ya' called. What did ya' need to say?"

There was a long sigh on the other end. "Sugar. I don't blame ya' for being angry. Did Emily tell ya' about our talk?"

"Well, yeah. Th-that's why I'm calling."

Enos could see her in his mind. Her finger around the cord, her teeth worrying on her bottom lip - and for some reason it hurt.

"Oh, Enos. I'm so sorry for what I said. I didn't mean any of it and I miss ya' so much. I feel awful about everything. I should've know better than to give ya' back th' ring. I was scared and made a horrible mistake. I wish I could take it all back. Enos, I-I love you. I've always loved you and I should have told you sooner. I want us to be together. I need ya' to come home. Will ya' come home to me?"

Enos was ripped in half. If she had said this Wednesday morning, he would have been the happiest man on earth with memories of passionate kisses and plans for the future. Instead he was empty and broken. For the first time in their relationship, Daisy's words fell flat. Emily's gentle caution echoed in his mind: It takes years to build trust and a fraction of a second to destroy it.

He took his pencil and crossed out the word 'Three' on the notepad. Two to go.

"It's all right, Daisy. I forgive ya', but I can't come home yet. I'll be back to Hazzard in about a month."

There was a long pause. "A month. Ya' ain't comin' home for a whole month? After everything that happened? Enos, I love you. Don't ya' think we should be together right now? Especially with all th' changes that are comin, we need to talk about what we're gonna do. Ya' belong at home, with me. I really need ya' here, sugar."

Enos bristled. "W-wait a minute. We ain't got no changes to talk about. Daisy, I meant it when I said I forgive ya', but I ain't makin' no plans for th' future. I can't do that right now."

Daisy's voice wavered. "What do ya' mean?"

Enos crossed out 'simple' and frowned at the irony. His fingers gripped the pencil tight. "Um, I mean I ain't makin' no plans to get married. I ain't tryin' to hurt ya' and I'm sure sorry, Daisy, but that's th' way it's gotta be. I'll see ya' in a few weeks. I gotta-"

"Enos Strate! I ain't never known ya' to hold a grudge! Sugar, please slow down and listen to me. I know you're hurt and ya' gotta be real confused with all the money hangin' over ya. If ya' come home, I'll be here to love you and help ya' take care of it so we can be together. Everything that's hurtin' will get better for ya'. We belong together, Enos. Your stayin' gone a month when we got so much to work out, well, it…it ain't fair."

The tip of Enos's pencil snapped off from the pressure. Was she saying he couldn't handle the money without her!? She might as well have slapped him over the phone.

Enos croaked, "Um, F-fair?"

"Yes. Fair. Enos, you should've told me all about the inheritance from th' beginning. We ain't supposed to keep secrets from each other. Sugar, none of this would've happened if you had just-"

"This is my fault!?"

"Oh no! No! That ain't-"

"You're right, Daisy." He should've stopped there, but he blew right past common sense and into another argument. "It ain't fair! I've been waitin' for you for years! Ya' didn't bother to ask me before ya' went out with Darcy, Jamie Lee, Jude Emery, or any other half-way decent lookin' guy that breezed into th' Boar's Nest! Did ya' forget what ya' said to me at th' well? Ya' hit me, Daisy! You hit me!"

Enos shook while he waited for a response.

A humble voice replied, "Of everything that happened, I'm the most sorry about what I said and did at th' well. Sugar, I'm so sorry for hurtin' ya' all these years and for slapping you. It was wrong, but I know that now. I need to know we're gonna be together. I love you, Enos."

"Daisy…" Enos didn't know what to say.

The silence hung heavy between them. They were connected by a thin wire on which hung all the unspoken hurts, the wants, the desires, the hopes and dreams for the future – and it was unraveling faster than either could stop it.

Eventually, Daisy sniffled and said, "I reckon w-we don't have t-to set a date right away. You're still in love with me though, right?" She gave a nervous chuckle. "Ya' ain't said it once since ya' called."

The hurt flared like a wildfire, consuming what hope for their future remained. Enos couldn't answer her question without destroying everything.

"Enos? Are ya' still there?"

"Yeah," he said, sadly. "Daisy, I got business to deal with out here and I ain't sure what's gonna happen. I already said I can't make no plans. Can't that be good enough? Can ya' give me a little time? I'll be home before ya' know it."

"I ain't gonna let ya' push me out of your life, Enos. I won't. It ain't right to leave me behind to wonder what's gonna happen a month from now. Please answer my question. I need to know. Do you still want to be with me?"

Enos dropped the pencil on the desk and rubbed his forehead. He saw two sides of a coin and on one side was the image of Emily and Gus snuggling on the porch, the heart on the tree in Swallows Meadow, and Daisy in her wedding gown.

The other side of the coin reflected the darker side of love. Beth, living her life without the man she loved. Pa, trapped in a loveless marriage and Daisy's relief when he called off the wedding. Oh, how he had wanted her to talk him out of it. She didn't try hard enough.

Maybe this was his fault. He was the one who stopped trusting first.

Enos wanted what Emily and Gus shared. He wanted it with Daisy, but he felt so detached from her.

Gus had said, "Can't have a marriage without trust."

A lifetime of precious memories were stained with the disgust in Daisy's voice when she told him never to touch her again and years and years of watching her with every man but him. He was never good enough. What had changed other than his financial status?

Daisy was trying to hide it, but he could tell she was crying. "Enos? Are ya' still there? I love you. Can we still be together? Do you still love me?"

It was time to end the suffering for both of them. He choked back the pain, crushed at what he was about to do, but without trust, there was nothing to build on.

Enos couldn't lie to her. "I'll always be your friend and I'll always love what we had, Daisy Mae, but I can't trust ya' right now. I'm real sorry, but I can't do this no more. I-I'm gonna hang up now. Bye, Daisy."

"No! Enos, don't you dare hang-"

Enos slammed down the phone. It was done. A clean break. She was free to recover.

That didn't mean it was without consequence. Every dream he had of their future flashed before his eyes. They quickly faded away. He dropped his head in his arms as the floodgates opened and washed away the world he once hoped to share with Daisy.

A little later, in the quiet of her bedroom, Daisy hid her tears in the pillow and wept bitterly. She was going through with her plans.

Out of sight out of mind.

She would fix that. Daisy would prove that she loved him and bring him home. Back in Hazzard, he would remember who he was and what they had.

There was a soft knock on the door. "Daisy? It's Luke. Are ya' okay?"

"Hang on a sec." Daisy sat up and quickly wiped her tears. "Okay, come on in, Luke."

When Luke walked in, Daisy knew he was angry. He didn't know all the details of Wednesday's fight, specifically how much fault she carried. It was important that she hide her tears as much as possible. It would only make the situation worse.

The bed dipped as he sat next to her. "Daisy. Tell me what he's done to upset ya' now. This ain't right."

She took his hand. "It ain't his fault, Luke. He's just tryin' to push me away because he's hurtin' so bad. This money has him overwhelmed. He's in a strange place with people he's put on a pedestal and we need to bring him home. I need to bring him home. Will you help me?"

Luke squeezed her hand. "Of course I'll help ya', Daisy, but I ain't sure what can be done."

"Well, I do." Her mouth turned up in a confident smile. "I'm going to Wyoming to bring him back and I want you to come with me."

Luke balked. "Oh no. Just, slow down and think about this. I ain't going nowhere until I know everything that happened between the two of you Wednesday."

"Okay. You gotta deal."

Daisy gave him the details of their fight. She explained that it was her mistaken assumption and fear of rejection that led to a string of poorly chosen words and actions. She had been horribly wrong. Then she shared her concerns over their time apart and her plan. They had to get to Wyoming before the cattle drive left and convince him to come back to Hazzard so they could face the problems together.

"Well? What do ya' say?"

"I don't know, Daisy." Luke rubbed his palms on his jeans. "Ya' can't force him to do somethin' he don't want to do. Ya' might just push him further away. He needs some time."

"You know how he Enos gets when he hurts. He pushes people away. Right now, he's out there trying to forget me when what he really needs is to see my face. Once we're together, he won't be able to deny his feelings anymore! We can talk about things. How can I regain his trust when he ain't here?"

"By stayin' put. He's comin' back, Daisy. He's got th' ranch to deal with now and all that money. He's actually got a lot more troubles than any of us realize."

"Exactly. He needs to be at home, where we can help him deal with it - and by we I mean me." Daisy flipped her hair over her shoulder and lowered her eyes. "Luke, I love you and I respect your feelings on this, but I can't sit here and do nothin' while he's out there sufferin'. He's vulnerable with all that money. Women are going to throw themselves at him."

Luke laughed. "Right. Daisy. He's th' oldest virgin in Hazzard. Enos would break out in hives if another woman even looked at him that way. He ain't got a clue what to do with that kinda attention. He's way to insecure around women and quite frankly, most women ain't gonna find it attractive."

"Luke Duke! Enos is plenty attractive and they won't care about his inexperience. They'll just be after the money."

"Hey, I'm just sayin' I don't think ya' gotta worry about other women. Emily Rafferty is a different story. What happens if you get out there and she won't let you see him? What if he ain't ready to see you?"

Daisy waved a dismissive hand. "That ain't gonna happen."

"Why not?"

"Because he's loved me forever and that don't stop overnight. I'm going, Luke. Even if I have to go alone."

"Oh, Daisy." Luke groaned. Her mind was made up and that meant there was no changing it. "How ya' gonna pay for this?"

"I've been savin' my tip money since last Christmas. I already made th' reservations just in case this happened. I don't want to lose the money on th' second ticket, but I guess I'll have to bite th' bullet. The only flight I could get on short notice lands in Jackson Hole late tomorrow night. I'll rent a car and drive to the ranch Sunday morning."

This was the wrong move, but Luke felt responsible for her safety. He ran a flustered hand through his hair. "Okay. On one condition. You get to tell Uncle Jesse. I don't want ya' goin' alone, so you're gonna have to help me convince Boss and Rosco to give me an Interstate Compact Agreement."

"Oh Luke!" Daisy threw her arms around him. "Thank you! I can't tell ya' how much this means to me! I'll convince Boss and Rosco. Don't you worry."

"Don't thank me yet, Uncle Jesse may pull the plug on this whole deal. He ain't gonna approve. Best prepare yourself, because it ain't gonna be pretty."

~~**(Pt. 2)**~~

While Daisy made her plans to leave Hazzard, Enos paced the floor in the Rafter G office and tried to come to terms with the end of their romantic relationship. He was almost back to numb. He preferred that to crying like a baby or a hormonal woman every day.

In front of him, the office wall proudly displayed precious photos that Gus and Emily had saved over the years. There were pictures from his childhood, several included his father, but there was an obvious gap after Pa died.

Enos recalled mailing her the pictures from his time at the Academy and of the swearing in ceremony at the Metro Squad. Emily had saved several news clippings, too, but as he looked at the years of memories he saw the omissions. There were no pictures of him with Daisy, or riding horses with Beth. There hadn't been anyone around to take them. The rare photos he had with Daisy, once kept in his dresser, were packed away in a box with everything else he owned from the Boarding House.

His eyes landed on a small photo tucked in the corner, barely noticeable. He bent down to look closer. It was a picture of his parents, his mother's stomach was swollen with pregnancy.

His mother was rarely happy, but in this picture, she smiled like there wasn't a care in the world. It made sense. She always came to life when she was the center of attention. Pa stood behind her with his hands on her belly, but he looked stiff and uncomfortable. Enos wondered if he was thinking of Beth.

Enos had enough dark thoughts and left the office to find Gus and Emily. They were in the living room, snuggled together on the sofa by the fire. The lights were turned low and the fire crackled and popped as it gave off a warm amber glow.

Great. Another moment.

Emily waved him over. "Hey sweetheart. How did your call go?"

Enos heaved a tired sigh and looked at his shoes. He figured his face told her everything she needed to know.

She pointed to the pillows on the floor. "Ya' just pick that chin up and get over here."

"Yes ma'am."

Enos dragged himself across the room and dropped onto the pillows in front of them. He stared into the flames as they danced and tried to forget.

Gus's hand took his shoulder with a firm squeeze. "Son, if ya' did your best, ain't nothin' else can be done. I'm sorry for ya'. I know ya' had hopes."

Emily added, "She's a naïve girl, sweetheart. Ya' keep moving forward and do what ya' gotta do. The heartache will stop in time. I promise ya' it will."

"Yeah. I reckon."

Gus gave him a thump on the shoulder. "Cheer up. I got something I need ya' to do out in th' barn."

Enos glanced over his shoulder. "Now? It's almost 9:00 and I still gotta visit with th' Bradys. What's up?"

"Oh yeah." Gus snapped his fingers. "Forgot to tell ya'. The Bradys went to bed. Leanne had a big day and is awful tuckered. She promised to visit with ya' first thing tomorrow, before we go riding."

Enos frowned. "Why didn't y'all come get me earlier?" Emily smacked him over the head with her newspaper. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Because. You can only cope with so much stress at once."

Gus backed her up. "We ain't havin' ya' crack up. Now shush and listen!"

"Sorry, Miss Emily. Gus, I didn't mean to upset ya'."

Emily put her hand on his other shoulder. "We love ya'."

"I love y'all, too." Enos smiled and took her hand.

It was good to be loved. It felt like…home. If he had come here to live after Pa died, he never would have been lonely. His love for Daisy kept him in Hazzard and now the ranch was going to do the same.

"Gus, what was ya' needin' me to do in th' barn?"

"I thought ya' might want to take a look at your saddle before mornin'. Beth designed it and ask in her will for us to have it made special for ya'. We got it about six months ago. It's in th' tack room. Ya' can't miss it. It's got your initials on it and is th' only with th' Circle M brand tooled in th' skirt."

"All…of my initials?" he ducked expecting another whack, but it didn't come. The couple behind him chuckled instead.

"No…she knew better than to go and do that. It's already broke in and I've been usin' it on Tag. I'm sure ya' need to adjust th' stirrups since you're so dang tall." Gus gave him a slap to the shoulder. "Go on. It'll get your mind off things. Ya' need th' down time, son."

Enos nodded with a grin. "Okay. I'll go do that now."

He stood and kissed Emily on the cheek before walking to the front door. He grabbed his hat and coat and walked out.

When the door clicked shut, Gus looked down at Emily and ran a finger across her chin.

"He's gonna be fine, darlin'." Gus chuckled, "Besides, he's gonna find more than just saddles out there to take his mind off his troubles."

Emily narrowed an eye. "Gus. Just what are ya' up to now?"

"Oh, I didn't tell ya?"

"Augustus!"

"Okay, okay!" he snickered. "You wouldn't believe what I interrupted earlier."

Emily's eyes popped wide as she sat back. "No! Really? Oh my goodness! I thought I sensed it earlier."

"You sensed right, but she's scared. You understand why, she told me she's afraid he's gonna get sucked into th' problem and get hurt. She ain't in no position, we know that."

"It's awful." Emily sighed sadly. "A pretty young girl like that seeing and fighting such things alone. I wish we had some other way to help her."

"I know. I feel th' same way, but right now I want to take care of you. You've been busy takin' care of everybody all day." Gus sat forward and pulled her closer. "Ya' bring yourself back over her. I love ya and need to hold ya' for a spell."

Emily smiled and rested her head on his chest as Gus covered her with the quilt and held her in his arms.

Just as Emily drifted off, she whispered, "I love you, Gus."

"Love you, too, darlin'."

Out on the porch, Enos hitched his duster over his shoulders and jogged down the stairs. The mountain air was cold and he could see each breath as he walked towards the barn. He meandered, kicking a few small rocks and picking up a stick to whittle on later along the way.

A few lights were on inside the barn and he walked to the tack room as the horses welcomed him with nickers and whinnies. The sounds and smells of the barn took him back to his time at the Circle M, bringing along a sense of peace and belonging. Enos was comfortable here. He was in his element. Although he wasn't born to this life, Beth had taught him well and he loved being around horses. They helped him forget his troubles and listened to all his worries without complaint.

When he swung open the tack room door, there was a noise from the hayloft and he peered up into the darkness. He listened closely, but nothing followed. Perhaps it was the barn cat. Enos pulled his saddle out, threw it over a sturdy stand and stepped back to take a look.

Enos grinned. It was a custom roping saddle of the highest quality. Beth knew exactly what features he preferred and exceeded his expectations. He reached for the blevin buckle and heard another noise from the loft. The horses began to pace nervously. He ran for the switch and flooded the upper section of the barn with light. Someone, or something, scampered deep into the hay.

Whatever was up there was too large to be the barn cat. It was highly unlikely that a wild animal had gotten that high up. Especially not with simpler prey just outside in the chicken coop. Since everyone else was back at the cabin, an intruder was a very real possibility.

Enos quickly shut the main lights off to give himself an equal advantage, grabbed the flashlight from the wall, and darted up the ladder. He stopped at the top and peeked over the edge. There was no one there, just bales and bales of hay. Enos slowly climbed onto the decking and began his search.

The blueish beam of the light cut through rows of pitch-black as he made his way down the stacks of hay. Enos was halfway down the barn when he heard someone fall. He raised the flashlight and raced into the darkness, tripping over a rake. The flashlight dropped to the floor and he heard a 'clink' as it shattered. Unable to regain his footing, he fell forward into darkness.

Enos landed on the intruder and immediately heard a woman scream. A fist connected with his shoulder and another hand grabbed his hair, yanking his head back in preparation for a hard left hook.

"Ow! Stop it now!"

Instinct took over and Enos blocked the next punch by sheer luck. He fumbled around, finding both wrists. Tiny wrists, which he pinned above her head as he clamped his knees tightly against her hips.

"Ding dang it, that hurt! Who are ya' and what are ya' doing up here!"

Perfume hit his senses. He knew exactly who it was.

"Jenny!? Possum on a gumbush! I'm sorry!"

"Enos? Is that you?"

"Yes ma'am."

He quickly released his rather intimate hold, but didn't go far in the narrow aisle. Enos rested on his elbows and pushed himself back. Jenny fell into a fit of giggles and a fascinated grin spread across his face.

His eyes adjusted to the shadows and there she was, her beautiful face inches from his, her tiny figure lying in the hay underneath his massive frame.

Jenny continued to giggle, "Gus is such a slob. He should know better than to leave a rake up here. We're both lucky we didn't step on the business end of that thing and end up knocking ourselves senseless."

Once again, the sound of her voice and those gorgeous eyes made him forget himself. Even in the dark, they twinkled like jewels.

Enos gazed down at her with concern. "Did I hurt ya'? Why didn't ya' say somethin'?"

"Oh, I'm fine. I wasn't expecting anybody out here. I was…I just…I come up here to think sometimes and…I…"

The giggles settled and for a moment they simply gazed at one another.

Jenny stumbled over her words, saying, "I'm sorry…about um…Gus coming in earlier."

That was by far the wrong thing to say.

Once again, electricity shot through the air as he recalled their earlier encounter. There was a powerful rush of excitement, like he was on a plane just before takeoff. Here they were alone, the chances of being interrupted slim to none, and the most succulent lips mere inches from his.

Enos could feel her curves rise and fall dramatically with each breath. She gazed up at him and he wondered what she thought when she looked at him. Was she feeling the same excitement? She was the epitome of exquisite femininity, yet his shoulder was still on fire from the blow she landed. That was one attractive mixture...and powerfully seductive.

Enos reached up to pull a piece of hay from her hair and Jenny went perfectly still. Her breath caught and a slow blink acted like a switch. He was headed for takeoff. Enos came to his senses. He needed to get off the runway before the engines on his plane hit full power.

"I'm sorry, Jenny. I sure didn't mean to scare ya'. I'll help ya' up."

"Yes, of course. We should…let me...I'll just-"

Jenny began to move before he could climb off her. When that curvy little body wiggled beneath him, the jet powered up and he nearly came unglued. Enos quickly pushed up with his feet before his hormones got the better of him, but he slipped on the loose hay.

He fell on her a second time with a loud grunt. She burst into blissful laughter. Enos did the same, but continued his efforts to regain his footing. He again pushed up but was laughing too hard to be effective.

"Jenny…I…c-can't get…I gotta move…I'm-"

When his body involuntarily reacted, he panicked and rolled to the side like she was on fire. She turned to her side and he hoped she couldn't see his deep blush as he faced her."

"I'm sorry for hitting you." She tipped her head to the side and her hair fell, resting in wavy puddles around her shoulders. "What brings you out here anyway? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"Me? Oh, no ma'am." He had already been beat on once this week by a girl. Enos wasn't about to admit to a second time. "I was just pullin a saddle for th' ride in th' mornin'."

"Oh, good. I'm afraid I can be a little um... guarded. My brother is a black belt. When we moved to the states and discovered the joy of pizza, I learned to fight for that last piece. Sometimes I get carried away."

"Where'd ya' live before?"

"Scotland. I haven't been there since I was twelve though."

"Possum on a gumbush." He thought there was a hint of an accent there, but it was very faint. Enos pulled another piece of hay from her hair and twirled a silky strand around his finger. "I don't mind sharin' my pizza. I'll even give ya' th' last piece."

"Ah, I knew you were noble. Although," she leaned closer and moved her hand tenderly across his chest. "Maybe you should wait until you've tried my homemade pizza."

"Are ya' offerin' to cook for me?" Enos shifted forward to run his hand up and down her arm.

A playful smile danced over her lips. "Well, I probably can't swing pizza until we're back from the cattle drive, but I can roast a mean marshmallow. S'mores are another one of my specialties." Her eyes smoldered and her voice went as smooth as cream. "I like sweet things."

"Me, too," he said, fascinated by the sound of her voice. "You're awful sweet, Miss Jenny."

He wondered if she knew how she affected him. It was incredible how comfortable he felt with her. When they were together, it's was like nothing else existed. Enos moved his fingers into her hair, tucking it behind her ear.

Her lashes lowered, she tipped her head back slightly and he traced the gentle curve of her neck with his fingertips. The first few buttons where open on her western blouse and she wore a tight tank top beneath it. Enos brushed her collar aside and paused when his fingers reached her necklace. His eyes lowered to the pendant, which hung above some very dangerous curves.

"Jenny, I should probably-"

"Shh." Jenny pressed a delicate finger to his lips. If she were to ask him to jump off a cliff right now, he would do it with a smile.

Enos slid his arm around her waist. "You are so...so…"

"Clumsy?"

"I'm th' clumsy one. You're...breathtaking."

Enos rolled her back and moved above her. Captivated, he gazed down at this mysterious woman. She never did say why she was hiding up here. His eyes focused on those pink lips. The plane began to roll. There was no stopping now, he couldn't help himself. When her hands ran over his shoulders, he gave into his desires and pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss.

A voice in his head told him to stop, they just met, he was going to get hurt. He didn't care about any of that. The plane gained momentum, barreling down the runway. Her mouth blended with his in a kiss that was otherworldly. It was better than he ever imagined it would be. Her lips were so soft, so warm and sweet.

Her arms wrapped around his neck and a tiny whimper sent his plane closer to liftoff. Those invisible ribbons wrapped around them, forming a protective cocoon of desire. He wanted her, yearned for her, savored every moment. The kiss became needy, hot, intoxicating.

Enos knew he was losing control when the landing gear left the ground and his palms began to itch. He wanted to explore her, every part of her, but he didn't dare move his hands from their already dangerous positions. He refused to disrespect her, but when she arched her back and moaned into his kiss, he felt his resolve slip. Every curve was pressed against him and those tiny mewing sounds were about to put him past the point of no return. He was forced to put on the brakes…slowly.

Enos backed away from her lips, eyes closed and heart whamming. He pressed his forehead to hers and said, "Oh, Jenny. I should go." He slowly cranked his eyes open. "You're so beautiful, but I gotta go, or I'm not gonna be able to stop."

"I'd like to spend more time with you, Deputy." Her fingers ran through his hair. "I-I mean, if you um...unless you don't-"

"Shucks, Jenny. You're gonna have trouble keepin' me away. I really gotta go. I don't want to, but I got too much respect for ya'."

"Oh, Deputy, I knew you would be sweet." Jenny took his face in her hands. "Thank you. It's been a long time since I had something to smile about." She placed another tender kiss on his lips before letting him go.

He wondered what she meant. What had she been through that would keep her from smiling? Or make her so guarded? He planned to find out the answer to both questions.

"Ya' got a really great smile." Enos stood and pulled her to her feet. He walked her out of the dark corner, but she paused at the ladder. "Ain't ya' comin?"

"Mm-hmm. I'll be right behind you." She pulled the hay from his hair and blushed. "Gus and Emily were on the couch when I left. You go first."

"Oh. Oh, yeah." He held her hand as she sat on one of the haybales. "Be careful up here. I'll watch for ya', to be sure ya' make it inside safe, okay?"

"You're too good to be true. I'll see you in the morning, right?"

"Yes ma'am." Enos let go of her hand and stepped onto the ladder. "I'll try to come out to th' barn early. We can talk while we tack up th' horses."

"Perfect. I'd like that. After breakfast then."

"Yes ma'am." Enos's heart swelled in his chest. "Goodnight, Miss Jenny."

She smiled and tipped her head to the side, "Goodnight, Deputy."

Deputy. Enos was so smitten he missed the next rung on the ladder, but caught himself before he fell out of the hayloft. Jenny giggled and he grinned back, waggling his fingers at her before climbing to the ground. He turned the lights back on to keep her safe.

As he walked back to the house, he could still smell her perfume, feel her body beneath him and taste the sweetness of her lips. This wasn't anything like him. He did not do this with women, especially women he had just met, but Jenny was different. Something about her called to him and he was more than willing to answer.

He was headed for the shower…a very cold one.

Once inside, he quietly hung his coat and hat, being careful not to wake Gus and Emily. He caught sight of Jenny walking across the lawn and hurried up the stairs. He was on the landing outside his room when she came in the front door.

Their eyes met again and her lips curved in a sexy smile. While Jenny slipped off her coat, they cast playful looks across the room. He waved and reached back for his doorknob. After missing it twice, Jenny shook her head and covered her lips to keep from giggling. He finally caught hold and turned the knob as Emily's voice interrupted their flirtation

"It's about time ya' got back. I've been wonderin' if ya' were gonna spend th' whole night out there."

"Emily!" Jenny's eyes snapped to the side. "I, ahem. I thought you were asleep."

"Oh, no. I ain't going to bed until all my young-uns are in safe and sound." She tossed the quilt over the couch and shook Gus. "If Gus sleeps on th' couch all night he's gonna be a grump in th' mornin'. Gus. Augustus! Wake up, Jenny's back. Time for bed."

"Mmm, huh?" Gus sat up and faced Jenny. "Oh, hey Jenny! Ya' got hay in your hair. You been funnin' with Enos in th' barn?" His boisterous laugh filled the living room.

"Augustus!" Emily scolded

Ding dang it, Gus!

Enos banged his head against the door. He didn't regret it, but he didn't want Jenny to be embarrassed.

Jenny could handle herself. "Shame on you, Gus! I've been thinking a lot about my brothers. What do you expect me to look like after dozing off in all that hay?"

"Oh hush girl. Ain't no need to get all riled up. I'm just funnin' with ya'! Ya' go on to bed now."

Jenny shot him a piqued look and then rushed up the stairs.

Enos gave Jenny another smile, went into his room and shut the door.

Gus turned to his wife and whispered, "Ya' believe that?"

"Not for a second."

Once back in his room Enos couldn't stop smiling. Jenny was turning out to be a beacon of light in his dark harbor. Daisy crossed his mind, but he shoved the memory away. He enjoyed what he just shared with this woman too much to regret it. Besides, he was free to explore this.

He took a very cold shower and threw on a pair of warm sweats and a t-shirt. Enos retrieved his notebook and the diary from 1959 before climbing into bed. He was too excited to sleep anyway and hoped to finish this year and visit with the Bradys in the morning.

If he knew what he would find, he might have thought twice.

He had left off in October. Enos began to read but he didn't get far before he found it. Beth's writing had become sporadic in her illness. She was terribly anxious. The grief over his father's marriage to Agnes had left her with a broken heart and a million regrets. She was losing weight and sick, vomiting a lot. Then Enos came across an entry that stopped his heart. Beth had scheduled a doctor's appointment.

"I see Doc Appleby in the morning, but I'm terrified! It has to be the stress! God, please let it be the stress! This can't be happening to me, not now! I'm never late!"

At a busy gas station across from Central Park, a man in a leather jacket walked up to the payphone and quickly checked his surroundings before dropping his coins. He was big and broad, with a scar below his ear and a job to complete.

"Yeah, it's me. - I know how late it is, just get a message to Monroe! The only way to get there is to fly into Jackson Hole late Saturday and drive in Sunday morning, but it's not a problem. Tell him it's a go. - Right, right. By Monday night, it's all over but the funeral."