Windows To Ambiguity

Sometimes we must
unfocus our way to clarity
.

~Terri Guillemets


It was a thirty-minute ride at a fast pace to the campground at Bear Creek. Enos was sick with worry as he flew across the ground on Tag. Jenny was in and out of consciousness. Her arms wrapped around him weakly and everywhere her body touched his, blistering heat from the fever seeped into his skin.

Enos glanced over his shoulder. Dan was back a little, but keeping up. It seemed to take forever, but soon he saw the warm glow of lanterns hanging on poles, and cozy cabins waiting to be filled with people up on a hill. Tag put on a burst of speed and they raced into the campground. He hurried towards Hosea, who was setting up tables for dinner.

Enos gave Jenny a gentle squeeze, "Almost there, hon. How are ya' feelin'?"

"Aw-awful."

"Hold on. It ain't far now."

Hosea saw the men coming and hurried towards the cabins to meet them. Dan was right behind Enos when he slowed to a stop.

Hosea grabbed both horses. "Senorita Jenny? What has happened!?"

"She's sick." Dan jumped down. "Hosea, I need you to tie the horses and bring me a bucket of ice, hurry."

"Sí, right away."

Enos gathered Jenny closer and handed the black bag to Dan, but when the young medic reached for Jenny, he refused.

"I got her, Dan. Just show me where to take her."

"Follow me."

Enos swung a leg over the saddle horn and looked into Jenny's heavy-lidded eyes. "I need ya' to put you're arms around my neck, okay? I don't wanna hurt ya'."

Her lips curved into a small smile as her arms slipped around his neck. Enos was careful to land easy and his heart thumped away with contentment. She was in his arms again...if only she wasn't so terribly ill.

He wasn't leaving her side until she was well enough to talk about things. Enos gently carried her up the steps where he followed Dan into one of the cabins.

"Here." Dan gestured to the bed. "Put her down."

Enos lowered her to the bed.

"Please, don't go." Jenny shivered and fisted her hands in his duster. "Stay."

"Aw, Jenny." Enos nuzzled her nose. "Dan needs to take care of ya'. I'll be right here."

Her brow crinkled and a tear escaped. "Deputy, we need to talk. I never meant to hurt you, but I had to leave. I could get you killed. I'm sorry."

He caught the tear with his finger. "Hey, ya' need to let Dan take care of ya', then we can talk about that. I'll keep ya' safe."

Enos took her hands and kissed her fingers as he gazed into those beautiful eyes. Even though they were full of tears and glassy with fever, to him they were the most beautiful eyes in the world. They looked straight into his heart and fueled a flame that had been holding a lonely vigil since they last saw one another.

Dan cleared his throat. "Sorry guys, but can ya' do this later? She needs an IV and I gotta get that fever down before things get worse."

Enos kissed her forehead and stepped back.

Dan got right to work. "Enos, when Hosea gets here, tell him I want about four buckets of ice in the bathtub. Run a couple of inches of water in it. Cool water. Then grab a bunch of towels. Dependin' on how high this fever is we might have to cool her down fast."

"Yes, sir." Enos tossed his hat aside and got busy.

Hosea came to the door with the first bucket and Enos passed on Dan's instructions while he ran water in the tub. He found the towels and soaked a small one in the frigid water, rung it out and hurried to Jenny's side. He gently placed it over her forehead. Dan had started the IV and was putting her under the covers after pulling off her boots and helping her out of her duster.

"She's shiverin' awful bad, Dan." Enos tucked the quilt under her chin.

Dan sighed, "Her fever is pretty high, 103, but I've given her something in the IV. I'll watch it real close to see if it's going down."

Jenny whimpered, "I'm so cold."

"That's the fever, Cowgirl." Dan smiled at his patient. "The IV is runnin' fast and it makes ya' feel cold, too. Enos? Grab an extra blanket for her and let's keep her warm. I'm hoping this fever will break soon."

"Yeah, I hope so, too." Enos spread another blanket over her.

Dan took Jenny's chin and turned her gaze to his. "All right, Cowgirl. Where are ya' hurting? What do ya' think caused th' fever?"

She rolled her eyes and chuckled. "I hurt everywhere, my ribs, my back, but it burns near my left shoulder. It's Gus's fault, I'm gonna kick his-"

"Not tonight ya' won't." Dan replied. "Gus has been kicking himself all day. I can give ya' something for th' pain, but I'll need to look at that shoulder."

Jenny scoffed.

Dan narrowed his eyes. "Come on, Cowgirl. I just need your shoulder. Now roll over, loosen that shirt, and let me see it."

She huffed. "Dan, I just need the fever to break. It's not that bad."

Dan was familiar with her stubborn personality. He bent down, hands on his knees and looked her in the eye.

"Ya' loosen that shirt and show me that shoulder or I'll give ya' enough pain meds to knock ya' senseless. Then you can sit back and wonder about it later."

"Dan!"

"Do it!"

"Jackass." Jenny winced as she rolled away from him and opened a couple of buttons on her blouse.

Dan pulled back the shirt and exposed her shoulder. It was obviously the source of her fever.

Heaving a sigh, Dan said. "There's an infected wound back here. It where the shotgun cartridge got ya. Jenny, I'm sorry, but I gotta clean it out and it's deep."

She closed her eyes. "Damn."

Dan stood and pulled Enos aside. "I'm gonna need ya' in front of her. Take her hands and hold her still. It's gonna hurt. I'll give her more pain medicine, but I suspect there's debris in the wound. Numbing it ain't gonna be enough, it's deep. The stuff I need to knock her out is in th' wagon, but we can't wait. She's gonna feel it."

Enos's heart sank. "Ain't there some other way? Can't ya' do somethin' else?"

"No." There was clear anguish in Dan's blue eyes. "I don't have options out here. Just do th' best ya' can and try to keep her focused on ya'."

While Dan set up, Enos tossed his duster over a chair and crawled up next to Jenny. He threaded their fingers together and she opened her eyes.

She had a dazed look. "Hey, you."

Enos grinned. "Hey, Jenny. I'll be right here holdin' ya', okay?"

"Mm-hmm." She sighed. "Deputy? I forgot the marshmallows."

"I didn't forget, hon."

Dan chuckled, "Okay, Cowgirl, don't slug him now. The more ya' relax the faster I'm done."

Enos felt like a fist was clenched around his heart as he gazed at Jenny. Her eyes held something between thankfulness for his presence and a pleading to take her away from the inevitable.

She tightened her grip on his hands and smiled. "I'm so glad you're here, Dep-"

Jenny let out a blood-curdling scream and blacked out.

"Oh, Jenny!" Enos's heart twisted beneath his breastbone.

"It's for th' best." Dan said. "I'll work as fast as I can."

While Dan worked, Enos tenderly wiped the tiny beads of sweat from her brow. He prayed she wasn't feeling it any more. If he could have taken her pain, he would have.

Dan finished and dressed the wound. When it was all over, Jenny was wearing Enos's blue flannel shirt and was still out cold. He never left her side.

After drying his hands, Dan sat in the rocker near the bed and explained.

"There was a small piece of plastic from the shotgun cartridge in there. I got it out, drained the infection and cleaned the wound. She should start to improve now. Just stay with her. She's gonna feel a lot better by morning."

"Thanks, Dan" Enos kept his eyes on Jenny, waiting for any sign that she was waking.

Time passed slowly. Eventually she shifted.

Enos was there. "Hey, Jenny. Are ya' back?"

"D-Deputy?"

"Yeah." Enos smiled and traced her jaw with his thumb. "I'm right here. It's over, Dan said you're gonna feel better. Are ya' in any pain?"

"Not bad, I'm so tired." She looked over her shoulder. "Thanks, Dan."

"Hey, that's what I'm here for, Cowgirl." Dan had shot to his feet the moment she moved. Enos thought his voice sounded a bit…strained. "Go back to sleep. Let Enos help ya'. I'll be right outside if there's anything y'all need."

Dan caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers, gave a reassuring smile and walked out.


On the small landing that connected the cabins, Dan stood in the cool night air and looked out at the river as the moon shimmered off the rippling water. With a sad sigh, he sat on the top step and ran his hands through his thick hair.

"Dammit."

The young medic had met Jenny when she came to visit the ranch several years ago. The two had developed a very comfortable, easy friendship during her last several visits. Dan fell deeply in love, but he never had the courage to tell her how he felt. He was always afraid of losing what they had, but now it was too late. The way she looked at Enos was the way he had dreamt of her looking at him.

Light from the cabin windows cast shadows on the landing and he looked up at the clear night sky. He thought back to the night he found her gazing at the stars on a blanket. She asked him to join her. Jenny had chattered away, pointing out the different constellations while the moonlight bathed her in a shimmering silver glow.

Dan should have told her that night that he loved her. None of this would have happened, she wouldn't be sick, in another man's arms, but he loved her enough to stay silent. As painful as it was, Dan wanted her happiness more than his own.

"I'll always love ya', Cowgirl. Be happy for both of us, because I'll never find anyone else."


Back inside the cabin, Enos slid his gun and holster under the pillow. He kicked off his boots and stretched out, laying his head next to hers. Jenny was met with spectacular hazel eyes, sweet, tender and oh, so terribly innocent.

Jenny said lowly, "Deputy, I need to tell you some things. My name, the reason-"

"I know." A tender finger pressed against her lips. "Ya' need to rest, Jenny MacFarland. Gus let me in your room so I could read about th' case. I'm sure sorry. I didn't know you were in trouble. I wish ya' had come to me, but I'm here now. I'm stayin' and as long as I'm with ya', nobody is gonna hurt ya. I ain't gonna hurt ya' ever again."

A tear slid down her rosy-red cheek. Enos knew everything, but he wasn't afraid. He still cared. Except for her brothers, no one ever had gone this far for her. In fact, no one had ever cared for her in this way, invoked such warm feelings or made her go soft inside. Yet, fears remained.

"This is dangerous, Deputy." Jenny looked into his eyes with intensity. "I couldn't stand it if you were hurt because of me."

"I took an oath, Jenny. I'm an officer of th' law and I can take care of both of us."

Jenny wanted to melt into him, but a brick wall was standing between them. One he seemed oblivious to.

Frost dripped from her words. "I'm sure your fiancé is going to be real pleased with that. For pity's sake, Deputy, I saw her. She came all the way across the country for you." Jenny swallowed the painful lump in her throat. "If you love her you should-"

"Ya' don't get it."

"Oh?"

"No." He announced vehemently. "She ain't my fiancé, Jenny. She hasn't been for a long time and I don't want to talk about her until you've rested. When you're better, I'll tell ya' everything ya' want to know."

"But, we can't ignore the-"

"Hush." His finger traced her bottom lip. "Ever since you left, all I've thought about is you. I want ya' to rest. Now, can I do anythin' for ya'?"

"You're a stubborn mule." Jenny smiled. "I'm still cold."

"Let me get ya' another blanket."

"No." Jenny's hands skittered up his chest. "Stay. Keep me warm, while I still have you to myself."

"Yes ma'am."

Enos crawled under the covers and carefully pulled her to him.

Jenny was going to live this precious moment, even though she would probably regret it later. Eventually he would realize she was a rebound, nothing more, but there were so few moments of joy in her life. She was tired. Enos was so attentive and tender. For once, she wanted to forget the dangers and just be.

She put her head on his shoulder and felt the beat of his heart beneath that strong chest. He pulled the quilt around them and cupped her face with his hand as his cheek came to rest against her forehead. His touch, his smell, his very presence, was so incredibly wonderful. With a content sigh, she closed her eyes.

For this precious moment, however fleeting it may be, Deputy Strate belonged to her.


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


Bella was a powerful mare and Daisy was finding the physical part of riding far easier. The sun had gone down and the moonlight peeked through the trees like a silvery lantern. Gus led her further ahead of the group where they were alone and Daisy waited patiently for him to begin.

Gus sat back in his saddle. "Daisy, this is gonna be a tough conversation. We don't dislike ya', but ya' got to deal with Enos in a different way."

"Mr. Rafferty, he told me about Beth being his mother, but what happened to him after he left Hazzard? He's so different."

"Well," Gus clicked his tongue. "He is different. Things happened that have forced him to change. He had a long drive, he was alone and upset. Enos has been dealing with Beth's final wishes. He learned about her relationship with his father while he was dealing with losing you. He called, several times, all broke up over th' things that were said and done between ya'. Emily shed a mess of tears over him this week. Enos was awful close to exhaustion in Nebraska and it scared us both. Tell me somethin', why in the sam-hill did ya' do and say th' things ya' did if ya' love him?"

Daisy's face grew hot. "Mr. Rafferty, I appreciate what you're tryin' to do and I thank ya' for it, but I made this mistake. I was scared and my pride got in th' way. I'm sorry, but the details are personal. It's between Enos and me."

"Not anymore." Gus didn't back off. "Ya' came here uninvited after rippin' his heart outta his chest like some wild animal. Ya' let me share some things and just sit there and listen. I ain't claiming to have th' answers, but I do want what's best for all of ya'."

Daisy bit back the frustration. "Yes, sir. I'm listening."

Gus ran his fingers over his mustache. "Enos was real close to Beth and he loved her dearly. If you hadn't been so busy playin' around with Darcy Kincaid that summer, maybe you would've noticed he was spending every free moment of his time with her. Ya' ain't asked him nothin' about th' horse he's riding. Do you know anything about that, or how Beth and Enos met?"

How did Gus know about Darcy? "No sir, but he said he would tell me. Now, he's not talking to me."

"That's because it's too soon. He's still hurtin'." Gus sighed. "I'll let him tell ya' th' details, but she taught him a lot, including everything he knows about horses. Enos and Beth shared a bunch during that summer, but she couldn't tell him certain things before she died."

"Like th' fact she was his mother?"

"Exactly. She wanted him out here with us, away from th' gossip mongerin' community y'all live in to tell him th' truth. She's giving him a choice by coming here. Daisy, Enos ain't had nothin' but stress since before y'all fought. That fight complicated things. Now Jenny is involved and she's a big comfort to him. There's a connection there. None of us expected it, but it's new and it's very real. You're gonna lose him if ya' don't lighten up a bit. Th' problem ain't love, it's trust."

"I can't rebuild his trust if he ain't talkin' to me, Mr. Rafferty. I've told him I'm sorry, but he don't want to talk about it. It's easier for him to push me away than it is to make a commitment to start over. I think Jenny is a convenient rebound and she's complicating our reconciliation. I don't know how to help him remember what we had."

"Daisy. He ain't ready."

"Yet he jumped in a relationship with Jenny!? No. I'm not talking marriage, Mr. Rafferty. I'm talking about us working things out as a couple, because we love each other."

"That's a thin line." Gus said. "You're still talkin' commitment and that takes trust, sweetheart. Now, whatever is between Jenny and Enos will shake out and like it or not, ya' ain't got no say in that. I'm on one side, Enos's. You can remind him of what ya' had and tell him you're sorry until hell freezes over. That ain't gonna fix it. I do believe Enos loves you, but ya' gotta slow down and start over."

"I'm not gonna just let Jenny have him! How do I start over and give him space at th' same time?"

"Cut him some slack would ya'? He's watched you date quite a few fellas, am I right?"

"Yes sir, but not while we were engaged!"

"So, does that change th' way he felt? Do I need to remind ya'? Daisy, y'all ain't engaged. He don't want to go down that road. Not now."

Daisy closed her eyes to hold in the tears. "Mr. Rafferty. This ain't helpin' me."

"I'm sorry for ya', girl. I truly am." Gus shook his head and patted her arm. "I know this hurts. Try, asking him easy things. Ask him th' name of his horse. Ask him how he got it. How he met Beth, those sorts of things, get him to open up about the things he's kept hidden because he had to. Listen, listen and listen some more. See what I mean? I think starting with his horse is a good place."

"W-wait. That horse he's riding is plum crazy!" Daisy's eyes went wide with fear. "I saw how it took off with him and so did you! He can't handle a horse that big and wild! He's gonna get killed! He shouldn't be riding something like that."

Gus swore under his breath and adjusted his hat. "I, am gonna pretend like I didn't hear that."

"I can't help it. I'm losing him. When he was in L.A..." Daisy looked away, her biggest fears just beneath the surface. "This world wouldn't be th' same without him in it."

"Oh Daisy. Let him be a man. Emily worries about me every trail ride. Enos worries about you workin' in that bar. Bad things happen and we all have fears, I worry about him all th' time. Being a cop was what Enos was born to do. Now he's got the ranch. He's gonna do just fine with it."

Daisy kept her gaze on the trail ahead. "I want to be a part of his life. He's got this whole world that he's kept from me. Was he that close to Beth?"

"Yes ma'am. Beth and that ranch mean more now than they ever did. It's his by blood, his family legacy. You know what that means. Don't you worry about Enos on that ranch. Beth was th' best in her work. She could do amazing things with horses, just like her father and her father's father before her. Enos is just like his great-grandfather. Shoot, Beth's father always said, 'Horses are in the O'Connell blood' and he wanted a big...a big...family…" Gus stopped Pete.

Daisy also stopped and turned to face him. "Mr. Rafferty?" His eyes had a distant, almost hunted look. "Gus?"

He pulled out his bandana and wiped his forehead, pausing over his eyes. "Daisy, I would never, ever, risk that boy's life by puttin' him on an animal that wasn't safe. He's th' son we-"

Gus turned away from her. Something had really upset him, but she wasn't sure what it was or what she should say.

Daisy bit her lip. "Mr. Rafferty, are ya' all right?"

Gus cleared his throat and kept his gaze away from her. When he spoke, he didn't answer her question, but the emotion was obvious.

"Daisy, just start over with him. Don't crowd him. Don't push him and for Pete's sake don't back him in a corner again. Talk to him like ya' met him yesterday, even though ya' didn't. If you don't he's gonna walk right outta your life. I guarantee it. Now take Bella and go back to Luke where ya' belong."

"Mr. Rafferty, I appreciate-"

"Go on now. Don't hurt th' boy no more." When his voice cracked with grief, Gus moved ahead by himself.

Daisy turned and rode back to Luke in deep thought. The couple didn't have any children of their own. Maybe they had lost a child along the way.

Gus had given her some things to consider. She was so caught up with obtaining Enos's forgiveness that she hadn't asked him about Beth, or the quest he had been sent to complete. She was going to change that. Tonight.

When she reached the back of the line, Reid had joined Luke and the two were having a friendly conversation.

Luke looked up with a smile. "Hey, Daisy. How did your talk go with Mr. Rafferty? He didn't upset ya' did he?"

"He better not have." Reid said defensively. "Daisy, you just feel free to ride with me or take a walk after supper. We should be to camp any minute. It might do you some good to get away."

Daisy flipped her hair back and moved Bella alongside Luke. "Reid, you sure are sweet to me, but it wasn't like that. Mr. Rafferty was just trying to help. I got a lot on my mind and I need to talk to Luke, but will ya' ask me again about the walk after supper? Do ya' mind?"

"For a pretty girl like you? Of course I don't mind!" Reid flashed that million dollar smile. "You have a good talk. I'd be honored to spend time with you later."

You're coming with me, doll. I'm sure of it!


Periodic moonbeams penetrated the canopy and Bear Creek flowed lazily nearby as Drake walked next to Joe on the trail. He had made good time, but was still a long way from camp. He was forced to rest the stallion, or he would never make it.

Drake had taken Jaxon to Emily and the woman was so thrilled to see them she burst into tears. When Emily threw her arms around him, it felt so unfamiliar. She did it with such ease. His father touted him the strongest and the smartest, but it had been fifteen years since someone outside his family had shown him affection. He certainly didn't receive affection from his father. Loyalty, family pride and a fierce sense of duty, yes. Care and compassion? No. That had died along with Finn.

Drake wished he were able to touch, or be touched, as easily as Emily. To touch anyone meant lowering that impenetrable brick wall around his heart. Drake walked through life with that wall. It was necessary to hold back all the grief and sorrow. Drake wasn't going to allow his sister to be put on the grief side of his fortress. She kept the small part of him going that still felt anything at all.

His feisty sister had ignored their father's obsessive ramblings. Jenny was the best with weapons, any weapon, but her father told her that her empathy and compassion was a weakness that should be expelled from her life. Drake was grateful she didn't listen.

She loved her brothers unconditionally and filled a big hole after their mother disappeared. They took care of each other and he loved her dearly. His decision to reunite them had come quickly when Jaxon went missing. By not telling Jenny of his plans to rescue Jaxon, Drake thought he was protecting her. She would've risked her life alongside him rather than stay away.

That had been a mistake. He should've gotten her out and together they should have extracted Jaxon from Wallace Monroe's clutches. Drake walked along, praying silently that he would reach Reid Duncan and end his life, before the affection Jenny held for Emily's godson brought her back into the line of fire.

I'm coming, precious one. I'll end Duncan and find ya. Then the family will not be parted again.


Bear Creek was one of the nicest places to stay on the trail. The facilities were well maintained and it was easy to pack in and out, allowing for plenty of time to socialize. There was lots of room to move and the guests could fish at the river just below the camp. In the morning, they would gather the cattle and move on to the next stop, if Jenny was able.

After the group arrived, Gus instructed everyone to secure the horses for the night and relax until suppertime. Hosea had already started dinner and the only thing left to do was pull the dinnerware out of the wagon. He asked Barney to take his horse and went to check with Dan.

He found the medic brooding on the top step of Jenny's cabin.

"Dan?"

"Hey Gus."

Gus rested a foot on the upper stair and a hand on his knee. "How's our girl?"

Dan kept his eyes on his work. "Her fever's down to 102. She had an infected wound, but I think I got to it before she went septic. Last time I checked she was sleeping."

Gus tipped his hat back. "Her fever is down. Down, to 102."

"Yeah. It was almost 104 when we got here. I was surprised she didn't go into seizures. She's responding real well to the antibiotics." Dan stopped whittling and looked up at his mentor. "It scared me, Gus."

"Yep." Gus nodded. "I reckon it did. Where's Enos?"

Dan scowled and averted his gaze. "He's with her."

"Dan." Gus waited for sad blue eyes to meet his. "I know ya' feel powerful strong for Jenny. Is this gonna be a problem?"

"No. It's fine." Dan smiled. "I'll get over it. It don't change nothin'."

"Yeah, that's a load of bullcrap." Gus sighed. "Look, I'm gonna check on them and I'll see ya' at supper. Ya' done real good, Dan. If ya' need to talk, come find me. Anytime, understand?"

"Yes sir."

Gus patted Dan's shoulder and walked into the cabin. With a quiet chuckle, he strolled towards the bed where Jenny was sleeping, cradled in Enos's arms.

Enos had fallen asleep, too. His cheek rested against her forehead and Beth's diary was still open in his hand. Gus carefully took the precious book and put it on the night table.

Stroking Jenny's cheek he whispered, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I didn't mean to hurt ya'."

Gus sighed and left the room, locking the cabin door on the way out.

He joined Dan on the stairs. "Keep that door locked if ya' ain't right here. When can she travel, do ya' know?"

"She should be good by morning, but it would be easier on her to stay here a day, or at least leave later tomorrow. They both could use th' rest after everything they've gone through. Hey, we got any soup in th' wagon?"

"Yeah, we do." Gus leaned back with his weight on his elbows. "I'll talk to the guests later and see about movin' out tomorrow afternoon, or just waitin' until Tuesday. We can make up th' time somewhere. Supper is about ready. C'mon. You can help me with th' cabin assignments. Sittin' here feelin' sorry for yourself ain't gonna help nothin'. Let's go."

"Whatever you say, Gus."


The moment Daisy arrived at camp she began searching for Enos. Luke offered to unsaddle Bella and she gleefully accepted.

Slow. She was taking this slow. They wouldn't talk about their relationship, or the fight. She was going to talk about Beth. There was no pressure involved and he was limited to people he could tell about his mother.

It would be just the two of them, talking and sharing secrets like they used to. She strolled through camp toward the cabins, convinced that each minute spent talking about Beth was a minute he couldn't share with Jenny. He didn't know her well enough to share such personal details.

Daisy was near the campfire when she saw Dan and Gus sitting outside one of the cabins like two guard dogs. Enos had to be in there, but it was highly doubtful Gus would let her inside. Daisy took a seat on one of the empty benches at the campfire and waited for the men to leave.

Across from her an older couple talked quietly. Seated beside her, three women were deep in gossip and to the other side two men spoke with a couple of young women. One of the men had a bandaged hand.

"Broken fingers," he announced to the lady. "The guy jumped me, but in the end, he went down for the count."

The woman tittered with her friend and noticed Daisy. Suddenly everyone was looking at her. She was the one on the "ride of shame" after all. Daisy felt her cheeks warming again. She was use to people looking at her at the Boar's Nest, but this was embarrassing. She forced a smile and introduced herself.

"Hey y'all. I'm Daisy Duke. I'm from Hazzard County, Georgia. Nice to meet ya'."

They went around the circle making introductions and the mood lifted. Daisy relaxed and let herself enjoy the conversation. Luke arrived and joined the group. It wasn't until Gus came over to give cabin assignments and announce supper that she realized the cabin stoop was empty. She joined Luke in the line to get their key.

"Mr. Rafferty." Luke shook the man's hand. "How is Jenny?"

Gus handed over the cabin key. "She's better. Thanks for asking. I'll tell y'all more at supper, but go on and get settled. I'll see ya' in a bit."

"Much obliged." Luke nodded.

Daisy added, "If there's anything we can do to help, please let us know."

"I appreciate that, Daisy. I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I hope y'all know Emily and I mean well."

"Yes sir." Luke replied. "Uncle Jesse speaks highly of ya'. C'mon Daisy, let's get somethin' to eat."

As they walked towards the meal line, Daisy still didn't see Enos, but she did see her opportunity. He had to be in that cabin and right now the step was empty.

"Luke, I'll catch up."

"Daisy, what now?"

"I gotta go!" Daisy left him behind and hurried to the cabin, racing up the stairs to the door.

No one answered when she knocked and she tried the knob. It was locked. Out here? What on earth for? She went to the small window and peeked inside.

"No." Daisy's hands cupped over her mouth.

This had to be a nightmare. Her stomach turned, her legs felt like rubber, and it was hard to breathe. Jealousy drilled through her heart, leaving mangled remnants of her hopes in its wake. Sweat formed on her brow as the jealousy flashed into outrage.

From where she stood, she could see Enos, the man she loved, asleep in a bed with Jenny. She was wearing his shirt, the blue flannel one. When she stayed in his room at the boarding house for protection, Enos didn't try to sleep in the same bed with her that night! This was awful!

The look on his face was one of adoration and things got worse. The girl shifted in his arms. Enos pulled her closer and kissed her cheek softly, without waking, as if it was natural.

Natural - for awkward, clumsy, uneasy-around-women Enos?

Jenny settled into his arms with a smile as she slept. Enos was so at ease with the way he moved and touched her. He wasn't the least bit embarrassed and they were so familiar with each other! Why was she wearing Enos's shirt in the first place? That would mean…

"Oh Enos. Oh God no! This can't be!"

Had Jenny been his first? No wonder the door was locked! Good thing to, because she would have run into the cabin and pulled her away from him by her hair!

How dare she! How dare she touch him that way! I was going to be his first. Me. I was.

"I was." Daisy whispered, defeated and broken.

She couldn't hold back the pain and grabbed the wall for support.

"Daisy?" Luke's hands took her shoulders.

"Oh, Luke," she wiped her eyes. Daisy turned and hid her tears. "How can he just forget me?"

Luke held her as he looked through the window. "What it the world!?"

He was speechless.

"Why didn't he just tell me?" Daisy stepped back.

"I...um...I don't know. He should've told ya' before we came along on the trail ride, that's for sure. I thought he was gonna talk to ya' about things."

"He said he really cared, but he didn't say he was sleeping with her."

"C'mon, before we get caught." Luke led her away, shocked more than anything.

This didn't make sense. Luke thought he knew Enos pretty well. He wasn't comfortable around pretty girls. He stumbled over his words and tripped over his feet whenever Daisy was around. He broke out in hives from happiness! So how did Enos end up being so confident around a woman other than Daisy?

Enos had to be rebounding, but to fall into another woman's arms, and her bed this fast? It didn't fit Enos no matter what the situation with Daisy!

"Daisy, I don't know what's gotten into him lately, but he sure is actin' squirrelly."

"He's acting like an old hound dog is how he's acting. I never should have come here."

"C'mon, lets eat. After dinner we're gonna talk to him, or else this is gonna be a miserable two weeks." Luke walked her to the chow line.

Daisy ate very little at dinner and barely spoke to the people around her. Gus stood on a tree stump to address the group and asked if the guests would consider a delay in tomorrow's departure to allow Jenny time to recover. Daisy bristled at her name. Blood rushed through her veins like acid and the jealousy churned in her stomach. Enos still hadn't come out of that cabin.

"Daisy?" Reid bent down so close she could feel his breath on her cheek. "What's wrong, doll? Would you like to go with me and take a little ride? Let me help you get away from this for a while. We can talk for a bit if you want to."

She turned her gaze to Reid. What did it matter now?

At least someone still wanted her.

"Go ahead, Daisy." Luke tapped her hand. Maybe he could speak to Enos alone first. "I'll be here when ya' get back. It would be good for ya'."

Daisy shot him a questioning look, but her eyes landed on the cabin over his shoulder. "Yeah, okay. It would be good for me. Let's go, sugar."

Reid smiled and offered his hand. "I'll take good care of her Luke. We won't be gone long."

"Thanks, Reid. You've been right neighborly. Thanks for lookin' out for Daisy."

"My pleasure." Reid tucked her hand around his arm and walked her to his horse. He took her waist and lifted her into the saddle with little effort.

"Thanks, sugar." Daisy forced a smile as he climbed up behind her.

"Ready to go for a ride, doll?"

A twinge of unease arose, but she shoved it beneath her hurt. He was no different than the other men. It was just a ride, not a date. It would help her forget.

"You bet. Let's get outta here for awhile."

He moved the horse onto the trail and into the trees. Once in the darkness, a strong arm slid around her waist and pulled her back against his hips. His stubbled cheek rubbed against her skin and he spoke in a husky voice, "I'll make all your troubles disappear."

Reid lifted her chin and put a hungry kiss on her mouth.

Daisy pulled back. "Reid. Slow down, sugar."

"Sure thing, we got all night." He smiled devilishly, evil, frightening.

She shuddered, "I-I don't feel so good all of a sudden. Maybe we should go back. Do you mind?"

"Oh, doll. I told Luke I was going to take care of you. We can't go back yet. We just got started."

Reid tightened his hold, kicked up his horse and disappeared into the night with Daisy.