It was a normal night at the saloon. Annie was helping her father clean up glasses. At a table, a man drinks as his son watches. "Don't over do it like last time." said the child. "Mind your business boy!" said the man. Annie watched the child. She had seen him before. "Dad," she said to her father. "Do ya think I'll have a boyfriend when I'm older?" Her father looked down at her unimpressed. "Oh Annie," he said. "Ya don't want a boyfriend in you're life! You'll be fine alone by yourself. And that Wilson kid I see you admire from afar is too stupid anyway." Annie watched Wilson sit there miserably as his father drinked.

Annie woke up. Was it a dream? She thought. The clock showed 7:59 am. Annie got dressed into her classic black and red dress and long-sleeve gloves. It was her favorite. Then she did her hair and make up. Maybe I should put on a little more. She thought. He might come see me again. This is strange? Why am I in a sudden good mood? Annie had only an apple for breakfast because she didn't have time to cook. Some time later, Annie arrived at the saloon in time. "Why Annie, you look good today." said Luanne. "Thanks." said Annie. "Now let's get ready for today." Annie waited for customers to come it. "Good mornin' y'all!" It was Lou. "Oh no." said Annie as she hid her face. "I'm just here for some beer." said Lou. "And I'll have what's he's havin'." said Esther as he came into the saloon. Esther was one of Lou's friends. He was African American, had a blue shirt, white chaps, red bandana around his neck, facial hair, brown boots and a light brown hat similar to Lou's. "$10.89." said Annie. Lou looked over to Esther. "Fine." said Esther annoyed. "Ya owe me again." Esther payed Annie for the drinks. "Have ya heard?" said Lou. "Slim struck again last night." Esther spit out his beer. "Ya won't supposed to tell her that!" he said. "Oh c'mon Esther," said Lou. "Ya know it ain't no secret! The whole town knows!"

"What's so bad about me knowin' a thing or two about a cattle rustler?" Annie asked folding her arms. "Because..." said Esther. "Anyway, this time it was the Coyote Den farm!" Lou interupted. "When?" Annie asked. "Last night!" announced Lou. "It's a shame those folks are bankrupt now." added Esther. Then more customers came in. Annie made sure one of them were Yancy. I'll see you tonight my darlin'. She thought excitedly. But wait. We just met. Why am I gettin' all flustered about a rich man I barely know. I mean he's good lookin'... Annie snapped out of her fantasy. She spent the rest of her working hours cleaning glasses, tables, the bar and serving alcohol like it was any other normal day.

As the day passed, it was 15 minutes until closing time. Annie was almost disappointed. She waited all day for Yancy. He never came. One by one, cowboys exited the saloon drunk or sober. Almost no one was here. Then the last cowboy left giving Annie a good night. Luanne, Mabel and Annabelle left too. Annie put up the closed sign. Then began to sweep the floors. I don't think I ever closed early before. Footsteps grew loud from behind Annie. "Sorry honey, but we'r-"

When she turned around, Annie couldn't believe it. It was Yancy! "Sorry darlin', I didn't mean to be this late." he confessed while taking off his hat in udder shame. "That's ok." Annie exclaimed in response. "What matters is I'm happy to see ya!"

"That's wonderful! I didn't think you'd close up shop this early." Yancy concluded. "Oh! I thought no one else was gonna come in tonight." Annie recalled. "Say, I like that red hair of yours." she complimented. Yancy blushed. Then he put his hat back on in a sudden panic. "Why thank you!" he acknowledged nervously. "Ya know is my glasses not working right? Or is it that you look lovely tonight?"

Annie felt praised. He noticed the extra make up, didn't he? Did I add too much? She thought nervously. She wanted to look good, but not like "those" kind of girls. "My oh my..." she stammered. "How about I take ya somewhere nice tonight?" Yancy recommended. "Yes...I'd like that." Annie replied shyly. Yancy led Annie out of her saloon like a gentleman would. Outside was a buffalo. "Annie darlin', this here is Junior." Yancy introduced. "T-that's your steed!?" Annie stuttered in bewilderment. "Some buffalo are tame enough to be like horses." informed Yancy. He then helped her climb upon Junior. Yancy got on after her. Then they rode off into the moonlight. After the 26 minute ride, Annie found herself at a dazzling setting. It was a golden field of wildflowers of every color. It shined in the moonlight. There was but only a single tree a top of a hill. Yancy helped Annie off up Junior. He took her to the tree. "Watch your step." he cautioned, taking her hand. Annie couldn't find her words. "You're spoilin' me, Yancy." she said flattered.

They sat down under the tree close together. "This sure is a lovely place!" Annie gushed with joy. "I've never had someone to take me somewhere nice before..." Annie covered her mouth in embarrassment. She didn't want Yancy to know that. Yancy looked at her. "Ya know," he began. "I've never took someone to this place ever! Ya see, my brother, bless his soul; would meet with his sweetheart here. They would read to each other."

"That's really sweet to hear." said Annie with a warm feeling. "You could say this was their special place." said Yancy. They stayed for a while, until they heard howls. "We should go." Annie recommend. Yancy helped her up. He truly is a gentleman. "I'll take ya home." Annie blushed, "Ya don't have to do that!" Yancy picked up Annie. "I am because I can and want to." Yancy replied in a sassy tone. "Must ya carry me? I ain't no child!" Annie couldn't help but laugh in pleasure at what Yancy was doing. He carried her until he found Junior and helped her up. "Where do ya live?" Yancy asked as he got on Junior. Annie gave in. "Not too far." she awsnered. Yancy took Annie home as she directed him along the way. "Thank ya, kindly." she said sheepishly with her face almost turing pink. "You're welcome! Good night!" Those were Yancy's last words when he rode away home. "Good night." Annie whispered knowing he was gone and wouldn't hear her anyway. Annie went inside her house and got ready for bed.

Before she knew it, morning arrived. Annie got into her morning routine. Then headed off to her establishment. When she entered through the saloon doors, she was taken by surprise. Her gals were putting up red, pink, white and purple decorations. Most of them were shaped in hearts. "What are y'all doin'?" Annie asked baffled. "Oh, good mornin' Annie!" said Annabelle as she put up a red heart on the wall. "We're puttin' up decorations!"

"I know that," Annie avowed. "The real question is why?" The girls laughed. "Oh Annie," said Mabel. "Haven't you forgot? It's Valentine's day!" Annie was embarrassed. Wait, that means... She thought. I need to get Yancy a gift! What do men like? Whiskey? Flowers? Chocolate? Poems? "I'll let y'all decorate. I got to clean stuff up." Annie walked behind the bar. She found something. It was a heart shaped box. There was a tag on it. It said: "To: Annie, From: Yancy. Happy Valentine's Day Darlin'!" Annie was very flattered. Now she had to focus on getting Yancy something in return. Then the idea hit her! She would have to do it later. Costumers were coming in.

Later.

As hours passed, Annie decided to close early today. Usually when it was a holiday, she would close the saloon early or for a whole day or week. Except Valentine's day. She didn't care for it in the pass until now. She did let her girls decorate like it was any other holiday. Her workers left to be with their sweethearts (if some of them had sweethearts). Annie took her box and went home. She didn't care if she cleaned to saloon or not. It was 5:30 pm. Annie was writing a letter. When she finished, she kissed it. Her kiss left a red stain in the shape of her lips from her lipstick. She put it in a envelope. Then sprayed it with perfume. Annie opened her box from Yancy. In it were chocolates. He sure knows how to treat a women. Annie thought. She ate only one. Better watch my figure. Annie searched through her closet. She picked out a fancy Victorian red, white and pink dress. Then put it on. "Why haven't I worn this yet?" she questioned herself. Annie redid her hair and makeup. Then sprayed on perfume. She looked into her vanity mirror. "I could use a bow." She went through her vanity drawer until she found a red ribbon. She put it in her hair. Now she had to wait a long time.

Around 8:56 pm.

There was a knock at the door. "Perfect timin'." said Annie. She grabbed a basket and opened the door. It was Yancy! "Howdy-" that was all he could say. He starred at Annie. "Howdy Darlin'." Annie greeted. "I was expectin' you." Yancy was turning colors. "How...about we go-"

"To the flower field? I'd love to!" she finished his sentence. Yancy took Annie to the flower field from last night. They sat under the tree again. Annie laid out a blanket. She opened her basket. Inside were fruit, sandwiches, cinnamon cookies, peanut butter, 2 plates, 2 wine glasses, the box of chocolates, and salty crackers. Annie took out the wine glasses. "You did all of this?" said Yancy. "Yep! I have to spoil somebody in return!" Annie replied. Then she took out 2 bottles. "Wine or Whiskey?" she asked. "Wine." said Yancy. Annie poured the wine in the glasses. She got closer to him. They talked and ate with each other. When they were done, they both decided to watch the stars. It was like a dream. Annie blinked only once. When she opened her eyes, she found herself in her nightclothes in her bed. On her bed was a note. "I had fun." it said. Annie kept the note close to hear. She looked at her clock. She was late for work! Annie got dressed. Never in her life she was late for work!