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Chapter 9

After returning from the wedding, Bella and Edward began to think about the next steps in their courtship. Edward was focusing on what he needed to be able to propose to Bella properly, which meant finding a home worthy of her.

One afternoon, Edward was at Mayor Newton's speaking with him about possibly getting another deputy on the payroll since he had all of these expanded duties. Michael was agreeable, but wanted the right man to take the position.

As they were finishing up, Jessie's voice caught his attention. "Marshal Cullen is here, maybe you should discuss it with him, Father."

Edward entered the room and Eli Stanley turned to him. "Marshal, I'm sure you heard my daughter's urging, so if you have a few moments, there's a proposition I'd like to discuss."

"Of course, Eli."

The pair exited the house and began to walk down Main Street. "As you know, my youngest daughter is now married and lives in Colorado Springs near my other children. My wife wants to live closer to them; Jessie and Michael aren't interested in living that far from town.

"That leaves me a house with no one to live in it. I'm looking for a buyer and Jessie mentioned that you may be in the market."

"I am thinking about it, but I'm not sure I can afford it."

"I'm believe we can work something out. Though I would suggest going to Golden City or Denver if you're looking for a mortgage. I wouldn't do any high finance with the Kings."

"Mrs. Black feels the same. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement. But if you wouldn't mind giving me a little time to consider everything …"

"I think that's reasonable."

The men talked a bit longer about the house's value and the extent of the property before Eli met up with his wife at the shop and together they rode away.

A week later, Edward was still trying to figure out the finances, when Bella brought up the subject on his mind while on a ride.

"I hear the Stanleys are planning on selling their home."

"Yes, Eli mentioned it to me last week," Edward admitted.

"I remember the first time we rode past it. The view must be lovely in the morning."

"I would imagine so."

"Have you spoken with him in any more detail about it?"

"Not yet, but he knows I have some interest in it. Eli told me to figure out some things, then we could discuss it."

"Is there anything you'd like to discuss with me?" Bella asked.

"In time, Dear Heart," Edward called her by the name he'd taken to calling her.

"Remember, I am here if you need to talk things through."

They turned back towards Main Street and soon they were parting ways.

Edward returned to his horse and rode to the Stanley House. He was met outside by Mrs. Stanley, who quickly welcomed him inside. It was his first time being inside; when he spoke to Mrs. Stanley about his hopes to buy it, she offered him a tour of the house.

It was as fine inside as it appeared on the outside, but it didn't ease his mind when the price of the place was nearly three thousand dollars. While his job paid well, he didn't have that kind of money sitting around.

Building a home for them would allow him to control the costs, but it would take more time than he wanted to. He knew Bella would offer to make the purchase for them, but it wounded his pride that he couldn't provide for her.

Edward left, still trying to determine how he would make things work.

He entered the Marshal's office to find Sam sitting behind the desk.

"Anything happen this morning?" Edward asked.

"Urgent telegram was delivered not long ago," Sam offered the small sheet of paper to him.

Edward read the words typed on the missive.

MARSHAL CULLEN: ROSEWOOD, COLORADO

MEN NEEDED FOR A POSSE ESCORTING A PAIR OF CRIMINALS FROM DENVER TO CHEYENNE. PROVIDE ANY DEPUTIES WHO CAN BE SPARED.

MARSHAL MARCUS: U.S. MARSHAL'S OFFICE, DENVER, COLORADO

"How long do you think you'll be gone?" Sam asked.

"Not sure. The men are in custody, but the ride there and back could easily be a week or two depending on how much they are willing to push the horses. I won't ask you to travel when Emily is so close to her time. Emmett and I will travel and I'll speak to Jasper about possibly sending someone to assist if needed."

"We should be fine here, but I won't turn away some extra help."

"Well, I need to speak to Emmett then I'll answer this."

Edward found his cousin and explained the call for a posse. Emmett agreed to go with him. They would need to leave in the morning, so it didn't give them much time to deal with the preparations.

Edward sent a reply to Marshal Marcus and informed the mayor of their departure. He also sent a message to Jasper, asking for one of his men to check in with Sam while they were gone.

He stopped at his parents' home to inform them, then finally turned to the General Store. This would be the first glimpse of his job that Bella would see. Now they'd both learn if she could truly deal with it.

Edward stepped in and Angela smiled at him. "Marshal, I didn't think you and Bella were riding today."

"We aren't, but I'd like to speak with her if she has a moment."

"Unfortunately, she's not in. She went with Alistair to find the best wild berries so she can plan her harvests. They've been gone most of the morning, so I would expect her to be back any time."

"How has Alistair been working out?" Edward inquired.

"Wonderfully. He actually makes deliveries to the mining camp for us when the men can't pick up their supplies. I'm glad Bella was able to help him."

"She does have a way of getting people to do what she wants."

Angela looked to the front of the store before she approached her sister's beau. "Now, Edward, I don't mean to pry, but we've all heard that the Stanleys are thinking of selling their home. From what anyone can tell, you're the only one who has spoken to them seriously. Are you truly considering it?"

"I am. If I intend on making your sister my wife, I need a home to bring her to."

"Have you spoken to her about it?"

"Not yet, I don't want to tell her until I've got my finances secured."

Angela shook her head. "Do you know how Mr. Yorkie and I were able to purchase this store and how we're able to thrive, even though we don't charge what some others do?"

"No."

"My father set up a trust, much like he did for Bella. I was given money when we made this move and the rest is doled out. Now, I didn't have three people's money contributing to my trust, as Bella's mother, the second Mrs. Swan was a socialite in her own right, but we don't even need the money. We just don't flash it about. But my darling little sister grew up being prepared for that life, even if she's happy with where she's found herself. I'm telling you this not to make you feel bad, but to urge you to speak with her. She will want to contribute."

"I'm supposed to provide for her."

"And you will. There is more to providing than finances. You'll be her emotional support, her protector. Her lover and her best friend. Those things are worth more than silver and gold."

Edward smiled at the thought of being all that for Bella. "It seems my Dear Heart isn't the only smart one in your family. I will speak with her about that when I get back, but I came here to say goodbye."

"You're leaving?"

"I have to take care of some business and will be gone for a week or so. I wanted to see her before I ride out with Emmett in the morning."

"Why don't you go home and pack? When she returns, I'll tell her to go see you at the Marshal's Office."

"Thank you, Angela. I appreciate your candor and your advice."

Edward left the store and did exactly what he was told. He packed his saddle bags, cleaned his guns and reloaded them, as well as making sure his holsters and gun belt were loaded and ready as well.

It was nearing supper time when Bella threw open the door. "Thank goodness you're still here."

Edward stood, putting on his gun belt and holstering his guns. It was a short walk to where Bella stood panting, and he immediately took her hands in his. "I told your sister I wouldn't be leaving until tomorrow."

"But you have so much to do. I'm sure you've been running around all day."

"All I have to do now is take my girl out to supper. We can talk over a meal, then I'll bring you home for the night."

"Wouldn't your family like to have supper with you?"

"I had dinner with them this afternoon. I saved tonight for you."

Edward linked their arms and, after the office was locked up, they made the walk to the hotel. They were seated quickly and, as soon as they'd placed their orders, Bella began.

"Where are you going? Or can you not say that?"

"There is a small group of criminals that need to be transported to Cheyenne. This is just a delivery trip."

"So you've got a set destination and plan for your return."

"Yes, I would imagine a week or two. Nothing too extended."

"That's a relief. And Emmett is going with you? How many will be in the party?"

"Emmett will be with me, and the posse will be a dozen or so men."

"Angela hinted that there might be something else you needed to discuss with me."

Their food was delivered, so they waited a few minutes before resuming their conversation.

"I've been speaking to Eli Stanley about buying his home, but to do so, I would need to take out a mortgage."

"Please, Edward. Let me make the purchase. If it would make you feel better, you can make the payments to me like you would to the bank, but without the risk of losing it should something unthinkable happen."

"I would be agreeable to allowing you to finance the purchase. It would take some doing."

"I could transfer the money in Golden City. You said you bank there when we were in town."

"I do, but I don't like the idea of you going on your own."

"I could go with Rosalie or my sister. Alice has written and told me I'm always welcome to visit her and it would give me something to do while I'm waiting for your return."

"Fine, as long as you don't go alone. Once we're done, I'll visit Eli and make plans for the sale."

Bella blushed, dipping her head to shield her eyes. "Thank you for being so willing to accept this. My money will be ours once we're married, so this is a step towards that."

"A rather large one, but I hope this shows how serious I am."

"It does," she whispered.

They enjoyed the rest of their meal and, when it was over, Edward led Bella back to the store. She guided him to the store room and once they were out of the view of others, Bella rose up on her toes and placed a kiss on his cheek, just to the left of his lips.

His hand caught her right cheek and he tilted her face up to his. "Can I kiss you properly?"

"Yes," Bella said on a breath.

His lips covered hers, much softer than their last time, but with no less passion. It was too short for the both of them, but he still had business to attend to.

"I'll see you when I return."

Eli was happy that Edward would be buying his home. He told the marshal they could meet in Golden City to sign the paperwork, if Edward sent a telegram when he had arrived back in Denver. With the last bit of business handled, Edward returned to his rooms so he could get some sleep before his early morning the next day.

The morning came earlier than Edward would have liked, but he had to meet Emmett so they could ride out. He gathered his belongings and was happy to see that his cousin was already fastening his saddle bags onto his own horse. Edward thanked Mr. Miller's son for having Shadow ready and took care of his own belongings.

The sound of a door closing hard and heeled boots on the boardwalk had Edward turning in the direction of the General Store to see Bella in a simple dress, her hair wild and blowing in the wind. Cradled to her chest were two flannel wrapped packages; in her hands, she held a stovetop coffee pot and two mugs.

"Bella, what's all this?" Edward asked.

"I didn't know if either of you had a chance to eat this early, so I fixed up some food for you on the road."

Emmett rounded the horse and took the mugs and coffee pot from her so she could rearrange the parcels.

"There's biscuits and jam and I made you two bacon and jam biscuits for the beginning of the ride. I would have added eggs, but I was worried more would fall out than make it into your mouth."

Edward tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "That was very thoughtful, Dear Heart. Emmett and I will be the envy of our posse with treats like these." He took the packages and tucked one in his own saddle bag before finding a spot for Emmett's in his own. Both men stood before Bella and ate her offerings.

Emmett thanked Bella and climbed onto his horse, giving his cousin a moment alone with his lady.

"Take care of my heart, Edward. It will be traveling with you."

"I will, Bella. And when I return, we'll have a home ready for us when we take that step."

"I love you, Edward." She said his name like a talisman to ward off anything bad that might happen while he was away.

"I love you, too."

He cupped her cheek for a moment before he turned to mount his horse. Once he was seated in the saddle, she rested her hand on his knee and he scooped it up, leaning down to kiss her palm, pressing it into his cheek. After a few intense beats, he released her hand and sat back in his saddle.

"Go back to the store, Bella. I want to see you safely inside before I leave."

Bella did as he asked, and only once he saw her lock the General Store back up, did he urge Shadow down Main Street in the direction of Denver. The week to come would be a difficult one for them both.