Here's the latest chapter! Hope you enjoy. If you read SUTBM, that one will be going on a temporary hiatus as I work on new chapters. Thank you for your patience.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 10
Emmett and Edward rode to Denver, meeting up with Peter along the way. Edward looked beyond him, surprised that Peter was alone.
"You're the only one coming?"
"Collin is already in Denver. He was part of the posse that went after whoever we're transporting."
"It'll be nice having some familiar faces on this ride, especially if they want to take it slow."
The trio rode into Denver and collected Collin before going to the US Marshal's office.
"Marshal Marcus is back in his office, if you boys want to head back there," Marcus' secretary told them.
Edward led the men into the office and were soon face to face with the US Marshal in charge of the Colorado Territory.
"Glad you boys were able to make it. I can always count on Jefferson County to send me enough men to get the job done."
"We're not all, are we?" Peter asked.
"No, there's a total of twelve of us riding out with the fugitives," Marcus assured.
"Who are they?" Edward asked.
"James Kitt and Lawrence Dow."
"What happened to the younger brother?" Emmett asked.
"They weren't riding together. We don't know if he was killed before the first posse arrived or if he deserted them, but he's still at large."
"When are we riding out?" Edward asked.
"The morning. We'll have a meeting tonight to go over some things, then we'll be out first thing. The saloon on Larimer will be hosting us for supper so we can make our plans. I'll leave you to your afternoon until then."
The men went about their afternoon as Marcus had suggested and by the evening, they sat in that meeting and listened to the plan. It would be a straight ride to Cheyenne, three days of hard travel before delivering the criminals to their executions. Edward and Emmett left together once it was over, needing a good night's rest.
The morning of their departure was full of activity. Edward and the other Jefferson County deputies along with Emmett were charged with flanking the tumbleweed wagon, while the others would be split between riding ahead and watching the trail behind them. Marshal Marcus was driving the wagon. For being two of the biggest outlaws in the Territory, James and Lawrence were silent as they were loaded.
While the posse was departing, Bella was busy making her own plans. Mrs. Stanley stopped by the store and visited Bella.
"I know you're aware of the sale, Mrs. Black, so if you wanted to come by and take a look around, I wouldn't mind. Jessie is such a big help, and my other children will be arriving this week to help us cart everything down to the Springs. Then it is a matter of the men handling business before Eli joins me."
"That's a generous offer, Mrs. Stanley. I can come over tomorrow when Jessie does."
"That's fine, dear. I'll speak to Jessie so she knows to bring you along."
Bella knew they'd need a lot to fill their home, so she visited Edward's mother to make sure there wasn't anything she planned to give them, because she would hate to buy a duplicate of a family heirloom.
Thankfully, there wasn't anything beyond a hope chest, since they'd traveled light when they left Chicago.
The following day, Bella made an extensive list of the things she would need for the large house on the hill, then returned to town so she could check on the ripening wild berries with Alistair.
The third and fourth day passed with more mundane tasks for Bella, designed to fill the hours.
While Bella was cursing the banality of her tasks, Edward was pleased that his own duties were so uneventful. The entirety of the ride passed with little trouble from their prisoners and no outside issues on the trail. Four days after saying goodbye to Bella, they arrived in Cheyenne and the men were handed over to the local authorities.
Once Marshal Marcus was paid, he divvied up the money between his men and gave them a choice. "The job is done, so if you want to go home, you're more than welcome to ride out. But if you wish to stay until they hang these two the day after tomorrow, feel free to stay."
Edward looked between his men and made them the offer. Collin agreed to stay and see it through, but the remainder of the Jefferson County men and one of the Denver locals opted to leave at first light. Edward wanted to get back to Bella, and he knew this was the fastest way.
Emmett and Edward sat in the saloon waiting for their meal, the last thing they planned to do before bed that evening. Emmett looked at his cousin, ready to interrogate him.
"So, the Stanley house?"
"Yes, I'll be stopping by the bank in Golden City with Eli once we arrive. I'll understand if you choose to ride on ahead."
"Nah, Mama Cullen and Bella would kill me if I returned before you. And it's an extra day, maybe two? That's not too long. How will Eli know to meet you?"
"Telegram. I've sent more in the last five months than in my first year as a marshal."
"That's what having a wife will do to you."
"She's not my wife," Edward reminded.
"Yet," Emmett countered.
They talked about their extra day in Golden City while they ate, making a list of everything they'd need to do, then went to the boarding house and bedded down.
While Edward was safely beginning his journey home, Bella was awaiting a visit from the deputy who would be checking in with Sam. Angela had jumped at the chance to go to Golden City and Alistair had promised to help Eric with the store in their absence. She'd sent word to Alice that they'd be in town, and now it was a matter of making the journey.
The morning of the fifth day of Edward's journey, Bella was surprised to see Sheriff Whitlock himself ride down Main Street. Bella stepped off the boardwalk as he tied up his horse at the Marshal's Office.
"Sheriff Whitlock, what a surprise to see you in town."
Jasper turned to her with a welcome smile. "Well, I wanted to check in with Sam, and after Alice got your letter, I could hardly let you ride to Golden City alone."
"So no word from your men?" She asked.
"They made it to Cheyenne safely and were leaving today. One of my men was waiting with the others to watch the execution, but Edward should be in Golden City in four days and then back to you soon. Now, will you and Mrs. Yorkie be ready to ride out after dinner? My Mary Alice is excited to have you there for supper."
"Yes, I'll speak to Angela to make sure everything is ready."
"Excellent. I'll meet you at the livery around one."
"Thank you, Jasper."
It didn't take much for the women to be ready. After their meal, they had the livery prepare the buggy. Jasper walked up at one on the dot and the group rode in the direction of Golden City.
Alice was standing on the porch of her home when they rode up a few hours later, wearing an apron and a smile.
"I'm so happy to welcome you as our first overnight guests since the wedding. I hear there is a great deal that we need to catch up on."
Alice showed the sisters to their rooms, then after a few minutes to settle in, they sat down to supper. The evening passed quickly as everyone was tired from the journey.
The next morning, the women went out first thing to begin their business. Bella took a while making her deposit into Edward's account, but once she had her receipt that the money was now there for him to purchase their home, she was able to relax.
From there, she went to speak to the local carpenter. Bella described several pieces of furniture she wanted. He asked her to return the following day so she could approve his plans before they were built.
After dinner with the girls, Bella and Angela went to the secondhand shop. It was an expensive but successful trip, and come supper time, Bella was excited to talk to Alice about her plans as she'd just set up her own home.
The trio were so involved in their discussion that the sound of Jasper returning for the night startled them all.
"Did you ladies have a successful day?"
"We did, Darling. Bella needs to visit the carpenter one more time in the morning, then she'll be riding out."
"Do you need an escort?" Jasper asked.
"We've got a wagon full from a few of the shops here, so we'll be riding with them."
Jasper nodded. "Sounds like you've made all the plans you need to. It was a pleasure to have you visit with us, but I'm sure Edward will be happy to see you when he comes home."
"I'm anxious to see him as well. It has been a long week of him being away."
With everyone home, the women worked to fix supper and sat up in the parlor after the meal to enjoy their last night together.
The next morning, Bella went to visit the carpenter and was pleased with his designs. She paid him half the total price and promised the remainder on delivery.
By ten o'clock, Bella and Angela were loaded into her carriage and the wagon with her purchases was following just behind them. The ride was short and uneventful, and before they knew it, Bella's purchases were being loaded into the Cullens' spare room. Esme had insisted on storing the items for them and it gave her and Esme a chance to talk.
"Edward was so happy when he left. I can't wait for him to return so you can continue making plans."
"We have done things a bit out of order, but it felt foolish to get a mortgage when I had the money."
"And you were able to convince him of it. That is how I know that he truly values you. It was a hard thing for him to agree to, but he did it for you."
"I almost stayed in Golden City until Edward returned, but Angela told me he may have other business to attend to, so I returned early."
"I know the separation is hard. Carlisle and I were separated for years when Edward was little, but it was worth it for the life we have now."
Bella smiled at Esme's description of her years-long separation from her husband, because if they could make it that long, surely she and Edward could survive whatever came their way.