The Visit: By Carla Mae West

by ultraknight

Used by Permission by a good friend Holly F. A Bravestarr adventure. A woman from Earth in the 23 century arrives on the Planet New Texas. She's a reporter and wants to do a story on one person there. The meanest outlaw in the galaxy! Tex Hex! So begins an adventure that will change his life and hers.

7. Chapter 7 Is this the end to Carla & Tex

Chapter Seven

From that point on. . .I noticed a gradual change come over Tex. For starters. . .he never attempted to commit any crimes, or rob again, which immediately had a red flag going up. But what was worse, was that the lighthearted side of the man I'd grown to care for, seemed to fade away as well. He had become withdrawn and very quiet, almost as though he were distancing himself from me. And although hurt by this, I focused all my attention on Scuzz and getting him well. As the days passed on, it was as though we becoming strangers. And just when it was getting where I couldn't bear anymore, everything suddenly changed within a matter of minutes.

During this time, the two of us were up on the balcony, silently working on two different projects. I was on one side, typing into my laptop. Tex was on the other, typing a new defense program into the main computer system, when suddenly the screen began to blink, indicating that someone was trying to call. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Tex reached forward and flicked on the switch.

For a minute, I found myself literally frozen to the unexpected face I saw in the screen. So much so, that my mouth slowly fell open with disbelief.

"Oh, my gosh. . ." I whispered in a cracked voice.

At the same time I watched as Tex glared at this stranger for disturbing him.
"Well?" he snapped. "What do ya want?"

Mouth closing, the guy nervously replied,
"Uh. . .Is Carla there?" Eyes narrowing in suspicion, Tex answered,

"Maybe. . .Who are you?" Swallowing hard he muttered,

"I'm Eric. . ." Immediately the irritated expression changed over into one of shocked disbelief. For a minute, I didn't know what was going through Tex's mind. But just as quickly he composed it, and slowly looked over in my direction. "It's for you."

Swallowing hard, I numbly got up an approached him. As Tex rose from his chair, he suddenly looked down at Eric and muttered, "Boy. . .Ya got a whole lot a nerve callin here!"

Gaping at him, I watched as he angrily strode across the room, folded his arms, and stared out of one of the balcony windows. By then my heart was pounding as I sat down in front of the screen. .

"Carla, are you alright? I was worried sick!"

"I'm fine, Eric. . ." I cut off. "Just a little beat up, that's all."

"Yeah. . If that Marshall wouldn't have reported your little accident to Richard, I still wouldn't know where you are!" At first I couldn't say anything, looking at the hurt expression on his face. Shaking his head, he asked, "How long were you planning on hiding from me, Carla? I mean, your own mother wouldn't tell me where you were!" Content and pleased, I replied,

"That's right! Out of respect from what you've put me through!" I snapped, as he rolled his eyes. "And you know something, don't you dare try to make me feel guilty for leaving you! I had every right to, and you know why!"

Catching on to my hint, his eyes narrowed with irritation. "Yeah. Which is why we've got to talk. . ."
Nodding I replied, glancing at Tex over my shoulder. "Fine. . .but not here."

"No, of course not. How about. . .meeting me in Fort Kerium?"

Out the corner of my eye, I saw Tex whirled around, gaping at me with a shocked expression on his face. At the same time I threw a hand up in the air,

"Whoa, hold on. Are you telling me that you're on the planet?!"

Chuckling at the dumbfounded expression on my face, he mocked,
"Well. . .Yeah. . ." Rather overwhelmed by this unexpected gesture, I feebly asked, "You mean. . .you came all the way out here just to talk to me?"

Seeing how upset I was getting, Eric gently replied, "Carla. Don't you think this has gone on long enough?" Getting a lump in my throat, I turned away from him and replied, "Yes, it has."

"Well. . .So do I. We need to settle this once and for all. And I thought it would be best to do it in person." Looking back up at him, I shook my head.

"I agree. . ."

"Good. . .I'm staying in a cabin on the freighter. But I'll come down and meet you at what's it called, Handlebars?"

"Yes. . ."

"Good. . .Then I'll see you in about an hour."

Nervously flicking off the screen, I stared ahead for only a minute. Standing to my feet, I turned to face the now disgusted expression on Tex's face.

"Cabin, huh? Sounds ta me like he might have other motives in mind!"

Mouth falling open, I scoffed with surprise, "Excuse me? But where did that come from?!"

Tightly folding his arms, he looked away and snapped, "Well, I ain't stupid, ya know!"

"No," I defensively argued, as the two of us began heading down the stairway. "You're just jumping to conclusions! You know I've been wanting to get this settled! With Eric being here, what more could I ask for?"

"What more could ya ask for?" Tex sarcastically wheedled, as he now followed me into my bedroom. "After everything he put ya through, the creep shows up out of nowhere. And at the snap of his fingers you go crawlin back to him!"

About having enough, I spun around and angrily faced him. "First of all, let's get one thing straight! It's none of your business what I decide to do, Ok? For nearly two weeks you've ignored me to the point where I wanted to just disappear! And now, suddenly here you are with the audacity to be judging me? I don't think so!" I snapped, noticing how he suddenly found it hard to look me in the face. Reading into this, I began to study him rather intently. Narrowing my eyes, I artfully replied, "You know. . .If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were jealous. . ."

For a minute, Tex looked as though he'd gotten sucker punched in the stomach. By the way his eyes widened, I knew I'd struck a raw nerve. Sucking in a deep breath, he angrily hissed, "I'm am not!" Boldly I stared up at him, and pressed,

"Yes, you are. But you'll never admit it."

Now I watched as his hands fell on his hips in a defensive stance.

"I know one thing I'm gettin, and that's mad!

"
Tex shouted, on the verge of losing his temper. "I risked my reputation, and my hide ta let you stay here as long as ya want! And this is the thanks I get?" Hesitating, he sharply added, "Ta get used?!"

Now through his resentment, I picked up on the wounded tone in his voice. This caused my stomach to turn over with anxiety. Shaking my head, I whispered,

"Tex. . .you know I didn't plan for this to happen. The last thing I ever wanted to do, was hurt you."

Swallowing hard, Tex bitterly glared down at me and folded his arms. "Well. . .this ain't no hotel room where you cn go and out as you please! Believe it, or not, this is my home. . .And if ya insist on leavin, well. . .you can just pack your bags and get out!"

Incredibly crushed by his cold ultimatum, I felt a lump in my throat. Staring down at the floor I whispered, "Well. . .Maybe it's for the best. Things were starting to fall apart anyway. . ." By the staggered expression on his face, I could tell Tex wasn't expecting me to call his bluff. Although I knew he was hurt, he dared not show it. Instead he quickly spun away from me, and shouted,
"Fine! Have it your way!"

Within the next thirty minutes, I had most of my stuff already packed. Sitting on my suitcase, I roughly attempted to zip it up when a knock was heard. Not even bothering to look up, I mumbled, "Come in. . ." To my surprise, I watched as Vipra slowly crept inside and stood there. "Miss Carla? . .I hear showdown from outside. Are you ok?"

"Not really," I replied, now beginning to toss some more things into my trunk.

"I just need to get out of here." Sighing, I added, "Things were just building up. . .That's all. And today. . .it all came to a head." Hesitating, she timidly looked away from me and replied, "Well. . .Vipra never thought she'd say this, but me almost hate to see you go. It not be the same without you. . ." Marveling from her unexpected show of compassion, I replied, "Why, Thank you. . .that's a very nice thing to say."

Letting out a chuckle, she replied, "And rare, coming from me.

This in turn caused me to playfully mock. "True. . .but I'll miss you anyway."
Looking away she strangely began to fidget, as though wanting to do something out of the ordinary. Sensing what it was, I boldly reached forward and took her by the hand. Before she realized what was happening, I gave her a warm friendly hug. Within minutes I could feel her hand patting my back, and her whisper in a cracked voice. "Me, too."

"Awwwww. . ." Tex sarcastically cooed out, "Well, ain't this sweet."

Humiliated, Vipra quickly let me go, giving Tex a look of utter disgust. Leaning up against the door frame, he tightly folded his arms and asked, "Aren't ya done yet?!" Glaring at him, I peevishly snapped,

"Yes, as a matter of fact I am!"

"Good! Cause I'm know ya anxious to be gettin on your way!" At the wave of his hand, a glowing beam flew out and surrounding my luggage. Within that second they drifted upward, and began to levitate in mid air. Ignoring the startled expression on my face, Tex snapped, "Come on. We're wastin time!"

As we headed out the bedroom, something occurred to me that hadn't before, causing me to stop dead in my tracks. Immediately noticing, Tex looked over his shoulder and snapped, "Well? What ya stopped for?"

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

Looking at me as though I were stupid, Tex threw his arms up into a shrug and snapped, "Well apparently I have! What?"

"My money, remember? You still have it under your bed, when you said I could trust you." I stressed, slowly folding my arms. "But now that things aren't going your way, are you still going to give it to me? Or consider it a payment for letting me stay in your hotel!"

Eyes widening with outrage, Tex's complexion actually flushed a dark red in color. Balling his fists, he glared at me and vented, "Ohhhhh!"

In that second when he whirled around, my luggage came crashing to the floor. As I slowly rubbed a hand over my face, Vipra looked at me and whispered through her teeth. "I think you pushed him too far. . ."

In a matter of minutes he returned with the box in hand. In one mad lung he slammed it down so hard on my desk, that it made us both jump!

"Here's your blasted money! Try usin it ta find your way ta Fort Kerium! Cause I ain't bringin ya!" Shakily glaring at me, Tex leaned forward and hollered, "Have a nice life!" Thereafter he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room.

And just like that, it was over.

Although Tex had intended on leaving me stranded without a way back, Vipra through a noble gesture offered to bring me the entire way. And within the hour, I found myself standing in the front of Handlebars restaurant, watching as she set the last of my bags on the ground. By then the townsfolk had noticed too, and were gaping at her with shocked expressions on their faces.

Looking from them to me, she chuckled and said. "They scared of me. . .I like that." Shaking my head, I smiled, watching as she boldly approached me and stood there.

"Miss Carla, I sorry things not work out between you and Tex. He got a bad temper. But I know when he cool off, he gonna regret everything that happened."

Looking away from her, I shook my head and replied, "Yeah. But by then, it'll be too late." Knowing I was right, she silently turned and got back on her turbo mule. Giving me one final glance, Vipra nodded and said, "Goodbye, Carla."

Smiling, I could feel a lump growing in my throat. \"Bye.\"

As I watched her speed away, I suddenly heard someone call out, "Carla?"

The sound of that voice caused a knot to form in the pit of my stomach. Heart pounding, I slowly turned around and faced the very one who I'd run from in the first place. "Eric. . ."

Still rugged and handsome as ever, I watched as he slowly approached and stared at me as though not knowing what to do. Then before I knew what was happening, he grabbed me by the arm and pulled me forward, until he was hugging me tightly.

In a cracked voice, I heard him whisper, "Oh, baby. I can't tell you how good it is to see you." Pulling me away, I noticed the tears that were glistening in his eyes. "Come on, we'll talk in my cabin."
Leaving my bags on the cargo deck of the freighter, Eric and I headed for the room he was staying in. After two months, I think the two of us being alone felt as strange to him as it did to me. For I watched as he nervously walked ahead of me, "Excuse the place. But you oughta know by now, that I'm a slob," he muttered, flinging some things off of a chair. "Come, sit. . ."

Timidly taking a seat, I cleared my throat then asked,
"What time is the freighter leaving tonight?"

"Around nine o'clock. . ." Sitting on the edge of the bed, he muttered, "And I noticed that you brought along your luggage?" Hesitating, I shrugged then replied,

"Yeah, well. I'd been there awhile. . .too long I think. And. . .I figured since you were here that I might as well tag along, and we can talk on the way back." Now I noticed the way he strangely looked away, and shook his head.

"No, Carla. We really need to talk, now." Hesitating, he then added, "Cause by the time I finish telling you what I've got to say, you won't want anything to do with me."

Giving him a suspicious glance, I asked, "What are you talking about?"

Closing his eyes, Eric blew out a breath and asked, "Do. . .do you remember Brittany?"

Immediately I could feel my stomach turn over at the mentioning of her name "Why wouldn't I? She's the one I caught you with. . ."

Swallowing hard, he nodded and replied,
"True. And after you left, I tried to end it between her and me, but . . .it just got stronger. . .and stronger." Feeling my heart beginning to pound, I nervously gibbered,

"So. . .What are you trying to say, Eric?"

Inhaling deeply, he swallowed hard and replied, "What I'm trying to tell you is that we're engaged, Carla. We're getting married." For a minute, it felt as though all the wind had been sucked out of my body. Gaping at him with disbelief. I numbly whispered.

"Just like that, huh?"

Full of guilt, Eric could hardly look me in the face. "Yeah. . .Just like that."

Shaking my head, I slowly stood to my feet and asked, "As long as I waited for you to propose to me, what did she have in two months that I didn't in five years?!"

I hollered in a cracked voice. By then the shock had worn off, causing every nerve to tremble with rage. Jumping up, I snatched my purse off the bed and began heading for the door. "Carla wait. . ." Before I knew it, Eric had come in front of the door and was blocking me.

"Carla. . .you can't leave like this." Marveling at him, I began shaking my head, simply amazed by his nerve. Scoffing under my breath, I angrily began to pull the ring off my finger.

"You know. . .you could've saved yourself the trouble, and told me this over the com!"

Shoving it into his hand, I furiously added, "But I guess you wanted to come all the way out here to humiliate me. . .right?!" With that I roughly pushed him away, and walked out on a part of my life that was officially over.

Although seriously overwhelmed by all that had just happened, it slowly began to occur to me that I was stranded, with no place to go! Making me realize for the first time, just how alone I really was! It slowly began to occur to me that not only was it over between Eric and me, but I'd also lost a special friendship with Tex. One that I could never get back no matter how much I tried. And there was absolutely nothing I could do about it!

Completely miserable, I listlessly walked into an empty Handlebar's, dragging my luggage behind on a cart. From the bar Handlebar stood, polishing off a shot glass.
Looking up he was surprised to see me standing there.

"Well, good evening Miss Carla. . ."

Sadly shaking my head I answered, "Hah. . .I wish it were. . ."

Setting the glass down, he cocked his head at me and replied, "Oh, oh. Judgin by the snip of your voice, you must've had a bad day. . ."

Letting out a weak scoff, I shook my head and replied,

"Hah. . .That's an understatement!"

Giving me a tiny smirk, Handlebar patted a hand on the counter and said, "I'll tell you what. How's about comin over here and taking a load off." Grabbing a bottle of sweetwater off the shelf, he poured it into the glass he was polishing. Gracefully it towards my direction, he replied, "Here ya go. It's on me."

"Thank you. . ." I said, impressed by his courtly manner.

As I took a sip, I watched as he stood there not saying anything, but waiting, as though hoping I'd open up to him like everyone else did. But at the moment, my emotions were just a little too unstable to expose. Instead, I decided to try another approach. Looking up at him, I asked, "Listen. . .I don't suppose you could tell me when the next freighter will be available? I really need to leave as soon as possible."

Without any hesitation, Handlebar nodded. "Why sure. . .There's one docked right now that'll be leaving in about an hour."

"No. . ." I quickly cut off. "Not that one. . ." By the confused look on his face, I knew I owed him an explanation. And deep down inside, I knew I could trust him. Blowing out a breath, I peered at him, then replied in a low voice. "You see. . .There's someone on there that I'd prefer not to be around."

Studying me rather intently, his beady eyes slowly narrowed. "You mean. . .the fellow you were with awhile ago?" Rather surprised, I gaped at him and said,

"Boy. . .you don't miss out on anything, do you?"

Smirking, Handlebar mocked, "Nope. . .It's all part of the job." To his playful wink, I couldn't help but smile back.

"Yeah, I'll bet it is. . ."

Chuckling, Handlebar turned and set the bottle back down on the counter.
"Seriously," he added as he faced me once again. "There's another freighter that'll be docking around the same time the other one leaves. Oh, I'd say around Nine P.M. I'm sure the Marshall wouldn't mind if you left on that one instead." Rather anxiously I replied, "Well. . .I could always go let him know."

"That would be a good idea, but, him, Thirty-Thirty and J.B. are all away on planetary business, and won't be back until tomorrow. Anyhow, I'm sure he'll understand, given your circumstances. The only thing he'll regret, is not being able to say goodbye."

Looking down at my glass, I sadly replied, "Yeah, I know."

Clearing his throat, Handlebar replied, "In the meantime, you can stay here, if
ya want, and keep me company. . ."

Very appreciative, I smiled and said, "Thanks, Handlebar. . ." Smiling at me, I watched as his big hand reached out until it had completely covered over mine.

"Hey. . .What are friends for?"

For the next few hours, the time quickly passed by. And although Handlebar continued to keep me company, it still wasn't enough. By then I had ample time to rethink everything that had happened, over and over again in my head. First with Eric, then with Tex. So much so, that I was completely miserable. During this time, I watched the customers come and go throughout the evening. Then before we knew it, nightfall had arrived, and it was time for the store to close. Looking at the clock on the wall, I muttered, "Hmm. . .nine o'clock, already?" Before he had a chance to say anything further, a low rumbling was heard in the distance.

This caused him to quickly come from around the bar, until he was staring out the window. "Yup. . .and the first freighter is leaving right on schedule."

Hit with the impact of it all being final, I sadly muttered to myself, "Yeah. . .And so was a big part of my life." Coming from around the bar, Handlebar approached the door and went to peek outside. "Well. . .The second one is running a little late, but it shouldn't be too long. . ."

Suddenly, he stopped dead in the middle of his sentence. By the way his eyes widened, and his mouth fell open, it looked as though he'd seen a ghost. Slowly he began to back up, until Tex was standing in the doorway! Only he wasn't dressed in his normal villain outfit. But had disguised himself in a long brown trench coat, with a collar that rose high enough to conceal the sides of his face. Even the hat was different, making him unrecognizable from a distance! But not enough for Handlebars sharp eyes.

Marveling with disbelief, I jumped off the stool and stood there, watching as his massive fists balled in a threatening manner.

"What are you doin here, Hex?!" Not even bothering to answer, I watched.

Tex's eyes began scanning over his place, as though desperately looking for something, or someone. So you could only imagine the surprise when his gaze unexpectedly found mine and froze. In that instant, Tex's mean temperament dropped, and a very troubled expression crossed over his face.

Rather taken back from his reaction, Handlebar looked from him to me and asked, "Carla. . .Did you want to talk to him?"

Not taking my eyes off Tex, I looked at him then whispered, "Yes."

Although very apprehensive over leaving Tex alone in his store, Handlebar sighed, then said, "Alright. But you better not try anything funny!" Now before Tex had a chance to answer, I impulsively replied, "He won't. . .or he'll answer to me. . ."

Completely thrown off by my comment, Tex gaped at me with surprise, cocking his head in an artful manner, as though to say, "Oh, yeah?"

At the same time, Handlebar seemed pleased by my gutsy statement, and grinned. "You know something, Miss Carla? I almost believe you. . ."

As he walked out the door, Tex and I continued to stare at each other in silence, as though not knowing what to say or do. After what seemed like and endless amount of minutes, Tex cleared his throat, then muttered,

"I. . .I took a gamble comin here. I thought you were gone already."

Looking away from him, I shook my head and whispered, "What. . .Are you kidding? There's no way I could be on the same ship with him!" I snapped, noticing the surprised look on his face. It was then that I realized, something quite wasn't on the mark! Rather confused, I looked up at him and asked, "Wait a minute. . .Tex. What are you doing here?"

My question caused him to look away, sadly staring down at the floor.

"I. . .I couldn't let you go, Carla. Without sayin. . .I'm sorry." Closing his eyes, he shook his head and whispered, "I'm so sorry. . ."

Marveling at what come out of him, I could feel my composer rapidly fall apart. Swallowing down a lump in my throat, I choked out in a cracked voice, "I'm sorry, too."

By then my chest grew heavier, as the tears began to surface. Until finally, I just couldn't take it anymore. Choking back a sob, I ran up to Tex and threw my arms around his neck, until I was weeping against his chest. "I'm so glad to see you. . ."

As I latched onto him, I could feel his arms slide across my back until he was actually pulling me close. Something he'd never done before.

"Shhh. . It's alright." he gently whispered in my hair. "Calm down and tell me what's wrong."

"He's getting married, Tex! Can you believe it? The very thing I wanted from him, he's giving to someone else!" Tearfully gazing ahead, I sobbed out, "And I don't understand why? I mean, I can't keep anybody! I'm actually beginning to wonder if there's something wrong with me!"

Suddenly I felt his hand reach down, tilting my chin up until I was looking at the firm expression on his face. "No! There's nothin wrong with you! He's the one with the problem! That fool doesn't know what he's got! And you deserve better, Carla." he adamantly stated. "Some one who would treat ya with respect, and worship the ground you walk on. . ."

Completely swept away by his words, I found myself boldly asking, "You mean. . .like you would?"

At first, he looked away as though trapped by my question. But then eventually, I watched as a sober expression crept over his face, as though coming to terms with his own answer. Tenderly gazing down at me, he gently replied, "Definitely. . ."

That one word had me marveling up at him with disbelief. For this was the first time that he was actually beginning to admit how he really felt. But that wasn't all. Slowly his trembling hand reached down, until it was caressing the side of my face. Through closed eyes, I could feel my chin being tilted upward, until his breath was on my face. Then before I knew what was happening, he began to kiss me. Tenderly, at first. But the more he continued, the more fervent it became, and passionate. Caused from years of bottled up desire that he had tucked away for so long.

Caught off guard by his deep affections, I was so swept away that everything I had gone through was completely forgotten. As of now, the only place I wanted to be was wrapped up in his arms.
When Tex finally broke the kiss off, all he could do was stare down at me through half closed eyes, which slowly began to widen with alarm. "No. . ." he breathlessly whispered, slowly rubbing a hand over his face. "Oh no. What am I doin?"

"What?" I asked, as he pulled away with a bereaved expression across his face. "Tex. . .What's wrong?"

"Ohh. . .I knew this was comin. No matter how much I tried ta fight it. . .I knew this was gonna happen. But we can't do this, Carla. . .we just can't!"

For a minute, it felt like my world came crashing down once again from another painful blow. "But why? I mean. . .I know, you love me." Now for the first time ever, I watched as he faced me with a look of deep sincerity.

"More than anything. . ." he whispered in a cracked voice. Although elated that he was finally confessing the true feelings of his heart, I could feel myself grow very frustrated. "Then, how could you just turn and walk away?!"

Throwing his arms up with frustration, he choked out, "Dang, woman? Ya think this is easy?! Ya think I wanted this ta happen?" Turning away he vented, "Why do ya think I been avoidin you so much? It's not cause I wanted too, believe me! But it's because things were startin ta change, and I didn't know how ta handle it! So I thought that maybe. . .if I. pushed ya away. . .then it might be easier when it came ta lettin ya go. But boy. . .was I wrong. . ."

Letting out a painful sigh, he shook his head and said, "The last time I felt like this was nearly twenty years ago, when I broke someone else's heart, and ruined my life! After that I swore that as long as I was like this, I'd never get that close to anyone again. But you've made it harder, and harder for me everyday! In fact, I care about you even more! Which makes it worse!"

"How?" I weakly argued. "When you have a chance to start over again?" By the way Tex hesitated, I could tell he was fighting with all he had not to cry in front of me. But it was no use. I watched as his glistening eyes gaped toward me full of despair. "I can't, Carla! Don't ya see?! I told ya before, that I'm a prisoner. . .A slave ta Stampede!"

Unable to bear it, I hollered, "Will you stop saying that!"

"But it's true!" he insisted. "I could never give you what you want, cause I don't even belong to myself. I owe Stampede my life. . .literally. And if I ever tried ta leave. . .he'd take it. And if you keep on interferin with me. . .he might just take yours. . ."

The impact from those words hit me like a hard slap in the face, when I realized just how much danger I'd really put myself in.

Swallowing hard his head slowly began to shake. "I couldn't bear the thought of that. That's why I think it's best if ya left anyhow." Now one by one, the tears uncontrollably began to slide down his cheeks. "For my sake, Carla. . .would you just leave me alone?" The desperation of his request had me realizing just how heartbroken he really was.

Sniffling, I shook my head and timidly replied, "Alright. . ."

Just when I went to walk away from him, I heard him call out, "Hey. . ."

"Yeah?" I whispered, barely able to look him in the eyes. Now his hand shakily reached out until it was gripping mine. "Just so ya know, that if things were different, and I would've had a second chance, I wouldn't have wasted any time. I would've married you in a heartbeat."

For a minute, my mouth fell open to the realization that in spite of the horrible circumstances, Tex was actually proposing to me! This caused me to marvel at him through my tears. Chuckling I replied,
"And I would've been honored to be your wife."

Eyes glistening with tears, Tex proudly smiled through them. Yet at the same time, I added, "But you have a point, Tex. If things were different, and you weren't an outlaw, then I never would've met you in the first place. Which means I wouldn't have fallen for the man I'm in love with, right now."

Oh. . .if only I could have captured the moved expression on Tex's face. There I believe for the first time ever, that he realized just how much I excepted him for the person he really was. Inhaling deeply, held out his hands and whispered, "Come here. . ."

Without even thinking twice about it, I approached him and slid my arms around his neck. Through closed eyes I could feel him kiss me again for one last time. As he held onto me, we both cried in each other's arms. When Tex finally let me go, he studied me hard then whispered. "Although I can't have you, there is something I give you. Your freedom. Cause that's somethin I'll never have. . ."

To Be Continued. . .