This chapter is rated M for sexu content.

Chapter 13: The To-Do list

"Come on, Arthur," 17-year-old Lilly murmured excitedly. "Show up already..."

She was hiding in the woods, and it was in the evening. Lilly had on blue jean shorts and a ted and white plaid button shirt, tucked in and sleeves rolled up. And barefoot, as was her usual thing to do. Nothing felt better than the land beneath her bare feet. It felt energizing somehow. Lilly's wavy auburn hair hung loosely around her shoulders as she sat on a branch of a giant oak tree. She'd been waiting for some time now. They'd started a hunting ritual the day she single handedly took on twenty-five O'Driscolls. The hate she had for Colm O'Driscoll, the leader of that gang, ran deep. Real deep. She remembered what the death of Annabel did to Dutch, and Colm was the one responsible for her death.

Lilly didn't care if it was in retaliation. That woman and Bessie, Hosea's wife, were like mothers to her. Lilly called her "Ma", while Bessie was "Máthair". They both died when she was younger, but their absence affected her deeper than she would dare acknowlegde. How many family members did she have to keep losing? One leg hung loosely off the branch while the other was held up. Lilly's chin rested on her knee. It was her "lost in thought" position. And she was very much lost in her thoughts. People she cared about died around her. Would she lose everyone else too? No, that was a ridiculous thought. Lilly couldn't think like that. And she'd gone off track with her original thought. The hunting game.

Lilly waited a long time for Arthur to see her as a woman and not a little girl. She hadn't wanted Arthur to feel uncomfortable with a little girl flirting with him, so she waited. She sharpened her claws on other men and boys to pass the time. They gave in too easily and it was not much of a challenge. But Arthur? He was more than she could've hoped for. Strong, challenging, and bold. Very bold. The way he touched her on these occasions made her shiver just thinking about it. No one else dared lay a hand on her but that day on the shore of the lake, after goading and teasing him, Arthur pulled Lilly close and introduced her to a whole new world of emotions she just couldn't identify. His hands on her body made Lilly's heart race, her skin prickle with goosebumps, and her respirations damn near went out of control. And the way he would look at her when they were in camp and not engaging in their game? Good God, sometimes her knees would almost buckle.

Still lost in thought, she did not hear Arthur sneak up on her in the tree. Before she could register his presence, he was behind her and his arms pulled her close in one quick jerk. "Hello, beautiful."

She yelped in surprise. "Oh God, Arthur, you startled me!"

He pulled her hair away from one side of her neck and nuzzled her shoulder. "Never thought I could do that. No one can sneak up on you."

"I guess I was distracted."

"By what?"

"Things." she sounded sad.

Nails dragged across her inner thigh and Lilly moaned softly. "You sound upset but I can make you feel so much better, O'Callaghan."

"I bet you can," Lilly chuckled. "Tell me how you're gonna accomplish that, Morgan."

Arthur's lips grazed her ear. "I've been thinkin' we should go swimmin'."

Lilly scoffed with disappointment. "Swimmin'? That's nice, I guess."

Arthur's throat rumbled with a low chuckle. "Swimmin' naked, Lillian," he said, low and husky. "Right now."

A deep breath automatically took Lilly over. Oh God. She pivoted her neck to eyeball him with a smirk. "Sounds like a plan. Let's go."

Lilly climbed down faster than usual. She was feeling exhilarated by this new idea. Lilly landed on the ground and went running for the lake. "Hey, wait up!"

"Nope! Gotta be fast if ya want tah hunt me, Arthur Morgan!" she laughed.

The lake came into view and she looked around. Good. No one was around. Lilly declothed immediately and spotted a low hanging branch over the water. Huh. Would it be sturdy enough to hold her? Lilly ran for the tree and climbed. When she got to the branch, she pushed on ot. Pretty sturdy. Lilly walked. out on it and giggled as she kneeled and turned around waiting for Arthur. He came bounding out from the tree line like a buck running freely just because. He spotted her clothes, smiled, and looked around for her.

"Lillian!" Arthur unbuttoned and removed his blue shirt. Lilly immediately felt her mouth open. He had more hair than she remembered, but he was still pretty...chiseled. And he had a trail of hair leading down to his manhood. Good Lord, what a man. He unbuckled his pants, kicked off his boots, and let his pants drop. Lilly covered her mouth. Oh my God. His dingle dangle. He was a good distance away so Lilly couldn't see too many details but it looked a more than decent size, not that she had a frame of reference. "Lilly! I'm gonna find ya!" Arthur shouted with a cackle, then he got into the water.

Lilly crawled further out on the branch like the creature of stealth she was. Arthur went swimming out farther. When Lilly was at the farthest she could go, she whistled at Arthur. He jerked around and grunted. Now for a little will breaking. Lilly slowly stood and she stood proudly.

"See anythin' ya like, Arthur?" He was still a far enough distance but Lilly could see the look on his face well enough. Like he was having a stroke. Surprisingly, he swam closer and Lilly sat down with her legs dangling. Interesting. Her head cocked to the side and a slow smile appeared on her lips. "Ooooh, someone's bein' bold."

Arthur was pretty close now and Lilly chuckled at him. Arthur smiled up at her. "I didn't think goddesses were real, but now..." he laughed. "God damn, Lillian. You're the most beautiful thing I done seen in all my life."

Lilly's eyes widened and her heart melted like hot butter. "...Arthur..." her cheeks blushed as she squeaked out his name. "Ahem, Arthur," she said more clearly. "Flattery is beneath you."

Arthur let out a cackle. "Are you fishin' for compliments?"

"Maaaybe."

"Well get down here and I'll give you plenty more, you gorgeous little angel."

Lilly's mouth parted. The expression on Arthur's face showed he meant every single word. She slipped off the branch and went completely underneath. When she popped up, Arthur was right in front of her. "Oh, hi."

He smiled at her. No, Arthur was beaming at her. "You're still too young, but at least you turn 18 tomorrow."

"What does that have to do with anythin'?"

"I'll be less of a dirty old man."

Lilly chuckled. "You do realize the age of sexual consent is 16, right?" Lilly said as she around him in circles.

"...It is? When did they raise it to 16?"

"1885."

"Huh."

"I still don't understand why I'm too young for you Arthur. Clearly I'm a woman and I can make my own decisions."

"Yes but you're still very young."

"So? You're 32. I don't care about your age, I care about you." Lilly stopped swimming. What the hell did she just say?

Arthur smiled at her. "Ah, was that a flaw in the hunter's shield I just heard?"

Lilly gulped. She did care about Arthur. Immensely. And she just realized that. No, she'd always cared about him. She was fond of him, even. But how she felt just now was different. It was more intense. It was...well, she knew it was sexual. No, did she? Ack, now Lilly was confused. Is that why she wanted this so much? No, of course not. She didn't actually want to have sex with him...right?

"Earth to Lillian," he teased. Lilly looked at him with widened eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"I...I need to go!" she turned around and started swimming towards the shore.

"Lilly! Come back! What's wrong?"

"I gotta go!" Lilly got to shore and grabbed her clothes. She put on her shirt but Lilly heard Arthur wading through the water behind her. "Just...I gotta go!" Lilly picked up her shorts and ran.

Once she got a good distance from Arthur, Lilly got her shorts on and began buttoning her shirt as she walked. What the hell just happened? Why did she panic like that? Arthur probably thought she was an idiot. No, she wanted to stop thinking about all of it. Lilly had to get back to camp and take her mind off it. Maybe she should go hunting. Actual hunting. For food. Like a buck. Shit. Once again, she was lost in her thoughts, and once again, Lilly didn't hear Arthur behind her. He grabbed her and turned her around.

"Lillian, are you okay?" he asked in a serious tone.

"I...I don't..." Lilly started trembling. "Why am I feelin' like this right now?"

Arthur palmed both her cheeks. "Heyheyheyhey," he whispered while looking into her eyes. "You're okay, just relax. Breathe."

"I can't breathe!"

Arthur held her to him and she buried her face into the crook of his neck. "It's okay, you're okay."

Lilly suddenly realized he did not have a shirt on. Shit. She had her palms on his chest. She'd never touched his bare chest before. Double shit. Lilly pulled back and stared at it. Triple shit. Her heart raced and she started trembling again. Her hands explored his chest and she gazed at Arthur. This was...something new. Was it new?

"Arthur...I..." She searched his eyes for answers. "Am I feelin'...do I..."

Arthur and Lilly closed the gap immediately and began to kiss passionately. Arthur tore her shirt off. "I need you, Lillian."

Lilly nodded. "I need you."

They both got the other's clothes off and Lilly went to the forest floor. Arthur hovered over her for a moment and pushed himself into her. Lillian yelped in surprise but when Arthur pumped into her, it felt incredible. They continued kissing as Arthur went faster.

"I'm sorry, but I...I gotta have you. I love you."

Lilly stared up at him. "I love you." Arthur laughed and went back to kissing her. Lilly moaned and put her arms around him. "Tell me again, Arthur."

He nuzzled her ear and Lilly moaned louder as he increased his pace. "I love you, piccolo fiore..." [little flower...]

Lilly's blood went cold. "What did you just say?"

"I love you, piccolo fiore," was repeated but it was no longer Arthur's voice. Lilly pushed him up and screamed. It was Papa.

Lilly woke up in her bed and fell out of it. Her whole body was sweaty and shaking.

"You okay, Lilly?" Arthur asked. It was dark and he was in the corner.

"Y-Yeah...had a bad dream."

"Not your usual night terror?"

"No. It started out with you and me skinny dippin' and...we were havin' sex." Why did she just tell him that?

"Oh...Well," Lilly saw his form stand up and walk to her. "Perhaps I can arrange that to really happen, if you want me to do it."

Lilly shook her head. "Not just now. I..."

Arthur picked her up, threw her onto the bed violently and slapped her in the face. "You will pay for your insolence, girl!" Papa's voice boomed. Arthur got on top of her and slapped her again. "You are mine, piccolo fiore! You will not leave me again!" Lilly screamed as Arthur became Papa once again.

Lilly sat up immediately in her bed and was breathing heavily. Her whole body was soaked in sweat and she was shaking fiercely. She was in her night shift. Arthur lit a lantern and put a hand on her shoulder. He was only wearing black pants. "Are you okay?"

Lilly looked at him and nodded. "Yeah," she breathed out. "Just a bad dream."

"Do you need your tea?"

"No. I'm fine. Really. Just..." Lilly got up and grabbed her pack of cigarettes. "I been havin' too many of these lately," she sighed as she lit one up. Lilly inhaled the smoke and grunted it out. "Okay..."

"You wanna talk about the dream?"

"Not really, no." Lilly saw him frown. "I know, I know. You want to know things, I get it," she went back to the bed and sat down. "I'll tell ya somethin' else, but not the dream."

"Okay."

Lilly took another puff. "Remember when I was talkin' about Sir Liam and my father bein' childhood friends?"

"Yes."

"I had an arranged marriage with his son."

Arthur gaped at her and she grinned at him. "What? So, you were gonna be a...a..."

"Countess."

"Jesus."

Lilly gave him the cigarette. "Yeah...all of us kids had arranged marriages with the Nolan kids."

"Are they still alive?"

"Probably."

"How old was your...betrothed?"

Lilly shook her head with a grin. "Fifteen, I believe."

Arthur coughed while inhaling. "You were gonna marry a feller ten years older than you?"

"Yes," she giggled. "I was used to the idea of bein' betrothed to someone twice my age. So...that's pretty much why I don't mind you bein' older. You're a man and little boys can't handle me."

An amused chuckle came out of Arthur. "That is a fact. Wait, if he's alive, won't he come lookin' for you?"

"Ha! If he was goin' to, he would've found me by now."

"Good, because I'll be damned if some...rich boy comes and steals my woman."

Lilly laughed. "As if he could, my love. No no, if Patrick...John..." Lilly squinted her eyes as she tried to remember all his names. The boy had so many. "Ah! Patrick John Finnley Alexander Nolan! If he comes for me, he'll get me over my dead body." Arthur's face went pale. He looked like he just swallowed a live eel. "What's wrong, mo chuisle? Are ya not feelin' well?"

"I think I ate somethin' earlier that didn't agree with me." Arthur kissed her, then his face scrunched up with confusion. "So, this Patrick guy...he's the Earl of Galway?"

"That's right. Unless Sir Liam is still alive. But if he's not, Patrick is the 12th Earl of Galway." Lilly made a confused face. "Are you sure you're alright, my love?"

"Yes. I'm okay. I uh...I guess I don't feel well at all. I need to uh...go do a business."

Lilly snickered.. "Well go, then, before ya go in yer pants!"

Arthur got up and marched out of the tent. Lilly sighed and laid back down. "Hmm, haven't thought of that boy in a long time. Wonder what he's up to...hmm." Lilly shrugged and got under the covers. As she waited for Arthur, though, Lilly ended up drifting off to sleep.

Lilly woke up the next morning refreshed. Her fight was only a few days ago but she was already on the mend. As she sat up, she noticed some new additions to the tent. There was a vanity table now with a mirror. There was also a small bookcase and a comfortable looking dark blue reading chair. Huh. Well, that was nice. Arthur was just outside. Lilly assumed he was shaving.

"Ah! Dammit!" he growled.

Lilly giggled. Yep. He was shaving. She got out of bed and put on a tan button down shirt, blue jeans, and black western boots. Lilly went to the vanity table and began to brush her hair. Arthur walked in as he was wiping his face. "You really should get a decent shaver, Arthur."

"I ain't got time to shave like a gentleman."

Lilly snorted. As Lilly glanced at him through the mirror, she smirked when he bent over in his black pants. God, she loved his arse.

"What are you up to?"

"Just admirin' the scenery of your wonderful and manly arse."

Arthur stood up immediately and looked at her in the mirror. He burst out laughing. "You are such a shit."

"Why? Because I like yer butt?"

Arthur laughed again and stood behind her. "Yes. Flattery is beneath you."

Lilly's smile disappeared for a moment, but then she smiled up at him. "I love what ya done to the place, mo chuisle. Thank you."

Arthur leaned down and kissed her tenderly. "Maybe we could expand a little bit more. The boys could come and sleep in here when they're ready. We could get them a rug."

Lilly laughed and kissed his hand. "We could just get a house. Or a bungalow. Leave the country and grow bananas for a livin'," she snorted.

Arthur chortled. "So..." he cleared his throat. "I need to run a couple things by you."

"Okay?"

"First thing is I gotta go collect debts for Strauss. Nobody else will."

Lilly's face went blank. "You know how I feel about that, but you are your own man, my love. You can do as you please, even if I don't like it."

"I don't like it, but someone's gotta do it."

Lilly rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Why can't he go himself?"

"He ain't scary."

A huff of hot air came out of her mouth. Fuck it. "Then I'll do it."

"...Seriously?"

"Yes. You don't like doin' it so I'm willin' to step up and let you play hookey."

Arthur knelt down and kissed her. "You wonderful, wonderful woman."

"I love you too." She rubbed her thumb on his face. "So, what's the other thing?"

"Well, I was gonna ask if you could go into town for me, find some things out, but-"

"Oh hell. Ya know I can do that too. I've had too many days off. It's your turn to take one or two days off for yourself."

"Thanks, darlin', but now that I think about it, I need to run into town anyway. Gotta meet up with Charles, Javier, and Bill."

"Ain't no rest for the wicked," Lilly sighed casually and turned to look at him. "Especially since you got added to my "to-do" list," Lilly said with a playful smirk.

It made Arthur laugh. "You're on mine too, you know. More than once. You fill up half the page." He kissed her neck. "Oh, speaking of lists, here's the unfortunates Strauss lent money to."

Lilly grabbed the list and put it in her own bag as she kissed Arthur. "Thank you. Meet you later when I'm done? Maybe we'll..." she stood, grabbed Arthur by the head, and pulled him to her with a passionate kiss. "...cross off some of the things on our lists." Lilly slapped his butt and Arthur cackled as she ambled through the flaps. "Love you!"

"Love you too!" Arthur shouted happily.

Lilly smiled as she looked around the camp. She thought about having breakfast first but she settled for coffee. Then again...nope. She needes food. After getting both the coffee and the stew, Lilly sat down and began chowing down. Lilly made quick work of it and went jogging over to her horse while quickly greeting people. Lilly jumped onto Liath and pulled out the list.

"Hmm, let's see...Chick Matthews, Mr. Wróbel, and Miss..." Lilly saw the name and started laughing. "Lilly Millet! Ah shit, that's funny. Heh. Well, I'm gonna save her for last." Lilly decided to go to Painted Sky, the place Mr. Wróbel lived. As she left the tree line, Lilly saw Brian and James waiting for her. "Hey boys. Come along."

Arthur watched Lilly leave and sighed glumly. The things she told him last night...he was not happy it. Not just about her arranged marriage. Arthur knew the man was looking for Lilly because he'd met the man years ago.

29-year-old Arthur, in a black shirt, blue paisley vest, dark blue slacks, black cowboy like boots, and pomade in his barely short brown hair went walking into the local saloon in the state of Iowa. He'd heard good things about this place. He went to the bar and sat down. There was a very rich looking, well dressed young man sitting about seven stools down. He had a black suit with a gold pocket watch chain hanging off his red silk vest. He had a black bowler cap. The black hair underneath was short, he had a dimpled chin, and he was clean shaven. There were other patrons but this guy stuck out the most. He was drinking a scotch. Arthur sat and ordered a whiskey. Arthur tossed a coin on the bar and drank from his glass.

"Do ya have another Scotch coming, barkeep?" the fancy man asked glumly. His Irish accent was thick. He had to be drunk.

"Yes sir, but I think this should be your last one."

The man waved. "Ya may be roight, man. Verra roight indeed."

The keep slid him another scotch. Arthur ordered another whiskey. "What's wrong with him?"

"Oh, some nobleboy from Ireland. Not sure whatwhat's wrong with him."

"I am looking fer my betrothed!" the young man shouted. "If yer so curious as tah what my bloody plight is, then all ya have tah do is ask me!"

Arthur shrugged. "Fair enough." Arthur grabbed his drink and ambled over to sit next to the man. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean no offense."

The young man laughed bitterly. "Yer the only American that means no offense tah me. This blooming country is not kind tah Irish folks."

"Americans aren't kind people in general."

Both the men chuckled. "Yes, well, it just makes me all the more...frustrated."

Arthur held out his hand. "Arthur Morgan."

The young man shook it. "Patrick John Finnley Alexander Nolan."

"Ha! That's quite a name!"

"Yes, my father was very insistent I carry a lot of me ancestors names, may he rest in peace."

"I'm sorry for your loss. Is that what your plight is?" Arthur asked as he took a drink from his glass.

"No," Patrick laughed. "But he charged me with a task before he passed. Said I had tah "honor the agreement that was made" between him and an old friend."

"What was the agreement?"

Patrick lowered his head and removed his hat. "I had an arranged marriage tah a young lass, but then she and her family had tah flee the country. I am not sure as tah why, but it was a bad business."

"I see. And now you're tryin' to find her?"

"Yes. We originally thought the whole family died on a ship on the way here, but then we were told about the girl's brother dying somewhere in Lemoyne, and he left a relative behind. A little sister. So now I need to bring her home, marry her, and help her reclaim her title. But the search hasn't turned up a lot. She always was a sneaky little thing."

"Hmm, she's a noble, huh?"

"Yes. Second Countess of Moycullen. Her father Sir Jack had been knighted and granted the title years ago. Me father helped with that but, uh...Sir Jack certainly earned it if the stories ring true."

"What did he do?"

"Well, if the legend is true, he killed a god. Well, goddess, actually. She uh, was causing serious mayhem to the country. People blamed her for the famines we had and, well...honestly, I think she was just some witch or someone with an undying hate for potatoes."

Arthur laughed at the last line. "That's quite a story."

"Well, stories like that often are based on truth but it's been by word of mouth and Irish people like to boast. And they will exaggerate as they keep on boasting."

"We got people like that here too." Arthur took another drink. "So, are you a nobleman, then?"

Patrick took a big chug of scotch. "Yes. Twelfth Earl of Galway."

Arthur rubbed his face as he sat down on the bed. He'd been up almost the whole night thinking about it. And when he came back in after calming himself down, she was asleep. So Arthur watched Lilly sleep. He kissed her as she slept. Held her as she slept. He thought about what Lilly told him, and about what Patrick Nolan told him. Arthur didn't care about Lilly being a noble. He didn't care about her father being a god slayer. All he cared about was if Patrick Nolan, Twelfth Earl of Galway, ever found Lillian, she could be forced to go home. To Ireland. To retake her noble claim and marry that man. Arthur bent over and held his head. He knew Lilly would fight the Irish nobleman tooth and nail. No, teeth and knives was a more accurate method for Lilly. He remembered when Lilly told him about how she killed every one of those men in the carriage just before the accident. Lilly ripped one's throat out with her teeth. The others? Only her knives were used.

But she wasn't invincible. Hell, Lilly was dead for about two minutes. Arthur made an oath that day to protect that little girl until the day he died, and while she was no longer a little girl, his oath still applied. He was still her guardian; her protector. Her Fear Álainn. Arthur loved her so much, and he finally got to have her after years of waiting, but to possibly lose her in the future? Nope. He remembered how that felt, her being taken from him, and that was not going to happen a second time. Not if he had anything to say about it...and Arthur had plenty to say about it. As her guardian, he knew what he had to do. He got dressed in a white shirt, a blue vest, black pants, and his boots. As he raced out of the tent, Arthur saw Dutch and Hosea talking at a table and he walked to them with purpose in his step.

Dutch saw him and smiled. "Ah, Arthur. You look like you got a bone to pick with someone."

Arthur stopped in front of them both. He almost lost his nerve but he swallowed hard and straightened his back. "I am informin' you both of my intention to marry Lilly."

The two fathers exchanged glances before looking back at Arthur. "What?"

"You heard me. I'm goin' to propose to Lilly. If either one of you object, I-"

Dutch guffawed joyfully. "Object? Are you kiddin' me?! Don't you know me at all? We are outlaws. We are free men. We have a code, yes, but we essentially get to do what we please. And son, nothin' would please me more than for you and Lilly to get married. Ha!" Dutch took a gander at Hosea. "Are you hearin' this? Don't you agree this is wonderful news?"

"Yes, I do," Hosea said with a genuine smile. "Well, what are you standin' around here for?! Where is the little varmint?"

"She's out collectin' debts," Arthur replied. Both the men went slack-jawed. Arthur rolled his eyes. "I was gonna go, but she offered to go herself."

Dutch stood up. "You got a ring?"

"No. I was gonna head to town and buy one."

"Ha! Well, you ain't doin' that! Come on!" Dutch walked over to his tent and the other men followed. "Molly, sweetheart, I know you don't like it when I bring this up but do you know where Annabelle's box is?"

"Yes I do, Dutch," Molly sighed. "It's in the chest. What's the occasion this time?"

Dutch laughed and went searching. "Arthur Morgan here has decided to make a claim for Lilly's hand in marriage. So...aha! There you are!" As Dutch pulled a small wooden box with 'Annabelle' carved into it, Molly smiled at Arthur.

"Are ya serious, Arthur? You and Lilly?" she asked.

Arthur rubbed the back of his head. "Yes, heh heh."

"You two are in love?"

"Oh, Molly, don't play dumb. You know those two been soft on each other for years."

Arthur grunted. That was a little embarassing. "Were we that obvious?"

Dutch opened the box and started rummaging around through the bobbles and trinkets. "Yes. You think we didn't know about your skinny dippin' sessions?" Dutch looked up at Arthur with a cock-eyed grin. "All the flirtin'? The real heavy flirtin'?"

Arthur went bright red in the face. "You...ahem, how did you know?"

"You both had admirers. You, especially, you handsome devil," Dutch mocked before swiping through the stuff.

"No, I think Lilly had the bulk of admirers," Hosea interrupted. "Men just flocked to her from all corners of the globe."

Dutch pulled out a small blue velvet box. He gave it to Arthur, who sighed and opened it. It was a gold ring with a decent sized diamond on it. "Wow. That is a beauty, Dutch. This was Annabelle's ring?"

"Yes. I..." Dutch looked at Molly who only shrugged as she fanned herself.

"It's alright, my love. This is a special occasion," a smile formed on Molly's face as she spoke.

Dutch chuckled deeply. "You are truly the bell of the ball, my dear."

"What can I say, Dutch? I aim for beauty," she sighed happily.

Dutch gave her a loving smile then looked at Arthur. "That was Annabelle's engagement ring. I proposed to her with it."

Arthur gaped at Dutch. "You did? Why didn't you go through with it?"

Dutch laughed. "She kept turning me down."

"Oh Dutch!" Molly snapped. "You can't use a ring that a woman already turned down! It's bad luck!"

"She eventually said yes!"

"You give him that ring and Lilly turns him down, Arthur will be devastated!"

"Yes but...well," Dutch looked at the box and sighed in defeat. "Yes, you are correct, Molly. And it isn't exactly practical, either. Lilly would be snaggin' it on everythin'."

Arthur laughed and handed Dutch back the box. "So...I guess I'll be goin' into town."

"Not just you," Hosea said. "We're goin' too. Right Dutch?'

Dutch was still staring at the ring in the box. "Yes."

"You okay Dutch?"

"Hmm." Dutch looked at Molly and smiled. "I love you, Molly, and I would like to make a grand gesture."

"What's that, Dutch? You gonna give me an unlucky ring now?" Molly joked.

"No." He walked behind the tent to the collection box. He opened it, took the ring out, and sighed as he looked at Molly. She was just as shocked as the other two bystanders. Dutch kissed the ring, put it in the collection box, and shut the lid with a pat. He went to Molly and kissed her. "I know I've been-"

Molly kissed him to shut him up. "I love ya, Dutch. You need not say anythin' more."

Arthur and Hosea cleared their throats. Dutch kissed Molly's cheek and walked with the other men to the horses. "Does Valentine even have a jeweley store?" Dutch asked.

"Yes." Hosea replied. "Last time I was there, they did anyway."

"Any good selections?"

"Not at the time."

"Well," Arthur said as he mounted up. "If we're goin' for practical, I don't think we can get anythin' flashy."

"Women don't like bein' skimped out on engagement rings, Arthur."

"I ain't skimpin'." The three men trotted out of camp. "This is Lilly. She's more sentimental than materialistic. But I do want somethin' a bit more original to give her."

"Like what?"

"Not a diamond. No, I think...a sapphire will do. Or an emerald. Hmm, maybe both."

"Why those two?" Hosea asked.

Arthur laughed. "Emerald for Ireland. Sapphire for her eyes."

Lilly peeked into a tree hole and smiled. "Aha!" She reached into the darkness and pulled out a money clip. "God, I love treasure hunts!" Lilly exclaimed with glee.

Chick Matthews was hogtied on the back of Lilly's horse Liath. "Okay, you got the money. Can I go now please?" Brian and James growled up at Chick and he yelped.

Lilly tucked the money into her satchel. "Don'tcha want a ride back to the farm, Mr. Matthews?"

"...You ain't mad that I made you chase me?"

"Of course not." Lilly cut his bonds loose. "I love chasin' men and I love treasure hunts." Lilly got on her horse as Chick sat up behind her. "Huntin' too, but I suppose that goes with the chasin' bit. Come on, boys.'"

"You like chasin' men?"

Lilly giggled as they rode back in the direction of Guthrie Farm. Brian and James ran behind her. "Yes."

"You're a hunter too, huh?"

"I've a big ole' skillset, Mr. Matthews. Outlaw. Gunslinger. Archer. Knife wielder. Melee combat fighter. Expert climber. Stealth. Hunter. Wolf...uh...Charmer, I guess? Temptress. And I guess loan shark is on it now, much as I hate bein' one."

"You don't like loan sharkin'?"

"I despise debtors and loan sharks more than I despise snakes, although I think they're all the same thing: snakes."

"Then why are you doin' this?" He yelped when Liath jumped over something and he clung to her.

Lilly turned her head to catch Chick in her peripherals with a smirk. "Gettin' a little friendly there, ain't ya?" she giggled.

"Oops, sorry." Chick let go. "Please don't hurt me."

"I havena done nothin' tah ya!"

"You tied me up and shouted at me!"

Lilly chuckled. "Yes, I did. my shoutin' tends to scare the shite outta people."

"It certainly scared me! What kind of woman are you?!"

"The kind who is a needle in a haystack...that's on fire." Lilly saw the farm in the distance. "Hmm, there it is, Mr. Matthews." Lilly increased Liath's pace to a gallop.

When they got near enough, Chick got off. "Well, thank you for the ride," he said with a smile. He reached into his farm pouch, but then his face went whiter than ever. "Uh oh."

Lilly smirked. "Lose somethin'?"

"Yes! My damn chore list! Ugh, Guthrie is gonna kill me!" Lilly laughed, reached into her satchel and shook the list in his face. He snatched it and gaped up at her. "What the hell?"

"Sorry. Pranks and pickpocket are also in my skillset." Lilly winked at him and rode off on Liath with the boys tailing behind her. Lilly was wanting to hurry this up. She wanted to get back to Arthur and...do things. As Lilly approached Emerald Farm, she heard a couple shouting.

"Do you have any idea of the hole I'm in?" a woman shouted. Lilly smirked as she slowed Liath to a walk.

"Oh come on!" a man shouted back. "Why's it always gotta be such a god damn performance with you? Now I told you I'd get you the money next week. And I'll get it." Lilly chuckled to herself. This had to be Lilly Millet.

"If you didn't make it this week, who's to say you'll make it next?"

"Don't you take that tone with me!" Lilly stifled a giggle. He sounded like Arthur. Oh, him and the tones. He hated her tones. "I thought you said you loved me!" Lilly rolled her eyes when she saw the couple on a bench. That line was definitely not Arthur.

"I do! I do! But what I get paid ain't enough for one person, let alone two! Your money's gotta be your problem now!"

Lilly got off her horse and smiled. "The only problem I got is this bleatin' goin' on in my ear! Now lay off it, Lilly! God dammit!"

Lillian snorted from her throat and started laughing into a fit. Oh, this was priceless. The couple looked at her. "Excuse me," the woman in the dress said. "Just what are you laughin' at?"

Lillian held her stomach. "I'm sorry...hahaha! Ya two fight like me man and I fight! It's feckin' adorable! I tried not to interrupt but then he, heheheheeee," she pointed at the man. "He said 'god dammit' and I just lost it!"

"...Oh. Well, who are you?"

Lillian smiled at the woman. "Ah. Yes. You may call me Miss O'Callaghan." She approached the woman. "I'm uh, here about your loan, Miss Millet."

"I...I'm sorry. I don't have it right now."

"Oh, I know, Miss Lilly. I assumed that. So," Lillian tucked her arms behind her and started pacing leisurely. "Any suggestions on how to rectify this problem?"

"I...no."

"Hmm, okay." Lilly looked at the man. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name, sir."

"That's because I didn't give it," the man said with a snarky tone.

"Cooper!" Lilly snapped nervously. "Be nice!"

"Why? You think this little girl is gonna-" Cooper's hat went flying off his head and got pinned to the wall behind him. There was a knife sticking out of it. The man and Lilly backed up from it.

The temporary loan shark tsk tsk'd the man. "You really shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, sir," Lillian warned with a playful smirk. "See, addressin' me as 'little girl' tends to make me a wee bit knife happy, as I'm sure you can see. Now, let's try this again. I am Miss O'Callaghan. Who are you, sir?"

"...Sorry. M-My apologies, Miss O'Callaghan. I'm Cooper."

"Excellent. Much more pleasant when polite and courteous behavior is involved. Especially with this sort of...hmm, dilemma. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Millet?"

"Y-Yes, of c-course." Lilly stumbled over her words.

"Oh, no need to be so frightened, Miss Lilly. I can't hurt anyone who got my name."

"...Your name is Lilly?"

Lillian cackled as her pacing continued. "Small world, ain't it?"

"Yes," the other Lilly giggled.

"Ah, shite. Well, here's the thing, Miss Millet. You owe a debt, I need to bring said debt to Strauss. I know you don't have the money, so..." Lilly tilted her head to one side and pivoted to stand in front of Cooper. "Would you like to be a chivalrous gentleman and help Miss Lilly out in her hour of need, sir?"

"Well what makes you think I got money?"

Lillian huffed with a shrug. "Well, sir, she gave you money and you haven't paid it back. Therefore, you can kill two birds with one stone and resolve not only her debt to Mr. Strauss but your debt to her as well. That sounds fair, doesn't it?"

Lilly smiled and crossed her arms. "I think you may be very right, Miss O'Callaghan."

Cooper looked at both of them. "You girls are gangin' up on me! I don't think-"

Lillian put a finger up. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but, uh," she looked at the indebted Lilly. "Miss, you may want to cover your ears for this. My next words will be...rather loud."

Lilly did as she was told. "Thank you for the warning."

"You're welcome.' Lilly lowered her finger, smiled at Cooper, and then her expression shifted from that of an angel to a devil. "BE A GOD DAMN MAN FER ONCE AND PAY FER YER WOMAN'S DEBT, YA CHEAP LOUSE! THEN APOLOGIZE TAH HER AND RUN AWAY WITH YER TAIL TUCKED BETWEEN YER LEGS, YA SPINELESS SELF ABSORBED TWAT!"

Cooper backed into the wall, took out money from his pockets and threw it at her before apologizing to both of them and running away. The other Lilly gaped at her. "Wow, that was loud. How did you do that?"

Lillian shrugged. "It's a gift." She picked up all the money and laughed as she counted it. "What an eejit. I think he gave me all his money." Lillian stashed the debt and gave the rest back to the other Lilly. "Go on, I got the debt so you can keep this or give it back to Cooper. I do suggest you keep it to teach him a lesson, although I'm sure he's learned it by now."

Lilly walked up to her and took the money. "I...thank you, Miss O'Callaghan."

"Oh please, just call me Lilly." They both went into hysterics.