(Chapter Fourteen)

A Party

Everyone made extra sure that they were at the saloon before the two "love birds" arrived. Almost everyone was there half an hour early. The people in charge were there a few hours early to decorate the room and bring presents and food.

"When will they get here?" Cody asked impatiently, obviously eager to get to the cake.

"Anytime now," Abigail told her son quietly.

Carson and Faith arrived almost at the same time.

Faith was walking up the stairs to the saloon when Carson walked up behind her. She turned around, shocked that he was there.

"Carson –" she started, her voice low and soft, though one could clearly see her shock and surprise at his appearance.

"Faith," he said in an even voice and acknowledged her with a nod of his head.

"After you," he said as he held the door open for her.

The loud shout of "SURPRISE!" rang through the whole building.

Carson and Faith were both very surprised.

"What's all this?" Carson asked. Faith thought back to Carson's birthday party and how he had said that exact same thing. She wondered if he remembered it as well as she did.

"This – is a party for you two," Rosemary greeted them cheerfully.

"For us?" Faith asked as she looked over at Carson to see if he was as surprised as she. She found his eyes looking deeply into her's. It was a look she had never seen in his eyes before. Maybe it had been there all along, but she had never realized it.

Abigail walked up to Carson and Faith. Elizabeth and Clara joined her.

"Yes, for you," Abigail stated plainly.

"Whatever for?" Carson asked, shocked that this party was just for him and Faith.

"Well – you two work so hard, helping people. We thought that you should be recognized."

Carson doubted that was the real reason. Everyone had the feeling that this was Carson's second birthday party. But why had Faith been included in the surprise? Almost everyone saw that the two clearly had eyes for each other. Perhaps someone had planned this party to throw them together. That would be so romantic.

"Well, thank you all, very much," Carson finally gave in. He wanted to say that they don't work harder than anyone else, but he knew they would take none of it. Faith could sense it too.
They walked over to a table and sat down. As they started to chat, Sofia appeared. Faith had the feeling she would, but she never expected it to be this soon.

"Excuse me. May I join you?"

"Oh, of course," Carson said politely as he stood up and held a chair out for her.

"This is a wonderful party," Sofia said quietly as she sat down.

"You must be very important to all of these people for them to throw this party just for you, Carson."

"And Faith," Carson cut in firmly with a big smile.

Faith could hardly believe her ears – or her eyes. Did Carson really defend her in front of Sofia? Maybe he really did care.

Her jealousy started to vanish. Maybe Carson really did think of Sofia as just a friend. Or maybe he just thought that it was right to give credit where credit was due.

Carson was a wonderful and thoughtful guy. If Faith couldn't win his heart, she would settle to just be his friend.

Faith had missed most of the conversation.

"Well that's nice," she heard Sofia say.

Carson could not decide which woman he truly loved. Did he love Sofia? Or did he just think of her as his friend? What about Faith? Questions ran through his mind. Oh my, he thought. When did my life get so confusing?

Finally, Carson made his move. He slowly stood to his feet.

"I'm sorry, Sofia. Would you please excuse us?" He helped Faith with her chair and held his hand out to her. She took it gladly and they walked away at a brisk pace. He opened the door for Faith to step out before him.

He closed the door behind them and began to speak.

"Finally," he said as he let out a sigh.

"Finally what?" Faith asked, a bit puzzled at his words.

"We're alone at last."

"Ah," Faith said as she let out a sigh of her own.

There was silence for a long time. Maybe neither one had much to say. Or perhaps they both had a lot to say but neither had the courage to say it.

"What's wrong?" Faith broke the silence by saying.

Carson seemed puzzled that she would ask such a thing.

"I can see it in your eyes," she said simply, reading the question in his eyes.

He looked deeply into her eyes, studying her very carefully before replying.

"I'm sorry. I haven't been much fun tonight, have I?"

She didn't answer, though she wanted to protest. She thought he had been a perfect gentleman and a lot of fun, but she couldn't form the words to tell him.

"I've been having a battle," he responded simply.

Faith's eyes showed her deep concern. Still unable to speak, she bit her lip to keep from sobbing.

"It's alright, Faith. I'll be fine. I just have a lot of decisions to make, and I don't want to regret any of them. Do you understand?"

All she could do was nod as a tear slid down her cheek. She wanted to help Carson with his battle, but she realized that he needed to sort through this on his own.

She was about to wipe at her eyes when Carson's hand came up. He softly brushed a tear away with his thumb. Faith was very surprised.

"Would you mind if we go back in now?" Carson asked after a moment of silence. Faith nodded and Carson held the door for her again.

"Thank you," she managed through her tears.

Everyone had a fantastic time. People danced, chatted, ate, and laughed. But even with all of that, Carson felt his burden weighing him down. Faith hated to watch him carry that burden all by himself.

Everyone thought the party was great. But Abigail knew that her goal was not accomplished. What had gone wrong? she wondered.