Lost and Found – Part 11

A week later, Vin stood leaning on the corral fence watching Peso. Catherine's wagon was packed, and everything sold that could be. They were ready to leave.

Chris walked over and stood beside Vin. "Trouble?"

Vin glanced at Chris out of the corner of his eye. "Ain't been on him since I got here. Ain't lookin' forward to it." He rubbed his hip unconsciously.

Chris did not miss the action and studied the horse. "He'll give you hell, that's for sure. Good thing you'll be driving the wagon."

Vin looked from Chris to the horse. "Yeah."

With Peso tied to the back of the wagon, they headed on their way.

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The journey was long, uneventful, but pleasant. Chris gained an entirely new understanding of Vin. As they traveled, he would describe the area to Catherine and the awe and reverence of his descriptions enlightened Chris as to why Vin felt the need to leave town periodically. Catherine seemed just as enamored with the outdoors. It seemed they shared the same respect and admiration for nature. Chris had never known Vin to say so much. He was at ease with Catherine and honest as he had never been with him or any of the others.

After a few days on the trail, Chris had to admit he understood why Vin was so adamant about bringing Catherine with him. She was sincere, soft-spoken, gentle, and pleasant. Even Chris was soothed by her and put at ease. She often times would have whatever animal they had found for dinner skinned, cleaned, and cooking over the fire before the men had the horses settled and camp laid out. Her meals were simple but delicious, and Chris was amazed that she could pull it off with what little supplies they had. They found themselves telling her about Four Corners and its residents as well as the other peacekeepers. They wanted her to be prepared since everything would be unknown to her. As daunting as all of this was for her, she never complained but was honest about voicing her concerns. Chris had to agree that Mrs. Wells' might be the best place for her to stay until they could find her a place of her own. He was becoming just as concerned about the woman as Vin was. She had taken it upon herself to care for both of them on the journey. Chris knew he could be a complete ass and had not been overly kind to the woman, yet she was tending to him almost as kindly as she did Vin.

Catherine was actually enjoying the journey. She had only left the homestead twice; both times had been to Potterville with her father when she was much younger. She had not truly cared for it then. It was lovely traveling with Vin. He was thoughtful about her blindness, describing things he thought she might find appealing. She had genuinely appreciated that he had actually given her the sunrises and sunsets. Every morning and evening on the journey, he would take her away from the camp to a place that gave him the best view and described them to her. She relished those times when he would pull her close and tell her what he saw in his soft voice. He always made her feel safe and cared for. Catherine was even getting used to Chris. At first, she was not too sure about him. He had been gruff and harsh in her previous encounters, but she had come to realize that he was just worried about Vin. Chris was trying to protect his friend. She could understand that. As they traveled, he seemed to relax around her, and she was glad. She did not want to be nervous around Vin's friends. They obviously meant a lot to Vin, and she wanted them to like her, and she to like them.

Vin could not remember ever feeling happy since his mother died when he was five. He supposed that was what he was feeling now. Catherine certainly made him feel happy and cared for. He was amazed he could feel so much in such a short time with her. She was untouched by the evils of the world, innocent. The complete opposite of himself; he had only suffered from the evils of the world, the hands of man. Was that why he wanted to protect her so badly, so she never had to know what he had? He supposed that was a good part of it. Even Chris was beginning to soften when it came to her. He smiled at that. The big bad tough gunfighter, Chris Larabee, was succumbing to her gentleness, her innocence. He did not see how anyone could help it though; she was everything pure and kind, a real angel. What would Josiah think of that thought he wondered? He hoped the others would fall under her charm as well although he was a little leery of what Buck's intentions would be. He would have to keep an eye on him. There was no way he would allow Buck to hurt Catherine. Buck would not hurt a woman, but Catherine was different. She had been overly protected from the world by choice as well as circumstances, and he feared she would fall too easily under Buck's effortless charm. He undoubtedly would need to keep an eye on him. Miz Nettie, the thought of her made him smile. He thought for sure the old woman would love Catherine, and Catherine her. He sure hoped so, or things would get even more complicated.