Barlow really didn't feel like going to the dance but he wasn't ready to going to give up on Martha just yet. He wanted to go keep an eye on her and see who she was with. He wasn't sure who had weaseled his way into her life now but he should have known that with Martha being the attractive and kind girl she was that there were probably plenty of men interested in her. Besides, she had agreed to save a dance for him and he fully intended to keep her to her word.

As time to leave for the dance approached, he felt tense and insecure, both unfamiliar sensations that had been occurring much more than he would have liked lately. Martha had gotten under his skin and he didn't like feeling anything but strong and confident when he thought of her. He had a drink at home before he left and was a little more relaxed by the time he arrived at the community center 45 minutes after the festivities had started. Barlow slipped in the door, greeted a few people and moved to stand off to the side of the dance floor. It wasn't long before he spotted Martha. She was wearing a blue dress that brought out the color of her eyes: eyes that were smiling as she looked up into the face of her dancing partner, Walt Longmire. Barlow's jaw tightened when he realized Walt was back in Durant. Barlow watched the two of them together until the song finished. As the next song began, he moved purposefully over to them and tapped Walt on the shoulder, "May I cut in?"

Walt turned and seeing who it was looked back to Martha and silently asked her if it was okay. She nodded and Walt stepped back.

Barlow took Martha in his arms and moved her easily across the dance floor away from Walt.

"I would have never guessed you were such a good dancer, Barlow."

"I am a man of many surprises, Martha."

"I'm sure you are."

They danced for a few more moments before Barlow spoke again, "Tell me Martha, what's going on with you and that boy?"

"You mean Walt?"

"Yes"

She shrugged lightly, "Oh, I don't know. I knew him in school but we never really talked until he was home this last Christmas break. When he came into the drug store in April things kind of clicked. I think he likes me but he's pretty quiet so I don't really know yet." She smiled as if to herself.

"And what about you? Do you like him?"

"What's not to like? I mean, he's handsome, smart and very kind."

Barlow tensed and tightened his grip on Martha. She looked up at him, "What's wrong?"

"So, you're interested in dating him?"

She felt uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her and was reluctant to answer but knew it would be wrong to not tell him the truth, "Well, yes."

Barlow stopped dancing. Holding Martha firmly he led her off the dance floor and out of the crowded room.

"Barlow, what's going on? You're hurting my arm."

He backed her against the wall and stood between her and the door into the auditorium. "Martha, I have been waiting for you since we met over a year and a half ago. I am not willing to let Walt Longmire just walk in and take you away from me when we're so close to finally being together."

"Together?" Martha's discomfort grew as she glanced at their new surroundings. Barlow had guided her out into the back hallway and there was no one around. He had always been so nice to her. Why was he acting like this now?

"How can you sound so surprised? I've been in love with you almost from the moment I first saw you at the Busy Bee. I wanted to be with you then. Finding out your age didn't change that, it just delayed my doing something about it. I know you have to feel it too Martha. My God, we've spent so much time together, we get along so well..."

He took her face in his hands and stepped in to kiss her. She tried to turn her head away but he was too strong. As he moved to force her lips apart with his own she protested, pushing at him with her arms, "No Barlow, please stop."

All of a sudden Barlow felt himself being pulled backwards, away from Martha.

"You heard what she said, leave her alone."

Once again Walt Longmire was being a pain in his ass. Barlow held his eyes on Martha and gritted his teeth. He was going to put an end to this now, "Why don't you go away and mind your own business." He turned and swung his fist at Walt's chin. Walt took the punch and then pushed Barlow into the opposite wall.

Walt turned to Martha and reached out to her, "Are you okay?"

Before she had a chance to answer Barlow tackled him from behind. Walt was only slightly taller than Barlow but due to his extensive football workouts at USC he had a distinct weight advantage. He was easily able to overpower the older man. He punched Barlow in the torso and then came back with a right jab that broke his nose and knocked him to the floor. Walt stood over him breathing heavily for a moment as blood dripped down the side of Barlow's face. Martha drew Walt's attention by touching his arm.

He turned to her, "Martha, did he hurt you?"

"No, he just scared me a little, that's all."

Walt stared back down at Barlow with a scowl on his face, daring the man to try to get up. When he was satisfied that Barlow wasn't going to get up just yet he faced Martha once again.

"Come on, I'll take you home." He put his arm around her shoulders and guided her back through the door leaving Barlow on the floor where he lay.