"No" she said firmly shaking her head and taking a step back "No! You won't touch me" she moved onto the bed and when her grandfather came after her, she jumped past him and ran out of the room and without really thinking what to do, she ran out of the house, to its backside where she knew Ben was with her brother.

"Cecilia look" her brother called "I now can hit the can from almost ten feet" not paying any attention to him, she threw herself into her husbands' arms, whispering his name.

"Missy hey, what's wrong?" he asked, as one of his hands came to rest on her back.

"What happened?" she also heard Allie and when she turned she saw both her and her father standing there too. It seemed they were back from the trip to town.

"I-I was reading"

"What'd you read that upset you so much?"

"Nothing. My grandmother came and made me do embroidery" she took a deep breath and told them how she pricked her finger and what happened then. But before she got to the part where Nicholas showed up in the room she noticed that he now was standing outside with the cane at the ready. She swallowed and pressed closer to Ben. He seemed to guess the rest of the story and removed her from his chest, instead pushing her behind him.

"Stay away from her"

"What's going on?" Luke asked and Allie handed him a bag, telling him to bring it in the house and prepare them some tea. Luke nodded but first handed the gun back to Ben "Thank you for teaching me"

"Put it on the floor" Ben said "might be better I don't have it in reach" he muttered after Luke obeyed and then ran to the house.

"She needs to be taught a lesson" her grandfather insisted.

"She was in pain" Ben retorted "and if you knew your granddaughter, Mr. Earp, you'd know that she then gets very emotional and distressed"

"Someone should have knocked it out of her"

"And make her even more scared of pain by letting her know it means even more pain? When you know Cecilia it's also clear that after she's calmed down she feels guilty. Most of the times."

"You can treat your woman as you want to but right now she isn't your wife yet so she still stands under her family's responsibility. Step aside"

"Legally seen she is widowed" her father said

"So you expect the outlaw to come back from the dead and chastise her?"

"He never hurt me" Cecilia said "He would have never dreamed of it. Unlike you" she was very well aware of the implication she had made and therefore almost grinned when her grandfather accused her of saying he was worse than an outlaw.

"I'm sure we can settle this peacefully" Allie said

"You leave. This is a family matter"

"Allie is family" her father said "But she is right, we surely can find a good solution for this"

"There is one"

"One that doesn't end in her being hurt" Ben corrected. "And should you insist someone taught her a lesson, we will go to Los Angeles tomorrow, find the justice of peace or a priest and get married there"

"You can't just marry her"

"He can. I've given him my blessing. She is my daughter"

"I should have a saying in it too"

"For what reason? It's what Cecilia wants. What Benjamin wants, Allie approves of him, Luke likes him and I think he's a respectable man, capable of treating my daughter right and making her happy. Even mother seems to accept him. Cecilia was married already. She isn't under my guidance anymore, legally seen. She could have just married Benjamin if she had wanted. But she came here first and I will not let you pry them apart. Now you can either put that stick away and we return to the house or I will accompany my daughter and future son-in-law to Los Angeles even before the sun sets" to her relief Nicholas lowered the cane and gave a nod.

"You should have raised her right then none of this would have happened"

"It is love. Sometimes we have no might over our children when it comes to love. I suppose you know that"

Cecilia found it better to retreat to her room after dinner, not wanting to join her grandparents again after what had happened in the afternoon. With a smile she looked down at the small piece of cloth Ben had bound around her finger as means of treating her wounds when cheering her up after the incidents in the backyard. Although she knew had only done it to amuse her and they both found it ridiculous, she left it on. There was a knock at the door and Allie entered.

"Finger still on?"

"Of course it is" she chuckled, then looked down "I know I really overreacted but I just was angry"

"Don't think about it, it's all settled now" she sat down on the bed. "Your grandfather is now talking to Benjamin"

"Is he mad at him?"

"A bit maybe but I guess he also impressed him a little. Although he hates people talking back to him"

"I know" she sighed and lay down on the bed "Why are you even still staying here? Don't you want your own place?"

"We're looking for something. But your father needed to heal first. But now he can stand on his own legs again. We'll find something. Then you can just come and visit us" she gave a nod. For a while they were silent. "Did I ever tell you I once saw Ben Wade in Tombstone?"

"Really?" she sat back up "When was this?"

"Sometime before that first coach for the railroad was robbed. I suppose that haven't been the Clantons" Cecilia chuckled

"No. It was Ben all along. He held up 22 of their coaches. One each month"

"Well, I suppose that gives you now a good livelihood" she looked at her stepmother

"The money's buried over different places in Arizona. I don't want it, to be honest. And Jamie inherited some money from his father. That'll be enough"

"He was a real gentleman, you know?"

"Who?"

"Your husband, back in Tombstone. I dropped my bag with groceries in shock of seeing him. I wanted to run to fetch Virgil. He just picked up all the spilt food, put it back in the bag and returned it to me. Then, with a proper greeting, he apologized for scaring me and left" Cecilia chuckled

"Sounds like him"

"Today, when Benjamin was practicing shooting with Luke, Virgil and I came back from town. I had been doing the groceries. He came over to the barn, helped your father unhitch the horse and properly park the wagon before he insisted to help me carry the groceries to the house. We stopped because Luke wanted to show his father how well he could hit that can. Then you came" Cecilia said nothing "You know, nugget, looks can be changed. But not a voice or mannerisms" her head shot up and she stared at her stepmother, knowing what she wanted to say with all this. "Ben Wade never died, right?" feeling tears in her eyes, she didn't know what to do but she gave a nod.

"We wanted this new life. He wanted it. To be there for me and our baby. He thought it would be his second chance and wanted to use it by giving us everything. I wasn't sure about coming here out of the fear he could be discovered. But I also wanted to see you and introduce Jimmy. He insisted we came, fully aware of the risks. I thought we had this all planned out. I thought we could make it work. A-and now…" she sniffed and wiped her eyes "after everything I'm still gonna lose him"

"What are you talking about? Losing him?" Cecilia froze

"You didn't tell them?"

"Tell who? Nugget, did you think I'd destroy all this for you? You said it yourself. He wanted this new life. According to the newspaper, Ben Wade is dead, so who even cares anymore as long as he doesn't do something? Which I doubt he will now that he's got everything. He told me, you know, that you and Jimmy are more than he could have ever wished for and he'd never risk losing you. I know you love this man and he loves you just as much" Cecilia didn't know what to say.

"So-so only you figured it out? Because you knew Ben Wade? Did… does Dad know him?"

"No, as far as I know he's only seen him from afar or on the posters. But it wasn't only that I recognized him. I've also seen it through your behavior. You often just called him Ben and didn't notice. Or that you wrote me he calls you Missy and likes to draw. I doubt there's two people in the world that look similar, are similar, have the same hobbies and call you the same. And I know how it sometimes takes you long to trust someone. I doubt you have known him for less than a year, you shared a much longer history, I could feel that. I believe you also wrote me once that you couldn't really stand the keeper of the saloon you stayed in in Bisbee. Or how close your pregnancy brought Ben and you, so it made no sense he'd abandon you. Plus, Luke told me how well and fast Ben could shoot today"

"And you are okay with that?"

"I always knew how special Ben was to you through your letters. Yes, he was an outlaw but he was good to you and was what you needed. And now I can see with my own eyes how happy you are with him and how he's changed because he wants this new life as you said" she chuckled "But you know that a marriage with fake names won't officially be valid"

"It can't even be since I'm not really widowed" she said "We know that. But we don't mind. That's just another step in our new identity" she wiped her nose "Thank you, Mom" Allie patted her back.

"You'll be alright. I can see what both you and Jimmy mean to him. And I'm glad you have him" there was a knock at the door. Both of them shot up and Allie allowed the person to enter. It was Virgil who came to say goodnight.

"I just talked to Benjamin. My father said he approves as well. He will marry the two of you if you want"

"Well that sounds great, doesn't it, nugget?" Cecilia gave a nod, pulled up her legs and hugged them. Her father left and she let out a sigh

"I think I should tell him. Ben. That you found out" she looked down "But what if it happens again that everyone finds out?"

"Then you better leave sooner"

"I don't know. I really missed you. Well, I could do without my grandfather"

"Maybe we could spend a day together on Sunday. Just Virgil, Luke, you, Ben and me. We could stay in Colton after we've been to church"

"Church?" Allie chuckled

"I know you don't like it. But now that you're with your grandfather again you should come"

"Technically it was him who kinda threw me out and told me I didn't have to come anymore because I asked questions. Then he organized me that nun to make me read the bible and hit me if I questioned something. Suppose the opposite happened, I just learnt to not speak about it anymore – I mean, if she beat me when I asked something, doesn't it mean that I have a point that makes no sense and she doesn't know what else to do?"

"I don't know. I can imagine there are parts that raise questions. But the mass won't be that bad. You can just sit there and listen" Cecilia gave a nod

"Well then, I'm gonna see Ben. I'll be quiet when I come back, no idea how long it'll take us"

"Why don't you stay with him?"

"I…"

"Come on, you're married. Just make sure no one sees you there"

"What about Jimmy?" she threw a look to the crib where her son was sleeping.

"I guess I can take care of him one night" with a smile Cecilia nodded and got up "Good night" slowly, she opened the door and sneaked to the guestroom, giving the door a quiet knock. When Ben allowed her in, she slipped in and closed the door, leaning against it.

"Sneaked off?"

"No. Mom knows I'm here. And that I won't come back for the night"

"So you're really calling her Mom now?"

"Yeah. Although I don't really need a mother anymore"

"That's nice. I'm happy for you, Missy" she smiled.

"Dad told me that you talked to grandfather and he approves too"

"Well, at least he accepts it. You know, I told him that I've learnt to take care of myself over the years I've been alone and therefore can do everything just as well as you – if not better – and so I wouldn't see a reason why I shouldn't help you. He then came with the 'she's a woman' crap. Guess he seemed to see my point when I said my signature on a paper doesn't give me the right to treat you as I want and make you work all the time. Told him it was similar to slavery and that he himself fought against it in the war" she chuckled and walked to the bed

"You compared an abusive husband to a slave owner?"

"Figured it was something you'd do" she chuckled and sat down in his lap, leaning her head against his shoulder

"I never thought about it but somehow it has a point" she let out a sigh "You know, Allie just told me that she's one seen you in Tombstone. The day you saw me for the first time"

"Really?"

"Yeah, apparently she dropped her groceries and you picked them up and gave her back the bag"

"I remember. That was her?"

"Yeah" she lifted her head "And…. she found out"

"What?"

"That you're Ben Wade. But she won't tell anyone" she quickly added

"She found out?"

"Yes. She recognized you, among other when you helped her carrying the groceries today. And I told her quite a lot in the letters and she recognized you from that. Plus, she figured that we're really close. She promised she wouldn't tell anyone because she said that officially Ben Wade is dead and only Nickelson is around. And she doesn't want to make me unhappy. She knows Jimmy and I need you." he chuckled

"You know, I'm starting to like her even more"

"Well, she's had an idea you might not like that much"

"Which is?"

"We spend the day together on Sunday. Without grandfather and grandmother. But first we have to go to church"

"Church?"

"That was about my reaction. She said we can't skip it but we can just sit there and not really listen, you know?"

"Or you'll ask all your questions and we'll see how long it takes 'til someone throws you out" she giggled

"I'm not a child anymore. Grandfather wouldn't like it" he pressed a kiss to her cheek

"But we can play our little game"

"Yeah?"

"You pick the lock to your grandfather's alcohol cabinet, we get soaked and when we're in church we see who of us is the first to laugh and that person loses"

"It sounds tempting. But I don't think it's a good idea. Grandfather will get mad. And what if I later feed Jimmy and he somehow gets drunk too and it's bad for him?"

"You're right. We do that another time. In a place no one knows us" she gave a nod and he kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled closer.

"God, I can't believe that we haven't really had some time together since we're here. It's like they tried to separate us. And when we had time we were chaperoned"

"How about you stay here with me for the rest of our time here?"

"Sounds good. But I also want to talk to Mom sometimes. You know girls need private time too"

"Fine. Every second night" he nuzzled her cheek. After she let out a sigh and got up

"What are you doing?"

"Getting ready for bed" she said as she began to undo the laces of her dress.

"Here, I'll help. No ulterior motives"

"I know Ben" she leaned against him one he was behind her "You know, the midwife said we have to wait some time. I don't know what she meant with that. How long, I mean"

"Until you're ready and want it. And if it hurts you or something feels wrong, we'll stop. Promise" she gave a slight nod

"But if we get married soon… they'll expect us to."

"We can make them think we did. You know, this time you don't gotta feel bad that we don't consummate the marriage" he nuzzled the back of her neck. She let out a snort

"If I hadn't insisted, we'd probably never done it"

"No" he chuckled "I doubt you could've resisted me that long"

"Ha-ha" she fell silent again "And you don't mind that we don't sleep together? I mean… it's been so long"

"Doesn't matter, Missy" shaking her head she turned around to him

"The time I was with the prostitutes that taught me stuff they said there are also other ways. Services, whatever" he let go of her and looked at her sternly

"Don't you even dare thinking of that just to fulfil a duty or something. Only do it because really want it" at this she felt tears in her eyes and she hugged him, starting to sob against him "What's wrong? I said something you don't like?" his hand came to her hair, carefully stroking it.

"It's just that you could force me. That you could run off and go to a brothel. But you don't. And I'm so grateful for that and feel guilty I can't do something for you"

"I told you, Missy. A whore isn't the same. If it's just about finding release I can do that myself without having to pay someone. And you did and still do so much for me, just by being by my side. That's all I need and want."

Somehow Cecilia had the feeling that since she knew the truth, her stepmother had grown fonder of Ben and wanted to get to know him better. Virgil also approached his daughter saying they had to talk as well. To her surprise he took her to the barn and they tended to the horses together. At first both of them were silent.

"I don't think I had the right to be angry with you"

"For what?"

"Your marriage. Maybe I should have seen it coming after you dated Billy Claiborne. You refused to let go of him despite his reputation and deeds"

"It's okay. I mean I know grandfather was… or still is mad. But I was happy with Ben. Sometimes I reproached myself for marrying him but I found what difference does it make? He could have let me die. Or deliver me to the Clantons but I live, thanks to him"

"The Clantons? You've still seen them?"

"Yeah. They have been after us, well me, for some time. One time as I was at the train station and Ben wasn't around. They got me and would have done God knows what if Ben hadn't come and stopped them to bring me to safety. I even heard that Ike Clanton met Ben and offered him money for me. But he refused. Because he knew that Clanton wouldn't dare to go against Ben Wade and his gang"

"I must admit I am grateful he protected you"

"And you're not mad that the time I could have come here and joined you I didn't?" for a while her father was silent.

"Did I ever tell you I met your mother in stables?"

"My mother?"

"Ellen"

"No, you didn't. You told me little about her"

"I was sixteen. She was seventeen. Her parents wanted her to marry some Dutch guy. But life happens and we fell in love. Not even two months later we eloped" he smiled "We didn't want to tell anyone until we were older, so we kept our meetings and the marriage secret. That was until her pregnancy started to show. Of course now our parents found out and they were furious. I only remember how much I hated my father for it, for trying to bring us apart. At times I even regretted for enlisting in the army. What if they'd use my absence to their advantage? But it seemed it was the only thing that calmed my father down. I can't say the same for the in-laws. Just two weeks after the two of you were born I left for the army and I told Ellen she could let me know if there were troubles. It seems she had troubles but didn't let me know. I never knew what exactly had happened. Just that she married someone else, the Dutch she was supposed to. And that someone, I don't know who, found you - in contrast to Nellie - shouldn't be there and so brought you to that brothel, so I could pick you up when I was discharged."

"Do you know how I ended up there? I mean, why someone would do that? Or who?"

"I don't know. All I know is that father didn't want me to take you in. He wasn't fond of the idea that I should raise you and tried to tell me to leave you in that brothel. But I'm glad I didn't and got you. I've also tried to find your mother and your sister but when I couldn't, I figured she didn't want to have anything to do with me anymore. With us. At first I thought I could raise you alone until I found someone. But then I moved to your grandparents, so I wasn't alone and you had company. I have never really given up trying to find out how Ellen and Nellie are doing. And I won't until I know where they are and how."

"Do you still love her?"

"I don't think so. I have Allie. But I feel like it's a duty, to know that they are doing fine. Well, anyways, I wanted to say that when my father was raging around about you marrying the outlaw, I was reminded of how he shouted at me when I eloped. I suppose now I should have written you, to make sure you were doing alright. Maybe I was mostly scared about you that something could happen to you. Partly it was my fault too. Had I not set up your betrothal with Grant or learnt sooner how he treated you this all could have been avoided. You wouldn't have run away but come here with us. I missed you and I'm glad to have you with me now. And to see that you are happy. That your marriage has made you happy. That is what counts most. And now you have found Benjamin. He really is a good man."