CHAPTER TWO
Title: "Larabee's Lady"
Author: Michelle Heath
Rating: MA for adult language and situations
Summary: Mary's best friend causes Chris to re-think his future.
Date Written: September 12, 2010
Disclaimer: Chris Larabee, Vin Tanner, J.D. Dunne, Buck Wilmington, Josiah Sanchez, Ezra Standish, Nathan Jackson, Casey Wells, Mary Travis, Nettie Wells, Inez, and The Magnificent Seven are the property of TM CBS, The Mirisch Group, MGM and Triology Entertainment. Other characters, i.e., Catherine Stewart, Jonathan Stewart, Eloise Stewart, Miles Kettering, etc. are the sole property of the author. The author makes no profit from this work of fan fiction and no copyright infringement is intended.
(Chris Larabee stops breathing as he gazes at the vision standing in the doorway of the stagecoach. Before him is the most stunningly beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on in his entire life. Her hair is honey-gold and shimmers in the sunlight, her eyes are a clear, emerald green that sparkle and dance, her complexion is pure peaches and cream, her lips are full and inviting, and the hunter green riding habit she's wearing encases the body of a goddess. As Catherine takes her father's hand and gracefully steps down out of the coach, Chris releases the breath he didn't realize he was holding and steps forward to greet the newcomer. He is unaware of anyone but the woman standing by the stage, and doesn't see the small smirk that races across Mary's face as she witnesses the reactions of the Seven to her friend. J.D. is just plain staring, Nathan and Josiah have snatched their hats off their heads and are being extremely polite, Ezra and Buck are practically falling all over each other in their efforts to gain Catherine's favor, and Vin is looking from Catherine to Chris with a shrewd expression. What surprises Mary the most is the fact that Catherine seems to be as aware of Chris as he is of her. Exchanging a knowing look with Vin, Mary steps forward to formally introduce two people she cares a great deal about to one another.)
Mary: "Catherine, I'd like you to meet Chris Larabee. Chris is the leader of this fine group of gentlemen who take such good care of our town."
Catherine: "Mr. Larabee."
(Catherine extends her hand to Chris and he doesn't hesitate. The moment he takes her hand in his he feels a tingling sensation from the tips of his fingers all the way to his toes. His eyes lock with hers and he realizes that she, too, is feeling the tension running between them.)
Chris: "Please, call me Chris. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Stewart."
Catherine: "Catherine."
(Both of them seem to have forgotten that they are standing in the middle of a public street with several other people standing around them, including Catherine's parents, and Chris still has not let go of Catherine's hand.)
Mary: "Why don't we get you settled in at the Hotel? I'm sure you'd like to freshen up, and I've asked the kitchen to prepare a special luncheon for us."
Mrs. Stewart: "That sounds like a fine idea, Mary. I know I'd love to wash off some of this dust."
Sen. Stewart: "And lunch sounds wonderful. Catherine wants to ride out to the property this afternoon, and I have a feeling we'll be out there a while."
Mary: "Let's get you settled, then. Catherine?"
Catherine: "Coming, Mary. I hope to see you again, Mr. . . .Chris."
Chris: "You can count on it, Catherine."
(As Mary and the Stewarts head into the Hotel, the Seven and Casey watch them with various expressions on their faces. Casey is so excited she's about to jump out of her skin, J.D. is still staring, Nathan and Josiah are dutifully impressed, Ezra and Buck are somewhat distraught at the thought that Chris has already laid claim to Catherine, and Vin feels a tiny seed of hope that maybe, just maybe, his friend is finally coming out of the self-imposed guilt he's been living with over the deaths of his wife and son.)