November 14th, 1871

Arthur was headed to the Mercantile to pick up some flour and sugar when he saw Eames come out of his saloon. If Abigail wants to attempt to teach me how to bake the least I can do is buy the ingredients… Because this will be a disaster. He thought as he walked.

When he had gone a few steps farther he caught the older man's eye and gave him a nod.

It didn't seem to matter what else was going on in his life, for the past 36 hours, Arthur hadn't been able to stop thinking about this Ariadne. He had forgotten her name until later that evening when he remembered the telegram she sent to Dom. Ariadne… He had rolled the name around on his tongue over and over. It suited her, sweet and unique. She had been on his mind all day yesterday and he had even dreamed about her. Well about her and that damn Eames. About her jumping into his arms. That memory was still fresh on his mind as he looked up at Eames with a renewed annoyance and dismay.

"Hello, Sheriff, where are you headed to this fine morning?" Eames said as he dodged a mud puddle and made his way across the street.

"Got to get some supplies from the store," Arthur wanted to keep their conversation as short as possible. "You?"

"I'm headed the same way. Perfect, it'll give us a chance to catch up." He said swinging his arm over Arthur's shoulders. He immediately stiffened and moved so Eames had to drop his arm.

"So… Have you met the new school teacher?" Eames asked looking at Arthur. How he could possibly manage to get right to the subject I'm dying to talk about but would never bring up… I have no idea.

"Ya, well no… I mean I saw you guys coming into town… But we haven't been introduced yet. I was busy yesterday so I couldn't go, um, I mean… introduce myself... But, she uh… She seems nice. You two look like you've hit it off…" Arthur said with an exasperated sigh. The thought of getting to meet her set his soul on fire and seemed to jumble up all the words he was trying to say. Jesus Arthur, pull yourself together! He thought. You've never acted like this before!

"Don't worry Sheriff, I can already see that lovesick look in your eyes. She is a nice kid, but certainly too young for me. And I need someone with a little more… Sass… You know? That fire in woman's eyes and a quick remark on her tongue. Ariadne's like my little sister." Eames said, with an affectionate look on his face, clearly thinking about the sweet little teacher. Then he stopped and looked at Arthur.

"You know… The two of you would be perfect … She is sweet and timid, you are decent company, I suppose, but well… Boring…" Eames said with a wink. "Who knows, maybe she likes boring men. I can introduce you, you know…"

Arthur was torn between embarrassment that Eames had so easily seen the feelings he was trying to hide and excitement at the prospect of getting to meet her. He even failed to notice the remarks Eames made about him.

"Well… I didn't think you had a preference beyond her being of the female sex… But I'm apparently mistaken. And I would like to meet her, ONLY because I should introduce myself as Sheriff. In case she needs anything." Arthur stumbled through his excuse and couldn't quite meet Eames's stare because he knew that the older man was on to him.

Eames laughed. "You are easier to read than a book Arthur. And furthermore, I think you've grown a little old to keep this whole 'bachelor' persona… You need a woman in your life."

"Aren't you seven years older than I am? A little hypocritical to be telling me I'm too old to stay unmarried." Arthur said, desperate to change the topic.

Eames skin seemed to go pale and the smile left his face. "Well I've tried that life. I'm ok with being alone." He seemed to shake himself out of whatever his mind was reminiscing about. "BUT YOU! You shouldn't give up so easily… We will find you a woman, never fear!" He said and slapped Arthur on the back as they entered the store.

"Who says I need one! Really Eames, let it go. It's none of your concern." Arthur said and walked away from him and up to the front counter, effectively ending the conversation. He could hear Eames chuckle but he didn't pursue the topic.

Abigail and her mother had spent all day getting ready for the ladies circle meeting. Mal was bringing along Miss Nicola and everyone was excited to meet her. They decided to devote it to introducing her to everyone. They had gone around and told all the women in the outlying farm houses and ranches to attend, so it looked to be a larger turnout than normal.

Cathy James, Ashley Williams and her mother Juliet, Ruth Ellis and her mother Martha and Amina Saito had already arrived. The all brought delectable treats and had set about helping Abigail and Claire set up the house.

"Honey, can you please get the white lace tablecloth out of the china hutch?" Claire Wilde asked her daughter.

"Yes, mother." Abigail said with a slight irritation in her voice. She had been attempting to fix her hair but every thirty seconds her mother interrupted her.

"You know, you were a lot more willing to help when Trenton was around." Claire said as crossed her arms and stared at her daughter.

"Mother! Hold your tongue, that part of my life is over!" Abigail said as her heart began to pound. How could she talk about him? I spend so much of my time trying not to think about that… And she just mentions his name like its nothing…And what if people heard her? "And fine… I can help you. What else do you need? You do realize that she isn't going to be here for over an hour right?"

Ariadne had quickly fallen in love with Mrs. McCrery and her boarding house. It was a beautiful house right in the middle of town, with a white picket fence and a lovely garden in the front. Well, the front yard was covered in snow at the moment but Regina had showed her where the vegetables and flowers all would be planted in the spring. There was an apple tree growing in front of Ariadne's window that would apparently have beautiful blossoms come springtime. Mrs. McCrery, she insisted that Ariadne call her Regina, had given her the grand tour as soon as the Cobb's dropped her off two nights ago.

There were three stories to the house. It looked like it was the only building in town that was over two levels. Apparently the late Mr. McCrery had been a carpenter. Ariadne's room was one of four on the second floor. Regina and her son Roy both had rooms on the third level, along with one other rented room.

It was just after two in the afternoon when they had finished cleaning, changing the beds and doing the laundry. Regina told Ariadne she could earn her keep for the first few months by helping cook and clean. Ariadne was used to this kind of work from the orphanage so she was more than happy with the tradeoff.

Now it was off to something called a 'ladies circle'. Regina told her it was something that the women in town liked to do, they got together every Tuesday and had tea, talked about fundraisers, quilted or really anything else that needed to be done. Ariadne had never attended a ladies group before and she was excited.

Mal and Phillipa had walked over to the boarding house and just before three they all made their way over the mayors' house. Mal and Regina informed Ariadne that Miles Wilde was the mayor and his wife Claire ran the ladies circle.

Abigail watched as the new teacher laughed and conversed with everyone. She was young, pretty, friendly and seemed very pleasant. Phillipa Cobb had hardly let her talk with anyone; she was sitting in her lap and twirling a stand of Miss Nicola's hair in her little finger. The young girl was clearly ecstatic to have the woman back in her life. It was nice to have someone come into town that had such a passion for learning! Maybe we will be friends. Abigail thought. I wonder if she needs help getting the school ready. I would love to help with that!

As she watched she suddenly heard Miss Nicola mention Joseph Eames… "Well yes, so Eames picked me up in Cheyenne. He is delightful! I was so scared; I didn't see anyone I knew. He even bought me lunch and introduced me to a lovely woman in Cheyenne. She was so sweet; she considers him like a son and was so happy that he was in town! I can't deny that the ride out to Juniper Springs wasn't freezing. It would have been horribly dreadful if it weren't for the pleasant company!" She said as the others laughed. They all knew how Eames could be; he was always one for good conversation.

So this little tart comes in to town and has already set her eyes on Joseph has she? She even calls him by his last name, like she is so familiar with him! She is far too young for him! What was she eighteen? Abigail was furious. She didn't even realize how upset she would be over this revelation. Her annoyance soon turned to Eames. That flirt. He sees a pair of pretty eyes and of course he would become her new best friend. I bet he hugged her tight on that ride home, "making sure she wasn't cold". Why I EVER thought he would be anything but a heart breaker was beyond me…

She suddenly felt like she might cry. It wasn't something she was even ready to admit to herself but she thought… Well she had hoped, that maybe… Just maybe he meant what the said to her. That when he flirted and teased her, he actually meant something by it. But now… This young and beautiful lady arrives, with her New York education and her pretty little accent… And he throws all his charm and affection her way…

Abigail suddenly stood up, tears threatening to well up in her eyes, and she walked into the kitchen. Ariadne must have assumed she was trying to play the perfect hostess and refresh everyone's drinks because she removed Phillipa from her lap and followed Abigail into the kitchen.

"Do you need any help? Its Abigail isn't it?" Abigail jumped at the sound of her voice. She turned around and glared at Ariadne.

"No thank you, Miss Nicola… I don't need your help." She said as she looked down at her. Abigail was several inches taller than the young teacher so it was easy to appear intimidating. Without another word she grabbed a tea kettle off the stove and stormed back into the sitting room.

As she left she could see Ariadne, mouth agape, staring at her. Probably wondering what she did wrong… Abigail started to feel bad at her horrible manners. Well maybe this girl shouldn't have just come out here just to find a husband. And to attach herself to the first man she met!

As the meeting was slowly coming to a close, Phillipa was insistent that Ariadne join her outside. She had 'a secret' and wanted to show her. Knowing the girl, it was probably a kitten or a flower that had survived in the snow. She laughed as Phillipa pulled her towards the front door.

The last thing that Ariadne expected to see when Phillipa pulled open the door was a man standing there. She jumped back a little and couldn't help but stare at the young man that stood before her.

He was the most handsome thing she had ever seen. It appeared that he was not much older than she, he had beautiful brown eyes and his dark hair seemed to have a slight wave in it. Again, Ariadne noticed that another man in this town was dressed like that cowboy she had seen in Cheyenne. This beautiful stranger had on boots and denim pants. His jacket was open though and Ariadne could see his slender, fit body under the plaid shirt he wore.

His mouth curved up almost in a half smile. He seemed surprised to see her and took a moment before he said anything. Had it not been for Phillipa, Ariadne was certain that she would have just stood here forever staring into his chocolate brown eyes.

As Phillipa pulled her along he said "Hi, I'm Sheriff Wilde." Sheriff? So he is the law in this town? Maybe I will feel safe in this "wild West" after all, she thought. I would let him protect me forever.

"I mean Arthur, I'm Arthur Wilde." His cheeks seemed to flush as he said it. Ariadne went to shake his outstretched hand as she replied "I'm Ariadne Nicola, the new teacher." Of course you are the new teacher. Who else would you be? Don't be so foolish, Ariadne! You have the ability to form complete sentences, even if he is devastatingly handsome…

As Phillipa pulled down the road, Ariadne couldn't help but look behind her for one last glance at the man who had captured her attention most ardently. He was looking at her and waved when their eyes met. Ariadne could feel the blush rising on her cheeks and smiled and turned her head back forward.

Well this isn't good… Ariadne thought, her thoughts still on his beautiful eyes…

Arthur walked up towards the entry way at his parent's house. Family dinners were his favorite nights of the week. He wasn't sure if his mother and sister would be home yet, but he would get to spend time with his dad at least. Their party should be getting over soon though… I hope anyway because I'm getting hungry, he thought as he reached out to push on the door handle.

Before he even had a chance he saw a little figure open the door from the inside. Phillipa almost collided with him as she rushed out the open door. The young girl was followed by someone else and Arthur looked up to see who it was. Ariadne. She stood less than three feet in front of him.

Oh my God, there she is. Their party was here… He stopped short and stared for a moment. She was mirroring his actions. Phillipa looked between the two of them and seemed to decide that she didn't care about Arthur in that moment… Her friend was back in her life and she had to go show her something.

She pulled Ariadne along, quickly passing Arthur, and he knew he had to say something before he lost his chance.

"Hi, I'm Sheriff Wilde," he almost yelled. Sheriff Wilde? Really? How about Arthur… That is your name you idiot…

"I mean Arthur, I'm Arthur Wilde." He stuck his hand out to shake hers and she smiled. "I'm Ariadne Nicola, the new teacher." Just as their fingers were about to touch, Phillipa pulled on Ariadne's other arm.

"Come on, Ariii… Let's go!"

"I'm sorry, She's… well… Sorry! It was nice to meet you!" She said as she twirled around to run away with the girl.

Arthur watched her leave and couldn't keep a giddy smile off his lips as she turned her head around one last time to look at him. He waved to her and she just smiled back, then turned around and kept walking.

Well who knew she would be even more beautiful in person. Arthur thought. He couldn't help but follow her with his eyes until they turned around the corner and out of sight.

It will be a few days before I can post again, but I will try to hurry! Thanks for all of the lovely reviews! I love comments, ideas on where you want the plot to go and constructive criticisms!