Howdy there! It's time for another installment of Bella and Jasper's trail adventure.

I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to my prereader and creative consultant:

"GeezerWench" for making this chapter so purdy and comma-fied.

That's cowboy speak, ya'll.

September 21, 1866

A few days had passed since Jasper had been bitten, and he had recovered completely. All thanks to Bella. Her quick thinking and compassion had likely saved his life. It was all Jasper thought about. Even at night his dreams were haunted by images of her soft pink lips on his body, all over his body.

He had been spending more and more time with her, since the snake bit him. She seemed interested in taking care of his wound, and generally concerned about his well being. Jasper had taken advantage of her proximity many times. He had put his hand over hers, or let his gaze linger on her until she turned away blushing. Surely, he had given her hints that he was sweet on her.

There wasn't much else he could do. His nosey brother Peter was always an arms length away, grinning like an opossum.

Traveling beside the river had been pleasant. They were able to camp by the water, which made all the chores so much easier. Peter had been wanting to talk to Jasper in private, so he dragged his brother down to the river to fish. They didn't have proper equipment, but Peter seemed to be hopeful, so Jasper rolled up his pants and waded into the river with his brother.

They had been standing there a minute before Peter whispered. "I asked Char to talk to Bella for you."

"What?" Jasper yelled.

"Shhh...Yer scarin' the fish." Peter could feel his brother's anger radiating off him.

"I just asked Char to find out how Bella feels about you. I thought you'd be grateful." Peter sighed.

"Oh." Jasper was taken aback. "Is that all? I suppose it's a good idea, Pete. Thanks." He stood awkwardly, looking down at his toes in the water. He really would like to know what Bella thought of him. It would be to his advantage.

They stood out in the river silently, and the time passed slowly. Jasper had almost given up, when Peter reached down and grabbed a fish from the river with his bare hands. It was a trout. It was small, but Peter seemed proud of his catch. Just as he was about to throw it over to the shore, it slipped from his grasp, and swam quickly away. Leaving Peter empty handed and madder than an old wet hen.

In all the excitement, they hadn't noticed the man coming towards them from farther down the river. It was the trapper, Garrett. He had been fishing as well. His pants were rolled up and he wasn't wearing any shoes, and over his shoulder he carried a string of five fat, fine fish.

"Hello friend." Garrett waved, recognizing Peter. "Beautiful day isn't it? I've caught more than enough to share, if you don't mind the company." Garrett was making his way over to where they stood, walking carefully over the slick, large rocks that lined the river.

Jasper and Peter glanced at each other, not knowing what to do. He'd surely see the women now; they were just beyond the river's edge, setting up camp.

Peter decided quickly that it'd be better to keep a friend than make an enemy. "That's right nice of you. Gary, was it?"

"Garrett." He corrected, and shook hands with the brothers.

"I'm Pete, a' course, and this is my brother, Jasper."

Jasper didn't say anything, but when he shook Garrett's hand, he squeezed a little harder than necessary. Jasper didn't like the looks of him. He reminded him of a fox; a sneaky Yankee fox, with no morals and sly womanizing eyes that kept shifting up the hill, taking glances at their women.

"I didn't realize you were traveling with women." Garrett smiled. "I'd have made an attempt to clean up." He wasn't dirty, but he hadn't shaved in a few days, leaving light brown stubble covering his tanned cheeks. His clothes were clean but well worn. He was wearing only a thin undershirt. The sleeves were rolled up, exposing his sinuous forearms and the first few buttons of his shirt appeared to be missing.

"I'm afraid this is all I have to wear. Having no wife, I'm forced to do all my own washing, and I always wait until the last minute." Garrett said as he rolled down his sleeves, trying to look more presentable.

Peter's belly was aching for a taste of those fish, so he just nodded and they all exited the river, rolled their pant legs down, and made their way up the bank towards the women.

Garrett lifted his hat, and ran his fingers through his thick brown hair, in an attempt to straighten it. His gold-flecked eyes danced between the ladies as Peter introduced him.

Peter had easily introduced Charlotte as his wife, but when he got to Bella, he stuttered. He wasn't sure what to call her.

Bella felt a hand come to rest on her waist and glanced up to see Jasper standing possessively beside her. "This is my beloved Bella." Jasper spoke proudly, never breaking his gaze with Garrett.

He had wanted to claim her some how, and the words had flown from his mouth without thought. Jasper looked down at Bella who was staring back at him with a curious look on her face. He gave her a little squeeze and smiled, all the while hoping that she would go along with his story.

Garrett hadn't missed anything; he had heard all the words that Jasper hadn't spoken. The main thing he latched on to was the fact that this woman wasn't his wife. He didn't care about anything else. Where she came from, if she had morals, or where she was headed, held no meaning for a man like Garrett. He'd have her in his bed; he'd make her his wife. He'd hoped to find a woman before he staked a claim up in Leesburg and set up house. Garrett could hardly believe his luck, Bella was such a pretty young thing.

Charlotte took the fish and pulled Bella along to clean them, while the men sat beside the fire, having a heated discussion.

"Just go along with whatever they say," Charlotte advised. "We don't know this man, and if they lie, it's for good reason."

Bella nodded in understanding. She couldn't help but feel a little dismayed at the thought that Jasper had called her "his beloved" under duress. As shocking as his words were to her ears, she found her heart to be quite pleased by the idea.

She turned her head and looked at Jasper, over her shoulder. He had a cigarette hanging from his lips, his arms were crossed over his broad chest, and he was listening intently to whatever Peter was going on about. He must have felt her gaze on him because he turned and looked at her, his expression was tainted with a mixture of worry and guilt. Bella bit her lip nervously and turned away

After the fish had been cleaned and seasoned, Bella made a batter and showed Charlotte how to fry them. As the grease hissed and popped, the men stopped their discussion and turned their attention to the fragrant steam that rose from the heavy skillets. In addition to the fish, there would be seasoned potatoes, baked beans, and hot biscuits.

"I sure am glad I came across you boys fishing in the river," Garrett said. "It looks like your women are fine cooks."

Bella noticed the rakish glint in Garrett's eyes as he appraised her. She could tell that he was no gentleman. She decided to avoid looking at him if at all possible. He was dangerous, yet strangely bewitching, and he made her feel nervous and unsettled.

Bella had successfully avoided looking at Garrett, until he started eating. He had made a startling noise; a groan. Bella had worried at first that something was wrong, and lifted her head to see him thoroughly enjoying his meal.

"This is the best thing I've eaten in years." Garrett dazzled her with a smile, and she found herself smiling back before lowering her head once again.

Jasper cut his eyes at Garrett. He knew what was going on. Hell, that damn Yankee had probably been watching them for days, stalking after Bella. He could have figured out that she was single by counting how many tents they slept in.

"Yes, our beautiful women are very talented." Jasper snarled as he stabbed his fork loudly into his plate.

Peter started grinning. Jasper was finally making his move. It might have taken a wave of jealousy to spur him on, but better late than never. In fact, now that the opportunity had presented itself, Peter was going to sit back and enjoy the show. There was nothing more entertaining than watching Jasper get riled up, and this stranger was pushing all the right buttons.

"I hope you boys have plenty of resources saved up for your new lives out in Oregon, because nothing comes easy to those brave folks out there," Garrett said somberly, trying to scare Bella. "I've seen lots of Indian attacks out that way."

"Heck, we ain't detoured by no Indians. Are we? Our young Bella, here, shot one just a few weeks ago," Peter said proudly.

Bella covered her face and blanched at the memory. She couldn't believe Peter had brought it up.

"That must have been horrifying for you." Garrett focused all his attention onto his new conquest.

"Nope, she's a brave girl. Her father is a sheriff, and she's a real good shooter. We call her 'Sure-shot Swan', on account of her last name bein' Swan. She shot that Indian—I saw it with my own two eyes," Peter said before he shoved a spoon full of beans into his mouth, effectively shutting himself up.

The smile on Garrett's lips fell into a frown. "Sheriff Swan. I'd heard he'd been shot, and killed."

Peter shifted uneasily. "Well, you heard right."

Garrett took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I'm sorry to hear about your father, Bella. Sometimes tragic things happen and create difficult circumstances. Did you feel at all forced by your father's sudden passing to make this move out west?"

Peter became indignant. "Now lookie here! We are men of high moral standards, sir. I am practically a reverend, and we were the obvious choice for accompanying young Bella on her journey."

"Surely if her father were alive, she'd never had been put in such a position." Garrett raised his voice, and his body had tensed. He was no pushover.

"I'm an adult. I've just turned eighteen, and it was my decision," Bella said lifting her chin proudly.

Charlotte scrunched up her nose. "I thought you were seventeen."

"I was. I just turned eighteen a few days ago."

"You should have told us," Charlotte admonished. "We could have rested a day."

"We still can." Jasper wiped his mouth. "We should do something special for your birthday."

"No. I'd rather not make a fuss over it, if it's all the same to you." Bella fiddled with the hem of her apron. She never liked being the center of attention, but that's where she found herself. Everyone seemed to be staring a hole through her all of a sudden.

"Are you aware that they don't give land to unmarried women in Oregon, Bella?" One of Garrett's thick eyebrows rose as he questioned the girl. "However, a married man is allowed to collect more land than a single one."

"What are you insinuating?" Jasper asked as he set down his plate.

"Nothing. I was just making small talk." Garrett feigned.

"I think you were trying to say that my interest in Bella stems from a greed for land." Jasper was becoming angry.

Peter was about to stand between the men when he heard Bella speak plainly.

"All this talk is beyond ridiculous. I'm not even going to Oregon. I'll be working with Doctor Cullen near Fort Boise."

"Oh," Garrett said. "You must be catching the stage at Rock Creek."

"I wasn't aware there was a service between Rock Creek and the Fort," Peter said with his mouth half full.

"There is. I know most of the men who run the stage, they're good people, and they'd get you to the Fort quickly and safely. They're familiar with the route. I've ridden on the stage many times. I'd be happy to accompany you." Garrett offered, smiling at Bella.

"We promised to take Bella all the way to Fort Boise, and that's what we're gonna do." Jasper interrupted before Bella had a chance to answer.

"Taking that stage is a whole lot easier than walking." Garrett grinned. "Unless of course you don't have money."

Jasper felt like lunging at that fool Yankee, but he tried to keep his composure. He was, after all, in the presence of ladies.

Garrett ran his hand over his stubble, deep in thought, as he stared at Bella across the fire.

He wanted her to come to him willingly, but he wasn't above using a few enticements. He thought the Whitlocks might be low on cash, and what woman's head wasn't turned by thoughts of money.

"I've been able to make enough money selling my furs to enable me to buy some good land up in Leesburg. There's a gold rush up there, and I'll soon be a rich man."

No one said anything, so Garrett continued. "Digging gold from the earth seems a more satisfying endeavor than, perhaps, digging potatoes."

"There's not a thing wrong with diggin' taters." Peter pointed his finger at Garrett. "And one more thing—money is the root of all evil. Don't you forget that."

Peter smiled at having gotten the last word. The rest of the meal was spent in an awkward, tense silence.

Garrett had finished his food, and he felt that his hosts' hospitality had waned. "Thank you, gentlemen", he said as he stood to leave. "Ladies," he said, tipping his hat towards Charlotte and Bella, allowing his gaze to linger on the latter for far longer than would be considered proper.

"I have to be getting back to where I'm camped before dark. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. I hope to see you all at Rock Creek Station before long. There are plenty of travelers camping up that way, and settlers, too. We have all kinds of fun up there in the evenings—music, card games, drinking…maybe even some dancing, if you can find a lady that's willing."

Garrett's tongue flicked quickly over his top lip, and it made Bella's stomach knot with distaste. The man was absolutely sinful.

Jasper's fists were clenched so tightly, that his knuckles were white. "Ain't no willin' ladies here."

Garrett just laughed. "I wager you'll reach the store by tomorrow. I'm headed back that way, if you need a guide."

"No. We've made it this far. That's not necessary. We've come all the way from Texas." Peter spat. "You ever been to Texas?"

Charlotte elbowed Peter and glared at him.

Garrett smiled. "No, I never made it that far south."

The tone of his words implied that he had fought in the war, and it raised both of the Whitlocks' hackles. Sure, the war was over, but they had seen the northerners descend upon their homes, and lived through battles where they had watched their comrades die, and their cities burn. That cocky bastard just sat there and smiled about it. It was enough to turn one's stomach.

Garrett tipped his hat again and walked away.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when he had finally disappeared down the river, except Jasper. He still needed to speak with Bella about what he had said earlier. His palms sweated in anticipation.

Her mood seemed completely neutral, and it was worrisome. He had hoped to read her emotions, and proceed accordingly. If she had seemed the least bit pleased by his words of adoration, he would have professed his intentions to court her. Conversely, if she had appeared angered by his forwardness, he would have immediately back tracked, and told her that he was only attempting to dissuade the stranger from bothering her.

But the words hadn't been untrue, and he had to speak with her right then, regardless of how she might react.

Charlotte and Bella were washing dishes down by the river, talking quietly together. Jasper strode down the hill and tried his best to look confident even though his heart was beating so hard he could hear it in his ears.

Charlotte turned and flashed a wide smile, to encourage him to come over.

"Jasper would be happy to help." Charlotte nudged.

"Help what?" Jasper asked, confused.

Charlotte was drying a plate. "Bella's ready to learn to handle a gun. I told her I'd teach her."

"I felt so embarrassed when Pete lied about me being able to shoot," Bella said as she scrubbed a fork.

"It's a good idea," Jasper answered. "I was hoping to speak with Bella alone for a moment. If that's alright with you, Bella?" Jasper's voice was low and pleading. He needed to get it over with before he lost his nerve.

Bella wiped the suds from her hands, as Charlotte walked away to give them their privacy.

"I said some things earlier, Bella, in front of that scoundrel. I wanted him to think we were together." Jasper's voice was quiet and gravelly.

"Oh. Yes, I understood Jasper. Like when Peter lied, and said I could shoot. You both we're trying to protect me from the stranger."

Her eyes met his, and she stared up at him without blinking.

Jasper moved closer to her, and placed his hand on her back.

She felt breathless, just from looking at him, he was so handsome.

"Bella, I would like to protect you, but that's not why I said those things." Jasper took her hand and brought it slowly to his lips. "I care about you a great deal."

Bella felt frozen in place, yet warm all over. She felt Jasper's hand leave the small of her back and slowly he enveloped her other hand within his own. She couldn't remember how to speak, and even if she could have summoned her voice, she had no idea what to say.

Finally, Bella had to turn away from him. She was blushing furiously. She felt his hands on her shoulders and his breath caressed her ear. "You don't have to say anything. You can think it over."

Then she felt his hands leave her body and immediately missed his touch.

Jasper walked up the hill, leaving Bella alone by the river, to mull over her thoughts.

AN: I have a feelin' we'll be seeing that sly fox, Garrett, again soon :) Happyghost Love !