Disclaimer: I own nothing but what I created, the others are borrowed

Keep reading and reviewing please, need more, muse is starving. Tate takes Alex shopping with some surprising results.

Tate led Alex into the Western Clothing Store advising her to not be put off by the store name, they had all manner of clothes as it was the only clothing shop in town. Alex had been adamant she wasn't buying western but was weakening because Tate told her she would hot in it.

She looked around as they entered and found that although the shop front was small the building went back a long way. The store was divided into 3 sections, kids, men's and women's up the back near 2 change rooms.

Tate squeezed her hand as an older lady approached them, tall and reed thin she too was dressed in western gear.

"Tate, nice to see you again" the woman smiled before looking at Alex "Who do we have here?"

"Maggie this is Alex. Alex this is Maggie" Tate introduced and Alex offered a polite hello which was returned before Tate added "Alex is a friend of Olivia's from New York" knowing full well in a small town that if they hadn't seen her yet, everyone knew who Olivia was "She's staying a while but due to living in a big city didn't exactly pack ranching clothes" both Tate and Maggie looked Alex up and down, finishing pointedly on her high heels "Or shoes" Tate grinned.

"Hello, I am here Tate" Alex was a bit annoyed at being treated like some Barbie doll.

"I'm very aware of that Alex" Tate husked in a deep voice and Alex looked up into her gorgeous eyes. Maggie felt the temperature in the room increase by several degrees. Oh! Tate tore her gaze from Alex "Alex is against wearing western gear, not a fan"

"Most from the city aren't" Maggie nodded and turned to Alex "I agree some gear shouldn't be allowed on shelves and aren't on mine. Then you have the idiots in a southern state, we won't mention names, that seem to think the bigger the belt buckle the bigger what is hiding behind it"

Alex had to grin at that, from what she could see the belt buckles in this town were oversized too.

"Don't get me wrong dear" Maggie flicked her own large buckle "We like ours big too, but butter plate size, not trucker dinner plate size" She flicked her eyes over Alex guessing her size with practiced ease "So we're looking for say wranglers, shirts for a week, jumpers, undershirts, socks, shoes, belt and a hat"

"Yes ma'am, that's a start" Tate nodded while Alex's mouth hung open and she stared between the two in shock, she didn't need that, she just wanted some boots. "Better get a jacket too" Tate added

"Indeed, plenty cold in the morning and evenings." Maggie grinned "Especially if she plans to sit on that porch swing of yours"

Tate flushed, everyone in town had teased her when she ordered it but it hadn't stopped a few from popping out to give it a go.

"Yes ma'am" Tate nodded while Alex was wondering about the porch swing. She didn't even know where Tate stayed on the Ranch.

Ten minutes later and Alex had given up arguing upon catching the look in Tate's eyes after trying on a pair of faded Wranglers that hugged her in all the right places but weren't ridiculous. Alex was quite surprise at how comfortable they actually were and ignored Tate's 'told you so' when she agreed to another 3 pair and she'd be wearing these ones out of the store.

Maggie then came forward with a plain light blue shirt, button up with a collar, a more casual version of a favourite business shirt of hers. She looked at the lightly checked red shirt in the other hand and went to tell Maggie to put it back but Tate shot her a look and she sighed. Oh my God, brought undone by a look, from a girl. Trevor Langon would be laughing his ass off right now.

She loved the blue shirt, and by the look in Tate's eyes, so did she. Maggie wisely added a second and earned a nod of approval from Alex. The check shirt wasn't a hit but Tate told her to take it and when she did dirty work around the ranch she wouldn't mind getting it dirty. She liked the red though and a plain red was added to the pile of growing clothes.

Eventually a green, a white and black also made it to the pile and Alex changed back into the blue shirt. Looking at herself in the mirror she realised she didn't even look western although she wore western brands. She just looked casual, a lot more casual then she ever looked but not bad and with a nod approved the look.

Jumpers were next, everything from pullovers to zip up hoodies, all labelled with a western brand, all thick, warm and comfortable. 5 in all were added to the pile, two for working around the ranch, 3 for casual wear helping Tate in the kitchen or into town.

Maggie handed her a pair of work socks, several more were added to her pile, as it was time to accessorise. Tate guided her over towards the boots, bypassing the men's and dress up areas which had anything from patterns, to silver toes and studding to leather frilling on them. That left her with an option of plain black, brown, tan or brandy which was a red/brown. Alex immediately eyed those and reached for a pair in her size.

Sitting in provided seating she quickly pulled on her socks then pulled up her jeans leg, giving a gaping Tate a lovely view of a long shapely calf before covering it with the sock. She was a bit surprised at the effort it took to get the boot on and thought for a second the sizing's were different but soon her foot slid in and she had to say, while the support was firm they were a lot more comfortable than her heels.

Soon she was standing admiring the look in the mirror, Tate behind her grinning but not saying a word. They just looked like ordinary every day heeled shoes as they were, the jeans covering the boot. Tate had advised you can tuck the jeans on the inside of them too to dress the look up and show off the boot.

Maggie came back, Alex had forgotten all about her, and in her hand were several belts in the same colouring as she had chosen her boots.

"This is the flashiest I dared bring over" Maggie smiled and held up a belt lined with silver with a large silver buckle. Alex just shot Maggie a look who chuckled and placed it aside. The next was a belt with what were called Conchos's in pearl studded along it. Alex thought they would be lovely, on the right person but that wasn't her. The next belt was a rust and brown braided belt with a smaller silver buckle which Alex immediately liked and reached for.

She took a moment to look and feel the craftsmanship and decided it was of good quality, and slid it through her belt loops. Doing it up she turned and looked in the mirror smiling in approval, she liked it and gave Maggie a thumbs up. Who would have thought she would actually like stuff in a Western Clothing Store.

Tate took her hand and squeezed it, leading her over to the hat section. Alex dug her heel in.

"No how, no way" she declared and Tate sighed

"Alex it's practical and smart sun protection for the upcoming summer. It also is handy in winter, it keeps your head surprisingly warm. I promise you won't have to wear it all the time, just outside on the ranch Ok" Tate insisted and Alex sighed as she could feel herself giving in. She didn't even argue that she probably wouldn't be here for summer as she had informed Olivia she'd stay as long as Olivia did and seriously work on their friendship. Which meant staying through summer probably, she looked up at Tate, not that she thought she would be complaining about that.

"Alex?" Tate drew her attention again "I really don't want to see you burnt, you're so fair you would burn easy"

"Don't" Alex groaned "Dammit Tate you're not playing fair" she growled when Tate gave her a pleading look. Tate grinned and Alex sighed moving forward to look at the hats. She looked at the price tags at some and she may be made of money but no way was she paying that for a hat she would barely wear. She made her way to the straw Stetsons and her eyes fixed on a cream coloured hat with tan braided leather around the rim.

Tate watched with approval as Alex pulled down a lovely hat and looked it over before looking back at her. She gave Alex an encouraging grin, wishing she would hurry up. Alex looked hot, hotter than in her fancy city clothes and Tate was afraid she just might jump Alex when she put the hat on.

She watched as Alex lowered the hat onto her head with a sigh, her heart rate tripled as her suspicions were confirmed. Alex was one hot cowgirl.

"Wow" she croaked as her mouth went dry and Alex sent her a startled look and hurried over to a mirror.

What Alex saw in the mirror startled her. She looked good, not stupid as she had feared. After years of shopping and knowing what colours suited her she looked damn fine even in cowgirl getup. For the first time since she walked in she really started to enjoy herself and suddenly she was a typical woman with an urge to shop.

It was time to accessorize so she needed a jacket, jewellery handbag and purse at least. She turned around with a cocky grin and looked at a beaming Tate and Maggie and told them so. Maggies smile got bigger, Tate got the glazed look that all supportive partners get when going shopping with a shopaholic.

She bought two jackets, a nice blue fleece jacket to get around in and a brown Ranchers jacket for working around the Ranch. It may be spring but they were in Montana, once the sun went down it was awfully cold and she felt the cold a lot.

When it came to choosing a handbag she had to shake her head at some of the styles and eventually chose a brown leather zip top which had nice silver buckles on it. She overlooked that it had a large horseshoe engraved on either side and went to look at the purses.

Maggie and Tate could only look at each other and shake their heads. Maggie was surprised Alex was getting into it but her business would love it. Not that she was doing poorly, she had a good business, people came from miles around to shop at her store and the internet side was taking off slowly, she'd have to hire some help soon.

Alex chose a hand crafted, tri fold wallet with some light beading on it. She was smiling as she did so, wondering what Olivia was going to make of all this. Not to mention Abbie, they'd have to take some pictures and send them to her. She could only imagine getting dressed up with Abbie in Western gear and hitting the town. She was sure they'd hit it hard.

Next her eye was caught by the jewellery cabinet and by the time she walked out of the store with Tate carrying several bags, only minutes before they were due to meet for lunch, she had found a turquoise and shell Conchos necklace, along with matching earrings, a bracelet and a nice shell faced, leather strapped watch.

Olivia was sitting in a booth sipping her large milkshake when Tate and Alex walked in. She forgot to swallow and inhaled instead choking on her drink as she stared in shock at her best friend wearing western.

Alex sauntered forward, unmindful of all eyes on her and slid in opposite Olivia

"Hey" she greeted

"Oh My God Lex" Olivia croaked "What happened to you?"

Alex's smile wobbled as Tate sat down next to her and she found herself reaching for Tate's hand in comfort. She really liked the look, it was different but nice. She thought forgoing the Stetson would just make her look casual and less western.

"You don't like it?" Alex asked disappointed and squeezed Tate's hand, missing Tate shooting Olivia a glare. Olivia ignored the look from Tate, too busy staring at Alex

"You look gorgeous" Olivia assured and reached across the table to give Alex's free hand a squeeze "It suits you Lex, you just need a hat now"

"I've got one" Alex said smugly "Tate said I only had to wear it on the ranch"

"Tate would say anything to get you in or out of clothes" Olivia chuckled, then laughed harder when Tate blushed. "Tyler should be here soon, I left to go see Bob and to check on my car. He's in love with it, gave it a polish on the weekend cause he was bored. It's beautiful"

Tate wasn't surprised, Bob loved his classic cars and from what she'd heard it was a beauty.

"Apparently I not only killed the radiator but the engine as well. Going to take a couple of weeks" Olivia shrugged "I told him to take his time, I wasn't going anywhere" she grinned

Alex and Tate both felt joy at the news and shared a look that wasn't missed by Olivia. Olivia soon turned her attention to her lover strolling in the door, a smile spreading across her face.

Tyler strolled over to their table and did a double take upon seeing Alex then gave a low wolf whistle a slow mischievous smile.

"Well, I see a new cowgal has landed in town" she then looked at Alex and Tate's linked hands and winked at Tate "Nice catch Tate"

Alex groaned, Tate went red and Olivia smacked Tyler for stirring them. Only she got to do that.

After a few uncomfortable minutes of looking at menu's Tyler ordered the hamburger, Tate and Olivia sandwiches and Alex a chicken salad they sat back and swapped easy banter. Tate told tales of how once Alex got into the shopping there was no stopping her. Olivia told Tyler her car would take a few weeks to fix but it didn't matter, she planned to stick around anyway which earned her a kiss, despite being in public.

When everyone turned to Alex to see what her verdict would be Tate couldn't deny she had her heart in her mouth.

"I may have to fly to DC or New York a couple of times to meet the terms of my contract but so far I kind of like it here" she squeezed Tate's hand for emphasis and Tate breathed a lot easier. She would have time to see where this relationship could lead.

After lunch in which all agreed was nice but Tate was a better cook, making her blush, Tyler returned to her office. Tate told the women she had something to do and when they asked where to get electrical appliances in town told them to hit the hardware store.

Tate waited for them to disappear out of sight before hot footing it to the Sheriff's office and stepping inside. Nodding at Ruthanne and grateful Hal wasn't around she let herself through the trapdoor and over to Tyler's office.

After a tap on the door she walked in and shut it behind her. Tyler looked up expectantly and upon seeing Tate put aside the file she was reading. Seeing that Tate resembled a tomato and appeared nervous she rose a curious brow.

"Tate?"

"You said I could come to you if I needed to talk" Tate sighed and sat down in the chair opposite Tyler's desk "I need to talk"

"Sure, I take it about Alex and you're relationship?" Tyler asked and Tate nodded "What do you need to know?"

"E e everything" Tate stammered and Tyler's jaw dropped. Oh no

"Tate are you a vir.."

"Don't say it" Tate hissed and looked around as if the wall's have ears before nodding. Tyler was stunned, admittedly Tate hadn't been out much in the last few years but she had been out. Besides which hadn't she been a junkie living on the streets? Didn't they do all sorts of stuff for a fix?

Tate could guess the nature of her thoughts "I've mucked around but it always felt forced so I stopped. On the streets that year I never, I had some scary moments, actually cut a guy with my knife once, he wont try and hurt anyone else" Tyler remembered that knife, hard to forget it when the image of that blade shoved at her face had haunted her dreams for a while. Thank god for self defence training.

"I remember the knife well, thank you" Tyler nodded and Tate groaned

"I am sorry about that, sorry I scared you but never sorry about the end result"

"Me neither" Tyler supplied and then they sat awkwardly for long seconds before Tyler blew out a breath "Ok, well best advice I can give you is to be honest with Alex"

"Are you kidding, she'll run for sure" Tate groaned

"Then she's not worth it my friend, only the one who is worth it will realise exactly what a precious gift that is" Tyler said seriously and watched as that slowly sunk in with Tate.

Tate had a long talk and was very open and honest with Tyler who assured her she would know what to do when the time came. Tate wasn't quite sure if her expertise in self help would mean she knew what to do with Alex. If anything did ever happen with Alex, she was being rather presumptuous. Still just cause she got her own rocks off when the need arose didn't mean she could satisfy Alex. She would give it a darn good go though and she was sure Alex wouldn't be a wallflower in bed.

Leaving Tyler to work she found the ladies in the hardware store still talking to a beaming salesman. Oh no, what had Alex bought now? Alex looked up upon her entering and quickly waved her over. Sighing she strolled over and saw them standing in front of a box with a picture of an industrial size coffee machine on it. Oh God, she hadn't.

"Hey, you're just in time. Can you go get the truck and come back, we need your muscles" Alex smiled at her.

"Tell me you didn't Al" Tate groaned and shot a look at Olivia who nodded.

"Sure I did, I may be just learning to cook, but you name a coffee and I can make it, especially with this" she pat the large box. Tate shot another look at Olivia

"Seriously" Olivia nodded "She can't make instant but she can use one of those, has a back up career as a barista"

Tate just shook her head, spun on her heel and went to get the truck. The boys were not going to be impressed.