Sorry it's been a while. Hope you enjoy the final chapter. I really appreciate the feedback! I am going to start a new story soon! Xoxo
Lauren was gently cooling Tom's forehead with a wet rag when there was a heavy knock on the door downstairs. Bo had been up watching Lauren work before the sun rose. She could see the doctor was wearing down. Lauren still hadn't talked to her since Bo had rejected her.
Rejected. God what's wrong with me? Lauren is so beautiful, smart, strong, single.. Single. I have to get out of here.
Bo stood gently, guarding her ribs from further injury.
Bo, what are you doing?" Lauren watched as Bo as she slowly stood.
Bo made a face. "Going home. I am much better, thank you doctor." She said coolly.
"You need to rest." Lauren said sternly.
"I'll rest at Kenzi's." Bo said shrugging.
"Please…" There was something in Lauren's plea that forced Bo's eyes to finally meet the doctor's.
"Looks like you have your hands full and I am much better. I should go back to Kenzi's."
Lauren searched for something she could say to make Bo stay but she knew there was nothing to say to make her stay.
Looking defeated Lauren said with a sigh. "Ok."
"Thanks for all your care and attentiveness Lauren." The sentence seeped with suggestion.
Lauren's stomach tighten hearing Bo say her name. She flushed and turned back towards Tom who was watching with surprise. Tom raised his eyebrow to Lauren who looked back towards Bo's back pulling the door shut behind her.
"It's her?" Tom eyed Lauren searching her face.
Lauren looked down and nodded.
Tom took a breath. "Do you love her?"
Tom's words filled the space, echoing in Lauren's ears. She shook her head.
"But you care a lot about her. She is more than just a friend." It wasn't a question.
Lauren knew Tom cared for her and he supported her but she wasn't sure she could talk about this with anyone.
"You know I was mad before. Hurt." Tom eyes were sad as Lauren watched him trying to find the right words. "I want you to be happy. I won't say I am not in shock. I have never seen you like that with anyone."
"Like what?" Lauren asked.
"When you are near her you are different. You seem stronger and happy. Really happy. Your cheeks glow and your eyes sparkle."
Lauren thought about Tom's words and then wondered if others too had noticed. She makes me feel happy like a child but also strong. I feel invincible. I killed two men for her. She is so stubborn. Why did Bo reject her after working so hard to get her? Was it a game to her? I am so stupid. I am falling for someone who doesn't want me anymore than the girls she… Damn it!
X
Bo was sitting at her desk looking in the mirror at her face. She hadn't even thought of asking for a mirror. Her hands gracefully traced the faint trace of bruises. She studied her eyes. They looked empty and hollow. Sad. Sighing she heard a knock on the door.
"Come in." Bo said still looking at herself.
"Hey lovey." Kenzi walked over to the bed and sat behind Bo. "How are you feeling?"
"Better. It's good to be back."
Kenzi watched her friend and heard the sadness in her voice.
"I am surprised the doc let you come back so soon."
"I didn't give her a choice. It's just a few broken ribs, I've had worse Kenz. I don't need to be in a room cooped up." Bo said watching Kenzi in the mirror.
"Yeah I mean it must have been terrible having a gorgeous woman tend to your every whim, you poor girl."
Bo rolled her eyes. "Tom is there now, she can tend to him."
"Please. She doesn't want Tom."
"How do you know that?" Bo now turned towards Kenzi.
"He was in here a couple nights ago sobbing into his whiskey, blubbering like a baby to anyone who would listen. He was going on about how he moved here for someone who never loved him and he never really loved. He didn't know what he was going to do. And yada yada yada."
Bo stared at the wall behind Kenzi for several seconds in deep thought. She thought I rejected her. I did reject her. Why? Because it's more than just lust with her. I don't want to just use her. She is so much more…
Bo's eyes snapped to Kenzi's at the realization. "Shit."
"Yeah." Kenzi said slowly looking at her friend.
"I have to go."
"You just got here!" Kenzi said watching as Bo left.
X
Bo took a deep breath and walked into Lauren's room. As she walked in she saw Tom talking with Emma Watts.
"Sorry." Bo said as the two of them looked up at her. "Is Lauren around?"
"She ran to the general store, she should be back soon." Tom said with a glimmer in his eyes smiling at Bo.
She had an uncomfortable feeling in her gut as he appraised her. Did he know?
"I'll wait downstairs, thanks."
X
Lauren pushed through the clinic doors with her arms filled with packages. Bo rushed to help her causing Lauren to gasp.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." Bo said grabbing one of the packages with care.
"Thank you." Lauren said as Bo helped her set the packages down.
"You look good. I guess it was time I send you home. I was enjoying the company I guess."
"You have Tom to keep you company now."
Lauren rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah, Tom and Emma."
Bo glanced back towards the stairs leading up to Lauren's room. "She is smitten with Tom?"
"I guess they got pretty chummy since she is the local school teacher and that is Tom's passion as well."
Bo nodded watching as Lauren opened each package with care.
"I am happy for him. Emma seems very sweet. She would be good for him." Lauren said with sincerity.
"She is very sweet. Tom seems like a good catch as well."
"He is."
"But not for you?" Bo said as Lauren's eyes found her's.
"No." Lauren licked her lips staring at Bo. "He is a great friend but nothing more."
Bo stepped closer to Lauren, filling the space between them.
Lauren felt her stomach tense the way it always does when Bo was around. Her hands were damp and her lips felt dry as she licked them again letting her eyes find the floor.
Bo gently lifted Lauren's chin and their eyes met.
"Why?"
Lauren blinked. "What?"
"Why don't you love him?"
"I don't know. Why don't you love Tom?" Lauren said defensively, her voice was angry.
"He seems like a good man and he cares about you."
"Why are you pushing me away?" Lauren's face was flushed with anger.
Bo knew the answer. I want to spend all of my days and nights with you.
"Was all of this some game to you? You pursue me until I accept. You want what you can't have."
Bo saw the hurt in Lauren's eyes as she spoke.
"It's not like that. I…"
Lauren interrupted. "Save it."
Lauren ran upstairs before Bo could stop her.
X
Bo found her way to Kenzi's while her thoughts had her elsewhere.
Kenzi watched Bo took a seat at the bar staring into space.
"Bo? You want a drink."
Bo nodded accepting the glass Kenzi put in front of her.
"What is wrong Bo? You are acting crazy."
"I am an idiot." Bo stated.
"What do you do now?" Kenzi asked.
"It doesn't matter." Bo said with pain in her eyes.
"Obviously it matters a lot to you."
Bo took a swig of the whiskey and slammed it down. "Another please."
Kenzi filled the empty glass. "I am worried about you BoBo…" Kenzi stopped as she watched Tamsin walk up and sit beside Bo.
"You ok?" Tamsin said watching Bo.
"Peachy." Bo said not looking at Tamsin.
"What did you do now?" Tamsin said rolling her eyes.
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
"Did you sleep with her?" Tamsin asked looking at Bo.
"No!" Bo shouted.
"What happened Bo?" Kenzi asked.
"Nothing." Bo said.
"Did you try anything? Did she refuse?" Kenzi asked her voice full of curiosity.
"Quite the opposite." Bo whispered.
"So SHE tried and YOU refused?" Tamsin shrieked.
Kenzi watched Bo as she twisted uncomfortably in her seat.
"Tamsin why don't you let Bo and I talk in private?" Kenzi looked at Tamsin with concern.
"Sure. I will go find Simone."
Once alone Kenzi reached for Bo's hand giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Are you in love with her?"
"What? No." Bo said looking up at Kenzi.
Kenzi thought differently but didn't push. "You care about her."
"Of course I do. She is a good friend."
"Bo I have known you a long time and I have never seen you so distracted. You can talk to me."
"I know Kenz. I just. We can't be together. Here."
So she does love her.
"Why not?"
"What do you mean why not? You think we can marry and settle down here? Raise a family."
"Bo you are scaring me." Kenzi said wide eyed.
"She already chose a profession that is controversial. I don't want her putting herself anymore at risk." Bo said.
"Exactly. Lauren is a brave woman who goes after what and who she wants regardless of what people think. Don't lose her because you are scared." Kenzi commanded.
"I am scared." Bo admitted. "I have never felt so helpless. She makes me feel like I can do anything. Her eyes are amazing. I feel like she can see into my soul and it scares me."
"Uh yeah, you got it bad girl." Kenzi said grinning.
Bo groaned. "I rejected and hurt her. I was scared but I am more scared of losing her."
"You are a bad ass gun slinger. You go after bad guys all day but you are letting this get to you." Kenzi stated scowling.
"You're right." Bo said standing. "I am just used to whores and I know what they want. With Lauren I am lost."
"You'll figure it out Bo."
X
The next morning Bo reached the clinic she realized she had no idea what to say to Lauren.
She walked in to the empty dimly light downstairs making her way up to Lauren's bedroom.
Knocking this time, Lauren came to the door.
Bo grabbed Lauren and pushed her up against the wall behind her, Bo's lips crushed Lauren's as she grabbed her waist and pulled her close. Bo's lips moved to Lauren's neck leaving an invisible trail of kisses.
Lauren breathing was uneven and heavy as she raised her arms up around to Bo's back and traced lines down her spine. Her fingers circling their way to Bo's hips she pulled Bo onto her bed.
Bo melted at Lauren's touch Bo's huskily whispered. "I need you."
Lauren saw the desire flooding Bo's face and knew she would never be able to refuse her anything.
Bo led Lauren to the bed and gently pushed her down. Lauren cradled Bo's head in her hands as Bo found Lauren's neck.
"Take this off." Bo said as she turned to untie Lauren's dress. Lauren stood and let the dress hit the floor. Bo had never seen such a beautiful woman. Her eyes filled with desire as she pulled Lauren into the bed.
"Your turn." Lauren said untucking Bo's shirt. Soon Bo was naked on top of Lauren. She let her fingers roam every inch of Lauren. Lauren moaned when Bo found her center.
"Is it ok?" Bo asked.
Lauren nodded as Bo let her fingers slowly explore her. Lauren was breathing heavily when Bo's mouth found Lauren's clit.
"Oh God. Oh God."
"Shh it's ok."
Lauren collapsed next to Bo several hours later. She was afraid she wouldn't know what to do but Bo seemed to like what she did with her tongue just fine.
Bo stretched and let her feet hit the floor. She saw Tom's cot and things were gone.
"What happened to Tom?"
"He went home." Lauren said sitting on the edge of her bed.
Bo pulled the stool up beside and sat next to her.
"He left with a gunshot wound in two days but I with broken ribs stayed four?" Bo said teasing Lauren.
"Emma is taking care of him at home." Lauren stated blushing.
"I bet she is." Bo said watching Lauren.
Lauren watched Bo stare dreamily at her. "Why did you leave?"
"I need to some things out."
"Tamsin?" Lauren asked.
Bo shook her head. "Tamsin is a good person but I don't have feelings for her. She is actually rather taken by Simone according to Kenzi."
"The truth is I was scared."
"Scared of?" Lauren pushed. "Me?"
"I have never had feelings for anyone more than lust and I was confused. You were engaged to Tom and I don't know. It seemed impossible."
"So you have feelings for me?" Lauren said cocking one eyebrow.
"You know I do." Bo whispered.
X
Kenzi was busy setting up for one of their biggest nights of the year when Bo and Lauren walked in.
Bo hugged Kenzi tightly. "Happy birthday Kenz."
"Thanks BoBo. Hi doc!"
"Happy birthday." Lauren shyly stated.
"You two want anything to drink?"
"Nope I am here to help so you can take a night off." Bo stepped behind the bar.
"Can I get you anything pretty lady?" Bo asked Lauren.
"Gin please."
As Bo turned to pour Lauren's drink Maggie bounced up beside Lauren.
"Hey doctor." Maggie said blushing.
Bo rolled her eyes hand Lauren her drink.
"Hi Maggie." Lauren said politely lifting her drink to her lips.
"I wanted to tell you I've moved on."
Lauren choked on her drink.
Maggie quickly patted Lauren's back as she continued to speak.
"Please don't be upset." Maggie continued to rub as she explained. "I met someone."
"Oh" Lauren said staring ahead at Bo who looked very amused at the whole situation.
"I hope you are not too disappointed." Maggie said pouting.
"I think I can manage." Lauren said as Maggie pulled her in for a hug.
Bo smirked at Lauren. "You need another drink to soothe your aching heart, doc?"
X
It was late when Tamsin finally made an appearance, stumbling up to the bar.
"You ok?" Bo asked her.
"Of course." Her words were slurred.
"Where's your girlfriend..the doctor?" Tamsin spat loudly.
"Come on. You need to go up to bed. You don't want to ruin Kenzi's birthday with a scene." Bo held her hand out for Tamsin.
"No."
"Come on Tamsin." Bo grabbed her arm and helped her upstairs. She passed the table where Lauren was playing poker and gave Lauren a reassuring look.
X
Bo helped Tamsin get into bed and she noticed Tamsin had started to cry.
"Hey. What's wrong?" Bo asked softly.
"Why don't you want me?" Tamsin barely got the words out.
"Tamsin."
Bo sat down on the side of the bed. "You know I think the world of you. You are a good person and anyone would be so lucky to have to."
"But" Tamsin interrupted.
"I love Lauren." It was the first time Bo had said it. It surprised her but it was true.
Tamsin closed her eyes as sadness washed over her. Curling into a ball she let the tears fall freely.
"Tamsin I am so sorry. You are so important to me. I have to be honest with you."
Bo smoothed Tamsin's hair. "I know this hurts but it won't last for long."
There was a soft knock at the door as it opened to Simone peaking in.
"Let me." Simone said as she sat on the bed next to Tamsin.
"I will take care of her."
X
The months passed quickly as summer turned into fall and fall into winter. Bo watched as snow landed on the roof of the store across from the clinic. Her thoughts wander as strong arms enfolded her waist. Lauren let her head rest in the crook of Bo's neck while she held her.
"What are you thinking about?"
Bo smiled. "I was watching the snow and thinking of how beautiful life is."
"A romantic gunslinger, huh?" Lauren giggled.
Bo laughed turning toward Lauren pulling into a sweat soft kiss.
"I love you doctor."
"I love you Bo."
"Should we head over now?"
Lauren nodded.
X
Once they reached their destination they saw all their friends gathered under a canopy of snow falling. Lauren let Dyson walk her down a freshly covered snow path. She smiled as she walked closer to Bo.
The day was a beautiful blur to Lauren. She hoped her dad would understand and want her to be happy. She had never thought a love like this was possible.
Bo took Lauren by the hand and they walked as one into the unknown.
X
Lauren gasped and sat straight up.
"What's wrong?" Nadia asked as the African sky stared down at them.
"Was it the dream again?" Nadia asked with concern.
Lauren nodded as she rubbed her forehead.
"The women with dark hair?" Nadia pushed further. "The dreams are more frequent now."
Lauren looked at Nadia. "She's coming."
Lauren watched as a star shot across the night sky and wondered what this Bo woman was doing at this very moment.