Maria could've sworn she heard her name as she was getting the last button on her dress done though the door. Shaking it off as preposterous she finished up and was ready to start her usual day.
The door opened to the kitchen, there standing was Cap and his mother. It looked as if they were waiting for Maria.
"Ah, Just the girl we're waiting for" Lavciy said
"eh ma..." Cap muttered embarrassed a bit. Lavciy smiled and winked, making Cap go red and confused Maria.
Deciding to end this, Cap spoke up about the plans to quite his mouthy mother.
"I have a surprise for you"
"For me?"
"Yeah, i would like to show you something I've been working on. It's finished now and i wanted to take you out for the afternoon."
"Oh really, but im sure your ma needs my help preparing for tomorrow."
"Not at all Sweetheart. You go have fun everything is already done." Lacviy interjected He had the whole picnic set up when they arrived, Maria with a blind fold on. Cap was leading the way holding her hand firmly in his.
" i felt bad about mocking you on your birthday. You do so much for our family,Maria." Cap said as he untied the blind fold. His mouth next to her ear, her shoulders pressed to his chest.
"I made this for you."
There in front of her was a beautiful dark wood seat swing hanging on the tree. The tree she loved to go to at dusk for a moment to herself. One the ground laid a blanket with food and a single sunflower.
"Oh Cap, This is wonderful. Nobody has ever done anything like this for me."
"You deserve this and more, Maria." she turn to look him in the eyes, her own watering now.
'Wanna sit on it?" cap asked with a smile
"Only if you join me" They sat down on the beautiful creation, she closed her eyes and rested her head on Cap's shoulder. "Thank you so much" she lightly breathed out.
His hand came around her back to hold her to him. It was the day before everyone came together to vote on the elections and the Hatfield household was bustling around with preparations . With all the goings on around the main house no one seemed to notice the two sitting at the far tree with a new swing swaying back and forth with a small breeze.
Maria and Cap were siting there enjoying some apples and bread quietly, just basking in each others company.
Cap stared at the brunette she was deep in thought and didn't notice his glaze. In her head she was tangled in the possibilities of what could happen in the days to come. Both negative and positive, Maria was also planing was around others conflict to protect herself.
Lavicy was entering the jam contest with the best elderberry spread maria has ever tasted. A sure winner, as everyone told her.
Maria wasn't to excited for this occasion. Those blasted McCoy's will be there, along with all the riffraff they bring. No, she planned to visit a few small tables and then retreat back to Johnse's Gin wagon.
Afraid to waste the alone time they had Cap decide it was time to pull her out of her trance.
"What are you thinking about?" she snapped back her eyes focusing on Cap. Smiling maria replied
"Oh nothing really, just thinking about tomorrow . You looking forward to Election day, cap? I hear they have a shooting contest." The topic stuck a nerve in Caps mind.
He was looking forward to this day all year just for that reason but now his deformity took that away.
"Yeah but i ant going to try, those McCoy's dont need anything to mock me for."
'I bet you can out shot those empty headed fools any day. Hell you could be blind and backwards and still do better" The encouragement lifted some of Cap's disappointment. He was glad Maria had such faith in him.
"We'll see about that, What are you plans for this fine election day?"
"Just to drink as much whiskey i can before Johnse notices and look a a few tables. They always have the most peculiar invitations."
"I'll help you get some of that hooch without him knowing." Conspired cap, Johnse always had him in charge of the books any way.
Before she knew dinner was made and eaten. All around the Hatfield house as quiet with everyone slumbering with bellies.
Maria on the other hand was restless in her bed for what seemed like hours. She gave up on sleep and roll out of bed to get some fresh air. Her heart jumped when saw Cap sitting on the porch.
"oh" maria let out. Cap with a melancholy face and half smile.
"what's wrong Cap?" she asked not knowing if she should ask.
"Just thinking about how i was looking forward to the gun contest on election day." Cap muttered patting the spot next to him welcoming her to join.
"You are the same if not better since your accident, don't count yourself out just yet. One day you will enter it doesn't have to be now."
"You're right. Why are you awake?"
"I'm just a little nervous about running into any McCoys. I don't want to be sad anymore, it's hard to be happy."
"Don't let those criminals dictate your life. The things you do or places you go, they should know better to mess with you. They've taken enough for you, Maria."
In Cap's head he noted to keep an eye out for any run ins and an ear out for any insults, Maria needed some one now that she was an orphan and all alone in society. She was vulnerable and there were a lot of people other than McCoys that could take advantage of her.
Once again they sat there quietly, both of their words heavy in the air.
"Its seems we both have problems sleeping lately." Maria said
"Maybe this is our way of spending time together." His deep voice stated. "we should get to bed, Everyone will be up soon to leave. Surely we will both regret staying up when the wagons leave."
"I agree, Sleep well Maria" Standing up together Cap pulled her in a firm hug.