2:

There were no humans home, but loud laughter could still be heard all through the first floor of the Davis house. In the living room, Bo was curled up next to Woody as he held an old recipe book for them both to see. "What is it?"

"The caption says salmon loaf with pimentos but I think it may be a brick of cat food."

Bo giggled. "It looks awful."

"You should've seen it in color."

Bo reached over and turned the page. "More gelatin recipes. What are they sticking in these?"

"Hmm, uh oh." Woody read out loud from the page, 'Jellied Mutton Mold with Caper Garnish.'" He placed a hand over Bo's eyes. "Look away."

She laughed and pushed his hand down. "I can't believe humans really used to eat this stuff."

"Not all of them. I don't think the ones that did lived very long."

"Did your family eat like this?"

"Nah. Jell-O was forbidden in our house." He looked around. "Are there any more vintage recipe books?"

"No, just romance novels mostly." Bo grabbed her crook and used it to drag a paperback book to her side. Picking it up, she turned it over and began to read the back. "'Passion at Vindolanda'…"

"Vindo-whaty what?"

Bo continued, "'All Pullus ever wanted was to be a soldier in the Roman army, until assigned to Fort Vindolanda, where he meets Kormi, the last of the ancient Celtic Carvetii Tribe, whose spirit is as wild as her flaming red hair…'"

"Oh brother," said Woody. Bo was looking at the cover now, smiling, and he leaned over to take a peek. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "So…"

She looked at him quizzically. "So…"

He motioned to the stud grasping the lithe redhead on the front. "Is that what women like?"

Bo raised her eyebrows. "What?"

"That guy. All muscly with the long flowing hair and no shirt…Is that what women find attractive?"

"Some women…" Bo studied the picture for a moment. "I guess he's all right. Kind of a big chin though…"

Woody stood and stretched. Offering her his hand he said, "We better put all these back before the family gets home." She nodded and together they began to sweep the scattered books into the tipped box.

"So," Woody said as he tossed a book. "If that guy isn't really what you find attractive, then, ah, um…"

Bo stopped. She smiled coyly. "What do I find attractive you mean?"

Woody flushed and ducked back down to grab another book. "I shouldn't have asked that…" he mumbled.

"No, it's all right," she picked up three smaller books and threw each of them in the box as she spoke. "Let's see. I like a guy who's kind and loyal and caring. Someone who loves his family and friends more than anything else…"

The books were all in the container and Woody reached underneath to try and push it back up. He grunted as he struggled under the added weight.

Seeing the Cowboy strain, Bo went to help. Bending down, she grasped the underside. "My ideal guy is funny and charming and smart," she continued. "He never fails to make me smile."

The box finally tipped upright and set itself. As the books inside shifted and settled Woody pushed his hat back. "Who do you know like that?"

Bo put her hand on his vest and turned him so that they were standing face to face. "You, you silly Sheriff!"

Woody brightened. "Yeah?" He frowned and his shoulders sagged. "Jeez Bo, I…I don't think I'm all those things." His eyes flickered to the floor, downcast and heavy.

"Well I do." Bo placed her hand under on his chin and lifted it up. "I love you."

Woody grasped her hand, drawing it to his cheek. "Why? Why do you love me?"

"Because you have a beautiful heart."

Woody's entire face turned fire engine red. "Aw jeez, Bo!"

Setting her hand on the back of his hair, Bo pressed until their foreheads were touching. "I know you don't see it. But I see it."

Closing his eyes, Woody sighed deeply. "What did I do to deserve you?" he muttered.

There was a click from the front hall and the two jumped apart, startled. "They're home!" Instinctively, Woody dropped to the floor and prayed Andy wouldn't remember where he had been left. He seldom seemed to, unless he couldn't find his Cowboy at all.

"Psst…"

Woody turned his head. Bo had fled to the dining room, but now she peeked out from behind the white cabinet that formed part of the wall.

She was smiling at him. "I also like big brown eyes." Then she ducked back.

As Woody moved back into position, he hoped Andy wouldn't notice that today his grin was bigger than usual.