Because I Love You
[Based on the Lawman episode ''The Mad Bunch'']
Dorie was alone now with Joe except for Doc Shea in the next room. He still had'nt woken up yet. Please wake up, Joe, she thought. A little while later his eyes started to flutter open. Dorie, is that you? Yes, Joe, its me. I'm right here. I won't ever be leaving you. How come you're still here? Because I love you, Joe. What about your husband? He's gone and I know he'd want me to be happy. And I think that's why he asked you to take care of me. So you could be happy, too. Dorie could see tears forming in his eyes. Is something wrong, Joe? What is it? Except for my ma years ago, no one's ever loved me, Dorie. I'm sorry. That's so awful. But there's someone that loves you now. And that someone is me. Can you accept it? You won't ever be unloved again, sweetheart. And Joe's answer to her question was this. Could you hold my hand until I fall asleep, Dorie? I'll do better than that, Joe. Move over, she said as she climbed in and wrapped her arms around him. And for the first time in a lifetime Joe knew he was loved by someone. And he knew he loved her back. I love you, Dorie. And I love you, Joe. Goodnight, my love. [ When Joe was better he and Dorie were married. Now that they'd found eachother they did'nt want to waste a moment together. And having brought them together her former spouse looked down on them and was pleased. His wife was loved and not a lonely widow and a lonely, sad young man was given a chance to love and be loved again.]