Chapter 13

A/N #1: Sorry it's been a few weeks since I last updated. RL has been crazy busy this past month between work and family stuff-unfortunately leaving me little time to write. I want to give a super quick thank you to those guest reviewers like Michelle I can't personally respond to. Your kind words are so encouraging :) Finally, very briefly, here's where we left Wyatt and Lucy at the social...

Scooting a little closer to Lucy on the narrow bench, near enough that his pants leg was touching the full skirt of her fancy dress, he leaned in slightly and asked in a husky voice, "Are you enjoying the social?" It might've been his imagination, but it seemed to him Lucy paused ever so slightly at the simple question, her wide amber eyes searching his face briefly before answering lightly that she was. Now, Wyatt's instincts regarding the fairer sex were definitely rusty from lack of use, but he still knew enough to realize maybe the teacher wasn't telling him the whole truth, and might actually be a bit disappointed in him–despite her purposefully cheery manner. He knew it...now he just had to make this right...

"Lucy, there's something I need to tell you," Wyatt began earnestly, praying he wasn't about to sound like a complete idiot here. "I feel like I hurt your feelings earlier by not asking you to dance and I sincerely apologize for that. A lady like you deserves some kind of explanation. You see, while of course, I do still miss my wife, Jess has nothing to do with my preference not to dance this evening. It's because...Lord, this is embarrassing...well, it's because I'm really terrible at it and don't wanna make a fool of myself in front of everyone."

He exhaled shakily when to his great relief, Lucy's rosy lips curved in a gentle smile as she inched even closer to him. And that's when the damn words just up and fell out of his mouth. "The God's honest truth is, if I could ever bring myself to dance with any woman, I would definitely choose you," Wyatt blurted out, surprised by what he just admitted–yet, strangely enough, not all that upset, not with the soft way the pretty brunette was looking at him.

They stared at each other for several long seconds, Wyatt unaware Lucy had reached for his hand until she squeezed it and whispered, "That's very sweet of you to say." Suddenly, everything and everyone around them faded away until all of his senses were focused on Lucy and her alone...and then the intimate, promising moment was shot completely to hell and back when a masculine voice dared to interrupt them...

Distracted by watching Lucy dance with Jed Coleman–not that he was jealous, mind you-Wyatt barely noticed Rufus had returned, standing beside him holding three glasses of punch. Was it his imagination, or was the redhead holding the teacher a little tighter than was proper? Seemed to him Coleman was getting pretty damn bold with his hands in front of God and everyone. Too bold, to Wyatt's way of thinking, absently patting the gun on his hip.

And damn the man anyway for asking Lucy to dance just when everything was going so well between them, he lamented, considering for maybe a half second (before immediately deciding against it) how big a scene it would cause if he went out on the floor and 'rescued' her from the rancher's overly-familiar grasp. Wyatt cringed just thinking about how embarrassed Lucy would be–and his grandmother would be plenty unhappy as well. Knowing Betsy Sherwin, she'd probably scold him for a month of Sundays...

He blinked when the blacksmith cut into his dismal thoughts, trying to juggle the drinks without spilling them. "Uh, Wyatt? Where's Lucy?" When Wyatt didn't respond, he glanced curiously around the room, mouth dropping open in shock when a certain brunette waltzed by in the arms of a man who definitely wasn't his best friend.

"Seriously?" Rufus huffed, staring down at him incredulously. "I deliberately leave you alone with the woman that anybody paying the least bit of attention can see you've been pining over the whole damn night...and not even ten minutes later, you just let her get away? And even worse, she's with Jed Coleman? Good Lord, Wyatt, everyone around these parts knows the man's been looking to find another wife for a while now to help raise his boy and girl. And if I'm not mistaken, this is at least the third time tonight Coleman has asked Lucy to dance. You mark my words, he's got his eye on her for the job."

Hell, no, not if he had anything to say about it...and dammit, he was not 'pining' over Lucy, Wyatt fumed while struggling to keep his expression blank, unwilling to betray his riled emotions in front of his friend.

Plopping down beside a stone-faced Wyatt with a disgusted snort, Rufus carefully set two of the drinks on the bench and proceeded to knock back the third one in a single gulp. "Bleh...needs some whiskey or something," he grumbled, wrinkling his nose in distaste. Normally, that kind of cranky remark would've made him laugh, but Wyatt didn't feel too lighthearted at the moment.

While Rufus certainly meant well, his nonetheless troubling observation about the rancher and his intentions towards Lucy stung–and did little to ease the anger and frustration (but not jealousy) he was feeling at the moment. Shoulders stiffening, Wyatt pretended not to see the look of pity on his friend's face and growled in warning, "Leave it be, Rufus." The two men sat in glum silence watching the dancers until the music ended at last and the blacksmith reluctantly got to his feet with a heavy sigh.

"Well, it's been a right nice evening–at least for most of us, I reckon-but I best get back to the stables and check on my horses before turning in. Listen, though, before I go, there's something I think you need to hear, and being mule stubborn the way you are, pretty sure you ain't gonna like it." Rufus held up his hand, shaking his head firmly when Wyatt regarded him suspiciously before instinctively opening his mouth to argue.

"Nope. Don't say a word. I know Miss Betsy taught you better than to interrupt your elders-which I am since my birthday is a couple months before yours," he reminded Wyatt smugly, waiting silently until Wyatt reined in his annoyance and subsided with a sullen frown on his face, arms crossed defensively.

"That's better. Wyatt, you and me been best friends since we was little fellas barely big enough to sit upright in the saddle. Grew up close as brothers, and it don't feel like bragging to say I know you better than probably anybody outside of your own folks do. Now, you may not want to admit it, or maybe think it's too soon–which, to be fair, in your situation, could possibly be true for more than one reason-but seems clear to me something about the new teacher caught your attention like no other female has since Jess from the day Lucy arrived in Brady and literally fell out of the stagecoach into your arms." Wyatt's uneasiness increased by the second. What the hell was that supposed to mean?

Noting the growing panic on Wyatt's face, Rufus rolled his eyes with a fondness born of long acquaintance. "Take it easy, now, and just hear me out," he requested calmly. "There's no denying losing your wife and boy was a terrible tragedy, God rest their souls, one that broke your heart for sure. But it's also been nearly two years since they passed, and aside from some kinda fool notion stuck in your head that even looking at another woman is somehow betraying the vows you took with Jess, there's nothing I ever heard of says you can't marry again, maybe have another child some day. Hell, man, you're not even 30 years old-which means you're setting yourself up for some long, mighty lonesome years. Why, look at your grandpa. At his age, the man is still hale and hearty and practically in his prime yet. Bet a lot of his continued good health and happiness is 'cause he has a fine woman like your Gran by his side."

Wyatt's gaze drifted to his adoptive parents, happily waltzing around the room in each other's arms like no one else in world existed but them. His friend did make a fair point, he thought grudgingly. Because it was true. Even after being married for many, many years, James and Betsy Sherwin were enviably happy together, clearly content with the good life they'd built (and lovingly shared with an orphaned little boy without a moment's hesitation). Wyatt shivered imperceptibly, loathe to contemplate for even a second about how unbearably lonely his life would be after they passed if he never took another wife and lived out the rest of his days by himself.

Possibly sensing his momentary uncertainty, Rufus took advantage, hurriedly adding, "Look, I understand maybe you need more time to think over what you plan to do next about the school teacher, if anything at all. Yeah, it's only been a couple weeks since Lucy got here-and I guess to some people, that's not very long. Still, looked to me while she was sitting here with us that you both enjoy each other's company a lot–which feels like an important part of any marriage, even though I've never had a wife. Besides, in a small town like Brady, you sure as hell could do a lot worse for yourself than a young lady who's kind and smart, not to mention pretty as all get out. Don't think I haven't noticed the way you been watching her all evening." Wyatt's cheeks warmed in embarrassment.

The blacksmith paused, and inclining his head towards the dance floor, said, "And not to rub it in, but you seen for yourself there seems to be no shortage of men here tonight who would be right pleased to court Lucy...not all of them suitable or even looking for wives, I 'spose, but a few of them decent men like Jed Coleman who could offer her a comfortable life. So if you have any inclination towards a future with the woman, better not wait too long to do something about it." Exhaling softly, Rufus offered him an understanding smile. "All right then, Captain Logan, I'm done with my free, unsolicited and likely unwanted advice, but hopefully, still gave you something to think about. See you at church services in the morning. G'night."

Wyatt watched the other man leave, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. Could Rufus be right? he wondered somberly. There was no denying the pretty new teacher had been in great demand this evening as a dance partner by so many men his teeth fairly ached from gritting them the past couple hours. He realized, too, that Lucy had fit so neatly into life here in Brady (his life?), it was hard to believe she'd arrived only two weeks ago. Wyatt's conflicted brain struggled to reconcile that disconcerting fact with the strong feelings this woman had stirred up in him from practically the moment they met. Unbidden, his grandpa's words from Lucy's first morning at the ranch popped into his head...

Flashback

Wyatt leaned against the split-rail fence, arms crossed defensively across his chest and stared at the older man warily. He really wasn't in the mood for a lecture.

"I'm not as young as you, Wy, but I still remember the first time I laid eyes on your Gran like it was yesterday," James shared with a wistful smile. "I turned 17 that spring, gone as far as I could in proper school, and working on a horse ranch north of San Antone owned by one of my pa's friends. Not sure if you were aware of this, but your grandmother and I actually met at a church social. I was sitting with some of my friends from the ranch, eating and having a fine time, and just happened to look up from my plate long enough to make eye contact with a dark-haired girl walking past our table. She was the prettiest thing I'd ever seen, a little bitty gal no bigger than a minute, and wearing a dress the color of bluebonnets."

Wyatt's earlier irritation melted away entirely at the wealth of love he heard in Gramps' deep voice for his wife–a love so strong and true, it had lasted more than 40 years. He swallowed thickly at the momentary flash of sorrow mixed with resentment rising in his chest that he'd been denied the same experience with his Jess, and forced himself to pay attention.

"Now, I swear this is the God's honest truth. When that girl in the blue dress glanced my way and then gave me this shy little smile before walking on, my heart stopped in my chest like I'd been struck by lightning. It was all I could do just to breathe in and out." The two men grinned companionably at each other. "I felt such a spark between us...of love or attraction or desire or whatever you wanna call it, that I knew sure as my own name I was gonna marry this young woman, and God willing, spend the rest of my life with her..."

James cleared his throat. "One last thing, and then I'll keep my own counsel, promise. Even though I'm sure it felt like it that sad, terrible day–and probably still does, to some extent–I don't think your one and only chance for a happy, contented life ended the day you buried your wife and child..."

End Flashback

Much as he might want to in this instance, there was no denying James Sherwin was a wise man who loved Wyatt and always had his best interests at heart. His adopted father had given him valuable advice time and again his whole life...but...could it really be that simple? He sighed pensively, his attention drawn momentarily from the irritating sight of Lucy whirling past him in the arms of Jed Coleman.

Of course, his head knew that his late wife and the school teacher were two completely different women-which meant it'd be awfully foolish to assume he'd feel the same about both (if he was to develop an affection of sorts for Lucy, that is). The surprisingly potent emotions she inspired in Wyatt since meeting her, though, were so damn confusing–especially when it was nothing like his feelings for Jess, who he still loved and missed.

This growing awareness of Lucy Preston–the shy way she smiled at Wyatt, the fragrant scent of her thick, dark hair and creamy skin, the feel of her tiny waist beneath his hands-had really caught him off guard after not so much as even looking at another woman since losing Jessica. Amazing, really, when his grandmother had done her level best to find him a 'suitable' second wife barely six months after losing the first one. It was hard for him to pinpoint exactly what it was about her that appealed to Wyatt's senses since physically, the petite brunette had so little in common with his tall, blonde-haired wife besides both being pretty females.

Take their personalities, for instance. Soft-spoken, biddable Jess had been unfailingly kind to everyone she ever met, and one of the gentlest women he'd ever known-with never a cross word for Wyatt (even when he was acting like an ass and deserved it). In contrast, while Lucy was also kind and sweet-natured, he noticed she had a little extra spirit to her demeanor. Wyatt couldn't help but admire the courage it had taken to leave her childhood home in California and travel halfway across the country to pursue an education in Texas–something no woman of his acquaintance would even attempt. He wondered idly if there had been a man back in San Francisco-a beau perhaps-who objected to her life-changing decision. Seemed highly likely...not that Wyatt cared...

As for his wife-on the rare occasion he looked to the past-falling in love with her happened so gradually over the many years they'd known each other (since childhood), it had felt completely natural for Wyatt to eventually court and marry her once she turned 18. If Jessica hadn't died so suddenly, he absolutely would've been content to spend the rest of his life with her, likely having a few more children. But that dream had been brutally ripped away from him, Wyatt thought sadly, tamping down the familiar pang of sorrow. So where did that leave him now?

Maybe part of his reluctance stemmed from the unforeseen attraction (desire?) Wyatt felt for a woman he'd known for all of two weeks–which was a ridiculously short amount of time...wasn't it? Not to mention, the obstinate part of his personality naturally balked at the people he cared for most pushing Lucy at him every chance they got. His grandparents, Dave, and now Rufus, all seemed to be of the opinion that Wyatt should just forget about grieving for his first wife and get the teacher in front of Pastor Spencer to take the marriage vows without delay.

Sure, Lucy was pretty as a picture, with a pleasing figure and elegant manners...brave and smart, too, and devoted to her schoolchildren, and would probably make a fine wife for any man. And that in itself, was a problem as well. Contrary as it sounded, if he were being truly honest with himself, the idea of her becoming another man's wife (to someone like Coleman) didn't set right with Wyatt, who was already struggling with this unwelcome possessiveness he felt towards Lucy.

But, that didn't mean he had to ask her to marry him-not after knowing her for only 14 days, for God's sake. Another thing his grandparents and friends seemed to have forgotten? Maybe Lucy Preston wasn't interested in getting married to him or any other man. She'd already proven to be relatively independent and self-sufficient for a young woman in this day and age. Wyatt groaned under his breath in frustration. It was starting to seem as if he was between a rock and a hard place here, with no easy answers.

And yet, as Rufus reminded Wyatt...look at his grandparents. According to Gramps himself, at the young age of 17, he'd known the first time Gran smiled at him she was the girl he'd marry and build a life with-and he did. Wyatt rubbed at the spot between his eyes where a headache was building, suddenly weary of this damn social and worrying about Lucy Preston. No need to rush into something with the woman when she had agreed to teach in Brady for a whole year, he told himself firmly, satisfied there were months and months yet to spend time with Lucy, maybe get to know her better before trying to figure out what he wanted to do about these confusing emotions.

His hopes she would return to his side now that her third dance with Coleman was over were dashed, however, when Lucy was hailed by the pastor's wife and niece. Aww, hell. Guess he'd just have to be patient. Pulling his watch from his coat pocket, Wyatt saw it was well after 9 o'clock. It appeared most of the families with young children had already left-though not the Colemans, he noticed with a slight frown. Just as well then the evening was almost over, because once the musicians called it a night, the room would have to be put rights by the men who hadn't left yet for tomorrow morning's church services. He brightened at the thought that maybe Lucy would agree to sit up front with him on the ride home...

Though Lucy's expression remained serene as she waltzed around the room in Jed Coleman's arms (trying desperately not to keep glancing at Wyatt), she couldn't help recalling the warmth of those dark blue eyes as his unexpectedly candid confession echoed through her mind...

"The God's honest truth is, if I could ever bring myself to dance with any woman, I would definitely choose you..."

Suddenly impatient for the music to end, Lucy privately relished the bashful sweetness of those words. Though quite dismayed when the private conversation she and Wyatt had been having was interrupted, Lucy felt she had no choice but to accept Mr. Coleman's invitation when the cowboy made no objection (though the angry frown he directed at the older man was of some solace). Despite wanting nothing more than to sit and talk with Wyatt-even if meant skipping every dance for the rest of the night because the silly man was insecure about his dancing skills-good manners forced Lucy to listen politely as Mr. Coleman talked about his ranch and raising his children by himself after his wife passed away.

After the dance with the tall redhead was over, she had every intention of returning to Wyatt's side to perhaps continue their conversation, but regrettably, was intercepted by Mrs. Spencer and her high-spirited niece, Julie, who'd just finished dancing with Sheriff Baumgardner. Consoling herself that perhaps she and the cowboy would have another chance later to speak privately before the social was over, Lucy made a point of complimenting the pastor's wife on the lovely evening.

The older woman's cheeks flushed with pleasure. "Thank you, Miss Preston," she responded quietly. "That's very kind. I must say, the pastor and I have heard nothing but good things about your work with the school children of Brady, and of course, Betsy Sherwin speaks quite highly of you."

Her face warmed at the unexpected compliment, but before Lucy could thank Mrs. Spencer for her gracious words, her niece piped up. "Oh, Miss Preston, your dress is just lovely...I think that particular shade of pink is quite becoming with your beautiful black hair...and your pearls are so elegant," she said breathlessly, her green eyes shining with admiration. Mrs. Spencer smiled affectionately at the younger woman's effusive comments before excusing herself to check on the refreshments table.

Nodding at her aunt, Julie took Lucy's hand and pulled her towards an empty bench. Stealing a hasty glance towards the other side of the room where Wyatt was still sitting on the bench he'd shared with her, seemingly deep in thought about something, Lucy felt annoyed, but nonetheless, gracefully acquiesced, quickly deciding a brief respite would be welcomed by her aching feet. Settling her heavy skirts about her, she took a seat beside the younger woman.

In spite of her natural disappointment she and the blue-eyed cowboy would not be sharing a waltz tonight, it appeased her feminine pride some that it also meant Wyatt Logan wouldn't be asking Julie–or any other woman-to dance, either (not that she was jealous or anything). The rosy-cheeked blonde, who looked delicately pretty in her fancy party dress, was exceptionally popular this evening, dancing cheerfully with every man who asked. The sheriff seemed to be especially taken with the pastor's niece. If Lucy wasn't mistaken, the couple had shared at least two dances–if not three. She bit back a grin. Back in San Francisco, such a thing would practically be considered a formal declaration on the lawman's part.

"My heavens, I think these new slippers might be worn plumb through with all the dancing I've done," Julie confessed brightly, reaching under her skirt and discreetly easing off her shoes with a relieved sigh. "There...that's better. Have you enjoyed yourself this evening, Miss Preston, as much as I have?" she asked enthusiastically. Lucy was saved from answering when the blonde excitedly kept right on speaking.

"Not to appear to be boasting or overly prideful, of course, but I think perhaps you are the only other woman in attendance at the social who's danced as often as I have–not surprising to me at all, what with your beauty and charming manners and of course, probably most important to many of the men here tonight, no husband." Well that was certainly blunt, Lucy thought, taken aback, yet rather entertained by the girl's frank manner all the same.

Barely acknowledging Lucy's nod and murmured, 'thank you,' she added, "Yes, for such a small town, there are a surprising number of unmarried, fairly suitable men. For instance, did you notice Sheriff Baumgardner asked me to dance three times? Such a nice looking man, and with a steady position, too, which, after all, is something a girl has to consider when choosing a husband, don't you think?"

Her lips curved at the younger woman's earnest, wide-eyed expression. Though the blonde was maybe only five years younger than her, in the face of her girlish eagerness, Lucy felt much older. It had been a long time since she herself had been so carefree–not since before her Papa took sick, she mused sadly. Idly watching the gradually dwindling number of couples twirl around the dance floor, the two women talked casually for a short while when without warning, Julie glanced curiously at Lucy out of the corner of her eyes and observed rather innocently, "What a sincere shame the handsomest man in the room doesn't appear to be interested in dancing. Those blue eyes and dimples of his are positively dreamy." Well, goodness. So much for Lucy's discretion...and Julie Spencer's apparent interest in the sheriff.

Loathe to share any of her sweet (personal) conversation with Wyatt, she stumbled through a weak response. "Um, I don't think...I guess...well, maybe Mr. Logan doesn't care all that much for dancing," Lucy finally replied, breathing a sigh of relief when she successfully turned the younger woman's attention from Wyatt and his marked lack of participation tonight by hastily asking about her flattering pale blue dress.

Barely listening to the pastor's niece, her gaze strayed to the other side of the room several times over the next few minutes, hoping Wyatt would look her way. She wondered absently if it would be too forward of her to sit beside him during the ride home–her face pinking faintly at the delightful thought. As the waning minutes of the social ticked away, Lucy reflected that in spite of how uncertainly it began, the evening had turned out to be very nice indeed. While it was true she and Wyatt hadn't shared a dance, their quiet conversation was even better—surprisingly intimate and somehow (dare she hope?) promising.

Smothering a dainty yawn, Lucy noticed the schoolhouse wasn't nearly as crowded now. A good many of the farmers and ranchers with early morning responsibilities, as well as most of the families with small children who lived outside of town, had left for home not long after 9 o'clock came and went. Oddly, for some reason, that did not include the Colemans.

Left alone after Julie was asked to dance by the banker (whose name escaped her at the moment), Lucy started to stand with every intention of either returning to Wyatt or helping Mrs. Sherwin pack up what remained of the desserts when the youngest Coleman, Sarah Jane, ran over to Lucy and climbed up on the bench beside her. Once more, it seemed her wishes had been thwarted, she mused ruefully, settling back down on the bench.

Telling herself it surely wouldn't be too much longer before the social was over, she swallowed her disappointment and wrapped her arm around the little girl. They were admiring the pretty gowns worn by all the ladies still dancing when the five-year-old gradually started to squirm and yawn. When Lucy asked where her papa was, she pointed a chubby finger across the room where Mr. Coleman looked to be deep in conversation with James Sherwin near the front doors. Not long after, she realized Sarah Jane was falling asleep against her (which looked quite uncomfortable), so she carefully rested the child's head in her lap. Settling in with a contented sigh, her eyes fluttered drowsily as Lucy gently stroked the baby soft red hair.

Poor little mite was tired and possibly missing having a Mama, she thought fondly, and it wasn't hard to see the young girl might have her eye on the new teacher to fill that position. Certainly, as a woman who grew up without a mother, Lucy understood that feeling better than most and was touched by the small redhead's devotion. And, yes, she'd found Sarah Jane and her older brother to be smart, well-behaved children. However, despite the clear admiration in the cattle rancher's eyes Lucy saw when he looked at her and his attentive, respectful manner this evening, the truth was, she just wasn't interested in their father as a potential husband (on the odd chance Jed Coleman happened to be in agreement with his daughter).

Lucy was aware some–if not most-women might think she'd taken leave of her senses to spurn a decent, nice-looking widower who seemed to bathe regularly, not to mention was the owner of a prosperous ranch (according to the man himself). Thankfully, however, she was not most women. As an heiress with a modest sum tucked away in the Texas National Bank of Belton (in addition to the bulk of her father's considerable estate that remained in the bank back in San Francisco), she'd be forever grateful for the inheritance that enabled her to maintain her independence–a rarity in today's world. Whatever the future held in store, Lucy Preston would never be dependent on any man to take care of her.

No, regrettably for Mr. Coleman, the only object of Lucy's interest practically since her arrival in Brady two weeks ago was a man she found herself very much attracted to–a quiet, attractive, hard-working horse rancher who'd suffered the cruelest of tragedies and yet remained kind and decent, with none of the bitterness towards life one might expect. Julie wasn't wrong when she observed it was a shame the handsomest man in the room apparently had, unbeknownst to Lucy before a short time ago, quite the aversion to dancing (and possibly socials in general), picking out a spot against one wall of the schoolhouse as soon as they arrived and seldom moving from it most of the night.

Heavens, if not for the sensation of his brooding dark blue gaze fixed squarely on her during the first part of the social, she couldn't be blamed for thinking once or twice the cowboy had gone home without her and his grandparents (or perhaps become permanently attached to the wall). What a happy surprise then when Wyatt, for whatever reason, decided to enjoy some dessert with her and Rufus.

She smiled and shook her head no when Mr. Coleman appeared in front of her to politely ask if he could bring her some punch. He eyed her solemnly for a moment before sitting down on the other side of his young daughter and patting her leg. "I must tell you my Sarah Jane was very excited for the social because she was hoping you'd be here. You are all she talks about at home," the redhead confided, smiling affectionately at the sleeping child. Glancing up at her, he cleared his throat roughly.

"To be perfectly honest, Miss Preston, after we were introduced at church services last Sunday, I was also hoping to see you and perhaps spend some time with you this evening. I have very much enjoyed our dances." Caught off guard by his somber tone and the strangely intent expression he wore, Lucy froze and stared at Mr. Coleman. All of a sudden, she had an uneasy feeling about where the man was going with this.

"Please, let me explain," he urged hurriedly when she made no reply. "Naturally, since you are an unmarried young lady living under his roof for the time being, as a matter of courtesy, I spoke with James Sherwin first to seek his permission to begin courting you. He informed me you are of age and the choice was yours. That being said, I'm sure you are aware my children are particulary fond of you, especially my daughter. As for myself, I find your appearance and demeanor to be quite pleasing and believe you would make me a suitable wife." Lucy choked back an impolite gasp and stared at the rancher with wide eyes. Oh, no...it seemed her womanly instincts had been shockingly correct...

While Mr. Coleman watched her expectantly, clearly assuming she would agree, Lucy couldn't help but look across the room just in time to see Mr. Sherwin approaching his grandson. It was impossible of course to know how Wyatt would react to the news, but she imagined (hoped, perhaps?) it wouldn't be good. All of a sudden, she felt faintly overwhelmed by her emotions-and maybe also irritated at Jed Coleman for ruining what had been a perfectly lovely evening. Without answering, Lucy very carefully lifted Sarah Jane's head from her lap and stood on wobbly legs, praying for the right words.

Clasping her hands together tightly, she looked him straight in the eye and in a quiet voice, respectfully declined the request. Even as Mr. Coleman frowned in disbelief and started to protest, Lucy politely excused herself and heedless of who might be watching, lifted her full skirts slightly and walked as swiftly and sedately as she could alongside the wall toward the open front doors. Fortunately, as far as she could tell, there was no one around to see her rush down the steps and over to a wooden bench beneath the old pine tree on the side of the building where the schoolchildren had recess.

Dropping down on the bench, Lucy wrapped her arms around her waist, shivering against the midwinter chill in the air. How foolish and overly dramatic of her to practically run outside without her coat, but Lucy couldn't bring herself to go back in...not right this moment. She just needed a few seconds to regain her composure. Inhaling as deeply as her corset would allow, she closed her eyes, embarrassed by her less-than-graceful reaction to the not entirely unexpected request, weary beyond measure and wanting nothing more than to go home...well, return to the Sherwins' ranch, that is. She jerked when without warning, the comforting weight of a man's wool coat enveloped her shoulders and bare arms.

"Whoa, easy there, Ma'am, it's just me. I noticed you came outside in such a big hurry, you forgot your coat." Lucy felt herself relax at Wyatt's teasing, yet oddly soothing husky voice when he dropped down beside her, near enough to sense the warmth of his body and smell his increasingly familiar scent–though that might be because she was wearing his coat. To her surprise, he didn't seem angry about Jed Coleman's request to court her, which she guessed was a relief (if not exactly flattering). They sat in peaceful silence for a few minutes in the moonlight. It was a crisp, beautiful February evening, the stars glittering brightly in the Texas sky above them, and to Lucy, it seemed as if they were the only two people in the world.

Naturally, such a wonderful, inherently private moment couldn't last forever. There were still several folks inside the schoolhouse, including Wyatt's grandparents. Just when she felt the need to apologize for her earlier, ill-mannered behavior so they could go back indoors, Wyatt abruptly stood and taking her hands in his, pulled Lucy to her feet. Placing one of her hands on his shoulder, he clasped the other one loosely and putting his free hand securely at her waist, began to sway slowly, awkwardly from side to side, never taking his eyes off her face. Staring up at Wyatt in bemusement, she instinctively started to move her body in time to his, exquisitely aware it was heaven to be held in his arms. Lucy was touched to realize he was humming one of the popular songs the musicians played earlier under his breath. Why, bless his heart...

"Uh, Wyatt? Don't get me wrong, this is lovely, but...are we...are we dancing?" she asked hesitantly, giggling softly when he frowned darkly in response but to her delight, kept right on swaying.

"Well, of course, we're dancing," Wyatt answered gruffly, pretending to be offended but tugging her even closer. "See, I told you I was terrible at it." If not for the very attractive dimples creasing his stubbled cheeks, Lucy might've thought she'd hurt his feelings.

Amused, she nodded and murmured gravely, "Yes, I seem to recall you did. You also told me if you could ever bring yourself to dance with any woman, you would definitely choose me." At her gentle reminder, they stopped moving. Gazing deeply into her eyes for a long, thrilling moment, Wyatt Logan sweetly cupped her cheek and leaning down, gave Lucy Preston her first romantic kiss...

A/N #2: YES! At last! Way to go, way to make something happen, Wyatt ;) Wow, there was a lot going on at the midwinter social, lots of undercurrents, even if Lucy and Wyatt didn't spend much of the evening with each other. Hopefully, this kiss made up for that and leads to something more serious between the two. I truly love writing for this AU 1881 version of Wyatt and Lucy (I think this might be the longest chapter yet) and still have lots of things planned for this story. Thanks so much to all of you for the favorites, follows and super encouraging reviews. It's a pleasure to write for the Timeless fandom :))