Here it is, the final chapter. Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed and enjoyed Hank and Ellie's journey so far. I have a sequel in mind, so keep your eyes peeled!

15 April

Colorado Springs

Three months later

"Hank, you're going to have to hold still. I promise, it'll be over before you know it."

"Size of that needle…"

Eloise tried not to smile as the blood drained from her husband's face while he stared at the implement in Michaela's hand.

"It really isn't any bigger than any other needle so, if you just…"

"But…how painful is it gonna be?"

"You won't feel much at all. Eloise coped marvellously."

"Yeah, but…does it have to go in…there?"

Michaela smiled. "You're embarrassed about showing me your…uh…rear end?"

"No offence Michaela, but I'm a married man now. Only woman who oughta be seein' anythin' like that is my wife."

"I'm sure Eloise doesn't mind, do you Eloise?"

"No," of course not," she replied shaking her head stoically. "Besides, didn't I just have mine on show?"

"That's different. Michaela ain't gonna be interested in yer behind."

"Believe me, Hank," Michaela said, "I have no interest in yours other than in the pursuit of medicine."

"Just get it done, Hank," Eloise sighed. "It's your fault we're here in the first place!"

Roughly two weeks earlier, she had started experiencing unwelcome symptoms, fatigue, sweating and stomach cramps to name but a few. Unsure as to what could be causing it, she had sought advice from Michaela who had, rather tactfully she had to admit, advised that it was most likely an infection, one passed between couples who were sexually intimate. Her protestations that she had only ever lain with Hank had leant little weight to the diagnosis however, when Michaela had pointed out that she was definitely not the only woman Hank had lain with, and that he was the likely carrier.

"Fine," he sighed heavily, "just do it already." Turning away, he loosened his gun belt, followed by the button on his pants and lowered them down, exposing his behind to the room, jerking and howling in pain as Michaela inserted the needle.

"There you are," she replied, quickly removing it again. "The silver nitrate will help, along with the tea I told you about, if you take it regularly. Everything should clear up within the next month, but I'm afraid I have to caution you both against any intercourse for that period."

"A whole month?!" Hank exclaimed, redressing himself and turning back to face her. "Yer killin' me here, Michaela."

"Well, it's surely better than the alternative," Michaela replied, shooting Eloise a knowing smile. "You should start to feel better fairly quickly."

"Thank you, Michaela," she replied. "I appreciate it, even if others don't."

"Ain't sure I'll be able to sit down for the rest of the day," Hank grumbled as they left the clinic together. "And no intercourse for a month! Talk about bad news."

"Well…" she mused, sliding in close to him and slipping her arm around his waist. "I've learned over the last few months that there's other things a man and woman can do in the bedroom besides intercourse."

It was no word of a lie. Her journey from virgin to experienced married woman had taken many twists and turns, all of them extremely enjoyable if, to the delicate soul, somewhat scandalous.

He made a face. "Surprised ya ain't bin yellin' and hollerin' at me."

"Why would I do that?"

"Well, like ya said, it's my fault this has happened."

She sighed and shook her head. "You didn't know. You haven't had any symptoms. I can hardly blame you for passing me something that you didn't know you had."

"Gotta be that whore in Denver."

"You don't know that."

"Knew it was too good a deal. S'ides, ain't bin with nobody else since but ya."

"You heard what Michaela said. It could have been in your body, undetected, for months, years even."

"That don't exactly make me feel better, Ellie. Lady ain't supposed to git somethin' like that." He looked at her sideways. "I'm sorry."

"Well, better to know now than later," she said. "Michaela told me that infections like this can often be dangerous in pregnancy and if we're hoping…"

"Ain't gonna be doin' no hopin' for the next month."

"…if we're hoping to start a family then it's better to make sure that we're both physically well." Linking her arm through his, they began making their way back across the street towards the saloon. "Needless to say, however, I'd rather you didn't gossip about this to Jake or Loren. I'm not sure it's something to be proud of."

"Have I given ya the impression I'm proud 'bout it?! Ain't exactly gonna be tellin' 'em I infected my own wife." He paused. "Hope ya ain't gonna be sayin' nothin' to Grace or Dorothy neither."

"Of course not."

"Good." They paused at the saloon door, and he turned to face her. "Spoke to old man Miller yesterday 'bout that land."

"Oh," she said, somewhat pleased by the change of subject. "What did he say?"

"Said he'd be willin' to sell it fer the right price."

"What is the right price?"

"Probably more than it's worth. Need to do me some more thinkin' 'bout it."

"It is a nice location," she reminded him, thinking on the peaceful surroundings and views down the valley. After their return to town, one of the first things they had both set their minds to was finding somewhere to build a home. Hank's enthusiasm for the project had surprised her, but it also gave her a warm feeling inside, as though everything they had talked about was finally coming together.

"I know, but we ain't fools and he ain't gonna take us fer 'em. If we're gonna build a home, it's gotta be right. Can't just go runnin' to grab the first piece of land we lay eyes on. Anyways…" he looked at her. "What he did say is that the Widow Brown's lookin' to sell that buildin' she got round the corner from Loren's store. Ya know, the one her husband used to store his guns."

"But it's not big enough for a home."

"I know that, I ain't talkin' 'bout it bein' for a home. Was thinkin' more 'bout it bein' someplace fer ya to make yer hats, save ya takin' up space in Loren's or tryin' to find it in the saloon. 'S'ides, ribbons and bows and the like layin' around ain't exactly good fer a man's business."

"Oh…" she trailed off, thinking on the possibility. Loren had been thrilled at her return to town and the resumption of their business agreement, but it often proved difficult to find time and space in the saloon to work on her creations. Loren had, on occasion, allowed her to work in the store itself, but she knew he found her an irritant under his feet. Having her own space would be a huge advantage. "Well, how much is she wanting for it?"

"Don't gotta worry 'bout that. Said we'd take a look at it tomorrow and ya can see what ya think."

"Hank…I don't want us to take on too much all at once. Building a home and finding me a workshop…maybe we should just focus on one thing at a time. We don't need to rush, and a home is more important after all."

"Sure it is, but keepin' ya happy is important too and I know it ain't ideal the way yer workin' at the moment."

"You keep me happy just as you are," she said, moving into him again and smiling up into his face. "I love the fact that we're together, properly married, and that you're happy to let me be my own person and work in my own business…I couldn't ask for anything more."

"Yeah well, day we stood up in front of the whole town in church was the best day of my life so far."

Sliding her hands up his body and around his neck, she caught sight of both rings sat snugly on her finger. "So far?"

"Sure. Day ya tell me ya got my child inside ya is gonna be the next." He sighed again. "And that ain't got a chance of happenin' fer at least another month."

Laughing, she reached up to kiss him them moved back. "I'm going to go and spend some time in the garden, and you best go and start moving that whisky from the telegraph office before someone decides to steal it."

"Yes ma'am." He grinned indulgently at her. "I love ya."

"I love you too," she replied, before turning and making her way around to the rear of the saloon, smiling at the sight of the blooming spring flowers. It was such a small piece of land and yet it brought her so much joy to see it. Tending to it allowed her space and quiet to breathe away from the raucous noise of the saloon and already, in her mind, she could see the larger version to be planted wherever they eventually found to call home.

Reaching out, she plucked one of the stubborn weeds threatening to strangle the deep purple tulips and tossed it to the side, then moved over to the side and sat down on the bench, watching as the stems swayed gently in the breeze.

Everything was perfect. Well, almost perfect. Once the infection had cleared up and they could resume relations, she could only hope that her own personal garden might allow a seed to implant and grow into a blossoming flower. But, even if it didn't, there was still so very much to be thankful for.

The sound of her name caused her to start and, turning, she saw Horace coming towards her, holding a telegram in his hand.

"It's from your folks," he said, holding it out to her.

"Thank you, Horace," she replied, taking it from him and tearing it open.

Dear Lou,

I had to write to say that your father has seen Dr Henderson, and he is most optimistic that the right course of treatment will be successful. It all seems so hopeful and I am so thankful that we saw him when we did. In addition, Mr Berry continues to prove an admirable asset to the business, trade having increased already, and we truly believe its future is secure.

We look forward to seeing you and Hank this summer when we visit.

Love to you both,

Mother.

Yes, she thought, folding the paper and slipping it into her pocket next to her pistol. There was much to be thankful for.