Anything Could Happen

[Scarlet Angel]

The center of attention Scarlet rolled her eyes at the thought. That had not crossed her mind until Ella said something, now she had more reasons to be nervous. She'd been the center of attention before in something a lot more reveling than the wedding dress would be but somehow this was different.

Scarlet had been so used to doing things on her own for so long she had to remind herself she needed to involve Fritz in things that would affect him as well as her. She would enjoy showing him where the horses that would be theirs ran.

Married before..yeah she'd been married before, she had some recollection of that kind of a life. She wasn't that person any more. She'd always been independent and become more so over the years. She used to enjoy being in the kitchen, she'd only done that once on her own, that she could recall, in the last year and never for Fritz. At least he would be in for a much more pleasant surprise than Tensleep, although 'Becca had been spending a lot of time in the kitchen trying to learn. Trying being the key word.  Well Fritz knew her well enough to be pretty sure exactly what he was getting too, besides half the fun was learning together. That thought seemed to calm her nerves.

"I'll give you a hand." She said following after Ella.

[Scarlet Angel]

All but a skeleton crew had drifted from the Starr into town for the festivities.

Rose stood on the porch looking across the landscape. She returned the smile of a few of the hands walked pass.

Rose had shaken her head at Johnny's idea of a skeleton crew; there were still a lot of men roaming around. She had told him the women could watch the place. Johnny had smiled and told her he knew that. The men were just to back them up, besides they could concentrate on whatever wedding stuff they wanted to get done with out a bunch of men underfoot. 

Johnny had been right. Tonight the girls were going to decorate the inside of the house and some of the gardens with things that could be done in advance. Rose had drug out ribbons and linens. The linens wouldn't go on tonight but they could decide what would go where. She had moved one large vase to a table in the middle of the room. The wedding and festivities were going to be outside but she knew folks wandered through the house as well. Red and green, looked like Christmas to her. 'Becca and Scarlet had twisted green and white ribbons together and would tie red roses along the ribbons to decorate with.

Becca and Scarlet came up the steps carrying some bottles. "I see you've been in the wine cellar again." Rose said to the girls.

"The men are out having a good time; we should too while we are decorating." Scarlet replied with a grin. 

Rose turned and followed them into the house followed closely by Ella, Patches and some of the other ladies that had come to help. They all went into the ball room and began to work on the decorations and talk about the wedding.

Rose had her list of everything that needed to be done, when it could or needed to be done and who was doing it.

The ladies laughed and talked while they worked. The subjects ranged from decorations and cakes to other weddings and some off color comments followed by laughter.

Johnny and Rose had been married in California along the coast. Rose loved the ocean and they had exchanged their vows along the strip of beach where Johnny had proposed to her, which all the girls thought was oh so romantic. Most of the girls that were married had been married in their local town church.

"What was your wedding like Ella?" Rose asked.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Johnny walked into the den and closed the sliding doors.  There was one lamp lit next to his desk; it was enough.  The oiled wood and steel glinted in the light.  Johnny pressed a recessed oak panel on the wall.  This released a door which slid open.  Inside was the secret stash.  He'd share this secret with Fritz one day.  The weapons in here made the rest of his collection seem tame. 

He went to the workbench.  The project was almost done.  The engraving was perfect.  The inlay was set beautifully.  Perhaps a final coat of oil on the stock.  He hadn't decided on sealing the wood.  He'd let Fritz do that.  A few more hours, and his work would be done.   

[Scarlet Angel]

The party at the Ace had turned out to be a huge affair. Hank had not seen some many men from the Southern Starr in the place at one time. He was relieved when Jimmy and Bo made an appearance, it meant he wouldn't have to deal with the men if they got drunk and disorderly, even more relieved when Johnny showed up.

The girls had practiced on the show they were giving nearly all week and it showed. Since 'Becca had only made it into town once during the last week the girls had gone out to the Starr so 'Becca could help them.

Hank could see her influence, except for one of the girls who twirled across the floor coming to a stop in front of Tensleep her calf resting on his shoulder, her dress slid up her leg reveling her thigh, she leaned forward winked at him, blew him a kiss and twirled away. That was something Scarlet would have done.

The one that landed gently in Fritz's lap, leaned back with a smile, crossed her legs gracefully and got up all in one uninterrupted motion was Becca'a touch. He was impressed that she had done it so easily. Hank remembered the first time 'Becca had showed her that move. The girl fell out of his lap and onto the floor while trying to get up. Hank got to volunteer for practice with the girls, it was one of the benefits he enjoyed being in the place, he hoped after the wedding 'Becca and Scarlet wouldn't become scarce around the place.

[Scarlet Angel]

Combined effort of Scarlet and Tensleep


Once the show was over the girls started to mingle.

The girl that had danced in front of Tensleep approached him with a smile. "Would you like to dance?"

"I wouldn't mind dancing, but jist so ya know, that's all that's on my mind. My heart belongs to the most wonderful woman in the world."

Tensleep was feeling good. When he had arrived in town that afternoon there was a wire from Vernon, Texas telling him that 'Becca's saddle was on a stage and would be in the next morning.

The girl's smile broadened. "Fair 'nuff Sweetheart. I'm Robin. Course just so ya know, wouldn't be your heart I'd be making a play for." She giggled.

Tensleep looked at her grinning. "Robin that belongs to 'Becca too, you might oughta see if you can interest Bo or Jimmy. Looks like yer a likely gal an' them boys ain't gittin' no younger." He twirled Robin out and brought her back into his arms, kissed her cheek and then spun her into Bo's grasp.

"There ya go boyo... my gift to you for this here party." Tensleep winked and walked up the stairs to Becca's room.

Robin grinned it wasn't hard to see why the marshal had caught 'Becca's eye. She looked up at Bo. At least this one wouldn't be comparing her to 'Becca and Jimmy had a thing for one of the other girls who didn't work the floor. Bo was easy on the eyes too.  She'd have to remember to thank the Marshal in the morning.

[Elegant Ella]

Ella smiled and replied, "We got married outdoors, under a canopy, called a chupah.  Alan, escorted by his father and my father, was waiting for me when my mother, aunt, and his mother escorted me out there.  Under the chupah, I walked around Alan seven times, then I stood at Alan's right hand facing the Rabbi.  The Rabbi gave the blessing over a brimful cup of wine, then Alan and I both drank from it.  Alan put this ring on my finger, saying 'Behold you are sanctified to me with this ring, according to the Law of Moses and Israel.'  His partner read aloud the wedding contract, and gave it to me.  I have it upstairs, framed.  More blessings were recited, and we drank from another cup of wine.  Since we hadn't eaten all day, the wine started to make me dizzy!  Alan stamped on a glass and broke it, as a remembrance that the Temple in Jerusalen was destroyed.  The guests all cheered, then escorted Alan and me to a private room.  The guests settled down to eat while Alan and I were alone together for the first time ever.  We came out and joined the party, announced as "Doctor and Mrs. Alan Coatsworth".  Then there was dancing and entertainment performed by several guests.  My sisters sang, for example.  The party lasted all night, I think."

[Scarlet Angel]

The girl that had landed in Fritz's lap earlier smiled as she approached him. Picking up the bottle she refilled his drink then placed the bottle back on the table. She unpinned her  black hair and shook it out. It fell to her shoulders and framed her fair face.

"They call me Candy because I am so very sweet." She purred looking at him through dark eyes.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He hadn't wanted to go.  She was all he needed.  But Scarlet had been insistent.  Probably her way of getting him out of the Starr so she and Rose could go to work.  He took the bottle from Candy's hand and took a quick swig.

"Of course you are," Fritz replied.  "You're stunning.  But you're not Scarlet."

[Scarlet Angel]

"Johnny has a cousin who's wedding ceremony sounds very similar to yours. If I remember correctly it lasted until nearly sunrise." Rose smiled at the memory. She turned to Scarlet "I want to try the dress on you and make any last minute adjustments. Itsa good time to since Fritz won't accidentally walk in on us."

"I always thought that wives tale about the groom seeing the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding was just an ol' superstition, my husband saw me in my dress before the wedding, although it was nothing fancy en all, but just looked what happened." Trixie said.

"I guess I must be superstitious, comes from the people I've lived with." Becca chuckled.   

[Elegant Ella]

"Jewish custom has the groom veil the bride.  He gets to see her face unveiled to be sure he is getting the right wife, because Leah and Rachel's father tricked Jacob.  So Alan did see me in my wedding dress shortly before the wedding," commented Ella.  "It was the first time we had seen each other for a week.  He looked so handsome that I was ready to fall in love all over again." 

[Scarlet Angel]

"Rose attempted to do something similar." 'Becca said with a blush. She wasn't able to accomplish it with either Scarlet or Becca. "I think I will enjoy waking up with him next to me most mornings."

Rose and Scarlet came back into the room.

"I just need to finish the ties for bustle and we are good." Rose said. "What would you girls think of arriving out in the rose garden riding side saddle?"

"Thunder doesn't ride side saddle." Patches said.

"Dancer does." Scarlet said.

"I think we have enough side saddles if we include Ella's and those two fancy ones in the attic." Rose said.

Scarlet grinned she used to always ask Rose if she could ride in the beautiful black and silver saddle that had belonged to her grandmother. That was before she lost interest in riding side saddle, now she occasionally used an old one that was in the barn just to keep in practice.

Patches shifted a bit uneasy.

"With your balance Patches it'll be easy for you." Scarlet smiled "but we don't have too."

"If you really wanted to I bet I could dig up enough white horses." Rose grinned.

"I'd prefer my own horse if we do something like that. I trust him." Becca replied.

[Scarlet Angel]

Combined effort of Fritz & Scarlet

"Most men prefer to be with someone who doesn't remind them of the one at home." Candy half smiled. "Closest one to Scarlet is Robin, the one dancin' with Bo. I could ask her to come over here if you like." She looked at Fritz.

Part of working for The Ace was learning to read the people you were dealing with. Candy had alot of experience charming men that wanted company but didn't really want to admit it, she also was good enough at her job to know when no meant no.

"but I'm purdy sure that's not what you meant."  She smiled understandingly. "Ya know part of my job is to make sure you have a good time. There are a couple of good card games going on. If you want a bad card game I could play with ya. Or perhaps there is something else I can do to bring that handsome smile to your face?"   

"Don't get me wrong Candy...you're beautiful, and any man in here would be happy to have you on their arm."

Candy tilted her head and smiled.  This one was different.

"Would you like some company, Mr. Fritz?"

"No...thank you.  I think I should go."

Fritz put the glass down, picked up his hat, and headed for the door.

He felt her hand on his arm. "Please don't go alone." She held out a key to one of the rooms. "Either stay, I don't think Scarlet would mind if you used her room as long as you're alone, or take someone with you."

"Why are you doing this?  I can't hurt someone I love.  I WON'T."

Candy took a step back.

"Two years ago, I would've taken you up on your offer.  You could be the greatest lover on Earth, but without love, it's only sex.  I'm sorry."

Candy looked down and then looked back at him. "I didn't mean it that way Mr. Fritz. What I meant is don't ride alone if you want to go. Let me get one of the men to ride back with you. I would feel awful if something were to happen, even though I am sure you are very capable of out maneuvering bad men such as you seem to be out maneuvering me, OR this is the key to Scarlet's room upstairs," She held the key out again "where you will indeed be left ALONE. Much like after you are married. The choice is yours but please choose one of them." She said sincerely.   

He took the offered key.  "You're a sweet girl Candy.  Thank you."

He kissed her cheek and walked upstairs.

[Elegant Ella]

"I would rather ride Ruth than a random white horse," agreed Ella, "but we should dress up the horses we will ride in on."

[Scarlet Angel]

"We've got pleanty of fancy bridles, and we could weave ribbons and flowers in their manes and tails." Scarlet said.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He pushed the door closed and threw the bolt.  The room she used was small but cozy.  The rose-scented candles reminded him of her.  It wasn't too long ago that they shared the bed he sat on.  It was then that he noticed the bottle.  A note was tied to its neck.  Fritz picked it up and read:

"I was wondering how long it'd take you to come up here!"  He smiled.  Scarlet knew him so well.  "This is the best bourbon the house has.  There are a few cigars in the drawer too.  I wish I could be there.  I love you.  Soon darlin!  Yours, Scarlet."

[Scarlet Angel]

By the time the group of women retired for the night the house looked completely different. Rose had pulled out her best lace table clothes and candle holders. The girls had made paper roses and tied them on the stair case. Rose would use fresh flowers from around the garden to fill the fancy vases that had been stuck away for many years.  Rose loved to make the place look breathtaking and a wedding was the best reason of all.

Becca couldn't wait to see Tensleep and tell him all the things she'd gotten to do. Decorating the saloon for parties was one thing but this...she just couldn't describe how she was feeling. Perhaps it was the fact the women here didn't judge her because of what she was.  Johnny and Rose always made her feel like she was just as welcome in their home as Scarlet. She could hardly get to sleep, the excitement outweighing the nervousness.

Finding that she couldn't sleep Becca went to Scarlet's room and tapped on the door.

Nobody answered. She pushed open the door. "Scarlet it's Becca."

Still no answer. She peered inside at the empty bed.

"Becca stood there a moment wondering where Scarlet had gotten off to in the middle of the night. "Of course." She said to herself and headed for the barn.

The door to Lucky's stall was half opened. "You couldn't sleep either huh?" She said peering inside seeing Lucky's head in Scarlet's lap. Scarlet was slowly running her fingers through the horse's long forelock; Lucky's eyes were closed and he appeared relaxed except for the rotating of his ear listening to what was going on around him.

"Was kinda lonely. Guess I've gotten used to sharing my bed." Scarlet smiled leaning her head back.

"There enough room for me too?"

"I don't mind lettin' ya cuddle close to this one." Scarlet chuckled.

Rebecca laughed as she lay down behind the big horse and began to rub his neck.

Lucky opened one eye, raised his head and looked at her. He sighed and put his head back in Scarlet's lap.

The girls laughed.

"He's not spoiled." Scarlet said.

"Just like any male, can be sweet as pie to the right person and deadly to the wrong one."

"I sure never expected any wedding I'd have to be like this." Becca said.

"At least you expected on having one someday."  Scarlet said teasingly.

"I'm glad we've both found somebody special."

"Don't ever want to imagine life without 'im."

"Folks treat me real decent out here, even the men that frequent the Ace. There's been a bit of teasing but all good natured. I want you to know I appreciate it."

"I never said anything to anyone 'Becca. Folks just like ya. Folks I care to be seen with anyway. And ya know what." Scarlet said looking at her friend.

"What?"

"Mom's real particular who she dresses this place up for and who gets married out here. One of those women that you're so fond of wanted her daughter to be married out here. Mom told her only family and close friends got married out here." Scarlet giggled.

"You think if it hadn't been for your wedding plans the place would still be decorated like this."

"No doubt Becca...no doubt at all." Scarlet leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

Becca was smiling when she feel asleep.

[Scarlet Angel]

Breakfast at the Ace was the biggest organized meal of the day. It was the girl's time mostly to themselves before the day got busy. Meals were served in the dining room for guests who had chosen to stay the night. The girls sat in the bar area, outside or went back to thier rooms.

Bo sat down his coffee cup and looked at Fritz with a silly grin.

Fritz shot him the what do you find so amusing look.

"I remember the second time I met my wife. She told me she she was going to bewitch me. She said I wouldn't desire anybody else from the first time I kissed her until the day she died...I thought she was crazy and I kissed her just to prove her wrong. We were married six weeks later, and she was right. So I'm just sittin' here wonderin' if Scarlet has some kind of  book of charms or spells and just when it was she bewitched you."

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz sipped his coffee.  "I can tell you down to the minute," he replied.  "When we were down in Mexico, I thought I was dead.  I figured I'd never make it out of that rat hole alive.  Then the posse came.  I was struck by her beauty the moment I saw her."

"Is that all?" Bo asked.  "I thought there'd be something more than that."

"I'm not done yet," Fritz added.  "Later, Scarlet cut my hair.  I must've been a mess..."  He thought back.  "I had some bad experiences during the war.  Whenver someone gets too close to me, I expect they're gonna stick me with a sword, knife or bayonet."

"Yeah," Bo added.  "I think we all had some close calls."

"You might've noticed I don't let folks get too close to me, even today.  Scarlet was different.  She sat behind me and trimmed my hair.  I've been with some women, Bo.  But her touch was the most erotic sensation I've ever felt."

"Oh..."

"And you know I'm pretty reserved," Fritz continued.  "But at that moment, I felt as free as I had when I was a boy.  I jumped in the water naked...and it wasn't just to get clean."

"So," Bo nodded.  "She DID bewitch you."     

[Scarlet Angel]

"Afriad of gettin' stuck and you let Scarlet lose behind ya." Bo chuckled "Johnny wondered if you was touched when you started hangin' around. Guess you were, just not the way he figured." Bo teased then raised his cup. "Here's to the women who truly bewitch us." He smiled.

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet always seemed to wake up just before the sun, it never mattered what time she had gone to sleep. Becca lay next to the wall, some time in the night Mr. Dawg had found his way into the stall.

Scarlet got up and shook the hay out of her hair then went to get Lucky's breakfast. She heard 'Becca's voice as she came back.

"John stop." She giggled.

Scarlet tried not to laugh as she watched Mr. Dawg put his paw on her arm then his nose against her cheek then finally lick her neck.

Becca's eyes slowly opened. Scarlet couldn't contain her soft laugh at the look on Becca's face as she realized Mr. Dawg was the one nuzzling her.

"How long you been watchin'?" Becca said putting her arms around the dog.

"To long." Scarlet smirked.

"huh." Becca snorted. "What are we doing today?"

"This morning gonna help in the garden, then this afternoon gonna bathe the horses." Scarlet replied.

"Well we best get started." Becca said standing up and shaking herself off.

The two women headed for the house. Once inside they both stopped to look at the transformation.

"It's so perfect." Becca said softly to no one particular.