Anything Could Happen

[Scarlet Angel]

Johnny took a long draw on the cigar and blew out the smoke. "But above all else, the truth is what I want to hear Fritz. It may not always make ya a popular man but at least you will be respected."

He looked at Fritz for a moment; it was hard to believe they'd know one another just under a year.

"You know I was flabbergasted when Scarlet told me you had asked for her hand. I had bet once you left, that would be the last we'd see of you. Maybe because you are a soldier, maybe because Scarlet's not an easy woman to live with, can be damn opinionated and will tell you, and hot headed, been like that since she was a child, maybe because I'd really hoped you wouldn't come back. 

Fritz looked surprised at him although the comment didn't shock him at all. "And now?" He asked.

A slow grin spread on Johnny's lips. "And now I'm glad you came back Fritz. We aren't an easy group to get along with, but you've earned the respect of the men that live here, most of all mine, some of us even have come to like you." He teased then grew somber "I believe you will do right by Scarlet, because you've seen a lot of bad in the short time you've been with her and here you still are. I know you've been good to her and good for her. I'm proud to have you as part of my family."

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz had always wanted to belong.  He was an outsider and he knew it.  It was part of the reason he'd joined the Army in the first place...to belong to something greater than himself.  To be part of this family made him very happy indeed.

Fritz slowly got to his feet.  "So, what should I call you now?"

[Scarlet Angel]

"Find yer sea legs, so to speak?" He replied watching Fritz stand. "There's a quilt on the corner chair case you can't manuver the stairs." Johnny pointed to the chair that stood in the corner. "Couch is pretty comfortable." He chuckled "Always been partial to Johnny. Stuborn ol' Goat is not option for you to call me, although at times it fits."

He considered the question, nobody had ever asked him that before they just called him what they'd always called him.  "What would you be comfortable with?" He asked.

[Elegant Ella]

After the dishes were done, Ella invited, "Becca, why don't you come with me for the evening check on my patients?  I'm sure they would all be delighted if you felt like singing a lullaby to them."

[Scarlet Angel]

"Ok" Rebecca replied with a smile as she followed Ella to the infirmary.

Rebecca helped Ella while she sang.

"Miss Ella you got the best hospital I ever been in. We got a doc with a gentle touch, good food AND entertainment. Makes a man wish he could stay longer." One of them said.

The men tried to come up with a song 'Becca didn't know, just for the fun of it, but she seemed to know them all and be able to sing them all with equal enthusiasm.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"Johnny it is then!"  The men shook hands.  "Now if you'll excuse me sir, I have to get back to my wife."

"She's not your wife yet, son," Johnny replied.  "As I recall, you're not supposed to see you future bride 'til the wedding day.  And THAT'S tomorrow."

"Oh," Fritz said.  "Then I guess the couch will have to do."

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He maintained the semblance of balance until he got up to his room.  As he bent over to take his boots off, he almost toppled.  Truth be told, Johnny couldn't remember the last time he'd drank quite so much.

He tiptoed in and closed the bedroom door.  As he sat on his bed, he let out a brief chuckle.

"I was wondering when you'd come up," Rose said.  "Where have you been?"

"Oh, downstairs with Fritz" was his reply.

"You like him, don't you?"  Rose noticed his expression as he laid down.  "What's so funny?"

Johnny laughed.  "I told him he couldn't see his bride until the wedding day," he said, as he closed his eyes.

"Johnathan Longknife, you march right back downstairs and..."

It was no use.  Johnny was already snoring.

"Ah..."  Rose feigned disgust.  "If you want to do a job right, do it yourself."  She slipped on her dressing gown and headed downstairs.

She saw Fritz asleep on the couch.  He wore a sweet smile on his face, so different from his usual countenence.  Rose placed the blanket over him, and kissed his cheek.

"Good night son," she whispered. 

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet packed a few things in her saddlebags for the day after the wedding. When she'd asked Fritz what she should take he had replied "Not much Milady." With a grin that brought a slight color to her cheeks.

Since they were going somewhere, which she'd only asked once and was answered only with a smile she'd asked Bo see if he could fix a pommel holster to go on the sidesaddle. He teased her about not wearing her gun belt over her wedding dress before he told her there was something around that went with the saddle pretty well thanks to Rose. Scarlet shook her head as she set it with the saddlebags. Most women didn't carry a gun, she rarely went anyplace without it.

She feel asleep pleasantly thinking about what tomorrow would bring.

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet awoke with the same smile she'd fell asleep with, her head on Fritz's pillow. The fact he'd not come back to their room last night worried her just a bit. She had made Johnny swear on his favorite gun there would be no snipe hunts, no getting Fritz drunk, taking him out in the middle of nowhere and leaving him to find his way back by trying to track Johnny, or anybody else. Johnny was not a prankster generally, that was left up to Bo, but every once in awhile when the opportunity struck he just couldn't help himself.

The kitchen was buzzing with activity by the time Scarlet made her way down there. Rose was instructing the other women on what needed to be done for the day. She looked up and smiled at Scarlet for a moment, which told Scarlet everything was ok, then went back to telling everybody what needed to be done.

Scarlet made herself a plate and went out on the porch followed closely by Becca. The girls sat down and took a deep breath.

"Have ya ever seen so many folks crammed in a kitchen before? Ella was the only one Rose wasn't telling what to do and how to do it and where to place it." Becca said sipping her coffee.

Scarlet smiled. "Yeah, mom is good at taking control of any given situation, 'specially in her own house, sorta like you. Mom knows she doesn't need to tell Ella what needs to be done and she knows Ella has her own stuff to do. Some of them girls thought you were tough...they're gonna appreciate you after this." Scarlet laughed.

"Maybe I need to run a tighter ship." Becca giggled. "I just can't believe alla the fuss."

"You've not been to many weddings have you? Rose likes to put on parties that are talked about for months...and now she's got a double wedding, although the guest list is not huge I can guarantee it will be talked about."

"If not the wedding and the party the wedding party itself will be somethin'." Becca paused, sipped her coffee then grinned. "I thought I'd seen everything, cuz ya know I've seen a lot, but here we got a Yankee soldier marryin'  the daughter of Johnny Longknife, right on his own doorstep. Something I would have never bet money on.....Oh and wait if that's not enough we got Grey Eagle standin' up there too...was surprised to hear that." Becca was enjoying teasing a bit.

"But the biggest shock of all is Break  Heart Becca's gonna be standin' there too. One man til death do you part." Scarlet grinned wickedly. "Never thought I'd see that."

Becca tried to think of some witty remark but she just shook her head and laughed then said "Guess I might have been listenin' when someone said there is someone out there for everyone and he'll come along when you least expect it."

"Mom's purty smart huh?" replied Scarlet.

The girls finished breakfast then headed for the barn. They both had their own list of things to do before the wedding. 

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz had awoke before the dawn.  The little man with the sledgehammer on his head was working overtime.  He rose and headed for the kitchen.  Fritz added some wood to the fire, and put a pot of coffee on.  Once he'd gotten a cup, he carried it out to the bathhouse.  No one was moving yet, so he got the fires up, and boiled some water for the tubs.  He knew he wouldn't be wearing his working clothes for awhile, so he dropped everything but his hat and boots into the hamper.  He fished a cigar from his vest pocket before it disappeared inside.  he settled into the bath with a good cigar and his tin cup.  All was right with the world.  He missed Scarlet, but he knew it wouldn't be long...   

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet and Becca had made their way out to the barn to tie the ribbons in their horses manes. Becca had green ribbons and white ribbon roses she fixed in Clouds mane and tail while Scarlet did something similar to Lucky with yellow ribbons and red roses. Once the horses were ready they would go get ready themselves.

Becca peered over Cloud's back. "Do you know what yer gettin' marryin' a solder?" she asked.

"I've peeked under the wrapping once or twice." Scarlet said with a smirk.

"Fibber." Becca laughed "more 'n once or twice I think. But you know that's not what I meant. Scarlet, Fritz has been on the edge of resigning, he could ride sign on with the posse full time and you wouldn't have to worry about the army reassigning him. All you'd have to do is ask, I bet he would."

"I have a fair idea what it means Becca. Mom held my hand as we watched dad ride off a number of times, we prayed he'd come home safe. He never moved us like a lot of families did. Ya never knew when he was coming or going. There are times he still goes even though he's officially retired. It's who he is Becca, what he does, just like Fritz." Scarlet said as a matter of factly.

"At least he would have a choice like Johnny does."

Scarlet tied one of the roses in Lucky's mane and looked over at Becca. "Travis was a soldier, before the war. It was who he was too...heda've gone back to hadn't been for their mother."

Becca couldn't place the look on Scarlet's face, somewhere between disapproval and dislike.

"Being the oldest it was his job to take care of that ranch when his daddy died, and even though Bo was more than willing she wouldn't let Travis forget that, was her way of keeping him home and alive I guess. He came to despise her for it you know, I don't know if he ever even realized it, but some of the comments he'd make. I think she was disappointed that I liked to go places with him instead of keep him at home. The things she would say when he wasn't around." Scarlet shook her head then gave Becca a stern look "I swear Becca I'll never do to someone I love the way she done him. He's not asked me to change and I won't ask him regardless of how nice I think it would be not to have to worry 'bout when they will want him to go do something away from home."

Becca raised her eyebrows "Somethin' tells me you don't care much for Bo's ma."   

"Nothin those boys did ever pleased her for long, smiles to yer face and would stab you in the back to get her way if it suited 'er." Scarlet mumbled.

"Bo know how much you love his mama?" Becca half teased.

Scarlet pressed her lips together and snorted. "He knows, she liked me better than she liked that quote Cajun trash he married."

"Damn."

"Yeah she's a story for another day...cuz I REALLY don't want ta be thinkin' 'bout her today." Scarlet chuckled. "There he's all ready." Scarlet said standing back admiring the ribbons and roses she'd tied in Lucky's wavy mane.

"Guess it's our turn to go get beautiful." Becca said patting her horse's neck.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He must've dozed off.  The tin cup was empty, the cigar a mere stub in the ashtray.  The water was still plenty hot, and the little man with the sledgehammer had gone home for the day.  Fritz felt very relaxed and comfortable.

But wait...did he hear footsteps outside?

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz lept from the tub as the door handle turned.  The towel rack was a mile away.  He grabbed the only thing that was close...his hat.

The women were still talking as they entered the bathhouse.  Scarlet's head was turned slightly away.  Becca was looking dead ahead.

"Why I DO declare," she said, and smiled.

"What are you lookin...FRITZ?"

Fritz stood stock still, his slouch protecting his modesty.  "Good morning Darlin...sleep well?"

Scarlet blushed.  Becca was still smiling.

"Ah...would you mind handling me a towel there?"

Becca sashayed to the rack.  "Why sure Sugar...you just stay right there."

She'd seen men naked before, but this time, it was different.  This was Scarlet's man.

She grabbed a washcloth and turned, dangling it between her fingers.  As Fritz reached for it, Becca let it fall to the floor.

"OOPS...clumsy old me."

"Okay," Fritz thought.  "So THAT'S the way we're gonna play it."

Scarlet let out a little giggle.

Fritz put his slouch on his head.  He touched his fingertips to the brim and said, "good morning ladies."  As casually as he could, Fritz headed for the door.

After a pregnant pause, Becca said, "Maybe I shoulda found me a soldier..."



Fritz     

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet eyed Becca who giggled again. Becca just loved to tease Scarlet when she could get in a good one.

"Darlin' unless you plan to give all the ladies in the wedding party a good look I suggest you take this." Scarlet said holding out a towel.

Becca was chewing her bottom lip trying to hold in the giggles. "Unless you'd like him to prance around fer ya one more time." Scarlet said looking at Becca as she shook her head back and forth.

Becca cocked her head to one side and furrowed her brow as if she were giving it some thought. "MMM  MMM, maybe once er twice." She said before Scarlet slapped her on the arm.

Becca looked at Scarlet. She knew the look. Somewhere between tolerant and turn about is fair play.

"You wouldn't." Becca chuckled.

"Cuz I got someone I enjoy lookin' at and I'm not judgin' him against anybody else." Scarlet flashed a wicked smirk.

"HEY." Becca snorted then called after Fritz. "Was a pleasure seein' you this mornin' Darlin'."

"You are so bad." Scarlet said under her breath.

"You know you like me." Becca smiled.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He took the offered towel, and kissed his bride on the cheek.  As he passed Becca, he spun the towel and cracked her smartly on the behind.

"Ye-Ouch!" she cried.  "Ye hurt me pride!"

Fritz smiled. 

"You're right Scarlet...turn about IS fair play!"

He wrapped the towel around him and closed the door 

[Scarlet Angel]

Rose stood back and admired the artwork on the cakes. The cake she made for Scarlet and Fritz appeared to have delicate white lace and ribbons with the tiniest red edge draped around the sides, the bottom had a heavy ruffle with a tiny red edge. One had to look close to realize the lace, ribbons and ruffle were made of frosting. She had gathered tiny red roses from the garden and placed them around the sides of the cake so it appeared that the lace disappeared beneath them. Rose then took larger roses and rosebuds and placed them in a cluster on the top with a tiny strand of imitation pearls weaved through the flowers.

The cake she made for Rebecca and Tensleep had what Rose called a basket weave design on the top that ended around the sides in a scallop pattern. She placed a wide ribbon on the edge of the scallop; tiny fresh green roses appeared to be intertwined in the frosting lace work. At the top of each scallop she adorned the cake with hearts made of sugar. The center was decorated with a cluster of green roses, and the variegated pink and white rose 'Becca admired.

The main cakes were decorated with a combination of the flowers and lacework of both cakes, the flowers cascaded down the tiers with ivy, pearls and silk ribbon. When she put the entire thing together Rose planned on tiering the cakes using her crystal glassware and placing roses inside the upside down goblets. The effect of the candlelight dancing off of the crystal would be spectacular. She sprinkled the cakes with a light dusting of sugar that would make it sparkle like diamonds in the candle light.

Rose, with the help of some of the others, took the cakes down stairs where they would be cool and out of the way until it came time to put them all together. She headed for the bathhouse to wash all the sugar off and start to get herself ready.

[Elegant Ella]

Ella had been fascinated watching Rose's work on the cakes.  She knew the basic techniques of cake decorating, and could produce an attractive cake, but Rose did magic with royal icing and produced works of art!  After the cakes were safely downstairs, she fetched things from her room and followed Rose to the bath house. 

[Scarlet Angel]

Rose and Ella were the last ones in the bathhouse for the day, everyone else had been in earlier while she and Ella had done the cakes, even Johnny under protest. Rose enjoyed showing Ella what she was doing and how it was done.

Rose laughed at her reflection in the small mirror, sugar on her cheek and flower petals in her hair.

"You know I am nervous too." She said sinking into the warm bath. "When I first started to make cakes I would put them in the ice house the night before. Once it got to warm and all the icing started to slide off." She chuckled. 

[Scarlet Angel]

Johnny grumbled as he gathered his clothes. Rose had informed him the girls would be using their room to get dressed for the wedding AND he'd better wear that tie she'd laid out for him. He decided he would use the room over the foaling stalls when it was time to put on his good clothes.

As he walked out to put his clothes in the room Johnny spotted Grey Eagle riding in.   The fact that Black Wolf had also come didn't go unnoticed, although the man had chosen a place where he could watch from a distance. Johnny understood Black Wolf would not come much closer. While he trusted Johnny to give him safe passage while on the Southern Starr there were just too many strangers for him to show his face. Rebecca and Scarlet would both know he was there and that was what was important to him.

[Scarlet Angel]

Combined effort of Fritz & Scarlet


Grey Eagle's outift was beautiful and dramatic.  Apparently, he took his duties as best man very seriously.  The beadwork alone would've cost a fortune.  Grey Eagle carried a long parcel, wrapped in finely tanned hide.

Johnny said "Hello Grey Eagle.  What'ya got there?"

"A present for Yellow Sleeve..."  He fought with the word.  "FRR-ITTZZ."

Johnny smiled. Grey Eagle had about the best grasp of English of any Indian he knew but there were a few words that gave him trouble.

Johnny looked at the horse he lead. "Good lookin mare ya got there."

"Gift for my sister."  Johnny knew he meant Scarlet. "It is your tradition. Wedding gifts?" Grey Eagle asked.

"Yes. You have studied many of our traditions well." Johnny said.

Grey Eagle could tell by Johnny's look he was most curious about the package but he said nothing.

"You can put your horse in the barn here if you like." Johnny said continuing towards the foaling barn.

Grey Eagle turned his horse to follow noticing Johnny looking at the tanned hide again. When they reached the barn he slid off of his horse and put the two animals in stalls.

"When is good time to give gifts?" Grey Eagle asked.

"Traditionally after the wedding vows. But if you would like to give it to him when you see him that would be just fine too....as long as I can see too." Johnny chuckled.