Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, making,
everything softer than snowflakes and all the more beautiful.happy christmas.


Santa Claus believes that everyone should be everyone else is child,
and that being a child is the most important thing in the world.


Bells are ringing the wishes of christmas day the flying snowflakes
send my most sincere blessings to you merry christmas.


You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
iam telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town


ur as big boned as father christmas claus
Your as stupid as a donkey
Your as shit in bed as a camal
But ur still the right person for me



I hope you have a wonderful christmas
have a great new year.Hopefully santa will be extra good to you.
Enjoy Your Holidays.


Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind,
Teach us to be patient and always 2to be kind.


There more,much more to Christmas
Than candle light and cheer
Its the spirit of sweet friendship
That brightens all the year
Happy Xmas



Hope you will be delighted
With all that Christmas has in store
And may you find the New Year
Brings all you r hoping for.
Happy xmas



It is the month of Cakes n Candles
Snow n Songs
Carols n Joys
Laughter n Love
Its DECEMBER.
Wishing you a Blessed Month of Christmas



I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on Earth,good will to men


I love the Christmas tide, and yet
I notice this,each year I live
I always like the gifts I get
But how I love the gifts I give.



Would not life be worth the living
Would not dreams be coming true
If we kept the Christmas spirit
All the whole year through.



My Christmas wish for you,my friend
Is not a simple one
For I wish you hope and joy and peace
Days filled with warmth and sun.



Chritmas ka yeh pyara tyohaar jeevan mein laye khushiyan apaar
santa clause aaye aapke dwar,subhkamna hamari kare sweekar.
Merry Christmas



May ur Christmas sparkle with moments of love,laughter n goodwill.
And may the year ahead be full of contentment n joy.
Have a Merry X mas



A song was heard at Christmas.
To wake the midnight sky.
A savior is birth, and peace on earth.
And praise to God on high.



Holiday time is 4 feasting
We look forward 2 each treat
The tables are full of our favorite foods
We have got lots of good things to eat.



We are wishing you a Christmas
Full of laughter, love and light
With delicious holiday foods
To excite your appetite.



If you sat beneath the Christmas tree
You the sure add to the decor
But even if u were gift wrapped,dear
I could not love you more.

I LOVE U r words just three,
which mean so much on our ANNIVERSARY
so this is what i want 2 say,
live in my heart n there 4 ever stay


Best wishes 2 u both on ur anniversary,
May the love that u share Last ur lifetime through,
As u make a wonderful pair.


On this special day,
best wishes go to u,
that this wonderful love u share
lasts ur lifetime through.


Happy Anniversary
and May
ur marriage be Blessed with love,
joy And companionship
For all the years of ur lives.


To the beautiful couple in all the land.
May ur anniversary be Happy and Grand. Happy Anniversary.


Happy Anniversary
and May
your marriage b Blessed with love,
joy And companionship
For all the years of ur lives.



I LOVE U are words just three,
which mean so much on our ANNIVERSARY.
So, this is what i want to say,live in my heart n there 4 ever stay


Best wishes to you both on ur anniversary,
May the love that u share Last ur lifetime through,
As u make a wonderful pair.Happy anniversary


Marriage is that relation between man n women in which tha Independence is Equal,
the Dependence mutual n the Obligation Reciprocal


Wife: Darling today is our anniversary, what should we do?
Husband: Let us stand in silence for 2 minutes.


Happy Anniversary And May Your Marriage Be Blessed With Love,
Joy And Companionship For All The Years Of Your Lives.


Hoping dat d love u shared years ago still as strong 2day as it was den Bringing u much joy,
love n happiness 2 celebrate again Anniversary



Best wishes 2 u both on ur anniversary
May the love that u share Last ur lifetime through,
As u make a wonderful pair.


I LOVE U r words just three,
which mean so much on our ANNIVERSARY.
so this is what i want to say,
live in my heart n there 4 ever stay!


All my love for you FREE!
wishing
u
a
very
happy
ANNIVERSARY...!



Long after our anniversary
And
this greeting haz been thrown away
Think of the thought behind it,
Each N everyday,
Happy Anniversary


I would still give u my heart
If you should say do u still love me
I d say Till death do us part
Happy Anniversary.

Black sky with
solo moon with
millions of stars
brings U a
silent hour
to take a nice rest
Enjoy da whole night
Gud night.


If u feeel litttle bored,litttle sick,litttle sad,all lost,
U know wats wrong.
U aer suffering from lack of Multi Vitamins
GOOD NIGHT.


Good night,my dear The long day died
In sunset is afterglow
The faint,far candles of the sky
Were lighted long ago.


Look back at all that we held dear
And keep your head held high.
Shed no tears and know,My Love
That this is not Good bye.


As night falls upon the land
it is time to zz again.
With the moon hangin in the starlit sky
iam here to wish YOU GoodNight.


Hai Moon Dim ur Light,
Hello Wind Breeze soft,
Hai flower Blossom Slowly,
Hello Earth spin gently,
Becoze My Dear frnds is going 2 sleep


Wonderful Air,
Beautiful Moon,
Shining Stars,
Excellent Dream,
They all are Waiting in your Door with me 2 say Good Night.Sweet Dreams.


Dreams touch ur heart n soul
it is a magical memory that unites fantasy and reality.
Hope Ull have the sweetest dream tonight
Good Night


Apun 1 sher bolega,
chand uper se phenk raha hai light
Bole to ho gai hai night
Band karneka light
or sone ka ek dam tight
Bole to kya.


Close ur eyes and imagine,
Chand ka bed,
Taron ki razai
aur phoolon ka takiya.
Nice na.
Now come back to earth and sleep on ur KHATIA


A blade by the bed
And a phone in my hand
A dog on the floor
N some cash on the nightstand
When Iam all alone the dreaming stops
night.


No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap! Gud Night.Sweet Dreams.


R u going 2 sleep?
Before that i have an important news 4 u..
I am also going 2 sleep.Same pinch,good ni8


Welcome 2
Radio Bed FM
Dis is Dj Bed sheet
Hngin Out wid Dj Pilow
4 Nw I'l Play U A Song Intitled
Sleep Tyt Dozn ov Swit Drimz 4m d album


Tiny star shining so bright,
Its time to say Gudni8,
So close ur eyes & hold ur pillow tight,
May u have d sweetest dream toni8

If a man decieves me onece
shame on him,
And if a man decieves me twice
shame on me,
GOOD MORNING.


Accept everything about urself
I mean everything,
U are U
and that is the beginning
and the end
no apologies no regrets.
Good Morning


Dance like no one is watching
love like youll never be hurt
sing like no 1 is listening,
and live like its heaven on earth.
GOOD MORNING


GOOD FRIENDS
ARE LIKE A
STARS
You dont always see them.
But you know they r always there
GOOD Morning.


Whatever you can
do or dream you can
Begin it.
Boldness has genius
Power and magic in it
GOOD MORNING.


The human heart feels thing
the eyes cannot see
and knows what the mind
cannot understand.
GOOD MORNING DEAR.


U have got idea how gud
it feels to wake up every
morning knowing you are
mine N im urs
HAVE A GREAT DAY AND GOOD MORNING.


I LUV you EVRYDAY
I Like you EVERYDAY
I miss you EVERYDAY
I need you EVERYDAY
Bcoz
EVERYDAY I realy love you
GOOD MORNING.


Always ask GOD to give you wat you deserve,Not what you desire.
Your desires may be few bt you deserve alot
Good Morning.


Wishing you contentment and peace along the way
GOOD MORNING and have a good day


Birds singing their song loud AND clear
Announcing to the world a new day is here HAVE A GOOD MORNING.


Shadow of yesterday have faded away
Sun has reappeared its a brand new day
HAVE A LOVELY MORNING.


Open your eyes So the SUN can rise,Flowers can blossom.
Birds can sing,Bcoz all are waiting to see your
Beautiful Smile
GOOD MORNING.


WAVES are INSIPIRING,not bcoz day RISE and FALL
but bcoz each time day FALL,
day never fail to RISE AGAIN,
Wish you the same GUD MORNING.


A Morning is a Wonderful Blessing, Either Cloudy or Sunny.
It stands for Hope,giving us another start of what we call Life.
GOOD MORNING.


Good Morning,Good Morning
The sun is up and shining bright.
Boy,I wish I was still in bed
With my eyes closed tight
Have a great day.


Above the dark horizon soon
new light rays wil appear.
They signify to all the world
a fresh new day is here
Good Morning.


Good morning sweetheart
How are you today
Are you thinking of me
Are you coming my way.


Each morning we will
watch the sunrise,
While we are wrapped
in each other is arms.
Good Morning.

There is And bitween Sky and Earth, But there is
nothing bitween Me and You,but this And bitween Me
and u is Anybody Not Disturb

You cannot buy friendship, u can earn it.
If someone comes for help, be a true friend


A deep friend is like rainbow,
when the perfect amount of happiness and tears r mixed,
the result is a colorful bridge between 2 hearts.



Hold a true friend with both ur hands.
don't let go 4 true friend comes once in a lifetime.
That's why i'm holding u tight Cant let U go


Keep me as a friend I will keep in my heart lock it up
and  throw the key that no 1 take u away from me


the recipe of friendship 1 cup of sharing
2 cups of caring 3 cups of 4giveness
mix all of these 2gether to make friends 4ever



To forget u is hard 2 do and 2 forget me is up 2 u.
Forget me not, forget me never.
Forget this text, but not the sender


Age appears 2 be best in some things.
Old wood best 2 burn. Old books best to read.
Old rice best 2 eat and old friends best 2 keep



God picked up a flower and dipped it in a DEW,
lovingly touched it which turned in 2 u,
and the he gifted 2 me and said, THIS FRIEND IS 4U


Its not an achievement 2 make 1000's friends in a year,
but an achievement is when you make a friend for 1000's years.


GOD is so wise that he never created FRIENDS with pricetags,
Because.. if He did,I can't afford a precious FRIEND like YOU


Few realation in Earth Never Die.
Want 2 know What is it? Read again..
(F) Few (R) Realation (I) In (E) Earth (N) Never (D) Die


Friendship is needless,like philosophy,like art..
It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things
that give value to survival


F R I E N S H I P
Is Like Smell
u Can N
If u Wantever
Touch It
But
u Can Easily Feel It



BEAUTIFUL THOUGHT

When Someone
Allows u To
Bear His Burdens,
You Have
Found Deep
F .r.i.e.n.d.s.h.i.p



FRIENDSHIP is just lyk "H2o"
No colour
No shape
No place
No size
No money
No rich
No poor
Bt still essential 4 living and 4 forever.



A good frnd-
Not easy 2 obtain.

Once obtained-
Difficult 2 maintain.

Once lost-
Impossible 2 regain.

Moral:-
KEEP ME SAFE!


I'm Not Shakespear 2 Write About U.
I'm Not Sonu 2 Sing About U.
I'm Not MF Hussain 2 Paint U.
I'm Just ur Frnd 2 Say,
I'm Always With U.


"I thought u r very busy

so dint disturb u"

dis is d main reason behind most broken friendships.

so keep disturbing ur frnds as i did

            Fair of the Wilderness (Part Two)

1837, the Green River Valley, in what would later become the State of Wyoming.

"Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee."

~ Proverbs 2:11 ~

Already conscious of the stare of so many, Emma struggled not to buckle under the pressure as

even more arrived to gawk at the paleface with the yellow hair and the blue dress. People

crowded around Emma, onlookers jostling themselves to get a better glimpse. She did her polite

best to ignore them, and with a tenacious grip, clung to Josiah's arm as they passed through to

where the family waited with the horses.

None of them had dismounted yet, especially Will. In a deliberate show of relaxed vigilance, he

remained on the pony with a shotgun resting in the crook of an arm. His easy gaze roamed the

crowd for trouble, until it fell on a pretty Indian girl whose bold stare betrayed unembarrassed

admiration. He returned her admiring stare with a surprised smile, then slanted Cora a sheepish,

highly apologetic look. From Will's odd behavior, Emma guessed he didn't want Cora getting the

wrong impression. Even in Emma's embarrassed fluster of being the center of attention, she noted

the stern, possessive look Cora shot to the young woman. All this happened within the space of

a few moments, giving Emma much to think about.

"There ain't any room fer our lodge here," said Josiah, giving out instructions to his family. "We

need to head further up the river a short ways, so no one make camp just yit. Will, I'd appreciate

your keeping an eye on the travois."

An old Indian draped in a thin robe listened intently, as though he had an active part in the

discussion. He followed Josiah's horses as they were led to an area large enough for Cora's

impressive Blackfoot lodge. The old man made Emma nervous, but he wasn't alone in his

persistent curiosity. Many of the others took an active part in observing where they would make

camp, what food they had brought, what they had to trade. Only when Josiah had told them they

would trade later, did the people begin to disperse.

Before they arrived at rendezvous, Josiah had the foresight to conceal the coin box in animal

hides. Even so, excitement fluttered in Emma's stomach when he lifted the gold from the travois.

Who could possibly guess that so much gold lay hidden in plain sight? Josiah nodded to her to

stay by the gold, then went to help Cora set up the lodge.

It felt strange but somehow exhilarating to sit on a box worth four thousand dollars. The thought

of what it could mean to their future, made Emma extra careful to guard the box every second of

every moment until it had been safely hidden in Cora's lodge.

When Josiah told Mary to gather firewood, the girl's timid refusal prompted George to volunteer

to go with her and help carry wood. With such friendship as this to guard Mary, Emma felt a

little easier about letting Mary out of her sight. There were no longer very many watching them,

though from the rowdy shouts of distant revelry, Emma remained on guard against any drunken

troublemakers.

Jugs of whiskey and overly jovial grins were abundant at rendezvous. Whiskey came at a steep

cost, but most seemed more willing to pay such a dear price for a few days of frolicking and

merrymaking. When a half naked man ran past them with a jug slung over his shoulder, Grandpap

joined the men who chased after the jug. It would have been funny to see an old man hurrying to

get a taste, had the jug not been full of liquor.

The flurry of activity excited Josiah's sensibilities, and Emma saw him straining not to go join

them. She knew the attraction pulled at him, for he had told her nearly everyone at rendezvous

drank. All around them, she could see men and even some of the women, getting drunk little by

little. They drank when they played, they drank when they bartered, and of course, they bought

more whiskey from the fur company that held the rendezvous. Will looked as though he hankered

for a taste of it himself, though from the way he kept his distance from anyone who offered, it

was clear he intended not to indulge. With everyone getting merry with strong drink, and

everyone expecting everyone else to do the same, Emma understood when Josiah felt left out of

the festivities.

Josiah hobbled the horses nearby, careful to keep them within easy sight of camp. Blackfoot

were known to run off with unguarded horses at rendezvous, and Josiah did all he could to make

sure his would still be there the next day. The tired animals fed on the grass so abundant on the

banks of the Siskadee, their tails flicking away flies and mosquitos.

Inside Cora's lodge, away from prying eyes, Emma and Cora set about making the shelter a home.

A snug fire burned in the center of the room, while thick hides lined the floor to guard against the

damp of the ground. Belongings were stacked against the walls, and blankets were folded, ready

to be turned into beds come nightfall.

The men stood outside, talking with each other until Josiah squatted and poked his head into the

lodge.

"Me and the others are going to look around, Emma. Will you womenfolk be all right on yer own

fer a while? We won't go too far."

Emma hesitated to answer.

"Don't worry, Em," he flashed a confident grin. "I won't get into any mischief."

Giving Josiah to the Lord, Emma consented. She reminded herself that she trusted her husband to

do the right thing.

The men left, and the women decided to remain in the lodge until they returned. Cora didn't look

timid about leaving, but Mary certainly did, and to be fair, Emma relished some time away from

the inquisitive eyes outside. While Emma took the opportunity to get some rest, Mary sat by the

open flap of the entrance and watched the people as they passed.

The maze of lodges held sights both familiar and comforting to Josiah. A familiar face would stop

him every now and then, and as usual, he was plied with whiskey, and asked when he would

return to Blackfoot country. The questions were mostly lighthearted and filled with half

drunkenness, so Josiah had little difficulty changing the subject. He tried to say something about

the new life he'd found in God, but they moved away from him before he had many words out of

his mouth.

The chanting that accompanied an Indian game of "hand," caught Will's curiosity, and he called

Josiah over to a circle of people to watch. An object passed from person to person, hand to hand,

and someone had to guess who had it. In this manner, they gambled for the prize laying in the

center of the circle-- at present, three necklaces of fancy glass beads and some pipe tobacco. The

people lost themselves in the chanting, the risk involved in the game, the whiskey that invariably

found its way to the players.

Not far from this scene, white men occupied themselves with their own game of chance. A lively

game of poker had men laughing and hollering at each other, while others lingered nearby to see

who would win.

"Is that you, Josiah?" one of the players squinted at him, his bearded face pulled into something

very much like a grimace.

"Henry." Josiah nodded to the man.

"I got a bone to pick with you, Josiah." Henry jammed his cards into a fist, more intent on Josiah

than the poker game.

"Are you playing, or ain't you?" asked the annoyed player beside him.

"I fold," said Henry, glaring at Josiah as he threw the cards onto the buffalo hide they all sat on.

"Henry's fixing fer trouble!" shouted a player, his face split into a broad grin.

"You owe me," said Henry, scrambling to his feet and advancing toward Josiah at such a quick

rate Josiah had to stop Will from raising his shotgun. "I want my calico back, and my knives, and

the coffee and that jug of whiskey you stole. I want them back."

"I didn't cheat you, Henry, and you know it."

"I don't know anything of the kind." Henry stopped several feet before Josiah, his broad

shoulders squared for a brawl. "You owe me, half-breed. One way or another, I'll get my money

out you if I have to skin your hide and sell it."

"Stay where you're at, George," said Josiah, reaching out to push back the young man who had

come to his defense. "This ain't yer fight."

"But, Josiah--"

"If it ain't Will Shaw!" Paul Tomlinson, a face familiar to Josiah, rose from the poker game; the

others protested to yet another interruption and threatened to toss Paul out if he didn't sit down.

"We gave you up for dead when you went off with that Indian guide," said Paul. "I see you're

minus a leg now. What happened?"

Will rested the shotgun on his shoulder. "That thieving guide left me and George for dead. Almost

succeeded, too, if Josiah here hadn't cut off my leg when it caught gangrene."

"You're fortunate to be alive," said Paul.

"I know it," said Will.

Paul gave a slow smile, though his eyes kept traveling between Josiah and the still very angry

Henry. "You're in over your head," Paul told Henry. "Time you figured that out."

Henry flashed Paul a puzzled look.

"Josiah's got friends." Paul nodded to Will and George. "If you haven't been listening, he saved

their lives."

Henry still didn't look as though he understood.

"You're denser than a post sometimes," sighed Paul. "Josiah's new friends aren't going to stand by

while you try and beat him up. That ain't exactly a toy Will's got perched on his shoulder." Paul

tossed his cards onto the buffalo robe and stepped away. "If I were you, Henry, I'd leave well

enough alone."

Alarmed at being deprived of the opportunity to get even, Henry appealed to Will's sense of

justice. "That half-breed cheated me at poker."

"So you told me last year." Will's flinty demeanor remained unchanged. Will wasn't a man anyone

wanted to tangle with lightly. Even with one leg and a wooden stump, Will made an imposing

figure.

"Time to cut your losses, Henry." Paul gave him a friendly smile, then walked away as the other

men in the poker game grinned to see who would win the brawl. Already, bets were being placed,

the odds stacking up in Josiah's favor.

The men could have saved their bets, though, for the fight left Henry; he grumbled, made a few

faces at Josiah, but backed off from further confrontation.

Disappointed in their hopes of a fight, the men returned to their poker game with renewed zeal.

Everyone determined to have fun, and when one prospect went bust, another soon took its place.

That was rendezvous.

"Let's go see what's going on over there," said Will, pointing to a crowd gathering north of the

encampment. "Maybe we can find someone to trade with. I'd like to see what we can get for our

buffalo hides."

"I don't think they're trading," said George. "I think they're listening to someone."

"I'm obliged fer what you did back there," said Josiah, as they pushed past the gambling on their

way to the crowd, "but I could've handled Henry by myself."

"You didn't have to do it alone," replied Will. "Not as long as I'm around to say anything about

it."

They joined the crowd to listen to a man speak, though Josiah didn't pay any attention to what

the man said. Josiah knew he could've handled Henry. He didn't fear getting into a fight, not being

able to defend himself. But that wasn't the point. When had he ever had such a faithful friend as

Will? Or even George? Men who were willing to share his fights, partake in his troubles without

being asked? He'd had mountain friends before, men he could count on to help him when help

was needed. But this went deeper than aiding someone to be sure they'd aid you. Josiah couldn't

put it into words, but something deep within his soul bound himself to these two men.

"What have you got to grin about?" asked Will, slanting Josiah a quick glance. "That parson up

there is mighty longwinded, and far as I can tell, you're the only one here who's smiling."

"Parson?" Josiah jolted to attention. He observed a rather young man standing on a crate before

the crowd, one hand waving in the air, the other gripping a black book. "Is that what he is? A

parson?"

"Near as I can tell," shrugged Will.

"I wouldn't mind speaking to him after he's done," said George, moving a little closer to listen.

Josiah's smile widened. "I have something to discuss with him, myself."

The sermon waxed long, and though the parson sounded with the inexperience that inevitably

came with youth, Josiah appreciated his sincerity. When things came to a conclusion, Josiah

couldn't help but notice the disappointment in the parson's face when so many returned to their

pursuits without being visibly touched by his warning; the evils of gambling, immoral women and

whiskey had seemingly gone unheeded-- some going as far as to voice their rebellion as they left.

Even before speaking to him, Josiah sensed the parson struggled with discouragement.

"Interesting sermon," said Josiah, stepping forward as the last of the assembly dispersed.

"'Interesting'?" the young preacher looked horrified. "I pray to God it was more than that."

"Whether they hear you or not," Josiah assured him, "they were warned. I'm thinking that has to

be worth something in God's eyes."

"Yes, I suppose that's true," he replied, his features crestfallen at the solitary prospect. "I had

prayed for greater success today."

"The day ain't over, yet," said Josiah. "This here's my friends Will Shaw and George Hughes. I'm

Josiah Brown."

"The Josiah Brown?" the young parson stared at him in amazement. "I hadn't been long in these

mountains when I'd heard of your exploits. You're the last person I expected to see in this

morning's congregation."

This news gave Josiah great pain. "I hope I've done a heap of changing since then. You keep

warning them people to do what's right, to follow after God and give their hearts to Jesus. I'm

living proof that a man can change fer the better." Josiah hesitated, pleading with God that this

sincere man would understand the situation. "I was wondering... would you be willing to marry

me and my wife-- officially, I mean?"

The parson narrowed his eyes, cautious to give an answer before he'd heard more.

"Me and Emma-- that's my wife-- couldn't get someone to wed us, so we've had to do without.

There ain't many parsons in these here mountains."

"Not many doctors, either," said Will, leaning forward to pat his wooden leg. "A man's got to be

everything in these parts to survive. Josiah is a good man, parson. He's doctored me, hunted and

tanned his own hides, been guide to me and George, and is a real good husband to a fine,

upstanding woman. Has the smartest little girl, too-- isn't that right, George?"

"She's a very good student," George readily agreed.

With so much momentum behind him, Will took in another breath to continue his praise. In that

wild moment of dread, Josiah thought of throwing Will to the ground, clamping his mouth shut

until all the compliments had left him and he was back to his normal self. It didn't matter that

Will had only one leg and such a maneuver might be unfair. What man would blame him for

defending himself against such high praise as this?

The moment for action was lost, however, almost as soon as Josiah was able to justify his plan.

He heard Will say, (with a great deal of enthusiasm), "There isn't a better man in these mountains

than Josiah Brown!" and shut his eyes in deep chagrin.

"That's an awfully big stretch, Will." Josiah turned to the parson. "I don't pretend to be a good

man, deserving of such well-meaning friends as Will and George. But I am trying to be a better

man than I was before."

"Before what?" the parson asked, his face showing curiosity.

Josiah couldn't help grinning. He wasn't proud of himself-- not by a long shot-- but he was

justifiably proud of what God had accomplished through the woman who had so dramatically

changed his life.

"A better man than I was before Emma," he told the parson. "She's a very special person. They

don't come any better than her."

It didn't surprise Emma when Mary remained by the lodge entrance. For all of the child's

timidity, Mary held a deep curiosity for the people outside. Even Emma found them fascinating.

Nearly everyone wore animal skins, though an article of cloth every now and again appeared on

someone-- especially blankets. Some wore feathers in their hair, some adorned themselves with

bright face paint, and some had quill trimmed garments with tassels of what looked to be human

hair. The strangest sight of them all however, belonged to a white man dressed in a suit of armor!

He clanked by them in obvious enjoyment of the spectacle he made.

"That Jim Bridger!" someone remarked, their tone laughing but at the same time respectful.

"William Stewart sure is going to be sorry he gave him that armor. Hear tell it was shipped all the

way from England, just fer this occasion."

But Jim Bridger wasn't the only white man making a scene at rendezvous. An artist by the name

of Mr. Miller went about with a sketch pad, "taking down a likeness of everything he saw."

Thankfully, Mr. Miller never happened by their lodge, for Emma didn't want to attract any more

excitement than she already had by her arrival.

"The men are back," Mary called over her shoulder, "and they've got someone with them."

"Who?" asked Emma.

Before Mary could answer, the girl scrambled to Emma's side.

They heard Josiah's approaching voice before they saw any of the men. "I wasn't so sure I could

find anyone at the rendezvous willing to do it," said Josiah, as Will fit himself through the

entrance. "I call this Providence-- I surely do. Yer certain you know all them fancy words that

goes with it? My Emma likes those kinds of sentiments, although I'm not very big on them,

myself."

Will shifted himself to the fire as George entered the lodge. Both men wore big smiles on their

freshly-shaven faces, though why they grinned, Emma had no idea.

"I brung you some company, Emma," said Josiah, as a man even younger than George passed

through the entrance. The man had no chin hair whatsoever, and his soulful mouth and jug-handle

ears gave him a rather comical appearance despite his sober expression. His nervous, sad eyes

darted about the room-- first to her, then to Cora, then to Mary hiding at Emma's side. "This

here's Parson Gray, Emma. Parson, this is my wife."

"You're very welcome here," Emma smiled to the boyishly young man. He had to be sixteen or

seventeen. Maybe even younger. He nodded to her with a nervous smile. "I didn't know there

were any parsons at the rendezvous."

"Just one," said Josiah, kneeling between the parson and Emma to reach into the open bag beside

Mary. "Anyone hungry?"

Will and George both said "yes," and Josiah tossed them each some pemmican.

"Parson?" Josiah held out some food to him, and the parson blinked in bewilderment. "It's food,"

said Josiah, placing it into the parson's hand. Josiah paused to pray over the food, folded his legs

Indian style before the fire, and spoke to the parson who just sat there with the sticky substance

in his fingers. "So when do you think you can do it?" asked Josiah. "I don't want it rushed or

nothing. Emma deserves better than that."

"Better than what?" asked Emma. "What's happening?"

"I'll tell you later," said Josiah, his focus still on the boy. "I can pay you fer your trouble. I ain't

asking fer any handouts. What's wrong? Why ain't you eating?"

The parson warily looked at the sticky wad in his hand. "I don't want to offend you," he said

shakily, "but what is it? Are you sure its edible?"

"It's pemmican," George said with a knowing laughing. "How long have you been in the

Rockies?"

"A few days, I suppose," the youngster shrugged. "I don't know."

"May I ask how old you are?" Emma inquired in a kind, gentle voice; she didn't want to hurt his

feelings.

"Fifteen, ma'am," said the parson, slowly raising the pemmican to his lips. He nibbled, then

finding it good, ventured to take a full bite.

"Fifteen is very young to be a minister," said Emma.

His expression firmed, and in that moment, he no longer looked so very young. "I assure you,

Mrs. Brown, I'm old enough to do the Lord's work. I've had years of instruction from my

adopted father and teacher, Parson Benjamin Gray of St. Louis, and am fully prepared to handle

your husband's request."

"Request?" Emma fought back a question when Josiah waved her to be silent. Oh, that man!

"I fully understand the unique circumstances people find themselves in these mountains," said

the young parson, taking another bite and addressing Josiah once more. "I consider you and Mrs.

Brown to be already married, for indeed, from what you tell me, you have both already

consecrated your union to God. All that is lacking is a formal ceremony to make the vow official

in the eyes of-- how did you put it?-- the white man's world."

"Thank you fer understanding, parson," said Josiah, as Emma covered her mouth in stunned

surprise. A marriage ceremony! Josiah was arranging for them to have an official ceremony. She

had already been married the Blackfoot way, or at least, the half-breed way, for some months and

yearned for a ceremony to acknowledge their vows before God. In her rush of gratitude to Josiah,

she forgot to be irked with him for shushing her questions.

"I'll be ready at your convenience," said the parson, readily accepting more pemmican from

Josiah. "This is remarkably good food! What did you call it?"

Sometime during the talk, Emma noticed Will and Cora leave the lodge together. No one asked

why, for everyone's attention fastened on the wedding, the youth of the pastor, what pemmican

consisted of and how it was made. No one thought to question Will or Cora why they left, and

though Emma had the opportunity, she chose not to ask.

On the first afternoon of their arrival at the rendezvous, Josiah waited outside the hide lodge with

Will, George, Grandpap, and Parson Gray.

The women were inside.

"Hurry up in there, Emma!"

"I thought you wanted this done properly," came the reply from the lodge.

"Proper, yes," groaned Josiah, "but I was hoping it wouldn't take all day. I got business to see to

Em--" he stopped as Emma appeared from the entrance, her yellow hair brushed, the braids

pinned up in her usual sense of tidiness. The blue dress had been brushed clean, and at her ankles,

he could see the hem of her petticoat as she moved toward him.

"I'm ready," she breathed in a deep sigh.

"Yer mighty purty, Emma."

"No, I'm not, but I thank you for the compliment," she said with a very fetching smile.

For a reason known only to Parson Gray, Josiah had to stand on a particular side of Emma before

the ceremony could begin. It made no sense to Josiah, and even less sense to Grandpap who

harrumphed when the parson wouldn't begin until Josiah had moved. All this fuss over nothing!

Having gotten the bride and groom in correct order, the parson opened a book and rubbed a finger

over some writing, as if to find his place.

Nervous, Josiah ran a hand through his cropped hair to make himself more presentable. A party

of four Shoshone men had stopped to watch the proceedings, their inquisitive faces making him

feel unnerved and self-conscious. He tried staring back at them, to give them the hint to move on,

but they only sniffed and remained where they were. He sure hoped this ceremony wouldn't

require him to make a buffoon of himself in front of those Shoshone. It didn't feel so good being

easy entertainment to anyone who cared to watch.

The parson cleared his throat. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God,

and in the face of this company..."

Josiah shot a sideways glance at four members of "this company," and noticed one of the

Shoshone take out some meat to gnaw on while he watched. A group of rowdy people passed

close by, their hoots and hollers directed at some member of the rendezvous on the other side of

camp.

The parson paused, waited a few moments for the noise to cease, then continued reading. "If any

man can show just cause," he offered out loud to anyone listening, "why they may not lawfully

be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace."

Josiah couldn't believe his ears. What was this young parson doing? Was he actually giving

someone a chance to put a stop to the ceremony? Josiah glared at the four Shoshone, but they

simply pulled out more food and went on with their meal. No one else said a word, and when the

parson lost his place in the text and began to repeat the "just cause" offer, Josiah reminded him

that he'd already read that part and to please move on.

It took some doing to understand the parson's educated words, but Josiah thought he understood

at least as much as Emma did. He looked at her, saw the eyes and long lashes trimmed with tears,

and realized he was wrong. Emma had to be understanding more than him to look so moved.

As Josiah redoubled his efforts to work up a fierce concentration, the Shoshone began muttering

amongst themselves, gesturing and pointing to both groom and bride. Maybe they wanted to

know why the white woman cried and looked happy at the same time-- Josiah didn't know. He

just wished they'd leave.

Somewhere along the way, the parson had stopped speaking and Josiah found himself the sole

object of everyone's attention.

"What?" he asked, feeling somewhat defensive, especially after having put in such an effort to

follow every single word of the ceremony.

"I'll re-read the question," said Parson Gray. "Wilt thou have this woman--"

"Sure, I'll have her," interrupted Josiah. "Ain't that why we're here?"

"Please, let me finish."

"There's more?"

The parson cleared his throat, choosing to ignore Josiah's question. "'Wilt thou have this woman

to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt

thou love her, comfort her, honour her, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all

others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

"Of course I will," said Josiah. "I wouldn't call myself a man if I didn't take care of my wife."

"The customary response is simply-- 'I will,'" said the parson, looking up from the book.

"Oh. Then I will."

"Atta-boy," Will said under his breath, tossing a wink of encouragement to Josiah as the parson

addressed Emma.

"Wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the

holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in

sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall

live?"

Without missing a beat, Emma said, "I will."

Then Josiah had to repeat some words the parson read from his book. They were fancy white

man's words, but Josiah more than caught the impact of the vow he was making to Emma. He

would take care of her and love her, come what may. Then Emma repeated the vow back to him,

her voice a thick haze of tears and tremulous whispers. Josiah hoped the ceremony would soon

be over, for Emma was fast dissolving with too much joy.

When Emma had finished her vow, the parson asked God to bless their union. The thoughtful

words were interrupted by the thunder of gunfire as someone was welcomed to the rendezvous.

Out of pure instinct, Josiah took hold of Emma's hand, gave her a quiet squeeze to let her know

he would protect her. Her fingers gripped his, and when the prayer ended, so did the ceremony.

To Josiah's surprise, Grandpap stepped forward to be the first to offer his congratulations-- if it

could be called that.

"I guess you will not hang, after all."

"Thanks, Grandpap."

The old man grunted.

As George shook Josiah's hand, Will moved Grandpap off to one side to speak in whispers. The

urgent look on Will's face intrigued Josiah, but he didn't have time to think about it. Emma needed

a hug in a desperate way, her emotions of happiness so powerful she looked on the brink of

fainting. Josiah hugged her, freely offering his strength and support.

"We did it, Em-- the white man's way. I figure we're about as married now as two people can git."

Grandpap walked away from Will, the old man shaking his head with a resigned sort of smile on

his tired face. Josiah thought Grandpap would go inside the lodge for a nap, but instead the old

Blackfoot pulled out his pipe, loaded it down with recently traded tobacco and took an expectant

seat on the ground.

"Something's going on," said Josiah, letting Emma lean into his shoulder to enjoy the happiness of

the day. A hand clutching Josiah's hunting shirt, Mary stood at Josiah's other side, closely

watching the four Shoshone who watched them.

"Excuse me, parson," said Will, tapping the young man on the shoulder, "I'm afraid your work

isn't done yet. We've got another job for you."

"Excuse me?" The fifteen year old stared at him. "I don't understand."

"We've got another wedding for you," said Will, hoisting up his britches with an important smile.

"Figured it might be some time before we found another parson who'd be willing to marry us, so

Cora and I have decided to tie the knot-- that is, if you'll oblige us."

"You're going to what?" Josiah released Emma, swung about to face Will. Surely, he hadn't heard

his friend right.

Steady sky blue eyes leveled with cobalt steel, and to Emma's surprise, neither backed down.

"Grandpap just gave his blessing-- well, sort of. Said his daughter was old enough to do what she

wanted without asking her father's permission. So Cora and I are getting hitched. Wanted to ask

what you thought about it all, but Cora said it wasn't your decision and to leave you out of it."

"Ma!" Josiah turned to a very calm Cora. She looked at him mildly, her expression so fixed Josiah

knew everything had already been determined. "Don't I got anything to say about it?"

"I am the one Will is marrying, Josiah-- not you."

"But, Ma!"

"If you've got any objections," Will intervened, "best get 'em out in the open. Maybe you don't

like your ma's choice?"

"I never said that. I've got nothing against you, Will. But I brought Ma to help out with Emma,

not to go off and leave with someone we likely ain't going to see again after rendezvous! I was

looking forward to keeping ma with us!"

Frantic, Emma tugged at Josiah's arm, but he felt too agitated to pay her any heed and persisted

in getting an answer from Will.

"I wasn't trying to rob you of your ma," said Will. "She only said 'yes' after I promised not to

take her from her son's family." He shrugged, though a faint smile formed around his mouth.

"Guess you're stuck with me."

"Josiah--"

"Not now, Emma. I'm thinking."

"But, Josiah--"

"Em, I've got a lot on my mind."

"I'll do my level best to take care of your ma, Josiah. I'll pull my own weight in this family, work

my hardest to do what's best for everyone."

"I don't know where we'll be heading," warned Josiah. "Nothing's settled. I only know we won't

be staying here."

"Won't matter to me," Will said with a shake of his head. "I've got no family but this one. So how

about it?"

"Josiah," Emma gripped his arm so tight he had to listen. "Let them marry."

"Emma, aren't you following any of this? Will and Cora are hauling off and getting hitched!"

She smiled warm sunshine. "I know, Josiah. Let them go through with it."

"But they don't even like each other, Emma!"

"Yes, they do. You just haven't been paying attention."

Skeptical, Josiah pivoted to Will. "I don't suppose you've got anything to say for yourself?"

"I like her," Will said quickly.

"How much?"

"Enough to ask her to marry me."

Cora moved to Will's side and gave Josiah a stern look. "It is enough, Josiah. We will marry

now."

"I like her plenty," said Will, bravely taking Cora's hand.

"Enough talk," said Grandpap, prodding Parson Gray. "Marry them."

With a gentle tug, Emma pulled Josiah away to let Cora and Will take their place before the

parson.

"They're making a terrible mistake," Josiah whispered to Emma as the parson began the

ceremony. "Just look at them, Emma."

"I am looking," she smiled, squeezing Josiah's hand.

He stared at the bride-- his ma!-- standing beside Will, her eyes glinting with something Josiah

hadn't noticed before. Happiness. He struggled to remember when he had last seen his ma so

happy, and was hard pressed for an answer. The groom held onto her hand until his fingers

turned white-- Will Shaw of all men!-- his own joy plastered across his face as though he were

the most blessed man in all creation.

"Don't they make a lovely couple?" Emma whispered, her eyes brimming with fresh tears. "Oh,

Josiah, I'm so happy for them!"

A thought occurred to Josiah. He looked down at his wife. "This didn't come as a surprise to

you, did it, Emma?"

Emma smiled knowingly. "Hush, I can't hear the ceremony."

Wrapping an arm around Emma, Josiah laughed in silence as Emma listened to the very same

words she had heard only moments before when it had been their turn. Life certainly had a way

of surprising him. More accurately, God had a habit of making things turn out in ways Josiah

hadn't thought possible. As he watched Cora and Will-- hadn't even thought probable. And yet,

there they were, giving Parson Gray plenty of business and everyone grinning ear to ear as

though they were the first brides and grooms the world had ever seen.

After the second wedding, George shocked everyone by giving Will such a hearty handshake, it

took even Will by surprise. Without the slightest trace of reserve, George offered Cora his best

wishes for a long and happy marriage. For someone who had in the past objected to mixed

unions, George was giving an awfully good imitation of someone who'd had a change of heart.

They didn't have meat ready for a wedding celebration, so Emma urged Josiah to trade one of

their buffalo robes for some freshly slain venison from the Shoshone. Inside the lodge, everyone

including the parson enjoyed the meal, made even more special by Cora's savory herbs. Everyone

ate their fill, relishing full bellies and the opportunity to celebrate with friends. They told stories,

ate more venison, and lounged about to laugh and comment on what the others had said.

The skies faded with the retreating sun, until the hides stretched above their heads darkened with

night. The parson thanked them for the hearty meal, good conversation and sound fellowship,

then prepared to return to his own camp. His sister was waiting for him, he explained, and

needed to return before his brother-in-law came looking for him. Everyone shook his hand, and

then the young parson left, his spirits more encouraged than when he had arrived.

"It takes a good deal of courage to do what that youngster is doing," Josiah said matter-of-factly.

"I've got no reason to fear for him, though. He's got uncommon good sense fer a boy."

"I agree," said Will. He waited a moment, then gave a loud yawn. "Reckon it's getting close to

bedtime."

"Reckon so," said Josiah. "It's been a long day."

"Eventful, too," said Will.

A long stretch of silence filled the lodge, and when Josiah remained silent, Emma kicked Josiah's

foot. They both knew what Will wanted, and what Will was too embarrassed to ask.

A quiet, lazy grin spread over Josiah's mouth. He studied the hide walls, slid Emma a knowing

glance, then pushed himself upright.

"George, I ain't knowing about you, but I'm hankering to sleep under the stars, tonight."

"I think I'll join you," said George, gathering his rifle and a heavy law book from his belongings.

"It's a pleasant night for star gazing, don't you think, Grandpap?"

Grandpap stared directly at Will. The old man said nothing, but set about collecting his pipe and

tobacco to take outside.

Relief touched Will's face. "Much obliged to everyone," he said, nodding to Emma as she passed

him to take the first load of bedding outside. "Feel badly about tossing you folks out of your

lodge."

"It ain't our lodge," Josiah flashed Will a grin. "It's Ma's."

Outside, Cora built a fire pit while Emma unrolled buffalo robes and blankets a short distance

from where the fire would be lit. The air felt cold, but not frigid, so they would have no need to

move closer to the fire pit. The women could hear the men inside, lingering to talk before parting

for the night.

"Are you sure about this?" Josiah's deep voice asked. "You know what you'll be called, don't

you? Squawman."

At this, Cora straightened. She stared at the lodge to await Will's answer.

"I know that," said Will. "I know it, and I don't care."

A smile parted Cora's lips as she went back to work, though from her slow movements, Emma

knew she still listened.

"My pa was always ashamed of having a Blackfoot wife," said Josiah, his voice hushed though

not so hushed that Cora and Emma couldn't overhear. "He beat Ma like an animal, then left her

fer another woman. I was too small to put a stop to him, but I'm a man now and I won't let that

happen again. Are you sure you won't be ashamed?"

The reply came strong and clear, without any hesitation or pause. "That woman is the finest I've

ever had the good Providence to meet. She's accepted me as her husband, wooden leg and all. I

won't betray her-- I give my word, I won't."

"That's good enough fer me," said Josiah.

When Emma moved some belongings to use as backrests by the fire for tomorrow's breakfast, she

noted the smile had not left Cora's face. Tonight, Cora didn't seem haunted by her usual reserve.

Some people show their emotions easier than others, and tonight, such a happy display came

easy to Cora.

With dawning understanding, Emma felt this was a testament to Cora's difficult life.

They made a good match, Emma decided, going back to make sure Mary's bed would be

comfortable. Cora had quiet strength, and Will, the sensitive heart to take advantage of that

strength, and give something back to Cora that she hadn't had in a very long time. A husband who

loved her.

After wishing a good night to Will, Josiah and George and Grandpap left the lodge for the

newlyweds.

Her heart warmed when Emma saw Cora approach Josiah. The mother placed a hand on her son's

shoulder, and though they never said a single word, in that quiet moment, Emma knew Cora was

thanking Josiah for what he had said to Will.

The fire ready, the beds made, Cora stepped into the lodge, then tied the entrance shut behind

her.

"I'm not tired," Mary protested, her eyes struggling to stay open as Emma tucked her into bed.

She cuddled into the blankets with her two dolls, said her prayer, and smiled sleepily when

Emma gave her a kiss on the cheek.

It had been a long day for Grandpap. He lie down on the bed beside Mary's, the tobacco pipe

still in his hand; if he wanted to light it and have a smoke, he fell asleep before finishing his

purpose. Reclined on his side with one of Emma's blankets tucked about him, it didn't take many

minutes before he snored loudly, an old man who very much needed his rest.

As George stretched out on his buffalo robe and said goodnight to an already fading Mary and a

snoring Grandpap, a group of men moved through the encampment, and stopped at Josiah's fire.

"Howdy," said a male voice.

In an automatic reflex, Josiah reached for his flintlock. His posture relaxed as the men stepped

into the ring of firelight. They gathered round the fire with Josiah, the mood friendly though not

without a hint of danger in the air.

"How's rendezvous been treating you fellers?" asked Josiah, as David and the four men with him

took seats on the ground.

From behind Josiah, Emma sat on her blanket and watched the posturing of the men. Josiah's

back directly faced her, but the others she could see without obstruction. Even to her poor

eyesight, they looked restless.

Their presence made George wary. He leaned forward, whispered across Mary and Grandpap.

"Do you think there will be trouble, Emma?"

"I don't think so," said Emma, grateful Mary had slipped into a peaceful sleep and couldn't hear

their conversation.

His expression thoughtful, George lie back down, braced the rifle across his chest, and propped

his head up to keep a level gaze with the men around the campfire. This manly posturing

reminded Emma that George had done a great deal of growing up since he first came to the

mountains. Considering the relative safety of the situation, Emma decided to let him drift into

sleep, as his heavy lidded eyes were doing at this very moment. If Josiah needed help, many

could come to his rescue at a second's notice.

"Where will you be trapping next?" asked the large man named David.

"I want to know something first," said another, his tone angry to the point of belligerence. "We

found a settler's wagon at Jackson Hole, but there were no settlers. That woman was one of

them, ain't she."

It wasn't a question-- more of an accusation-- but Josiah simply tossed another twig into the

already blazing campfire and remained silent.

"I told you," said the angry man, thrusting a finger in Josiah's direction. "He took the woman and

killed her family."

Josiah's back stiffened. "The Blackfoot got to her pa before I could help. I buried him as best I

could."

"And kept the woman for himself!"

"Hush up, Three Guns." David cast a withering glare at the half-breed. "Take your jealousy

somewhere else. We came to visit a friend, not make an enemy."

A cold wind blew into the camp, casting flames into the sky with sparks and embers, ruffling

Josiah's curls and sending a shiver into Emma. She drew a blanket about her shoulders, waited to

see what would happen next.

"Is the trapping very good in the North?" asked David, resting his large hands on his knees. It

looked awkward for a man of his bulk to sit on the ground with his legs crossed like an Indian's.

His head tilted, revealing a side profile with two large chins. "When will you be guiding us back to

the rivers, Josiah? When can we go back into Blackfoot country?"

"You'll have to find another guide," Josiah said after a long pause. "I can't take you. I'm leaving

the fur trade."

"What?" David's voice rose in irritation. "Of course you'll take us! We're yer friends, ain't we?"

"You are," said Josiah, his tone growing helpless and tense, "but I can't take you into Blackfoot

territory anymore. I ain't welcome."

"You were there all winter, weren't you? And yet you came out alive." David tossed aside

Josiah's words as though they meant nothing. "You'll take us again."

"I'm leaving the Rockies, David."

The camp came to a complete hush.

"Leaving?" David asked finally. "Where will you go?"

Josiah shrugged. "I ain't knowing yet, but me and Emma have plans. As soon as rendezvous is

over and all our robes have been traded fer supplies, we're leaving these mountains and heading

West."

"So much fer beaver," said Nehemiah Bell, the man with the leggings and toothless grin. "All that

waiting around for nothing."

"Sorry, Nehemiah, but I got plans."

"What about our plans? What about your friends?"

When Josiah didn't have an answer, someone remarked about the fickle two-faced nature of halfbreeds;

then, one by one, Josiah's friends left the campfire until only David and Three Guns

remained.

The men sat in silence for a long while, the crackle of the fire mingling with the distant drunken

shouts of rendezvous.

"She'll leave you, Josiah." David looked at him with a direct gaze. The light from the fire blinded

the men from seeing outside their ring, though Emma could see them just fine. "You do not belong

in her world, Josiah. You know this is true. She'll see you don't belong, but by then it'll be too

late fer you to come back. You'll be stuck in some settlement, far away from yer real friends, and

we won't be able to help you."

"I'm going, David."

David stared at Josiah, thought creasing his heavy brow. "She'll leave you the first chance she

gets."

"No, she won't." Josiah sounded adamant. "She loves me."

"If that ain't the dumbest thing I've ever heard you say, then my name ain't David Lambert. I've

already told you before there ain't such a thing as love in marriage. Love won't keep a man in bed

after sunrise, or turn his thoughts to a woman he's stuck with fer the rest of his life. What you

need is a whore. Whores don't tie a man down."

Josiah was silent.

"You aren't good fer anything besides trapping and hunting. Look at you-- you can't even read or

print yer own name. Give her up, Josiah, before she leaves you fer someone else. You'll never be

able to keep a woman like that for long."

To Emma's dismay, Josiah's head bowed, and his shoulders slumped as though discouraged. The

attack had grown deeply personal. David's aim seemed obvious, his objective clear: to remove her

from Josiah, to shake Josiah's confidence in their relationship. Then David could have his guide,

his old fun-loving Josiah back as before.

Leaving George to doze with his rifle, Emma got to her feet. She had heard enough. This called for

a desperate measure, something not typical of her usual conduct around strangers. Her marriage

under attack, Emma refused to be silent and watch Josiah's heart bleed at the hand of an old,

influential "friend." David Lambert had to be stopped.

Movement outside the ring of firelight caught Josiah's attention. He gasped when he recognized

Emma, boldly moving between Three Guns and David to come to his side of the fire.

"Why ain't you sleeping?" asked Josiah, as he helped Emma onto the ground beside him.

Pulling Josiah's arm around her, Emma snuggled against his hunting shirt. "I can't sleep without

you," she said in a small, quiet tone that made him instantly protective. "When are you coming to

bed, Josiah?"

"I'm busy talking to David and Three Guns."

"Don't let me interrupt," Emma yawned with a cozy snuggle.

Unexpected feminine warmth made Josiah's insides glow. He leaned his cheek against the top of

her head, held his breath as Emma moved her hand to his chest.

"It won't last, Josiah." David's onslaught came again, this time with more forcefulness than

before. "It ain't possible fer a man to feel so much fer his wife."

Warm breath kissed Josiah's face with Emma's presence. Her fingers caressed him. He moaned,

pressing his lips against her hair.

"One woman will never be enough. It was never enough in the past, and it won't be enough in the

future. You'll always want more than what she can give."

Emma's head tilted back, and her mouth brushed against Josiah's. Her lips parted, the kiss

dramatic and deepening until Josiah's senses were crammed to overflowing with Emma: the smell

of her, the taste of her, the feel of her. David was saying something, but he couldn't follow the

words to make sense of what was being said. Her hand was in his hair now, shattering the last of

Josiah's concentration.

"Come to bed," she whispered. He grinned, knowing those words would only be said to him, and

to no one else. "Josiah." She breathed his name-- nothing more-- and his heart hammered like an

anvil in his chest.

"Where did you find her?" asked Three Guns, in obvious admiration.

Josiah sucked in a breath of cold air. "Sorry, but my wife is ending yer visit. Maybe tomorrow--"

Josiah's breath caught as Emma moved her hand to the back of his neck for another kiss. "This is

goodbye, men." Josiah dropped his mouth over hers, and didn't come up for air until her passion

had been soundly answered. With a free hand he pulled Emma's blanket shawl over their heads

and soon had the satisfaction of hearing David and Three Guns leave.

"Yer quite a woman, Emma," he breathed into the intimate darkness. "Thanks fer saving me."

They could not be alone, but Josiah and Emma enjoyed quiet kisses and more than one secret

caress that night. They cuddled by the fire, happy in each other's arms, content to let the world

think what they wanted of two people half hidden under a blanket.

To anyone who cared to pause and watch them in the firelight, only a few moments of

observation were needed to realize the reality of Josiah and Emma's happiness.

It was plainly evident they were terribly in love.

"Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?"

~ Song of Solomon 8:5 ~

"My undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare

her. The [trappers] saw her, and blessed her; yea... they praised her."