July 14, 1869

Amiville. 

The next day I sat in the saloon, working on the book about Dutch. I hadn’t seen him in a couple of days and the distance was making it harder to hide my growing feelings for him. It was in the time apart that I thought about him, and wondered if my feelings could ever be reciprocated. 

People came in and out of the saloon but I didn’t engage in much of the conversation. I focused solely on finding the key that would unlock the mystery of who wanted Dutch Solo killed. 

That evening there were two Natives in the saloon talking about me and calling me names. When I confronted them about how a similar accusation had been made earlier by another Native, they said that it must have been their cousin Gosh’tleesh. I told them to stop calling me a flirt and they apologized before heading home. 

I stayed in the saloon and talked with Mel and Kitty while we drank whiskey. “You’re waiting for Dutch?” Mel eventually asked. 

“For some reason,” I winked. 

“You know why he disappeared?” 

“Ya mean where he was when we all... when everyone thought he was dead?” She nodded and I said, “I think I do. Question that remains is why. Hoping he’ll clear it up tonight.” 

“Yes... too... weird,” Mel nodded. 

“I don’t know how much he wants me to tell people so I best keep it to myself ‘till it all gets cleared up I s’pose.” 

“And how about that baby story? Is it true?” 

“Don’t know, but I’m thinkin’ Bravo played me for a fool, about everything,” I sighed. 

“Can be,” Mel nodded. “One mistake that women can do... is trust.” 

“Don’t I know it,” I chuckled. 

As Mel refilled my drink, Bravo walked into the saloon and ordered a tequila. I stayed quiet, not wanting to talk to him, and sighed with relief when Dutch soon walked in. 

“Well if’n it ain’ Miss Trin,” Bravo observed while Dutch greeted Mel and another woman who came in after him. “What ya bein’ so quiet for?” Bravo asked me eventually. 

“Ya know what ya did,” I looked away from him. 

“Um.... no I don’t.” 

“Dutch, it’s good to see you,” I greeted him, turning my attention from Bravo. 

“Hi babes,” he greeted me with a smile as Bravo left the saloon. 

“Hi...” I smiled. “Dutch, after your drink, care for a dance?” 

“Sure Trin,” he nodded. 

Josh walked into the saloon then and I went over to greet him and stand beside Dutch. I asked how Gaide was and they said he was still in jail. We moved to the dance floor where Josh and Rosaline danced beside me and Dutch. 

“So how’s the book coming?” Dutch gazed in my eyes as we danced. 

“You know how the book’s coming,” I replied. “I need an ending.” 

Dutch continued to talk with Rosaline and Josh and then out of nowhere, he leaned forward and kissed me. I leaned into that first kiss, letting its magic overwhelm me. Before I could catch my breath from that first kiss, he kissed me again. I didn’t lean into the kiss as much while they continued to banter together. I still felt as though I wanted more time alone with him for these kinds of intimate moments. 

“Dutch, I’ve been goin’ through everything,” I said eventually, keeping the discussion on the book. “Readin’ over my notes from conversations with people... None of it makes sense.” 

“I’m willing to bet an angry husband shot Justin,” Dutch sighed. 

“Because of you,” I nodded, thinking it made sense. “They thought he was you... so you must’ve been messin’ around with someone.” 

“I have a bad average of stealin’ love that ain’t mine, to be perfectly honest,” Dutch admitted. 

“I’ve heard,” I nodded. 

“Mmhmm,” Josh couldn’t hlp but agree and he received a stare from his brother. 

“I just went over the conversation with Bravo... that awful day...” I sighed. 

“Bravo,” he chuckled. “My dearest friend.” 

I nodded and thought ‘if he only knew...’ He kissed me again and I kissed him back, thinking how he’d never kissed me like this before this night. We listened as Rosaline told Josh her story and I smiled when she mentioned being adopted by my close friend, Sayler. 

“So Dutch...” I said, looking at him. 

“Yes...?” 

“I guess this all comes down to one question...” 

“Ask away.” 

“What now?” 

“If I have an answer you’ll get it,” Dutch sighed. “Tomorrow is next, plain and simple. If I make it there then we take steps further.” 

“You’re a marked man, Dutch...” I shook my head. “I’m just not so sure if I should...” 

“I’m wanted dead by someone. Maybe it’s Josh,” he joked. “I know we argued as young men... daily.” When I give him a look to take this seriously he said, “I do not intend to make jest of you, darlin’. I very much respect you.” 

I smiled as he pulled me into him and said finally, “Somehow I knew you’d always be the one to find me, Dutch. I was lookin’ for you but...” 

We continued to dance as Peep, Tristan and Chels walked into the saloon. I thought of how much had changed since I had started this journey. At one point, I had thought that all three of these who’d walked into had wanted to kill the man I was now dancing with. I began to realize that this was bigger than any of us had ever anticipated. 

We danced a while and then I asked if Dutch could walk me home and he led me out to my cabin. We stood on the doorstep and I looked at him. He looked back and asked, “May I kiss you?” 

“I want to invite you in but...” I hesitated, not wanting to rush things. “Perhaps we should just kiss goodnight this time?” 

He leaned in and kissed me passionately and my heart beat faster, feeling the intensity. I took a deep breath and leaned my forehead against his and he whispered, “Let us make no mistakes with us. It must be done right. I love you,” he muttered then, making me swallow hard. 

He started to run away but I pulled him back, kissing him hard as the sun set in the distance. “Give me time, darling,” I whispered before I kissed him again. I took one more look at him before heading inside.