June 13, 1900

Black Diamond. 

This afternoon I found a spot on a branch of the tree in front of Aly’s house and thought about the wedding that would be happening tonight. So much had happened in the past year and I reflected on when I’d met Alex and our relationship. It was obvious that we were better off as best friends and that the romantic part of our relationship hadn’t worked out for many reasons. I still couldn’t help but wonder why everyone else seemed to find it so easily to get married when I was left alone sitting in a tree. I couldn’t remember the last time the three of us had sat together in the tree. I hoped that the marriage wouldn’t change everything and that I wouldn’t be left in the dust with them spending more time together, as it had felt lately. 

In the distance, a figure entered the town and as the man came closer I recognized Joe. “Hey Joe!” I climbed down the tree to greet him. 

“How the other half lives,” he chuckled as he looked at me. 

“Other half?” I smiled. 

“Hello there,” he said and I could see the exhaustion in his eyes as he laughed. “Yes, those that rest and those that work.” 

“You look exhausted. Taking a break from building hon?” I chuckled and went to hug him. 

“Aye, well at least I have walls and a roof now.” 

“That’s a good thing. And a door?” 

“Yes have a door and a fire... but have got distracted with a balloon,” he laughed a little. 

“A balloon?” I laughed. 

“Yes,” he chuckled. “There would appear to be a ballon competition and looking to modify a coffin.” 

“Here we go again,” I chuckled. “I recall them doing that last year as well. Back when the Blackbird gang was more around.”

“Well I built one years ago so probably will do it again... and a coffin is appropriate.” 

“Yes, a coffin is very appropriate. Glad one of us is keeping busy...”

“Well no graves so little choice, really. Need to keep myself amused.” 

“Mmhmm. I’m kind of low on cases too. Only ones that are around require law to be here and well as you can see that’s not so much happening a lot.”

“Have only seen yourself and Miss Lil today... but no cases is good. Means you can relax.” 

“Gets awfully quiet and boring... Alex and Aly’s wedding is tonight. I’m trying to psyche myself up for it but it feels strange... but I’m happy for them. I just hate weddings.”

“That’s two of us,” he laughed. “But enjoy if you can.” 

“I’m going to be Alex’s best man. We were romantic for a time but realized we’re better off as close friends.”

“Sure seems to be a lot of weddings in Tombstone,” he laughed. 

“No kidding... And I usually don’t go but... I couldn’t not be at this one. I mean it’s my two best friends.”

“That’s true, you have to make the effort.” 

“So I’m trying to look positively on the whole thing. So much has happened in the past year and I never thought that I would be going to Alex’s wedding, much less standing up beside him as his best man.”

“Me, I can be unsociable,” he grinned and tilted his head to look at me. “And why is that, Trin? What’s happened?”

“Well just how much has changed really. It’s not how I thought my life would turn out... being here alone while everyone else is off and married.”

“Been married and yes, you never know how things will turn out and develop. You never know the next bullet could have your name on it.” 

“Very true... in more ways than one,” I nodded. “Do you think you’d ever get married again?”

“I have no idea,” he shrugged. “So many marriages here last a few months.” 

“You’re right... I like to think my best friends will be happy though...”

“True,” he paused. “So when is the big day and time then.” 

“Tonight... at six.”

“Well I am afraid I’ll be in the land of nod.” 

“I figured as much but I wanted to try anyway... I do enjoy your company, Joe.”

“I enjoy my company too,” he laughed and I shook my head at him. “You will have to get used to my jokes,” he smiled. 

“Used to your jokes? Yeah... I hope I do. That means I’ll get used to your company too, hmm?”

“Well that can take some getting used to,” he nodded. 

“So... do you want to get a drink or something? Maybe dance a little? I did enjoy being in your arms...”

“Sure, lead on.” 

I led the way into the saloon and looked at him, “Care to dance, hon?”

“Sure,” he said and took my hand. We danced around the saloon and enjoyed the moment together. 

“So we always seem to dance here when it’s quiet,” he laughed. 

“Yes it’s often quiet.... but is there any better way to spend one’s time than in the arms of someone you’re starting to care a lot about?”

“That’s true... even if he smells of embalming fluid.” 

“I’ve learned to live with your profession, darling.”

“Yes, but more worrying what happened to the other undertaker,” he teased. 

“What other undertaker,” I winked, wanting to show him I wasn’t worried about where James had disappeared to. 

“I may need my own coffin then,” he gulped. 

“I’m not thinking about the other undertaker, Joe.... I’m thinking about you.”

“I should hope so too,” he smacked my bottom and held me closer, “So let’s enjoy a little dance then.” 

We danced for a while and then he went back to work.