June 9, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked through Tombstone doing the rounds this afternoon and found Joe sitting on the platform of a house near the fort. “Hey there!” 

“Hello Trin, welcome to my abode!” Joe looked over at me. 

“Well this is coming along!” I looked around at the construction. 

“Slowly,” he nodded. “The front will face the mountains.” 

“That’s perfect. Good view. Hopefully you’ll be safe out here.”

“Well you can protect me.” 

“I can do that. Leg’s starting to heal now. I hibernated this weekend.’

“Sensible girl. Sit down, make yourself at home,” he said and I sat down on the wood with him. 

“Have missed you.” 

“Have you?” he looked at me. 

“Mmhmm. Was kind of hoping that you were gonna come and make me feel better but I never saw ya.”

“Well I thought you were under doctor’s orders. I did pass through several times.” 

“Yeah I was... to stay in Diamond only though. You can tell Alex I behaved when you see him,” I chuckled. 

“Yes I’ll tell him he was in bed all weekend.” 

“Mmhmm. Pretty much. Feels good to get out and back to normal again.”

“Well hopefully by end of say will have the roof structure done then the fireplace.” 

“Gonna have a fireplace?” I smiled. 

“Aye, fire inside and outside for my chemicals.” 

“Ah gotcha. I love fireplaces.”

“Then I guess will have to make the furniture,” Joe nodded with a mischievous grin. 

“Going to keep you busy for a while,” I smiled. 

“Which means I will need relaxing afterwards,” he smiled. “Know somebody who can help me there?” 

“Oh I think I can help you with that. Well we’ll have to test the furniture to make sure it’s um... durable and comfortable, won’t we?” I winked playfully. 

“You will have to help with that,” he nodded. 

“I sure did miss you,” I blushed. 

“Well you can visit me here anytime. Need somebody to make the place look habitable.” 

“That’s the only reason huh?” I chuckled. 

“Your good company for an old grump like me,” he shook his head. 

“Aw you ain’t old,” I nudged his foot with mine. 

“Well hon that’s ‘cause you’ve been out here workin’ all day. I was the one limpin’ around with a cane all weekend.”

“True and now I am bent over double. How are you with massages?” Joe teased and I laughed. “Now need to get some stone to build the fireplace and chimney,” he grumbled, “But that will be tomorrow.” 

“Mmhmm don’t push yourself there darlin’.”

“True. Think I’ll just curl up and have a small snooze here.” 

“Might have to join you...” I nudged closer and leaned my head against his shoulder as we both fell asleep under the hot Arizona sun.