Violations and Vows by KlingonCat

It had been a long, rough month since the seven had returned to Four Corners after escorting the wagon train out to their new land. But for some of the seven it had been particularly trying.

Chris Larabee had realized, during that excursion, just how much...or rather how little, he actually felt for Mary Travis. He had been surprised to find himself rooting for the widower Gerard and hoping that the nosy, demanding widow would accept his proposal.

But what really surprised him was his discovery of how strong his feelings for another person were.

That what he felt for Vin Tanner was so much more than just friendship.

It was, he reasoned, when Tanner rode off with the woman, Charlotte, that his feelings for the man had risen up from that hidden place inside and screamed that he was about to lose the one person he needed...the person he loved.

His relief when the Texan returned the next day was tempered by his realization that, despite his own feelings for Vin, he had no idea how Tanner felt about him - whether Vin would even consider entering into a relationship with a man. He now knew, without question, that Tanner was attracted to women. Why else would he have ridden off with Charlotte?

When Mary had decided not to marry Gerard, Chris had felt a knot tighten in his gut. He was pretty sure that she was refusing Gerard because she hoped that he would court and eventually marry her -something that he had no intention of doing. Sure, he spent time with Billy. He was a fatherless boy and Chris was the kind of man who would take him under his wing...but he had no desire to be the boy's father.

Meanwhile, Vin Tanner watched. He watched as they led the wagon train, watched as Mary stayed close to Chris, watched while she practically begged him to stop her from marrying Gerard. And watched as Chris seemed to be giving her some encouragement.

At least that was how it looked to Vin as he rode in and out, spending only small amounts of time with the rest as he scouted ahead for the best route.

Then Charlotte had started to flirt with him... and, feeling frustrated with Chris and his attention to Mary, he had played along.

Why on earth had he thought that it would make Chris jealous...that it would make the gunfighter him want him. Hoping that Chris would want him was like wishing he could clear his name...just one more unobtainable goal.

So when Charlotte followed him and wanted to run off...away from her husband and from the territory, Vin thought, maybe...maybe it would be best if he left. Because he sure didn't want to stay here and watch as Chris and Mary fell in love and got married.

That was something that his heart just couldn't take...because he loved Chris more than he ever thought he could love anything.

Now they were back in town and, after Chris's curt dismissal on the ride back, Vin wasn't sure that he should, or could, stand to stay in the same town with him.

Maybe it was time to move on. But before he could make plans and head out, things changed.

Vin noticed that Chris started to stay clear for the widow Travis -refusing her offers for dinner, avoiding her on the street, and sidestepping her when she approached.

Maybe he'd been mistaken.

Maybe Chris didn't want a relationship with the pretty, but annoying woman.

Chris had also watched Vin as they returned to Four Corners. First, because he wasn't so sure that Vin was fine after he had fallen down the hillside when a stick of dynamite had exploded practically on top of him. Second, because he needed to figure out just what he was feeling for the man. He needed to know if Vin had really been in love with Charlotte when he had run off with her, or if she had just used Vin's innate kindness to make her husband notice her again.

For the past few days since their return, it had become obvious that Vin was upset...restless, and Chris was afraid that he was about to move on...for good.

His fear of the latter was what finally got him to make his move.

Now, after an extremely awkward, but ultimately rewarding weekend at his cabin, he and Vin were together, and suddenly everything was right with the world.

Well, everything except for the fact that Mary Travis was practically throwing herself at him, much to his consternation -- especially when Buck kept nudging him and urging him to go pluck the lovely flower.

Now as the big ladies' man once more pushed him at the newspaper woman he decided that he'd had enough of Buck's meddling. He glared at his old friend and finally growled at him. "If you're so attracted to the widow...why don't YOU court her."

Buck looked shocked at Chris's suggestion. "You know that I ain't the settlin' down sort...and that widow is looking to settle down...besides, it's you that she wants."

"Too bad, cause I don't want her," Chris rasped back, tired of everyone assuming that just because he was a widower and she was a widow, that they should get married and raise up a brood.

Buck stared at his friend. "You don't want her?"

The glare deepened. "That's what I said."

"Well shoot, Chris, all ya had to say was that you weren't interested."

"That's what I said, now leave it alone, Buck," Chris replied, then turned, crushed his cheroot out under his boot heel and walked away, thankful when the well meaning but overly nosy ladies' man didn't follow.

Where he was going...who he was going to see, needed no witnesses.

He slipped into the livery, knowing that he was a few minutes early for his rendezvous with Vin, but he wanted some time alone to savor the upcoming tryst.

He pulled the door shut and turned to find Vin beside him.

"Damn, Vin," Chris gasped, "you nearly scared the shit out of me...what are you doing here so early?"

"Could ask you the same thing," Vin replied as he moved closer, backing the slightly taller man up against the closed doors. He reached up and ran a calloused hand along Chris's jaw before moving in to take his lips in a deep, wet kiss.

"Mmmmp," Chris attempted to reply, before melting into the embrace.

They writhed against each other for a few minutes before Vin pulled back.

"Got Pony and Peso tacked up." His voice a soft whispered rasp. "Let's get outta here before some nosy cowboy catches us."

Chris grunted his agreement, shifting as he straightened, trying to get his too tight pants adjusted so he could mount and ride a horse...instead of Vin.

Vin watched his struggle and smirked at Chris's discomfort. "That's what ya get for wearing them jeans two sizes too small." He ignored the glare and easliy slipped past leading Peso outside and mounting.

"Ya coming?" he called back into the livery.

"Apparently not yet," came the grumbled reply as Chris led Pony outside.

They had already told Buck and the others that they would be working on Chris's corral the next day and wouldn't be back until Friday...in time for the big town party and dance. Neither man wanted to attend, but were expected to be there since the entire town would be celebrating their Founder's Day event.

Both men were feeling smug and sated as they rode into town early Friday afternoon.

They found the entire hamlet abuzz with excitement, the weekend would be filled with special Founder's Day events, starting with the big dance that evening. A large area had been cleared of any debris and marked off as the main dance floor. Tables erected to one side were already being filled with food and drinks, and every local musician had been conscripted into the band that would provide the music.

The children were bursting with excitement, laughing and chasing as they helped the ladies set up the adjoining area for the younger set.

Vin watched as Mary ran up to Chris, scolding him for arriving so late. She had planned for him to assist in the set up and decorating for the dance. He couldn't help the shiver of fear and jealousy that ran up his spine as he saw her latch onto his lover to lead him away with her.

Vin's fears were allayed when Chris stopped, refusing to be led, lifted her hand from his arm and informed her that it was not his job to set up decorations for a dance. He turned, winking at Vin as he walked away from the open-mouthed woman.

Chris knew that despite their deepening relationship, Vin was still afraid that he would leave him for the widow, and so he had made a vow to himself that he would prove to the younger man that he already had exactly what...who he wanted.

What Chris couldn't see was the stubborn, determined look that came over the widow's face as he walked away, but Vin knew, at that moment, that Mary was not about to give up on her dream to get Chris Larabee to the altar and into her bed.

The night was beautiful, warm with a cool breeze, the lanterns and bonfires creating a festive atmosphere. The music enthuiastic, if not always on key, the dance floor crowded with the town's men and women all outfitted in their fanciest garb. It was mid-evening, the party still going strong, when Mary approached Chris for the third time. He had politely refused to dance earlier but now, with Judge Travis looking on, he decided that he would have to take her out on the floor for one obligatory dance. He glanced over at Vin who nodded, seeming to understand that another refusal would only cause problems. Chris knew that he and Vin would be leaving the party soon anyway, so he sighed and took Mary's hand, leading her out into the dance.

It was apparant to Chris that Mary must have had several cups of the punch that some over-enthusiastic partier had spiked. The contaminated bowls had been dumped and refilled with fresh juice, but not before many of the attendees had consumed a fair amount. The alcohol had loosened her inhibitions and Chris found that he had a real challenge keeping her hands in appropriate places as they danced. He tried to simply remove the offending appendages as politely as possible, and continued to dance as if nothing untoward was occuring, but by the time the dance ended he was literally peeling the clinging woman from his body. He turned and practically ran from the dance floor as the music ended.

It didn't help to find Vin sitting on the sidelines snickering at his predicament.

"Let's get out of here before she comes back," Chris whispered as he reached Vin's side.

"You afraid of one little ol' widow?" Vin asked as innocently as he could while trying to hold in his laughter.

Chris just glared, grabbed Vin's sleeve, grateful for the darkeness where they stood off to the side, and dragged the smug man away from the party.

"You ain't much of a party boy, Larabee," Vin commented as they headed down the street.

"Not true, Tanner...I love to party...and I'm gonna show you just how much as soon as we get somewhere private," Chris answered in a quiet rasp as they hurried towards the boarding house.

"Not worried about someone seein' us together?" Vin drawled as he was pulled along.

"Not tonight...too many folks, too much to drink, hell, even Mary was plastered. Who's gonna notice." Chris responded with a grin.

"Think you're right," Vin whispered as he noticed another couple in a passionate embrace on the boardwalk. "Looks like most of 'em are pretty busy."

They reached the boarding house and split up, Chris heading in the front while Vin headed down the alley towards his wagon. Once he was sure no one was around, he cut behind the boarding house and headed up the back staircase, slipping into the hall, then into room 7.

Chris was there waiting, his gunbelt already hanging on the bedpost, boots off and shirt unbuttoned.

"Gettin' started without me, Cowboy?" Vin drawled with a grin.

"Nah...just getting comfortable."

"Be kinda hard..." Vin commented as he indicated the front of Chris's overfull, overtight pants. "That can't be very comfortable."

Chris grinned, looked down at the straining denim and then back into the flushed face of his lover. "Thought maybe you could help me...get comfortable."

"That might not been such a good plan, Larabee..." Vin whispered as he moved closer and stroked the denim covered hardness. "Seems to me that yer problem's gotten even worse since I got here."

Chris growled, grabbing Vin and pulling him against him and grinding his groin against Vin's. "Seems to me that you are about to get a mite uncomfortable yourself," he snarled before he pushed back, forcing Vin against, and then onto the bed.

"How about we work together and solve both our problems," Chris purred against Vin's ear as he nuzzled through the soft, silky hair.

"Ummm..." Vin breathed as Chris's tongue laved his ear then left a moist trail down his neck and began to nuzzle into the top of the still buttoned shirt Vin wore.

They shuffled a bit, hands grabbing at buttons as they both wiggled out of shirts, slid longjohns down and reached for the buttons on their pants. Vin's pulled off easily, but Chris's needed to be peeled off, the bulging erection and sweat causing the heavy material to cling.

They spent a few more minutes wrestling with clothes, Chris's snarling causing Vin to snicker, which in turn caused Chris to chuckle.

Then they were naked.

The small room was dimly lit by the small lantern on the dresser, bodies limned by the flames. They stayed still for a minute, just looking each other over. They had spent a number of nights together but this was still very new. Until now, most nights found them so desperate to touch that they hadn't stopped to simply look and appreciate each other...tonight was only a little different.

As much as they liked what they saw, neither man was willing to wait more than a moment.

This time Chris moved first, flipping Vin down onto the bed and kneeling over him, he continued his earlier attack, lapping down the sparsely haired chest, his tongue making detours to nuzzle first one then the other small nipple before returning to follow the line of hair that led down the lean, tightly muscled chest.

Vin was in heaven...and hell, as Chris's tongue made its way down his chest. His hips bucked, but Larabee grabbed him, holding him still as he feasted on his concave stomach, delving into the small depression at his navel.

Vin groaned softly, biting his lip to keep himself from crying out -the privacy of Chris's cabin traded for the convenience of a room in town causing its own restraints.

It was almost too much when the sweet lips opened up and took his heat inside, swallowing him deeply. He bucked harder, hands fisted in the blanket as he gave up his seed to Chris.

Chris smiled as he crawled back up to kiss his still reeling lover, he loved the dreamy expression on Vin's face as he floated in the aftermath of orgasm.

Minutes later the blue eyes refocused and a blinding smile followed. They cuddled for a few minutes before the hardness of Chris's cock against Vin's groin demanded attention. He looked up into Chris's eyes, no words needed to convey his need, his surrender...this was something Chris had wanted from the first, but had waited for, knowing that he could wait until Vin was ready.

"You sure?"

"Yeah...I want to feel you." Vin knew that the day would come that he would be the one to take Chris, but today...tonight, he was ready, even eager, if still a bit nervous.

Chris leaned over to pull a small tin of salve from the dresser. "I think this will help."

They took a few minutes figuring out some of the dynamics, then after a few false starts, Chris pushed inside.

Vin gasped, tensing, then remembered to breathe. It burned and ached like nothing he'd ever felt. Chris stopped, knowing that Vin was hurting.

"Maybe we should wait."

Vin took a breath, almost ready to agree, then the pain eased. "No...it's getting better..." He took another breath and suddenly the pain was gone, replaced by a fullness that didn't feel bad at all. Chris moved slightly, changing the angle of his penetration as he did so.

"It feels...better...aaah...feels...goood..."

Chris moved again, slowly in as far as he could, then back until he was almost out before moving back in.

"God...Chris, it feels...amazing." Vin pushed back against Chris's hardness, taking him all the way in.

Now Chris gasped.

Then they were moving, slowly at first but faster as they rocked against each other, frantic now, their thrusts becoming urgent and demanding.

They didn't last long, the intensity of the sensations too much. When Chris reached over to take Vin's rehardened shaft in his fist and began to pump in time with their thrusts, it was all over. Vin stiffened and came for a second time, clenching his internal muscles as he did, sending Chris over the edge, pumping his seed deeply inside Vin's willing body, and finally, they collapsed into a heap on the bed.

Exhausted, sated and smiling as they drifted off to sleep.

Back at the dance the music played on - the punch, somehow once again spiked, and the citizens having a very rowdy Founders' Day dance. The Judge retired to the hotel around midnight despite the fact that Mary refused to let him walk her home. He could tell that she had imbibed a bit too much punch, but rather than be an "overprotective" father-in-law, he left after asking Nathan and Buck to keep an eye on her.

Nathan and Rain had left around one, so at two, when the festivities finally wound down, it was up to Buck to see that she got home.

Unfortunately this was a case of the blind leading the blind since both were more than a bit drunk. Buck was somewhat amused to see the normally straight-laced widow so uninhibited, and being Buck, was flattered when she clung to him as they headed down the deserted street.

Mary was reeling, the night had been wonderful...and miserable. She had danced and partied and had fun, but could only get Chris out on the floor for one dance, and had hardly seen him the rest of the evening, not at all after their dance. On the other hand she felt just fine, in fact, she couldn't remember when she had felt this good. Now she was walking down the street with a big handsome man who seemed to enjoying her company and she was finding herself getting a bit excited. His arm around her waist felt good...it had been way too long since anyone had touched her like that.

They arrived at the house which was empty since Billy was spending the night with the Potter children, and so when Buck came in with her she wasn't concerned...in fact she was feeling quite pleased.

Saturday morning 7 am

Vin woke as the sunlight crept through the crack between the curtains, he stretched lazily, but knew he had to leave soon before anyone was up and around to see him leaving the boarding house. He spent a few minutes just savoring the feeling of waking beside his lover. Chris was snoring softly beside him, his dark golden hair falling down over his left eye, the smell of sweat and sex mingling to send a shiver of desire up Vin's spine. He sighed, wishing he could stay snuggled against his lover like they had at the cabin. Knowing it was a futile wish, he eased himself off the side of the bed, dressed quietly, leaned over to plant soft kisses on Chris's eyelids and slipped out of the room.

Billy ate breakfast with Gloria Potter and her children. Her son, Andrew, was almost the same age as he, so after they ate the two boys headed out together planning to enjoy the day's various special activities for the children. Both were looking forward to the sack races and other games later in the afternoon. They ran down the street playing gunslingers and other games as they went, when they reached the newspaper office he was surprised to find that it wasn't open yet. They ran around to back and entered the small house where he and Mary lived. The fire was out and his mother was not in sight. Deciding that she must have gone out for the celebration, the boys ran upstairs to get Billy's slingshot.

As they walked down the hall they heard a soft groan coming from Mary's bedroom. Not knowing what to expect the two boys tiptoed over to the door and peeked in.

There in his mother's bed...with his mother...was Buck Wilmington.

Billy was shocked. The two adults were asleep, wrapped up in each other's arms, their clothes strewn all over around the room. Bare arms and shoulders showed where the covers were pushed back.

He heard Andrew gasp beside him and turned to his friend, finger over his lips.

"Shhh, don't wake them up," Billy whispered, not knowing what to think about his discovery.

The two boys hurried back downstairs and outside.

"Does that mean that Buck is gonna be your dad?" Andrew asked, wide-eyed. The big ladie's man was one of the town's reknowned peacekeepers and therefore a bit of a hero to the town's children.

"I don't know...I thought Mom and Chris were gonna get married some day," Billy ventured, unsure about what kind of dad Buck would be. He liked both men, but Chris was the one who took him fishing and showed him how to carve animals out of wood.

They headed down the street and soon became sidetracked as they watched a traveling acting troop as they set up for the afternoon's performance.

A little while later there was a loud groan in the bedroom where Mary and Buck slept. A groan that signaled a return to awareness, an awareness of a pounding headache and then, as Buck opened his eyes, another groan, as he saw who was sleeping beside him.

Jesus, God...he was in bed with Mary Travis! He looked down at himself, knowing by his nakedness...and by hers, that this was no innocent drunken sleep -- they had made love.

Despite his shock at waking up in Mary's bed, Buck couldn't resist taking a quick peek beneath the covers at his bedmate, what he saw sent a jolt straight to his groin. The soft curves and tender flesh were as delectable as any that he had shared a bed with...too bad she was such a prude...and stuck on one Chris Larabee, who, Buck mused, would be a fool to let this one get away.

His left arm was underneath her head and he could tell by the way she was getting restless that she was about to wake up...something that he was beginning to dread. He tried to ease his arm out without waking her and had it mostly free when he heard the sharp intake of breath and looked up into her shocked gray eyes.

Mary stared for a moment...not sure yet if this was some sort of bad dream or nightmare...Buck Wilmington...in her bed. She looked at him, and could see that he wore no clothes, then, as that registered, she looked down at herself.

She and Buck.

Naked...together...in her bed.

Oh, Lord. She had slept with...had sex with him, she realized as she felt that once familiar ache between her legs.

NO...this couldn't be happening.

Her stomach turned, a result of shock and, most likely, from the leftover alcohol in her system. She realized as she assessed her condition...she had been drunk.

She stared a moment more, then pulled away, grabbing the blanket as she backed away from the equally surprised man in her bed.

"I..."

"Ma'am..." Buck swallowed before continuing, "Lord, I'm sorry, Mary...I don't know what came over me...us.."

"Us?" Mary gasped. "What came over me was an immoral man taking advantage of a decent woman..."

Buck grimaced but also remembered how she had clung to him, hands roving where a decent woman's hands just didn't go.

"If I remember correctly...I wasn't the only one participating here last night..." He turned so she could see the marks she had left on his back...marks that suggested she was pulling him in...rather than pushing him away.

"Look, I understand how this could be embarrassing...so why don't I just slip out of here and we both pretend that it never happened?"

Mary stared at him, considered her options, and decided that it was the best one available to her. She nodded, stomach still churning, her voice failing her for once.

Buck slipped out of the bed, gathered up his clothing, and dressed quickly while Mary sat up against the headboard and wondered how she would ever look the ladies' man in the face again. When he was dressed, he slipped out of the room, down the stairs and, after checking out the window to be sure no one was near, slid out the door and down the alley.

Billy and Andrew played hard all morning and when lunchtime came they both headed for the Potter house.

"Well hello, Billy," Mrs. Potter greeted him, as he followed Andrew into their kitchen. "I didn't expect to see you back so soon, would you like to join us for lunch?"

Billy opened his mouth to reply but before a word came out, Andrew had interrupted. "Mom...Mr. Wilmington was in bed with Billy's mom this morning!"

Mrs. Potter looked stunned as her son blurted out their discovery.

"Andrew!" She scolded. "Whatever you saw...or think you saw, it is something that polite people do not discuss...you will never say a word of this to anyone...do you understand me?"

"But Mom..." Andrew began, feeling unjustly scolded for simply telling her what they had seen.

"That's enough, young man, not another word about this to anyone. And that goes for you, too, Billy."

"Yes, Ma'am." The two boys replied in unison.

Chris and Vin were sitting out in front of the saloon drinking coffee when Buck came around the corner. Both men smiled as they noticed how pale the mustached man's face was this morning.

"Looks like someone had a busy night..." Chris observed. For all of Buck's carousing he rarely looked anything but well rested and ready to take on the world the next day. Today though, he looked like he'd been through the wringer.

"Must 'a been a wild one, Buck," Vin declared. "Either that or you're getting out of shape...you look about done in."

Buck groaned, looking down at the boardwalk...how on earth was he going to pull this off...one look and both Chris and Vin knew something was up.

"Must have been someone new..." Chris surmised, seeing Buck's face flush with embarrassment.

Buck was confused, tired and extremely hung over...and they were getting a bit too close to figuring out something was up...Buck snapped.

"Enough...it's none of your damn business," he declared and turned and left.

Vin and Chris looked at each other and smiled, both thinking the same thing - someone...namely Buck, seemed to have gotten up on the wrong side of the wrong person's bed this morning.

"I'd like to have been a fly on THAT wall," Vin breathed and he sat back to finish his coffee.

Founder's Day was over, the weeks passed, and life in Four Corners went on, with no one the wiser about Vin and Chris's relationship, or, about other events of that drunken Friday night.

As summer set in, Buck could have sworn that he'd caught Billy and his friend Andrew giving him odd looks as he went about his usual routines. But, as the weeks passed, he decided it must have been his imagination fueled by his sense of guilt about the incident.

Vin and Chris were spending a lot of time out at the cabin, at first they simply stated that they were working on fixing up the house and outbuildings, then working on the corral. Finally, in part to mislead any suspicions, they bought a few mares and one really magnificent stallion and began raising horses. If anyone thought twice about the amount of time the two men were spending there, no one said anything. Buck, for one, was very happy to see Chris resume his earlier plans for a horse ranch, and if Vin was there to help him, all the better.

September came and went smoothly but October was another matter. It was almost six months since the Founder's Day celebration.

Mary found herself feeling a bit off during the past couple of months,which she had attributed to the long hot summer, and to being very busy at the newspaper. The town was growing, and more and more businesses were paying for advertising in her paper. It was this busy schedule that was also the reason why she hadn't really noticed that her monthy cycle had been absent...that is, until the morning that she realized that the town wasn't the only thing growing.

She was pregnant.

Mary Travis, a widow...no, not just a widow, a respectable woman who was the daughter-in-law of the territorial judge, was expecting a child...outside of wedlock. And on top of all that, the only person who could possibly be the father was the womanizer, Buck Wilmington.

Not the man she had been planning to marry.

She sat in her kitchen thinking about her options. She couldn't picture the big ladies' man being happy settling down with her. And, truth be told, he wasn't her first pick either, even though he was a big, handsome man who really did know how to treat a lady...the problem was he never stuck to just one lady.

On the other hand, she would be very happy to settle down with Chris Larabee. He was the main reason that she had turned down Gerard, only to find that once Gerard, and that opportunity was gone, so, seemingly, was any interest in her on Chris's part, much to her chagrin. She had wanted him almost from the first time she'd seen him, gunfighter or not. And lately he seemed to be starting to settle down some, she'd heard that he had spent a lot of time fixing up his small homestead and was starting to buy a number of horses in order to begin breeding.

Now she just had to get him to marry her.

What if she claimed the baby was his? Could he forgive him for the lie once they were happily settled in with their new family...or would he hate her for the ruse. She could claim that he got drunk after one of the dinners she fixed for him...even though it had been an awfully long time since he'd accepted one of her invitations.

Maybe Buck had told him about their night together...maybe that was why he had been avoiding her all summer.

The more she thought about it, the more frustrated and angry she got. She had passed up a chance to marry Gerard because she wanted Chris...she was damned if she would lose him now. She would at least try to make her dream come true. She wasn't aware that her fluctuating hormones were affecting her ability to reason as she made her plan.

She would do almost anything to marry Chris Larabee...especially now...even if it meant lying to do so.

Vin and Chris had worked out a schedule with the other peacekeepers. They all stayed in town on the weekends since that was when there was a bigger chance of trouble. On Sunday, he and Vin headed out to the cabin to work with the horses and spend time together. While they were out of town, Buck, JD and Ezra took care of most problems and could call upon Nathan or Josiah if need be. When they returned to town on Wednesday morning, they took over for the rest of the week, again having Nathan and Josiah as backup, along with Ezra who was almost always available at the saloon, and with JD and Buck usually being nearby in an emergency. And if they were really needed, a rider could be sent to fetch them at any time.

It was Thursday morning when Mary approached Vin and Chris on the boardwalk as they drank their morning coffee.

"Good morning, Ma,am," Vin greeted as she joined them on the walkway.

"Good morning, Vin." she replied, turning to nod at Chris who hadn't acknowledged her yet. "Chris."

"Morning, Mary." he replied warily, he could tell by her stance that she had something on her mind.

"Would it be possible for me to speak to you for a few minutes...alone?" Mary asked, in a tone that was more demand than question.

Chris was about to respond when Vin stood up.

"You two go ahead, I need to check on Peso," Vin said as he stepped off the boardwalk and headed toward the livery. He had the feeling that he really didn't want to know what she had in mind...and dreaded that he would soon find out. He knew that she still wanted Chris...her desire plain to see on her face every time Chris was near her.

He had barely begun to brush Peso when Chris burst into the livery. Every muscle in his body tight, his eyes set in a glare that was intense enough to worry even Vin...and he usually ignored Larabee's glares completely. Before he could ask what was up Chris smashed his fist into the side of an empty stall.

"That lying bitch!"

"Whoa, Cowboy...what's up?" Vin asked, his stomach tightening as he realized that his worst fears were about to see the light of day.

"She says that she's pregnant..and that it's mine."

"What?"

"You know damn well that I never laid with her...not once, let alone in the past six months..." He hit the stall again.

"So, if it's not yours?"

"I don't know...maybe that fellow Gerard?"

"That was quite a while back...wouldn't she be a mite more...well... big, if it was him?" Vin wondered.

Chris thought back. Yeah, if it had been Gerard, she'd be almost ready to deliver about now.

"Then who?"

"I don't know. Vin, it ain't like I've really been paying any attention to her for the past months...I've had another person keeping me busy." He smiled at his lover.

"You think folks are gonna believe her?" Vin asked, then answered his own question. "For a while there everyone kinda thought you two were gonna get together...even me."

"I don't know, but I do know that I'm NOT gonna be marrying her and raising some other guy's bastard kid."

"Kinda feel sorry fer her, it's gonna be hard when people find out...especially since she's always so worried about being respectable and all," Vin mused, a bit more relaxed after realizing how much Chris didn't want to be with Mary.

"She's gonna make trouble...I don't know how I can prove it's not mine, not unless I can find out whose it is."

"Well, then...that's what we're gonna do." Vin stated confidently.

Mary made her move the next day, walking into the saloon at midday, announcing that Chris had taken advantage of her and that she was now carrying his child.

She further suggested that if he didn't do the right thing she would contact her father-in-law and ask for his assistance.

By mid afternoon the entire town was takling about the scandal.

By late afternoon, Chris had announced, loudly, and within proximity of most of the town, that he had never lain with Mary and had no intentions of marrying her and raising her bastard whelp.

Vin cringed as he heard the things Chris said, and attributed the crudeness to the large amount of alcohol he had consumed during the past few hours.

By early evening Vin and Chris were halfway to the cabin.

"Ya came down on her pretty hard." Vin commented as they rode side by side.

"She's a lying bitch...deserved every word."

Vin sighed. He knew Chris was right but still wished they could have found a way to save Mary's dignity and Chris's both. As it was, nothing was settled...some of the town believed Mary and some believed Chris, now there was nothing they could do except wait to see what would happen.

Although Chris vowed that there was no way that he would EVER wed Mary.

They arrived, took care of Peso and Pony and headed inside. Neither was hungry, the day's tensions robbing them of any want or emotion except frustration.

They shared a bottle of whiskey and were soon locked in a fierce bout of sex that had much more to do with venting frustration than any love and affection. Vin understood that Chris needed to shed some of his anger and not only complied with his actions, but actually worked to spur Chris on.

Vin woke afterwards, stretched carefully, and slid out from beside Chris. The blond was deeply asleep, a combination of too much drink and too much frustration. His body was sore, Chris had used him hard, but there was a deep seated satisfaction that he could be there for his partner when he needed him...and the fact that his own orgasm had been one of the most intense of his life. He would have to find a way to get Larabee that fired up more often.

He headed out to the corral, stopping by the trough to wash off the remains of their lovemaking before pulling his pants back on. It was a warm fall night and he leaned back against the fence to watch the sky. It was an inky canopy dotted by innumerable bright stars, the chirping of the crickets and tree frogs resumed as he stood quietly pondering what the future would bring.

He knew Chris was up when the the chorus stopped abruptly, then he heard him as he padded down the steps, he made no move, simply waiting until the strong arms encircled his waist.

"You okay?" Chris asked, leaning over to nuzzle Vin's neck, licking the dark bruise where he had marked him earlier.

"I'm fine, Chris...you'd never hurt me."

"I was pretty rough."

"Yeah...but so was I...think we both needed it."

"Still..."

"No." Vin stood straighter. "I knew exactly what I was doing...and you didn't do anything I didn't want...so jist let it be."

When Vin heard no response he looked up to see Chris's grin in the bright starlight. He knew that Chris was still worried about what would happen back in town, but he also knew that he would never let anyone hurt Chris.

"Ya know..." Vin started as he leaned against Chris. "We been together nearly every night since before Founder's Day."

"Yeah," Chris agreed, wondering what Vin was getting at, the tone told him that his partner had something up his sleeve.

"Well, iffin' she tries to claim you was in her bed..."

"No."

"Aw, hell, Chris...ya don't even know what I was gonna say."

"I do...and there are some folks who would just as soon string you up if you said anything."

"I guess we could head on out, be a shame after all the work we done here."

"We aren't gonna run...and we aren't gonna tell them why I'm not interested in her. Hell, there aren't that many people it could have been...we just have to figure it out whose kid she's carrying and make HIM marry her."

Vin grinned. "That's all?"

"Yep."

"So, you gonna just ask around kinda sneaky like...oh, say...did you happen to sleep with Mary last spring?"

"Something like that." Chris answered with a glare.

Vin looked into the determined green eyes and nodded. "Yep...that jist might work."

The next day the town was in a total rumor frenzy, everyone buzzing about Mary's assertion and Chris's denial. It was obvious, once a person looked, that she was pregnant, and many of the locals, seeing no reason for her to lie about who was responsible, deduced that she must be telling the truth.

But there was at least one person in town who knew differently.

Mrs. Potter had nearly forgotten about the incident last spring when Andrew and Billy had told her about finding Buck in Mary's bed. And, looking at Mary she realized that the timing fit perfectly. The only question was what would she do with the knowledge.

It was obvious that Mary didn't want to marry Buck, but on the other hand, it was wrong for her to try to force Chris into a marriage that he didn't want, especially if she was carrying Buck's child.

She spent all morning fretting, and finally as she was about to burst, her answer walked in the door...or at least someone who could help her figure it out.

"Good morning, Nettie," Mrs. Potter called as the older woman entered.

"Morning, yourself..." Nettie replied, then she looked her friend in the eye. "What on earth is going on in this town?"

"You heard the talk?"

"How could I miss it?" Nettie mused, shaking her head. She was pretty sure that something wasn't right about the gossip. She knew Chris Larabee, moreover, she knew Vin Tanner, and, if her senses hadn't completely deserted her in her old age, she was pretty darn sure that those two were more than just good friends. So when the rumors said that Chris had assaulted Mary Travis and impregnated her, well, Nettie had her doubts.

"Nettie..." Mrs. Potter began, "I know something about what's going on...and I just don't know what to do about it."

"If it's that Chris Larabee isn't the father of that child...you need to speak up."

"How did you know?"

Nettie smiled and shook her head. "Don't have any proof, but I'm pretty darn sure that he isn't the father."

"Well...I have proof," Mrs Potter paused. "At least that she slept with someone else at about the time we're talking about."

"You know who the real father is?"

"Well, the night of the Founder's Day dance..."

Chris and Vin returned to town the next day. Despite the attention they knew Chris would draw, they needed to be in town in order to figure out who the father was. They ate a late breakfast and were drinking coffee out front when Buck and JD arrived.

JD was nearly jumping out of his boots he was so excited and curious about what was going on. "So, Chris...are you and Mary gonna get hitched?"

Buck realized too late what the kid was about to ask, and groaned as Larabee snapped at the young sheriff.

"No, JD...I ain't gonna get married...and I ain't the father so just shut up."

Buck groaned. He had almost completely forgotten about the morning that he'd woken up in Mary's bed, had, in fact, almost convinced himself that it had just been a drunken fantasy.

And then Mary had turned up pregnant.

And she was blaming Chris.

So, while a part of him felt bad that Chris was getting blamed for his deed, he definitely knew that he didn't want to marry the widow...and Chris and Mary seemed like such a good match, him a widower and all.

The only problem was that Chris wasn't co-operating.

"Well, Chris..." Buck began, drawing the attention away from JD and his ill thought outburst, "she is a good looking woman...and I'll bet she's something else in bed..."

Chris's teeth were clamped so tight that he could barely get a syllable out.

"B-u-c-k...."

"Well she is, Chris...all that silky hair and..."

"S-h-u-t..."

"And she has a nice figure..."

"U-p."

"Well, damn, Chris...you sure you aren't even the tiniest bit tempted...sure ya didn't spend an afternoon or two tucked up--"

"Buck!"

The next thing Buck knew, he was sitting on his ass in the middle of the street and his jaw felt like he'd been kicked by a mule. He lifted his hand to rub his face and was nearly run down by a wagon loaded down with bags of flour and sugar.

He jumped up and out of the way, ending up back on the boardwalk but decided to keep his distance from the others. Chris was still riled up and Vin looked like he was about to pull his mare's leg. Buck had just decided to cut his losses and head inside for a drink when he saw Nettie Wells approaching.

"Afternoon, boys," she greeted as she arrived, smiling at Chris and Vin and sending an odd look towards Buck. "Mind if I have a word with you, Chris...and Vin?"

Vin smiled and tipped his hat. "Anytime, Nettie." He turned to Chris. "Coming?"

Chris nodded, and the three headed across the street.

Buck turned to JD. "Boy I wouldn't want to be Chris about now...she looks like she's on the warpath...musta heard about Mary."

"Yeah..." JD agreed. "Suppose she'll be holding that Spencer of hers at the wedding?"

They both laughed and headed inside for a drink.

After an enlightening discussion with Nettie, Vin and Chris headed over to talk to Mary.

Buck was watching from the saloon as Nettie headed back into Mrs. Potter's store and his two friends headed up the street. He had seen some odd looks cross both men's faces during the conversation and now, as they approached the newspsper office, he decided that Nettie must have insisted that Chris do his duty. The only thing that didn't quite figure in was the fact that Vin was accompanying Chris for what was most likely going to be a very personal conversation. Finally Buck decided that Chris must just need some moral support while he spoke to his soon to be bride. Buck smiled, he truly believed that remarrying and raising a family was just what Chris needed.

As they approached the Clarion office, Vin slowed his pace and turned to Chris. "You sure you want to talk to her right now?"

He almost wished he hadn't asked the question when Chris's reply sounded more like a snarl from a pissed off cougar than human speech.

Vin sighed and resigned himself to witnessing the upcoming confrontation.

It wasn't gonna be pretty.

They entered and found Mary working on the latest issue of the newspaper, surprise evident on her face as she looked up and realized who had just walked in.

"Chris, Vin." She rose and started to walk around the desk.

"Just stay put, Mary," Chris began, "this ain't gonna take long."

She met his eyes and cringed at the rage she saw there. "W..what do you want?"

"I want you to quit lying, Mary. I want you to leave me the hell alone and I want you to marry the man who you slept with...the one who is the father of your child...Buck Wilmington."

"What do you mean, why do you think Buck is the father..."

She was cut off as Chris moved around the desk with lightening speed and took her by the arm..."I know you slept with him last Spring, there are witnesses....and you know as well as I do that you and I have never lain together."

Her face flushed with embarrassment, eyes filling with tears as she realized that her ruse had failed. "How...how could anyone know?"

Chris turned away disgusted, but Vin answered softly, knowing that the answer would further embarrass the widow. "Billy and Andrew saw you the morning after the dance...when they told Mrs. Potter, she told them not to tell anyone. But when you lied about Chris, she told Nettie."

Before Vin could say more, Chris turned back around, his voice hard and sarcastic. "I think that you and Buck will make wonderful parents, and if you keep him on a short leash...he'll be a good husband."

"But I don't love Buck," Mary began, tears now falling down her cheeks.

"Should have thought about that before you climbed into bed with him," Chris stated flatly as he turned and reached for the door, turning back at the last moment. "When do you want the ceremony...soon I should think," he noted, looking pointedly at her widening waistline.

Mary nodded, knowing that her father-in-law would never allow her to remain single while expecting a child. In fact, the always proper gentleman would be extremely disappointed in his son's widow...maybe even to the point of taking his grandson from her if she didn't make an attempt at respectibility. For Billy's sake she would marry Buck Wilmington.

After thinking it through she looked up, realizing that Chris and Vin were leaving. "Will Buck even want to get married?"

Chris smiled a shark's smile..."No more than I did...but he won't really have a choice, will he?"

Then the two men left.

There were arrangements to be made.

Later that afternoon, Chris and Vin met with Josiah, Nathan and Ezra. And, after explaining the situation to them, the three peacekeepers agreed to help with the plan.

It had been all Chris could do not to walk back across the street and beat the hell out of Buck after Nettie had told them the whole sordid story, but the wily old homesteader had caught his attention with an idea that appealed to his devious side.

Buck needed to be taught a lesson about accepting responsibility for his actions. While there were, no doubt, several little Bucklins scattered across the west, most of the women he laid with were either married woman who weren't completely faithful, or fallen women. When he laid with Mary, he had crossed a line.

What bothered Chris more than anything else was that Buck would have let him be railroaded into a loveless marriage when he knew that it was his own child that Mary was carrying.

The upcoming wedding was going to be quite a surprise affair...especially for the groom.

By the next afternoon, everyone in town knew that there was going to be a wedding on Sunday, right after Josiah's weekly service. It would, no doubt, cause his usual small congregation to swell to a recordbreaking size -- especially since most of the town would mistakenly believe that the groom would be the reknowned gunfighter, Chris Larabee. In fact, even the actual groom would think so...at least until shortly before the ceremony.

The Judge had been wired, and he and his wife would arrive on Friday to prepare for the event.

Chris and Vin had walked back to the saloon after the conversation with Mary and approached Buck as he sat at his usual table finishing his lunch.

"So, Buck..." Chris began, "Would you do me the favor of joining the wedding party on Sunday?" Letting the big man jump to his own conclusions.

"Well, congratulations, Chris...it's about time...you want me to be your best man again?"

"Actually, Buck, that job is already taken." Chris continued, "But I want you to have an honored place...will you promise to be there for me?"

Buck assumed that the job of best man had been assigned to Vin, but he really didn't mind...he was just relieved that he was off the hook, and that his oldest friend was finally going to remarry.

"You know I will...and I'll try not to look TOO good...wouldn't want to disappoint the bride and all."

Chris nodded, still wanting to punch the smiling man in the face again, his knuckles still ached from their acquaintance with the solid jaw an hour or so ago, but he restrained himself...Buck's time would come...

"Well, I'd better be going," Chris finished, "got a lot to do before Sunday."

Vin stood quietly at Chris's side while he spoke with Buck, and had to bite his cheek several times during the conversation. He shook his head as they left the saloon, wondering how Chris had kept a straight face. Then realized, that despite his relief at proving his innocence, Chris was still angry with Buck. Vin whistled tunelessly as they headed up the street to make arrangements for the upcoming event.

Saturday afternoon Judge Travis and his wife, Evie arrived on the stage. After a brief stop at their hotel room to get Evie settled in, the Judge came downstairs to have a conference with Chris, Mary, Vin and Josiah. They met in the small dining room that the hotel used for private parties.

Chris was still too angry to speak civilly to Mary and the Judge, so Josiah was elected to explain the situation.

The Judge had received several wires over the past week, the first from Mary that stated that she and Chris were to be wed and, by the way, she was expecting his child.

The second one arrived later the same day and simply stated that the ceremony might be delayed and for the Judge to wait before coming to Four Corners.

The third arrived just as he and Evie were to board the stagecoach on their way to Four Corners to find out just what on earth was going on - this was the one that really set the the Judge's nerves on edge. This one was from Chris Larabee and it explained that the child that Mary was carrying was not his, that he would not be marrying his daughter-in-law, but there would, in fact, be a wedding...between Mary and the father of her unborn child.

What it didn't say was who that man was.

So now, Judge Travis was more than just angry, he was seething. After spending a long, uncomfortable coach ride on his way to witness the marriage of his son's widow to the unknown man who had impregnated her outside of the bonds of Holy Matrimony...someone was going to answer to him, and they were going to do so...now.

Before Josiah or anyone could open their mouths to speak, the Judge stood and addressed the group. "I want someone here to tell me exactly what is going on." He paused to glare at the men and, in passing, at Mary too. He was deeply disappointed in her...barring her being raped, he could not easily accept any excuse for her actions.

"It's a bit of a long story, Judge Travis," Josiah began, "but if you will let me attempt to explain..."

An hour later, after learning all the sordid details, Orrin Travis nodded his head - as much as he disliked the situation that Mary had managed to get herself into, he agreed that the plan was most likely the best outcome that could be hoped for under the circumstances. The only thing that still bothered him was the fact that Buck had not been informed of his upcoming wedding.

"Are you sure that he will agree to marry her?" Travis asked.

Chris spoke up then. "It's not like he'll have a choice in the matter...he is responsible for Mary's condition."

"So why don't we tell him now?" The Judge looked confused, and still angry at the thought of the ladies' man taking advantage of Mary.

This time it was Vin's soft voice that answered. "We ain't telling him 'til tomorrow morning...just in case he decides to run fer it...none of us really want to be watching his room all night."

Travis nodded, his frown deepening. The thought of someone running out on a woman didn't sit well with him.

"Well, I guess you men know him better than I do, but if he might run now, what makes you so sure that he won't leave after the ceremony?"

Chris's smile didn't reach his eyes as he answered the question. "That is something we can be pretty sure won't happen...his mother was a working woman, and ended up that way after her husband deserted her while she was carrying Buck. Despite what happened between he and Mary...he is an honorable man." The look on his face, caused some doubt as to whether he actually believed those last words.

"All right, but he had better show up, I won't have any more dishonor on our family name than there is already. He looked pointedly at Mary.

They finished the meeting and left to finish up with the last minute details for the ceremony the next day.

That evening the saloon was full as Buck threw a bachelor party for Chris.

Given the circumstances, it wasn't one of his brightest ideas.

Buck never had a clue just how close he came, that night, to being the recipient of a special 45 caliber present from the groom-to-be. In fact, if Vin hadn't been there at Chris's side to remind him that the ladies' man would be spending many years paying penance for his deeds, it was unlikely that Buck would have survived the night - especially as the evening progressed and, after imbibing a fair amount of spirits, the big man began to boisterously toast his friend -congratulating him on finally taking the beautiful widow...first to his bed and now to the altar.

Once the men in the saloon were suitably inebriated, Chris and Vin slipped out and away. Vin had plans for he and Chris to have a private party of their own.

As they headed down the street, Chris was still angry, but Vin was quick to remind him that the following day's events would more than make up for his current frustration, and gradually he began to relax.

Once they were in the privacy of Chris's room, Vin's other reminders managed to distract him from anything else.

Sunday morning dawned clear and bright, the beginnings of a perfect October day.

The beginning of a day that would long be remembered in the town of Four Corners.

While many of the town's residents were attending Josiah's weekly service, the seven were busily preparing for the second service that Josiah would be performing, although for that one he would have the assistance of the Judge.

Orrin Travis was determined that this ceremony would be absolutely legal. He had no intention of letting the culprit off the hook.

Many of the local men had been reluctant to rise and attend the morning service after partying late into the night, but the towns' women made sure that most of them were in attendance -- after all, the ones who staked claim to the good seats early would have the best view for days big event.

Vin had actually stayed in Chris's room overnight, knowing that most of the locals would be at the church and even if someone saw him there they would assume that he was there to help Chris prepare for the wedding.

Now, dressed in their best clothes, they headed downstairs to find some coffee to fortify themselves.

Judge Travis met them in the dining room, forgoing the church service in order to be there when the men confronted Wilmington.

They had just poured their second cups when Buck arrived.

"Morning everyone," the tall man greeted as he entered the dining room and helped himself to a cup of coffee from the sideboard.

"Good morning, Mister Wilmington," the Judge intoned, "please join us - we need to discuss today's ceremony..."

As he sat, Buck noticed that all eyes were on him. He looked at the Judge and suddenly noticed the fire in the older man's eyes.

"So...if Vin's the best man...what am I?" Buck asked, taking a large gulp of coffee.

Travis looked him in the eye and answered. "The groom."

It took a few seconds for the answer to sink in, then the mouthful of coffee reappeared in a spray across the table.

"Wwwhat?" the still sputtering man finally got out.

"You heard the man," Chris answered, glaring at Buck's look of shock. "You are the father of the child she's carrying...so you are the one who will be wedding the widow today."

"I...we...it was an accident..." Buck finally managed to respond.

"Are you saying that you don't think you should be responsibe for your actions?" The Judge asked in an ominous tone.

Buck looked up and realized that what he wanted...or didn't want, had no bearing on today's events. He swallowed, and looked into the Judge's eyes. "No, of course I'll do the right thing."

"Then I suggest you go up and make yourself presentable. The wedding ceremony will begin in just over one hour."

Buck nodded and looked around the table. The Judge looked stern, Vin had a completely neutral look on his face, but Buck could almost swear that he was biting his cheek to keep from laughing, and when he looked at Chris he realized that he'd been completely outmaneuvered - the blond had a smug, cat that ate the canary look plastered on his handsome face.

"You sure you don't want to..." Buck began, then stopped as Chris narrowed his eyes. He suddenly recognized the look as one he'd seen on the blond's face before...just before he drew his weapon in a gunfight. "No...I guess not," he finished weakly and rose. "I'll go change."

They watched him leave, then watched as Ezra followed him, his assigned duty was to stand guard outside the door, making sure that Buck arrived at the church at the proper time.

"I think he took that pretty well," the Judge mused as they watched him leave.

"Yeah...especially when he spewed that coffee," Vin added with a smirk.

"Think I'll have some breakfast," Chris added smiling, realizing that his appetite had been missing for the past few, stressful days.

"Think I'll join ya," Vin added as the Judge stood and left with a nod to the two men. "Worked up a bit of an appetite myself." Ducking his head to hide the shy grin in his face.

Meanwhile Mary was having a small problem of her own, and it was a small problem...her dress was too small. She wanted to wear her light blue satin gown, and in fact, wasn't sure if anything else would fit. Finally she gave up and had Billy summon help.

Soon, with the help of Evie Travis and Mrs. Potter pulling on the laces of her corset as she clung to the bedpost, they were able to squeeze her into the dress.

Buck sat on his bed in a daze.

How had this happened?

One little voice in his head nagged at him to get ready for his impending vows...another, however was screaming...RUN

He knew that someone was outside his door, he could hear them pacing. He wasn't sure who it was, but he was pretty sure that whoever it was would stop him if he went anywhere except the church. Then he looked up and saw the window. He had made his escape via windows on numerous occasions...why not today?

It wasn't that he wanted to leave Four Corners...but marriage, and a family - with Mary-the-ice-queen-Travis had little appeal to Buck.

He stood, quickly packed the few things he couldn't leave without, and walked over to the window. He slid it open and had barely lifted his leg to climb out when he heard it...the sound of a rifle being cocked.

Damn!

He looked down and into the stone hard gaze if Nettie Wells...over the sites of her Spencer carbine.

"Going somewhere, Mr. Wilmington?" she asked as he set his foot back down inside the room.

"Um...no, Miss Nettie...just needed some air," he managed to get out between clenched teeth.

"Well you better get a move on...they are almost ready for you at the church."

Buck backed away from the window. He was caught...well and truly caught. He sighed, finished dressing, and headed down to meet his fate. He might have looked happier if he was heading to the gallows.

The church was packed. The rumors had been flying all day, growing more wild with each retelling, the church abuzz with speculation as to just who was actually about to take the vows...if the latest one was to believed, a pack of wild men had carried the newspaperwoman off and ravaged her and now, the seven were fighting over who would be the one to step up and save the innocent woman's virtue.

The chatter stopped abruptly when Josiah entered and walked to the front of the building, accompanied by Judge Travis. His wife, Evie, was sitting on the front row with Billy Travis and the Potters. They reached the front and turned to face the assemblage.

The Judge stepped forward and addressed them. "We are well aware that there are many rumors spreading today, so before we start I would like to set the record straight."

A plausible, but not quite true story had been decided upon, since the truth was just not something Mary, or the Judge, wanted known.

"Last spring, during the Founder's Day celebration, my daughter-in-law was the victim in an assault. She was too ashamed to report the attack and never spoke up, but as you are well aware by now, there was an unforseen consequence of that assault, which was not, as rumored, Mr. Larabee." He paused and looked around the room before continuing. "Buck Wilmington has asked for her hand, and Mary has accepted his offer, so today we are here to witness their wedding vows."

A spate of whispers broke out in the pews, everyone had thought that Chris Larabee was the father and would be the one to wed the widow. Now, Buck Wilmington, the town's biggest womanizer was about to marry her.

The Judge called for silence, and moments later Buck appeared, the town healer, Nathan Jackson and the sheriff, JD Dunne, at his side. As people turned to watch them enter, they could also see Chris Larabee, Vin Tanner and Ezra Standish standing in the back of the church.

Once they had made their way to the altar where Josiah waited, the Judge walked to the back and took Mary's hand to lead her down the aisle.

The ceremony was short, the bride subdued, and the groom pale and sweaty. But the vows were pledged and the new couple was introduced to the town.

Then it was over and the whole town headed outside to celerate at a picnic set up in the churchyard. Nettie had managed to recruit most of the towns' women and they had prepared a suitable feast to mark the occasion.

Chris and Vin watched as Buck and Mary repeated the words that Josiah and the Judge read to them and, watched as, at the appropriate moment, the new couple shared a chaste kiss, sealing the union.

Not really caring to attend the upcoming celebration, they slipped out of the church and headed out of town. They were more than ready to get away for a day or two.

The newlyweds would be leaving on Monday, taking a stage to Red Rock City where they would catch a train to St. Louis for a week long honeymoon courtesy of the Judge.

The ride to the cabin was a well earned break from the chaos of the past few days, only the gentle sound of Pony and Peso's hooves and the wind in the trees to break the silence the two men craved. Shy smiles passed between them whenever either man looked and caught the other doing the same.

It was going to be a special night.

Chris had, as they watched the ceremony, whispered his desire to submit himself to Vin this night. He was still nervous, as Vin had been so recently, but he was also curious after witnessing the absolute pleasure on his lover's face when he had given himself to Chris.

It would be a night of new explorations for both couples, but Chris was absolutely sure that his night would far surpass the one his oldest friend would have in his marraige bed.

His grin grew at the thought and before long a soft chuckle escaped his lips.

"What ya laughing at, Larabee?" Vin asked, suspicious. The blond rarely laughed out loud.

Chris turned and smiled at his friend and lover. "Just thinking about partners and how glad I am that I've got the one I do...think we should have a honeymoon ourselves."

"That mean we gotta go to St. Louis?"

Chris's smile grew. "No, I think a private cabin in the woods will do just fine..."

Vin smiled back, then kicked Peso into a canter, calling back as he surged ahead of Chris and his black. "Let's go then...times a wastin'!"

The next months brought about a few changes in the town.

As Mary's pregnancy progressed, her disposition regressed. Where she was normally straight-laced and proper, she was now a hormone driven harpy of the first order.

Now, Buck was tied to a very, very short apron string. His schedule adjusted to suit her needs.

And her needs included, among other things, his presence at their home by 5:30 pm for dinner, his presence at Sunday church service, a change in his appearance that included starched white shirts, a neat, tight vest and suit coat, string tie, hair oil and mustache wax (only after he put his foot down and refused to shave his lip). And, most recently, she had arranged with the president of the bank to hire Buck as a teller.

The job lasted about a week and a half, and only that long because Mary promised the banker a very special advertising rate if he would give Buck another chance.

Since she had yet to find another suitable job for her husband, he had a small amount of free time during the past week.

Unfortunately for Buck, his idea of freedom and Mary's idea of freedom didn't quite coincide.

Recently, as the other six sat in the saloon eating lunch, Buck had slipped in the doors, crouching low as he entered. He hurried to the bar looking for Inez who was, at the moment in the kitchen. While he waited impatiently for her return, his eyes darted to the doors and back several times, he was obviously worried that *someone* might soon show up. When Inez finally appeared from the back, she was carrying a tray full of food.

"Inez..." Buck pleaded, as she brushed past him, "I need a beer."

"In a moment, Senor Buck," she responded as she delivered the food, taking her time to make sure the plates were situated just right.

She finished and returned to the bar. "Now, what did you want, Buck?"

"Beer...a beer, please hurry..." his eyes darted back to the doors once again.

She turned and poured the drink and placed it in front of the desperate man, just as the tap tap tap of quick footsteps sounded from outside.

Buck picked up the glass and raised it to his lips just as the doors swung open.

"Buck Wilmington..." Mary's exasperated voice rose as she saw him starting to take a sip of beer. "I've been looking all over for you...put that down and come help me carry the supplies home from Mrs. Potter's store."

The tiny amount of fluid that had entered Buck's lips was just enough to whet his appetite, he looked at the still full glass then back to his very pregnant wife and after long a moment's hesitation, rose and followed her out the door to the surpressed chuckles of the six witnesses.

"Shame on you," Inez scolded, as they laughed.

"Sorry, Inez," Josiah soothed, "but did you ever see a better illustration of the term 'hangdog' in your life?"

The perky woman smiled then. "No, I never did, and I guess he deserves what he has got...but I still feel a bit sorry for him."

"Yeah, sometimes I do too," Chris agreed, "then I remember how he would have let me take the blame and I figure he got off easy..."

"And it is funny," JD added, "watching her try to keep him in line, and away from other women...while his animal maggotism keeps attracting them, well, ya gotta wonder how long it's gonna take?"

"You are welcome to place your wager, JD..." Ezra countered. "You can bet on how long it takes him to stray...or how long it takes him to bolt."

"You're taking bets on Buck's fidelity?" Nathan asked, in awe. "Have you no shame?" He paused a moment before continuing..."I'll put five dollars down that he doesn't make it past New Year's."

The sound of more laughter drifted out the batwing doors.

On January 12th, Mary gave birth to a healthy girl, and a robust boy.

It was finally spring, and just a week before the annual Founder's Day celebration and, life in Four Corners had once again settled back into a familiar routine...of a sort.

Once Mary had delivered the twins, Orrin Bucklin, Jr and Evangeline Agatha, her disposition returned to normal. At least normal for Mary Travis. Unfortunately for Buck, she was still feeling quite unable to consider having congical relations yet...perhaps in another month.

Buck was beginning to think that he might have a better chance at satisfaction if he were to join a monastery. And, on top of being completely frustrated sexually, he was now busily engaged in a full time job...that being caring for the two children while Mary ran the newspaper.

That came about after Buck had failed to keep the third job she arranged for him. So, when she went back to work at the Clarion, he had gone to work...at home. The paper had been in a hiatus during the final days of her pregnancy and for the first few weeks after delivery. Now, she was glad to get back to the job she loved.

It had taken most of the winter for Chris to let go of his anger at Buck for not speaking up when Mary had claimed that Chris was the father of her unborn child...but after time had passed, their long-time friendship overrode the resentment. His anger at Mary persisted. She knew for a fact, when she claimed that he was responsible, that it was a lie. Buck at least, had the excuse that he didn't know that she hadn't slept with anyone else.

It was on that Monday, as Founder's Day drew near, that Chris and Vin were heading out to the cabin. They had to detour behind the town because the street was blocked in preparation for the upcoming party.

They came around the corner and found themselves witnessing something neither had ever expected to see.

In the small yard behind the Travis house was Buck. He had one very soggy, loudly crying child balanced on his hip as he ducked in and out among the diapers hanging on the clothes line looking for a dry one. He had just located one when a shrill cry echoed from the bassinet on the other side of the yard. He yanked the dry diaper from the line, and headed towards the second screaming child. He picked up the second, child, dropping the diaper in the process and, now holding two soggy, smelly babies was desperately trying to figure out what to do next.

Chris turned to Vin, a look of amusement...and relief that it was Buck standing there instead of himself, on his face.

Vin just nodded, words unnecessary as they quickly turned their horses and headed out of town.

THE END