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"Can you sell the saloon and forget about that life?" He asked curiously.
Lilly reddened. "That would be no problem, on my part. I never really liked that life. I mean the last few years have been nice, because I own it and I don't have to participate. But…I have to warn you, others might not forget so easily. Would that bother you?"
"No…not in the least. As long as when you marry me, you take the vows seriously. I want your loyalties, your faith and maybe someday…your love. You see I happen to know that when you live with someone long enough, go through a lot of hell and high water…love begins to grow on you. I won't touch you until we can both commit to that love. Is that fair enough? "
Lilly stared with her mouth open. "That's fair…Cord."
"But I hope you'll allow a kiss every now and then, because I sure did enjoy yours."
She looked into his eyes and smiled shyly again. "I guess that's fair, because…I enjoyed it too."
"Good. And Lilly…."
"Yes," her voice lowered as he stared into her eye, sincerely. "What I feel for you now, is more than what I feel for anyone else that's alive. So I'd say we have a good start."
She swallowed. "Yes…" she whispered and covered his hand with her own.
He smiled into her shining eyes.
"You haven't said how you feel." Cord looked at her and her alone.
"I feel the same Cord…" She squeezed his hand. "The very same."
"Good." He understood that to say the words came hard for both of them. They'd both lived hard lives and to give into an emotion as strong as love, would take time.
When they got ready to leave Cord followed them out. "I'll be in town in a day or two, we'll talk more."
"Alright." Lilly smiled almost shyly now.
Cord looked at Charlie. "Can I kiss your Ma?"
"I guess…" Charlie sighed a bit, obviously wondering why.
Cord touched his lips gently to Lilly's. Although the urge to smother her with more made him weaken, he pulled away gently and shook Charlie's hand. He stared into the boy's eyes. "Charlie I won't lay a hand on you, mistreat you, but I will expect you to mind me, and respect me, and maybe…someday you migh
t care for me…"
Charlie stared for a long time. "Does this mean you'll be my Pa?"
"That's what we're talking about, son." Cord firmed his lips.
"One question." Charlie stared at him.
"Sure, what's that?" Cord smiled.
"Do you love my mother?"
Cord's face became very serious and he slowly nodded, "I care for your mother very much son…and you."
Charlie considered his words. Cord worried whether he'd answered that question to the boy's expectations, but Charlie nodded his head slowly as though considering it.
"Then I'll call you Pa, when you marry." Charlie answered.
Cord broke into a smile.
Lilly glanced at the grave once more before leaving. "I'm gonna miss her."
"Me too…" Cord sighed.
