It had been a long week for you and I. Between constant fighting with Murphy’s lawless men and having to flee from the sheriff’s constant surveillance, I was worn out.

Friday night.

Any other time, I would’ve found myself at the saloon enjoying a drink and playing a few rounds of poker. That wasn’t me anymore.

Tonight, I had you. You were all I needed in this world.

While the snow fell silently outside, it was almost peaceful. Amidst the war, the injustice, the constant threat of harm or death, you were my safe space. Here in our shared home with Charlie Bowdre and his wife, Manuela.

I lay in bed, your soft figure cradled against my side as I wrapped my arm around you, holding you and letting the closeness of our bodies keep us warm in the brittle winter months. Although it was late, already dark outside, just outside of our room Manuela was putting together a warm supper for the four of us. The distant sound of pots and pans on the countertops was the only noise that occasionally interrupted our silent comfort.

You didn’t deserve this life. You had lost your family because of the war, because of me. If I hadn’t dragged you into this conflict, you could be out living a successful life with some other wealthy man who wasn’t an outlaw like myself.

Yet every time I brought it up, you dismissed it.

“I love you.” I suddenly murmured softly against your hair, my hand tracing mindless circles on your arm as you lay against my chest.

“I love you so much.” I repeated, my breath hot on your skin and my eyes drifting shut, completely and utterly enamored with you.

I pressed a light kiss on the side of your temple, my lips lingering for just a moment as I let out a heavy breath I didn’t quite realize I had been holding in. My grip tightened around you, pulling you more snugly against me as we lay in bed together, simply enjoying each other’s comfort and warmth.

“Have you ever thought about… your future?” I murmured softly against your cheek, my heart swelling with the thought.

“Maybe… having a family of your own someday?”