Vin Tanner and Ezra Standish sat at the small table outside their favorite Four Corners' saloon, watching the comings and goings with interest as the small frontier town bustled with activity.

It was unusual to see so many people in town during the week, but everyone's smile seemed a bit brighter as they went about their business or stopped to talk with neighbors and acquaintances. Everyone was looking forward to the upcoming Sunday social celebrating a bountiful harvest.

It had been a good year. Crops had been plentiful and most of the area's farmers had sold their excess harvest for enough cash money to pay off tabs with the merchants, with a little left over to put aside for harder times which were sure to come. Drovers were returning from trail drives having sold their cattle for better prices than expected so everyone seemed to be prospering.

"So Mister Tanner, are you going to insure the beautiful Miss Garth and her lovely daughter will be gracing our town's quaint celebration?" Ezra questioned, his emerald gaze traveling over the street, alert for any sign of trouble. Although the tracker hadn't said anything, it was a given, with Vin's disappearance the two previous days, he had undoubtedly ridden out to visit the young woman who had so captured his heart.

"Reckon she'll be here." Vin brought the beer mug to his lips, hiding his small smile.

Before Ezra could respond, both men's attention were drawn to the front of the mercantile by a startled squeal and loud laughter.

Several young ranch hands were nudging each other, exchanging suggestive winks and teasing comments, as Mike Sullivan stooped to pick up several packages which had scattered across the boardwalk, dropped by the young woman he'd bumped into as she exited the store.

The two lawmen watched as, placing the packages on the nearby wagon's seat, the rancher's son tipped his hat politely and hurried after his friends, sending several glances back over his shoulder at the young woman who was still standing on the boardwalk.

Vin chuckled. "If that boy was anymore love sick, his folks would have ta haul his ass up ta Nate's clinic."

"And I'm sure, Mister Tanner, if anyone knows about being lovesick, it's you," Ezra teased, laughing at the bright blush which crept over Vin's tanned cheeks. "Unfortunately, for those two, unlike you, my friend, the young man in question lacks the courage to approach the object of his obvious affection."

"Too bad most folk don't see the same things Mike there sees when he looks at Miss Anna." Tanner shrugged. "Too bad she don't see the same things when she looks in the mirror her ownself."

The young sharpshooter's observations didn't surprise the gambler. Tanner was as much an expert at reading human nature as he was at reading the tracks of the woodland creatures.

Ezra's attention returned to the young woman who was now sitting patiently on the wagon seat, waiting for her father. She sat with her back straight, her head high, looking as proud and regal as any royal queen. The gambler knew with closer inspection, a person, if they cared to look -- and most didn't bother--would discover Anna's dark blue eyes held a faraway look that foretold the extreme shyness of the young woman in the patched drab clothes that had seen better days. He instinctively knew behind that aloof reserved disinterested look her mind was taking her away from the stares of pity or derision.

Only a few people bothered to learn the truth of Anna McCree. She and her father had settled on a small homestead near Nettie Wells' place, shortly after the peacekeepers were hired by Judge Travis to protect the area.

Brandon McCree and his wife had saved every spare penny for years with the dream of having a small piece of land to call their own. With that dream shining brightly, they had packed only the necessities, sold everything else and with their daughter in tow, had joined the migration westward.

Mrs. McCree had never seen the fruition of that long held dream, having tragically lost her life when their Conestoga Wagon had overturned in a dry wash. That same accident had not only cost Anna her mother, but had left the girl with her left foot turned slightly inward when her broken leg hadn't been properly set. The bashful young woman was extremely self conscious of the barely noticeable limp which accompanied the small deformity.

Ezra drew his attention back, nodding in agreement with the tracker's assessment of the situation.

While the McCrees owned their land outright, every cent made from the sales of their extra harvest, went towards the necessities of survival. The father and daughter worked hard and Ezra knew several of the town citizens, especially those who didn't have to constantly worry about where their next meal was coming from, tended to ignore or look right through Anna McCree as if she didn't exist or wasn't worthy of their courtesy.

The McCrees were God fearing folk and attended every church service and had made appearances at several of the town celebrations, but Anna always stayed slightly apart from the crowd, sitting alone off to one side by herself unless Mary, Nettie or Mrs. Potter sat and visited with her. Even then, they ended up doing all the talking for it was next to impossible to draw the shy young woman out of her shell.

Ezra suspected Anna had resigned herself to a lifetime of loneliness, fully accepting as truth no one would want to make her acquaintance and no man would ever want a gimp for a wife.

The gambler couldn't help but wonder when the young woman looked in the mirror, if she even did at all, if she saw her own beautiful dark blue eyes, or wavy auburn hair. He knew beyond a doubt, she never saw the beauty that shone from a sweet soul which never had a mean thought or a unkind thing to say about anyone. Anna, he realized, saw only a skinny girl in faded, made over clothes, with a club foot and the calloused hands that came with daily hard work.

"Why, Mr. Tanner! What an excellent suggestion!" the gambler exclaimed, his emerald eyes twinkling.

Vin groaned."Oh shit! Ya got that look, Ezra. 'Fraid ta ask what I suggested that's got ya schemin'."

"Perhaps, there is a way for everyone, including Miss McCree, to see exactly what it is young Master Sullivan sees when he looks upon the love of his life."

A slow smile started as Vin studied the southerner. "Count me in," he muttered, his own eyes twinkling. "'Long as it don't 'volve pissin' off Larabee.... Man's had a burr under his saddle since that last stunt ya pulled...."

Ezra looked sorely put upon as he frowned, "You mean we pulled..." he clarified, moving off the boardwalk, ready to put his current plan into action.

*******

Standing with Mary Travis in the doorway of the newspaper office, Vin watched as Ezra approached the wagon where Anna McCree still waited on her father. He glanced to the end of the street where Brandon, having left the Clarion by the back entrance, emerged from the alley, approaching from the opposite direction of the gambler.

"Reckon it'll work?" he questioned softly.

"Depends on how convincing he can be," Mary commented with a slight frown.

Vin gave her a look. "This is Ezra, we're talkin' 'bout."

"You're right." She couldn't prevent her laughter at Tanner's incredulous sardonic look . "Yes, I do think it will work as long I can be as convincing as Ezra."

Vin gave her a grin and slight shove off the boardwalk. "There's the signal. Guess ya oughta start bein' convincin'."

*******

"Why, Miss McCree, what a pleasure ta see you." As if spotting the wagon for the first time as he made his way towards the mercantile, Ezra paused on the boardwalk, sweeping his hat from his head and offering a slight bow to the young woman sitting on the wagon seat.

"Hello there, Mister Standish." Anna's smile lit her blue eyes. She liked the gambler and felt oddly comfortable in his presence. Like the other peacekeepers, Miss Travis, Missus Wells and a few other citizens, he didn't make her feel as if she were invisible or as if she were being laughed at. With his worldly manner, the southerner, had a way of making whomever he was speaking to, feel as if they were the most important person on the face of the earth, at least at that moment. He made her feel good when he spoke to her and she attempted to make polite conversation, shyly adding, "It's a fine day, isn't it?"

"It is indeed and made even lovelier by your presence." He smiled, pretending not to notice the deep blush highlighting her cheeks.

Her gaze dropped to her fingers as she nervously twisted at the fabric of the faded blue skirt she wore. She was saved from saying anything further as her father approached, greeting Ezra as he set his repaired tools in the back of the wagon. Wiping his hands on his bandana, he shook the card sharp's hand.

Ezra returned the greeting, adding, "I was about to tell Miss Anna Lady Luck seems to be smiling on me. Your presence in town today saves me the ride to your charming home."

McCree arched an eyebrow in question as he straightened to eye the gambler. "Oh? That so?"

"I was hoping, with your permission, of course..." Ezra removed his hat once more. From the corner of his eye, he saw Mary take the basket Vin held out and start towards the mercantile. "...that if Miss Anna hasn't decided which of the fine young gentlemen who inhabit our quaint municipality is going to be her escort to this Sunday's social gathering, she would perhaps consider granting me the pleasure of her charming company."

Not wanting to embarrass the girl, both men ignored Anna's loud gasp of surprise. The color drained from her face and her fingers twisted tighter in the cloth of her skirt. Her eyes wide, she chanced a look of utter disbelief at the southerner before dropping her gaze once more.

A million thoughts raced through her mind, one over riding all the others. Why? Why would he ask her? There were plenty of beautiful, talented women in town who would happily accompany the refined gentleman. Women he could actually dance with when the band played.

"Of course ya have my permission, Ezra, but ya gotta convince Anna there. She seems ta think she has ta keep me company at these get togethers." Brandon pat his daughter's arm affectionately.

Anna found her voice, but could not bring herself to look at the gambler as she quietly began, "I thank you for the invitation, Mister Standish-"

"Fine! Then it's all settled." Ezra interrupted with a dimpled smile, not giving her a chance to refuse.

"Oh, Anna. I'm so glad I ran into you before you left town! " Mary smiled as she joined the two men standing on the boardwalk. "Good afternoon, Mister McCree, Ezra."

"Missus Travis." The farmer politely tipped his hat. "I sure hope you're makin' some a that fine apple cobbler of yours for the Sunday social."

"That I am. I shall be certain to set aside a piece just for you." Mary smiled as she focused on the young woman. "In fact, Anna, I was hoping to enlist your aid in helping Nettie Wells and I with the baking Saturday. You are coming to the social, aren't you?" she pressed.

"Miss McCree has graciously agreed to accompany me to the upcoming celebration," Ezra spoke up with a dimpled smile.

"Wonderful!" The newspaper woman beamed. "It might be quite late before we're finished, but I'm certain Nettie wouldn't mind if you stayed overnight. You can just bring your things and get ready there... " She turned to the girl's father as if an afterthought. "If that's alright with you, Mister McCree."

"Fine with me." The easterner climbed onto the seat beside his daughter, taking up the reins. "I'll bring Anna by Miss Nettie's bright and early Saturday mornin'." Before the girl could protest, he clucked to the team and drove down the street.

"Reckon ya was convincin'." Tanner chuckled, joining them on the boardwalk as the wagon disappeared from view.

"Reckon I was." Mary was fairly bursting with glee as handing Ezra the basket, she looped an arm through each of theirs, letting the co-conspirators walk her home.

*******

That Saturday, laughter, gossip and a mixture of wonderful aromas filled the air inside Nettie Wells' little homestead.

Glancing at Mary and Nettie, Lucy gave a barely perceptible nod toward Anna as the younger woman placed the apple cobbler in the oven and pushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes with the back of her hand. Moving quietly, the young woman carried the pecan pie to the table on the porch to cool with the other all ready baked goods.

To Mary's dismay, Anna hadn't joined in the talk as the women worked about the small kitchen, saying very little unless asked a direct question. Even Casey hadn't been able to draw the girl out of her shell. Even surrounded by the other women, there was a mixture of sadness and contemplation in the woman's dark blue eyes.

Pouring two glasses of lemonade, Lucy followed the younger woman outside. "I think we've earned a break for a couple a minutes." She smiled, handing the girl one of the glasses and motioning to a nearby chair.

"Mama is Mister Ezra gonna come visit taday?" Followed by Billy, young Mattie bounced up the porch steps. Leaning against her mother's leg, the little girl took several gulps from Lucy's glass. "I wanna show him and Vin the bird nest me and Billy found." She dug the item from her pocket and held out the somewhat crushed treasure.

"I don't think he'll be able to come by today, Mattie. Mary said he and Buck had to go to Eagle Bend this morning."

Mattie's face scrunched up thoughtfully, "Then who's gonna take Miss Anna to the party tomorra?"

"Oh, Ezra'll be back in plenty of time." Mary cut in as she stepped into the doorway, handing each of the children a glass of lemonade.

Even sharp eyed Mattie noticed, as, her eyes on the worn floor boards, Anna released a barely audible sigh. "What's the matter Anna?" Mattie leaned on the arm of the young woman's chair, looking up in her face. " Don't you wanna go to the party with Mister Ezra? He's the nicest, handsomest man in town, 'ceptin' for Vin," she clarified.

"Handsome don't mean nothin'! Chris is braver." Billy spoke up in defense of his blond friend.

"Is not! Vin's---"

"They're all very brave and very handsome," Lucy interrupted, putting a stop to the children's argument before it could get started.

The children were further side tracked when Nettie stepped out onto the porch. "I think Casey needs a couple of cookie tasters." The older woman announced, sinking into her old rocker. "Any volunteers?"

Even Anna couldn't help smiling as both children dashed into the house, vying loudly for the job.

Shaking her head and sighing, Lucy turned her attention to Anna who had resumed staring at the floor boards. "So is Mattie right? You seem a little...well, hesitant about going to this social with Ezra." Lucy questioned the girl who was only a year older than Nettie's niece.

Earlier, Vin had told her about the McCrees and had filled her in on their plan, hoping to elicit her help, which she happily offered. They all knew sometimes it was easier for a person to talk to a stranger than someone they knew or even considered a friend.

Anna shrugged, mumbling, "Guess so."

"Reckon maybe ya wish ya'd said yes ta some other fella?" Nettie probed. The flush of pink which highlighted Anna's cheeks betrayed the truth of the old woman's remark. "As I recall, that's one a the best things 'bout bein' young and unattached. All the fun ya can have choosin' which beau is the most special."

"Mister Standish ain't a beau!" Anna blurted out, then added, " I thought he was my friend." Fingering the material of her old skirt, the girl shrugged, avoiding looking at either woman. "Just didn't figure he was like all them others."

"I'm sorry, Anna, I don't understand," Lucy glanced at Nettie who gave a small bewildered shake of her head.

After several minutes of silence, Anna took a deep breath as she raised her head to stare off at the distant horizon. . "Ya know the worst part a bein' a...of havin' a bum leg...?" She didn't look at them for their response, and was plainly not expecting one from them as she answered her own question. "It's the fear... You're a constant living, breathing reminder something like this could happen to anyone, so people keep their distance. Or they treat ya like you're helpless... Mister Standish...he never made me feel like that... 'Till now... Him and the others, Mrs. Travis and you, Miss Nettie, ya've all always treated me like I was..." She trailed off as if not daring to voice the word.

"A friend." Nettie prompted, smiling when she received a tiny nod. "That's because, my dear, that's how we think of ya."

"Mister Standish... Well I reckon he felt sorry for me..." The soft words barely carried to the older women.

"Damnation!" Nettie Wells chortled. "That man don't do nuthin' outta pity! Young lady, let me tell ya somethin' about Mister Fancypants... That man's gotta a heart a gold, but reckon that makes him feel too vulnerable in his profession, so everything he does is thought out and wrapped in a dozen layers a paper. He's gotta make everything he does look like there's somethin' to be had in it for him..."

She grinned, remembering Vin's arrangement for the 'short term' loan which had saved her small ranch from Guy Royal. Nettie had never told Vin, but she'd offered Ezra the three dollars interest...Nor had she told him the gambler had refused the money with the excuse Vin was 'working off' the money owed to him.

She continued, "...On the surface, to normal folks who don't know him like we do, it'll look like there's somethin' for him in everything he does...but if ya take the time to peel away all that fancy wrappin' you'll see ol' Ezra does things cause he wants to and there ain't nothin' in it for him, but the pure pleasure of the doin'. And if either of ya tell him I said any a that I'll turn ya over my knee and tan your hide...Wouldn't wanna ruin our feud."

"Just can't figure why he'd wanna go with me." The young woman's soft words barely carried to the other women.

"Why wouldn't he?" Lucy pressed, making a mental note to tell Vin he was right about Miss Nettie's opinion of the gambler. After all, she hadn't said they couldn't tell someone else what she'd said about Ezra. "You're pretty and intelligent."

The younger woman continued to stare into the distance. She didn't want to believe the gambler had asked her to the social out of pity, but she could see no other reason for his actions. It was easy for her to picture the handsome southern gentleman with his refined manners attending the glorious balls given by rich plantation owners, some beautiful richly garbed belle on his arm. So why would he want to escort her anywhere? "Guess there's plenty a women in town who'd be right pleased he asked them." Anna sighed after another long silence. "Pretty women with nice clothes and fine manners he'd be real proud at being seen with."

"You're afraid of embarrassin' Ezra?" Lucy smiled. "Granted, I haven't known the man as long as the rest of you, but it seems to me very little embarrasses him... But I do know he wouldn't have asked you to go if he wasn't proud to be seen with you."

"Could it be you're embarrassed ta be seen with him?" Mary questioned from the doorway.

"Course not!" The other women stifled their smiles at Anna's vehement denial.

"Well, he is quite a few years older than you." Nettie smirked. "Get right down to it, he's damn near old enough ta be yer pa."

"He ain't that old!" Anna blurted out in defense of the gambler.

Exchanging a wink with Lucy, Mary pressed, adding, "Well, some people, like some of them well dressed and proper women in town you were just talkin' about, would think it's natural. I know a few of them wouldn't be caught dead in that man's company. I mean, he's a gambler and con man... Some folks even say he cheats, but they can't prove it. That don't make for a sterling reputation. Sure could understand if you didn't wanna be seen with the likes of him. Heard a couple a people even say he's the devil incarnate."

"That's ridiculous! He's a nice man who treats people decent!" Anna protested, her blue eyes full of fire, angry these women who were supposed to be the cardsharp's friends, were saying such things about him behind his back. "People should know what they're talkin' 'bout afore they open their mouths."

"Yer sure right about that!" Nettie chuckled. Her expression sobered and her voice was suddenly stern and full of iron, the same tone she used when trying to discern what was troubling Casey. "Now, youngin', why don't ya tell us what's really botherin' ya?"

The fire disappeared and Anna's blue eyed gaze dropped to stare at the floor again.

Like Ezra, they all knew the real problem and they knew the solution, but getting the prideful girl to accept their help was another matter altogether.

Lucy was all too aware of how hard it could be to set aside pride and accept help. And asking for it when it was needed most was damn near impossible. Except for Anna, these very people had been there when Ezra and Josiah had convinced her to accept their help in gratitude for her assisting Vin. She had struggled hard before swallowing her pride and accepting what was freely offered.

"Ya know, it ain't fine clothes that makes someone a lady , Anna." Lucy stated when the silence stretched out. "It's the person inside... Someone who's kind to others, whether those people are kind in return. That's the person Ezra invited to the social." 'And the person Mike Sullivan sees... if Vin and Ezra were to be believed.'

"Hate ta say it, but she's right about the clothes, though..." Nettie's eyes twinkled as she pushed to her feet. Pulling Anna up to stand in front of her, the older woman circled her, sizing her up. "Ya know, Lucy, she ain't much smaller than you...That dress ya borrowed last time fit ya fine. Maybe..."

"We got all night if any altering needs done." Mary smiled. "I'm not that good with a needle but-"

"I am." Lucy laughed, following, as taking Anna's hand, Nettie dragged the young woman into the cabin.

*******

"Vin!" Mattie raced out the door, hurtling herself into the arms of the young sharpshooter as he climbed from one of the two wagons which had pulled to a stop in front of Nettie's small homestead.

"Hey, Sunshine!" Scooping the child up into his arms, he waited as she greeted Chris and JD before carrying her back to the porch, tousling Billy's hair in greeting as the young boy rushed passed him to meet Chris.

"Who's that?" Mattie questioned with child like bluntness, pointing to the strange man who had accompanied the peacekeepers.

"That's Mister McCree. He's Anna's pa, " Billy stated smugly, glad he knew something she didn't.

"I like Anna. She's nice." Mattie stated. "And real perty."

"That she is, darlin'." Brandon grinned, stooping in front of the little girl. "And you must be Mattie."

The little girl frowned. "How'd you know that?"

"Cause you're just as pretty as Vin said ya was... which means yer Mama must be an angel right outta heaven."

Lucy laughed, as she stepped out onto the porch, overhearing the man's comment. "Thank you, sir, but I doubt anyone would consider me an angel." She glanced shyly at Vin, and had to rethink her remark.

Vin's eyes were wide, a bright smile lighting his face as he realized how beautiful and angelic Lucy looked in her simple apricot colored skirt and white blouse.

Receiving a sharp nudge in his ribs from Larabee, Vin finally found his voice,"Ya look mighty perty," he uttered softly before turning to introduce Lucy to Mister McCree.

"Anna will be out in a minute," Nettie announced as she and Mary greeted the men.

"We fixed up the wagons right comfortable for you ladies," Brandon announced as they began loading the baskets of baked goods. In his own words, he'd taken his life in his hands when he'd dropped Anna off the previous morning, and asked Nettie if she'd ride to the social with him.

"Where's Mister Ezra? He come back from Eagle Bend, didn't he? He didn't forget 'bout Miss Anna, did he?" Mattie was practically bubbling over with questions and bouncing with excitement. The little girl knew they wanted to wait for Ezra to arrive before Anna made her appearance. With a wisdom beyond her years, Mattie also knew the longer they waited, the more nervous Anna became.

"No way he'd forget about Miss Anna, " JD assured her, his own grin widening each time he glanced at Casey who was in a soft printed dress, a delightful change from her usual overalls.

"He rented that fancy surrey from Yosemite and was makin' sure it was nice and clean when we left." Larabee chuckled. "Poor ol' Yosemite was catchin' hel-heck about some mud on the wheels when we headed out."

*******

Listening to the laughter and muffled conversation drifting in from the yard, Anna stood in Casey's room, staring at the somber reflection in the mirror, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Although she had felt like some toy everyone wanted to play with at once, the girl had found herself opening up and enjoying herself, shyly joining in the conversation the previous evening as the women had set about preparing her for the Sunday Social.

After discarding several of the dresses in Nettie's storage trunk for one reason or another, they had finally settled on a pale lavender dress with a high lace collar and puffy sleeves for her to wear. Her fingers had traced the delicate gold threads woven through the skirt in a vine like design as she had thanked Nettie and Casey for the kind offer but assured them she couldn't wear something so fine and pretty. And there was no way she could accept something so valuable.

"I want ya have it." Casey held the dress against Anna for the other women's approval. "Mama would like knowin' someone was makin' good use a her things. It's perfect fer ya. Aunt Nettie's fixed up a few of 'em for me cause she says overalls ain't proper for church or socials."

"Sure got JD's attention, too." The old woman had laughed. "Let 'im know ya was a girl after all."

"Maybe Mike'll notice yer a girl." Casey whispered slyly, with a small smile, her back to the others and the remark just for Anna's ears. "Please take it, Anna...Please?"

While Lucy had tightened the waistline and shortened the hem a touch, allowing the dress to cover her shoes without making it too difficult for her to walk, Mary had washed Anna's hair with a special rinse, rolling it with cloth strips while Anna sat at the table her hands soaking in a foul smelling liniment Nettie assured her would soften her work worn skin.

They'd added some of Mary's perfume from back east to her bathwater that morning, letting her soak in the warm water while everyone else dressed.

Then Lucy had buffed and shaped her nails while Mary had brushed her hair into a cascade of curls falling from the bun held in place with a ribbon Mattie had proudly offered, saying it matched the threads in the dress.

Now staring at her reflection in the mirror Anna could almost believe she was pretty.

"Anna! He's here! Mister Ezra's here!" Mattie bounced into the room, grabbing the young woman's hand and dragging her towards the door. "Come on, it's time ta go!"

Her heart racing wildly, Anna took a deep breath and followed the child through the house.

*******

All conversation ceased, as the women smiled brightly, and the men tried hard to hide their amazement at the vision which stood facing them in the doorway.

Mattie tugged on the older man's sleeve."Don't she look perty, Mister Cree?"

"That she does, child, that she does," Brandon agreed, swallowing around the lump in his throat. "She looks just like her Mama."

"Why, Miss Anna, you are absolutely stunning." Ezra swept his hat from his head as he climbed the porch steps and offered his arm. As she hesitantly tucked her hand in the crook, he smiled, "Gentleman, I must say we have to be the five luckiest men at today's gathering for we are certainly escorting the loveliest women in the territory."

*******

Watching the distance between the wagons carrying the others and the surrey continue to increase as the southerner kept the matched team of horses at a walk, Anna dropped her gaze to her lap, a dozen self doubting thoughts racing in her mind. Was Ezra having second thoughts about his choice of company? He certainly didn't seem to be in any hurry to reach town.

"Mister Standish, I-I'll understand if ya wanna change yer mind about...about...takin' me ta the get tagether," she finally stammered, fully prepared to give him an easy out.

"Now why would I want to do something so absurd?" Ezra's dimples deepened as he grinned. "You may not realize this about me, Miss Anna, but I do so enjoy being the center of attention. With such a charming, beautiful young woman on my arm today, I fully expect to be the envy of every man in attendance."

A touch of pink warmed her cheeks and she struggled for something else to talk about. "Sunday socials must be a lot different here than the fancy balls I've read about... when ya lived in the south."

"If the truth be told," Ezra glanced around dramatically as if checking to make sure no one else could hear him, "and I'll deny every word of this... These small town doings are always a lot more fun."

She brought her gaze up, her expression puzzled, surprised by his answer. "Why?"

"At the well publicized southern galas, servants prepare opulent amounts of food, fine orchestras perform and everyone is dressed in the richest silks and satins, but the guests only attend simply to impress everyone else." Ezra eased back on the reins, slowing the horses even more. "Whereas at our little town's social events, everyone pitches in. The food may not be as fancy, but it's prepared with the joy of sharing. The orchestra may only consist of a couple a fiddlers and someone on the mouth organ, but the music's certainly lively and comes from the musicians hearts. And certainly, no matter how one is dressed, Sunday best or not, everybody certainly has a good time and enjoys the companionship of their fellow neighbors."

"Maybe it's cause everybody has to work so hard ta survive, they're really celebratin' just being around other folks who understand the struggle," she offered quietly.

"My dear, you're not only beautiful, but very wise indeed. Now, one lesson all ladies, southern or not, must learn is, unless you are assisting the hostess, a lady should never arrive exactly on time at these functions. It's called being fashionably late and it allows you to make a grand entrance."

A stricken look crossed her face. "Doesn't that mean everyone will be lookin' at ya?"

"Just as they should, my dear." He reined the horses to a stop, hopping out of the surrey. "If you would excuse me, I won't be but a moment." He turned and hurried into a stand of trees, leaving her to stare after him.

Anna nervously smoothed the skirt of her dress, glancing anxiously to the small copse of trees near the creek where the southerner had disappeared, finally breathing a sigh of relief when he reappeared several moments later.

He approached her side of the surrey. "I must apologize for my neglectfulness, my dear. I meant to have these when I arrived at Miss Nettie's." The southerner pulled a small bouquet of wild flowers from behind his back. The vibrantly colored flowers were tied together with a piece of lace. He bowed slightly as she accepted them, ducking her head in embarrassment at his thoughtfulness. "A true gentleman should always bring flowers to a lovely lady." Smiling, he climbed back up in the seat, took the reins and urged the horses toward town.

*******

Anna pulled back as they approached the small meadow behind the church where tables and chairs surrounded a makeshift dance floor. Some families had already spread blankets on the ground, picnic style, and music and happy laughter filled the air.

"I-I don't think I can do this, Mister Standish." He could feel the slight shudder which coursed through her body and heard the tremor in her voice. "Everybody is gonna be starin' at us, " she whispered.

"Of course they will, my dear... As I informed you earlier, I do fully expect to be the envy of every man here." His expression sobered and gently placing his fingers under her chin, he tilted her head up to look into her eyes. "Miss Anna, it's about time you realized you're a lovely, sweet and intelligent young woman. You should never sell yourself short. Any man here would be blessed to be the object of your affections. Now..." He smiled encouragingly, "hold your head up with pride and let all the young men kick themselves when they see the lovely jewel they have had in their midst all along and overlooked out of their own blindness....or stupidity." He offered his arm. "Shall we?"

His smile widened as, taking a deep breath Anna, straightened her shoulders and giving him a small tentative smile, she stepped closer and looped her arm through his.

*******

Chris Larabee's eyes narrowed suspiciously as his hazel eyed gaze fell on Vin and Ezra. The peacekeepers' table seemed to be the center of attraction at today's celebration. It seemed to him everyone in town approached it for one reason or another and those that didn't stop-- mostly young men, he noticed-- found their gazes constantly drifting to the young woman who was seated next to Ezra.

The gunslinger couldn't help wonder but how much of Anna's transformation had to do with the wily sharpshooter and sly gambler. He'd seen that look on both men's faces the past few days. That look being the one which screamed they were up to something and now sitting there watching the shy Anna McCree laugh and converse, they looked just like proud papas. The shootist couldn't help noticing that Mary, Lucy, Casey and Miz Nettie's smiles all grew a bit brighter each time they glanced at the girl as well.

Receiving a barely perceptible nod from Ezra, the sharpshooter pushed back from the table as the musicians began their version of a waltz. Moving to Lucy, he grasped her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Don't know 'bout the rest a you fellas, but I'm gonna take advantage of the music...." Smiling, he led the young rancher to the dance floor, pleased to see the other men follow his lead.

Ezra rose to his feet, extending a hand as the others left the table. "Might I have the pleasure of this dance, Miss Anna?"

"I-I-" The girl's eyes darted about frantically. "I-I can't...I---"

"Of course you can, my dear... Brave and proud." Giving her a small wink, he nodded towards the other couples. "Just follow my lead."

Her fear showing only in her eyes, Anna placed her hand in his and followed him onto the wooden planks.

Placing a hand on her small waist, his eyes never leaving hers, Ezra led her smoothly through the dance steps, his smile growing wider as the fear slowly left her eyes as the realization sank in that what she considered her deformity was very little deterrent. By the song's end, she was smiling brightly, and moving gracefully in his arms.

The music had no sooner ended and another tune started than Anna suddenly and overwhelmingly found herself surrounded by young men vying for the next dance... and the next and the next......

*******

"Mister Sullivan, might I intrude for a moment?" Ezra tapped the rancher's son on the shoulder, interrupting the young man as he escorted Anna toward the dance floor.

The gambler and Texan had shared several smiles of self congratulation, watching the rancher's son, dominate Anna's time. They had both smiled as the boy simply grinned smugly at his friends who'd teased him about having a crush on the mousy little farmer's gimpy daughter, that they wouldn't give a second look. Well, they were certainly giving more than a second look now to the charming, beautiful transformed young woman on his arm.

As Vin had so wisely pointed out a few days earlier, 'Sometimes it's awful hard for a fella that age ta stand up and listen to his heart 'stead a his friends.'

"Sorry, Mister Standish. Miss Anna's your date and I guess I kinda been monopolizin' her---"

"Actually, Mister Sullivan, I was hoping I could prevail on you for a great favor. It's my turn at patrol...after all...celebration or no, it's still our duty to protect the town." With a much put upon expression, the con man released a deep heartfelt sigh of disappointment. "I was hoping, if it's alright with her, of course, you might keep Miss McCree company and look after her well being until I returned."

The boy beamed. "Sure, Mister Standish. Be my pleasure."

"I expect ya to treat her with the utmost care and respect due a young lady." Ezra turned to Anna, dropping a quick kiss on her hand. "My deepest apologies, Miss Anna, but I'm afraid my responsibilities must take me from your side...at least temporarily. I shall return as swiftly as possible."

"I understand." She stepped forward, placing a light kiss on his cheek. "I understand everything now," she whispered. "Thank you."

"I assure you, my dear, it was my very great pleasure." He lowered his voice, his words for her ears only. "Don't make it too easy for him. Half the fun of collecting the reward, is the pursuit." With a tip of his hat and another small wink, he turned and headed for the stables. As soon as he was out of sight he turned and crossed to the saloon.

*******

"Ya know Chris, if ya wasn't gonna dance with Mary, ya coulda taken that patrol steada sendin' Ez," Buck commented, reaching around the gunslinger for the last slice of Mrs. Potter's carrot cake.

"Didn't plan any patrols for to...day...." Larabee words trailed off as Vin, suddenly looking decidedly guilty, grabbed a slice of peach pie and hurried back in the direction of their table. "Damnit, I know those two are up to something."

Their heads together, Vin and Lucy wore the same expressions of glee as Tanner and Standish when they'd pulled a prank.

Following the tracker's blue eyed gaze, Chris and Buck watched as, deep in conversation Mike and Anna, strolled past them toward the creek.

"Looks ta me like they might a been playin' matchmaker." The womanizer grinned. "Looks like it worked, too."

"Wonderful." Chris groaned. "First mail order brides and now a matchmakin' service. Make matters worse, he's got Vin goin' along with it."

"Hell, Pard, looks ta me like they done a damn good job. If ya ain't careful, they just might be able to get you and Mary hitched up...." Slapping the stunned shootist on the shoulder, Buck smiled widely "Hell, Hoss, we might all join in on that matchmakin'...." Still smiling, he ambled off, leaving a sputtering Chris Larabee in his wake.

THE END