Violence: There may be violence in this story, but not for a while, and not real graphic…I'm the squeamish type. So if you are into that sort of thing, go get your jollies elsewhere (sorry!).

Subtext: Yep. Nothing really graphic, probably PG-13 at the most, 'cause I ain't that talented. Two women meet and fall in love…if you can't handle it, get over it. If it's illegal where you live, I sympathize. If you're too young, grow up!

Quality Disclaimer: This is my first attempt at fanfic. If you don't like it, tell me why. If you do happen to like it, I'm glad I could amuse you for a while. Feedback is greatly appreciated. You can reach me at cb.zeer@worldnet.att.net

Chapter 49

Amanda watched with a growing sense of dread as the trapdoor closed, then turned to look around the small room. The lantern's flickering light painted the walls, which were covered with open shelves that were filled with canned goods and other items. Martha had sat down on a wooden bench that ran down the middle of the room with a heavy sigh.

"C'mere, honey." The housekeeper patted a spot on the bench. She pulled the small radio from her apron pocket as Amanda sat down beside her. "Charlie? Do you read me?" The older woman spoke into the small radio quietly.

A small burst of static answered as a faint voice replied, "Martha? Read you loud and clear…what's up?"

The housekeeper glanced at the young woman, a relieved smile on both of their faces. "You need to get to the house, pronto. We've got some unexpected visitors."

"Roger that…" a short pause, "where are you, hon? Are you okay?"

Martha exchanged a worried glance with Amanda. Better not give too much away, just in case. She thought a moment before replying. "Amanda and I are weathering it out just fine." She paused again, giving that time to sink in. "Lexie said for you to come in the back way. The electricity is off, so be careful."

There was a short pause, then the sheriff spoke. "Gotcha. I'm at the previously discussed location - on my way now." He understood the need for caution - the thieves could listen in on their conversation far too easily. "Sit tight, sweetheart." He signed off.

Light thumping from above caught the two women's attention. Martha looked at the ceiling, biting her bottom lip. "Sounds like they're in the hallway now." She glanced over at Amanda, whose shadowed face held a look of alarm.

"I hate just sitting here!" the young woman exclaimed, standing up and pacing the length of the small room. "There's got to be something we can do!"

The housekeeper stood up, getting a firm grasp on the surprisingly strong shoulders. "I don't like it much either, but we are helping in a way." Seeing Amanda take a breath to argue, she continued, "With us down here safe, Lexie can concentrate on those men and not have to worry about us." She pulled the young woman back over to the bench to sit down. "The best thing we can do is stay calm, in case she needs our help." She held Amanda's hand, squeezing it firmly.

Amanda took a deep breath, wiping an errant tear from her cheek. "I know that what you're saying makes sense, but I can't help but feel that I should be doing more." Another loud thump from above made her look up at the ceiling. She was about to say more when a sharp bang came from above. Oh, God, no! "LEX!!!" she screamed.

Chapter 50

Leaning up against the wall next to the doorway, Lex listened as the three men continued to argue.

"Okay, listen…if we split up, it won't take as long to search."

"Matt," a younger voice interrupted, "I don't wanna do this…it ain't right."

"Shut up, Ronnie." The older man growled, then sighed. "Fine. You stick with me, and we'll check upstairs. Darrell, you look around down here. Shoot anything that moves, got it?"

A resigned sigh was his answer. "Yeah, yeah….I got it." He watched as the other two moved towards the stairs, flashes of lightning through the windows and opened door the only illumination in the silent house.

Lex hugged the wall tighter - she heard two of the men move past the door and towards the darkened stairway, as the third stood in the hallway, grumbling to himself.

"Check the downstairs," he mumbled, "shoot anything," he peeked into the kitchen.

The rancher raised the frying pan over her head, preparing to swing downwards as soon as the thief stepped into the room.

Darrell stood in the doorway, holding his breath and listening carefully. A close lightning strike lit up the entire room, and he could see that it was empty. Shaking his head, the thief continued down the hallway towards the front of the house.

Lex let out the breath she had been holding, a little angry that the man didn't walk into the kitchen. Guess I'll just have to follow him. She stepped up to, and into the doorway, slowing looking out with one eye. The rancher could barely make out the dark form which was stepping into the den. Time to play hide-and-seek, she smiled to herself, as she snuck down the long hallway.

Darrell stepped into the den, waving the rifle back and forth, peeking around the heavy furniture. As he made his way to the office, Lex slowly crept up behind him, raising the frying pan over her head. Sensing another presence in the room, the nervous man started to turn around when another flash of lightning lit up the room, highlighting a tall form barely two feet away from him. He raised his rifle to fire at the apparition, which suddenly appeared to be swinging something towards his head.

'CRACK!'

The gunshot echoed throughout the silent house, leaving a dead quiet behind it.

Chapter 51

Amanda jumped to her feet, prepared to race up the stairs when a strong hand on her arm stopped her. "Let go of me!!" she cried, struggling to break free.

Martha held the squirming young woman tightly. "No, sweetheart. We've got to stay here." She wrapped Amanda in a firm hug. "We don't know what's going on up there."

Amanda tried to twist out of the strong grasp, then finally relented. "But she may need me!" she sniffled, burying her face into a strong shoulder. "She could be hurt…" a shudder ran through her body, "or…" she couldn't even finish such a horrible thought.

The housekeeper held onto the younger woman tightly. "Honey, you can't think like that." She placed a gentle kiss on the blonde head. "Our Lexie is one of the strongest people I've ever known." She led the smaller woman over to the bench to sit down.

Amanda calmed down, thinking about what the older woman had said. She is very capable - I'm not giving Lex enough credit. Looking at Martha, Amanda could read the fear in her eyes as well. I never thought about what this is doing to her…Lex is practically her daughter. I've been pretty selfish here. She linked her hands with the older woman's and squeezed gently. "You're right, as usual. I guess I'm just a little on edge…it's been a pretty wild week."

Martha was about to reply when the radio crackled.

"Martha? You there?"

She hurriedly pulled the device once again from her apron. "We're here, Charlie."

"I'm right outside…did I hear a gunshot just now?" nervousness was quite evident in the sheriff's tone. "Are y'all okay?"

Martha took a trembling breath then looked over at Amanda, who was chewing on her lower lip. "Amanda and I are fine…we're still hidden." Her voice broke, "I'm not sure about Lexie, though." She felt a small arm wrap around her shoulder in support.

"She's fine, I'm sure of it." Charlie assured her. "I've got reinforcements on the way…we caught one group of those damn thieves, hiding near the stolen vehicles. Damn fools."

Amanda pulled the older woman close with relief. "That means there's only three left…" she gave a forced little laugh. "No contest."

Chapter 52

The silence hung heavily in the air upstairs; a crumpled body lay sprawled in the center of the office floor. The tall figure stood over the still form for a moment, then squatted down beside it to check for a pulse. Still breathing. Guess that's a good sign. Lex tossed the frying pan off to one side, then removed the laces from the unconscious man's work boots, tying up his hands and feet. Picking up the rifle, she was about to leave the room when she heard heavy footsteps on the stairs. Goody…one down, and two to go. The rancher crossed stealthily across the den, ending up next to the doorway. Peeking around the corner, she could barely see two forms; one at the foot of the stairs, and the other standing in the kitchen doorway.

"Matt, I'm scared!" the younger man whined softly, as the older man stepped into the kitchen. A moment later he returned, then walked towards the back door, which was still partially open.

"Shut up! I swear to God, if you don't quit whining, I'll shoot you myself!" he growled, opening up the door to the utility room and quickly looking inside.

The smaller man sat down on the bottom step, wrapping his arms around his knees, rocking back and forth. A large clap of thunder startled him and he began to cry. "Matt…I wanna go home!"

Lex watched as the taller form moved quickly back towards the stairs.

'SLAP!'

"Sssshhhh! Quit being such a damn baby! You're fifteen years old - grow up!" he shook the younger man's shoulder. "Now c'mon! Stay behind me and keep your mouth shut!" he started walking down the hallway, heading straight for the den where Lex stood waiting.

C'mon, you bastard…just a little closer… She silently urged him on. Dragging a poor kid into this mess…I'm gonna enjoy this! She turned the rifle around in her hands, holding it like a club.

Another rumble of thunder, then the back door swung open as lightning lit up the sky once again.

"Hold it!!" a man's voice yelled, flashing a beam of light down the hallway. "Sheriff's department!"

Matt whirled, keeping the young man between him and the deputy, who had raised his gun.

"NO!!!" Lex screamed, not wanting to see the boy shot. She jumped out of the den brandishing her rifle like a club. "Hold your fire!!" she yelled at the deputy, swinging the gun downward towards the thief's head.

'CRACK!'

'CRACK!'

The lights came on just as the shots rang out.

Chapter 53

"Okay, I've got men at all of the doors, and I've found where they threw the outdoor electrical switch. As soon as my men are in position, I'll turn the lights back on, and we'll go in."

Amanda quickly pulled the radio from Martha's now shaking hands. "Do you really think that's wise? We don't know where Lex is, or what the situation is up there."

"Normally I'd agree with you - but I don't want my men to be shooting at shadows. Someone could get hurt." He paused, trying to get his point across with upsetting either woman unduly. "And, if Lex is hurt, it'll be easier to find her if the lights are on."

Before Amanda could reply to that dark thought, two more gunshots rang out upstairs, just as the electricity came on. "Charlie? What's going on?" she practically screamed into the radio. "Charlie?!?!" Amanda handed the radio to Martha, and started towards the stairs. "That's it! I'm not spending a single second longer down here!!"

Before she could reach the stairs, the trapdoor opened, blinding the two women with a bright light. Amanda had to shade her eyes from the glare, since there was only one weak bulb in the storm cellar. "Lex?" she whispered, begging in her heart for it to be true. She charged up the stairway, Martha quickly at her heels.

Lex was practically bowled over by the overexcited women, finding herself almost flat on the floor. "Hey, hey! Take it easy!" she chuckled.

Charlie stood in the doorway, a big grin on his face. "Damn, Lex…I've been meaning to ask you how you're able to attract the most beautiful women!"

Martha got off of her knees, and took a near-leap at the lawman. "Oh, Charlie! You've always been such a sweet-talker!" She gave him a passionate kiss.

Lex looked up at Amanda, who was leaning over her prone body. "I guess this means you missed me?" she asked, a devilish smile on her face.

The younger woman bent down and gave her a sweet kiss. "Yeah, I guess you could say that." Amanda sat up, looking Lex's body over carefully. "Are you okay? We heard several gunshots." She ran her shaking hands across the beautiful body beneath her.

The rancher sat up, wrapping her arms around the lovely blonde. "Not a scratch…how are you holding up?"

Amanda enjoyed the sensation of strong arms holding her close. "Just great…now." She placed a gentle kiss on the strong neck. "But I guess I should get you out of the kitchen floor." She stood up, hauling the rancher with her. Amanda pulled Lex close, then wrapped her arms around the taller woman, squeezing tightly. "I really don't want to go through anything like that again." She tucked her head under the strong chin, exhaling with a great sigh of relief.

Lex kissed the blonde head as she brought her arms protectively around the smaller woman. "C'mon…let's see if they need any help with the clean up." She began to lead Amanda towards the hallway.

Charlie and Martha were already there, the housekeeper not releasing the strong grasp she had on the sheriff's hand. He stood there with a tired smile on his weathered face, watching as his men finished up their business.

Amanda's eyes popped open wide - there were deputies everywhere! One was checking the back door, another was speaking to a young teenager who was seated on the stairway, and several more were leading away two men in handcuffs. One of the men was bleeding from a head injury, and he glared at Lex as he was led out the front door; the other man was complaining about a gunshot wound to his leg, and a 'excruciating' headache - he too glared at the rancher, and questioned her parentage under his breath as he was led outside.

One deputy stepped up to Lex, carrying his hat in his hands. "Uh…" he looked down at his feet, "Lex, I want to apologize again for shooting at you." The big man looked like he was about to cry.

Amanda stiffened, and would have probably attacked the poor man had the taller woman not tightened her hold on the blonde's shoulders. "Jeremy, I don't blame you - all you could see was a person with a gun." She gave him a devilish grin. "I'm just glad you can't shoot worth a damn!"

He shook his head and smiled. "Yeah. Me too." They all looked towards the front door as a loud rumble assaulted their ears. Jeremy grinned at the rancher. "That would probably be your men - it took two of our guys with riot gear to keep them away after they finished the bridge." He was about to say more when the six muddy men stomped into the house.

The man in the lead was older, with a scraggly dark beard that was liberally sprinkled with gray. The evident leader of the group, he limped up to Lex with worry in his eyes. "Miz Lexington." He looked her over carefully, seemingly not even noticing the beautiful young woman tucked up against her side. "You look like you're still in one piece…we'd heard on the radio there'd been some shooting." Finishing his careful perusal, he blushed slightly when he noticed the young blonde standing next to the rancher. Yanking his hat off of his head, the older man mumbled, "'Scuse me…I…umm…"

Lex took pity on the grizzled man and smiled. "Lester, I'd like you to meet Amanda Cauble…Amanda, this is Lester - he takes care of the boys down at the bunkhouse."

The smaller woman held out a hand, giving the older man a strong handshake. "Nice to meet you, Lester. Martha has spoken highly of you." She smiled brightly, ignoring the mud liberally covering his bent form.

This caused his blush to darken. "Ah, now I know you're pullin' my leg." He gave the housekeeper a wry grin. "I'm just glad y'all are alright. Me and the boys are gonna go on up to the bunkhouse and get cleaned up." He smiled at Lex, put his hat on, and shuffled towards the door. Turning, he tipped his hat at Amanda, "Real pleasure to meet you, miss. Hope we'll be seeing more of you around." He started back towards the door again, ushering the other men outside. "C'mon, ya damn fools, let's get out of these folks' way."

Amanda waited until he closed the door, then burst out laughing. "He's cute." She looked up at Lex, who gave her a tired smile. She looks exhausted. Hmm…what should I do? Subtle? Yeah, why not? Turning her attention to the sheriff, she smiled. "Do you think anyone would mind if we went upstairs?" She gave the rancher a pleading look. "I really need to go sit down…my legs won't stop shaking." True… and she knew that this was the only way to get her tall friend to take a break. "Could you give me a hand up the stairs?"

Lex scanned the young woman's face worriedly. "Are you okay? Should I call a doctor?" she felt a small hand pat her stomach gently.

"No…I'm just tired, and more than a little shook up, I guess. I'm not used to so much excitement." Amanda looked at Charlie and Martha, who both grinned knowingly. "Well?"

"Uh, yeah. You go ahead and get some rest, we'll get this all straightened up down here." He felt Martha's hand tighten around his, and the smile on the lawman's face grew.

The small blonde began pulling Lex up the stairs. "Thanks, Charlie. We'll see you both in the morning." She gave a little wave, then smiled as she felt the rancher lean against her slightly. "C'mon, honey," she whispered, "Let's get you into bed."

The tall woman pulled her closer. "Now that's the best offer I've had all day." She leaned down and gave Amanda's ear a light nip. "Or at least all evening."

They made their way up to the master bedroom, Lex going straight to the bed and sitting down. "Damn…I feel like I could sleep for days." She ran a hand through her tangled dark hair.

Amanda knelt at her feet, gently pulling off Lex's boots. "Sounds like a plan to me." She stood up, unbuttoning the rancher's shirt, then pulling it off and touching the bandage wrapped around her ribs. "Let me go get something to…" she didn't finish, as she found herself sprawled across the tall woman's body.

"I thought you were tired." A raspy whisper in her ear, then a soft nibble started across her throat.

The smaller woman sat up, moving back slightly. "Well, I…umm…" she lost her train of thought as electric blue eyes captured hers.

Lex ran a hand down the younger woman's cheek. "Sorry. I really shouldn't tease you like that, but you're so cute when you get flustered."

Amanda leaned into the touch, turning and placing a soft kiss on the callused palm. "Yeah well, normally I don't like it when people tease me…" she gave Lex a sweet look, "but with you, it's different, somehow." She smiled, then reached down and began to unbutton the older woman's jeans. Seeing Lex raise an eyebrow, she blushed. "Now don't be getting any ideas… I just want you to be comfortable before we go to sleep."

The dark woman gave her another look, but didn't argue as Amanda gently pulled the jeans off, then pulled the sheet and comforter over her prone form. Lex, fighting to keep her eyes open, watched as Amanda removed her own clothes then crawled into bed. "Damn, but you're beautiful." She mumbled, eyes closing against her will.

Amanda blushed, then rolled over on her side, propping her head up with one hand. "Obviously you are so tired that your eyesight has been effected…" she brushed dark bangs off of the resting woman's forehead. "Lex?" No answer. Amanda sighed. "Sleep well, my friend." She edged over and snuggled up against the rancher, kissed the tan cheek, then joined her in sleep.

Chapter 54

Lex opened her eyes slowly, unsure of why she was awake. It was still dark outside, and a glance at the bedside alarm clock showed that it was just a little after five o'clock in the morning. She started to get up, and then realized that she had been effectively pinned to the bed by a small muscular body. And my left arm is numb, she grimaced, realizing the lack of feeling must be the reason she was awake. A devilish smile crossed her face. Oh, I could really have some fun here. Using her free hand, Lex slowly pulled the covers back, exposing their upper bodies to the cool air in the room. Amanda moaned slightly, snuggling up even closer, which allowed the older woman to free her arm. Lex was quite proud of herself until the extremity began to tingle painfully.

Amanda woke up, feeling a definite cool draft. Opening her eyes, she saw that somehow the comforter and sheet had been pushed down around her waist, leaving her upper body bare to the room. Glancing up at her companion, the young woman saw that Lex was awake as well, biting her lower lip with a pained expression on her face. Shivering slightly, Amanda pulled the covers up over them both, and then ran her hand along the clenched jaw. "Lex? What's the matter? Is it your side?" she sat up slightly.

The older woman shook her head and tried to relax. She flexed her left hand with a small grimace. "No…my arm has fallen asleep," she gave Amanda a small grin, "and now I'm trying to wake it up."

The young woman sat up to lean comfortably against the headboard and reached under the covers for Lex's arm. She began to gently massage the muscles, enjoying the feel of Lex's smooth skin. Finishing up, she leaned over and gave the dark woman a tender kiss. "How's that?"

Lex pulled the smaller woman over until she was lying on top. "Mmm…seems to be working just fine." She mumbled, wrapping both arms securely around Amanda and squeezing. "But it may need extensive physical therapy," she continued, rolling over until the young woman was under her. Lex began placing tender bites on Amanda's neck. "Better safe than sorry," she whispered in a nearby ear, leaving a soft kiss behind.

"Ooohh…yeah." Amanda gasped, threading her fingers in the thick hair above her. "I'll be glad to…oh, boy…" she trembled as the older woman began tracing a fiery path down her body with small bites and gentle kisses.

Chapter 55

Lex and Amanda strolled into the kitchen hours later, both looking quite happy and rested. Charlie was sitting at the table talking with Martha, who was at the stove cooking the morning meal.

"Well, well…look who finally decided to get up." She teased the young women, who both had the decency to blush.

Lex recovered first, sitting down next to Amanda. "Well, we woke up earlier, and just decided to take it easy for awhile."

Charlie snickered into his coffee cup, while the young blonde next to Lex blushed again. "Roy stopped by earlier, said he and the boys were going to take care of the horses for you for the next week or so…" he smiled at the housekeeper, who had a smug look on her face. "They felt bad that you had to do all the chores lately, and they want to make it up to you."

Lex looked at Martha. "Sounds like a certain someone has been busy this morning."

The housekeeper turned away from the stove, hands on her hips. "Now you just listen to me, Lexie." She stalked over to the table, putting one hand under the rancher's chin and tilting her face upwards. "You are going to take it easy for a few days - at least until these dark circles disappear from under your eyes." Seeing a stormy look appear on Lex's face, she leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on the young woman's forehead. "Please? For me?"

Lex's face lightened immediately. "Aw, Martha…don't look at me that way." She looked over at her blonde companion, who was trying to control herself. "What's so funny?"

Amanda was sitting next to the tall woman, one hand covering her mouth. "Nothing!" But her eyes were sparkling.

Lex leaned over until she was inches away from Amanda's face. She waited until the younger woman's eyes were locked with her own, then in a quiet voice said, "I have ways of making you talk, my dear."

The younger woman's eyes widened, then glinted with something other than humor. "I'm looking forward to seeing you try." She leaned over and placed a quick kiss on the surprised rancher's nose.

"She gotcha there, Lexie!" Martha chortled as she went back to the stove. "I'm sure you girls are hungry, right?" She started piling two plates with food.

Charlie looked at them, then at his watch. "Wow…it's almost ten o'clock! Getting closer to lunch, isn't it?"

Lex glared at him. "You really don't want to go there." She looked down at the plate the housekeeper had placed in front of her. "Good Lord, Martha…do you actually expect me to eat all of this?"

The older woman sat back down at the table after placing a similarly laden plate in front of the young blonde. "As a matter of fact, I do." She gave the rancher a long stare. "You haven't been eating enough to keep a bird alive…and I'm putting a stop to it!"

Amanda giggled. "I was wondering how she could run a ranch on what she ate…now I know…" she ignored the nasty look the tall woman was giving her.

Lex rolled her eyes. "Fine. But don't blame me for the mess in the kitchen when I explode from eating all of this." She grumbled as she started on her breakfast.

"Poor baby…you'll probably be bedridden for days." Amanda patted her leg in mock sympathy.

"Hrumpph." Another grumble from the rancher, but she couldn't disguise the affection in her eyes. "And this would be a bad thing?" she winked.

Ducking her head, the younger woman prudently didn't answer, but continued to eat her breakfast with a large smile on her face.

Charlie looked at Martha, who was smiling happily. Time to change the subject, I think. Clearing his throat, the lawman looked over at Lex. "Since you don't have any chores to do, what are your plans for what's left of today?" his eyes twinkled.

Placing her coffee mug back on the table, Lex glanced over at the young blonde. "Well, I thought that if Amanda felt up to it, we'd make a trip to town." Seeing the younger woman's answering smile, she continued, "I need to pick up my other truck, and I thought that we could put her car in the shop to get the interior cleaned up."

"That would be great!" The young woman enthused, "My grandparents will be so excited!" Amanda took the rancher's larger hand in hers. "Think I could talk you into staying there for a few days?" Looking into Lex's eyes, she felt the room recede until it seemed that only the two of them were there. "I realize that you know Gramma and Grandpa Jake, but I'd really like to introduce you to them, if you know what I mean."

Lex was so absorbed in the green eyes across from hers, she didn't hear when Martha and Charlie made their silent exit. She swallowed hard, trying to put her thoughts into words. "Are you sure about that?" She saw the shock, and then sadness cross Amanda's expressive face.

"What?" She looked into sad blue eyes. "Why wouldn't I want to show you off?" Amanda used shaky hands to cradle the older woman's face. Leaning forward, she placed a gentle kiss on Lex's trembling lips. "I love you," she whispered, "and I want the entire world to know it."

Lex felt the sadness squeeze her heart painfully. "I love you too," she spoke quietly, "but I don't want to see you get hurt." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "People in town have very long memories, and I've got a pretty checkered past." Her voice broke as she felt the soft touch of Amanda's fingertips brushing the tears that had fallen from her eyes.

Amanda stood up, then sat down again, this time in the older woman's lap. She wrapped one arm around Lex's shoulders, and used her free hand to capture the rancher's callused hand. Bringing the large hand to her lips, she placed a tender kiss on the knuckles, then pulled their linked hands to rest between their bodies. "I've already told my grandparents about us," she whispered, making eye contact with Lex, "and they couldn't be happier." She kissed the older woman's forehead. "And I really don't give a damn what anyone else thinks - so get used to it."

Lex started to speak. "Are…" She cleared her throat and tried again. "Are you sure about this? You're going to hear a lot of nasty stuff, and most of it's probably true." Seeing the fierce determination in those very green eyes, she relented. "I just want you to know what you are getting into." She was about to add more, but was interrupted when Amanda's lips found her own.

Amanda poured everything she had into that kiss - transferring all her hopes, dreams, and love to the dark rancher. When she pulled back, the young woman could see the love shining in Lex's eyes, and she felt her own begin to fill with tears of happiness. "So you'd better get used to the fact that you're stuck with me….'cause I'm not going anywhere." She murmured, leaning up until their foreheads touched.

Taking a shuddering breath, Lex closed her eyes and pulled the young woman against her with all the strength left in her shaking arms. She buried her face in the soft golden hair, trying to come up with something, anything, to express the feeling in her heart. "Oh God, Amanda," she whispered hoarsely, "I love you with all that I am." She felt the return squeeze.

Chapter 56

They had sat in the kitchen tangled together silently for what seemed like hours, neither speaking, yet not quite ready to let the other go. Finally, Amanda pulled back slightly, running her hand down the tan cheek of the taller woman. "Well, now that we've gotten that settled, are you ready to drive into town, so I can show you off?"

Lex blushed. "Not much to show, but yeah, I guess so…let me go get a bag together, since we'll be there for a few days." She waited until the smaller woman climbed off of her lap with a reluctant sigh. "I've also got a few errands to run while we're there, if you don't mind." She stood, wrapping a long arm around Amanda's shoulder.

The young blonde grinned. "Sure…I've got some things to take care of too." Like requesting some more vacation time, and of course thanking that slimeball Rick for sending me out here, she mused. I can't wait to see his face! A small giggle escaped from her.

"What's so funny?" Lex asked, as the headed towards the stairs.

"I was just thinking about Rick." Amanda couldn't help herself, she chuckled again.

"And…?"

"I'm just picturing the look on his face when I stand up in front of the entire office and thank him for sending me on a wild goose chase." She shook her blonde head ruefully.

Lex stopped in the middle of the stairway and looked at her, as if she had completely lost her mind. "Thank him?!?"

"Yep." Amanda nodded, prodding the rancher forward once again. "I'm gonna say, 'Rick, if it weren't for you, I may have never met the love of my life - so thank you!' and then watch him pass out from the shock." She laughed.

Lex finally laughed as well. "That would certainly do it." She allowed Amanda to enter the master bedroom ahead of her. "But when he gets up, he's mine." This was said in a low growl. "The bastard nearly got you killed - and I have a few choice words of my own for him." She was walking towards the closet when the light touch on her back stopped her. Turning around, she saw a quiet look on the younger woman's face.

"No…please don't." Seeing the confusion on Lex's face, Amanda continued, "I would gladly go through all of that again for what I have gained this past week." She enjoyed the look of comprehension, then pure joy that suddenly covered the older woman's face.

Lex grinned and scooped the small woman up into her arms. "Funny…I feel the same way." She spun Amanda around, enjoying the startled laughter that began to float through the air around them.

"Lex! You nut! Put me down before you hurt yourself!" Amanda chortled, arms wrapped around the taller woman's neck. Realizing she was in the unique position of finally being able to physically see eye-to-eye with the rancher, Amanda took advantage of the opportunity presented to her and captured the older woman's lips with a vengeance.

Lex happily returned her offering, accepting the deepening of the contact wholeheartedly. She loosened her grip on the smaller woman slightly, as she felt her own legs begin to weaken. "God, Amanda," she whispered huskily, "it's amazing what you make me feel with just one kiss."

The younger woman smiled against her mouth. "It's only fair…considering what you can do to me with just one look." She murmured. "You in much of a hurry to get into town?" She slid down the long form slowly. "I thought we could leave sometime after lunch." She stepped away carefully, capturing the large hands and backing up towards the bed.

Lex smiled, her eyes slightly glazed with desire. "You're the boss." She allowed the younger woman to pull her forward onto the bed, laughing.

Chapter 57

Amanda drove the little Mustang towards the bridge, with a growing sense of unease. The closer they got, the more she began to shake. Oh, God…I don't know if I can do this. She was starting to feel physically ill, until a strong hand covered hers.

"Stop the car for a minute, Amanda." Lex spoke quietly, but with authority, and the younger woman was unable to deny the request. "Please?"

"No…it's okay," she managed to get out, even as she stopped the car.

Lex stepped out of the car as it rolled to a stop, only a few yards from the edge of the newly constructed bridge. She walked over to the driver's side and opened the door, offering Amanda her hand. "C'mere…" she beckoned, feeling the cold clammy hand of her companion grasp hers. "We're gonna take this slow and easy, okay? Just let me know when it gets to be too much." She began to slowly lead the younger woman towards the bridge, pulling her tightly against her as they walked forward.

Amanda took a deep breath, and walked with Lex up to the edge of the bridge. Before she could feel any panic, however, the strong arm around her shoulder tightened slightly, and she felt the fear melt away. Placing one foot on the wooden surface, she trembled. Stop it! Lex is here, and she won't let anything happen - just get over it!! Amanda berated herself, angry that an inanimate object could instill such fear into her.

"Shhh…easy, sweetheart." Lex spoke quietly into her ear, as she would a spooked horse. "Everything's going to be okay, I promise." They walked halfway across the bridge before she felt the smaller woman begin to relax.

Feeling her heartbeat begin to calm, Amanda sneaked a peek up at her protector. Just like a security blanket, right Mandy? She stopped in the middle of the bridge, returning the taller woman's embrace. "Thank you." She placed a soft kiss on the chest her face was buried in. "I'm going to be okay now." Looking up at the shadowed face above her, Amanda finally smiled. "Let's go get the car and get out of here."

The rest of the drive into town was uneventful, the two women sharing humorous antidotes from their childhood.

"And then he said, 'How in the hell did that calf end up wearing my boots?' Lex finished, watching the younger woman wipe her eyes from too much laughter.

The young blonde shook her head. "Stop it, please! I'll never get that picture out of my head...poor Charlie!" she chuckled, turning the car onto a beautifully landscaped street, trees draping overhead. She looked over at the rancher, who was beginning to look a little spooked. "We're almost there…you okay?"

Lex had been looking out of the window, remembering the last time she had driven down this street. Been at least eight months, she thought, not much has changed. "Yeah, I'm fine…just feel a little bit intimidated, I guess…" she glanced back over at her companion.

"Really? So you've been over here before?" Amanda remembered her grandmother saying that Lex was on the Historical Committee, but hadn't realized that the rancher had been to their house.

"Yeah, a couple of months before you moved back here, there was a meeting of the Committee at Mrs. Cauble's home…and I happened to attend." She took a deep breath to gain the courage to tell her story. "Anyway, the ladies were chatting about some old barn north of town, when a couple of the alarms on their cars went off. We all went outside to look, and there were a couple of kids trying to break into the vehicles." She looked down at her lap, unable to meet the startling green gaze across from her. "I wasn't really thinking…just ran outside while Mrs. Cauble called the police. I caught them, but they tried to get away, and I…" she stopped, unable to continue.

Amanda had pulled the car over when Lex started her story, realizing that the older woman was having more trouble than she cared to admit telling her tale. "You don't have to…"

Lex finally looked at her, ashamed. "Yes, I do. You really need to know what kind of person I can be." She took another deep breath. "They were just a couple of punks, trying to get a little extra money from stuff they could steal…" she rubbed her eyes. "I lost it…Here they were, two dirty teenagers, stealing from ladies I considered friends…" Here she closed her eyes. "I beat the hell out of them…it took five deputies to pull me off of them, and they both spent weeks in the hospital." She slumped down farther into her seat. "I've been ashamed to show my face in town ever since…"

"Oh, Lex…" Amanda felt sympathetic tears welling up in her eyes. "You have nothing to be ashamed of…you protected people you care about." She reached a hand over and clasped the rancher's arm.

The older woman opened her eyes and looked at Amanda. "I'm not sure I can agree with you…If you could have just seen the looks on those ladies faces." A single tear fell down her angular face. "I see them almost every night in my dreams. They were horrified, and for good reason." She ran a hand through her hair nervously. "I guess I'm just afraid of seeing that look on your grandmother's face when you show up with me on her doorstep…I don't think I could handle that."

Amanda unbuckled her seat belt and crawled into Lex's lap. "NO! My grandmother thinks the world of you…we've spoken on the phone quite a few times since I've been staying with you, and she has said nothing but wonderful things about you." She gave the older woman a light kiss. "And if she felt any different, you know she would have told me!" Daring the rancher to contradict her.

Lex sat for a minute, just absorbing what the younger woman was saying. She's right. Mrs. Cauble is certainly no wilting flower…she would have told Amanda about any misgivings she had about me already. Time to quit feeling so sorry for myself. "Yeah, you're right." She gave the smaller woman a sweet kiss. "You wanna take me home, now? Think I want to tell Mr. and Mrs. Cauble my true intentions towards you."

Amanda gave her a puzzled look. "Intentions? Why do I have this sudden vision of you standing under my window serenading me?" She laughed, then became somewhat alarmed when Lex gave her a grin.

"Damn! You figured me out!" she chuckled, seeing the shock on her companion's face. "Don't worry…I'll cancel the Mariachi Band…"

Slipping back into the driver's seat, Amanda laughed again. "You wouldn't…" she looked at Lex's semi-innocent face, "You would! Don't you dare!" She buckled back up, then pulled the small car back onto the street, laughing all the while.

Chapter 58

Amanda pulled into the tree-lined drive, parking behind the shining Suburban. "Looks like they're home." She got out of the car then strolled to the passenger's side, waiting for the tall woman to climb out. "C'mon…let's go give 'em a big surprise." She took Lex's hand, practically running up the walkway to the door.

Before the young woman could open the door it swung wide open, her grandmother standing in the doorway smiling. "Mandy! You're home!" She rushed outside, wrapping her arms around Amanda in breathless abandon.

"Errk! Gramma, calm down!" Amanda gasped, as the older woman squeezed the breath out of her.

Jacob Cauble stood just inside the doorway, watching with an amused air. "Well, Peanut, we can never accuse you of not making an entrance!" he laughed, until the young woman released her grandmother and came at him full force. "Ugh! Okay, I'm happy to see you too."

Anna Leigh looked at Lex, who was standing back with a bemused look on her face. "Lexington? Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to say hello?" She stepped towards the tall woman.

Lex gave her a gentle smile. "Hello, Mrs. Cauble. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"You scamp! Get over here!" Anna Leigh pulled the young woman into a strong embrace. Whispering into her ear, "I could never thank you enough for what you have given us…and I'm glad you're here."

Amanda and Jacob stood arm in arm, watching the scene on the front porch with glee. "I'm glad you got her to come back with you, Peanut. Your grandmother has been very worried about her since your last talk." He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on the blonde head.

"Is the guest room still available? I actually got her to agree to stay in town for a few days, and I want to get her to visit Dr. Anderson while she's here." She smiled at the rancher when Anna Leigh brought her to the doorway.

Jacob let go of his granddaughter and reached for the tall woman standing next to his wife. Pulling her into a powerful hug, he kissed the top of her head. "Welcome back, Lexington. I hope you will stay with us a few days, so we can get caught up." He led her into the house, with Amanda and Anna Leigh close behind.

The dark woman followed him into the living room, sitting in the loveseat he pointed her towards. "Well, if you don't mind me hanging around, I'd like that. I have some business to attend to here in town that will take a couple of days, if that's okay with you."

Amanda plopped down next to her, almost sitting in the rancher's lap. Grabbing the older woman's hand, she laughed. "Like I would let you out of my sight for any amount of time."

Jacob sat in the large recliner, with Anna Leigh perched on the arm. "Looks like our little Amanda has gotten her hooks into you, Lexington." He laughed at the blush that colored both young women's faces. "Not that I'm complaining, mind you…as long as Mandy is happy, we're happy. Right, Anna?" he grasped his wife's hand, then pulled it to his lips for a kiss.

Anna Leigh looked at her granddaughter, then at the woman seated next to her. "I couldn't agree more, Jacob."

"That's good, because I've fallen completely, totally, and irreversibly in love with Lex, and I couldn't be happier." Amanda snuggled closer to the completely embarrassed rancher.

Jacob and Anna Leigh exchanged amused glances. "So, Lexington…" he drawled, trying to keep a straight face, "What are your intentions towards our granddaughter?" seeing the shocked look on Amanda's face he nearly lost his composure. And watching the tall rancher struggle with her thoughts, he nearly laughed out loud. "Well?"

Lex looked at Amanda, then at Jacob and Anna Leigh, standing up to address the two older people. "Mr. Cauble, Mrs. Cauble, my intentions are purely honorable. I love Amanda with my entire being, and if I were able, I would ask you for her hand." She looked back at the young blonde, who had tears floating in her eyes. "But since I can't, I want to stand here right now and give you my word that I will treat Amanda with the greatest respect, and honor her for as long as she will have me." She felt a small hand grasp hers. "We've only know each other less than a week, yet it feels like a lifetime. She brings out the best in me, and I will do everything in my power to make her happy." God, that was hard!

Anna Leigh stood up, followed by Jacob. "Lexington…" she began sternly, watching the emotions flicker across the dark features, "Welcome to our family." She walked over and pulled the dark-haired woman into a strong hug. "And call me Anna Leigh…Mrs. Cauble sounds so, impersonal, don't you think?" She felt the body she was holding shake with silent sobs. "Shhh… it's okay, sweetheart." She rubbed Lex's back comfortingly.

Lex drew a deep breath and slowly pulled away. "Thanks, Anna Leigh. You have no idea what it means to me to hear that." Embarrassed, she ran a hand over her eyes.

Amanda stepped up beside her and gave the tall woman a hug. "That was beautiful, Lex. I didn't know you were quite that eloquent." She leaned on the nearby shoulder.

"Well, Lexington, seems like you're stuck with us." Jacob walked over and embraced the young woman. "And if you call me Mr. Cauble again, I'll have to get tough! You can call me Jacob, Grandpa, or old fart…I'll answer to just about anything." He chuckled at her look of surprise. "Although I usually reserve 'old fart' for my Anna Leigh to call me…" he flinched as the older woman slapped his arm lightly. "See what these Cauble women are capable of? Are you sure you want to be subjected to this?"

Lex laughed, and looked down at Amanda. "Yeah, I know…she's already popped me a couple of times… guess it's in the genes." She winced as the expected slap came her way. "See what I mean?" Her comment broke the seriousness of the conversation, for which she was glad. Damn…this was harder than breaking a wild horse. Glad I'll never have to go through this again. Then her thoughts sobered. Oh, shit! I've still got to meet her parents!

Chapter 59

It was late evening, with Lex and Amanda snuggled up on the sofa in front of a roaring fire. "You know," Lex chuckled, "I always knew your grandparents were special…I just never really realized just how special they were until today." She felt a light kiss on her collarbone, where Amanda's face was comfortably tucked.

"Yeah…It may sound strange, but they're closer to me than my own parents…" Amanda agreed, snuggling closer in the dark woman's lap. "I love my mom and dad, but we were never as close…I've always felt like I could tell Gramma and Grandpa Jake anything."

Lex kissed the top of her head. "I know what you mean. I feel the same way about Martha. She's always been there for me."

They sat there for a while longer, staring as the flames burned down, just enjoying the quiet company of each other. Amanda had dozed off, and Lex was contemplating her visit to the bank tomorrow, as well as going to the county jail to sign the complaint against the five thieves. She had refused to press charges against the teenager, especially when Charlie told her he was an orphan under the care of his older brother, Matt. When she asked him what they were going to do with the boy, the sheriff said they would probably have to put him in juvenile hall. Lex was going to see the boy tomorrow, and ask him if he'd like to work on the ranch. I hope I'm making the right decision here, she wondered, but I can't let a boy go to jail for following his brother.

Anna Leigh glided quietly into the room, in case the two younger women were asleep. She noticed her granddaughter was sound asleep on the rancher's lap, and the dark-haired woman was staring pensively into the dying fireplace. She edged over to the arm of the sofa and perched atop it. "Lexington? Is everything alright, honey?"

Lex looked up at the older woman, seeing where Amanda got her beauty. "Yeah, just fine. I was just going over in my head the things I have to do tomorrow." She uttered quietly, loathe to wake the sleeping bundle in her arms.

"From what I hear, that means a trip to the doctor as well, doesn't it?" Anna Leigh didn't know how else to bring such a subject up. "Amanda said over the phone that you have broken ribs, and had been shot?"

Sighing, Lex ran her free hand through her hair. "Yeah…she'll badger me 'til I go, I guess." She looked up at the older woman. "It's really not that bad…I'm sure she made it sound worse than it actually was."

Anna Leigh grinned, then gave the dark head a gentle pat. "Uh-huh…your forget how well I know you." Then her face took on a pensive look. "Why haven't you been by recently? I've missed our conversations we used to have on the patio Saturday evenings." The two women would sit outside, drinking iced tea and discussing everything from politics to the price of cattle after the Historical Committee meetings, but that had stopped after the incident eight months ago.

"I…" Lex stammered, looking one of her worse fears in the face, "I just figured you didn't need me around your little gatherings…I'm not exactly tea party material." She couldn't look the older woman in the eye.

"Lexington…I was never so proud of you as I was that day you stopped those horrible thieves! What if one of the ladies had decided to leave early? Do you think they would have just ran away?" She forced the younger woman to look her in the eye. "I don't think so. I believe that they would have seriously hurt someone…and yet you jumped to our defense immediately." She gave the dark rancher a gentle smile. "Don't be ashamed of the fact that you protected us from an unknown danger…yes, they were just boys. But you know as well as I do how vicious young men can be…don't underestimate what you did that day. The ladies still talk about how very proud of you they are."

Lex was caught speechless. I never realized… "Mrs., ummm… Anna Leigh," she smiled at the look the older woman gave her. "Thank you. I've been worried all this time about what happened then. I'll still worry about it, but you've helped me put it more in perspective."

Anna Leigh leaned over and kissed the dark head. "Honey, there's nothing in this world I wouldn't do for you… now why don't you get yourselves upstairs and into bed?" she gave the young woman a sneaky grin. "Unfortunately, the guest room is under repairs, so you'll have to share with Amanda. I do hope that's alright." She patted the nearby arm. "Get some rest, we'll see you in the morning." She got up and left the room, a chuckle escaping her lips.

Lex looked after the older woman with a fond smile. Oh yeah…she's subtle. She glanced down at the sleeping woman in her arms. Wonder if I can get her awake long enough to make it upstairs? "Amanda?" she asked quietly, gently shaking the small body.

"Mmmm?" The blonde head tucked itself tighter into her chest.

The rancher shook her head in defeat. Can't say I didn't try. She stood up, cradling the sleeping form gently. Okay, now where the hell is her bedroom? Lex started walking up the stairs, remembering from a previous tour of the house that all the bedrooms were on the back area of the second floor. Just as she reached the top, Amanda woke up slightly.

"Lex?" She looked up into the blue eyes, then realized where they were. "You didn't carry me up the stairs, did you?" Amanda used one hand to push the dark bangs from the rancher's eyes.

"Yep." The tall woman smiled. "And your grandmother told me the guestroom was being repaired, so we'll have to share…" she shifted her grip on the small form in her arms. "So where should I take you?"

Amanda grinned. "Anywhere you want to."

The End

I want to thank all the Pups for their unwavering support during this story. You guys are the greatest!!!