As the stagecoach pulled to a stop, "Four Corners!" Yelled the driver.

A man stepped out of the stage and then a moment later, a young woman stepped out. She had long brown, natural curly hair with the sides pulled up, and beautiful dark brown eyes. She wore a navy blue gingham dress that set off her olive skin.

"We're finally here! Isn't this great?!" Exclaimed her husband. He was tall and handsome, wearing a nice suit.

"Yea, real exciting." Samantha spoke under her breath and rolled her eyes. She was tired, tired of her husband dragging her all around the territory.

Joshua turned and grabbed her by the arm with his fingers digging into her. With a low voice he leaned closer to her face, "Do I have to remind you about what happened the last time you sassed me? Now, pick up your bags and come along!"

"Yes, Joshua." Was all she dared to say

Joshua didn't hear her respond because he quickly turned around and was shaking hands with the other man that was on the stage. Faking a smile and acting as if the prior incident didn't happen- as he usually did after he yelled at her.

Buck and JD were watching the stage waiting to see if they would be "needed." JD saw what went on between the couple, "Buck, did you see that? I wonder what she said to make him so angry?"

"I don't know JD." Buck said as he walked away

Buck and JD entered the saloon and joined Vin and Chris. Ezra was at his usual game at his usual table, and Josiah and Nathan were out working on the church.

"No one on the stage worth needing your services today, Buck?" Vin looked over at Chris and they both grinned

"Oh, she could've used us most definitely" JD was cut off

"JD, it's none of our business." Buck snapped back.

Chris and Vin looked at each other quizzically, "What happened, who's SHE?" Chris asked.

"Oh nothin' Chris, a couple got off the stage and he snapped at, I assume they're married, his wife. Not much to get all worked up about." Buck lied.

JD sat there shocked looking at Buck. That's not what I saw.

Up in their room in the hotel, the couple was freshening up for the evening. Samantha wanted to rid her face of the dust that she had collected during the travel, and so she carried the water pitcher to the basin. She tripped over Joshua's suitcase he had left in the middle of the floor and dropped the pitcher. Glass was shattered everywhere, and water was soaking Joshua's clothes.

"Damn it Samantha! Look what you've done now! I swear you are worthless. Can't you do anything?!"

"Joshua, I..I'm sorry but your suitcase was out in the middle of the floor, I-" She tried to defend herself, but knew it wasn't a good idea.

"Oh yes, blame your clumsiness on me. CLEAN IT UP!" he yelled as the back of his hand connected with her cheek.

Samantha bit back the tears, she didn't dare give this man the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She cowardly knelt down and cleaned up the mess and then as best as she could, redid her hair to cover the bruise that would soon surface.

As the evening approached, Josiah and Nathan decided to quit, "What do ya' say I buy you a drink, Josiah?"

"No thanks Nathan, but I will go with you to the saloon. I think we've done just about all we can do today."

Nathan and Josiah walked into the saloon just as the others were headed out. "We're going over to the restaurant to get somethin' to eat, you wanna join us? Ezra's treat." Chris said sarcastically as he watched Ezra jump.

"Oh yes, I would be ecstatic if you let me treat you gentleman to dinner tonight! Yea right." Ezra was agitated because there were no worthy opponents' left to play in the small town, and so he didn't receive as much money as he would have liked. He left the men that were laughing at him and walked on to the restaurant.

Josiah looked over at Nathan with raised eyebrows and Nathan nodded, "Yea we'll join you."

When they walked into the restaurant, everyone stopped and looked up at them and then went back to what they were eating and talking about. That was usually what happened when all seven of them walked in to a room.

Vin's eyes met Samantha's and she quickly turned her gaze.

"Hey Buck, there's that couple we saw earlier today." JD nodded his head and motioned over to a table.

Chris turned to face JD and Buck "What's with you and that couple?"

"Well Chris, he just seems suspicious" Buck started saying.

"Why do you say that?" Vin cut in interested to know what was happening.

JD started telling what he saw, "When they arrived and got off the stage, he said something and then I think she said something too, but then he turned and grabbed her by the arm and looked like he could have killed her. I guess it was just the way he grabbed her."

"Don't you think you're jumping to conclusions here, JD? Couples argue all the time around here, no big deal." Nathan said.

"Yes, I have to agree with Mr. Jackson. It was probably a meaningless little confrontation between the two; people argue all the time. Now, are we going to stand here and watch everyone else dine and guess their secrets too, or will I be feasting alone?" Ezra stated and then started to walk away.

They all followed Ezra as he led the way to their table in the corner. They always chose this one so they would be able to see who was coming and going, and not have their backs to the entrance.

Vin chose the chair that was facing Samantha, he practically raced JD to it. Chris noticed Vin's actions and leaned over and whispered, "she's married."

Vin turned and looked at Chris, "What are you talking about?"

"Sure Vin." Chris smirked and then left it that

Joshua and Samantha were eating their meal and Samantha could feel she was being watched. "I bet those are the seven men that we have been hearing about. The ones that are the law of this town." Joshua said more to himself

"Probably." Samantha said as she looked over at the group of men then looked away.

"Come Samantha let us go meet them." Joshua stood up and lightly grabbed Samantha's arm

"But Joshua, they're eating. Let us not disturb them tonight." Samantha said lightly trying not to make him angry.

Joshua dug his fingers once again into her already sore arm and looked at her with his steely gray eyes and whispered, "Stand up! Besides they're not eating yet, they're still looking at the menu's."

Vin and Ezra noticed them starting to walk towards them. JD didn't notice and was talking about the new couple to Chris. Ezra kicked him under the table. "OW Ezra! what'n the hell did you.." JD looked up and saw them standing there and then looked down and massaged his leg.

"Good evening gentleman, I am Joshua Stanley and this is my wife Samantha." She stood behind her husband not wanting to have these men see her face. Joshua turned and pulled her out from behind him.

Buck almost spit out the water he was drinking but instead choked it down. The others noticed too.

Nathan, being the concerned healer that he was, stood up and walked over to her. "That's a nasty bruise you've got there, Mrs. Stanley. What happened? Are you alright?"

The men were shocked that he asked this question, but also glad because they wanted to know what she would say. Joshua turned and gave her a warning look.

"Oh, I'm fine thank you. I fell off my horse." She was always prepared and knew how to answer convincingly the questions she received about her bruises. She had had plenty of practice.

She held out her hand for Nathan to shake, "and which of the seven are you?"

Nathan took her hand and smiled, "I'm Nathan Jackson and this is Buck Wilmington, JD Dunne, Ezra Standish, Josiah Sanchez, Chris Larabee, and Vin Tanner." Nathan pointed at all of them and in turn they each nodded their heads.

"It's a pleasure to meet you gentlemen. Throughout our traveling we have heard many things about Four Corners and its protectors." She let her eyes stroll along each of their faces smiling at each of them.

Vin looked into her eyes and didn't see the happiness she expressed, he saw fear and sadness. He wanted so badly to embrace and protect her from whatever it was he saw, but knew he couldn't. She's married dummy, get it out of your head!

The waiter came over to the table and asked to take their orders. That was the Stanleys' cue to leave. "Well, it's been a pleasure to finally get to meet you gentleman. Enjoy your dinner." Joshua nodded, then took Samantha by her arm and led the way out.

"I don't like him." Vin said as he watched them leave. Chris had to agree with Vin, he got the same gut feeling when he watched Joshua.

JD broke the tension, "I told you. Now do you believe me."

"Yea JD, we believe you." Was all Buck could say as he tried to calm himself down. He recognized the signs the moment he saw Joshua give her a warning look.

"Joshua?" Samantha was looking at him through the mirror as she was fixing her hair. "What are we going to do today? I thought we could go on a ride and look over the land. I could make us a lunch and we can have a picnic."

Joshua was dressing in one of his nice suits and that let Samantha know that the answer was already going to be no. He walked over to her and standing behind her he put his hands on her shoulders. She always cringed when he touched her, never knowing if he would be gentle or not.

"You go ahead my darling, I have some business to take care of here in town. They should have Pilgrim in the corral by now, go take him for a run." He kissed the top of her head and then he turned and walked out the door with his hat and some papers.

Samantha was glad he wouldn't be joining her, she wanted to be alone. She put on her new riding outfit that she had bought before they left to head out west, and then stood in front of the mirror and sighed. She grabbed her coat and stopped by the restaurant to pack a lunch, then headed to the corral.

Buck, JD, and Vin were in the saloon and Chris walked in. He had a hard look on his face that meant trouble and so they prepared to listen. "Mornin' pard. What's goin' on?" Buck asked.

"Got a telegram from Eagle Bend. Seems we got some riders headed this way, might want to look out for." Chris said as he sat down

"What for?" JD was shifting in his seat ready to fight

Chris looked at JD; "I don't know JD it doesn't say. Where's Nathan and Josiah?"

"They're over at the church getting an early start." JD put in

"Where's Ezra?"

Buck looked at Chris shockingly, "Where do you think? He's up there getting' his beauty sleep. Chris you know he doesn't get up before noon."

"Well go wake him and tell him to get down here. And go tell Josiah and Nathan what's going on." Chris motioned to Buck and then got up and walked out.

Vin stood up and went after Chris, "Chris, I'm gonna' ride out - see if I can see anything."

"Alright, but watch your back." Chris was clearly agitated, and so Vin left it at that.

Vin walked into the corral and saw Samantha preparing a horse for a ride. When she heard the footsteps, she jumped. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you ma'am."

"Oh it's quite all right, I'm just a little jumpy. Um, Mr. Tanner isn't it?" She knew exactly who he was but didn't want to be obvious.

"Yes ma'am. Are you and your husband headed out somewhere this morning?" He casually looked around for Joshua

Samantha noticed him looking around, she suspected for her husband, and a quick smile crossed her face. "No, he has some business he has to take care of this morning. Besides, he doesn't really like to ride."

Vin noticed her smile and for a moment he couldn't breath, it was the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. He couldn't understand why this young woman had such an effect on him. He knew that if anything developed it could mean trouble. For one she's a married woman, and two, there is no two, she's married!

Vin noticed that she still had her bruise, "you're awfully brave to get back on a horse."

She looked at him quizzically, forgetting that she told them she fell off her horse, "What do you mean?"

"Well, you told us you fell off your horse, not many women get back on after they've fallen off." Vin chuckled a little

She looked at him sharply, "I'm not like other women Mr. Tanner." Samantha felt that other women in a position like hers would get out, but she was too afraid - afraid of what Joshua would do to her. She turned and started walking out, but Vin lightly grabbed her arm

"Wait, I'm sorry if I offended you. I didn't mean anything by it." Confused by her sudden change of attitude, he let go of her and then started walking to Sire.

Samantha turned around and sighed, "Mr. Tanner, I know you didn't mean anything, I'm sorry. I guess that's why I'm taking this ride - to relieve some of the pressures." She looked over at Pilgrim and rubbed his nose and walked him out.

Vin mounted Sire and then remembered why he was on his horse. "Mrs. Stanley wait. We were notified to look out for some riders that may be headed this way. I'm sure it's nothing serious but I don't think it would be safe for you to go riding out right now."

"Could I join you then Mr. Tanner?" Samantha was shocked by her own question, so she quickly added, "I have to take this ride, I need to get away for a while." She looked up at Vin with pleading in her eyes

Vin was stuck. If he were to be seen riding with her, he would never hear the end of it from the others- especially Chris. But he didn't want her to be out alone, and she was determined to go riding. Vin nodded, "Sure."

Samantha smiled and then mounted Pilgrim. They rode out of the town, Samantha going slow and Vin trying to get out as fast as he can so as not to be seen. But, he noticed Chris and his look of disapproval.

"Thank you for letting me ride with you, Mr. Tanner." She looked over at him and smiled

"Vin." He whispered

Samantha looked over at him with a puzzled expression, "I'm sorry, did you say something?"

"Yes, my first name is Vin." That was all he needed to say to her.

She took the hint and chuckled. "I'm glad you told me Mr- I mean Vin. I was going to mention the same thing." They looked at each other and then laughed.

They rode along for a while and then decided to give the horses a rest. Samantha pulled out a blanket from her saddlebag and spread it across the ground. "I thought I would be out for a while so I packed a lunch. Would you like something to eat Vin?"

"Sure." He turned around from where he was standing and then sat across from her.

Samantha wanted to get to know this man that she was with, but didn't want to ask too many questions. She knew he would ask questions in return and she wasn't ready to "talk" to just anyone. Although, she felt she could trust him and felt safe with him.

Vin was feeling a little uncomfortable also. He knew there had to be talking involved, but what if she wants to know too much? He wasn't about to share his past with just anyone. So they both sat there eating in silence.

The silence was too much for Samantha so she took the chance, "This place is so beautiful. Judging from the town, you really wouldn't think this was all out here. It would be perfect for a farm or ranch." She was remembering her ranch, and smiled inwardly

"Did you live on a farm?" He asked as he set down his sandwich.

Samantha was looking down as she answered him "I grew up on my aunt and uncle's ranch back east." She thought Vin would be wondering why she lived with her aunt and uncle instead of her parents, so she decided to answer his questioning look. "My parents died when I was eight. My aunt and uncle took me in and raised me until they died about four years ago. They didn't have any children of their own so they raised me like I was theirs, but they never let me forget my real parents." She smiled and then laughed as she reminisced, "my uncle would call me Sam, he always wanted a son and so I guess it worked out that my name happened to be Samantha. I loved it when he called me by that." Her smile turned to somewhat of a frown, "My husband didn't think it was proper, so it has been a while since I last heard it." She choked back the tears that were starting to form.

Vin looked at her wondering if she was sad because of her aunt and uncle, or her husband. He wanted to know one thing so he asked, "How long have you been married?"

Samantha looked up at him, too long she thought, "Three years."

Vin noticed she didn't respond, as most happy young couples would have. She obviously isn't happy. He got a sinking feeling in his stomach, and knew for sure that something was going on. But he didn't want to push her into telling anything she didn't want to reveal.

They sat for a while just making small talk and then Vin decided it was time to head back. He didn't want Chris and the others hassling him about how long he was out with this young married woman. He was also worried about her husband. If he is up to something, I had better get her back.

Samantha was cleaning up the lunch and then looked over at Vin. He was watching her and then quickly looked away after he had been spotted. "Well, are you ready Sam?" It slipped out and he quickly tried to finish her name but it was too late.

Samantha looked at him and then smiled. She walked over to him and then gave him a hug. "Thank you Vin" she whispered, and then quickly pulled back. "I'm sorry, I guess that wasn't very proper of me to do." She blushed and then mounted Pilgrim.

Vin was in heaven for a brief moment, he breathed her in and never wanted it to end. He regained his composure and then mounted Sire and led the way back.

Chris was lounging in the chair outside of the jailhouse watching the town. Buck was coming out of the saloon and walking towards him, "Hey Chris. Seen anything yet?"

Chris looked up, "not yet." He went back to watching the people go by and noticed Joshua coming out of the bank and entering the hotel.

"Where's Vin?" Buck asked

"He went riding to see if he could-" down the street he could see two riders coming in and so he stood up. Buck turned to see what had caught Chris' attention and then saw what he was looking at.

"Did they go off riding together?" Buck asked as he watched Vin and Samantha.

Chris nodded, "Yep."

"Thanks again Vin for letting me come with you. The countryside was so beautiful." Samantha smiled and then held out her hand for him to shake.

Vin shook her hand and then tipped his hat, "Your welcome."

She turned and noticed Chris and Buck and decided to inquire after them, "Good afternoon Mr. Larabee, Mr. Wilmington. How are you today?"

"Fine Ma'am." Both nodded and smiled and then let her be on her way. They turned to Vin and saw him go into the saloon, and then both looked at each other and followed.

Vin was standing at the bar and out of the corner of his eye he saw Chris and Buck enter. Oh Great! He nodded, "Chris? Buck. Anything happen?" He downed his drink then walked over to a table.

Chris and Buck looked at each other and then followed him to the table. Buck spoke up, "Nothin'. What about you?" He couldn't hold it in anymore and smiled.

"Didn't see anything." Vin looked up at Buck, and Buck quickly removed his smile.

Chris wasn't too pleased at the idea of Vin and Samantha going off together, "Be careful Vin." Both Vin and Buck looked at Chris, "if she is in some kind of trouble with her husband, your not going to help."

"Yea, I know." Vin said quietly as he downed another drink

Samantha was walking out of the corral looking back at Pilgrim and bumped right into JD. "Oh, I am terribly sorry Mr. Dunne. I wasn't paying attention."

"That's alright Mrs. Stanley, no harm done." JD smiled. "Did you enjoy your ride?"

For the first time in a long time Samantha had something truly to smile about, "Oh yes JD." She caught herself and looked at him, "Do you mind if I call you by your first name?"

JD liked her, he thought she was a real genuine woman, "No ma'am."

Samantha proceeded, "I did enjoy my ride, it was exactly what I needed today. Well I have to be going now, and again I am sorry for running into you like that." She walked away towards the hotel smiling.

JD was glad she was happy and smiled to himself as he walked to the saloon. "Hey guys, what's goin' on?" He said as he pulled up a chair and joined Chris, Vin, and Buck.

"What's with you JD, did a girl say hi to you?" Buck teased

"Better! I just got done talking to Mrs. Stanley. She really is a nice lady." He could feel there eyes boring into him, "What?"

"Just don't get any ideas." Buck took a drink and watched Vin through the glass.

JD was shocked at his statement, the thought never occurred to him, "Buck she's married. You guys may think I'm dumb, but I'm not that dumb. I just think she's really nice."

Vin was feeling the heat from Chris and Buck and couldn't look at them. He knew he had to get rid of the feelings. He just wanted to protect her from that fear and sadness he saw every time he looked at her.

JD, not knowing what the looks were for, changed the subject "I saw Josiah and Ezra riding off, where were they goin'?"

Chris drank the last of his beer and then stood up, "They went to Sweetwater to help escort some prisoners. They should be back in a couple of days." He put on his hat and walked out of the saloon to the jail. Vin also got up and walked out leaving Buck and JD alone at the table.

"Hey Chris wait up." Vin walked briskly to catch up with Chris

Chris turned, and clearly not happy, "Yea." He started to walk again towards the jail half-listening to Vin.

"I know it wasn't good for us to go riding together, but I just have to say I have a real bad feeling her husband is not the same guy we met." He was watching Chris steadily

Chris was now giving his full attention and knew that Vin was serious, "Did she say anything to you?"

"Not in so many words Chris, but I could just feel it when I looked at her." Vin sighed heavily and sat down. There wasn't anything they could do but wait, wait for Joshua.

Samantha entered the hotel room and suddenly felt a chill. She knew Joshua was around and probably not in a good mood. "Joshua, are you here?" She walked into the bedroom and he was standing by the window. "Oh, here you are. Did you get everything taken care of?" She walked over to him and then looked out the window and suddenly felt very scared.

The window was facing the town, she could see everyone coming and going. Samantha put her arm through his and gently pulled him away trying to sweet talk him, "How did your business go today? Did you get everything finished?" She asked him again and let go of his arm and walked over to the dresser to change for dinner.

"Did you enjoy your ride, darling?" Joshua looked up at her with an evil eye and a wicked grin

The way he said enjoy and ride, sent a shiver up her spine. She paused a moment from dressing, fear running through her. Did he see Vin and I riding together? She finished putting her dress on, "Yes Joshua I did, and I think Pilgrim loved it too." She walked over to the wash basin and splashed some water on her face, and when she opened her eyes Joshua was standing in front of her with a towel in his hand.

"I noticed that you were riding with," he paused and pretended to think, "what was his name? Oh yes, Vin Tanner." He looked at her daring her to defy him.

Samantha was scared, but calmly answered him, "Joshua, I ran into him while I was out riding. He was out scouting around for some riders, and then escorted me back to town."

Joshua swung on her, "DON'T LIE TO ME!" With his fist in a ball he hit her across the same cheek that was bruised. Samantha fell back and hit her head on the corner of the nightstand, but wasn't completely knocked out. She started to cry and with her body shaking uncontrollably she tried to stand up but collapsed to the floor.

"Josh please, please don't hurt me. I'm sorry Joshua. Please!" Samantha was pleading, struggling to stay focused

Joshua crouched down and grabbed her by the hair and yanked her head up to look at him. His eyes were like steel, "You stupid slut, I saw you leave with him! Have you not learned your lesson yet?!" He again hit her across the face several more times and then ended it with a kick to her stomach.

Samantha was frantically gasping for the air that was knocked out of her. She started to see black but wouldn't let herself give in, so she struggled to live. Live to see that Joshua would hurt no one else.

He started to pace around the room; "I've seen the way you look at him when you talk! You are mine Samantha Stanley, and you will always be mine." His voice was purely evil, and Samantha would never forget the sound of it. He walked to the dresser and opened one of the drawers, "If I can't have you? No one can." He turned around and pointed a gun at her.

"NO Joshua! Please!" Samantha screamed out

Just as he was about to pull the trigger, there was a knock at the door. Samantha blew out a sigh of relief and tried to stand up thank you. Joshua kicked her legs out from under her and she fell back to the floor.

"Mrs. Stanley.. Mr. Stanley, is everything all right in there? I heard something break." Marcus, the hotel clerk, put his ear to the door but could only hear their muffled voices.

Before Joshua went to the door he knelt down by Samantha and held the gun to her throat, "Don't try anything, you hear me?!" He stood up and wiped off the sweat that was dripping down his face, and walked to the door. He opened it half way and calmly stood there.

"Good Evening Marcus. Uh yes everything is all right, thank you for checking." He was so convincing, so good at lying.

Marcus tried to look past him and into the room to find Samantha, but Joshua would move every time Marcus would, "I thought I heard something break, do you need a doctor or any help?"

"Oh no, that won't be necessary. I just knocked over the water basin when I was washing up. I'll pay for it at the end of our stay. Thank you Marcus." Joshua didn't let him say anything else, and quickly shut the door.

Marcus knew that something more was going on. He suspected it on the day they first walked into the hotel. He raced down the stairs and out of the hotel to find the only ones that could help.

Chris was leaning against the post and Vin was sitting in a chair. Buck and JD were coming out of the saloon to join them.

JD noticed Marcus running, "Hey Buck what d'ya suppose he's running for?"

Marcus reached Chris and Vin and stopped. "I don't know JD. I think we're about to find out." Buck and JD walked up to them, "Hey Marcus, what's goin' on?" Buck nodded and then looked at him waiting for an answer.

Marcus was a heavyset man and he was bending over trying to catch his breath from running. "I think you guys better get over to the hotel."

Vin jumped up, he had a feeling it was Samantha and Joshua, "Why?" He had both anger and fear in his voice.

"I think that Stanley fella is up to something in their room. I heard something break, and I heard her sorda' cry out." Marcus was getting nervous and worried. "I knocked on the door and he said everything was fine, but I could just feel something was wrong. You guys better hurry!"

In a calm voice Chris looked at JD, "JD go get Nathan." And then he started to walk towards the hotel.

JD wanted to join in the fight, so he was angry when Chris told him to leave, "But Chris-"

"Get 'im!" Chris hated yelling at him, but they probably would need Nathan and his medicine. He didn't have time to argue.

Vin's mind was racing, This all my fault. She's married. If she dies; I will never forgive myself.

Chris looked over at Vin and seemed to know what he was thinking, "Don't worry Vin." Vin looked over at him with worry in his eyes but still nodded.

Buck was going crazy. He absolutely hated to see women abused, to Buck men like Joshua Stanley was a disgrace. "Chris what are we gonna do?"

"We're going to give him a piece of his own medicine." He put it flatly

Samantha was sitting on the floor. Her head was pounding and she felt like she was going to throw up. Through her tears and the darkness she could see Joshua coming towards her with a crazy look in his eyes. She noticed the unbroken water pitcher next to her and clutched on to it.

"Now where were we?" Joshua knelt down beside her and started caressing her face. "Why do you do these things to me my darling? You know I hate punishing you." He started to lightly kiss her face all over.

"Joshua." Samantha managed to whimper out

Joshua pulled back from her, "Hmm?"

Samantha held on tightly to the pitcher and with all the strength that she had, she swung her arm around and hit Joshua in the head knocking him back. Come on Samantha, get up! She kept telling herself, and finally stood and started running for the door.

Joshua clutched his bleeding head in agony, "You little.." He aimed for his target and then pulled the trigger.

Chris, Vin, and Buck heard the shot and Vin's heart leaped. They raced up the stairs only thinking the worst, but still hoping. Chris kicked the door open and saw Joshua and the gun that still had smoke coming from the barrel.

Samantha fell forward as the impact of the bullet hit her. As she fell she saw Vin standing in front of her, "Vin" she whispered. With an outstretched hand she fell to the floor and succumbed to the darkness that over took her body.

"Nooooo! Sam!" Vin knelt down to her bruised and shattered body and cradled her in his arms and rocked back and forth. "Sam? It's gonna be all right. You're gonna be fine." He kept saying it over and over feeling helpless.

Chris and Buck ran over to Joshua with their guns aimed at him, "Drop it, NOW!" Buck shouted.

Having no chance to fight against them, Joshua dropped his gun and spat, "She's not worth saving. Did you hear me Samantha? You're nothing!"

Buck wanted to end Joshua's life right there, but knew he couldn't. He had to get rid of the anger and madness or he would end up doing something drastic, so he kicked Joshua hard in the stomach and decided that that would have to do for now.

What seemed like forever for Vin, Nathan and JD finally entered the room, "Oh no, Mrs. Stanley!" JD was sick at the sight of what he beheld and had to turn away. How could anyone do this?

Nathan rushed to her side and quickly looked over her wounds, "Vin we need to get her over to my place."

Vin picked her up and heard a slight moan; "It's all right Sam. I gotchanow." He followed Nathan over to his place and left the others to deal with Joshua.

Chris grabbed Joshua by the back of his neck, "Get up!"

Joshua was holding on to his stomach in pain and slowly stood up somewhat laughing. Buck grabbed him and pulled his face close to Joshua's, "You don't deserve to live, you son of a Bitch!" And with that, he punched him in the nose knocking him forward into JD.

JD got a hold of him. Still clutching his stomach and laughing Joshua grabbed JD's gun from its holster, "You fools!" He tucked around JD and held the gun to his throat. "Sorry boys looks like you've lost this one."

Chris calmly stood there looking at Joshua like he was sizing him up for his coffin; "You're not going to get away Joshua."

"Buck! Chris! Do something!" JD was getting hysterical.

Joshua jabbed the gun harshly at JD's throat, "Shut up!" and then started walking out with JD in front of him.

"Let 'im go!" Buck cocked his gun and held it up to Joshua

"Mr. Wilmington, I don't think you're in a position to tell me what to do.." Joshua stopped as he felt the barrel of a small gun pressed into his back, and heard the voice of a southerner.

"No sir, but I am. Drop it." Ezra pushed his gun harder into Joshua and felt him flinch.

"Ezra, you're back!" JD started to calm down a little

"That I am Mr. Dunne, and it seems once again I have found you in another predicament." Ezra was looking at Chris with a smirk

Chris looked at Ezra and grinned then back to Joshua, "I told you, you weren't leavin'."

"Arrrhhhhh!" Joshua screamed in defeat and cocked the gun

JD heard his own gun being cocked and his whole life flashed before his eyes and then felt himself fall.

He opened his eyes and saw Buck standing over him, "Buck?"

"Yea JD. Are you all right?" Buck held out his hand to help him up, "Nice shot, pard." He looked over at Chris who was holstering his gun then back at JD.

JD, feeling no gun shot wounds, stood up and looked over at Chris and then down at the dead body that had just threatened him. "You shot him?"

Chris walked past JD and nodded with a smile, "C'mon let's go check on Samantha and then we'll go to the saloon."

They left Joshua's body for the coroner to take care of and headed over to Nathan's.

Nathan came out of the room wiping his hands on a towel. Vin stood up; "Nathan how is she?"

Nathan put his hand on Vin's shoulder; "She's asleep for now, we'relucky she's not unconscious. The bullet is out, it only hit her in the shoulder, no permanent damage."

Vin blew out a sigh of relief; "Can I see her?" He started pushing away but Nathan stopped him.

"Vin wait." He let go of him and looked down

"Nathan what is it? Is it Samantha?" He was clearly worried

Nathan wasn't sure if he should tell or how he should tell it, "Vin, Samantha was pregnant. I think Joshua must have either kicked her or punched her.."

Vin was shocked, "Wait, you said was?"

"Yes Vin, she lost it." Nathan let it register in Vin and then continued, "I don't think she knew. It was probably a month, if that."

Vin had to sit down. Poor Samantha.

"Are you going to tell her or do want me too?" Nathan looked down at Vin and waited for him to answer.

Vin didn't hear Nathan, all thoughts were running wild in his mind

"Vin? Did you hear me?" Nathan shook him gently bringing him out of the shock

He looked up at Nathan, "I'll tell her." And then entered the room where Samantha was.

Chris and the others were headed over to Nathan's and saw Josiah headed their way, "Hey Josiah." He looked over at Ezra and remembered he was up in the room with them, "What are you guys doing back so early?"

"I guess they ended up having plenty of men, so we came back." Josiah said

Ezra looked over at JD, "Yes, with impeccable timing I must say."

Josiah looked at Chris; "Yea I met up with Vin and Nathan. How is she?" He had a sorrowful look in his eyes

"We were just on out way over to check." Chris glanced at all of them and then led the way

The five men entered Nathan's clinic and walked up the stairs to the room. Nathan was sitting with his head hung down and then stood up when he heard them, "Vin is in with her now."

"How is she Nathan?" Buck was the first to ask

"She's a strong woman. The bullet only hit her in the shoulder, and is removed. She's probably still sleeping though." Nathan took a deep breath and stopped

Josiah could tell that there was something else, "Nathan? What is it?"

Nathan looked up at the group; "Samantha was pregnant. I told Vin and he said he would tell her. I think Joshua kicked her and that's what killed the baby."

Buck was feeling dizzy and had to sit, "That Bastard!"

They were all pulled from their thoughts as Vin came rushing out, "Nathan I think she waking up."

Nathan and the others all filed into the room and waited

Samantha could here the muffled voices all around her and suddenly felt frightened. In the dimly lit room she could only see figures standing over her, "Who's there?" Her voice was a barely a whisper.

Nathan was standing next to her surveying her wounds, "Samantha? It's me, Nathan Jackson. You're in my clinic."

Her eyes started to focus through the swelling and she could see others, "Who else?"

"Hey Sam. It's me Vin." Vin was at her other side and took hold of her hand. "How are you feeling?"

She tried to laugh, "How do I look?" She then remembered what had happened, "Josh! Where's Joshua?!" She frantically tried to sit up, scared that he would be around somewhere.

Nathan and Vin both gently pushed her back down and Chris stepped forward, "Mrs. Stanley, Joshua isn't going to hurt you anymore."

Samantha knew then by the tone of Chris's voice that she no longer had to fear Joshua, and left it at that. "Thank you." She stifled a yawn and then rubbed her stomach to ease the pain that was pulling at her

All seven of them stood silently giving their sympathy she doesn't even know; they all thought the same thing.

Nathan felt that it was time for them to leave, "Mrs. Stanley you really need to get some rest now." He looked at Chris, Buck, JD, Ezra, and Josiah and nodded to the door

"Oh uh yes ma'am, we should leave you to rest." Buck tipped his hat and smiled and then walked to the door

"I'm sure glad you're all right Mrs. Stanley. Get well." JD smiled and walked over to where Buck was.

As they all left Vin and Samantha, they each gave her a smile and a nod and wished her well. Chris was the last to leave, "Vin we'll be at the saloon if you need anything. Ma'am." He nodded and then closed the door.

Samantha looked over at Vin and suddenly felt self-cautious and turned away with tears running down her cheeks

"Sam what is it?" Vin gently pulled her face to look at him

She was embarrassed and humiliated, "Vin I don't want you to see me like this. Please leave me alone."

Vin was hurt. He never wanted to leave her side again, "Samantha, I'm not leaving you. You're going to be all right." He tried to stay positive, but knew that what he was just about to tell her may not be all right.

Samantha seemed to sense something else was wrong, "Vin you're not telling me something." She looked him in the eye, "What?"

Vin couldn't hold her gaze and looked away. He stood up and started pacing the room trying to find a way to tell her about her child; "Samantha there is something else." Why breathed deeply and rubbed the back of his neck.

Worried Samantha asked, "Vin what is it?"

He decided to start with the question that was on is mind, "Did your husband kick you?" Feeling guilty, he couldn't look at her.

Feeling scared, wondering where this was headed she answered softly, "Yes."

Vin closed his eyes trying hard not to imagine her lying there defenseless, and started to tell her. "Sam, you were pregnant. When Joshua kicked you.." He couldn't bring himself to finish.

This was to be Samantha's first child and didn't know anything of the symptoms that she had been having. She looked at Vin and her eyes filled with tears, "No." It was all she could say as she cried in Vin's arms, crying for the life inside her that she could not protect.

Samantha sat up in bed with Vin holding and comforting her. She told him of when Joshua and her first met in Boston he was charming and wonderful. He had swept her off her feet. Then three months after the wedding he became mean and abusive, and always threatened her if she ever left him.

Vin held her in his arms until he knew she was finally asleep. He gently laid her back down and pulled the covers over her body to keep her warm, and stayed with her.

Vin awoke to a knocking at the door and looked up to see Nathan entering, "How is she?"

"I told her Nathan." He looked up and Nathan knew what he was talking about and nodded. "She finally fell asleep about three hours ago." Vin's back was aching from sleeping in an odd position, and started to massage it.

"Vin you should go get some rest yourself." Nathan was getting worried about him.

"I'm not leaving her Nathan." Vin snapped back

Nathan sighed, "You're not going to her any good if you're not well either. One of us will be here to watch her, Vin. Please, go eat something and then get some rest. I'll send for JD." Nathan patted him on the shoulder and pushed him out.

Vin reluctantly agreed, "I want you to come get me.."

Nathan put his hands up in surrender, "I will Vin." Then shut the door and started to change her bandages.

A few weeks had past and Samantha was well on her way to recovery. She was up and walking about through the town, sometimes having to stop and rest from the pain that was tugging at her inside. She received quite a few stares for a while from the townsfolk, but paid no mind.

Samantha and Vin became only good friends. She was not ready to be married again and wanted some time to be by herself. Vin accepted her request and agreed that it was for the best. He realized he loved her too much to put her in harms way again if he were ever to be captured for the bounty on his head. They were always together though, wherever Samantha was- Vin was sure to be close by fulfilling his promise to never leave her.

But the time came when Vin had to leave her.

All seven of the men that she had become friends with were gathered around her at the stagecoach.

Josiah hugged her, "Good luck Samantha."

She pulled back and smiled at him, "Thank you Josiah. Maybe when I return for a visit, you'll have the church finished." She laughed to let him know she was teasing, and he smiled too.

Next to Josiah stood Nathan, "Well Nathan, I'd say I was pretty lucky to have you around. Thank you so much for all you've done. Take care." She hugged him also and then moved on to JD.

She hugged him and then pulled away, "Oh JD, how I will miss your jokes." She leaned in closer to him and whispered playfully, "and don't take any crap from them, especially from Buck." He smiled, "I won't ma'am." They both looked at Buck and laughed.

"What?" He looked at them quizzically then knew they were teasing.

She turned to Buck, "Are you sure you're going to be alright ma'am?" He was worried about her and asked with all sincerity.

"Buck I'm going to be fine, don't worry. You take care." She stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.

Then she came upon Ezra. She knew he was a conman but liked him all the better, "You're a good man Ezra." She leaned in and hugged him.

Ezra was a little stunned, no one had ever told him that before, especially a woman, "You think so huh?"

"Yes. And don't let anyone tell you different all right?"

Ezra tipped his hat and smiled his charming smile, "Yes ma'am."

Chris was the last in line, "Well, goodbye Mr. Larabee. Again, thank you so much for all that you have done." She knew he was uncomfortable with recognition so she said no more and shook his outstretched hand.

"You take care ma'am." He nodded and smiled

She hugged all six of the seven again and then stopped at Vin. Chris and the others decided to let them be alone and walked to the saloon.

Samantha looked up into his eyes and choked back the tears that were starting to form. She finally found a decent man she could trust, and was now leaving him. She received word that her aunt and uncle had a will that was found, and in it the ranch was left to her. Samantha wanted this more than anything else in the world. She was going home.

"Good bye Vin."

"No Sam. Please stay." He pulled her close and held her

She closed her eyes breathing in his scent and then looked up at him, "I can't. I have to go, my home is at my aunt and uncle's ranch. When I found they left it for me, I was so happy Vin. I get to go home!" Samantha smiled and Vin knew he couldn't refuse her happiness

She held both his hands in hers and looked into his eyes, "Thank you Vin. Thank you for everything that you and the others have done for me. I will never forget you."

Vin again pulled her in and whispered words that he hadn't said to anyone in a long time, "I love you Sam. I will always be with you." He paused and then finished, "Always."

She closed her eyes letting the tears stream freely down her face. Not wanting him to see and make it any harder than it already was, she quickly pulled away and jumped in the stagecoach. She didn't look back, fearing that if she did she wouldn't be able to leave the town, her new friends, and most important- the man that gave her a new life, her friend Vin Tanner.

Vin stood in the middle of the street till he could no longer see the stagecoach goodbye Sam.

Samantha suddenly felt calm and heard Vin's voice and whispered, "Goodbye Vin."

Chris came out of the saloon and met Vin, "Hey pard." Normally Chris wouldn't show he cared much in public, but Vin was a good friend, "How are ya?"

Vin looked over at Chris out of the corner of his eye and knew that everything with both himself and Samantha would turn out right, "You're not gonna get all soft on me are ya cowboy?"

Chris grinned, "No Vin I ain't." He slapped him on the shoulder and they walked to the saloon, "C'mon I'll buy you a drink."

Samantha did keep in touch with her seven heroes in Four Corners. She wrote them often and visited every year. One year she surprised them all by bringing someone along, her husband Michael Blake. Vin of course was skeptical at first, but as he watched him with Samantha he knew that Michael loved her very much. And that was all that he ever wanted for Samantha, was to feel safe and loved.On what would be the last visit ever to Four Corners, Samantha and Michael Blake brought along their new son, V. Tanner Blake.