Finally, not able to bear it another moment Josiah asked the only question that came to mind. “So, Anni, where would you like to have lunch? Is there a particular spot you had in mind?” Cheyenne took only seconds before answering. “Yes, there is. It is only a few miles from here. Will make good spot to stop.” Though her words did not portray it, her mind and heart were racing. It was shortly after her first meeting with Josiah that Cheyenne had discovered the place she had just suggested. While on one of her many hikes she liked to take, she had come across a clearing nestled beside a clear blue stream. From the moment she laid eyes on the spot, Cheyenne knew that one day she wanted to bring someone special here....to share it with her. As time went on she knew that Josiah was that someone. So many times throughout the last year, Cheyenne had visited this special place. Each time, as her visit came to an end, Cheyenne would say a silent prayer that the next time she came back it would be with Josiah. Her heart soared with the realization that her prayer had finally been answered.......that now it would be “their” place.

Josiah, anxious to keep the conversation flowing, spoke once again. “I imagine you must know these woods pretty well by now, having spent your whole life surrounded by them.” Cheyenne looked up at Josiah, a smile forming on her lips as she nodded and replied, “Yes. There is no place within five miles that I have not been to.” The smile then faded, replaced by a frown. “But that is not a good thing anymore.” Puzzled by her words he asked, “Why Anni? Do you not like it here anymore?” Cheyenne paused for a moment, trying to find the words to express her thoughts. “It is not that I do not like it here. It is just that I have seen it, and now I wish to see something different.” Not sure that she was explaining herself clearly, Cheyenne’s expression became a pleading one. “Do you know what I mean?” “I think so. It seems to me that you have a bit of the wanderlust there Anni.” “The what?” Cheyenne asked in a shocked tone. She had no idea what the word meant exactly, but the fact that it contained the word ‘lust’ had not slipped past her. She knew very well what that word meant and was nervous that it was contained in something Josiah claimed she had. Josiah, amused by her response, chuckled and informed her. “It means you have a desire to travel......you know....to see different places.” “OH!” Cheyenne exclaimed, relief flooding over her. “Yes, that must be what I have......the......wanderlust.” She spoke the word slowly, making sure she pronounced it correctly. His demeanor turning slightly more serious Josiah inquired further. “Is that what you really want Anni? To travel and see knew places?” Josiah unconsciously held his breath while waiting for her response. How she answered this question would have a great influence on his decision to persue her or not. Josiah’s work as a preacher required him to go where he was needed, often pulling up stakes and moving on with little notice. Cheyenne seemed to give much thought to her answer before she voiced it. When she finally did there was a look of resolution on her face. “That is what I want. I would miss my father of course, but I do not wish to spend my whole life in one place. I want to see more of what is out there.....like you do, Josiah.” It was Josiah’s turn to feel relieved. Her answer was exactly what he found himself hoping she would say. The sudden thought of having someone to share in his travels and experiences brought a surprising wave of joy. It was a concept he found he could easily get accustom to. Giving Cheyenne a loving glance, he said, “Well, then we may just have to do something about that.”

Again, Cheyenne was not completely sure of Josiah’s meaning, but instead of nervousness, these words invoked a feeling of hope and excitement. She found herself basking in the joy of not only being in Josiah’s presence, but the sole object of his attention. As their walk and conversation continued, Cheyenne found herself drinking in this bliss, until she felt drunk on it.

It was almost two hours later when Cheyenne and Josiah reached the clearing Cheyenne was leading them to. Though she had seen it dozens of times in the past, knowing that Josiah was there to share it with her seemed to make the surroundings come alive. The grass appeared greener, the stream sparkled with the sunlight brighter, and the birds seemed to sing only for them. “Here it is Josiah.” Cheyenne said waiting for Josiah to break free of the woods and join her in the clearing. For the last few feet her eagerness had quickened her steps, causing her to pull ahead of Josiah. As she watched his eyes take in the sights she asked in a hopeful tone, “Do you like it?” Josiah took a moment to finish surveying the site. “Anni........it’s just beautiful.” Josiah was in awe of how perfect the spot was. As if it had been created just for this moment, for the two of them to share. His response pleased Cheyenne. Josiah seemed to love the spot just as much as she did. “I think right over there, beside the stream, would be a good place to eat......don’t you?” “Yes, perfect! Why don’t you spread the blanket and I’ll get out the food.” He said, walking with Cheyenne towards the area she had chosen. Once there, Josiah placed the basket on the ground and opened it to remove the blanket. “Here you go, Anni.” She accepted it and ,holding on to one edge, whipped it forward to spread it out. As it settled, unfurled, to the ground Josiah repositioned the basket on to the blanket to keep the breeze from carrying it away. Peering in to the opened basket, Josiah remarked, “Anni......you expecting guests?” “No. Why?” She replied, puzzled. Josiah chuckled as he began to unload the contents and place them on the blanket. “Cause it looks like you packed enough for an army!” Cheyenne gave him a sly grin and retorted, “You will need lots of food to give you energy.......so you can keep up with me.” His chuckle turned in to all out laughter. “Is that so? You know Anni, between you and your father I’m gonna get a complex about my wilderness abilities.” Cheyenne’s only reply was to join in the laughter. She then moved beside Josiah and began to help him remove the food and set it out. As she carefully lowered a plate of cheese with one hand, her other hand blindly reached back into the basket for another item. Yet, instead of it falling on the food she had packed it, it found one of Josiah’s hands.

The shock of the sensation made Cheyenne whip her head around to face Josiah and apologize, but once her eyes met his her words became lost. Locked in a stare, reminiscent of the one they shared at the cabin, each searched the others eyes for a possible sign as to what the other was feeling. At that moment the world around them seemed to slip away, each only aware of the other and their own desires. The urge to lean forward and kiss Cheyenne’s lusious lips burned in Josiah, but he knew he must not. As much as his body ached to do so, he knew it would not be proper. Especially since he had not even declared his intentions as yet. So, not wanting to add to his temptation, Josiah pulled his hand out from under Cheyenne’s and spoke. “Um.....we should eat, Anni.......before the squirrels come and steal it.” He hoped his attempt at humor would ease the moment. Knowing that, like before, the moment was about to slip away, Cheyenne held her eyes to Josiah’s for a moment longer and whispered, “I am so glad we did this today.” Any doubts Josiah may have had about persueing Cheyenne crumbled the instant she spoke those words. Not able to resist some small show of affection towards the woman he now knew he loved, Josiah took the hand that had covered his only seconds before and raised it to his lips. “So am I Annie.....more than you may know.” With that he placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand, then slowly relinquished it back to her.

Heart pounding and head swimming with joy, Cheyenne was speechless as she withdrew her hand and placed it on her lap. Surely, she thought, this must be a sign. Could it be that her beloved Josiah, at last, shared in the love she felt? It was all she could do to refrain from taking him in her arms and drowning in the feeling of his body against hers. Cheyenne’s eyes shone with love as she continued to gaze at Josiah. The urge to continue once again filled Josiah. Fearing that he soon would not be able to fight it, he once again attempted to redirect their attention to the food. In a soft voice Josiah said, “We should eat before it gets too late.” The only response Cheyenne could muster in her dazed state was a nod. With that the two began to uncover the food and dig in to it. Although Cheyenne went through the motions of eating, she did not taste a thing. Her mind continually replayed the moment that Josiah had laid that gentle kiss on her hand.

The conversation was a light one. Both aware that, though there was much that needed to be said, neither trusted themselves to pick up where they had left that tender moment. The urges surging through themselves would, no doubt, overrule their judgment and neither wanted to ruin this perfect moment by doing something they may later regret.

When lunch was finished, they both helped in packing the leftovers back in to the basket. As they were about to leave the clearing Cheyenne paused and, with sadness in her voice, asked, “Once we return to the cabin you will be going back right?” Josiah shared in her sorrow but reassured her. “Yes, Anni, I must go back, but I plan on returning very soon.....within a week if possible. Will that be OK?” Her heat raced at his response. Never before had Josiah planned such a speedy return to visit. She prayed that it was due to his desire to see her again soon. A gentle smile formed on her soft lips. “Yes Josiah, I would like that very much.” Both wanting to savor their last couple of hours together, their return hike to the cabin was at a slow pace. They continued to talk, joke, and at every opportunity steal loving glances at the other.

Jacques looked up from the traps he was oiling to see Josiah and Cheyenne appear out of the woods, heading for the cabin. As they drew closer Jacques got a sense, from the way the two walked so close to each other, that the time alone had succeeded in clarifying their feelings for each other.

Once they were only a few feet away, and before they tore their eyes from the other to him, Jacques knew that there was love in each’s eyes for the other. This brought peace of mind to him. He had always wanted his daughter to find a good man, who would love her as she deserved. Jacques knew that Josiah was a man who would do that and so much more. “Hello Jacques, how were the traps this morning?” Josiah asked as he walked up to the man. Jacques nodded his head and replied, “Good. How was your day?” He hoped Josiah would pick up on his hidden meaning. “It was very pleasant, thank you.” There was restraint in his tone, like he wanted to say more but did not dare at that moment. Cheyenne, sensing that the men had something they wanted to discuss, took the opportunity to excuse herself. “Josiah, give me the basket and I will take it in to the cabin.” Josiah nodded, handed her the basket, and watched her walk away. Once she was inside Josiah turned his attention back to his friend. An uncontrollable smile spread across his face.

Jacques took note of this smile and said, “You seem a much happier man than when I left you my friend.” Letting out a contented sigh, Josiah nodded his head. “Yes, Jacques, I am a happy man! I must thank you for suggesting I spend time with Anni. It opened both my eyes and my heart.” It was Jacques turn to smile. “I am very glad to hear that Josiah.” Then with a mischievous tone added, “Does this mean you will be taking my daughter from me?” Josiah became serious at the question. He chose his words carefully before he answered. “Jacques, I would like to ask you for Cheyenne’s hand in marriage. It would make me the happiest man alive if she could be my wife.” “You know that you have my permission Josiah, why do you not ask Cheyenne?” Again Josiah paused before answering. “I will........but not today. I must head back soon, as you know, and I want it to be special......not rushed. Also, there are some things I must arrange back at the mission. I figure I will need a house for us and perhaps a perish of my own, for stability. I want to have these things before I ask her. Anni deserves the very best and I want to give it to her.” Jacques placed a reassuring hand on Josiah’s arm. There was no doubt in his mind that Josiah would do everything in his power to make Cheyenne’s life a happy one......just as Chief Strong Wolf had said Jacques had done for Raven. “You will my friend, I know your heart and it is a good one.”

The little anxiety that Josiah was experiencing was whisked away by Jacques words of trust. “Thank you, my friend.” He then asked Jacques, “So, do you think we could keep my intentions just between us until I get back, in about a week or so? Once I ask her, I want the three of us to head back to the mission so we can get married right away.” Jacques looked at Josiah with understanding in his eyes and nodded his agreement. “Yes, I believe that would be best. If Cheyenne feels as strongly about you as I think she does, she will drive me crazy for the next week it she knew for certain you were coming back to marry her.” Then with a chuckle he added, “As it stands, it is bound to be bad enough.” Josiah joined in the laughter and said, “I am bound to make life hell for the other’s at the mission as well. Perhaps after this week they will be glad to be rid of me!” Realizing that time was slipping away Joisah let out a sigh. “Well. I should gather my things and head out. Are you coming in?” “No. I will wait for you out here Josiah.” Jacques replied. “You two love birds do not need me hanging around while you say your good-byes.” With that he turned his attention back to his traps. Josiah gave Jacques a friendly pat on the back and walked to the cabin.

When he got inside, Josiah saw Cheyenne standing in front of the table, his packed bag in hand. “Anxious to get rid of me Anni?” Josiah teased as he relieved her of the heavy bag. Cheyenne’s voice trembled with the emotions she fought to hold back. “No.....it is just that I do not like long good-byes.” She blinked back the tears that crept in to the corners or her sorrowful eyes. It had always been hard to see him go in the past, but the pain she felt this time threatened to tear her heart to shreds. “Oh Anni.” Josiah whispered as he brushed away a tear that had escaped and slid down her delicate cheek. “Anni, this is not goodbye. It is just me going away for a short time........one week, that is all. After that week I am coming back for y.......I and coming back.” Josiah corrected himself, not wanting to give his plans away. Though he longed to tell her in hopes it would sooth her sorrow, he knew it was best to wait. His words seemed to ease her pain and she gave Josiah a modest smile. “Then I will look forward to your return. Now, go......the sooner you go, the sooner you will be back.” Josiah nodded, and turned to walk away. He had not taken his first step when he turned back to Cheyenne and took her hand in his. Like he had done earlier, he raised it to his lips and placed a loving kiss on it. “I will be thinking of you until I see you again.” “I will think of you too, I promise. Now.......go.” This time Josiah did leave, closing the door behind him. In unison with the ‘thud’ the door made as it closed, a tear fell from Cheyenne’s eye and landed on the floor beside her.

Two days after arriving back at the Mission, Josiah was called into Reverand Morgan’s small office at the back of the building. Josiah had requested a meeting with him the moment he had returned, but with the mission being short handed, and so much to do, it was not until now that Reverand Morgan had a moment to spare. It had been torture for Josiah to go through the motions of his duties at the mission for those two days. All the while wanting desperately to set the wheels in motion for his departure, so he could be back in the arms of his beautiful Cheyenne.

As he stepped into the reverand’s office, Josiah was a mixture of relief, for finally being able to tell the man his intentions, and anxiety, for fear things would not go as smoothly or quickly as he hoped. “Good morning Josiah!” Reverand Morgan rose from the seat behind his small desk to greet his friend. Reverand Morgan was a small man in his late sixties, with a kind face and an easy manner. It was these attributes that no doubt made him so popular with the parishioners and people that came to the mission seeking solace. When one laid eyes on reverand Morgan, all their fears of hellfire and brimstone were banished by his friendly demeanor and quick witted sense of humor. He looked more like your favorite uncle than a mighty servant of the lord, but it was just that fact that made it easy for those souls in despair to approach him for redemption.

Josiah walked forward, to meet reverand Morgan half way, and shook the hand that was offered. “I am very well, thank you reverand......and yourself?” The two men had been so busy over the last couple of days, that they had barely had time to give each other passing nods of acknowledgment, let alone discuss Josiah’s trip. Reverand Morgan let out an exhausted sigh and smiled. “I am good, but once those new preachers we are expecting arrive to help lessen the load, I will be much better.” He then motioned for Josiah to take a seat in one of the chairs to their left.

Once the men were seated, reverand Morgan added, “I should not complain though. As you well know, Josiah, the lord’s work is not meant to be easy!” He gave his friend a mischievous wink and pulled out a flask from under his chair. He then rose to retrieve two glasses from a near by side table. “Join me in a little drink? I do not think, in light of all our hard work these past few days, that the lord would spite us for it.” Josiah chuckled and replied, “No, I don’t suppose he would.....and yes, I will join you.” Josiah had liked reverend Morgan from the moment he had met him, almost a year ago. He was an easy man to like. Taking the lords work seriously, but not taking himself too serious at that. He had a passion for life, and loved nothing more than to share it with others, in hopes that they would absorb it. He would dearly miss this man when he left, and felt a twinge of guilt at leaving reverend Morgan when the mission was in such a state of transformation.

Up until recently the mission had housed only a hand full of reverends and preachers, and had only a small amount of parishioners to call their own. Yet, all that was changing at a rapid rate as the area was being flooded with settlers looking for a piece of the new frontier. There was two things they wanted when they settled here. They wanted a chunk of land, and they wanted to be in touch with their God. The mission was in the business of providing the later, and it had nearly turned into an around the clock job. Whether it was meeting the new parishioners, or build the modest extention that would house the growing number of attendees to their Sunday services, it allowed little time for rest.

Reverend Morgan returned with two glasses of whiskey in hand and held one out for Joisah. “So, my friend, how was your visit with your old friend Jacques?” Josiah accepted the glass and answered, “It was wonderful. Better than I expected, actually.” He could not keep from grinning as he thought of the woman who waited there for him to return. Revedrand Morgan took his seat and with a curiously raised eyebrow said, “Is that so? May I ask why it was so unexpectedly pleasant?” He took a sip of his drink while waiting for Josiah’s response. Josiah also took a large sip from his glass, taking the time to chose the right words to tell father Morgan of Cheyenne and how he planned to leave the mission and make her his wife. He knew reverand Morgan would be overjoyed for him, but he also knew that it would make the task of getting the mission in order more difficult with one less person.

Josiah let out a sigh and looked at his friend. “Well, actually, that is what I wanted to talk to you about.” “Really?” Reverend Morgan replied, a tone of curiosity and amusement in his voice. “Then by all means.....do continue.” Josiah nodded, and forged ahead. “Well, see.......Jacques has this daughter, Cheyenne, I am sure you have heard me speak of her before.” “Yes....” The amusement in reverend Morgan’s tone was now blatantly apparent, and he wore a smirk to match. Josiah smiled, knowing that reverend Morgan probably had a pretty good idea where this was going. “Yes, well........to make a long story short, I have come to realize that I love her. I plan on returning to her in a few days and asking her to marry me.”

Before Josiah could say another word reverend Morgan was on his feet and patting Josiah on the back. “That is wonderful Josiah! Absolutely wonderful! I had always hoped you would find yourself a wife and start a family. You seem to suit it.” Josiah accepted reverend Morgan’s congratulations and praise with a feeling of uneasiness. The man was obviously overjoyed at the news, but Josiah had not yet had a chance to tell him the hard part of his plans. “Thank you, father, but there is more that I need to tell you.” Hearing the seriousness in his tone, reverend Morgan sat back down. “All right, tell me Josiah. What ever it is, I am sure there is no need for the look of despair on your face.” Josiah took another sip of his drink. “Reverend Morgan, you know I love working here with you and the others, but if I am to be married and start a family I will need a place of my own and a perish of my own. I am truly sorry........but in order to provide properly for Cheyenne, I must leave here.” Josiah searched the man’s face for indications of disappointment. Yet, instead, reverend Morgan’s face broke into a huge grin. “So you are looking for something a little more stable and suitable for a family are you?” Josiah was confused by reverend Morgan’s reaction, it was not at all what he had expected. He answered his question hesitantly. “Yes........you are not upset with me?” Reverend Morgan let out a robust laugh. “Upset? Not at all! This is going to work out better than I had hoped!” Reverend Morgan leaned forward in his chair and continued. “You see, Josiah, I have been meaning to talk to you as well.”

Completely puzzled, Josiah asked, “You have? About what........me leaving?” Again the man laughed. “Of course not, Josiah! In fact quite the opposite. You see, Josiah, for as long as I have been serving God, I have been doing it from a small perish, in a small town.” He then motioned to their surroundings, to indicate the changing mission that they were in. “This.......this is too much for an old man like me to run. It needs someone younger. Someone who not only loves his work as much as I do, but is able to see that all these new parishioners are taken care of. It needs someone like you, Josiah,.....and I want you to take it over from me.”

Josiah was stunned. He did not know what to say. This was the last thing he had expected to come from his decision, and his mind was having a difficult time wrapping itself around the idea. After a moment he asked the only question that came to mind. “But what about Cheyenne? Surely we cannot live in my tiny room here.” Reverend Morgan shook his head while he swallowed his sip of whiskey. “No, of course not. I am prepared to offer you a house in town, Josiah. I have already looked into it, and with the ever growing congregation, the church will easily be able to afford to build you and Cheyenne a nice house to live in.” Seeing that Josiah was unsure what to say, he urged his friend. “Josiah. Take it......say yes. It will be a wonderful addition to your new life. You will have no trouble providing not only necessities for Cheyenne, but good standing in the town, as the preacher’s wife.” Josiah knew he was right. This was better than he had ever imagined, and he would be a fool to turn it down. He gave his friend an excited grin and said, “All right then. I’ll do it! And thank you so much reverend!” “It is I that should be thanking you! Now this old dog will get some much needed rest. Granted, I will still be kicking around here to help when needed, but you will be the one who runs the show.” Josiah was about to say something like never being able to fill reverend Morgan’s shoes, when one of the younger preachers knocked on the door and entered the room.

“Reverend Morgan? Sorry to disturb you but there is a man here who says he is in need of shelter and food. The rest of us are swamped with building the addition......do you think you could come help him?” Before reverend Morgan could answered, Josiah jumped in. “I will do it. Tell him I will be there in just a moment.” “Certainly, Josiah, and thank you.” With that the young preacher left and closed the door behind him. “Might as well jump in with both feet, eh Josiah?” Reverend Morgan quipped. “Yup.” He replied and headed for the door, to go see the man in need. Before he left, reverend Morgan said, “Just let me know when you plan on going back to fetch your lovely bride, and don’t worry about plans for the house....I will take care of it from this end.” “Thank you again, reverend, you are a generous man.” “Ha! You may be singing a different tune once you are knee deep in sermon planning and baptisms!” The reverend teased. Josiah let out a chuckle as he opened the door. “You may be right........but like you said, you will be here to help.” He gave the reverend a wink and left the room.

**********************

The young preacher returned to the small room that he had left the stranger in. “Sir, someone will be right with you all right?” The man looked up from a small pouch he was holding and gave the young man a humble smile. “Why thank you son. You are very kind.” The preacher returned the smile and then left. As soon as the young man was out of the room, the stranger’s smile turned to a sneer. “Bloody preachers.” He whispered to himself. “They are always willing to help a lost soul.....as long as you find God.” The words were dripping with sarcasm and hate. Then again, most of this man’s words tended to do so.

The stranger’s name was Chase Lancer, and he was about as evil as they came. The only reason he ended up in a mission, of all places, was because he knew if he fed these sappy God lovers the right sob story they would take him under their wing, and as such, hide him, unknowingly, from the men that were hunting him down to kill him.

These hunters of his rotten hide were, in fact, family. To be more precise, they were the father and three brothers of his dead wife. Under normal cercumstances, a grieving widower would usually be receiving words of condolance from his father-in-law and brothers-in-law, but since Chase was the one that had killed her, this was anything but normal.

An evil smirk came to Chase’s smear of a mouth as he thought of how good it felt to finally be rid of that tiresome woman. Ever since they had married, two years ago, that nag of a woman had brought him nothing but grief. He had tried several times to show her who was boss, usually by beating her within an inch of her worthless life, but this last time she had just pushed him too far.....and he had decided to go that extra inch.