Old West — Dee Dawning

Before you leave, I want you to go into Carson City and get provisions. Cody looked surprised. "Isn't that dangerous?"Yes, that's why I want you to take Valerie with you. You'll look less suspicious if a woman's with you."As you wish, Cap'tin." Cody turned to Valerie. "Are you ready?"Valerie was taken totally off guard, but she understood the reason Duke wanted her to go with Cody. It made sense. They would appear as a farmer or a rancher and his wife, buying provisions for the fortnight. "I didn't bring a dress?"Doesn't matter. Half the women hereabouts wear men's clothing. It's more functional."She shrugged her shoulders. "I'm ready when you are."He grabbed her hand. "Let's go."She accompanied Cody, riding the same sorrel mare on which she rode to Carson City. They hadn't ridden a hundred yards when Cody exclaimed, "Whoowee, look who's playing married with the pretty lady. Too bad I don't get to try out the side benefits of being married."Valerie bit her tongue to keep from smiling. "You are incorrigible."Does that mean, can't act normal?"She did laugh. "Something like that. You are acting much too joyful for a morose farmer."Let me tell you. Even a morose farmer would be joyful around you. You're like a ray of sunshine."Time to change the subject. "Cody, what do you want to do after the war?"I want to start a ranch. Then, I'd like to find a classy woman as pretty as you and make her my wife. I would never treat her like some men treat their wives-beating them, going to saloons or even brothels. I would treat my wife like a queen."Valerie couldn't think of what to say after that, so she rode on in silence. Cody laughed. Then he leaned across the space between the horses and kissed Valerie's cheek. Wide-eyed and mouth open in shock, she turned to Cody. "What-"His lips formed that bad boy smile that made her think of sex. "Sorry. I just felt like kissing my future sister-in-law. If'n I can't have you, the next best thing is you being my sister-in-law."You are