Barton Hollow

"It's beautiful." He looked around.

(*)

"Seems to be a favorite pass time of your men..." Emmalyn mumbled. Union troops made long marches, destroying everything in their path. War was a dirty game.

"Whenever I mention barton hollow, it means I want to see you here."

;';

"I am not my men." James replied softly.

"Perfect." Johnny smiled. He liked her.

*&*

"I know.." Emmalynn reached forward and put her hand gently on his.

Johnny took her arm gently, "we must go."

;:;$

"John and I wanted to prove that today. We want to buy the two of you and your servants some things. To prove we aren't Yankee scoundrels. Just that we are normal men that happen to be Union officers."

Clare sighed, "You're right."

*&*

Emmalyn didn't know what to say. This whole situation had her so conflicted. Eventually she smiled and said, "Thank you."

Somehow, and later neither one would know who initiated it, the two were kissing.

;;:;;

James nodded and the rode in silence for a few minutes.

Johnny left his hand go through her hair.

*&*

Emmalyn left her hand on James'.

Finally Clare pulled away, "let's go," she giggled.

:;:;

James smiled to himself.

Johnny helped her back on the horse smiling the whole time.

*&*

"Were you to marry, Emmalyn? Before the war started and we came." James asked, she was near the appropriate age.

"No." She shook her head, "I mean there was some talk but father hadn't seriously given any suitors consideration."

James looked surprised, "why?"

"I wasn't overly interested and I think he was trying to put off parting with us as long as possible." Emmalyn smiled.

Emmalyn felt the need to further explain, "you saw how quickly and easily mother abandoned us. We are all Father has ever had."

James nodded, "I understand. Now, what of marriage?"

Emmalyn shrugged, "I won't leave him alone plus a war is not a good time to marry."

James frowned, "even if you fell in love?"

Emmalyn thought, "Well I suppose that would change everything."

James smiled to himself.

"How much longer, James?" She asked.

They had already ridden for close to two hours, lit's just another mile." He repliedm

Emmalyn smiled, "Great."

The two officers and the women arrived at town close together.

They decided to shop together for a while.

Johnny placed his hand on Clara's back and whispered in her ear, "I don't believe you feel the same but I must say that I love you."

She was shocked and for a moment her pause caused Johnny to worry.

Clara finally said, "I have watched you this whole time you've been at my home. I care about you very much. But I do not know you."

"I'd really like for us to get to know each other better." He smiled.