Priscilla moved through the aisles of Tompkins General Store. They were killing time until Emma got here.

First they had gone to the stagecoach office and reclaimed her trunk. Priscilla was relieved to know that the driver had not ridden off with it. Then they proceeded to the marshal’s office. Sam had stared at Jimmy like he had two heads when he made his request, that he marry Jimmy and Priscilla, but he agreed. He did however insist that Emma be a witness. When Emma got there, they would be married.

He must know, Priscilla thought. Why else would he not ask any questions? It was a strange thing, an Express rider giving it all up just to marry a girl. She could not help but sigh at that thought, feeling a little sad. She knew Jimmy did not really think he had a choice in this case, with her expecting a baby. It was either a temporary marriage or him stuck with her forever. He did not feel like with that Sarah Downs woman, she recalled, a woebegone expression crossing her features. He wanted to run away with her.

Oh stop being so maudlin, she told herself. But it was hard. And to top things off, Tabitha, Tabby to most, Easton, the girl with the shiniest hair and prettiest dresses in Sweetwater was heading her way. Like she needed any help feeling like something the cat dragged in. She had lost too much weight. Her face was gaunt, her limbs stuck out like sticks and then there was her fat belly. Tabby, Priscilla noted, was as perky as ever.

“I’m so glad to see you out and about,” Tabby said, touching her on the arm. “I hope you are feeling better. What an ordeal.”

“I’m feeling much better, thank you,” Priscilla replied stiffly.

“Will you be coming to the dance next month?”

“I don’t know.” After the last fiasco, she had no idea if she wanted to go to another dance, ever.

“Sean is taking me,” Tabby told her, her voice sweet as honey. But Priscilla saw the glint in her eyes. Tabby had hated knowing she had been seeing Sean for a while. Sean was considered a catch. And Priscilla getting the town prince over the lovely Tabby, how could that be, she thought uncharitably. Clearly Tabby thought Sean was rectifying his earlier mistake.

“Maybe your new beau will take you,” Tabby continued, looking Jimmy’s way. She sighed. “All those riders are so handsome.”

“I’m sure there a few who are available for you,” Priscilla told her dryly.

Tabby blinked her big brown eyes at her. “Thank you. You are so sweet. Maybe you could introduce me?” she asked. She smiled at Priscilla. “Or maybe I’ll just introduce myself.”

“If you want him, go get him,” Priscilla said, rolling her eyes. Maybe Jimmy Hickok should be tested. He said some pretty words to her in that alley. She wanted to see if he remembered any of them in the face of the lovely Tabby Easton. Tabby wanted whatever she did not have, and if it meant taking it away from Priscilla, so much the better.

Tabby gave her a little smirk. Clearly she was rising to the challenge. “Oh Mr. Hickok,” she cooed, sashaying toward Jimmy.

Jimmy looked at her, the surprise on his face apparent. “Um, good day, Miss . . .”

“Easton,” Tabby purred. “But please,” she put her hand on his arm, “call me Tabby.” She scrunched up her brow daintily. “I am so troubled today. I wanted to buy some perfume and I would so appreciate a man’s opinion.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “And such a handsome man.”

Priscilla covered her mouth to hide her laughter. Tabby was such an idiot. But when Tabby dabbed a bit of perfume on her wrist and Jimmy held her hand, lowering his face to inhale the scent, she hurried quietly out of the store.

She sat down on the steps. They were not even married and he was looking elsewhere, she thought. But much to her surprise she was not angry, she was sad. There was a sharp pain in her heart.

She reminded herself, this was a test. Jimmy’s pretty words meant nothing. And now she knew it. She should be glad, but she was not. She had wanted to believe him so badly. Heaven help her, she wanted her marriage to work. The realization almost stunned her. She wanted them to be together, to be a real family.

She leaned her head against the railing. Maybe she should just accept his offer of a temporary marriage. It would be easier on her heart.

“Hey,” Jimmy said, sitting down beside her. He handed her a licorice whip.

Priscilla took it and ate it absently, still mulling over the idea of a temporary marriage. “Thanks.”

“Do you need anything? For the wedding?” Jimmy asked.

Priscilla shrugged. What did she need? A brain perhaps?

“I have a ring,” Jimmy continued and Priscilla looked at him in surprise.

“Emma gave me her old one.”

“Oh.” The little hope that had risen in her heart at his words, quickly dropped to her shoes. Why spend money for a wife who was nothing but a burden.

“But I wanted to get you something,” Jimmy said. He gave her a sheepish smile. “From me.” He held out a little box.

Priscilla looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. “You what? You didn’t have to.”

“Open it,” Jimmy said eagerly.

Priscilla lifted the top of the box. Inside laid a pair of gold-filled earrings. They were long and dangly and oh so lovely. “They are beautiful,” she whispered. She brushed a finger over them.

”I thought so. And that Tabby person looked like she wanted to kill me when I asked her if you’d like ‘em,” Jimmy grinned, “I was sure then.”

Priscilla laughed. She slipped the earrings on. “I love them. Thank you.”

Jimmy put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “I thought of getting you perfume.”

“Yeah,” she said caustically, “I saw you sampling the wares.”

Jimmy laughed and nuzzled her neck, depositing a small kiss there. “But you don’t need any. You already smell good.”

Priscilla gave him a small shove. “Don’t be an idiot.” But she was pleased by his words.

“So did I pass?”

“Pass?”

He raised a brow at her.

This time it was Priscilla’s turn to give him a sheepish smile. He knew. But she could not help but be glad. He knew and he passed, with flying colors. “I suppose,” she said, giggling as Jimmy pulled her head to his chest.

“I must be crazy,” Jimmy murmured into her hair. “Tabby Easton is soft and pretty and I’m guessing she’d never throw things at me. But I’d rather be with you anytime, anywhere.”

Some compliment, Priscilla thought, but she was once again pleased by Jimmy’s words.