Errands, sweets and treats

[Lovely]

July 2, Year 1


They had come into town today to fetch some things she needed and to make a few inquiries about things as well as take care of some business the fine sheriff needed to attend to. "Sweets for the sweet, ma'am, although they hardly compare to somethin' tasty as you," he whispered close so that only she could hear him in the shop.

She glanced down at the candy and handed it back to him, feeling her cheeks heat with the blush. "You are terrible.." She scolded softly, a light giggle as she leaned to whisper to him. "And you're making me blush again.."

"Again? I'm losing my touch.. should oughta be 'still' miss Liza. Maybe I'll need to try harder, hm?"

"Are you attempting to keep me in a constant state of blush?" She fanned her face with her hand, attempting to cool the blush.

"Makes your eyes all lit up when you do," he smiled softly, taking the candy in one hand, her hand in the other. "So, yea, if I had my druthers, thinkin' I just may... one way or 'nother."

She paused and stared silently into his eyes for a few moments. Slowly she pulled her gaze from his, though smiling softly at him. She swallowed and licked her lips. "Do you need anything else?" She asked quietly.

He looked around, making sure no one else was close enough to hear, "A kind smile and a warm bed... "

She couldn't help it, the blush deepened and she looked away quickly. "Everitt.." She whispered, a timid scolding for his forward words. Though she'd made him an offer not long ago and nearly begged him to take her virtue, she was still not a loose or bold woman in that regard. Slowly lifting her eyes to him, she graced him with a soft, shy smile. "Two things... a good woman should always have for her man."

"Remind me to have words with him... should be providin' those for his girl, hm?"

She shook her head. "He's done.. plenty... he's owed much more than he's getting."

His eyes flashed a warning, a gentle caution and he whispered, shaking his head. "You ain't beholden none to me, miss Liza.. don't you think different. I do what I do cuz I want to and think you're more than deservin' of it. Don't feel you owe me an ounce more than the time of day... well, and the pink in your cheeks."

She reached gentle hands to his arms and leaned to him, her cheek brushing his. Near his ear she spoke in a hushed but warm voice. "You are a good man Everitt Carlisle... No finer man, Have I ever met.." She bestowed a sweet kiss to his cheek as she eased back and smiled as sweet as her lips had been on his skin. "I wouldn't do anything I didn't want to.. and you do deserve, whatever I give you."

"I'll be expectin' that swift kick in the shins in a few minutes then," he said, taking a step back to make the purchase of the candy for her along with something else she hadn't seen him pick up.

She smiled, more brightly and shook her head. She watched him move to pay and she turned to step to the door. She awaited him at the door, gazing out into the sunlit street and watching people mill about, going through the motions of their daily life.

[Lovely]

Ciara came to the counter to wait on him, she smiled an eyebrow raised as she nodded towards Elizabeth at the door. "Afternoon Sheriff.." Ciara looked at what he was buying and then looked at him, curiously. Her eyes went back to the door as she told him what he owed.

"Miss Palmer," he nodded in return with a smile, his eyes gleaming gently, following her gaze and coming back to look at her. "Just bein' friendly is all... just don't say a word to Sloane."

Ciara bit her lip. "Alright... Mr. Carlisle... since you kept your pants on for the whole visit to the shop this time..." She smiled, behind her fingers and gave him a look that said just how much she had heard about that one from her father. "I won't tell Sloane.. but you should know.." She leaned forward and whispered so only he would hear. "People.. have been talking." Her eyes darted to the woman at the door. "All sorts of different rumors... so Sloane may be asking you himself, about it all."

"No more ammunition than he needs. And I'm just the sheriff.. keepin' an eye on things," he cheeked a click of his tongue and nodded. "Thank y' miss Palmer."

Her hand on his arm and she bit her lip, looking a bit more concerned. "Everitt... there's a man.. he's been around.. asking alot of questions about her... and you." She let go of his arm and nodded, looking around quickly. "I just.. thought you should know.."

Kingswell. He bristled at the mention of the man and turned back to speak candidly with her. "What's to say? He wants to marry her... I beat him to it."

Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped a little. The shock was apparent and she blinked several times before finding her voice again. "You did what?" She gasped leaning across the counter and giggling softly. Ciara looked towards the woman again and shook her head, turning her head to Everitt. "No you didn't... you did??" She knew only a little about the young woman, the school teacher who'd only been in town a short time. Ciara had heard she came from back east money and was not much older than Ciarra was.

"Who's to say besides the minister, hm? Private ceremonies.. real quiet like," he said softly. Ciara had known him most of her life, and could probably tell from the look in his eyes that said more than his words that he was hiding something.

She studied his face for a moment and then slowly nodded. "Private ceremonies.. nice and quiet.." She gave him a smile and without another word let him know she'd leave it at that... for now. "She looks like a right nice lady.. congratulations, Mr. Carlisle."

"Thank y'kindly.. Ciara." He nodded and turned with the parcel in hand, the box of candy and the small and special gift for Elizabeth.

Elizabeth half turned and smiled as he walked up beside her. "Where to now?" She asked softly, curious.. not sure if he had other errands or places to go. Her hand slipped to the crook of his arm and rested as she gazed at him.

[Lovely]

They returned to the little house which had been Elizabeth home for the months since her arrival, before she and Everitt had begun their ruse.

"Don't forget this," he said as an aside as if finding something on the table she had to bring along. He turned and handed her the small, paper-wrapped gift.

"This.. what is this?" She smiled and looked to him, holding the small 'package' in her delicate fingers. "This wasn't.. " She giggled lightly and held the gift to her chest, looking at him with semi -adoring eyes. "You have gotten me something?" She gently began to unwrap it.

He grinned and stepped away, nervous and slightly embarrassed, ready to spring out the door if she disliked it. Some folks weren't fond of the native artisans and their work, but the mercantile would occassionally sell some pieces of mention like the delicately carved stone cameo brooch she unwrapped now.

Her eyes widened a slight and she gasped, her hand lifting to her chest in gesture over her heart. "Oh my.. it's lovely..." She seemed a bit at a loss for words as she turned to smile at him. After a pause and another blush that she cover with on hand over her cheek, she spoke softly. "Absolutely beautiful.. I love it.. thank you."

"You really like it? You're not jus' sayin' are you?" He moved back cautiously, remembering the look Ciara had given him when he'd gotten it for her.

"No, I'm not just saying.. I do like it.. very much." Her smile was warm and she reached for his hand.

He set his hand in hers, squeezing gently. "Then you'll wear it tonight? You know... we have to be seen out and play this right. Wouldn't be right for there to be a show and not have me take you."

She giggled and lifted up on her toes and lowered down again. "of course I'll wear it.. Your taking me to a show?" Elizabeth nodded the excitement showing in her eyes. She quickly regained her posture and nodded. "Of course.. I understand, we do need to keep up appearances, with Kingswell.. seeming to watch our every move."

He nodded. "And the sheriff needs to keep an eye on him, hm? Let's pack on up some of your things now. The boys and I will stop by here after the show. Alex ain't one much for watchin' shows, none, so he'll be by to keep a look out here while you're out."

She nodded in agreement and in thanks, looking at him then away. Her fingers laced with his a moment as she gave a gently squeeze. Leaning in she brushed a soft kiss to his cheek. "You are much too kind to me." Her thumb lightly brushed over his. "He shouldn't have to.. miss out on anything, Alex. Even if he doesn't wish to attend the show, I'm sure there are things he'd rather be doing."

He chuckled, "Alex does as he pleases most times, don't you pity him none. Better he's here than at that cat house and drinkin'. He owes me for.... eh... nevermind what he owes me for. He'll tell you if'n he wants, but he'll be fine."

"At the cat house and drinking?" She raised a brow. "The same cat house, Mr. Kingswell made indication that you'd been spending your time at?" She shook her head. "Perhaps we should introduce Kingswell to Alex.. let him him take him out drinking and cattin'.. might loosen the old fellow up.."