Chapter Text
The rusty bell jingled as she stepped into the general store. She wiped her muddy boots on the rug and brushed the dust from her skirts. The shade of the building was welcome-- the intense summer heat combined with the humidity from a recent storm created miserable conditions. She smiled at the salesman, Ben Parker. He was an older man who had been friends with her father before he passed. He had a lovely wife, May, and they both cared for their nephew, Peter. He was a bright, friendly young boy who was destined for a good future. He often helped Sarah around her ranch for extra money.
She wandered around the small building, gathering her provisions and wares for the coming week. She came to the shelf of fabric and hesitated. She could use a new dress... and she had the money... but she should save, right? Before she could decide, she heard the idle chatter outside halt. She stepped towards the window and peered out into the dusty street.
There was a man riding down the main street. His stallion was one of the most impressive she'd ever seen. All black and lean but muscular, with expensive leather tack. The man turned and she could finally make out his facial features. He had a sharp jawline, where a five o'clock shadow was visible. His eyes were steel blue, darting around to take in his surroundings. Dark brown hair peeked out from under his sun-faded leather hat. He was rather handsome, but he was trouble. Everyone in town knew it, too, if the twin revolvers holstered at his hips were anything to go off of. Only dangerous men had their guns on display that proudly.
Her heart skipped a beat when his eyes met hers even through the dusty window. She could swear she saw his lips curl up in an almost imperceptible smirk. He continued down the road towards the saloon-- no surprise there. Most newcomers stopped for drinks their first night in town. She shook her head to rid herself of thoughts about the mysterious drifter and went back to shopping. The bell chimed and she turned to find May Parker herself stepping inside with her basket, taking off her coat.
"By God! You wouldn't believe who just rode into town as if he owns the place!" She huffs, wiping her forehead of the sweat and dust that was stuck to everyone this time of year. She noticed Sarah and smiled big. "Oh, hello, Sarah!"
The younger woman beamed back at her and opened her arms for a hug. "Hello, Mrs. Parker."
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me May?" She shook her head and turned to her husband, and Sarah saw that glint in her eye that meant she was about to start gossiping. "Good Lord, Ben, that man is trouble. Loretta said he's got a bounty of five hundred on his head!"
Ben chuckled and stepped from around the counter, giving his wife a peck on the cheek. "Now, May, don't go making assumptions. He just got into town. Let's let him make his own impression, without Loretta filling your head with hate."
Sarah couldn't help but grin at the two of them. She always hoped for a relationship like theirs, but she was getting near the age where no one would want to marry her, and she'd be stuck working as a saloon girl like Natalia and Wanda. Of course, she loved the two, but that wasn't the life for her. She wanted to settle down and live a quiet, domestic life on her ranch. Maybe have a dog.
After a bit of small talk, she finally finished up her shopping, deciding against the new fabric. She could make due with the dresses she had now. She bid the Parkers goodbye and left, heading down the street towards where her horse was hitched. She was a lovely, tame mare with a copper and white splattered coat. She whinnied softly as Sarah approached, and she reached into the saddle bag. She produced a cracker, a favorite treat. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up, and she turned in a slow circle, trying to locate the eyes she felt on her. It didn't take long to find them. It was those same blue eyes, although this time the man they belonged to was leaning against the railing outside the saloon. He tipped his hat towards her, his lips tugging up in a smug smile. She gave him a small nod in return, maintaining eye contact for a moment before turning back to her horse.
She placed her foot in the stirrup and hoisted herself into the saddle, turning the mare towards the muddy road that led towards her ranch on the edge of town. She didn't acknowledge the persistent feeling of those eyes on her the entire way down until she turned out of sight.
If only she knew the trouble headed her way.