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Arthur slowly woke up, rolling over and snaking his arms around his lover. He held her close, smelling her hair and waiting for her to wake. He loved mornings like this, where he had nothing else planned but to cuddle up to her.
Molly started to stir in his arms, yet her eyes remained closed. He softly kissed her forehead, appreciating the way the sunlight hit her face.
Every day, Arthur wondered what he had done to deserve such an incredible woman at his side.
He remembers the first time he met her, he remembers thinking a woman of her stature deserved so much more than a dirty tent in the middle of a camp full of outlaws.
He remembers thinking that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen while she shyly introduced herself to him.
He remembers watching her shiver in the cold, wanting nothing more than to hold her in his arms to warm her up.
He remembers sneakily watching her while she was doing her makeup, wishing he were the one she was putting on rouge for.
He remembers when Dutch started to lose interest in her, how he thought that if he had the privilege of calling her his lady, she would never have to wonder if she did anything wrong.
He remembers hearing her fight with Dutch and how angry he was to see her be treated in such a way.
He remembers sitting with her on the moldy floor of Shady Belle, telling her she would be better off running away from all this mess, that she still had a chance at a happy ending.
He remembers her green eyes looking up at him while she tearfully said goodbye, before boarding a train taking her he didn't know where.
He remembers how no one had asked where she went, how no one seemed to care. But he cared.
He remembers the letter she sent him, letting him know where she was and asking him to join her if he ever needed to get away from the gang.
He remembers making sure that the people who mattered to him were safe, and then boarding a train to take him far away from those who had hurt him.
He remembers how nervous he was to see her again, and how quickly that feeling went away the moment he laid eyes on her.
He remembers thinking she was somehow even more beautiful than before.
He remembers her bright smile and her happy eyes as she talked about what she’s been up to since he last saw her.
He remembers how she thanked him for everything he did for her, and how she said he could stay with her for as long as he wanted.
He remembers the many times they watched the sunset together, and how stunning she looked in the orange glow.
He remembers how one evening, instead of wishing her goodnight, he kissed her goodnight.
He remembers the shock on her face and how he tried to apologize, before she pulled him in her arms to kiss him.
He remembers the numerous mornings he had woken up before her and would pass the time by admiring her sleeping body.
He remembers thinking that he’d never been happier.
Molly was looking at him with sleepy eyes and a soft smile on her lips. He gently brushed the hair out of her face and kissed her lovingly.
The day was full of promises, but for now, he would enjoy the time with his lover.