For the Best

"I think it's best

We let the horses rest."

Said Colton Crow.

Brandy wanted to say, no.

She just wanted to get to Oh Aces

She wanted to move on.

She still worried over Bruce

Now that she was gone.

Colton dismounted

He offered his help

To get Brandy down

She just gave him a frown

Slid the opposite way

to the ground.

"Why are you mad at me?

Because I showed up in BG?

What did you expect?

Honestly?"

"I expected you to stay away.

For once to do as I say.

I can't keep you safe

Any other way."

Colt's frustration with Brandy

Was easy to see.

"I owe you a life debt

one I plan to repay."

"It was my sister's fault

your life was ever in jeopardy.

You didn't deserve to die.

You know that's the reason why,

I broke off with her and said good-bye."

"Besides I was tired of doing her dirty deeds

Fulfill whatever needs

She had Brody and Shamus to protect her

I thought it be enough."

"But now she's gone and

you're finding it tough

Not to take the blame,

Not the feel ashamed."

"Stay out of my head!"

Brandy said as she

rolled out her bed.

Colton grabbed her shoulders,

Lifting her to her feet.

"You gave up everything for me

including your only family."

"I did what I knew was right."

His fingers tug in tight.

"It was so much more than that

And you know it!"

Brandy shrugged him off,

"Stow it!

I have a job to do and

now I got to worry about you!"

"You know I'll be just fine.

I always am, Brandy Vine."

Colton let her go and walked away,

She knew she hurt him

But didn't know what to say.

She grabbed his arm

He looked down and

Saw her ring.

"What the hell is this?!"

Brandy pulled it off

Put it in her pocket.

"That old thing?

It belonged to Lou."

"Looks like a wedding ring,

Does Bruce wear one too?"

"Don't make me explain

it's too much of a pain."

"You tricked him into

believing he's married to you

to get him to do

what you wanted him to."

"Okay

so it IS easy to say.

It was the quickest way

To get him to BG.

To get Bruce to follow me."

"So he really doesn't know?"

"No."

"Have you and he...?"

"Is that somewhere

you really want to go?"

"You're right."

He set out his bedroll

for the night.

"I really don't know why

I put up with you."

Brandy grinned.

"I don't know why either

I never asked you too."

He lay on his roll,

"You know why I do."

Brandy did know it.

She wished

it wasn't true.

"What are we walking into?"

She was grateful for the

Change in topic.

Colton must be feeling philanthropic.

Still she'll take what she can get

"I don't know... 

yet."