BEFORE THE GROUP LEFT FOR town, John requested for Belle to ride with Josiah on his horse. Although John was travelling in a wagon, he had many supplies stored in it so believed it was best for his daughter to travel with his most trusted regulator. 

John prized his daughter over anything he had ever received in his life. If anything were to happen to the young girl, he would not rest until the consequences were dealt with. John loved her greatly and never wanted to see her get hurt, so when he saw her growing closer to Josiah, a massive weight lifted from his shoulders. 

If there was any man he thought was worthy of his daughter, it was Doc Josiah Scurlock. 

That was part of the reason why John asked Belle if she could ride with Josiah for the night instead of himself. He saw how difficult the two were being with their affections for the other, so he thought it best to give them both a nudge in the right direction. 

Belle's arms were linked around Josiah's waist as she sat behind him on his horse. "You doin' alright back there, little missy?" Josiah asked as his horse picked up the pace.

"Better than ever," Belle laughed as the wind thrashed her hair behind her head. 

Josiah's horse slowed down at the edge of the town centre where the music was loud and the atmosphere was lively. Josiah hopped down, opening his arms out for Belle to jump down with his assistance. 

Belle placed her hands on his broad shoulders as he planted his on her waist. Belle leapt off of the horse, landing in front of Josiah. "Thank you, my dear, now, are you going to dance with me or do I have to go find another gentleman willing to dance with little ol' me?"  Belle asked with a grin. 

Josiah laughed at her question. He took a step back, extending his arm out for her to take. "Miss Belle, could I have this dance?" 

"Why, Master Josiah, I thought you'd never ask," Belle laughed and slid her delicate hand into his. Josiah brought her hand to his mouth, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of it, before spinning her around energetically. Belle laughed and flushed red, landing into Josiah's chest.

"Did I mention that you look beautiful, Miss Belle?" Josiah commented with a lop-sided smile.

"You may have mentioned it before we left, and every day for the past 5 years," Belle laughed, hauling the blonde man to the centre of the dance area, slotting her hand back into his hand and the other on his shoulder, guiding Josiah to place his free hand on her waist. 

"It seems that you grow more beautiful with each day, I'm a very lucky man for you to even consider me your dance partner for tonight, Miss Belle," Josiah commented. 

"Josiah, I've told you before, you can me Belle, no need for formalities when it's us," Belle giggled as Josiah spun the couple around the dance area. "Plus, I think I'm the lucky one here, having such a gentleman ask me to dance."

"Belle, can I tell you something?" Josiah asked as he continued to lead the girl in the energetic dance.

"Of course, Doc, you can tell me anything you want, you can trust me,"

Josiah nodded and pulled the ginger girl away from the dance floor. Josiah guided her towards the edge of the event, giving the couple enough privacy for their conversation, but not enough for the music to not be heard.

"Belle. I've known you for a little over 5 years now, ever since your dear father rescued me from the noose and brought me to the ranch. I remember you showing around the bunkhouse, making me feel at home straight away. I remember you asking me if I had a nickname, and you giving me one. You gave me the nickname - Doc - and it stuck, and I love it. I remember you making the first chicken and egg sandwich and then making them for me ever since you saw that I love them. I remember the first time I made you blush, it made me get butterflies in my stomach. I remember everything you've done for me, and I love you for everything," Josiah listed, running out of breath towards the end of his speech. 

Belle's cheeks had reddened and her eyes had glossed over with wet tears, but her smile never faltered. "You love me?" 

"I said that?" Josiah widened his eyes but relaxed at the sight of Belle's smile. "I do. I think I'm in love with you, Miss Belle Tunstall," Josiah grinned, holding onto Belle's hands.

A tear rolled down from Belle's eyes as she loving stared down at their interlocked hands. "I think I've been in love with you for a long while now, Josiah," Belle smiled up at the blonde man. Josiah grinned and wrapped his arms around Belle's waist and pulled her to his chest, lifting her from her feet and spinning her around. "Can we go tell Pops?" Belle asked as she settled her hands against Josiah's chest. 

"Of course, doll, let's go," Josiah let Belle go and grabbed her hand. He led her through the crowd with a massive grin. "John! John!" Josiah calls out once he caught a glimpse of his benefactor.

John turned his gaze towards Josiah, seeing that his hand was latched onto his daughter's. "Master Josiah, I see you and my daughter are becoming well-acquainted," He commented, nodding towards the couple's hands.

"Daddy, we have an announcement. We're in love," Belle grinned up at Josiah as he smiled down at her. 

"Josiah, is this true?" John asked, trying his best to suppress his smile.

"Yes, sir, I am in love with your daughter, and with your blessing, I would like to court her," Josiah asked with a timid smile. Belle grinned at his confession and gave her father a pleading look.

"I see," John played his overprotective father figure very well. "Well, Josiah, you are aware of how much my dear Belle means to me, but you are also aware of how much trust I have in you," John stated, standing up from his seat to stand in front of the couple. "You have my blessing."

Belle sighed and launched at Josiah, wrapping him in a loving hug. Josiah returned the gesture, securing his arms tightly around her waist. "Thank you, John," Josiah breathed out. 

"Now, you two go back to dancing and act like the new couple you are," John laughed, pushing the two lovebirds away. Josiah held Belle's hand once again, twirling her round in a circle. Josiah pulled the bubbly ginger girl to his chest, continuing their dance from before. 

"This day keeps getting better and better," Belle sighed in awe as she looked up at her partner.

"You're telling me? I somehow just won the heart of the most beautiful little lady in all of Lincoln," Josiah beamed, resulting in Belle to blush once again. But before she could hear one of his remarks about her pink face, she pressed a kiss on the corner of his mouth. Josiah was the person to blush this time. 

Belle giggled. "You do look mighty fine when you blush for me, Doc," Belle joked. Josiah laughed but brought the girl closer to him, leaning his face closer to hers. 

"May I kiss you, Miss Belle, a proper kiss," Josiah whispered, his breath fanning across Belle's lips. Belle nodded and fluttered her eyes shut, as she felt Doc's lips pressed onto hers for the first time. In fact, this was Belle's first ever kiss. She always fantasised what it would be like to kiss Josiah, and the reality was much better than her imagination. Belle latched her fingers into Doc's long blonde locks, deepening the kiss. Josiah pulled Belle closer to his chest, if it were possible. 

When Josiah pulled away, he leant his forehead against Belle's, taking deep breaths. 

"I didn't think it were possible to fall even further in love with you, Belle,"