"Dixie, I love you. You know that?" Jason asks, grabbing her hands.

Before she can reply, a gun blasts by her ear and Jason slumps to the ground. She tries to get to him, but the harder she tries, the farther away he gets. Tripping in the dirt, she collapses as the sun beats down on her back, his pleas for help ringing in her ears and the sight of a large cactus filling her eyes.

Dixie's eyes flew open and she sat up so fast Shadow growled in protest. She gulped in air, pressing a hand to her chest, her heart thundering beneath her fingers. It was just a dream, she reminded herself. Shrugging off the fact she'd been having the same nightmare for two days, she slipped out of bed to the bright window. Those dreams were beginning to scare her, and she wondered if God was trying to tell her something. She began to pray for Jason, but one look at the sunny day outside had her scurrying to her dresser.

"I overslept again!" she exclaimed, rubbing her temples. Donning her favorite blue calico dress, she trotted out of the room.

"Happy birthday!" Charles, Tavin, and Krissy chorused in a singsong chant from the table.

"Happy birthday?" Dixie repeated before she realized just what day it was. She couldn't believe she'd forgotten her on birthday. She was only eighteen but, here lately, seemed to have the memory of an eighty-year-old. She beamed a smile at her family. "Why, thank y'all!"

"Don't tell me you forgot about your birthday?" Tavin questioned, gripping her in a warm, and much needed, hug. He looked down at her face with concern. "Are you okay? You're awfully white."

Krissy peered at Dixie, her arms crossed across the ruffled bodice of her light pink dress. "You do look pale."

"Darlin', they're right," Charles agreed, bringing a steaming plate of biscuits to the table.

Dixie looked into Tavin's eyes. She tried to smile, but her attempt failed, and she nodded instead. "I'm fine. Just tired."

Tavin raised an eyebrow at her. He could see the worry hidden beneath her facade. He knew she was tired, but that wasn't all. He gave a winning smile. "Don't worry, sis, he'll be back any day now. Just you wait."

"Tavin's right, baby girl." Charles smiled, tugging on her messy braid. "So just put it in God's hands and smile, 'cause this is the day He blessed the world with you."

Dixie felt like crying. But instead, she smiled. A brilliant, genuine smile. She stepped into her father's open arms. "Thanks, Pa."

Charles hugged her close, thanking God for his little girl. "Always."

Krissy grabbed Dixie as soon as Charles let go. "It's my turn!"

Dixie giggled, returning the embrace. She breathed deeply, the smell of breakfast hitting her like a wave. "Somethin' smells good. What'd y'all cook?"

"Pancakes," Tavin answered with a smirk, holding up a fork and wiggling his eyebrows. "Your favorite."

Charles laughed at the exchange between his son and daughter. After saying a quick blessing, he led Dixie to a chair and pulled it out for her. "Don't worry, I made sure he didn't put too much salt in them this time."

Dixie wiped her forehead in exaggerated relief. "Thank the Lord for that! I don't believe I could take another round of those vile things."

Tavin chuckled, sliding a plate of fresh butter onto the table. He poured milk into a cup with a cockeyed grin. "Ain't enough milk from old Daisy, or water in the pond to wash one of them down."

"They couldn't have been that terrible!" Krissy laughed, her curls bouncing around her face.

Charles leaned on the table, his voice lowering. "Let me tell you somethin', young'un. They were so bad, even the ants wouldn't touch them."

"But stupid me ate them," Tavin added, pouring syrup on his pancakes. "I had the runs for days."

"Tavin!" Dixie scolded, sending him a sharp look over her cup.

Krissy glanced between Tavin and Dixie with a look of confusion. "What's the runs?"

"Somethin' you don't wanna discuss over the table at breakfast," Dixie replied, sending her brother a glare.

Tavin shrugged, spearing a piece of pancake with his fork. "More room out than in, I always say."

***

"Dixie, Dixie!" Laramie shouted, jumping out of the saddle so fast he stumbled. He jogged into the barn, finding Dixie saddling Sundancer. "There you are! It's important, you gotta come with me."

Dixie quickly finished and mounted up, riding out of the barn after Laramie. Her heart was in her throat. She knew it had to be bad news, or something of the like. When she reached Laramie, Tavin was walking away with a smirk. She shook her head, who knew what they'd been talking about. She reigned in beside the young Archer. "Where are we goin'?"

Laramie spun his horse around like a professional. "Home." Just like that, he was galloping away.

Dixie set her jaw. It wouldn't take long for her to catch up to the boy. As she drew alongside Laramie, she prayed for what was to come.

After what seemed like an eternity, Dixie and Laramie thundered by the Archer home and skid to a stop in front of the barn.

Laramie slid out of the saddle, helping Dixie dismount with the speed of lightning. He nearly dragged her along on the way inside the barn. "In here!"

The moment Dixie set foot into the barn, the Archer's jumped out of hiding, hollering at the top of their lungs, "Happy birthday, Dixie!"

Dixie squealed with laughter, bending over and resting her hands on her knees. How she loved surprises! "Oh, my goodness! Thank y'all!"

After accepting the barrage of hugs from Emily, Matthew, the twins, Annalyn, and Leroy, Dixie wiped the tears of joy from her face. There was only one person missing, the one who would make this surprise even more special. "Seriously, y'all. Thanks!"

Leroy grinned, handing a strip of cloth to Annalyn. "Don't mention it. That's what family's for, mi amiga."

"What's that?" Dixie giggled as Annalyn approached her with the cloth.

"A blindfold," Annalyn answered with a smile. She tied it in place and waved her hand in front of Dixie's face. "Can you see anythin'?"

Another giggle escaped Dixie. "Nope. I can't see a thing!"

Annalyn pat her back, giving Leroy a thumbs up. "Good. You don't need to see anythin' yet."

Grins and appreciative nods accompanied Leroy as he led in a shiny black mare sporting a brand new saddle with floral designs. He stopped right in front of Dixie, holding the horse's reins with one hand and taking off her blindfold with the other. He backed out of the way with a flourish of his hand. "Ta-da!"

Dixie tried to speak, but no words would come. She took the reins, swiping at the tears running down her cheeks. She inspected the mare with wonder.

The mare was identical to Raven--tall and black, with a silky coat. Her wavy mane was braided and tied with blue ribbons, and the artfully fashioned saddle and bridle gleamed all shiny and new. She reached out to Dixie, nuzzling her cheeks with her warm nose.

Dixie laughed, more tears escaping her eyes. She smashed a kiss on the end of the mare's velvety nose. "You look just like Raven," she whispered against the mare's skin.

"That's 'cause she's his daughter," Annalyn said, in pure delight over Dixie's reaction.

Dixie's mouth flew open in disbelief. "No way! I never knew Raven had a daughter."

Leroy grinned with a tiny shrug. "When Jason doesn't want anyone to know, they don't."

"That's right." Matthew chuckled, putting his hand on Dixie's shoulder. "She's from all of us, your folks included."

"What're you gonna name her?" Cohen asked with an eyebrow arched just like Jason would do.

Dixie looked into the mare's large, dark eyes. "Twilight. Her name is Twilight."

***

"Confound it all!" Jedidiah spit out as he picked himself off the ground. He felt like every inch of himself was covered in dirt, and his body ached, but one look at his horse silenced his complaints.

He'd already lost one from a snake bite and, by the looks of it, he'd lose the other from pure exhaustion. The poor creature, once a light brown, was so caked with dirt and sweat that it was close to dark gray. Its ribs heaved up and down in its struggle to get enough air, its nostrils flaring widely and eyes rolling.

Jedidiah took two steps over to the creature, pulling out his pistol with a grimace. He leveled it between the horse's eyes. He hated to shoot his horse, but there was little else he could do, and he sure as shooting wasn't gonna leave it to suffer. Squeezing the trigger, he dispatched the dying animal instantly. With one long glance at his faithful companion, he holstered his pistol and took off at a run to reach the upcoming town.

Jedidiah reached Abilene in what he hoped was record time. He wandered down the street before entering the blacksmith's shop. He needed a horse, and he didn't know where else to look. He tapped the shoulder of the squat man beating on a red-hot horseshoe.

The man turned on Jedidiah, hammer poised to strike. He lowered it quickly after noticing the copper star pinned on his shirt. "Sorry, sir, you scared me. What can I help you with?"

Jedidiah gave a friendly smile. "Do you happen to have a horse I could buy? I'm in bad need of one."

The blacksmith scratched his balding head. He peered at Jedidiah for a moment before grinning. "Well, all I got is the one horse, but you see--"

"Take me to it," Jedidiah interrupted. He followed the man to the door of a stable containing a small spotted horse. "How much do you want for her?" he asked, reaching out to touch her.

"I wouldn't do that if I we're you," the blacksmith cautioned. "She's got a nasty bite."

Jedidiah pulled his hand back just in time and her teeth clicked together with an empty clink. He eyed the mare, he did not want this horse, but he had no other options. "What'll you take for her?"

The blacksmith pointed to an old saddle in the corner. "If you can saddle her, you can have her."

Jedidiah nodded. He knew it was way more easily said than done. He grabbed the saddle and an empty sack, and limped to the stabll. He gave the mare a smile. "Look here, miss, you're comin' with me, and you ain't gonna bite. You hear?"

A loud snort was his response, and he shot a prayer heavenward. "I'll take that as a yes," he mumbled to himself. Opening the mouth of the sack, he held it near the opening of the stall with one hand and stuck his other arm within the horse's reach. As she reached out to nip him, he slid the sack over her head.

Without giving the mare a chance to react, Jedidiah flung open the stall door and heaved the saddle onto her back. After securing the girth, he hopped on.

The blacksmith handed Jedidiah a pair of reins, and by miracle, he managed to slip them on while pushing the sack off. "You sure you don't want anythin' for her?"

The blacksmith shook his head. "No sir. After what you just went through, I'd feel like a crook if I made you pay. You just take her. I couldn't do nothin' with her anyhow."

Jedidiah thanked the man with a smile. Before he could express his gratitude, the mare shot off like her tail was on fire.

"Her name's Trouble, by the way!" the blacksmith shouted as Jedidiah and the mare streaked out of his shop.

And trouble she was. Jedidiah couldn't get her to go where he wanted her to, regardless of how much he tried to manhandle her. He threw down the reins in defeat and held onto her short mane. He was too tired to try and fight this mare. Asking God to guide the rampaging mare, he watched the ground as Trouble split from the main road and galloped down a smaller path.

"Dear Lord, I hope You know where she's taking me," Jedidiah whispered, pressing his head closer to Trouble's neck to avoid the stinging tendrils of her mane.

When Trouble stopped, Jedidiah opened his eyes to see a ranch house. He couldn't believe how fast they'd gotten there. Either Trouble was very fast, or they hadn't gone far, and he believed the former. He dismounted Trouble, hitching her to the post. He didn't want to take any more chances with her than he already had. Taking the few strides up the porch and to the door, he gave a loud knock.

After a minute or two of no response, Jedidiah knocked again. He was about to walk away when the door opened in protest by a man with brownish red hair.

"Good afternoon, sir. What brings you here?" the man asked, not out of disrespect, but of curiosity.

"I'm Deputy Jones from Dry Gulch. Is this the Archer's ranch?" Jedidiah asked.

"No sir, this is the Broken H, and I'm Tavin Harden. But I can take you there," Tavin answered, concern flickering across his face. "Is everything okay?"

Jedidiah eyed Tavin, and there was something about the man that he felt he could trust. "No. I come with bad news."

"Lord have mercy!" Tavin exclaimed, walking past Jedidiah. "Come on, Deputy Jones. I'll take you there at once."

Jedidiah watched as Tavin jogged around the corner of the house and returned on a chestnut gelding. With a prayer, he unhitched Trouble and hopped into the saddle. He leaned close to her ears. "Please be good, girl."

"This way," Tavin beckoned, circling his horse and galloping down the road Jedidiah had just travelled up.

Speedily they rode, down the smaller road to the main road. They speed through town like outlaws on the run, and split from the main passageway to a thin trail only someone who knew the way would know to go down.

Slowing his horse to a stop, Tavin jumped out of the saddle and ran up the steps, throwing open the door.

"Where are they?" Jedidiah asked after sharing a look with Tavin about the empty house.

"Not here," Tavin answered, more to himself than to Jedidiah. He blew out a breath before meeting Jedidiah's eyes. "They're probably in the barn. Let's go."

Jedidiah legged it to the barn on Tavin's heels. He could tell when they neared the door that those inside were having a time. He hated to be the bearer of such terrible news, but he owed it to Jason to tell them. Slipping through the door after Tavin, he steeled himself as the eyes of all the family fell on him. He could see the instant change of their mood. What once was light and warm with cheer, was tight and thick with a sense of fear and urgency.

Tavin gently grabbed Jedidiah's arm and tugged him closer to everyone. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but this man's got somethin' important to say."

Jedidiah watched as the older man and woman moved closer, the younger men and ladies staying behind them. As much as he trusted Tavin, he still wanted to be sure he was at the right place. "Are y'all the Archers?"

"Yes, sir. I'm Matthew, and this is my wife, Emily," Matthew replied, tilting his head toward his spouse. "Those twins are my sons Laramie and Cohen."

"I'm his adopted son, Leroy, and this is my wife, Annalyn," Leroy introduced in a subdued voice.

The last young lady raised her shimmery green eyes to met Jedidiah's. "I'm Dixie Harden."

Jedidiah felt like his heart was in his throat. Not only was he standing before Jason's whole family, but his fiancee also. "I'm Deputy Jedidiah Jones from Dry Gulch. We found Jason dead this mornin'."

"Dead?" Emily repeated, mixed emotions warring across her face. "What do you mean?"

Jedidiah silently prayed. He hated to have to tell this family that one of their loved ones was deceased. "He went missin' 'bout two days ago. Me and the sheriff found him earlier with a gunshot wound to the chest. It was not a pretty sight."

Confusion and disbelief clouded Matthew's eyes. He shook his head. "It can't be. Are you sure it was him?"

"The body we found was wearin' the same shirt Jason was last seen in," Jedidiah explained softly, trying to take as much edge of the news as he could.

Leroy wiped at the tears beginning to form in his eyes. "Couldn't it be mistaken identity? Someone could've just put his shirt on another man."

Jedidiah removed a note from his pocket and held it out, it's words visible for all to see. "I wish that were so, but we found this in his pocket."

Dixie grasped the scrap of paper, her eyes widening in horror. She knew exactly what it said, even without reading it. Tears slid silently down her cheeks, and when she spoke, her voice was soft, quiet, and full of grief. "Are you sure Jason is dead?"

Jedidiah looked into the pain-filled eyes of the woman Jason loved dearly. He wished with all his heart he didn't have to say the three-letter word that would send this young woman's world spirally out of control. "Yes."

Dixie bit her quivering lip. She felt numb, but at the same time, emotion throbbed through her body. Her legs lost their strength and she fell to the barn floor only to be caught by the deputy.

"I gotcha, miss," Jedidiah said softly, holding Dixie up. Not only did it feel good to be holding her, but it also gave him a sense of guilt that he had, in his arms, the woman of a man who'd never be able to hold and love her again. He pushed those thoughts away, he didn't have time for a woman in his life, much less one who'd just lost her man. Her tears soaked his shirt, and her sobs shook them both, but he didn't care. She needed comfort, and he would give her all he could. His eyes wandered to the parents, who were crying and holding their boys. Leroy stood beside them, weeping with Annalyn. Somewhere behind him, Tavin was sniffling.

"Come here, Dixie," Tavin tried to coo, but his voice broke.

Jedidiah gently released Dixie into her brother's capable arms. Before he knew it, everyone gathered around and began to combat their grief together with him right in the middle of them all.

Not a dry eye could be found in the barn, and silence reigned. Even the horses kept their peace against the magnitude of tangible sorrow hanging in the air for the death of Jason Archer.