"Aw, darling, you are anything but boring. You are beautiful and charming and witty, and," he smiled, "I believe you have a bit of a temper."
Belle blushed. How can he tell so much about me; he doesn't know me.
"I can tell you how; I'm a Texas Ranger, and it's part of the job."
Belle's eyes widened, "Oh no, I did it again. I said that out loud too, didn't I?"
Travis nodded with a chuckle.
"That's it," Belle held her hand up, "I am going to stop talking. You can tell me about you for a while. I'm going to keep my treacherous, damn mouth shut!"
"Belle!"
She flinched at the sternness of his tone. His soft eyes flashed with a hint of disapproval.
"What?" Her voice weakened.
"Don't curse. You are far too pretty and sweet for such words to cross your precious lips."
"Oh," she muttered, "I'm sorry. I mean, I don't usually curse, you know. I'm a bit flustered."
"You're forgiven." He smiled and tapped her nose. "Now, let's get to more pleasant conversation."
"I don't know what to talk about. I already told you about me. What about you? You're a ranger? I bet it's exciting, chasing bad men."
"I doubt I know everything about you, Belle, but I will someday, I'm sure. And chasing 'bad men' is not all excitement. Most of the time, you're too cold or too hot and hungry, but the worst part is the loneliness." His voice dipped as Belle witnessed a sadness cross his face. "And, not to mention, it's dangerous, but I do get to help people and protect them from harm. I tend to be the protective type, so it suits me, at least for now."
"I think it would be so exciting."
Travis laughed at her innocence.
The conversation paused and the silence made Belle uncomfortable. She gazed up at the clear night sky.
"I love looking at the stars."
"So do I, and it's a perfect night for stargazing."
"Do you know much about stars?"
"Well, I know that's the big dipper." Travis pointed at the group of stars.
"Oh, yes, I see it. My father taught me the constellations when I was younger. Oh, look, Travis," her finger jutted toward the sky, "it's a falling star. Travis?"
"What is it, honey? You look worried."
"I know it's silly, but I heard seeing a falling start means something bad will happen."
"I don't think so." He smiled at her. "I think they are lucky."
"How are they lucky?"
"I feel like I'm lucky tonight."
"You do?"
Travis leaned his face closer to hers, and she fought the urge to scoot away.
"Yes, I found you tonight."
Belle felt the soft touch of his rough hands as he cupped her face. Her heart hammered in her chest as he drew closer. She closed her eyes and felt the tender, warm caress of his lips on hers.
"Belle? Belle, honey, open your eyes."
"W-what?" She floated in a dream of bliss.
"Open your eyes, darlin'."
Belle fluttered her eyes open, to see Travis smiling at her.
Oh, I'm such an idiot. He's going to think I'm such a little girl, mooning over her first kiss. Or maybe he will think I'm a loose woman, letting him kiss me; after all, we just met.
"First kiss. I'm honored." Travis gently traced his thumb across her jaw, stopping to tuck a stray lock of her chestnut hair behind her ear. "And you could never be a loose woman."
"I did it again, didn't I? I said that out loud," she murmured, but this time she felt no embarrassment as she gazed into his warm eyes.
"Please," Belle whispered, "do that again."
"Gladly," Travis said as he leaned toward her.
The church hall door flung open. The twanging sounds of banjos, mixed with the whines of a fiddle and the nasal voice of the dance caller, spilled out into the night, ruining Belle's romantic moment.
"Belle!" The booming voice of Mr. Pendergrass made Belle jump and Travis retreat to his side of the bench.
"Yes, sir, Mr. Pendergrass, I'm out here."
She gave Travis an apologetic glance as she stood.
"Oh, Belle, here you are." Mr. Pendergrass stood with his wife and daughter in tow. "It's time to go home, Belle. Come along."
The trio walked past Belle and Travis. Darcy smiled at Belle.
With a weak smile and gentle wave, Belle said goodbye to Travis and turned to walk away.
Travis jumped to his feet and reached out, grabbing her arm. "Please, Belle, may I see you again?"
"Yes, please do," she replied, beaming. "My father is Judge Alston, and we live outside of town. Ask anyone. They will tell you how to get to the Alston place."
"Good, honey." He placed a quick kiss on her forehead and released her arm. "You can expect me soon, Miss Alston."
"Belle, Belle," Darcy's voice broke through Belle's reminiscing." Well, how was it, the kiss? Oh, Belle?"
"Y-yes…the kiss…it was…" She sighed and let her shoulders drop. "…wonderful."
"Oh, oh, Mr. Pendergrass." Belle suddenly realized they were near her home. "Please drop me at the path to our house. I can walk the rest of the way."
"I don't think I should, Belle. I need to see you safely to your home."
Belle did not want an abrupt end to her night. She craved time alone to think about Travis and to moon over her first kiss.
"I'll be
