{"id":60537,"date":"2025-11-18T10:03:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T15:03:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60537"},"modified":"2026-06-04T09:21:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T13:21:32","slug":"ill-always-remember-by-melissar1992","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60537","title":{"rendered":"I’ll Always Remember (by MelissaR1992)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summary:\u00a0 Eighteen-year-old Candy Canaday is in love with seventeen-year-old, Ann Purcell, but her disapproving father, Colonel John Purcell, feels Candy is not suitable enough for his young daughter. <\/span><\/p>\n

Rating: PG. <\/span><\/p>\n

Word Count: 21,799\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter One\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It was a crisp Autumn day in Virginia City as ranch hand and foreman of the Ponderosa, Candy Canaday, walked along the boardwalk and over to the post office. His boss, Ben Cartwright had asked him to see if any mail arrived for them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He headed inside and saw the postal clerk, George, looking through a stack of letters. George looked up and saw Candy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Candy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, George.\u201d Candy walked up to the counter and asked, \u201cAny mail for today?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a matter of fact, yes.\u201d George went over to the shelf containing the recent mail that had been received. He pulled out a small stack of envelopes and handed them to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere you are.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked through the stack of envelopes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

George said, \u201cIt’s mostly for Mr. Cartwright, but there is one addressed to you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked up at George and smiled. \u201cThanks.\u201d He then said in a sarcastic tone, \u201cI’m surprised you actually gave me a chance to read it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy could tell by the expression on George’s face that he ruffled his feathers a bit which Candy found amusing. He said goodbye to George and headed out of the post office with a big grin on his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside, Candy looked down at the letter addressed to him. He took notice of the Army seal and his curiosity got the better of him. He went ahead and opened the envelope. It was a letter from his former wife, Ann Purcell.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDear Candy. I\u2019ve been holding off on writing this letter so many times. But now I feel I finally have the strength to. It’s been a long time since we last spoke, but I haven’t stopped thinking about you from the moment we parted ways that day after you rescued Jim from those bandits. It’s funny. Just before I started writing this letter, a memory came to me. We were both back at the Fort, young and in love. We were in the meadow when you first told me you loved me. It seems crazy now, but I suppose some memories still stay with you after all these years.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked up from the letter and couldn\u2019t help but smile as he thought back to that same memory. It had been so long ago. They were only kids at the time and it seemed almost like a blur. Yet it was still so very clear in his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

The year was 1859. Eighteen-year-old, Candy, awoke in bed. He squinted his eyes as the sunlight beamed down on him through the window. He sat himself up and realized the time. He quickly got up and out of bed, grabbed his navy blue and yellow uniform, and rushed to get dressed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside the tent, Sergeant Shaughnessy gave the soldiers their assignments for the day when Candy came hurrying out of the tent just as he finished putting on his boots. The other soldiers snickered.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy looked over at him and said, \u201cWell, glad you could join us, Canaday.\u201d Candy fell in line with the rest of the troops and got into position. Shaughnessy stood up straight in front of him with his hands behind his back. \u201cWell, private, do you have some sort of explanation or reason for being late?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cYeah, I didn’t get here on time,\u201d Candy said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy heard some of the other soldiers snicker. He pursed his lips and asked, \u201cSo you have no excuse then?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shook his head with a small smile. \u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy barked, \u201cThen how would you like to clear out that watering hole because that’s what you’re gonna be doing for the next few hours, is that understood?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy flashed a wide grin. \u201cCan’t wait.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy added in a stern tone, \u201cAnd wipe that smirk off your face, private.\u201d Candy tried hard to suppress it. Shaughnessy said to the other soldiers, \u201cAll right, men, you have your duties. Fall out!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The soldiers dispersed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said to Shaughnessy, \u201cAlways a pleasure, Sarge.\u201d He gave him a salute.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy glared at him. Candy flashed that same grin and walked off.<\/span><\/p>\n

A little while later, Shaughnessy stood inside a tent talking to Colonel John Purcell who sat at his desk with Sergeant Ordy sitting in a chair near him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy said to Purcell in frustration, \u201cYou need to do something about Canaday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he done now?\u201d Purcell asked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was late for the third time this week and he disrespected me again in front of my troop.\u201d Purcell and Ordy exchanged glances. Shaughnessy then said, \u201cNow, I know his father was a good friend of yours, Colonel, but if he doesn\u2019t straighten up, I\u2019m gonna have to kick him out of my unit.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy said, \u201cCome on, Shaughnessy, he\u2019s just a kid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s got a lot of growing up to do. He\u2019s not pinned as an Army brat for nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy told him, \u201cHe\u2019s a good kid and smart as a whip. He knows Army protocol like the back of his hand. He grew up here, remember?”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe\u2019s also too cocky. The kind that can get you killed,\u201d Shaughnessy said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell relented. \u201cAll right. I\u2019ll have a talk with Candy. That satisfy you, Shaughnessy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou just make sure it doesn\u2019t happen again, Colonel, or you can find yourself another sergeant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy stormed out of the tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy turned to Purcell. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about that, Colonel.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry about him, Ordy, he\u2019s just blowing off steam. Would you mind talking to Candy just so we can keep the peace around here? I know he\u2019s close to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Colonel.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. You\u2019re dismissed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy left the tent. Purcell shook his head with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that afternoon, some of the troops in Shaughnessy\u2019s unit gathered around the campgrounds of Fort Delaney when Candy walked past them knee deep in mud. One of the soldiers, the team leader of Shaughessy\u2019s unit, Corporal Noah McKinley looked over at Candy and called out to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Canaday!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stopped and turned around.<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley told him, \u201cI just saw Shaughnessy going into the Colonel\u2019s tent. I think he went to talk to the Colonel about you.\u201d He pointed his rifle at him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy scoffed. \u201cOld spit and polish Purcell doesn\u2019t scare me in the least. He can\u2019t kick me out and he knows it. Not Sergeant Canaday\u2019s boy.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley couldn\u2019t help but smile and shook his head. He said, \u201cYou’d better watch your back, Canaday. You\u2019re asking for trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shrugged his shoulders. \u201cHe already thinks I\u2019m trouble, so why not just have him keep believing it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the other soldiers looked ahead of them and a big smile spread across his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, look who just walked out of her father\u2019s tent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley and Candy turned and saw Colonel Purcell\u2019s young daughter, seventeen-year-old Ann, walking along the campground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe certainly turned into a pretty little thing, hasn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The soldier next to him said, \u201cBetter make sure the Colonel doesn\u2019t hear you say that. He\u2019ll have your hide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They both chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley said, \u201cAll right, that\u2019s enough, let\u2019s move out. We still got work to do, come on.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley and the other soldiers dispersed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0***<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked over at Ann who stared right back at him as she slowly moved her feet along the dirt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy hung his head down and started moving again over to his tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann had been watching him when Colonel Purcell walked up to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn? I was just checking to see how you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, fine,\u201d Ann replied.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Well, I\u2019ll see you later tonight.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her a kiss and walked off in the other direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann moved behind the tent when Candy appeared, making her nearly jump out of her skin. He busted up laughing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou scared me,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They gazed into each other’s eyes when Candy gently took hold of Ann’s face and kissed her. Ann returned the kiss as she moved her hand along his shoulder and up to his neck. Candy pulled back and leaned his head against hers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said, \u201cI waited all day for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I just couldn\u2019t get away. Sergeant \u201cstiff neck\u201d had me clearing out that watering hole again. He\u2019s always on my case about something. I just wish he\u2019d lay off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou give him reason to,\u201d Ann told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked at her and smiled. \u201cMaybe. Or maybe he just doesn\u2019t like me.\u201d He shrugged his shoulders. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t like him so I guess that evens things up, don\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann rolled her eyes at him and smiled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cHey. Why don\u2019t I take you to that little clearing by the Valley River, just over the hill where no one can find us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled. \u201cI\u2019d love to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood. I\u2019ll be here tomorrow at noon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked around to see if the coast was clear and gave her another kiss. He backed away while holding onto her hand and then hurried off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy walked over to his tent. He turned around and flashed a mischievous grin. He walked into the tent and saw Sergeant Ordy sitting in a chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said in surprise, \u201cOrdy.\u201d He gave a soft chuckle. \u201cYou scared me, I thought you were the Colonel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking of the Colonel, he and Sergeant Shaughnessy had a very interesting conversation about you,\u201d Ordy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Candy said as he went over to his bunk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he thinks you\u2019ve been slacking off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy scoffed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy asked, \u201cWhy were you late this morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, for yours and his information, I stayed up late last night and overslept.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy removed his wet and muddy boots.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Ordy pried further. \u201cDoing what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy grinned and shook his head. He told him, \u201cI don\u2019t see how that\u2019s any of your business, Ordy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if it gets you in trouble, then it is my business.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cWell, you don\u2019t need to worry about me. I can take care of myself. I don\u2019t need you breathing down my neck like the rest of them, telling me what I can and can\u2019t do, you\u2019re not my\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked down with pursed lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No, I\u2019m not your father, Candy. I knew your father, he was one of the best. You\u2019re just like him in a lot of ways. Including that stubborn pride of yours. But I still had a hand in raising you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou and every other non-com around here,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. Now after your father died, I made a promise. So I feel a responsibility to make sure you stay out of trouble, and that\u2019s by showing a little respect.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed in frustration. \u201cAll right, fine. I just wish I could get out of this stinkin\u2019 place.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd go where?\u201d Ordy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, anywhere’s better than here.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy said, \u201cWell, until the Colonel relieves you of duty, you’re expected to stay here and follow orders. Although I’m a little surprised you’d even want to leave considering who you’d be leaving behind.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“What are you talking about?” Candy asked, puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You and Ann, right?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy’s head perked up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy smiled. \u201cYou don\u2019t think I know about you two sneakin\u2019 off someplace in the middle of the night?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Embarrassed, Candy said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t tell you. We\u2019ve just been waiting for the right time. Does anyone else know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and I haven\u2019t told anyone either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you surprised?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy shook his head. \u201cNot at all. You both grew up here together. It was only a matter of time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love her, Ordy. She\u2019s the only other person besides you who even bothers to listen to me and understands how I feel.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy crossed his arms and nodded. \u201cYes, but you\u2019re forgetting one thing. She\u2019s the Colonel\u2019s daughter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that and I don\u2019t care. I love her and he can\u2019t stop us from being together,\u201d Candy said, sharply.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy, you\u2019re like a son to me. I just want you to be careful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d Ordy got up from the chair and told him, \u201cI\u2019m on training duty tomorrow, so I\u2019ll see you in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy left the tent while Candy laid back on his bunk bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Two<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The next day, Candy and Ann managed to get away from the fort and made their way over to Valley River. They sat on a picnic blanket underneath a tall oak tree with the sounds of the stream nearby drowning out the silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stared out into the meadow. Ann looked over at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy?\u201d Candy turned to her. She smiled and asked, \u201cDaydreaming again?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked down and smiled. \u201cI guess I was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout us?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I have a lot of dreams for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d She leaned into him and asked, \u201cTell me about them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy smiled at her, but his smile soon faded. \u201cI would, but I doubt they\u2019ll ever come true for us. At least not with the Colonel around anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t say that. He cares a lot about you, Candy. He always has.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe tolerates me. And it\u2019s only because of who my father was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann told him, \u201cYour father was a good man, but so are you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s nice to know you think of me as one,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann brushed her hand underneath his chin. \u201cI\u2019m sure if he saw you for the kind and wonderful person you really are, he would think differently.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann decided to change the subject. She asked, \u201cAren\u2019t you going to ask me to the Social this Saturday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked up at her and smiled. \u201cAre you sure you want to go with a guy like me?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

She wrapped her arms around his neck and told him, \u201cThere isn\u2019t anyone else I\u2019d rather go with than you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gazed into her eyes before he leaned forward and kissed her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“I love her,” he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann gave a warm smile as she repeated the words to him. It was the first time Candy had heard her tell him she loved him which made his heart soar in his chest. He smiled big and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

A little while later, Candy and Ann held hands as they walked back to the Fort when they heard the sound of gunfire up ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann stopped and looked up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but it sounds like trouble.\u201d Candy then told her, \u201cI need you to go back to your pa now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann hesitated. \u201cCandy.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy started moving her along. \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann hurried back to her father while Candy followed the sound of the gunfire.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy moved into the bushes and spotted McKinley and a few other soldiers. He hurried over to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley saw Candy and said, \u201cAbout time you showed up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Candy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cApparently word got out about the ambulance containing the gold.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy responded in annoyance, \u201cI knew that idea wouldn\u2019t last.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley fired another shot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy asked, \u201cHow many are there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI counted three men,\u201d McKinley told him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another shot was fired and McKinley fired back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey must want that gold real bad,\u201d Candy said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More shots were fired and Candy ducked. He asked McKinley, \u201cAre you just gonna sit there and leave me unarmed?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley handed him a rifle. Candy made sure it was loaded before he aimed and fired a shot at the bandits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, one of Candy\u2019s childhood friends, half-Mexican and half-Apache, Angel Montana, watched the chaos from behind a tree.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley and Candy continued firing shots when Candy saw a little boy in the line of fire. He lowered his rifle and said, \u201cHey, there\u2019s a kid out there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing we can do,\u201d McKinley said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said in disbelief, \u201cYou\u2019re just gonna leave him? He\u2019ll die out there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley told him, \u201cI\u2019ve been given strict orders not to engage them.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a kid!\u201d Candy said, exasperated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose were the Colonel\u2019s orders.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked over at the kid and said, \u201cWell, there\u2019s one thing the Colonel forgot about me. I\u2019m not good with following orders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy jumped over the rock.<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley yelled, \u201cCanaday!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy dodged bullets left and right as he sprinted over to the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the soldiers said to McKinley, \u201cHe\u2019s got a lot of brass, I\u2019ll give him that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s also crazy,\u201d another soldier said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy came up to the boy as a woman screamed in horror. Candy grabbed him just as he was nearly hit with a bullet. They tumbled and hit the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy asked the boy, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A woman came out of the bushes crying and screaming in Spanish.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlejandro!\u201d she cried out as she scooped him up in her arms. Candy assumed she was the boy\u2019s mother. She looked at him with gratitude in her eyes and nodded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the bandits came up to Candy with his gun pointed at him. He yelled at him in Spanish and was about to kill Candy when the woman spoke up and stopped him.<\/span><\/p>\n

She spoke in Spanish to him and while Candy couldn\u2019t understand what they were saying, he had some idea of what they were talking about. The bandit motioned for the woman to go back. She hurried off with the boy when the bandit turned back around to Candy. He moved closer to him with his gun still pointed at him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy’s heartbeat sped up and his whole body tensed. The bandit started to lower his gun when a gunshot went off hitting the bandit in the chest. He collapsed onto the ground. Candy stared at him wide-eyed in shock when one of the soldiers came up to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cColonel Purcell wants us to go back. We managed to run off the rest of them. The ambulance is secure,\u201d he told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy’s shock turned into anger. \u201cYou didn\u2019t have to do that.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The soldier responded, \u201cHe\u2019d likely have killed you, private. I had no choice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy told him, \u201cHe was lowering his gun, he wasn\u2019t going to kill me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s it to you anyway? He was trying to steal from us, remember? Now, come on, let\u2019s head back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy slowly got up from the ground, his eyes still fixed on the dead bandit. The lines between simply following orders and doing what was right started to blur for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that evening, Candy stood in front of Colonel Purcell in his tent with Sergeant Shaughnessy near him. Shaughnessy said to Candy in a stern tone, \u201cYou deliberately disobeyed a direct order!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said in a surly tone of voice, \u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry, Sarge, but I thought our job was to protect the people?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour job is to keep quiet and do what you\u2019re told!\u201d Shaughnessy barked. Candy scoffed and shook his head. Shaughnessy then said, \u201cI am getting sick and tired of you running that smart mouth of yours, acting like you\u2019re in charge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy responded in a sarcastic tone, \u201cThat\u2019s funny, Sarge, I could say the same thing about you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy fumed as he said to Purcell, \u201cYou just gonna let him speak to me that way?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell said, \u201cAll right. Shaughnessy, would you give me and Canaday some privacy, please?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy pointed his finger at Candy and said in a stern tone, \u201cYou will never be an ounce of what your father was, Canaday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stared at the ground as his hands clenched into a fist behind his back. Shaughnessy stormed out of the tent. Purcell looked at Candy and said, \u201cWell, Candy. What do you have to say for yourself?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy lifted his head up to him and relaxed his hands. \u201cNot much, sir, except to say I don\u2019t regret what I did. I know I shouldn\u2019t have disobeyed your orders, but I just couldn\u2019t let that kid die.\u201d Purcell studied him. Candy then told him, \u201cI take full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences for them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell said, \u201cWell. You did disobey a direct order.\u201d Candy hung his head down, preparing for the worst. Purcell then told him, \u201cBut I also can\u2019t help but commend your bravery. You risked your life to save another and for that I\u2019m willing to overlook it, that is if you promise this won\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed in relief. \u201cThank you, sir. I will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re dismissed.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy started to leave, but he turned back around to Purcell and said, \u201cUh, Colonel? Sir? There is one other thing I\u2019d like to ask of you.\u201d Purcell gave him his full attention. Candy said, \u201cWith your permission, sir, I\u2019d like to escort Ann to the Social this Saturday evening.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell tried to suppress a smirk. \u201cWell, I\u2019d say it\u2019s all right as long as you see to it that you\u2019re on your best behavior and treat my daughter with the utmost respect. Is that understood?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course, sir. You have my word,\u201d Candy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell smiled. \u201cGood. Well, if that\u2019s all then, you\u2019re free to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy nodded and left the Colonel\u2019s tent. As he headed over to his tent, he wondered if maybe he was wrong about the Colonel after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the evening of the Social and all of the soldiers were outside, dressed in their uniforms as they mingled about with the other soldiers. Some of which were dancing with beautiful young ladies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Off to the side near the table with the punchbowl, Candy and Ann stood underneath a tall oak tree. Candy seemed to have his mind elsewhere. Ann looked over at him and asked, \u201cAre you feeling all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I\u2019m fine.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve just been very quiet,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy moved his boot through the dirt and said, \u201cI just can\u2019t stop thinking about what I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSaving that boy\u2019s life?\u201d Ann asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I don\u2019t even know why I did it. I didn\u2019t even think that I might die doing it. I did it without a thought or care for myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because it\u2019s just who you are. It\u2019s what I\u2019ve been trying to tell you. Everyone can\u2019t stop talking about how brave you were and how no one else could have done what you did. You\u2019re a hero.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gave a small smile. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t feel like one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy paused before he said, \u201cI didn\u2019t tell you the rest of what happened after I saved that boy. After I got the boy out of there, a woman came and got him. I assumed she was his mother by the way she held him. She looked right at me and nodded her head. I guess it was her way of thanking me. One of the bandits then came at me with a gun. The woman stopped him and while I don\u2019t speak a lick of spanish, I somehow knew what they were talking about. I think she wanted him to spare me for saving her son. With his gun still pointed at me, he looked at me and started to lower it when he was shot and killed instantly.\u201d Ann looked down with sorrow in her eyes. Candy then said, \u201cI\u2019m not entirely sure but I think that man was the boy\u2019s father. Now in a war. There\u2019s us and there\u2019s them. They were the enemy. But in that moment, I couldn\u2019t tell who the enemy was.\u201d Candy smiled and shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m ruining your evening, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann placed her hand up to the side of his face. \u201cNo. You could never ruin it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stared at her and remarked, \u201cYou do look very beautiful tonight.” Ann’s face flushed red. Candy then told her, \u201cI would at least like to have one dance with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy took her hand and led her to where the other couples were dancing to the music playing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, one of the soldiers, Mason Whitlock stood off to the side with a bottle of whiskey in his hand. He took a drink when he saw Ann dancing with Candy. He gave a smug grin and staggered over to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann danced to the music when Mason cut in between them, pushing Candy off to the side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you let someone else dance with the lady, huh, Canaday?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason pulled Ann to him. She tried to break free from his grasp as she shouted, \u201cLet go of me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy yelled, \u201cLet her go, Mason!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason ignored him. Ann continued to fight him off when Candy grabbed him by the shoulder and punched him in the face, backing him up into the table. The ladies gasped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy came up to Ann and asked, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason grabbed Candy by the shoulder and punched him right in the face, nearly knocking him off balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason said, sternly, \u201cYou disobey orders and the Colonel lets you off the hook without batting an eye. All because of who your father was. He was a tough son of a gun. Let\u2019s see how tough you are. Get up and fight me, Canaday!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stared daggers at him and didn\u2019t budge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason scoffed. \u201cJust what I thought. But what can you expect from someone with a name like yours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason turned around when Candy lunged at Mason and tackled him to the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy attempted to throw a punch at him when Mason grabbed him and shoved him off. Candy slid through the dirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy hurled his fist at Mason who blocked his attempt. He overpowered Candy and threw punches at him left and right.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy crashed over a table, breaking it. Mason pulled Candy up off the ground and threw another punch at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann watched in horror from the sidelines. Colonel Purcell came up to her. She cried out, \u201cFather, help him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason continued to fight Candy. Ordy tried to step in, but the Colonel held him back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason said out of breath, \u201cHad enough?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy laid there on the ground as a rage burned inside of him. He growled and jumped up from the ground. He hurled his fist hard across Mason’s s face making him stagger backwards towards the broken table. Candy managed to gain the upper hand and he threw punches at Mason left and right. Candy threw one more strong punch and Mason fell onto another table breaking it in half.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason stirred and moaned. Candy\u2019s chest heaved in and out as he wiped at his mouth. Candy looked up and saw the crowd staring at him in shock and amazement including Ann.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

A little while later, Candy sat down on an examination table in the Army doctor\u2019s tent with Ann next to him. She dabbed at his bloody and bruised face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was so afraid he was going to kill you,\u201d Ann said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy, still fuming, said, \u201cAnd the Colonel just stood right by and did nothing. I think he wanted him to kill me, that way I wouldn\u2019t be a burden to him anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop,\u201d Ann said, sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked down and said softly, \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann told him, \u201cEveryone knows Mason is the one who started it. No one is blaming you. I think everyone was just surprised at how you handled yourself.\u201d She tilted her head to the right with one raised eyebrow and then asked, \u201cAre you sure you weren\u2019t trying to impress me?”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked over at Ann and couldn\u2019t help but smile. \u201cWhat if I told you I was?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann flashed a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cThanks for trying to help me.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. I care a lot about you, Candy.\u201d She brushed her hand through his curls. \u201cI don\u2019t want anything to happen to you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann gave a small smile and laid her head down on his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that night, Candy slept soundly in his bed when a shadow hovered over him. A hand reached out and covered Candy\u2019s mouth. Candy woke up startled and two men held him down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy\u2019s screams were muffled as he tried to break free from their grasp, shaking his body violently, but their grip was too strong for him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason said, \u201cEasy now, Canaday.\u201d Candy stopped squirming. Clay then told him, \u201cWe\u2019re going on a little assignment, private. And you\u2019re gonna have a little accident. You humiliated me, Canaday. And you\u2019re gonna pay. Now, let\u2019s go for a little ride.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stared at him wide-eyed in disbelief. Mason gave a sinister chuckle and the two men snuck Candy out of the tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason rode a wagon up to a lake. He pulled Candy with a handkerchief tied around his mouth, off the wagon and he fell onto the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason said to one of the men, \u201cTie him up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the men took some rope and bound Candy\u2019s hands and feet together. Candy tried with all his might to fight back. Mason then said, \u201cPick him up and toss him in the river.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men lifted Candy up by the shoulders and tossed him in the river.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see you get outta this one, Canaday. Not so tough without the Colonel, are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason chuckled along with the other men.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From underneath the water, Candy sank down further as he struggled to free his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason headed back with the men to the wagon when they heard the sound of a gunshot and the voice of McKinley shouting, \u201cHold it, Whitlock!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason and the other men scattered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley sprinted over to the river and dove in. He found Candy struggling and grabbed him before he swam back up to the surface.<\/span><\/p>\n

They both came up from the river and Candy gasped for air. McKinley led him to dry ground and they both collapsed onto it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy coughed, his chest heaving as he laid his head back against the grass. McKinley pushed himself up and looked over Candy. He asked, \u201cDo you mind telling me what that was about, Private?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy tried to catch his breath. \u201cYeah. Mason and his buddies just tried to kill me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get that rope off you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley started to untie his hands when Candy said, \u201cWait.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy pulled the rope apart, indicating he had managed to loosen it. McKinley looked at the rope in puzzlement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy remarked, \u201cIf they want to capture me, they ought to learn how to tie a rope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinney shook his head and chuckled. Candy grinned. McKinley said, \u201cLet\u2019s get you back to the fort and report this to the Colonel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Chapter Three<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The next morning, Candy stood in the Colonel\u2019s tent along with Sergeant Ordy, Sergeant Shaughnessy and Ann who stood in the corner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy said to Colonel Purcell, angrily, \u201cColonel, I want you to find Mason Whitlock and those men and have them arrested for attempted murder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Ordy. I\u2019ve got my men out there searching for them now. And I promise you they will be found and tried by a court martial,\u201d Purcell told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy gave a smug smile and said, \u201cColonel, how do we know this wasn\u2019t just some practical joke and Canaday here is just pulling our leg?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy scoffed and responded in a sarcastic tone, \u201cWas Mason Whitlock nearly beating me to death at the party not proof enough for ya, Sarge?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you did initiate that fight, Canaday,\u201d Shaughnessy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy’s words set Ann off. She said in an angry tone, \u201cHe was defending me, Sergeant. You saw how he was at the party. He was drunk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy said, \u201cSergeant, you\u2019re forgetting we have an eyewitness. McKinley said he saw Whitlock and the two men toss Candy into the river and as soon as Whitlock and the others saw him, they ran. Now that to me sounds like someone who\u2019s guilty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell responded, \u201cAnd that is why we\u2019re going to find him and bring him in. But for right now, we still have work that needs to be done. So gentlemen if you would resume with your duties for today and I will inform you when we have new information, alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy gave him a salute and left the tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy placed his hand on Candy\u2019s shoulder and said, \u201cHang in there, kid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell looked over at Candy and said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry this happened to you, Candy. But we\u2019ll get to the bottom of whoever is responsible for this. You have my word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He left the tent along with Ordy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann walked up to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed and leaned back against the Colonel\u2019s desk. He said, \u201cI should have killed him when I had the chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said, \u201cYou don\u2019t mean that.\u201d Candy looked down at the floor in silence. Ann then told him, \u201cYou know despite what happened, I did have a nice time with you last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked up at her and smiled wide. \u201cSo did I. And I would like to finish that dance with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann put her arms around his neck. \u201cPermission granted, Private Canaday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They kissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next day, Candy stood outside his tent, chopping wood when Sergeant Shaughnessy called out to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Canaday!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stuck the ax into the wood. Shaughnessy came up to him and handed him a letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, this is for you.’\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked down at the letter and said in a disappointed tone, \u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry, Sarge, I didn\u2019t get you anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy looked at him in annoyance and told him, \u201cYou\u2019ve been summoned for a hearing tomorrow morning.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy took a look at the summons and asked, \u201cMay I ask what this hearing is about?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe found Mason Whitlock and the two men who you claimed tried to kill you. You\u2019re to give your testimony along with Corporal McKinley about what happened that night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou still think I\u2019m pulling your leg, Sarge?\u201d Candy asked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaughnessy ignored the question and said, \u201cJust be there bright and early tomorrow, Private.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He walked off. Candy saluted him and said in a surly tone of voice, \u201cWhatever you say, Sarge.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked back down at the summons and shook his head when Ann walked up to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy? Is everything all right? I saw you talking to Sergeant Shaughnessy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, they found Mason. I\u2019ve been summoned to appear in front of a court martial to testify against him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy showed her the paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann smiled big. \u201cThat\u2019s good news.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cYeah, the only problem is I don\u2019t trust Mason. Who knows what kind of pull he has around here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann placed her hands up to the side of his face and told him, \u201cNow, don\u2019t worry about that. McKinley will back you, everyone will. Including the Colonel.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but I\u2019m just having a little trouble believing that,\u201d Candy told her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann asked, \u201cWhat about me? Can you believe me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked at Ann and smiled. \u201cYeah. I guess I can. Are you coming to the hearing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I\u2019ll always be there for you. You know that.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy kissed her. \u201cSee you later tonight?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded and walked off. Candy grinned and got back to chopping wood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the morning of the hearing and Candy and McKinley testified in front of the Court Martial. The hearing was a short one. One of the men fully confessed to the crime and Mason Whitlock was charged with attempted murder and awaited sentencing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the next few weeks, things started to return back to normal at Fort Delaney and Candy and Ann continued their secret romance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One afternoon by Valley River, Candy and Ann sat underneath the same oak tree as they kissed. Candy gazed into her eyes with a smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you more than anything, Ann.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She gave a small smile. Candy could sense something was bothering her. He asked her what was wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long are we going to keep hiding, Candy?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHiding what?\u201d he asked in puzzlement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUs. We can\u2019t keep lying to everyone we care about, especially Father. We have to tell him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, you know what would happen if we did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we can\u2019t hide it from him either. He has a right to know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but you know he won\u2019t approve of us. He\u2019ll do everything he can to keep us apart,\u201d Candy told her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know that,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I do. Ann, do you really think I\u2019m the kind of man the Colonel wants for you? I\u2019ll never be good enough to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She took his face and told him, \u201cWell, you\u2019re good enough to me. I don\u2019t want you ever saying that. You\u2019re smart, kind, brave. You\u2019re everything a good friend and soldier should be. If the Colonel can\u2019t see that, I don\u2019t know who can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy smiled and remarked, \u201cYou\u2019re not so bad yourself, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann blushed as she gave a shy smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t want to lose you, Ann.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll never lose me, Candy. Not ever. I love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy trusted Ann and her words gave him reassurance, yet Candy still had his doubts about the Colonel.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

A few more weeks passed. Candy tried to be on his best behavior for the Colonel and even Sergeant Shaughnessy as difficult as it was for him. One day, Purcell got word that one of their fellow soldiers was missing. He found a piece of evidence that indicated he was captured by an Apache tribe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colonel Purcell pulled out a knife from a tree with a piece of clothing stuck on the end of it. He examined it to find that it was torn from an Army uniform. Sergeant Shaughnessy came up to him and looked down at the torn piece of clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think? Apache?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m afraid of. I need you to gather Ordy and McKinley. We\u2019re gonna have a meeting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A little while later, all of the troops were gathered around the Fort. Colonel Purcell told them, \u201cOne of our soldiers, Private Langley, has been taken prisoner by what we believe to be an Apache tribe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked over at Ann who was standing near the Colonel\u2019s tent. Purcell said, \u201cNow, as you know, the Apaches have been raiding our campground for quite some time and we\u2019ve always been able to keep up our defenses against them, but this time they managed to be a step ahead of us. Now, we have some idea as to where they might be holding him, so I am going to need some of our best men on this rescue mission. And before we have any volunteers I must warn you this mission is highly dangerous. So the question is whether you are willing to risk your life to save a fellow soldier. Now, are there any volunteers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All of the other soldiers exchanged glances and a few raised their hands. Purcell nodded his head towards them. \u201cEllis. Hansley.\u201d Angel Montana stood near the tent with his arms folded. Purcell looked over at him and said, \u201cMontana. It might be best if you came along since you\u2019re part Apache. You can communicate with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Montana glared at him and responded, \u201cWhy should I help you? You are not my people.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned and walked off. Purcell paused and turned back to the other soldiers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny more volunteers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked over at Ann who stared back at him and shook her head. Candy raised his hand. Ann closed her eyes and hung her head down. Purcell looked at Candy with intrigue. \u201cCanaday? You want to volunteer for this mission?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, why not. Langley is a friend of mine and I owe him. I want to help him, Colonel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Canaday, I must say I\u2019m quite surprised. But also very proud.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked at him perplexed and wondered if he heard the Colonel correctly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Canaday. You\u2019re in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy grinned. Shaughnessy came up to Purcell and said, softly, \u201cUh, Colonel, sir? Are you sure you want Canaday on this mission? You said it yourself, he\u2019s just a kid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, a kid who\u2019s been forced to grow up in this. So that\u2019s why I believe he\u2019s more than capable of handling it. He wants a chance to prove himself, let him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I still think you\u2019re making a big mistake, Colonel. No offense, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell just smirked and said to the other soldiers, \u201cAll right, if there are no more volunteers, you may get back to your post.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The soldiers began to disperse when Candy walked up to Purcell and said, \u201cI just wanted to thank you for letting me volunteer, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019d say you\u2019ve earned it, but just don\u2019t make me regret it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t let you down, sir,\u201d Candy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell patted his shoulder and walked off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy went over to Ann who tried to hide her anger towards him which Candy could sense. He asked, \u201cHey, what\u2019s wrong? I thought you\u2019d be happy for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot for this kind of mission I\u2019m not.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Ann, don\u2019t you see? The Colonel actually trusts me with this. This is my one chance to prove to him I\u2019m not just an Army brat. I can show him what I\u2019m capable of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot if you\u2019re going to get yourself killed,\u201d Ann said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy placed his hand up to the side of her face and told her, \u201cI\u2019ll be all right. I can handle it. Trust me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked down, not fully believing it. Candy reassured her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, please. I need to do this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up at him and relented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. Just please be careful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gave her a quick kiss and hurried off. Ann felt an uneasiness in the pit of her stomach at the thought of Candy out there vulnerable to the Apache. She knew he was more than capable of handling himself, but she still felt an ache in her heart for him and for how much she would miss him.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy along with McKinley, Ellis, Hansley and a few other soldiers rode into Apache territory. Ellis and Hansley rode on horseback while McKinley and Candy rode on a covered wagon with McKinley steering the reins.<\/span><\/p>\n

They found a spot in the woods. McKinley said, \u201cWe\u2019ll make camp here, rest the horses. Canaday, you can help set up camp. Our gear\u2019s in the back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy got up from the seat of the wagon and hopped down. He opened the back of the wagon and saw Ann seated inside holding her knees up to her. Candy\u2019s eyes widened when he heard McKinley call out to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCanaday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann shook her head with a look of desperation on her face. Candy quickly closed the back of the wagon and turned around.<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley came up to him and told him, \u201cYou can set our gear down by the creek. Ellis and Hansley are keeping watch. I\u2019m gonna gather some firewood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, yeah, sure,\u201d Candy said while trying to hide his nervousness. McKinley walked off. Candy smoothed his hair back and sighed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inside, Ann sat there having barely moved when the tarp opened and Candy quickly got inside. Ann backed up, startled. Candy turned to her and whispered in exasperation, \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to see you and make sure you were alright,\u201d Ann said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m fine. I\u2019m just a little worried that if the Colonel finds out you\u2019re here, he\u2019ll tan both our hides.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Ann cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy asked her in frustration, \u201cAnn, what were you thinking?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just couldn\u2019t stay there worrying about you. I had to come. I want to be with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to be with you too, but not this way. It\u2019s too dangerous for a woman to be out here, don\u2019t you understand that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know the risks, Candy. You don\u2019t need to remind me. I grew up in this with you, remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you know how serious this is, Ann. I can\u2019t risk you getting yourself killed. I have to take you back to the fort.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She pleaded with him. \u201cNo, please. Let me stay. I won\u2019t get in the way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gave a frustrated sigh as he looked through the crack of the tarp. A million thoughts ran through his mind such as the things that could wrong with Ann being there. Although the truth was he wanted to be with her too. His heart won the battle that time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, fine. But you are gonna stay right here. You\u2019re not leaving this wagon for anything, you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy heard the voice of McKinley call out, \u201cHey Canaday, what\u2019s taking you so long? Let\u2019s get a move on!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked back at Ann.<\/span><\/p>\n

She said, \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann gave Candy a quick kiss on the cheek. A small smirk formed on his lips as his face flushed red. He told her, \u201cI\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann helped him gather the camping gear and handed it to him. Candy hurried out of the wagon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that night, Candy and some of the other soldiers sat around a campfire, eating a plate of beans cooked over a fire. Candy looked down at his plate as he played around with his food, thinking of Ann and the danger she was putting herself in when he heard McKinley call his name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCanaday?\u201d Candy looked up. McKinney motioned towards the pot of beans.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome to the rest of this. It\u2019s just gonna go to waste anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cI thought the Army was concerned with rations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s just no need, we got plenty. So eat up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked at the pot of beans and said, \u201cNo, thanks.\u201d He then remembered Ann and got an idea. \u201cOn second thought. Maybe I will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Candy reached over and filled his plate with the rest of the beans. He got up and started walking over to the wagon when McKinley looked up and asked, \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy came up with a quick excuse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, uh, I\u2019m just gonna go and keep watch over by the wagon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat for?\u201d McKinley asked in puzzlement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, somebody\u2019s gotta stand guard, might as well be me.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley responded with a shrug of his shoulders, \u201cAlright, suit yourself. But try to get some sleep. We got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d Candy headed back over to the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann sat in the wagon when the tarp opened. Candy got into the wagon and said to her, quietly, \u201cIt\u2019s me.\u201d He handed her the plate of beans. \u201cHere, I brought you some food. If you\u2019re gonna be here I can\u2019t have you starving to death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She gave a small smile and took the plate. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann picked up the fork and began to eat while Candy took a seat next to her. Ann looked over at him and said, \u201cYou don\u2019t have to stay here. I\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s fine. And besides I already told McKinley I was gonna guard the wagon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven though you don\u2019t need to,\u201d Ann said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked down with guilt. \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy, you don\u2019t have to hide it with me. I know you\u2019re angry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not angry, it\u2019s just that I can\u2019t help but worry about what could happen with you being here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m a big girl, I can take care of myself,\u201d Ann told him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann took another bite of beans when Candy gave a soft chuckle. Ann looked up at him in puzzlement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was just thinking about that time when we were kids how we snuck away from the fort during the Founder\u2019s Day picnic just to watch the fireworks. The Colonel really had it in for us that day. I remember you convinced him how you practically dragged me into it when I was the one who dragged you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann smiled. \u201cIt worked like a charm too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were looking out for me even then,\u201d Candy said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann gazed into his eyes and Candy stared back at her. He moved his hand up to her face and found himself leaning into her. He pressed his lips against hers and the plate in Ann\u2019s hands fell over in her lap and clashed onto the floor of the wagon. Ann wrapped her hand around his neck as the kissing soon turned passionate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They were interrupted by McKinley\u2019s voice\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCanaday!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann jumped. Candy placed his finger up to his lips and hurried out of the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside, he saw McKinley and came up to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Candy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllis is missing.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? I thought he was keeping watch near the creek with Hansley.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was, but Hansley said he went off somewhere and didn\u2019t come back,\u201d McKinley said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy responded in a sarcastic tone, \u201cWell, that figures, where do you think he went?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but we gotta find him before the Apache do, we\u2019ll spread out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked over at the wagon and thought about Ann.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I just need to\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo time, Private. We gotta go now, get your gear and let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley loaded his rifle and hurried over to the other soldiers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy worried about leaving Ann alone, but trusted she could handle herself. He grabbed his rifle and then hurried after McKinley into the woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann took notice of the quietness outside the wagon and began to worry. She slowly opened the tarp and saw everyone had disappeared including Candy. Her heart skipped a beat and she quickly got out of the wagon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She hurried into the woods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Chapter Four<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Ann wandered through the woods in search of Candy when she heard a branch break. Her eyes widened in fear and her heart rate increased. She hid in the bushes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Candy, McKinley, and the other soldiers searched for Ellis with McKinley leading the way. He looked ahead of him and gave them a signal. He pointed in front of him and they saw Ellis over by a tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley gave out a bird call. Ellis looked up and McKinley came out from behind a tree followed by Candy and the other soldiers.<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley came up to him and asked, \u201cNow, just where have you been, Private?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis told him, \u201cI noticed some tracks and decided to follow them. I found Langley, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d McKinley asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis nodded his head to the right of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cJust over that knoll. The Apache have got him strung up by the arms, but he\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, we\u2019ll reconvene and come up with a plan. Let\u2019s head back to camp,\u201d McKinley said.<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley, Candy, and the other soldiers made it back to camp. Candy went to check on Ann. He opened the tarp and found her missing. Candy scanned the woods as fear gripped his body. McKinley called out to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCanaday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed in frustration and headed over to McKinley and the other soldiers. Candy came up to McKinley who told him, \u201cCanaday, I want you and Hangley to take the south side of them while me and Ellis take them from the north.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy tried to stay calm, but with Ann missing, he realized he could no longer hide it as she might be in danger. He interrupted McKinley who was going over the plans.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cMcKinney, sir? We have a slight problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d McKinley asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed. \u201cLet\u2019s just say Langley isn\u2019t the only one in trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley became agitated. \u201cCanaday, I don\u2019t have time for any games, just tell me what the problem is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn is here. She stowed away in the back of the wagon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley\u2019s expression turned to disbelief. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know she was there until I went to get our gear,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you wait until now to say something, Private?\u201d McKinley asked with anger in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy, with guilt in his voice, said, \u201cShe made me promise not to tell anyone. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis asked, \u201cWhy would the Colonel\u2019s daughter want to come on a rescue mission?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley said, \u201cI don\u2019t know, but we\u2019ve got to find her. We\u2019ll split up. We better hurry. We don\u2019t have much time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis and Hansley dispersed along with the other soldiers. Candy started to move when McKinley stopped him and said, \u201cIf anything happens to the Colonel\u2019s daughter, I\u2019m holding you personally responsible, Private.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed. \u201cWhy not? The Colonel\u2019s gonna blame me for this anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinley and Candy took off in search of Ann.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Ann hid in the bushes. She took notice of the silence with only the sounds of crickets chirping and she figured the coast was clear. She slowly started moving again while Candy, McKinley, Ellie, Hansley and the other soldiers searched for her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann stopped dead in her tracks when she heard rustling. She started picking up speed through the woods. She made it halfway when a hand reached out and grabbed her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy clamped his hand over Ann\u2019s mouth, silencing her screams. When she turned and saw who it was, she cried out in relief, \u201cOh, Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her head fell onto his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy took her shoulders and whispered, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m alright.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said in frustration, \u201cI told you to stay in the wagon, what happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw you and the other soldiers were gone and I panicked. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy told her, \u201cI had to tell McKinley and the others about you. I\u2019m sorry, but I had no choice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, I understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy, nearly in tears, pulled her close.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOh, Ann, I was so afraid something happened to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Candy, really. Stay below the crest, remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy pulled away and said, \u201cEllis found Langley. We have a plan to get him back, but we had to go looking for you first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d she said with guilt in her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s go find McKinley and the others. I want you to stay close to me, all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann nodded. Candy took her hand and they hurried through the woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann rapidly moved past the trees when Candy heard voices. He brought Ann to a stop. He turned around and signaled for her to be quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

They slowly started moving again as they came up behind a tree. Candy looked ahead of them and saw a teepee set up with a campfire burning in front of it and Apache speaking in their native language to each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann gasped. Candy placed his hand over her mouth and tried to keep her calm. He turned around to the Apache camp and whispered, \u201cWe need to get past them somehow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A few Apache walked away leaving one of them alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2019s our chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy pulled out a knife. Ann shook her head in disapproval.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy, no.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to, Ann. They\u2019re savages. First they\u2019ll scalp us and then they\u2019ll kill us. I\u2019m not gonna stand back and wait to die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked for an opportunity and slowly made his way into the Apache camp, staying low to the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Apache had his back turned when Candy snuck up to him. Within a split second, he placed his hand over the Apache’s mouth and jabbed the knife into his back. Candy then laid him down on the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From behind the tree, Ann started to move away from it when an Apache appeared from behind her. Her screams startled Candy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn?\u201d He saw her being carried away by the Apache into the woods. \u201cNo!\u201d Candy shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

He attempted to chase after her when he stopped and realized if he even tried to follow him, he could kill her or he could get ambushed by them. He formed a plan in his mind as he got moving again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stopped midway through next to a tree and tried to come up with a plan. He realized he would need to find McKinley and the others to rescue Ann since he would have no chance against them alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy heard rustling in the bushes. He turned and saw a familiar figure walk out of the woods. His expression turned to disbelief and then anger. He moved away from the tree and yelled, \u201cMontana!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel Montana stopped and slowly turned around. A wide grin spread across his face. \u201cCandy, mi amigo. Are you surprised to see me here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said in a stern tone, \u201cIt was you who captured Langley and brought him here, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Montana\u2019s grin turned sinister.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was also you who told those bandits about the gold. You brought them to the fort to ambush us. Why, Montana?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you are not my people. You have all of that gold while my people are dying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut that isn\u2019t the way. These are good people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Montana asked, \u201cWhy do you care so much about them, huh? You hate them as much as I do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s not the people I hate, Montana, it\u2019s the Army and everything it stands for. That\u2019s what I hate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you are still on their side, not mine. You kill my people,\u201d Montana said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy told him in frustration, \u201cBecause they try to kill us, don\u2019t you understand that? And they\u2019re gonna kill Langley and maybe even Ann if we don\u2019t stop them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Montana looked at him in puzzlement. Candy told him, \u201cThey\u2019ve got Ann. I\u2019m gonna get her back, but I need your help to do it. I can\u2019t do it by myself, I won\u2019t stand a chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should I help you, amigo? She is nothing to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she is to me. I love her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe is your woman?\u201d Montana asked in curiosity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy hesitated and then nodded. \u201cYes. So please. Help me get her back.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Montana sighed. \u201cAll right. I do it for you, but not them. Comprende?\u201d Candy nodded. Montana moved his rifle over his shoulder. \u201cCome on, we do not have much time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Montana moved through the woods with Montana leading the way. Montana gave Candy a signal to stop. He then motioned ahead of him and Candy saw Ann tied to a tree surrounded by Apache. Candy sighed in relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s still alive, thank God.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Montana told him, \u201cIf they do not kill her, they make her their squaw. Which is a fate worse than death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cWe need to find a way to get to her somehow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Montana shook his head. \u201cNot this way. They will kill you, amigo. And then they will kill her too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy tried to think of a plan when his hand touched the ground next to him. He lifted it back up and found it covered in mud. He then got an idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

A short time later, Candy covered his hands and face in mud.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Montana said, \u201cYou are crazier than I am, amigo. It will never work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t see how we have any other choice. We gotta get Ann out of there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Montana sighed. \u201cAll right, but I still think you are crazy, amigo.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we\u2019ll find out.\u201d Candy finished applying the mud and said to Montana, \u201cYou promised to cover me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSi. You better hurry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy got back up and started to move across the bushes. He bent down low and pulled out his knife as he waited for an opportunity. He was able to slip past without being seen as the mud gave him the ability to blend into his surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy quickly and quietly moved behind one of the Apache standing guard. He grabbed him and placed his hand over his mouth, jabbing the knife into his back before bringing him down onto the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy swiftly moved to the next one. Afterwards, he looked over at Montana who signaled to him that the coast was clear. Candy got up and hurried over to Ann.<\/span><\/p>\n

A distraught Ann looked down with tears in her eyes when she heard a voice whisper her name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked up and saw Candy hurrying over to her. \u201cCandy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s me,\u201d Candy said as he started to untie her hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann cried out in relief, \u201cOh, thank goodness you\u2019re all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy freed her hands. \u201cCome on, we don\u2019t have much time.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He took her hand when an Apache appeared, ready to attack. Ann gasped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy lunged at him and tried to grab the knife in his hand. The Apache fought back and attempted to drive the knife into Candy, who with all his strength held him back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy fought hard against him, but the Apache managed to drive the knife into his shoulder. Candy yelled in pain and then punched the Apache across the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Apache came back up and attempted to charge at Candy when a gunshot rang out. The Apache yelped and fell over dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked up and saw Montana lower his rifle. He said, \u201cGo. Go now while you still have a chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u201d Candy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot go with you. Take your woman and go. Now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t forget this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy took Ann\u2019s hand and they hurried into the woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann rushed through the trees as Candy clutched onto his injured shoulder, blood oozing through his hand. He began to weaken and his breathing was labored. He slowed down and rested against a tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann came up to him and said, \u201cHere, let me take a look.\u201d Ann took a look at his wound and told him, \u201cYou\u2019re bleeding pretty badly. You need a doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to keep moving. Find McKinley and the others,\u201d Candy huffed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy, you need to rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alright, let\u2019s just find them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy pushed himself away from the tree. He took Ann\u2019s hand and they got moving again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann continued moving through the woods as Ann held tightly onto Candy’s hand when an Apache came out from behind the bushes and grabbed Ann. She screamed. Candy punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Apache attempted to come at Candy with a knife when Candy took hold of his hand and shoved him back down. The Apache rolled over on top of Candy who drove the knife into him. He yelped and fell limp. Candy pushed him off to the side.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann was on her knees, crying hysterically. Candy went over to her, helped her back up and took hold of her shoulders. She sobbed as Candy tried to snap her out of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn\u2026Ann!\u201d She continued to be in hysterics. Candy shook her and shouted, \u201cAnn, stop, I want you to look at me! LOOK AT ME!\u201d She stopped screaming and stared into his eyes. Candy told her, \u201cNow, I can\u2019t get us out of this if you\u2019re gonna be hysterical, so I need you to focus, Ann. Can you do that?\u201d She sniffled and nodded. He said, \u201cAlright. Be brave, soldier, remember?\u201d Candy pulled her in and kissed her. He took her hand and they hurried into the woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann came across the covered wagon. Candy whispered, \u201cI want you to wait in the wagon. Stay low and out of sight. I\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy headed over to the campsite while Ann got into the back of the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy found the campsite completely raided. He took a look around and saw all their gear gone along with various empty tin cans and bottles scattered around. Candy turned around and saw a body lying on the ground. He walked over to it and his breath caught in his throat when he discovered who it was. He bent down and saw Corporal Noah McKinley lying there dead on the ground. He closed his eyes tight and moved his head down trying to fight tears. Ann appeared from around the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy saw her and ran over to her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. He said, nearly in tears, \u201cDon\u2019t look.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann moved away from him and took a look at the body. She placed her hands over her face and started crying again. She said through her tears, \u201cOh, Candy, what if everyone is dead and we\u2019re the only survivors?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know that. Langley could still be alive and the others. He was the mission.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann cried, \u201cOh, the mission has failed, Candy, don\u2019t you understand that? Now we\u2019re just out here waiting to die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we\u2019re not because we are going to find Langley and the others and bring him back alive like we promised the Colonel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann shook her head. \u201cCandy.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I am gonna do what I have to, to keep you alive. Whatever it takes, I\u2019m gonna do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They heard rustling in the bushes. Candy and Ann froze when they saw Ellis and Hansley along with Langley who held onto the both of them as they helped him walk. His face beaten and bruised. Candy hurried over to them along with Ann.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllis?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCanaday, you\u2019re alive.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy asked, \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hansley told him, \u201cAfter you went off to look for Ann, we got ambushed.\u201d He looked over at McKinley\u2019s body and then said, \u201cMcKinley risked his life to save us. He went out fighting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only way he knew how,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked down with eyes full of tears as she became overwhelmed with guilt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis said, \u201cLet\u2019s just get out of here. Take McKinley\u2019s body back and report this to the Colonel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis started moving with Langley and Hansley over to the wagon. Ann stood there still in shock over everything that happened. Candy came up to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He turned her around and they followed after Ellis, Hansley and Langley to the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the way back to the fort, Ann sat in the back of the wagon with Candy. Langley had fallen asleep. Ellis and Hansley sat in the front of the wagon with Ellis steering the reins.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy got up from his seat and went over to Ann. She had her head down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t face him,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. He\u2019s gonna be angry, that\u2019s for sure,\u201d Candy said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said, tearfully, \u201cIt\u2019s all my fault. If it hadn\u2019t been for me.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, don\u2019t go blaming yourself. You were only thinking of me just like I was thinking of you. Why don\u2019t I just tell the Colonel that it was my idea and you had nothing to do with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann shook her head. \u201cNo, I won\u2019t have you taking the blame for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gonna blame me anyway. You know that.\u201d Candy placed his hand on the back of her head and told her, \u201cIt\u2019s going to be all right, Ann. I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann gazed into his eyes and laid her head down on his good shoulder while Candy gently stroked her head not fully believing his words.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they returned to the fort, everyone was left to deal with the aftermath of the mission and the loss of McKinley. To make matters worse, Candy and Ann had to face the Colonel and give an explanation for why Ann stowed away on the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann along with Sergeant Ordy and Colonel Purcell were in the Army doctor\u2019s tent with Candy\u2019s shirt open and his bandaged shoulder in a sling. Purcell said to them, angrily, \u201cI don\u2019t believe this. Ann, what you did is inexcusable!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann cried, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell started pacing again as he put his hand up to his temple. He turned around and walked over to Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I suppose you had something to do with this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy scoffed and shook his head. He said in a sarcastic tone, \u201cYeah. I dragged her into the wagon and forced her to come along with us on a dangerous mission, risking her life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said, \u201cCandy, stop. Father, Candy had nothing to do with it. I\u2019m the one who chose to come along on the mission. Candy didn\u2019t even know I was there until he found me. He wanted to take me back, but I wouldn\u2019t let him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell asked, \u201cWhy Ann? Why in the world would you do a thing like this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked over at Candy who stared back at her. She hung her head down and responded, \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell sighed in frustration and said, \u201cWell, you could have been killed, don\u2019t you understand that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know. But I\u2019m alright. And Private Langley is alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I lost one of my best men. I can\u2019t help but think that if you hadn\u2019t been there, he\u2019d still be alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked down as her eyes filled with tears again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sergeant Ordy spoke up. \u201cColonel, with all due respect. We knew it was a dangerous mission going in. We would expect there to be some casualties. I\u2019m not saying what Candy and Ann did was right, but you can\u2019t blame them for what happened to McKinley, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right, Father,\u201d Ann said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell calmed down a bit. \u201cOrdy, Candy. Would you leave us alone so I can have a talk with my daughter, please?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Come on kid,\u201d Ordy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy got down off the table and looked over at Ann before heading out of the tent with Ordy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said, \u201cFather, I know what you\u2019re going to say, but if it hadn\u2019t been for Candy, I could be dead now. He saved my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt just seems like when you two are together, there\u2019s always trouble,\u201d Purcell told her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked him straight in the eye and confessed, \u201cI love him, Father. That\u2019s why I came. I wanted to be with him. Because I love him and he loves me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell sighed. \u201cOf course. I should have known.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann became filled with guilt. \u201cWe wanted to tell you, but we were afraid of how you\u2019d react.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just how long have you had these feelings for one another?\u201d Purcell asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of months, maybe. But we\u2019ve always been very close.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell asked with suspicion in his voice, \u201cAnd just how close have you been with him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked at him in disbelief and said, \u201cIt\u2019s not what you\u2019re thinking and I\u2019m appalled you would even be thinking that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She had been telling the truth about that. They almost gave into temptation a few times when they were alone, but never allowed themselves to go too far. Besides that, Candy was a gentleman and would never take advantage of her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell sighed and walked over to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, darling, I know you and Candy grew up together and have become good friends. But anything more than that I\u2019m sorry to say just wouldn\u2019t work. He disobeys orders, he\u2019s reckless-stubborn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you can be stubborn too, Father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell placed his hands on her shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, I just think it would be best if you and Candy remained friends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I love him, Father,\u201d she cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDarling, I\u2019m afraid you\u2019re too young to understand the meaning of the word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do understand. I\u2019m not a little girl anymore. I think Candy was right about you. You do think he isn\u2019t good enough for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t want you making a big mistake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think the mistake was telling you about us in the first place!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann stormed out of the tent. Purcell called out to her, but she ignored him. Purcell hung his head down and sighed.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few days later, it was Ann\u2019s birthday and a new young Captain arrived at the fort. A tall, handsome and very distinguished looking officer by the name of Charles Keller. Colonel Purcell introduced him to Ann in the hopes that it would make her change her mind about Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, I\u2019d like you to meet one of our new recruits, Charles Keller. Captain Keller, this is my daughter, Ann.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Keller flashed a wide, sparkling smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPleasure to meet you, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He lifted her hand and gave it a soft kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy watched them from a short distance as he leaned against a tree with his arms folded, shaking his head in annoyance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keller said, \u201cThe Colonel tells me you live here at the fort. So I guess we\u2019ll be seeing a lot of each other around here, won\u2019t we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we will,\u201d Ann said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell said, \u201cLet me show you around the fort and assign your duties.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Keller nodded his head to Ann with that same dazzling smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He walked off with the Colonel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann walked over to Candy and said, \u201cHe seems nice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he\u2019s just what the Colonel ordered,\u201d Candy remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann rolled her eyes at him and decided to have a little fun with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you jealous, Private Canaday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked at her and scoffed. He said with a chuckle, \u201cJealous? Honey, I\u2019m a lot of things, but jealous isn\u2019t one of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then I suppose you wouldn\u2019t mind if I asked him out to dinner then, would you,\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy\u2019s head perked up as he moved away from the tree. \u201cNo. Not at all. Do what you want, I don\u2019t care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann pursed her lips and said through gritted teeth, \u201cFine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine!\u201d Candy shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann growled and stormed off. She came up to Captain Keller and chatted with him while Candy looked at them in disgust. His demeanor changed and he slumped his shoulders, feeling a slight twinge of jealousy and an ache in his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

A fellow soldier, Private Henry Weston saw Candy staring at Ann and Keller. He chuckled and walked up to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI bet that\u2019s driving you crazy, huh, Canaday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot in the least,\u201d Candy responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sure. But you know the Colonel will never let you have her. Why do you think he arranged that little meeting with her and Keller?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy\u2019s body tensed as he pursed his lips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why should he let you have her? You and her are the reason McKinley\u2019s dead anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy felt like he had been punched in the gut at his words. His anger at him grew even further when Weston then told him, \u201cYou know he blames you. McKinley was one of his best soldiers and you let him die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy got in his face and yelled, \u201cShut up, Weston! Shut up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust face it, Canaday. You and her will never happen, not if the Colonel has anything to say about it. Why would the Colonel\u2019s daughter want to be with a scrawny looking Army brat like you anyway?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy lost control and punched Weston in the face, knocking him to the ground. Candy lunged at him and they wrestled through the dirt. A crowd gathered around them, whooping and hollering when Sergeant Ordy pushed through the crowd. He came up to Candy and grabbed him by the shirt collar, pulling him off of Weston.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy! Come on, stop it, that\u2019s enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy tried to break free of his grasp, violently shaking his body around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet go of me!\u201d he shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy said to Weston, \u201cGet outta here, go on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Weston got up from the ground, wiped at his mouth and glared at Candy. Ordy pushed Candy forward over to his tent. Candy looked up at Ann and saw her staring at him wide-eyed in shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy brought Candy into his tent. Candy shrugged him off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Private.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy took a seat on the bunk bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy crossed his arms. \u201cNow, what\u2019s going on with you, Candy, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want out, Ordy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy gave a frustrated sigh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m taking Ann with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That got Ordy\u2019s attention. His head snapped back up and he stared at Candy in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to marry her, Ordy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy shook his head. \u201cCandy.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can build a life together away from the fort. Get as far away from this place as we can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSon, I don\u2019t think you realize what you\u2019re getting yourself into. Marriage is a commitment. It\u2019s a big decision that I don\u2019t think you\u2019re ready to make.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am. I love her, isn\u2019t that enough?\u201d Candy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy. You\u2019re young. You and Ann have got your whole lives ahead of you, there\u2019s no need to rush into something that could end up hurting you both.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy snapped, \u201cYou think I\u2019m not good enough for her, just like the Colonel, don\u2019t you? Don\u2019t you?\u201d he shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t want you rushing into something you\u2019re not ready for. Just give it some thought before you run off with this girl, all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy began to calm himself. He said, \u201cIt\u2019s probably too late anyway. She\u2019ll probably run off with that officer and leave me in the dust.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if that\u2019s the case, you apparently don\u2019t know Ann as well as you thought. I got work to do. I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy headed out of his tent while Candy sat there pondering over Ordy\u2019s words. He didn\u2019t want to believe Ann had fallen in love with someone else. He loved her too much to lose her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

The next day, Candy went through his things sitting on top of his bunk bed when Ann came through the tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPermission to enter tent, Private Canaday,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gave a small smile. \u201cPermission granted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She walked inside and told him, \u201cI haven\u2019t seen you all day. I wanted to talk to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been busy. Besides, wouldn\u2019t you rather talk to Captain tall, dark, and polished?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann tried to suppress a smirk. \u201cNo. I\u2019d much rather talk to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m listening,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann came up to him, took hold of his face and kissed him. She said, \u201cGood. Because you\u2019re going to hear this. I love you, you big galoot. I want you.\u201d She wrapped her arms around him and embraced him. Candy smiled big. Ann pulled away and asked, \u201cHow could you ever doubt I would want anyone else, but you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy became filled with guilt and apologized.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. You were right, maybe I was a little jealous. I just can\u2019t handle the thought of you being with somebody else that isn\u2019t me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you don\u2019t need to worry about that. Because I love you,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you.\u201d He pulled her to him and held her close. \u201cOh, Ann, I love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He kissed her softly and pressed his forehead against hers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said, \u201cThat officer was boring anyway. He doesn\u2019t make me laugh like you do. He\u2019s also not as sweet, kind and as handsome as you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t really buy that last one, but I\u2019ll take it.\u201d Candy flashed a grin. Ann giggled. Candy then told her, \u201cI did have something planned for your birthday yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou did?\u201d she said with intrigue in her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I was gonna take you fishing by that little lake near Valley River.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann took his hands in hers. \u201cWell, you can take me now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but it\u2019s too late now,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it isn\u2019t. You\u2019ve done your duties for the day, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m free for the rest of the day. So what do you say, Private?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy smiled. \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann took his hand and they headed out of the tent together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colonel Purcell came out of his tent. He looked around the campgrounds and saw Ann walking out of Candy\u2019s tent, holding his hand. Candy wrapped his arm around Ann and walked off with her down the trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell looked down in disappointment and realized his plan to turn Ann\u2019s affections away from Candy failed. He walked back into his tent and resumed his work for the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Chapter Five<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Candy and Ann sat in a boat out on the lake. Ann held onto a fishing pole waiting to catch a fish while Candy stared out into the lake. Ann noticed him and said, \u201cYou know for someone who wanted to spend time with me on my birthday, you don\u2019t seem to be having much fun.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked down with a guilty expression. He said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I just can\u2019t stop thinking about what Weston said about McKinley. How it\u2019s my fault he\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s wrong. It isn\u2019t your fault. It\u2019s nobody\u2019s fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to believe that, but I just can\u2019t help but think if I had been there to help him, he might still be alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you don\u2019t know that. You think you\u2019re the only soldier who ever thinks about what they could have done differently to save someone? The truth is McKinley still could have died even with your help or you could have died trying to help him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy tried to fight tears as he said, \u201cBut I only thought of you. I didn\u2019t care about anyone else. I just wanted to make sure you were alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann reached over and placed her hand over his. She said, \u201cBecause you love me. My father would have done the same thing if it had been him out there. We\u2019re all carrying our own guilt over what happened, but what\u2019s done is done and there\u2019s nothing we can do to change it. But he died a hero. He saved his fellow soldiers and I know he would have saved you if you had been there fighting with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat makes me feel worse,\u201d Candy said, his voice breaking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann put the fishing pole down and moved closer to him. She told him, \u201cMcKinley loved you. And I think if he were here right now, he wouldn\u2019t want you blaming yourself. He\u2019d say, \u201cquit your bellyaching, Canaday, we have a mission to complete.\u201d She stroked his head and said, \u201cSo quit your bellyaching, soldier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy smiled through his tears. He took her hand and kissed it. \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled and kissed him. Ann picked the fishing pole back up and they both went back to fishing, soaking in every moment together.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

A week went by and Candy and Ann continued to spend time together despite her father\u2019s wishes. With their relationship now out in the open, it caused some friction between some of the other soldiers, but Candy ignored them.<\/span><\/p>\n

One day, Langley stood outside with a rope in his hand as he tried to round up some of the horses that had broken loose from out of the stable. Langley swung the rope and attempted to lasso one of them, but failed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy walked up to the stable. He leaned his arms over the fence and grinned as he watched Langley trying and failing miserably to round up the horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Langley noticed Candy watching and asked in annoyance, \u201cYou find this amusing, Private?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I haven\u2019t had some good entertainment in a while,\u201d Candy told him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery funny. You think you can do any better?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t do any worse,\u201d Candy replied with a chuckle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Langley walked over to him and handed him the rope. \u201cBe my guest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy swung the rope and swiftly lassoed it right onto the horse, pulling it tight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Langley said, \u201cHey, not bad, cowboy. You\u2019d make a pretty good cowhand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy paused and then shook his head. \u201cNah, I don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He brought the horse into the stable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Private Ellis called out to Candy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Canaday! The Colonel wants to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed. \u201cAll right.\u201d He then remarked, \u201cAnother day in Fort Despair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Langley got his attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, for what it\u2019s worth, I think the Colonel\u2019s wrong about you and Ann.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s nice to know somebody thinks so,\u201d Candy told him as he closed the stable door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Langley wished Candy good luck and Candy responded he needed it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colonel Purcell sat at his desk when Candy walked in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanted to see me, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Candy, come in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stepped into the tent. Purcell then gave him some unsettling news.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been called to active duty. The Apache tribe has taken vengeance upon our unit after Langley was rescued. We\u2019re now at war with the Apache. You\u2019ve been appointed along with a few other troops.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stood there in shock trying to process the news.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be leaving at first light tomorrow. You’re dismissed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy thanked him softly and left the tent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that evening, Candy and Ann were outside, sitting on a log underneath the stars as they looked out into the meadow in silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want you to go,\u201d Ann said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But it\u2019s the Army, I can\u2019t exactly turn it down. I don\u2019t want the Colonel thinking less of me than he already does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t think of you that way, Candy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shook his head. \u201cNo, he just thinks you should be with somebody better, that\u2019s all. For all we know he could have planned this whole thing just to get me out of the way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann cried, \u201cStop it. I already dread you leaving as it is without you saying that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, that was out of line.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said, \u201cI mean, what if this is the last night we\u2019ll ever spend together and I\u2019ll never see you again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will. It\u2019s only for a couple of weeks.\u201d Ann tried to fight tears. Candy wrapped his arm around her and told her, \u201cI\u2019m going to get back to you. I promise. All right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann knew Candy could take care of himself no doubt, but part of her would always worry for his safety regardless.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy kissed her and said, \u201cHey, it\u2019s getting late. I should probably get you back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann asked, \u201cIs it all right if we stay out here a little longer? I just want to spend as much time with you as I can before you have to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave a small smile. \u201cAll right, just a few more minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled and laid her head down on his shoulder as they enjoyed the stillness of the evening together.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the morning of Candy\u2019s deployment. He said goodbye to Ann behind the tent. They kissed each other tenderly when Candy pulled away and leaned his head against hers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be thinking about you everyday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann wrapped her arms around him. \u201cSo will I.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy paused before he placed his hands on her shoulders and said, \u201cAnn, I\u2019ve been thinking. And I better ask you now while I still have the chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAsk me what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy mustered up all the courage he had and took a deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, I love you. I don\u2019t want us to spend another moment apart from each other ever again. I want to marry you, Ann.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann\u2019s breath caught in her throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarry me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gently placed his fingers over her lips and said, \u201cI don\u2019t want you to give me an answer now. I want you to wait until I get back. It\u2019ll give me something to look forward to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shook his head. \u201cNo. I am coming back to you, Ann. I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann stood there at a loss for words when they heard a sergeant calling for Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta go. I\u2019ll see you when I get back, all right?\u201d Candy kissed her and then said, \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy hurried off. Ann stood there still in shock at Candy\u2019s proposal, but at the same time filled with worry over whether or not he would make it back to her alive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

The war lasted for nearly a month before the remaining troops returned back to the fort. One of the soldiers looked out into the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, they\u2019re back!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All of the soldiers including Sergeant Ordy, Shaughnessy and Colonel Purcell dispersed out of their tents to greet the troops.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann walked out of the tent and saw all the horses come into the fort with a few bodies stretched out across the top. Her whole body tensed and fear overtook her as she searched for Candy in the crowd. She then heard a familiar voice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooking for someone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann turned around and saw Candy covered in grime. He flashed a grin. A wave of relief washed over Ann and she ran into his arms. Candy lifted her up off the ground and spun her around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Candy, I was so scared, I saw the bodies and I thought that.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you thought one of them was me? Oh, Ann, how could you think that? I told you I would come back to you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Ann wrapped her arms around him, her eyes spilling with tears of joy. \u201cOh, I missed you so much.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI missed you too. Hey, why don\u2019t I get cleaned up and we can catch up on things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy kissed her and hurried off to his tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the fallen soldiers were buried and mourned, there was a party to celebrate the returning soldiers who survived and their victory against the Apache. Colonel Purcell stood off to the side with Sergeant Ordy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy said, \u201cWe took quite a hit. Seven bodies, only four survivors. It\u2019s a miracle they made it out of there alive.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it was a big loss, but they didn\u2019t die in vain,\u201d Purcell responded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy looked at Candy and Ann dancing together to the music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy has certainly come a long way, hasn\u2019t he, Colonel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he has.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell watched Candy and Ann, almost studying them when the music stopped. Candy took Ann\u2019s hand and they walked over to the picnic table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said, \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how happy I am to see you again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy poured himself a glass of punch when Ann looked over at him and asked, \u201cHow did you ever survive out there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought of you mostly. It kept me going even when things got really bad. I just knew I had to get back to you.\u201d Candy paused and then said, \u201cand to hear you give me an answer to the question I asked you just before I left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann gave him a shy smile. Candy took a sip of punch as he fixed his gaze on her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think I forgot about that, do you? It was all I thought about,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann turned away from him and said, \u201cI thought a lot about your proposal since you left that day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we go someplace where we can talk in private?\u201d Ann said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy agreed and Ann took his hand as they moved to a quiet spot where no one could hear their conversation. Colonel Purcell watched them in curiosity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann led Candy behind a tree. She stopped and took a breath as Candy anxiously waited for her answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I will marry you, Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded with a smile on her face. Candy smiled wide and took Ann in his arms. He kissed her and said, \u201cLet\u2019s not wait. Let\u2019s get married tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked at him in disbelief, wondering if she heard him correctly. \u201cTomorrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, as soon as we can get away. We\u2019ll go into town and find a Justice of the Peace and get married.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann let go of him and turned away from him. \u201cCandy. This is crazy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it is, but when do you ever know me not to be?\u201d he responded with a chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann asked, \u201cBut what are we going to tell my father?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we can\u2019t tell anyone, especially him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann\u2019s eyes widened in shock. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we tell him, it\u2019s all over. He\u2019ll do everything he can to try and stop us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy, we have to tell him. We can\u2019t keep it from him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy placed his hands on her shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will. After we\u2019re married. That way he\u2019ll have no choice but to accept it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann shook her head. \u201cCandy, we can\u2019t. It\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, you know he won\u2019t let us. It\u2019s the only way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll find out anyway. He knows everything that goes on around here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot if we play our cards right. We\u2019ll make up some excuse for us to get away for a couple of days and then come back and break the news to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s a deception. I can\u2019t lie to him. No matter how he feels about us, he\u2019s still my father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gave a frustrated sigh and said, \u201cAnn, how long are you gonna let him control our lives? Just because he\u2019s a Colonel, he thinks he can get away with it, but he can\u2019t! We\u2019re not kids anymore, Ann. We can make our own decisions. I nearly died fighting the Apache, but I still came out of it alive. If that\u2019s not man enough for the Colonel, then I don\u2019t know what is!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann hung her head down. Candy lifted it back up to him and asked, \u201cDo you love me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I do.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you still want to marry me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what are we waiting for? Ann, please, I can\u2019t stay here any longer. I want you with me, I want you to be my wife, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann closed her eyes as a battle raged in her mind, having to go with her heart or her head. She made a decision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. Let\u2019s do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy smiled. \u201cOkay.\u201d He took her face and kissed her. He wrapped his arms around her and told her, \u201cDon\u2019t worry. Everything is gonna work out, I promise. I love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While Ann was overjoyed to be marrying the man she loved, she still couldn\u2019t help but feel reluctant to go through with it as she feared what her father would do when he found out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning, Ann had her bag packed and ready to go. Her father came up to her and asked, \u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t want me to take you to the stage?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann hesitated in her response. \u201cYes, I\u2019m sure. I just need to get away for a little while, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe time spent away from here will be good for you. Give your aunt my best for me, will you?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d Ann gave him a kiss on his cheek and said, \u201cGoodbye father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He smiled. \u201cGoodbye. Have a safe trip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann picked up her bag and headed out of the tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy waited outside near a wagon. He leaned against a tree when he saw Ann coming towards him. He moved away from the tree and asked, \u201cYou ready?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded. Candy helped her onto the wagon and then hopped in himself. He took the reins when he noticed the solemn look on Ann\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey.\u201d She lifted her head up to him. Candy said, \u201cSmile. It\u2019s your wedding day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked into his eyes and smiled. She couldn\u2019t help it. Candy had a way about him that made her feel safe, protected. And despite how her father felt, she loved him. And nothing was going to stop her from being with the man she loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before whipping the reins and taking off into town.<\/span><\/p>\n

The wedding was a simple affair held by a justice of the peace. Candy and Ann had told Langley what they planned to do since he was in support of the relationship. He thought they were crazy, but he was happy for them nonetheless. Candy asked him to serve as a witness and Langley said he would be honored.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the wedding ceremony, Candy had taken his new bride to a hotel. He carried her in his arms across the threshold of the room. He set her down and said, \u201cHello wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She giggled. \u201cHi husband.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They wrapped their arms around each other and kissed. Candy took notice of her solemn expression and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t feel right about this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, I don\u2019t want to worry about any of that right now. I just want us to relax and enjoy ourselves. All right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann still felt uneasy. Candy took hold of her shoulders and said, \u201cCome on, we just got married. Let\u2019s celebrate. We\u2019ll order the best champagne in town. What do you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled. \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy kissed her and said, \u201cI\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He left the hotel room. Ann took a breath and tried to relax.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Chapter Six<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Candy and Ann enjoyed married life while also trying to avoid the inevitable with having to eventually tell the Colonel.<\/span><\/p>\n

One day, Candy had a surprise for Ann. He brought her to a spot just outside of town. She had her eyes closed as he guided her steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy, you know I hate surprises.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, life is full of them. You gotta have a little fun and excitement every once in a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann took a few more steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, you can open them now.\u201d Ann opened her eyes to a small cabin. Candy smiled and said, \u201cWell, what do you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s very nice, but what is it?\u201d she asked in puzzlement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy tried to hold back laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is our home or at least it\u2019s gonna be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh. I made a deal with the owner, it\u2019s ours. It just needs some work. I know it\u2019s not much now, but we can make it a home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann continued to stare at the cabin. Candy couldn\u2019t take her silence any longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, say something, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann turned around to him and exclaimed, \u201cOh, Candy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She wrapped her arms around him. He smiled and said, \u201cI hope that means you like it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I love it,\u201d she responded, nearly in tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood. I was getting a little worried,\u201d he told her with a chuckle. He then took her face and said, \u201cI\u2019m starting to believe in those dreams for us again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They embraced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0***<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the next few days, Candy began fixing up the cabin along with Ann. Candy also tried to find some work in the process, but was unsuccessful in his attempts.<\/span><\/p>\n

One afternoon, Ann had baked a pie in their unfinished kitchen and placed it on a wooden table when Candy walked through the door. She greeted him, but noticed the gloomy tone in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

She walked over to him and asked, \u201cIs everything all right?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He sighed. \u201cYeah. I just didn\u2019t have any luck again today with finding a job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d she said as she gently brushed her hand over his cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy took a seat at the table and said, \u201cI thought it was gonna be easy finding work, but I guess I was wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann came up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. She began to rub his back as she told him, \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll find something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gave a sideways smirk and responded, \u201cMaybe.\u201d He turned his head around to her and took her hand. \u201cCome here.\u201d She moved around to him and took a seat in his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and said, \u201cEnough about me, I want to hear about your day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked down with a tilt of her head. \u201cI don\u2019t think you would find it very interesting. It was quite boring actually.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, I would never think that about you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell.\u2026\u201d She reached over the table and picked up the pie. She said, \u201cI did bake you a rhubarb pie since I know it\u2019s your favorite.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I smelled something when I walked in here,\u201d Candy said. Ann gave a soft chuckle. Candy set the pie down. \u201cWe can enjoy it later. Right now I\u2019m gonna work some more on the cabin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann wrapped her arms around his neck. \u201cThere\u2019s no hurry to do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is if we don\u2019t want rain coming through the roof. I\u2019ll be back later for supper.\u201d He kissed her and said, \u201cAnd maybe later on you can finish that back rub.\u201d He kissed her again and she giggled. \u201cI\u2019ll be back.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy got up from the chair and headed out the door while Ann shook her head with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy continued to work hard to build a life for him and Ann, but Ann\u2019s guilt started to eat away at her as she thought about her father and how they had deceived him.<\/span><\/p>\n

And while she had enjoyed that time spent with her husband, she knew they would soon have to tell her father that she and Candy got married without his blessing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One night, Candy and Ann were lying in bed together with their arms wrapped around each other as they kissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy pulled away and smiled as he gazed into her eyes. He said, \u201cYou know it doesn\u2019t seem possible, but you get even more beautiful every time I look at you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann smiled as she tenderly moved her hand along his bare chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn, there\u2019s something I\u2019ve been wanting to ask you ever since we left the fort.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked at him with a curious expression. \u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy hesitated before he asked, \u201cAre you happy with me? I mean, really happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I\u2019m very happy with you, Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. I love you.\u201d He smiled and kissed her again. She pulled away and paused before she told him, \u201cWe have to go back, Candy. We can\u2019t keep hiding it from him. He deserves to know the truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed. \u201cI know. And we will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u201d Candy couldn\u2019t give her an answer. She said, \u201cWe can\u2019t keep avoiding it, Candy. We have to tell him. If you love me you\u2019ll tell him the truth. March right in there like the brave soldier you are and tell him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As much as Candy didn\u2019t want to admit it, he knew deep down she was right.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right. It\u2019s just that I\u2019ve never been happier in my entire life. I don\u2019t want it to end.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t. It\u2019s only the beginning for us. And if you\u2019re my husband now, the Colonel will have no choice but learn to accept it. And maybe he will in time. After all, you\u2019re his son-in-law now. Just get some sleep, all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann exchanged another kiss and laid both their heads down on their pillows. With their arms still wrapped around each other, they drifted off to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a warm and sunny afternoon when Candy and Ann made it back to the fort. Sergeant Ordy was outside chopping wood when he saw Candy with his arm wrapped around Ann. They each had a big smile on their face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy said, \u201cI was wondering when you were gonna be back. I\u2019ve been having to do your share of the chores around here.\u201d He stuck the ax in the wood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy responded while looking at Ann, \u201cSorry, Ordy. I\u2019ve been kind of busy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy looked at Ann and said, \u201cAnn, I thought you were visiting your aunt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked at Candy and replied, \u201cWell, I decided to come back early.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann both tried to hold back laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Did you two end up on the same stage or what?\u201d Ordy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy responded, \u201cNo, we asked to take the same stage. I certainly wouldn\u2019t want my wife to travel back to the fort without me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Ordy paused and then said in puzzlement, \u201cYour what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy chuckled and announced, \u201cWe got married.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ordy said again in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy repeated, \u201cWe got married.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy shook his head and said in a disappointed tone, \u201cCandy\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Ann\u2019s smiles both faded in an instant as they realized this reunion wouldn\u2019t be what they had hoped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy marched into the Colonel\u2019s tent with a little too much confidence when he told him the news. Colonel Purcell was furious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf all the underhanded, deceitful and treacherous things you could have done!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann pleaded, \u201cFather, please, if you would just listen to us. We can explain.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I don\u2019t want to hear it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stood up to him. \u201cDon\u2019t yell at her.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell pointed his finger at Candy and shouted, \u201cYou stay out of this, Canaday! This is between me and my daughter. You\u2019ve done enough as it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said in anger, \u201cHe has every right to say something, Father. He is my husband now and I don\u2019t appreciate the way you are speaking to him right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell sighed in frustration and said under his breath, \u201cHusband.\u201d He put his hand up to his temple and then said out loud, \u201cGet out, just get out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy motioned for them to leave the tent. \u201cCandy, Ann. Come on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy took Ann\u2019s shoulders and led her out of the tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell was still fuming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI should have seen this coming, Ordy. How could I not have seen it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one could have seen it, Colonel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know anything about this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Although Candy did mention to me that he wanted to marry Ann.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell looked at him in disbelief. \u201cWell, why didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought maybe I had talked him out of it because he didn\u2019t bring up the subject again after that, so it\u2019s partially my fault.\u201d Ordy sighed and then said, \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have let it go. I should have talked to him more about it. It\u2019s times like this, I wish his father were still around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell told him, \u201cWell, his father never would have gone behind my back and lied to me. That\u2019s exactly why I think Ann just made a terrible mistake. She\u2019s throwing her whole future away for this boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, with all due respect, Colonel, I think you\u2019re wrong about that. I do believe Candy is capable of being a good husband to Ann. He\u2019ll take care of her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m not so sure, Ordy. You know how Candy can be. He\u2019s got a lot of growing up to do. This marriage never should have happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the fact of the matter is it did, Colonel. And sitting here arguing about it isn\u2019t gonna do them any good. Now as much as you don\u2019t want to admit it, Colonel, both Ann and Candy are old enough to make their own decisions and they made one without anyone\u2019s consent or permission.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell said in frustration, \u201cOrdy, surely, you don\u2019t think what they did was right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not saying that. What I\u2019m saying is that you better work this out now before you lose them both.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile in another tent, Ann was sobbing in Candy\u2019s arms as he tried to console her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never seen him so angry. I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll ever forgive me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stroked her head. \u201cNo. No, he will, none of this is your fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe hates me,\u201d Ann cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shook his head. \u201cNo, he doesn\u2019t hate you. No one could ever hate you. It\u2019s me he hates.\u201d He brushed his hand against her long blonde hair and told her, \u201cIt\u2019s going to be all right. He can\u2019t hurt us, Ann. I\u2019m your husband now. I won\u2019t let anything happen to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy kissed her forehead when Ordy walked in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Colonel wants to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked at Ann who tried to compose herself. She wiped away her tears and then headed out of the tent with Candy to face whatever the Colonel had to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Colonel sat at his desk as Candy and Ann stood in front of him with Ordy standing near the entrance to the tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant Ordy thought I should give you both the opportunity to explain yourselves, so\u2026.I\u2019m listening.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked at Ann and then at the Colonel as he spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSir. I know what we did was wrong and I take full responsibility for it. I was the one to convince Ann to go through with it. But I only did it because I knew that if I would have asked you for Ann\u2019s hand you would have turned me down flat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell pursed his lips and responded, \u201cWell, you would have been correct in that notion. I didn\u2019t approve of it then and I don\u2019t approve of it now.\u201d Candy looked down and tried to keep his anger at him under control. Purcell then said, \u201cBut the damage is done. You\u2019re both married now so the question is what is to be done about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy asked in puzzlement, \u201cWhat do you mean by that, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how do you intend to support my daughter?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well, I have been trying to find work, sir, to help pay off the debt I owe for the cabin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCabin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it was gonna be our home, sir. For Ann and I. I\u2019ve been fixing the place up, it just needs a little more work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann took Candy\u2019s hand and added, \u201cOh, it\u2019s really a lovely little cabin, Father. It\u2019s perfect for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, nevertheless. You\u2019ll still need a job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, sir, anything I can do to prove to you that I can take care of your daughter. I love her and I\u2019d do anything for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell studied him and then got an idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is an assignment that I think would be good for you. You\u2019d be out on Patrol.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy smiled. \u201cWell, all right then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor six months,\u201d Purcell said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy\u2019s smile quickly faded. \u201cSix months?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. If you want to prove to me that you can be a good provider for my daughter, then you will do this assignment without any hesitation. You have only a few hours before you are to disperse with the other troops.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann became filled with anger. \u201cFather, that isn\u2019t fair.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell looked at Ann and responded, \u201cI\u2019d say that\u2019s very fair. Six months, that\u2019s all I ask.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy took a breath. \u201cAll right. I\u2019ll do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked at him in disbelief. \u201cCandy\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right.\u201d Candy turned to Purcell and then said, \u201cIf that\u2019s what it takes to prove it to you, then I\u2019ll do it. But not for you. For my wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine. You have two hours,\u201d Purcell told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked over at Ann who burst into tears. She hurried out of the tent and Candy went after her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann stood outside as she wiped at her tears when Candy came up to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnn.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know why he\u2019s doing this.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But that\u2019s why I have to do it. I have to prove to him that he\u2019s wrong about me, that I\u2019m more than just an Army brat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about me? What\u2019s gonna happen to us?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy turned her around to him and said, \u201cNothing. Nothing is gonna happen to us, Ann. I\u2019m going to come back to you and then we\u2019ll finish the cabin and start our lives together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann placed her hand up to the side of his face and said, \u201cBut I want them to start now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked at her with sorrow in his eyes. Her head fell on his shoulder and he wrapped his arms around her.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

It was time for Candy\u2019s deployment as he said goodbye to Ann. Ordy and Purcell watched them in the distance. Candy and Ann embraced. Ann said, \u201cI\u2019ll miss you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll miss you too.\u201d Candy pulled away from her and placed his hand up to the side of her face. He told her, \u201cThose six months will just fly right on by, you\u2019ll see. Then I\u2019ll be in your arms again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled, her eyes full of tears. Candy leaned his head against hers as he tried to fight tears himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you. I love you so much, Ann.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He kissed her again and then went over to his horse. Ann called out to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy turned around. Ann hurried over to him, took his face and kissed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he kissed her passionately. He slowly pulled away from her and then mounted onto his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said, \u201cI\u2019ll write to you everyday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to every single one of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy flashed a grin. Ann smiled and Candy took off down the trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

In the following weeks, Ann wrote to Candy almost everyday like she had promised she would. One day, she came up to her father\u2019s tent just as Purcell walked out of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Father. I was just coming to see you. I was hoping you could mail this letter to Candy for me since you said you were going into town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, dear. I\u2019ll mail it for you right away,\u201d Purcell said as he took the letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d She sighed and said in a gloomy tone, \u201cI thought about him a lot today.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou really miss him, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I just hope he\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he is. Well, I better get going. I have a lot of business to attend to today. I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave Ann a kiss and walked off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell stopped midway and looked down at the letter. He became filled with guilt as he had no intention to mail the letter. In fact, he hadn\u2019t mailed any of the letters she had written to Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

He kept telling himself that it was for their own good, that Ann would come to realize it was for the best even though it would hurt her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Those six months passed before Ann began to question whether Candy would really return. She brought her concerns to her father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand. It\u2019s been over six months now and he still hasn\u2019t come back. What if something\u2019s happened to him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2019s happened to him, darling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know that?\u201d Ann asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell hesitated before he told her, \u201cBecause I saw Candy in town just a few days ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann looked at him in disbelief. \u201cWhat? Why didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it was very brief. He just rode off without telling anyone where he was going. He didn\u2019t even leave an address.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann said in a stern tone, \u201cYou\u2019re lying. Candy wouldn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI warned you about him, Ann, but you wouldn\u2019t listen. Candy has always been a wanderer. What kind of life would you have had with him?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann\u2019s eyes filled with tears as she shook her head. \u201cNo. No, you\u2019re wrong. Candy loves me, he wouldn\u2019t leave me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s time that you faced the truth, Ann. You and Candy were just not meant for each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann closed her eyes tight as tears streamed down her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell placed his hands on her shoulders and said, \u201cYou deserve better, darling. Someone who will be there for you and not just run off at a moment\u2019s notice without telling you where he\u2019s going. You need someone who will treat you with the utmost respect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy is all of those things, Father, even if you don\u2019t see it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell sighed. \u201cAnn, please don\u2019t make this any more difficult than it needs to be. You need to think about what\u2019s best for you and Candy right now.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ann turned to him and said, \u201cWhat\u2019s best?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and that\u2019s if you want to allow this marriage to continue knowing you may never see Candy ever again. Just think about it, darling.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Purcell left her alone. Ann looked down at her wedding ring and then broke down crying as a battle raged inside her mind on what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Chapter Seven<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Candy walked into a Mercantile. He had finally completed his assignment and was on his way home, anxious to see Ann after being away from her for so long. The clerk behind the counter turned around and saw Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Tobias.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy walked up to the counter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tobias asked, \u201cWhat can I do for you today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot a thing. I\u2019m going home today,\u201d Candy said with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s wonderful, Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can hardly believe that it\u2019s been so long since I\u2019ve seen Ann. I hope she still remembers me,\u201d Candy said with a chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sure she does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A little boy came running past them, nearly bumping into Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hey.\u201d He bent down to him. The little boy looked up at his hat. Candy removed his hat and said, \u201cLet\u2019s see how it looks on you.\u201d He placed his hat on top of the boy\u2019s head. \u201cI\u2019d say you\u2019d make a fine captain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The little boy smiled big, making Candy chuckle when he heard the boy\u2019s mother call out to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThomas?”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou keep that, okay, buddy?\u201d Candy ruffled his hair and the boy hurried off back to his mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shook his head with a grin. He noticed the rocking horse on display in the corner. He hadn\u2019t yet talked about starting a family with Ann and he smiled at the thought of it someday. He said to Tobias as he got back up again from the floor, \u201cTobias? Add that rocking horse to my bill, will ya? I want to surprise Ann.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tobias looked over at the rocking horse and smiled. \u201cWell, congratulations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. But I\u2019m hoping,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tobias took the rocking horse from the display window. Candy paid his bill and then left the Mercantile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy stopped by the post office to see if any mail had arrived for him. He found it strange that he never received any letters from Ann after she promised she would write to him. He came up to the postal clerk and asked, \u201cHey, any mail for me, Charlie?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, as a matter of fact there is.\u201d Charlie went over to the little cubby containing the new mail received and then handed him a letter. \u201cHere you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Candy headed out of the post office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked down at the letter and saw that it was from the fort. A big smile spread across his face. Maybe Ann had written to him after all and he was just now getting one of her letters. He decided to wait to open it until he returned to the cabin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy made his way back to the cabin. He brought the rocking horse through the door and placed it in the corner of the room. He backed away slowly and smiled at it. He then pulled up a chair and decided to read the letter from Ann. He excitedly tore open the letter and started reading it. His expression turned to puzzlement when he found out that the letter was not from Ann, but the Colonel.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he continued reading his expression turned to disbelief when he read that Ann had moved away from the fort and was somewhere back east. The marriage had been annulled. His whole body tensed and his breath caught in his throat as if he\u2019d been punched in the gut.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, no,\u201d he muttered under his breath. He shot up from the chair and it toppled over. He started pacing back and forth, smoothing his hair back, trying to make sense of it all. He wondered what would make Ann want to end their marriage and then it hit him who was behind it all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who else would be behind it? Candy became filled with rage. He threw the letter and then pounded his fist into the wall. He pounded it repeatedly until his strength gave out. He broke down crying with his head pressed against the wall. He slid down it as he sobbed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sergeant Ordy had gotten word that Candy had returned home. He knew about what the Colonel had planned to do and was against the idea from the beginning. He tried to convince him not to go through with it because he knew how much it would hurt Candy, but the Colonel had made up his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy came up to the door of the cabin and knocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy?\u201d He noticed the door slightly opened. He opened it further as he called out to him again. \u201cCandy?\u201d He stepped inside the cabin to a complete mess. The table and chairs were turned over with empty bottles scattered on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

He noticed the hole in the wall where Candy had slammed his fist when Candy appeared in the doorway with a half-bottle of whiskey in his hand. He pointed to him with a smile on his face and said, slurring his words, \u201cOrdy the ordinance man. Come to pay me a visit. Excuse the mess. I didn\u2019t have time to straighten up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy, what are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I doing? I\u2019m celebrating. Didn\u2019t you hear? I\u2019m a free man again. My marriage is over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy responded with sympathy in his voice, \u201cI know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy motioned over to the table. \u201cHere, why don\u2019t you sit down a while.\u201d He stumbled over a chair and Ordy rushed to his aid. Candy chuckled as Ordy helped him back up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to sober up, kid, come on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cIt\u2019s over, it\u2019s all over, Ordy. Ann\u2019s gone, she\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, and I\u2019m sorry, kid, I really am,\u201d Ordy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy snapped at him. \u201cI don\u2019t need your pity! Ordy. You were in on it, weren\u2019t you? You didn\u2019t want us together, you\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy yelled, \u201cNo! You and old spit and polish Purcell planned this whole thing just to break Ann and me apart.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy sighed. \u201cYou\u2019re leaving me no choice, kid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He punched Candy in the face knocking him out cold. Candy fell limp in his arms. Ordy then brought Candy over to the bed that he used to share with Ann and laid him down on top of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

A little while later, Ordy poured water over Candy\u2019s head. He stirred a little and coughed. He squinted his eyes and slowly sat himself up; his head pounding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe now that you\u2019re sober, we can talk,\u201d Ordy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy rubbed the back of his head and turned around to the edge of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want this to happen, Candy. You know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow could he do this? He had no right,\u201d Candy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, it was wrong. And I did everything I could to convince him not to do it,\u201d Ordy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy responded in anger, \u201cBut you still let him do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was I supposed to do, Candy? He\u2019s a Colonel, a high-ranking officer. I couldn\u2019t stop him even if I tried. You of all people should know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cWell, he got what he wanted. I never should have come back. I should have just taken Ann someplace far away where he couldn\u2019t find us.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t have worked. He still would have found you and you\u2019d be worse off than you are now.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWorse? How can it be any worse than this? He betrayed me! He might as well just take a knife and drive it right through my chest and get it over with because that is how I feel right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, in his mind, he thought what he was doing was right. He was only thinking of Ann,\u201d Ordy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy asked with hurt in his voice, \u201cAm I really so wrong for her? I would have given her everything. I would have done everything I could to make her happy. That\u2019s how much I loved her.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you would have, kid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI used to have so much respect for him. After my father died, he cared for me like a son.\u201d His eyes filled with tears. \u201cNow I\u2026.hate him.<\/em> And I\u2019m gonna kill him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandy, you\u2019re not thinking straight right now.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes I am, Ordy. I want him dead. I want him to feel what I feel right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd throw your life away? It wouldn\u2019t be worth it,\u201d Ordy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care. I have nothing left to live for. She was my life, Ordy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s true. You still have a lot to live for, Candy. And if you kill him, you\u2019d not only be hurting yourself, you\u2019d be hurting Ann too. He\u2019s still her father no matter how you feel about him. Look, why don\u2019t you try writing to Ann and explain to her why\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t even know where she is. He only told me she moved back east,\u201d Candy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know you\u2019re angry with him, but maybe if you just talk to the Colonel\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shook his head. \u201cNo. No, I can\u2019t go back. I\u2019m afraid of what I might do if I see him. I just need to move on. And besides, why would he tell me anything anyway? He\u2019s the one who wanted us apart. He\u2019d know I\u2019d go to her, he\u2019s not stupid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo what are you gonna do?\u201d Ordy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t know. All I know is you can\u2019t trust anyone, Ordy. Everybody\u2019s out for themselves. Well, that\u2019s all I\u2019ve got to look after now. Myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou still got me, kid,\u201d Ordy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy gave him a small smile. \u201cYeah, I can always count on you, Ordy. I just hope wherever she is, she\u2019s all right.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure she is. She\u2019s probably hurting a lot worse than you are right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I know she is. He said something to get her to agree to the annulment. I know he did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNevertheless, it happened. The question is what you want to do now.\u201d Candy wasn\u2019t sure how to answer that question. Ordy then told him, \u201cI need to head back to the fort, but I\u2019ll be back later to check on you and find out what you decide to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy left the cabin. Candy looked over at the rocking horse that he wanted to surprise Ann with that was now broken along with all his hopes and dreams for them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

A few days later, Candy saddled his horse. Ordy came up to him and said, \u201cI wish you\u2019d change your mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already made up my mind, Ordy. If I\u2019m to get over Ann, I have to keep moving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere will you go?\u201d Ordy asked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWherever the road takes me. I just need to get away,\u201d Candy came up to Ordy and said, \u201cYou know now that I think about it, it was probably all for the best. I\u2019m a wanderer, that wouldn\u2019t have been a good life for Ann or our children if we had any.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do that, Candy. You would have given up anything for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy smiled. \u201cYou know me too well, Ordy.\u201d He sighed and then said, \u201cWell, I\u2019ve got a lot of places to go and people to see, so I better get moving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you ever need anything, just let me know,\u201d Ordy told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will. And if you ever do see Ann tell her I don\u2019t blame her for what happened and that I love her and I always will. And that no matter what, she\u2019s still my wife.\u201d Ordy nodded with a smile. Candy took his hand and said, \u201cOh, and can you do me another favor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Ordy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTry not to get yourself blown up.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordy chuckled and said, \u201cTake care of yourself, kid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy smiled and mounted onto his horse. He took off down the dirt road and into the unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Epilogue<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Six years later, Candy wandered through the desert just as the sun set when he came up to a sign that said Virginia City Five Miles. He had been traveling on foot for two days. He lost his horse and was running low on food and water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked around and spotted a few guards up ahead. His expression turned to curiosity as he tilted his head. He grinned and then walked past the sign. He snuck past the guards and made his way in the direction of Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

Back in the present, Candy continued reading Ann\u2019s letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike you, I was angry at what happened to us. I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with you. But I guess it just wasn\u2019t meant to be. But I want you to know that I never stopped loving you, Candy. I still love you and I always will. Ordy did send me your message.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Candy smiled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven though I have moved on, I\u2019ll always remember the love we had and cherish the times we spent together. I heard you\u2019re still working for the Cartwrights and that you\u2019re very happy with them. They seemed like good people when I met them. Jim and I are doing quite well. We have a little girl now. Her name is Amanda after my mother. I\u2019ve included a picture of her.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Candy pulled out a photo of a little girl with long blonde hair. He smiled as he remarked under his breath, \u201cI knew she would look just like you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy read the last part of the letter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had always hoped you would find happiness and I pray it\u2019s true. When I spoke to my father recently, he confessed to me that he did feel guilty about what he did to us and if he could go back and erase the pain he caused us, he would. I hope someday you can find it in your heart to forgive him. Well, Jim will be home soon, so I better end this letter now. I wish you all the best. Be brave, soldier. Love Ann.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Candy was back at the Ponderosa near the barn as he looked up from the letter and saw his friends, Hoss and Joe walking over to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Candy, did you get the mail while you were in town?\u201d Joe asked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I left it on your pa\u2019s desk,\u201d Candy replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took notice of the letter in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked down at the letter and smiled. \u201cOh, just a letter from an old friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss said with a grin, \u201cA lady friend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cBetter yet, does she have other lady friends?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss gave a soft chuckle. Candy shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t think so, fellas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tilted his head and sighed. \u201cThat\u2019s a shame.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss said, \u201cAnyway, we\u2019re gonna get ourselves some supper, you comin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I just have to unsaddle my horse,\u201d Candy said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss told him, \u201cI sure am lookin\u2019 forward to a good supper after ridin\u2019 that trail all afternoon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe remarked, \u201cIt\u2019s the only thing you ever look forward to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss furrowed his eyebrows at him and responded in a stern tone, \u201cIt is not. I look forward to breakfast and lunch too.\u201d He chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes and said to Candy, \u201cWe\u2019ll see ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started walking towards the house as Hoss jabbered away and followed after him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shook his head with a grin. He looked back down at Ann\u2019s letter. He folded up the letter and tucked it away in his vest pocket. He went to unsaddle his horse and had supper with the family he had always wanted as he now had a place to call home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The End<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: Eighteen-year-old Candy Canaday is in love with seventeen-year-old, Ann Purcell, but her disapproving father, Colonel John Purcell, feels Candy is not suitable enough for his young daughter.<\/p>\n

Rating: PG.<\/p>\n

Word Count: 21,799\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12509,"featured_media":60617,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1046,23,3,616],"tags":[1309],"class_list":["post-60537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-candy-canaday","category-drama","category-romance","category-whb","tag-salute-to-yesterday","wpcat-1046-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-3-id","wpcat-616-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":172,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot_20251115_231135_YouTube.jpg?fit=1080%2C777&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7625,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7625","url_meta":{"origin":60537,"position":0},"title":"Birthdays and Anniversaries (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A birthday and an anniversary bring memories. 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