Billy lowered the flame on the lamp and turned away as he changed into his nightshirt. When he turned back, Alice was still looking at him. Even in the darkened room, Billy could see her face clear enough and knew she was his to have.

When he slid under the covers, Alice moved more on top of him than usual, put her leg between his, and moved her hips back and forth. The sensation was unbelievable, and his body responded immediately. Alice looked up at him with those beautiful blue eyes now filled with want and desire.

It was too much for Billy, his desire for Alice had passed the critical point. He rolled her over and was on top of her in one quick motion. He held her arms above her head as they kissed deeply while moving against each other, their bodies touching in a way that had only one outcome. Alice moved in an almost desperate response to Billy's every movement.

Alice soon had Billy positioned where she wanted him. She put her legs around his, pulling him to her while pulling up on his nightshirt. The cool night air on his bare flesh allowed Billy to regain some control, and he slowed his grinding against her body. Alice continued to kiss him feverishly, still moving under his weight, her legs around his urging him to continue.

Sensing Billy slowing Alice said, "No one will know." Billy said, "I need and want you, Alice." Alice responded, "I am ready, Billy." They both moved against each other but at a much slower pace. The sensations were incredible. Alice said, "Billy, I want this." After another minute, Billy reluctantly said, "We gave our word." Alice, in a disappointed voice, said, "I know."

They slowed to a stop but stayed still in the same position, pressed against each other kissing softly. They were trying very hard not to re-ignite the overwhelming passion and need they both felt. It would have been so easy to do.

Billy rolled off Alice and pulled her close to him. They were facing each other and continued to kiss softly for another few minutes, their bodies still in very close contact. Billy said, "It's not fair." Alice said, "Billy, we are the lucky ones. We have each other when most people have no one. We have each other to spend time with, to talk with, sleep next to, and we are best friends. We even have our own home. It's not fair to everyone else. I love you, Billy, and I am yours. Just keep wanting me, and don't ever stop loving me."

Billy responded, "It is not possible for me to ever stop wanting or loving you, Alice." Alice smiled and kissed Billy's lips again. Billy whispered, "go ahead, Alice, ask me what I really like." Alice kissed him, and with her hands holding his face to hers, responded, "That I don't have to ask."

Alice scooted down, pushed Billy on his back, and laid her head on his chest with her arms around him. Alice wiggled herself into a good spot then told Billy, "The night after we get married is going to be some night." Billy said, "My goodness Alice if it is like what just started to happen, I am not sure either of us will live through it." Alice smiled, reached up, and kissed Billy once more, then laid her head back on his chest.

Alice asked Billy if he had dreamed of her. Billy said, "You mean before we met?" Alice said, "Yes." Billy said, "No, not before we met." Billy could tell Alice was disappointed by the way she nervously twisted the blanket between her fingers. Billy said, "But, I knew you were the girl for me the moment we met in front of Bessie's house. In my heart, I knew we would be together." Billy could feel Alice's face curl into a smile as her head lay on his chest.

Alice asked, "Do you dream about me now?" Billy responded, "Yes." Alice asked, "What do you dream about when you dream of me?" Billy chuckled and said, "Alice, I always answer your questions, but those dreams I am going to keep to myself." Alice had a broad smile on her face now and replied, "That's okay, I dream about you too." They held each other until the rush of emotions passed, and they fell asleep.

* * * * *

The next morning they ate breakfast, neither one speaking. Billy was feeling guilty about the previous two nights and finally said, "I am sorry about the last two nights, Alice, I wanted too." Alice said it was her fault. She wanted him so much that she could not help herself. Billy said, "I am not sorry we did what we did." Alice smiled at Billy then added, "I love you, Billy. I am not sorry, either. We're still best friends, right?" Billy said, "Best friends."

Alice, with a hint of nervousness in her voice, said, "That was close." Billy smiled and said, "Yes, but having you by my side at night is more important to me than anything else. We won't have to wait much longer." Billy held her hand under the table as they ate. After breakfast, they walked hand in hand to the train station and rode the train back with Billy's arm around Alice and Alice leaning against him.

Billy paid the stable for the extra day's boarding and got on his horse. Alice tied her horse's reins to the back of Billy's saddle then stuck her hand up. Billy pulled her up behind him, and they headed out of town. They rode home, Alice behind Billy with her arms around him.

Billy and Alice arrived back at their cabin just before dark. Since they had not returned the previous night as planned, Patience and Rud walked over to see how they were and find out how the trip went. Alice and Patience walked back towards Patience's cabin while Billy gave Rud a rundown on the property and equipment he had purchased.

Alice told Patience about the nights in the hotel and how close they had come to crossing the line. Patience said she understood and reminded Alice she had warned her how strong those emotions could be. Alice said Patience was right and confessed it was tough the first night as she had wanted Billy so very much. The second night she was ready in her mind and body, and the only reason they didn't was that Billy stopped. Patience hugged her and said, "Next year, honey, next year."

* * * * *

Now that Billy had his sawmill, steam engines, and several properties to harvest the logs from, he needed men to do the work. Billy was not going to make the mistake his father had of being away from his family most of the time. Nor did Billy think Alice would put up with it if he tried.

Billy would find good workers and men to supervise them, so he and Rud could spend their time managing the company. Finding crews to cut and haul the logs was easy as there were plenty of strong young men in the wilderness looking for work. Billy and Rud were both good judges of character and had identified those who would make good supervisors.

But what Billy needed was someone who knew how to run the mill and understood how to use and maintain the steam engines. As word got around, several men applied, but none had the qualifications required for the job. One day a man walked in and inquired about the position. His name was Joe Williams.