Enduring Love (a sequel to Mountain Romance) by Richard Jones

I was wondering, all things considered, if in the real world would Mattie choose a rugged he-man like Red or an intelligent wimp like me. Imagination, what an invention!

He lifted the rifle and took aim on Red’s left ear. He slowly
started to squeeze the trigger letting the tension build hoping Red
would fall to his knees and beg for his life.
Seconds passed as Red stood calmly and stared back at him.
Then all hell broke loose.
First was the loud report of the cap and ball pistol that startled
all of them and caused Logan’s horse to buck. It was all he could
do to regain control without dropping his rifle.
Then Red immediately dove for his Colt. He quickly slipped
the thong from the trigger then drew the gun from its holster and
turned to take aim. Now it was a race to see who would fire first,
Red or Logan. The winner of this bloody contest would live to tell
the story while the loser would be buried on the prairie.
In the end it was very near a tie, but the Colt was a better weapon
at that distance and Red fired two bullets into Logan’s chest
before the outlaw trapper could aim his rifle. It was the last thing
he would ever do as he toppled to the ground and lay lifeless on
the green carpet of the valley floor.
Red watched him for any signs of life then turned to face
Mattie who fell into his arms.
“Is he dead?” she asked sobbing into his chest.
“I expect so,” Red replied gently stroking her hair. “Are you
gonna be all right?”
“Are there any others out there like him?” she mumbled into
his shirt.

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