Sam walked with her back past the laundry to the stables.  His horse, Charlie, looked well cared for and happy.  The stall was well tended and clean.  His rig was there too on the rail, looking like it had been cleaned and oiled.  Sam saw the hand working in a stall in the rear and went back to thank him.  He gave him two gold pieces with a hearty handshake and an exuberant “Gracias!”  In his best Spanish he asked the young man to organize a horse for Irene for a little later.  The young man smiled when he saw Irene standing by Charlie and the two men happily agreed upon a price.<br/><br/>Sam went back to Charlie’s stall and stroked his horse’s forehead and was rewarded with a happy whinny and a snuffle of his hand.  “We’ll be back big fella and you and I will go for a ride with the pretty lady . . . okay?”  Charlie nodded his head against Sam’s hand and snorted his apparent approval.<br/><br/>Sam turned and grinned at Irene.<br/><br/>“My horse thinks you’re quite a beauty Irene . . . and Charlie has excellent taste.”<br/><br/>He took her into his arms and kissed her.  Sam hadn’t yet tired of that.  He hoped he never would and that she’d never tire of being kissed by him.<br/><br/>“Well . . . let’s see what else this town has to offer.  I never checked in with your marshal so he’s probably not expecting me . . . we’ll see what he has to say.  You know this town doesn’t seem big enough for a marshal.  I’d have thought you’d have a sheriff here.  Anyway let’s see if he’s in . . . if not we can check out the other establishments.  Any place to eat as good as your saloon darlin’?  Oh and I’ve arranged a horse for you for later . . . I’d like to take a ride.  If I don’t ride every day, the old body will be angry the next trail I’m on.”