Rambling Man, Jeanine

[Wyatt Tanner]

June 18th, 1869
Mid-Morning

It had been a few days now since Wyatt's family had come to town, as well as an old childhood friend. Funny how all sorts of people could meet up in these little towns – it really was a small world. Anywho, ever since they'd come, Wyatt had been spending a considerable amount of time at the Boarding House. Not that he was staying there, but his mother and sister were, and it was the only place that he could sit and play his guitar without prying eyes. It had been a surprise gift from his sister, a pleasant surprise though Wyatt was still unsure how he'd not noticed the rather noticeable guitar case in his sister's possession up right until she'd presented it to him, them having been there near a whole day before it was presented.

Wyatt blamed Sharp. It was his fault, 'cause he'd been focusing on Sharp, meeting him again after so many years, as well as just getting to see his family again. This all had blurred him to almost anything else. But then, Sharp had disappeared again and almost immediately Wyatt had began to play with his new toy. He'd sit there and tune it for hours, getting the sounds just right for his taste, and the first time he'd done it he'd made the mistake of sitting out on the boardwalk. Almost everyone that passed by had asked him about it and how long he'd been playing the instrument. It was like they'd never seen him with any musical instrument before; and well, okay so maybe they hadn't. But this rather quickly resulted in Wyatt taking it out only indoors.

So it was that we now find Wyatt sitting in the little parlor/living area of the Boarding House. With his brand new guitar in his lap, plucking away at the cords. Wyatt would never admit it to anyone, but he had actually really missed playing the instrument...he was sure he wasn't any good at it anymore, having gone such a time without playing he was sure gonna be rusty so honestly he was a little nervous in stringing out an actual song. He hadn't, not yet in front of any actual people anyway, but the time would come. H e should play a song for Jane, but then he couldn't remember exactly all the right cords at present...he'd have to learn all over again.

"Little brother, how nice to see you." The voice came from the door way, and Wyatt looked up rather suddenly, his hands fell still. He cracked a smile and leaned back a little.

"Hey Kallie, how's Ma doin'?" Wyatt asked, resting one hand on his knee and the other over his guitar. The dark haired woman smiled and walked over to take the seat to one side of Wyatt, sitting then looking at him expectantly.

"She had a bit of a headache this morning, but she'll be along after a while." A pause, then, "Why don't you play a song for us, Wyatt dear?" Kallie asked, a mischievous smile on her face as well as an old, playful but familiar light in her eyes.

[Jeanine Stanton]

- - -

June 18th, 1869
mid-morning

- - -

It was unusually early for a certain auburn-haired songstress to be up, out and about, but the bright sunshine seeping through her sheer curtains had actually been enough to rouse her for once. Normally she'd sleep in until nearly mid-afternoon, wiped out after a long evening performance at the saloon and staying up until the wee hours of the morning songwriting, but at eight o'clock sharp on that sweltering summer sunrise, her emerald orbs had cracked wide open and she was ready to start the day. Hopping out of bed like a cheerful bunny, she'd slipped into a slimming and curve-flattering, thin gossamer periwinkle blue dress, dressing to impress as per usual. She'd also decided to throw on a simple black hat to shield her youthful face from the sun, running her dainty piano-playing fingers through loose cascading auburn tresses as she bounded downstairs to fix herself some tea. Even though it was unbearably humid, her customary beverage with breakfast was tea with a lemon. It was healthier and less strong than coffee, didn't stain her flawless white teeth, and always soothed her throat so that her big, beautiful voice would always be in tip-top condition.

A goal had been on her mind the minute she'd awakened, and she fully intended to achieve it by the day's close. When Jeanine was determined to do something, there was nothing and no one who could stop her, she would go to the ends of the earth and back just to get what she wanted. She was a fearless and persistent woman, what could she say? After chatting with her sister and brother-in-law over breakfast - they were surprised to have her join them, sometimes she didn't make her diva entrance until dinner - she'd made an equally dramatic exit, claiming that the universe was compelling her to go out and wrangle all her hopes and aspirations. Truthfully, her desire was a rather simple one. Last night after slipping back into the house from the saloon at midnight, she'd experienced a tidal wave of inspiration and had penned a brand new song, a very special one at that. Entitled 'Save Me From Myself', it was the melody she'd been searching for ever since Nathan's proposal, since she'd felt that ring slip onto her finger and had more than enthusiastically agreed to spend the rest of her life with the only man she ever had and would love. Once she'd finished the lyrics in a flurry of pen on paper, she'd considered the tune to go along with it, mapping out the keys and playing in her head. But it hadn't felt right, this song needed something else, something unique from anything she'd ever done. For the first time in a long while she'd taken out her guitar, plucking its strings and working out a rough but solid melody to go along with the heartfelt lyrics. It was soft, tender, emotional, and loving, unlike the usual soulful anthems she wrote. It needed the acoustic touch. But she wasn't good enough to play it herself, the piano was her expertise, she needed someone to accompany her.

And who better than the bridegroom's best friend?

Oh yes, the deputy was in for quite a surprise on this sunny summer day. It was no mystery to Jeanine that he wasn't her biggest fan, he'd made that quite clear from the start, their personalities just didn't mix well together. He was even more taciturn and reticent than Nathan, with an added reserve and roughness around the edges that she couldn't seem to penetrate. The fact that one of their first meetings had consisted of the meddling brunette poking and prodding at him about his reluctance to court Jane probably had something to do with it, he was a private guy and he clearly didn't like having a woman he barely knew nosing into his business and simultaneously bossing him around. Frankly, it amused her that he was so determined to dislike her, and she loved to pretend they were the best of chums whenever he was around. If she couldn't win him over, she could certainly amuse herself by annoying him. But today she would be appealing to him in earnest, the town had been abuzz about his alleged guitar skills and she would get down her knees and beg if she had to, she wanted to make their wedding day the best of Nathan's life and if Wyatt wouldn't put aside their differences to help her do so for her future husband and his best friend, she would lose a lot of respect for him. And yes, as much as she teased and taunted and irritated him, she did respect him, he was a good man and he made Jane happy.

Speaking of which, in her quest to locate the lawman she appealed to someone she suspected would know his whereabouts, her soon-to-be sister-in-law. The kindhearted and humble blonde was just where she'd surmised, in the kitchen at the saloon, and after a quick chat revealing what she was up to, Jeanine had implored her friend to save her from running all over town looking for the man. She hoped he wasn't with Nathan, that would make things all the more difficult as she wanted the song to be a surprise for him, a small but heartfelt gift to show her love. Thusly she was relieved to hear that the deputy was visiting with his family at the boarding house, and though she didn't want to interrupt their time together, she considered the fact that having his mother and sister around might soften him up right from the get-go and make her job easier. And so after giving Jane many thanks and a sisterly squeeze, she resumed her quest, her long legs delivering her to her destination in a timely fashion. Hastily she entered the building, music in her hand and a look of purpose about her tall, slender frame. Strolling into the lobby area, she chatted with Mrs. LaBeouf for a few minutes, showing off her engagement ring and gushing about the fastly approaching October wedding before recalling that she had other business to attend to, and inquiring as to the lawman. The older woman said she believed he was in the parlor, picking at his guitar.

The saloon singer couldn't have been more pleased to hear this, and after promising the elderly lady that she would come back and see her soon, she set off like a whirling dervish and materialized upon the parlor's threshold, the usual wide and radiant smile gracing her full pink lips. Sure enough, there he was with his instrument in his lap, a young lady seated to his right that looked a lot like him in the face. "Wyatt Tanner, just the man I was looking for," Jeanine simpered in a light and teasing tone, knowing even just the sound would grate on his nerves. Perhaps she should try not to annoy him as much, although it might be a futile effort in and of itself. A mere breath from her lips was likely to be irritating to him in some way. "I must say, you're quite the difficult one to find, but you can't hide from me for long, mister." After flashing him an impish little smirk, she turned her attention to the other woman in the room who looked to be about her own age, not wanting to be rude. "You must be Wyatt's sister. It's lovely to meet you! I'm Jeanine Stanton, his best friend's fiancée. Surely he's told you all about me, I'm his second best friend." A wide grin worked its way onto her enchanting, charismatic features as her vibrant emerald orbs met Wyatt's gaze. "He plays hard to get, but I know he loves me somewhere deep...deep down. Which is why I'm sure he'll be more than happy to do me a huuuuge favor." That same beguiling smile still in place, she plopped down in a seat before the two siblings and gracefully crossed her long and toned legs, brushing a few strands of auburn hair away from her face. She turned her light jade gaze upon his sister once again, asking in a friendly and polite tone, "But first, do tell me, are you enjoying Buffalo Creek? Clearly your presence has sparked musicality in your brother." Jeanine gestured at the guitar situated in his lap, a light and tinkling laugh leaving her lips that reached her eyes.

[Wyatt Tanner]

-

Before a reply could truly be given, though no doubt it would have been in some sort of grouch-type reply in response to her suggestion of his playing a song, Wyatt heard his name being spoken. In a teasing tone that was unfortunately rather familiar. A voice that in most usual circumstances could make him cringe all by itself. But he supposed that was not very kind, to be thinkin' this way. 'Specially with his sister right there, who would not doubt turn 'round and report to their Ma if he had not been making it a practice to be polite to every woman he met. So, concealing a wince and plastering on a (small) smile instead, he turned to her and rose an eyebrow.

"Miss Jeanine Stanton," He returned the greeting, though with much less enthusiasm than she'd had. "Didn't know I was tryin' t'hide." Or I'd have done a lot better job of it. He thought, though not said that part aloud. His above mentioned mutter though, now that had been mostly for is own amusement but he knew when Kallie had heard it 'cause she not-so-subtly whacked him with her foot. Her (highly innocent) smiling gaze had never been taken off of the other woman, though, and had been there since Jeanine had made her presence known. Wyatt slouched in his chair somewhat as the two women exchanged their pleasantries. Watching the limited interactions between the two, Kallie felt herself smirking; clearly her brother was no overly fond of this woman. Which made it all the more fun to play along.

"Miss Stanton! Pleased to meet you. I am Isabella Kalista Tanner - but please, call me Kallie." She said with a smile, before adding, "Indeed, I have heard much of you, Miss Stanton! All good things, I must add. Almost all his letters have held a mention of you; tell me now, does he call you by the nickname Jeanie in everyday use?" Kallie asked, her expression far too innocent. Wyatt's own facial expression as he turned to look at his sister was extremely comical. Apparently the thought of him having any nickname for Jeanine was extremely...embarrassing, as well as appalling to his dignity. He, however, did not give this comment the decency of any sort of recognition nor refusal; he would simply not acknowledge that anything of the like was said. "Oh, but I must congratulate you on your upcoming nuptials." She added, closing her eyes briefly with a real, genuine smile this time. Though still an equal hint of playfulness there.

Wyatt blinked and lifted his head up when he heard Jeanine mention this 'huge' favor. Alas, as always was the case with the woman, she would not just come out with it. She had to drag it on, make him endure their further pleasantries and no doubt several passes at his dignity before they were through. Before she would get to the actual point of her seeking him out. Kallie would however thoroughly enjoy this and milk her younger brother's discomfort to the last. "I am, thank you. It is nice on occasion to get away from the city...though I must say I prefer the city in general, which was why my mother and I chose to leave here initially." She glanced at Wyatt, then returned to speaking with Jeanine again. "Surely you have already heard their story, seeing as the two of you are the second-closest of friends, but several years ago my mother, brother and I had all lived here in Buffalo Creek. Then, a few years ago we made the move for a bigger city." She paused again with a beaming smile cast upon Wyatt. "Then, of course, a year or two ago, little brother here chose to leave the nest to strike out on his own. And wound up here again, naturally."

Suddenly changing the wheels of conversation, Kallie brightened up as she quickly turned to Jeanine. "Oh, but didn't you know? Little brother has always had a musical inclination. He used to play guitar and even sing all the time back in Mississippi. His guitar had gotten lost somewhere along the way," She said, a little sadly, as she briefly looked off to the side. "But mother and I scrapped up the money and bought him a fancy new one! I knew he wouldn't do it for himself, so being the loving, doting older sister that I am, I bought him a brand-new one myself." Kallie informed the other woman, her own dark green orbs twinkling with mischievousness. She may have taken a few liberties there – like his playing and singing all the time – but the tale in its entirety had not been so far from the actual truth of things. Kallie then subtly lay a hand on her brother's sleeve to prevent him from getting up and exiting the room at this point. He had somewhat withdrawn into himself, no longer listening to them, completely mortified of the tale that his sister was spinning to his mortal female enemy.

[Jeanine Stanton]

- - -

June 18th, 1869
mid-morning

- - -

It was very rare for Jeanine to come across an individual whom she couldn't win over with either her charismatic charms or feminine wiles, she was simply a well-liked individual and in turn she tried to always see the best in others, to give them the benefit of the doubt before forming any sort of unjust judgment or grudge. However, the young deputy proved to be a special case, for he seemed to have found some obscure reason to dislike her from the very moment they'd met. Since then it had been made very clear to her that their personalities simply clashed quite infamously, she was playful and outgoing and boisterous while he was serious as a heart attack, reserved and quiet. With a single word she somehow managed to push every last one of his buttons, though she certainly wasn't going to change just to accomodate him, she saw now need to go out of her way to mold herself to his liking. He was just like her mother, nothing had ever been good enough and nothing ever would. But luckily, he was much easier to poke and prod than her mom, and he couldn't do a single thing about it without having to answer to a miffed best friend and sheriff.

Of course there was his rather cool and detached civility, as per usual, though she could tell the only reason he was trying to appear polite was for the benefit of his sibling. Either way, it was a good thing, because it might be easier to twist his arm with his sister's watchful eyes and ears looming over him. Speaking of which, she smiled brightly as the other woman introduced herself cheerfully and enthusiastically, apparently much more engaging than her little brother. "Kallie it is then. What a unique name! And please, do call me Jeanine." Tucking her cascading auburn waves behind her ears, the sportive songstress arched a light brow and leaned forward in her seat with interest as Kallie related Wyatt's apparently glowing reviews of her in his letters, paired with a very intriguing nickname that only her own sister and brother had ever used in reference to her. Judging from the expression on her so-called 'second best friend's' face, he objected greatly to such lies, but he held his tongue and sat back in his chair like a surly child. Resisting the urge to laugh, Jeanine played along and simply flashed another award-winning smile, intoning lightly, "But of course! Nothing is too affectionate between WyWy and I, we're just such good pals." Oh, right - her goal had been not to go out of her way to annoy him today. But the moment had just been too good to pass up!

The alluring brunette inclined her head with a soft smile in acknowledgement of the other woman's congratulations concerning the wedding, and without a moment's hesitation she replied in a sincere, amiable tone, "Thank you! We've set the date for October the twenty-fifth, so if you happen to be in town around then, I would be honored to have you in attendance. Your brother is set to be the best man, and I don't know about you, but I am highly intrigued to see him in a suit." Jeanine's vibrant emerald gaze flicked over to the deputy's disgruntled face, and she couldn't help but smirk a bit, batting her long dark eyelashes and feigning innocence. It was useless to try to beguile him with such gestures, her little tricks were lost on him, but either way it was a habit and yet another manner of making him bonkers. She had become quite talented in that area, after all.

Attentively listening to her new acquaintance's account of Buffalo Creek, Jeanine nodded sympathetically and interjected smoothly, "I can certainly understand that, I'm a born and raised city girl myself. I daresay I would've left Buffalo Creek in the dust by now had love not come around and swept me off my feet. But now...well, it's home." That was no sugar-coated fairytale exaggeration, she was being completely serious and it showed on her youthful, enchanting features. There was no doubt in her mind that she would've migrated back east by now if she hadn't met Nathan and been so completely and totally enamored from the moment she'd laid eyes on him, but she certainly wouldn't have it any other way. Anywhere he was, she would be happy, whether it was a big glamorous city or tiny little hicktown, as long as they were side by side she knew the future would be bright. Then drawn out of her reverie, she tilted her head and listened to the other woman's telling of their family's tale, some of which she had heard from her fiancé and his sister, and some of it being news. "Well, he's made quite the name for himself here. Haven't you, Deputy Tanner?" A grin worked its way onto her face, though she clearly wasn't mocking his title. She may not have been the best with authority figures, but she certainly respected the lawmen for their honest and noble work.

Clearly Kallie was excited to rave about her brother's musical talents, and of course Jeanine was all ears, eager and enthusiastic as a puppy with a bone being dangled before its snout. "Wyatt Tanner! You play and even sing and didn't tell me, of all people?" The vivacious musician exclaimed in mock outrage, shaking her head and wagging a playfully accusing finger at him. Light laughter escaping her lips, she turned to his sister and said in a manner of explanation, "I've been the headlining entertainer at the saloon for the past couple years, I've been singing for as long as I can remember and playing piano since I was three. I've dabbled in guitar but I'm nowhere near proficient, which actually has everything to do with why I've decided to drop by today." She flashed a mysterious and impish little smile toward the sole man in the room, before continuing graciously, "Why, that's awfully sweet of you to do! It's a gorgeous instrument, I must say." Absently she wondered if Jane had ever seen or heard Wyatt play, he certainly did look twice as good with it sitting in his lap. She was a taken woman of course, soon to be married, but that didn't mean she couldn't admire what - or who - merited admiration. "Won't you play us a little something, sir? One music lover to another?" Jeanine would take her time in getting to the favor she needed from him, first she was going to milk this for all it was worth.

[Wyatt Tanner]

-

He was going to kill her. Quietly, in her sleep, and make it look like an accident so it wouldn't get back to him. Even then Nathan would probably be quick to figure it out and come after him. So after he'd done it he'd have to collect Jane and make a run for it...Jane would understand, wouldn't she? Jane claimed to love him, and right now Jeanine was so painfully annoying him that he felt it to the point of dying. It would be in self-defense, really. Surely Jane wouldn't blame him, surely she would understand.

Surely...she'd turn him in, if she ever found out. And look all broken and disapprovingly at him.

No, however truly tempting it was, it was simply all in jest. He would never do such a thing, not even seriously contemplate it. Well, probably not. He respected the God-given gift of life too much to snuff it out over such a trifle thing as being so unbearably annoying.

And then, there was the matter or her being his best friend's fiance and all that.

Still, he glowered and glared upon the two she-devils (as he considered them) as they both continued to participate in humiliating him. He could tell his sister was having to visibly bite down on her lip to keep herself from laughing at his expense, at the 'WyWy' nickname in particular, he knew. So, in order to maintain his own sanity, he now tuned them out and lowered his gaze to continue examining his guitar, plucking at a string or two here and there.

"Thank you, I shall mention it to mother and if possible we'll try to make it." Seeing Wyatt in a suit wasn't all that big of a deal for Kallie, though it was amusing to watch him covertly itch at the collar, his bearing more stiff that usual. Then, with a small, sly smirk Kallie glanced at Wyatt and leaned in towards Jeanine. She raised a hand to cup the side of her mouth as she spoke, just above a whisper, but loud enough so that had Wyatt been tuned in he would have definitely heard. "I also have it under good authority that there just may be another wedding in the near future. We wouldn't want to miss that, either." She spoke, and then leaned back once more, and with another glance at her brother she added, a little louder, "Within a year, at least." There was an air of finality in her tone as she gave a single nod, and then allowed the conversation to move onto other matters.

Kallie smiled pleasantly as Jeanine spoke of this now being her home, drawn in and enticed to stay due to finding love here. "If your would-be husband allows it, you know, you would be welcome to stay with us for a visit to the city." Kallie offered, a half smile adoring her facial features. She felt kind of sorry for Jeanine, actually. She herself could not imagine falling in love and being forced to stay in a little back-water town. Granted, the town of Buffalo Creek Bay was not quite as, 'quaint' as it had been when the Tanners had first moved in.

Wyatt had not heard her question regarding him having made a sort of name for himself here in town, and so continued on in blissful ignorance to their conversation, focusing instead on his guitar. His peace, however, was shattered upon an exclamation from the too-hyper singer. He visibly startled, his eyes snapping up to Jeanine's as he wondered what on earth he'd done wrong. She sounded like he'd just stomped on her favorite bonnet or something. … Wait, did Jeanine even wear bonnets? And then her words caught up with his mind, and he frowned. Even paled a little, it looked like. He rounded on Kallie, glaring at her. But Kallie was ignoring him.

"Oh, how wonderful!" Kallie exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "'Tis wonderful to know that Buffalo Creek has someone to offer it a little more culture from the musical scene. Maybe this place isn't quite as bad as I'd thought." She added the last part in almost an afterthought. Then she turned on her brother, all right so turned towards him more like though it was the same thing in his mind, and encouraged him to play as well. "Yes, Wyatt dear, why don't you play a little something for us?"

Wyatt seemed to silently contemplate these things for several minutes, narrowed eyes glaring first at Jeanine, and then turning to his sister, whom was giving him a raised-eyebrow look. They seemed to share in a silent conversation, the result of which had Wyatt sighing in defeat. He bit his tongue, it sticking out the corner of his mouth as he stared down at his brand new guitar another moment in silence, and then gave another sigh and without looking up said, "Fine." He lifted the guitar into position, head bowed, and was still for several seconds as he considered what to play. "But 'm warnin' you, I ain't that good." He added, his head still bowed. Now, back to the matter of what to play... He did not want to ask what they wanted to hear, fearful for the answers they may give. So, and perhaps with the influence of them having been discussing city life and preferring it, he started to play one of his favorites.

((OoC: Think this but acoustic.))

Nashville friends think I’m strange to make my home out on the range
Think it’s nothin’ but a God forsaken land
Why don’t you bring your guitar and family, move on down to Tennessee
Well, I just smile 'cause they don’t understand
But if they ever saw a sunrise on a mountain mornin’
Watched those cotton candy clouds roll by
They'd know why I live beneath these Western Skies
I got peace of mind and elbow room, I love the smell of sage in bloom
Catch a rainbow on my fishin’ line
We got county fairs and rodeos, ain't a better place for my kids to grow
Just turn ‘em loose in the western summer time
And if you ever held your woman on a summers evening
While the prairie moon was blazin’ in her eyes
'N You’d know why I live beneath these Western Skies

You ain’t lived until you’ve watched those Northern Lights
Sat around the campfire and hear the coyotes call at night
Makes you feel alright
So guess I’ll stay right where I’m at, wear my boots and my cowboy hat
But I’ll come and see ya once in a while
I’ll bring my guitar and sing my songs, sorry if I don’t stay too long
I love Tennessee but ya know it just ain't my style
I gotta be where I can see those Rocky Mountains
Ride my horse and watch an eagle fly
I gotta live my life, write my songs beneath these Western Skies
When I die you can bury me beneath these Western Skies

His voice was marginally better than his playing, though he clearly struggled through a spot or two..or more. Hey, he was still a bit rusty. That's what happens when you don't play or sing for a while. Though actually, and not that he would tell anyone, he was frequently sing out to himself when he was on long trail rides. Alone, of course. And far from any known population. Once his voice as well as the chords faded into silence, he again bowed his head and waited for the worst. He hadn't looked at either of them as he'd sung; his gaze had mostly been on the floor, or occasionally lifted to the ceiling when need be. Never at a human though, that would've been far too distracting in his mind.

[Jeanine Stanton]

- - -

June 18th, 1869
mid-morning

- - -

The company of Wyatt's charming and friendly older sister was a pleasant surprise for Jeanine, she had expected to be received with grudging reluctance by only the deputy, who she knew wouldn't have the gall to tell her to get lost but certainly wouldn't welcome her with open arms either. It was a nice change to actually be liked by a Tanner, and seeing as he and Jane had yet to tie the knot, it seemed that Kallie would be the only one not cringe at her very presence. Of course she'd never met their mother, but considering her track record with her own, she wasn't banking so much on that one. "Wonderful!" The auburn-haired songstress responded brightly to the other woman's confirmation that she would mention the occasion of she and Nathan's wedding to her mom and endeavor to attend. It was definitely going to be a big ceremony, almost the entire town was invited and each day she seemed to come across someone else she wanted to come. She was a people person, what could she say? She knew her fiancé probably would've been fine with just a small happening, but she would have no such thing for their special day.

A wide grin worked its way onto the leggy brunette's features at Kallie's assertion that there would be another wedding soon enough, and she glanced side-long at the deputy, unable to refrain from smirking as she nodded enthusiastically in agreement. "Oh, no doubt. Hopefully sooner, the suspense is killing me." She gave the shadow of a wink then laughed lightly, knowing that Jane and Wyatt were much more reserved and private about their relationship than she and Nathan. Of course, the sheriff didn't like to go around with a foghorn spreading their personal business, but the two of them were always holding hands and kissing when backs were turned, and oftentimes even when they weren't. She wasn't going to melt all over him like gravy on mashed potatoes with prying eyes watching, but she wasn't opposed to public displays of affection either. Dispelling such musings as they were undoubtedly inappropriate in the company of others, she brushed a few strands of auburn hair away from vibrant green eyes and smiled radiantly at the other woman's generous offer to visit in the city. "How kind of you! I would love to, at your convenience of course. Don't worry about any objections from my husband - er, soon-to-be that is - he knows better than to try and keep me on a leash." She raised both brows, straightening up in her chair a bit with the hint of a smirk.

Chuckling lightly at Kallie's reaction to the fact that she made a profession of her music, she had just parted her lips to reply when the other woman beat her to the punch and rounded on her younger brother, also encouraging him to play them something on his proverbial guitar. When he turned his trademark hard glare in Jeanine's direction, she simply batted her long dark lashes and endeavored to look as innocent as possible, though she remained silent as she figured no words coming from her mouth would help the situation any. Wyatt seemed to deliberate for a moment or two, deep in thought, though finally he relented and as a result she smiled with all the blinding wattage of the sun. That had been much easier than she'd anticipated, though somehow she still held her tongue, knowing that any gloating or jesting would jeopardize the chances of getting to hear him play. Scooting to the edge of her chair with an enthralled expression, her ears practically perked like that of a puppy, she waited eagerly to see and hear his alleged skill. She shook her head and waved away his put-down of himself, offering an encouraging nod and smile.

Immediately she was struck by his voice, not at all what she had expected coming from his lips. It was a smooth, pleasant baritone with a country lilt, much more even and warm than she ever would have imagined. Jeanine watched him with almost inhuman focus as he sang and strummed away, the hint of a smile touching her lips at the lyrics and the relevance of them in relation to what she and Kallie had just been discussing. Without her conscious realization, she gently bobbed her knee to the rhythm and even though he faltered a few times, she knew that he had to be nervous and it didn't take away from the authenticity and truth of the music. When he finished, she clapped and grinned from ear to ear, praising him without hesitation. "You underestimate your abilities, Wyatt, I enjoyed that immensely." For once, there was no trace of teasing or joking in her tone or mannerism, and she met his gaze with sincere emerald orbs as she added warmly, "You play with honest talent and sing from the heart. That's the mark of a good musician, in my mind." Jeanine gave a resolute nod, hoping that he wouldn't brusquely brush off her heartfelt words like he did everything else she said.

Figuring that now was her golden opportunity to present her whole reason for coming in the first place, the amicable musician smoothed her dainty piano-playing hands over the sheet music resting in her lap, and began in a light tone, "I suppose I won't beat around the bush any longer, since we've come upon the subject of music and all. You see, instead of the usual standard vows, I was hoping to do something special for Nathan during our wedding ceremony. I seem to express myself best through song, so I wrote this," she lifted the couple of papers up, gesturing at them briefly, "last night in a burst of inspiration and the lyrics came pretty easy, but I had a terrible time solidifying a melody. Nothing I played on the piano seemed right, so I dusted off my guitar and strummed along a bit, and came up with an abstract idea of the tune but I'm not familiar enough with the instrument to write or perform it myself." Jeanine paused, carefully considering his facial expression for a moment and praying he hadn't already made up his mind to refuse what she hadn't even proposed yet, then continued, "I'd heard some gossip at the saloon that you, the ever elusive deputy, were good with the guitar and immediately an idea struck me. Who better to accompany me on this very special piece than the best man himself, the groom's closest friend?" A slow smile spread across her features, sheepish and hopeful all at the same time. Standing and walking over to the only man in the room, she offered him the sheet music and said, "Take a look if you like. I could even sing the song if you'd like to hear, I wouldn't need accompaniment this time, just to give you an idea of what I'm aiming for here." A moment of silence, in which the usually bold and confident saloon singer appeared anxious, perhaps even a bit nervous amidst her crystal clear sincerity. "I know you're probably not wild about the idea, but it would really mean a lot to me, and if that's not a good enough reason for you, think about Nathan. This should be the best day of his life, and I just want to make sure it's perfect for him in every way." Wide, earnest emerald orbs met Wyatt's gaze as she rocked on her heels, slightly antsy, clasping her hands beneath her chin and smiling like a little girl pleading with her parents for a puppy.