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Clarity, although still busy with a few kids reading peacefully, has been watching John from afar and hasn't missed a thing about him picking up the teddy and talking to it while putting it on the highest shelf. That man will never stop touching her deeply, even with little things like these. Particularly with those.

But, when he turns to walk toward her and she sees that the teddy is about to fall down, she rushes to the shelves, almost jostling John on her way.

She catches the bear before it reaches the hard ground.

"Phew! That was close! We wouldn't want you to break your back, or even a leg or an arm, little John Biebe bear, would we? After all the good work we've done together today, we couldn't let you down, so to speak!" She realises that she's talking to a teddy bear and blushes slightly, then remembers that John has just done the very same thing a few seconds ago.

She turns to John who's now looking at her and the bear, and says as an excuse: "It's my favorite." And she adds playfully, smiling at him: "When you're finished playing with teddies, sheriff, just don't forget to push their talk button off.

That's funny, I've worked with those bears all day long and had not even noticed that they were talking ones. Yet, this one was saying 'Daddy' while falling down. You've heard it?"

Since John has put his hand on her, and his sexy voice has whispered in her ear, she has forgotten everything about the talking teddy… and almost about the kids around them too.

She'd give anything to leave right now and go play doctor with that man.

He makes her smile, he makes her laugh, he makes her weak. He makes her happy.

"I don't think I want to be cured of those terrible exotic diseases… but I'd love to be looked after, Doctor. By you. You're making my fever rise." She says that rather low but some words are not completely lost for little ears around.

The soft touch of his lips on her forehead feels so incredibly tender! She looks up into his eyes and sees something pass briefly in there, something she can't figure out but that makes her want to comfort him, she doesn't really know why. She caresses tenderly his bearded cheek, then holds him tight, burying her face into his large chest, as if to reach his big heart and kiss it.

But a little hand pulling on John's shirt brings them back to here and now.

"Mister Doctor Sheriff… my hand hurts. This one… look…

It's my brother, he bit it… didn't want to give me his book. I don't like doctors, you know… but I like you. You can kiss it better? Like you've done to Miss there."

Clarity laughs. "I'm afraid you were right, Doctor Sheriff, whatever malady I've caught seems to be very contagious indeed!"

Since John had put the little girl down to go sit next to her brother, her eyes, above the book she was pretending to read, hadn't left her new hero's every movement. And as soon as the man and the boy left the place together…

… she was up like a flash and started to run after them.

But someone stopped her in her elan. "Hep, not so fast little lady! Where do you think you're going?" said Clarity with a smile while catching gently but firmly the little girl's arm.

She had also been watching the whole scene, never tiring of watching that big teddy of a man using both his natural authority and gentle heart to interact successfully with kids of every age and gender.

It really gets to her heart to observe the effect he has on children. There's something incredibly touching in a man taking care of kids, particularly this one. Boys naturally respect and admire him and girls… well, girls naturally swoon over him, who could blame them? And the man doesn't even seem to be aware of all this.

Clarity took the little girls in her arms.

"Let me go! I wanna go with Doctor Sheriff, let me go!"

"You haven't finished your book and Minimus there would be very disappointed not to know the end of the story you were reading to him. You don't want him to be sad, do you?" and she put the cute and serious looking teddy in the girl's arms.

"Oh no, poor Bibibus!" whispered the little girl, instinctively cuddling the bear. But yet she hadn't forgotten… "Where's Doctor Sheriff going with my brother? I wanna go with them, I'll take Bibi with me and ask Doctor Sheriff to kiss him better too, so he won't be sad."

"You can't go with them, but I can kiss Minimus better if you want me to."

"You're not Doctor Sheriff! Why I can't go with them?"

"They need to have a man to man talk."

"Tommy is no man, he's only a boy!"

"Well, he will be a man, someday. Aren't you glad if the Sheriff teaches him how to gently treat ladies like you?"

"I am a lady?"

"You will be, some day too."

"He won't yell at him?"

"I don't know, it's a men's secret. But knowing the sheriff, I doubt he will."

Oddly, the little girl seemed to be relieved.

"While the men are having a men's talk, what about us having a women's one, young lady?"

The little girl blushed and looked at her shoes.

"That's what I thought. You brother didn't bite you without any reason, did he? Whatever the reason was, he shouldn't have. But tell me, what have you done to him to make him that angry? Huh?"

The little girl looked into Clarity's eyes, then seemed to decide she could trust her. "I wanted his book."

"Why? You did have a book already."

"Because I liked his better."

"A book about trucks?"

"It was for Bibibus. He's a boy, he likes trucks."

"Yeah, yeah, sure. And…?"

The little girl blushed a deeper red.

"And…?" insisted Clarity, her voice calm but firm.

"And… I've pinched him" finally admitted the little girl who seemed now to be on the verge of crying.

"There we are!"

"But, but, but Tommy was giving more attention to his book than to me! I was bored."

"Why didn't you say so, we would have looked for a better book for you? And for Minimus, of course."

"I… I can't read."

"Awww, it's no problem. We could have read it for you and the teddy, that's what we do for all the children here, you know!"

"You were busy taking all Doctor Sheriff's attention."

Now, it was Clarity's turn to blush.

"Em, if… if you had asked, we would have turned our attention to you, without any doubt."

"I did."

"Well, that's true, you did."

"You're going to tell Doctor Sheriff? About me pinching Tommy."

"Nope, that will be our little secret, between women. But you must promise me not to do it again, okay? You know, as strong as boys look, they hurt as easily as we girls do… only they try hard to hide it… their own particular ways."

"Tommy never cries. Almost."

"That's what I mean. That doesn't mean that he doesn't hurt. Just don't do to him what you wouldn't like him to do to you."

"Don't do what...?"

"Okay. You like him, don't you?" The girl nodded. "Then be nice with him."

But the girl started to wriggle in her arms. "Minimus wants to read me the story now."

Clarity smiled and let her go, the kid had had enough. She would learn soon enough to be patient.

Just then, John came back with the boy, both looking rather satisfied. Clarity smiled when she heard the boy say to her sister before hugging her: "I'm sorry Sis!" and heard her say back "Me too Tommy." The Sheriff had done his job well.

Feeling a bit tired and emotionally sensitive after that long but very interesting day spent with kids, Clarity now felt the need to go find comfort in her own teddy's big arms, even if for a short cuddle… when she saw him talk with a pretty young woman. There was a big smile on his face.

That charm that works wonders on little girls also never fail to work on big ones, she knew that very well already, and usually enjoyed it. But right now, and she couldn't explain why, it seemed to slightly annoy her. She didn't like that feeling so tried to forget it and busied herself with other kids.

Until now, when she notices that John is alone again, apparently deeply lost in thought.

She can't resist sneaking behind him, encircle him with her arms and presses her face against his large back, filling her lungs with his familiar scent, her cold hand seeking for his warm flesh under his tee-shirt, just for comfort. She enjoys feeling him jump a little at her unexpected contact, but just then the pretty woman walks by them, dragging her two kids who wave goodbye at them.

So she was the mother of the kids? The young woman gives them a big genuine smile and Clarity thinks she can see something in her eyes then, something like… envy?

She feels ashamed and suddenly lets John go. Ashamed of having selfishly felt even the tiniest shadow of jealousy toward a woman that just needed his help. If the private part of him belongs to her, or so she feels, the public one belongs to the public, she must reminds herself of that. In public places John Biebe remains first and foremost the respected Sheriff, always available for everyone who needs him. Here, his duty comes first. She knows and respects that.

Although she was quite tired, Clarity was really enjoying that wandering among the booths, guided by John who was commenting enthusiastically on some of them…

... local paintings…

… T-shirts that Max could have ordered for his staff...

… and many others.

She was enjoying seeing him relaxed, happy, she was enjoying his closeness, the feeling of his big warm hand around hers, but she was also simply enjoying the festival itself, its ambiance, and the way it titillated so pleasantly every sense.

Until he dragged her toward that jewelry booth.

She's never been a jewelry woman. Even less now. She had always thought that, for many men, buying jewerly was an easy way for them to get anything they want from a woman: attention, sex, forgiveness, and so on. The only jewelry she had ever accepted from a man was the one he wanted her to wear on their wedding day… and she had thrown it back at his face a few days later when she found him with her best friend… sparing them all a huge mistake, in fact. This confirmed her certitude that diamonds were obviously not this girl's best friends.

She chases that thought away; this was the past. The man that she's now watching with amusement and tenderness while he takes cautiously the fragile artwork with his thick fingers and turns it carefully in his big hand, almost with respect, that man is different. The sparkle in his eyes when those silver hearts get his attention and his interest when he listens to their story are genuine. As is genuine his shy smile when he looks at her and asks her with such a delicacy if she would let him buy it for her.

She feels a wave of warmth rush to her cheeks. Is he able to read her thoughts? Men generally don't ask that kind of question, or so she guesses; they just buy it, certain as they are that every woman will fall for a jewelry.

Something in his voice and in his eyes tells her that she can't say no if she doesn't want to hurt him.

Then she looks with more attention at the tiny metal object shining softly in his large hand: purity of lines, precious but unpretentious silver, unique and meaningful piece of art made from, with and for love. Like him.

Two fusing hearts in the foaming surf… doesn't that sound like their own story?

Something in her heart tells her that she can't say no… because she just doesn't want to.

So her smile is genuine too when she simply answers him: "I'll wear it proudly." The radiant smile that he gives her back wipes away any hesitation she could have felt toward any kind of jewelry. She might be crazy, crazy with love, but she feels like he's not just giving her a heart, he's giving her his heart.

John can't wait to put his gift around her neck and she loves the feeling of it as much as the feeling of his fingers on her skin while he does it.

He makes her turn, apparently happy with the result. She can't resist giving those sensual smiling lips a kiss that is more than a thank-you one, and barely hears the enthusiast cheers of the artisan whose piece of art has just met its purpose.

While they keep wandering among the booths, Clarity can't stop touching the heart at the end of the delicate chain around her neck. She's never had anything like that. It's one of a kind, in many ways.

They soon find themselves near the stage again.

"I'm dying to hear those unfit-for-little-ears poets Ann told us about. I wonder if Richard himself is going to read some of his. But before, what about visiting Kathy's booth and check if she has something left for us to buy? Come on, I know you have a non-so-secret love for her cookies and muffins!"

She becomes serious again. "John? Speaking of Ann... haven't you noticed how tired she looked? No, not tired, tired is not the right word, she looked as great as ever, even after such a long and busy day. Sad rather. Yes, there was kind of a sadness in her eyes when she looked at us, don't you think? You are her friend and I'm not asking you to tell me something I shouldn't know, but... is she okay?

"No, I'm not!" And she blushes an even deeper red. John laughs. She slaps playfully his arm. "Don't you make fun of me! I hate it that I can blush so easily, it makes me feel like a failure of a squid that has no control over its change of colors and that makes itself even more visible in the decor instead of bending into it. No chance of escaping any shark on the lookout in this ocean, have I?" She laughs, a little embarrassed by the silliness of her comparison.

"If you really want to know, Mister Sheriff, yes listening to beautiful licentious poems written and declaimed by Richard LeBrok, in the company of a certain sexy-as-hell-man-that-I-won't-name-but-who-knows-who-he-is… yes, that sounds like a very dangerous combination for every innocent woman. Which I can't be, being French, as you stated. You're right, that's what we French women travel all around the world for: to deprave poor innocent foreign boys and awaken the evil beast that lies dormant in them. Grrrr!!!!" and she pretends to bite and scratch him.

Clarity realises how silly that sounds too, but it seems to make John laugh again. It's good to hear him laugh, she feels he needs it right now, and so does she. So she just enjoys the pleasure of laughing together at silly things.

Yet, that precisely brings her thoughts back to Ann and how horrible it must feel to lose the person you love. She had noticed that Ben Wade hadn't showed up at the Phoenix for a while now, but she didn't know… Poor Ann!

She thinks about what John has just told her, unconsciously giving her another lesson about openness and trust. She has so much to learn from that man to try to become a better person!

She hates to break the light atmosphere between them, but she needs to tell him what's on her mind… and she knows that, whatever he pretends, it's still on his mind too anyway. While they're walking toward Kathy's booth, she snuggles even closer to him.

"John… I'm sure that, if there's not much you can do about Ann's loss, it's important for her to know that her friends are here for her, whenever she needs them. You are. I will be too, if there is anything I can do. If you think that man you've seen can be a danger for her, then just follow your instinct and do what you have to do to protect her. Just promise me you'll come back to me safe and sound... please." He gives her a little smile, nods and just tightens silently his hold on her waist.

When they arrive at Kathy's booth, she and John Nash seem to be about to leave and… oh, is it that Genie man there? Uh-oh, seems that they haven't chosen the best moment to visit the booth!

Clarity fumbles with the keys until she notices that the door isn't closed. Even in her not-completely-sober-yet... or rather still-a-bit-tipsy state, she wonders if she's forgotten to close the door when she left, or if John is back already.

Already? God, it's almost morning! Of course he's home! Or should be. Sometimes work keeps him away all night long, but she hopes it's not one of those nights. No, not tonight.

Not. Tonight.

She can still see him behind that bar, all sweet, caring… but in charge. And that makes her shiver again. In a good way.

Although he might not be very happy to see that she's still, as he would say with his best cop tone and look, in such a state of ibrene… inabre…. drunk!

So what? Everyone was! What a welcome for poor Uma! And Maxie wouldn't be happy with her either tomorrow when he'd see that some of his precious cigars are missing. She's just followed Ann's suggestion (but maybe she won't say that to Max!) and has given them to that intriguing and cute… no, cute isn't the right word, handsome, yes, mysteriously, dangerously handsome man that looks so much like that other new guy... Drogan? Or is it Lover? Lily seemed to like him much by the way… but it's true that they all did!

They've had such a fun!

Her joy after that great night spent with good friends, old and new, suddenly needs to express itself (along with the remains of booze) through an old bawdy French song she starts singing very loud... and very out of key. Oh, she should have taught that one to Franki, she would have loved it! Too bad that Kathy, Angel, and even Sophie didn't stay long enough, they could have sung it in a round!

Fortunately the awful noise doesn't last very long as she stumbles over something that protests loudly.

"SHHHHHH! Aren't you crazy? You're going to wake up the big man! Gosh, how can such a little thing make such a noise? Awww, poor kittie, I'm sorry I stepped on you!" She picks up the little cat… that seems to very moderately appreciate her excessive and boozy-smelling kisses, and probably neither the contact of her still damp hair.

"But you know buddy, if you want to stay alive long enough to know your grandkittens, you must never, ever wake a grizzly when he's sound asleep in his den!" she 'whispers' out loud -very loud- in the cat's fur."

The very thought of the grizzly-in-question's both sexy and cuddly body, all relaxed, warm and… lonely in his bed, makes her forget her own advice. Those new men can be handsome and all, no one does it for her like that man. Her man.

She lets go of the relieved cat and runs to John's bedroom, leaving in her haste a trail of clothes behind her.

She stops at the threshold, the anticipation making her heart beat wildly.

Is he there? Usually, when she gets home after him, she can feel his strong presence in the room, even before she can perceive his sleeping form in the darkness or hear his soft snoring.

But tonight, she's not able to feel much… except the beginning of a heavy headache.

He is here!

He. Is. Here! Her heart beats even faster now; 'cause the reason that makes it beat every second is here, right before her!

The very little thoughts that were still more or less clear in her brain at that moment definitively melt away under the electrifying effect of John's hand on her body. And when that hand becomes more inviting, more possessive and pulls her down to him, she sees herself languorously and gracefully drop in his arms, in slow motion, like in a movie, and show him how much she wants him, needs him. Loves him.

In her mind.

Because in reality, she just loses her balance, collapses rather heavily and unladylikely on poor John's body, unwillingly giving to a sensitive part of that beloved body a treatment far from the one she had in mind.

In place of the loving words she had been dying to hear, her clumsy move is rewarded by a muffled "ouch" from John, and the sound that her cheek makes when rudely contacting his strong chest is anything but romantic.

The only positive effect of that mess is that it seems to sober her up a little more.

"Oh, did I hurt you, mon pauvre nounours d'amour? There, let me kiss you better…" and she slowly starts her kissing way down his body…

But he stops her, wraps his arms tenderly but firmly around her and keeps her where she… and he are safe for now, on his chest, giving him time to recover.

She doesn't move, just closes her eyes and enjoys the lulling and reassuring sound of his steady (well, not so steady right now) heartbeats as well as the contact of his bare skin against her cheek.

After a while, John thinks that she has fallen asleep.

But she soon starts talking again…

"I… I'm sorry, I'm just… you know… a bit… um… But… but I've drunk that coffee you've made for us, you know! I swear I've done what you said, I've drunk all of it! Till the last drop! But it wasn't very efficient you know, less than the skinn… BATH… the bath worked better. Anyway, I must tell Paul that he should try another kind of coffee because this one doesn't work, it just…"

But John soon puts an end to her nonsense blabbering.

Very efficiently.

And very pleasurably.