Work Text:
Kate Carver was working behind the bar at Hagan's, cleaning up after the midday crowd left. As she wiped down the counter, she looked around with pride. She still couldn’t believe this was all hers. Hagan had come through for her in more ways than one.
The last few weeks had been quiet. Gus was healing well from his brush with death. Calian had been busy with his tribe. The railroad people had not arrived yet, but everyone in Independence knew it was only a matter of time. Kai started coming around more, making new outfits for the girls. Things were almost back to normal in their friendship. Hoyt had been splitting his time running Lucia’s new bar and helping Gus look for Tom. Abby decided to keep working for Gus, but thankfully, she was also helping Kate at Hagan's in her spare time by composing new songs for the girls to dance to.
Kate ducked low behind the bar to grab a box of empty bottles from the bottom shelf. She heard the unmistakable sound of the door opening and the voices of the two people who just walked in.
Abby was chatting with her sister as they walked through the door. Kate paused as she recognized both of the voices that were getting louder as they moved closer. “That can't be Charlie!” Kate thought to herself. “How could Abby not have told me her sister was coming in from Boston?”
Suddenly, Kate was hyper aware of the fact that she was about to pop up from behind the bar like it was a surprise party, even though she was the one who was surprised. She stood upright, trying to control the smile she could feel widening on her face. In her excitement and distraction, she narrowly missed hitting her head on the bar. She desperately hoped neither Abby nor Charlie had noticed.
Kate tried to shove her excitement over Charlie’s arrival below the surface. She walked confidently out from behind the bar, dusting off her dress, and greeted both Abby and Charlie with hugs.
“Well, if this isn’t a welcome surprise!” Kate said to them both. “Abby, you didn’t tell me your sister was coming back to visit.”
“Charlie asked me not to,” Abby replied. “She wanted it to be a surprise.” Abby tried not to stare at her sister and her best friend as their eyes conveyed an obvious but unspoken conversation happening between the two women. She continued to explain, “After everything that happened with Tom, I thought it would be nice to spend some time with my sister. Charlie and I didn’t have much time together the last time she was here.”
“I hope you don’t mind,” Charlie began as she flashed a smile in Kate’s direction. “It is nice to see you again, Kate. I only wanted to see if it was possible to surprise someone who is always in the know. I’m pleased to see that it is.”
Abby began to wonder if she had suddenly become invisible. She gently cleared her throat and stifled a smile as both Kate and Charlie suddenly sprung back to being fully present in the room with her.
“What? Oh, sorry, Abby,” Kate said, trying not to show she was a little flustered by Charlie’s almost open flirting. “Were you saying something?”
“I need to talk with Gus about something,” Abby said. “Would you mind helping Charlie get settled?
“It would be my pleasure,” Kate replied.
As Abby left, the two women turned to look at each other and each let out a small, nervous laugh.
Kate reached down to take Charlie’s bags. “Please, allow me to show you to your room, Miss McKenzie” she said with an overly dramatic, chivalrous bravado and a grin. Charlie smiled back.
“But of course, Miss Carver,” she replied. “Lead the way.”
Kate silently carried Charlie’s bags up the stairs to Abby's room. This used to be her room, and for a while she had shared it with Abby. In the weeks since Kate took over at Hagan’s, she eventually moved into the owner's suite—with a few changes.
First, Kate had the bed replaced, because she couldn't stand to sleep on the same mattress Tom and Abby hooked up on. Then, she redecorated the entire space in an attempt to remove every memory of him.
Charlie would be sleeping in Kate's old bed tonight. The thought sent a shock wave through Kate, who realized she’d probably be awake all night thinking about that. Charlie would be so close, but so far away.
The moment the two women walked into Abby’s room, Charlie shut the door, pinned Kate against it, and gave her a long, sensual kiss. Kate, still holding Charlie’s bags, let herself get lost in the taste of her lover’s lips. Today was not going the way Kate had planned. It was much better.
Charlie took half a step back and smiled broadly at Kate. “I have been thinking about kissing you since the moment I received Abby’s invitation to visit.” She reached over and took her bags from Kate and dropped them lightly on the floor. Then she kissed Kate again.
Kate gently removed Charlie’s hand from her waist and led her across the room to sit on Kate’s old bed. They talked a little about why Charlie was in town as they tried to keep their hormones in check. Kate knew they needed to be careful. After all, Abby could be back any minute.
Charlie talked about the contents of Abby’s letter, about Tom and Kate owning Hagan’s.
“When Abby asked if I could come back for a real visit, I couldn’t say ‘no’ because we have lost so much time together. Almost losing Abby forever made me appreciate how much I love my sister,” Charlie explained. “And I couldn’t pass up the chance to see you again, either. So I said I’d be happy to come and spend more time in Independence.”
As Kate started to lean in to kiss Charlie again, they were startled by a knock on the door. Abby waited a moment before walking in. As she entered the room, she noticed Kate give Charlie a questioning look.
“Abby, this is your room,” Kate began. “You don’t have to knock.”
Abby replied, “I know. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t interrupting anything.”
The three of them exchanged small talk for a few minutes then Abby excused herself once she ensured they could all have dinner together at Kai’s. The moment Abby left the room, Kate found herself in full interrogation mode.
“Did you tell Abby about us?”
“No. I didn't say anything.”
“She's acting strange, though, right? I'm not imagining it.”
“Yes, she is. But let's not read into it, Kate. We have more time to ourselves, so unless you are needed downstairs, let's take advantage of it.”
“Charlie, the only thing I need right now is in this room.”
The three women were sitting at a square table with Abby and Charlie on one side, Kate on the other, across from Charlie. They were wrapped up in small talk and enjoying one another's company after a great meal, courtesy of Kai.
“Abby, with everything that’s happened, do you ever think you’ll return to Boston?” Charlie was careful with her tone. She didn’t want her sister to think she was being judgmental or pushy, but she was curious. And she didn’t mind the thought of visiting Abby in Independence so long as Kate stayed in town.
“I don’t think so, Charlie,” Abby replied. “Independence is my home now. The people in this town have had my back from the beginning. Until Tom is found and finally brought to justice, I’ve got unfinished business here. Calian may need our help. He saved my life. I will do anything to help him and his tribe. And how could I possibly leave Kate here on her own to deal with everything as the railroad brings in new scoundrels?” Abby glanced over at Kate and smiled. No, she couldn’t imagine leaving Kate behind. Their friendship meant too much to her. “What about you, Charlie? How long do you think Boston can spare you?”
“I don’t know,” she said. Charlie tried not to look too intently or too long in Kate’s direction as she spoke. “We’ll have to see what happens. I’m sure I can stay for a week or two, but I just got here. I’m not thinking about when I’m returning home yet.”
“You always have a place to stay in Independence,” Kate said, a little too quickly. “No matter how long or often you’re in town. And if you need something to occupy your time, well, I could always use an extra hand at Hagan’s. But only if you want to. No pressure.”
Kate tried not to let her mind slip into the fantasy of what life might look like if Charlie stuck around for good. It was too soon to think such grand thoughts.
“Ladies, why don't you two head off without me,” Abby said as she got up from the table. “I need to talk to Kai about something. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Kate and Charlie exchanged a questioning glance then said their goodbyes to Abby.
“Is it me,” Kate began, “or does it feel like Abby is intentionally giving us space? She’s being rather coy with her conversations about ‘something’ today. It sounds like she’s making excuses to leave us alone.”
“That is exactly what it feels like,” Charlie replied.
“Do you think we should tell her? I hate keeping secrets from your sister. Secrets have a way of turning into trouble in this town.”
“I don’t know. I’ve never really talked about my dating preferences with Abby. I am pretty sure she knows, but it’s always been unspoken. Especially in our household. But that doesn’t mean she knows about us.”
“Or that she would approve…” Kate’s voice trailed off a bit.
“Or that she would approve.” Charlie reinforced. “Maybe we should wait a while.”
“When you sleep in my old bed tonight, Charlie, know that I wish I was sharing it with you.”
“You are my kind of trouble, Kate Carver. Plus, you still haven’t shown me your new room.”
“Since it’s also my office now, maybe I can remedy that without anyone noticing. Join me for a drink?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
The two women had barely walked through the front door of Hagan’s before Kate got sidetracked by one of the dancers, who needed her to come handle a situation with a guest. She offered an apologetic shrug and mouthed “I’m sorry” to Charlie, who took the disappointment in stride.
“When you’re done, stop by so we can have that drink. I’ll be up in Abby’s room relaxing a bit and settling in.”
“Will do,” Kate replied.
“My plans didn’t include having to throw you out of my bar tonight,” Kate said sternly. She was losing her patience with the young man who was harassing her girls. “So I’m going to tell you this one time, and trust me, you do not want me to repeat myself. You are going to walk out of here right now and the next time you come back, you are going to be on your very best behavior. And if you decide you aren’t leaving on your own, then I will have you forcibly removed and you will be banned for good. Do we have an understanding?”
Drunk as he was, there was no mistaking the seriousness of Kate’s threat. He inhaled deeply, spun on his heel, and stumbled out the door, almost crashing into Abby as he left.
“What was that about?” Abby asked Kate.
“You don’t want to know,” she replied.
Kate let go of her anger, which was quickly replaced by her disappoint at having lost some alone time with Charlie.
Abby followed Kate over to the temporarily empty bar.
“Good talk with Kai?” Kate asked.
“Oh, yes. Yes. We were catching up on a couple of things. Where’s my sister?”
“Charlie’s already upstairs. When I’m done, which should be soon, we’re going to have drinks in my office. Did you want to join us?”
“It’s tempting. The changes you made in there definitely help, but I still think about my epic mistake with Tom in that room. I’m sorry. It’s why I don’t stop in more often. I’ll get over it eventually.”
“Take your time. I know it’s difficult. As long as he’s out there somewhere, his ghost will continue to haunt this place.”
“Too bad it isn’t his literal ghost. I should have let him die when I had the chance, Kate.”
“Yes, but that’s not you, Abby. That’s one of the many things I love and respect about you. You do the right thing even when other people don’t deserve it.”
“Speaking of deserving…” Abby paused for a moment to collect herself. She wanted to make sure her words offered nothing less than support. “Can I talk to you about something?”
“Yes?” Kate answered tentatively. Something in Abby’s tone made Kate want to shift into a defensive posture, but she resisted. They walked to the closest table and sat down.
“I see the way she looks at you.” Abby wanted the statement to sound more casual than the way it left her lips. Instead, it almost sounded accusatory. She realized she’d have to change her approach if this conversation was going to end the way she hoped it would.
“Who?” Kate asked.
“Who? Are you intentionally toying with me, Kate Carver?” Abby feigned shock, then offered Kate her most mischievous smile. “Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m saying here. You know exactly who I’m talking about.”
“Are you interrogating me, Abby Walker?” The playfulness in Abby’s banter made Kate a little less nervous, but she still felt guarded. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for this conversation. When was a good time to talk with your best friend about falling for her sister?
“Maybe I am.” Abby took a deep breath. She wanted to get this right. She put her hand on Kate’s forearm and shifted her tone from playful bantering to sincerity. “Kate, I didn’t ask Charlie to come back to Independence just so I could have some sister time. I had other reasons as well.”
Kate couldn’t help but stare at Abby. She moved her mouth as though to reply, but for some reason, Kate couldn’t get a single word to form. She was used to a lot of things. Being at a complete loss for words wasn’t one of them.
“You’re my best friend and like a sister to me, Kate. You were the first person in Independence who made me feel welcome and protected when I didn’t know who I could trust. You’ve always had my back. Well, almost always…”
“You know I’m sorry about that, Abby.” The reminder suddenly allowed Kate to find her voice again.
“It’s okay. I understand it better now. My point is, I want you to be happy. You deserve that. And Charlie lights up whenever you are around. I’ve never seen her like this before. We’ve never talked about it, but she never seemed happy with any of the men she’s dated…”
“Abby, what are you saying?” Kate looked directly into Abby’s eyes, trying to reassure herself that this conversation was really happening.
“I’m saying that when other people are around I see the way you try not to look at her the way she tries not to look at you.” Abby was rambling nervously, but she had Kate’s full attention and was determined to get everything out before anyone else walked up to the bar. “It’s adorable, really. You two would be great for one another. I don’t want to be the reason you hold yourself back. Please, have your drinks together. Without me. I’d like to see Charlie stay in Independence for a while. Longer than a couple of weeks. I think you want that too, Kate. It’s okay if I’m not the only reason she stays. I’ll still get to see my sister. And maybe I’ll get to know her a little better in the process.”
Abby slowly pulled her hand back then reached up to wipe a tear from the corner of Kate’s eye. Kate smiled at Abby, thankful to have a friend who truly saw her and supported her. She was relieved to have not only Abby’s blessing, but her encouragement.
“I guess I should get upstairs then,” Kate replied.
“Yes. You probably should. I’ll finish things up down here. You go.” Abby gave Kate a reassuring smile and nodded in the direction of the stairs.
Kate silently mouthed the words “thank you” as she got up. Abby leaned in with a hug and whispered, “you’re welcome.”
It was all Kate could do to stay composed as she walked upstairs. She was certain she could have floated if no one were around to witness it. She forced herself to pause before knocking on Abby and Charlie’s door. Charlie, dressed comfortably, opened the door with a smile. She immediately looked past Kate to see if anyone was watching, and saw several people milling about.
“Would you still like that drink in my office?” Kate asked quietly.
“Of course, but what should we tell Abby? Is she back yet?”
“We just had a little chat. I’ll fill you in over that drink.”
Anticipation clouded Kate's mind as the two women walked down the hall to Kate’s office/room. Kate locked the door behind them without wasting any time, then poured each of them a drink. They sat together on the floor in front of Kate’s bed like they had known each other all of their lives. Charlie took the glass from Kate, took a sip, then rested her head on Kate’s shoulder with a contented sigh.
“This is nice,” Charlie said softly.
“The drink or the room?” Kate asked.
“The company.”
“I’m glad you’re here. I’ve missed you, Charlie. I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.”
“Same. When Abby wrote to tell me what happened, and that Tom is missing and that he tried to kill you both, I had to see you again. Both of you. I’ve already lost my sister once. Maybe even twice if you count the whole fake death thing. I don't want to lose her again. And I don’t want to lose you, either. I couldn’t stop thinking about you in Boston.”
“Abby doesn’t want to lose you, either,” Kate paused. She wasn’t sure how to tell Charlie about her conversation with Abby, so she chose the direct option. “She knows, Charlie. Or, at least, she suspects.”
“I’m sorry, Kate. I don’t want to cause friction between you and Abby.”
“Not at all. We weren't imagining things earlier. She is trying to give us time alone. She may not know we had a history before you came back to Independence, but she’s hoping the spark she thinks she sees between us is real.”
“Are you saying my sister is trying to set us up?”
“I don’t think that will be too difficult. Do you? It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way. My job as a Pinkerton agent meant I couldn’t get too close to anyone. When I did, people got hurt. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“You’re not undercover anymore, my dear sweet Kate.”
Charlie tilted her head up to kiss Kate on the side of her neck. Kate smiled and let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. She emptied her glass, set it down, and draped an arm around Charlie, pulling her a little closer. She gently took Charlie’s glass from her hand and set it on the floor next to her own.
“I might not be undercover anymore, but maybe we should both be?” Kate said. She stood up and helped Charlie to her feet. Without letting go of Charlie’s hand, Kate guided her to the side of the bed with a playful grin. They kissed and effortlessly shifted from standing to sitting, to lying in each other’s arms
“No, Kate. I don’t think we are going to need any covers at all.”