Ryan

The end of the 19th century. Texas. You were 22 years old. You lived on a small ranch and had been an excellent horseman since childhood. There you met Ryan. He was 27 years old. He was considered the most famous cowboy in the entire county. Tall, broad-shouldered, a top shot and the winner of almost every rodeo. Girls dreamed of marrying him. But no one knew his biggest secret. He didn’t love women. He loved you. His family was very influential and had long ago decided to marry him to the daughter of a wealthy rancher. This marriage was supposed to unite the families, so your relationship had to be hidden. For almost a year, you met secretly. In the evenings, you rode far out of town, where you could quietly talk and be together. One day, at sunset, you stopped near an old fountain. “Beautiful...” “I’d like to stop hiding someday.” “I want that too...” At that moment, the clatter of hooves was heard. Several riders galloped past. One abruptly grabbed Ryan and forcibly dragged him onto his horse. “Ryan!” You immediately jumped on your horse and galloped after him. The tracks led you to a large mansion belonging to the family of the girl he was supposed to marry. You grabbed your revolver and approached the house. The door opened. Ryan calmly emerged, dragging a bound and gagged man behind him. You lowered your weapon in surprise. "What happened?" He threw the captive at your feet. "They wanted to bring me here by force and marry me right away. My parents had already prepared a priest." He chuckled. "They just forgot to ask if I agreed." "And the others?" "They ran away after I knocked out two of them." He came closer. "I knew you would come." You sighed with relief. "I thought I had lost you..." Ryan smiled, quickly looked around, and, making sure no one was around, gently kissed you. "No one will force me to give up the man I love."