Chapter Ninety Teaspoon stared at the group in front of him. Everyone back at the house, gathered around the kitchen table. Well, everyone that should be, that is. Jane was in jail. The sheriff was questioning her. The doctor had come by, checked on Violet and the baby. He was now examining the two bodies Buck and Jimmy had found before they were buried. But from what he understood, one of the men had shot the other one and then shot himself. He just did not know why. Some boy named Wil was sitting by Mattie, staring at the table, utterly silent. Mattie would glance at him from time to time but she had not spoken a word until now. “I don’t feel well. Do you mind if I go lie down?” she asked. “No,” Teaspoon said quickly. “I don’t mean to keep anyone here,” he continued, shooting a quick glance at Violet who narrowed her eyes at him. Clearly she was going to stay put. She bounced the baby in her arms. “I’ll take you upstairs,” Jimmy, who was seated beside Mattie, rose to his feet, said quickly. “Thanks,” she said, giving him a wan smile, “but I need a few minutes alone.” Violet was beginning to stand when Mattie told her. “I’m fine. I’m just going to sleep. Stay.” She gave her friend a small smile. “You know you want to.” “But-” Violet began. “Really,” Mattie assured her. “Okay?” she said, looking at Jimmy. Jimmy sat back down, a hurt look appearing on his face. “Sure,” he replied. “I’ll come check on you later.” Mattie got up. She glanced at the people still seated around the table. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “Thank you for everything.” She reached down and squeezed Wil’s shoulders. “Are you going to be okay here?” she asked him. Mutely Wil nodded. Teaspoon watched as Mattie hurried from the room. He looked at Wil. The boy was still staring at the table. He was one of Jane’s sons, or so he had been told. After Jimmy and Buck had found Mattie she had told them he was her brother and that was all he knew. He wanted to learn more about the boy, so he asked. “Jane was your mother?” It was the best way to find out what was going on, he decided. “Mine, Robert and Travis’,” Wil replied morosely. He looked up at Teaspoon. “Travis was trying to hurt Mattie and Robert stopped him.” “Robert was Pierce, wasn’t he?” Violet asked. “Why was he pretending to be my lawyer?” “Yeah, that was Robert,” Wil replied. “He didn’t like my ma’s plan so he decided to court ya and then maybe you’d fancy him and we’d get our money that way. But then Travis killed that other lawyer. He’s also the one who got Mattie out of the house and left her out by the creek. He was hoping she’d drown.” The boy lapsed into silence once more. “So Robert wasn’t behind the fire?” Violet asked gently. “Not even the one that killed Mattie’s folks?” Wil shook his head. “My ma was. Travis helped her. Robert, he didn’t like her plan, not any of ‘em. See, she had this whole life planned out for him,” he said sadly. “Any money that came our way was spent on Robert. His schooling, his clothes, anything to get him ahead. Robert was gonna be the son Amos Farthington wanted. He was gonna be the kid Amos could be proud of, someone who Amos would want to leave his money to.” “Sounds like a hell of a life,” Jimmy put in bitterly. “Robert didn’t want it,” Wil said sadly. “He just wanted my ma’s plan to be over. But it never was. My ma was so sure that when he saw that his boys were alive and met Robert, everything would work out just how she planned. ‘Cept the old man found out about Mattie and left her the money.” “How’d he find out about Mattie?” Jimmy asked. “He knew from some letter her ma wrote her own ma. He just chose to leave her be.” Wil lowered his head and said quietly, “Like I said, I think my ma was behind the fire that killed Mattie’s folks.” “Jesus!” Jimmy exploded. Wil lifted his eyes and looked at Teaspoon. “I found a map to Iowa,” he explained. “I didn’t realize what it meant until now.” “Was your mother upset by Amos’ reaction?” Teaspoon asked gently. Wil nodded. “She was real mad when she realized he was gonna give the money to Mattie,” Wil said. “So she tried to get Mattie out of the way,” Buck put in. Wil shrugged. “I guess he figured giving Mattie the money would win him some kind of favor from her,” he surmised. “But he left it to Violet,” Kid interjected. “The detective Amos Farthington hired made a mistake, I reckon, or more likely my ma bribed him,” Wil said with a heavy sigh. He looked at Teaspoon. “Is she in jail?” “Who, your ma?” Teaspoon asked. Wil nodded. “I can get you in to see her.” “I don’t wanna.” Wil stared at the table once more. “She took everything from us and now I ain’t got nothing. I miss Robert,” he whispered. “You have a sister,” Teaspoon said quietly, “and a home. You know you can stay here.” “That’s what she said,” Wil replied, still looking downcast. “Then believe it,” Teaspoon said. Chapter Ninety One Mattie held the packet of papers in her hand. The lawyer had just gone over about a million papers with her and she had signed almost as many. But the house, the land, the paintings in the barn, which she had learned Jane had been secreting there and selling them off one by one, it was all hers. And she did not want any of it. Mattie sighed. It’s not that she didn’t enjoy the thought of being wealthy, she secretly did. She had been poor as a church mouse for most of her life. But she did not want anything these days. She did not feel like eating, sleeping, talking. She glanced at Jimmy who was riding into the yard. Or being with him. How much longer would he stay with a sack of flour? Because that’s what she had become. Knowing that Jane had killed her parents, tried to murder her several times, used her brothers against her and then having one of her own brothers attack her and then seeing another one kill him and himself was just too much. Mattie did not have the energy or the strength to do to anything. “Hey,” Jimmy said feigning cheerfulness, as he took a seat at the table that was on the porch. He poured himself a glass of lemonade. He glanced at her still full cup. “Not any good?” he asked wryly. Mattie shrugged. This was too hard. Everything was too hard. “Katya and Isaiah are coming today. The doctor just released Isaiah,” he told her. “Good,” Mattie could only make the most perfunctory of responses. She loved her grandmother and her husband but really, what was the point? They would come to the house and then what? “Wil seems to be opening up to Teaspoon.” Mattie looked at him. The only subject she could even muster any interest in was Wil. “He’s doing better?” For a while Wil had been as lifeless as she was. Jimmy nodded. “Last I saw, Teaspoon was teaching him how to ride.” “That’s good.” “Violet’s been teaching him how to read.” “Has she?” “Yeah,” Jimmy replied. He cleared his throat uneasily. “I was in town.” Mattie nodded. “Jane confessed. She’s going to jail. There ain’t gonna be a trial.” “That’s a relief. I don’t think Wil couldn’t have taken one.” Jimmy raised a brow at her. “How about you?” he asked, almost sharply, “could you have taken one?” Mattie knew he was trying to get a rise out of her. He was tired of the flour sack routine but she didn’t have the energy to respond. “I’m glad too,” she said blandly. “Yeah, really?” Clearly he wanted more of a response than the monosyllabic answers she typically gave him. Mattie folded her hands primly. “Really.” There, two syllables. Jimmy drained his lemonade and asked, abruptly changing the subject, “You feel like riding today?” “No.” She looked away. “Maybe tomorrow.” “Maybe,” Jimmy said. He put his hand over hers. “Mattie,” he began. Mattie rose to her feet. “I’m going to rest now. I’m feeling a little tired.” She could not bear to see him reach out to her once more. And she especially could not stand to see his crestfallen face when she rebuffed him again. “Okay,” Jimmy said glumly, also standing up. Mattie pulled her hand free and went inside while Jimmy stood on the porch just watching her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Violet narrowed her eyes at the scene in front of her. She was working in the garden and could see Mattie pull her hand away from Jimmy’s. Again. This had been happening all week. When he, actually when anyone, tried to talk to her, reach out to her, Mattie pushed them away. Violet could not understand it. It was so un-Mattie-like. Mattie was normally open and forthright but since she was last kidnapped, she had rebuffed everyone. Mattie had totally, utterly, and completely shut down. It was like somewhere inside her a candle had been snuffed out. “You look madder than a wet hen,” Lou remarked, pulling a weed from the garden. “I am. Mattie makes me so mad right now,” Violet told her. “She’s been through a lot,” Lou said quietly. “I know,” Violet said quickly. “I know what happened to you and how you shut down too, but …” But what she thought. Mattie’s behavior disturbed her greatly. “Have you tried talking to her?” “I have and she shuts me down just like she does Jimmy.” Violet rose to her feet and brushed the dirt off her dress. “But I’m going to try again,” she said in a determined fashion. She looked at her baby who under a tree, lying in her cradle. “Can you watch her?” “Peach?” Lou teased. “Sure.” Violet grimaced. She had to think of a name and quick. The name Peach was beginning to stick. Chapter Ninety Two Violet climbed up the stairs and knocked at the door to Mattie’s room. She heard her friend call out, “Come in.” Slowly Violet opened the door. “How are you feeling?” she asked, coming in and sitting by her friend’s side on the bed. “Fine,” Mattie replied. “You sure about that?” “I’m fine, Violet,” Mattie said firmly. “I don’t think you are.” “Please, let’s not get into this.” “I can’t watch you bury yourself away anymore,” Violet told her, her voice breaking. “Oh really? And why not?” Mattie asked archly. “What makes this different than the last time? You were perfectly fine with leaving me alone then!” “I’m sorry for leaving you after you were hurt. Don’t be upset with me, please. I just want to help. I don’t want to make the same mistake as last time.” “I don’t want your help. I didn’t ask for your help.” “I know. But I’ve never seen you like this. It scares me,” Violet said quietly. “Like what? Traumatized by seeing someone kill himself? Sorry, but I’ve never been witness to such a thing.” “I know. That’s why I want you to talk about. It must have been terrifying, watching your brother kill himself.” “You know what was also scary?” Mattie half shouted. “Having your other brother attack you!” Violet’s eyes grew wide. No one had known what had really happened out there. No wonder Mattie was so traumatized. She wondered if Wil had told Teaspoon. Those two were quite close these days. “Then one saves you, kills him and then himself. It’s kinda of a lot to take in. Sorry if I can’t recover fast enough for you,” Mattie snapped. “I didn’t mean that,” Violet told her quickly. “I just hate seeing you shut everyone out.” “Maybe I should be more like you,” Mattie laughed bitterly. “Open, honest and ready for everything.” She paused. “Oh,” she said caustically, “but that’s not you.” Violet’s eyes grew wide. Mattie had never said anything truly horrible to her. She deserved whatever Mattie was going to say, but she was still shocked to hear it. “You got your heart broken, lied about being pregnant and now shut out a man who so obviously loves you and your child.” Mattie glared at her. “Why is that, Violet? How dare you come in here and lecture me about being open while you are still hiding? Huh? Why?” “I’m, I’m,” Violet stammered. “Hurt, confused, scared? It has been almost a year since Gerald disappeared and you are still in exactly the same place. Why can’t I have a week to recover?” Mattie turned away from her and Violet saw that her shoulders were shaking. She wrapped her arms around her friend. “I’m sorry. I’m an idiot. I saw you push Jimmy away again and I hated that you were shutting him out.” “If he wants to go, then let him!” “Do you want him to go? Are you testing him?” Violet asked softly. Mattie wiped her eyes and turned to face Violet. “Are you testing Buck?” she snapped. “Because he has passed with flying colors.” Violet stared at her. Her words hit too close to home. Was she testing Buck? Why weren’t they involved yet? She knew it was because of her but she did not know why. “Just leave me alone. I can’t be what you want me to be. I just can’t,” Mattie cried. She rose from her bed. “I’m sorry.” Violet stood up as well. “I don’t know why you are apologizing. You have every right to be upset. I just want to help you. I know you have been through an ordeal but-” “You don’t know what I have been through!” Mattie half-shouted. “So just leave me be!” “Mattie, wait!” Violet called out as her friend left the room. She stood there, staring at the open door. What a mess, she thought to herself. All she had wanted to was help and now it looks like she had made things worse. She vowed to be a better friend and not pry; next time she would just sit with Mattie. Unbidden Mattie’s words ran through her mind. What was she doing with Buck? Chapter Ninety Three Buck picked up Peach and stroked her bald, little head as the baby smiled up at him. He could not help but smile back. Lord knows he adored that baby. Not to mention how he felt about her mother. He placed her carefully in the cradle. “Sleep tight, little one,” he said softly, placing the blanket over the baby. He rubbed the baby’s back until he saw her eyes close. He loved it when he got a chance to put her down for the night. Violet had been helping Lou wash up after dinner, thus he had quickly volunteered to get Peach ready for bed. He had just been in his room reading when he heard the baby cry so he came in the settle her back down. Buck stepped outside the alcove that was just off of Violet’s room, and carefully pulled the door shut. “Oh,” Violet said, stopping short. “I was just coming to check on her. Is she asleep?” Buck nodded. “She woke up for a bit.” “Thanks for settling her down.” Violet suppressed a yawn. “I was hoping to get to sleep myself.” Buck smiled. “I can watch over her tonight, if you would like.” Violet stared at for so long that Buck felt himself begin to flush. Why was she looking at him like that? “Should I?” he asked, breaking the awkward silence. “Should you what?” Violet shook her head. “Watch the baby? Oh, you don’t have to,” she finished quickly. “Is something wrong?” Buck asked. Violet’s mind was clearly elsewhere. She shook her head. “Mattie and I had a quarrel before supper.” “I’m sorry.” He wondered if that was why both girls had been so quiet at dinner. “Don’t be. I was meddling and she made sure I knew that,” Violet said sadly. Her eyes began to well up. Buck gently drew her into his arms, hating the anguish on her face. “You are her friend.” He smiled into her hair. “Remember what you told me about friends?” “What?” Violet’s voice was muffled as her face was buried in Buck’s shoulder. “Friends don’t meddle.” Violet raised her head and gave Buck a wry look. “This is your way of saying I told you so, isn’t it?” Buck smiled. Violet put her hands on his shoulders and Buck was surprised at her actions. He felt a surge of desire run through him. “Violet,” he began. She had never done anything as familiar as this before. He had usually been the one to initiate any physical contact. He could only hope she was finally returning some of the feelings he had for her and this was her way of letting him know. “Mattie said a lot of things to me.” Buck could only nod. “Hurtful things,” she continued. “But they were true,” she added sadly. “Some of them were about you.” “Really?” Buck asked in surprise. Violet nodded. “She asked if I was testing you. I’m not,” she continued quickly. “Or maybe I am,” she whispered. She leaned into him. “I’ve never tested this,” she murmured before she placed her lips on his. For a moment, Buck was startled. Then he began to kiss her back, deeply, passionately, with all the longing inside him that had made his body ache for months. Buck pinned Violet against the wall, placing his lips against her throat while his hands stroked the bodice of her dress. “Buck,” she whispered. As desire continued to fill him, he lowered his mouth to the top of her dress, caressing the bare skin that lay exposed with his lips while his hands moved up to cup her breasts. “Please,” she said softly. Buck moved his lips back to her neck, nuzzling her as he moved his leg between hers. “Stop,” she whispered. “Please, Buck, I can’t do this.” Somewhere through the haze of desire, he heard her voice He lifted his head. Surely, she must be joking. Her cheeks were flushed and she was as out of breath as he was. “Violet?” he murmured. Perhaps she was frightened by his response. She pushed him back. “I can’t,” she repeated. “Can’t what?” Buck said angrily. She most certainly could, he thought angrily. “Behave like a tease?” What had she been thinking, kissing him like that? He had wanted her for months and she knew it. Violet shook her head. “Please don’t be angry with me.” “Should I be pleased with you?” he spat out. “There’s a name for women who behave like you!” “I didn’t mean it like that,” Violet cried. “I just wanted to know how it would feel,” she paused awkwardly. “So how did it feel?” Buck asked bitterly. “Did I perform up to your expectations?” He could not believe what had just happened. Violet was using him! The thing that truly made him angry was that he did not know what she was using him for. An object of desire? A babysitter? A protector? Violet shook her head. “I’m sorry. I just thought maybe if we kissed, it would feel right and -” “And it felt wrong?” Buck exclaimed angrily. There was nothing wrong about that kiss. Clearly they were not on the same page. He wondered if they had ever been on the same page, about anything. “I’m never going to be what you want?” Violet said brokenly. “Mattie said I was testing you but that’s not it.” “What are you talking about?!” Buck could not understand a thing she was saying. “I’m not testing you. I know you are everything I’d hoped for. But I am not what you’d hope for. I’m never going to be what you want. I’m never going to be anything.” Buck could only stare at her. “I thought I was in love.” Violet stopped. “No,” she began again, “I was in love. But turns out I was in love with someone who didn’t love me.” “So, that doesn’t mean I can’t love you?!” “I don’t doubt your feelings,” Violet said quietly. “I doubt that I can ever move on.” She looked past him, as she spoke. “The day Gerald left, I begged him not to. I begged him and he said he couldn’t stay. He didn’t have anything left to give me. I didn’t understand what that meant until now,” she finished sadly. “I thought he just vanished,” Buck said, his anger turning to sorrow as he began to realize where this conversation was heading. “I don’t have anything left to give you,” Violet told him. “I barely have anything left to give my child. And you can see I haven’t given Mattie, my best friend, anything for a while now.” She started to cry. “I’m an awful friend to you, and an even worse mother.” “Violet,” Buck began. “All you need is some time.” “Time won’t help! It’s been almost a year since I last saw Gerald.” “But you still love him?” “That’s the worst thing. I don’t love him. Not anymore. But I can’t get past that day. I was on my knees, grabbing his hand, begging him not to go and he did. Look at me!” she sobbed. “I’m stuck. I am in the same place I was the day we met. So much has happened to me and I still can’t move beyond that point. I can’t even name my child I’m so stuck in one place.” “Violet,” Buck said, his voice filled with agony. “I thought for a while you’d help me move on.” “Is that what that kiss was? To see if you’d forget?” Buck asked quietly. Violet nodded. “I forgot. You made me forget. Being with you would be wonderful, but it’s the hours after I can’t do.” She met his eyes. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be,” Buck said brusquely while inside his heart began to break. He could feel the pain radiating out from the inside of his chest to his limbs, a painful heaviness filling him. “I hope for your sake, and your baby’s that you move on.” But he would not be a part of it, he realized. He could not do that to himself, hoping, waiting, praying Violet would heal to the point of moving on. No, he would not do that to himself. He would be the one to move on. He lifted her hands and kissed her palms. “Be well, Violet, be well.” Chapter Ninety Four Jimmy pulled on the reins when a figure stepped out in front of him. He was on his way back to the house from town. The sheriff has just exhumed Jane’s sons’ graves and as expected, they had been empty. Well for a little while at least. The plan was to bury Robert and Travis there, for real this time. He gave the figure in front of him a look of annoyance. “Get out of my way,” he growled. The man, with long hair, which reminded Jimmy a bit of Jake Colter’s, removed his gun from his holster. “I’m calling you out,” he said calmly. Jimmy sighed. “You killed my brother,” the man continued. “Your brother?” Jimmy said blankly. Who was his brother? The man answered his unspoken question, “Bobby.” “You’re his brother, the gunfighter.” Jimmy frowned, then he recalled the name. “Brian Larson.” “Yep.” Slowly Jimmy slid off his mount. “I didn’t want to hurt him.” “Funny hearing you say that, seeing how he’s dead,” Brian replied coldly. “He wrote a note,” Jimmy began. “I don’t care. Die later or die now, you decide,” Brian told him. When Jimmy mutely nodded, he added, “I saw a clearing ‘bout a mile back.” He gestured behind him. “I know it.” “Half an hour.” Jimmy nodded, his mouth set in a grim line. This man wanted revenge. And in the same position, so would he. There was no explanation. He had killed the man’s brother. Now the man was here to seek payback. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy sat on the back steps. His horse had been stabled. If he did not make it out of this gunfight, he did not want his horse wandering around. He wiped the handle of one gun and pushed it into the holster which was beside him as he sat on the back steps of the house. No one was around and he did not want his last moments to be inside that house, all alone. At least here he would enjoy the warmth of the sunshine on his face. “What are you doing?” Jimmy stopped his polishing and looked up. Damn it, it was Mattie. He had thought they had all gone to town to buy supplies. Or at least that was what Teaspoon had said this morning. “Cleaning my guns.” “I can see that. Why?” Mattie persisted. And she had cause to question him, Jimmy thought. He had not cleaned his guns in weeks. What was the point? He really could not use them so why maintain them? Except that he had to use them now. He had to get rid of her and immediately. Jimmy put the gun in his hand down. “No reason,” he explained. “But if you are feeling better maybe we could talk a bit.” Mattie took a step backward. Yeah, it was not fair, Jimmy realized, but what else could he do? Mattie would continue to ask him what he was doing again unless he got rid of her. He did not have time to discuss what he was doing and why. He grabbed his gun and shoved into the other holster. He then tightened his gun belt around him. “Maybe we could take a walk,” he added. “No,” Mattie said, “I think I’m going to rest,” she continued. Jimmy nodded. He had been counting on her avoidance. “Maybe later,” she finished, her voice dropping. “Maybe,” Jimmy said. He stepped foward. He cupped her face in both his hands. “I love you,” he whispered, kissing her lips. One last time, he thought. Even though Mattie did not respond, Jimmy did not stop. A dying man deserved one last kiss. When he released her, Mattie stepped backward, moving out of his arm’s reach. He tipped his hat to her. “Afternoon,” he said, as he began walking away. Chapter Ninety Five Jimmy stepped into the clearing. Brian Larson nodded at him. “Took you long enough.” Jimmy shrugged. Was he supposed to be in a hurry to die? “Ready?” Jimmy nodded. He began moving backwards, as did Larson. He froze when he heard a loud bark and then a voice call out. Mattie came rushing at him while Max planted himself right in the middle of Brian Larson and himself. “Stop!” she screamed. She grabbed his hand and then turned to look at Larson. “Why are you doing this? Hasn’t there been enough bloodshed in this world?” “Get out of here,” Jimmy told her grimly. He grasped her upper arm and turned her about. But Mattie was having none of it. She whirled back around. “What do you want?” she asked Larson evenly. “Money?” “Money ain’t the issue.” “Then why are you here?” she demanded angrily. “My brother deserves avenging,” Larson told her. Jimmy was surprised to see that the man wore a slightly bemused expression. Surprise changed to anger. That smile incensed him. “I told you, Mattie!” Jimmy roared. But Mattie ignored him. “Your brother was that kid,” she paused, “Bobbie?” Larson nodded. And now this gunman and Mattie were chatting, Jimmy fumed. “Mattie, get out of here. Now!” he said, through gritted teeth. “You ain’t got no control of your woman,” Larson laughed. Now he was being laughed at? It was too much. Jimmy put his hand on his gun, and Larson responded just as quickly. “I’m ready whenever you are.” Larson nodded at Mattie. “But you are mighty careless with her.” Jimmy shoulders slumped dejectedly. Yes, he had been careless with Mattie. From Larson’s brother to the fire, to her being taken by Robert, and now this. “Go home, Mattie,” he said flatly. “Don’t you call him careless!” Mattie shouted. “Do you know what has happened to me? Do you know I’d be dead without him? If your half-wit of a brother had walked away when he had the chance, he’d still be alive.” Brian Larson frowned. Jimmy put both hands on Mattie’s shoulders. “Go home,” he told her evenly. “But,” Mattie protested. “This is my life. You know that. You know I killed his brother. He has a right to call me out.” “But he doesn’t know the whole -” “I’m not telling you again,” Jimmy said. Mattie shook her head. Jimmy pointed at Max. “I will kill that dog if you don’t leave now.” “You wouldn’t!” “Try me, Mattie. Just try me.” “I don’t believe you. I’m staying, I’m -” “Then go because I’m asking you,” Jimmy interrupted. Mattie was too hard headed to be bullied. He had to make her understand. “Please,” he whispered. He kissed her distractedly. “I can’t do this with you here.” “Then don’t do it,” Mattie cried. Jimmy met her eyes. “If he let’s me walk, then he’s done for it. His reputation will go to hell. And men will come after me, wondering why someone like Brian Larson let me live after what I did.” “But -” Mattie protested once more. “I have to do this. You know that.” He pulled her into his arms and whispered “I love you.” “I love you, too,” Mattie murmured. Jimmy could only nod. He understood now that what had been going on between them had had nothing to do with love or a lack of it. Mattie had never stopped loving him, even though she had avoided him at every turn, he thought, somehow able to appreciate the irony of it all. “I know you love me, so for that reason, just do what I ask, okay?” Jimmy said. Jimmy saw that Mattie’s eyes had filled with tears when he released her. She nodded once free from his arms. “Max,” she said weakly and when the dog was at her side, she began walking back to the house. “I’m ready,” Jimmy announced once they were gone. Chapter Ninety Six “Who was that?” Brian Larson asked. “Your wife? I never heard told you was married.” “I’m not,” Jimmy answered tersely. “Why are you with her?” Brian gave a Jimmy a strange look. “I figured you as the kind of fella who’d like those curvy blond women.” “What?” Jimmy growled. “Mattie is one of the prettiest girls I’ve ever known,” he finished angrily. “I’m not saying she ain’t pretty,” Brian said quickly. “I just like my women flashier. Figured you did too.” “Flashy? Like you?” Brian Larson’s silver guns shone in the sunlight. His tan jacket covered a blue and red paisley vest and he had a tall dark hat with an etched silver band around it. Clearly the man spent a lot of money on his appearance. Brian gave him a wry grin. “Come on, of the two of us, who’d folks be more scared of? I look the part. You look like everyone else.” “I ain’t never had to play the part,” Jimmy said, giving him a cold look. “No, you ain’t, not with your reputation. But the funny thing is, from what I’ve heard, you’ve never really just used your reputation.” “What does that even mean?” Jimmy exclaimed. “You ain’t got a show.” “What are you doing? Trying to get in my head ‘fore you kill me?” Jimmy rolled his eyes. “I don’t need a show. I’m good at what I do,” he said, his voice dangerously quiet. “Now that is a show,” Brian said appreciatively. “Shut the hell up!” “And why are you all acting like my killing you is such a sure thing? Your girl tries to give me money? You are saying goodbye to her, like it’s the last time you’ll see her. From what I heard tell, you are fast, real fast.” Brian paused, his brow furrowed in thought. “What did your gal mean when she said I didn’t know the whole story? That my brother could have walked away?” “It don’t matter.” “You got a death wish? I’m asking you a question. I clearly have missed something and I’m asking what it is. If you don’t want to tell me, that’s your choice. We can draw now or later. It don’t much matter to me. But I figured you seem to be the kind of guy who carries around a lot of guilt. I’m just trying to ease some of it before you go.” “Screw you.” Brian shrugged. “You talk too much.” “And you don’t talk enough. Like I said, with your reputation, you could have talked your way out of lots of your fights. But you didn’t.” Like maybe this one, Jimmy thought, a bit of hope building inside him. “I tried to talk my way out of a fight with your brother.” “You talked to him? That’s not how I heard it went down.” “Earlier, before he called me out in town,” Jimmy told him. “Your brother first called me out when our train pulled into town,” he said heavily. “He called me out, I told him to get lost.” “And?” “Later that day he pretended he took Mattie.” Brian closed his eyes and Jimmy saw he was muttering to himself but he could not make out the words. “I didn’t want him dead,” Jimmy continued. “So why is he dead?” “It was him or me. I thought he had Mattie -” “What happened to your hand?” Brian cut him off. “What?” Jimmy was dumbfounded. “From what I’ve heard you are right handed. Every time you go near your gun, you are using your left hand.” The man did not miss a thing, Jimmy thought grimly. “Nothing.” Brian shook his head. “I’ve been trying to figure this out since Bobby was killed. Bobby wanted to make a name for himself. He hated being called little Larson, Bobby the baby, or Brian’s little brother. He wanted his own reputation. Killing you would have given him that. So he pretended to take your girl to force you into a fight and you panicked.” He looked at Jimmy sadly. “Or at least that’s what I thought. But that didn’t seem right.” Jimmy could only stare at him. This was not how he expected this gunfight to go, not at all. “I like to figure things out,” Brian explained looking somewhat sheepish. “I don’t like killing men. But I’m good at it,” he added hastily. “I’m just wondering if I have to kill you.” “I didn’t want your brother dead.” “Being in love has made you soft.” “Maybe,” Jimmy agreed quietly. “And hurting your hand has made you do things you wouldn’t otherwise. Is it permanent?” Jimmy watched Brian carefully. What was the man getting at? “I don’t know for sure. But I think so.” “Is it ‘cause of your hand or Bobby pretending to take your girl that made you kill him?” “Both,” Jimmy admitted quietly. “I could kill you even if you hadn’t of hurt your hand.” “So you say.” “But I won’t kill you now. I only appreciate a win if the fight is fair,” Brian said, smiling at his jibe. “There’s an honor in gun fighting,” he continued, his voice turning serious. “My brother didn’t understand that,” he said sadly. “For that reason, I won’t draw on you. My brother didn’t play fair but I do and my reasons for calling you out just don’t stand up anymore, hurt hand or not.” That was it? “How you gonna explain me walking around then?” “Don’t know.” Brian pulled a face. “You can say you killed me. I can start over and find myself a pretty little gal,” he offered with a small laugh. “Or you can be me,” Jimmy said slowly, a germ of an idea had taken root was now growing wildly. “What?” Brian exclaimed. “Brian Larson dies. James, Wild Bill, Hickok, killed him. ‘Cept the Wild Bill who’s walking around is you, not me.” Brian gave him a quizzical look. But Jimmy was just warming up. “The way you think, always trying to figure things out, lawmen think that way. Wild Bill has been a deputy for a chunk of his life. I think you’d make a fine deputy.” “You’re serious?” Jimmy nodded. “I know it ain’t fair, having men who want me dead call you out. But you like the flashy life, the flashy girls. You can have that life as Wild Bill Hickok, if you’re willing to take the risks that come with it.” Brian gave him small nod. “I don’t want those risks,” Jimmy continued, “not anymore. Maybe I am soft now, ‘cause I don’t want nothing more than to marry that crazy girl who ran in here, offering you money.” “It’s more than fair. I barely have anything but the clothes on my back. As you, I’ll have men writing to have me to come in and settle their land fights for good sums of money instead of me begging them to let me settle their stupid squabbles to help build my reputation.” Brian grinned. “And the ladies will be chasing after me, not the other way around.” Jimmy hated receiving those letters and he had not answered any of them. “Yeah, that money is good,” he agreed. “And it will be yours.” He smiled “I hate to say this, but I didn’t have that many women chase after me.” “The kind of women I like will come a running,” Brian said confidently. “I still think you’d be a good lawman,” Jimmy told him. “Maybe.” Brian frowned. “You are really serious about this?” “Hell, yes!” “Okay then, let’s you and me talk so we get our stories straight.” Chapter Ninety Seven Jimmy walked to the house. As he approached the front steps, he saw Mattie sitting on them, Max curled around her feet. Mattie stood up when she saw him. “You won?” she asked tentatively. “In more ways than one,” Jimmy replied, bounding up the stairs. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy opened his eyes and reached a hand down to smooth Mattie’s hair back from her face. “You okay?” he murmured when he saw her eyes open. When he had seen her there, on the steps, he had run to her. Then he had kissed her, and pretty much lost all control. They had barely made it back up to his room. “Fine. You?” “I’m good.” Jimmy smiled. “What happened out there?” Mattie asked, curling her body around his as Jimmy wrapped his arms around her. “Is the other fella?” she paused. “Brian, no, he’s alive.” Mattie gave him a quizzical look and Jimmy quickly filled her in on their plan. “You are free?” she whispered. “Really? Does he understand that people will be trying to kill him?” Jimmy nodded, a pang running through him. He prayed Brian Larson lived a long time and got to have the life he wanted. “He’s a gun fighter. He’s been in that kind of situation before and was gonna be in it again. He figured having the name Hickok would be nothing but an advantage for him.” “He’s probably right,” Mattie mused. She sat up and pulled the sheet closer. She took a deep breath. “So,” she asked quickly, “on a scale from one to ten, how mad are you at me?” “Mad?” Jimmy asked in surprise. “What gave you the idea I was mad?” They had just made love for crying out loud. He sat up as well, suddenly understanding what she was getting at. Mattie wanted to clear the air. “Eleven,” he growled. “Running into the middle of that gunfight like that, offering Larson money. You ever do anything like that again -” “No,” Mattie interrupted his tirade, “not about that.” Jimmy frowned, his confusion obvious. “The way, I’ve been treating you, before today. I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I’m not mad about that. Not at all.” He looked at her sadly, “I was just worried about you. I don’t know what happened to you out there and it’s all my fault that it even happened at all.” “Your fault?” Mattie asked. “How is it your fault?” “They got you,” Jimmy said tersely. “I didn’t blame you for being upset with me. I should have stayed with you. I should have -” “I was never upset with you,” Mattie said quickly, “I was just shaken up by what happened.” Jimmy pulled her close. “Seeing someone shoot themselves has got to be pretty awful.” “It wasn’t just that,” Mattie admitted. “Travis, he, he grabbed me. See,” she paused, swallowing back the shame that filled her before continuing, “they were going to sell me and he said he was going to sample the wares.” She buried her head in his chest. “He knew you were his sister?” Jimmy’s voice was full of shock. Mattie could only nod her head. “Did he, did he?” Jimmy swallowed hard. “No, Robert stopped him.” “He must have been crazy.” “Crazy or driven crazy by Jane,” Mattie said softly. “I wonder if he was the one who killed the lawyer.” “I think so,” Mattie replied. She had been thinking about Travis and Robert a lot lately. “There was a kinda bloodlust to him, like he enjoyed all the violence,” she continued brokenly. “He scared me.” “I’m sorry,” Jimmy murmured. “You don’t need to feel guilty. You found me.” “Eventually,” Jimmy muttered. “What bothers me most is that I can’t help but think I had something to do with all this.” “What? What Travis did?” Mattie nodded. “What did you do?” Jimmy exclaimed. “He kidnapped you. He attacked you.” “I know,” Mattie whispered. But knowing it and believing it were two very different things. “It’s crazy. I run into Brian Larson who had every right to come after me and I end up walking away and having nothing but respect for the man. Travis, Robert and Jane,” Jimmy shook his head, “they could have done a lot of things but instead they choose to hurt everyone around them and themselves most of all.” He grimaced, “I can’t figure why anyone would do what they did.” “I think money drove them out of their heads” Mattie said, looking up at him. “After Travis grabbed me, Robert pulled him off. He said he was sorry and that Travis didn’t understand that they were going to hang and then he shot him and then himself.” She began to cry. “It happened so fast. I couldn’t stop him.” “You feel guilty,” Jimmy said, finally understanding what had been upsetting Mattie. It truly had nothing to do with him. The anguish of letting her brother die and the shame of having the other one attack her had been crushing her. “He was my kin,” she cried. “Robert may have been a decent fella,” Jimmy told her, “but he was right. He was going to hang. Maybe he couldn’t take the guilt of everything his family had done. Maybe it was just too much for him too.” He held her face in his hands. “He took the easy way out. He wasn’t as strong as you.” “I’m not strong!” “You are, Mattie. Trust me, you are. You have forgiven Robert for his role in all this. That takes strength. ” He hugged her close once more. “Then why was I so awful to you?” “You always hurt the ones you love,” Jimmy grinned. “Now you have to make it up to me.” “Really?” Mattie smiled back at him, her face stiff from her tears. “I’m a wealthy woman now; I guess I could give you a reward.” “Money? Nah, I’d prefer a whole different kind of reward.” “Is that all you ever think about?” Mattie exclaimed, unable to stop from laughing. “Pretty much,” Jimmy told her with a bemused smile. Mattie put her hands on his cheeks. “Thank you.” “For what?” “Just being you.” Most of her life she had had trouble feeling loved and wanted and lately she had felt even less loveable than usual after what had happened to her. But Jimmy, as always, had made her feel like she was loved and wanted. “That I can do, Mattie, that I can do.” Chapter Ninety Eight Buck put the last of his clothing into the small bag on his bed. He glanced about his now almost empty room. Yes, he had gotten everything, save a few things he needed for the next couple of days. He hoped that Teaspoon would not argue with him about leaving. It had to be done. He could not stay in this house any longer. The danger was over. Jane was in jail and two of her sons were dead. The remaining child was to live in the house with Mattie. Or maybe Mattie would go back to Iowa. He really did not know. The lawyer was still discussing things and having her sign forms. Buck supposed the house was not officially hers yet, but it would be soon enough. Then she would have to make some decisions. Was she going to live in this big old house or was she going sell the place and move back to Iowa? It saddened him to realize that there had been no more discussion of turning the house into a school for Indian children. But then that been Violet’s plan and the house was no longer going to be hers. Kid and Lou were staying as they had found a house a few miles away, Teaspoon was all ready talking about leaving. He was planning on making a trip to Iowa to see his sister. But he acted like he was going to return. Maybe he was going to stick around until Violet made her plans known to all. Who knew? Jimmy was obviously going wherever Mattie was going. He had all but proposed to her. A few days ago, he had told them all the story of Brian Larson and when he had concluded that he was free, he had stared at Mattie, who blushed furiously. Maybe free wasn’t the word for it, Buck mused. He had broken free of the shackles that JD Marcus had placed upon him in revenge. But he was not free because he was bound to Mattie, heart and soul. It was funny, he thought. He could barely remember the author’s name but his actions had almost destroyed his friend’s life. Until now. Now Jimmy could do as he pleased and he pleased to be with Mattie. Buck was happy for his friend. But he could not help but feel a bit of jealousy as well. Violet had said nothing about her plans. As usual, she was stuck in limbo. Buck was certain Violet was ready for him to leave. His presence was clearly unwanted. Violet rarely spoke to him anymore and she had been asked, on several occasions, what was wrong. Nothing was wrong, was her reply. And as far as she was concerned, there was nothing wrong. Nothing wrong but the fact she had not named her child, and could not make a decision about her future. But was she really wrong in rejecting him? Her life would be difficult being with an Indian, he thought. But he could not make himself believe that. What was going on with Violet had nothing to do with the color of his skin. Violet’s problems were her own; and if she would not let him help her then he would stop offering. He had to, to do otherwise would destroy him. A pang ran through him as he suddenly missed Day Woman. His marriage had been short but happy. Maybe if he went back to the Kiowa he would be lucky enough to meet someone else. But he did not think so. Day Woman had been special. She, through sheer force of will, had made sure Buck had a place with the hunters and traders. It had not hurt that her brother was one of the tribe’s strongest hunters and her father was an excellent trader, Buck thought with a small smile. But he had proved his worth. Yes, he decided. He would go home. Home was with the Kiowa. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “Now you remember what I told you,” Mattie said to the clerk at the post office. “I remember. It don’t make no sense, but I remember,” the clerk replied. “It makes perfect sense,” Mattie retorted, handing him an envelope. Teaspoon smiled at her as she exited the post office. “And here I thought I was the schemer,” he laughed. Mattie shrugged. “I’ve heard your tales. I learned from the master,” she grinned. “Thursday is Buck’s farewell dinner, right?” Teaspoon asked. Mattie nodded. “Same day the letter will arrive.” She gave Teaspoon a concerned look. “Kid won’t forget, will he?” Teaspoon shook his head. “Now don’t go fretting. Kid hasn’t missed mail day yet.” “He just has to get the letter to Violet a couple of hours before the dinner.” “And he will,” Teaspoon assured her. Mattie looked up at him. “You think it will work?” “I hope so,” Teaspoon sighed. Their carefully laid plan was to force Violet into action. “I think all she needs is a push.” Chapter Ninety Nine Violet sighed as she lowered the blanket she was knitting for her baby. Buck was leaving, she thought once more. But she could not ask him to stay. What would be the point? She was not ready to start a relationship with him. But she also realized she would miss him, a great deal. She would miss his friendship, the way he helped out with the baby. She threw the blanket on the couch she had been sitting on in the parlor. She wished with all her heart that she had met Buck first, not Gerald. But she had not. “You got a letter,” Kid called out. He walked over to her and glanced at the heap of yarn on the couch. “I’m a lousy knitter,” Violet muttered as Kid handed her a letter. Actually, she was quite an accomplished knitter. Her mind was somewhere else today. “Is Lou still with Peach?” Kid asked, glancing toward the kitchen. “Yeah, she wants to take her on a walk before supper.” Buck’s last supper with them, Violet thought glumly. “Well,” Kid said, “I’ll go catch up to her.” He gave her a warm smile. “See you at supper.” Violet nodded. She glanced at the unopened letter. It was from Mattie’s aunt Florence. “Now, why would she be writing me?” she wondered aloud. She ripped the envelope open, her heart beginning to pound. Lord, she prayed, please let my mother be well. Please, don’t let this letter be about something bad happening her. She quickly scanned the words. Mattie’s aunt had written about Gerald, how he had come back. And that her mother had refused to tell him where she was. “Good for her,” Violet whispered. But then her heart began to sink. Mattie’s aunt had written that it was not right to keep Gerald away from her. This was her choice, not her mother’s, and therefore she had informed Gerald as to Violet’s whereabouts. Gerald was coming here! Violet jumped to her feet, staring at the door, wondering if he would arrive soon. Her mind was filled with dozens of thoughts. The first thought she had was that she did not want him here. He would come in here and probably propose and maybe it would be the right thing to do for her baby. Her daughter would have her mother and father in her life. But she did not love Gerald. She could not even fathom spending the rest of her life with him. In the beginning, Gerald’s quiet ways were enticing to her. He had been so mysterious to her. She had been certain that she would be the one to mend his broken soul. But she had not been the one. Gerald was only coming here out of obligation, she was sure of it. But then another thought ran through her mind – What if he had missed her? What if he did not know about the baby but only wanted her. Violet frowned as she suddenly realizing she had not missed him. Not since the day she had arrived in Witches Peak. Maybe it was because she had been busy. Her life had been a whirlwind since the day she had arrived here. But somehow she doubted if she would have missed Gerald even if her life had been a bit simpler. Even when their child was born, she had not missed him. She had not even wished Gerald could see their beautiful girl. The one she shared their child with was Buck. Violet sat down heavily. If Buck saw Gerald here, oh God, she covered her eyes with her hands. He would think she was happy and he’d never come back. Her head snapped up. She wanted him to come back? Where had that thought come from? Buck was leaving. He was leaving forever and she was letting him. She could just marry Gerald and live her life. Yet another thought popped into her mind. Her life with Gerald would not be very interesting. She and Gerald did not have very good conversations. Sometimes she wondered if that’s why she had slept with Gerald, to keep him with her, because they did not talk much or do anything together. With Buck, she would have a purpose – running an Indian school. She would have interesting conversations and they would do things they liked, together, such as riding, gardening, talking about books, or events that were going on in the world. She could share her feelings with him, even her silliest ones. Heck, she had even shared more with Jimmy, about her fascination about people’s inner thoughts, than she had with Gerald. And she would have passion, she realized, her cheeks growing warm, as she recalled their kiss in the hallway. Buck was still here, Violet thought, jumping to her feet. Maybe Buck would forgive her for her stupidity. Violet was finally able to close the door on Gerald. She felt like one of the plants in her garden. It had a taken her a long time but the roots had taken hold and she felt secure now. Her uncle had helped her with that, as had his ‘boys’, she smiled. She also remembered what Mattie had said to her, about being stuck in yesterday. She had been stuck. So stuck that that until now, like her plants, she was unable to break free of their shell and the surface soil, and feel the sunshine. It had taken her over a year, but she realized she was finally over Gerald and she did not want him back in her life. He had been such a large part of her life and his leaving had devastated her. But his leaving did not hurt much anymore. He gave her Peach (ugh, she had to think of a name). In fact, if he had not left, she would have never met Buck, she thought. And that would have left a huge void in her life. She hurried to the stables, where she was sure Buck would be, readying his horse for travel. Chapter One Hundred Buck stacked his two bags in the corner of the stable. Then he picked up the travois. Yes, it was still in good condition. He would be able to use it to get back to the Kiowa. He smiled to himself. It would be good to see his brother, his wife, and his young niece. Little Feather might even be talking by now. He turned when he heard the door of the stable open. “Something wrong?” he asked quickly. Violet looked like she had run all the way from the house to here. “Is Peach okay?” “She’s fine,” Violet said, her words coming quickly. She stopped panting and took a deep breath. “I’ve decided on a name,” she said. Buck’s eyes widened. “I’m glad.” Violet was behaving very oddly, running all the way to the barn to tell him she had named her child was not typical Violet behavior. “Theodora.” “What?” “Theodora,” Violet repeated, “I want to name her after my father.” Buck smiled. “It’s a fine name. And we – you,” he amended hastily, “can call her Teddy for short.” He had to move past his feelings for Violet and her child. He just had to. There was no we, he reminded himself. Violet looked at him, as if she was awaiting a response then gradually her look became more and more disappointed. “Are you okay?” Buck asked. “Gerald is coming,” Violet said slowly. Buck forced himself to smile. “I’m glad,” he told her. “You’re glad?” Violet exclaimed. “It is what you wanted.” “It’s what I thought I wanted.” “You don’t want Gerald to come to you?” Buck frowned. He had been certain Violet was stuck in one place because her heart had been broken. Having the love of her life return should mend her broken heart. Violet shook her head. “No. And to be quite honest, I found that just as surprising as you do.” Buck swallowed hard. He willed himself not to read more into this than there was. “Maybe you will feel differently when you see him.” “I don’t think so.” Buck shrugged. “I suppose time will tell.” He turned back to his horse. He needed to check his animal’s hooves. “Buck!” Buck turned back around quickly. “I’m sorry. Was there more?” “I named the baby.” Buck frowned. “I know,” he said, puzzled. “I don’t want Gerald to come here. And I don’t want you to go!” Buck’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry it has taken me so long to realize how much I care for you. But I realize it now,” Violet said plaintively. “You do not have to feel guilty. I was wrong, putting my expectations on you like that. You made it clear that all you could offer me was friendship,” Buck said heavily. He had to tread carefully because inside his heart was beginning to soar. He did not think he would be able to stand another rejection from Violet. “Yes,” Violet said, “I told you those things. And then, that was the truth. But knowing Gerald was coming made me realize I don’t want him here. I don’t want him coming here, proposing, or whatever he plans on doing.” “If you were with me, Gerald would not propose. You would not have to feel guilty saying no to him.” Violet winced. “Ouch,” she said. “But I guess I deserved that.” Buck shoved his hands deep inside his pocket, tamping down all his feelings. “I didn’t say it to hurt you.” “You think it’s true?” “Isn’t it?” “No!” Violet exclaimed loudly. “I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to realize that I don’t really have anything in common with Gerald.” “Violet,” Buck said gently, “you do not have much in common with me either.” Buck saw the hurt in her eyes when she spoke again. “Do you really believe that?” “The way we have been raised is so different. My people -” “Not our people,” Violet interrupted. “You and me? I don’t recall a single lull in any of our conversations. But” she continued, her voice growing more quiet. “I don’t believe that’s it at all. I’ve taken all your care, your affection, your kindness and held onto to it and never have given any of it back to you. I’m sorry. I understand now.” She turned, slowly beginning to walk away. Buck put his hand on her shoulder, stopping her. She turned back to face him. “What do you understand?” he asked. He was not sure he understood. “It’s too late,” Violet said simply. She reached up and kissed his cheek. “Be well,” she told him. She then began walking back to the house. Buck could only watch her. Then suddenly he began running. He had told himself that if love ever walked in, he would hold onto it with both hands. Love was precious and rare…just like Violet and his, yes his, Peach were to him. He was in love with the girl that was walking away from him. And he loved her daughter. He had fallen in love with that baby the second he had held her in his arms. The thought of having them as his family filled his heart with more gladness than he knew was possible, more than he thought he would ever have again since Day Woman had died. Violet had finally turned the corner and he was pushing her away? Was he crazy? Obviously she was still very fragile and not sure of herself when it came to him and how he felt about her. Once he reached her side he enveloped Violet with both arms. “I thought you wanted to be like Teaspoon,” he said quickly. Violet stared at him. “He’d never give up without a fight.” Violet smiled. “So, it’s not too late” “I need some wooing,” Buck teased. “That I am very good at,” Violet laughed. Buck pulled her closer. “I promised myself if love ever came to me again, I would hold onto it with both hands,” he told her, his fingers encircling her waist, drawing her closer. “But if this is something…” his voice grew softer. Was this something like their previous ill-fated kiss, he wondered, doubts filling his head once again. She shook her head. “No,” she said vehemently. “I don’t even think I can explain it myself. But I’m ready to move on.” She smiled. “Finally.” She drew him close to her. “Finally,” she whispered. “I’m like one of the plants in my garden, finally breaking free of its shell,” she continued softly. Buck smiled. Violet did turn a phrase. “And you are my sunshine,” she said, pulling him in for a kiss. Chapter One Hundred and One Violet held Buck’s hand as they walked back to the house. “Any regrets?” he asked quietly. “Not a one,” she told him resolutely. “It took me a long time to get here, but I’m here.” She had been in Buck’s arms for almost half an hour, in the barn. Then her body had told her it was time to feed Peach. She sighed. “What?” Buck asked. “I even think of Peach as Peach,” she replied. Buck laughed. Once they reached the house, they found Teaspoon and Mattie peeping out the window. “I wonder what’s going on?” Violet mused aloud. Mattie burst out the front door. “You’re holding hands,” she exclaimed, the happiness she felt written all over her face. “Don’t gloat,” Violet scolded her mildly. “Just remember I was right about you too.” Mattie frowned. “What was I right about?” “I was stuck in yesterday,” Violet replied. She squeezed Buck’s hand, who lifted it to his lips. “But not anymore,” she smiled. “The letter worked!” Mattie burst out. “How’d you know about the letter?” Violet exclaimed. Mattie linked her arm through Teaspoon’s. “We sent it,” she announced. “You what?!?” Violet half shouted; the shock of Mattie’s words written all over her face. Gerald was not coming. “You needed a kick in the pants,” Mattie continued calmly. “So we gave it to you.” She shrugged. “Seems like it worked out just fine.” She grinned. “You ain’t stuck in yesterday anymore.” “Are you disappointed?” Buck asked softly. Violet turned to him. “Of course not,” she said, placing her hands on his shoulders. “Whether he comes or not is irrelevant. The Gerald chapter of my life is closed. It took me a long time to close it.” She made a face at Mattie and Teaspoon. “That’s not true. It’s been closed for a long time. And apparently, I needed help to realize that it has been closed for a long time. But trust me, it is closed. I’m starting a new one. The Buck Cross chapter.” Chapter One Hundred and Two 1 year later… Teaspoon sat at the head of the table. His sister Minerva sat at the other head. She had moved into the Farthingon mansion, now renamed the Swanson School for Children, about six months ago. They were waiting for the rest of the family to join them for Sunday dinner. This was the one time of the week everyone got together. The rest of the days were just too busy to get together to socialize, as a large group. There were about 20 children attending school here. Fifteen Indian children, and five white, one of them being Wil, who had taken the name Swanson as well. Lou’s brother and sister were also attending school here. The house had been set up to be both a school and a dormitory. Violet was the lead teacher. Lou and Mattie were the administrators. Buck was a liaison to the tribes who sent children to the school. Jimmy provided security, when it was needed (not everyone took kindly to the idea of an Indian school so close to town) and was also a town deputy. Kid was a handy man, and taught the children skills such as working with leather, fishing, hunting, things a father would, had a father been in the picture. Mattie and Lou were discussing the idea of having an in-house lawyer and Kid had warmed to the idea. They were now looking into the possibility of Kid attending law school. Teaspoon smiled. His children had done good. He and Minerva just filled in as needed. Actually, that was not true. They were the cooks. Well, truth be told, Minerva was the cook; he was just her assistant. And they were grandparents to all. A task he found more satisfying than he could ever have imagined. Six months ago, both Mattie and Violet had been married. Everyone had made the trek to Iowa, and both girls had married their beaus in a joint ceremony. It was actually Violet and Buck’s second ceremony as Buck and she had had a Kiowa ceremony a few weeks prior, but no one had complained of a second ceremony. Peach was still known as Peach, much to Violet’s chagrin. Kid and Lou’s son, Noah McCloud, a brown haired, blue eyed charmer, had made his appearance in this world four months ago. Mattie hurried to her spot at the table, “Evening,” she called out. “Everything looks delicious.” Teaspoon beamed at her. She was glowing. She and Jimmy had told them that she was expecting a while back. She was due in about three months. He chuckled to himself. Hence the timing of the wedding. Those two had been bickering about where the wedding should take place, what name should they go by, and the suddenly they were getting married. Compromises had apparently been struck quickly. Jimmy, and now his bride, was still going by the name Hickok. Because he was a mule, Teaspoon decided. But it really did not matter. As far as he had heard, the whole Brian Larson switch had gone off without a hitch. Brian Larson had settled a few land disputes, according to Jimmy, and was now considering becoming a lawman. “How are you feeling?” Teaspoon asked her. “Fine,” Mattie replied. “You are almost as bad as Jimmy,” she grinned. Kid and Lou entered, carrying little Noah. Lou took her spot next to Teaspoon. He loved sitting by that baby. “There’s my boy,” Teaspoon declared proudly. “We are chopped liver,” Lou told Kid. Teaspoon could only smile. Theresa, Jeremiah, and Wil came dashing in. “Did you wash up?” “Slow down.” Lou and Mattie chorused. Teaspoon continued to smile. That trio was a close bunch. He hoped they stayed close. And they had two sets of parents, Kid and Lou and Jimmy and Mattie. “Yeah, yeah,” Jeremiah, grumbled. Wil grinned at Minerva. “There’s pie for dessert, right?” “Of course,” Minerva smiled. “What kind?” Jimmy asked, coming to sit by Mattie. Minerva arched a brow at him. “Patience boy. And where’s-”she continued but before she could finish Buck and Violet entered. “Sorry,” Violet said as she and Buck quickly sat down. “We were just discussing something.” “Something serious?” Teaspoon frowned “Kind of,” Violet smiled. “I’m going to continue your untraditional ways and make this announcement. Buck and I-” And she didn’t get any further as she was enveloped by a number of arms. Once she and Buck were done being congratulated, Lou asked, “When?” “In about six months.” Teaspoon beamed. Yes, his ‘boys’ had done good. Real good. The End Drop me a note and let me know what you thought!