NEW BEGINNINGS
“But, Ben, what do we know about these things, we’re farmers. We don’t know the first thing about how to take a stand against someone like Jenkins.” Henry Morgan sat on the rail at one end of the porch smoking a cigar as he posed the question that all of the neighbors who had gathered for the meeting obviously wanted answered, as they nodded and mumbled their agreement.
“I know how you feel, Henry, but this is our homes, our families, and our very future that we’re talking about here. If we stand together against Jenkins he’ll have no choice but to back down and maybe, just maybe, we can get some of his hands on our side. After all, they’re reasonable hard working men, just like we are.” Ben replied earnestly.
Just then, Daisy appeared in the doorway brandishing a tray filled with steaming coffee and fresh pie. She smiled sweetly as all who were sitting rose to their feet. “Thought you men could use some refreshment,” she said as she set the tray down on the small table next to the rocker.
“Thanks, Daisy,” Jess said returning her smile. “Just what we need.”
He helped himself to a slice of his favorite desert and a cup of coffee and settled back into his non-stop motion. Ben had introduced him to every man as they had arrived They were only four in all but these four men commanded a great deal of respect amongst the smaller farms in the community. If these four could be persuaded to make a stand, then Ben figured the whole valley would follow.
Henry Morgan was probably in his middle forties and owned the farm adjoining Ben’s. He had seen this kind of thing before, even been involved in it and to avoid trouble he had moved on. This was his last chance and he knew it.
Luke Ferguson and Josh Willard owned a spread, not dissimilar to that of Slim and Jess except they also ran a small freight line. Both were about the same age as Jess and willing to hold on to what they had built at any cost.
Frank Spencer, like Morgan was older in years and had traveled far and wide to find a place to settle and call his own.
Jess had sized up each man and agreed with Ben’s assessment that if these four could be persuaded, then the valley had a chance.
“I know what you’re saying, Henry,” Frank Spencer began. “But I’m tired of running from men like Jenkins. You can count me in, Ben.” He sat down solemnly next to Jess who smiled and nodded his appreciation of the man’s decision.
Jess turned his gaze upon Luke and Josh. These were the two who interested him, young, strong and not afraid of a fight; but they did have a lot riding on this and he knew it. Luke sipped on his coffee and Jess thought how like Slim he was: steady, a thinker, not one to stir up trouble if it wasn’t warranted. He caught himself smiling. Josh, on the other hand was hot headed and…
“Count me in, Ben; no one is going to take what Luke and I are building away from us without a fight.” Josh’s exuberance broke the silent evening air.
“Josh!” Luke commanded as he gave Josh a hard stare. “There you go again jumping in with both feet, when you don’t know how deep the water is.”
Jess, unable to help himself as he watched the scene unfold and listened to the all too familiar confrontation, chuckled quietly. The gathering looked at him sternly.
“This ain’t funny Mr. Harper; you should take this more seriously since your sister will be affected by whatever actions we decide to take.” Morgan chastised gravely.
Morgan’s grave words brought Jess back to reality with a jolt. This was not a time for reminiscing.
“I’m sorry gentlemen, really, I meant no disrespect, just let my mind wander I’m afraid. Go on with what you were saying, please.” Jess sat up and leaned forward to make himself look more earnest in the discussion at hand.
“So, Henry, and you too, Luke, does that mean you’re in or out?” Ben asked. He knew that if the rest of the valley was to come together, then all four of these men had to be firmly backing the idea that he and Jess had proposed.
Luke replaced his now empty cup on the tray and looked sternly at Jess as he did so. “I’m in, Ben.” Jess smiled at the young rancher, who briefly acknowledged him. He wasn’t sure about Jess, not yet anyhow, but there was something about him.
“It’s up to you now, Henry,” Ben said as the reluctant farmer paced to the other end of the porch mouthing his cigar as he went. The older man slowly turned and puffed a cloud of smoke into the air.
Ben and Jess glanced briefly at each other and waited anxiously. They knew that if Morgan decided against standing up to Jenkins then this meeting had been in vain. None of the others would follow through with their affirmation to stand together if Morgan wasn’t with them. Jess coughed nervously and shifted in his chair fingering the flap of his faded blue shirt, as the wizened farmer blew another cloud of smoke into the evening air. All was still…. Suddenly, a baby cried breaking the silence, making the gathering jump nervously.
Jess smiled easily as he listened to the continuing cry of his new niece and just as suddenly as it had begun, it quieted to a soft whimpering. Then, as if by magic Daisy stood in the doorway gently cradling the newborn baby in her expert arms. Her warm smile carried a measure of gravity.
“If you have any doubts, Mr. Morgan, then maybe you should be taking into consideration those who will come after you. Like this tiny child, helpless now but who will grow up to continue what you gentlemen have already begun to build here.” She cooed at the baby. Jess rose to his feet and stood beside her, gently laying his hand on the tiny bundle. Daisy raised her eyes and looked lovingly at the quiet young man she considered her son, it amazed her how hard and strong he was. Yet he could be so caring, so loving with an unsurpassed kindness to those who were too weak or unable to fend for themselves. Like this tiny child she held in her arms. She often saw it in the way he handled Mike and thought it one of his most endearing features. Now here he was again ready to put his life on the line, not only for his family but for others too.
Morgan extinguished his cigar and stepped toward Daisy and the baby and looked at the tiny scrunched up face. “Mrs. Cooper is right, Ben, it’s the future that counts and the future depends on what we do now. Count me in.”
The baby began to fuss again as Daisy handed her to her father, who took her gently, though still a little afraid that she might break. Ben beamed and suggested that a nightcap was in order; and beckoned his visitors inside as he carried the now fussy bundle into the house. The gathered neighbors followed, leaving Daisy and Jess on the porch.
Daisy stepped to the rail and looked up at the night sky with its hues of purple and black. The gentle night wind breezed across the yard, making her shiver and she pulled her shawl tightly about her shoulders. All at once she felt a warmth as Jess stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned into the soothing embrace and closed her eyes, enjoying the comfort of a loved one.
“We’re going to beat Jenkins, Daisy, and when we do, it’ll be because of you and what you said here tonight.” Jess pulled her closer as the wind picked up again.
“It wasn’t me, Jess; it was that little niece of yours that brought them all together. Mr. Morgan knew he had a path to follow, he just wasn’t sure which one and she showed him the way. Funny how children do that.” She turned and smiled at the weather honed face standing before her. “Think I should be heading for bed. Before I go, can I make you something warm to drink to help you sleep, Dear?”
Jess’ face crumpled into his usual boyish grin. “Sure, just so long as it ain’t milk.”
And with that they wrapped an arm round each other’s waist and headed inside to join the rest of the company.
“This is the third driver we’ve lost in ten days, Jess. If this carries on we’ll have to shut the freight-line down; and that would force us to sell the ranch.” Luke Ferguson said as he and his partner Josh Willard sat on the McKittrick porch, late one Monday evening.
“I know, Luke, but we got to stick together. If you back down now, Jenkins will have won and everything this community has worked for will be for nothing.” Ben replied as he stepped from the doorway and handed each man a glass and filled it from the bottle he carried. He approached Jess with the same offering but Jess shook his head in decline, preferring to keep a clear head.
“But, Ben, you don’t understand; those miners need those supplies. If we miss this run, we’ll lose the contract with the mining company and that would mean the end for us.” Luke responded and drained his glass.
“What excuse did Billings give for quitting like he did?” Jess asked as he stretched out in his usual manner, rocking his chair back and forth as he thought on the young ranchers’ problem.
“None,” Josh chimed in. “Just turned up at the office and said he couldn’t work for us anymore. When I asked him why, he just shook his head and said he couldn’t risk his family.” Ben refilled his guests’ glasses and took a seat next to Jess.
“After all our hard work to keep everyone together; and now this happens.” Ben emptied his glass and looked across at a very quiet Jess Harper. Jess was staring into oblivion, deep in thought. “What you thinking on, Jess?” Ben finally asked.
Suddenly Jess sat bolt upright and looked the two young ranchers’ fully in the face. Thoughts of Slim and the ranch and the relay station flooded his mind. This could so easily be them. In fact, it almost had been once.
Finally, Jess stood to his feet and spoke. “I’ll drive the wagon tomorrow.” And without another word he filled the glass offered earlier and drained it in one swallow. Then he looked around at the concerned faces.
“But, Jess…” Luke began, “You’ve got a family to think about; what about your partner in Wyoming? No, No, we couldn’t let you risk everything and for complete strangers, too.” Luke adamantly shook his head and looked across at his partner who was nodding his head vigorously in agreement.
“I said I’ll drive. What time do you want me to be at your place tomorrow?” He look was cold and hard and the two young ranchers, though having only known Jess for a short while, knew that to argue with him would be futile.
“About seven, the wagon is all loaded since it should have left today. Takes about two hours to reach the camp and unloading should take about half an hour with all the hands to help; you should be back by just after mid-day.” Josh answered but got a swift black look from his partner for his eagerness.
“I’ll ride shot-gun for you, Jess.” The three younger men whirled as Ben spoke.
“No, Ben, you’ve got Francie and the baby to think on. And I’d feel better having you taking care of things here.”
“But I’m the better man with a gun than Luke or Josh; makes sense for me to ride with you.” Ben refilled his and Jess’ glass and studied Jess carefully.
Jess settled himself back down into the rocker, a look of uneasiness about him. “I can’t let you, Ben, not with that hired gun Jenkins has on his payroll. You’ve laid your gun aside and made a new life for yourself; I won’t let you give all that up.” Ben recognized the steely gaze, he had seen it all too often in Francie’s eyes when her mind was made up. Why were these Harpers so stubborn and why was it that they were always right.
“If that’s the way you want it, Jess. Just be careful; I don’t want to have to send Slim any bad news.” Ben said defeated.
“There won’t be any bad news, Ben, because you’re going with Jess tomorrow. Daisy and I can take care of ourselves.” Jess’ eyes flashed to the doorway to see Francie standing there in an all too familiar stance, with her hand on her hips, her expression set and determined. The siblings’ eyes met as if in a duel. “Don’t argue with me on this, Jess. Ben is right. He is the better man with a gun and you will need all the help you can get.”
Jess flew to his feet in an outrage. “Ben stays, Francie. Do you hear me, he stays.”
“Hush now, all of you before you wake the baby,” Daisy began as she hustled to the open door and stood next to Francie. “Too late,” she continued and rolled her eyes at the shrill cry that pierced the evening air. “Now see what you’ve done and it’s taken me ages to get her to settle.” And with that she hurried to quiet the restless infant.
“This is our valley and our future, Jess. Ben goes and that is my final word on it.” Francie folded her arms in defiance and stood her ground.
“But, Francie, you lost your family once over land grabbers, I won’t let that happen again, not this time; not when I can do something to prevent it.” Jess said quietly as he stepped closer to his sister.
Francie’s expression softened as she laid her hands on her brother’s shoulders. “All the more reason for him to go with you, little brother; I don’t want anything to happen to you, to either of you. You are the best protection for each other. You’ve both had to live by the gun and you know what to expect, can you understand what I’m trying to say?”
“I understand, but I want to take you and Daisy and the baby to the Morgan’s ranch first thing; just to be safe.” Jess’ eyes searched his sister’s for his answer. “Promise me, Francie. Promise you’ll go where someone can protect you.”
“I promise, Jess. We’ll go to the Morgan place in the morning before you head to Josh’s and Luke’s.”
Jess’ face filled with a smile of relief. “From the sounds of it, I think Daisy could do with a hand.” He said nodding toward the sound of the continuous cries, Francie nodded as she turned and headed inside.
So as the cock crowed his welcome to the new day, Jess and Ben headed in the direction of Luke and Josh’s place, after dropping their anxious family at Henry Morgan’s.
“Don’t worry, boys; we’ll take good care of them.” Mrs. Morgan sang out as she waved her farewell.
Daisy and Francie stood side by side, their hearts heavy with dread of what may lay in wait for the men they loved.
Ben and Jess made good time to the small ranch, where Luke and Josh operated their small freight-line. Ben and Luke were harnessing the team while Jess and Josh settled Ben’s team in the corral. Ben looked up from his work and took note of the two younger men who were deep in discussion over something. But Ben paid it no mind seeing as Jess and Josh were similar in age. In fact that was one reason he liked the two young ranchers so much, they reminded him very much of Slim and Jess. With the team finally set, Luke hailed his partner and Jess.
“Coming, Luke,” Josh replied as he and Jess shook hands and exchanged a knowing glance.
Jess climbed up beside Ben and, bidding the young ranchers farewell, flicked the leather and the heavily laden wagon moved off in the direction of the mining camp.
The early morning mist was lifting as they turned off the main road and headed along the rugged dirt track that served as thoroughfare to the small mine. Gold had been struck here many years before, hence the reason for the town; but now the operation was small as the veins petered out. Yet the small mining company still eked out enough ore to keep the operation open even if it was on a far smaller scale.
Jess urged the team forward as they stumbled along, finding it difficult to traverse the deep ruts. Ben’s eyes were peeled in all directions, alert for any unforeseen movement or hindrance. They were half way to their destination when Jess finally pulled the team up and suggested they rest and water the horses.
“This road is worse than Josh said it would be,” Jess said as he watered the team and then checked their feet for stones. An imbedded stone would mean certain lameness for the animal and that would strand them in the middle of nowhere, something that he most definitely wanted to avoid considering the volatile circumstances that surrounded them.
With the horses rested Jess and Ben climbed aboard and continued on. It was just as they came to a particularly awkward bend that tragedy struck.
“Watch out for that r….” Ben’s voice trailed off as one of the wheels hit a particularly large rock throwing the wagon off balance and before Jess could do anything to steady the team, the whole wagon tilted dangerously sideways throwing its occupants violently into the underbrush. There was a cracking sound as the traces broke and the team bolted down the dirt track.
Winded but unharmed Jess and Ben struggled to their feet just as a shot rang out and ricocheted off the back of the wagon sending them sprawling once more into the dirt; this time their guns drawn.
“Jenkins!” Jess exclaimed in a hushed tone. “Did you see where the shot came from, Ben?”
Ben shook his head. “But we can soon find out; watch for the flash point, Jess.” And before Jess could stop him Ben exposed himself briefly drawing out their bushwhackers. Two shots rang out and Jess quickly spied the flash points.
“Up there, just behind that outcrop of rocks.” Jess said as Ben huddled himself behind the protection of the wagon once more. “We’re pretty well pinned down, Ben.” Jess began as he glanced across at his brother-in-law. His face drained when he eyed the increasing pool of blood on Ben’s shirt. “Ben!” he exclaimed and struggled closer.
“Sorry, Jess, guess I didn’t duck quick enough.” Ben coughed and grimaced at the stabbing pain that ripped through his upper body.
Jess quickly drew a neckerchief from his back pocket and reaching into the wagon grabbed their only canteen. Carefully, he opened Ben’s shirt to inspect the wound. “You’re lucky, Ben; bullet went straight through the shoulder. Here; take a swallow.” Ben drank slowly then handed the canteen back to Jess, who doused the neckerchief and attempted to clean the wound and stem the flow of blood.
Then he tore a length of material from the bottom of his shirt to serve as a dressing. Using his and Ben’s bandanas, he tied them together and around Ben’s shoulder and under his arm in an effort to keep the dressing in place.
“Best I can do I’m afraid, Ben. What you need is a doctor and soon before any infection sets in.” Jess announced gravely as he once again offered Ben the canteen.
Ben drank deeply and lay back against the wagon. “Seems to have gone all quiet up there, what you think they’re up to, Jess?”
Jess checked his gun and then Ben’s as he pondered their predicament. “They know we’re only two and that they’ve got us pinned down. My guess is that they will more than likely try and get behind us.” Another shot hit the wagon sending fine splinters into the air causing both men to huddle even closer to the ground.
“Ain’t no where for you to go, McKittrick, and I know you’re hit. Why don’t you and Harper just admit defeat and put an end to this here and now.” Jenkins’ voice boomed from high above them.
“The only thing I’m putting an end to is you, Jenkins.” Ben snarled angrily and wildly fired off two shots toward the rocky overhang.
“Save it, Ben; no point in wasting ammunition. He’s got plenty of good cover up there.” Jess said as he anxiously scanned the brush beside and behind them, suddenly sliding lower to the ground.
“What is it, Jess?” Ben anxiously asked as he shifted his own position to emulate that of his brother in law. Grimacing as another stab of pain coursed through his body.
“Just a feelin’, Ben.” Jess replied as he once more scanned the brush that sprawled out behind their precarious position. Before Jess could even finish the sentence, a shot rang out and spun past his shoulder, missing him by a whisker. “I knew it, thought I heard someone down there. Here, Ben, can you manage to get to that thicket of brush just over there?” Jess asked as he quickly pointed to a small thicket of brush to the left of them.
“Sure I can, Jess. You just say when.”
“WHEN!” Jess yelled and stood up and quickly fanned three shots off as he and Ben ran and dove for cover. Feeble as it was, it was cover from the assailant who was now behind them. “Like rats in a trap,” Jess spat angrily as he reloaded their firearms. He looked across at Ben who was breathing hard and holding his shoulder. “How you doin’, Ben?”
“Okay, Jess, but I don’t see a way out, except for accepting Jenkins’ offer,” Ben remarked gravely as he held his ever bleeding shoulder. He was beginning to feel lightheaded but he couldn’t let Jess know that.
Once again, the brief silence was broken by a flurry of bullets; that sent dirt and rocks spewing up into the air just in front of their hiding place, as well as a spray of bullets from above that hit the wagon. The gunmen were firing wildly in an attempt to make their captives break cover but both Jess and Ben knew this trick only too well and simply kept their heads well down.
Then another sound could be heard. It was gun fire but different and it was coming from above them. Jess looked hopefully at Ben. “That’s a rifle, Ben, and its coming from….” Before he had a chance to finish he heard rocks falling from above followed by a piercing scream. Both men rolled onto their backs just in time to see Jenkins’ limp body fall and hit the road with a resounding thud. As both men stared upward a familiar figure came into sight. It was Josh.
“Bout time you got here but get down before…” Jess’ words came too late as the gunman that laid in wait in the brush fired a single shot. From what Jess and Ben could see, it missed its mark as Josh dove to his knees.
“Josh, you all right?” Jess yelled.
“All right, Jess. You?” Josh answered.
“We’re fine,” he smiled as he let the lie fall from his lips and winked at Ben. All the years that he and Jess had lived by the gun gave them a certain instinct and he instantly knew what Jess was planning. They had played possum long enough; it was time to end this once and for all.
Ben adjusted his position and brought his iron forward as Jess leapt to his feet and ran for the far side of the wagon, exposing himself fully to the waiting gunman whose inexperience showed.
“Harper! You ain’t getting away this time,” the man screamed and stood to his feet and fired first one, and then a second shot. Both fell just short of Jess but threw clouds of dust up into his eyes. Jess fell to his knees and Ben took his cue.
Quickly, he rose from the scanty cover and fired one shot; that was all he needed. The young gunman turned in sheer surprise and fell heavily forward into the bushes before he could even take aim.
Silence filled the air and before long, the return of birdsong as Jess rubbed his eyes and regained his feet. Ben stepped toward him and the two walked over to the now still form that lay before them. Jess bent and rolled him over and let out a long breath of air as he at last saw the face.
“Sharrock,” he said without emotion.
“Who is he, Jess?” Ben asked as he stepped closer and holstered his iron, comfortable in the fact that the man before them was dead.
“No one special, Ben, just someone from the past is all.” Jess replied as he kicked away the gun that lay on the ground.
Hurriedly, they turned as they heard scuffling behind them only to see Josh coming. “Jenkins is dead.” Josh announced flatly as he eyed the dark motionless figure laying on the ground and looked questioningly at the older men. “Does this mean its over?”
Jess picked up the loose firearm, stuck it in his gun belt and turned. “It’s over.” His relief was palpable.
With the threat of a range war and land grab far behind them, the folks in the valley were now preparing for another, far more pleasant gathering. The long awaited christening of the newest member of their community.
With a cloudless sky overhead and the sound of birds warbling in the trees, a small rented buggy trundled its way along the dusty road leading into town, jostling its occupants as it hit the endless ruts and bumps.
“Ben, do you have to hit every rut you can find,” Francie called from the back seat as she held tightly to the bundle that lay oblivious and sleeping in her arms.
“Sorry, Francie, I’m doing the best I can but this road sure wasn’t made with buggies in mind.” Ben replied giving Jess a sideways glance of remorse. Jess had opted to ride the new horse he and Ben had purchased thus giving the occupants of the buggy more room. Of course, he wanted the chance to put his new horse through its paces.
In a short while, the gentle peel of a church bell could be heard floating on the still morning air and, as they rounded the final bend, the small white building came into view. Already there was quite a gathering mingling around outside the small arched doorway. Jess slipped from the saddle, tied his mount securely to the hitching rail and then secured the buggy firmly next to it.
Daisy stood and brushed off her dress of deep blue as Jess firmly placed his hands about her waist and swung her to the ground. She giggled like a young girl and smiled at her handsome escort as he offered her his arm. Quickly, she adjusted her hat and he laughed lightly.
“Daisy, don’t fuss. You look… well, you look just…” Jess laid his other hand nervously over hers as it rested on his arm and squeezed it. “You look….”
Daisy smiled at him as he flushed red with embarrassment. “So do you, Dear; so do you.” Then they stepped back so that Ben could assist Francie and the baby alight.
A warm and thankful welcome awaited the small family as they made their way inside. There were hearty slaps on the back for Ben and Jess from the male populace while their wives peeked at and cooed over the still un-named member of their community.
Ben led them to an empty pew a few rows from the front. Jess moved in first and settled himself close to the wall. Going to church was not something Jess particularly cared for and he found comfort in some way by being seated next to the wall. Though at home, whenever they had to go to church, he and Slim always sat Mike between them so that they could keep the youngster from becoming an annoyance during the service.
It was the usual small one room building, with whitewashed walls and big windows to let in the heavenly light. At one end stood a small alter covered with a white lace cloth on which stood the community’s prized candle sticks that had been brought all the way from Boston, Massachusetts. Shafts of sunlight filtered through the clear windows and sent rays of gold about the room as they emanated from their symbol of hope and truth that stood center-most on the alter.
Henry Morgan’s wife took her place at the organ, another treasure that had traveled from back east, and struck the first chord of the morning hymn. As the congregation sang, Jess looked about him. Only a few short weeks ago all these faces were filled with anguish and doubt; now they were filled with renewed hope for the future that they were building for generations to come.
The service continued till it reached its conclusion.
“Usually, at this point I would wish you all well for the coming week but today we are also here, not just to celebrate and praise our Lord and the coming together of our small community. But to celebrate the miracle of life itself, and to welcome such new life into our community.” The town’s Cleric, Reverend Timothy Gates, stepped toward Ben and Francie. “Let us all share in this new life and pray that this day will be a new beginning for us all.” He smiled and motioned to Ben and Francie to step over to the fount that stood in one small corner next to the alter.
Francie looked over her shoulder and beckoned for Daisy and Jess to follow. As Jess took his place next to Francie, she turned and placed the sleeping babe into his arms. Stunned he looked at her unsure what she meant by the gesture.
Francie squeezed his arm and smiled reassuringly at him. “You may be her uncle by blood, Jess but Ben and I can’t think of anyone else more fitting to be her Godfather than you.” She paused and watched the softness that appeared in his eyes as he gazed upon the tiny form he held awkwardly in his arms. “And, Daisy,” she continued, “since you were there when she was born, we’d like you to be her Godmother.” Daisy though overjoyed at the request, kept her reverence and acknowledged her acceptance with a beautiful smile. And so the solemn service of baptism began.
All the while the baby slept quietly in Jess’ arms and he wondered on the miracle of life till it was time for him to hand the baby to the Reverend to be finally given her name.
The Reverend Gates bent toward Francie and quietly asked for the name to be bestowed upon the infant. Francie whispered in his ear and he straightened and continued with the ceremony. He sprinkled water onto the infant’s head and instantly her eyes flew open and she wriggled and began to cry.
“I baptize thee – Jessica Frances McKittrick – in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” Placing his thumb on the now crying infant’s forehead he made the sign of the cross. Then with a broad smile he handed her back to her now beaming uncle.
Almost as if she knew that she was safe, little Jessica settled peacefully into her uncle’s arms and looked up at him. Her eyes sparkled like two bright sapphires. She gurgled contentedly as Jess cradled her, more confidently this time.
Daisy looked across at him, she had never seen him happier than he was at that very moment and her heart leapt with joy. This was the moment she and Slim had waited for; the moment when Jess found new purpose and a new beginning and a single joyous tear trickled quietly down her soft cheek.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
After services the whole community met in the meadow beside the church to enjoy a special Sunday picnic. All the while Jess carried little Jessica and proudly showed her off to anyone who stopped to admire his niece. Daisy and Francie looked on from the shade of a tall poplar at the proud new uncle.
“I wish Slim were here to see this,” Daisy remarked as she sipped on a long glass of cooling lemonade. “It would make him so happy to see Jess back to his old self.”
As she casually brushed some crumbs from her blouse, Francie responded knowingly, “Wishes sometimes do come true, Daisy.” She pointed toward the church. A buckboard was tethered there that had not been there when they had come out from services. Daisy’s eyes moved to the steps, where a tall figure stood with the Reverend, a small boy was at his side.
Daisy’s hand flew to her mouth. “Slim!” she exclaimed joyfully and shot to her feet, as the small boy ran helter-skelter toward her and flew himself into the folds of her skirt.
“Aunt Daisy, I’m so glad to see you,” Mike declared as Daisy held him close.
A few moments later she was embracing Slim and asking how on earth it was that they were there. Slim smiled and greeted Francie warmly and shook Ben’s hand as he sat next to the inquisitive Daisy.
“It was all Francie’s doing, Daisy. She had Ben telegraph us once the threat of the land grab was over and gave us all the news about you and the new baby and how Jess was doing. And hearing how much better he was, well, I couldn’t stay away; I had to see for myself. Besides, Mike and I were getting kinda lonesome for you both. I got Bates and Jeb to look after the place and here we are.”
Francie handed a glass of lemonade to Mike, then she offered one to Slim, which he accepted eagerly. It had been a long dusty journey. “I telegraphed Francie the other day to say we were on our way and asked her to keep it as a surprise.”
“Well it certainly was that, and a wonderful one.” Daisy said patting his arm. “Now I have a surprise for you; look over there.” And she pointed to a small group huddled together by a willow that stood next to the pond.
Slim’s eyes followed her indication and, as the group parted, it revealed something he had long waited to see. His Partner, who looked happy, relaxed and once again enjoying life. The sight warmed him through like a fire on a frosty winter’s night. Jess still hadn’t noticed the new arrivals. He had been too wrapped up in the attention he and his niece were receiving.
“She looks just like you, Jess.” Henry Morgan said jovially and tapped him on the back.
A large hand rested on Jess’ shoulder. “Poor kid fancy having to grow up to look like you!”
Jess whirled at the remark, ready to give the newcomer a severe tongue lashing. “Now look here, I’ll…..SLIM! But how…what on earth…..” Jess just couldn’t seem to find the words. So instead he punched his partner in the shoulder. “What on earth are you doing here, who’s looking after the ranch and where’s Mike?”
“Whoa, slow down, Pard. Bates and Jeb are taking care of things and Mike is right over there with Daisy.” He pointed to the small group seated in the shade of the tall poplar. Just then Mike yelled out and made a dash for the friends.
“Jess, Jess!”
Jess could see what was about to happen and just as Mike threw himself at him he quickly handed Jessica to an astonished Slim and caught the small boy. “Hey, Tiger, how ya been?” He ruffled the small boy’s hair.
“Aww, Jess, don’t.” Mike pleaded. “I ain’t no little kid now. Slim says I’ve been doing a man’s work since you and Aunt Daisy went away.”
Jess stood Mike on his feet. “A man’s work you say. Sounds to me, like you’re growing up on us, Tiger, just don’t make it too fast, okay?”
Suddenly the gentle reverie between the small brotherhood was broken, as Jessica fussed and finally let out a disgruntled cry for attention. Who was this person who was holding her like she was some bundle of dirty washing? Jess smiled at Slim who was standing stone-like by his side, staring at the tiny wriggling bundle that had been enforced on him. Jess beamed at his partner’s obvious discomfort and gently reclaimed her, much to Slim’s relief. Almost instantly the fussy cries turned to gurgles and she stretched out a chubby arm toward him; Jess beamed and let her grab his fingers.
Slim looked on in surprise, amazed at how comfortable Jess was with her. He rested his arm in their old familiar fashion across Jess’ shoulders and the foursome made their way back to join the rest of the family in the shade.
“He was so tired he couldn’t keep his eyes open past the first chapter,” Slim said as he entered the living room placing Mike’s favorite book on the small table. “I know how he feels,” he continued as he stretched his arms skyward and yawned. He looked about the room; Daisy was sitting at the table mending while Francie and Ben finished up the supper dishes. “Where’s Jess?”
“Just where’d you expect to find him if he were at home at this time of the evening. Why don’t you get yourselves some coffee and go and join him?” Daisy said as she squinted in an attempt to thread her needle.
Slim smiled and meandered to the kitchen where Francie poured him two cups of fresh coffee. Then he moved to the front door and stepped lightly onto the porch and into the sweet evening air. Daisy was right; there was Jess in his usual place of comfort only this time as he rocked back and forth he was talking. Not to himself, but to Jessica who lay snuggled in her blankets cooing away as if she understood every word he was saying. Slim stood and watched his partner, seeing yet another facet of this complicated man who was his best and closest friend. He continued to observe silently until he felt a gentle hand on his arm and he turned to see Francie standing next to him.
“Jess always loved to be rocked when he was a little boy; he would sit on Ma’s lap and she would rock him back and forth for hours.” Francie whispered softly and smiled as visions of the past blended into visions of the present. She could see that Slim felt somewhat awkward not wanting to disturb his friend; she took it upon herself to put him at ease. “Come on, young man, time your niece was fed and put to bed.” Francie stated as she purposefully stepped onto the porch. “Besides which, Slim has brought you some coffee. So you two sit and enjoy.” She took a deep breath. “What a glorious evening; just smell that honeysuckle.”
“Night, Jessie.” Jess said as he passed the gurgling bundle to his sister.
“Now then, none of that, her name is Jessica. Jessie, indeed,” she admonished as she settled Jessica into her arms and headed inside winking at Slim as she passed.
Jess yawned and stretched his lithe lean body; for the first time he noticed his partner. “What you grinning at?” he asked as Slim stepped closer.
“Nothing, Pard; nothing at all,” and he handed Jess the steaming coffee and perched himself on the porch rail. Slim sipped on his coffee all the while eyeing his partner across the rim of his cup, the laughter still obviously evident in his eyes.
“What?” Jess asked annoyed as he met Slim’s jovial stare.
Slim flushed and lowered his eyes in an effort to avoid the heat he felt emanating from Jess’ piercing blue stare. “Nothing really, just not used to seeing you so domesticated, that’s all, Pard.”
Jess rocked back and forth as he pondered the point. Gradually, a familiar smile swept across his face and he looked up at his partner. “You know, Slim, I never really thought I would ever settle down but now I am… Settled, I mean. Settled and comfortable with you all and with my life at the ranch and now, seeing I’ve got other responsibilities with Jessica, well, it’s got me to thinking on the future. My future… and what I want out of life.”
Slim lowered his cup and moved to sit in the vacant chair next to his partner. “What’s that, Jess?”
“Just to be happy, maybe raise a family of my own some day, and if I’m lucky, maybe have my own place even, one day that is. Does that sound strange, Slim?” Jess asked turning toward his long time partner and friend as he once more sought Slim’s trusted counsel.
Slim stretched out his long legs and yawned and then he turned and smiled at his apprehensive friend. “Sounds to me like a new beginning for you, Pard, like you’re turning another page of the book of life.” He paused as Jess’ face filled with his familiar boyish smile. “You’ve come a long way, Jess. A long way; and I’m glad you’ve let me ride along and share in the journey.”
“No one I’d rather have around to share it with, Pard; after all, if you hadn’t ridden after me that day, we wouldn’t be here now.” Jess replied as he too stretched out and began to rock again.
Slim smiled again as he watched his partner’s fluid movement. Funny how something from one’s childhood, can continue to bring such comfort to one’s adult life. Always wondered why it was you were so partial to the old rocker when you came to the ranch and now I know. Just another piece of the puzzle I’ve found Jess. Wonder if I will ever find all of them?
THE END
[Do you think Slim will find all the pieces to his puzzle? Keep watching the fanfiction pages and maybe you’ll find the answer…]