Chapter Nineteen
It was quiet around the ranch for the next few days. Officer Jack Mason began his undercover work as the new ranch hand, and Chet Palmer was given the job of showing Jack the ropes. It was hoped that Chet would become comfortable and let down his guard with Mason possible giving him some incriminating information. It looked like it was going to take longer than they thought. Chet seemed to be keeping his nose clean. He even apologized to Nora for his brother’s behavior telling her he hoped she wouldn’t hold his brother’s “strange behavior” against him. Nora assured him as if he wasn’t under any suspicion.
Asa returned home from his business trip. He was having a bourbon in Bo and Nora’s parlor while Lilli played with a new dollhouse he had given her...a dollhouse with pets as well as furniture and people.
“Look at dis brown puppy, Papaw. It looks like Shermy!”
“Well, it does, doesn’t it?” Asa agreed. Then he turned to Bo. “So...the doc says you’re on the mend, Son? You’re still moving pretty slow, if you ask me, and you look like hell.”
Lilli’s eyes darted quickly to her Mommy. There was that word again. Lilli wondered if Papaw would get scolded for using it as she had, but Nora remained silent.
“He looks better than he did last week, Asa,” Nora remarked. “For the first couple of days we were really worried. The catheter was just removed a few days ago.”
“Well...glad you’re doing better, Son.” He downed his bourbon and asked for another. Nora obliged him by refilling his glass.
“You’re lucky Samson is polled,” he continued. “I was chased down by Old Bruno years ago and he had horns. Do you remember Bruno, Bo?”
Bo laughed. “I do remember Bruno, Pa. He sired Samson, didn’t he?”
“That he did, and a meaner bull I’ve never seen in my life! Took off after me horns lowered and nostrils flaring, but I outran him. I ran like hell and…”
“Papaw!” Lilli didn’t let it go the second time. Asa turned to his granddaughter. “You’re not ‘sposed to say dat,” she said with big eyes.
“Say what?” he asked, so used to his own language that he hadn’t a clue what he said wrong.
“H-e-l-l, Pa,” Bo said in a lowered voice. “Lilli picked it up somewhere,” he said, giving his father a knowing look, “and we’re trying to break her of saying it.”
Asa looked a Nora. “What makes you think it was me?” he asked her. Nora rolled her eyes.
Asa went on, “Why the h...I mean...why did you go into Samson’s pen anyway? You’ve been ranching long enough to know better than that.”
“I went in to get Lilli. She was playing ball with that pup and threw the ball in the pen. When Shermy went in after the ball, Lilli went in after him.”
“I din’t throw the ball in daddy...dat guy did it,” Lilli corrected.
“What?” Bo asked. “What guy, honey?”
“Da guy with da brown hat. He was mean! He kicked Shermy and threw da ball hard! Dat’s when it went in da pen.”
“Come here, honey,” Bo said gently. Lilli went to her Daddy where he pulled her close. “So...you’re telling Daddy that someone threw the ball in Samson’s pen on purpose?”
“Mmhmm,” Lilli answered nodding her head, eyes still fixed on a dollhouse toy in her hand.
“Who was it, honey?” Bo asked her.
“I dunno, Daddy. He had a brown hat...I din’t see his face. But he was mean! He hurt Shermy and woonen’t give me da ball. He just threw it...hard!” she imitated with her arm how the man threw the ball.
Bo glanced at Nora. “Why didn’t you tell us this before, sweetie?” he asked.
“I dunno...can I go play now?" she asked unconcerned.
“Sure...go play,” Bo said releasing her. She skipped back to her dollhouse.
Asa watched the exchange of looks between Bo and Nora. He got up from his chair and moved into a seat closer to them but further from Lilli. Lowering his voice he asked, “So...when are you two going to tell me the rest of the story?”
* * * * * * *
Chet stalled his truck’s engine and parked along the road beyond the ranch. It was a moonless night...a perfect night for walking back to the ranch unseen...a perfect night to get a closer look at Nora Buchanan. He had caught glimpses of her all day, and it had whet his appetite for a closer look.
He had been very careful since his brother’s arrest not to raise any suspicions against himself. He still couldn’t believe his own brother had killed Ellie McQuate...Ellie. He now realized that Mrs. Buchanan was indeed not Ellie. But she would do...she looked like his Ellie...he would just make her his Ellie...in time.
He smiled and shook his head as he thought about Tate. The fool. He was so sure I would be the one to cause a problem when, all along, he had designs on Ellie himself! Crazy fool.
He stooped low to the ground to approach the house unseen. Then he flattened himself against the brick wall behind the hedges and inched his way closer to the window. Carefully looking through a gap in the sheer curtains, he saw Nora in her robe brushing her hair. She was alone…
Suddenly Chet heard rustling behind him. When he turned, he found himself staring into the glare of a flashlight.
“HALT! POLICE!” Officer Mason shouted.
Chet raised his hands as if in surrender, but instead he barreled himself into Officer Mason knocking him off his feet. He scrambled over the fallen officer and attempted his escape across the lawn. Officer Mason rolled to his stomach to take aim at his fleeing suspect; but before Mason could pull the trigger, he heard a rifle shot. Chet Palmer collapsed to the ground screaming in pain.
When Officer Mason turned to see who fired the crippling shot, he saw Asa Buchanan towering in the darkness clutching a smoking gun.
* * * * * * *
February 8, 1948
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Lilli. Happy birthday to you!”
Everyone finished the song by clapping while Lilli beamed.
“How old are you now, darlin’?” Asa asked her.
“Three! See my candles, Papaw? One, two, three!” Lilli counted gleefully.
“That’s right, honey! You’re getting so big and prettier all the time.”
“Time to blow out your candles, honey,” Bo said. “Take a deep breath and blow.”
Nora smiled at her husband as he encouraged their daughter. When all the candles went out, he shouted, “You did it, Lillikins! Yea!”
Lilli clapped her hands. “Let’s eat it now! Can we eat it?” she asked excitedly.
“We can!” Bo said. “Here comes Mommy now to cut us a piece.”
Nora sliced a piece of cake for everyone present while Helen added a dollop of homemade ice cream. Bo watched his wife as she laughed and talked with the others. She caught his eye and raised her eyebrows at him, a gesture she thought only he would notice...but Maggie saw it and smiled to herself knowingly.
Everything was finally back to normal. It was such a relief to know that their nightmare with the Palmer brothers was over. Both were locked up on various charges, and no one cared enough to post their bail. Nora was safe, Bo was well, and Lilli was the tenacious little spitfire she’d always been.
Cake finished, they watched their daughter tear into her birthday presents. Everything she opened was her “favewit” present. Nora picked up the gift wrap flying off the presents as Bo took photographs for future memories.
When everything was finally opened and the excitement had died down, Asa announced. “Lilli, Papaw has a present for you too, but it’s in the barn.” He looked at Nora who gave him a brief nod.
Lilli started jumping. “What is it? What is it? Is it a unycorn?!” she shrieked excitedly.
“No, darlin’, Papaw looked and looked, but there just aren’t any unicorns left anywhere. But...I do think you’ll like what I have for you. Ready to go see it?”
“Mmmhmm,” she said running to her Papaw. He lifted her into his strong arms to carry her to the barn. Everyone else followed.
In the dim light of the barn, Asa carried Lilli to the hay mow. “Now...look back there,” he said quietly, pointing to the corner.
“KITTIES!” Lilli shouted. “Baby kitties! I wanna see!”
Asa carried her closer. Jasper, the Mama cat purred contently as her kittens nursed.
Asa kneeled and set Lilli down beside him. “Awww...Can I hode one, Papaw?”
“Yes, you can Little Lady...better than that..you can have one for your very own,” he told her.
Lilli gave Nora a questioning look.
“Yes, it’s okay. Pick out the kitty you like...it’s your birthday present from Papaw.”
Lilli flashed a huge smile. Her daddy did the same as he wrapped his arms around Nora’s waist and pulled her back against him.
Lilli finally chose a chubby orange tabby cat which squalled for it’s mommy in it’s new owner’s arms.”
“I want dis one, Papaw! Is it a geerl? I wanna geerl kitty.”
“Oh great,” whispered Bo against Nora’s neck. “We may be getting more than we bargained for.”
Upon inspection Asa pronounced, “It’s a girl! She’s quite the little butterball too! What are you going to name her?”
“Dat’s her name! I wanna call her Butterball…”
Everyone laughed.
“That’s a good name, honey. Now...Papaw will have to keep Butterball here until she’s old enough to leave her mama. But I will bring her when I come to visit you in your new house. You promise to take good care of her?”
Lilli nodded.
Asa smiled. “I know you will, honey.”
“What do you say to Papaw, Lilli? Bo reminded her.
“Thank you, Papaw,” she said quietly.
“You’re welcome, honey...now, do you have a kiss for your old Papaw?”
“Mmhmm,” Lilli nodded giving him a big kiss on the cheek,“and a hug too, Papaw,” she added wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
Asa held her tight and swallowed the lump in his throat. He sure was going to miss this little gal when Bo and his family made their move to Llanview.
* * * * * * *
March 4, 1948
“So...is this the last box then?” Bo asked as Nora stood in the ranch house bedroom.
“Yes...I guess that’s it,” she answered, looking around.
Bo shook his head, “Hard to believe that after nearly four year’s of marriage we still have so few worldly possessions. First we live in a furnished apartment in Chicago...then move here...I’m just now realizing how little we have to call our own.”
Nora turned and gave him a half smile. “We have what counts.”
He smiled back. “That we do.”
Bo put the box down and went to her. Pulling her close in his arms he asked, “You okay?”
“Mmhm,” she answered looking into his eyes. “Just thinking.” She played with his shirt collar distractedly. “We made a lot of good memories here. We brought Lilli into this world in this very room, the two of us. She learned to walk and talk here...this ranch is all she’s ever known...”
He nodded. “But you know, I’ve been thinking too. That big, empty house in Llanview is just waiting for us to make more memories. The walls are waiting for photographs...and the corners are waiting for Christmas trees...and the floors are waiting for dancing. And I...am lucky enough...to get to make those memories with you. I can’t wait,” he murmured close to her mouth.
“Me neither,” she answered quietly, smiling and drawing closer for a kiss.
They faintly heard footsteps approaching and then, “Oh! I’m sorry! I’ll come back.”
“No no, Maggie. Come in. We just got distracted with some reminiscing,” Bo said. “Guess I’ll go ahead and take this last box out. Oh...and don’t forget this, honey,” he said pulling her cowgirl hat down from the corner of the dresser. “We’ll need this again,” he winked. She giggled as he plopped it on her head.
The ladies watched Bo depart before Maggie turned to Nora. “Well, you ready to go, honey?”
Nora looked at her. “Oh Maggie,” Nora began, unable to control her tears any longer, “I’ll miss you the most…”
“Aww...come here,” Maggie said gently pulling Nora into her arms.
Maggie let Nora cry for a few moments before releasing her to find a handkerchief.
“I’m sorry for the tears...I’m not good at goodbyes,” Nora said quietly, dabbing her eyes.
“Goodbyes are hard, but we’ll meet again,” Maggie said calmly, “and you’ll be in my prayers daily. You know that.”
Nora nodded. “So, you’ll come to see us?” she asked.
Maggie smiled. “Lawsy, child. I came to work for Mr. Asa thirty-odd years ago, and I’ve only left the ranch once. Went on a train to my Daddy’s funeral. I don’t travel much, honey...but I love to have company. So, you come to see me, alright? And bring Miss Lilli back to visit so she doesn’t forget me.”
“I will,” Nora promised. She wrapped her arms around Maggie again. “I love you, Maggie.”
“I love you too, honey...to the moon and back…”
Nora dried the last of her tears and Maggie followed her to where the loaded truck awaited. Nora said her goodbyes and hugged Tom and Helen as well as all their little ones.
Asa opened the truck door for her. “So...you’re going to the city to study law?” he inquired.
“Yes, I am Asa,” Nora said. “You still have doubts?”
“No,” he answered, “not a one. I’ve seen what you’re made of, and I believe you can do anything you set your mind to. I used to think you were a Buchanan in name only...now I see you also have that Buchanan spirit.”
“Thank you, Asa,” Nora whispered, giving him a hug. He nodded.
As Nora climbed onto the truck seat, she watched as Bo said his goodbyes.
“Now you behave while I’m gone, Maggie. Don’t you make me come down here,” he teased.
She giggled at his teasing, but held him tight. “You behave, Beaufort...or I’ll come up there and wear you out.”
Bo laughed at her spunky remark. “I wouldn’t doubt that for a minute. I love you, Maggie.”
“I love you too, Bo...just like one of my own. Come back and see me.”
“Will do.”
Next he turned to Asa. “Well, Pa...guess we’re on our way. Come see us,” Bo said turning his handshake into a firm hug.
“You know I will. You’ll probably see more of me there than you have here.”
“I don’t doubt that,” Bo agreed.
“Papaw?” Asa reached down to pick up his granddaughter.
“What is it, honey?”
“Will you take care of my kitty?”
“I sure will, and when she’s big enough, I’m going to bring her straight to you. I promise. Now...you have a kiss for your old Papaw?”
Lilli gave him a big kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you, Papaw.”
“I love you too, Darlin’.”
Bo put Lilli in the truck between them. Then amidst waves and faded ‘goodbyes’, they were on their way to the next stop on their adventure through life...Llanview, Pennsylvania.
Epilogue
“You’re going too fast...slow down, Bo…slower...” Nora moaned tossing and turning on their bed.
Bo ran a hand over his sleepy face as he wondered what she was dreaming about.
“Nora? Honey?” he said jostling her arm to wake her. “Are you alright?”
“Nooo…slower...”
Suddenly Nora’s eyes burst open. “Are we there yet?” she asked looking around.
Bo chuckled. “Where are we going?”
Nora sat up and looked around. She found herself in her bedroom, still congested, with a sore throat, and tissues strewn about her side of the bed.
“Bo?”
“Yeah, it’s me. Are you okay?” he asked rubbing her back as she sat beside him.
She looked around again. “I had a dream…” she said quietly, “We were on a trip. You were driving too fast…”
“I kinda wondered what I was doing too fast…” Bo said.
She dropped back on the pillow beside him. “It was so real, Bo. We were living in the 40’s again...on the ranch in Texas...and Asa hired these crazy brothers as ranch hands...and Samson got you...and I had a flat tire and was kidnapped...but I got away...and he peeped in our windows...so icky...and we had a curly-haired girl, really pretty and tenacious...with your blue eyes…” she murmured smiling at him sleepily.
“Sounds like quite a dream...those must be some pretty strong drugs Larry prescribed for you, honey.”
“I guess so,” she murmured rolling to her side. “You really shouldn’t be sleeping with me, you know,” she whispered. “You may catch what I have…oh, Bo...I’m so tired…”
“Get some more rest then, honey. I’ll be right here if you need anything.”
But Nora didn’t hear his comforting words. Already her mind was drifting into a heavy swirl as she fell back into the world of slumber. A heavy fog surrounded her...she glanced at the sleeping, tousle-haired girl beside her as she heard her husband say, “There’s the sign, honey. Llanview PA. We’re finally home…”
The End
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