"A Letter from Ann"  by Linda C. 
This Story is based on the TV series “The Rifleman”

                “Thank you, Millie, this material is lovely.  I hope I can finish my dress before the dance next week.”  Millie wrapped the material for her customer as she responded, “Ellie, you’ll look lovely in this lavender.  I’m sure you’ll get the dress done.  You have ten days to do it.”  “I think I can,“  Ellie agreed, “but I don’t have any time to waste.  Are you and Lucas going to the dance, Millie?”  Millie was a little surprised that Ellie considered them a couple, and pleased as well, because she was starting to think that way herself.  “You know, I haven’t spoken to Lucas about it yet.”  “You haven’t spoken to me about what, Millie?”  The sound of Lucas’ voice took them by surprise as he entered the store and walked toward them.  Ellie spoke first, “Hello, Lucas.  I was just asking Millie if the two of you are going to the dance next week.”  Lucas looked to Millie, “Do you want to go, Millie?”  Millie wished he had added ‘with me’, but she smiled as she answered, “Yes, it sounds like fun.”  Lucas pushed his hat back and he said, “Then I’d better get my dancing shoes on! I guess we’re going, Ellie.”  Ellie gathered up her packages and left the store, saying she had some dress making to do.

                Lucas continued to lean on the counter and watch Millie. He’d been meaning to ask Millie about the dance but just hadn’t gotten around to it. He didn’t think he should tell her that. Millie finally broke the silence, “Did you come in for anything special, Lucas?”   “No.  I just wanted to say ‘hello’.”  He continued to look at Millie thinking she looked very pretty in her rose colored dress.  Millie smiled in return, “Well, I’m glad you did.  I haven’t seen you or Mark much lately.”  Lucas agreed, “I know.  We’ve been really busy at the ranch.  We’ve been working so hard that Mark is actually glad to go to school.  But I promised him we’d have dinner at the hotel on Saturday night.  Would you like to join us?”  Millie quickly agreed, “I’d love to have dinner with you both.”  Lucas spoke as he walked toward the door, “Good. Well, I’ve got to get back to work.  See you Saturday, about 6?”  Millie smiled as she nodded.  Then she started thinking about what she would wear to the dance – maybe she would treat herself to a new dress.  She was humming as she started to stock the shelves. 

                The rest of the week was just as busy for Lucas and Mark and Saturday afternoon came as a welcome relief from the busy-ness of the ranch.  Both McCains took extra care in dressing and Mark didn’t even complain about wearing a tie.  As they rode into North Fork, Mark was deciding on what he should have for dinner – causing Lucas to comment that Mark was sure hungry tonight.  As they tied their horses up in front of the hotel, Lucas asked Mark to get them a table while he went to get Millie.  Millie had just finished freshening up and was just getting ready to leave the store when Lucas came in.  “Hello, Lucas.  You’re right on time. I’m all ready.”  Lucas removed his hat as he spoke, “You look very nice, Millie.”  Millie felt pleased by Lucas’ compliment and she felt her cheeks flush as she preceded Lucas out the door.  As she passed by him, Lucas noticed the lovely scent she was wearing and thought it suited her.  He waited as she locked the door and they started to walk to the hotel.

                Micah was standing in front of his office and watched them walk toward him.  He couldn’t help but smile.  They sure made a handsome couple.  He thought that Lucas and Millie just belonged together; he’d be happy when they finally realized it themselves.  

                “Evening, Millie. Lucas. “ Micah called out as they approached him. They returned Micah’s greeting as they stopped to speak with him.  “Nice evening.  You two going to dinner?”  “Yes, Mark is waiting for us in the dining room.  Why don’t you join us?”  Lucas suggested.  “Yes, Micah, please join us.”  Millie added.  “Don’t mind if I do.” Micah replied, “Good company always makes a meal taste better.”  As the three of them walked into the dining room, Mark stood up and said his ‘hellos’.   As Lucas held the chair for Millie to sit down, he said, “Micah decided he would join us for dinner, Mark.”  Mark looked happy to see them. “Great!  I have the menus waiting for you.  I’m starved!”  “Can we sit down before we order?” Lucas teased.  It was a wonderful evening; not only was dinner delicious but the atmosphere was warm and relaxed.  Conversation and laughter flowed easily among these friends.  Millie was especially aware that she felt like she belonged here.

                As they were served their apple pie and coffee, Micah inquired if they knew about the dance next week.  “We know, Micah, and Millie has convinced me we can’t miss it. “  Lucas said with a wink.  “What about you, Micah?  Are you going?”  “No dancing for me, Lucasboy!  I’ll be there to keep things peaceful and to make sure the punch tastes just right.  Are you going, Mark?”  Micah said turning to Mark. “I hear lots of your classmates are going, including Lucy Banning.  Isn’t she the one who had the big birthday party a while back?”  Mark nodded as he replied, “She’s the one.”  Lucas could tell Mark felt uncomfortable with the conversation.  Millie tried to encourage Mark, “Mark, why don’t you come?  It’s never too early for a gentleman to learn to dance.”  Mark shook his head, “No, I don’t think so. Not this time.”  Micah cajoled him, “Mark, I bet all the young ladies would love a chance to dance with you.”  Mark blushed and looked like he really wanted the conversation to end.  Lucas tried to rescue his son, “I think Mark has plenty of time to dance with the ladies.  Besides, he already has plans to go camping and fishing next weekend – if he gets all his chores done!”  Mark look relieved and a little surprised, “Oh, don’t worry, Pa.  I don’t want to miss that camping trip.  I’ll get everything done.”  Mark’s apple pie was tasting better already.

                “Heavens!  Lucas, I’m sorry.  I forgot to give this to you.”  Millie retrieved a letter from her purse. “It just came in Thursday so I didn’t think you’d mind waiting until today.”  Even before Lucas accepted the letter from Millie, Mark was full of questions, “Who’s it from, Pa?”  Lucas looked at the envelope before he answered, “It’s post-marked from Albuquerque, Mark.  I’ll read it later.”  At the disappointed look on Mark’s face, he added, “It would be rude to read it now, son.”  Millie assured Lucas, “I don’t think it would be rude, Lucas.  Why don’t you open it?”

                Lucas opened the envelope and unfolded the single sheet of stationery.  As he started to read the letter, Mark again asked who it was from.  Lucas’ eyes showed some surprise as he answered, “It’s from Ann Dodd.”  Mark’s face lit up, “Mrs. Dodd!  That’s great!  Is she coming back to North Fork?  Did she ask about me?”  Micah chuckled as he chided Mark, “Let your Pa finish reading so he can answer your questions.”  Mark grinned at Micah and tried to wait patiently for Lucas to finish.  Lucas refolded the letter and put it back in the envelope, putting the envelope in his shirt pocket.  Millie was concerned about the look on Lucas’ face. “Is everything alright, Lucas?  It isn’t bad news, is it?”  Lucas took a sip of coffee before answering, “No, Millie, it’s not bad news.  Mark, Mrs. Dodd is coming back to North Fork.  She’ll be arriving next Thursday.”   “Yahoo!  It’ll be great to see her again, won’t it, Pa?”  Lucas only nodded.  Micah remembered, “She was the very pretty lady that visited you a couple of years back, if I recall.”  Mark didn’t give Lucas a chance to respond, “Pa said she was the prettiest girl he ever saw – except for Ma, of course.  Do you know she could make her own trout flies?  Can you believe it?  And she makes the best apple pie, too.  Pa and I wanted her to stay in North Fork, didn’t we, Pa?”  Mark finally took a breath as he looked at his father.

 Lucas started to explain to Millie, “Ann Dodd was one of Margaret’s dearest friends. They went to school together.  She helped nurse Margaret when she was ill. She came to visit on her way through North Fork right after we moved here. ” Millie tried to ignore the knot in her stomach as she responded, “She sounds like a wonderful friend, Lucas.  Will she be bringing her family with her?”  Lucas was silent for moment, and that silence caused the knot is Millie’s stomach to tighten.  “Ann’s husband and son died in the epidemic, not too long after Margaret did.”  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”  Millie didn’t know what else to say, but she knew she had to work through some of her feelings. It bothered her that the “prettiest” girl in town was a widow who was on her way to visit Lucas.  It bothered her that it bothered her!  She had the feeling that Lucas wasn’t telling everything that was in the letter either. 

“Well, dinner was delicious, Lucas, thank you.  I’d better get home.  It’s been a long day.”  Millie stood up as she spoke.  Lucas also stood, “I’ll walk you home, Millie.”  “That’s not necessary, Lucas. I’ll be fine. ” Lucas persisted, “I’d like to walk you home any way.  Mark, you get our horses ready. I’ll be back shortly.”  Lucas followed Millie out of the dining room and on to the sidewalk.  A coolness to the air came with the darkness and Millie wrapped her shawl around her as they walked toward her store.  There was a silence between them that felt uncomfortable.  Lucas was caught up in his own thoughts and Millie was afraid of hers.   The “prettiest girl” Lucas ever saw next to his beloved Margaret was coming to visit.  Millie didn’t know what to think.  Neither of them could yet give words to their feelings.  At the door, Millie quickly got her key in the lock, but as she opened the door and prepared to walk in, Lucas touched her arm.  At his touch, she turned to look up at him and he leaned close and kissed her gently.  As he moved back, he was surprised to see tears in Millie’s eyes.  She quickly turned from him, mumbled good night and entered the door, closing it firmly between them.  Lucas wasn’t sure why she reacted that way.  He didn’t think he rushed her; heck, he didn’t even plan on kissing her – she just looked so pretty and a little sad, too.  He just knew he wanted her to know how special she was to him.  He knew for sure he would never understand women.

Lucas returned to the hotel and he and Mark started back to the ranch.  It was a pretty silent ride.  Lucas was going over the events of the evening in his head.  He knew Millie’s mood had changed after she learned about Ann Dodd.  That was a surprise to him.  Then there was the letter from Ann.   That was a surprise to him, too.  Lucas kept reading it in his head, not sure what to make of it either.  Why would she suddenly write him and announce she was returning to North Fork after all this time?

                Once at the ranch, they quickly unsaddled the horses and entered the ranch house.  Lucas sat in his chair and stretched out his legs.  He realized that Mark had barely spoken since the hotel, “Mark, are you alright?  You’re awfully quiet.”  Mark looked into the fire and not at his Pa. “I’m fine.”  Lucas watched him for a moment before saying, “Sometimes it helps to talk about it.”  Mark looked at him and started to speak but turned back silently to the fire.  “Son, does this have something to do with Lucy Banning?”  This time when Mark looked at Lucas, his eyes reflected hurt and he just nodded. “Can you tell me about it?”  Mark looked at his boots as he started to talk, “Remember that Lucy got that horse for her birthday?  And she asked me to help train him?”  “I remember, Mark.  You did a good job, too.”  Mark barely responded to that compliment, “Well, Lucy had me come over every day and we worked with the horse together.  I hardly even went fishing ‘cause I was with her all the time.”  Lucas could hear a little bit of anger in Mark’s voice.  “Then what happened, Mark?”  “Well, she went and asked Tommy Weber to take her to the Sunday School picnic!  She never even asked me – even after she kissed me!”  Lucas repeated, “She kissed you?”  Mark hadn’t intended to reveal his total humiliation but it was too late now.

“Pa, she just up and kissed me!  On the lips!”  Lucas struggled not to smile at the outrage on Mark’s face.  “She just walked right up to me in the barn and she said I was the nicest boy she knew and she kissed me!”  He barely took a breath before continued, “Now, wouldn’t you think a girl would only kiss a boy she was asking to the picnic?”  Lucas fought for composure as he tried to find a way to comfort Mark’s hurt feelings.  “Mark, I don’t think Lucy meant to hurt your feelings.  Sometimes we do things without knowing we’ll hurt somebody.”  Mark didn’t sound convinced, “You would think a kiss meant something, Pa.  I don’t guess you’re supposed to go around kissing everybody!”  “You’re right, Mark, a kiss should mean something and, no, we don’t go around just kissing everybody.  But I’m betting you’ll be kissing a few young ladies before you find the right one.”  Mark appeared to consider that for a minute or two.  “Pa, did you know Ma was the right one when you kissed her?”  Lucas smiled at his memories, “I knew she was the right one before I kissed her. I had to work some to convince her I should be the one she was kissing.”  Mark smiled at his father’s reminiscing.  He loved to hear about his parents.  Pa hardly ever just talked about her and sometimes it made him sad, so Mark limited his questions.

“Did Ma have a lot of beaus?”  “She had enough – but I didn’t let them stay around too long!”  They both laughed and Mark realized he was starting to feel better.  He’d been holding that hurt in for months, when he should have known that Pa could help him feel better.  Lucas looked at the clock, “You’d better get to bed, son.”  Mark walked toward the bedroom, but turned with another question, “Pa, did you kiss a lot of girls before Ma?”  “I was 25 when I met your Ma, so, yes, I kissed a few women before I met her.”  “So a kiss doesn’t really mean anything?”  Lucas wanted to answer this one right, “Mark, a kiss can mean many things like friendship or thanks or love.  When both people mean the same thing by the kiss, everything’s fine.  When they don’t, feelings get hurt.  Can you understand that?”  “I think so, Pa.  My feelings got hurt because I thought Lucy meant more than ‘thank you’.”  “Right, son, now you go to bed.  We have to arrange your camping trip tomorrow.”  Lucas winked at Mark as he spoke and Mark smiled in return, “Good night, Pa, and don’t worry, I plan on being real careful about who I kiss and why!”

Lucas shook his head and quietly laughed at Mark’s declaration.  As he reached for his book, the letter in his pocket drew his attention and he pulled it out to read it again:

My dear Lucas,

                You must be very surprised to hear from me after such a long time.  I hope this letter finds you and Mark well. Mark must be so grown up by now. 

               I’ve often thought about how you asked me to return to North Fork when I left on the stage that day.  I was afraid and wasn’t ready to really think about my future then, but I am now.

              I’ll be coming to North Fork on April 10.  I hope it will be convenient for you as Iwant to talk with you.  I look forward to seeing you and Mark again.

 Fondly,

Ann

Lucas read the letter twice more.  He clearly remembered the day Ann left.  He remembered how she was afraid to stay in North Fork because she couldn’t replace Margaret.  He remembered how she kissed him good bye.  At least, Lucas thought it was a ‘good bye’ kiss. 

                Sunday morning, Lucas and Mark quickly completed their morning chores and rode into town to attend church.  Lucas was anxious to see Millie and make sure she wasn’t angry at him about what happened Saturday night.  Micah waved to them and waited on the church steps for them to join him.  “Good Morning!  You two had better hurry up; the service is just about to start.”  Lucas, Mark and Micah stepped into the church just as they were closing the doors.  Lucas looked around for Millie and saw that she was sitting near the front with no empty seats near her, so the three of them slid into a pew near the back just as the first hymn started.

                Because they were seated near the back, they were among the first to leave when the service was over.  Mark walked off to speak with some of his friends and Lucas stood alongside Micah waiting for Millie to come out.  When Millie finally did emerge, she was chatting with several people and didn’t at first appear to see Lucas.  Lucas started walking in her direction.  Millie only turned to look at him when someone in her party said, “Good Morning, Lucas.”  Lucas nodded to the group around her, but looked directly at Millie as he said, “Good Morning.”  Millie’s friends all drifted away leaving only Millie and Lucas facing each other. “Good Morning, Lucas. “  Millie hoped her greeting sounded very casual.  “Where’s Mark?”  Lucas indicated Mark’s location by looking in his direction, “He’s over there planning his big fishing trip.”  Millie smiled as she replied, “Well, I’m sure he’ll have a grand time.”  That uncomfortable silence returned.  Lucas didn’t know any other way to deal with this than straight out.

                “Millie, I’m sorry if I offended you last night.”  Millie kept her face as emotionless as possible. She was certainly not going to tell him what was really wrong.  “Lucas, why do you think I’m offended?”  Lucas looked very uneasy when he spoke.  “My kissing you like I did.  You seemed upset.”  Millie hoped she looked very composed but she sure didn’t feel that way.  “Oh, Lucas, don’t be silly.  I was just tired, that’s all.  Besides, it wasn’t my first time being kissed you know.”  Somehow that hurt Lucas, even though he knew it shouldn’t.  Millie could sense a subtle change in Lucas’ face and she regretted her words.  Lucas stood a little straighter as he answered, “Good.  I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong idea.”  His tone was harsher than he intended it to be.  Millie actually blinked when he spoke, surprised at his words. 

                “Well, Millie, what are you doing this fine day?” Micah asked as he strolled over to join them, figuring they’d had enough privacy.  Millie smiled weakly, “Micah, you just reminded me.  I promised the Sheldons I’d be there directly after church.  Please excuse me.”  Millie whirled around and rushed off, hoping the tears in her eyes wouldn’t be noticed by anyone.  Micah watched her walk away then turned to Lucas, “Did I interrupt something?”  Lucas looked annoyed, perplexed and generally out of sorts when he answered, “I don’t know, Micah.  I just don’t know. I’ve never seen Millie act this way.  She said nothing is wrong.”  “Well, Lucasboy, what her lips said doesn’t match what her eyes said.”  Lucas looked at his philosophical friend curiously.  Micah chuckled, “You don’t get to my age without noticing a few things along the way, you know.”  Lucas shook his head as he walked to his horse.  “Micah, if I live to be twice your age, I’ll never understand women.” 

                Micah admitted to himself that he kind of enjoyed seeing Lucas this way.  “Lucas, I didn’t say I understood them.  I just made an observation.”  Lucas almost snorted.  “Mark and I are going fishing.  Want to come out and have supper with us?”  Micah nodded, “Glad to. I’ll be out later.”  Lucas motioned to Mark to mount up and they rode out to have a nice, peaceful afternoon of fishing.

                Well, it was quiet at their fishing spot, but Lucas’ mind was anything but peaceful.  He just didn’t know what was wrong with Millie.  If it wasn’t the kiss, was she mad he didn’t ask her to the dance sooner?  He meant to; he just got so busy he didn’t get around to it.  It never seemed to bother her before.  It couldn’t have been his kissing her.  She didn’t pull away or make any effort to stop him.  He’d been waiting a while for the right moment.  It just seemed they were hardly ever alone.  Lucas regretted his harsh response to her telling him it wasn’t her first kiss.  Of course, a beautiful woman like Millie would have lots of male admirers.  Lucas reprimanded himself for saying he didn’t want her to get the wrong idea.  What an idiot he was!  He determined that he needed to apologize to Millie – even if he still didn’t really know what he initially did to cause this problem.

                Millie’s afternoon wasn’t any better.  She declined the Sheldon’s invitation to dinner claiming a terrible headache – which wasn’t a lie.  Millie felt her head throb as she lay on the sofa; crying always gave her a headache.  She felt like such an idiot telling Lucas he wasn’t the first man to kiss her.  While it was technically true that Lucas wasn’t the first one to kiss her, it was equally true that he was the first man she really wanted to kiss her in a very long time.  And he had been so gentle and sweet.   Not like he was this morning.  Telling her not to get the wrong idea!  The nerve of him saying that to her!  The twinge of anger she felt immediately dissolved into more crying.  She couldn’t blame him for being angry.  How in the world could she tell him she was jealous of this ‘dear friend’ coming to visit when it sounded ridiculous to her own ears?  She knew and accepted that Lucas’ love for Margaret was sacred to him and that didn’t threaten her at all.  As a matter of fact, she respected Lucas for his faithfulness, even to his still wearing his wedding ring.  It would be so wonderful to share that kind of love with him.  She knew Lucas would never be unfaithful once he pledged himself.  It was just taking him so long to pledge himself to her, if he ever intended to at all.  Millie sighed as she sipped her tea.  She knew she owed Lucas an apology, or at least an explanation, but it would be hard when she couldn’t explain it to herself.

                Micah was waiting on the front porch as Lucas and Mark rode up.  He called out, “About time you two got back.  I’m hungry to my boots!”  Mark held up their catch, “Will this be enough, Micah?”  Micah agreed it was just about enough.  Mark started to clean the fish as Lucas took care of the horses.  Dinner was prepared quickly enough that Micah didn’t faint from hunger.  After dinner, Mark challenged Micah to a game of checkers.  The winner would play Lucas.  Right after Mark lost to Lucas, he was reminded that it was almost 9 and time to turn in. 

                After Mark went to bed, Micah lingered over his coffee.   Lucas thought it was unusual for Micah to stay this late.  “Something on your mind, Micah?”  Micah shrugged, “Not especially.  How about you, Lucasboy? Anything on your mind – like Millie?”  Lucas started to protest and then kept silent, trying to ignore Micah’s question entirely.  Micah wasn’t about to let the topic die.  “Looked to me like you and Millie had a disagreement today.”  Lucas drank his coffee and steadfastly remained silent. Micah was nothing if not tenacious.  “It sure appeared to me you did something to rile Millie.”

                The saucer clattered as Lucas put his coffee cup down, “I did something to rile her? I’d like to know what!  All I did was apologize.”  “Apologize for what?” Lucas’ frustration came out in his voice, “I don’t know!  She said I didn’t have to apologize, but she sure didn’t act that way.  I don’t know what’s bothering her.  I don’t know what I did, if I did anything.  She’s just not acting like herself.”  Micah considered Lucas’ words before saying, “She seemed fine at dinner Saturday night, didn’t she?’  Lucas nodded, “Right up till I walked her home.”  Micah suggested, “Or maybe a little before that?”  Lucas looked at him intently, “Before?”  Lucas recalled he thought Millie appeared concerned by Ann’s letter.  “You mean, when I told her about Ann Dodd?” Micah just nodded .  Lucas agreed, “I thought she was surprised to hear about her, but she isn’t the only one concerned about the letter.  I still don’t know why she’d be mad at me, I didn’t even tell her what was in the letter.”

                This got Micah’s full attention.  “What is in the letter, Lucas?”  Lucas retrieved the letter from his desk and handed it to Micah.  He waited for Micah to read the letter, noticing his eyebrows raised a couple of times.  Micah handed the letter back to Lucas, “Well, Lucasboy, I’d say you have a bit of a problem.”  Lucas looked exasperated, “Thank you for pointing that out, Micah.”  Micah gave him a level look, “The question is what do you plan to do about it?”  Lucas looked uncertain, “I don’t honestly know, Micah, because I don’t know why Ann is coming to North Fork.” 

                “You did ask her to come back, didn’t you, Lucas?”  Micah prodded.  Lucas was losing patience with Micah, “You know I did, Micah.  You sure were encouraging me then.”  Micah didn’t let this criticism stop his line of questioning, “Well, did you ask her to come for any special reason or just a visit?”  “Micah, I asked her to stay permanent, but she told me she wouldn’t.  I haven’t heard from her again until this letter came.”  Lucas turned the letter over in his hands, hoping it would reveal more than the meager words did.  “Did you plan to ask her to marry you?”  Lucas looked startled by the question.  
“No, I didn’t, or at least I didn’t think that far ahead.”   “Well, Lucasboy, you’d better start thinking ahead.  You’ve got just four days to figure out what you’re going to say to Ann Dodd and less time than that for what you’re going to tell Millie.”  Lucas looked distressed, “I know, Micah, I know.  I’ll go in and speak to Millie as soon as I can.  But I don’t know what Ann is thinking until she gets here on Thursday.”  Micah stood up to leave as he said, “Just so you know what you are thinking, Lucas.  I’d better get back to town.  I expect I’ll be seeing you in a day or so.”

                Lucas walked out on the porch and watched Micah ride down the road toward town.  Then he sat on the steps and lit a cigar, mulling over in his head all the confusing events of the past two days.  If he did lead Ann on, he didn’t mean it.  He only knew that she reminded him of home and of how happy he was with Margaret.  Sometimes he thought he’d never feel that happy again.

                After four years away from home, Lucas returned from the war, tired of the violence and hardened by his experiences.  His parents were jubilant to have their son return safely to them.  His Ma tried to take care of him like she did before he left home.  She cooked his favorite meals; made sure his clothes were clean and worried about him when he was away from home.  And he was out a lot!  He was restless and unsettled; not sure of what he wanted to do.  He saw that his Pa looked much older than when Lucas left home and he tired very easily.  After his ranch had been burned to the ground in the range wars, he’d tried to rebuild, but it had knocked the hope out of him.  Lucas worked alongside his father, like he did before he left.  He helped as much as he could, but the pride and happiness they used to take in their ranch was replaced by the drudgery of re-building, starting over.  Lucas knew his Ma was worried about his Pa; he was, too, but his Pa had a lot of pride and didn’t take to being coddled.

                More than his war-time experiences came back with Lucas, he had a rifle he’d modified and a reputation of being good with it.  The Sheriff often called upon him to ride as a deputy, not only because of his ability with the rifle, but because of his level-headedness in a crisis.  Pretty soon, everyone was looking to Lucas when they needed help.  He rode shotgun on the stage; he went on long cattle drives and he helped other ranchers with their round-ups.  He earned extra money any way he could,  hoping one day to have enough to buy his own ranch. Lucas was away from the ranch often but worked doubly hard when he was home trying to relieve some of the burden from his Pa.

                He released a lot of his own pent-up energy carousing with his friends.  Many times he crept into the house in the early morning hours, rested for a while and then got up to start work as usual.  Of course, his Ma worried, but his Pa wouldn’t let her pester him with too many questions, saying Lucas was a grown man and could make up his own mind about his comings and goings.  Still his Ma didn’t approve of all of his friends – like that Tommy Birch – he was a wild one!  She’d feel much better if her boy could just settle down.

                Not too many months after Lucas returned home, he met the loveliest girl he’d ever seen at the church dance.  Her large eyes were a chestnut brown and shaded by thick lashes.  Her auburn hair had streaks of crimson running through it and it framed a delicate face with creamy skin.  When she smiled, dimples appeared in her cheeks.  Lucas was sure that Miss Margaret Gibbs was the girl of his dreams, but it was obvious he was not the one she dreamed of at all.  She effectively ignored all of Lucas’ attempts to get her attention all night.  He only managed to gain it when one of his friends doused him with beer.  The look on her face said she disapproved of such rowdiness.  His shirt soaked and smelling of beer, Lucas thought he’d better try again on another occasion; he knew he wouldn’t give up on winning one of her smiles.

                Several days after the dance, Lucas was in town to pick up some supplies.  He pulled up in front of the General Store and was just climbing down when he heard, “Stop him!  Thief!”  He turned and saw a boy was running from the store.  Lucas grabbed him by the collar and held him as he struggled.  Brown eyes blazed up at him.  “You let me go or I’ll tell my Pa!”  This thief was still holding his contraband in his hands:  several pieces of licorice and a few peppermint sticks.  The shopkeeper, Mrs. Leonard, came out, huffing and puffing.  “Thank you, Lucas!  This scalawag has been stealing from me all along.  Today’s the first time I caught him.  Will you help me bring him to the Sheriff’s office?”  The criminal stopped struggling at the sound of ‘sheriff’s office.’  “Mrs. Leonard, I’ll give you back all the candy.  I only ate one piece.”  He pleaded his case.  Mrs. Leonard wasn’t so easily won over declaring, “It’s too little, too late!  Stealing is always wrong!”  Lucas didn’t want to see the boy get into too much trouble, but he thought he sure needed a lesson.

                “You return all the candy you took, boy.  Right now!”  Lucas kept a firm grip on his captive as the boy gave Mrs. Leonard the candy he had been holding in his hands and then retrieved some rock candy from his pockets.  Mrs. Leonard had to use her apron to hold it all.  Lucas gave him a little shake, “Is that all of it?”  The brown eyes turned up at him looked contrite as the boy responded, “Yes, sir.  Except for the piece I already ate.”  Lucas turned to Mrs. Leonard, “Would a penny make good the loss, Ma’am?”  The boy stated anxiously, “I don’t have no money!”  Mrs. Leonard started to weaken in her resolve to see the boy punished, “I guess a penny would do it, Lucas.”  Lucas pulled a penny out of his pocket and handed it to her.  Mollified, she warned the boy about his stealing, “Now, mind you, Johnny Gibbs, you won’t get off so easy if I ever catch you stealing again.”  Lucas shook him again, “Don’t you have something to say to Mrs. Leonard, boy?”  Johnny took the hint.  “Yes, sir.  I’m sorry, Mrs. Leonard, and I won’t do it ever again.”  With a harrumph, Mrs. Leonard turned on her heels and went back into the store.

                Lucas was still holding on the Johnny’s collar as he questioned him.  “What is your name, boy?”  “I’m Johnny Gibbs, sir.  My Pa is Samuel Gibbs.”  Lucas couldn’t believe his luck.  “Do you know Margaret Gibbs?”  Johnny nodded, “She’s my sister.”  Lucas wanted to smile but kept a stern face as he continued, “Well, then I’m going to take you home and we’ll talk with your Pa.”  Johnny looked embarrassed as he responded, “My Pa’s not home, sir.  He’s at the saloon, over there.”  He looked down at his boots as he spoke.  Lucas never could abide seeing a child in distress.  “Fine.  I’ll take you home to your sister.  Let’s go, boy!”  Lucas gave him a boost into the buckboard and headed out to the Gibbs’ ranch.

                When Lucas brought the buckboard to a halt in front of the little farm house, two ladies came out to see who came to call.  Lucas’ eyes went right to Margaret, who was focusing her attention on her little brother.  Hands on hips, she demanded, “Johnny Gibbs, have you gotten into mischief again?”  Johnny smiled charmingly at his sister as he climbed down to the porch.  “A little bit, Sis, but it’s okay now.”  Lucas stood next to Johnny and removed his hat before he spoke, “Hello, I’m Lucas McCain.”  Margaret looked at him pleasantly as she spoke, “Yes, I know.  I’m Margaret Gibbs and this is my friend, Mrs. Ann Dodd.”  Lucas nodded to Margaret’s friend; he noticed she was very pretty and dressed very fashionably but his gaze returned quickly to Margaret.  “Miss Gibbs, your brother was caught stealing from the General Store.”  Margaret was outraged, “John Samuel Gibbs, stealing?  How could you?”  Johnny gave her the best contrite look he had, “It was just candy. I gave it back and Mr. McCain paid for what I ate, so everything is fine.”  Margaret shook her head, “Johnny, stealing is always wrong.  You know better!”  Johnny turned sorrowful eyes to his sister; he knew he didn’t have to do anything else to get off the hook – his sister could never stay mad at him for long.  She sighed loudly as she turned to Lucas.  “Thank you, Mr. McCain, for bringing my brother home. I’ll re-pay you what you spent.”  Johnny’s smile was back, “It was just a penny, Sis, nothing to worry about.”

                Lucas didn’t miss the way Johnny played on his sister’s feelings.  His years breaking in recruits in the army honed his ability to read the characters of the young men he trained.  This Johnny was a charming scamp who needed a lesson in responsibility.  “Miss Gibbs, please call me Lucas.  It’s true that it was just a penny I lent your brother to pay his debt – but it is his debt to repay, not yours’.”  Johnny looked surprised, “But I told you I don’t have no money, Mister.”  “You don’t have any money, Johnny.” His sister corrected him.  Noticing the simplicity of his surroundings, Lucas figured there wasn’t too much cash here at all.  Lucas looked directly at Johnny as he spoke.  “A man always pays his debts.  How old are you, boy?”  Johnny drew himself up to his full height, “I’m  12, sir.”  Lucas appeared to be considering his answer “Good.  You’re old enough to work off your debt to me.  You’ll come back into town with me and help me load the supplies on my wagon.  That will make us square.” 

                Johnny looked to his sister hoping she would rescue him as usual.  Lucas prevented his appealing to her sympathies.  “Miss Gibbs, if that’s alright with you?  I’ll bring him home as soon as we’re done.”  Margaret had a lovely smile, he thought as she turned in on him.  “Please call me Margaret and I think that’s the only fair thing to do, Lucas.  Johnny, you go with Mr. McCain – and don’t you forget to ‘mister’ him, you hear?”  Johnny did have the good sense to know when he was outnumbered and gamely climbed back into the buckboard.  Lucas spoke quietly to Margaret, “It won’t take too long and I won’t let him lift anything too heavy.”  Margaret touched his arm and whispered,” Don’t worry.  A little hard work might make him think twice about his taking anything again.”  Lucas got into the buckboard and started off for town, wondering how soon he could figure another way to visit Margaret.

                “Well, well, well, Margaret Mary Gibbs!  I do believe you have a beau!”  Ann Dodd laughed at the look of awe on Margaret’s face. 

                “Do you really think so, Ann?  Isn’t he handsome?  And he’s so tall!”  Margaret stood watching them drive away.   Ann cautioned her friend, “And he’s pretty wild from what I hear!”  Margaret’s eyes gleamed as she smiled, “Wild, indeed!  I think he’s very sweet.  Look how wonderful he is with Johnny.”  Ann knew she’d never convince her friend otherwise so she gave up instead telling her friend,   “Well, Johnny does need someone to take him in hand.”  The wounded look on Margaret’s face caused Ann to apologize, “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean anything bad.  I know your Pa tries when he can.”  Margaret couldn’t think of anything to say to excuse her father’s actions.

                Ann announced she’d better be getting home.  Her Henry would be coming home from the store and would be expecting dinner.  “Of course, “she added, “that is if Mother Dodd actually lets me cook this evening.  Margaret, never live with your mother-in-law!  She’s sure she can take care of her son better that his wife can!”  With a wave, Ann started her buggy toward home.  Margaret went in to tidy her hair and freshen up a bit before Lucas brought Johnny back home.

                Margaret was waiting on the porch when Lucas pulled up.  “Well, Margaret, here’s your brother.  He fully worked off his debt and I forgot to tell you that he also apologized to Mrs. Leonard.”  Margaret wrapped her arm around her brother’s shoulders as she spoke, “Thank you, Lucas.  You’ve been more than kind.”  Lucas nodded his head and smiled, but couldn’t think of anything to say to impress her.  Margaret thought herself very bold when she asked him, “Will you be at the Callahan’s barn dance next Saturday?’’ She couldn’t believe she was being so forward, her cheeks were rosy with embarrassment.  Lucas knew he’d never met a sweeter girl.  Giving her his best smile, he answered, “Margaret, I’ll only go if you give me the first dance.”  Her dimples were showing as she told him, “Of course!  I owe you a debt and it’s only honorable that I repay you.”  Lucas laughed with her and quickly said goodbye and headed for home, mentally calculating how he’d keep those Callahan boys away from his Margaret.

                Margaret walked her brother into the house, fully intending to have a talk with him about the day’s events but she couldn’t get a word in edgewise.  Johnny just couldn’t stop talking about Lucas.  He told her how Lucas showed him how to load the wagon so nothing would fall out and how Lucas had the fanciest rifle he ever saw and on and on and on!  She noticed a small paper bag in her brother’s back pocked and pulled it out.  “Oh, Johnny!  You didn’t take more candy?”  “No, I didn’t take it.  Lucas gave it to me.  He said I did more than a penny’s worth of work and he bought the candy as my pay.  He just told me I couldn’t eat it all at once.”  This Lucas was a wise man, Margaret decided as she confiscated the candy to ensure it wasn’t all eaten before dinner.  It appeared that both the Gibbs siblings couldn’t wait to see Lucas again.  Margaret felt bad about not inviting Lucas in for coffee and to wait to meet their father, but she’d rather they meet on a day that Sam Gibbs didn’t just come from the saloon.

                Lucas had some time to think on his ride home and he thought the five cents he spent on the candy for Johnny was a terrific investment.  He learned a lot about Margaret.  Their mother, Charlotte, died when Johnny was only 2 and Margaret was 12.  She became a surrogate mother to Johnny and learned to cook and keep house for them all.  Some of the things Johnny didn’t tell him became apparent.  It seems Sam’s ranch had never been prosperous, but he started drinking heavily after his wife died.  The ranch began to fall into disrepair and he was drinking away most of the profits spending a lot of time at the saloon.

                Johnny told Lucas that Margaret wanted to be a schoolteacher, but had to miss a lot of school and eventually left school completely as her chores at the ranch increased.  She made sure Johnny went to school and she read everything she could find.  The schoolteacher often would lend her books.  Lucas also learned that she was a good cook; she hardly ever yelled (according to Johnny) and she loved to sing. 

                What Johnny didn’t know about Margaret is that Lucas was intent on her being his girl, his Margaret.  Lucas was sure this was going to happen.  He would find a way to make it happen.  Lord, knows, he could be very determined once he made up his mind about something.

                Lucas set out to win Margaret’s affection with all the precision of a major military campaign.  His first victory came at the barn dance when he convinced the Callahan boys that Margaret was not interested in their attentions.  It took a bit of doing, but Lucas was quite firm in his arguments.   That victory was short-lived, however, as Lucas dusted himself off and re-entered the barn to see Margaret dancing with Tom Birch – and she looked like she was enjoying it, too! 

                When the music stopped, they strolled over to Lucas, who wasn’t looking too happy.  “Well, Luke, did you notice that Margaret dances like a dream?”  Lucas’ scowled at Tom as he replied, “I noticed.”  Margaret’s cheeks were pink and she had been laughing at Tom’s effusive compliment, but the look on Lucas’ face and the fact that he and Tom were staring daggers at each other alerted her to take some action. 

                “Lucas, I looked all over for you, but I couldn’t find you so Tom asked me to dance.  Now, I really would love some punch.  Shall we walk over to get some?”  She smiled up at Lucas and he could feel his annoyance dissipate.  He wasn’t about to tell her he was behind the barn ‘convincing’ some would-be suitors to back off.  He hadn’t been worried about his own friend moving in on him.  Tom tipped his hat, “I do hope you’ll save me another dance, Margaret.  It would break my heart if you didn’t.”  Margaret only had time to say, “We’ll see” as Lucas took her arm and started walking to the refreshment area.  Lucas threw Tom a warning glare, but Tom just saluted him and laughed.  Lucas just couldn’t believe it.  Tom actually said ‘dances like a dream’ and ‘it would break my heart’ – poppycock!  Tom must be reading some dime novels to be using all those fancy words.

                Once at the refreshment table, Lucas filled two cups with punch and led Margaret over to a bench by the door where they sat close to each other.  Margaret turned soft brown eyes up to him as she spoke, “Lucas, are you angry about my dancing with Tom?”  “I’m not angry at all.”  Lucas lied.  Margaret looked directly into his eyes, “Good.  It would be silly to argue with a friend over one dance, don’t you think?”  Lucas protested, “You promised the first dance to ME.”  He winced as the words came out of his month – it sounded much less mature than he wanted to be.  Margaret’s smile made her eyes dance, “This one is a pretty tune.  It can be our first dance, Lucas.”  Lucas and Margaret returned to the dance floor and when he took her into his arms, he knew he wanted her there forever.

                Lucas tried hard not to step on her toes as they danced several times that evening.  He didn’t plan to give anyone else a chance to cut in especially when he caught Tom looking in their direction several times.  At the end of the evening, Lucas asked Margaret if he could take her home, but she told him that her father was there and would escort her home.  She then brought Lucas over to meet her father.  Sam Gibbs was standing near the beer kegs, gulping down one last beer for the road.

                “Pa, I’d like you to meet someone.  This is Lucas McCain.  He’s the one I told you helped Johnny.  Lucas, this is my Pa, Sam Gibbs.”  Sam Gibbs smiled and extended his hand to Lucas, “Howdy, Lucas.  You’re John McCain’s son?”  Lucas shook his hand, noting that Sam reeked of alcohol, “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Gibbs.  Yes, John McCain is my Pa.  We have a ranch a ways out of town.”  Sam was unsteady on his feet.  Lucas could see that Margaret was both embarrassed and concerned.  He wasn’t sure if the right thing to do was ignore Sam’s condition or offer to help him to his buckboard.  He only knew he didn’t want to make Margaret feel more embarrassed than she already was.  The decision was taken out of his hands when Sam lurched forward and put his hand on Lucas’ shoulder.  “Well, thank you, Lucas, for getting Johnny out of that little scrape.  Boy’s will be boys, won’t they?”  Sam really swayed on his feet and Lucas took his arm and started to walk with him toward their buckboard; Margaret took her father’s other arm telling him they really had better get home. 

                Between the two of them, they got Sam into the buckboard.  Margaret thanked Lucas for his help but wanted to avoid looking at him.  She couldn’t bear it if he looked at her differently after knowing about her Pa.  Lucas helped her into the buckboard and then handed her the reins.  His hands wrapped around hers’ as he did and he didn’t make a move to let go until Margaret looked at him.  Then he smiled at her and Margaret knew he wouldn’t judge them poorly. “Good night, Margaret.  I’ll see you at church tomorrow.”  Lucas gave her an encouraging look and Margaret smiled and nodded as she clicked the horses to motion.  Lucas stood watching the wagon disappear into the darkness wondering how such a beautiful girl could have come from such a no-account father.

                “Luke, you can’t keep such a pretty filly all to yourself!”  Tom Birch walked up from behind Lucas as he spoke.  Lucas mimicked him, ”Why, Tom?  Would it just ‘break your heart?’ or is it that you can’t find another ‘dream’ to dance with you?”  Tom hooted, “Lucas I do believe that you are jealous!”  He slapped Lucas on the shoulder as he walked past. “Well, may the best man win, old buddy!”  What Lucas replied was less than polite as he mounted his own horse and headed for home, all the while planning some way to get Margaret to spend some time alone with him, away from the likes of Tom Birch and those Callahan boys.

                “Good Morning, son, would you like some breakfast?”  Rose McCain was surprised to see Lucas up and dressed in his Sunday best.  Lucas kissed the top of her head as he walked past her, “Ma, I’m as hungry as a horse.  Do I have time to eat before we leave for church?”  John McCain’s eyes met his wife’s over his coffee cup.  They were both surprised, but pleased, to hear that their son would be coming to church as he had mostly skipped church since he came home.  However, they were wise enough not to mention it.  Rose responded,  “Of course, Lucas, there’s plenty of time”  as she set a plate in front of him.

                Lucas did his best to rein in his desire to get to church quickly as he rode beside his parents’ buckboard.  He also remembered his manners and helped his mother down when they arrived.   Then he followed them into the building.  His eyes quickly found Margaret sitting between her brother and a woman that Lucas didn’t know.  The McCains took their seats a few rows behind the object of their son’s attention.  After the service was over, Lucas waited with his parents outside the church making sure that he would be able to see Margaret as soon as she exited the church.  Lucas walked quickly over to her as soon as she appeared on the steps.

                “Good morning, Margaret.  Johnny.”  Lucas greeted the Gibbs and Margaret rewarded him with a smile.  “Lucas!  It’s nice to see you.  I’d like to introduce my friend, Clare Wheatley.”  Lucas nodded to the brunette woman standing beside Margaret before saying, “Margaret, I’d like you to meet my parents.  They’re just over there.”  Clare excused herself and hurried off and Margaret and Johnny followed in Lucas’ wake toward his parents.  Margaret’s first thought was that these McCains were sure a good-looking family.  Mr. McCain was tall, though not as tall as his son; he had a full head of white hair and the same clear blue eyes as Lucas.  Mrs. McCain was a very pretty woman with deep blue eyes and rosy cheeks.  Although most of her hair was covered by her hat, Margaret thought it looked very fair.

                “Ma, Pa, this is Margaret Gibbs and her brother, Johnny.”   Margaret immediately felt at ease with the McCains.  They were warm and friendly and welcoming.  It was clear to her that Lucas and his parents shared a deep love.  After talking for a few minutes, Mrs. McCain invited the Gibbs family to dinner next Sunday.  Lucas would have picked up his mother and kissed her for that – but didn’t want to appear too excited.  Margaret hesitated; she could never be sure of her father’s condition.  Mrs. McCain added, “I’m making my chicken and dumplings and maybe some chocolate cake for dessert.”  Johnny wasn’t going to let this invitation get away, “Sis, we just have to go!”  He said as he turned pleading eyes to his sister. Lucas couldn’t help but brag, “My Ma makes the best chicken and dumplings in the territory.  You don’t want to miss it.  Why don’t you come?”

                Margaret couldn’t resist both her brother and Lucas’ entreaties so she graciously accepted Mrs. McCain’s invitation.  Mrs. McCain beamed, “Wonderful, dear!  We’ll look forward to next Sunday.  Bring your Pa, too.”  Margaret thanked them again and then excused herself saying she had to go and visit a sick friend.  Lucas offered to walk her to her destination and told his parents he would meet them at home in a spell.  Johnny ran off to join his friends, promising his sister that he would be home for dinner.

                Lucas walked with Margaret over to the Dodd home.  She explained that Ann hadn’t been well enough to come to church and she just wanted to check on her.  Margaret and Ann had been friends since they started school together.  Ann married Henry Dodd last year.  Henry was considered quite a catch because he owned the feed and grain store.  It had been left to him by his father.  Margaret offered all this information as she chatted a bit nervously wondering if Lucas would mention her father or his condition last night.   When they reached the gate in front of the Dodd house, Margaret turned to Lucas, “This is it, Lucas.  Thank you for walking over with me. “  Lucas just stood there looking at her as his brain struggled to find the right words. 

                “Margaret, I’m glad you’ll be coming to dinner next week.  Would it be alright with you if I rode over to visit you one evening during the week?”  Margaret’s expression looked pained.  Lucas thought it must be something he said, “It’s okay if you isn’t, I guess you’re busy at the ranch.”  He turned to leave and Margaret put her hand on his arm. 

                “Lucas, I’d love to have you come to call.  It’s just, well, you saw my father last night.  Some nights he’s not up to company.  I just never know.”  Margaret searched Lucas’ face for some sign of contempt for her father, but found none.  Instead, Lucas looked relieved.  “If your Pa isn’t up to company, maybe we could go out riding.  You do ride?”  Margaret looked affronted, “Can I ride?  Well, Lucas McCain, I guess I ride as well as you do!  We’ll just have to see, won’t we?”  Her face broke into a big grin and Lucas was pleased, having worried that he had insulted her.  He had to laugh as well, “Alright!  Some pretty evening this week, we’re going for a ride!”  Margaret stood and watched Lucas walk back to the church before she turned to walk up the steps of the house hoping he wouldn’t wait too many days for that ride.

                Mrs. Dodd answered the door, and ushered Margaret into the house.  Margaret was always uncomfortable in her presence and felt that Mrs. Dodd didn’t quite approve of her.  Ann was resting on the couch in the parlor and immediately called out to her as she entered.  “Margaret!  You are such a dear to come and visit me!”  Margaret went to Ann’s side and knelt on the floor.  She heard Mrs. Dodd’s skirts rustle as she went into the kitchen and left the two friends to visit.

                “How are you, Ann?  I was so worried when Henry said you weren’t feeling well.”  Ann looked like the cat that swallowed the canary.  She patted Margaret’s hand as she spoke, “Well, I feel unwell most mornings, but it usually passes before too long.”  Margaret’s face showed concern, “You feel ill every day?  Can’t Doc Smith do anything for you?”  Ann just about giggled, “Not for about 7 more months, he can’t.” 

                “You’re expecting a baby!!”  Margaret hugged Ann as she spoke.  Ann confirmed the good news but cautioned her not to say anything yet.  “Mother Dodd says it is very bad form to talk about your ‘condition’ until you start to show!”  The girls were very happy about the impending arrival.  Margaret was mentally deciding on what she should make for the baby. 

                Henry Dodd entered the house and walking into the parlor, he greeted Margaret and kissed his wife on her forehead.  “Feeling better, my dear?”  Ann nodded in reply.  “Good. Margaret, I think your brother has gotten himself into another scrape.  Just saw him and that George Jackson wrestling in the dirt behind the livery.  You might want to see about taking him in hand.”  Margaret’s cheeks reddened as she stood up very straight.  Looking levelly at Henry, Margaret thanked him for his concern and kissing Ann’s cheek, she quickly left the Dodd’s and headed over to the stable.  She just hated the way the Dodds made her feel so inferior!  How Ann could stand it was beyond her.  

                As Margaret rounded the stable to find her errant brother, she heard Lucas’ voice and saw that he held two struggling boys apart – one of them was Johnny.  Lucas barked at them, “Alright!  Enough fighting!  What’s this about?”  It was obvious that Johnny had taken the worst of the battle and that was because George was twice his size.  When the combatants remained silent, Lucas gave them a good shake.  Threatening to go to his father, Lucas sent George on his way, but kept his hold on Johnny.  The crowd of boys dispersed once the fight was over; so it was Lucas and Johnny left standing there.  “Johnny, are you going to tell me what this fight was about?”  Johnny’s bruised and bloody face was set in grim determination and he wasn’t about to say what had been said about his father.  Margaret stood back and watched as Lucas used his kerchief to wipe the blood from Johnny’s nose and bring him over to the water trough to wash some of the dirt from his face.  Although Johnny protested, he was smart enough to know when Lucas wasn’t going to be deterred.  Lucas could see many emotions run through Johnny’s eyes; anger, pain, and shame.  He started to talk to Johnny, “You can’t go home to your sister looking like you do.  You know, you’d do better to fight with someone your own size.  Of course, your sister will tell you that it’s better not to fight at all but I know that sometimes you just have to, don’t you?”

                Johnny fairly spit the words out, “He said my Pa is a drunk!  A no-account drunk!  I’m not letting nobody say that!”  Lucas finished cleaning up his face.  “I don’t suppose I would either, Johnny.”  Johnny looked at him incredulously, “You wouldn’t?”  Lucas repeated , “No, I wouldn’t.  But I also wouldn’t want to get my sister upset by fighting like this.  I’m sure you don’t want her to be disappointed in you, do you?”  Johnny just shook his head.  Tears now flowed down his cheeks causing him to be more embarrassed – now he was crying like a little kid.  It appeared Lucas didn’t take any notice of his tears.  “Well, Johnny, you and I have to find some time to teach you how to take care of these kinds of bullies a little bit better than you did today.  What do you say?”  Johnny blinked back the tears, “Yes, sir. I’d like that.” 

                “Good.  I’ll stop and see you this week.  Now you get home and don’t cause your sister any more trouble, okay?”  Lucas watched Johnny run off toward his home, but he didn’t see Margaret standing in the shadow of the barn with tears streaming down her face.  Nor did he know how much his attention to Johnny meant to her.  Lucas mounted up and started for home, taking a big piece of Margaret’s heart with him.

                Lucas intended to keep his promise to find time for Johnny.  He rode to the Gibbs’ ranch on Tuesday night.  Margaret was especially happy because Sam hadn’t drunk much at all and was very cordial to Lucas; he never mentioned the barn dance.  Margaret and Lucas rode out and Lucas had to admit that Margaret rode very well.  They stopped near a pond and dismounted, walking side by side as the sun was just starting to go down.  Margaret didn’t stop Lucas when he gently kissed her.  As a matter of fact, she smiled up at him.  Lucas just smiled back, afraid any words would break the spell.  He wrapped his arms around Margaret and they stood together watching the sunset.  Finally Margaret did pull back and looking up at Lucas said, “We’d better get back.  It’s starting to get dark.”  There was nothing Lucas wanted to do less, but he didn’t protest, hoping this would earn him more time with Margaret.

                As they rode back, Margaret felt she just had to thank Lucas for his kindness to Johnny the other day behind the barn.  This was the first that Lucas knew Margaret had been watching them.  Lucas was sure that Johnny needed more supervision then he was getting, but he didn’t want to appear critical of her father.  His own Pa never let Lucas have so much free time that mischief could fill that time.  Having his own chores and helping his Pa with the ranch work made sure most of Lucas’ energy was channeled productively.  Lucas thought he had a solution.  “Margaret, what would you say if I had Johnny work with me on my ranch.  Maybe one day after school or on a Saturday.  It wouldn’t interfere with his own chores at your ranch, of course.  I just thought I could use a little help and it might keep him out of mischief.”  Margaret eagerly agreed to Lucas’ plan and she knew her brother would greatly benefit from being with Lucas.  She knew it wasn’t that their Pa didn’t love them; he’d just lost his way somehow.

                Johnny was waiting on the porch as they rode up.  He called out to his Pa that Margaret was home.  Sam joined his son and greeted them, “Good! You’re home.  I hoped you’d get back before dark.  Did you have a nice ride, daughter?”  Lucas dismounted and held Margaret’s horse as she dismounted.  He could tell by Sam’s voice that he’d been drinking while they were out and he could see the concern on Margaret’s face as she approached her father.  “We had a lovely ride, Pa.  Johnny, did you finish your homework while I was gone?”  She could tell from his expression that the answer was no.  “Then you go in now and finish before it gets too late.”  Lucas offered to unsaddle her horse for her, but Sam stopped him.  “It’s fine, Lucas.  I’ll take the horse. You’ve got a long ride home.”  Lucas handed him the reins and cast a soulful glance at Margaret.  He sure would love to kiss her good night, but thought that would really be pressing his luck.  So instead he reminded her to tell Johnny about his plan.  He wished them a good night and said he’d see them on Sunday; then he headed for home.

                Margaret shooed her brother into the house and directed him to get his homework done.  She turned to see Sam swing into the saddle of her horse.  Walking quickly over to him, she asked, “Pa, where are you going?  It’s so late.”  Sam winked at her as he turned the horse toward town, “There’s a card game waiting for me, darlin’! I’ll be home later.”  He kicked the horse and left for town, leaving Margaret standing forlornly on the porch.

                Lucas unsaddled his horse and bedded down the animals before he went into the house.  His parents were sitting by the fire.  His father was reading the Bible and his mother was darning socks.  Rose looked up first, “Did you have a nice evening, Lucas?”  Lucas sat on the hearth as he answered, ‘We had a nice ride, Ma.  Pa, I’m going to let Johnny work with me on Saturday.  Is that okay with you?”  John McCain nodded but looked closely at his son.  “You figure you need help, son?”  Lucas shook his head.  “Not so much, Pa.  But I think Johnny could use a little less time to get into trouble.”  Lucas recounted the two incidents involving Johnny finishing with, “I just can’t believe a man would rather drink than take care of his family.”  John gave Lucas a hard look before he said, “Lucasboy, you’re too quick to judge.  You don’t know what causes a man to do what he does.”  His father’s criticism stung Lucas even now when he was full grown, but he felt he’d been through enough now as a man to stand his ground. “Pa, I’m sorry if it sounded hard.  But I tell you, I would never let my family go to ruin and that’s what will happen.  He owes them better.”  Father and son looked at each other until John finally spoke.

                “Lucas, I know you’re a better man than to not do your best for your family.  I hope it’s because we raised you right.  But what I’m saying is, you don’t know how Gibbs was raised; you don’t know what drove him to drink.  I’m telling you it ain’t easy for a man to lose his wife, to raise his kids on his own.  I don’t know if I could have done it without your Ma.”  Lucas gave a lot of thought to what his father said.  He still couldn’t justify the way Sam Gibbs neglected his family, especially his son.  His own Pa taught him better by his example then by using words.  Still not willing to concede his point, Lucas did want to end the conversation without causing an argument.  “I see what you mean, Pa.”  He offered as a truce.  “I hope you do, Lucasboy.  Remember, Margaret loves him.”  That set Lucas to thinking.  Margaret did love her father and Lucas had to find a way to reconcile his feelings about Margaret and her father.

                Johnny spent all day Saturday with Lucas.  He sure could charm the bark off a tree, but Lucas had to constantly remind him of the job at hand.  He wasn’t too easy to keep focused for long.  They had a good day though and as Johnny rode off to home, he waved and said he couldn’t wait for tomorrow so he could come back.

                After church services were over, Mr. Jackson called to Lucas.  Margaret had already gone off to pick up her father for the ride to the McCain’s ranch so Lucas told his parents he’d catch up with them and walked over to speak with Mr. Jackson.  Mr. Jackson had a job offer for Lucas.  He and another rancher had to get their cattle to market now while the price was good.  He wanted Lucas to sign on.  Tom Birch already signed on and his own son, Reef, would be going along, too. Jackson was offering real good pay.  Lucas told him he’d go but first had to make sure his Pa would have help.  Shaking hands, Mr. Jackson told Lucas to be ready to leave on Friday.

                The McCains were all on the porch waiting as the Gibbs family arrived.  After the introductions were made, Rose ushered her guests into the house.  They really did have a pleasant afternoon.  Sam was cold sober and talked cattle and ranching with John, showing a good knowledge of both.  Rose was happiest when people enjoyed her cooking and Johnny sure did!  He had two heaping plates of her chicken and dumplings and several pieces of cornbread, too.  Rose’s maternal eye didn’t miss the way Margaret acted like a mother to her brother; nor did it miss how Sam paid him little attention.

                As soon as the meal was over, John asked Sam to come out and see some new stock.  Margaret started to clean off the table but Rose stopped her.  “No, dear, you go for a nice walk with Lucas.  Johnny will help me with the dishes.” Rose put her arm around Johnny’s shoulders and started telling him how Lucas had always helped her with the dishes when he was a boy.  Margaret had to hold back a giggle at the sight of her brother’s pained expression, but Lucas made sure they left the house quickly so she wouldn’t try to rescue her brother.

                They walked quite a distance to a small pond where Lucas often fished as a boy.  There they sat on the grass just soaking in the beautiful sunshine and the pleasure of being in each other’s company.  Margaret looked over to Lucas and saw he was caught up in his own thoughts.  “What are you thinking about, Lucas?  You look so serious!”  Lucas wasn’t ready to tell her what he was really thinking about, not just yet, so instead he told her about his new job.  “Mr. Jackson just hired me on for a cattle drive.  He’s paying good money.”  Margaret’s heart sank a little as she questioned him.  “When will you be leaving?”  Hearing that Friday would be his last day in town did nothing to make her feel any better.  “Will you be gone long?”  Lucas told her he thought it would be about four weeks or so.  “Oh. “ was Margaret’s only reply.

                Lucas’ eyes gleamed as he asked, “Will you miss me?”  Margaret was not going to admit that.  “Well, I don’t know, but I do think Johnny will.”  Lucas’ smile deepened, “Oh, I see, Johnny will miss me, but you won’t?”  Margaret blushed so charmingly!  Lucas couldn’t resist one more minute. He held her chin in his hand and kissed her.  He teased, “Are you sure you won’t miss me, even a little?”  Margaret smiled in spite of herself and agreed, “Well, maybe just a little!”  They both laughed and Lucas kissed her again.  Margaret pushed back from Lucas to look at him from a safer distance.  “Why do you have to go at all, Lucas?”  “It’s good money, “ Lucas explained, “and I’m saving for my own place.”  Margaret was surprised.  “Your own place?  But what would your Pa do without you?”  Lucas had thought about that often.  “I’m not going to leave while my Pa needs me, but someday, I’ll have my own ranch where I’ll raise my own family.”  Lucas looked deeply into Margaret’s eyes before he continued, “I’d like you to share that with me, Margaret.”

                Surprise, happiness and uncertainty ran through Margaret’s head, but she wanted to very sure of what Lucas meant.  “What do you mean, Lucas?”  Lucas ran his finger down the side of her face, tracing her jaw. “I mean I want you to be my wife and raise a family with me.”  Margaret persisted, “Are you proposing to me?”  Lucas laughed out loud, “Yes, I am proposing that you marry me.  I want you to be Mrs. Lucas McCain.”  Margaret started to cry.  “Is that a ‘yes’?” Lucas inquired.  Margaret nodded and threw her arms around Lucas’ neck.  Lucas wrapped her in his arms and neither one had any words to say.  A few minutes later, Margaret looked up at Lucas with a look of deep concern on her face.  Very seriously, she started to speak, “Lucas, I want to be your wife more than anything in this world, but we have so much to think about.  You have to help your Pa.  Johnny needs me and my Pa needs me, too.  I don’t know what we should do.”

                Lucas paused before replying, “Let’s deal with all that when I get back.  I know we can work it out.  We won’t say a word to anybody until we do.  Will that make you feel better?”  Lucas’ reward was another kiss from Margaret.  He could tell from her smile that she trusted him to figure this all out.  He’d have some serious thinking to do while he was away.

                He got to his feet and took Margaret’s hand to help her up.  “We’d better get back before

your brother finishes off that chocolate cake!”  Arms around each other, they started walking back to the house.

                The week flew with all the arrangements and preparations Lucas had to make.  Confident that his Pa would have enough help, Lucas rode over to say goodbye to a tearful Margaret.  He knew he’d never like leaving her.  Bidding his parents farewell was easier, though he knew he’d be worried the whole time he was gone.

                It was almost six weeks before Lucas rode back into town.  He went straight to the bank to deposit most of his pay.  As he left the bank, he caught sight of Margaret sweeping the walk in front of the General Store.  Smiling at the unexpected opportunity to see her, Lucas almost ran across the road to greet her. “Margaret!  I’m back!”  Lucas called out as he reached the sidewalk.  Margaret looked up just as Lucas bounded up the steps.  He pulled her to him and kissed her, leaving Margaret speechless.  Lucas was surprised to see Margaret look aghast.  Thinking she was shocked that he kissed her so publicly, he teased her, “Don’t worry, soon everyone will know we’re getting married.”  With that Margaret burst into tears.  Totally taken aback Lucas took her arm and walked her into the alley next to the store.  Once out of public view, he started to questions her, “What’s wrong, Margaret?  Have you changed your mind?”

                Margaret shook her head and buried her face against Lucas’ chest.  “Lucas, it’s just awful!  Everything’s gone so wrong!”  Lucas was still confused.  “Sweetheart, please tell me what’s awful.  I don’t understand.”  He and Margaret sat on the rear steps of the store as Margaret poured out the story along with her tears.  It turned out that Sam Gibbs was in worse shape than Margaret knew.  The bank had foreclosed on their ranch.  They were only able to salvage some special items; everything else was auctioned off, even their horses.  They had taken rooms at Mrs. Carver’s boarding house.  Margaret got work at the general store and was also selling her pies and breads to Mrs. Carver and as well as to the hotel .  Sam was able to get a job driving a freight wagon, which meant he was gone several days a week, when he showed up for work.  Johnny found a job at the livery and was hardly ever in school anymore, which suited him just fine, but worried Margaret.   

Margaret was overwhelmed by the shock of losing her home and the fear of losing her family.  She finished recounting the awful events of the past six weeks and cried quietly, seeking comfort in the warmth of Lucas’ embrace.

Lucas’ mind was reeling with all this news. Fighting down more contempt for Sam, he struggled to think of some way to help Margaret and Johnny.  “It will be alright, sweetheart.  We’ll find a way to make things right.  Just let me think on what we should do.  I have to get home and let my folks know I’m back. I can come back in tonight and we can talk some more.”  Margaret just became aware of the term of endearment that Lucas has used and it warmed her inside.  She smiled bravely at him, “No, you don’t, Lucas.  You go home and rest up.  Your Ma and Pa have missed you something awful.  We can talk another day.  If you’re coming into church on Sunday, we can talk then.  I don’t have to work on Sundays.”  Margaret’s quiet dignity touched Lucas deep down; he was so proud of her.  He agreed that Sunday afternoon they could spend together.  He even promised her that he would bring a picnic lunch, hoping to make her smile.  He kissed her and held her close for just a moment, wanting somehow to make her feel safe.

By the time Lucas rode up to the ranch house, he had a pretty good plan in his head, but he needed to talk it over with his folks first.  His Pa was just walking out of the barn and called out to his wife that Lucas was home.  Lucas was pleased to see his Pa looking so good.  After he hugged his Ma, he started for the barn to take care of his horse and his Pa walked along with him.  Once in the barn, Lucas recounted what he had learned this morning when he spoke to Margaret.  John McCain nodded solemnly, “I know about their troubles, son.  Everyone does.  The shame of it is Sam Gibbs is still drinking and gambling like nothing even happened.”  John jumped when Lucas slammed his hand against the post.

 “Pa, I’ve tried giving Sam the benefit of the doubt – but now this!  You should have seen Margaret! He’s got no right to ruin his family like this!”  Lucas was clearly distressed.  His father put his hand on his son’s shoulder and told him they’d better head in before his Ma came to get them.  He was sure she must be cooking up a storm by now.  Sure enough, Rose was frying some ham and potatoes as they entered the house.

“I was just going to call you two.  I figured you must be awful hungry, Lucas, after your long ride.”  Lucas sat at the table and enjoyed the best food he’d had in weeks.  As they sat over their coffee, they started to discuss the Gibbs’ situation.  It was then that Lucas told his parents that he had asked Margaret to marry him before he left on the cattle drive.  Neither parent was really surprised at his news and Rose just knew Margaret was the right girl for her Lucas.  It would be good to have something to celebrate.  Rose asked Lucas when they planned to be married.  “Right away.”  He replied.

 “Did you speak to Sam and ask his permission yet?”  John asked his son.  The contemptuous look on  Lucas’ face spoke his answer.  Rose tried to reason with her son, “Lucas, besides speaking to her Pa, you also have to give her some time to plan her wedding.  It isn’t seemly to rush a wedding, unless you have to.” Lucas was clearly insulted by his mother’s insinuation, “Ma, we don’t have to get married.  We want to.  I haven’t touched her!”  Rose was relieved but said, “I didn’t say you did, Lucas.  But don’t let everyone else think you’re marrying for any other reason than love.  Give her some time.”  Lucas appeared to consider his mother’s reasoning, “How much time?” he asked.  “That’ll be up to Margaret, son.  But if you announce your betrothal and set a date, it’ll be all nice and proper.”  Rose suggested. “The poor dear doesn’t need any more gossip aimed in her direction.”

                Lucas was not about to wait too long, but he would ask Margaret on Sunday when she thought they should have their wedding.  Lucas then went on to explain his plan to his parents.  He thought he and Margaret could live with them for a while, until he saved enough for his own ranch.  He also figured Johnny and Sam, if necessary, could stay in their old bunkhouse.  That way Johnny would have supervision and Margaret wouldn’t worry so much.  The McCain’s thought their son’s plan was sound, and they would be very happy to help in any way they could, but recommended he at least run it past Margaret first.  Lucas sure had a lot to tell Margaret on Sunday.

Lucas borrowed a buggy to take Margaret on the picnic.  Rose packed a delicious lunch in a basket and Lucas tucked it along with a blanket into the back; he headed out to church ahead of his parents wanting to make sure he’d be able to sit with Margaret.  When he arrived at church, Margaret was standing in front chatting with Clare and Ann.  Ann’s husband was escorting his mother into the church.  Margaret welcomed Lucas with a warm smile.  Lucas removed his hat, nodded to the ladies and greeted Margaret with a kiss on the cheek.  He loved the way she blushed.  Clare looked very surprised, but Ann laughed out loud, “Margaret, I just knew he was your beau! You’ve been keeping secrets from us!”  Lucas just grinned and his eyes gleamed as he teased, “Ladies, I am hurt that Margaret hasn’t seen fit to tell you we’re courting.  I hope I wasn’t gone so long that someone else stepped in.”

“I tried, Luke, but she wouldn’t have me.”  Tom Birch spoke as he walked up to the group.  “I asked her to dinner last night, but she turned me down.  I’d a feeling she was spoken for – now I know, old friend.”  Lucas felt more than a little put out that one of his best friends would try to take Margaret away from him, but he quickly figured that her turning Tom down meant she was decided on Lucas. Tom tipped his hat to the ladies and entered the church.

Henry Dodd returned to escort his wife into the church.  Ann quickly introduced Lucas to Henry – although the men knew each other from around town.  After some polite conversation, Ann walked off with her husband leaving Lucas with Margaret and Clare.  “May I sit with you?”  Lucas asked Margaret. “Of course, Clare and I were just going in.” She replied.  Lucas offered her his arm; he intended to make a statement to the whole town.  Margaret was his girl and he wasn’t about to let her go.  Looking around, Lucas realized someone was missing.  “Where’s Johnny?”  Margaret told him Johnny was with their Pa on a freight run.  Her face said more than her words about her concern for her brother.  Lucas sat proudly next to Margaret during the service.  His parents watched quietly from the behind her, very pleased their boy was settling down.

The McCains waited outside church to greet Lucas and Margaret.  Rose embraced Margaret.  “My dear, we couldn’t be happier to hear our son has the very good sense to want you to be his wife.  I’ve always wanted a daughter just like you!”  Margaret was both surprised and pleased that Lucas had told his parents about their engagement.  It was just becoming real to her.  “Thank you, Mrs. McCain.  Mr. McCain.  I’m very proud to join your family.”  Rose gave her another hug before Lucas helped Margaret into the buggy.  As they drove away, he could hear his mother calling to her friends.  He was sure everyone they knew would know about him and Margaret by nightfall.

Lucas took Margaret to the prettiest spot he knew along the river.  After he helped her down, he spread the blanket on the grass under a shady tree.  Margaret started to unpack the picnic basket, laughing at how much food Rose McCain had packed for just the two of them.  Her laughter sounded good to Lucas.  He left his jacket and hat in the buggy and walked over to join her on the blanket.  Margaret put her bonnet on the blanket next to her and started to fix a dish for Lucas.  They had fried chicken, hard-boiled eggs and tomatoes.  There was even some blueberry pie for dessert.  Rose thought of everything.

Lucas and Margaret laughed and talked about nothing serious.  Margaret looked so happy and relaxed that Lucas didn’t want to bring up anything unpleasant.  When they had finished eating, Margaret noticed Lucas looked very pensive.  “What are you thinking about Lucas?”  Lucas looked very serious when he looked at her.  “I’m thinking about you and me.  I’d like to talk to you about an idea I have.”  He then explained to her exactly what he told his parents and how they would be happy to have them live with them.  He watched her face carefully to see some sign from Margaret that she was happy with his plan.  What he saw was a deep sadness.  When Margaret looked at him, there were tears in her eyes.

“Thank you, Lucas.  I love you and I love what you are trying to do – but I can’t let you take on all the problems of my family.  It means the world to me that you would, but it’s not fair.  I think we’ll have to postpone our wedding. “  Lucas was not pleased with Margaret’s thinking and she could tell from the look on his face that he was going to argue with her.  “Lucas, if you think about this, you’ll see I’m being very reasonable.”

“Reasonable?”  Is that what you call it?”  Lucas turned to face Margaret as he spoke,  “Well, I call it foolish.”  Margaret was stung by his words.  “You think I’m foolish?  Maybe we should just clean up here and head back – right now.”  Margaret stood up and started to gather the remnants into the basket.  Lucas also stood, fairly certain that his choice of words could have been better, but a little uncertain of how to take them back.

 “Margaret, I didn’t mean you were foolish, honest.  I meant our not getting married was foolish.”  Margaret’s demeanor didn’t show any softening so Lucas tried again. “You know I asked you to marry me before I left, not because of this trouble, but because I love you.”  He held Margaret’s shoulders as he spoke.  “So, what do you say?”  Margaret looked at him and told him in a reasonable tone that he was standing on her bonnet.  Lucas jumped away from the hat as if it were a rattler.  Margaret started to laugh and then Lucas joined in.  He picked up her stomped on bonnet and they dissolved into another round of laughter.  When they caught their breath, Lucas wrapped his arms around Margaret, lifted her clear off the ground and kissed her.  It was several moments before her feet touched the ground again.

Hoping Margaret could be swayed to agree, Lucas tried one more time, “Sweetheart, I’m sorry if what I said upset you.  I love you, Margaret, and I want to marry you.  I just thought you’d be happier knowing your family was fine.”  Margaret couldn’t resist his use of ‘sweetheart’ and some of her resolve melted.  “Lucas, I know you did and I love you even more for it, but my Pa would never take charity, neither could  I.”  Lucas looked down at her beautiful face and knew he could never love anyone else like this.  “Then I won’t offer you any charity.  I’m offering you my love and my name.  Will you accept that?”

Margaret made Lucas wait a whole minute before answering, “I will, Lucas!  But I need a little time to get ready.  We have to tell my Pa and I need a dress and we need to speak to the preacher.  You do want a church wedding?”  Lucas readily agreed to everything she said only asking when she would be ready.  “I think four weeks would be good, don’t you, Lucas?”  Lucas nodded, but knew it would most likely be the longest four weeks of his life.

Margaret asked Lucas to wait for her Pa to come home before they made any set date for the wedding and promised to let him know as soon as Sam returned.  So Lucas brought her back to the boarding house, kissed her good bye and returned to the ranch to tell his parents what had been decided.  It gnawed at him that he had to wait for Sam Gibbs, but he had no choice.  He didn’t have to wait too long after all.  Sam and Johnny returned to town on Tuesday and Margaret sent word to Lucas to come to call.

Lucas rode into town the next afternoon and went to Mrs. Carver’s.  Mrs. Carver welcomed him and brought him into the parlor where Sam and Johnny were sitting.  Margaret hurried in from the kitchen, taking off her apron as she walked toward him, “Lucas!  I’m glad you’re here.”  She walked up to Lucas and kissed him, surprising, but pleasing him.  Sam chuckled, “Well, Lucas, looks like my girl’s put her brand on you!”  Sam stood up and shook Lucas’ hand as he continued to speak.  “I guess you’ll be wanting my permission to marry my daughter.  You should know that Margaret knows her own mind, so if she said yes to you, I won’t go against her.  I’ll be pleased to have you marry her.”  Lucas was happy this formality was over and could only say, “Thank you.  I’ll be a good husband to her.”  Johnny held out his hand to Lucas.  After Lucas shook his hand, he ruffled the boy’s hair.  Margaret wrapped her arms around Lucas’ waist and smiled at him.  Mrs. Carver then offered her congratulations and insisted they all have coffee and cake to celebrate such happy news.

 When Lucas arrived back at his family’s ranch, he found his parents waiting for him.  He recounted the afternoon’s events and how Sam was pleased with the news.  Lucas and Margaret would speak to the pastor on Sunday and pick their date.  Rose and John were both smiling at their son and Rose finally poked her husband to encourage him to tell their son their surprise.  Lucas looked between his parents with some curiosity.  “What are you smiling at?” He finally asked.

“Lucasboy, your mother and I want you to know how proud we are of you.  We couldn’t ask for a finer son.”  Lucas felt himself flush with pleasure.  John continued, “We know how important it is to you to have your own ranch.  So as our wedding present, we’re giving you the 40 acres in the south pasture.  It’s good land.  It’s a good place to start your life with Margaret.  It’s not big, but it’s a start.”  He paused and waited for Lucas to respond.  Lucas was overwhelmed and couldn’t get his voice to work for a second or two.  “Pa, I don’t know what to say.”  He barely rasped out.  Rose got up and walked over to her son and kissed him and hugged him to her.  “You don’t need to say anything, Lucas, just be happy.”

Lucas didn’t know whether he wanted to laugh or cry, but he did know his dream of his own ranch was coming true and he had his beautiful Margaret to share it with him.  He couldn’t wait to tell her the good news.

                Life picked up speed like Lucas had never experienced before.  The preacher was pleased to marry them on the date they picked.  All their friends were wishing them well and giving them gifts.  They had more invitations to dinner than they could accept.  Ann and Clare had decided that finding the perfect dress for Margaret was their responsibility.  Margaret, however, knew exactly what she wanted to wear – her mother’s wedding dress.  It was one of the few items not auctioned off.  When she tried it on for her friends, they all had tears in their eyes.  She looked like an angel.  Ann’s being in the family way meant she couldn’t be in the wedding party but Clare would stand up as the witness for Margaret.  Just as they put away Margaret’s wedding dress, Lucas came knocking at the Dodd’s door.  He felt a little out of place amid the boxes and material scattered about.

                “Have you come to see your intended, Lucas?”  Ann had a charming way of speaking and never seemed at a loss for words.  Lucas nodded mutely.  Margaret filled in the ladies, “The McCains have given us land to build our own home on and Lucas is taking me up to see it today.”  Her eyes never left Lucas’ face as she spoke.  She bid her friends goodbye and left with Lucas to ride up to their homestead.  It was such a beautiful spot, Margaret decided, with the hills in the distance and the wonderful trees to shade their home.  Lucas helped her down and together they walked around the area Lucas thought would be perfect for the house.   He pulled a paper from his pocket and showed Margaret a sketch of what he wanted to build.  “Do you like it, sweetheart?”  Lucas waited anxiously for her reply.

                “I love it, Lucas, it will be perfect for us!”  Margaret was excited about having her first house, her own home – their home.  It sounded so good!  Lucas suggested they measure out the house and they walked around placing stones where the walls would be.  The little house would have a big sitting room, a small kitchen and a nice size bedroom.  When Lucas mentioned he could add a room or two when they started a family, Margaret’s cheeks turned the loveliest pink.  He loved to see her blush.

                Margaret was impressed with how detailed Lucas was like as to how he wanted the kitchen placed off to the side and it would have cross ventilation so it wouldn’t get too hot in the summer.  As they continued touring the side, Margaret pointed out where she wanted windows and described a large fireplace made of stone.  Lucas surprised her by saying he was sure they could have their house built before the wedding.  He was using some of his earnings to buy the lumber and materials and several of his friends were coming to help him this Saturday.  He was full of plans and enthusiasm.  For her part, Margaret knew just where she’d plant her garden and there was a stream not far from the house that would make getting water easier, although Lucas did have plans to dig a well and install a water pump but that would take some time.  They spent the whole afternoon talking about the house and their ranch and the wonderful life they would have together. 

                It was almost dark when Lucas brought Margaret back to town.  It took more than one kiss for Lucas to say good night and he was looking forward to the day when he wouldn’t have to leave her.

                Their new house was completed within a few days.  Lucas, his father and so many friends and neighbors worked on it almost non-stop.  They were ready to move in their furniture and things within a week.  Margaret marveled at how Lucas strove to make everything just the way she described it.  Now it was her turn to turn this house into a home.  People had been so generous.  She had lovely lace curtains for the windows and filled her cabinets with blue-flowered dishes.  There were new pots and pans, a coffee pot; towels, tablecloths and napkins.  Mrs. Carver gave them a sturdy dining table and some chairs as her wedding gift.  Margaret and Lucas only had to buy two comfortable chairs for sitting by the fire and a bed.  Lucas was able to buy a beautiful brass bed at the used furniture store.  Margaret polished it till it shone.

                Rose and John McCain came to pay a call the week before the wedding.  Margaret was on her knees planting flowers along the porch; she looked up with a smile and walked over to greet her future in-laws.  John McCain walked off to find his son who was preparing the area where the well would be dug.   Rose McCain retrieved two packages from the buckboard and followed Margaret into the house.  Although Margaret was curious about the package, she felt it was rude to ask so instead offered to make some coffee.  “Why don’t you open your gifts first?”  Rose suggested.  “Open the big one,“  she encouraged Margaret.

                Margaret felt as giddy as a school girl; she’d been given more gifts and more attention in the last couple of weeks than in her whole life.  She unwrapped the big package and found a beautiful wedding ring quilt and a set of creamy white linens.  “Thank you so much, Mrs. McCain!  They’re wonderful.  I’ve never had anything so beautiful.   I’ll put them on the bed right now!”

                “Not yet, dear, open your other gift, please.”  What Margaret unwrapped was a lovely white nightgown in soft cotton lawn with lace trimming around the neck and the wrists.  She held it up and felt how wonderfully soft it was.  Margaret could only look at Rose McCain, afraid to speak any words that would be inadequate. Rose put her arms around Margaret before speaking, “I know a mother usually gives her daughter such a gift, but being that you have no mother and soon you’ll be my daughter, I thought it would be alright.”  Margaret threw her arms around Rose and hugged her tightly, happy tears streaming down her face.  She was so in love with Lucas, but to have his wonderful family love her, too – it was more than she could dream.

                “Mrs. McCain?  Can I call you ‘Ma’?”  She timidly asked.  Rose’s smile and warm hug was her reward so she asked, “Well, Ma, can you help me make up the bed?”  Together the McCain women put the new linens and the beautiful quilt on the bed.  Margaret neatly tucked her nightgown into the bottom drawer of the dresser where she was sure Lucas wouldn’t see it until she wore it.

                Their wedding day was finally here.  Lucas was as cleaned and polished as a person could be with his hair freshly cut, too.  He stood waiting at the front of the church that was filled with their family and friends.  Tom Birch stood beside him as Best Man as they waited for Margaret to appear.  Lucas wasn’t prepared for the vision that walked into the church.  Margaret looked ethereal with lily of the valley in her hair and the creamy lace dress swirling about her.  Sam Gibbs escorted his daughter up the aisle and then disappeared. It seemed to Lucas that only he and Margaret were there.  His heart beat so loudly in his ears that he didn’t hear the preacher start the service.

                It was a lovely wedding.  They were surrounded by family and friends and all the love that brought them.  Lucas’s hand was steady when he put his ring on Margaret’s finger, but her hands trembled when she put her ring on his.  Her eyes were misty with unshed tears and she fairly glowed with happiness.  When the preacher finally pronounced them man and wife, Lucas kissed her wife for the very first time and his wife happily kissed him back.

                They walked arm and arm down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Lucas McCain and out into the sunshine where their friends showered them in rice.  Lucas and Margaret led the whole group over to Mrs. Carver’s where there was cake and cookies and punch – courtesy of Mrs. Carver.  Lucas was always a favorite of hers’ and Margaret had won her heart as well.  The happy couple received even more gifts from out-of-town friends and relatives along with everyone’s congratulations.  Fortunately, a traveling photographer named Abel Goss had pulled into town two days earlier, so he took a wedding portrait of the handsome couple.  Lucas also wanted a portrait of Margaret alone so he could always have an image of his beautiful Margaret on this happy day.

                When it was finally time for the bride and groom to leave the party, they discovered their buggy festooned with white ribbons, flowers and empty cans tied to the back.  Lucas clicked the horses and went down the road toward their ranch, but just a short way out of town; he double-backed and drove into town causing Margaret to wonder what he was doing.  Lucas pulled the buggy up to the back door of the hotel where the owner, Mr. Jacobs met them.  Lucas and Margaret crept in the back door of the hotel and up the back stairs to the room Lucas had reserved for them.  He was taking every precaution just in case his friends had planned a shivaree.  He was not letting this night be interrupted. 

                At their room, Lucas opened the door, then he lifted Margaret into his arms carrying her over the threshold.  Tonight he wanted Margaret all to himself and judging from her smile, he didn’t think she’d disagree.

                The newlyweds were having breakfast in the hotel dining room the next morning when Tom Birch came in.  “I should have known you’d outfox us, Luke!  Good Morning, Mrs. McCain.”    This was the first time anyone addressed her as Mrs. McCain and Margaret quietly giggled.  She loved the sound of it.

                “Did you have a good night, Tom?”  Lucas questioned innocently enough.  Tom took his hat off and sat down at their table.  “Oh, sure, I did, pal.  After giving you two some time, the boys and I took a little ride to pay a friendly call at your house.  When you weren’t there, we rode over to your folks.  Please give them my apologies.  We left rather quickly.  Then we returned to Mrs. Carver’s and she threatened to call the sheriff.  It kind of took the fun out of a shivaree.”  Lucas laughed out loud and Tom had to join in.  “Well, I just wanted to find you to say good bye.  I’m heading up to Montana territory tomorrow.  There’s nothing for me here and I heard there’s more work that way.”  Lucas was sad to hear one of his best friends was leaving, but wished him well.  Tom asked permission to kiss the bride and Lucas gave it grudgingly.  As Lucas and Tom shook hands, Lucas made him promise to come to visit anytime he was nearby.

                After Tom left, Lucas and Margaret finished their breakfast and headed out to their new home to start their new life together.

                In the following weeks and months, Margaret and Lucas settled into both married life and ranch life.  Their days were filled with work, but neither one of them complained because they were building their life together.  The barn was finally up and finished; the well was done; the crops were in and Margaret’s vegetable garden was doing well.  Lucas was still doing a lot of the work on his Pa’s ranch and his father thanked him by giving him six cows and the use of his best bull.  Lucas was on his way to having his own herd. 

                Margaret often rode out with Lucas just to be spend more time with him.  Most evenings after dinner, they would sit on the porch talking.  Lucas never knew anyone easier to talk to.  He told Margaret about his war-time experiences and about his time with the Cherokee.  He shared with her all his hopes and fears about the future.  He even shared with Margaret how being known as an expert rifleman caused him such conflict.  He had never told anyone the things he told Margaret.  She never belittled his feelings or judged his actions.  It became clear to Lucas that he was lucky the woman he loved was also his best friend.

                Margaret felt so grateful that Lucas trusted her as much as he loved her.  She loved being his wife.  She’d been keeping house and cooking and caring for her father and brother since she was 12, but it was so different now.  This was her home and Lucas was her husband.  The only sadness was Margaret’s inability to convince her father that her brother should live with them and go back to school.  She shared her concerns with Lucas; however, she knew he censored his comments about Sam.  Lucas was genuinely fond of Johnny and welcomed his visits, but he couldn’t figure any way to accept Sam’s irresponsible behavior.  The nearest they came to an argument was over Lucas’ criticism of Sam.  Lucas regretted his words when Margaret cried and avoided making any further comments about this father-in-law.

                One sunny afternoon, Margaret was pleasantly surprised when Clare and Ann came to call.  Ann was quite far along in her pregnancy and Margaret rushed to help her get out of the buggy. “Ann, what are you doing being jostled about in that buggy!  I can’t believe your mother-in-law let you come out!”  Ann kissed Margaret’s cheek and whispered, “She doesn’t even know!” and laughed gaily.  Ann just loved being out of doors and was feeling very stifled by her mother-in-law’s restrictions.  Clare told Margaret that she had recommended against the long ride, but that Ann could be determined once she made up her mind.

                Margaret ushered her friends into her home.  Ann complimented her immediately saying it was such a warm, homey place that made you feel welcome.  Margaret felt very proud.  She prepared coffee and put some cinnamon rolls on the table that were left over from breakfast.  The three girlfriends sat talking and laughing for quite a spell.  They were chatting so noisily that they didn’t hear Lucas come in through the back door.

                “Hello, ladies.  It’s nice to see you.”  He greeted Margaret’s friends and noticed his presence silenced the conversation.  Margaret’s face showed her pleasure at her husband’s return as she left the table and kissed him hello.  Lucas put his arm around Margaret and walked to the table.  Ann looked very pregnant, Lucas noted, but very fashionably dressed, her hair in perfect order and a new bonnet atop it.  Clare was immaculately attired and sat primly at the table.  Lucas felt he made Clare nervous somehow; she seemed so timid in his presence and that puzzled him.  He sat down hoping that would make him less daunting to Clare.  Ann wasn’t daunted in the least.  She like Lucas and knew her dearest friend couldn’t be happier.  Margaret brought coffee to Lucas and when he thanked her, his look made her blush.

                “Well, I see the honeymoon isn’t over yet!”  Ann teased, “but our visit has to be.  If Mother Dodd finds out that I’ve been gone, she’ll be fit to be tied.”  Clare tried to reason with her, “Ann, she’s just concerned and you could have the baby any time.”  Lord, no, thought Lucas, please not now!  His heartfelt prayer must have been heard because a few minutes later, he helped the ladies into their buggy and he and Margaret waved to them as they drove off with promises to visit again soon.

                Clare wasn’t too far off in her prediction because just two days later, they heard that Ann was safely delivered of a son.  Margaret couldn’t wait to go in and see the baby and present the lovely gown and blanket she’d made.  Lucas promised her they would stop after church on Sunday.

                True to his word, Lucas escorted his wife to the Dodd’s right after the service ended.  Mrs. Dodd opened the door and let them in, less than enthusiastically Lucas thought.  Ann was reclining on a sofa and the baby was in a cradle next to her.  Lucas thought she sure didn’t look like she’d had a baby just four days earlier, not that he had much experience with new mothers.  Ann was excited to see them and held out her arms to Margaret for a hug.  Lucas sat in a stiff-backed chair near the sofa while Margaret knelt next to the cradle to peek at the baby.  “Go on, Margaret, pick him up!  It’s alright.”  Ann encouraged her, but Mrs. Dodd rushed over and scooped the baby up.  Directing Margaret to a chair next to Lucas, Mrs. Dodd placed the baby in Margaret’s arms and stood over her making sure the baby was fine.

                “Mother Dodd, would you please bring our guests some lemonade?  I’m sure they are thirsty.”  Ann smiled as she made this request.  Mrs. Dodd was forced by courtesy to relinquish her position next to the baby and go for the refreshments.  Ann winked at Margaret and told her, “Mother Dodd wouldn’t even let me hold him – except that I’m nursing him.”  Margaret cradled the baby and gently stroked his face and held his tiny hand.  Lucas watched Margaret more than the baby; her face looked so soft and gentle.  His Margaret had a heart full of love.  “Lucas, would you like to hold the baby?”  Ann inquired.

                “No, no. I’d better not.  I don’t think Mrs. Dodd would approve. “ Lucas used any excuse not to admit holding that little creature scared him to death.  Margaret gave him a smile that said he didn’t fool her as she asked Ann what they were calling their son.  

                “Henry and Mother Dodd want him called after Henry’s father, but I want to be sure my father’s name is remembered, too.  So our son’s name is William Russell Dodd.  I’d like to call him ‘Billy’ – what do you think?”  Mrs. Dodd returned with the lemonade and some little cakes on a tray.  Henry walked in with his mother, having just returned to the house.  Lucas stood to shake his hand and congratulate him.  Mrs. Dodd put the tray down and scooped little William from Margaret’s arms in one fluid motion – so they could enjoy their lemonade she told them.

                Ann opened the lovely blanket and gown that Margaret had made for the baby and showed it to her husband.  Henry sat rather formally in another chair a bit apart from the guests, paying no attention at all to his son.  The McCains finished their lemonade and Margaret explained that they were going to Lucas’ parents for dinner so they had better be on their way.  Ann made them promise to come again and smiled as Lucas took Margaret’s hand as they left the house.