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"Mark Leaves the ranch" by Donna Hume
This is a continuing saga based on the TV series “The Rifleman”
and will be updated as time allows for Donna
You will find any update info in the North Fork Weekly or
The McCain Ranch messageboard 46 – Lou was having a bit of trouble, trying to run the general store, and the hotel with meals and all, “Johnny, what would you say if I sold either the store or the hotel?” Knowing Lou would not really sell either, he suggested, “Why don’t you just hire someone to manage both for you? You would eliminate the necessity of being on
your feet and you would still own them.” Looking at him a little sideways, Lou said, “I think you may be right. That way we could still buy the ranch and stay there, I would only need to come into town once or twice a week. I want the babe to have openness around, not to be stifled in town.” “I don’t want the child brought up here in town either, Lucas says the land stays forever, I want to give that to our child, forever” said Johnny. Lou had to wipe away a tear, “I seldom hear you talk so caring, you know I love you.” As Drako wrapped his arms around his wife, he whispered, “I love you too.”
Summer was coming closer to an end and Lou was getting bigger around her belly. Johnny tried to tell her, without hurting her feelings that she needed some different clothes, “You and that baby are gonna’ split right out of those fancy dresses you wear.” Not being pleased with his remark, Lou walked over to Millie’s shop and found Lee covering the counter; she was not pleased. “When will Millie be back?” Lee looked her right in the eye, knowing Lou thought Lee was beneath her, “I don’t imagine she will be in until next week, is there something I can help you with?” Lou shook her head no but continued to look around. Seeing her eying
up a certain dress, Lee spoke up, “You know, that dress would be real easy to sew up, we could do a few little changes and make you look like the most stylish woman around.” Lou perked up her ears to that, she did like to be in fashion. “And how would you do that, you know I am in a family way.” “Course I do” said Lee, “Ain’t no problem fixin’ up that dress to make it work for you. Here, let me show you” and with that Lee started to draw out a picture for Lou. Lou just stared at the picture and finally said, “I’ll take it, what other ideas do you have?” Lee started walking around the store, showing Lou different ways to convert the dresses to cover her growing belly
without taking away from the style. “We just move the waistline up here, under your bosom, and open up the dress to full right there. You will look like one of them Queens from way back in England, when they lived in castles” said Lee. Looking like a Queen was all Lee had to hear, “How soon can you have them ready?” Well, we will need to get some measurements, allow for growth of the babe, and you need to pick out the material. Could probably have it ready in a week or two” quoted Lee. When Lou heard Lee call her child a ‘babe’ she immediately found herself liking this woman, a woman she had thought to be so low classed. “Where do you come from?” asked Lou. “My
parents were from Ireland, I was born here in this country, why?” “No one around here refers to a child as a ‘babe’, I was just curious,” said Lou as she was feeling ashamed about how she had treated Lee. “Well, let’s get those measurements, we can’t have you tyin’ that child down, only make him more rambunctious when he’s born.” “Maybe it will be a girl” said Lou. Lee touched her belly, “It’ll be a boy. Don’t really matter now, you still have to get clothes that don’t squash him.” Lou was thrilled with all the new clothes she would be getting and went back to the hotel to
tell Drako; now that she was still going to be in fashion, she wasn’t angry with him for saying she was getting too big. “I never told you that you were too big, I said that the baby is growing so fast you wouldn’t be able to wear the clothes you have. I would never say you were big, you are more beautiful everyday.” Lou couldn’t help but melt into his arms. Lee couldn’t wait until she got back to the ranch to tell Millie what she had done. When Micah picked her up, she was so proud of herself because Lou finally considered her an equal. “Ain’t no reason to be proud of
that, you were already better’n her” said Micah as he helped her up onto the buckboard. “Ah, you have to say that cause you married me” blushed Lee. “Wouldn’t a married you if it weren’t true” said Micah as he got up onto the buckboard; then he put his arm around her waist and gave her a kiss. “Sure wish I had met you all those years ago, stead of Norman,” whispered Lee. “Naw, you wouldn’t have liked me then, and besides, you wouldn’t have Hab. When are we going to get to see that boy?” Lee looked up, her eyes wide, “Do you really want to see him?” “Sure I do, he’s family, ain’t he?” “Not real kin to you, I’m sorry to say” shrugged Lee. “Lee, I’m married to you,
that makes him my son too.” Lee leaned her head on Micah’s shoulder as they headed back to the ranch. 47 – The next day saw Lucas and Micah out working the fence line while Mark and Millie continued working around the house. Supper conversation the night before included Lee’s thoughts of how to arrange the house and they sat up until they came up with a plan, now it was up to Mark to move everything around. “I’ll sure be happy when all this moving is done. What was wrong with the
way me and Pa had it?” “Nothing Mark” said Millie “For bachelors. A woman likes to make a house her home; she wants it to reflect how much she cares about her family. So she wants to fill it with comfortable things whether they be furniture, wall hangings, or the people who live there.” Mark turned his head a bit, looked around then nodded his head “I see what you mean. Guess I’ll be doing some moving again once Beth and I are married.” “I guess you will, you do know that we want you to live here, don’t you?” With a chuckle Mark replied, “Sure you do, all of us living here, in this house; that won’t happen unless we add on.” With a solid stare at Mark, Millie
responded, “Then I guess we will just have to put on another addition. Should we go up or out?” Mark reminded her of the time he thought about marrying her niece, Sally, and the piece of property he wanted to buy from Lucas. “Mark McCain, if you think I am going to let you leave this house, just as I finally got into it, you are in for trouble, young man.” Mark told her not to worry, everything would work out, they didn’t have to decide right then and there. Millie just scowled at him. Drako had ridden out to the ranch to see Lucas and Micah. Happy that his arrival changed
Millie’s mood, Mark invited him in. “No, I really need to see them,” said Drako. Millie suggested that Mark go out there with Johnny, she needed some time to understand why she was so angry with Mark. Mark rode alongside Johnny but the ride was silent. Finally Mark asked, “Is something wrong?” Johnny nodded “Yea boy, there is and I’m afraid it’s my fault.” Mark didn’t push; he knew Johnny would reveal everything once they found Lucas and Micah. Lucas and Micah stopped working when they saw Mark and Drako riding up, “Good time for some water, eh Micah?” “Yea, Lucasboy, I
think when we see Johnny Drako riding up, it might be time for something a little stronger.” Johnny and Mark slowed their horses down and came to a stop a few feet from Lucas and Micah. As they dismounted, Johnny said, “Lucas, Micah, thought I would come out a say howdy.” Johnny had his back to the sun causing Lucas to squint looking up to him, “Johnny, nice to see you but you didn’t come all this way just to say howdy. What’s on your mind?” “You remember Billie Graves and his bunch?” Micah jerked his head up “Those men we ran out of town when you first came here?”
“Those are the ones, they’re back.” Lucas put his hand through his hair, “What do they want?” “Same thing they wanted before, they want both of you, me and the town.” Micah wanted to know when they got into town and Johnny told him they arrived just before he rode out to the ranch, first place they went to was the saloon. “Pa, what are you gonna’ do?” “Gonna’ have to wait and see, I guess. Micah, how about you and I go to town together to pick up Lee. Maybe she can close up early.” “I’ll ride with you,” said Johnny. “Ma’s not gonna’ like this” is all Mark could say. Johnny jumped off his horse when he got to the hitchin’ post. Mark came up beside him, almost knocking him over “Sorry Marshall, didn’t think you were gonna’ get off that quick.” Johnny’s eyes were squinted, they always seemed to get that way when something was bothering him “It’s OK boy, you’re fine.” Mark was getting a little tired of being called ‘boy’ but he knew this was not the time to challenge Drako. Shortly thereafter, Micah and Lucas appeared on the wagon. Millie came out of the house, “Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise. Can I get all of you some coffee?”
Knowing Millie would be very upset with the news, Johnny also knew she needed to be told so he accepted the invitation. Lucas and Micah looked at him questioningly, they wanted to get into town to pick up Lee. Even Mark knew it was better to let Millie know right off, he remember all those times Lucas went off, knowing something could happen. He also remembered the time Lucas went off on that undercover project that Micah lined up for him after the cattle had to be put down. “Pa, knowing is better than not knowing.” Millie had not heard the comment as she and Johnny were walking into the house. “Mark, what do you mean? You think we should tell Millie so’s she can
worry? I don’t think so son.” “No, Pa, I think you should tell Ma because keeping secrets hurts. If anything does happen to you, it will hurt Ma more, cause she wouldn’t have had a chance to tell you how much she loves you or how much she will pray for your safe return. Don’t do that to her Pa, not ever.” Lucas saw the tears welling up in Marks eyes, then he remembered what he had put Mark through, “I’m sorry son. I never thought how hard that would hit you, I never wanted to hurt you.” “Good, remember that, and don’t ever hurt Ma that way, she deserves better.” Lucas took his son in his arms, “I guess I’m gettin’ pretty old, instead of me teaching my son, he is
teaching me.” Lucas, Mark, and Micah entered the house. Millie was just bringing the coffee over to the table, Johnny had already lain out the cups. “Seems like Lou got you tamed down some Johnny,” quipped Micah. “More than you can imagine but I’m doin’ some tamin’ down to do with her too” there was a forced laughter filling the room. “What is going on here?” asked Millie. Lucas started to explain but Johnny interrupted, “Millie, you weren’t here when I first came to North Fork. Shortly after I got here, Billy Graves, Mac Jones, and Red Evans came to town. They wanted to
take over the town and they thought I would help.” “But he didn’t” interrupted Lucas, “He joined us and ran them out of town.” Millie looked back at Johnny, “Are you trying to tell me they are here again?” Johnny nodded, “And they brought more with them.” “I would imagine they are here again for the same thing, but now they want the three of us even more” said Micah. Millie put her hand to her mouth, she was worried for all of them but she was also worried for Lou and Lee. Just before Micah, Lucas, and Johnny left for town, Lucas gave Millie a very passionate kiss, one that
screamed “I love you” and “I’m sorry if I don’t come back.” Mark knew he had no place in this fight, he wasn’t any good with guns and used too much precious time when he aimed at his target. He knew Lucas would focus more on protecting him than himself, he took Millie by the arm to lead her away. Suddenly, he turned around and stopped Lucas and Micah from taking the buckboard into town. “They’ll see you a mile off, let me take it around back of the shop, I’ll pick up granny and you two can focus on what you have to do.” Millie liked this idea but said she was riding with Mark. Lucas started to object but Johnny got his attention and by the look in Johnny’s eyes, he
knew there was no way to change Millie’s mind. He and Micah went to the barn to saddle up their mounts, they walked the horses out and Lucas gave Millie another hug. “Make sure you come back to me” was all she could choke out. The three started for town before Mark could help Millie onto the buckboard. Lucas told Johnny he wanted to make sure Mark and Millie got to the store before they rode into town. “Not a bad idea. Should’ve told him to get Lou out of the way too.”
They were waiting on the edge of town, “How long are we gonna’ wait?” asked Micah. Lucas looked up at the sun, “Seems like hours.” “It’s been about twenty minutes, what say we ride on in,” suggested Johnny. They rode quietly into the center of town, the sun at their backs. One of Billy’s men was watching the street from the saloon doors “Hey Billie, look see who just rode into town.” “Git away from them doors” shouted Billy, “Drako don’t know how many of us are here, we don’t wanna’ make it easy for ‘em now do we boys?” There were eight of them and all of them were hankerin’ for a fight. Frank wanted to know what Billy had in mind. “Let ‘em come on in after us,
gives us better odds.” Red hollered loud, so’s he could be heard outside, “Set up another round of drinks there Frank.” “How’s come you’re soundin’ drunk Red?” asked Jack. “Like Billie said, we want the advantage. Frank, you and Jack stand side the doors, make sure they can’t see you till they get inside. Petey, you and Sam sit over at that table, like you’re scared we’re gonna’ kill ya. That ought to bring them inside, right into our trap.” Drako called into the saloon, “Billie, you Mac, Red, and the rest of you, come on out.” Sam played his role good, “Marshall, they’re
gonna’ kill us. You gotta’ help us.” Billie walked over and pretended to slap Sam, “You shut up mister. I can kill you quick or kill you slow, it’s up to you.” Sam sprawled himself on the table, knowing he could be seen from the street. “Looks like we’re gonna’ have to go in. Can’t let them just come in shootin’ up my town,” whispered Drako. Micah grabbed his arm, “You know this is a trap and you’re walkin’ us right into it.” Drako squinted his eyes and looked at Micah, “What do you want me to do, wait until they kill those two?” “Micah’s right Johnny, they’re baitin’ us. I’ve never seen those two in North Fork before. Make him come to us.” As Drako took a
moment to think, Sam started cryin’ out for help again. This time, Billie fired his gun in Sam’s direction and Sam fell to the floor. “We can’t wait any longer, Billie just killed that man” growled Drako. Lucas took a step forward, “No he didn’t, look how tense he is, layin’ there on the floor.” Drako stepped back and motioned for Lucas and Micah to do the same, “I’m not warnin’ you again Billie, come on out or we’ll shoot you from here.” This really put a hitch into Billie’s plans, but he did have a back-up plan.
Mark had snuck behind the buildings and brought Lou over to the store. Mark held Lou, Lee, and Millie together; trying to take their attention away from the street. Billie through Sam out into the street right in front of Drako, told him to play dead. He took Petey over to the doors and held him like a shield. Petey wasn’t sure he wanted to play this part, what if they figured out what was really going on, he would be the first to die. “Let me go Billie, c’mon now, let me go.” Billie pushed
him right into Lucas, knocking Lucas off balance. Billie took a shot and got Lucas in the shoulder, when Drako turned to see Lucas hit, Sam grabbed his feet and pulled him to the ground. Micah got a shot off but only nicked Sam. All eight were out in the street now, Sam, Red, and Hank were on Johnny, Mac and Frank were on Micah, and Billie, Petey, and Jack were on Lucas. It was hard to tell who was winning, there were so many of them fighting. They kicked, punched, and sliced their way through the three of them but the trio kept standing back up. Billie’s group was
taking more damage than he had expected, this just made him angrier. “Sodbuster, you’re gonna’ wish you never met me,” shouted Billie as he started slicing at Lucas with his knife. Mark couldn’t stop them from watching out the window, knowing that going out into the street would be worse than watching their husbands beat half to death. Micah was cut up pretty bad, he couldn’t even stand up anymore, so Mac joined Billie and Frank joined Red against Lucas and Johnny. Billie sliced
away at Lucas, cutting him everywhere he could. Lucas kept trying to spin out of the hold he was in, using his captives to hoist himself up and kick at his tormenters. Johnny wasn’t faring much better. While the rest looked a little worse than worn, seemed like all the blood out on the street came from Johnny, Micah, and Lucas; they were laying in the street, not moving. No one came out to help. Billie started shooting into the air and shouting, “This town is mine now, you hear.” It was more than he could bare. He took an oath to save lives, not take them but this couldn’t
go on. Doc Burrage grabbed a gun from his cabinet, “Didn’t think I would ever be doing this” and he walked outside, holding the gun inside his medical bag. Beth started crossing days off of the calendar, marking next to them how many days until Mark’s return. She had started behaving better with her uncle the day she found someone to make her wedding dress. Life was easier when Beth was not angry, Mark would have his hands full with her. “How has your studying been going?”
asked Aunt Mary. John thought it best to let Beth answer this question, “Really well, Uncle John really is a good teacher. Mark will be surprised when he gets home, I mean here. Anyway, he probably hasn’t had a chance to study all summer, I may have to tutor him.” John laughed at her statement. “What is wrong Uncle, do you not think I could do it?” “I am quite sure you could child, I was just imagining Mark’s face; he would little expect you to have surpassed him.” Beth and Aunt Mary went back to the little dress shop about to see how the dress was coming along. The kind
lady behind the counter looked up at them and smiled, “You are here to see your dress, I think you will be very pleased.” Beth’s eyes were bright, “Could we see it, now, please.” She needn’t have said anything because the dressmaker had already jumped off her stool and headed into the back room, “You must follow me, you cannot try it on out here.” Aunt Mary walked ahead of Beth and saw the dress first, “Oh my.” There was trepidation in Beth’s voice, “Is there something wrong?” Beth stepped out from behind her aunt, seeing the dress hanging on the dressmaker’s mannequin and
her eyes filled with tears. Was this what she had requested? There were no words coming from her mouth as she touched the dress, she knelt before it, crying. The dressmaker touched her shoulder, “Would you like try it on dear?” Beth seemed to move as if in a fog, the dressmaker removed her clothing and slipped the dress onto her from above. Now Mary too, was in tears, this was not what they had expected. 52 - Mark had slipped out the back
door of the shop, he didn’t know what he could do but if Doc could go out there, he could too; he couldn’t just let his father die out there in the street, not alone. His departure was unnoticed. He arrived at a cross street and went quietly closer to where his father no longer fought; but his body lay still on the street. He could see the blood and the pain and he could bare no more. Billie saw Doc first, coming out of his office with his bag in his hand, “What do you want out here old man? There ain’t nothin’ left to see.” Undeterred, Doc walked
forward, “I took an oath to save lives and that is what I’m going to do.” Red laughed, a sickening laugh, “Let him come look.” As Doc walked closer, hands shaking, he pulled the gun from his bag and shot Billie, Mark ran into the street and picked up his fathers rifle. Doc and Mark were firing, a blaze of bullets and the sound of death filling the air, until only the two of them were standing. Millie, Lee, and Lou came running from the store, each supporting the other until they reached the site of the battle for North Fork. Each fell to their knees at
the side of their beloved, tears streaming down their faces. Lou lay next to Johnny, “You can’t die, you have to take care of your child.” Lee held Micah’s head in her lap, “Oh, you wonderful man, I waited so long to find you, I will never leave your side.” Millie stayed on her knees, “Dear Lord, this is a good man, a brave man. He loves his son so much, he has stood for nothing but good, in Your name, if You must take him from this life; please take him into your Arms. If you can find it in Your heart, please leave him here with me for but a while longer.” Lucas opened his eyes, “You don’t get rid of me that easily” and then he slipped into unconsciousness.
Everyone in town was creeping out onto the street, each able-bodied man, woman, and child brandishing a weapon. Mark looked around but quickly ran to his fathers’ side, “Pa, Pa, don’t go Pa,” he cried. Micah was the closest to Doc so he dropped to his side first, “Some of you come over here and get him inside, start cleaning those wounds.” Lucas and Johnny lay next to each other and dropped between them. Doc looked at one then the other and shook his head, “Bad, both so bad. If I help one, the other will die. Mark, you have to help me, you have to operate.
Get them both into my office but be careful, they are bleeding heavily.” Millie followed them into Doc’s office, pleading with him not to let Mark operate on his father, “Can’t you see, he’s not ready for this yet? He’d let his father die before he did something that might or might not be right. Let him take care of Johnny.” Lou was horrified, “No, Doc should work on Johnny.” “Mark can work on Johnny, that is, if you want Johnny to live” said Doc Burrage. Lou was big with her baby, Lee took her into her arms, “Hush now, everything will be fine. You
just come over here with me and help me take care of Micah; we’ll do some prayin’. Millie, you come over here too.” Lee was not sure if either Lucas or Johnny could be helped but she knew she needed to keep Millie and Lou out of the way. “I can’t do this Doc, they cut him up too bad,” said Mark. “Mark, pay attention to me, you have taken on bigger challenges than this, you had no training then. Do you think I would ask you to do this if I thought you were not capable?” “But he is bleeding so much, how do I stop the blood?” Doc looked puzzled, he was
having the same problem with Lucas, “One of you men, go over to the printers and bring back as much ink as you can carry. You two, go and bring back some whiskey, at least six bottles.” Mark knew the purpose of the whiskey, some to cleanse the wounds and some for pain, but the ink left him at a loss, “Why ink?” he questioned. “The ink will help stop the bleeding, it’s an old trick I learned a long time ago. Now, get back to cleaning and stitching him up.” Mark looked at his father, under the care of Doc Burrage, then he looked at Johnny, what if he could not save him?” There was no time to worry about what might happen, if he did not act and act now, Johnny would
surely die. Someone dragged Billie’s gang off the street and threw them into a heap behind the jail. Most everyone was found standing outside the doctor’s office or praying in the church. More than an hour had passed and still no word. Lee made sure that Lou and Millie were busy working on Micah, so she offered her assistance to Mark and Doc. She would wipe their brows and give them drinks of water. It was getting darker so she set about to find more lanterns. Setting several around each patient, she was able to see the terrible harm done by Billie and
his gang. She stepped out the door, “You people, go home, go to the church, where ever you go, you best pray” was all she could say and she stepped back inside. There was a cry of pain, Millie jumped to see Lucas sit upright, so many wounds. She started to weep, Lee took her by the arm, “Child, this is now between the Doc and the Lord, leave it to them.” Lou grabbed at her belly, “No, not now, it’s too soon, I can’t lose them both” she gasped as she fell back into a chair. Never having had a child, Millie had no idea how to help, “Lee, you go help Lou, I
will tend to Micah.” Lee spoke softly to Lou, encouraging her to calm herself, “That babe you’re a carryin’ wants to make sure he sees his Pa, you got to believe he will. If you believe, he’ll wait.” Doc told Lee to give Lou some laudanum but Lee wanted to wait “Ain’t no good for her or the babe if’n she can do it herself.” “I don’t have time to be delivering a baby, especially one that won’t live.” “Doc, you and Mark take care of those men, I’ll see to the women and my man” said Lee emphatically. Doc was doing all he could for Lucas, Mark was shouting
questions at him, his head was spinning from the toll. Finally, Mark looked up, “He’s gonna’ make it. He’ll be a while getting back on his feet but he’s gonna’ be fine.” Doc took a quick look, “If you’re sure, come over here and help me. Mark washed his hands and slowly walked to see his father. Quickly Doc took a look at Johnny and assured Lou that Mark was right, Johnny would be fine. “What about Lucas?” asked Millie. “I don’t know yet” was all Doc could say as he turned his attention back to Lucas. 53 –
Mark stood starring at his Pa, shocked by what he saw, his hands shaking, not knowing what to do. “Mark, if you’re not gonna’ help me then get out of my way.” Mark shook his head, bringing himself back into reality. Lucas was moaning in pain, Mark had to stop the tears from coming, he had to focus, “What if we give him some laudanum? He looks stronger and it would help more than the whiskey.” Doc looked up at him, “You know if he’s not strong enough it will kill him” he stated. “I know but I also know that the pain can cause as much damage as the wounds themselves.” Doc nodded and
they gave Lucas some of the drug. “Doc, he has lost too much blood. Where is that transfusion kit you had?” “Mark, that could kill him if it ain’t the right kind of blood” said Doc. “I know, but they taught us how to make sure it is the right type. You keep working on Pa and I’ll find somebody who has the right type.” Doc continued to work on Lucas, Millie had sat down to hold his hand, to hold him to life. Mark checked everyone still out on the street; none of them were a match. He shouted out the door, ”Go to the church, tell them I need blood for
Pa.” Lee walked up to him, “Check my blood boy, it’s got to be good for somethin’ besides keepin’ this old body alive.” Mark told her it would hurt, “I don’t think it could hurt much more than watchin’ him die, right here in front of me.” As Mark drew up a sample of her blood, Lee flinched. Mark tested the blood, “It’s a match, Doc, we have a match.” “Are you sure you want to do this?” asked Doc. Lee looked at Lucas, then at Micah, “He’s family, you do anything and everything for family” she said with a tear in her eye. Sure that Johnny would live, Lou sat next to Lee as they drained the blood from her arm and gave it to Lucas. Millie held to his hand, pleading
with her eyes for Mark to save his father, her husband. “Keep praying, Ma, for him and for us” and then he returned to the job at hand. “We can’t take any more blood from Lee or we’ll kill her” said Doc. Mark had already started to disconnect the transfusion kit. Lou continued to support Lee as she led her to the cot next to Micah. “You lie down next to your husband, Mark said to give you something to eat and drink, I’ll be back in a jiffy.” “Now don’t you get that babe worked up again, he’s got plenty o’ time to meet his Pa.”
They had done everything they could do for Lucas. Now they had to wait. Hours passed and there was no change. Lou sat next to Johnny and Lee stayed next to Micah. Millie and Mark each held to a hand of Lucas’ and all stayed in silent prayer. The sun started to rise and with it was a breath of life. Lucas opened his eyes, but you could see the pain searing in them. Doc went to get the laudanum, between his three patients, he was running out. He gave the last spoon to Lucas. The pain ebbed but Mark knew it would return, he told Millie, “It means he is going to
live.” “It will be a long road to recovery” said Doc. With tears in her eyes, Millie whispered, “I’ll be there, we’ll make it together.” Doc sent a wire to the next town, asking for laudanum. He explained why it was needed so desperately, in hopes that the doctor there would send it quickly. It was evening when a rider came into town, carrying the much-needed medication. He rode straight to the doctors, office and burst in without knocking. “Hab, what are you doing here?” asked Lee. “I reckon I had to come help my Pa” he said as he hugged his mother.
He handed the bottles to Doc, who started administering to his patients immediately, and then Hab followed his mother over to Micah. He sat down and took hold of Micah’s hand as Lee stood behind her son. Micah opened his eyes, Hab was looking down at him and Micah reached up for Hab to enclose him in a hug. “Hello son, how are you doing?” Hab was afraid to hug too hard for fear of hurting him more but was pleased to hear Micah call him son. Hab had left a good deputy in charge in Marionette, so he stayed in North Fork for a week to help out. He made sure
to visit his Ma and Pa every day, they were staying at the hotel while Micah was recovering. Lou and Millie spent most of their time in Doc’s office. Normally he would not have allowed this, knowing his patients needed their rest but they still required so much attention, he was grateful for the help. Mark tended to the immediate needs at the ranch and then returned to town daily. It was almost time for him to return to Connecticut but he wasn’t packing his things. “Mark, when do you need to return to school?” asked Doc. “I’m not going back, I need to
stay here and help Pa.” “Mark, you have to go back; North Fork needs you, as a doctor.” “Pa needed me and what good was I?” Mark through his hat on the floor. Doc didn’t say anything, he felt that he too had let Lucas down. Millie had come out of the room where Lucas lay, “What are you two doing? Lucas and Johnny need their rest and you two are out here arguing?” There was a stirring in the room from where Millie had departed, all three entered. Lucas looked at his son, his voice raspy, “Without you I would have been dead, many times over. Millie told me what you did, that you picked up my rifle. That took courage.” Then his look swayed between Doc and Mark, “You
two saved our lives when you stopped that gang and then saved us again. Mark, you have to go back to school, there is so much more you can bring to North Fork.” There was so much pain in his eyes, Mark could barely look at him. “Mark, my wounds will heal, yours too will heal” his voice was strained as he struggled for breath. “Pa, be still, you need to rest.” “I’ll rest when you promise you will return to school.” “But Pa, how can I leave you like this?” “I’ll take care of him Mark, that’s what a wife does.” As Mark promised to return to school, Lucas again slept; the laudanum having done its job.
54 – Hab spent as much time as he could with Micah and his Ma. “Never had much time with my real Pa, the time I had weren’t no good. Sure am glad Ma married you, I kind of look like you.” “Hab, I’m sure glad your Ma married me too; not just because I got you, but because I got her.” Lee thought she was past the age of blushing but the look Micah gave her when he said he was lucky getting her, her face grew so hot, you could have cooked eggs on her face. “Micah, you already got me, ain’t no sense in
tyrin’ to cozy up to me now” and then she kissed his hand. Word had spread throughout the territory about the incident at North Fork. About two weeks after the gunfight, a Chiricahua Apache, by the name of Sam Buckhart came riding into town. Most everyone in town knew he was Indian but he was also a U.S. Marshal. Hab had to return to his Marionette, so the town folk welcomed Sam. At least they had a lawman until Johnny could recover.
Sam had spoken to Hab first, then went to see Micah out at the ranch. Hab only knew what he had been told, Sam wanted to hear what happened from all of them. He would have to file a report on this, he wanted to be sure he had everything correct. Micah told him as much as he could remember, Lee filled in a little “I can’t tell you much more, I was too busy watching my man, all cut up and layin’ there in the street.” Sam thanked them for their time and information, then went back into town to see Drako. Lou didn’t want him pestering her husband, “As my dear departed
father used to say..” Sam stopped her, “I don’t really care what your father said, unless he was involved in this fight.” Johnny stopped her before she could say something they both might regret. “Marshal, I’ll tell you everything I can, right up until the time I lay unconscious on the street.” Sam wanted to know who killed the eight outlaws, if everyone was unconscious. “You go talk to Lucas, and Doc. Now get out of here and let Johnny rest.” “Yes ma’am, I’ll do just that.” Sam didn’t want to upset Lou, he could tell she was upset and that it affected her unborn child; so he went off to Docs’ office.
Doc told Sam he didn’t want him upsetting Lucas, “He is still in pretty bad shape, you go easy on him.” “I just need to know what happened out there.” “I can tell you what happened” said Millie as she exited from the room where Lucas slept. “Ma’am, who might you be?” asked Sam. “I am Mrs. Lucas McCain. I can tell you everything that happened. I saw it all.” Millie told Sam how Billie, Red, Mac and the rest had set a trap for Micah, Johnny, and Lucas. She told him how they fought, how they used their knives on the brave men of this town. Then she lowered her eyes, “Then Doc came out of his office, with his bag.
We thought he was crazy but as he knelt down next to Micah he pulled a pistol out of his bag and began to shoot. He didn’t hit anyone but he got their attention long enough for Mark to get my husbands rifle, he shot them all.” Millie had tears in her eyes. “Come in and see what they did to Lucas, and then tell my you would have done different.” “Mrs. McCain, I am sure I would have done the same thing, probably more. Your son did what had to be done, nothing more. I will make sure that the report unveils all accounts of the struggle. Rest assured, no one here will be found guilty of anything but self-defense.” Sam tipped his hat and left the office, Millie went back
to Lucas. 55 – Beth was waiting for a telegram from Mark to let her know what train he would be on. She walked to the telegraph station every day, hoping she would hear from him soon; after all, school started again in a week. She had received letters from him during the summer, then, three weeks ago they stopped. Did something happen to him? Did he change his mind? “Aunt Mary, something must be wrong, terribly wrong, I know he wouldn’t
just forget about me, or school. What do I do?” “You wait, he will be here, I know he will.” It was but two days before the school term was to start when Mark finally arrived. He had not sent a telegram so he was not surprised that Beth was not there to meet him. He started his walk to the Anderson home, wondering if he should really be here or back in North Fork. When he knocked on the door, Beth answered it. One look at Mark and she flung herself into his arms. Mark hugged her, he held tighter than he ever had before. He buried his head into her
shoulder and started to cry. At first, Beth thought it was because he was so happy to see her but then she could feel the pain emanating from his body. She brought him inside and shouted “Aunt Mary, Uncle John, Mark is here, please help.” Mary and John came running, as fast as they could. Mark was still crying when they arrived. John grabbed him away from Beth and brought him into the study, there he laid Mark on his bed. Mary went to make some tea and Beth stayed at Marks’ side. Mark had calmed down some by the time Mary arrived with the tea. “Whatever is wrong boy?” asked Mary. Mark told of the fight in North Fork and his bigger fight to save Johnny and his
father. John offered him some brandy but Mark declined; he reached for Beth, “I don’t know if I should finish school or go back to North Fork to take care of Pa.” Beth spoke, with an air of maturity she had never demonstrated before, “You belong here, to learn. Your father would not be alive if you had not known what to do, you owe it to him to finish. Then we will both return to North Fork, to live.” Mark seemed to fall into a fog, he had not really slept since the fight. Beth stayed at his side, holding him in her arms, trying to comfort him. In the
morning, Mary went into the study to make sure Mark was alright. Beth still held him next to her, “Aunt Mary, he cried out for his father so many times. He kept screaming, ‘You can’t kill my Pa, you can’t’ and then he would wake up all sweaty.” John walked into the room as Mary was putting her arm around Beth. “Child, what do you expect? He has never killed anyone in his life.” “I know Uncle John, I just wish I could help him.” Mary put a blanket over her, “You are dear, just by being here.” 56 –
Lou spent all the time she could with Johnny. Doc had finally let him go to the hotel, with strict instructions for both him and Lou. He was healing nicely but he still wasn’t up to getting out of bed. Her belly tended to get in her way but Johnny liked to rub it whenever she was near. “Don’t worry so, Lou, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.” Then he grabbed her and pulled her to him. “Johnny Drako, you are going to hurt yourself.” “I’m willing to take the risk.”
Millie never left her husbands side. She wiped his face with a cool cloth, tended to his wounds, helped Doc change the bandages from surgery. They had worked on him for so many hours; Doc still wouldn’t let him go back to the ranch. “When can I take him home?” asked Millie. “When he is able to walk on his own two feet. I can’t be running out to the ranch everyday, I have other patients you know.” Millie glared at him, “Well, if he is such trouble to you, maybe I should just take him home.” Doc glared right back at her, “If you want him to die, you do just that.” Millie started to cry, her tears fell upon Lucas and he woke up, “What’s wrong Millie?” Doc interrupted,
“Nothing is wrong, she just wants to take you home and I said you’re not ready yet. Now, go back to sleep.” Doc turned and left the room, Lucas fell asleep again, and Millie continued to cry. “I’ve waited so long to marry you, you can’t leave me now. I need you, Mark still needs you. We all need you so you fight, do you hear me? You fight.” Lucas slept through all of this, Millie curled up next to him and wrapped his arm around her. “You fight, Lucas McCain, you fight.” 57 –
Micah was up on his feet, tending to small things out at the ranch. Lee went to the shop everyday, for a short time anyway. Then she would check in on Lou and Johnny for a few minutes, and then go to see Millie and Lucas. “You go get yourself something hot to eat, I’ll stay here with him, go on now, scoot.” Millie didn’t want to leave but she knew Lee was right. She went to the hotel to get a quick bite, Lou waited on her. “Lou, you shouldn’t be here doing this, you need to stay off your feet. You go back and take care of Johnny.” “I would, but every time I get near him he wants to take me to bed.” Millie
laughed, so did Lou. It was the first good laugh they had in weeks. They both lost track of time, that is until the clock chimed, Millie excused herself and ran back over to Docs’ office, “I’m so sorry Lee, I started talking to Lou and just forgot myself.” “That’s what you needed, you look more relaxed. Well, I do need to get back to the ranch, before Micah tries to cook something that will make us both sick.” And with that, she headed home. Three more weeks passed before Doc decided Lucas could go home. “I don’t want you doing anything, do you hear
me?” asked Doc. “I hear you Doc.” “Yes, you hear me, but will you do as I said?” “Don’t worry about that Doc, I’ll see that he behaves himself. If he tries to do anything, I’ll tie him down.” Doc shook his head and chuckled, he could just imagine Millie trying to do just that. Lee had everything ready as Millie drove the buggy up to the front door. Lucas started to get down out of the buggy but Millie stopped him. “Doc said you are not to do this without help. You can either do what he said or I can drive this right back into town.” “Yes ma’am. I’ve
been in town too long but how do you suppose I get into the house if I don’t get out of the buggy?” “I’m going to help you, that’s how.” Lucas tried to stifle a laugh but he couldn’t help himself; the thought of this tiny woman trying to get a big oaf like himself out of the buggy was too much. Millie was not amused. Lee came out of the house and stepped over to help Millie with Lucas. “This is really not necessary, I’m quite capable of getting out of a buggy.” “You listen here, Lucas McCain, I guess you could say I’m kind a’ like your Ma, since you got my blood a runnin’ through you and all, and I know you ain’t gonna’ be givin’ no back talk to your Ma.” Millie and
Lee helped Lucas from the buggy and led him into the house. Lee told him he could sit in the chair for a bit and then go lay down. “Don’t want you overdoin’ your first day home.” Lucas was ready to go lay down right away, that buggy ride hurt more than he thought but he didn’t want to let anyone know the toll it had taken on him. Millie looked into his eyes, “Why don’t you go lay down for a bit now?” Micah looked at both of them, put his arm around Lee and said, “I think both of you should go lay down, you both look exhausted” and then he gave Lee a quick squeeze. “Micah’s right, both of you, go on, git. I can take care of things out here. Tomorrow is another day;
we can start getting into a routine then. Go on now” then she helped Millie get Lucas up out of the chair he had just sat down in and herded them off to their room. Lee hugged Micah, “Guess they do need some time to themselves without someone a lookin’ over their shoulder.” A few hours had passed before Lee knocked on their door, “Supper is just about ready. If’n you need help to get that big man out here, you just let us know.” “We’ll be fine Ma” came a husky voice from the bedroom. Lee put a kerchief to her eye, this really was more than home, more than family, this was love.
58 – Beth and Mark were flying through their classes. John felt that Mark was motivated to learn as much as he could by his latest experience in North Fork. He also believed that Beth was inspired as well but he feared that they might one day find something they had not prepared themselves to handle. How would they deal with feeling useless? Beth was getting her final fitting of her
dress. The dress was so much more beautiful than she had expected. She cried every time she put it on. The dressmaker came out from the back of the store, “You never really decided on a veil, I think this one would accent your dress very nicely.” She held out a Scalloped Lace Cathedral Mantilla for Beth. “Oh my, that is beautiful. So delicate and look at the lace sewn into the silk” Mary was still holding on to the veil. “Oh, it is perfect,” whispered Beth. “Does that mean you would like it?” asked the clerk. “It is so beautiful, it is the perfect compliment to the dress but I don’t think I can afford that,” whimpered Beth. “Nonsense, if you like it, I will give
it to you. It was my mothers but I have no one to give it to. You are the first person who seemed to appreciate beauty, I can’t think of anyone I would rather wear it.” Beth hugged her so tightly, the dressmaker said, “Don’t break my arms, I won’t be able to finish the dress. Where will you be getting married, I would love to see it.” Beth told her they were to be married in New Mexico; “Well, I guess I will just have to be satisfied seeing you wear it here.” Beth and Mary went back to the house; Beth wore a smile that seemed like it was there
permanently. Mark asked what she was so happy about, “You will just have to wait and see but I am sure you will like it when you do.” “When I do what?” Mark asked in a complete state of confusion. John put his hand on Marks shoulder, “Get used to this Mark, you never know what they are talking about and then when you are supposed to comment, you are in trouble.” “Why would I be in trouble?” asked Mark, even more confused. “Because you didn’t know what you were supposed to comment on so you didn’t comment. Always gets you into trouble.” Mary and Beth giggled, John knew he was right and Mark felt like he was part of a joke that he didn’t understand. Little did he
know, that was how his life would be once he married Beth. 59 – Thanksgiving at the McCain ranch held a new meaning this year. Lee had invited Lou and Johnny to dinner, “We have been through a great hardship, all of us, we need to give thanks together.” Lou and Johnny accepted the invitation. When they arrived, Millie and Lee told Lou to just seat herself and be comfortable. “I can surely help.” “Yes you can,” said Millie, “By keeping the
men folk out of our hair while we finish cooking.” Lou had always enjoyed being in the limelight, especially when it came to being the center of attention where men were concerned. Got so that Lucas wanted to go help Millie and Lee in the kitchen “I just can’t listen to her telling me about her dear departed father. You must have something I can do.” “We do, go back and entertain our guests” as Millie pushed him out of the kitchen. Micah suggested they play some checkers, they could do a coin toss to see who played first and then to who would play the
winner. Lucas looked around, “Lou, you play poker, don’t you?” “You know I do, why?” “We could play some friendly poker, for match sticks.” Johnny liked that idea, “Beats playing checkers. I might just have a side bet with my wife for something else.” “Oh, you. You’re nothin’ but talk” chuckled Lou. “Maybe we’ll find out tonight,” hinted Johnny. “I’d rather we talk about something other than your intimate times together” grumbled Lucas. “What’s the matter cowboy? You had your chance. I’ve got somebody who appreciates me,” grumbled Lou irritably. Johnny stood up in front of Lou, “This is Thanksgiving, let’s not see if we can start a fight.” Lou cast her eyes
downward, “Yes Johnny, I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I’m sorry Lucas, I guess this pregnancy is making me more arrogant than usual.” All four of them laughed heartily at her response, it brought Millie and Lee into the room “What is so funny?” asked Millie. “Just me, entertaining all these adoring men” said Lou and laughter abounded again. Millie and Lee looked at each other and went back to the kitchen. After a delicious meal, and wonderful conversation with friends and family, Lucas admitted he was worn out and begged everyone’s forgiveness, as he
needed to lie down. “Nonsense cowboy, you don’t need to apologize, you go on and lay down. There are plenty of people here to take care of the cleanup, isn’t that right Johnny and Micah?” Micah lifted his eyebrows, “I think we just got volunteered to do the dishes while the ladies visit.” Johnny just said, “Ya.” 60 – Thanksgiving in Connecticut was snow-covered yards, ice-skating on the pond, snowball fights and dinner. Mark outdid himself
when it came to eating poultry. Then he looked up and around the table, “What is wrong, do I have something on my face?” Beth giggled, “No, nothing on your face but I think you have half the turkey on your plate.” “You know Mark, country doctors often get paid with chickens, the way you eat, no one will be able to afford you” chimed in Mary. “What, I like chicken” was all he could say. Mark was counting down the days to Christmas. He would be back home with his family and he would be taking Beth as his wife.
Christmas arrived sooner than anyone had realized. Planning for the wedding had taken up most of Millie’s time, she wanted everything to be perfect for her son. “I can’t believe it, seems like just a few months ago, I just had him,” Millie cried. Lucas knew she was trying to be funny but he also understood her pain. It seemed to him that it was just yesterday that he held his baby boy in his arms, “They sure grow up before you know it, don’t they?” That night, they held each other close for Mark would be arriving the next morning and the day after that he would be
married. 61 – Beth leaned back in Marks arms on the train ride to North Fork, oblivious to the eyes upon them by fellow passengers. Every so often, she would turn just a little or moan. She knew everything, which would physically occur on her wedding night, she learned it all in medical school but she also knew there, was supposed to be more than just a physical bonding. If reality was anything like her dreams, she may not ever want to leave her wedding bed.
Mark was also dreaming, but not about his wedding night. Oh, he was all ready for that; it was the rest of his life that he was dreaming. How would they manage children with both of them working? As doctors, could they really live out at the ranch? Should they live in town? He didn’t want his children raised in town. What if they couldn’t have children? Would Beth accept it if she could not have children? There were so many thoughts running through his mind, all of them problems, sometimes he would jerk awake, feel Beth in his arms and fall back asleep.
“John, how can they just lay there and sleep? I am more nervous than they seem to be,” remarked Mary. “Mary, just let them sleep. They won’t be getting much in the next few days.” Mary nodded. Finally, the train pulled into the station at North Fork. Mark gently woke Beth and gave her a gentle kiss, “Soon, very soon, I will be able to show you how I really feel about you.” Beth gave him a kiss, “I know you will. I love you.
Johnny, now serving as the full time marshal again, Lou, looking for hotel customers, met the train as usual. They were the first people to see Mark and Beth. Lou did a little jump into the air, trying to get their attention; she had to grab her big belly as she landed. Mary and John were getting their bags, all of them, “Seems like they could have helped” grumbled Mary. “They are in a fog. Don’t you remember what we were like just before we got married?” “I sure do. We were arguing about everything,” laughed Mary. “Not everything,” John insisted with a wink. “Oh,
you” quipped Mary. Mark was holding Beth’s hand, pulling her along, as he ran over to Lou. He was ready to scoop her up when he noticed the size of her belly, “When are you supposed to have that baby?” “Not for another week or so. Now, enough about me, how are the two of you?” Mark was astonished, Lou never wanted to talk about something other than herself, “Are you feeling OK?” “I’m just fine,” she replied as she reached for Beth’s other hand. “You come with me, you don’t get to stay with this young buck until after the minister pronounces you husband
and wife.” As she led Beth along towards the hotel, they ran smack dab into Lucas, Millie, Micah, and Lee. “Where do you think you are going with my future daughter-in-law?” asked Millie as she reached out to give Beth a hug. “I’m taking her to the hotel, where she will be staying until after the wedding,” replied Lou in her usual haughty tone. Beth wasn’t sure what to do, she thought the situation was a little tense until Millie laughed. “I swear, Lou, you act like she is your daughter. Are you going to tell her about the facts of life before the wedding?” Lou looked down at her belly, “Well, I guess I am pretty well qualified,” and laughed at her own joke.
Lucas started to shake hands with Mark and decided to pull him into a hug as they walked along behind Lou, Millie, and Beth. Mark stepped back a bit so he could greet Micah and Lee, “How are my two favorite grandparents?” “Aw, you’re just tryin’ to make us feel like we belong,” said Lee. Mark grinned at her, “You are, my Pa has your blood running through his veins.” Once those hello’s were out of the way, he ran up to Millie and swept her off her feet, “And how is the most beautiful mother in the world?” Millie screamed with glee, “Put me down before you break
something. Beth will never forgive me if you are injured before your wedding.” “I may not be as tall as my Pa, but I am just as strong,” was all he had time to say. Lucas shouted up to him, “Hey there strong man, how about some help with these bags?” Mark put her gently back on the ground and ran back to grab all the bags that Mary and John were still carrying. All eight of them had supper together that evening, enjoying conversation and some enjoying coffee. Lucas stared with astonishment as he watched Mark drink his coffee; yet again another sign that
his boy was a man. “I never thought I would live long enough to see you drinking coffee.” “I guess it is an acquired taste. It’s really not too bad if you put enough cream and sugar in it.” Micah looked at him, “Ain’t gonna’ find too much in the line of cream or sugar when you’re out camping.” “Well, I guess I’ll cross that bridge, if I ever have to cross it.” They were still sitting around the table at seven o’clock. Lou started to look quite uncomfortable, “If you don’t mind, I think I’m going to go lay down. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow and I want to look my best.” After she realized what she had just said, she added, “Well, it’s hard to look good when
you are this big.” It sounded reasonable, especially when heard with her Irish Brogue. The rest of the group remained for about another hour and Johnny excused himself, to check around town and then to join his wife. Lee told Micah to go take a walk with Johnny, she knew he missed his former career. When Micah returned, Millie suggested that they head back to the ranch and let Beth, Mary, and John recuperate after their long trip. Mark made sure he gave Beth a kiss, before he left the hotel, Millie leaned on Lucas as they walked to the wagon and Micah
and Lee held hands. When they arrived at the ranch, Mark was taking in his bags, Lucas and Micah were taking care of the horses, and Millie and Lee followed Mark into the house. “Where should I put my bags? Is my room finished?” Millie jumped in front of him, “No, I’m afraid it isn’t done yet. Your Grandparents have set up a cot for you in their sitting room.” Mark just shrugged his shoulders, he really didn’t expect the room to be done yet anyhow; and tomorrow night he would be at the hotel, with his wife.
62 – Mark awoke early, he hadn’t believed he would be this anxious. He worked quietly in the kitchen, starting the coffee, then he went out to feed the chickens, muck the stalls, feed the horses, gather the eggs, and gather some bacon from the smoke house. He walked back into the house, still no sign of life. He put the fry pan on the stove and started to cook the bacon. He found a fresh loaf of bread, thinking that Millie or Lee had made it the day
before. He started to slice it up, then remembered he had forgotten to milk the cow. He opened the door and walked back out to the barn. By the time he started out of the barn, he saw Millie and Lee standing at the open doors, waving drying towels, trying to get smoke out of the house. He stood still for a moment, then hit himself in the head, “I’m sorry, I forgot I started the bacon,” he shouted towards the house. Lucas came out to greet him, wearing just his britches, and he was not smiling. “Mark, what is wrong with you? You could have burned down the house.” He continued berating his son but Mark didn’t seem to hear a word he said. “Mark, are you listening to
me?” asked Lucas as he put his arm on Marks shoulder. Lucas had to shake him a bit before Mark answered, “I’m sorry Pa.” “What are you sorry for? Do you know?” Mark set the bucket of milk on the ground and ran into the barn. Lucas followed him; Mark was leaning over one of the stall walls, crying. “Mark, I’m sorry son, I know you didn’t do it on purpose.” “That’s not it Pa, it’s you, you’re all scared up. I should have done something sooner.” Lucas came up behind him and reached his arm out to Mark, “If it weren’t for you, you wouldn’t be able to see these scars.” Mark looked at him, horrified by what he had just heard. “Son, you wouldn’t be able to see them
because I would be dead and buried. I am so proud of you, I could never have asked for a better son.” They both walked back to the house from the barn, Lucas having his arm draped over Mark’s shoulder. Millie had already gone out and brought the milk bucket into the house but was waiting at the door for them. “This is some boy we have here,” shouted Lucas, “Just cause we didn’t get his room finished, he thought he’d burn down the house.” Millie walked out to them, she was smiling. Mark picked her up again, thinking how happy he was, finally having a
Ma. After he twirled her around a few times, Micah shouted out to them to come inside, “It doesn’t seem like a smoke house any more, breakfast is ready.” Mark set Millie back on her feet, right between he and Lucas; both of them with their arms around her. After breakfast, it was time to get ready to go into town, “We better get moving, or the bride will be wondering if you stood her up,” fussed Lee. There was a scurry of people trying to wash up, Lucas told Mark he didn’t care how cold it was, he needed to take advantage of their contrived shower, “You
can’t get married smelling like you just came out of the barn.” “But I did. Does that thing even have any hot water in it?” Lee told him she had boiled up a couple of gallons, “You may want to test it afore you get in, may have cooled too much, and may not have cooled enough.” Mark felt like he was ‘Goldilocks’ when he told Lee it was just right. After everyone was ready, they headed into town. 63 – Lou had gone up to Beth’s room to help
her get ready for the wedding. Beth was as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Lou wasn’t much better, “I am more worried about this wedding than I was my own. I’ve even got the babe so excited, he’s been kicking me real hard all night.” Johnny held his hand to her swollen belly, sure does seem like he’s moving around more than usual.” Then he put his mouth down to her belly, “Hey in there, give your Ma a break, will ya?” “Go on now, we have a lot to do before this beauty can get to the church. You make sure that groom of hers isn’t late, you hear?” Johnny walked away, shaking his head and wearing a broad smile.
John, knowing the best way to get into trouble was to be in the way of a bride getting ready, decided it was best if he could find somewhere to hide. He went down to the dining area, ordered breakfast for himself and started reading the paper. His breakfast arrived, and he was grateful for the silence of the dining room, especially since he knew the havoc, which was going on above him in Beth’s room. As everyone from the ranch arrived in town, Lucas couldn’t help but
think that Mark never looked more like a man than he did this minute. He took Mark by the arm, “Son, I know we have been through an awful lot together but we never really talked about what it’s like to be married.” “Pa, I think I know all there is to know about the birds and the bees, even before I went off to medical school” chuckled Mark. “Mark, I am being serious, there is more to marriage than that.” Mark gazed up at Lucas, “Pa, I know. I’ve watched you and Ma, Micah and Lee, Lou and Johnny, even Uncle John and Aunt Mary. I’ve spent a lot more time with Beth these last few months.” “Son, please let me talk.” “Yes sir.” “Watching other people live their lives
isn’t the same as living it for yourself. You have to be the one person Beth can always come to, no matter what. She needs to feel safe with you and because of you but that street runs both directions. You need to feel the same way about her. If you doubt yourself, talk with her, confide in her; and both of you need to look to the Lord for guidance.” “Pa, thank you. Not just for this, but for everything you ever did for me, I know you will always worry, so will I; that is what family does,” then he reached for his father, one more time as a boy, in a few minutes, he would have to be a man. 64
– Everyone stood as Beth came down the aisle on her Uncles arm. Lucas noticed the dress right off; he swayed just a bit at the memory of watching Margaret walk down the aisle to him. With his eyes welled up with tears, he pulled Millie closer to him. Mark didn’t seem to be aware of anything but Beth. He stared at her, never blinking, until Beth and Uncle John arrived at the altar step. John gave Beth a kiss, then he placed her hand in Marks. Before he could walk away, Mark gave him a hug but he never let go of Beth’s hand.
Lou was holding onto Johnny, gripping his arm through the entire ceremony. When the minister said “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride” Lou gave a very loud hoot. Johnny looked at her like she was crazy, the look in her eyes made him think she was. Beth and Mark didn’t really pay attention, great big smiles on their faces and looking only into each other’s eyes. This minister introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Mark McCain and everyone started to applaud. They started to walk down the aisle to leave the church when Lee let out another wild scream.
Lucas knew right off what was happening, “Johnny, get her to the hotel, now!” John and Lucas were trying to get everyone out of the way when Lou screamed again. This time she got Mark’s attention, “I don’t think we’re going to get her to the hotel. Get everyone out of here.” Johnny stayed by Lou’s side, “Is she alright?” Lucas walked over to Johnny, took him by the arm, pulling him toward the church entrance, “She’ll be fine, just as soon as that little one of yours’ makes his appearance.” Johnny almost fell over backwards, “Now? It’s not time yet.”
“Well, that babe says it is, you don’t need to be in there, this ain’t no time a woman wants her husband around. You can go in after the babe is born,” said Lee. Johnny sat down on the step, “I’m gonna’ be a father,” was all that he could say. Beth and Mark were the only two left inside the church with Lou. Because Mark had known Lou so long, he suggested that Beth do most of the assisting, he would stay near Lou’s head to comfort her. Lou kept gripping his hand, squeezing tighter each time she had a pain, and they were coming closer and closer. “Mark, I
think you need to help me,” said Beth. Even with the pain Lou was feeling, she was horrified that Mark might actually see her, “Can’t he just stay here?” Beth looked at Mark, then turned her eyes to Lou, “No, he can’t, I need him here, now!” “Beth, what’s wrong?” queried Mark. As he looked he saw, the baby was coming breech. Beth ran to the church doors, opening them slightly, “Somebody go find Doc or Uncle John, you, go get some towels and lots of water,” then she looked down at herself and the blood all over her beautiful white dress, “and somebody bring me another dress.” Then she noticed Millie and Lee standing near the door, she grabbed each by an arm, “You two,
come with me.” Beth practically dragged them down the aisle where just moments before she had walked to meet her husband. Lucas opened the doors slightly, “Doc and John went out to check on the Toomey’s . Mary said they left before the wedding was over.” The look Beth gave Mark, made it clear that she wanted him to deliver this baby. Millie lifted Lou’s head, gently placing it in her lap. Lee sat down next to Lou, “You ain’t got nothin’ to worry about, you got the two finest doctors working on you.” Then she grabbed Lou’s hand as another spasm
wrenched through her belly. “Lou, we have to try to turn the baby. Beth will apply some pressure to the outside of your abdomen, I’m going to have to reach inside and try to help.” At this point, Lou was in so much pain, she didn’t care what Mark had to do. Millie kept wiping Lou’s head with cool water and Lee kept talking gently to her. Mark and Beth were doing everything they knew how. Mark was afraid they didn’t learn enough in school to deal with this but they had to try. “Lou, I know it hurts but it’s working. The baby is turning,” stated Beth. Lou wanted to reach out and rip Beth’s hair out, “You don’t know anything about hurt.” Lee tried to get Lou’s
attention, to get her mind off of her pain, “Have you been singing your lullaby’s to the babe?” Keeping Lou focused on something other than her pain was inspired. Outside, Johnny was pacing up and down the street, never straying more than ten feet in either direction. “You might as well sit down and wait,” said Lucas, “You walkin’ all the dirt off the street isn’t gonna’ make that baby come any sooner.” Leering at Lucas, “That’s easy for you to say, it’s not your wife in there screaming in pain.” Lucas remembered back to the time when Mark was born and
the screams Margaret had made. “It may not be my wife but I do know the worry. She’ll be alright and you’ll both have a beautiful baby from all this.” Johnny just glared at him. Forty-five minutes passed when Mark came to the door, still covered in blood and such, “Johnny, you have a beautiful baby boy.” “And Lou, how is Lou?” “You can come in and see for yourself in just a bit. Give us some time to clean everyone up,” then Mark ducked back inside the church. Johnny started to cry, Lucas understood the feeling and took him aside from everyone else. A
few minutes later, Beth stood at the open doors, wearing something other than her wedding dress, holding a little bundle in her arms. “Lou thought you might like to meet your son while we make her a little more presentable.” Micah had already pulled a wagon up to the church doors, Lou was not going to walk to the hotel on her own. Johnny was holding his son, his son, that was a strange thought to him. He counted all the little fingers and toes, noting that the boy had a good grip on his finger. “Johnny, would you like to come in and see Lou?” asked Lee.
He handed her the baby, ever so gently, and ran up the aisle to his wife. “Isn’t he just perfect?” asked Lou. Johnny stooped down next to her, “Not as perfect as you,” and with that he scooped her up into his arms and carried her out to the waiting wagon. 65 – The wedding celebration hadn’t happened as Beth had anticipated but right now, she didn’t care. She and Mark were married and they saved two lives. There was a lot of dancing going on
and Lucas didn’t seem to want Millie to sit out any of them. Millie tried to wave him off, he seemed to want no part of that. Finally, Millie told him she wasn’t feeling all that well, watching the birth an all. He took her outside for some fresh air, “Was it really that tough?” “Oh Lucas, if it hadn’t been for Mark, both of them would have died,” then she buried her face into his chest. Lucas held her in his arms, he couldn’t think of anything else to do. Micah and Lou came out of the hotel, “How are you two holding up?” inquired Micah. “Millie here, is still a little queasy, but we’re fine.” Lou looked at the two of them then said to Lucas, “I reckon you were a
bit more healed than any of us thought.” Lucas had no idea what Lee was talking about, he had given up trying to understand her cryptic messages, eventually he would understand, this was not the day to try. The party was closing down, it was almost nine o’clock before Johnny got everyone out of the hotel. “I know it’s been a big day for all of you, but it has been a whole lot bigger for me, so if you don’t mind, just go home.” Mark and Beth looked bewildered, “I thought we were staying here,” said Beth. “So did I,” said Mark. Lucas had a bit of a smile
on his face, “I guess you two will just have to come out to the ranch.” This was not what Mark had planned. How was he supposed to make Beth his wife, really, if they had to stay on separate cots in the middle of the house. Beth rode quietly back to the ranch, Mark had his arms around her. No one said anything on the ride home but Millie, Lee, Lucas, and Micah kept smiling, looking like the Cheshire cat. When they finally got to the ranch, Lucas helped Millie out of the wagon, Micah helped Lee, and Mark just sat, still holding Beth in his arms. “Son, you
go on into the house with Beth, Micah and I will tend to the wagon and horses.” Mark got out of the wagon and silently helped Beth down. They followed Lee and Millie into the house, holding hands the whole time. Millie suggested she make some coffee while they wait for Lucas and Micah. Lee invited Beth and Mark to take a seat and started up some small talk with them. The coffee was ready when Lucas and Micah walked in the door, they had already cleaned up outside. After a short time, Lucas couldn’t help himself anymore, “Mark, I think it’s time for you and Beth to get to bed.” “Very funny Pa.” Millie jumped up and grabbed Mark by the arm, “You come with me, I have
something to show you.” She took Mark over to the other end of the house, “This is your room, yours and Beth's.” Mark looked inside and a bit teary eyed, he gave Millie a big hug. In turn, he gave a hug to Lee and Micah, and another big hug to his father. “Thank you,” was all he could muster. He walked over to Beth, picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom door. He carried her across that threshold where they both looked upon the largest bed either of them had ever seen. No one heard from them for the rest of the night. This concludes
Part I, Please stay tuned for Part II, “Dr Mark” This is a continuing saga based on the TV series “The Rifleman”
and will be updated as time allows for Donna
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