24 - Home for the Holidays

by Bluebird0032

With everyone safely back in North Fork, friends and family look forward to celebrating the holidays. However, recent events leave Mark and Cassie apprehensive.

Home for the Holidays

Cassie woke up and turned over to see that Mark wasn't in bed beside her. Walking to Daniel's crib, Cassie realized that her son wasn't in the room, either. She went to the bedroom door and opened it to find Mark talking to their son in the front room.

"...And a lot has happened to your Ma and me... I thought I had lost her so many times... I thought I had lost both of you. I never... I never thought that I'd be able to hold you. I never thought I'd get to put you in the saddle in front of me. I never thought I'd be able to teach you to rope a calf or even how to tie those stupid ties..." Mark choked on his tears as he tried to go on, "I never thought I'd see your Ma smile again... but I thank the Good Lord that I didn't lose either one of you... and I'm gonna do everything I can to be the best husband and father I can be. I'm gonna do my best to raise you right while I'm here... I'm gonna show you and your Ma all the love I can while I'm here... because... because life's short, and I can't promise either one of you that I'll always be here. ...I don't know how much time I have to be a father to you, or a husband to your Ma, but I promise I'm going to be here as long as I can. That I'll love you both unconditionally... that I'll never take you for granted. Having you and your Ma taken away from me..." the tears fell harder down Mark's face the longer he spoke. "...It made me realize even more just how much I love you. They say you don't know what you have until it's gone... and I don't think any statement is more true. You and your Ma are my world, and I will do anything to protect you. I promise that I'll be here for you, just as long as the Good Lord allows. I want to give you someone to rely on, someone to depend on, a friend... a partner... a Pa..."

Cassie stood in the doorway with tears in her eyes as Mark's tears continued to fall down his face. After several minutes, Cassie stepped forward and walked across the front room. Mark looked up as she knelt down beside his chair and put one hand on his arm and the other on his cheek.

"Mark McCain, I love you," Cassie gently whispered.

Mark leaned forward a pressed his lips against her forehead.

"I... I thought I had lost you, Cassie... I spent all that time recovering thinking... wondering... what DeFord put you through before he had killed you. ...The whole ride home... the only reason I could come home was thinking about tracking down DeFord. ...Then I heard your screams... and I opened the door to see you in labor and... Cassie, I felt like the happiest man alive. ...Happy doesn't even begin to describe what I felt. Because up until that point... since the moment Rachael had come riding up the day... the day it happened... all I had felt was complete terror. Because my wife... my pregnant, precious, wonderful wife had been taken from me and... and I didn't know if I'd ever get to see her again. To tell her I love her again. To tell her I'm sorry for every time I hadn't said it. And I am, Cassie. You are a gift from God who, I admit, I had taken for granted at times. But I love you, Cassie; more than life itself."

Cassie broke down crying as Mark finished. Still holding Daniel in one arm, Mark got out of the chair and sat beside his wife, pulling her close as he rested his head on hers.

"Mark, I know you do," Cassie sobbed. "You've proved that to me and all I've done is put you in danger!"

"No, Cassie," Mark whispered as he ran his hand through her hair. "We've talked about this, it's not your fault. I know you love me; you prove your love to me every day in everything you do. Not that I need you to "do" anything to prove it to me. I know it in my heart, and that's all I need."

Mark kissed the top of Cassie's head as she cried into his shoulder.

"Mark, it was horrible... everyone tried to help... your Pa, Helen, and Ned especially... but it wasn't you. You weren't there. I didn't know what to do... I felt so torn... I felt so... empty. But every time I felt a kick... it was a reminder that I had to keep going, that I had to push on. But it hurt... knowing you wouldn't be there when he was born... knowing you wouldn't get to put him in your Pa's arms and watch him smile with pride... knowing... knowing after Daniel was born I would never again get to carry your child. Everyone wanted to help, but it was so suffocating at times... I felt like I couldn't breathe. And then... then there were the days I would turn to ask you a question... and you weren't there."

"I wish I would've been there to answer, Cass... I would give anything to have been there to answer..."

"Mark... if I ever lose you again..."

Mark held his wife tighter as hot tears ran down both of their faces.

"Cassie... we don't know what today or tomorrow or any day will bring. But I love you, and will love you for all of eternity..." Mark continued in a whisper, "Even if you did think about changing Daniel's name."

"How...?" Cassie asked as she looked up at her husband.

""You left a sheet of paper in the Bible with the possible names written down."

"I know you never liked the idea of naming the baby after you if it was a boy... but... after you died... Daniel Mark seemed more fitting." Cassie laid her head back on Mark's shoulder. "...No disrespect meant to your Pa, but... if I was only going to have one boy, he was going to have your name."

"And if it was a girl?"

"...I thought the name we had picked out would still be very fitting, considering it incorporated all of our mothers."

"...Do you ever wish Ara had come into your life sooner?"

"…Yes and no... I love her dearly, but... had anything come out sooner than it did... life might be completely different. We just have what is... and... I'm happy with what is..." the tears began falling again. "I'm so thankful for what is..."

"I love you, Cassie. I'm so thankful for you and Daniel, and the rest of our family. ...Riding back home... I couldn't believe what had happened. I had lost my Ma... and then we almost lost Milly... and I had come so close to losing you so many times... and I thought I had lost you and the baby."

"You didn't, Mark; we're here, we're together..."

"I know..."

"But?" Cassie asked, hearing the hesitancy in her husband's voice.

"...But... Cassie, like you... I'm... I'm scared of losing you again. If DeFord had killed you, if-"

"But he didn't."

"But he could have..."

Cassie reached up and cupped Mark's face in her hands before giving him a long, passionate kiss.

"But he can't any more. Yes, there's always going to be someone, or something that could happen to either one of us... but we... Mark... we have to find a way to live normally."

"Cassie, we both could've died. Things can't go back to the way they used to be... I wish they could, but..."

"They can't," Cassie agreed as she laid her head down on Mark's lap.

Mark used his free hand to gently rub the back of his wife's head.

"...It will take a while, Cass, and I don't expect us to just "get over" what happened, but one day... we will find a new normal. It won't be status quo... neither of us will ever be able to live a "normal" life again... not that we have been able to for quite some time. But together we'll find our new normal... and we'll adjust."

"...Mark... about tomorrow..."

"Are you having second thoughts?"

"...I know most of them are family, but... with so many people... I just... I'm not ready. I... I don't feel stable enough. The smallest things..." Cassie couldn't go on as tears started to fall down her face again.

"I understand... I saw your reaction at dinner when Rachael brought up Laura being a single mother."

"Mark, I love her dearly, but... the reminder... the thought of having to raise Daniel alone..."

"I know, it's alright. I'll let Ma and Pa know first thing."

"Mark... if... if DeFord... if he had killed me, what would... what would you have done?"

"…Like I said, the only reason I came back home was to trail DeFord. I could've cut across and bypassed the ranch... but I think I knew I needed Pa there to keep me from doing anything I would regret. I hadn't really thought on much besides making DeFord and Osborne both pay. ... I couldn't have come back home to stay, though... your memory... the memory of both of our children... I knew it was too much. ...I might have gone to work for the Pinkertons." Mark paused for a moment before he went on, "Did you ever think about leaving the ranch?"

"No... I wanted to raise Daniel here. Ara and Ma both wanted me to move in with them, but... I couldn't leave the ranch... Mark, I can't tell you how much it meant to have your Pa there... even in the midst of his own grief... he was strong for everyone... strong for me... I don't know how he did it. Seeing me carrying your child every day... seeing me..."

"Pa doesn't blame you, Cassie."

"I know... I just... I don't know how he did it," Cassie cried. "The night... the night he found out... he was the first person I told anything to... he was so shaken... but he was so strong. He held me... and he comforted me as we cried together... I... Mark, I know how much of a bond you and your Pa have... I knew how much he loved you and how much it broke his heart that you had died. After I knew your parents wanted me to stay, besides the fact that I didn't want to leave, I couldn't stand the thought of taking your son away from your Pa."

"I'm glad you didn't leave."

Mark bent down to give his wife another kiss as Daniel let out a loud cry, announcing that he was ready to be fed again.

"Are you hungry at all? I can fix us something while you feed Daniel."

"Mark, it's after two in the morning!"

"I know, but... I think we're both ready to talk... really talk about everything."

"...Isn't that what we've been doing?"

"That doesn't mean we can't keep talking. Cassie... I want to take advantage of every opportunity we have... because we... both know..."

"We might not have many left?" Mark nodded. "...Flapjacks and bacon sound good."

1MC1

"Milly, I'm going out to do the chores," Lucas announced as he slipped on his boots.

"Alright, Rachael and I should be ready in about a half hour."

"What about Lydia?"

"Would you mind dressing her when you're done?"

"Alright."

Lucas chuckled to himself as he grabbed his rifle and stepped onto the porch. They weren't even hosting Thanksgiving and Milly had buried herself in work. As Lucas stepped into the barn, he saw Mark at work mucking the stalls.

"Morning, Son," Lucas called as he grabbed a pitchfork.

"Morning, Pa," Mark replied as he stifled a yawn and turned to dump the manure into the wheelbarrow. "You don't look like you got much sleep. Rough night with Daniel?"

"No, Cassie and I were up for a long time talking."

"Is everything alright?"

Mark nodded as he set the shovel down and walked towards Lucas.

"We had talked about what had happened before, but last night we were able to really talk about it. It... it was hard, but it felt good, Pa... really good."

"I'm glad, Mark," Lucas said as he put a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Pa... I... I know I've said it before, but I can't thank you enough for being there for all of them. Pa... holding Cassie in my arms last night... hearing my wife crying over my death, and knowing... knowing you were what got her through..."

"We got each other through, Mark."

"Thank you, Pa, for everything."

"I love you, Son," Lucas replied as he pulled Mark into an embrace. After a moment, he let his son go. "We better get a move on, or we won't make it in time over to Johnny and Lou's."

"About that..."

"...What is it?"

"...I know it's Thanksgiving, but... Pa... Cassie and I... we need more time. Cassie doesn't feel comfortable being around such a large group yet and... I'm not so sure I am, either..."

"Mark, it's just family."

"And Tom, and Laura and Michael, and Jason, and Helen, and Doc, and the Grafts, and if I know Aunt Lou..."

"Alright, I get your point. You're welcome to come later if you change your minds."

"Thanks for understanding, Pa. We just... we need more time to adjust. To be honest, when I went into town the other day... I could hardly take all of the stares and people asking questions."

"I get it, don't worry. Did you send those letters out when you went into town, or did you want me to take them for you?"

"I dropped them off. That's when I got the newspaper. If you want, I can finish with the chores so you all can get going."

"That's alright, your Ma was running a little behind and I'd just be in the way in the kitchen."

"Oh, Cassie sent me down with a pie and a basket of rolls," Mark said, gesturing across the barn.

"I'll make sure they get to Lou."

After the two finished the chores and hitched up the team, Lucas said goodbye to Mark and headed inside his home. He walked into his bedroom to see Lydia climbing out of her cradle.

"Well, it looks like we have an escape artist on our hands," Lucas commented as he picked his daughter up. "Looks like it might be time to move you into your own room soon."

Lydia giggled as Lucas tickled her.

"Let's get you dressed... and changed," Lucas added, smelling her diaper.

By the time Lucas walked into the front room with Lydia, Rachael and Milly were coming in from the kitchen, baked goods and dishes in hand.

"I think we got everything," Milly said as Lucas opened the front door for them. "Have you seen Mark and Cassie yet? I'm surprised he doesn't have the second team hitched."

"They're not coming."

"Not coming?!" Milly exclaimed as she handed a pie to Rachael, once she got in the back of the buckboard. "It's Thanksgiving, what do you mean-"

"Mark and Cassie aren't ready yet."

"Lucas, this isn't healthy, they need to interact with family, they need to-"

"Get some closure." Lucas helped Milly load up the rest of the dishes before putting his hands on her shoulders. "Milly, we need to respect their decision."

"But they need to be there! We can't just..." tears filled Milly's eyes. "...We can't leave them here alone, Lucas..."

"I know you're scared, Milly. It's not easy for me to leave them here, either... but they are two grown adults and we can't coddle them like children. Having too many people around... it makes them feel like the walls are closing in. They'll return to church and family functions when they're ready for it. We can't force anything on them."

"I know... I just... today... I was hoping..."

"We all were, but they're not ready and that's alright. There will be plenty of Thanksgivings to come."

It was a quiet ride into town as everyone thought about Mark and Cassie. Once the McCains arrived at the Gibbs', Rachael and Milly headed straight for the kitchen with Lydia in tow while Johnny helped Lucas with the team.

"Mark and Cassie drive separately?" Johnny asked.

"They couldn't make it today."

"I was wondering if they would. When the family got together a few weeks ago they both seemed a little overwhelmed and I saw Mark the day he came to town."

"Hopefully by Christmas they'll be ready."

"And how are you adjusting?"

"...It's been hard, Johnny. We've talked about some things... but he's grown up and... and this is something he mostly has to work through with his wife. I want to coddle him... but I can't. He's insisted on helping with chores, but Doc and I won't let him do more than that for a few more weeks so his wounds can finish healing. ...And when I ride out to the range every day... it's been hard... leaving him. I know he's not a china doll that's going to break, but..."

"He almost died, Lucas. It's understandable. It's been hard for everyone and probably the hardest on you and Cassie. But you'll eventually be able to leave without looking back, just give it time."

"...I'm not so sure I will. But thanks, Johnny, for everything."

"What are brother-in-laws for?"

"Getting me into trouble," Lucas teased.

After they finished with the horses, the two men went inside to see Micah, Ned, and Tom in the front room with Michael, Madison, Madelyn, and Lydia.

"How'd the three of you get stuck babysitting?" Lucas laughed.

"Well Helen gave me Michael; said it'd be good experience," Ned replied. "Lydia heard Tom's voice and came toddling out here, and Micah was already in here with Johnny's two."

"Lucas, where's Mark?" Micah asked.

"He and Cassie decided to stay home today."

"On Thanksgiv..." the question died on Micah's lips as he realized why the couple wasn't there. "Be sure to let them know we missed them."

"I will." Lucas paused before going on, "Ned, when are you and Helen going to tie the knot? Seems like you asked her to marry you years ago."

"We're talking about it, but aren't sure about the best time."

"No time like the present, I say," Tom remarked.

"We'll see," Ned replied. "Besides, you're certainly one to talk."

"What are you talking about?" Tom innocently inquired.

"I do make my rounds every night, and somebody has been hanging around the back of the church." "Tom?" Lucas asked in surprise.

"A man's gotta right to some privacy."

"Not around this group," Johnny laughed.

The men talked cattle and politics as they waited for the rest of the guests to arrive and dinner to finish cooking.

As everyone made their way to the dining room, however, no one noticed Ned and Helen slipping out the back door.

*****

Upon arriving at the McCain ranch, Ned helped Helen down from the buggy and walked her to the door, which was opened before they had a chance to knock on it.

"Good to see both of you," Mark greeted. "Aren't you supposed to be in town?"

"We don't want to intrude," Ned began, "But we thought you should have at least some family around today."

"I don't know..." Mark teased.

"For goodness sakes, let them in, Mark!" Cassie called.

"Come on in," the rancher chuckled.

"Thanks."

Cassie finished pulling a pie out of the oven before crossing the room and giving her brother and future sister-in-law a hug.

"It's wonderful to see both of you."

"It's great to see you, too," Helen replied with a smile. "We've wanted to come for a visit, but haven't been able to make it out."

"From what Cassie tells me, you both did more than enough while I was gone, so thank you." Mark offered.

"I'm her brother, what did you expect?" Ned light-heartedly teased. "Where's that nephew of mine? I couldn't get him away from Ma or Aunt Milly last time we all came out here."

"He was sleeping, I'll check on him," Cassie answered as she headed for the bedroom.

"Ned, how's North Fork been treating its newest deputy?"

"North Fork has been treating me fine," Ned began. "It's your uncle that's giving me the trouble. He's only locked me in a cell a half dozen times."

"What about the afternoon I found you?" Helen chuckled. "I thought that was number eight."

"I stand corrected."

"Not that you would've done anything to ask for it," Cassie commented as she returned to the front room and handed Daniel to her brother.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Ned replied as he lifted Daniel into the air.

"Well we were just planning on sandwiches for lunch, but if you're hungry, you're more than welcome to join us," Mark invited.

"I brought a few of the fixings," Helen said as she lifted the basket in hand.

They all set to making lunch as conversation continued. As they sat down, Cassie offered to take Daniel off of Ned's hands.

"That's alright, with Aunt Milly always around, I don't know when my next chance to hold him will be."

"I take it the two of you are looking forward to having children?" Mark asked.

"I never had any siblings and want to have a large family," Helen answered.

"When are the two of you going to get married? You've been engaged for what, almost six months?" Cassie inquired.

"We did want to ask the two of you about that," Helen began to reply. "We want you both to be there on our wedding day and didn't want to schedule anything too soon."

"Please, don't put anything off because of us," Mark told the couple.

"The thing is, Mark, you told me after I saved your neck that if I ever needed anything to ask you. Well, I'm calling in a 'you owe me.' How would you feel about being my best man?"

"Ned, it'd be an honor."

"Cassie," Helen began, "You've been the closest thing I've ever had to a sister and I've greatly appreciated your friendship over the last few months. I was wondering if you would be my matron of honor."

"Helen, I'd be absolutely thrilled. And please, what Mark said still stands. You shouldn't postpone your wedding because of us."

"We were thinking January first," Ned stated. "Is that far enough out?"

"I think it's perfect," Cassie replied. "And Helen, if you need any help with anything, especially your dress, please let me know."

"Can you do alterations?" Helen inquired.

"I love doing alterations. Was it your mother's dress?"

"My father saved it all these years," Helen answered with a nod. "I'm just shorter and smaller than she was and it doesn't fit right. I was going to have it altered after Nate and I got back from North Fork, but thankfully that wedding never happened."

"Have you heard from him at all?" Mark asked.

Ned and Helen both laughed before Helen replied.

"I got a letter about two months ago. He said he understood that I was probably dealing with a lot, running into someone that knew my father and he understood how I could have gotten so confused. He said he would make all the arrangements necessary for me to go back so we could marry."

"What'd you tell him?"

"I told him I was happily engaged to the man of my dreams," Helen replied as she smiled up at Ned.

"What are your plans after you marry?" Mark asked. "Ned, are you staying here or being moved somewhere else?"

"Marshal Anker understood my need to be close to home for a while after everything that happened. For the time being I'm going to be based out of North Fork for the U.S. Marshals Service, and I'll also act as another deputy for North Fork."

"Where are you going to live?" Cassie asked. "I'm sure Helen doesn't want to live at the jail." "Definitely not," Helen chuckled.

"We've been looking at some houses for Helen, Ma, and me."

"What about Anna?" Mark asked. "What is she going to do?"

"We offered for her to live with us," Ned began, "She appreciated it, but said she wanted to stand on her own two feet for a while. Though if Jason has his way, I don't think it will be very long before they get married."

"It's all so surreal," Cassie commented. "All us getting married and starting families of our own. It doesn't seem like that long ago we were all climbing trees in the woods together."

"Some of us were climbing," Ned stated. "One of us decided to fall out of the tree face first."

"And whose fault was that?"

"You should've known better than to trust me to hold you upside down from that high up."

"I believe your exact words were, "I know what I'm doing, you can trust me"."

Everyone had a good laugh as childhood stories continued to be told. A while later, Cassie walked to the stove and asked if Ned and Helen wanted apple pie.

"That depends," Ned began. "Is it your apple pie, or Grandmother's apple pie?"

"Very funny," Cassie sarcastically replied.

"There sounds like there's a story behind that one," Helen remarked.

"All of the Scott daughters and granddaughters were taught how to make my Grandmother's apple pie," Ned started to explain. "All of them also have their own variation of the recipe. However, the first time Cassie made it by herself, she mixed up the measurements for the salt and sugar."

"I'd like to see you bake a pie, Deputy," Cassie replied with raised eyebrows.

"I think I'll leave that one to the women."

After dessert, Cassie took Daniel to the bedroom to feed him and invited Helen to join her, leaving Mark and Ned alone in the front room.

"Mark, I know this hasn't been easy for you," Ned began. "How are you handling everything?"

"There's been ups and downs for both of us, but we're getting through it. ...I thought I had lost her, Ned. And that's no easy thing to get over. But I'm adjusting."

"...Mark, this isn't easy to ask, but I want to make sure that there's no hard feelings between us..." "Why would there be?"

"He was my father and-"

"Your father and DeFord are to blame, not you. We're friends, Ned, good friends. And I wouldn't let something that someone else did come between us."

"I just wanted to be certain. I really am grateful to have you as a brother-in-law, Mark. You're a good man, who has made my sister happier than she has ever been."

"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be alive and I'm proud to call you family."

"...I have a question to ask, if you don't mind."

"Of course not."

"Did... did you get nervous... before... you know... you... got married...?"

"Nervous?" Mark laughed. "My heart was pounding so hard I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest!"

2MC2

"I'll be right back, Lucas," Milly said as he pulled the team to a stop in front of the house. "I have to take these dishes back to Cassie."

"I'll do it," Rachael volunteered. "Lydia fell asleep back here anyway."

"Thank you, Rachael."

Milly handed Rachael a basket that held several pans and bowls inside before the young woman started to run up the hill.

"Don't trip!" Milly called.

"I won't!"

Rachael quickly made her way up the hill towards Mark and Cassie's house. Seeing the lamps still lit inside, she briefly knocked on the door before entering the home.

"Aunt Milly wanted to return these to you," Rachael said as Cassie and Mark looked up from doing dishes.

"Thank you," Cassie replied as she took the basket from Rachael.

"...What's on your mind, Rachael?" Mark asked, seeing a mischievous gleam in his cousin's eyes. "Well I saw Mr. Griswold in town today, and I asked him about everything, and I did it. After this semester I'll be done!"

"Congratulations!" Mark said as he went to give Rachael a hug. "I'm assuming you told Ma and Pa?"

"That's the thing, they didn't know I was trying to finish early."

"Why not?" Mark inquired.

"Well at first I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get caught up to even finish on time, and then... well... you died... and I didn't know how much extra work I could take on, but I will have completed everything by the end of this semester... just a few more weeks!"

"So when are you going to tell them?" Cassie asked.

"Well, that's just it, I... I wanted to have a little fun with this one..." Rachael answered with a smile.

"Just what did you have in mind?" Mark inquired. "After the last three months we've had..." "Don't worry, I won't give them a heart attack. But I need your help."

The three talked for a short while before Cassie and Mark agreed to Rachael's idea. They said goodnight to her before returning to the dishes.

"You know this could end badly for all three of us..." Cassie chuckled.

"Nah, it'll be fine. We all need a good laugh."

"I just hope your Pa is laughing when it's all said in done."

"Speaking of Pa, I should probably get on down the hill and help with the evening chores."

"I'll finish up in here."

Mark gave Cassie a kiss before putting on his hat and jacket, grabbing his rifle, and heading down the hill. He walked into the barn to see Lucas just finishing with the team.

"How was it?" Mark asked as he set to work.

"We all missed having you all there, but it was good... we were all finally able to laugh again." "I know what you mean. Ned and Helen came over and... it felt good to laugh. It felt good to see such a big smile on Cassie's face."

"So that's where they disappeared to," Lucas commented. "No one realized they had slipped out until part way through the meal."

"Cass and I really appreciated it. Although it was funny, Ned would hardly put Daniel down. I never thought him as someone who would enjoy children... but he definitely surprised both of us today." "Your Uncle Johnny surprised me the same way when you were born."

"Pa, what family is left back in Enid?"

"...What makes you ask, Son?" Lucas inquired, surprised by Mark's question.

"...I was just sort of wondering. I mean... one of these days... Pa, I would like to go back. Ma's there and... and I would like to see her resting place again, as an adult."

"...I can understand, Mark. It's just... Joseph's there, and... you know there's family problems." "I don't understand why though. What happened with Aunt Krissy was over seventeen years ago. I don't understand why he holds onto it, or holds it against you."

"It's just complicated. To answer your question, there's your Uncle Joseph and his family, and maybe a Gibbs, but you'll have to ask your Uncle Johnny about that. ...A lot of the family died during the epidemic and most of those who remained moved away."

"Pa, what happened to Uncle Johnny's Ma?"

Lucas let out a long, heavy sigh. He put a hand on Mark's shoulder and directed him to sit down on a hay bale.

"Maybe I should have told you about this when you found out about your Grandpa's involvement the night your Ma died... but we were both dealing with so much at that point and time... I don't think it would've been the right time to tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"Mark, your Grandma Gibbs was one of the finest women I knew. She was a kind, graceful, and compassionate lady. To lay it out plainly for you, your Grandpa was the complete opposite of that. I know you feel he's changed, and I'll give you that. The man's tolerable. But the fact that he may have changed doesn't change what he's done. You know he drank. One day while your grandmother was shopping, your grandfather was at the saloon getting drunk. Johnny was also there and saw the state Samuel was in when they were getting ready to leave town. He tried insisting on driving them home and it wasn't long before your grandfather punched Johnny across the jaw. Your grandmother begged Johnny to leave things be before they got even more ugly, and out of respect for his mother, Johnny walked away. On the way home, Mark... Samuel crashed the wagon. It killed your grandmother."

"...Pa, I wish someone would have told me. I've said some things to Uncle Johnny about how he feels about his Pa, but I only knew about Ma..."

"Your grandmother's death doesn't make whatever you said more or less true."

"...I know, but... I think I could've been more understanding."

"You also have to keep in mind that he didn't tell you about his Ma."

"...Pa, do you think... I mean... I know what he did... both times was wrong... but... would you be upset if I..."

"Mark, it's your decision. No, I wouldn't be upset if you went to visit him."

"...He did move back to Oklahoma... and being so close to h..." Mark stopped himself from saying "home."

"It's alright, Mark. Your Ma is there and Enid will always be home, in a special way. I wouldn't be upset if you decided to visit there, either."

"...Would you come with me?"

A wave of emotions hit Lucas as his son asked the question. Mark could instantly see the grief enter his Pa's eyes.

"...I'm sorry, Pa, I didn't mean to-"

"It's alright, Son. ...But I can't go back... I'm not welcome in Enid as long as my brother is there." "But don't you want to see everything resolved between you two?"

"You know I do, Mark... but sometimes... sometimes everything doesn't turn out the way you want it to."

Mark sat there, struggling to understand. It wasn't like his Pa to give up on something like this, but he respected the grief he could tell Lucas was dealing with.

"Alright." Mark stood, soon followed by Lucas and the two quietly finished the evening chores.

Lucas waved goodbye to Mark as his son started up the hill. He entered his home to see that everyone had already gone to bed for the evening. After turning down the lamps in the front room, Lucas stepped inside the bedroom to see Milly already underneath the covers with the her lamp turned down. He quietly changed, trying to not disturb his wife. When he heard a small cry, Lucas instinctively looked into the cradle but found Lydia fast asleep. He looked to the bed and saw the tears streaming from Milly's closed eyes as she held a hand to her mouth.

"Milly?" Lucas worriedly called as he strode towards the bed and knelt beside his wife. "Milly, what's the matter?"

"It's nothing, I'm sorry..." Milly answered, trying to stop her tears as she turned her back towards Lucas.

"Nothing? Milly, what's wrong?"

"I..." Milly finally bursted into tears. "Lucas... it hurts. It hurts so bad... all day it's only gotten worse..."

Lucas got into the bed beside his wife and wrapped his arms around her.

"Why didn't you say something? Doc was there! I would've gladly brought you home or-"

"I didn't want to make a fuss..." Milly cried.

"A fuss? Milly, when you're in this much pain, you have a right to make a fuss!" Lucas gently caressed the back of her head. "...Do you want me to take you to see Doc?"

"There's nothing he can do... he warned us there would always be bad days... this was just one of them..."

"Milly..." Lucas's heart broke as his wife continued to cry in his arms. "I'm sorry I didn't see it, I should've been paying more attention. I-"

"You were thinking about Mark and Cassie, just like the rest of us."

"...Can I get you anything?"

"Just hold me, Lucas... please just hold me..."

3MC3

"How long are you going to be gone?" Anna asked as she handed Jason his medical bag.

"Hopefully no longer than two weeks, but I don't want to leave until she's on the road to recovery." "I'll be praying that happens quickly."

"Thank you, Anna." Jason hesitated as he went on, "...I really wish... you could come with me..."

"Me too, but... Doc needs help here, and with Ned and Helen's wedding coming up... it's just not realistic."

"I'll wire as soon as I get there."

"Jason, I... I really am going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too. As soon as I get back, I promise I'll take you out for dinner and we'll spend a whole evening together, just you and me."

"I look forward to it," Anna replied with a small smile. "...Have a good trip."

Anna walked Jason to the door of the clinic and waved as he started towards the train station. Letting out a heavy sigh, Anna returned to her desk and began working on the pile of paperwork that never seemed to end. Doc came out a short while later to see her staring blankly out the window.

"Getting a lot done I see," the elderly man teased.

"I'm sorry, Doc... I'm just... distracted."

"Hmm, I wonder why?"

"Doc, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course you can."

"...Well... seeing as how I don't have a father, and... and Ned... well, he's somewhat lost in his own world right now... and... and I've... you're like a grandfather to me. I... I was wondering what you thought... what you think... about Jason…?"

"What do I think? Well I think he's a good doctor, I'd run him out of here otherwise."

"Well yes, but... what do you think of him... as a man... as a..."

"Potential husband?"

Anna blushed as she nodded her head.

"I'm not sure, Anna. I've only know him for less than a year, and really only in the professional sense at that. He seems to treat you well, but I don't really know him well enough to say if he'd make you a good husband or not."

"Would you... I mean..."

"Keep an eye on him and form an opinion?"

Again, Anna sheepishly nodded.

"I'd be happy to. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to not go jumping into anything. Decisions made rashly are often regretted..."

Anna saw the doctor's eyes become distant as memories came to his mind.

"Doc, are you alright?"

"We all have regrets, Anna. Don't let yours become as big as mine."

Anna nodded as the door to the clinic swung open. Milly entered the clinic with Lucas behind her, Lydia in his arms.

"I hope this is just a routine checkup for Lydia," Doc stated, the look on Lucas's face telling him otherwise.

"I wish it was," Lucas replied.

"It should be," Milly commented. "It's nothing and we really shouldn't be here."

"Well, I can guess who my patient is," Doc chuckled. "Come on back. Anna, would you mind watching your cousin?"

"I'd be happy to," Anna replied as she took Lydia from Lucas's arms.

Lucas and Milly followed Doc to the back room. Lucas helped Milly up onto the table as Doc asked what seemed to be the problem.

"I'm fine," Milly insisted.

"Things are flaring up again, Doc. Yesterday was especially bad," Lucas explained.

"You were on your feet a lot, so that's to be somewhat expected. Let me give you a quick examination, though."

As the doctor examined Milly, neither Lucas or Doc missed how uncomfortable Milly was or how sensitive she was to touch.

"Milly, how long has it been since you weaned Lydia and went back on the medication?" "Three or four months, maybe."

"And no signs of you being pregnant?"

"No."

"I didn't see any either, but I just wanted to be sure. I want you to double the medication you're on and take it easier."

"Take it easier?" Milly almost laughed. "Doc, we live on a working ranch, I-"

"She'll take it easier," Lucas assured the doctor.

"Good. I also want to see you if things continue to get worse."

"You think they could?" Lucas asked in concern.

"Potentially, but as long as we continue to manage things, they shouldn't."

"Thanks, Doc," Lucas offered.

"Any time. And unless you need extra medication, today is on the house."

"Doc-"

"No arguments. I get plenty of business from your son anyway," the doctor half-heartedly teased. "We'll be seeing you."

Anna and the doctor saw the McCains out the door.

"Lucas, would you mind if I stopped by Catherine's for a few minutes?" Milly asked.

"I'll walk you over there; I needed to talk to Johnny anyway. I'll pick you up with the buckboard in about a half hour?"

"Sounds good."

After seeing Lydia and Milly to Catherine's, Lucas headed towards the marshal's office. He walked inside to see Johnny and Ned working through the stacks of paperwork on their desks.

"Lucas, good to see you," Johnny called. "What brings you into town?"

"...Ned, would you give Johnny and me a few minutes?" Lucas asked.

"Anything to get out of this," Ned chuckled as he threw a stack of papers on the desk. "It's about time we got lunch anyway. Johnny, you want your usual?"

"Sounds good."

"Thanks, Ned," Lucas offered.

"No problem."

The door closed behind Ned, leaving an awkward silence in the room until Johnny finally broke it. "Alright, what's wrong?" Johnny asked as he gestured to a seat.

Lucas heavily sighed as he dropped into a chair.

"Johnny... I..." Lucas was at a loss for words.

"Luke?" Johnny asked, seeing his brother-in-law close to tears.

"...Mark was asking questions last night about your Ma, about our family, about going back to Oklahoma to visit... and I... I told him about your Ma... he still wants to go back. I told him I was alright with that. But then... Johnny, he asked if I would go back with him..."

"You haven't told him, have you?"

"... I know I'm not perfect. I know Mark knows I'm not perfect, but... I've never been able to bring myself to tell him..."

"Lucas, for the hundredth time, it's not your fault."

"I thought we agreed to stop trying to convince each other of that."

"The difference is, Luke, you're not to blame. ...I should've stood up to my father more."

"You respected your mother's wishes. What happened was Samuel's fault and his alone."

"And what... what happened on that stage coach was the outlaws' fault, not yours."

Lucas shook his head and sighed.

"I told Mark I couldn't go. And then we finish up in the barn and I go inside and... Johnny, Milly's getting worse. Yesterday she was miserable all day and... and I didn't even realize it. She was in so much pain... and... Johnny, I can't lose her!"

"Lucas, calm down," Johnny said as he leaned forward on the desk. "Just because she had a bad day doesn't mean you're going to lose her. The worst she'll ever be at was where she was when you took her to Vendix, and she survived. She's strong, and she'll be fine."

"Johnny... I can't lose someone else, I just can't! After the war, after Enid, after Krissy... after losing Mark, I can't!"

There were tears in the rancher's eyes as Johnny came around the desk and sat beside his brother-in-law. He put a hand on his shoulder.

"Lucas, it's going to be alright. And you have to remember that you didn't lose Mark. We thought he was gone, but he's not. And you're not going to lose your wife! You have to be strong, Lucas. Milly's a fighter, but she's going to be looking to you. You can't give up on her!"

"Johnny, I... I can't face the possibility of burying a wife a second time, of being a single father for a second time..."

"Lucas, this is going to be hard on you and Milly both, especially if the pain continues to get worse. But you have to remember that what originally caused the problem is gone. Yes, the repercussions are there, it'll be hard to face them, but the pain isn't going to take your wife away from you, Lucas. If you lose your wife and have to be a single parent again, it's not going to be because this illness took her. The parasite is gone, Lucas. She survived. It's going to be alright."

"Johnny... after losing Mark... I... I just... I feel so inadequate. I couldn't protect him, or Cassie... I can't protect my wife from the things that are hurting her... I almost lost Rachael to her father and Tom... and then there's Lydia... how could I even think about bringing another child into this world?"

"Because you love your family, Lucas. You provide for and protect your family well; you just have to remember that it's not all up to you. There's a higher power involved here. I know it's gotta be tough. I know how scared I was about Lou and the girls after someone shot you in an attempt to kill me. But I had to keep going, had to keep living, because I had a family depending on me to do just that. Like I said, I know it's hard, but you have to keep going, Lucas. You're not going to lose anyone."

"...Thanks, Johnny."

"I'm here anytime you need to talk."

4MC4

Earlier that morning, Cassie had stood in the barn as she watched Mark saddle up.

"Mark, you could pull something."

"I was chopping wood the other day, Cass. It's been a month since I've gotten home, I'm itching to start working around the ranch again."

"Just because you were chopping wood doesn't mean you should have been..."

"I'll be fine," Mark assured as he gave his wife a kiss.

"If your Pa was here..."

"I wouldn't get away with this, I know. That's why I'm saddling up now."

"...You seemed quiet after your talk with your Pa last night. Is everything alright?"

"...We talked about the possibility of me going back to Oklahoma to visit."

"When?"

"...We didn't really talk about that part, but... Cassie, I would like to take you and Daniel somewhere after the new year... get away... be able to come back and move forward. And if we went to Oklahoma, we could see my Grandpa Gibbs... I felt kinda bad that he came all the way out here and then I had to leave. We could also maybe go back to Enid, and if you wanted to visit John's mother..."

"Really Mark?"

Mark nodded as he replied, "I know it's been what, five years since you've seen her?"

"Eight or nine... Pa was the only one who was able to go to Grandpa's funeral."

"Do you know where she lives?"

"She lives in Oklahoma City with my Aunt Gracelyn and Uncle Jeffrey."

"If there's anyone else you want to visit, we can try to look them up, too."

"I would like to try to reconnect with a few family members, it's been a long time since I've seen anyone on that side of the family."

"I'll do what I can to make it happen," Mark said as he mounted up.

"This doesn't change the fact that I'm upset with you for going out on the range."

"I know."

"When will you be back?"

"Three hours at the most, I'm just going to check the fence and cattle in the south pasture." "Please be careful, Mark."

"I will be. I love you."

"Love you too."

Cassie watched Mark ride off before returning to Lucas and Milly's home. She found Rachael at the kitchen table with Daniel on her lap and a frustrated look on her face.

"Thanks for watching him for a few minutes."

"No problem..."

"Homework giving you trouble?"

"I am not going to miss this..." Rachael sighed. "I don't even know why he assigned us this. We all did family trees in the second grade."

"I have a feeling this is a little more intense than that," Cassie chuckled. "If I remember correctly, a lot more intense."

"Just a little. ...Do you still have yours?"

"Probably somewhere, but I was lucky enough to finish mine before everything came out, before Uncle Lucas and Aunt Milly got married, and before Mark and I got married. But I can help you try to make sense of it all if you want."

"Would you terribly mind?"

"Not at all." Cassie suddenly chuckled, causing Rachael to eye her curiously.

"What is it?"

"I just remember the first night you were here at the ranch... you asked me if I thought it was strange being married to my cousin."

"And we established just how complicated the family tree was." Rachael slightly paused before going on, "...If you all knew who I was, why didn't you just tell me?"

"Doc said it would be better for you to remember on your own, in your own time. ...I think too... well, we knew some of what you had gone through and... no one wanted to be the trigger that caused you to remember all of that."

"Cassie, I am grateful for all of you. I'm grateful to be a part of this family. I'm grateful especially to you and Aunt Milly... I mean... there were absolutely no blood relations... I was really just a stranger to you, and yet..."

"You were and always will be family, Rachael."

"Cassie, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course."

"...Did you ever feel any less connected to Anna and Ned because of how you were related?" "It never made any difference to us. Even when we thought I was adopted, nothing changed. And I'm very glad I grew up with them as my siblings."

"I always wondered what it would be like to have siblings... but I... I also know it was for the best..." A tear slid down a Rachael's cheek. She quickly wiped it away before continuing, "I better get going on this."

"Rachael, if you need to talk..."

"Thanks, but I'm alright."

Cassie helped Rachael with her assignment before fixing them lunch. They talked for a while before Rachael went to finish up the last of her homework in her bedroom, Daniel took a nap, and Cassie set to giving her aunt's stove a good cleaning. As Cassie was just finishing, she heard noise out on the back porch. She stepped outside to see Mark attempting to clean a large gash on his left arm.

"Mark, what happened?!" Cassie exclaimed as she rushed towards her husband.

"I thought you were up the hill...?"

"And that's why you came down here, to try to clean it up before I saw?"

"I didn't want you to worry-"

"Mark McCain!"

"It would've happened whether I had been injured before or not. It's not that big of a deal..."

"Maybe not to you," Cassie angrily replied as she took the wash cloth from her husband and started to tend to his injury. "...What happened?"

"BlueBoy got a little spooked while I was working on a fence and sort of shoved me into some barbed wire."

"Is it just your arm?"

"Thankfully."

"Let's get you inside so I can find an antiseptic."

Mark sat at the table as Cassie continued to take care of his arm. He could tell how upset she was with him, and knew it wasn't because he had gone out to work or managed to hurt himself.

"Cassie I-"

"Hold still," Cassie said as she continued to wrap his arm.

"You and I both know me talking isn't going to make a difference." Cassie didn't say anything and Mark went on. "I was going to tell you, Cassie. I just wanted to clean it up some before I did... I... I know how worried you've been and..."

"That didn't seem to stop you from going out to the range today," Cassie remarked as she finished tying the bandage in place.

"Cassie," Mark said as he took her hands in his. "You're not upset about that. I'm sorry, but I... I didn't want to worry you."

"Mark, I would be worried whether you came to me bandaged up or the way I found you on the porch. But I'm your wife, I care about you, you shouldn't have to feel like you have to hide the severity of things from me."

"I just know how much you've been through and... I wanted... I wanted to protect you."

"...You remember the day we promised not to keep things from each other?"

"Cassie, I was going to tell you everything."

"That was the first time I wanted to kiss you," Cassie said as she put a hand to Mark's cheek. "Why do you think I brought up your kitchen fire? I wanted the same thing... but... Pa was due back any minute."

Mark and Cassie leaned forward and gave each other a long kiss.

"Cassie, I really am sorry..."

"I over reacted. I know you wouldn't have tried to hide it. ...It's too big of an injury to hide." Mark again kissed his wife, oblivious to the kitchen door opening.

"Well, I hope we're not interrupting anything," Milly called as she entered the kitchen with Lydia. Cassie and Mark separated with a chuckle.

"I hope-" Milly stopped short as she saw the bandage on Mark's arm. "Mark, what happened?!"

"I just wasn't paying attention," Mark replied as he and Cassie started to put the supplies away. "What can I do to help with dinner?" Cassie asked.

As afternoon turned to evening, Cassie, Rachael, and Mark all became rather reserved and apprehensive. They all avoided eye contact with Lucas and Milly, and at dinner, Lucas noticed how much the three toyed with their food.
"Alright, our with it," Lucas finally ordered.
Mark and Cassie's heads both shot up and they looked nervously from Lucas to Rachael. "Don't look at me!" Rachael exclaimed.

"It's not our secr... information to tell," Mark replied.

"Secret?" Milly asked in a disapproving tone. "Just what's going on?"

"I wanted to tell you, but she made me promise not to..." Cassie apologetically answered.

"Cassie!" Rachael declared.

"Rachael McCain, just what did you make Cassie promise not to tell us about?" Lucas asked.

"I... I..." Rachael stammered. "Well, I... please don't get upset... I... I wasn't trying to do anything wrong..."

"Rachael?" Lucas demanded.

Rachael looked to Mark for "help."

"Don't look at me," Mark quickly answered as he raised his hands.

"Well somebody better start talking," Lucas said, concerned by how nervous the three were acting.

"It's not my fault," Rachael began. "Well... it kind of is, but... Mark, please?"

Mark sighed as all eyes shifted towards him.

"...Rachael... she... got kicked out of school... sort of..."

"Sort of?" Lucas echoed. "Rachael, just what did you do? And why are we just hearing about this now? And if you haven't been doing homework like you said, what have you been doing all day?"

"Well, I have been doing homework, it's just... I guess I did sort of get kicked out, but not until the end of this semester..."

"You guess?" Lucas asked, trying to keep his temper at bay.

"Well it's not like I'm the first person in this family to get kicked out of school," Rachael replied. "Mark did... and Cassie did... and I certainly didn't see anyone get this upset when Anna got kicked out of nursing school..."

"Rachael, what are you..." Lucas stopped short as he saw Cassie trying to cover her smile with a hand. He started to put the pieces together before he started to laugh.

"Lucas why are you laughing about this?" Milly asked, shocked by her husband's reaction.

"Kicked out of school indeed!" Lucas exclaimed as he stood to give Rachael a hug. "We're proud of you, sweetheart; congratulations!"

"Lucas, what do you mean?"

"I'm finishing school at the end of this semester," Rachael answered with a smile as Mark and Cassie started laughing.

"Just how long have you known about this?" Milly asked as she gave Rachael a hug.

"Mr. Griswold took me aside before school started this year and said I could get it done this semester if I worked really hard. But with everything that happened to Mark, I just wasn't sure if I'd be able to get it done or not and... well, I wanted it to be a surprise."

"And just how long have the two of you been in on this?" Lucas asked Cassie and Mark as everyone took their seats again.

"We knew she was trying to get ahead, but we didn't know about her finishing this semester until last night," Cassie replied. "We hope you're not upset for us keeping it a secret."

"I can live with that kind of a secret," Lucas answered with a smile.

"Good, because your reaction was priceless!" Mark laughed. "You should have seen your faces..."

"Well, Rachael, how does dinner in town tomorrow night sound so we can celebrate?" "Is that even a question?"

After everyone finished their supper, Milly pulled out leftover apple pie. As she was serving it up, Lucas rose to answer a knock on the door.

"Micah, good to see you, come on in," Lucas invited. "We were just getting ready to have dessert, want to join us?"

"I'd be happy to, Lucas," Micah answered as he stepped inside.

"What brings you out here?"

"Just figured I'd swing by for a visit, seeing as how Mark and Cassie and the baby couldn't make it yesterday."

"Hey, Micah!" Mark called as the marshal and rancher walked through the kitchen door.

"Mark, Cassie, good to see you!" Micah greeted. "Milly, Rachael, good to see you as well."

"You too," Milly and Rachael said in unison as Milly handed him a plate of apple pie and turned to pour him a cup of coffee.

"What brings you out here?" Mark asked.

"Like father, like son," Micah laughed. "Didn't know I needed an excuse to see my great-grandson."

"Always welcome, Micah," Mark replied.

The family enjoyed catching up with Micah, but as time passed, Lucas could tell there was something else on the marshal's mind. After a while, Micah announced he needed to get going. Lucas walked Micah out, but they both stopped on the front porch.

"What's the matter, Micah?" Lucas asked. "You didn't just come out here to say hi."

"...I admit I had an alternative motive. And to be honest, I really wish I didn't."

"...If this is about you needing help in town, Micah, most of the time you know I would, but right now... with everything that's happened..."

"No, Lucas, I'm not here for that. With you as head of the town council... and as my best friend... as my family... I wanted you to know first."

"Know what first? Is something wrong Micah? It's not your heart, is it?"

"No, nothing like that. Lucas-boy, a time comes when a man... well, he has to face reality. And the truth is... I'm old and I didn't take the greatest care of myself for a number of years."

"What are you getting at, Micah?"

"I'm stepping down as marshal at the end of the year."

"Why, Micah? You've served North Fork wonderfully for over ten years."

"And I'd like to retire with that same tract record. ...I'm getting tired more easily, and even with Johnny and Ned's help... I just don't feel like I can do my job efficiently any more. Depending on who's elected marshal, maybe I'll stay on as a deputy for a while... help fill night shifts... but it's time someone younger takes over."

"Are you sure, Micah?"

"I've been thinking on this for a while now, Lucas. And I think it's the right thing to do. I think it's the only fair thing I can do to North Fork. She's treated me well all these years and... well, a man knows when he's starting to get old. ...I just wanted you to know first and... and I wanted your support."

"We'll miss having you as our marshal, Micah, but if it's what you really want, you of course have my support. It'll take some adjusting to, that's for sure."

"Come on now, Lucas-boy, it's not like we didn't see this coming. Besides, I'm not going anywhere. You and Mark are my family, I don't have any reason to leave."

"Just what are you going to do with all your time?"

"Oh, I'll find something to do, I'm sure."

"...Mark's going to take it pretty hard."

"Why are you so down, Lucas-boy? It's not like I'm dying!"

"Change is always hard, Micah. You've been marshal here almost as long as we've lived here. Mark grew up watching you wear that badge..."

"And I'll wear it for a while longer, just not as marshal."

Lucas let out a long sigh before he replied, "Guess we have to arrange for an election. When are you going to tell Johnny and Ned?"

"Tomorrow. Not that they probably don't already suspect. Then I'll announce it at the next town meeting."

"Do you care if the family knows?"

"You can go ahead and tell them."

"Who do you think will take over, Johnny or Ned?"

"I don't know... neither one of them has really dropped any hints at being interested in the position." "What are you going to do if nobody wants it?"

"Tell a few deputies to grow up," Micah laughed. "They'd both do the job justice."

"You're going to leave big shoes to fill, Micah."

"Lucas-boy, I swear you sound like you're speaking at my funeral!"

"I'm sorry," Lucas chuckled. "Thanks for letting me know in advance, Micah."

"Thanks for the pie and coffee. I best get back to town, I'll be seeing you, Lucas boy."

"Bye, Micah."

Lucas stood on the front porch, long after Micah had disappeared from view. A while later, he heard the door open behind him.

"Pa?" Mark called as he stepped out onto the porch and stood beside Lucas. "Is everything alright?"

"Son..." Lucas looked towards Mark and put a hand on his shoulder. "...Micah's stepping down as marshal."

"...I figured as much."

"You did?" Lucas asked in surprise.

"I don't know... I just... I think I've seen it coming for a while. I could tell something was on his mind tonight and... I don't know. It just kind of made sense. ...It's going to be weird, someone else being marshal. I remember how many times you sent me to wait in Micah's office..."

"It will be strange," Lucas agreed as he sighed. "But like Micah told me, it's not like he's going anywhere."

"...I'm glad, Pa. I don't know what'd I do without either one of you."

5MC5

The second Sunday after Thanksgiving saw Mark, Cassie, and Daniel finally returning to church. The congregation warmly welcomed them and most folks were mindful not to bring up what had happened. As usual, the Gibbs hosted Sunday dinner for family and friends, but both McCain families politely declined. Mark and Cassie were both needing some time away from large crowds and Lucas knew his wife needed to rest.

Later that afternoon, Mark was working in the barn when he saw Anna riding up.

"Anna, it's good to see you," Mark greeted as he grabbed the horse's halter. "What brings you all the way out here?"

"I came out to see Cassie. Is she down here or up the hill?"

"She went up not too long ago to put Daniel down. I can take care of the horse."

"Thanks, Mark," Anna replied as she dismounted. "...Mark, I'm glad you were all in church today. I've missed seeing you and Cassie, both."

"We've missed you, too. You're welcome around here anytime."

"Thanks," Anna answered with a smile.

"Can you tell Cassie I'll be up in a while? I just have to finish up down here."

"Alright."

Anna turned and headed up the hill, towards Mark and Cassie's home. She quietly knocked before slightly opening the door and sticking her head inside.

"Anna, come on in," Cassie gleefully called.

"Mark said you were putting Daniel down and I didn't want to disturb him," Anna explained as she stepped inside.

"Don't worry, he sleeps through anything and everything."

"I didn't get a chance to talk to you at church and I didn't realize you weren't staying for lunch. ...I've missed talking to you, Cassie."

"I've missed you too," Cassie replied as she embraced her sister, then offered her a seat. "...I really am sorry I haven't been to town to visit. I just... people mean well, but so many things would set me off so easily for a long time. I was honestly scared of going into town and heaving a breakdown."

"I'm the one who's sorry. I've just been so busy at the clinic..."

"And with a certain someone," Cassie hinted with a gleam in her eye.

"Yes... and with a certain someone," Anna agreed as she blushed. "But I should've come for a visit sooner."

"Don't worry about it. Mark and I really needed some time alone to work through some things."

"...How are you doing?"

"We're adjusting. It scared us, a lot..."

"...It scared all of us."

Cassie looked into her sister's eyes and saw something that concerned her.

"Anna, are you alright?"

"...I knew I shouldn't have come," Anna suddenly said as she stood.

"Anna!" Cassie put her hands on her sister's shoulders, stopping her from leaving. "Talk to me, Anna. What's wrong?"

"Please, Cassie, I don't want to put any pressure on you..."

Again, Anna tried to step past her sister, but Cassie stopped her.

"Anna, it's alright. You can talk to me, we used to tell each other everything."

Tears welled in Anna's eyes as she spoke, "I... I wanted to come see you... but I... I was afraid this would happen. I don't want to be a burden on you, Cassie..."

"Anna, you are never a burden," Cassie tenderly assured.

"I… I thought he was going to kill you, Cassie! He took you and Mark away from us again, and I thought I'd never see either one of you again!" Anna sobbed as her sister wrapped her arms around her. "I couldn't lose you, I couldn't lose Mark... not again!"

"It's alright, Anna..."

"But I feel so selfish! You were the ones that could've died and-"

"Stop right there, Anna." Cassie put a hand on each side of Anna's face and used her thumbs to try to wipe away the tears. "You aren't being selfish. We love you, Anna, and this whole ordeal affected the entire family, not just one or two people. You have just as much right to cry and talk about your feelings as anyone. We were all scared, we all have to learn to adjust in our own ways. But keeping all of this pent up inside isn't going to help anyone."

"Cassie..."

Cassie wrapped her arms around her sister again and held her close.

"...Cassie, I love you. I... I don't know what'd I do without you."

"I love you too." Cassie slowly stepped towards the couch and they both sat down, Cassie's arms still around her younger sister. "...Anna, I'm so glad God gave me you. You've seen me through so much. We've laughed together, cried together... and none of that has to change because I got married. I'll always be here for you, Anna. I don't want you to be scared to talk to me."

"Cassie... if I hadn't had you growing up..." Anna choked on her tears as her voice faltered. "But we had each other, Anna. That's what's important."

A long time passed before Anna found her voice again.

"Cassie... do you... do you still have nightmares?"

"About what happened to Mark?"

"...About what happened back in Missouri."

Anna's question caught Cassie off guard and it took her several moments to answer her sister.

"...I do."

"...Does Mark... does he know?"

"I told him after we got engaged."

"How did he react?"

"...He was very compassionate and understanding about it."

"Do you think he ever had second thoughts?"

"No, he told me it didn't make a difference to him," Cassie replied. "...Are you worried about Jason?"

"...I am, Cassie. I think it's only fair that he knows. I love him... I don't want to lead him on if it makes a difference to him..."

"Do you think it will?"

"I don't know, Cassie..."

"Anna, if you don't know if it would make a difference, you should at least court a while longer. Before Mark and I started courting we agreed to always be honest with each other, but he completely understood why I waited about this, and agreed that I should have. You should know him well enough to know if he would care or not before you tell him... and if you think it would make a difference to him... Anna, he's not worth your time."

"Cassie, I wish I had your confidence..."

"Confidence?" Cassie asked in surprise.

"You've always been so sure of yourself, so... independent."

"I pretended to be, but I wasn't. Deep down... I was dealing with a lot of hurt."

"But now you're so... I don't know... even after everything that happened you're so put together, so... balanced... so... everything I'm not."

"Anna, I'm far from balanced and put together. You had maturity and a level head long before I did. I've dealt with a lot of my past the last few years... Mark has helped me do just that. Without him and Uncle Lucas... I don't know where I'd be. I still have a long ways to go, Anna. No one has "arrived." We just have to keep moving forward and coping and learning as time goes on. But there's nothing that says we have to do that alone."

"...Cassie, can we talk about it?"

"It's been far too long since we have."

*****

"Are you sure you two don't want me to just drive you into town?" Mark asked as Cassie mounted up on Storm.

"We'll be fine. It's been too long since I've ridden Storm, anyway," Cassie replied. "...As long as you're sure you don't mind watching Daniel. Rachael can watch him if-"

"I think I can handle my son for three hours," Mark chuckled. "You two have a good ride. And Anna, be sure to stop by again sometime soon."

"I will," Anna replied with a smile. "See you later, Mark."

"Love you," Cassie called as the sisters rode out of the barn.

"Love you both." Mark waved with his free hand as he watched his wife and sister-in-law ride away. "Well, partner," Mark began as he looked down at his son, "Looks like it's just you and me for a while."

Mark walked up the hill to his home before settling his chair with Daniel in his arms. He smiled, still not believing in some ways that he was actually a father.

Mark read for a while before accidentally drifting off to sleep. Daniel eventually woke him with a loud cry, and Mark could tell right away that his son's diaper needed to be changed. As Mark opened the back door to set the dirty diaper in the basket, he saw that snow had finally come to North Fork and that it was coming down fast. Realizing Cassie was probably already back down the hill helping Milly finish supper, Mark bundled himself and Daniel up before making the trek to his parents' home.

"Just in time," Lucas called as Mark closed the door. "Where's Cassie?"

"She's not here?" Mark asked, slightly alarmed.

"Why would she be?" Milly asked.

"I... I just assumed she got back and started helping Ma with dinner... I... Ma, can you watch Daniel for me?" Mark asked, already handing his son to Milly.

"Mark?" Lucas asked as he stood. "Where's Cassie?"

"She should've been home an hour ago," Mark answered as Lucas followed him through the front room and outside. "She wanted to ride Anna back home so they could finish talking and... maybe she just stayed with Catherine, but..."

"I'll come with you-"

"Please, can you stay here incase she comes home? That way... if something's wrong and someone needs to ride for Doc..."

"Mark, I'll stay, but don't jump to conclusions. If you can't find her in town, get Micah and Johnny and a few others together and have someone come back here to get me."

Lucas helped Mark saddle BlueBoy, trying to assure his son everything would be alright. Mark rode away from the ranch, regretting letting his wife go to town, alone... kicking himself for falling asleep and not checking down the hill sooner.

The full moon provided light as Mark scanned across the land; however, the strong wind and heavy snow made it difficult to see. As Mark looked for any signs of trouble, he was praying hard that everything was alright. Up one hill, down the next, Mark continued to worry about the endless number of things that could've gone wrong. Thinking back to that afternoon, Mark realized Cassie had left the .22 in the house. Why hadn't he made Cassie take it with her? Why hadn't he driven her and Anna into town himself?

As Mark came over a rise, he suddenly saw a figure leading a horse by the reins, pushing them self against the horse for warmth and a shield against the wind.

"Cassie?" Mark hopefully, desperately called.

There was no response. Mark urged his horse forward and when he was close enough, Mark jumped down from BlueBoy and ran towards the figure and horse.

"Cassie!" Mark called again.

This time the figure turned, and his wife's beautiful face came into view as Mark reached her. Cassie fell into Mark's arms, shivering from the cold.

"Are you alright?" Mark worriedly asked.

Cassie nodded as she pressed herself against her husband.

"Let's get you home," Mark stated with concern as he started to walk with his wife towards BlueBoy.

"S-Storm..." Cassie said through chattering teeth as she turned back.

Mark grabbed the horse's reins and led him behind them until tying the reins to BlueBoy's saddle horn. He helped Cassie into the saddle and took off his jacket before putting it around Cassie, then mounting up behind her and wrapping his arms around his wife.

"Cassie what happened?" Mark asked as he urged BlueBoy home.

"S-Storm h-hit a-a-a pa-patch of ic-ice an-and d-did some-something t-to h-his le-leg."

"Are you alright? He didn't throw you, did he?"

"N-No..."

"Cassie, I'm sorry, I should've driven you to town and..."

"N-No, I-I wa-wanted t-to ri-ride t-today... it-it's n-not you-you're f-fault..."

It was a difficult twenty minute ride back home as Mark tried to keep Cassie awake. When they rode into the yard, Rachael and Lucas both came running outside.

"Mark? Cassie?" Lucas called.

"Rachael, ask Ma to start some coffee and get some blankets," Mark ordered. "Pa, get the fire in the front room blazing!"

Mark rode up to the house before dismounting and carrying his wife inside. He sat with her in front of the fire, trying to rub warmth into her. Rachael came into the front room with blankets and handed them to Lucas, who wrapped them around Mark and Cassie.

"I'll get Doc," Lucas said, only to see Cassie shake her head.

"I-I'll b-be fine, I... I just n-need to wa-warm up s-some..."

"Mark?" Lucas asked.

Mark hesitantly nodded, knowing Doc couldn't do anything more than they could. Milly came out with the coffee that has been on the stove since Mark left. He took the mug from his Ma and held it to Cassie's lips, but she shook her head.

"Please, Cassie..."
"Pl-please M-Mark, n-no..."

"It's this or brandy, Cassie, and believe me, you don't want the alternative."

"An-anything has t-to be be-better than co-coffee..." Cassie tried to light-heartedly joke before taking a few sips.

The rest of the family stood close by or sat on the couch as Mark tried to warm his wife up and keep Cassie talking. It scared Mark how cold his wife was to the touch, but her body temperature slowly started to increase. Finally, Mark felt it was alright to let Cassie drift off to sleep.

"Mark, you can put her in the guest room; the big bed is still in there. Lydia can sleep with us and I'll bring in the cradle for Daniel," Lucas told his son.

"Thanks, Pa."

Mark brought his wife into the bedroom and laid her on the bed before covering her with blankets. Milly followed with a sleeping Daniel and put him in the cradle Lucas had brought from their bedroom before leaving to take care of the horses.

"Mark, you should get something to eat," Milly encouraged.

"I'm not hungry, thanks though."

"Mark..."

"I'm not hungry, Ma. I appreciate it, but I can't eat."

"...Alright."

Sitting on the bed beside his wife, Mark heard the door close behind him. He didn't know how much time had passed before the door opened again. He felt a familiar, comforting hand on his shoulder. "She'll be alright, Mark," Lucas assured.

"I know..." Mark answered. "I just... if I had taken her to town myself..."

"You both could've been stuck out there because of how deep the snow got. She's going to be alright. You're all going to be alright."

"Thanks, Pa."

6MC6

The next day, Mark sat at Cassie's bedside feeding a bottle to Daniel when he saw her eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning, sleepy head," Mark teased with a faint, concerned smile. "Cassie, how do you feel?"

"My head hurts some, but I'm fine."

"Do you feel nauseous at all?"

"Some. But I'm mostly just tired. I can feed Daniel if-"

"One day on a bottle isn't going to hurt anything. I want you to rest today."

"Mark, I'm sorry... Uncle Johnny warned me about the roads... I should've let him ride me home..." "If you're not going to let me blame myself, you shouldn't sit there blaming yourself. It was an accident. You've made that trip in deeper snow by yourself dozens of times. I'm just glad you're alright. Do you want any oatmeal? Ma made some before they left for town and I can reheat it."

"I am a little hungry," Cassie answered with a nod. "But you can at least let me finish giving Daniel his bottle while you get it."

"Alright."

Cassie sat up before Mark handed Daniel to her. She smiled down at her son as she gave him the bottle and Mark went to get them both something to eat. When Mark returned to the room, Cassie was just finishing burping their son. He took Daniel and put him in the cradle before handing Cassie her bowl of oatmeal.

"With each passing day I think he looks more and more like you," Cassie commented with a smile, one that faded as she saw the look on Mark's face. "Mark, what is it? What's the matter?"

"...Are you really alright, Cassie?"

"I'm fine, Mark. It takes more than a little snow and ice to take me down."

Mark bent forward and gave his wife a kiss on the forehead.

"Is Storm alright?" Cassie asked.

"Pa checked his leg, it was just a little strained. A few days of rest and he'll be fine."

"...Did you say your parents went to town?"

"Town meeting this afternoon, remember?"

"I completely forgot about that. Mark, I'm sorry, I know you wanted-"

"It's alright. Pa and Ma can fill us in on anything we missed."

"Mark... about Aunt Milly... have you noticed anything... different about her lately?"

"Not really. Why do you ask?"

"She just... she seems more tired. She seems... less engaged."

"It could be that her symptoms are flaring up again."

"That's what I'm worried about... especially with Lydia starting to walk and even run a little..."

"We'll help out where and when we can, and don't forget, Rachael will be home next semester, too."

"Mark, when we do build the barn up the hill, with your parents getting older..."

"They're not that old..."

"I know, but... one day they will be, and you and I will be taking on more around here. Hopefully by then the ranch will have expanded and we'll need a few more hands... which means a lot more mouths to feed..."

"...And your point?"

"I'm thinking that when we build the barn, we should make room for some cows and chickens... maybe some goats and pigs?"

"I guess I don't really think that much about expansion, but the herd is growing and Pa was saying we would need to hire someone in addition to Tom this summer. I guess you have a point."

"Oh... and have you taken a close look at that copper colored mare you have?"

"Not in particular, why?"

"While you were gone, your stallion and that mare ended up mating; he broke through a fence. I'm pretty sure that she's going to have a foal."

"I guess now's as good a time as ever... breeding has been on the back burner a lot longer than I ever wanted it to be. It's about time I made some money off of those horses."

"Mark, speaking of money... I'd like to get away as much as you would, but... do we have the money to do it? Oklahoma... that's an expensive train ride."

"You remember when I went to help the Pinkertons?"

"I thought you sent the money back?"

"I did, three times. I thought Will finally got the point but last time I was at the bank, when I made that first trip into town, I noticed a large deposit we hadn't made. I asked Mr. Hamilton about it and he said someone who wanted to remain anonymous had sent the money to the bank to be directly deposited into our account."

"You think it was Will?"

"Probably, but I can't get John to tell me anything. ...I think this might be something I just need to accept, and I think it'd be appropriate to use it for a special occasion like this. Besides, with all these grand plans you have for the ranch, it sounds like this will be the last time we'll be able to get away for a long time."

"You want to expand, don't you?"

"At the right time, at the right pace. Whatever the Good Lord brings us, I'm content with."

"Mark, I don't know how I got lucky enough to find a man like you."

"I don't know how I found someone crazy enough to marry me," Mark teased as he gave his wife a playful kiss.

"Well, considering you had just saved my life, I thought it would be rude to say otherwise," Cassie shot back.

Mark put a hand to his wife's face and gently smiled as he brushed his thumb across her cheek. "I love you, Mrs. McCain."

"I love you, Mr. McCain."

7MC7

Despite Mark trying to get Cassie to rest, she was back on her feet, making supper for the family that evening. And despite Lucas trying to get his son to give himself a little more time to heal, Mark spent that week working the range with Lucas and Tom.

Saturday afternoon, Lucas had left Mark and Tom to finish up in the north pasture.

"Pa said you were looking at the Osbornes' old place a while back," Mark commented as they worked. "You still thinking about it?"

"I waited too long," Tom answered with a chuckle. "Someone else bought the property."

"You looking at anything else?"

"I'm keeping an eye out, we'll see what happens."

"You still set on owning a ranch of your own?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Well... I'm just thinking that good hands are hard to come by. It'd sure be a shame to lose you." "Mark... I talked to your Pa when I first arrived. We've sorted things out between us. But I never had a chance to apologize to you for what I did. You may have only been a boy, but I know it hurt you and I know what I did was wrong. I'm sorry."

"I appreciate that, Tom, a lot. I guess I could've and should've been more understanding. After all... I didn't raise an eyebrow when Uncle Johnny came back."

"That situation was a little different and he was your uncle. I'm just glad to know that you don't feel like you have to keep an eye on me anymore."

"I still like to keep my friends close, though," Mark stated, referencing the previous November. "You wouldn't consider staying on permanently, would you?"

"Maybe, we'll have to see which way the wind blows. Regardless, we better get this finished up or your Pa won't be happy with either one of us."

Mark and Tom finished up for the day. Tom rode with Mark until the turn off for town before Mark rode the rest of the way home. He took care of BlueBoy and gave him a good helping of hay before heading towards his parents' home. As Mark walked inside, he was surprised at how quiet everything was. No one was in the front room or in the kitchen.

"Anybody home?" Mark called.

"In here," Milly replied from the dining room.

Mark walked to the dining room and was surprised to see Lou, Johnny, and their girls, Ned and Helen, and Micah there with the rest of the family.

"What are you all doing here?" Mark asked, pleasantly surprised.

"Lose track of the days again, Son?" Lucas asked with a chuckle.

"What do you mean?"

"You didn't think we'd forget your birthday, did you?" Cassie asked with a smile.

"I guess I was kind of hoping we would all forget," Mark admitted.

Johnny didn't waste a moment in giving a response.

"Mark, you underestimate your value to this family. We love you, and by golly we're gonna celebrate the fact that you're still alive and kicking for just as long as we can. If it wasn't for you, Mark, I don't think I would've turned my life around. I wouldn't have come back to North Fork, and I wouldn't have met and fallen in love with Lou. You're so much like your Ma was, and I consider myself blessed to have a nephew that has such a big heart. You mean a lot to Lou and me, to this family, and to this town. Whether you want us to or not, we are going to celebrate you, because your life is worth celebrating."

"I couldn't agree more, Johnny," Micah began. "Mark, you mean a whole lot to a whole lot of people. The amount of people that showed for your memorial service is testimony to that. While your Pa did a right fine job of raising you, you made the choices that led to you being the man you are, a man that we love and are proud of. We're gonna take a little extra time to appreciate you, especially today, because I think we all somewhat took you for granted. Life is short, often too short, so we're gonna enjoy yours as long as we can."

"I..." Mark started, but Lou interrupted.

"Mark, ye are too humble. We know ye don't like a fuss, which is why today is only us and not the whole town, but today is something special that we are goin' ta celebrate."

"...Well then," Mark began, "Pa, how about passing the fried chicken? I'm starving!"

The family enjoyed the evening, Lucas and Johnny telling plenty of embarrassing stories about Mark when he was little. After the guests left, Lucas, Milly, Rachael, and Cassie presented Mark with a new saddle.

Lucas and Mark were finishing with the barn chores that evening when Rachael hesitantly walked into the barn.

"Something the matter?" Lucas asked as he turned to his niece.

"...Can I talk to Mark for a minute... alone...?"

"Sure," Lucas answered with a smile. "Mark, are you two coming to church tomorrow?"

"Planning on it," Mark answered with a nod.

"We'll see you tomorrow morning then. Have a good night."

"Goodnight, Pa."

Rachael waited for Lucas to get inside before walking towards Mark. They both took a seat on a hay bale and Mark waited for Rachael to say something.

"Mark, I couldn't bring myself to say anything tonight around everyone else. And... and I don't know if I would want everyone else to know some of the things I'm about to say. But when Micah said the thing about taking you for granted, I know how true it was for me. Because after you died... I had so much regret for things left unsaid. Mark, I love you; really love you, and like I said... losing you was like losing my brother. Mark, you mean a lot to me. You've always been there for me, and..." tears welled in Rachael's eyes as she tried to go on. Mark put an arm around her and pulled her close. "Mark, unknowingly you talked me out of suicide several times. I did some stupid things like with Tom... but you kept me from doing something even more stupid. You gave me someone to look up to... someone to talk to... and... I'm so thankful I didn't lose you."

Mark kissed the top of Rachael's head as he pulled her into a full embrace.

"I love you too, Rachael. If you ever need anything, you know I'm here."

"Thanks, Mark. For everything."

8MC8

"Mark McCain…" Cassie chided as she pointed a wooden spoon at her husband.

"What?" Mark innocently asked as he finished licking the frosting off his finger. "Nobody's gonna miss it."

"I knew I should've frosted the cake first…"

"And you think that would have stopped him?" Anna laughed.

"Don't even think about it," Cassie warned as she saw her husband walking towards the unbaked pie sitting on the table.

"Alright, I know when I'm not wanted…" Mark grabbed his rifle and put his hat on his head before giving his wife a kiss on the cheek and stealing one last finger of frosting.

"Mark Warren…"

"I'm going!"

Mark left the house and made his way down the hill towards his parents' home. He saw Lucas coming out the back door and waved to his Pa as he greeted him.

"Morning, Pa."

"I wondered how long it would take for Cassie to kick you out of the kitchen," Lucas chuckled.

"I saved her the hassle and took my leave."

"After sneaking how much pie filling and cake batter?"

Mark smiled along with Lucas as they walked to the barn and started on the morning chores.

"How long has Ma been up?"

"I don't know. She came to bed long after I did last night and was up before the rooster crow this morning."

Mark could hear the concern in his Pa's voice and could see the worry in his eyes.

"...You think she's going to over do it?"

"...I hope not… I just know how bad those two weeks after Thanksgiving were, and we weren't even hosting."

"It could have just been a fluke thing, I'm sure she'll be fine. She can handle a lot; after all, she married you."

"You better watch it boy," Lucas teasingly threatened before changing the subject. "Mark, when you ride the range tomorrow, would you mind taking Rachael with you? She's adamant about wanting to help work the cattle more and I have to be at that council meeting first thing in the morning."

"I wouldn't mind at all. Speaking of town business, when's that election and who's running for marshal? I haven't heard a word from Ned or Johnny about it."

"To be honest, I'm not really sure who's running but the election is coming up on Tuesday. Micah made it pretty clear to them that he expects someone to step up to the plate."

"...Is that really fair of him? I mean, taking over as town marshal is a big responsibility… Uncle Johnny has a young family and Ned is getting ready to start his."

"Mark, you know either one of them is perfectly capable of doing the job. Even if no one runs… I don't think we're going to get Micah to change his mind about stepping down."

"Speaking of marshals and deputies, you ever hear how long the Jackmans lasted over in Paradise?"

"Last I heard, Neb was still the sheriff."

"You're joking, right?"

"No, I'm not," Lucas sighed then chuckled. "I don't know how they've managed this long, but if they have, they sure got the easy money they were looking for."

"I still can't believe they managed to stop the bank robbers."

"Pure luck, Mark. Absolute, pure luck."

Father and son laughed as they continued working on the chores. As they were finishing up, Mark said he was just going to throw down a little more hay for the livestock and then he would be in to help his Pa rearrange the dining room. Halfway across the yard, Lucas heard a loud thud come from the barn.

"What'd you do, drop the-" Lucas stopped short as he walked back inside the barn and saw Mark laying on his back on the barn floor, reaching for his head. "Mark, are you alright?" Lucas asked as he knelt down beside his son. "Mark?"

"... I'm fine..." Mark moaned as he let Lucas help him sit up.

"What happened?"

"I… I don't know."

"You don't know?" Lucas asked in confusion.

"I don't know… I guess I just blacked out," Mark answered as he started to stand.

"Take a minute and sit down son," Lucas told Mark as he put a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Really, Pa, I'm fine." Mark again tried to stand, but found himself putting one hand to his head and reaching for the ladder with the other.

Lucas grabbed his son's arm and directed him to sit down on a hay bale.

"How have your headaches been?"

"I don't really know… I guess they're still there. I've just gotten so used to having one I don't really pay any attention to it."

"Maybe you need to have Doc-"

"Really, Pa, I'm fine," Mark interrupted as he stood again, unwavering this time. "Just needed to get my bearings. Good thing I've got a hard head."

"Mark…"

"That furniture isn't going to move itself, do you want my help or not?"

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"Pa, I hit my head, I didn't go break a leg like someone else I know."

"Alright…" Lucas sighed. "You head in, I'll get the hay."

"I'm not going to break," Mark chuckled, already headed for the ladder.

Lucas watched as his son finished the task before the two walked inside and set to reorganizing the dining room so they could fit all the guests. Lydia came toddling into the dining room and followed Lucas and Mark around, "helping." When they were done, Mark picked his sister up and held her in the air.

"I hear someone is moving to their own room. Little early for a McCain, isn't it, Pa?" Mark quipped.

"Actually, I think you were just about a year old when we moved you into the second bedroom. You were crawling out of the cradle at nine months; scared your mother half to death every time she found you. So we put a crib in the second bedroom and that gave us about nine more months before we had to worry about you climbing out of bed and falling on your head. I guess some things you just don't grow out of," Lucas teased back.

"...Not that I would trade the life we have now for anything, but those years we had, just you and me… they were something special, Pa."

"They certainly were, Son. They're what got us to the life we have now. Those years brought us the family we have now."

"If there's anything you could change, what would it be?"

"...Looking back, I always thought there really wasn't much to change. I knew Milly needed to cope, but now… part of me does wish I had maybe taken her back home myself… kept in contact better… married her sooner. Who knows? Maybe you and Cassie would have met sooner."

"I think if I knew she was Ma's niece at the beginning, I would've been too embarrassed to pursue Cassie, considering what happened with Sally."

"Mark?" Rachael called as she entered the dining room. "Jake and Emma just pulled up out front."

"Thanks."

Mark set his sister down, who immediately started to follow Mark out of the room. Rachael picked Lydia up before she could toddle outside.

"Jake, Emma, good to see both of you!" Mark greeted as Jake helped Emma down from the buggy.

"It's good to see you alive!" Jake called back before giving Mark a hand shake and slap on the back.

"Guess my letter didn't catch up with you, then. I'm sorry," Mark sincerely apologized.

"Don't think a thing of it," Jake waved it off.

"We don't mean to intrude by arriving so early," Emma began, "But when Jacob found out you were alive…"

"Don't worry about it," Mark assured. "Boy-howdy Jake, I would've loved to see your face!"

"It was definitely a surprise. I almost didn't know what to believe."

"Mark, is Cassie inside or up the hill?" Emma asked.

"She's up at our house, I'll walk you two up there."

"Then Jake can see the baby, too," Emma added.

"Baby?" Jake asked in surprise. "Mark, don't tell me you're a father now?"

"Sometimes I still can't believe it myself,"
Mark replied as they started up the hill.

"I'm gone a year and the whole world turns upside down. What else did I miss?"

"Well Micah's set on stepping down as Marshal. We're supposed to be having an election on Tuesday but no one's come out and said they're running yet."

"What are you going to do if no one runs?"

"I'm not exactly sure. I think we're all kind of hoping Micah will change his mind."

"Unfortunately, I don't think he's going to," Emma added.

"So Jake, how are the Rangers treating you?"

Jake laughed and shook his head before replying, "Well the pay's not great and it's not exactly easy work, but I knew what I was getting into and I love it."

"How long do we get you around here?"

"I have two weeks and then I have to be in Amarillo for a three month assignment. Say, whatever happened to your brother-in-law? He still a Deputy U.S. Marshal?"

"Ned's been based out of North Fork since this summer," Mark answered with a nod.

"Why doesn't he run for marshal?"

"He could do it, but I don't know if he wants to. He's getting married in a week."

"Someone from around here?"

"No, someone he originally met in California. It's somewhat of a long story."

The three made their way inside Mark and Cassie's house just as Cassie was pulling rolls out of the oven. She turned around and happily greeted Emma and Jake.

"It's wonderful to see you both. Jake, how was the trip?"

"Worth it," Jake replied as he smiled at Emma.

Anna came out of the bedroom carrying Daniel and said hello as she handed Mark his son.

"Boy or girl?" Jake inquired.

"A boy," Mark answered. "Daniel Lucas McCain."

"Congratulations to both of you," he offered. "Mark, he looks a lot like you."

"We're just praying he doesn't get into trouble like I did."

"What are you talking about?" Jake sarcastically asked. "You know, considering how much trouble we got into together, I'm surprised our Pa's didn't see to it that we weren't left alone."

"You remember the time we practically destroyed that hay stack in Mr… what was his name?"

"Mr. Pratt. His barn was a mess… we sure learned our lesson that time."

"I didn't dare go near a haystack for the next three months."

"Mark, does Aunt Milly need any help down the hill?" Anna asked.

"I'm not sure, but Rachael and Pa are both down there."

"Mark, I've gotta take care of the horses, I'll be right back," Jake informed.

"I'll help you."

Emma offered to take the baby and the two men walked down the hill to tend to the team.

"Mark, do you mind me asking what happened? Emma's letter was vague when she told me you had died and well, like I said, I didn't know you were alive until this morning."

"No, I don't mind. How much did Emma tell you?"

"...She said she'd explain more in person, but that you had been killed as an act of revenge for your testimony at a trial."

"When you first moved to town, how much did you hear about Cassie's family?"

"Not a lot… I mean, when I finally asked Emma about Cassie's father she said he used to be a marshal that got into trouble with the law. She said she didn't really feel comfortable talking about it and the right time never came up for me to ask you about it... not that it's really any of my business."

"...When your family first moved here, there was a lot going on. Not just because of my Ma, but because we were all coping with what had happened. I know we weren't able to see much of each other, but your friendship was something I really appreciated. ...It was honestly a relief to have someone to talk to that didn't know what had happened, that didn't ask questions… someone… someone that acted normal around me."

"Mark, if you don't want to talk about it…"

"You're a good friend, you deserve to know, and it's all related to what happened this fall."

Mark went on to explain to Jake everything that had happened over the last few years. As he finished, Jake was more than taken aback.

"Mark, I'm sorry, I had no idea…"

"Don't apologize… I'm glad you know."

"...And Cassie… having gone through all that… dealing with all of that… I can't believe how strong she's been for Emma. Emma told me about what had happened in their home that spring… and how your wife got her through so much of it. Cassie…"

"I don't know how I got so lucky, Jake. And I hope you and Emma will be just as happy as Cassie and I are… whenever you do decide to ask her to marry you."

"I wish I could ask her now, but… I know how much her Ma relies on her and I don't know if Emma would say yes… I think she'd feel too obligated to her mother. If I lived in North Fork, that would be one thing, but I would be taking Emma back to Texas with me."

"Have you talked to Mrs. Donalds about it?"

"Mark… I'm in love with Emma. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. But how am I supposed to go up to her mother and tell her that I want to take her daughter away from her? Who am I to ask for Emma's hand, anyway?"

"A responsible, well-rounded Texas Ranger who will do anything to see to it that Emma is taken care of for the rest of her life."

"Even if Mrs. Donalds did say yes, like I said, I don't know if Emma would. I know she loves me, but… her family is all she has…"

"Jake, if it was meant to be, it will all work out. Just talk to Mrs. Donalds. If Emma knows her mother is alright with it, I'm sure she wouldn't hesitate to say yes."

"Speaking of talking to the mother of the bride," a voice declared from behind them. "Mark McCain, how could you do that to me?! It took you how long to send word that you were alive? How could you put me through that? How could you put your wife through that?! Do you have any idea how absolutely heartbroken she was?! What do you have to say for yourself?!"

"... I'm sorry…?" Mark hesitantly asked as he stepped forward.

"You're sorry?! I thought my son-in-law was dead!" Ara pulled Mark into an embrace. "Don't you ever do something like that to us again!"

Jake and Micah leaned against the corral fence, snickering as Mark received his tongue-lashing.

"Good to see you too, Ara," Mark chuckled as she let him go. "When did you get here?"

"I got into town on this morning's train."

"Did Cassie know you were coming?"

"No, I thought it best to surprise the two of you and meet that grandson of mine."

"Well we're certainly glad you're here. Jake, this is my mother-in-law, Ara DeFord. Ara, this is my friend, Jake."

"A pleasure to meet you," Ara said as she extended her hand.

Jake accepted it as he began connecting all the dots.

"...You as well."

"Now where is Cassie?"

"Up the hill, baking."

"I actually think I saw the women go inside your parents' house while we were talking," Jake informed.

"She's probably helping Ma in the kitchen then."

The foursome headed inside and found Lucas in the front room with Daniel and Lydia. He stood and greeted Ara and Micah.

"Ara, glad you made it alright. Thanks for picking her up, Micah."

"No problem."

"So how long have the two of you been in on this?" Mark asked his Pa and Micah.

"About a week," Lucas replied as Mark took Daniel from his Pa and handed him to Ara.

"How does it feel to finally hold your grandson?" Micah asked.

"Oh, he's-"

"Ara!" Cassie happily called as she entered the front room. "When did you get here?"

"Just this morning," Ara replied as she hugged Cassie. "It's so wonderful to see you, and… oh, Cassie, he's just beautiful."

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming? We would've met you at the station."

As Ara replied, Cassie walked her mother back to the kitchen.

"Thanks Pa, Micah," Mark said as he shook his head and smiled. "I know it means a lot to Cassie that Ara's here."

"We were just glad we could pull it off," Lucas remarked. "You and Cassie walked into the kitchen plenty of times while your Ma and I were talking about it."

"Hey Jake, when is the rest of Emma's family getting here? Does someone need to drive a buckboard out to pick them up?" Mark asked.

"Mrs. Donalds sends her regrets, but the boys came down with colds and so they're all staying home today. She told Emma to thank you again for the invitation."

"So Mark," Micah began, "I heard whispers of a shooting contest today. You finally gonna show off with that rifle of yours?"

"And get shown up by the rest of you? No thanks."

"That does bring up a good point though," Lucas commented. "We do need to set those targets up…"

Lucas took Lydia to the kitchen before the four men headed outside to set up the targets for the shooting match. As the morning passed, more and more guests arrived at the ranch, including Tom, Jason, Doc, and the Grafts. Later, Lucas was surprised to see Lou driving a buckboard with Laura, Michael, and the girls in the back, and then see Catherine and Helen drive up in a buggy.

"Where's Johnny and Ned?" Lucas asked as he and Mark started taking care of the teams.

"Last I knew, they were still in the marshal's office arguing over the election on Tuesday," Catherine replied.

"Well I'm glad they at least want the position," Micah commented.

"It's not that they're arguing about," Helen told him.

"What do you mean?"

"The two of them are in your office, telling the other why they should run," Helen answered.

"Ned thinks Johnny deserves the position because he's been a deputy of North Fork longer," Catherine said.

"And Johnny," Laura began, "Feels that as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, Ned should be elected. Says he's worked for it and deserves it."

"And neither one of 'em are wantin' to "take the job" from the other by runnin'," Lou added.

"Of all the ridiculous…" Micah mused as he shook his head. "Lucas, I don't care what they tell you, put both of their names on the ballot for Tuesday and just let the town vote."

An hour later, Johnny and Ned were the last of the guests to arrive at the McCain ranch for Christmas dinner. Before either one could get a word in, Micah told them that both of them were running and he wasn't giving them a choice.

"You can't make a man run for office, Micah," Ned replied.

"Son, I'm friends with every man on the town council and have the means to write a town ordinance on it. Don't tempt me."

Micah couldn't help but laugh at the look on both of the men's faces.

"You would, too…" Johnny mumbled.

As the final half hour before the turkey finished cooking arrived, everyone made their way outside to where a shooting range had been organized. Mark officiated as the men and Rachael took their shots. Jake, Rachael, and Lucas were the three that remained after the first four rounds. To finish things out, Mark called for a rapid fire of five shots; the least amount of distance between a shooter's farthest bullets deciding the winner. Rachael came in third, Jake in second, and Lucas in first; no more than an inch between their final results.

The crowded McCain dining room quickly filled with laughter and conversation as everyone sat down for the meal. Lucas quieted everyone so Reverend Graft could say the blessing before everyone began to fill their plates. However, when Cassie opened her eyes after the prayer, she noticed Mark had slipped from the room. Figuring he would be back any minute, Cassie engaged in the conversation at her end of the table. After twenty minutes though, Cassie excused herself, using the need for more butter as her excuse. She entered the empty kitchen before sticking her head into the front room, only to see it empty as well. Walking through the back door, Cassie found Mark sitting on the porch, rubbing his head with one hand.

"Mark?" Cassie worriedly called as she shut the door behind her and hurried to Mark's side.

"Cassie, what are you doing out here?"

"I was getting worried… are you alright?" She asked as she sat down next to her husband.

"...Just a bad migraine. I fell off a ladder this morning and then all the shooting just made things worse."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"No, I'll be fine, I just need some peace and quiet."

"Why don't you go home for a little while then? I can get you when everyone leaves."

"I don't want to ignore-"

"Mark, you're not ignoring anybody. Go get some rest, I don't need you sitting out here getting a cold."

"Cassie…"

"Please, Mark?"

"...Alright."

Cassie gave her husband a kiss on the cheek as he stood and grabbed his rifle. She watched him walk up the hill before returning to the house, grabbing more butter, and entering the dining room again.

As the afternoon passed, families began to leave by ones and twos. Although Cassie tried insisting Ara stay at the ranch, Ara said she didn't want to intrude and was happy staying at the hotel, where she was already registered.

"I'll be out tomorrow sometime," Ara promised as she hugged her daughter goodbye.

Cassie and Lucas stood on the porch waving as Micah and Ara pulled away.

"I better get inside and help Aunt Milly put the house back in order," Cassie commented as she turned.

"Mark and I better start on the furniture, too," Lucas said as he held the door for his niece. Only then it struck Lucas, he hadn't seen Mark since the shooting match. "...Cassie, where is Mark?"

"He wasn't feeling well and went home to get some rest. I told him I'd get him once everyone left."

"...Rachael and I can handle the furniture, we can let him rest until we're finished cleaning up."

After the furniture was put back in place, the food was put away, and the dishes were done, Cassie walked up the hill and found Mark asleep in the bedroom, dead to the world. She gently shook Mark awake, smiling at the confused look on his face.

"I didn't mean to fall asleep… I was just going to rest my eyes for a few minutes… what time is it?"

"A little after five."

"Five?" Mark asked as he sat up.

"Your Pa's ready to read the Christmas story and I'm sure you're ready to eat something."

"Sorry, Cassie, I didn't mean to miss…"

"Mark, don't worry about it. Are you feeling better?"

"Most of it's gone now," Mark answered with a nod as he stood. "We better get down there."

Once down the hill, Mark got a plate of food and the family sat around the fireplace as Lucas read the Christmas story from parts of Luke chapters one and two.

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it , they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."*

As Lucas finished reading, Mark put his plate aside and took his guitar from Cassie. The family sang a few carols before Lucas handed Mark piece of paper. He looked at it for several moments before looking up at Lucas.

"...Pa are you sure?"

Lucas nodded before turning to the rest of the family, "Mark's first Christmas was a special one. He was just fifteen days old and I was relishing in the joys of having a son. There was a special candlelight service that evening at the church, and there was a man from Ohio in town visiting family. The reverend had heard that this man had written a song, one that beautifully told the story of Jesus. The Reverend had asked him at the morning service if he wouldn't mind singing it for us that night. ...Margaret loved that song and asked him if he had the music for it. He wrote it all down for her and gave it to her before leaving town. All year 'round she would sing that song. She taught it to Mark who had it memorized by the time he was five… but after Margaret died… we never… I… I couldn't listen to it. But I think, seeing as how this is Daniel's first Christmas, we should sing it again."

Mark nodded as he handed the paper to Cassie, who went to sit by Milly and Rachael so they could all read the words.

Mark started plucking the strings as the sound of his mother's voice came back to him.

"Who is He in yonder stall,
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
'Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him Lord of all!

Who is he the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is he to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
'Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him Lord of all!

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is he on yonder tree,
Dies in grief and agony?

'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
'Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him Lord of all!

Who is he that from the grave
Comes to heal and help and save?
Who is he that from His throne
Rules thro' all the world alone?

'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
'Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him Lord of all!"

—

*Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20

"Who is He in Yonder Stall" was written by Benjamin Hanby in 1866

If you read the original version of "Friend and Foe," you may recall Lucas asking his brother about their father. This story has since been updated since it was stated in epsiode 138, "Day of Reckoning," that Lucas's father had passed away.