April of 1944

Jack rode home with his horse at a trot after another hunting trip in Tall Trees. With prices on food so high, he and his family had resumed farming and hunting to stay fed. Jack had never wanted to farm, but he realized he had no choice at the moment. He needed to feed his family and this was the best way now.

At home, Irene read the newspaper. World War Two was in full force. It was driving prices up and causing massive problems all over the world. Many people were missing loved ones, had lost loved ones, and there were loved ones who were missing in action. Irene was pleased that Jack never enrolled in the military. However, many men were being drafted into service. At the same time, she wondered if his name meant anything anymore. People still knew the name of John Marston and knew that Jack was his son.

Angela, now aged nineteen, was offered a job by Bonnie and Amos to work as their new nanny. They knew the Marstons were struggling to care for the children and keep their land. The war was driving up the price of food, so that drove up the prices of Bonnie's livestock and her family was earning a lot more money. They were able to pay Angela a lot and she sent back half to her parents. A rider that worked for the ranch would deliver the money every week.

Jack and Irene missed Angela, but were happy that she wanted to help her beloved family.

All four of the Marston children knew their families' pasts. They knew what both of their grandfathers had done and how they had died. They had both been brutally killed by their own government. Irene had even suggested moving to either Australia or Scotland.

After supper that night, the three children went to bed. As Irene and Jack were about to go to bed, the phone rang. Irene picked it up. She listened for a moment.

"Oh, no, Angela," Irene said. "When was this?"

Hearing the remark from Irene, Jack walked into the room. He watched as his wife's face took on a sudden sad expression. He became concerned as he waited to figure out what had happened.

"Yes, Dad and I will be there in the morning," Irene replied. She told Angela she loved her and hung up.

"Amos died this afternoon," Irene told Jack.

"Oh, no," Jack replied. "That's awful."

"I promised we would go to the ranch first thing in the morning," Irene said.

"Of course, we will," Jack agreed. "Let's get some sleep."

The next morning, Jack and his family drove their newest motor vehicle to the ranch. Angela was there to greet her parents and siblings.

"His fever was just so very high," Angela said. "The doctors did all that they could. It was just too much for him."

Other family members had also arrived, including Perrin and his family. They had made big changes in their lives since Jack and Irene had helped them. They no longer spoiled their children and taught them to be grateful. Now, they were almost grown.

"Hello, Mister Marston," Fiona, now a woman, greeted. "I wanted to apologize to you for how I treated you and your family several years ago. It was wrong and uncalled for."

"I accept your apology," Jack said.

That evening, everyone was shown their rooms. The Marstons were given a room downstairs since Kassidy was in a wheelchair and could not climb the stairs. Bonnie's ranch-hands had placed extra cots in each spare bedroom for the children to sleep on.

Bonnie didn't sleep. Jessica, who was now almost thirty, also had trouble sleeping. She laid in bed on her side and stared out the window and cried softly.

"We both know how she feels," Irene said quietly as she snuggled up against Jack in bed. "How it feels to have a father taken so suddenly and unexpectedly. God bless her heart!"

"I know," Jack agreed. He still remembered the day his own father had died as if it had only happened last week. It was always fresh on his mind and he was still angry about it. He had learned to control that anger, thanks to Irene; but it was still chewing away at him.

Irene was also suppressing her anger at her own father's death. For her, it may have been worse. Her father had died in her arms. She had closed his eyes and held him as he took his last breath. She was somewhat at peace, knowing that he did not die alone. He had died knowing she was with him and that she would never stop loving him.

Jack sighed. "It scares me," he told Irene. "What if this happens to our family? I don't want to leave you and the kids."

"I don't think that's as likely to happen now," Irene assured. "There are new laws in place. We don't do that wanted-dead-or-alive thing anymore, thank God. Anyway, you haven't done anything."

"Nineteen-fourteen, Irene," Jack reminded.

"That case is closed," Irene reminded. "They're not looking for anyone anymore. You're clear. Just keep your mouth shut and nobody but you and I will ever know."

"I shouldn't have done it," Jack said. "My father didn't want that life for me. He begged me to do better."

"And you have, Jack," Irene said. "You're a good man. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You made a mistake. You were angry, upset, traumatized, and not thinking clearly."

"I'm not going to a shrink, Irene," Jack said firmly.

"Who said you need one?," Irene asked. "You've done very well for yourself. You're a great husband and father; a good person, and a very caring person with a great heart. You have done what your father wanted you to do. He would be so proud." She rubbed his chest as she added, "I know he would."

Irene propped herself up and faced Jack in the eyes. "I love you," she said. She kissed his face. "You're a good man, John David Marston Junior." She stroked his hair and kissed his lips. "I thank God every day that you came into my life," she went on. "I am so pleased that Daddy wanted me to bring that gift to you."

Jack smiled. "I am, too," he said. He placed his hand on the back of her head and pulled her closer to him. "I love you more than I could ever let you know," he said.

Irene rested her head on Jack's chest. He held onto her and stroked her hair until they both fell asleep.

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