After a quick breakfast they managed to hitch a horse to the wagon. Becca would drive the wagon, Jesse would ride in the back propped on some blankets with Ethan to watch him. They hooked the extra horse and Jesse's horse to the back.
After the rain the day before the morning was cool, but it soon turned hot and humid as the sun rose higher in the sky. They stopped early for the night. Jesse had to be helped from the wagon; he was still pretty weak, but was able to sit up with support and have some dinner. His shoulder had started to bleed, so Becca cleaned it and wrapped it again.
By the end of the second day Jesse was doing a little better, although still in considerable pain.
"One more day and we should be back at the ranch."
After a quick dinner Jesse and Becca sat by a boulder and watched the sky.
"I'm glad you're doing better. I didn't realize how much you had become a part of my life until you were lying there bleeding," said Becca almost in tears.
"Hey, come here he pulled her close with his good arm. "When you were taken I was so angry, mostly at Jonathan, but also at myself, I'd never told you I cared. I'm not good at stuff like that," he ended shyly.
"So, what do we do now?" asked Becca.
"I don't know. See what happens?"
"If you weren't hurt I'd punch you for that vague answer," she joked.
"We'll figure it out when we get back, but I'd like to see a lot more of you and when I'm better and can build a little home well we'll see …," he abruptly stopped shock he had said that aloud and blushed.
Becca could see he was getting tired, "You need to sleep" and went to get up.
He pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head and said, " Just sit here a little while, please" She snuggled close and they were soon fast asleep.
Dal and Mac came to see if they were ready to call it a night and found the two sound asleep with Becca's head on Jesse's shoulder and Jesse's head resting on top of her head with his good arm draped around her.
They chuckled and Mac said, "I think our little brother may have finally figured out what to say," Mac covered them and they walked away.
The ranch proved to be only another half -day ride. Addie saw them coming up the road and ran to tell everyone. "Mama, Mama they're back, they're back.'
May and the children were there they'd been there since it happened, each giving comfort to each other. Katherine, May and the children raced to greet them. When Ethan saw his mother, he jumped from the wagon and ran to her. Katherine picked him up and just hugged him and wept. "So glad you're safe, so glad you're safe."
"Mom you can let me go now," said Ethan.
Dal had caught up, "Let your Ma hug you, she's been worried." Dal bent down and kissed Katherine, she whispered "Thank you, I can always count on you."
As the rest pulled up to the house Mac's wife came running out. Mac swept her up in a huge hug. Becca had stopped the wagon and was hugging May and the children.
Uncle Ray was helping Jesse out of the wagon. Jesse found it hard to maneuver with just one arm. May gasped as she realized Jesse was hurt and ran to help. With concern she asked, "What happened? Do you need a doctor?" With frustration turning to Ray, "Ray why didn't you tell us he needed help right away."
Jesse came to Ray's defense, "May, I'll be alright, Becca patched me up, just a little sore."
"Knowing you and your brothers there is more to the story than that, besides you look pale and those gritted teeth tell me you're in quite a bit of pain."
May and the others helped him into the house and Katherine found a spot for him to lie down. While Becca checked the wound, cleaned it, put new dressing on it and replaced the sling they told them the story.
After settling Jesse for some rest, against his wishes, but he was too weak to put up much of a fight, it was decided Becca would come by every day to check on him until he recovered.