Redheads on the Loose: Flame Series #21

Chapter 21

Epilogue: Heroes

The Dillon youngin's woke up to a pleasant surprise. All the weary travelers had come home, sometime during the night before. Despite Doc's grumbling that they should sleep in and rest, all four were up, shortly after the sun made its appearance.

Kitty didn't want to be cooped up in the house on such a beautiful morning. While she cooked up a king's breakfast, Calleigh shouted orders to the men, to gather the benches and stools. It wasn't long before a bountiful display—of pancakes, eggs, biscuits and bacon—lured the hungry bellies toward the array of delectable aromas. Never to take a back seat, was the smooth bouquet of fresh coffee.

Bodies began to fill up around the old, weathered, outdoor table. At first, just the family; but then friends and ranch hands began to filter in, to welcome the foursome home.

Amidst the talk and laughter was a pair of excited children. When the toys had arrived from New Orleans, Cooper wanted to wait until his family was home safe before opening them. That was a request that normally would have been rejected right away by a certain little redhead, but she had come to see her brother in a different light. With so many of the Dillon clan gone, Cooper had tried to make sure his sister was happy. In doing so, he catapulted his role in her life to one of a hero.

Wanting to imitate her new champion, Hadley had found a pair of his old boots and insisted on wearing them. It didn't seem to matter that they were several sizes too big and hampering every step she took.

"Coopie, come see!" Hadley squealed with excitement, for him to see her new toys. "It's a mewwy-go-wown with songs. Look, Coopie, look!"

Cooper carried his unopened gift under his arm, as he watched his sister. It was indeed a merry-go-round, complete with three horses and tiny porcelain dolls. On the back was a small crank, that produced a tinny version of, ''Ring Around the Rosie' when wound.

"That's really nice. Did you show it to Poppy?" Cooper stood back, as the next audience was summoned forward. Finally, Cooper wandered over to Festus, to open his own surprise.

Calleigh watched her husband, as he meandered through the small crowd, interacting with family and friends. Always patient, always dependable, always…her Newly. She wandered over behind him and slipped her arms around his waist.

Newly lifted his arm and pulled her around to face him. "Hi, little lady."

"Hi." Calleigh smiled, but it wasn't the grin that had become her trademark. It was softer, more loving.

"You all right?" Newly was still anxious for his wife. It was going to take some time before he could completely relax.

"Did you know that you are my hero?"

Newly brought his arms up higher, above her waist, allowing her to lean back. He never tired of looking at that beautiful face. "Thank you, but what did I do to deserve that honor?"

"Matt told me what happened at that bar in Chalmette."

"Oh, that." Newly offered a slight grimace, as he recalled the beating he gave Spangler. "I was…pretty scared …and angry." He tightened his embrace, pulling her a little closer. "I told you I would fight anyone for you."

Tears began to well up in her big, blue eyes. "I love you, Newly."

He pulled her up until their lips met. Newly knew his feisty little redhead would return, but for now, his wife needed to know that he understood her love for him. He only hoped his kiss would assure her of that.

Cooper slipped his hand into hers, as he led her up the hill toward the swing. It was the perfect place; the entire backyard was visible from this spot.

Kitty looked down at her son. Cooper Reign Dillon was the image of his father—mind, spirit and body. He pushed the toe of his boot into the loose dirt around the base of the elm tree. "Want to sit down here? It looks like a good place to keep an eye on everyone."

"Okay." He waited until his mother found a comfortable spot on the hill and sat down beside her. Together, they watched the rest of the family… laughing, playing, and loving each other. Kitty let her gaze drift over to her son.

"Cooper, are you angry with me?"

The brown curly head popped up suddenly. "No!" He seemed genuinely shocked by her question. "Momma, I'm never angry at you." There was no room for deceit in those clear, blue eyes. "I…I just wanted to…to have you to myself for a few minutes."

"We haven't had much time to talk since I got back, have we?"

"I heard Calleigh tell about that fat man on the train and about you leaping at the pirate man." Cooper paused, "Well, Daddy is always so brave and fighting bad guys, but I don't think people see that you are a hero too."

For a moment, Kitty was so overcome with emotion, she couldn't speak, or move. When she found her voice, she only had one question. "Can the hero have a hug?"

Matt had stepped into the kitchen, to see if the latest pot of coffee had finished brewing. He was on his way back outside, when he stopped abruptly. His gaze wandered over the circle of friends and family: At the top of the hill, he watched as his son threw his arms around his mother for a hug. The marshal could see his oldest daughter, proudly kissing her husband in front of everyone, without a care in the world. And in the center of it all, a tiny little redhead, clomped around in a pair of oversized boots, trying to emulate her big brother.

The marshal of Dodge City wondered to himself, How did my world turn out so right, that I'm surrounded by a gathering of heroes?

END