A/N: This story has been rewritten to enhance various aspects. A few of the chapters turned out rather long, but instead of updating several times, I've put very clear markers halfway through. Hopefully that will make those chapters easier to read. Thanks to all who were an inspiration and support! I also appreciate the patience of my readers while I took a much needed break from my current work in progress! I'll be updating that story very soon! Enjoy!

Time, Give It Time – Part II
(Epilogue)

Time heals what reason cannot.

~Seneca

Wednesday, July, 22, 1987

Almost six weeks had passed since the horrible day when gunmen attacked at the ranch. The weather was now blistering hot and it hadn't rained in Hazzard since Enos returned home from Wyoming. There had been no further attacks or threats on Daisy's life or his and he thought perhaps Drake was telling the truth about Monroe seeing them as protected. Why Monroe attacked was still unknown.

Enos was finally free of the cast and the cane that had confined his mobility for so long. In just a few days he would return to duty and while excited, he was also melancholy. It meant Gus and Emily's time here was coming to an end. They had made plans to leave for Wyoming in two days, the day before he returned to active duty.

Whenever he thought of the trials of the past two months, he was so grateful for their help. He couldn't have survived this without them. Today was a special day and he had important things planned. Emily would be the one by his side when the man from Atlanta arrived.

Enos walked back to the house over dramatic cracks in the dirt. The lines grew wider each day from the oppressive heat of the sun and a drought was devastating the local crops, including the large field of hay the Circle M depended on to get through the winter. He was getting a crash course in running a ranch during a crisis. Luckily, he would have help.

He had just finished looking over the new stud barn and eight adjoining runs. Eventually there would be a small apartment built upstairs and plans were being designed for a bunkhouse in the future, but not until the rest of the horses were brought back from Wyoming.

With the stud barn finished, the next task was to refurbish the old apartment in the top of the main barn so the new ranch foreman could move in. Gus was meeting with Sam Tucker today for a second interview and if all went well Enos would meet him tomorrow.

As he walked toward the house he noticed the workers had arrived to install the new gate. This gate would be much better than the metal fortress that once blocked the drive. Beth would approve. It was similar to the one at the Rafter G, a 5-foot tall manual gate that was adorned with a wagon wheel in the center.

The Circle M's brand was affixed on the center of the wheel and eventually, the names of each generation of O'Connell's that lived here would be burned into a spoke on the wheel. He was holding off on having his name added. It would be another reminder that he was alone.

Daisy would drop by often and had become very attached to Emily. He would try to spend short periods of time with her when she came by. While the friendship was strained, it was slowly recovering. He was finally coming to terms over losing the romantic love he once held for her and would survive. Somehow.

He was also beginning to come to terms with most of the things that had happened since the day he left for Wyoming. He still missed Jenny and worried for her. He hoped that someday she would be free and safe, but he wondered if he would ever get over her. He had yet to reach the point where he wanted to try. He couldn't let go, but he was picking up the pieces and his life was becoming "manageable."

Enos was on the porch when his next appointment pulled up the drive. Emily met him on the steps and they drove to Swallows Meadow. When they arrived, the man carried a bag of tools and Enos tucked Emily's hand around his arm as they walked up the grassy hill.

He hadn't been here since the day he carried Beth to her final resting place. This time, he was here for a very special reason. He felt strongly about the idea and after discussing it with Gus and Emily, he made the plans to have a permanent change made. He was grateful his godmother had come with him.

While the man worked, he walked Emily to the sycamore tree and showed her the heart his father had carved. Enos lovingly traced the carving with his fingers.

Otis and Beth. Forever and Always.

When he first saw the heart six years ago, he had no idea what it meant or what his future held. Now, everything had changed. He was proof of their forever love.

They gathered wildflowers from the meadow while they waited. When the man was finished, he called them over to Beth's grave.

"Mr. Strate, I'll give ya' some time. Just come down when you're ready."

Enos looked at the stone with a lump in his throat. He was finally able to visibly show his love.

"Thank you, sir." Enos shook the man's hand. "It's real nice."

The man nodded and returned to his car.

Enos held Emily's hand and looked over the man's handiwork. This was how the marker should have been all along.

Elizabeth Grace
O'Connell
Strate

Loving Mother

Enos left the flowers on the grave with tears in his eyes. Emily honored his grief with tears of her own and hugged him tight before they joined the mason in his car.

Once back in the house, Emily retreated to the kitchen to bake and keep her hands busy. As the smells filled the house, it was a bittersweet thought. It was another thing he would miss.

Gus had been a constant source of support and humor. Barney and Dan had become good friends as well. He would miss them all, but promised to visit them each year or more if he could.

Eventually the smell of apple cinnamon muffins pulled him back to the kitchen to be with his godmother. He walked up behind her and gave her a quick hug.

"Miss Emily, Thanks for being there today. I'm gonna miss ya' somethin' fierce when ya' go back to Wyoming."

"Sweetheart ya' know we cherish ya' and there ain't a thing we wouldn't do for ya'. It won't be that long. When the summer heat dies down, you're comin' out to pick up some more horses. We're going to come back to visit. I want ya' to think about coming out early for the fall color ride. It's just beautiful when th' leaves turn. Please? Would ya'?"

"You bet, Miss Emily. I'd love that. Will ya' tell me if ya' hear anything from Jenny? A-ask her to please..." he cleared his throat. "Please ask her to call, or come by. Anytime, day or night, I don't care. Just..."

"Ya' be still now." Emily took his face. "I will. I know it hurts that th' two of ya' didn't get th' closure ya' needed. If we hear from her, I promise to talk with her and I'll call ya' right away."

Enos could only nod his thanks.

"Here…tell me what ya' think." Emily gave him a bite of a warm muffin.

"I think ya' need to make a bunch more and hide 'em before Gus eats them."

"That man is a push over for sweets."

"No ma'am. He's a pushover for you."

She laughed and fixed him a glass of iced tea before shooing him out on the porch. As he rocked back and forth in the swing, he thought back on all the things that happened and how they connected to his past. He thought of all the loved ones who had come into his life and the ones who remained only in his memories.

Beth, his mother, had loved him deeply and sacrificed her happiness to protect him. Then even after her death, she had planned and prepared to watch over him and protect the O'Connell Legacy that was now his to pass down.

He thought of the things he had learned in the diaries about his father. Otis was the best…the absolute best. He appreciated his father more than ever. Someday, if he had children of his own, he had the best examples of parents a man could ask for.

He thought again of Daisy and while he knew she was hurt, they would always be friends. She was trying and maybe they could still be together, only time would lift the confusion and clarify the facts.

Then there was Jenny. She still brought a smile to his lips and a flutter to his heart. Wherever she was running, she carried a piece of his heart with her. It hurt to be without her and have so many words left unsaid. Enos knew from his relationship with Beth that the quality of time was important, not quantity.

Enos saw Jenny in everything. He kept rituals to keep her in is life, to keep hope alive. He always had fresh marshmallows in the house and had dug a fire pit out by the vegetable garden. He kept her truck waxed and ponied Bella with him twice a week when he went out for evening rides on Tag.

Gus said he was making himself crazy and he probably was. He was clawing to very few memories like his life depended on it and the torch he carried for his absent girlfriend only burned brighter. At some point, common sense said he would be forced to let her go, but his heart wasn't releasing it's grip.

He didn't know what he would do about that.

The shade of the porch and the gentle breeze made the heat of the day tolerable. Emily stepped out on the porch with a fresh pitcher of tea just as Dan approached with a silly smirk on his face.

Enos couldn't hold back the grin. "Dan? What's going on? Ya' look like ya' been in th' shine."

Dan chuckled. "Not yet, but this would be th' time to celebrate. I think you're gonna be plum tickled."

Emily sat next to Enos and waved him over. "Ya' bring yourself up outta that sun and let me pour ya' some tea. Tell us what's got ya' all giddy."

"Yes ma'am." Still chuckling, Dan took the steps and sat in the rocking chair next to them. "I ain't sure exactly when it happened, but I expect maybe it was that night y'all were stuck in the cavern in that storm."

"I ain't followin' ya'." Enos tipped his head curiously.

Dan took his glass from Emily, "I was suspicious because Bella has been so moody. Remember her kickin' th' farrier last week?"

"Yeah."

"She never does that." Dan took a long drink. "Anyways, I sent off a blood sample. Somebody's gonna be a father."

"Huh?"

Emily choked on her tea, "Well all be! Tag?"

"Yes ma'am."

Enos's eyebrows jumped. "You mean, T-Tag and Bella, th-they..."

"Yeah. It has to be Tag. She wasn't exposed to any other stallions at the Rafter G and we've kept them separated since we've been back here. The only time it could have happened was durin' that storm. So if all goes well, the Circle M will have a new foal on the ground come next April."

"Possum on a gumbush!" Enos was over the moon. "Did ya' hear that Emily? Tag's gonna have a foal!"

"No, Bella's gonna have a foal." Emily corrected. "Ya' men always think th' same way. It takes us women a little longer to finish cookin' th' baby!"

Enos blushed and they had a good laugh.

He offered his hand. "Thanks for catching that, Dan. Gus is sure gonna be surprised!"

"It's my job." Dan shook Enos's hand and his eyes took on a faraway look. "I was thinking that, well, I just wish...um…oh, hell." He took off his hat and slapped it over his knee. "Cowgirl loves Bella and she'd be so proud. It broke her heart when Drake made her leave that horse behind. I understand why he did it, but I should've stopped him."

"Enough of that foolish talk." Emily said. "Drake would've hurt ya', Dan. Gus held ya' back for a reason."

"I don't reckon I care. At least I would've tried to help her. I wish that I had told her..." Dan cleared his throat and abruptly stood. "I just remembered something I gotta do before we go. Thanks for th' tea. I'll see y'all later."

"Oh, Dan. I'm sorry, sweetheart." Emily tried to reach for him, but he backed away in a flash. "Dan! Please, come inside and let's have a talk."

"N-no thanks, ma'am. It ain't necessary. I'm fine." Dan raced down the stairs and moved towards the barn at a fast clip.

"Miss Emily, what was that all about?"

Emily sighed sadly. "I'm gonna tell ya', because I know you'll be sensitive to it. Dan has some real deep feelings for Jenny. He loves her, Enos."

Jealousy reared it's ugly head and Enos felt run thorough with a dull stick. "D-did he and Jenny..."

"Oh, no! It ain't like that. They were good friends, but she don't feel th' same way about him. She doesn't even know. He didn't say nothin' to her and he's felt bad about it for a long time. She ain't never opened her heart or had eyes for anyone, until you came along. Dan knows he missed his chance. Jenny adores you and I suspect it goes much deeper from what Gus told me."

Enos closed his eyes and lowered his head. If that was true, why wasn't she here? Was she protecting him or was Drake preventing her? He had no way of knowing.

"When I get back to work, I'm gonna find Monroe, Emily. I promise ya'. I'll make sure he spends the rest of his life behind bars for what he's done to her."

"If anybody can, it's you."

Tears began to sting the back of his eyes. "I ain't felt something like this before. It's so…strong…and I don't know what to do about it. If I just had some word about how she's doin' or if she's safe. I mean, can't she call? What do I do?"

"Child, ya' get up each day and keep livin'. That's all that any of us can do. We don't have any other choice but to give it time."

Time.

Time had flown by.

The August heat had turned almost everything brown as the lack of rain left nature parched. Enos tossed his hat in the seat and loosened his tie as he begged the slightest breeze to find it's way through the open windows of the cruiser. The trees along County 64 afforded little shade and he hadn't moved all morning. It was so hot not a soul was out. Not a single car had blown around the curve or been caught in the speed trap.

Enos was bored and listened to the cicadas as he waited for his lunch break. Emily and Gus had been gone for two weeks and he was adjusting to work while simultaneously running a ranch in the middle of a drought. On days like this he missed his godparents the most and struggled with his time alone.

At least if he were at the ranch he had things to keep his mind occupied. Sam was there to keep him company and run interference from unwanted guests. The trips from women 'popping by' with pies and goodies had begun to slow a little. Enos and Sam knew if they paid the girls any mind it would be nothing but trouble. Enos was still waiting for a petite brown haired girl with gem green eyes to knock on his door and offer him s'mores. He missed her so much.

Things were getting somewhat back to normal at work and he was elated when Rosco called to send him to the Jimson Hollow speed trap. The A/C was broken in the cruiser, but at least he could get some air moving. Enos took the opportunity to stop at the Boar's Nest for lunch and after parking the cruiser he walked inside to find a full house. He took his spot on the corner barstool and waited for Daisy.

Being back in uniform, people had stopped paying quite so much attention to him, except for the women of course. He had settled into a comfortable rapport with Daisy and they could at least have short, casual conversations. Enos was lonely for friendship, but didn't want to send the wrong message. He had kept a safe distance from her so he didn't give false hopes or unrealistic expectations.

He had no idea how long he would be stuck in this limbo.

"Hey sugar!" Daisy sashayed over and put a glass of ice water in front of him. "You look parched. Ya' here for th' usual lunch?"

"Hey Dais. Yes, ma'am. Th' usual." Enos downed the water and she quickly refilled his glass.

"I've been worried about ya' out there in this heat. I heard Rosco call and send ya' to Jimson Hollow so I started your lunch. It's almost ready."

"Gee, thanks Dais. That's real thoughtful of ya'."

"Be right back."

"Hey, Dais?" Enos sat his glass down when she turned to face him. "I was wonderin' if you would like to come out with Bo and Luke tomorrow night and go riding. Th' heat ain't so bad at dusk. Ya' got time?"

"Oh, sugar. I got th' time." Daisy smiled pleasantly. "I'd really like that. I ain't been riding since we got back from Wyoming. Can I ride Bella? She was so much fun."

Enos swallowed the lump in his throat. She could, but every time he looked at Bella he saw Jenny.

"I'm sorry, Dais, but Bella is in foal. I got another real nice horse for ya'. Will Bo and Luke be able to come? I really want to introduce them to Sam."

"A foal!? Oh, how exciting! I'm happy for ya', Enos. I'm sure th' guys will come along. I've heard about Sam from some of th' girls that drop in on ya'." Daisy gave him a knowing wink. "I ain't seen him come in here though. Where's he from?"

"Tennessee. He doesn't know anybody here just yet, but he's a nice guy. I thought maybe the five of us could go for a ride and have dinner on th' trails. Beth and I, we used to do that all th' time."

"Sounds like a lot of fun." Daisy bit her lip and leaned across the bar. "Enos, I wanted to apologize to ya'. I'm real sorry about Drake. My feelings were hurt over Jenny and he made me feel like somebody still cared. It didn't mean nothin'. He ran off just like th' rest of them. Ain't no body out there can compare to you, sugar. Will ya' forgive me?"

"Shoot, that's okay, Daisy. Ya' had a reason to be upset. I'm sorry for hurtin' ya. I didn't mean to, but I'm just...I still need time."

"Well. Let's just have fun tomorrow and not worry about it." Daisy smiled and pinched his cheek. "I'll get your lunch, sugar."

Enos blushed. "Thanks, Daisy."

Daisy left him with the pitcher of water and he was pouring another glass when he felt the eyes.

Female eyes.

Lots of female eyes.

They were watching him from every direction. That little problem still hadn't completely gone away. Some of the women had backed off, but the touchy-feely ones really made him jumpy. Batting their eyelashes, touching his shoulders, slipping their arms around his, and then there were the really scary ones...like Margaret. She would come up behind him and-

"Here ya' go, sugar!"

"Thanks, Dais." Enos could see Margaret in the corner booth so he pulled out his wallet and stood to leave. "I gotta run. See y'all tomorrow night, okay?"

"Ya' ain't touched your sandwich!" Daisy looked perplexed. "At least let me put it in a sack for ya'. You need to eat. Especially since Emily's not here cookin' for ya' anymore."

"I ain't starved yet, Dais, but I appreciate it." Enos stood and fidgeted with his hat.

He was trying to be patient, but a wink from Margaret sent him into orbit. Enos backed against the wall as a man in a suit leaned against the bar.

"Afternoon, Daisy." He rested on his elbow with a playful half-smile. "Can I get a big glass of that sweet tea you make so well, to go?"

"Hey mister! I didn't know you were back! When did you get here?"

"Drove in last night. I'll be around for a few days depending on how things go."

Across the room, Margaret slid out of her booth in a low cut top and a too tight mini skirt.

Enos gave Daisy a desperate look. "Daisy, I really gotta go."

Daisy caught Margaret slinking through the tables. "Ohh, I got ya'." Rushing down the bar, she handed him his lunch. "There ya' go. See ya' tomorrow, sugar."

"Thanks. Bye, Dais." Enos hurried towards the door and overheard Daisy talking with her flashy customer.

"So, are ya' workin' for the same company this time mister? Or do I need to buy ya' that sweet tea?" Daisy laughed and Enos could picture the smile he was missing.

He didn't have to wait long for confirmation.

"My treat this time. That smile is worth every penny."

Yep. Things were definitely back to normal. Enos rushed to the patrol car and ate his lunch on the road, alone.

It was still in the triple digits as Enos drove home that evening. When his home came into view he still had a hard time believing it was his. It might be easier if he had someone to share it with. Since his godparents left, the house seemed so terribly empty. Emily's loving touches were everywhere and he missed them both so much.

He parked in the driveway on the side of the house and went inside to change. After putting his dinner in the oven, he went to the porch and waved to Sam. He was breaking a young filly named Abby in the round pen. Sam really was a nice guy and they got along well. He had moved into the apartment in the barn and seemed happy here, but he buried himself in his work to hide his loneliness. It was another similarity between them. Enos hoped that the Dukes coming out tomorrow would help with that.

While he rocked back and forth watching Abby run circles, a car pulled through the gate. Enos did a double take. It was expensive, a Jaguar, black, with tinted windows and Massachusetts plates.

"Sam? Are ya' expectin' company?"

"Nope." Sam continued working the filly. "Ain't got another appointment until tomorrow and it sure ain't nobody in a car like that!"

Enos watched curiously as the car drove up to the house. Hazzard County didn't see many high end imports like this one unless they were passing through on the interstate. The Jag parked in front of the house and the driver stepped out.

The man took off his suit jacket and tossed it in the car. Enos recognized him from the Boar's Nest. He was the one talking with Daisy. He carried a large envelope, wore dark sunglasses and straightened his tie as he took his time walking around the car. Enos sized the man up and thought he looked familiar. Had he seen him before this afternoon?

While not extremely tall, he was far from short. He had broad shoulders and dark brown hair that kept falling in loose strands over his forehead. He wore a class ring of some sort on his right hand and everything about him screamed money and the finer things it could buy. Enos was certain he had seen him someplace before, but he couldn't quite place him.

Enos stood and walked to the rail. "Howdy. Can I help ya'?"

"Hi! I'm looking for Gus Rafferty. Is he around?"

"I'm sure sorry, but Gus went back to Wyoming two weeks ago. I'm Deputy Enos Strate. How do ya' know Gus?"

The man grinned like an imp. He leaned against the car, folded his arms and crossed a foot over the other. Even his mannerisms were familiar.

"So, you're what all the fuss is about." A single finger pulled his sunglasses down just enough to peek over the top, then pushed them back up. "The place looks real nice. Beth would be real proud. To answer your question, Gus and I go back a few years. I've heard a lot about you. I brought something for you to look over and I'm here to help."

Enos leaned against the porch post. This was beginning to make him uneasy. What "fuss" and how did he know Beth?

"Help," he replied skeptically. "You're here to help me. Have we met?"

"Not exactly, no. Although, people ask me that often."

"Mister, I'd appreciate it if you would…" Enos's mouth gaped and he muttered, "No ding dang way."

The man had removed his sunglasses revealing brilliant green eyes, then he smiled … and tilted his head to the side.

"She said you were funny," he chuckled. "Deputy Strate, you need to read this and then we need to have a long talk about Wallace Monroe - and my sister. My name is Jaxon MacFarland. It's very nice to meet you."

The elevator doors opened and the tall blond haired man was greeted by yet another guard in an expensive black suit. Monroe's closest people were always impeccably dressed. He expected it of his inner circle.

"Matt?"

"Yeah. He asked to see me."

"Right this way."

The man led Matt down a corridor with fine Aubusson rugs on highly polished marble floors. Various works of art, sculptures and paintings adorned the walkway on both sides. The moldings and all the woodwork were intricately carved and designed. At the end of the corridor was a set of large double doors.

Matt's escort was then met by two more of Monroe's men at the doors. One picked up a telephone, then after being given approval, Matt was checked for weapons and any listening devices. The man again picked up the phone.

"Yes sir, he's clean." A buzzer sounded and the guard opened the doors. "Walk straight ahead to the desk. You have fifteen minutes."

"Thank you."

The door shut behind him with a loud clank, locking him in. He walked across a dark marble floor to a desk with a high backed leather chair, which at present faced away from him. Beyond the chair, Matt could see for miles across Manhattan.

"Matthew Duncan?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Monroe."

"First let me say I'm very sorry for your loss. Please have a seat."

"Thank you, sir. Please call me Matt."

He took a seat and the large leather chair turned. Wallace Monroe steepled his fingers as he faced him.

"Matt. I'm bringing you in because I need a new hired gun. I was very upset when I learned of your brother's murder. I'd like you to take over Reid's position. There was a job botched recently. I mean to correct that and it starts with a little waitress in Georgia. I feel you will be properly motivated. She just happens to be the one who your brother had in his, shall we say…care…when Drake MacFarland ended his life. Are you interested?"

"Absolutely. I'm your man, sir."

A/N: Watch for the rewrite of: "Return To Rafter G Ranch."