Chapter Seven

After supper on the final day of their planned stay, Kathryn asked Jess to take a walk with her. They enjoyed the cool breeze and the sweet scent of the blossoms on the trees. When they stopped under one of the huge sycamores, Jess took her in his arms yet again, as he had several times in the past two days, and kissed her lovingly. They talked about the plan for her and Elizabeth to leave for Denver, and even though Jess figured he could visit them there, both admitted to feeling extreme sadness at the prospect of leaving already. After much talking, and with everything in agreement between the two of them, they decided Kathryn and Elizabeth just had to stay longer.

"But not here," Jess said.

"I know. We can't impose any longer."

"Nah, it ain't that. Wouldn't be any trouble at all to have you here. It's just that word would get around soon enough that a beautiful lady and her little girl were stayin' here, and there'd be a whole lot 'a curiosity and talk goin' on in town that wouldn't do neither of us any good."

"Should Elizabeth and I stay in the hotel in Laramie?"

"Not unless you want'a be explainin' to everybody why the little girl with ya reminds 'em of me." Jess gave her a big smile. "Seein' how Mort picked up on it right away made it clear to me that others are gonna notice. Lots of folks in Laramie and around know me. And with the stages comin' in, there ain't no way that somebody won't be seein' Elizabeth here."

"What shall we do then?"

"Well, just a ways over," he nodded his head toward the northeast, "there's an older lady, widowed a few years ago. She's real nice. Has two men that work a small spread for her, but they stay in a bunkhouse. She's alone in the main house and don't hardly ever get any visitors droppin' by. I was thinkin' she might enjoy havin' some company for a couple of weeks or so. I could go over there and get you and Elizabeth every day after early mornin' chores and bring ya back here. Then take ya back to Mrs. Kelly's after supper."

Kathryn smiled. "That would be wonderful! Do you think she'll want to have us?"

"How 'bout we ride over there today and ask her?"

"What do we tell her about Elizabeth?"

"For now, we just say she's your daughter, and you're friends of the family visitin' us for a while, and with Andy and Jonesy here too, we'd be obliged if she'd have some room for ya. Mrs. Kelly's eyesight ain't so good. I don't think she'll be wonderin' like Mort did."

Excited about having more time with Jess, Kathryn threw her arms around his neck and kissed him happily.

Mrs. Kelly gladly welcomed Kathryn and Elizabeth into her home. They spent the night in one of her lovely spare bedrooms, and the next morning enjoyed breakfast with the elderly lady. Jess picked them up around 9:00 and took them to the ranch, and thus a routine developed. They enjoyed time with Jess in between his duties on the ranch and throughout the early evening. When he was busy, Kathryn talked with Daisy and Jonesy, and Elizabeth played with Mike. In the evening, Jess returned Kathryn and Elizabeth to Mrs. Kelly's.

Kathryn looked upon Slim as a dear friend, and Andy even developed a close relationship with her, born out of discussing their experiences of being away from family while attending school.

Two weeks flew by.

As they all gathered in the hearth room after supper one evening, Elizabeth sat at the table drawing a picture. Slim walked by and glanced at the paper. He stopped suddenly and looked closer. "That's a mighty fine drawing you've got goin' there, Elizabeth."

Kathryn smiled. "She's very good, isn't she?"

"I'll say! She's sketchin' a dog, and it looks real good. You sure she's only six, not twenty-six?" He smiled at Kathryn and tickled Elizabeth's cheek. She looked up at him and grinned.

Jess stood up and walked over to look too. A huge smile spread across his face. "Elizabeth, you're quite an artist," he said with pride.

"It's Mike's dog," Elizabeth said. "But it doesn't look enough like Buttons."

"Hey now, it looks great. To make it a little more like Buttons, you just need to make some changes in his snout," Jess said, pulling out a chair and sitting beside her.

He took another sheet of paper and a pencil and began to sketch, explaining to Elizabeth as he drew. "See the difference this makes?"

She nodded.

"And if you add some shadin' like this, see how much more real that looks?"

"Oh, I see!"

She immediately began to copy the methods Jess had taught her. As she enhanced her drawing, Jess continued to work on his, adding scenery, shadowing, and contouring. To one side he drew a horse.

"That's Traveller!" Elizabeth cried, recognizing the image.

"Yup," Jess replied.

"May I keep this?"

"Sure."

Elizabeth jumped up and ran to show Jess's drawing to Kathryn. "Look, Mama! Jess can draw real good!"

"Real well," Kathryn corrected. She took the paper in her hands, as Slim moved to look over her right shoulder and Andy glanced over her left. Simultaneously, all three of them turned to look at Jess, astonishment on their faces.

"Jess, this is fantastic!" Kate said. "It looks so lifelike."

"Sure does," Andy said. "And you did it so fast."

Jonesy, Daisy and Mike all gathered near Kathryn to view the drawing.

"Wow!" Mike said. "Jess, can you give me a lesson like you just taught Elizabeth?"

Jess nodded and motioned him toward the table.

"Where'd you learn to draw like that, boy?" Jonesy asked as he returned to his rocker.

"Don't reckon I ever learned it, Jonesy. It just comes natural."

"Can't see as how it would."

"How'd you learn to play the piano?" Jess asked. "Somebody teach ya?"

"Nope. When I put my fingers on those keys, it just kinda seems like they know where to go."

"That's how it is with me and drawin'. When I put a pencil to paper and start makin' lines and marks, it all just seems to make sense to me. Comes together to make what I want it to."

"Well, I'm surprised at ya, boy," Jonesy said. "A talent like you got, yet ya never use it. I never saw ya do any kind of drawin' before this. Why not?"

"Been a long time since I felt a want to." Jess looked at the smile still glowing on Elizabeth's face. "Things change."

He raised his eyes to Kathryn and smiled.

She returned the warm look. "Drawing just comes naturally to Elizabeth too." She smiled at Jess. "I think it's a talent she inherited."

The other adults exchanged knowing looks and smiles.

Slim took a seat in the empty rocking chair. "Pard, why didn't you ever tell me you could draw like that?"

Jess stood up and reached for the coffee pot at the other end of the table. His usual ornery grin formed. "Well, Slim, ya never asked."

Elizabeth rushed back to the table. "Jess, will you teach me some more? How did you make the eyes look so real?"

"I'll show ya."

Daisy seated herself once again, marveling at the revelation of yet another piece of the Jess Harper puzzle. And at the little girl who had drawn it, quite literally, to the surface.

June first arrived, and the entire Sherman household threw a nice birthday party for Elizabeth to celebrate her turning six. Kathryn had arranged for a photographer from Denver to make the trip to Laramie in his enclosed wagon that served as a darkroom. He took photos of each person on their own, Jess with Elizabeth, Jess with Kathryn, and Jess, Kathryn and Elizabeth together. Finally, he took several photos of the whole group and each person, to ensure that everyone would receive an individual photo and one of them all together.

Cake and games ruled the day, followed by an abundance of presents, both store-bought and homemade. Jess gifted the child with a lovely dress he'd seen in the window of a store in town. It fit Elizabeth perfectly, and it's lilac color complemented her eyes beautifully, making the blue of them even more striking. Both the child and her mother expressed warm appreciation.

Jess stood admiring his daughter as she modeled the dress. When she turned to look at him and curtsied, he chuckled. "Jonesy, do ya think you can play us a dance tune on that piano?"

"Sure!" Jonesy answered eagerly. He began a simple light tune.

"Young lady, may I have this dance?" Jess bowed to Elizabeth.

She giggled. "Yes, sir!"

Andy scooted the chairs out of the way, then joined Daisy, Kathryn, Mike and Slim at the dining table.

Jess swept Elizabeth up into his arms and gracefully danced her around the room as she continued her giggles, and everyone looked on and smiled. Kathryn especially had stars in her eyes as she watched the handsome cowboy. Next, he instructed Elizabeth to stand on his boots and continued the dance as the little girl watched the movement of their feet across the floor.

Jonesy concluded the song, and Elizabeth stepped off Jess' boots. He thanked her for the dance. She gazed lovingly up at him. Jess winked at her.

Then he said, "Jonesy, one more time. A nice slow waltz."

As Jonesy began a different song, the chords at a slower tempo this time, Jess walked over to Kathryn. He said nothing, just locked eyes with her and held out his hand. She placed her hand in his, and he drew her into a very close embrace and began to effortlessly guide her through the steps around the small space available in the hearth room as they looked into each other's eyes.

"That young man constantly amazes me," Daisy whispered to Slim. "I never would have imagined he could dance so gracefully."

"Yeah, he gives me plenty of competition with the ladies at the Saturday night dances in town," Slim replied, keeping his voice equally low. Then he laughed quietly. "Competition, ha! Can't call it that when there's a line of females waitin' for their turn with him."

"Well, it sure looks like he only has eyes for one now," Andy chimed in, much to Slim's surprise. His little brother sure was growing up.

Daisy watched the scene, tears glistening in her eyes at seeing Jess so happy and feeling so at ease in allowing the softer, hidden parts of his personality to be revealed.

Another two weeks passed pleasantly, with everyone at the ranch enjoying the presence of Kathryn and Elizabeth. Jess had returned to the regular rigor of chores, for the most part. Slim was still glad to cut him some slack in the routine so he could spend more time with Kathryn and Elizabeth while they lingered at the ranch. Kathryn didn't seem to be in any hurry to get back to Denver, but Slim knew that soon they'd probably be on their way. Jess took full advantage of the leniency in his work schedule, but began to feel guilty about it, as well.

"I know I ain't been pullin' my weight around here like I should, hardrock. You'd best dock my pay."

"Don't worry about it, Jess. You hadn't taken a bit of time off in a couple months of Sundays before they got here. You're due for a little goldbrickin'. I'll make sure I get my due out of ya soon. Just enjoy yourself while you've still got 'em here." He grinned at Jess.

Jess blinked, his expression growing serious. "Thanks, Slim," he said quietly. He headed to the corral, a pensive look in his eyes.

Throughout the next few days, Slim noticed a change in Jess. He seemed distracted. It wasn't that he was curt or difficult, he just didn't talk much as they worked on something together in the barn, on the ranges, or out along the fences; and that wasn't like Jess. He's sure got something on his mind, Slim thought. But he didn't prod his unusually introspective friend to talk about it, figuring he'd eventually offer up something about whatever it was that was occupying his thinking.

Late on the next sunny Saturday afternoon, Jess asked Daisy to keep an eye on Elizabeth while he and Kathryn took a ride to one of the valleys to have a picnic supper alone. After they'd eaten, Jess walked her over to the stream nearby. She sat on a large felled tree trunk and he stood nearby, as the sun began to sink toward the horizon.

"What a beautiful sight!" Kathryn gushed.

"Sure is," Jess said softly, his gaze on her, awed by the way the rays cast her in a light that made her beauty even more breathtaking.

He moved forward and took a seat beside her.

"Kate, I want'a talk to ya about somethin'."

"Sure, Jess."

He took her hand in his and smoothed the back of it, savoring the softness beneath his work-roughened fingers. "I know it's only been li'l more 'n a month since we got to spendin' time together again, but… well… you know what ya mean to me, how happy ya make me." His gruff voice sounded strong, but at the same time, somewhat nervous. He looked into her eyes.

"And now, you can make me the happiest man that's ever walked the face of the Earth, or ever will, if you'll stay with me." His voice became even more gravelly. "I can't stand the thought of ya leavin'."

Still cradling her hand in his, his gaze never wavering from her eyes, he whispered, "I love ya, Kate. With everything that's in me. And I want us to always be together."

He lifted her hand and leaned to place a gentle kiss on it. Then, raising his head to view her face again, he moved from his seated position, bending one knee to the ground. His eyes looked adoringly, hopefully, into hers. "Will ya marry me?"

A look of surprise swept over her face. Did I hear him right? Did he say 'marry me'? Oh, how she had longed for those words! Had ached for him to hold her. Had cried herself to sleep wishing to rest in his arms. And it hurt so much not to, that she had buried the feelings by the time Elizabeth turned three. She'd put on the always cheerful face. She'd given up hope of ever being with him, of ever even seeing him again, of ever hearing those words. Now, here he was, saying them to her. Is it real?

Jess searched her face, anxiously waiting.

Gradually, her surprise was replaced by a look of tremendous love. "Oh, Jess." Her voice was breathy with choked emotion. "For years I dreamed of hearing you say that to me."

She tried to say more. She wanted to tell him how much she truly loved him, needed him, wanted to be his. Forever. She felt a need to share everything in her heart. Typically, words came easily to her, but this time she couldn't speak further. He surely knows how I feel. She put her hand behind his head, drawing his face toward hers.

Jess moved to sit beside her again, and after a tender kiss, he placed his arm around her back, still looking into her eyes, now seeing tears glistening there. Kathryn leaned against his shoulder, shut her eyes, and sighed.

Jess closed his arms around her. Noticing a couple of tears trickling down her cheeks, he smoothed them away. A long moment passed.

"Kate?" he said softly.

"Hmmm?"

Another moment passed. His breath quickened in pace with his racing heart.

"Ya ain't said yes."

She lifted her head to look directly at him again. How could she tell him all she was feeling? How could she convey the depth of her love and commitment, tell him it would always be there?

"My dear Jess, you know I love you. I've always loved you." She laid her hand on his chest, over his heart. "From the time I first saw you… and to this time... and forever, I will love you," she assured him.

Again overcome, she couldn't push any further words past the lump in her throat. Tears were still forming. She ducked her head and nuzzled comfortably into the nook beneath his shoulder again, laying her head against his chest and cherishing the sound of his heartbeat, as her tears dampened his shirt.

Another couple of moments passed.

"Kate?"

"What, Jess?" she said softly.

"Did I… If ya…" His voice was low, unsure, hesitant.

His fingers on his right hand began their nervous dance. He drew a raspy breath. His next words were barely audible.

"Kate… I need… to hear it."

What did he mean? Hear what?

She rose up, away from his chest, to look questioningly into his eyes. She was confused by the insecurity she saw there, the vulnerability. As she pondered it, Jess blinked nervously. Suddenly, she understood. A softness shone in her eyes.

"Yes." Her voice was a whisper, filled with love. "Jess Harper, I will marry you." She tenderly stroked his cheek. "I desperately want to marry you." Her voice rose, stronger, and an enthusiastic smile spread across her face, from her lips to her eyes. "Yes. Yes!"

Jess's face relaxed. He let out a relieved breath as his mouth stretched into a wide, beaming smile. He threw both arms around her and hugged her so tightly that for a few seconds she couldn't breathe. Then he put one hand along her jaw, his thumb resting under her chin, and lifted her face as he leaned toward her. The kiss was long and tender. He drew back and looked at her, his tanned face glowing a brilliant bronze with his happiness and love. Then he kissed her again with an intensity she returned. The warmth from the setting sun was surpassed by the radiance within two hearts.

By the time they made it back to the ranch, it was dark.

"I told Mrs. Kelly not to expect you and Elizabeth back tonight," Jess said. "Told her you'd be visitin' with some friends for a day or so, which is true." He smiled.

"Jess, I have to tell you something," Kathryn looked sheepish. "I know we said we'd tell Elizabeth first, before anyone else. But I'm sure she's already asleep. And I'm so excited and so happy, I'm just about to burst. I don't think I can wait to share our news with the family."

"Yeah, I'm feelin' the same way. And I was thinkin'… if we get it out of our systems now, we'll be more patient and calm explainin' it all to Elizabeth tomorrow."

Kathryn smiled and nodded. Jess helped her down from the buckboard, and took her hand, leading the way toward the house.

Everyone had already eaten supper. Daisy had tucked Elizabeth into her bed, and Mike had fallen sound asleep on the couch by the window, oblivious to all sounds. Slim always joked that a freight train could be running through the room and Mike would sleep right through the commotion.

Jess opened the door and entered, holding the door for Kathryn as she came in, holding his hand.

"Evenin'," Jess said, accompanied by Kathryn's "Hello, everyone."

Greetings and plenty of smiles welcomed them.

Daisy and Jonesy sat in rocking chairs by the fireplace, she with her knitting, he with the newspaper. Slim and Andy looked up from their checkers game at the dining table.

"Nice evenin' out there," Slim said.

"It is," Kathryn replied happily. "Daisy, thank you for watching Elizabeth and getting her settled for the night."

"It's my pleasure. She's just adorable."

"How 'bout some coffee, Jess? I was just about to fetch some for m'self," Jonesy said, rising from his chair.

"Sure," Jess answered. He guided Kathryn toward the dining table.

"Anybody else?" Jonesy asked.

"I'll take some," Slim replied. "Let's take a break, Andy. Next move'll be yours in a bit."

Andy nodded.

"And I'll get some lemonade in case anyone just wants a cool drink." Daisy said.

Daisy promptly returned with the pitcher of lemonade, followed by Jonesy with a large tray holding the coffeepot, cups and glasses.

Jess and Kathryn were still standing beside the table, seeming too antsy to sit. Daisy smiled at the fact that they were also still holding hands. So close to each other, a piece of paper couldn't slip between them, she thought, glad for the obvious comfort the couple felt with each other. She set the pitcher on the table.

As Jonesy began pouring, he couldn't help but notice that Jess and Kathryn hadn't stopped smiling since they came in the door. "You two are lookin' mighty pleased about somethin'."

"As a matter of fact," Jess said, "there's a good reason for that, Jonesy." He let Kathryn's hand slip out of his left hand, put his left arm around her, and then took up her right hand again in his right. Their eyes met, and they smiled as Jess made the announcement.

"I asked Kate to marry me."

Kathryn looked to the happy faces at the table. "And I said yes."

"Finally," Jess muttered under his breath, flashing a crooked grin at her.

She wrinkled her nose with a teasing smirk back at him as a chorus of congratulations rang out.

"Oh, I'm so thrilled for you!" Daisy exclaimed. "And for us too, to have you and Elizabeth join our family!" She hugged first Kathryn and then Jess, clinging to her "son" a bit longer, with joyful tears forming in her eyes.

"Mighty happy for ya both," Andy said, standing to stretch across the table for a handshake with Jess and nodding pleasantly to Kathryn.

"I knew a special gal would grab hold o' your heart one day, boy," Jonesy said, patting Jess on the back. "Sure glad to have you and the young 'un here, Miz Kathryn."

Slim gave Kathryn a hug, "You're the right one for him, Kathryn. And he'll be a great husband to you."

She smiled up at him. "I know he will."

Then Slim turned to Jess. He held out his hand and as Jess grasped it, Slim pulled him in for a hug, pounding him on the back. "I couldn't be happier for ya, pard."

"Thanks, Slim."

"Well, let's all sit and you can tell us about your plans," Daisy said, "if you've talked about dates or anything yet."

Jess held a chair for Kathryn, then took a seat beside her. "Haven't got that far in our thinkin' yet, Daisy. But it can't be quick enough for me."

Kathryn looked lovingly at him. "And I can't wait to be Mrs. Jess Harper."

She turned to the group. "We'll tell Elizabeth about it sometime tomorrow and give her a bit of time to understand what's happening. But I know she'll be thrilled." She turned to Daisy. "I'd be very appreciative if you'd help me plan the wedding, Daisy."

"Oh! I would be honored!"

The next day dawned sunny and bright. Kathryn dressed herself and Elizabeth in riding clothes and met Jess outside at the corral. He'd saddled a horse for Kathryn and Traveller for himself and Elizabeth. He mounted, and Kathryn held Elizabeth. The child reached her arms up to Jess eagerly, and he lifted her from Kathryn and situated her in front of him. They rode to a nice meadow and dismounted for a picnic.

After lunch, as they all sat together on a picnic blanket in the grass, Kathryn began. "Elizabeth, do you remember when you and I went to my friend's wedding a few months ago? And I explained to you that Ruth and Charles were getting married, and they would now become their very own family?"

"Yes, I remember. Ruth looked like the princess in my storybook!"

Jess smiled at Kathryn, then at his daughter. "Well, Elizabeth, your mama's gonna look like a princess too."

Kathryn added, "Jess and I are going to be married. And the three of us—you, Jess and I—will become a family."

Elizabeth's eyes grew wide. "And will we all live together, happily ever after?"

"Yes, we will," Kathryn replied, patting her daughter's hand and looking at Jess.

"Oh! That will be wonderful!" Elizabeth exclaimed. She gave her mother a quick hug and then threw her arms around Jess with such force it almost knocked him backwards with the motion.

He laughed and steadied himself, wrapping her in a warm hug.

"When?" Elizabeth asked.

"Very soon." Kathryn gazed lovingly at Jess.

Elizabeth jumped up from Jess's arms, hopping around and talking excitedly about weddings and flowers and cake as Kathryn and Jess chuckled. Then Jess reached an arm around Kathryn's shoulders and pulled her close. "I reckon it's okay to do this in front of her now, ain't it?" he whispered. At Kathryn's welcoming smile, he gently kissed her lips.

Kathryn looked to her daughter. Elizabeth had seen the kiss and was sitting still, smiling, but looking very pensive.

Jess noticed too. "Somethin' on your mind, hon?"

Elizabeth quietly asked, "When you marry Mama, will you be my Papa?"

Jess glanced at Kathryn, raising his eyebrows. They had talked about this. Kathryn nodded. Jess turned his attention back to Elizabeth.

"I am your papa. Already," he said gently. "And you can start callin' me that right now." He smiled at her.

Again, Elizabeth threw her arms around him. She laid her head on his shoulder, whispering "Papa. Papa."

Jess drew Kathryn to him again. He couldn't believe it. How could this much happiness come his way? He smiled at a thought that entered his mind. I don't remember dyin'. But I guess I must have. 'Cause I'm sure 'nuff in heaven.

The next few days passed in blissful contentment for Jess. He and Kathryn discussed possible wedding dates and guests to invite. Jess figured Kathryn would want a big wedding in Denver, but she surprised him by declaring she'd prefer a simple ceremony right there at the ranch, with just family and a few close friends in attendance. As they strolled after supper one evening, he asked her, "Is it gonna bother not to walk down an aisle with your ma here to see ya? Do ya want'a wait till she gets here?"

"Oh, no, I can't wait that long! By the time we'd get word to her, and she'd sail to the U.S. from London and then take the train out west… oh, my. It could take three or four months. And she may not be able to come anyway. I don't know if she could leave my grandmother; I don't know how well she's feeling now."

Jess frowned. "Ain't your ma got a visit planned already?" He remembered that first evening, when Elizabeth had said she missed her grandmother. "I thought you'd said you'd be seein' her soon."

"Well, yes, we had planned to see her soon. Jess, can we sit down somewhere and talk about this?"

He took her by the hand and guided her to a bench at the far side of the house under some shade trees, near where the children's swing hung from a larger tree. They sat down, and he waited patiently, looking at her face, curious and a bit nervous about what she wanted to tell him.

Kathryn sighed. "Everything has changed since we arrived here and I saw you. Originally, when Elizabeth and I got back to Denver, my plan was to make some final arrangements for shipment of some belongings, and then Elizabeth and I were going to New York, and then to London. We were going to move there and live with Mother and my grandmother."

Jess's surprise showed in his eyes. He sat quietly, brow furrowed, letting this revelation soak in.

Kathryn studied his reaction and quickly added, "But now, Jess, my plan is… well… You. Here. Wyoming. Us. Our family." She smiled and hugged his arm, laying her head on his shoulder.

He placed his hand under her chin, encouraging her to look up at him. "That's a mighty big change in plans, in a mighty quick span of time," he murmured.

His eyes, suddenly filled with diffidence, searched hers. "Are ya… sure, Kate? Are ya sure this is what ya want?"

He knew he had to ask, but he was both hopeful and terrified of what the answer might be.

She smiled warmly. "Absolutely. You are what I want. My life is wherever you are. Being with you is what I need. It's all that matters now."

Reassured, he took her in his arms and kissed her. "Ya have to let your ma know. Ya need to send her a letter right away. How soon was she expectin' ya?"

"We have passage booked on a ship in late August. I'll send a letter into Laramie with the stage soon. And they can post it from there. I should have thought of it sooner. But I've been rather... preoccupied." She smiled at him, placed her hand on his chest, and kissed him passionately.