AN: This is a repost of the chapter, as a bunch of HTML code mucked things up when I did the copy/paste from Word on my new phone. Hopefully, this will be better done from a laptop. Thanks for reading and continuing this journey. It's kind of spun out of control. I'm working on Ch.25 so there's more to come. Have a great week!

Ch. 16

Walt opened his eyes and turned to his left, where Vic lay beside him. The morning light was still a smoky gray, blanketing the land in shadows before the sun rises above the horizon. A warm summer night last night, the curtains gently danced in the breeze moving through the cabin. He felt Vic's breath steadily caressing his collarbone, where she lay against him. Her skin warming his in the places where it met. The rise and fall of her chest beneath his arm. He was acutely aware of everything about her in the slumber of the land before dawn. It had been a year to the day since they first came together as lovers.

While not perfect, their relationship grew much stronger in the months following the last barrier between them being dismantled. They learned to communicate openly and honestly with their words and actions. Many nights were spent in the cabin before Vic finally agreed to move in during the fall after she took matters into her own hands. She knew Walt was stubborn, but never realized that Cady has the same stubborn streak as her father. Vic decided if her relationship with Walt was going to progress, she could no longer wait for the two pigheaded Longmires to kiss and make up.

Walt and Cady were surprised when they both opened an envelope at their respective work places that included a plane ticket, hotel reservations, a car rental and tickets to the home coming game of his alma mater. Both envelopes contained a note that he could recite by heart.

Walt and Cady,

If there's one thing I have learned since coming to Wyoming, besides that winters suck more here than on the East Coast, it's that you two aren't going to stop being pigheaded on your own. Therefore, I must intervene. You two will go to LA, will stay in the same room and will have a good time. Period. Please don't waste this opportunity. You two know more than most that life is unpredictable.

I don't beg, ever, but I will. Please. Please! Go on this trip. Talk to each other. Love each other.

Vic

Walt grinned as he remembered that week he spent with Cady. They were pigheaded for the first day, which is why she booked them the whole week he found out later. The second day, he told her everything. Cady cried and clung to him in her grief and solace at finally reconnecting. The third day, he took Cady to all the places he frequented while in college and shared stories that would amuse her. By day four, they were closer than they had ever been, with Cady opening up to him about how she felt with his absences and how she appreciated that the time he did spend with her, his focus was completely on her. Her memories of him, her mom and how they were together. The reasons she came back and the reasons she stayed in Durant. Her hopes for the future.

On day five, Cady finally asked the one thing they both had avoided. Why did Vic do this for them?

Flashback

They were propped up on their respective beds watching TV when Cady turned off the TV and shifted so she was looking at him.

"Dad?"

"Yeah, Punk."

"Why do you think Vic did this for us? I know she works for you, but it seems a little weird if I'm honest."

"She does work for, uh with me, and we've become partners and friends. After your mom died, I neglected my duties and was in a bad place. I finally decided to hire on a deputy to help and even though I didn't want to, I had to be the one to train her because she had more experience than Branch and Ferg combined. There's no way she would have stayed on if I put her with either of them after having been a homicide detective in Philly."

He paused and shifted his position so he could look at Cady directly. This was the perfect time to confide in his daughter about his feelings toward Vic. He continued his story.

"So I started going back to work on a regular basis and working with Vic. Showing her around, going over common calls, taking her to crime scenes and coaching her on extra precautions necessary because of the weather and wide open spaces here. She was chatty, fidgety, and had a foul mouth on her, but she was also incredibly smart, had a wicked sense of humor and actually taught me a thing or two. The biggest shock for me was that I was comfortable working with her. She wasn't fawning like Ferg or judging me like Branch. She was confident in her abilities, but not afraid to ask questions or admit when she was wrong. She complained a bit about our lack of technology, but she learned the old school techniques quickly. Everyone underestimated her, including me, but she held her own."

He could feel himself smiling at the memories.

"Did you know she went after Mathias? She probably would've slugged him if I hadn't literally pulled her away."

He laughed now and Cady laughed with him.

"You really think she would've hit him? What on earth did he do?"

"I honestly don't remember, but that was the day I realized that I could trust her and wanted her to be my partner."

"That still doesn't explain this trip."

"I know. I'm getting there. Once Vic and I had worked together for a few months, we began to cultivate a friendship that went beyond the boundaries of work. Cops, like soldiers, are a brotherhood of men and women. Partners that work together, put their lives on the line and their trust in one another. The bond of partners runs deep and they often think of each other as family. Everyday when you and your partner go into danger, you're saying to one another that I'll protect you even if it means taking a bullet for you. When you come back safely, you're letting your partner know if they need anything you'll be there for them. The night you came to my house after Fales told you about your mom, I was shaken and upset when you left. That was the first time you ever struck out at me. It was the first time your grief matched mine. It was the first time I honestly thought I would lose your love. I called Vic that night and she dropped everything to meet up with me at the station."

He saw the questioning look on Cady's face and could tell that she was still trying to piece things together. It was important to him that she know that they didn't have an affair and that his relationship with her had a foundation other than sexual attraction. She didn't need to know that Vic made him feel like a horny teenager.

"Why would she leave her husband at home to meet you?"

"Sean wasn't home with her very often and he wasn't home that night. I think she told me once he was gone 63.75% of the time since they moved to Wyoming from less than half that while in Philly. The fact that she calculated percentages told me it bothered her, but what she really complained about was the fact that he expected her to put her job on hold and be at his beck and call while he was home. He disparaged her career choice, constantly accused her of having an affair, and tried to bully her into quitting. He was out of town the night I called her. I let her know that it wasn't work related and that she didn't have to come if there was an issue. We met at the station so that it was neutral ground and private. I didn't think meeting at either of our houses was appropriate and I didn't want to have a discussion in public. My intention was to share what happened with you without any specifics so I could vent. You know she heard our argument at the office. I found out a few days before that she knew about you and Branch."

"Really? How?"

"She suspected, but didn't say anything to me until I asked her directly why she didn't. I think she was torn by her loyalty to me, respecting your privacy and what kind of damage telling me without knowing for sure could cause. Needless to say, she picked up quickly on the fact that you and I had another fight and that I wanted to talk to her. I inadvertently mentioned that your mom's death was my fault and of course she said it wasn't. I had heard that so many times and that time pushed me past my limit. I turned at yelled right in her face that your mom was murdered and then everything came out. The fact that I was supposed to go with her. The phone call I got from Denver PD. The agonizing drive to Denver racing against the clock. Her begging me not to tell you. Her last breath in my arms. I told her everything I couldn't tell you, or Henry or anyone else. All the pain, the secrets, the bottled up emotions; they all came out that night. She did more than just listen. She comforted me and made me feel secure. She wasn't embarrassed by my tears and she didn't think of me as weak. For the first time in my life, I didn't feel weak or ashamed for talking about how I felt or showing my emotions. I slept on my couch and she held vigil. My trust in Vic as my friend was complete."

He watched his daughter as she absorbed this new information. He wondered if she were going to be upset that he told Vic everything. He wondered if she would ask why he didn't feel comfortable with showing his emotions with her mother.

"It must've been a relief to finally confide in someone."

"It was. A couple weeks later Vic showed up at the station one night. I was making a night of it in my chair, as I've done far too often and heard her come in. When she didn't do or say anything, I went to find her. I found her on the cot in the cell cradling her hand on a bag of frozen peas. She had a run in with Sean and punched a wall instead of him. He was screaming in her face and raised his hand to her. She managed to keep her head and not touch him knowing he would report her to put her job in jeopardy. It was that night that I finally admitted to myself that I was falling for her even though she was married. Of course, I didn't tell her or do anything that would compromise her or her marriage."

He saw Cady's eyes widen, but whether it was because of the violence in Vic's marriage or his own revelation of falling in love with a married woman he didn't know. Probably both.

"She punched a wall?"

"Yep. She's a brawler. Was raised that way. They basically raised her as another son."

"That's messed …wait! Did you say you were falling for her while she was still married?"

"Uh, yeah. I'm not proud of it and I never acted on it. I never told her. I fought it. Tried to talk myself out of it, but there was, there is a connection between us. From the time she walked in the office for the interview, I knew my life was going to change. I could have refused to hire her, but she was by far the best deputy candidate to walk through the door in 40 years. I let Lucian look over her resume and he agreed with that assessment."

"Seriously?"

"Yep. She brought a level of experience to the job a small outfit like this doesn't usually get because of the limited pay and resources. She was a detective from Philadelphia. Studied ballistics. Worked undercover. Decorated for her work. Absaroka has never seen anything like her. Sure plenty of people learned the ropes and some excelled, like me. Some didn't. I had to hire her. Even in the state I was in I could see that."

"So you weren't kidding about her teaching you. I thought you were just being nice."

"No Punk. I wasn't being nice. At any rate, I knew I couldn't hire her and continue phoning it in. It was time for me to get my act together. And I tell you, it wasn't easy, but she made it a little less difficult. She disrupted everything. Routines, quiet, town gossips, the office, the Pony, and anywhere else she went. Not afraid to be herself, she had everyone buzzing. She would fidget endlessly with the radio in the Bronco, grumbling about the lack of stations and the lack of a radio without blue something or other."

He smirked when Cady rolled her eyes. Somethings didn't change.

"Bluetooth, Dad."

"Yeah, that. I started to look forward to going to work, at first just to see what she would do next. Then it was because I started slacking again and let me have it. After that, it was because I enjoyed working with her. It felt like I'd known her for much longer than a couple weeks. Anyway, Shortly after the incident with Sean, Vic and I both acknowledged that there was a 'thing' between us, but she needed to sort things out with Sean first. I ended it with Lizzie and Sean handed her divorce papers and declared he was moving to Australia. He ran into me on the way out of town."

Walt felt his anger toward Sean rising again. He never got to say his piece about the way he treated Vic or spoke about her. His thoughts drifted to what he wanted to do to that little pissant.

"Dad?"

"Huh?"

"What did he do? You're obviously still angry about it."

"He talked about her like she was property. Said some cruel, insulting things about her I won't repeat. He didn't love her, Punk."

"But you do…"

His eyes snapped back to hers and he knew that she had put most of it together.

"Yeah, I do. We've both had some healing to do, but we're finding our way with one another. I asked her to move in with me."

The surprise on Cady's face was expected. He waited patiently for her next question, knowing what it would be.

"Has she?"

"No."

Again surprise from Cady.

"May I ask why not?"

"When I asked her, she said she would prefer we postpone that step until my relationship with you was on more stable ground. That while we didn't need your approval, we certainly would like to have it and that wasn't possible with so much acrimony between us. Vic felt as if she would be another source of tension between us. She also didn't want you to feel like she was trying to replace your mother or barging her way into your life. While I didn't like the delay, I knew she was right. This gift of time was in her words 'so we would get our heads out of our asses'. It was 3 months, I think, from the time I asked her to move in and now. I'm sure she was tired of our relationship being on hold, but more than that it hurt her that we were at odds. She didn't want the contentious nature of her family relations to be mirrored in my own."

"I don't know what to say, Dad. I could tell that you weren't comfortable around Lizzie so I never gave it a second thought. I knew you liked Vic, but never dreamt you would be with someone like her. She's the total opposite of mom, not much older than me and she's so butch at times. I guess I never thought she would be attractive to you as a woman."

Cady paused, as if to choose her words carefully. He waited quietly, having never been in this position before. He wanted Vic, but he didn't want to have to choose between a lover and a daughter. He couldn't. He was both a man and a father.

"You know…this gift says a great deal about what kind of person Vic is, but more than that I think it shows exactly how she feels about you. I'm shocked that she is willing to put her needs on hold so you can tend to your own. I'm not sure I can be completely comfortable with this, as we've never had to do this whole you dating someone thing before, but I'll try to get to know her better. At least I know that her love for you is genuine."

"I think she'd like that, Punk. I really do. And it means a lot to me that you're willing to make an effort. I loved your mom and I will always have her memory in my heart. Vic is part of my present and future. She respects our past and has never asked me to hide that or censor myself when speaking of your mom. She's even asked me to share memories with her so she could gain a sense of who she was and who we were together."

"Really? I would've thought a girlfriend would've been threatened by your past."

"Lizzie was. By Martha's memory and Vic's presence in my life as a deputy and friend."

They both startled as there was a knock on the door. Walt got up to answer it and was greeted by a hotel employee with an envelope. He took it and shut the door.

"What is it, Dad?"

"I'm not sure. That's Vic's writing."

He opened the letter and held it where they both could read it.

Walt and Cady,

Now that you have had the opportunity to clear the air and start on the path to healing, I have one more gift for you. If you're still at one another's throats, then put the second envelope away until you two are on the mend. If you have forgiven one another, then please accept this final gift. If you feel I've overstepped, I won't be offended. To accept or not is up to the both of you.

Vic.

He handed the letter to Cady and opened the second envelope. Inside was a picture of a stone that had been laser engraved with a picture of him, Martha and Cady, along with the inscription "Devoted wife, loving mother". It was bordered in Jade and Agate, both found in Wyoming. It was gorgeous. Beneath the picture she wrote, "Honor the past together. We'll have the stone put wherever you both decide you want it."

Walt felt his tears and for the first time in front of Cady, he cried. For her. For Martha. For himself. Cady's arms held him and he felt her crying as well. After their crying spell they both took turns to freshen up. It occurred to him that Vic had used the same inscription that was on the funeral program. They had a service, but it was shrouded in lies and her remains weren't laid to rest. Vic must have remembered it from the keepsakes he showed her. Cady sat next to him again on the edge of the bed and took his hand in his.

"Dad. Are you ok with this?"

"I'm more than ok with this. I know we had the so called funeral, but it never felt like a proper goodbye without acknowledging the truth of her death. I'd like to have a memorial service, where we acknowledge what happened and celebrate her memory our way. I want you to help me decide what to do and where. Ok Punk?"

"I'd be happy to. Of course."

He released her hand to embrace her and tuck her into his side.

"Hey Dad?"

"Hmm."

"Will you let Vic know I don't have a problem with her moving in?"

"She's not doing this to gain your approval, Punk."

"I know. That's why she has it. Underneath all that sass and brass, she's got a heart of gold."

End Flashback

He felt Vic stir beside him.

"I can hear you thinking, Walt."

"I am. About the way that you helped Cady and I mend fences and have closure with Martha. No one has ever done anything so meaningful for me. Ever."

"You've already thanked me a dozen different ways, but you're welcome."

"I mean it Vic."

Vic rose up and lay herself on top of his body, resting her chin on her folded arms, gazing into his eyes.

"I know you do. I'm just glad you and Cady finally stopped being so damn stubborn. And I'm glad you were able to give Martha the service she deserved and that everyone knew the truth so you didn't have to lie anymore."

"I wanted you to be there, you know."

"It didn't feel right. I didn't know her at all and most everyone else knew her all her life or at least for several years. Cady and Henry were at your side as it should've been. I didn't want anyone holding back because they thought it would upset me."

He nodded, holding her gaze. His fingers trailed through her hair, careful not to pull through any knots. It felt like silk to his calloused hands.

"Cady and I were going to ride out there today. Will you come with us?"

"I don't know, Walt. I don't belong there."

"Vic, no one else will be there. Cady and I both want to share this with you, the person who made it possible. Please?"

He felt her drop a kiss above his heart.

"If that's what you both want, I would be honored."

"We do. I do. I want you to know you are welcome and wanted by my side for everything now. I understand why you didn't want to go to the service, but there's no reason for you to stay away from her place of remembrance or anything else. Ok?"

"Mmmhmmm."

Walt pulled her up level with him and kissed her soundly.

"As much as I want to stay here with you in bed, Cady will be here soon with breakfast. Time to move."

He smacked her ass and got a glare and a bit nipple for his trouble. He would definitely take his revenge later. They shifted effortlessly in the bathroom as they went through their morning routine. He caught her eye in the mirror while he was shaving and winked at her. He knew that she liked it when he shaved on a regular basis.

As they were getting out plates and putting on the coffee, Cady showed up with some food from the Red Pony. They ate together, then Walt went to prepare the horses while the girls took care of cleaning up. He spoke in dulcet tones to the horses as he worked with them. He had always found peace when around the horses. There was a simple pleasure to work you didn't have to think about. A rhythm that allowed one's mind to ponder the mysteries of life or to just be without thinking of anyone or anything but the task at hand. Not having a TV or cell phone was part of maintaining the solitude and tranquility he found here. A way to help him keep from becoming complacent about the beauty surrounding him.

He heard Vic and Cady approaching as he went in to get the last horse. He had broached the subject of riding with Cady and Vic. Offered to purchase two more horses if they wanted to ride on a regular basis. Since then, it has become a regular occurrence for them. He and Cady are much closer now than they had ever been thanks, in part, to Vic. Learning to open up to Vic was a process that had started the night he called her about his confrontation with Cady. Once he realized that Vic wouldn't judge him, it became easier to open up to her each time. He found the same to be true of his relationship with Cady. The trip was the catalyst for their communication and healing and now they were open and honest with one another.

"Alright then, let's get moving."

They all mounted their horses and set out for the hillside where he and Martha had begun their life together and where her memory was finally commemorated properly. His thoughts meandered through the wonderful moments from his past and present. He has been blessed with the love of two good women in his lifetime and was grateful for both of them. As they came upon the site, they all slowed and dismounted. Walt had built tie offs for the horses so they each could graze without being on top of the others. He had also built benches so anyone who came out here could sit comfortably. His eyes watched Vic as it was her first time out here to see what had been done. He reached out to steady Vic as she came down from her horse and leaned in to whisper in her ear.

"I'm glad you're here, Vic."

"It's beautiful here."

He wrapped her in his embrace and kissed her cheek. He released her and threaded their fingers together, walking over to the benches. He positioned them so that they would face westward for the setting sun. The three of them sat and took in the view. Walt saw Cady move and watched her with curiosity as she pulled an envelope out of her bag.

"Vic, I've been meaning to thank you for everything you've done for me and Dad. Nothing seems adequate to convey how I feel, but I think I finally came close."

Cady held out the envelope to her. Vic hesitated a beat before accepting it.

"Go ahead and read it now."

Walt eyes were locked with Cady's, who nodded to his unspoken question. He glanced down and read the note.

Vic,

I've never had to handle my dad being a single man. I didn't know how I felt about it, especially since we were estranged when you two started coming together as more than friends and coworkers. Because my dad and I were at odds, I never really made an effort to get to know you and for that I'm sorry.

I have to say that I was shocked when you sent us on the trip to LA and blown away by the thoughtfulness behind the memorial stone for my Mom. You've given me two precious gifts for which I'm eternally grateful. It takes a special person to sacrifice their happiness so that others may find their own. I never realized how close you and my Dad had become before the trip. Based on your gift and what he shared with me, I could tell that your love for my Dad was and is pure and selfless.

We've gotten to know each other better in the months since the trip, but we've never really discussed how I feel about your relationship with him. It's uncomfortable to think of him as a man with needs, rather than just Dad. Please understand that while it's uncomfortable, I know that you make him happy and I don't have any concerns or resentment to your role in his life or mine. You have been more than gracious in how you have handled the memory of my Mom.

Thank you for caring about me. Thank you for making room for our memories of my Mom. Most of all, thank you for loving my dad. We are both better people because of you.

Cady

Walt glanced over at Vic who had tears gathering in her eyes. He pulled out the handkerchief that she had given back to him and handed it to her. Walt stood up and pulled Vic to her feet while beckoning Cady to come to them as well. He embraced both women as they exchanged hugs and thanks.

Walt sat between Vic and Cady, taking in the scenery. His mind wandered through his memories of this place; the wedding, the picnics, spreading her ashes, building the benches and the honest service that was long overdue. He also thought about Vic and how she had snuck past his defenses to become his partner, friend and lover. He had already bought a ring for her, knowing he wanted to be with her for the rest of his life. He decided to have it custom made. The fact that they both chose jade for their custom gifts is just another reason why he believes they belong together. He wanted to ask her now, but it wouldn't be fair to her to propose here in the shadow of his marriage and a good part of his life. He's carried the ring with him since he asked her to move in a small silk bag. He's been trying to figure out the perfect place to ask her, but the moments they've shared have been at work mostly and the rest of Durant is covered in Martha's shadow. He thought about taking her home to Philly, but her old life casts a long shadow there as well. He's got to come up with something soon or he will end up proposing to her in his boxers and a 3 day beard at the cabin.

They decided to head back. He had Cady text Henry to meet them at the house. It's been a while since they've had time to spend together with him and Cady being at odds and his time out of work being tied up with Vic. He knew Vic and Henry were cordial, but he'd like them to be closer since he considered them both family.

He saw Henry wave and approach Vic's horse to help her down, so he trotted up and took the horse's lead.

"I'll bring her back to the barn. You and Henry can catch up."

Vic waved to him and Cady as they turned toward the barn.

TBC