AN: In response to the recent inquiry over the slower updates, there are two reasons. First is that I'm not able to do a copy paste from the Word app on my phone to the site without picking up the HTML code, so I have to get out the computer which I don't do very much of anymore. Second and the primary reason is that I changed something in later chapters that would have an effect on previous ones, so I had to go back and reread/edit about 10 chapters worth of content to get things corrected. It took more than one pass to catch everything, but I think I have it correct now. With my apologies, here is the next chapter. I'm starting on 28 so there is still quite a bit to come. Not sure how this spun so far out of control, but I'll see it through.

Ch. 17

Henry saw the trio coming over the hill on horseback. Cady had texted him and invited him over. Not sure why, he figured he would find out soon enough. Since Walt and Vic had started seeing one another, Walt had called him and asked for some time to talk. They decided to go to one of their campsites for a night out under the stars. Walt finally told him everything about what happened with Martha and her final request. He had been hard on Walt at times, not knowing the extent of the strain Walt was under. They both offered apologies and forgiveness and regained their easy camaraderie.

He was shocked that Walt actually talked to him in depth about everything. Usually it was a few sentences followed by several beers and silent contemplation. It seems that young Victoria was a good influence on him. It also seems that he underestimated her. He never would have guessed that she would have the wisdom her gifts to Walt and Cady exemplified. It never crossed his mind that the quick tempered, excitable deputy could have such consideration for Walt's needs or such respect for his past. He had encouraged Walt to pursue Lizzie since she was so obviously trying to snag the sheriff's attention. While his intentions were good, it became clear to him how uncomfortable Walt was about and around Lizzie. At first, he thought it was just being single again after so many years. But seeing the easy rapport between him and Vic on the job and off, he knew that Walt had his sights set on a different woman even if Walt didn't at the time.

Henry strode over to Vic's horse and helped her down. He handed the reins off to Walt and glanced over to Vic.

"Your horsemanship is improving, I see."

"It helps having my own horse to work with."

"It does help to have a horse. The rider and horse have a chance to form a bond. Given enough time and attention, the bond between a horse and their caretaker can be quite strong."

"It's good to see you, Henry. I know I've been monopolizing Walt's spare time. I hope it's not creating a problem for you two."

"While I do not see Walt as much as I used to, I cannot say that I am sorry he is no longer spending his spare time propped up at the bar or on his porch drinking."

Henry held out the crook of his elbow for her as they walked back to the cabin.

"I would like to speak to you about something, if I may."

"Uh-oh! Is it time for my 'you better not hurt Walt' speech?"

He smiled at her comment.

"I do not think that is necessary considering the positive effect you have had on him."

They sat down on the porch together, looking out over the open land before them. The setting sun bathed the countryside in a beautiful golden glow.

"I wanted to take a moment to say thank you, Vic."

She gave him a curious look.

"For what?"

"For many things. For what you did for Walt and Cady. For what you did for Martha, though you never knew her. For helping Walt through a most difficult time. For speaking your mind. For wanting to slug Mathias. I could go on, but I will not for now."

She rose her eyebrow at the statement about Mathias.

"He told you about Mathias?"

"In great detail. You impressed him that day."

"I doubt that losing my temper and charging an officer of the law impressed anyone, especially Walt."

"And you would be wrong. Though he had to pull you away, he told me that he knew he could trust you after that. That you had his back."

"Really. I didn't know that. Usually my temper gets me into trouble."

"I think that is true for everyone. What you have done for Walt, teaching him to open up more and actually articulate his thoughts and feelings, has helped him a great deal. He and I were finally able to talk about everything that happened with Martha, her plea to lie to Cady and the fallout from that decision. I judged him harshly, not having the complete story, and apologized to him. I believe we will be better friends now."

"I hope so Henry. You're his brother. His family. The man he trusts to take care of Cady in his stead. If you haven't already told him, I think he would probably like to know what your part was in Cady's decision to move home. It was a bit of a sore spot for him as he spoke about it. I think he'll be able to understand it better now that he had emerged from the haze of grief."

"Ah. Yes I believe I overheard him say he didn't need a babysitter in a drunken stupor once or twice. Perhaps it would be good to clear the air on that point."

Henry marveled at the woman before him. So young and yet so wise in many ways.

"So what made you think of the two gifts you gave to them."

She shrugged, as if what she did was no big deal.

"My family is Italian, so we are loud, passionate, and proud people. My four brothers and father are all officers of the law. It's always been difficult for me to fit in, to be heard, to not be dismissed because I'm the baby girl of the family. When I turned in a cop for being corrupt, they all closed ranks and basically disowned me for going against a fellow cop. I have no one I can confide in or trust at home. I heard one of the fights Walt had with Cady and it hit pretty close to home for me. I didn't want that for them, so when I realized they were too stubborn to do anything I intervened."

She took a deep breath and continued.

"I thought by getting out of Wyoming together and having to spend a week with one another, they would have to either talk or be miserable. It's easy to maintain silence when you are physically apart from the other person. Not so easy when you're cooped up together."

"That is true. And the second gift?"

"That one took longer. Walt mentioned Martha when I asked him about finding the land for the cabin. Then he cringed, as if he wasn't supposed to speak about her. She was part of his life for so many years. Of course it would come up. They had a daughter. A home. A life together. I don't mind hearing about Martha. In fact, I asked him to share stories with me so I could get a sense of who she was and who they were together. He told me about the ashes, stories about their life together and showed me some keepsakes he had kept over the years. When I saw the program from the funeral and yet he still had her ashes in the cabin, I thought it might help to have a marker to remember her by. He was so upset by the lies of her death, I thought it would be healing for people to know and acknowledge the truth and honor her memory. So I did some research and had the stone made, so Cady and Walt could figure out what they wanted to do."

"It provided healing and closure for many whose lives were touched by her, knowing the truth of her death and the burden carried by Walt. It put his actions into perspective for those who were critical of him. It is not often a man receives a life changing gift, and yet you have given Walt two of them."

Vic nodded at him and smiled.

"It seemed to help Walt and Cady a great deal to have somewhere they could honor her memory and mark occasions together."

"Thank you for all you've done for Walt and Cady. They both mean a great deal to me and I am overjoyed that their relationship and bond is stronger now than it has ever been. I would hope that at the very least, you would consider me your friend. As far as I'm concerned, though, you are now my family also."

He took her hand in his and held it tight.

"Thank you, Henry. That means the world to me. Someone once told me friends are the family you choose. You've shown me the truth of this statement. I hope one day I am able to show you this truth, also."

She rose up from the chair, so he did as well. She wrapped her arms around him and sniffled as she whispered her thanks to him.

"You already have, Vic."

They parted as the Longmire pair returned from tending to the horses. He noticed Walt's unspoken question at Vic's tears and Henry held up his hand indicating that she was fine. Vic and Cady both entered the cabin leaving the men alone.

"She okay, Henry?"

"Yes, I believe she was a bit overwhelmed by our discussion and my candor. I thanked her, of course, for what she did for you and Cady and several other things. I also told her that she was family now. She said friends are the family you choose. I believe that sentiment is true. I believe that is true of us."

"Thanks, Henry. It means a lot to me that you consider her family. I hope you know the same is true for you. She thinks very highly of you. Even before we were together, she spoke of her admiration of you."

"I must confess that I both misjudged and underestimated her when she showed up here in Durant."

"I think we all did Henry. I did. Sean did. Ferg and Branch did. Even Ruby did, though not quite as much. Several of Absaroka's less than upstanding citizens did. I suspect she's been dealing with that her entire life. Constantly having to prove herself."

"She mentioned something in our chat I would like to clear up. I hope you do not get upset with her for saying anything."

"If she mentioned it to you, then she probably thinks one or both of us have our heads up our asses about it."

Henry saw Walt's amusement and smiled himself. If he remembered correctly, that's what Vic had said about Walt and Cady.

"She said that I should explain how I was involved in Cady moving back here."

"Really? We only talked about it the one time. I had already made my peace with it based on her assessment."

"What did she say?"

"She didn't know that you're Cady's godfather. I told her that your priority should've been Cady. She agreed and then said that you must've been near panic to uproot her from her life. She also said you didn't strike her as a man that scared easily. Asked me why I thought you'd be driven to make that call. I know exactly why, I ashamed to say."

"It was not just one call, Walt. Cady called me on a regular basis to check up on you. The more you isolated yourself from me, the more she called. I did not have answers for her. That is when she asked me about coming back. You were not working, eating, or engaging with anyone. She flat out asked me if she should come home. I feared your grief would lead to your death, so I said yes."

"I'm sorry I put you in that position."

"Now that I know the whole story, I understand why it was so bad. I wish you would have confided in me, but things may have ultimately turned out differently. I know that you and Vic belong together. I am happy for you, Brother. And while we are speaking of your happiness, you have been carrying that ring around with you for months. Are you ever going to ask her?"

"I think the timing is right, now. But I really don't know what to do about the where. This place, my land, Durant and to an extent Wyoming, are all covered by Martha's shadow. Most of the meaningful moments Vic and I have shared away from my place or hers have revolved around work. I thought about taking her to Philly, but her past casts a long shadow there as well. No offense to you, but I don't want to do it at the Pony where I wallowed in grief as much as I did here. I'm at a loss, Henry."

"I can see how difficult it is to separate your past from the future."

"I considered doing it today, in the place where Martha ashes were scattered, but I knew that wouldn't be fair to Vic."

"You were wise not to follow that inclination. Even as good as Vic has been about your past, I do not think she could or should have forgiven that transgression. You cannot hope to have a future by chaining it to the ghosts of your past."

"Yeah."

"You will think of something, but do not wait too long. She is young and you are not so young. Why waste time?"

"I hear you. You've put up with a lot from me over the years. More than anyone should. Yet you're still here."

"I am not the only one who has had to put up with a lot."

They both nodded, acknowledging what went unsaid. They both looked over their shoulder as Cady and Vic came out with the beer. Henry smiled as Cady sat next to him and Vic sat across Walt's lap.

The next hour was spent catching up and laughing amongst themselves. Henry couldn't remember the last time he, Walt and Cady had spent so much time smiling.

"I must be leaving. The Red Pony does not run itself. Walt, we should make a habit of this."

"We should and we will."

He walked to where Walt and Vic were now standing. He hugged Vic and shook hands with Walt, before hugging Cady. As he turned the truck around and waved, he smiled. His family was happy once again and have added to their ranks. He could not be happier for them.