A Reconstructed Purpose

Two months had passed since Arthur paid for the five acres. He and John decided on the name Mountain Man Ranch, which was code for "Morgan/Marston Ranch". They figured just because Dutch wasn't around, the law wouldn't stop looking for his old associates.

Arthur and John and Sadie had begun working on a fence for the perimeter of their land. Once the fence had been completed, they went into town to invest in some livestock. Soon after, they began building their barn and horse fence. Arthur and John spent many longs days constructing their barn, not having yet fully adjusted to their new pace of life.

Abigail was loving it. They were starting the life she's always wanted—having a family that lives off their own land and produces. Sadie was readjusting to the slower pace she once knew, and found it easier with Arthur by her side. The two had been sweet on each other since their night in Valentine. This made Abigail all the more happy.

Once the barn was completed and all their livestock was in the ranch, the day to day work wasn't too demanding, but John was itching to use his pistol every now and then. Arthur felt similar to John, but was better at neglecting such desires.

"Y'know, a bounty every once in a while wouldn't hurt nobody." John told Arthur one day while they were milking the cows.

"It'd hurt Abigail, that's fo' sure." said Arthur, hoping he wouldn't have to fight the point much more.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for this new life we've given ourselves… I just, miss the rush sometimes, y'know?"

"I know," said Arthur, "I know exactly what you mean." The two worked in silence for a moment, then Arthur said, "Tell you what... we finish this house, and we bring this up to the women. A little side money wouldn't hurt."

"Deal." said John eagerly.

Two more months had passed (four since the land was purchased) and Arthur and John were nearing the completion of their new home. Between managing their livestock, crops, and building the house, they kept themselves busy. They decided to leave the smaller house intact, not entirely sure what they were gonna do with it.

"Y'know, we could use a man like Charles for a job like this," said Arthur, "One of the toughest and loyal men I ever met."

"Yeah, and maybe we could look for Uncle too." retorted John. Both men began to laugh.

It was a hot summer day when the house was completed. John insisted that Arthur hammer in the last nail, and after he did Sadie entangled him with a tight embrace.

"I'm proud of you, Arthur Morgan," she told him just before kissing him. "Even if you can be a great fool at times."

Then suddenly Abigail put her arms around John, saying, "You've done it, you wonderful man!"

That afternoon they spent moving their belongings from the small house to their newly built one. Sadie and Abigail spent most of the afternoon decorating the house and moving furniture around while John and Arthur went out for a hunt. They were itching for a change of scenery.

"Y'know, I been thinkin'… to risk this life we've made, this life of security and low risk, for a couple bounties that don't pay too much… seems a bit foolish the more I think on it." Arthur told John, who had been following some deer tracks.

"What's life without some risk, Arthur?" questioned John, hoping Arthur would understand. "I know what we got Arthur, I ain't tryna lose it either, I just don't see us farming the rest of our lives is all."

"Perhaps a career in the law then…" responded Arthur sarcastically.

"Ha, yeah, and why don't I try for Sheriff while I'm at it!" Laughed John. Although he spent a considerable amount of time with Arthur since they got the land, he was happy to be back in the woods with him, like they did so many years ago.

Arthur and John carried back a deer and a couple of rabbits from their hunt. They skinned the animals and began cooking them.

When they entered the house, it felt far less empty than when they had left that afternoon. The furniture the ladies liked from the smaller house was spread throughout the new house. The larger, one story home had four bedrooms and an attic. The common area was considerably bigger, and even had its own kitchen. Sadie had moved her and Arthur's stuff into their room.

After dinner, Abigail and Sadie sat by the fire in the common room. Both women grew to enjoy each others company-Sadie felt herself more of an outdoorsman as opposed to an indoor wife, but she didn't mind living both worlds. She did in fact do most of the hunting when the men were constructing their ranch to what it now was. After all, both Sadie and Abigail weren't technically married women. She found Abigail's company comforting, and although she could tell Arthur anything, Abigail could relate to her issues on a different level.

"I know the change of pace hasn't been to easy on the men, especially Arthur," Sadie confided in Abigail, "I know they try their best to make the most of it... I just know that if I miss the high speed life, them boys must be missing it too. It was their life and purpose for so long."

Abigail looked at Sadie and held her arm, saying, "We've created a new one for ourselves. I have no doubt that John is missing it, but this-this is what will give us a future. The three of us and you two..." Abigail stopped for a moment, noticing a smile from Sadie, "This is what matters."

"I-I never thought I'd have this again," Sadie said softly, "A house I could grow old in, a partner that I could love, a life that would be worth living... I know my Jakey would be proud. I know he wouldn't want me sad and angry the rest of my life." She began to tear up, and Abigail held her as the two ladies watched the firewood burn.

The moon was bright over the plains. Jack was outside with the men, but decided to go in and read his book in the quiet.

"I think I'd be lyin' if I said part of me don't miss what we had, before it all went to shit." John told Arthur. Both men had been sitting outside, as they usually did after dinner. They enjoyed looking over what they had built for themselves. It was a reminder that they had the chance to really start over.

Arthur, who took a particular interest in watching the grass blow under the moonlight, said, "I reckon you'd be a fool if you didn't feel somethin'... Some days go by where I don't really pay it any thought. Other days, I have the most detailed thought of what Hosea may have told me, or what song Javier was playing by the campfire. Those that ain't with us, they ain't ever really gone."

It grew quiet between the two. They could hear Sadie and Abigail talking inside. "Best we can do," Arthur continued, "is live the life they never really had the chance to live. Being loyal to what really matters this time." John had been looking at Arthur with understanding. He opened the whiskey that was sitting between them, and each took a swig.

As the night grew colder, John retreated into the house where Abigail laid asleep in their room. Arthur decided to turn in for the night, only to find Sadie awake and unable to sleep. Her hair looked out of sorts and she seemed troubled. "Arthur, I've—I've just had a terrible dream. It was so real, I just—" she said. Arthur made his way to her, taking ahold of her hands.

"Sadie, darlin', it was only a dream. I'm here with you. It's ok—"

"Promise me, Arthur, you won't go and do something stupid and risk what we've built… that you won't risk what we have… at least not without my help."

"You have my word, Mrs. Adler." Arthur said softly. He kissed her hand, put the blanket over her, and blew out the candle.

Thanks for reading chapter five! John and Arthur trying to live their best lives as ranchers kept a smile on my face. Stay tuned for part six!