NOTE: This is the end of my current story, but I haven't finished with the Dannon sisters yet. I've already started the sequel. It's called "One Way Home…" I'll be posting the first chapter in the not too distant future. If you enjoyed this story, I hope you will continue on with the next one.
Chapter 13 - Journey Back to Four Corners…
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After Sarah and Vin's wedding, life in Four Corners returned to its somewhat normal, dusty backwater routine. The Seven continued to protect the town and its residents from those less desirable trying to rob or make general trouble for everyone.
The biggest difference was the growing fame of the Standish Tavern, thanks in part to the music put on by Rebecca and Sarah. Their performances continued to pack the saloon on the nights they sang. Their fame was spreading, bringing more and more people to hear them.
Rebecca was almost in her ninth month and was finding it difficult to get around especially on the nights she and Sarah would perform. The constant struggle of holding onto her guitar and playing it frustrated her. She told her sister she was beginning to feel like a whale.
Sarah felt for her, suggesting maybe it was time to put everything on hold until her baby was born. Rebecca was considering that strongly.
For now, the sister's cut back on the number of shows they did perform. Having that extra time, Rebecca taught herself how to knit finding it to be an enjoyable activity. Because of her size, her back had begun to trouble her so Ezra found a very comfortable, overstuffed armchair for her to use. She was so grateful and the stool he also purchased help with her swollen feet. She laughed at the thought of how utterly domesticated she had become.
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As the time approached for her to have the baby, Rebecca started to become nervous. It suddenly occurred to her, that women of this time faced the real possibility of dying or losing the baby in child birth. Those thoughts began to creep into her subconscious lurking around the edges of her brain.
She knew she was a healthy woman and Nathan said she and the growing baby were doing fine, yet she felt something was coming…
Then when Ezra came to her one afternoon informing her that he needed to leave town for a few days, Rebecca was stunned. Was this causing the strange thoughts she was having?
Lowering the knitting needles to her lap, she stared up at him. "Are you serious?"
Pulling a chair up in front of her, he nodded taking a deep breath, "Darlin, Mr. Larabee, Mr. Dunne and I have to deliver our current prisoners to the Federal Marshall in Mason. If all goes as expected we should return in approximately ten days."
Rebecca frowned slightly. "But why do you have to go? Why not one of the others?"
"Well, because it's my turn."
"What if the baby decides to come early?" she said, "I want you here with me during that time. You know how nervous I've been feeling."
"Darlin the baby isn't due for another 3 weeks according to Mr. Jackson, so you have nothing to be concerned about." Ezra countered.
"I know," Rebecca responded in a soft voice, "but I just don't like the idea of you being out of town…just in case. Babies can come early…especially the first one."
"You will be fine, Becca. Inez will be here, as will your sister and Vin. They have offered to say here in the spare rooms while I am away. I would never leave you alone…you know that." Leaning over her he kissed her gently in her lips. He could see unshed tears shimmering in her blue eyes.
Smiling weakly she tried to understand. "When do you have to leave?"
"First thing in the morning,"
Sighing softly, she nodded. "I realize that delivering prisoners is part of your responsibilities here in town. I guess I'm just feeling a bit anxious these days. Just ignore my whinny behavior."
"My darlin girl, you are the least whinny person I've ever known," He smiled at his wife. "Seriously though, don't fret about this. I shall endeavor to return as humanly possible."
Rebecca gave him a wan smile.
Taking one her hands, he asked, "How is your back feeling?"
"It pains me some…even sitting in this chair."
Touching her abdomen, he gave her a caring look. "And how is the baby?"
"Ready to be born I think…moving around quite a bit."
Standing up from the chair, he asked, "Would you like for me to rub your back and feet darlin?"
Rebecca gazed up at him nodding. "I would love that."
Helping her to stand, Ezra led her over to the bed. Making her as comfortable as possible, he removed his jacket and proceeded to softly massage her lower back. His hands felt so warm and soothing countering the sporadic pains moving across her back.
Letting out a noticeable sigh, she whispered, "That feels so good right now."
Smiling he continued to massage her. "Pleased I could help Mrs. Standish. When I'm finished with your back, I'll take care of your feet and ankles."
Closing her eyes, Rebecca temporary forgot that Ezra would be leaving in the morning. At this moment in time, all she could feel was her husband's comforting hands on her.
It wasn't long before she drifted away as he continued his ministrations.
Realizing she had fallen asleep, he got up from the bed picking up a blanket to cover her. Leaning over, he kissed her forehead whispering, "I'll be back later to finish up. I love you my darlin girl."
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The next day dawned cold and gray as a chilly wind blew bringing the promise of possible snow. Rebecca stood on the plank walkway outside the saloon, a heavy wool shawl draped around her shoulders. Her face was pale, her light blue eyes large as she watched Ezra ready Gambler to leave.
Finishing the adjustments on the cinch-strap, he tugged on his gloves and his heavy overcoat. Turning toward Rebecca, he stepped onto the sidewalk taking his wife into his arms. "You should be inside darlin. It's much too cold for you and the baby out here."
"I'll go inside once I see you off." she answered with a shiver. The wind kept blowing her long auburn hair across her face irritating her.
Ezra glanced over at Vin and Sarah, who stood nearby. "I appreciate your help while I am away."
"No problem pard. We're family after all." Vin replied. "I 'spec you would do the same for me."
"I would indeed." The gambler nodded.
Chris had already mounted his horse, as had JD. The black clad gunslinger said to Ezra, "Time to go. If the weather turns we might find ourselves right back here in a few hours. Like to try and get ahead of it if possible."
Nodding at him, he hugged Rebecca once again. Kissing her gently on the lips, he said, "Don't fret, my darlin girl, I will be home before you even know I'm gone."
"I'm missing you already." she answered in a quivering voice. "Please come home safe to me and your child."
"I will."
Mounting Gambler, he tipped his hat to Sarah and Vin before blowing a kiss at his wife. Then he, Chris, JD and the prisoners trotted out of town.
Rebecca remained where she was until Ezra had disappeared from sight.
"Let's get you inside. Don't want you and that baby to catch a chill out here." Sarah said as she put a comforting arm around her sister. She could she how much Rebecca was already missing Ezra.
"He'll be fine sis. You know Ezra can handle himself."
"I know he can Sarah, I guess I'm more concerned for myself and this unborn baby. It's just I've had these weird feeling for a couple of days now. Then when Ezra tells me yesterday he has to leave and would be gone for a few days…I guess I kinda freaked because of it."
"Everything will be okay…don't worry." Sarah repeated. "Now, let's get you inside. We need to feed you and that baby."
Rebecca nodded as she glanced one more time in the direction of the departed riders.
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Ezra found it hard not to pace back and forth in front of the sheriff's office in Mason. He was anxious to begin the journey back to Four Corners and Rebecca.
Something was eating at him and he wasn't sure what was causing it.
The weather was looking more and more treacherous as a fine snow had begun to fall. He was concerned that if the weather continued to worsen, they might find their travel impeded. They could find themselves hold up in any of the small towns doting their route home.
JD leaned against a porch post watching the apprehensive gambler as he wore a hole in the plank sidewalk. Marriage and impending fatherhood had certainly changed his usually unreadable emotions. He was anxious and that was something he never tended to be…except perhaps when his mother was in town.
"Don't worry Ezra; we should be on our way shortly."
"My dear Mr. Dunne, as I've seen no movement on our parts in the last few minutes I shall continue to exercise my walking prerogative."
Shrugging, JD watched as he continued to pace, every so often stopping to stare up at the sky.
Finally, Chris exited the sheriff's office, pulling his hat down farther on his head "Looks like we better make tracks, boys. The weathers looking nasty."
"You'll pardon me for saying this Mr. Larabee, but the weather has been looking "nasty" for at least half an hour." Ezra commented.
Chris shot Ezra a look before saying, "Had to finish the business that brought us here. Now we can go."
The threesome mounted their horses and rode hard out of Mason in the direction of home.
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The weather continued to deteriorate as they made their way back to Four Corners. The snow began to accumulate with each passing day. The men were finally forced to stop their journey in Reddman, three days away from Four Corners. The snow had made the roads impassable and they knew they would have to wait it out.
Ezra sat in the local saloon, nervously shuffling the cards in his hands. They had been stuck in this one horse town for two days and the weather showed no sign of easing. He had never felt this uneasy in his life.
Chris had sent a wire home, but the telegraph operator was unsure if it had been received. So Ezra waited in the one place he felt relatively comfortable…the saloon.
The gambler's thoughts turned time and again toward Rebecca. He had promised her he would return as soon as possible. He intended on keeping that promise.
JD approached the suddenly irascible gambler plopping down next to him. For the moment, he kept whatever thoughts he was going to share with the usually urbane man to himself. He knew he was concerned about being away from Rebecca now that she was so close to giving birth. If he were in that situation, he supposed he would feel the same.
Finally, trying to be conversational JD said, "Don't look like the weather is gonna let up anytime soon does it?"
Still manipulating the cards in his hand, Ezra barely looked up before saying, "That is an understatement, Mr. Dunne."
"You're concerned about Miss Rebecca, aren't you? You know Nathan will look after her as will her sister and Vin too."
"I'm well aware of all those things, Mr. Dunne. However, I as her husband should be there with her should the coming child decide to make an early appearance."
Just then Chris entered the saloon walking over to their table, "Boys." he said as he sat down on the other side of Ezra.
"Has there been any reply to your wire, Mr. Larabee?" Ezra asked, trying to sound hopeful.
"Not yet. The operator thinks that the lines might be down. He's not really sure if any of the messages he has been sending are going out." Chris replied.
Ezra gave an aggravated sigh, "Well I intend on pushing forward in the morning regardless of the weather. I promised Rebecca I would be home by now."
"Ezra, the roads are impassable. The snow has made it almost impossible to find the correct direction home. If you try and leave in this mess, you'll libel to get lost and die." Chris said with some force.
Frustrated, Ezra slammed his cards down on the table walking to the saloon window. He stared at the falling snow cursing under his breath.
"Damn…I'm sorry darlin! Looks like I'll be breaking my promise to you."
Folding his arms, he continued to stare at the blanket of white outside the window.
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Like Ezra, Rebecca stared out the window of the Standish Tavern at the falling snow. It continued to pile higher with each passing hour. She knew that somewhere out there was her husband and the others. Absent-mindedly, she rubbed her large belly feeling the baby shift and move.
Sarah came over to her wrapping a shawl around her shoulders. "You know that if it were at all possible, Ezra would be here right now. The weather is just too bad right now."
"I know." Sighing as she continued to stare out the window. "I just wish he were here with me and I…" A sudden strange look crossed her face. Rebecca looked down at a spreading pool of liquid between her feet.
"Your water broke Rebecca." Sarah exclaimed. Turning, she shouted for Vin. "We need your help. Rebecca's water has broken."
Vin came into the saloon from a back room. He saw Sarah helping Rebecca over to a chair. "Her water broke…what is that?" he asked.
Sarah made a face at her husband, "That means she's going into labor."
"Well I best be gettin Nathan over here right now."
Grabbing his coat, he made his way toward the Healer's clinic. Vin smiled to himself. He was gonna be an Uncle. That thought made him extremely happy.
By the time Vin returned with Nathan in tow, Sarah had helped Rebecca up to her room. She was lying on the bed. Sarah had already gathered some of the necessary items Nathan would need.
Rebecca's large eyes stared at Nathan as he entered the room. "The baby…the baby's early. It wasn't supposed to be here yet."
"Try to stay calm Miss Rebecca. Everything will be fine. Sometimes when this happens it's just the baby's way of saying its time. I said you had three weeks to go, but that baby can't tell time…so it's ready now. You and that baby are gonna be fine." Nathan took her hands as he sat down on the bed.
Rebecca took a deep breath gazing at Nathan's face, "You're right, I know everything will be alright…I trust you."
Nathan smiled. "So are you feeling any pain?"
Nodding she said, "Some. Hasn't been a lot yet. Every now and then I can feel a few sharp ones, but so far…
"Well we want you to be sure that you deliver a healthy child."
Rebecca grimaced gripping her abdomen. "Oh God! I think it might be the start of serious labor pain. I feel the need to push."
"No, not yet Rebecca…don't push…"
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The snow continued for two more days making Ezra feel like he was losing his mind. His thoughts were never far from Rebecca and he chaffed at his forced confinement in Reddman.
Finally the storm passed and Chris went to the telegraph office trying get another message sent to Four Corners. Several hours passed before the man found the threesome in the saloon.
Ezra stood the minute he saw the telegraph deliveryman. He approached and gave Chris the response to his message.
Glancing up from the note at Ezra, the gambler raised his eyebrows. "Well?"
The laconic gunslinger said, "You're a new father, Ezra. Rebecca gave birth four days ago."
He sat down unable to comprehend the fact that he was a father. "And Rebecca? Is she alright?"
"Don't know Ezra. The message stopped before it was finished. This is all it said."
Giving a frustrated sigh, he said, "I am going to attempt the journey home, first thing in the morning. Please don't try to stop me Mr. Larabee as my patience is at an end. I must return home to Rebecca and our new child."
"We'll all leave in the morning Ezra. So don't worry, I won't try to stop you. Hopefully it won't take us long to get back home." Chris responded.
Ezra nodded as he went over to the saloon window. He stared outside at the snow covered ground hoping that their journey home could be completed. His thoughts turned to Rebecca and their new baby... he was extremely anxious to see them both.
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Rebecca sat down in the bedroom rocking chair holding her baby. She had been right all along…she indeed gave birth to a little boy. Even with his small scrunched up face, he looked like Ezra. He had a dusting of fine chestnut colored hair covering his head and she was certain his eyes would be the same green color as his fathers.
Unbuttoning her blouse, she held his small body next to her breast as he immediately took her nipple into his mouth. She closed her eyes as he began to suckle, feeling the odd, but pleasurable sensation she felt each time he nursed. Rocking slowly, she hummed to him as he clutched some of her hair.
A noise outside the bedroom made her look up anxiously at the closed door. Over the last couple of days she had begun to wonder when Ezra and the others would be coming home. As the weather cleared and the snow stopped she had longed for his swift return.
Vin had taken a ride the day before to see if the main roads had become passable bringing back the wonderful news that they were. She couldn't be happier. That meant that wherever Ezra and the others were, they would be returning soon. She truly missed him and really wanted him to meet his son.
Rebecca smiled down as her newborn as he continued to nurse. In the few days he had been a part of this world, he had changed. She had yet to give him a name…trying to wait for his father's return.
Rebecca closed her eyes again sighing softly as she continued to slowly rock back and forth. "Please come home soon Ezra. I miss you more than you will ever know."
As if on command the door opened quietly as Ezra entered. Crossing quickly across the room, he knelt down next to Rebecca. Gently touching her arm he whispered, "Darlin, I'm home."
Rebecca's eyes snapped open releasing tears of joy down her cheeks. "Ezra, you're here. I've missed you so much."
Smiling through his own tears, he got to his feet leaning down to take her lips against his. "I've missed you too my darlin girl." He brushed the tears from her face. Taking a deep breath he looked down at the baby. "So is this our son?"
Rebecca smiled. "This is your son…would you like to hold him?"
"Yes, but I shall wait until he is finished with his meal." He replied gently stroking his head.
"I think he's done. Let me just burp him."
Removing him from her breast, she buttoned her blouse before placing a towel over her shoulder. Gently placing him against it, she softly patted his back before he emitted a small burp.
Ezra couldn't stop a large smile from covering his face.
"Oh, what a good boy!" Rebecca cooed. "Guess who's here…it's your daddy." Looking up at his transfixed face, she asked, "Want to hold him?"
Ezra nodding as she got to her feet placing the baby into his arms. As he cradled the small form he said in a hushed voice, "I can't believe you and I created this scrap of humanity?"
Rebecca smiled at her husband and son, "He is indeed a wonder, but we still need to name him. I've waited for your return so we could choose a name together."
Still gazing loving at the baby, he said, "Of the names we chose, do you have a favorite?"
Chewed on her bottom lip for a moment she replied, "Well, I personally think our first born son should bear the name of his father, but you were adamant you didn't want that so I would like to call him Michael…Michael Ezra Standish. How do you feel about that name?"
Chuckling, he said softly, "Alright I'll agree to that." Looking down at the small sleeping bundle in his arms...Michael Ezra Standish. It's actually not a bad choice."
Walking over to the cradle, Ezra kissed his son's forehead before laying him down on his back. Covering him with a blanket, he whispered, "Sleep tight little Michael Ezra…your mother and I will watch over you. You are our pride and joy. We will always be here if you need us. I promise."
Turning toward Rebecca he took her into his arms, holding her to his chest. He began to sway with her before saying, "I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you, darlin when you needed me. I wanted to be, but the storm made it impossible. I feel terrible that you had to give birth without me here."
Rebecca snuggled against him. "You had a job to do my love, it's alright. I wanted you here and I know you would have been if at all possible."
The gambler smiled, "I missed you. All I wanted was to return home to you and the baby."
"Well now you are. Your son and I are glad."
A knock at the door made Ezra and Rebecca look in that direction. Chris and JD stood in the doorway, a big smile on both their faces.
"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt, but Chris and I wanted to see the baby if it's alright Miss Rebecca?" JD asked.
"Please come on in, but be quiet as we just put Michael down for his nap." Ezra replied.
As the two men entered, JD asked, "Is that the baby's name?"
"Yes." Rebecca beamed. "His whole name is Michael Ezra."
Their two friends stood over the cradle gazing at the small sleeping form. "He's beautiful Rebecca. I know you must be very proud Ezra." Chris said.
"I am Mr. Larabee…very proud."
"Hey Ezra, You know what…I think he looks just like you." JD exclaimed.
Ezra grinned. "I think there is some resemblance too, Mr. Dunne."
"Actually I tend to agree with you JD. I think he favors his father quite a bit..." Rebecca smiled. "in so many ways."
"You're a lucky man, Ezra," Chris stated, "You have what most men seek all their lives to find…a great business, a woman who loves you and beautiful baby boy. What more could you ask for?"
"Indeed, Mr. Larabee. Who would have thought my life would turn out this way. When I think back to that fateful day when you and I first met in the saloon, I never could have imagined that this would be my future."
"Or that someone from the future would be your wife," whispered Rebecca in his ear.
"Yes that is very true darlin." the gambler coughed, trying to clear his throat. "Gentlemen, let us retire to the saloon and we will toast the birth of my son and my beautiful wife who bore him. The drinks are on me."
"Well if Ezra's buying then I'm gonna have one," grinned JD as he headed for the bar.
"We'll see you down stairs, Ezra," replied Chris as he followed JD through the door.
Turning to look down at their son, the gambler said, "Will the baby be alright if we go down stairs Rebecca? I'd like you with me as we celebrate."
"He'll be fine, my love. Michael is a strong healthy boy and besides I can come right back upstairs to check on him." Rebecca replied.
"Shall we go then?" Ezra held out his arm.
"You go ahead. I just need to freshen up a bit, then I'll be right down."
"Don't be long, my darlin girl as we have much to celebrate."
Nodding, she smiled as he left their room.
Hurriedly cleaning herself up, she brushed her hair before crossing back over to the crib checking on the baby. Gazing down at Michael she watched as he clenched and unclenched his tiny fists in his sleep. Adjusting his blanket, she gave him a soft kiss to his face before leaving the room.
As she stood at the foot of the stairs gazing down into the saloon she sighed, everyone was there, all of her new family. Ezra had lifted his glass to toast the baby. She could tell he was ecstatic about having a son even though he had once told her that it didn't matter…as long as the baby was healthy.
Ezra had said to Chris that he never would have imagined his life turning out the way it did…Rebecca knew how he felt.
Never in a million years on the day they went to Brices Canyon would she have found herself where she was. Her life and that of Sarah's had definitely taken some unexpected twists and turns. Yet for all that had happened to both of them, everything they had experienced in Four Corners…they both knew neither would trade one second of it.
Coming down the stairs she made her way across the saloon floor before stopping and standing next to her husband. Wrapping one of his arms around her she smiled back into his gorgeous green eyes. Her life would certainly never be dull, no matter what occurred. She had friends, a place in which to perform her music with her sister, a beautiful new baby…and her husband Ezra. What more could she ask for?
That thought alone was enough to make her smile as the celebration continued.
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