PART SEVEN

Melanie returned to the ranch in the late afternoon to say her goodbyes. Her excitement for the life that lay before her was forgotten when she saw the happy faces of Jamie and Charlie, still celebrating the fact that Adam was recovering from his fever. He heart thudded painfully when Charlie ran to greet her as she arrived, knowing it would be for the last time. But she and Jimmy had decided that if they were to leave under secrecy then no one should know of their plans, not even her best friend.

Melanie knew it would make things easier in the long run. She also suspected that Louise might try and talk her out of running away with Jimmy. Melanie knew that he was a notorious gunfighter, that he drank and gambled, but she also knew that he had been alone for so long that he did not know any other way to live. She could show him what it was like to be loved and cherished, and she could be loved in return for the first time.

She spent an early supper with the family, carefully avoiding Jimmy's eye. He had announced he would be leaving the following morning, much to Kid and Lou's dismay. His timing was not the best, but then it never had been. Louise was indeed surprised he had stayed as long as he had, and she knew Melanie had something to do with it. Lou said little over dinner, and left to sit by Adam's bedside as soon as the meal was over so she could be alone with her thoughts.

Melanie spent the evening entertaining Jamie and Charlie, and insisted on tucking them both in for the night. It was her only way of saying goodbye. As she tucked Charlie under her blankets she regretted she would not see the girl grow up as she had planned. Charlie was the child she always dreamed of having herself one day. But Melanie had long ago resigned herself to the fact that it was not to be. Charlie, Jamie and Adam were the closest she would ever come to motherhood, and she was not prepared for how difficult it was to leave them.

She kissed Charlie's dark head when the girl had finally drifted off to sleep, and then made her way to Adam's room. If saying goodbye to the children was difficult, then saying goodbye to Lou was impossible. Melanie knew that she would never have another friend like Louise. She knew it was unlikely she would ever see her again though, unless Howard was to leave Sweetwater. Melanie could never return while Howard was around, and Lou could hardly go visiting the other side of the country. This was probably the last time Melanie would ever see her friend.

"Is he asleep?" Melanie whispered as she slipped into the darkened room.

Lou nodded as she motioned her forward. "He has been most of the day. But his temperature is almost back to normal. The doctor says he should make a full recovery."

"He's a fighter, just like his mother."

Lou smiled and held Melanie's hand as she knelt beside the bed. Melanie kissed Adam's forehead gently and stroked his brow for a moment. Lou watched her friend, puzzled by the tears that were welling in his eyes.

"He's goin' to be all right, Melly, don't worry," she reassured her. Melanie smiled and wiped her eyes.

"I know, I'm just being silly."

"Are you all right?" Lou's voice was concerned, and Melanie immediately tried her best to hide her emotions.

"Of course I am." Melanie smiled, but Louise was unconvinced.

"It's Jimmy, isn't it?"

Melanie was startled, but she downplayed her surprise. "What do you mean?"

"You're upset he's leavin', aren't you?"

"What? What are you talking about? I barely know him. He's your friend, Louise."

Lou knew she was lying, but she didn't say anything else. Melanie obviously did not want to pursue this line of conversation and something inside told Lou the reason why.

"I should get going, it's late," Melanie said a little too brightly. "You need to get some sleep, Louise, it's been a long couple of days."

Lou did not argue as Melanie stood to leave. Suddenly her friend seemed unable to go.

"I'm so happy that Adam is going to be all right," Melanie said with difficulty. She desperately wanted to say a proper goodbye, but could not risk it.

"Thank you," Lou replied. Melanie gave her a sad smile and then hugged her tightly.

"Thank you, Louise, " she whispered. Lou frowned, but Melanie quickly let go and fled the room. "Good night."

"Good night," said Lou, thoughtfully. But Melanie was already gone.

Jimmy fastened the last saddle strap on his horse, and secured the provisions Lou had made for him in the saddle bags. Both the Kid and Lou stood in the cool dawn light as he made his preparations. They had not argued when he announced he was leaving, knowing he needed to move on. They would always welcome him when he came, but they never expected him to stay any longer than he could.

Jimmy hugged both Lou and Kid goodbye, and asked them to give his best to the children. He promised faithfully to write to them to let them know where he was, but they all knew he wouldn't. As he prepared to mount, Lou was suddenly at his elbow.

"Jimmy, promise me somethin' else. And I mean it this time." Jimmy looked questioningly at her serious composure. "Promise me you'll think about what you're about to do."

For a moment Jimmy thought Melanie had revealed their plans to Lou, but then she had been the one who made the decision not to tell anyone.

"Just be careful, that's all I ask," Lou continued almost inaudibly, and then she gave his cheek a quick kiss. "I just want what's best for you… for you both."

Lou stepped back to Kid's side and said no more. Jimmy looked at them both for a long minute, then pulled himself into the saddle.

"I'll be seein' you," he said simply.

"Ride safe, Jimmy," Kid replied, slapping the horse on the rump.

Jimmy rode away without looking back. Lou shivered in the cool air, and Kid instinctively put a strong arm around her. Lou immediately rested her head on his chest and sighed deeply.

"What is it?" Kid asked. He understood her melancholy over seeing Jimmy leave, but he had left before and always come back.

"Nothin', " Lou replied, but Kid was not satisfied with the answer. "I just get the feelin' we won't ever see him again, that's all."

Kid rubbed the back of her neck to soothe her, and with a frown he watched Jimmy's horse disappear into the distance.

Jimmy slowed his horse to a trot as he approached the turnoff to Melanie's house. Lou's words echoed in his ears as he rode along, and it was not the first time he had begun to doubt their plans. Jimmy loved her, he definitely loved her, but he could not deny that he had no life to offer her. He was a gunfighter with an inflated reputation that preceded him wherever he went. He was Wild Bill Hickok, like it or not. And yet, Jimmy realized he did not dislike his life as it was. He certainly did not want to give it up.

He was free to do whatever he pleased, to go wherever he wanted. There were no consequences to his actions. If he did not like a place, he left. If there was a gun fight, he shot first and asked questions later. Jimmy knew things wouldn't be the same with Melanie in his life. He would have her to think of, always have her feelings to consider. He would have the responsibility of making a home for her, and protecting her forever.

What kind of life would Wild Bill Hickok make for a woman? What kind of woman would put up with his gambling and drinking? What right did he have to inflict his lifestyle on someone who deserved so much better? Jimmy sat at the crossroads to her house and the road away from Sweetwater, asking these questions of himself. The answers were much harder to come by, but they would determine his decision and the road he would take.