One Way Home

by Greylyn

This is a sequel to my previous story Without You... This is the continuing story of sisters Rebecca and Sarah Dannon and what happens to them in the town of Four Corners after finding themselves lost in the past...or are they.

4. A Fish Out Of Water So To Speak

Chapter 4 – A Fish Out Of Water So To Speak…

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Ezra poured himself a drink, swallowing it in one swift motion. Grimacing as the amber colored liquor burned a path down his throat, he stared at his image in the saloon mirror. Dark circles painted tracks under his bloodshot eyes and a scruffy beard covered his face. His clothes were dirty and wrinkled, but he didn't give a damn…not anymore. Unable to look at himself, he turned away pouring another drink.

It had been one week since Rebecca, Michael and the others had disappeared right before his eyes…one week and he was falling apart. The love of his life was gone and he didn't care if he lived or died. He was vaguely aware of someone entering the saloon. He stared blearily into the mirror, watching as Vin approached.

The tracker leaned heavily on the bar next to his friend; his youthful face held the same haunted expression as Ezra's. He sighed deeply before saying, "I don't know how, I don't know when, but I'm gonna go after them." Vin said flatly.

Ezra gave a short, pained laugh as he glanced over at Vin. "Exactly how do you plan on going after them Mr. Tanner…they are gone. They were sucked into that multicolored light show. They could've returned to their time or slipped further into the past. We will never find them."

Vin exploded in anger, shoving Ezra against the bar. "So whatca gonna do - just crawl inside that whiskey bottle and drink yourself into a stupor? Are you just gonna pretend Rebecca never existed? That Michael had never been born? Well you go ahead and do that 'cause I can't! Somewhere out there is my Sarah and my little girl. No matter what, I'm gonna find them and bring them both home."

Ezra shoved Vin back with equal force. "Don't you think I want Rebecca and Michael back? Every time I close my eyes, all I can see is the both of them disappearing into that swirling mass, hearing Becca screaming for me. Knowing there wasn't a damn thing I could do to help her."

Grabbing the lapels of the gambler's jacket, Vin shook him. "Then crawl the hell outta that bottle…help me find Rebecca and Michael…help me figger out where Sarah and Rachel are?"

Ezra pushed the tracker off him, straightening out his jacket. "Alright…but we can't do it alone. We need some help."

"I know." Vin replied. "and I reckon we both know who that is."

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The two men rode up to Chris's small cabin and dismounted. Vin put a hand on Ezra's arm, "Better let me knock on the door. Chris has been meaner than a snake since Mary and Billy vanished with the others."

Ezra leaned against one of the cabin's porch posts, rubbing his throbbing temples. "I know the feeling. Please proceed Mr. Tanner."

Vin gave a slight grin as he knocked on the cabin door. "This here is the tricky part…not gettin my head blown off…"

They could hear Larabee stumbling around inside the interior of his cabin. Vin raised his eyebrows slightly at Ezra as he started to knock again, when a loud, slurring voice shouted, "GET THE HELL OFF MY PROPERTY!"

"Larabee…Chris…it's me Vin. Open up, I gotta talk to you."

"I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHO IT IS…GO AWAY!"

"Come on Chris…open the door. Ezra and I need to talk to you."

"YOU HEARD ME VIN! LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!"

"You know I can't do that."

Knocking on the door again, Vin was surprised when Chris jerked it open pointing a gun at the tracker's middle.

"I told you to leave me alone!" he hissed at his friend.

Putting his hands up, Vin watched as Chris disappeared back inside slamming the door behind him. Waiting a minute or two, he stepped to the other side of the door knocking again.

When the door flew open the second time, Vin reached in grabbing Larabee securely by his arms, knocking the gun out of his hand. He then proceeded to drag him in the direction of the horse trough and unceremoniously dunked his friend into the water.

Chris bellowed at the top of his lungs as Vin repeatedly dunked him.

"Sorry 'bout this Chris, but I figgered this was the quickest way to sober ya up."

"Or get shot." Ezra grinned.

Inwardly, he was glad that it was Vin, not him, pissing off the former gunslinger because the tracker was probably the only man he knew of that could survive Chris's wraith afterwards.

Finally Larabee waved Vin off him. "Damn it! Let go of me – I'm almost sober!"

Tanner loosened his grip on Chris and backed away. "You feel like being sociable now?"

Chris glared at his friend, pushing the hair out of his eyes. "You couldn't have found another way to sober me up?"

"Maybe, but you were being plum ornery…knew this was the fastest way I could think of to bring ya back to yer senses."

Still glaring, he stomped back toward his cabin. "Well it worked. Sit down on the porch…I'll be back in a minute. It'll give me time to change my clothes and then decide how I'm gonna kill you."

Vin grinned at his friend as he sat down in a chair.

Ezra continued to lean against the same post glancing over at Vin. "Well Mr. Tanner, I applaud the fact that you survived, but I would be very wary of Mr. Larabee for awhile if I were you."

Grinning up at the gambler, he said, "I think you may be right this time. I 'spec I really honked him off."

Ezra gave him a quizzical stare. "Honked him off"

Continuing to grin, Vin said, "It's something Sarah used to say a bunch and I finally asked her what it meant. She told me it was a slang term from her time…means to make someone angry."

Vin's smile faded. "I miss her so damn much Ezra. I got this ache in my gut that can't be fixed." He sat up straighter in his chair. "She should be here…it ain't fair that she and Rachel was taken from me. So if I don't do somethin…if I don't try to find them…I'm gonna go crazy."

Ezra nodded. While he thought what Vin was proposing was impossible…a big part of him was willing to give it a try. He knew he would go all the way to hell and back if it would bring back Rebecca and his son.

Chris finally walked out onto the porch and sat down in the vacant chair across from the tracker. "Alright Vin, what's this all about? What is it you need from me?"

Tipping back his chair, Vin gazed at his friend. "We need to put together a plan fer bringin our women back. I think it can be done, but we all need to be involved for it to work."

"Whatca got in mind?"

"Well I don't have a plan as such, but I do know we need to go back to Brices Canyon because whatever we do we gotta do it from there."

Ezra, although sober for the most part, struggled with the point Vin was trying to make. His head felt like it was going to explode from his week of binge drinking. He wondered if Chris was perhaps feeling the same. "Go to Brices Canyon…why there?"

As the tracker was about to explain, a wave of coherent thoughts flooded into his brain. "Ahhh, I see what you've getting at Mr. Tanner. Since that canyon is where Rebecca and Sarah first arrived and it is also where our families disappeared…then it follows that it is our only means of finding them."

"Right!" Vin replied. "So all we need to do is figger out what makes that canyon work."

Chris got to his feet pacing the porch. "Are you thinking that we should go through that hole next time it opens Vin?"

"Yes…I know that once we get through it, there's no tellin where the women might be, but damn it Chris, I can't sit here doin nothin. I have to try to find Sarah and my baby girl."

Ezra glanced at his friends. "You must also realize Mr. Tanner that if we make it through to their time, we will be in a world unlike our own. If time has advanced as it has on this side, it will be the year 2025 and we will be completely out of our element…a fish out of water so to speak."

Vin nodded. "Believe me Ezra; I've pondered on that fer nigh on to a week now. I wondered what might lie on the other side of that hole….and it scare the hell outta me, but I gotta try."

Chris stopped pacing and sighed. "I agree. We have to get our families back."

Ezra's face became thoughtful. "Alright then, I think the first thing we need to do is observe that canyon constantly…try to determine if there is a pattern. Once we discover its secret then we can make plans to follow our families."

Vin got a determined look on his face. "Seems I recollect Buck said he found Rebecca and Sarah during a violent storm, so I reckon what we need to watch for is another violent storm since that was what took them away."

"Yes...another violent storm." Ezra said softly.

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An utter sense of loss gripped Ezra as one week turned into two then became a month and finally seven months had crawled by with no sign of even a mild rain shower around Brices Canyon. He wasn't sure how much more he could wait. He missed Rebecca and Michael so much that it was now a constant ache in his heart.

Opening up his pocket watch, he gazed at the pictures it held within. On one side was a photograph that was taken the night he and Rebecca were married, the other was one of Becca and Michael when he was a baby. It was all he had left right now of his family.

He knew that Vin and Chris were both going through their own private hell. There were some days it was a struggle to just get out of bed, yet he kept going. He knew that in the end – if Vin's plan worked out – he would soon bring his family home.

Ezra manipulated the deck of cards in his hands several times before dealing to the other three men at the table. "Alright Gentlemen, the game is draw poker…jacks or better to open."

Buck, Vin and Chris each picked up the cards they were dealt.

Scanning his hand, Buck tossed some money into the pot. "I'll open for a dollar."

Chris and Vin each in turn added onto the pile for the opening bet. Ezra looked at his hand and did likewise.

Picking up the deck, the gambler started to ask if Buck needed new cards when a commotion was heard outside of the saloon.

The batwing doors flew over as JD rushed inside trying to catch his breath. Seeing his friends at the table, he shouted, "Guys! Guys! It's happening! There's a storm brewing out in the canyon…right now!"

"JD," Chris yelled as he rushed for the door, "Go find Nathan and Josiah over at the jail, then get the horses saddled and bring them out front."

"Right Chris!"

The men scattered to collect travel packs they had put together several months ago. Each one knew they had to move swiftly because they had no way of knowing when another opportunity would present itself.

Ten minutes later the seven men, the protectors of Four Corners, disappeared in a cloud of dust, riding hard for the canyon.

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As the seven approached, they could see massive black clouds gathering. Jagged bolts of lightning cut glowing paths across the sky as thunder shook the ground near them.

Reaching the spot where their families had disappeared so many months before, Chris, Vin and Ezra dismounted walking into the canyon. Buck also slid off his horse, handing the reins to JD. "Look after him for me kid."

JD gave his friend a shaky smile. "I will Buck."

Returning his grin, he slung his pack over one shoulder. He walked over to his friends and waited for the hole to open.

"You don't have to do this Buck!" Chris began to shout above the rising storm.

"I KNOW…" he replied raising his voice. "BUT THEY ARE MY FRIENDS TOO! BESIDES, I WANT TO SEE WHAT'S ON THE OTHER SIDE…I WANT TO SEE THE FUTURE!"

Grinning at his old friend, Chris nodded. There was a part of this that made him feel the same way. What did the future hold? Could they even find their loved ones in a world that not one of them had ever seen? He wasn't sure, but they were damn sure gonna make a stab at it."

"LOOK AFTER THE TOWN BOYS WHILE WE'RE GONE!' Chris shouted at Nathan, Josiah and JD.

"WE WILL CHRIS! JUST BE CAREFUL AND BRING EVERYONE HOME SAFELY!" Josiah answered.

The wind rose to a fever pitch as the blackness above them released a slashing torrent of rain. Ezra turned to his compatriots as a strange crawling sensation moved along the base of his neck. It was as if his hair was standing straight up.

"DO YOU FEEL IT?" he shouted to his friends. "ALONG YOUR NECK…"

"YEAH! Buck replied. "MY HAIR FEELS PRICKLY!"

Chris and Vin both nodded. They felt the weird sensation too.

Just then, a powerful bolt of lightning struck the ground, lighting up the surrounding area. A strong buzzing sound filled the air as Vin hollered, "YA HEAR IT? THIS HAPPENED THE LAST TIME!"

Ezra put his hands over his ears as the sound became almost deafening. He saw Chris and the others did likewise. Just when he felt he couldn't stand the sound anymore, he turned to look behind him.

A tremendous, multi-colored vortex opened behind the four men. They could feel it drawing them into the very center of the hole. Everything around the men lost shape and faded to black…

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Ezra felt like he was floating on a cloud, so calm and peaceful that he didn't want to wake up. Yet someone was yelling at him. Who was telling him to open his eyes?

Struggling for a moment, he tried to open them. He fought his way toward consciousness until he was rewarded with the sight of a dripping wet Buck Wilmington leaning over him.

"Hey ole pard…wake up! Join the rest of us."

Sitting up, Ezra rubbed his throbbing head. "Ohhh my head!" Looking around him, he saw Vin and Chris had started a fire to dry their clothes. They even had a couple of rabbits cooking on a spit as well.

Glancing up at Buck again, he asked, "How long was I unconscious?"

"Not too long, but then I ain't too sure how long I was passed out." he grinned.

Managing to get to his feet, Ezra crossed over to the fire removing his waterlogged jacket. Taking a seat beside it, he said, "Mr. Tanner, Mr. Larabee, I see you Gentlemen have been industrious."

Vin grinned at his brother-n-law, "Reckon we have. Glad to see ya up and about. Thought ya might be out for a spell. I did a little scouting while we waited and found somethin interesting right away."

"Indeed…and what was that?"

Pointing over his shoulder at a cluster of boulders near them, he said, "Take a gander over there."

Giving the tracker a puzzled look, he got up and walked to the rocks. At first, he didn't notice anything unusual or different, but as he went around the backside he saw it…painted in white letters was a message:

Ezra, Vin and Chris – If by some miracle ya'll find yourselves here in our century, look for us in Albuquerque, New Mexico. You will find money under the red rock that can be used to pay for whatever you will need. We also included a set of instructions on how to find us.

We love and miss you.

R, S, and M

Ezra turned to Vin. "Was the money still there?"

He nodded. "Right where they said it would be. Quite a lot of it."

Returning to the fire, he reseated himself warming his hands as he pulled off his boots. "So what's our next step?"

Chris pulled a piece of meat from one of the rabbits. "Well the directions they left us were fairly specific…once we eat and change into some dry clothes we'll be on our way."

Also removing a piece of meat, Ezra said, "I think we are in for a great adventure my friends. We will probably see things that we couldn't even image in our wildest dreams."

Chris rubbed at his chin. "I think you're going to be right about that Ezra."

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It didn't take the four men long to eat and change into some dry clothes before beginning to walk for the highway that Rebecca had indicated on the map.

As they walked along, Vin took out his harmonica blowing a tune. The music that he emitted from it wasn't quite as harmonious as what Sarah could do, but it helped calm the tracker's nerves.

So far, the area they traveled wasn't so different from their own time, cactus, scrub brush and brightly colored wild flowers dotted the land making Vin feel better, more relaxed.

That was until…

The thunderous roar of a large jet made all four men hit the ground. Staring into the sky above him, Buck shaded his eyes. "What the hell was that?"

Ezra slowly got to his feet watching as the object disappeared into the clouds. "I'm guessing, but I'm also assuming that was an airplane. Rebecca told me that in the future they have the ability to fly."

"Well by damn that was the nosiest thing I've ever heard!" Buck snorted as he also got to his feet. "I reckon we're gonna be in for all kinds of surprises."

"Indeed Mr. Wilmington."

Chris brushed himself off and grabbed his pack. "Let's get going…we have a long walk ahead of us.

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When the group reached the main road, they stood in awe watching the large metal vehicles whiz past them. The sizes, shapes, and colors of the contraptions shocked them.

"They remind me of trains that don't have to stay connected…wonder what they use to propel them?" Vin commented in amazement.

Chris glanced at the map for a moment then started walking away. Vin cocked his eyebrows as he watched his friend move away from the group.

"Chris…Hey Chris!" Vin jogged after the former gunslinger. "Mind tellin the rest of us what that there map says?"

When Chris continued to stride along, Vin placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey cowboy, slow down!"

Continuing to walk, he looked up from the map. "Hmm…oh sorry Vin. I just want to get to Mary and Billy."

"Well how about slowing down fer the rest of us?"

Larabee sighed deeply, but finally stopped. "Sorry Vin…I'm just anxious to see my family again."

His friend nodded. "Me too, Chris. Me too."

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The afternoon was a hot one and the road the four traveled offered little cover. They had been hiking for about three hours after their last stop, when a large, bright red SUV pulled over.

A young woman with short blond hair and a black cowboy hat on her head leaned out the window. Grinning at Buck and the others, she waved. "Howdy! Ya'll look like you're in need of a lift?"

"If you are asking do we need a ride, Buck said, "A ride would be real nice ma'am."

Smiling back, she said, "Ya'll must be headed for the Gypsy Moon concert in Albuquerque?"

Ezra stepped forward saying, "Indeed we are ma'am, but how did you know?"

"Those outfits ya'll got on…I've seen Rebecca and the band wear similar stuff on stage. Pushing her hat back slightly, she opened one of the doors. "Well if ya'll are gonna go with us, let's get moving…we have some miles to turn."

Throwing their packs into the back, Vin, Chris, Ezra and Buck climbed into the strange vehicle. Two other young women were seated in the SUV, one climbed out of the front offering it to Chris as she got into the seat behind the driver and next to the other young woman inside.

Ezra and Vin got into the very back seats while Buck slid beside the other two women. One of them offered Buck a seductive smile. He touched a finger to his hat returning her smile. "Ma'am"

Giving him a crooked grin, she said, "Damn, but ain't you formal. Do I look old enough to be a ma'am?"

For the first time in his life, Buck became flustered at the woman's question. "Well I…I…didn't mean to insult you. I was just trying to be polite."

Tilting her head, she smiled at the ladies' man, "Well I guess I'll accept your apology."

The driver, the blonde that first spoke to them said, "Everybody buckled up? Cool then let's kick it."

Pulling off the shoulder and back onto the highway, she gunned the SUV forward at a high rate of speed starling all four men. Their strange transportation moved quickly along and at one point Chris found himself clutching the seat for support.

Finally settling into it, the former gunslinger cut his eyes over at the young woman that was driving. Her clothing or perhaps lack of it seemed to cause her little embarrassment. Her blue jeans were cut off above her knees and her shirt was tight with no sleeves. On the front was a drawing of a horse and cowboy with the words: 'Save A Horse…Ride A Cowboy!' printed under it.

Not sure, he understood what that phrase meant, he leaned back into the seat. This world of the future was certainly an interesting place.

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As the group rode toward Albuquerque, the driver said, "Since we will be cooped up for the next couple of hours, I think we should introduce ourselves. My name is Josey Kale and my girls in the back are Patty Hall and Stephanie Peel."

Ezra leaned forward in the back and said, "Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Ezra Standish and these are my friends, in the front that is Chris Larabee, behind him is Buck Wilmington and next to me is Vin Tanner."

Continuing to watch the highway, Josey said, "Please to meet ya. We've been on the road for two days…traveling from Georgia to the concert in Albuquerque. We decided to come into town early… spend some time before the show at the end of the week."

Reaching over she grabbed her soda from its holder taking a long drink. "Wasn't it the biggest shock that after being missing for four years, Rebecca and Sarah just turn up? All they would say is they needed a long rest and Oh by the way…we got married too. I mean…wow…what a crazy story."

"I take it you don't believe them?" Ezra inquired from the back seat.

Twisting around slightly in her seat, Patty glanced at Ezra, "Well it's not that we don't believe them…it's just kinda odd. Don't you think?"

"Well I reckon," Vin interjected, "but I suppose they are the only ones it matters to."

"I suppose so." Patty nodded. "Still the show should be killer. They are doing a lot of very retro stuff, some cover versions of other songs. I heard a bootleg tape that someone had and it was way cool."

Ezra looked over at Vin noticing he had the same confused look on the trackers face. He hadn't understood a single word the young woman had uttered.

Deciding it was perhaps better to agree with her comments, he grinned, "So the music you heard was good?"

"Oh yeah!" she gushed. "It's too bad they don't travel anymore. Since the sisters have returned all their shows are performed now in New Mexico…normally in Albuquerque. Apparently, Rebecca bought a ranch around here and she, Sarah, the kids and those mysterious husbands all live there. Guess they wanted to stay close to home. I'm just glad the band started performing again."

"Indeed." Ezra mussed.

Josey began to play around with some knobs in front of her. She became excited as a large smile covered her mouth. "Oh wow! It's Gypsy Moon's new song! This is so cool!"

Almost as one, the four men jumped as loud music filled the vehicle's interior. Vin glanced over at Ezra as the song began. He had never heard anything quite like it before. This was music they had never heard from them before. The intro music gave way to several voices that sang…

Time, time, time
See what's become of me…

Time, time, time
See what's become of me
While I looked around for my possibilities

I was so hard to please
Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter

Hear the Salvation Army band
Down by the riverside
There's bound to be a better ride
Than what you've got planned

Carry a cup in your hand
Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter

Hang on to your hopes, my friend
That's an easy thing to say
But if your hopes should pass away
Simply pretend that you can build them again

Look around
The grass is high
The fields are ripe
It's the springtime of my life

Seasons change with the scenery
Weavin' time in a tapestry
Won't you stop and remember me?

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter

Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground

Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground

Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground

"Wow!" Stephanie sighed. "What a kickin song! I can't wait to see them live. It's gonna be a night to remember."

"In more ways than one." Buck mumbled under his breath.

"What was that?" Patty asked.

"Oh I was just sayin I can't wait to get there."

Chris turned to look back at Buck, giving him a slow smile. "I think we all feel that way Buck. The sooner the better."

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Albuquerque… the name brought back some memories for Chris. It was just a small town, but a very old Mexican town. He wondered how much it had changed in the over 100 plus years since had last seen it. He figured he didn't have long to wait.

The setting sun was turning the sky a fiery orange and red as they finally arrived on the outskirts of the city.

Staring in wide-eyed amazement at the luminous glow that surrounded them on both sides of the highway, Chris turned to look again at Buck, who in turned to stare at Vin and Ezra. Lights of every size, shape, and color greeted their eager eyes as the SUV cruised into the city limits.

Vin pressed his face against the cool of the car glass window as all manner of things whizzed by. It took a lot to impress the tracker, but he was flabbergasted by everything he saw. He tried not to let the three women in the SUV see him react too much, but he felt like a kid in a candy store. With every passing mile, his smiles increased.

The road they were on went by the airport and the thunderous roar of approaching and departing jets cause the SUV to vibrate.

Staring out the window as a large airplane passed over the highway; Ezra shook his head in amazement. He was sure he would never get use to the sights and sounds of those massive machines. Rebecca's world was indeed a wondrous one, but he and his compatriots had probably only witnessed a miniscule part of it.

Josey looked briefly at Chris and asked, "So where do ya'll want to be dropped off? Are you staying in a hotel or with friends?"

Larabee turned toward Josey. "We have some friends we are staying with. If it's possible could you take us to their address?"

"Not a problem." She replied.

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Half an hour later, Josey pulled the SUV up to the front gate of a large ranch style home. The foursome climbed out of the vehicle and stood staring at the house. Buck leaned into the open window, "Thanks for the ride ladies. We really appreciate what you did."

Patty smiled through the back window. "I hope we see ya'll at the concert. It's been nice talking to ya'll."

"You never know..." He returned her smile.

Waving as the three women drove away; the men pushed the gate open and walked toward the house. As they approached the main entrance, the sound of music floated toward them becoming louder as they neared the front door.

Smiles broke out on their faces as they recognized Rebecca and Sarah's voices. Vin and Ezra could hardly hold back the tears of joy that they were feeling. It had been an incredibly long seven months.

When they reached the front door, Chris gave a couple of hard knocks. He wanted to be sure the bangs could be heard from inside over the music and singing. A couple of minutes went by before two voices having a muffled conversation came through the other side of the door. The voice said…

"What have I told you about answering the door at night?"

"Not to do it myself."

As the door swung open, the speaker continued, "Remember to get an adult before you…

It was Mary. She froze for a moment staring into Chris's face. "Oh my!"

They both flung their arms around each other refusing to let go. Billy also grabbed Chris repeatedly saying his name, "Chris! Chris!"

Larabee knelt down in front of the boy taking him in his arms. "I missed you son."

Putting his arms around Mary again, he said, "Where are Sarah and Rebecca?"

"Sarah is in the music room with Emily…I'll take you there."

Keeping one arm around her, Chris took Billy's hand as the youngster led the men down the hall. The sound of gentle piano playing could be heard in front of them.

Opening the door, Mary gave a big smile. "We have company."

Turning from the person she stood next to at the piano, Sarah put her hands over her mouth in shock. She finally said, "VIN!"

Before she could make a move, Vin crossed the room taking her into his arms. Holding each other tightly, they shed tears of joy as they kissed and caressed each other.

Glancing around the room Ezra couldn't find Rebecca. Concerned, he interrupted Vin and Sarah's reunion.

"Where is Rebecca?"

Sarah finally stopped kissing Vin, releasing him for a moment. Whispering into his ear, she said, "I need to take him to Becky. I'll be right back."

"Is everything alright?" he whispered back.

"Yes…she's fine." Kissing him one more time, she took Ezra's arm leading him through another door and down the hall.

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Turning around, Emily looked at Chris, Vin and Ezra - all three were handsome men and she could understand why her friends missed them. She couldn't help notice the fourth member of the group. He was also a handsome man, tall with a bushy mustache and thick dark brown hair.

Buck realized the dark haired beauty at the piano was watching him so he flashed her a smile. She quickly lowered her eyes as a blush spread across her face.

Marshalling his charm, he walked over to her. "Howdy ma'am, names Buck Wilmington. I thought I should introduce myself."

Emily smiled brightly before saying, "A pleasure Mr. Wilmington. My name is Emily Scott. I hope you and I will get a chance to get to know each other over the next few days."

Buck grinned at her. "I hope so too, Miss Scott."

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Stopping outside Rebecca's bedroom door, Sarah said, "This is Becky's room."

As he started to enter, Sarah stopped him. "I need to tell you something before you go inside…you're a father again."

Stunned, he asked, "Becca had a baby? Is she alright?"

Smiling Sarah nodded. "She and the baby are both fine. She had the baby three weeks ago. She gave birth to a little girl."

"A girl…" Ezra wiped away some stray tears.

Touching his shoulder, Sarah smiled, "She's so beautiful. Now…go in and see my sister."

Hugging Sarah, he turned and opened the door. Over in a corner of the room, Rebecca sat gently rocking their new baby, her eyes closed. Crossing the floor, he tried to hold back his tears as he leaned down kissing her.

A soft sigh emitted from Rebecca as her eyes fluttered opened. For a split second, she stared up at her husband before saying, "Ezra…is that really you?"

"Yes darlin…I'm really here."

Rebecca stood up placing the baby into the crib. Turning, she put her arms around him crying quietly. "I can't believe you found us?"

Ezra held her to his chest. "Shhhh, my darlin girl, don't cry. I have missed you so damn much." He kissed her lips softly before he deepened it.

Rebecca moaned softly as he ran his hands down her back. "Oh Ezra I want you so much, but I can't yet because of the baby."

He caressed her face. "I know darlin…there's plenty of time for that. Can I see our new daughter?"

Taking a deep breath, she took him over to the crib. Picking up the baby, she cradled her for a moment before placing her into Ezra's arms.

"What did you name her darlin?"

"I named her Laura Amelia…after my mother…if that's alright with you?"

Smiling, he kissed the baby's head. "I think that is a fine name." The baby began to whine a little as he placed her back into Rebecca's arms. "I think perhaps our little one might be hungry."

Becca nodded. "I do believe it's time." Sitting down on the bed, she opened her gown and she immediately latched onto her breast. Ezra sat next to her as the baby nursed. He smiled saying, "Where is Michael?"

"Your son is next door…he has his own room. He played really hard outside today. After dinner, he crashed on the music room floor so I put him to bed. I was tired myself and fell asleep in my rocker holding the baby. I think that's when you came into the room and woke me.

Pulling off his boots before removing everything but his trousers, he said, "I have to admit, I'm exhausted myself. Once the baby has been fed, let's curl up together in bed…I just want to hold you my darlin girl."

Smiling, she burped the baby before placing her into the crib. "Sleep my sweet girl, your daddy is home." She whispered

Ezra was already in bed as Rebecca dropped her robe crawling in next to him. Wrapping her arms around him, she rested her head on his chest.

"I just want to hold you all night too."

M7***M7***M7***M7***M7***M7***M7

Hazy Shade of Winter - sung by The Bangles

lyrics by Paul Simon