The sky was a deep cloudless blue that seemed to go on forever over the rustling golden prairie that seemed to go on forever and Rob was puzzled when Letty pulled up her horse and got off. "It was here," she said, holding the reins.
Rob jumped down and took her hand. They walked along slowly and he asked, "How can you tell? It all looks the same to me."
Letty was silent for a moment. "Rob, I can't explain how I know...but I do. It was here. I thought I was alone but Festus was following me...and I'd said some terrible things to him the night before but he saw me riding out and he wanted to be sure I was all right..." She stopped, shivering. Rob put his arms around her and she shook her head. "I'm all right. It was three years ago but all of a sudden it seems like yesterday. These two men just came out of nowhere and pulled me off my horse...if Festus hadn't been there..."
"You said he got shot."
"He almost died." Letty's voice dropped until Rob could barely hear her. "Doc always said it was a miracle...said when he went to get the marshal and Miss Kitty he didn't really think Festus would be alive when he got back..."
Rob's voice was very quiet. "And this is the place you want us to live and raise our children?" She stopped walking and they faced each other as he went on. "Letty, I know how you feel about your friends..."
"Do you, Rob? I don't think so," said Letty sadly. "They aren't just my friends. They're my family and this place is my home. I've been away too long as it is and I don't want to leave again."
"What about me? What if I don't want to stay here?"
Letty shook her head wordlessly, then got up on her horse and kicked it into a gallop towards Dodge, Rob watching her until she was almost out of sight before he followed.