Chapter 11: A Week Later]
Uncle Mac, come quickly! Is something wrong, Naomi? No, nothing's wrong! Jess's fever has broken! Oh, that's sure good news! Bring me to him, Naomi. I hear your fever broke, Jess. It sure did, Mac. You sure are lucky, boy. I know, Mac. It's good to see you on the mend, Jess. You had us worried. Thanks, Mac. Would you go and fetch the doctor, Uncle Mac? He should take a look at Jess. Sure, Naomi. Be back directly. I knew you'd come back to us, Jess. So glad you stayed with us. It was your care that saved me, Naomi. I'm glad you were here. So am I, Jess. I would'nt have wanted to be anywhere else. May I come in? Do come in, Doctor. Where is my uncle? He had some business at the jail to attend to. I hear your fever has broken, young man. You heard right, Doc. So Naomi tells me, anyway. Oh yes, she is right. Your fever is completely gone now. And your wound is almost healed as well. And I'm glad to say it's safe for you to travel now. Just be sure to take it easy. And it's quite safe for you to be eating solid food as well. This is such good news, Doctor. Thank you. You're welcome, Naomi. On your way back would you stop by the jail and tell my uncle? Of course, Naomi. Thank you. Goodbye, my dear. Take care. And you as well, Doctor. Think of it, Jess. We'll be home before we know it. And I'll sure be glad to get there, Naomi. Do you think you could help me with these whiskers before we leave? I must look a sight. Of course, Jess. I'm sure my uncle would kindly lend you his shaving things. Thanks, Naomi. In fact, when he comes up here, I'll ask him to get them for me. Could you get me some water, Naomi? Sure, Jess. Here you go. And now you're sitting up and drinking all by yourself. You're really getting better, Jess. Better than I ever dared hope for.
You're really lucky, you know. You could very well have died. I know, Naomi. And I'm grateful I got another chance. I'm glad we did'nt lose you, Jess. I honestly don't think I could've borne it if you'd slipped away from us, Jess. You never would've guessed by looking at me Jess, but when we were in the jail I was scared to death inside all the time. I'm sorry, Naomi. Sorry I scared you. That's alright, Jess. You could'nt have known. But you kept going for me, did'nt you? I'm glad you did. I could'nt have done anything else, Jess. I never gave up on anyone I loved. Just like you, Jess. Even when the circumstances were beyond your control. I could'nt save my parents, but I could save you. Thanks for sticking with me, Naomi. You're welcome, Jess. Thank you for coming back to us. I love you, Naomi. I love you too, Jess. I've always loved you; hugging Jess gently. You're right, Jess. You do need a shave. What's so funny, Naomi? Nothing, Jess. Your beard is just tickly, that's all. I know, I need a shave. Which you'll be getting soon, too. Oh, I hear Uncle Mac coming up here so I'll ask him to fetch his shaving things. Knock, knock you two. Come in, Uncle Mac. Would you mind fetching your shaving things for me, Uncle Mac? Jess needs a shave before he grows whiskers! In that case, I better hurry then! I'll be back, Naomi. I'll go and get some warm water, Jess. I'll be right back. Hello, my dear. Hello, Mrs. Brown. Jess's fever broke this morning! Oh, that's such good news, my dear. Thank you for praying for him. You're welcome, Naomi. I was happy to be of help. We'll be very sorry when you all go home. Thank you for that, Mrs. Brown. I'm back now, Jess. I've got the shaving things. Let's get you cleaned up, shall we?
Let me know if I'm doing it wrong, alright? I will, Naomi. You're doing just fine so far. There, you're all done, Jess. I must say, you look better now that the whiskers are off. Thanks, Naomi. You're welcome, Jess. I was glad to help. Can I come in, you two? Come in, Uncle Mac. I have important news. What is it, Mac? Well Jess, if the doc says it's okay for you to be moved, we'll be leavin' here the day after tomorrow. That's good news, Uncle Mac. We'll be seein' Buckner to his date with a rope and then we'll be taking you and Naomi to Laramie, Jess. That's good news, Mac. Can't wait for you to meet em' all. I'll be leaving you two now, Naomi. Alright, Uncle Mac. Looks like we'll be going home, Jess. It sure does, Naomi. And you'll have that future you always wanted. I hope you'll be part of it, Jess. I sure will be, Naomi. Don't know what I would've done without you. Thanks for not giving up on me, Naomi. You're welcome, Jess. It was never in me to give up on somebody I loved. Now, you get some rest. I've got to go pack. Sure, Naomi. Whatever you say. And don't try getting up on me. I sure won't, Naomi. I knew you meant it when you said you'd tie me down if I tried. You're stubborn, but I love you for it. You can be just as stubborn, Jess Harper. But I love you, too. You go to sleep now. I mean it, Jess. Yes, ma'am. My, my, you're polite. I was teasin' you, Jess. See ya later, honey. You too. Honey. Ha, ha, ha! Oh, go to sleep, you silly! Yes, ma'am, Naomi. See ya later, Jess; Naomi said laughing as she left the room.