Chapter 12: Going Home]
It's time to go, Naomi. Reb's got the wagon outside. We've put a mattress and pillows inside for Jess. Good, Uncle Mac. I see you're all packed, Naomi. Can I carry that for you? , offering to take Naomi's luggage. Thank you, Uncle Mac. Are you ready to go, Jess? Yeah, I'm ready. Let's go home, Naomi. The wagon's right outside, Jess. I know you don't like it, but it's the best place for you, Jess. You're still not well enough to ride yet. Mrs. Brown is coming to say goodbye to us, Jess. So you are leaving us, Naomi. I'm afraid so, Mrs. Brown.
Thank you for all your kindness. You're quite welcome, my dear. Have a safe journey. Thanks for prayin' for me, ma'am. You're quite welcome. Take care, young man. I will, Ma'am. Goodbye, all. Come, Jess, we've fixed up the wagon for you.
Lie down now. We've got a long journey ahead of us. Try to get some more rest, alright? Sure, Naomi. I'll be riding back here, Uncle Mac. Alright, Naomi. Let's get going, Patches. Very good, Branch. Giddy up!
[They made it to their destination without incident and saw Buckner to his date with a rope. And then they were on their way again.]
Uncle Mac says we're on our way to Laramie now, Jess. You'll be home before you know it. Go back to sleep now, Jess. I'll wake you when we get there. Okay, Naomi.
[Some Time Later]
Which way to the Sherman Ranch, mister? Just down that road a couple miles, Marshal. Thanks, mister. Giddy up, team! We're almost there, Naomi. Alright, Uncle Mac. Wake up, Jess. You're almost home. We're almost there, Naomi? Yes, Jess.
Just a few more miles now. Help me sit up, Naomi. Sure, Jess. We're here now. I see a little boy running toward the house. Is that Mike? It sure is, Naomi. And Slim and Daisy are coming out onto the porch.
My uncle's going to talk to them. When you're ready, I'll help you down, Jess. Alright, Naomi. What's Mac saying to them, Naomi? I think he's telling them why we've come, Jess. Help him down now, Naomi. Come on Jess, you're home. ''Jess'!, exclaimed Slim. ''Oh, no'', said Daisy. Slim, Daisy, Mike. 'What's the matter, are'nt you glad to see me? We were so worried about you, Jess! I know, Daisy. I'm sorry.
And who is this lovely young lady, Jess? Oh, I'm sorry. Daisy, Slim, this is Naomi. She's Marshal McGary's niece. I'm pleased to meet you, Naomi. And I'm pleased to meet you both. Jess has talked about both of you often. Do call me Daisy, Naomi. Thank you, Daisy. And you can call me Naomi. Would you all come in? Do stay for supper. What do you say to that, Uncle Mac? I sure won't refuse a good meal, ma'am.
You looked after Jess did'nt you, Naomi? Yes, Daisy, I did. I'd like to thank you for that, Naomi. You're welcome, Daisy. I was glad to be of help.
Let's get you settled, Jess. You need to rest before supper. My room is right behind that door, Naomi. Alright, Jess. You get some rest now, alright? I'll come and wake you when supper is ready. See you later Naomi, Jess said as Naomi closed the door.
There you are, Naomi. Did you get Jess settled alright? Yes, Daisy. Can I help you with anything, Daisy? You can help Mike set the table. Supper's just about ready. I'll show ya where the plates are, Naomi.
Thanks, Mike. Slim and your uncle are having a lively conversation, Naomi. Uncle Mac's quite a talker, Daisy. How long have you been with him, dear? Since I was sixteen, Daisy. My parents were dead and I had nowhere else to be. And we met Jess several years after the end of the war. Oh yes, Jess has mentioned that several times. He told us about both of you and the time you spent together, Naomi.
What will you do now, Naomi? I'm going to stay in Laramie if I can get a good job. I'd like to be close to Jess after being apart for so long. You care for him, don't you? Yes Daisy, I do. I hope it all works out for you, Naomi. Thank you, Daisy. Supper's ready now so you'd better fetch them, Naomi. Supper's ready, you two. Alright, Naomi. You and Daisy getting along? Famously, Slim. I'll fetch Jess. You awake, Jess? Yeah, I'm awake. Supper's ready now. You feel up to eating with us? I can if you'll help me get there. Alright, Jess. Let's go before it gets cold. Hi, Jess. Hi there, Tiger. What have you been gettin' into? Oh, nothin'. Good to see you up, pard. Thanks, Slim. The food smells good, Daisy. It's good to have you home, Jess. How was the road, Marshal? It was just fine, ma'am. Dig in everyone, before it gets cold. It's good to have you back, Jess. Thanks, Tiger. Better eat so's you'll grow. Sure, Jess. I wanna be tall like you when I'm big, to which everyone laughed.