Chapter 15: Part 2: Mac and Jess Say Good-Bye]

Knock, knock; said Mac playfully. Come on in, Mac; Jess said with a smile in his direction. How are you doing, Jess?; Mac asked as he sat down beside Jess on the bed. I'm doing better, Mac; Jess said

honestly. Naomi makes sure I don't overdo it; he said with a shrug. She's even more of a mother hen than Daisy is, believe it or not; Jess said with a laugh. But I know she means well; he said quietly.

That's because she loves you, Jess; Mac said with a look on his face that Jess knew was his friend's ''it's the gospel truth'' face. What's Naomi plannin' on doin' now, Mac?; Jess asked a little anxiously.

Well, Jess, Slim and Daisy say that she can stay here and help out until she finds a good job; Mac replied. And with you still healing, they need the help; he added. I don't like askin' this question any more

than you'll like hearin' it, Mac; but I figure I should get right to the point; Jess said seriously. When are you and Reb pulling out, Mac?; Jess asked. We'll be leavin' right after breakfast, Jess; his friend replied.

In fact, that's kinda why I came in here; to tell you goodbye, Jess; he said. I'd rather do it now than later; he added. Me too, Mac; Jess said rather sadly. I'm glad we found you again, son. I'm really gonna miss you,

Jess; he said. But this won't be the last time we see each other, Jess; Mac added. Because I'll be back to visit Naomi whenever I get a chance to; Mac said. I know you will, Mac; Jess said with a smile. Would you do

something for me, Jess? Sure, Mac, what is it?; Jess asked. As long as she stays here in Laramie, and even if she does'nt stay; take care of my girl, Jess; Mac said seriously. I'll always take care of Naomi,

Mac; Jess said smiling. You can count on that; Jess added. I would'nt be here without her; Jess said with a grateful smile. I always knew you'd take care of her, Jess; Mac said smiling.

Now I smell Daisy cookin' breakfast so we'd better go and get some before Slim gets it all, Jess; Mac said with a laugh as he patted Jess's shoulder. I guess we should, Mac; Jess said with a joking grin

on his face. I'm hungry enough to eat a horse tail and all; Jess said, to which Mac laughed heartily as they walked out of the room and into the kitchen.