{Chapter 16: Part 2: Goodbyes}
That was a mighty fine breakfast, Mrs. Cooper; Reb said with genuine appreciation. Thank you, Reb; Daisy replied graciously. I enjoy cooking for young men with appetites; Daisy said fondly,
looking in Slim and Jess's direction. Are you gonna tell us any more stories today, Marshal?; Mike asked curiously. Not today, I'm afraid, Mike; Mac said good-naturedly. Ol' Reb and I have to
skedaddle along down the trail after breakfast; he added. But I'll be back to tell you plenty more, son; McGary added. As soon as I can I'll be comin' back to visit my niece Naomi; he said.
I hope you do come and visit, Marshal; Mike said grinning. I'll sure try to do that, Mike; Mac replied. Where are you and Reb headed from here?; Jess asked. Well, Jess, we'll be headin'
back to our head office and I guess they'll give us another batch of prisoners to deliver somewhere; Mac replied. I have'nt decided anything, Jess, but I've been thinking on turning this
badge of mine in for good; Mac said. I'll let you know when I decide; he added. I'll be looking forward to hearin' about it, Mac; Jess said with a relieved look. It's been good
meetin' you all and visitin' with ya, but Reb and me had better be gettin' goin'; Mac said. It was real nice meetin' you, Miss Daisy; Mac said as he stood to his feet. It was nice meeting you as
well, Marshal McGary; Daisy said graciously. Goodbye now, Jess; Mac said. I'll be seein' you, partner. Take care, Mac; Jess said with a warm smile. I'll walk out with you two, Mac; Slim said as he stood to
his feet. You go on with Slim and say goodbye to your uncle, Naomi; Daisy said as she began to clear the table. Mike and I can handle this for a few minutes; she said. Can't we, Mike?; Daisy
added. We sure can, Aunt Daisy; Mike said grinning. I'll be right back, Jess; Naomi said as she got up from where she was sitting. I know you will, Naomi; Jess said with a smile directed Naomi's way.
I'll see you and Reb out, Uncle Mac; Naomi said as they walked out the front door. I've got the team ready, Marshal; Reb said. I'll be right there, Reb; Mac replied. Take care of yourself, Reb;
Naomi said kindly. I will, Naomi; he replied. I hope everything works out for you, Naomi. Thanks, Reb; Naomi replied as he climbed aboard the wagon. Tell Patches goodbye for me, Uncle Mac; Naomi said.
I will, Naomi; he replied. You take care now, honey; Mac said as he hugged his niece. You too, Uncle Mac; she replied. I love you. I love you too, Naomi; Mac said on the verge of tears.
I hope everything works out for you, honey; he said. And you can be sure that Jess will always look out for you, Naomi; Mac said. I know he will, Uncle Mac; Naomi said with a knowing look
on her face. I'm gonna give you a piece of advice now, Naomi; Mac said seriously. What is it, Uncle Mac?; Naomi asked quietly. Whatever you do honey, don't let Jess be the one that got
away; Mac replied. I know he can be stubborn, but he loves you a whole lot; Mac added. I know, Uncle Mac, and I love him, too; Naomi replied. I won't let him get away; she said.
You can bet on that; Naomi said with a determined look on her face. That's my girl, Naomi. Goodbye now, honey; Mac said as he climbed up on the wagon. Take care, Uncle Mac; Naomi said.
I'd best go back in the house and help Daisy now, Slim. I'll see you later; Naomi said as she headed back to the house. See you later, Naomi; Slim said. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mac; said Slim warmly.
And thanks for your care of Jess; he added. You're welcome, Slim, we were glad to help; Mac replied. So long, Slim. Take care of both of them for me; Mac added. We sure will, Mac; Slim said as Marshal
McGary took the reins in his hands. Git up team!; he said. And then the tumbleweed wagon pulled out of the yard and Slim went on about his chores.