Come Home to Us, Randy

by Western Gal

How the events of Season Two's 'A Man Called Kane' solidified the love that Judge Garth, Betsy, The Virginian, Steve, and Trampas had for Randy before Season Three's new beginning. And how that love helped Randy deal with the near death experience caused by his outlaw brother

7. Chapter 7

Come Home to Us, Randy: Chapter 7:[ Breakfast and a Talk]

The next morning Betsy was up with the rooster because she had a lot to do that day. ''I hope Daddy will be home soon''; Betsy said to herself as she fixed

breakfast for her and Randy. ''I think I hear Randy coming down here now; Betsy said, smiling to herself. Mornin', Betsy; Randy said, giving her one of his gentle smiles.

Morning, Randy; Betsy replied, returning his smile with one of her own. Did you sleep well, Randy?; Betsy asked as she gave the eggs a stir. Oh, I managed to, I guess;

Randy replied. It sure was quiet in there, though; he remarked. Yes I know, some of the boys snore, don't they?; Betsy asked teasingly. Belden sure does; Randy

replied. That sure smells good, Betsy; Randy said, smiling at her softly. Thanks, Randy; Betsy replied, smiling back.

You know Randy, there was a time in my life when I did'nt know anything about cooking; Betsy said as she turned the bacon. Did'nt your mama teach ya', Betsy?; Randy

asked. My mama died when I was three months old, Randy; Betsy replied. She and Daddy had just come out here and were starting to build a life together here; Betsy

continued. And then all of a sudden she just died and then it was just Daddy and me; Betsy finished. I'm sorry, Betsy; Randy replied. Oh, it's alright, Randy; Betsy replied.

I like to tell others about her; she added. What was her name, Betsy?; Randy asked. Her name was Annie; Betsy replied. My mama's name was Katy; Randy said quietly.

That's a pretty name, Randy; Betsy said, smiling at him as she put the eggs and bacon onto a dish. What was she like, Randy?; Betsy asked. Well, she loved people, she

loved me an' my Daddy, she tried to love Johnny; she took care of folks that came down sick when no doctor was around, she was a good neighbor like the Good Book

says to be; but heaven help the man that messed with her kin; Randy replied. She was'nt afraid to set somebody straight when they told a bald- faced lie, either; Randy added.

And I sure do miss her sometimes; Randy added a little sadly. She must have been wonderful, Randy; Betsy said. I would have loved to have met her; Betsy added. She was, Betsy;

Randy said simply. She an' Daddy died just before I came west; Randy added. How old were you, Randy?; Betsy asked gently. I was only thirteen, Betsy; Randy said. After

she and Daddy died I just could'nt stand to stay around no more; he added. I can understand that, Randy; Betsy said as she put breakfast on the table and sat down.