Come Home to Us, Randy: Chapter 6 {Letter to Daddy}
''Now I need to write Daddy''; Betsy said as she sat down at her desk and pulled pen, paper, and ink from it.
May 29th, 1899
Dear Daddy,
[How is your business going? I hope you'll be able to come back to Shiloh soon. I know the Virginian will have already written and told you about this but I wanted to
write you as well. Today there was a near tragedy on the ranch. Randy's long-lost brother found him through a newspaper story we both had a hand in writing on one of our
rides on Shiloh. Well anyway, Johnny was a wanted outlaw and he not only lied to Randy and abused his trust, he very nearly was the cause of Randy's death. But thank
heaven Steve came along and saved Randy and the Virginian. Randy is alright for now and the Virginian is having me keep an eye on him for awhile. Just to make sure he's
alright. And we are all the family that Randy has left now, Daddy. I've told him that we all want him to stay on, and he told me that he wants to stay on Shiloh with all
of us. I love Randy like a brother and I'm so thankful that he's still here on this earth. Please come home as soon as you can, Daddy. We need you. Your loving daughter, Betsy]
[''I'll go into town and mail this tomorrow''; Betsy said, putting the letter in an envelope. ''Now it's time for bed''; Betsy said, blowing out the light and climbing into bed.
''What is that''?; Betsy said, hearing a noise two hours later. ''I'd better go check on Randy''; Betsy said, pulling on her robe. ''It sounded like it came from the guest room''; Betsy said,
stepping out into the hallway. Are you awake, Randy?; Betsy asked softly from outside the door. I'm awake, Betsy; Randy replied softly. Is it alright if I come in, Randy?; Betsy asked gently.
Sure, come on in, Betsy; Randy replied softly. Can't you sleep, Randy?; Betsy asked gently, sitting down on the bed next to him. I guess not; Randy replied. Is anything bothering you,
Randy?; Betsy asked gently. If what that man tried to do scared you, Randy, you can tell me about it; Betsy said. Well, I reckon what happened did scare me a little; Randy replied.
It's hard knowin' that your flesh an blood kin tried to murder you; Randy said solemnly. I completely understand, Randy; Betsy said gently. But believe me, you're safe with us now, and that
man is dead and gone because that was his choice: not yours, Randy, and he will never hurt you again; Betsy said lovingly.
And if anyone ever tries to hurt you ever again, Randy, rest assured that the Virginian and the boys would tear them apart and send them packing; Betsy said for good measure.
We all love you, Randy, and we're glad you're here with us; Betsy added. Now you really should get some sleep, Randy; Betsy said, smiling at him. Okay, Betsy; Randy replied, crawling back
under the covers. Thanks for makin' me feel better about it, Betsy; Randy said as she tucked the covers around him. You're welcome, Randy; Betsy replied. You let me know if you need
anything, alright?; Betsy added softly. I will, thanks, Betsy; Randy said sleepily. Sweet dreams, Randy; Betsy said as she got up quietly. You too, Betsy; he replied sleepily.
I love you, Randy; Betsy whispered softly as she walked away. ''He must be asleep again''; Betsy thought. And so she went back to her own room and went to sleep. But, unknown to
her, Randy had heard her words and been warmed by them because he knew they were true.