Red Dead Love Story

by Draco'sDragonheartMaiden

When his life takes a turn John leaves Beecher's Hope behind and heads back to a place he knew he could find a home...MacFarlane Ranch. When he returns he does his best to earn his place there but as time passes he begins to see Bonnie in a new light. What will happen between the pair now they have reunited. Will add new chapters once they're done.

It all begins after Dutch, Bill and Javier had been brought to justice and John had finally returned home with everything now back to normal. Some time after getting into the normal routine John and Jack had gotten into an agrument about the fact that Jack had gone out after a bear alone and had nearly gotten himself killed. John had thought that after the talk he'd had with his son that the matter had been settled but he was furious to find out it wasn't, for Jack had been sneaking out on his own to go hunting again when he told his father he was going to visit a friend and while that was partly true he never told them the whole truth. Both John and Abigail had believed their son when he told them that he was going to visit a friend but one day when John went to Manzanita Post to sell some pelts he noticed a giant bear skin hanging on the wall. Out of curiousity John asked the man behind the counter about it, "hey." "Yes." "About the bear skin hanging on the wall when did you get that in?" John questioned. "We got that monster in a couple of days ago." "Who brought it in?" John asked. "A young man came in said he had killed it up next to Nakoti Rock," the man behind the counter replied. "Really? Did he give his name?" "Yes I believe he said his name was...oh...what was it?" the man thought for a moment trying to recall the young man's name. Just then another cashier came in carrying a box of items to place on the selves, the man behind the counter spoke, "hey Charley do you recall the name of the young man who brought that giant bear skin in the other day?" he asked. Charley thought for an instant before replying, "I believe he said his name was Jack Marston," he replied. At hearing this John's anger began to rise into his chest but he kept it out of his voice, "are you sure that's what he said?" "Yes I'm sure...why do you know him?" asked the cashier. "Yeah you could say that," John replied as he paid for the items he had purchased before leaving. "Have a safe ride," the man behind the counter called after him. As John got onto his horse Apache's Cinnamon and rode back to Beecher's Hope to have a word with his son, his only thought was how angry he was at his son for not only lying to him but disobeying him as well. When he arrived home Abigail met him at the door and she looked very annoyed about something, John noticed this, 'wonder if she found out about Jack going hunting too,' he thought to himself as he stopped Apache at the steps before dismounting and teathering him to hitching post. He unloaded his purchased items as Abigail spoke, "John we have a problem..." she said angrily. "Does it have anything to do with Jack?" he asked. The surprised look on her face told him it did, "how did you know?" she asked. He didn't answer but spoke again, "I found out he's been sneaking off hunting again and he took down that bear at Nakoti Rock," he said taking the items inside to the kitchen to set them on the table before walking back outside. At hearing this she was shocked, "why that little...when he gets home I'm gonna..." her words were cut off when they heard Jack returning home.

As he rode up to the house he greeted his parents, "hello ma...pa..." he said dismounting from his horse Shadow and teathering him beside Apache before walking onto the porch. Once on the porch he could feel that something was up, "what...has something happened?" he asked. "We have to talk," was all his mother had to say. He looked to his father but when he did he immediately regretted it, "about what?" "Jack Lee Marston you know exactly what it's about," John stated angrily. Jack took a small step back, "I don't..." was the only words he could get out as John spoke again, "you know very well...don't you dare lie to me again." Jack was taken back by his father's tone and responded with one of his own, "I've never once lied to you and you know it so don't try that crap with me.." he snapped. This only made John angrier, "don't you take that tone with me young man, I know all about you sneaking off to go hunting again and how you went after that bear at Nakoti Rock again." At this Jack said nothing, "so you don't deny it...I thought that we settled this matter the last time you nearly got yourself killed," John half shouted. "I'm eighteen years old, I'm not a child anymore and you can't treat me like one..." Jack shouted back. It was then that Abigail moved towards her son and slapped him right across the face, which left him a bit speechless as he placed a hand on his stinging cheek, "don't you speak to your father that way do you hear me Jack Marston," she scolded. For an instant Jack was silent as John spoke again, "while you may be eighteen that doesn't give you the right to go galavanting all over the countryside after a bear you'll only get yourself killed." "Oh like you can talk...when you were my age you were breaking the law left and right, so you tell me is that anymore dangerous than going after a grizzly bear," Jack retorted. "Don't speak of things you don't understand you know nothing of how things were when I was your age," John snapped. "Oh I know more than you think I do, I know you robbed banks, held people hostage for ransom, killed people left and right not to mention you all shared ma but you were the only one that married her only because she got pregnant with me. Here's the thing though how do you even know I am your son as many men as she had you both probably don't even know who my real father is. If I did have a father I can guarantee that it sure as hell wouldn't be you!" Jack shouted. That was it, the straw that broke the camel's back Jack had spoken way out of line about him and Abigail, both Abigail and John were furious. Jack stood there with an arigant look on his face as John spoke, "you shut your mouth you disrespectful little bastard, how dare you speak that way.." but John didn't get to finish his sentence, "I don't care anymore I'm out of here..." Jack shouted as he stormed into the house to his room, packed several of his belongings and rode off to get away from there for a while to cool off. After Jack disappeared into the distance John's anger didn't go away, "I can't believe him how can he say those things about us...the little pissant.." John muttered as he untied Apache before taking him to the barn to unsaddle him, brush him down, then turn him out to graze with his wife's horse Scarlet. Once at the barn he walked inside to one of the stalls before tethering Apache and unsaddling him. After placing the saddle on one side of the stall he grabbed a brush and began to groom his stallion's coat free of any dirt and dust. As he groomed his stallion he seemed to calm down and his anger disappeared.

Once done he placed the brush back on the little shelf as he untied Apache and led him out the corral to graze with Scarlet. Now that his horse was taken care of he returned to the barn to hang the bridle up before going to the house to spend some time alone with Abigail while Jack was gone.

Now out nearby Prescot Ranch Jack had teathered Shadow to the hitching post before going to the door and knocking before patiently waited for someone to answer. He had only been standing there for a couple seconds when the door opened to reveal a beautiful fair skinned, light brunette haired girl about Jack's age with shinnering green eyes and her name was Jessie Prescot. She was the seventeen year old daughter of Bailey Handler and Jenny Prescot Handler, Jenny's father was a big time ranch owner and had left everything he had to both Jenny and Bailey when he died. The two had been seeing each other for about three and half years and were also betrothed to be married in the coming spring. Upon seeing Jack standing on the porch she smiled as she wrapped her arms around him as he held her before kissing her on the lips, "I've missed you my dearest," she said. "I've missed you too my darling," Jack replied hugging her close to him. When he let go of her he spoke, "so how are you feeling?" he asked as he placed a hand on her stomach that was only just beginning to show at three months in. "I'm feeling fine Jack, we both are..." she said as she led him inside. It was true Jack and Jessie were going to be parents, ever since he had found out he was to become a father he had been sneaking off to see her more often without his parents knowing. He knew if his parents knew about him and Jessie and now their unborn child they would keep the two from seeing each other again and the young lovers couldn't bare the thought of it. When Jessie's parents found out their only concern was if Jack would take care of her and the baby, which they knew he would. Since he had been seeing their daughter they had come to think of him as a son and allowed him to stay with them from time to time. They had also told him that he could think of their ranch as his second home and could come and go as he pleased. Jack and Jessie went to sit in the living room to talk for a while about different little things that concerned their future.

Back at Beecher's Hope Abigail was cleaning the house while John was doing some work outside to help him channel his frustrations in another way. As Abigail went into Jack's room to clean she noticed a letter on his desk beside his journal, 'huh what's this...' she thought to herself as she picked up the letter, she could tell that it was at least a couple months old but she began to read it.

My Dearest Jack,

I want to thank you for my birthday gift you sent me, I absolutely love it, the ring was so beautiful. I was happy to hear from you again, I had been hoping that I would because there something that I have been needing to tell you. You know that night we spent together a week or so ago, well that night we created something together...I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm pregnant with your baby. I have already told my parents and they aren't angry about it or anything they only want to make sure that you will take care of me and our baby, which they know you will and they are even happier that we are to be married in the spring. They also told me to tell you that they have given you their blessing to move in with us so that we can be together all the time. Not only that it will allow us to be able learn how to make a life together for us and our baby. I know you will make an exceptional husband and father, and I promise that I will do my best to be the best wife and mother that I can be. I love you so much my darling and I cannot wait to see you again.

Yours Forever,

Jessie Prescot (Marston)

After reading this Abigail was shocked beyond belief, "I can't believe it...my son is going to be married and have a baby with a girl that we knew nothing about." Abigail could understand why Jack would keep everything a secret, so for now she decided to keep it that way and let Jack come to her and say something about it though she knew that John wasn't going to like it one bit. Though she knew more than anyone that true happiness was hard to find but she was happy for her son all the same and realized that he was no longer a baby but a man finding his own way in the world. She tucked the letter back into Jack's journal and closed it, leaving it on his desk so he wouldn't know that she had seen it and knew about him and Jessie. She finished cleaning his room then moved to her and John's room to clean in there before going to the kitchen to get dinner started for her and John. As she fixed dinner she thought about what she had read in the letter Jessie sent to Jack, 'I still can't believe my son is going to be a father at eighteen years old...' she thought as she remained wrapped in her thoughts.

Back at Prescot Ranch Jessie's parents had returned home from going to town to purchase some needed supplies for their ranch and were pleased to see Jack had come to see Jessie. "Hello Jack it's good to see you again," Jessie's mother greeted giving Jack a hug. "It is good to see you too Miss Jenny and you too Mister Bailey," he greeted the two. "To you as well Jack, did you have a good ride?" he asked sitting across from the couple. "Yes sir I did and I'm pleased to see you all doing well," Jack replied. "When are you going to come and live with us?" Jenny asked. "I will go back tonight to collect all my things and say goodbye to my parents and return here tonight to stay," Jack smiled as she hugged her man close to her, "I'm pleased to hear you say that and we'll be happy to have you here with us," Bailey said with a smile as his wife agreed. "Won't you stay for dinner before going home?" Jessie asked. "If it's alright with you then I will," Jack replied. "Of course it's alright we told you that you could think of this as your second home so you don't have to ask for permission to stay," Jenny assured him as her husband agreed. Jack smiled as Jenny walked into the kitchen to prepare dinner for the family, "here allow me to help with dinner," Jack offered. Jenny smiled, "sure...thank you," she replied as Jack followed her into the kitchen.

Back home Abigail was still preparing dinner and was so wrapped up in her thoughts she didn't notice John come back inside to rest after working outside for the passed couple hours. As he rested in the one of the chairs at the table he noticed that his wife seemed to be preoccupied with her thoughts, "Abigail..." he said but she didn't respond so he got up, walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her making her jump, "oh John when did you get so sneaky?" she asked. "Mmh bout the same time you got lost in your thoughts..." he retorted playfully. Abi laughed as John kissed her neck before nipping at her ear, "why are you being so playful?" she asked. "Just wanted to be..." John replied as he turned her around and kissed her. Abigail was surprised that John was being so affectionate but she was pleased that he was this way. As she returned the kiss her previous thoughts disappeared from her mind as if they were never there. They kissed for several moments before letting go of it as Abigail looked into her husband's gentle eyes as he smiled at her. As he caressed her cheek a blush covered them as a love-filled smile played across her lips and it was then she remembered something, "oh dinner..." she said as she turned around and began to stir the soup so it wouldn't burn. "Did I almost make you forget something," John playfully teased. "Ha ha very funny..." Abigail laughed as she stirred the soup before placing some bread into the oven to bake to go along with their soup.

Back at the Prescot Ranch the family of four was just sitting down to dinner, "have you two thought about names for the baby yet?" Jenny asked. "No not really but we have discussed it somewhat though," Jack replied. "Oh really what have you thought of any good ones?" Bailey asked curiously. Jessie was the one to answer the question, "well we thought of either Sierra or Gwendelyn for a girl and Tommy for a boy." "Gwendelyn what a beautiful name for a daughter," Jenny replied. "And Tommy is a strong name for a son," Bailey commented. The young couple smiled as they continued eating dinner.

Back at the Marston home they had just eaten dinner and John was now speaking to his wife, "darling I'm going to town and meet up with some friends for a drink and maybe play some cards." "Alright dear just be careful out there ok," Abigail said giving him a kiss, "I love you." "I love you too," John said as he left heading to town on his horse Apache's Cinnamon. As he rode away Abigail watched him as he disappeared into the distance, "*sigh* what am I going to do with that man..." she said shaking her head as she walked inside to the living room to read for a while.

Back at the Prescot Ranch Jack was spending time with Jessie and her family playing cards and talking about idle things, "so when spring comes around have you two decided where the wedding will be?" Bailey asked. "No not yet that topic hasn't come up until now," Jack answered. "He's right we were trying to figure out to get things ready for our baby before talking about our wedding," Jessie replied. "While that makes sense you two still need to figure it out because spring will be here before we know it," Jenny added. "You do have a point mother," Jessie said before looking her husband-to-be, "where do we want to get married at?" she asked. Jack thought for a moment as he laid down a card, "well I think the spot just outside of town near the water underneath the big oak trees would be a perfect place to have our wedding because think about it the flowers and trees will be in bloom, we'll have a beautiful view of the water and also we'll be close to town should anything come up," Jack replied. "You know Jack that is a very smart place to have it because we will have a little more protection should we need it and to add to it maybe we should have a few cops around to insure that everything is safe for your special day," Bailey reasoned. "I think that is a fantastic idea honey," Jenny replied. "I love the idea.." Jessie turned to her man, "you are brillant.." she exclaimed as she kissed him on the lips as he returned it. Her parents were happy that the two young people had found love and were happy together.

Back at the Marston house Abigail was still in the living room reading when she heard someone riding up and she thought that it was Jack coming back. She got up off the sofa and walked to the door to answer it, "hey Jack there's something I'd like to talk you about..." when she opened the door though she received a shock as a gasp escaped her lips for what she found on her porch was a band of bandits. "Hate to tell you honey but it's not Jack..." one bandit said moving towards her. Somewhere inside the fear she found her courage, "get off my property right now," she ordered grabbing her husband's shotgun. "Oh look at this she actually thinks she can take us.." another bandit said laughing manically as he jerked the gun out of hands and hit her in the face with it knocking her unconscious. One of the bandits grabbed her and slung her over his horse as he and the others rode away into the night.

In town John was playing poker with some friends and winning, "guess tonight is my lucky night fellas," John said winning the last hand. "Yeah I guess so how about we play one more hand," one guy said. "No I can't I got to get home to Abigail she's gotta be getting lonely by now," John got up to leave, "goodnight gentlemen..." he said getting onto his horse and riding away. As he rode home he wondered if Jack had returned yet, "hmm maybe I better hurry home so Abigail isn't alone," John said to himself as he urged his horse faster, "come on Apache lets go as fast you can." As if understanding his words Apache made his legs move faster to race home as fast as he was able. Upon reaching home John noticed that something wasn't right and once at the porch he hopped off Apache and raced inside, "Abigail! Hey Abigail where are..." his words were cut off when he saw the state of the house, it had been ransacked, "oh no...Abigail!" John shouted as he looked around frantically for his wife.

Back at Prescot Ranch Jack was getting ready to leave for home, "are you sure you can't stay tonight and go back in the morning," Jessie said not wanting him to leave. "You can you know besides you'll be moving in tomorrow anyway right," Jenny reasoned. "Well..." Jack said. "Please my love..." Jessie said with pleading eyes. Jack could never say no to that beautiful face, "oh alright I will besides it's too late for anyone to be out riding alone," he replied. Jessie smiled as she embraced her beloved as she led him to a room next to hers as her parents went to bed. Upon reaching the room Jessie opened the door to let Jack in, "I hope you will be comfortable here my love." "I'm sure I will be my dearest since I'm right next to you," Jack said embracing her in his arms and kissing her lips. When they let go of the kiss they said goodnight to each other before they went to bed for the night.

Back at Beecher's Hope John was frantic that Abigail was gone and Jack was still not back yet, "what a time for the boy to be gone all day and night," he said frustrated. He went up to the attic to see if she was there and when he did he didn't find her there, "where are you..." he said to himself as worry raced through him. That night he didn't sleep well at all because his wife wasn't beside him. When he awoke the next morning he hadn't gotten much sleep at all so he was very cranky when he got up, "now to find my wife..." he said going out to the barn and saddling his favorite horse Apache's Cinnamon and riding out into the countryside to see if he could find Abigail.

Meanwhile at the Prescot Ranch everyone was up and about eating breakfast before helping out with the chores around the ranch. Jack helped out where ever he was needed and Bailey was grateful to him for doing so he couldn't be more pleased with his soon-to-be-son-in-law. After helping around the ranch Jack had to return home to retrieve all his belongings before coming back to the ranch to stay. Jessie was sad to see him leave but knew he would return later that day, "bye my love..." she said kissing him tenderly on the lips. "I'll see you later ok I promise, I love you.." he replied kissing her once more. "I love you too," Jessie said smiling as both Jenny and Bailey waved him off. "Be safe out there," Bailey called after him as he rode for Beecher's Hope. When he arrived he found no one there and everything quiet, "huh must be out somewhere enjoying the countryside together," Jack said to himself as he entered through the back door and headed straight for his room. After retrieving his things he placed everything into his saddlebag on his trusty horse Shadow and was ready to mount up and ride off again when he heard a voice calling out to him, "Jack!" When he turned he saw his father riding fast towards him, "hey pa what's..." he didn't get to finish his sentence because John cut him off, "no time look we need to start a search before it's too late now lets go," John was ready to ride off when Jack spoke, "whoa wait a minute slow down and tell me what's going on.." Jack replied clearly not understanding. "There's no time now lets go," John barked. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on," Jack replied now sitting atop his horse. John heaved a frustrated sigh as he spoke, "Abigail is gone and the house has been ransacked, she's been taken by bandits now lets go," John half yelled. Now fully understanding the situation he rode after his father to help search for his mother hoping that they would find her but he knew that there was a possiblity that they wouldn't but remained quiet. They rode and rode for the longest time but had stop to water their horses and rest for an instant so they had decided to stop by the river they often fished together to rest. As they rode down the path there was silence between them for the longest time, neither of them had spoken since they had left the house though there was much both wanted to say. They'd had a fight the day before and hadn't made up because Jack had stayed at his fiancé's house the night before so each could cool off before talking things out. John wanted to say something but Jack beat him to it, "listen pa about yesterday I shouldn't have said all that stuff bout you and ma." John looked at his son, "and I shouldn't have gotten so angry, I know you're not a child anymore but I guess that I've missed more of you growing up than I should have. I wasn't there for you when you needed me the most but I promise that I will be there from now on, I won't miss anymore of your life," he replied smiling at his son. Jack smiled, "thanks pa..." he then got very serious which John noticed, "what is it son?" he asked. "Well there is something that I need to tell you..." he started as they brought their horses to a stop for a moment, "ok go ahead..." John said. "Promise not to get mad at me?" Jack asked hesitantly. "Yeah.." John answered but silently wondered why Jack would say that. Jack took a deep breath before letting it out slowly, "do you know the reason why I didn't come back last night?" he asked. "No not really but I have an idea," John replied, "though I don't know where you went."

Jack got a bit more nervous he was about to tell his father about Jessie and the fact she was carrying his baby and that they were going to be married plus the fact he was moving in with them today. "Well the reason I didn't come back was because I thought you might still be mad but that's not the main reason why. The main reason was because I...I was um..." "Go ahead son, tell me.." John encouraged telling himself that no matter what he wasn't going to get mad. "I was with a girl named Jessie Prescot," Jack said. John looked surprised, "Prescot you mean of the Prescot Ranch?" he asked. "Yeah you know about that place?" Jack asked. "Yeah of course who doesn't that's one of the biggest Ranches around. How did you meet a girl like that?" John asked. "Well I was at the bookshop in Blackwater one day and she was in there and we both happened to be looking at the same book and we struck up a friendship so we kept in touch ever since," Jack answered. "Really that's great son so is there anything else between the two of you?" John asked. "Well yes actually there is and it's actually pretty serious," Jack answered knowing what his father's next question was going to be, "how serious?" John asked. "Um well uh...she...she's my fiancé," Jack said hesitantly. John's mouth hung open, "really? Things between you two are that serious and you didn't tell us?" John asked. "Yes they are we've been seeing each other for three and half years but uh..." Jack stopped short. "But what? Is there more to it?" John asked. "Um well...there is something else, you see...she...she's..." he couldn't even say it. John then put things together and spoke, "she's carrying your child isn't she?" he asked. Jack got very silent as he looked at his father, "yes..." was his only reply. John remained silent for several moments and Jack sat there waiting for the anger he was expecting not to mention a lecture but was surprised with what his father said. "Though I am not happy that you're going to have a baby at eighteen years old you could've at least let us meet the girl first," John replied smiling. Jack smiled as relief washed over him, "yeah I know but I thought that you two would try and keep us apart after I told you about the baby." "No we wouldn't do that to you two but I'm happy that you found each other the way your mother and I wish we could have, without violence or trouble surrounding it," John said, "so when is the wedding?" "It's going to be in the spring and we already know where it will be too. It's going to be just outside of town underneath the trees surrounded by flowers and overlooks the river," Jack explained. "Really that sounds like a perfect place to get married because with it being in the spring time the flowers and trees will be in bloom and beautiful," John replied as they got their horses going again. Jack was silent because he hadn't told his father everything and was a little hesitant to say it, "uh pa there is one more thing I didn't mention...um I'm actually going to be living with them starting today." John stopped, "really?" he asked. Jack only nodded before looking at John, "well I hope that you two will be very happy together son," was John's only words as they kept going.

The rest of the ride was quiet and once they reached the river they stopped to water the horses and rest for a while before continuing onward to try and find Abigail. Jack was relieved the John didn't yell at him or lecture him about his situation with Jessie and her family, but right now he was worried about his mother and hoped they found her soon. After resting for while they got back onto their horses and started the search back up again. They continued down the trail they were on in hopes of finding something but what they found horrified them to no end. There laying on the ground in front of them was Abigail Marston beaten, bloodied and naked and they could hardly believe it, "no Abigail!" John shouted as he jumped down from his stallion and ran to her side before picking her up. John knew immediately that she was gone and it broke his heart, "oh darlin' I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..." John whispered before kissing her forehead and picking her up and placing her on his horse as they rode back to Beecher's Hope. When they reached home John placed her in her favorite dress and placed her on their bed before he and Jack went into the living room to straighten everything up. After that was done they sat in the living room for a minute before either of them spoke, "what happened pa?" Jack asked. "I...I don't know, how could this have happened..." John replied holding back his tears as was Jack. He looked at his father, "what do mean you don't know pa, won't you here?" he asked. John looked down slightly ashamed, "n-no I...I wasn't I had to run out to town for a minute and I thought I'd be back sooner but I ran a little late," John lied not wanting to tell his son that he had been out at the saloon playing cards. Jack looked at his father, "you weren't here? You mean to tell me that you left ma here all alone, you didn't think to take her with you?" Jack snapped. John knew Jack would be angry with him, "all I can son is I'm sorry, I didn't know it was going to happen," was his only defense. Jack was angry with his father and rounded on him, "you are suppose to protect her ain't that what your vows say that you would protect her no matter what?" he said but he didn't let up, "it's just like before you were never around when you were suppose to be and now ma is dead and it's all your fault...you were no better a husband than you were a father." John then became really angry at his son, "now don't you blame this on me I didn't take her from here, beat her and leave out in the open to be eaten by grizzlies Jack, those bandits did so don't blame me," he snapped. Jack looked at his father with a look of pure hatred, "it is your fault you should have been here instead of being at the saloon...her blood is on your hands...and I will never forgive you for this and I never want to see you ever again...NEVER!" Jack shouted as he ran out the door and rode off for home with his fiancé and her family, never again to return to Beecher's Hope. All John could do was watch Jack ride off to be with his fiancé and her family forever and he knew that Jack had spoken the truth that he was never coming back and he wanted nothing more to do with his father. John knew what he had to do now, he had to bury his wife on the hilltop overlooking his small ranch and he knew it wasn't going to be easy but he had to do it...for her because he loved her.

After the task was done he went down to retrieve her from their room and carry her up to the hilltop and place her into her grave. He used a sheet from their bed to wrap her in before placing her into her grave and covering her with dirt. Once he was done he placed rocks onto her grave as well as a grave marker with her name, the date she was born on and the date she died. Now that the task was completed he stood in front of her grave for a moment, telling her goodbye and how he still loved her and how much he'd miss her before going back into the house and falling asleep on the sofa.

For the next several months he remained alone in his house, it was no longer a home because both Abigail and Jack were gone. Even though Jack wasn't dead, losing them both at the same time left a big hole in John's heart that was unable to be filled right now plus the guilt he felt for not being able to protect his wife the way he should have. He felt so alone now because he had no one to talk to or spend time with so he always seemed to be fiddling with something around the house to occupy himself. Though everything change when he returned from town to find a new horse waiting for him at the barn teathered to the hitching post. When he saw this beautiful stallion he wondered where he had come from but after placing the animal into the corral with Scarlet and Apache's Cinnamon he walked onto his porch to find a letter in the mailslot, it was from Bonnie McFarlane. Once he read the letter he sent one back to her thanking her for the stallion and promised to come visit soon.

After that day he worked with his stallion everyday to gain his trust so that he would be able to ride him and that's exactly what he was doing today he was working with his new horse. He had given the stallion the name Windscar, he was a beautiful stallion that Amos had capture one day while out on a ride, the horse had a beautiful black coat with a bold white face, two white socks on his hind legs and a black mane and tail. John also took note to several small scars on the stallion's coat, 'this ole boy must have been fighting with the band stallion for control over the herd,' he thought to himself as he led Windscar around the corral before hitching him to the fence to groom him, "a nice brush down is just what you need to calm you down a bit." He then walked into the barn to retrieve the brush hanging on the nail just inside the door that led out to the corral. When he returned the stallion looked at him before playfully nosing the hand with the brush in it making John laugh, "silly boy this ain't food.." he said as he began to brush the dust and dirt out of Windscar's coat. John knew that this horse was young maybe three or four years old at least so he knew to be patient with the horse and soon enough he would be able to ride him. As he groomed his stallion he thought of the woman who had given the horse to him, 'Bonnie...I wonder how she is doing, maybe I should go see her,' he thought to himself as a small smile played across his lips. With that thought in mind he decided to pack up all his belongings on his wagon and leave Beecher's Hope just as his son Jack had done six months ago. 'I need to get away from here it's too many memories here for me to stay,' he thought as he began to gather all of his things and pack everything on his wagon. After packing everything he owned onto his wagon he retrieved Scarlet and Apache, harnessed them up and hitched them to the wagon, teathering Wind Scar to the loop in the back so he could bring him with him. He was now ready to leave what use to be his home and silently vowed never to come back to Beecher's Hope ever again, "*click click* lets go..." he said to the horses as they began to pull the wagon heading for McFarlane Ranch. As he made his way down the road he remained somewhat lost in his thoughts not just of Abigail but about Jack, Jessie, their baby and their family. He shook his head slightly to stop any thoughts of his old life, "I must forget them before I can move on with a new one," he told himself as he got the horses to trot a little faster. He soon reached Thieves' Landing and carefully made his way through the small settlement before crossing the bridge to the other side before travelling through the swampy part of Hennigan's Stead, passing by the farely large pond and heading to McFarlane's Ranch. He had passed beneath the bridge and was now in eyeview of the ranch and upon seeing it, all sorts of memories of him and Bonnie flooded his mind.

On the ranch Bonnie was just coming out of the house heading to the general store to pick up a package that was to arrive for her. As she walked towards the store she almost seem to sense something and turned in the direction that she heard a wagon approaching and when she did she saw someone she hadn't seen in so long, "John..." she whispered as a smile played across her lips. On his wagon John saw a woman coming out of the house heading to the general store and he knew immediately who it was, "Bonnie..." he murmured and it was at that moment he realized how much he had missed her.

Upon seeing him she ran up to greet him as he pulled his wagon to a stop, "John..." she breathed. "Bonnie..." he replied equally as soft. They exchanged smiles that held a secret meaning that only they knew, "it's good to see you again Bonnie." "The same to you too John, so you've finally decided to come visit me?" she asked. "Not exactly I came here to see if you would let me stay here again," John replied. "Really?" she asked. "Yeah..." was his only reply. Bonnie then noticed the look on John's face and she understood, "of course you can stay here I left the cabin you stayed in last time just as you left it, in hopes that you would return." John smiled as he got his wagon moving again to his cabin before pulling them to a stop beside it. He got down from the wagon and first he untied Wind Scar and teathered him to the hitching post outside the cabin before he began to unpack his wagon. It was then that Bonnie came over to help him, "need a hand?" she asked. "Sure thanks..." he replied as they worked together.

There was little said between the two as they worked because Bonnie knew about what happened to Abigail and also knew that Jack had left to be with his fiancé and her family. She couldn't believe that the sweet young man she had met almost a year ago had turned his back on his father and had left to be with his wife-to-be and her family. Another thought occured to her that a year ago was also the last time she had seen John but she was glad that he was here again. After they had finished unpacking John's wagon he parked the wagon beside his cabin then took the horses to the corral, removing the harnesses from them before turning them out into the corral with the other horses but leaving their halters on them. He then walked back to his cabin where Bonnie was waiting for him, "thank you for letting me stay here Bonnie it really means a lot to me that you'd take me in again," John said with a weak smile. "It's no trouble at all I love having you here with me...us," she said as a blush covered her cheeks. John smiled at her as he sat on the small porch in the chair as she sat on the porch beside him and without looking at her he spoke, "how much do you know?" he asked. "Not a lot but I understand why you are here," she replied not pushing the topic further, "well I'll let you settle in and I hope that you will join me and father for dinner later," Bonnie said as she got up and walked away. John merely nodded as he continued to sit there for the longest time deep in his thoughts and he also hoped that being here at McFarlane Ranch again would help him get over what he'd been through and be able to move forward with his life.

Sometime later Bonnie had come out to join some friends around the campfire to spend time with them and when she got there she noticed that John was nowhere to be found. She looked around but she still didn't see him and it was then that one of the ranch hand's daughters came over and sat next to Bonnie, "evening Miss Bonnie," she greeted warmly. "Hello Lydia how are you?" she said. "I'm fine Miss Bonnie, I saw that scruffy man that sat on his porch most of the day go into that building over there to play cards with some of the fellas," she said. "Scruffy man? Oh you mean Mister Marston," Bonnie said. "Yes ma'am he went to play cards with Amos and some of the other guys," Lydia replied. "I see.." was Bonnie's only reply as she looked into the fire and watched it flicker as some of the others began playing some music, dancing and talking. From time to time she would glance in the direction that Lydia had said that John had gone and at one point she thought about going to play cards with them but decided against that and just stayed by the fire as she listened to some of the things the ranch hands were saying.

Inside the fellas were playing poker and at the moment Amos was winning but John was determined to win at least one hand in this game. He had a good hand and the cards on the table were in his favor and he was all in as were two of the ranch hands while Amos and the sheriff were half in. When the sheriff put down his last bet everybody revealed their hands, the two ranch hands had two pair, the sheriff had three of a kind and Amos, who was confident that he was going to win had a full house. We was confident until John revealed his hand because he had a royal flush and had busted the two ranch hands and half cleaned out Amos and the sheriff. The two ranch hands, frustrated at being busted out left to go sit by the fireside with the others while the three remaining men continued to play. The next three hands John won and left both Amos and the sheriff with only a hand full of chips and this was the last hand. John dealt the cards and placed his bet as did the sheriff and Amos. The men played their bets till both Amos and the sheriff were all in and John played his last bet as they all revealed their cards. The sheriff had a pair of sixes and Amos a pair of nines but John had two pair, queens and fives which cleaned out the two other men at the table. "Dang...I thought I had that one oh well that cleans me out," Amos said. "Me too," the sheriff added. "Sorry fellas guess tonight's my lucky night," John said pulling the chips in his direction and cashing them in to win five hundred dollars. After the game was over the three men went outside to sit by the fireside to spend time with friends. When the men came out of the card playing room they sat by the fire and listened to the music and the stories that were being told. John tucked the money into his pocket before looking in the flames as they flickered brightly, he could hear stories being told about some of the things that he had done over in Mexico and then in Black Water. He had to laugh at some of the things the ranch hands were saying cause the way they were acting about those things it made it sound like it was easy and that it had all been a joke. It was then that he noticed a woman sitting across from him speaking to another woman sitting next to her and when he looked at her he saw it was Bonnie. John smiled at seeing her laugh and enjoy herself and the time with friends, 'she has such a beautiful laugh and she looks so pretty when she laughs,' he thought to himself as he looked at her. It was then that she looked at him and realized he had been watching her and she smiled at him as a blush lightly covered her cheeks. Their gazes locked for an instant but eventually Bonnie had to look away with the blush still on her cheeks but John never looked away from her, 'she really is lovely...' he thought to himself. When she looked back at him she offered him a place beside her which he accepted and moved to sit beside her. She silently cheered at her small triumph at getting John to sit beside her, 'take it slow and maybe you can heal his heart,' she thought to herself. As John sat beside her he spoke, "how are you this evening Bonnie?" he asked. "I'm well John, have you settled in ok?" she asked. "Yeah I have and I'm glad to be back here it really helps being around friends that I love being around," John replied. Hearing this made Bonnie smile at him, "I love having you here too Mister Marston," Bonnie replied. For them they only heard the music playing as they sat by the fire together and while she was enjoying her time with John there was something she wanted to ask but had been a little hesitant to. They had briefly mentioned it earlier in the day but not too much had been said since he had just arrived and she didn't want to end up running him off by being too looking at him she spoke, "I'm really sorry about what happened to Abigail Mister Marston...I truly am..." she said, her voice full of sympathy. John got very quiet for an instant before speaking, "I still can't believe she's gone..." was the only thing he said. She stayed quiet as he contiued, "I think the worst part about it is that when I lost her I blamed myself because I wasn't there to protect her the way I should have." Luckily for them that no one was really paying any attention to them or their conversation. Bonnie looked at him before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, "you shouldn't blame yourself John there are some things you can't stop from happening, it's just how life goes...but know that if you ever need someone to talk to you know you can always come to me, ok." John looked at her before placing a hand on hers, "thanks..." was all he said as he gave her a weak smile. At that moment they shared something special and it meant a lot to them but in the back of John's mind he felt a bit guilty about it because he had lost Abigail just six months ago but in a way he wasn't because he knew that in a way Bonnie was helping him heal. They let their hands rest in their laps as they continued listening to the things the others were saying and the music being played. As the night wore on the group began to disperse leaving only Amos, Bonnie and John sitting around the fire and for a while no one said a word until Amos decided to speak, "it's been a long time since we last saw you John, so how have you been?" he asked. "I've been good Amos it's been a bit of a rough year but other than that it's been good," John replied. Bonnie side glanced at him, she knew how his year had actually been but she said nothing as the men continued the conversation, "how's that boy of yours?" "He's doing real well uh, he's got a girlfriend now but actually they are going to be married in the spring," John answered leaving out the fact that they were going to have a child. At this Bonnie was a bit surprised, "really how old is he?" she asked curiously. "He's eighteen now and his fiancé is seventeen," John added. "How long have they been together?" Bonnie asked. "Almost four years..." he said. "Wow I can't believe that he's going to be married at eighteen but you must be happy and proud that he has begun to make a life for himself," Amos said. "Yeah I am..." was John's only words as a yawn escaped his lips. "Well I think it's time we turn in for the night...goodnight Marston...Miss..." Amos said as stood up to leave. "Night Amos..." John said. "See you in the morning," Bonnie called after him.

Now that they were alone Bonnie looked at John as he stared into the flames, "John can I ask you something?" she asked. He looked at her, "sure what is it?" "You know when you spoke of Jack I got the feeling that there was more to it but if you don't want to tell me you don't have to I was just curious," Bonnie said. "No it's ok and yeah there is more to it..." John took a deep breath before speaking again, "he's not only getting married he's also going to be a father, should be any day now." Bonnie was taken back by what she had just heard, "he's going to be a father?" "Yes the girl he is going to marry is the daughter of Jenny Prescot of the Prescot Ranch," John answered. "Really how'd he meet a girl like that?" Bonnie asked. "They met at a bookstore in Black Water and they stayed in contact for the longest time and they got together and end up falling in love and now they are going to be married, have a baby and he's living with the family, he moved in with them the day we found Abigail. He was going to move in anyway but before he left we had this huge argument and he said that he blamed me for what happened to Abigail and he said he'd never forgive me and he wanted nothing more to do with me," John said as emotion began to fill his voice slightly. Bonnie felt so much sympathy for John since he had been through so much in the past year and he was a good man, a little rough around the edges but still a good man who meant a great deal to her. She placed a hand on his and looked at him, "listen to me John, I know you did the best you could but life is never easy and sometimes there are things that happen that we wish had never happened. We blame ourselves and think that maybe we could've done things different but the truth of the matter is that nothing we can do can change what has already happened. The past is the past for a reason could haves don't really matter all we can do is move forward to the future.." Bonnie said gently. He looked at her, "you're a good man John and though I didn't know Abigail that well I know she wouldn't want you to keep yourself down after what happened to her, she would want you to move on with your life and be able to get past what happened." John knew Bonnie was right, "I know you're right Bonnie...it's just...I don't know..." "What is it?" Bonnie asked. "It's just that..." he looked her in the eye and for an instant their gazes met and they hadn't noticed that they still held each others hand. As they looked at each other a silent message seemed to pass between them and it was then that their bodies seemed to move on their own free will. They moved closer to one another till there was no more space between them and both had a light blush on their cheeks but they were more focused on each other that is until a voice caught their attention, "Bonnie..." It was Drew he had come to see what was keeping his daughter, "are you ever gonna..." he stopped short when he saw John sitting with Bonnie, "oh evening Mister Marston..." he greeted with a smile. Bonnie had told her father that John was staying with them again but he hadn't seen him because even though Bonnie had invited him to eat with her and Drew he had decided to pass on dinner. "Evening Mister McFarlane how are you?" John said. "I'm well Mister Marston, my daughter told me that you were staying here with us again," Drew said as he sat across from the two and didn't fail to notice that Bonnie and John held hands but didn't say anything. "Yes I am and I wanted to thank you for allowing me to do so," John replied. "There's no need to thank us Marston you may come think of this as your home," Drew said. "Thank you..." was John's only words. "It's a nice night...so peaceful and it makes everything wrong in the world seem to disappear. No matter how hard something gets the night sky always seems to bring some comfort as if to say that there are still things good in this world," Drew said as the three looked up at the stary sky. John let Drew's words sink in, 'he's right the night sky does bring comfort and there is still good in this world,' he thought to himself as a smile played across his a few moments Drew stood up from his place by the fire, "well it's time for this old man to turn in for the night, I shall see you both in the morning..." he said walking away. "Night Mister McFarlane," John called. "Good night father I'll be in in a few," she called after her father. Now left alone again they turned their gazes to the sky again and simply enjoyed the company of each other, "your father was right, there is still good in this world..." he turned to look at Bonnie, "like your father...and especially you..." he smiled and it was then that he realized that they still held hands but they didn't care. Bonnie smiled at him as she rested her head on his shoulder, he let go of her hand to wrap an arm around her, holding her close to him. When they did get ready to turn in for the night they stood there for an instant neither sure of what to say to the other and for several moments silence passed between them. It was then that Windscar used his head and nudged Bonnie towards John making them move closer to one another before their lips met in a tender kiss. Bonnie could hardly believe it she was kissing John Marston, the same man that had come to her almost two years ago broken and wounded. A man who had done everything to repay her in anyway he could after she had saved his life, after finding him out by fort mercer with a gunshot wound in his side. He had helped her with the cattle, bring in a band of mustangs, saved the herd from a storm and saved their horses from a burning barn, plus saved Bonnie from the bollard twins gang after she had been kiddnapped and taken to tumbleweed. As they shared the kiss they wrapped their arms around each other to deepen it slightly, feeling as much of each other as they could before letting go of the kiss. They stood there looking into each others eyes, "goodnight John.." Bonnie whispered. "Goodnight my sweet Bonnie," John replied nuzzling his nose into her cheek. With the affection he was giving her Bonnie's cheeks flared red as a blush covered them. They kissed once more before going to their respective houses to turn in for the night.

Before John walked into his cabin he placed a hand on Windscar's nose and giving him a gentle pat goodnight. He walked into the room and removed his boots, hat and weapon from his hip plus his vest from his body before unbottoning his undershirt to get more comfortable. He left his pants on as he plopped down on his bed and relaxed into the comfortable mattress, covers and pillow with a content smile on his face.

In her room Bonnie was wearing her nightgown and sitting on her bed looking out the window at the star-filled sky before laying back on the bed smiling to herself, 'he kissed me...*squeal* I can't believe it...I'm so happy...' she thought to herself as a content sigh passed from her lips. As she lay under the covers she couldn't help but wish that John was there beside her so she could be snuggled in his arms again. With that thought in mind she couldn't help but reprimand herself, 'come on Bonnie get a hold of yourself he just recently lost his wife and here you are thinking such things. Quit acting like a horny school girl...act like a mature woman, we'll get there so don't rush into anything.' She couldn't help it, she had always had feelings for the man but had never acted on them because of how things were before. Though now that she had the chance she had always hoped for her mind kept racing with wild thoughts from time to time. Her heart always raced when they were near each other but now that they had shared a kiss goodnight the thought of him made her heart race wild in her chest so much so that it threaten to beat of her chest. She tried to get her mind to settle before she slept but was having a bit of a hard time this time but she forced herself to sleep because she knew that they had another long day tomorrow. As a yawn passed through her lips she slipped deeper into the comfortable covers and pillow and managed to drift off to sleep.

Early the next morning found John already awake and looking out of the window, he was still sitting on his bed watching the sunrise. He always enjoyed this time of the morning but he wished that his Bonnie was there with him to see it too. Little did he know she was awake as well watching the sunrise wishing the same thing, that they could be watching it together.

Later that morning found John grooming Windscar by his cabin and humming a song that played in his head. It was a bit of an odd morning because his mind wasn't on Bonnie but his mother. He wondered if she would have approved of his life, the choices he had made for the right reasons and if she would be proud of the life he had made for himself before everything came crashing down. He also wondered if she would have approved of Bonnie and his relationship. Bonnie was heading in his direction and had seen him standing by Windscar as he groomed him, "he has done well with that stallion," she said to herself. When she got closer she could see that he was deep in thought and decided not to disturb him as she leaned against the corral to watch the horses run and play as if they were colts and fillies again. The black mare in the herd caught Bonnie's attention, "she has a beautiful coat as does the appaloosa stallion. John must take really good care of them, they look so healthy and fit." She watched them for a moment longer before turning to look at the man behind her, "I wonder...what is it he's thinking about?" she decided to walk over and talk to him and maybe find out. She walked over to him but as she got closer she could hear him humming, 'never knew he hummed to himself...' she thought. When she was close enough she wrapped her arms around him slightly startling him, "hey handsome.." she cooed. John jumped a bit at feeling Bonnie's arms around his waist and her voice in his ears, "oh Bonnie...you're a sneaky little woman ain't ya." "I can be so I wouldn't let your guard down," she teased playfully. He smiled as he turned around to wrap an arm around her and kiss her forehead, "no guess I shouldn't not with you around dearest."She smiled at his pet name for her and she was happy to see him smile, the last time he was here he didn't smile much even when she was around because of all he had weighing on his shoulders at the time. She stood beside him for a few seconds before speaking, "I see you have gained the stallion's trust rather quickly, none of the ranch hands could even get near him without him rearing up and striking out at them." "It wasn't easy but he's a bit like myself, a bit rough a around the edges but with a little patience and kindness he came around to the one who treated him well," John replied. Bonnie could tell that there was a double meaning to his words but remained silent as he continued, "I could tell he'd had a rough time of it judging from all the scars on his coat and body. My guess it he wanted control of the herd and fought the band stallion but got he worst end of it." "A bit like you and Bill aye," she teased. "Yeah that's one way to put it I suppose but Windscar is a good horse, one of the finest I've seen, just like the palomino you gave me as well." "What ever became of him?" Bonnie asked. "He caught a fever and we couldn't get it to go down and it took him," John replied. "How long had he been sick?" she asked. John thought for a moment before answering, "lets see I had turned him out for a while with Scarlet, Apache Cinnamon and Shadow to graze and he seemed fine when I checked on them before lunchtime. When I went back to give them fresh water he was laying down and that was a little unlike him, he was always up on his feet running and frolicing with the other horses. The next day I went out to check on him and he was still bedded where he had been the day before and I knew that something wasn't right. So I went into the corral and knelt beside him and he didn't look right, his eyes weren't as bright as they were, his coat was faded and dull, matted and he just looked horrible. So I took a lead rope and hooked it to his halter to try and lead him into the barn to a stall to be away from the other horses. When he tried to get onto his feet his legs trembled and he fell over, he was so weak. He tried again and again, then the third time I got Jack and Abigail to push him to help him up. We managed to get onto his feet but with every step he threatened to fall over, luckily we got him to the stall that had fresh hay in the stall for him to lay in. When he got into the stall he had to have our help so he could bed up again but he lay over onto his side," he explained. Bonnie could hardly believe what she was hearing about the once strong palomino stallion, she had never thought that he would be taken that way, "what did you do then?" she asked. "Well once we got him into the stall we had to try and figure out what to do to try and get him better. Abigail fixed some warm mash while me and Jack got blankets and put them onto the stallion to try and keep him warm. When the mash was ready we got him to sit back up a bit so he could eat and surprisingly he ate some on his own and the rest we had to give him by hand. We got food into him and fluids and for a while he got to looking better and for several days he was back to his old self, we were hopeful and thought that he'd make a full recovery." "How did he look?" "He was looking really good, his coat was shiney again, his eyes were bright, he was just full of life again," John replied. Bonnie could see that the horse had meant a great deal to John because she had given the animal to him in return for all his help on the ranch plus the rescue, "did you ever give him a name?" she asked. John thought a moment trying to remember what they had called the stallion, "we never gave him a name but after he had fought the sickness and had seemed like he had beat it we just called him Tough Fighter because he never gave up on trying to beat the illness." Bonnie smiled, "it fit him." "Yes it did but then one day he was out grazing in the corral as he had done before, we had fixed up a new corral so they could have fresh grass. We thought for a while that the grass in the other corral had somehow become contaminated and it was effecting him the way it did. We checked out Scarlet, Apache and Shadow but they weren't effected the way he was. So one day I went out there to go bring Fighter out of the corral to go on a ride but when I got to the corral I saw him laying down on his side just laying there. I climbed into the corral and went over to him and found him weak once more but this time I just knew...he wasn't going to make it this time. His eyes were faded, it was like his life was ebbing away right then and his coat looked awful. I sat there with him and stroked his neck to sooth him because this time it seemed like he was in pain and there was nothing we could do to help. Jack and Abigail came out there with us and knelt down next to him and just stayed with him, till...he was gone. It was really hard to sit there, to see this strong stallion fall ill once, beat it then fall ill a second time only to have it worse. So much so that we couldn't do anything this time, it was hard on all of us," John said looking at Bonnie. She had a soft look on his face and a deep understanding having lost one of her favorite mares the same way, "I know how that is because I lost a horse that same way and it was hard losing her." John nodded as he continued to groom Windscar as Bonnie grabbed another brush and went on the other side to groom the other side, while Windscar stood quietly enjoying the groom time he was getting.

After grooming Windscar John saddled him back up then turned to Bonnie, "would you like to go for a ride?" She smiled, "I'd love to.." she then turned towards the corral, "Bonnie where are you going?" John asked. "I'm going to get Ginger," she replied. "No need you can ride double with me," John said getting onto Windscar's back before extending his hand to her, "come on." She moved towards him then placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her up onto his stallion's back behind him. Bonnie's cheeks were slightly red as a blush played over them but she tried her best to hide it as she wrapped her arms around his waist, "ready?" he asked. "Yeah I'm ready," she said. John then clicked to Windscar before he trotted off in the direction John told him to go, "where are we going?" Bonnie asked curiously. "You'll see," was John's only reply as he rode towards the mountains. Bonnie had never been to the mountains before and she had always assumed that there wasn't much to see up here but she was quickly proven wrong as John came to a stop. She peeped around him to see a herd of beautiful elk standing in a clearing just in front of them grazing on the grass.

Bonnie was breathless she had never seen such beautiful animals before but she loved them, "John is this the place you call home?" she asked. "Yes it's so peaceful up here much better than the city far below," he said as he rode onward. They rode along the trail a ways before stopping again and when Bonnie looked she saw that they were at a cabin nestled beside a beautiful lake with a view of the majestic mountains and waterfall in the distance. John slipped from the horse's back then lifted Bonnie from the saddle and placed her onto her feet in front of him. They looked into each other's eyes briefly before their lips met in a passionate, yet tender kiss that said all they wanted to. When they let go of the kiss they walked out onto the dock to gaze at the scenery before them, to enjoy it together. They stood there for several moments before John turned to Bonnie, "how did you like the places I've shown you today my love?" "I loved them, I've never seen such beauty and I've had such a wonderful time with you too my dear," she replied kissing him again. John then picked Bonnie up and carried her back to Windscar who was patiently waiting for them, before he placed her back onto his back but this time got behind her and rode off to one more spot just in time to watch the sunset. They rode onward, higher into the mountains and got to the spot just as the sun was getting ready to set, it was a spot that was above the lake and overlooked the area around them with a view of the sun setting in the distance. Bonnie rested her head against John's shoulder and enjoyed this moment with him, "the perfect end to a perfect day.." she breathed. "Yes it is," John murmured into Bonnie's ear before kissing her on the cheek and nuzzling his nose into her hair. A content sigh passed from Bonnie's lips, she had never felt so relaxed in her life and she had never really took the time to relax like this because she always had her hands full with running a ranch. As the sun finished setting she turned and kissed her man deeply, wrapping her arms around him as he wrapped his around her and returned the kiss with the same passion. When they broke off the kiss John looked into Bonnie's eyes before speaking, "there's something I've wanted to tell you for the longest time and being around you these passed couple days has made me realize what has been there since we first met." Bonnie's heart raced in her chest with anticipation, "what is it?" she asked. "I love you Bonnie," John said. Bonnie could hardly believe it here was the man she had fallen in love with from the moment they first met telling her that he loved her, she had longed to hear those words from him. "I never knew you felt that way about me." "I have for so long but I guess it scared me because I had never even felt this way not even about Abigail. It was hard to really be able to sort out my feelings then be able to put it into words. You have had a hold of my heart from the moment I first set eyes on you the day you saved my life and brought me to your ranch. You're my love and I'll always do my best to take care of you and protect you with my life," John said holding her close in his arms. Bonnie's eyes were welled up with unshed tears, "John..." his breath hitched in throat wondering what she would say, "from the moment I first saw you I knew that there was something special about you and as we got to know each other you captivated me in ways no other man has ever been able to. You have stolen my heart John Marston and I want to tell you that..." his heart raced wildly in his chest. "I love you too, with all my heart and I have for the longest time and I promise to be the best woman I can be for you," Bonnie replied kissing him again as he returned it as the sun set behind them. When they broke the kiss they rode for the ranch with high spirits after sharing the day together and sharing their hearts as well.

It didn't take long to reach the ranch only to find Drew Macfarlane waiting for them, "so you two finally decide to come home," he said. "Sorry daddy we were out riding through the countryside and I guess we lost track of time," Bonnie said as John slipped from Windscar's back then lifted her from the saddle and placing on her feet. "I'm not scolding daughter I'm just glad to see you two home safe is all," he replied, "did you have a good time?" with a knowing smile. "Yes we did, he showed so much of the scenery that I had never seen before...I just loved it," Bonnie replied. Drew smiled he had never seen his daughter so happy before but he was glad that she was, "well I'm glad you had a good time," he said walking inside the house. The couple looked at each other for a moment before Bonnie spoke, "thank you for showing the countryside today my love," then she turned to Windscar, "and thank you too Windscar," she said kissing the stallion on the nose. Windscar nickered and nuzzled her affectionately making her giggle, "I love you too." She turned her attention to John "anytime my lady.." John replied kissing her knuckles then her lips. "Well I better go inside for the night, goodnight my dear," she said. "Goodnight my sweet one," John replied kissing her once more before letting go of her allowing her to walk inside the house. She looked back over her shoulder at him once more before going inside and closing the door behind her. John then took a hold of Windscar's reins and led him over to the cabin before tethering him to the hitching post, "goodnight Windscar I'll see you in the morning." John petted the stallion on the neck before walking inside and getting ready for bed. Once he was ready for sleep he lay across his bed as he reflected on his time he had spent with Bonnie and he smiled. He had to admit that Abigail had never been the adventurous type like Bonnie was and that adventurous side was one of the things that he found so attractive about Bonnie among other things. She was defiantly healing his heart and it was doing him good to be back here again but he had figured that out when he was here the first time that he had fallen for the vibrant blue-eyed blonde and he knew that she had fallen for him too. His last thought before falling asleep was that of his beloved Bonnie.

In her room Bonnie was writing in her journal, something she hadn't done since after the last time she had seen John when he had brought her some much needed supplies. Though as she wrote her thoughts ran as wild as the herds of mustangs that she'd see from time to had been in love with John but she had never been free to love him but after recent events she was now free to show her love to him. So much had happened to her since she had met John Marston and she wouldn't change anything for any reason. If those things had never happened then she wouldn't be as happy as she was now nor would she be with the man she loved most in the world. She had shown him so much after he came here and he in turn had shown her things too. He had shown her how to have friends that one could count on but most of all he had shown her how to see the good in a person no matter their past. Even though he had also saved her life time again and the ranch from going into utter ruin that wasn't what was important to her what was really important to her was that he had opened her heart and taught her to love another person. It was true that she loved her father but that was a different a kind of love, that was a family kind of love but with John it was different, it was wild and untamed and that was one reason that she had persued John as a love interest and ultimately fallen in love with him. For so long she had feared that her love for John was unrequited and the thought of that had broken her heart but she was elated when she found out that he had felt the same way about her. As she finished writing in her journal she laid across her bed and snuggled beneath the warm covers secretly wishing that John was snuggled beside her with his strong arms around her, holding her close to his body. With that thought in her mind she drifted off into a peaceful slumber dreaming of her man, John Marston.

At the Prescot ranch Jack and Jessie were sleeping peacefully in their room, since she was nine months pregnant now Jack didn't like to be away from Jessie unless it was absolutely necessary. As she slept beside him Jack kept his arm around her belly where their baby was safely nestled but he knew that it wouldn't be for too much longer. He was usually able to sleep peacefully just as Jessie was at that very moment but on this night he couldn't and he didn't know why. He looked down at his beloved as he held her close to his body protectively wondering when their baby came if it would be an easy delivery or if Jessie would have a hard time. Even though that was something that he worried about what worried more and even scared him was the thought of either the baby or Jessie not making it through the birth or worse of all losing them both. At this thought he held her closer to him being careful not to hold her too tight for fear he could hurt either of them by accident. However his thoughts were interrupted when Jessie whimpered in her sleep as she placed a hand on her belly feeling a slight pain there. Jack took notice as he watched her closely as she woke up and sat up a bit before looking at him, "Jack..." she started. "What is it?" he asked, "are you feeling any pain?" Jessie only nodded slightly, "do I need to get your folks?" he asked. "No I don't think so...not yet anyway," she said sitting up fully as she leaned against the pillow behind her. Jack leaned against his pillow too as he rested his hand on her stomach and rubbing it gently to try and sooth her. Jessie smiled at her man as he took care of her while she was pregnant never leaving her side for a moment unless he had to. She thought that it was sweet that he cared so much for her and their unborn child and knew he would make a wonderful father when it was born. As she leaned her head against the pillow she felt another pain in her stomach though it was worse than before which caused her to whimper slightly gaining Jack's attention, "Jessie are you alright?" he asked. As she went to answer she was cut off by another pain as her water broke making her cry out, "Jack...the baby's coming..." she said as she panted slightly to help with the pain. Jack knew then what to do he ran for Jessie's parents, Jenny and Bailey. When we reached their room he didn't knock as he normally would have but opened the door and walked in, "Miss Jenny...Mister Bailey wake up.." he called which roused both people from their slumber. Bailey sat up and looked at the young man, "Jack what's the matter?" he asked. "It's Jessie she's in labor...the baby is coming now," he replied which made Jenny get out of bed and run to the room her daughter and Jack shared together with her husband and Jack following behind her. Upon entering the room they found Jessie breathing hard as a contraction ran through her body and to see her in pain Jack was at her side in an instant, "I'm right here my love." Jenny got in front of her daughter and raised the end of the bedsheet to have a look at how Jessie was doing, "well I don't see the head yet but I can bet it will be here soon enough," she looked at her daughter, "it will be alright Jessie just keeping breathing nice and easy and try to stay calm ok," her mother soothed. Jessie only nodded as she felt another pain run through her body but this one more painful than any she had yet felt and this time she pushed hard. Jack took hold of her hand and spoke calming words in Jessie's ear to help keep her as calm as he possibly could at the moment and when the pressure subsided Jessie breathed in and out slowly. Jenny knew that they may need help so she turned to her husband, "dear we may need to doctor please go and fetch him...quickly." With a nod and quick kiss on her cheek Bailey left to fetch the doctor on his bay, Kiger Mustang stallion, Aztec. After he left Jenny went to get a big bowl of warm water and a rag to use then some clean towels because she knew that they would need them. Jack stayed right by Jessie as her labor continued, "you're doing fine babe just keep breathing and don't be afraid, I'm right here with you." Jessie was glad that Jack was right there at her side and she found strength in that despite the pain she was feeling at that very moment. Her father quickly returned with the doctor and he told her parents to wait outside the room, that only Jack was needed. As he took his place in front of Jessie he told her to just keep breathing until she felt another contraction. No sooner did those words leave his mouth did another one race through her body and she began to push but this time she felt the head begin to emerge, "I can feel the head.." she said between breaths. Jack could see that she was scared but he tried to help her remain calm, "it's ok my love you can do this baby don't be scared," Jack said wiping her forehead with the rag to help keep her cool and calm. Just then another strong contraction raced through her, "ok miss now push...come on push," the doctor said.

Jessie did as she was told and pushed with all her might but she remembered what her mother had told her, the head and shoulders were the hardest part of giving birth and she knew once she had that then the rest would be easy. Now with the head completely out the next part was the shoulders, "ok miss you're doing fine just stay calm and you'll be fine now this part will be a little rougher but you can do it," the doctor encouraged although he did anger Jack a bit with what he had told Jessie but remained quiet. When Jessie felt another contraction she pushed hard as she could and when she did she felt the shoulders emerge and knew she was in the home stretch now. "You're doing great baby now one more big push and our baby will be here," Jack said before giving her a peck on the cheek. When she felt one more contraction she took a deep breath and pushed with ever ounce of strength she had left. After several minutes she felt the baby completely emerge from her and she collasped back against the pillow exhausted. Jack looked at the doctor, "what is it?" he asked. The doctor held the baby up for them to see and when they did see their baby for the first time they were surprised by what they saw, "wow she's beautiful..." was the only thing that Jack could say as Jessie nodded her head in agreement. The baby girl didn't cry but merely slept in the doctor's arms as he handed her to Jack after cutting the cord, cleaning her up and wrapping her in a small towel to keep her warm. Jack sat beside Jessie while she rested so she could see their daughter, "she looks just like you," he whispered. At hearing her father's voice the little girl opened her eyes to look at both her father and her mother, "she has you're beauty my love," Jack said. "And your eyes," Jessie said as Jack allowed his fiance to hold her their little girl. After the doctor left her parents came in to see the new addition to the family, "oh look at her she's so beautiful," Jenny said. "She sure is," Bailey added. "Aww she even has your hair color Jessie," Jenny added. "Yes she does," Jessie said as she began to feed the tiny girl in her arms. After everything had settled down the family quickly made their way to their bedrooms for the night to get some rest. Jack had made a bed for his daughter and gently placed her in it once she was asleep. Then he crawled into bed beside his beloved and fell into a peaceful slumber.

At Macfarlane Ranch early the next morning John was already awake and tending to his stallion Windscar before going to to check on Scarlet and Apache. He had unsaddled Windscar and was brushing out his coat and mane, giving him a good grooming. Though as he did his mind was racing at the thought of what they had shared the night before and it made him smile. Many thoughts ran through his head but one thought was about how his life use to be compared to what it was now...he hadn't been happy like this in a long time. He had been contented with the life he'd had with Abigail but he'd never really been truly happy...the only time he had been was when Jack was born but that was the only time he had actully been happy then. He thought on this often and realized then that he had fallen into a rut back then and just became use to it and never really set out and did what he really wanted to do. Now though his life was different and he had finally found what he truly wanted and was happier because of it. He was enjoying this time he was spending with Windscar grooming him and giving him attention, "there you go boy all the dust is gone from your coat, that's gotta feel better now doesn't.." he said petting the stallion's side. Windscar turned his head to look at the man standing beside him before softly nickering to him before John rudded the side of his face, "that's my boy." John placed the brush back on the side table in his room and then made his way to the corral to check on Scarlet and Apache. Upon reaching the corral he found his mare bedded up and Apche over nibbling on a hay bale near her, "they're enjoying the morning sunshine.." he commented as he leaned against the fence to watch them for a few moments.

Up in her room Bonnie was just starting to wake up, "hmm another beautiful day...I wonder if John is up yet.." she said to herself as a yawn passed through her lips. She then got off the bed and made her way to her closet to retrieve her clothes and get dressed. Once she was dressed she made her way outside to go check on the animals before fixing a bite of breakfast. Now standing out on the porch she looked out at her ranch and smiled contently before heading to the corral to go see the horses. When she reached the corral she found John already there, "good morning John..." she cooed once she was standing beside him. John smiled at hearing her voice, "good morning darlin'..." he replied before kissing her lips. She returned the kiss as they wrapped their arms around each other and held one another for several moments. They stared into each others eyes for a moment or two before Bonnie spoke, "what has you up so early?" she asked. John shook his head, "I guess I'm just an early riser.." he replied. Bonnie nodded in understanding before resting her head against John's chest listening to the sound of his heartbeat. John continued to hold her in his arms before resting his head against hers as they watched the horses run and play.

Back at Prescott Ranch Jack and Jessie were enjoying a little time to themselves while their little girl slept, they had decided to name her Gwendelyn Sierra Marston. Jack held Jessie close to him, giving her little pecks on the cheek, temple and forhead. Jessie snuggled into Jack's embrace feeling so safe in his arms, "I love you Jack.." she murmured. Jack smiled, "I love you too my darling..." he replied tenderly kissing her lips. After letting go of the kiss Jack spoke, "you know I was kinda worried about you last night...I was afraid that..." he couldn't even finish his sentence but Jessie knew what he was trying to say. Jessie merely nodded as she spoke, "I know what you mean dear and to tell you the truth I was kinda worried myself...I didn't want to leave you or our child behind either." Jack turned his head to look at their daughter as Jessie did the same, "she's a perfect combination of us...and I know once she's grown she be as beautiful as you.." Jack cooed into Jessie's smiled at her beloved before pressing her lips against his in a loving kiss that said everything that her words could not but as their kisses became more heated their moment was interrupted by their daughter's cries, "such is the life with a newborn.." Jack joked as Jessie got off the bed and walked over to their daughter's crib. "There there little one mama's here..." she cooed as she picked Gwendelyn up and began to feed her with Jack watching them silently wondering how he got so lucky to have them in his life.