This is chapter 103/113 Look for a Saturday chapter tomorrow, friends of the valley.

Chapter 103

Nat showed Paul and his lawyer out the back door; he looked out first to make sure Jarrod wasn't out there. He let them go and watched them walk out of the alley.

He sighed, "I guess I should count it as a victory since Jarrod didn't break that Paul's fool neck right at the table."

Nate gathered all the forms and checked the signatures, "All signed dated and witnessed. Now I file the casino papers to him tomorrow at the court and we can head to Frisco to file for divorce." He had the manager at the hotel serve as witness and notary to all the signatures.

He walked out the front door and through the lobby. Jarrod was outside on the bench of the boardwalk smoking a cigar. He had taken off his jacket and tie—-he rolled up his sleeves and leaned back on the rough hewn seat.

"Got the papers signed and you didn't kill anyone. It's a success. We sign the casino over in the morning, you give the attorney the post-dated draft with your signature—and we head to the big city to file."

"Seriously?"

"With the mood you are in, I wouldn't jest. I prefer to use the outhouse. The young chap with him seemed to sway his client."

"Let me see."

Nate handed him the file. He kept his copy of the surety bond for the necklace in his jacket pocket.

Paul would pick up the necklace when the divorce decree was finalized. The deal was one hundred percent legal in the eyes of the law. Stones were the only words on the description as well as precious metal weight and weight.

Jarrod double checked and triple checked the signatures.

"Nate, you did it! You did it."

"We did it. My brain and your hands around his neck," he chuckled, lighting up his cigar.

Jarrod responded with a big pat on his back.

"And Jarrod, that last minute decision to borrow for the hotel with the jewelry as collateral was brilliant. You didn't need the money but to tie up her jewelry. It might have been a sticking point. I tip my hat to you sir with that chess move."

"I will pay it back with interest when we get the divorce decree."

"Let's go tell the ladies the good news. That housekeeper is going to put a feast on."

"Lissy has already hired the housekeeper and the girl. They will be heading to Stockton when the house is settled out."

"She values loyalty, you can tell. She's a good woman, Jarrod. I am glad it won't be much longer before you make an honest woman out of her."

"She's made an honest man out of me," Jarrod replied to Nate's confusion.

He didn't explain, "She showed me by living what I needed and it wasn't Davina."

"Let's stop at the liquor store. Buy something good to celebrate."

"You are buying, Jarrod—and I am picking it out."

"Deal,"

—-&—

As Nate predicted, Mildred and Sissie had a feast prepared. Roast lamb, vegetables, potatoes, two pies and homemade rolls. The two had been so excited to have found employment where they could stay together, be furnished living quarters and a nice raise to boot.

Lissy had been on the porch rocking and trying to pay attention to her book when she caught sight of the men riding down the road. She stood up and squinted. Jarrod waved back enthusiastically and Nate just grinned.

"I am free?" she voiced the words she had been afraid to speak. She could tell by the look on Jarrod's face. The worry lines were gone and he looked like Henry with a new puppy.

Alice came out to join her to hear the good news. Embraces and kisses ensued.

"Supper is on the table." Sissie announced.

Nat went back to his saddlebag and took out a bottle of champagne, "Lisette's family of course."

"You will not believe what Jarrod had to pay for it in this cowtown. But it's worth it."

Jarrod laughed and kept his arm around Lisette.

Mildred took the bottle, "I will get some ice from the ice house."

He kissed her in front of everyone, "You shall soon be Mrs Jarrod Barkley and there is nothing you can do about it".

"I guess I will suffer through being an innkeeper's wife."

"And I shall be the best husband of an artist."

—-&—

Lissy waited an hour after the whole house had quieted for the night. She checked herself once more in the cheval mirror. She had brushed out her long dark curls and put on the green negligee that Prudy had procured for her in San Francisco. She quietly padded down the hall and opened his door—

"Finally," he grumbled as he took her in his arms.

She and Jarrod had taken a long walk after dinner planning for their future. A hotel, a house to build, a trip to Europe—and babies. Jarrod had brought up the last subject watching her intently in the moonlight.

"Yes Jarrod—-a whole houseful of l'enfants and a le fils to carry on your name and la filles for you to spoil and me to unspoil."

He kept looking at her intently. He felt like he was giving her the opportunity to tell him. She continued to muse about his sapphire eyes or her emerald eyes—raven or auburn hair—-but she never even gave him an inkling that she was with child.

She enjoyed the freedom of talking about the future finally without fear. They talked for several more hours and crept back into the silent house.

"Good night Lissy."

"The night is not over. Keep your door unlocked, counselor."

His eyes widened.

"Your room is the furthest from our friends or I would invite you to mine." she whispered coquettishly.

His eyes darkened with desire.

"Until."

—&—

Lissy overslept in Jarrod's arms and awakened suddenly to light coming through the lace panels.

"Oh my," as she checked Jarrod's pocket watch on the nightstand. He mumbled and reached for her.

"Need to get back to my room. It's past dawn."

He tried to push the sleep from his eyes but she touched his eye lids.

"Go back to sleep my love. You outdid yourself last night. Who knew another way to show our love? You are a man who will surprise me until the day I die."

He smiled and was already falling asleep again,

She passed Mildred in the hall and looked shamed.

The older housekeeper smiled, "I was young once and he is your intended. Get some more sleep. You were up late."

Lisette colored and shook her head yes. She scurried down the hall and got into her own bed.

"Mildred, you are a wise one. Glad you are on my side."

—&—