ThatWas4



	Chpaters 1-6 Chapters 7-11 Chapters 12-13 Chapters 14-18 Title: That Was Then This Is Now Chapter 14 Harm and Mac helped Gram carry in the apple and peach pies she’d baked. Walking towards the back table, Mac couldn’t help but feel like she just stepped onto the lot of an MGM 1950’s musical. Streamers were hanging everywhere. There was lots of hay and young people up in the lofts. Chairs were scattered all around the edge of the barn with a group of musicians tuning their fiddles on the makeshift stage that had been erected across from all the food. As for the food, there was enough to feed an entire marine battalion. Everyone in town must have cooked something. There was every meat, side dish, and dessert imaginable under the sun. These nice people were going to need to do a lot of dancing if they were going to burn off all the calories waiting at the tables. Gram Rabb walked from table to table, checking on all the food and thanking all the people who’d brought something. When she wasn’t supervising the refreshments, she was greeting the folks coming in the door. Harm and Mac couldn’t help but chuckle at Gram walking around greeting everyone with her friend Mabel’s grandbaby on her hip. It was obvious she loved her old town and all the people in it. Judging from the smiles, it was pretty apparent they loved her as well. November 1941 Sure was different seein' e'eryone get together an' work, with guns to hand. See, sure, the people o' Calamity always did come together in a time o' need, but we sure ne'er had a war in our town before. Worst we had before the railway came was rustlers. Now all o' a sudden e'eryone is loaded up an' sittin in barns and behind windows, just waitin for a chance to take a shot at one o' those railroad thugs. Calamity 1876 Doc had been handing out orders like a general preparing his army for siege. As much as he hated leaving Kaley behind, he felt obligated to check up on how things were going over at Jeremiah’s place. For the longest time he just stood in front of Kaley’s house, staring at her front door. Anyone watching could see the thought of leaving her behind for even a short while was eating him up inside. He knew he needed to be moving between both ranches. He just couldn’t get himself up on that horse this time, until Kaley came up beside him. Gently rubbing her hands across his lapels, straightening a wrinkle that wasn’t there, she leaned up and kissed him gently on the lips before turning to whisper in his ear. Whatever she said, it did the trick. Before anyone could snap their fingers, Doc and Matt were riding towards Jeremiah’s place. “Everything is looking good.” Doc smiled as he got off his horse. Jeremiah had seen him coming and walked up to meet him. “Hey, Doc.” Harriet smiled. She pretty much hadn’t left Jeremiah’s side since she’d gotten there early that morning, and that was fine with Jeremiah. “Did the delivery get here from Mrs. Perkins?” Doc asked, tying his horse to the hitching post. “Hours ago. We’ve got enough gun powder to blow these characters to Boston.” Jeremiah snickered at his own use of the Doc’s hometown. “As if anyone in Boston would want them.” Doc slapped Jeremiah on the back as the two men walked around inspecting what the town’s people had gotten done. It wasn’t but a couple of hours before Doc was back at the widow O’Hara’s. The women were all inside, cooking and preparing food. It had already been a long day, and it was going to be an even longer night. He may not have really been a general, but nonetheless there was still an army of people to be fed. An assembly line of people had been filling barrels with well water all morning. The troughs had been filled early on and now Fred Withers and Uriah Stone were close to fisticuffs over where to set the barrels in the barn so they’d be most efficient. “I’m telling you, the only way water in the barn is going to help is if we dump the barrel along the base and drown the fires out fast from the inside.” Fred waved his hand at Uriah. “That’ll be a huge waste of precious water! You need to leave buckets near each barrel and whoever is manning the barn will decide where the water needs to go.” Uriah shoved Fred out of sheer frustration with his pigheadedness. “When did you become an expert on fire fighting techniques, anyhow?” Fred shoved back. “What the hell is going on here?” Doc bellowed from the barn door. “You heard me, what the hell is going on? Since when did we start fighting each other? Did you ever hear of divide and conquer? Well it works, so you stop bickering and start working together to fight the real enemy. United we’re going to stand. Got it!” No one had ever heard Doc yell quite that loud before. He’d pretty much had it with some of the petty fighting that had been going on at both ranches over how things ought to be done. Regardless of the sheer stubbornness of some of the men, he was grateful for how everyone had pulled together. Even the women folk were involved. At first, a few of the men wanted their wives safe at home, but when Sadie Jeffries pointed out that Kaley wasn’t going to be safe at home, most of the men agreed their wives needed to help. The long night had finally arrived after what had seemed like the longest day. Everyone knew the railway people weren’t going to come until long after any reasonable person would be under their blankets. Just waiting around was almost painful for everyone. Considering how many people were scattered around the property, things were pretty quiet. You could hear the proverbial pin drop. Doc had put most of the younger fellows up in the barn. Being more agile, they could get up and out of the loft faster. Billy Juniper was the only older coot in there. Doc figured the young ones might need someone a little calmer to keep them steady. They were almost too ready to shoot the first soul who came close, whether they carried a torch and kerosene or not. People were sitting by the windows all through the house with at least one rifle to a hand, and often more than that. A lot of friends had been hurt or killed in the last few months. The people of Calamity considered this time for justice. Every man there had an iron with six bullets and was just waiting for one of those hoodlums to show up. The night had been awfully dark. The moon was hidden away as though it refused to participate in this horrible extravaganza. Doc was making his way back to the house from the barn when Kaley came walking out on the back porch. “Everything set?” She pulled her shawl a little tighter around her shoulders. “They’re ready. They’re all good men. I just pray we don’t lose any of them. I don’t want to bury anyone else.” Doc looked up wishing the moon would show itself. “You’re worried aren’t you?” Kaley seemed to have a painful grasp of the obvious tonight. “It would just make it so much easier to see what’s happening if the moon would join this fight.” Doc sighed, still looking up at the sky. Stepping up closer to Doc, Kaley was so close she could almost feel his breath against her. Still holding her shawl with one hand, the other snaked out from under the warm covering and inched its way up his chest, until it came to rest on his shoulder. “Promise me you’ll be careful.” She pleaded. The feel of her warm hand on him came darn near close to burning a hole right through the fabric. Her deep chocolate eyes had changed to a darker, desire filled black and were silently drawing him even closer to her. “Tell me it will be alright.” She added, her fingers sliding across to the back of his neck as she tried to pull his face towards her. “Kaley…I…” unable to resist the attraction, Doc reached around her with his arms, pulling her up against him. His lips descended forcefully on hers. He hadn’t meant to be so rough, but it flashed through his mind if things didn’t go well tonight, this might be the only chance he got to show her how he felt. Letting her shawl drop behind her, Kaley wrapped both arms around her Doc. She kissed him with everything she had in her. Her fingers began swirling a path through his dark hair. Feeling his arms press her even more tightly against him, Kaley realized for the first time in her life what it felt like to be truly loved by a man. She could feel the energy against her skin everywhere his body touched hers. She couldn’t lose him, not now. Slowly releasing his hold on her, Doc grudgingly pulled back. Almost ashamed at how he’d let himself take advantage of the moment, he was relieved to see the love returned in Kaley’s eyes. “When this is all over, we’re going to have a long talk about your future. A future with me playing a much bigger part.” Doc leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I promise.” Dropping his hand to take hers in his, he glanced up in time to see the moon break through and shine brightly on them. Smiling broadly, “It looks like the heavens approve.” Doc took two steps to the back door and led Kaley inside, their hands still firmly entwined. Well, old Maude Kendall was sitting up with the rest of the women in the widow’s bedroom when she saw the moon break out, shining more brightly than she’d ever seen it shine in her long life. Sure enough, as plain as day she could see the group of men making their way up to the back of the property near the barns. Sending her daughter running down through the house warning everyone what was at hand, she hooted out the window like a big old barn owl. Billy Juniper recognized Maude’s birdcalls straight off. Quietly, he hollered out to everyone, “The show is about to begin, fellows!” Eyes and rifles were poking through knot holes everywhere. They’d been busy doing more than filling water barrels all day. There was going to be no doubt that the men lying in wait could see who was coming and yet still remain hidden. Everyone was on edge knowing what would be coming next, except maybe for the railway thugs. Chapter 15 Mac couldn’t believe how much fun she was having. She and Harm had danced most of the night. The little bit of food she sampled was simply out of this world. She knew Gram was a great cook, but from the taste of it so was the rest of Belleville. Gram, on the other hand, had flittered around all night like a queen bee. She loved overseeing and making sure everyone was having a good time. The funny thing was, there was hardly a moment of the evening when Gram didn’t have some one or other’s baby on her hip. Harm and Mac had just come off the dance floor, having done their rendition of the Cotton Eyed Joe, when Gram came puffing up to them excitedly. “Harm, have you seen Joe Bixby’s boy?” Turning to speak to Mac, “You know, Joe’s mom thought he was never going to get married and settle down either. There wasn’t anyone in town more surprised than me when he and Betty Jean got married.” Mac smiled awkwardly at Gram. She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach this woman was up to something. “Well, Harm and Joe used to be summer carousing buddies, especially when they were old enough to drive.” Gram giggled loudly, patting Harm on the shoulder. “Has he told you any of those summer stories?” Gram looked pointedly at Mac. “No, can’t say that he has.” Mac grinned at Harm, very amused by his discomfort. “Well, he should. Then you can tell me, because we’re all dying to know what those two were up to.” She looked towards the crowd, where someone was calling her name. “Oh dear, Mabel needs me. Here, you take little Joey.” Gram practically dropped the small baby in Mac’s arms without waiting to see if she actually had a grip on him, then turned and flew off to the other side of the barn. Mac stood awestruck with the tiny baby in her arms. Harm almost laughed at her jaw visibly hanging. Slightly agitated by the sudden change, little Joey squirmed in Mac’s arms as if trying to point out she wasn’t holding him quite to his liking. Immediately wrapping the blanket more tightly around him, Mac shifted the baby up against her chest in her left arm and began patting his back with her right. “Which one is his mother?” She asked, looking around the barn at all the possible parents. “Don’t know. I’ve never met Joey’s wife.” Making a funny blowing sound, Harm shrugged apologetically. “I’m not even sure I’d recognize Joey. I haven’t seen him in over twenty years.” He looked around for a minute before his eyes settled back on Mac rocking the little baby. “He looks good on you.” Harm smiled tenderly, extending his hand to caress the back of the now sleeping baby’s head. “Harm...” Mac sighed in exasperation. “You know I can’t.” “Dance with me?” He tilted his head slightly, extending his hand to her. “What?” Oh, he was definitely losing it, she thought. “Dance with me.” This time he wrapped his hand around the small of her back and nudged her towards the dance floor. “Harm, the baby?” Despite her doubts she was walking along beside him. “It’s never too soon for him to learn.” Harm smiled as he pulled Mac closer to him, cradling the baby between them. He wrapped his left hand firmly around her right hand, and the two danced with their clasped hands gently resting between them on little Joey’s back. Gram grinned happily at Mabel. “Don’t think it will be long now.” “Have you mentioned yet that little Joey is adopted?” Mabel leaned into Gram, her eyes watching the couple on the dance floor. “Not yet, but soon.” Gram smiled, watching the pair from across the barn. They’d barely finished dancing when Joe Bixby came up behind Harm. “There’s my special boy.” Reaching for the baby, “So how the heck have you been?” He managed to slap Harm on the back and still regain custody of his infant son. “Fine, thank you.” Harm chuckled. “Joe Bixby, this is Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie.” “I won’t say the obvious about being too good looking for your rank,” Joe smiled, “but it is a pleasure to meet you.” “You have a beautiful baby,” Mac sighed. “Thank you. For a while there, I thought this chance had passed us by.” Joe kissed the baby on the cheek. “Best thing I ever did in my life.” Just then Betty Jean came up behind them. “I see you found him.” She kissed her son on the cheek, and nodded at Harm and Mac. “Honey, this is an old childhood friend, Harmon Rabb and his…” Looking at Mac, he suddenly realized he had no idea what relationship it was they had. “I’m sorry, that was Lt. Colonel, wasn’t it?” “Mac, will be fine.” She corrected, extending her hand to the attractive blonde woman. “Mac?” Betty Jean asked a little startled. “Remind me never to complain about ‘Betty Jean’ again.” She laughed loudly before continuing. “I’m sorry to break this up, but we really need to be getting this young man home. It’s way past his bedtime.” Making their apologies and giving quick good byes, the Bixby clan was out the door in a flash, leaving behind a very pleased grandmother and a somewhat overwhelmed Harm and Mac. November 1941 And this is where people thought the Doc had gone stark ravin mad. When Webb’s men were just about creeped up on the house, cradlin the widow's Winchester in his arms, he steps out onto the front porch and calls out, bold as brass, "Cyrus Webb! If you have a beef with anyone, you should make it with me. I'm the one who beat your brother down. I'm the one who stopped him from having his way with an innocent woman. You don't need to look any further than me." Just like he was a knight in one of them fairy stories offerin’ to duel the great evil. Well that tore it. Webb didn't feel like acting all honorable, so he turns his dogs loose an' they start shooting at the Doc where he stood. It was the damndest thing though. E'eryone who was there swore there was no way they could miss a man standing out there in the moonlight, but none of them hit the Doc as he stood there shaking his head sadly. Calamity 1876 Doc could feel Kaley’s eyes boring a hole into the back of his head. He promised her he’d be careful, but he had to at least try and stop the bloodshed before it started. Amazed that so many men could have a straight shot at him and miss, Doc suddenly rolled to the ground and began firing as his voice carried out across the ranch, “NOW!” Windows could be heard crashing everywhere all at once. For years, people said you could see the flashing of gunfire clear across the county. The first man fool enough to try to torch the barn dropped dead in his tracks as several bullets tore through him. With the speed of a free mustang, one of the boys was outside with water, dousing the burning torch before it could catch and back inside again shooting at the rest of the idiots still crawling up to the barn The unnatural moonlight gave Doc and his crew an incredible edge in this battle: they could see for quite a distance where Webb and his thugs were, while the town folks were completely sheltered in the house or barn. Doc managed to work his way back into the house, and moved to one of the front windows where he could shoot from under cover. With an apologetic look at Kaley, he raised the butt of the Winchester and smashed out a couple of panes so he’d have plenty of room to work with. Webb’s men were dropping like flies all around the property as the gunfight continued. The town folk were shooting at Webb’s men as though they were ducks at target practice, while the women helped reload the extra rifles to keep the fight going to their advantage. When the shout came down from upstairs that the few railway men still alive were retreating, Doc moved out onto the front porch once more. Most of the men were fired up and ready to see this fight through to the end. Grabbing the horses out of the barn, they rode off giving chase to those who dared to run. Some of those running off were wounded badly making it incredibly easy for Doc and the posse to follow the blood trail down to the ravine where he’d first met the Widow O’Hara. It made sense, at least the ravine would give them some cover, an advantage they didn’t have at the ranch. As Doc and his men slowly reached the ravine floor, Cyrus and his remaining men stepped out into the clear, where Cyrus called out to Doc to throw down his rifle. When Doc first gave Cyrus the chance to end the battle before it began, Cyrus didn’t take it. Of course, at the time Cyrus thought he had the advantage of all his men against just the Doc and the widow. Turns out he wasn’t as smart as he thought. Now he found himself cornered like a trapped rat. The thing is, there’s little more dangerous than a desperate, trapped rat. Webb was pacing a trench into the ground. “If you were a real man, you’d fight me like a man.” Cyrus yelled to the Doc. “I’m listening.” Doc called down. The rest of the men, keeping cover, made their way to surround Webb’s bunch. “It’s the honorable thing to do, give me the chance to clear my family name after the affront of falsely accusing my brother of trying to rape a woman who we all know isn’t good enough for him.” If Webb thought that was improving his odds with the Doc, he was sorely mistaken. Doc’s blood was boiling at a feverishly high rate. By now, the widow and some of the others left behind at the ranch had caught up with the Doc and heard what Cyrus was yapping about. Keeping hidden behind boulders and trees, she made her way up close to Hosiah. “Hosiah, don’t do it. You’re a better man than those animals. You don’t need to finish this fight. It’s over.” She tried to tell him. Reaching out and taking both her hands in his, he searched for the words to explain. "Sometimes all you can be is a man. History will have to judge if you were good or evil." He wanted to take her in his arms and further explain why he had to finish this. This was something he just couldn’t walk away from, or he would never find peace, they would never find peace. Hoping she could hear the apology in his voice, Doc moved further down the ravine. When he reached Cyrus out in the open, he dropped his irons where he stood. Stripping shirts, the two men stood trading blow after blow. They went after each other like men possessed. Somehow, blows that would have thrown any normal man to the ground had next to no effect on them. Fists and blood were flying. Maude Kendall was standing next to Kaley, trying to comfort her. With every blow the Doc took, Kaley winced in pain as though she were the one taking the punch. Wearing him down, Doc hammered Cyrus to the ground until Cyrus couldn’t get back up. Cyrus might not have been the one who laid a hand on Kaley, but his intentions were even worse. Doc could never forgive either man. Standing over the limp bastard, heaving like a bellows, Doc just watched Cyrus as he struggled with himself on the ground. “It’s over.” Doc sighed. “It’s over.” Turning away, he made his way back to where he’d left his side irons. Strapping them on slowly, he turned around to walk back up to Kaley. All the men watching the fight stood still in their boots. The entire fight had lasted longer than any of them imagined it could. Stunned at how Doc found the strength to walk away, none of them had made a move to advance on Webb and his men. Doc could see Kaley standing up the ridge when he heard her let out a blood curdling scream. Without even turning to look back, Doc pulled out his gun, whirled around, and fired at Cyrus Webb just as his gun went off. Cyrus’ pretty white ruffled shirt was slowly becoming a bright crimson as he dropped to his knees. His voice echoed through the ravine, “Damn you,” before he fell down dead. All the heads turned to see Doc fall to his knees before hitting the ground. In a rush, every man and woman in the ravine was hovering by Doc’s side. “Oh, Hosiah!” Kaley cried, folding her shawl into a round ball and slipping it under his head. Ripping off a portion of her skirt, Kaley pressed the wad of fabric into his shoulder. “You promised me,” she whispered. “Why ma’am, I do believe I’ve been shot. Would you be so kind as to fetch the doctor?” Smiling at Kaley, Doc managed to wink at her knowingly before darkness overtook him. Relieved that his sense of irony was still intact, some of the men scattered to round up who was left of Webb’s men. A few others had already made their way to the Roberts’ ranch in case they needed more help. It was Billy Juniper and Matt who stayed behind to help Maude and Kaley get Doc back up the ridge. Chapter 16 Rabb farm “I’m so glad you had a good time tonight. There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned barn dance to keep in touch with all the generations. Even the little ones love these things.” Gram hung her coat on the hook by the door before going to the kitchen. “Anyone up for some hot cider before bed? If you’re nice to me, I made an extra apple pie.” Her eyes twinkled like a mischievous four year-old. “How could we resist such a tempting offer?” Harm smiled before swirling his grandmother in a tight embrace. “I said be nice, not make me dizzy.” She slapped her grandson, loving every minute of his attention. “Wasn’t little Joey the sweetest baby?” Gram asked nonchalantly, while Harm and Mac took seats at the table. “He was very cute, Gram.” Harm hoped she wasn’t going to get stuck on babies tonight. He could already see the sunken look on Mac’s face. “Betty Jean is a few years older than Joe. They only got married about four years ago. Poor folks spent the better part of the last three years pregnant or trying to get pregnant.” Having sliced up the pie, Gram set two plates in front of Harm and Mac. “Would you like some ice cream with that?” she asked matter-of-factly. “Not me.” Harm replied. “Me neither, thank you.” Mac added. “I thought that last pregnancy was going to darn near kill them.” Gram continued as though she’d never been interrupted. “When she made it into her second trimester, they thought they had a keeper. It just about broke everyone in town’s heart when she lost that baby at six months.” Gram set two mugs of hot cider by the apple pie. “Last one, when was that?” Harm asked without really thinking. “Oh, I’d say about seven or eight months ago. We were really worried about Betty Jean, she was so depressed. Not that I blame her, of course.” “Seven months ago? How old is Joey?” Harm asked. Mac had been sitting there quietly playing with her pie, her appetite suddenly nowhere to be found. “Joey? I think he must be two or three months old now. Let’s see, they got him when he was two weeks old, and that was just before Mabel’s birthday, so that means he must be closer to three months old.” Gram turned back to the counter and began cleaning up. “He’s not theirs?” Harm asked, suddenly understanding what his grandmother was doing. Of all the children and babies that his grandmother had toted around all night, it was the adopted baby she saw fit to drop in Mac’s arms. “Of course he is! Don’t you try telling Betty Jean or Joe otherwise. He’s the apple of their eye. Doesn’t matter if someone else gave birth to him, he’s their son.” Gram was being a pinch melodramatic, but she was pretty sure she was getting her point across, even if Mac was still playing with her pie rather than eating it. “Well, I think it’s time for these old bones to hit the sack. Just leave those dishes in the sink and I’ll clean up in the morning.” Gram kissed them both on the cheek before leaving them alone to mull over all she’d just said. “Are you ready for bed yet, or would you like to read a little before retiring for the night?” Harm knew Mac would clam up if he tried to discuss the baby deal now. “I think a little of the Rabb saga would be nice about now.” Mac stood up and took her and Harm’s plates over to the sink. “You go ahead and get settled, I’ll be right there.” Looking out the window by the sink, Mac thought her heart was going to break. She didn’t want to admit how much holding that baby meant to her. How it felt to have Harm look at her with so much pride and love. She must have been standing there longer than she realized. Startling her out of her private agony, she felt Harm’s arms reach around her waist. “Penny for your thoughts.” He whispered in her ear, his breath warm and hot. Harm waited for her to speak, “Mac, talk to me. Please.” “What am I supposed to say? That there isn’t anything in this world I want more than to give you a child? Okay, there isn’t anything in this world I want more than to have your baby. There. Happy?” Mac tried to pull away from Harm’s hold, but he wouldn’t let her, instead he turned her around so he could see her face. “Well, that’s a start.” Smiling that flyboy grin, he hoped to diffuse her frustration. Harm knew it was more than a start. It was exactly what he’d been waiting to hear her say. “Don’t you get it? It doesn’t matter what I want. It never has!” Mac cried loudly. “Mac, we’ve been through thick and thin, through hell and high water. Our lives are practically walking clichés. Nothing else matters. It’s finally our turn.” Pulling her more tightly against him, “I want you in my life, Mac. I don’t care if you can or can’t have children, I just want you.” Harm’s lips came crashing down on hers hard and fast. He wasn’t going to let her answer. He was tired of talking. He was going to show her just how much he wanted her, baby or no baby. His one hand raked through her long hair, keeping her head from pulling away. His other hand dropped down to her side, his fingers playing with the edge of her sweater, teasing the soft skin underneath. Mac felt the fire ignite when his fingers touched her side and ran softly across the front of her stomach. She couldn’t fight this any longer, she was tired of trying. Fearful for a split second when his lips pulled away from hers that he was going to stop, she moved her hand up his chest and began to fidget with the hairs on his chest while trying to undo the top button of his shirt. Without skipping a beat, Harm dropped his chin and began kissing his way across Mac’s neck, licking, nipping and savoring every inch of soft skin. Pressing himself up against Mac, she could feel exactly what she was doing to him. Harm’s lips captured hers again, his tongue begging hers to dance. Their hearts and souls were pounding loudly as the passions continued to boil out of control. Everything about her was intoxicating: the softness of her hair, the smell of her perfume, the desire in her dark eyes, the memory of her warm smile. She was everything to him. Tearing his lips away from hers, his breath was heavy and broken. “I’m sorry.” He couldn’t help himself as his lips gently teased the edge of her lips. “I don’t want to stop, not now, not again.” She was so warm, so soft in his arms. He kissed her one more time, his tongue teasing and tasting, savoring the moment, yet wanting so much more. “Please, Mac. Let me love you… please.” Mac’s heart lurched to her throat at the sound of his words. Her lips were searing with desire, every nerve ending was on fire. “I don’t want you to stop, not anymore.” With more force than she intended, she pressed herself hungrily against him. Every cell in her body was more aroused and excited than she’d ever been in her entire life. She leaned in for another kiss, trying with everything she knew to show him with that one kiss how very much she wanted this, wanted him. “Oh, Sarah.” Not wanting to waste another minute, Harm scooped her up in his arms, and carried her to the guestroom around the corner. November 1941 Word is that Doc didn't wait to get better before goin ta pay a visit ta ol' Beaumont. Soon as he could tear himself 'way from Kaley the Doc was on his horse, blood soaked shirt an' all, tear out like the hounds o' hell were on his heels. That Joseph Beaumont was one sorry man that night. He’d bin waitin for Cyrus and his men to show up and whooee was he surprised when he looked up and saw ol Doc hisself standing in the doorway. Calamity 1876 By the time Billy Juniper, Maude, Matt and Kaley had gotten Doc to the top of the ravine, he’d come to again. “Where do you think you’re going?” Kaley asked as Doc tried to get up on his own. “I have some business to take care of.” Doc answered calmly. “Not with that shoulder you don’t.” Kaley spread her legs, and set her hands on her hips. “This is almost finished. I just have one last thing to take care of. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Doc reached forward to touch her and lost his footing. “See! You’re in no condition to be going anywhere but to bed. I will not have you bleeding to death on my land. Do you hear me Hosiah Rabb? You are NOT going to die on me.” She pushed Doc back, forcing him to sit on a nearby rock. “I’m not going to bleed to death. Just wrap me up in a temporary bandage, someone give me a whiskey, and I’ll be back in a flash to let one of you fine ladies sew me up nice and proper.” Doc somehow found the strength to flash a full blown Rabb smile. “What have I told you about those pearly whites?” Kaley tried hard not to smile. She knew she had to be strong, but she also knew she wasn’t going to win. Sighing heavily, she resigned herself to the Rabb stubbornness and helped Maude patch up his shoulder as best as they could for now. Then she prayed for the man she loved to survive this one last battle. Meanwhile, Daphne Beaumont had been quietly pacing in her room. She’d changed into her nightclothes, but there was no way she was going to actually get any sleep. Not this night. She’d watch the clock ticking away, hour after hour. Downstairs, Joseph Beaumont had been impatiently waiting for a report from Cyrus. It was well after two in the morning and he had thought for sure by now he would have heard something. Beaumont was just about to pour himself another whiskey when he heard a crashing noise in the front of the house. Doc hadn’t bothered with gallantries this morning. He’d just knocked the front door down with a thud, much like he’d done when he’d gone to the widow’s house the day Webb had attacked her. “Beaumont, show yourself NOW!” Doc called out, already standing at the bottom of the stairs. He might have been as mad as an ornery bull, but he was still a gentleman and if Beaumont was sleeping, Doc was not about to invade the privacy of a lady’s bedroom. “What the hell are you doing here?” Beaumont yelled back. Doc whipped around to see Beaumont standing in the door of his study, a whisky in his hand. “Little early to be celebrating, don’t you think? You might at least want to make sure those henchmen of yours haven’t messed up and gotten themselves killed, now wouldn’t you?” Doc was speaking like the gentleman from Boston he was, but his eyes held the wrath of God in them. By now all the hired help was perched at the kitchen door watching the two men come face to face. Daphne Beaumont was standing frozen at the top of the stairs. In a matter of minutes Doc had Beaumont backed up into his study. Grabbing him by his fancy white shirt, Doc slammed Beaumont hard against the wall. “Unhand me!” Beaumont shouted. “I’ll see your hide in jail if you don’t let go of me immediately!” “The only one who’s going to see the inside of a jail cell, Mr. Beaumont, is what’s left of your gang of merry murderers.” Doc enunciated clearly and quietly. So quietly, in fact, that no one else in the house could hear a word he said. Immediately recognizing that threatening Doc wasn’t going to help him, Beaumont grasped at straws. “Hosiah, I’m sure this is nothing more than a simple misunderstanding. Why don’t you just tell me what has you all riled up and I’m sure together we can take care of it.” “The only thing to be taken care, Mr. Beaumont, is that you and your slimy railroad are moving out of Calamity, or you will find the cost much higher than even you would be willing to pay. We don’t need or want your business here. Is that understood?” Doc was speaking so calmly and yet spitting fire with his eyes. “Hosiah, put me down and we can discuss this like gentlemen.” Beaumont was trying desperately to hang on to the tiniest shred of dignity, despite the fact that he was currently more terrified than he’d ever been in his entire life. Where the hell was Cyrus? Easing his grip on Beaumont and then slamming him back hard against the wall again, Doc leaned his face in a little closer to Beaumont’s. “I don’t believe I’m making myself clear.” This time Doc spoke loud enough for everyone in the house to hear. “You either join what’s left of your buddies in jail, or you pack yourself up and leave Calamity, permanently.” Doc dropped Beaumont in a heap on the floor and slowly turned to make his way out. “You’ve got till sunrise.” Doc called over his shoulder. Doc was almost at the front door when a gasp at the top of the stairs had him spinning around, his colt already drawn in his good hand. He couldn’t help but laugh. Beaumont was standing in the doorway of the study aiming at him with one of those pretty little two-bullet guns that gamblers played with. "Your man put a bullet through the wrong shoulder, Mr. Beaumont. Who do you think is the faster trigger, you or me?" With one eyebrow arched, Doc watched Beaumont drop the gun and slump to the floor. With a little shrug of his good shoulder, Doc slid his iron back into the holster, tipped his hat at Mrs. Beaumont, and went out the door as if he’d just finished an ordinary social call. By morning, Beaumont had moved on to Robstown. Despite all the bad blood with her husband, the town was grateful to Mrs. Beaumont for her part in bringing down the railroad, so she was able to stay in Calamity with Harriet. Chapter 17 Rabb Guest room 0400 hours Mac was slowly waking up from the sweetest dream she’d ever had. Stretching her arms, she had to pause to consider the hard form beside her. Feeling Harm’s arms wound tightly around her, she realized there was more to her peaceful night’s sleep than just a good dream. She had finally made glorious, splendid love with Harmon Rabb Jr. With amazing clarity she was able to finally understand what her therapist had been trying to tell her. Only four percent of something wonderful is better than one hundred percent of nothing. How could she have been so blind, so stupid? Wondering for a moment what time Gram woke up, and if she and Harm should move upstairs, she felt Harm’s breath on her neck and couldn’t resist snuggling into his warmth. She didn’t want to leave him, not now, not ever. Whatever her chances of conceiving or carrying a child were, Harm was right; what really mattered was that they be together. That was the only thing that mattered. November 1941 Well, there wasn’t but five of Webb’s men left and by the time the judge came to town an’ there wasn’t nobody who would find those snakes anything but guilty of attempted murder. Yup, all six of ‘em, Tom Webb too, swung from the gallows nice and legal like. Things were finally startin to look up for the town and the Doc. Calamity 1876 Turns out Kaley and Maude were pretty good at the doctoring thing. “Will you stop pushing yourself? You’re over doing it. You’re going to rip up my nice needlework.” Kaley fussed, trying to get the Doc back in bed. “You did do a nice job. I may have to let you stitch up all my patients.” Doc tried to grab for Kaley with his good arm. It had been almost a week since the shootout and he was feeling a whole lot better than he had been. “You better behave yourself or Maude’s going to say you’re good enough to be sent home.” Doc had been staying at Kaley’s since he’d been shot. The first few days were touch and go. Maude and Kaley dug out the bullet and sewed him up but a slight infection still must have set in because he fought one heck of a fever. Kaley was in a panic at the thought of losing the Doc. She’d waited her whole life for a man like him and the thought of losing him was breaking her heart into millions of little pieces. There wasn’t a soul in Calamity who didn’t breathe easier when the Doc’s fever finally broke and he woke up asking for Kaley. Grabbing hold of her wrist and gently tugging her down onto the bed next to him, his voice lowered “I don’t ever want to leave you again. Kaley O’Hara, this may not be the romantic place you deserve, but I love you. Will you marry me?” Just a short while ago the widow probably would have said no. The last thing the Doc needed was to be saddled with someone like her and all her baggage. After coming so close to losing him, there was no way she could turn him down. If there was one thing she was absolutely sure of, she knew she didn’t want to live another day without him. What must have been only seconds seemed like hours to the Doc. His mind was already running through ways to convince her to change her mind if she said no when he finally heard her. “Yes, yes, Hosiah Rabb. I’ll marry you, as soon as the doctor says you can get out of that bed.” She knew darn well he was probably going to say he could get out now, but she knew he needed at least a little more rest before he’d be up to what she had in mind. Pulling her a little closer, Doc reached over and kissed her. It was a short kiss but filled with all the promise of years to come. When they finally separated, Kaley ran eagerly to the bedroom door. “JEN!” she called downstairs as loudly as she could. Running up the stairs in a panic. Jen came to a panting halt at the doorway, and at the two people with grins as broad as the Rio Grande. “Something wrong?” she asked. The wide grins made no sense, but Kaley’s call scared the bejeezus out of her. “Sorry, didn’t mean to alarm you. I just wanted to let you know you’d better start cooking. It seems we’re going to be having lots of company this weekend.” Walking back to the bed, she took hold of Doc’s hand. “Yes ma’am.” Doc echoed happily. “Looks like we’re having ourselves a wedding!” The following Sunday Shortly before noon Doc was pacing back and forth in his parlor, waiting for the church to fill up with guests. “You know, you’re going to wear a hole in that floor if you don’t ease up.” Daphne Beaumont chuckled. “Ms. Daphne, how are you?” Doc was a little surprised to see her. Although she’d agreed to stay on in Calamity so she could be close to her daughter, Daphne Beaumont hadn’t had the nerve to leave the house since the blow up with Joseph. Despite knowing the town didn’t hold anything against her, this was the first time since that horrible night that she had ventured out of her own home. “You didn’t think I would miss this big day, now did you?” Daphne Beaumont smiled brightly. “No, ma’am. I don’t suppose I did.” Doc nodded graciously at her. “I know your mother and father didn’t have enough time to come for the wedding, but if you wouldn’t mind, I’d be honored if you’d allow me the privilege of standing in for Charlotte today.” “Ms. Daphne, I couldn’t think of a better woman to have here in mother’s stead. Thank you.” Doc smiled honestly from his heart. Extending his arm to her, Doc led Mrs. Beaumont over to the church, and down the aisle to seat her in the place normally reserved for the mother of the groom. Short Time later Roberts Place Just about the entire town had been cooking for the wedding feast. Jen was in charge of the cake, while Harriet helped Kaley spruce up her best dress. Harriet had tried to talk Kaley into going with the trendier white wedding gown, but Kaley insisted on wearing her Sunday best. Doc could have cared less what she wore. His eyes saw only the radiant woman walking towards him. He couldn’t believe this day had actually come, and now it was almost over. They had pretty much danced with every person in town at least three times. The music, food, and of course liquor, had been nonstop. The party would most likely continue well until morning, but the night was already feeling very long for the newlyweds. Doc had been looking for Kaley for some time when he finally spotted her across the room. Just as he was about to make his way up beside her, Harriet came flying across the room like a jackrabbit, practically knocking Kaley over before hugging her ecstatically. “I’m really glad you’re so happy for us, Harriet, but I can’t breathe.” Kaley chuckled, pulling away from Harriet’s tight grip. “Oh, I’m happy for you too, but Jeremiah just asked me to marry him!” She squealed. Suddenly sharing the blonde’s enthusiasm, Kaley kissed her on the cheek and hugged her again before asking, “What did your mother say?” “Oh! I forgot to tell mother.” Turning at the speed of light, Harriet ran off in the other direction. Not having been close enough to hear, Doc walked up to his bride, “What was that all about?” “You have to ask?” Kaley grinned. “Jeremiah asked her to marry him.” “I guess it’s safe to say she said yes.” Doc smiled, wrapping his arm around his wife’s waist while his eyes followed their friends across the dance floor. “It’s getting rather late, or early depending on how you look at it,” Doc chuckled into his wife’s hair. His wife, he was going to like saying that. “Do you think maybe it’s time we made our escape?” Sneaking out the back door, Doc and Kaley rode to the privacy of the O’Hara ranch… the Rabb ranch now. Helping her down out of the carriage, Doc escorted Kaley up to the porch before opening the front door and scooping her into his arms. Kaley couldn’t help the giggle that escaped as he carried her all the way up the stairs to her room. “No,” she whispered hesitantly. “Not in there.” Turning her head she pointed with her nose down the hall. “We’ll take the master bedroom.” Immediately, Doc understood, she must have still been using the bedroom she had shared with Clete. No one had used the master bedroom since her Aunt and Uncle had passed on. Clete had talked about taking over the big room, but Kaley had refused. Stepping into the pristine room, Doc slowly carried his bride over to the beautiful bed. Hosiah’s eyes couldn’t help but take in the size of the unusually large bed. “Do you like it?” She smiled. “I had it made especially for you. I figured it couldn’t be easy for a man your size to get a good night’s sleep in an ordinary bed, and even less if you have to share it.” Kaley tried very hard not to blush at that last part. Sitting down beside her, Hosiah took a moment to run his hands over the intricate carvings at the foot of the enormous bed. “This was incredibly thoughtful of you.” Hosiah was actually choked up. She was right, he had never slept without his feet hanging off the bed for the better part of his adult life. “The quilt and linens are a wedding gift from Mrs. Perkins and some of the ladies in town.” Kaley watched his eyes carefully, hoping he was pleased with her gift. Without saying a word, Hosiah pulled out the gold watch Kaley had given him earlier in the day. “Life with you is going to be filled with pleasant surprises, isn’t it?” He asked quietly. “I hope so.” Unconsciously, her hand moved to the diamond broach she wore. Hosiah had given it to her the night before. For generations, all the Rabb women had worn it on their wedding day. As the oldest son, he’d held onto it for years in hopes of someday finding someone worthy of giving it to. Unable to say another word, Hosiah turned to look at his beautiful wife. Slowly, almost trembling, his hand reached forward to softly caress her cheek. Kaley’s eyes closed at the first feel of his hand against her skin. His touch was so delicate, so loving, her breath caught in her throat. Her heart was pounding rapidly in her chest; she was sure if he couldn’t see it, he could definitely hear it. When Hosiah’s fingers ran down her cheek and across her chin to gently brush across her lips, Kaley couldn’t stop the quiet gasp that escaped at her sharp intake of breath. Doc pulled his hand away instantly at the small sound. Kaley’s eyes flew open wide at the loss of his warm touch against her. Her dark eyes were drawn to his sea green pools like a moth to a flame. “Why?” she managed to quietly whisper. Her hand reached out for his. “Why what?” The mere touch of her hand on his was like striking a match, a fire instantly burned inside him. “Why’d you let go of me?” “You sounded…unsure.” Lifting his hand and placing it on her rapidly beating heart, she whispered, “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I’m just… I guess I’m just a little nervous.” This time Kaley couldn’t stop the blush. The corners of his mouth curled up in a familiar smile. “So am I.” He managed to whisper back before his lips softly met hers. Chapter 18 Harm and Mac sat curled up together on the sofa listening to Gram reading more of the saga. There had been an awkward few minutes for Mac when she and Harm finally emerged from the guest room, but the huge grin Gram was trying to hide immediately wiped away any concerns Mac had about possibly offending her hostess’ old fashioned sensibilities. Immediately after breakfast, Gram made herself comfortable in her rocker and began reading again. Harm and Mac had been completely entranced by the story of the wedding. Harm found himself drawing circles on Mac’s hand with his thumb. When Gram got to the part about the ‘I Dos’, Harm squeezed Mac’s hand tightly in silent affirmation of where he wanted things to go, delighted when Mac smiled back. Closing the book, Gram stood up and stretched. “I think I’m going to get started on lunch.” “How many more volumes are there?” Harm inquired. “Well, things quieted down quite a bit after Doc and Kaley got married. There’s a bit of excitement when the boys are growing up. Hosiah’s son James was a hoot. There’s several pages dedicated to his antics with Teddy Roosevelt.” Gram chuckled to herself. “But Doc definitely took up most of the history. I’m still working on the last volume.” This was their last day with Gram, tomorrow was time to head back to DC. Harm wished there was more time to read all the history. “How many boys did they have?” Mac asked. “Four.” Gram announced proudly. “Kaley teased Doc for years about having to wait for grandchildren to have her girls. They were retired in rocking chairs and Kaley would still joke with Doc about trying one more time for the girl.” “Did she have any granddaughters?” Harm interjected. “Eventually. I think they had four or five grandsons before young Jeremiah broke the spell and had three girls.” Gram shook her head. “First one was named Kaley after her grandma. The next one was Teresa after Kaley’s Aunt Tess. Can’t remember off hand what they named the baby.” Gram walked towards the kitchen, her brow curled in thought pondering the name of that last grandbaby. Secretly, she wondered how much longer it would be before she’d have her own great-grandchildren to spoil. “Kaley is a nice name.” Harm lifted Mac’s hand, kissed it gently and then returned it to where it had been resting on his lap. “Mm…” Mac was glancing through the rest of the photos further along the story. “Harm, look at this.” Mac pointed to a photo of James Rabb with Teddy Roosevelt. “He looks just like you!” “I think it would be safe to say he looks like his father.” Harm couldn’t resist chuckling at her enthusiasm. “Here’s a picture of Hosiah with Kaley and all their ‘kin’ taken at the ceremony in 1921 when Calamity was renamed ‘Rabb’ for Doc and how he saved the town from the railroad. Harm, the baby’s name was Sarah.” Mac exclaimed excitedly. “See the three ladies to the right in the front row? Kaley Rabb Perkins. I wonder if that was any relationship to Mrs. Perkins and her daughter Irene?” Mac giggled. “Teressa Rabb and Sarah Rabb.” “I guess it was fate that I fall in love with a Sarah.” Harm smiled as Mac’s eyes widened. “Don’t look so surprised. You have to know I meant it when I said I loved you.” “I’d hoped it was more than hormones and friendship.” Mac tried not to blush. His face turning deadly serious, Harm twisted Mac around and pulled her fully onto his lap, looking her straight in the eyes. “I have been in love with you for as long as I can remember. I love you more than life itself and nothing on earth will ever change that.” Harm waited for some sort of understanding from Mac. He hadn’t expected the tears that slowly began to trickle down her cheek. “Harmon Rabb, I hope you know how much I love you.” Mac reached her arms around his neck and drew him in for a searing kiss. The only thing keeping them from letting it escalate into needing to go back to the bedroom was the knowledge Gram was cooking only a few feet away. The rest of the day was spent in quiet acceptance of the new turn in their relationship. Gram was especially pleased to see them holding hands, stealing kisses, and sharing starry-eyed glances from across the room. She had seen it hidden in their eyes the minute they arrived, but was elated to now see them freely expressing it. It was with great reluctance the next morning that the three adults stood on the front stoop. Even Baron could tell this was the antithesis of the happy arrival of a few short days ago. “Now that you know where I am, I expect you to make sure he comes home more often.” Gram told Mac, even though she was really talking to Harm. Stepping in for a hug, she whispered into Mac’s ear, “Remember, I want lots of great-grandchildren. So long as you and Harm raise ’em, they’re mine.” Walking over two steps to where Harm stood, Gram tried valiantly to hide her tears. “Don’t you be a stranger anymore.” She scolded, batting back the tears. Harm felt a heavy weight drop in his pocket as his grandmother hugged him goodbye. Finally, she pulled back slightly, still holding onto him. “I found this last night and thought you might like to have it.” She drew back in to kiss him on the cheek and then stepped back up onto the porch. “You two better get going before I change my mind and siphon all your gasoline.” She tried to laugh. The first part of the ride home was made mostly in silence, each one wondering how, or if, things would change once they got home. “I suppose we’re going to have to talk at some point.” Mac mentioned softly. “We are.” Harm felt his heart tighten in his chest. “This is probably as good a place as any. I mean at least neither of us will be able to run away.” Mac sighed. “Or push the other away.” Harm added. “I told you I was sorry for that.” Mac reached over to hold his hand. “I won’t do that anymore, I promise.” “I know.” Harm turned slightly to smile at her. “Do you really want to do this now?” “Yeah, I think I do.” Mac turned to look out the window, mumbling ‘maybe’ under her breath. “Where do you want to start?” Harm questioned, almost holding his breath. “I suppose at the beginning would be asking too much.” Mac tried for a joke, but it didn’t work. Taking a deep breath, she continued. “You said you wanted to be a part of my life and not be looking in anymore. After the last couple of nights, I think it’s safe to say you are most definitely in my life.” The corners of Mac’s mouth twitched slightly, trying to suppress a big grin. Harm made no effort to contain his smile. “It’s what I’ve wanted for a long time now. It’s why I went after you in Paraguay. It’s why I waited through Webb. It’s why I’m still here.” “Is it enough?” Mac raised an eyebrow. Harm turned suddenly to look at Mac, not sure where she was going with this. “I’ve got less than a five percent chance of being able to conceive a child. Our child.” Mac elaborated. “Mac, honey, I told you. If you really want to carry a child and can’t conceive, there are options. If it’s what you want, I’ll try them all.” Harm tried to keep his eyes on the road. “And if none of them work?” “Then we can adopt. All I care about is that whatever we do, we do it together.” “You have no doubts?” Mac hadn’t eased her intense glare. Without hesitating a single second, Harm shot back. “Not a one.” He had told her over and over, in several ways, but she needed to hear it one more time. One last time. She had to be sure. After nine years of misunderstanding, she wasn’t going to leave any room for misinterpretations, not when they were so close to having what she’d always wanted. It wasn’t long before Harm was turning off the road and pulling up to Mac’s building in Georgetown. He carried her bag up to her apartment, his palms sweating nervously as she opened her front door. “Where do you want me to put this?” Harm asked, trying to hide his nervousness. “On my bed, if you don’t mind.” Mac waved at her bedroom door. She wasn’t quite sure what to do next either, and was glad to buy a few extra minutes to decide her next move. Harm came out of the bedroom more quickly than Mac had expected. Walking towards each other, the two didn’t know quite where to look or what to say. Almost in stereo they began, “Uh, should I…” “ Would you...” Unable to ignore the ludicrousness of their discomfort, they each broke out in roaring laughter. Pulling Mac into his arms, they practically stumbled over each other before she settled her head comfortably in the crook of his neck. “You in a hurry to go home or do you want to stay a little while?” Mac mumbled into his chest, once they’d stopped laughing. “That’s an unfair question.” Harm tightened his hold around her. “Why is that counselor?” “Because I won’t ever be in a hurry to go home if you’re not there, and …” Harm hesitated to say what he was really thinking. “And…” Mac encouraged, pulling her head back slightly to look up at his expression. “Anything less than forever with you will never be long enough.” His eyes locked on hers, as he enunciated each and every word very carefully. Suddenly, the room was spinning and Mac couldn’t feel the floor beneath her. All she could feel were Harm’s strong arms pulling her in closer, his lips descending tenderly on hers. Her knees threatened to give out from under her. It felt as though she was melting in his arms for an eternity and yet only an instant. Her body was turning to Jell-O as his kiss continued to awaken every nerve-ending throughout her body. When Harm pulled away from her lips and began slowly kissing the edge of her mouth, across her chin and under her ear, Mac heard herself finally speak. “Stay, Harm. Don’t go.” Her eyes rolled shut at the heat that was flushing from her neck to her toes. “If I stay now, I won’t ever want to leave.” Harm kissed her lips once again, reluctantly, he let go when she tried to answer. “Then don’t ever leave.” Pulling herself away, taking a deep breath, Mac looked into his eyes. “I told you I won’t push you away anymore. If you want forever, so do I.” “Starting now?” Harm searched her eyes. “Starting now.” February 14, 2005 Front porch of Admiral AJ Chegwidden, USN Retired Harm stood behind Mac looking down at the ancient gold watch she held in her hands, his arms wound tightly around her. “I hoped you’d like it.” Harm whispered in her ear. “Gram slipped it to me our last day at the farm. She told me later that Kaley gave it to Doc on their wedding day.” Mac softly read out loud, “To HR my love, my life, my everything. KOR” “Since it says everything I feel for you, I thought, I hoped…” Turning swiftly in his arms. “Oh, Harm…” was all Mac managed to say before throwing her arms around him and devouring his soft lips in a passionate kiss. “Ahem, Ahhheeeemm” AJ cleared his throat as loudly as possible one more time while contemplating if it was time to paint the porch ceiling yet. “Admiral, everyone is waiting…” Harriet stopped suddenly, noticing AJ staring up at the ceiling. Her eyes searching for something of serious impact, she looked back at the admiral in utter confusion before noticing the kissing couple out of the corner of her eye. “Yes, Harriet, I know. Would you care to try?” AJ challenged, a glint of sheer delight dancing in his eyes. “Certainly, sir.” Smiling to herself, Harriet turned to fully face the two senior officers lost in each other, and shouted as loudly as possible without disturbing the neighbors, “ADMIRAL ON DECK!” Still pressed together, turning only their faces towards the offensive announcement, Harm and Mac glared at Harriet until they caught sight of AJ chuckling behind her. Seeing them come immediately to attention, AJ couldn’t resist letting out a huge belly laugh. “At ease. I think it’s fairly safe to assume that you don’t have to stand at attention on your own wedding day. I believe all Lt. Sims is trying to tell you is that your guests are waiting inside for you to cut the cake.” Turning away, his shoulders still shaking with laughter, AJ escorted Harriet into the house, and held the door for the newlyweds. AJ had been surprised to receive the call four weeks ago announcing their plans to get married and requesting to hold the small private ceremony at his house. He was more than happy to oblige and truly pleased to give the bride away for real this time. Turning to follow AJ into the house, Harm hesitated at the door and looked at Mac, “Ready, Mrs. Rabb?” “More than you’ll ever know, Mr. Rabb.” THE END BACK HOME