The Unknown
by Patricia Henry
Chapter Twenty
“We’re leaving? But what about Pa?” Ronnie asked as his mother packed the dishes.
“Ronnie,” She turned towards the child. “You and I talked about this awhile back. I told you that your Pa might not be coming back.”
“But if he does and we’re not here-”
“You can leave a note,” Jess said as he entered the room from the bedroom. “Why don’t you go find some paper and we’ll write a note for him together?”
Ronnie grinned. “I’ll do just that, Jess. Where we going?”
“Laramie,” Jess replied.
Gwen turned with surprise. “Why Laramie?”
Jess didn’t know. “Good as town as any, I reckon.”
“Then Laramie it is,” Gwen said with a smile.
“I’m going need a gun.”
Her body stiffened.
Jess saw her disapproval. “Gwen, you know what kind of life it will be,” Jess stated.
She went to a small dresser and pulled out a drawer. There under some sheets was a gun and gun belt. She handed it to him as if handing him a bomb. She was very careful the way she held it.
He took it from her and checked to see if it was loaded. It was. He put it the belt on. And then he slid the gun out several times. He’d add oil to the holster tonight. “Your husband’s?”
She nodded. “He took the rifle instead of this gun when he left. He didn’t like to wear a gun belt.”
“He didn’t. Or you didn’t?” Jess challenged.
She started to reply but she couldn’t find the words.
Jess’ face showed he was still unsure.
But as soon as Ronnie was out of the room, Jess pulled her to him. He wrapped his arms tightly around her. “No regrets about last night?”
“None.” She kissed him.
His eyes devoured her. “Can’t imagine a man leaving you.”
“You just remember that and we’ll get along real fine.”
Jess’ forehead crinkled. “But you’re still agreeable that nothing is promised. Even if I wanted to, as long as I can’t remember nothing about myself, I won’t do that. So no wedding ring. You still all right with that?”
“Why Jess Harper if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were scared of being married.”
“That and being left a foot.” Jess look taken back.
“It’s all right,” she said, her hand stroking his arm. “Just having you is enough.”
“I may never remember. You think I would by now.”
“Maybe it’s for the best. The memories might be bad.”
“No telling what I’ve done. Could be several posters out on me. Makes me wonder if you and the boy should go with me.”
Her arms tightened around his waist, as her hands grasp his shirt. . “I don’t care, Jess Harper. I can tell that you’re a good man. Even if we had food and it would be a warm winter, I’d still want to go with you.”
“Maybe you’re just lonely,” he said.
“And maybe you’re changing your mind?” She looked deep into his eyes.
“I’m happy to have someone with me. I can’t explain it but I’ve known loneliness. Be good to have someone to share things with. As long as you don’t expect...”
Her finger touched his lips, silencing his words. “I don’t expect.” She gave him a quick kiss. “Now if we’re going to be gone by tomorrow, you better get out to the barn and get those trunks down. You need help?”
“I think I can manage. Sure seemed to have plenty of strength last night.”
She blushed. Her face turned firey red.
He chuckled as he left the cabin.
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