“Yes, for so long it’s been you and I. We need to make an effort to surround ourselves with good people, people who care about more than science. I see that now.”
“We have friends, Cara,” he pointed out.
“Yes, friends just like us. They go to the opera, are members of the country club and donate to fundraisers. We need to do more than that, Micah. I’d like to think we’ll leave more behind when we’re gone than a few side notes in the tomes of history; something more than a charitable trust fund for others to administer.”
“My, you’ve gotten quite philosophical, haven’t you?”
“I guess I have. I see that we’re missing out on so much. Maybe we should consider starting a family,” she sighed.
“Right now?” he teased, his hand slipping from where it had been around her waist to her ass.
Cara laughed and wiggled away.
“Watch it fella, I’m a married woman!” she informed him primly.
“You certainly are, and I can’t wait to get you home.”
“Are you sorry to be leaving?” she asked, snuggling close once again.
“Not sorry, exactly, but I’ll definitely miss this place. It would be great if we could return to see how everyone is doing, a vacation of sorts,” he acknowledged.
“Witt, you know that’s not possible. We’re lucky we’re able to return to our time, knowing we no longer have to worry about you vanishing. It’s a tremendous relief.”
“True. You know, I was thinking about it all today when Matthew said he was going to adopt Laurie’s boys. I suppose one of them could be the missing link,” he pointed out thoughtfully.
“I considered the same thing, but your resemblance to Morgan and Mead is remarkable. I still think it’s probably Mead. Even with DNA testing, their profiles are probably so similar it would be hard to eliminate any of the brothers.”
“We should probably head back, darling. It’s our last night with our ‘family.’”
“So, we’re definitely leaving tomorrow?”
“Yes. The others are going to slip away and take us to the grove in the morning. Mead wants Matt there, if only to prove he and Morgan were telling the truth.
On the walk back to The Duchess Cara noticed how dark the town seemed. The only light spilled out of the doors of the saloon. Fancy stood outside, getting a breath of air and Cara stopped to talk with her while Micah went inside.
“It’s been quite a day,” she remarked. “Three weddings and I understand you’ll be leaving for Nevada soon.”
“Yes, in a week or two,” Fancy replied. “I heard you’re leaving tomorrow.”
“We are,” Cara nodded. “It’s time we headed home. You know, it’s odd. There’s not a light on across the street. Isn’t that where Lillian Piersal lives, over the millinery?”
“Yes.”
“Is she here tonight?”
“No, she wouldn’t come here. Not after what she’s done.”
I wonder if they will convict her when the judge arrives.”
“Perhaps,” Fancy replied coolly. “I have faith she’ll get exactly what she deserves.”
* * *
It was early,the sun not yet rising east of town. Cara sat between Mead and Morgan on the seat of the buckboard, while Matt and Witt rode alongside. They all remained quiet until they’d moved out of town. After that, most of the conversation took place between Mead and Cara. Morgan urged the team into a faster gait.
While she’d been in Kansas, she and Morgan had steered clear of each other. It seemed there hadn’t been much to say. Both of them had moved on, to other lives in other worlds. When they arrived in the grove, Mead lifted her down. Witt shook hands with Morgan and Matt and then pulled Mead into a man hug.
“Take care of yourself buddy, and your pretty new bride,” he said, pounding Mead’s back. “It’s important.”
