The last days at the Double D before Liz and Scar planned to start their travel were busy and emotional. Tears were shed, memories were shared, and talks about the future abounded. Through it all, no one spoke negatively of their move. Everyone talked about the great opportunity the governor had given them. Liz and Scar were becoming more positive about their move than they first had been. They felt sure they’d made the right decision. The day they returned to the Double D, they’d sent a wire to Governor Routt, agreeing to buy the land. They said the money would be wired to him along with the signed documents giving them title to the land. While in town, they shared the news and spent time with their close friends.
Scar dropped Liz off at Betty’s dress shop and then headed for Eli’s. After their second cup of coffee Eli asked, “Why don’t you and Liz stay around here and run the Double D someday, Scar? It’s right up your alley.”
“Not really, Eli. I want to have a ranch that I’ve developed. I want my own place and to raise quality horses.”
Eli nodded his understanding.
Scar stood. “I’m to meet the group at Jenny’s come noon, Eli. Do you want to join us?” The old friend waved off the offer.
Saying their goodbyes was hard. The young man and his old friend shook hands without words, and as the two parted, Eli headed for the barn with watery eyes.
When Scar entered the café, several of his town friends were sitting around two tables that had been pulled together in the back of the café’, sharing stories as laughter filled the room. Jenny and Mrs. Kaiser went to the kitchen and brought out several platters of food before rejoining the group. Other people in the café had to make do on their own because the cooks were sitting with their friends at the corner table.
As they ate, Scar’s eyes went around the table. There was Jake, who he’d first known as a stuttering orphan. Even after being crippled, he had become the owner of a flourishing newspaper.
Next to Jake sat Betty. He remembered her knock on his hotel door when he was in Council Bluff. Her husband and little boy had just been murdered. She’d had no one to turn to and no place to go. He was glad he had brought her to Flat Peaks with them. She had learned to read and write and now owned and operated a successful dress shop. Scar forked another bite and then wondered if Jake and Betty would get married. They were suited for one another, he mused.
Sitting next to Betty was the sheriff—a solid lawman, a credit to his profession.
Next were Mary and Tommy, the most recent members of the Double D clan. They had been a great help to Jake and Betty. Scar knew Thomas was very proud of them.
Lastly, except for Liz, were Jenny and Mrs. Kaiser. Scar had fond memories of the women. “They’re the town’s glue,” he mumbled to himself. “They always have a positive attitude and help folks in need.”
Sometime later, after plates and cups were empty, Jake looked at his pocket watch and remarked, “I’d best be going. I have some type to set.”
“Liz and I need to be leaving, too. We have a lot of packing to do,” Scar said as he stood. “It’s been great spending time with all of you, and we’ll see you Saturday at our party.”
Scar and Liz had plans to leave Sunday after their going away party, which was only a few days off. In the meantime, Liz and her mother stayed busy packing clothing and household items into large chests. They set aside a few piece of furniture to take. A bed, two chairs, and a wardrobe. Occasionally, their work was interrupted by Morning Sun who encouraged them to break for coffee and cookies or a piece of pie. During these times, the three women reminisced about the days left behind and the possibilities of the future. Morning Sun’s pregnancy was showing quite vividly by now, so quite a lot of time was spent discussing the baby’s sex and potential names. These were special times for the women—a few melancholy moments with tears, but the women mostly stayed upbeat with laughter and hugs.
Scar was busy, too. Tony and his old friend, Thomas, were often at his side helping him get ready. The wagon’s reliability for the long trip was of great importance. Consequently, every part of the wagon was examined and put in tiptop condition. Tony replaced all four wheel-irons with new ones and repacked the wheel hubs with fresh grease. Thomas replaced two planks in the wagon floor and patched up a few tears in its bonnet. Scar stayed busy gathering up and loading items for the trip. His inventory included a roll of barb wire, a scythe, a garden plow, and a hammer, along with a bucket of nails and similar items. He also packed the box of law books Thomas had given him and Liz’s school supplies she had collected in Philadelphia.
During the evening before the couple’s intended departure, Morning Sun prepared a special meal. The entire clan was present during these last days, including Thomas and Virginia. Jake and Betty even came from town. Mr. Douglas’ blessings were a mite longer than usual because of his asking for Liz and Scar’s safe travel. After the meals, folks went to the porch to watch the long shadows form.
One particular evening was almost perfect. The hot day had turned much cooler and a slight breeze had come up. As was often the case in this setting, words had been few.
This place is so peaceful, Liz thought as she raised her cup of coffee. I love it. But then another thought came. I’ll be leaving in two days.