JASPER TOPPED THE HILL where the passed over members of the Lee family rested. A distant dark grey thunder storm crawled over the land, the wind animating the trees and grass to a spring dance flashing emerald and jade. Shafts of gold and orange from the setting sun found their way through gaps in the clouds casting Gale’s shadow long down the hill.
Jasper pulled up next to his wife and dismounted. Coal and the mare nuzzled each other, passing whispered secrets.
“Sean said I’d find you here.”
Gale turned to him, tears streaming down her cheeks into a peaceful smile. “We live in such a beautiful place, Jasper.”
He pulled her close enjoying the feel of her in his arms. “This view feels a lot better than a year ago.”
“That was a hard day in many ways. Thank God that terrible time is over. I can’t believe it was so long ago.”
“All we have to do is look at our children.”
“Oh Lord, don’t remind me. Sean not only acts like a man, he looks like one. And Megan is becoming such a fine young woman. And we can’t make clothes fast enough for Brenden and Abbey. ”
Jasper laughed. It felt good to laugh again. “Seems to be that way. I think we should enjoy our children while we can. Before we know it they’ll be full grown.”
Gale laid her head on his shoulder. “We’ve made a good life for ourselves. We’ve made the ranches into a good business.”
“That we have, with the help of our children.”
“Yes. Megan and Abbey are a great help around the house and yard.”
“And Sean has done well runnin’ the ranches with Harry...and Brenden.”
They both laughed.
“I’m very proud of Sean,” Jasper said. “Instead of bullin’ his way in as boss, he knows Harry can teach him things. They’ve become good friends.”
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I visited Harry and Wing. It appears they’ve become very good friends. Wing is expecting.”
Jasper laughed. “Well, I guess Harry doesn’t snore so bad after all.”
Gale punched Jasper in the shoulder. “Stop it. They look very happy together.”
“Well, we best get them to the clan so Walks With Bears can join them.”
“I know. I need to visit Rain Water again, too. I see so many things in a different way since my vision quest.”
“You want to talk to me about it?”
“Not just yet.”
Gale put her head back on Jasper’s shoulder. “I love you, Jasper.”
He lifted her chin and kissed her deeply, but gently.
Gale’s face broke into a bright smile. They embraced and held it for a time. Jasper enjoyed the warmth spreading from the fire in his loins that holding Gale always brought. God, how I love this woman.
“We best be gettin’ back to the house,” Jasper finally said. He helped her mount her horse and he climbed on to Coal. They took one last look at the sunset and turned, their long shadows stretching into the fading light toward home.
The End