No Regrets
​
- 9 -
​
After lingering over coffee, the Kid and Heyes cleared away the dishes and then went to change for the wedding ceremony.
Heyes had chosen for them to wear traditional Spanish attire, which they had hired from the tailor’s shop in town. Heyes had always had a bent towards high fashion, and had always admired the simple, yet stylish lines of the Spanish style short waisted jackets and high waisted pants that emphasised broad shoulders and highlighted the tapered effect that made the wearer look macho and virile.
The Kid felt uncomfortable in his suit, preferring looser fitting garments that gave ease of movement, and thought that the red cummerbund supplied with the suit would make him look a bit cissy-fied, but on looking in the mirror, it didn’t look half as bad as it felt, and after putting on the Cuban heeled boots, he looked five inches taller and ten pounds lighter. Black wasn’t really his colour but he looked pretty smart he had to admit.
When Heyes stepped out in his however, even the Kid felt a pang of envy at how good he looked.
Naturally lean and broad shouldered, the outfit moulded perfectly to his body, the black suit and white shirt complimenting his swarthy features. If he spoke Spanish, he would have had no trouble in convincing people he was from a high ranking Mexican family.
“How do I look?” Heyes asked, apprehensively eyeing his reflection in the mirror.
The Kid studied him momentarily.
“To be honest,” he began, “it’s sickening…” he paused just long enough to see the look of outright horror appear on Heyes’ face before adding, “…how good you look.”
They stared at each other for a moment before the Kid started to laugh, wagging a finger at him. “Fooled you.” he giggled.
Heyes burst out laughing too, throwing a friendly punch at the Kid’s arm.
The ceremony was arranged for noon at the church hall in Porterville.
The Kid and Heyes rode into town in the Kid’s wagon, arriving at 11.45am, and stood around outside the church for ten minutes greeting the guests.
“I didn’t think I’d ever see this day.” Lom told Heyes as he pumped his hand.
“Me neither.” replied Heyes. Lom knew he wasn’t only referring to the wedding, but to him having survived at all.
“I hope you’ll both be very happy.” said Lom.
“Thanks, Lom.”
Heyes moved on to speak to someone else and Lom turned to the Kid.
“I’m so proud of you two.” he told him, “The way you’ve turned your lives around. When you first came to me and asked me to speak to the Governor about an amnesty, I really didn’t think you’d stick at it. But you did, and despite all the problems you’ve had, you’ve managed to make respectable lives for yourselves, and I’ve never been more happy to be proved wrong.”
“Nice to know you had such confidence in us.” quipped the Kid.
“Aw, come on Kid. You could hardly blame me. You were the most successful outlaws ever. You made a fortune…”
“And spent it.” the Kid cut in.
“You were honourable enough that everyone you robbed looked on it as an amusing adventure rather than a disaster...” Lom continued
“Everyone except the railroads and the banks.” the Kid corrected him.
Lom gave him a withering look. “You were good at it.” he persisted, “You enjoyed it. It was difficult to imagine you wanting to give it up.”
“You’re right.” the Kid acknowledged now, “I didn’t want to. It was Heyes who pushed me into it, saying that if we didn’t quit, it was only a matter of time before we were caught or killed. He was right of course, but I hadn’t thought that far ahead. All I could think of was being poor again, and having to work for a living and still not being able to earn in a year what we could make from one robbery.” He sighed, his expression momentarily nostalgic as he remembered those happy, uncomplicated days.​
“But,” he continued presently, “I wouldn’t go back to it now. I’m happy with my life now. I have a home, I’m earning an honest living, as my own boss to boot, and in a couple of years I’ll own the farm. I have good friends. I don’t have to keep looking over my shoulder for the law all the time…” He paused momentarily, “It’s good. I’m content.” Then, “I must be getting old.” He grinned.
“Happens to all of us sooner or later.” Lom smiled.
They all adjourned inside the church to wait for Julia’s arrival.
“You O.K?” the Kid whispered to Heyes as they sat in the front pew.
Heyes nodded, his expression apprehensive. “Have you got the rings?” he whispered back.
The Kid patted the breast pocket of his jacket. “I’ve got them.”
Just then, the organ began playing the strains of ‘Here comes the Bride’. Everyone rose to their feet and turned expectantly towards the door.
Into the church came Julia, on her Father, Donald’s arm, looking radiant in a long white gown with a frill around the bottom on which were embroidered pink rosebuds. A pink sash was fastened around her waist and tied in a large bow at the back. The base of the stand-up frilled collar was also embroidered with pink rosebuds, as were the cuffs of the sleeves, and she’d had some of the pink flowers from her bouquet woven into her hair which was held up at the sides with tortoiseshell combs to cascade in waves over her shoulders.
The Kid could hear Heyes gasp as he saw her, scarcely able to believe he’d won the heart of someone so lovely.
Julia stared at him as she walked up the aisle on her Father’s arm, the congregation forgotten as she drank in the sight of him, so handsome and dashing in traditional Spanish dress.
As they reached the altar, Heyes stepped to her side, one hand resting surreptitiously on the wooden railing that enclosed it, to keep his balance, having left his walking stick in the pew. He had been persevering with the exercises that Doctor Deveraux had given him and he had noticed some improvement in recent weeks, and was hopeful that eventually he might yet manage to dispose of the walking stick, but at the moment, he still needed to use it if he had to walk any distance.
“We are gathered here today, in the sight of God…” the Reverend began, while Heyes and Julia stared at each other, everyone else forgotten.
The Kid looked on wistfully as the marriage ceremony progressed, living, through them, the ceremony that he and Laura had been denied.
“I now pronounce you Man and Wife. You may now kiss the bride.” said the Reverend, snapping his bible shut with a flourish and beaming around the assembled crowd.
Heyes swept Julia into his arms and they kissed, lingeringly, parting only when the assembled guests began to whistle and clap, Heyes grinning idiotically and Julia blushing furiously.
Heyes offered her his arm to walk down the aisle.
The Kid offered him his walking stick, but Heyes shook his head. “Hold onto it.” he said in an aside. He was determined, on this of all days, to do without it as long as possible.
They set off down the aisle, Julia supporting him just as much as he was her, the rest of the congregation following behind.
Outside, Heyes and Julia climbed up onto a surrey and headed towards the Randle ranch, where the wedding breakfast was to be held.
The other guests all piled into wagons and onto horses to follow behind.
​
The Dining Room of the Randle’s large ranch house had been given over to the feast, the tables decorated with their best silverware and crockery, and bowls of fresh flowers.
Everyone stood around in the Living Room, drinking sherry and chatting, while Heyes and Julia opened their wedding gifts and thanked everyone. Then they all adjourned to the Dining Room for the wedding breakfast.
In front of the French windows a long table was set for the Bride and Groom, their immediate relatives and the Best Man. Several other tables were set in front of it, to accommodate the remainder of the guests.
Heyes sat down gratefully onto his seat, his back and legs aching from walking without his stick. On his left was Julia’s Mother, and next to her, the Kid. On his right sat Julia, and then her Father.
The maids served up the meal of soup and turkey followed by apple-pie, and then brought out bottles of champagne with which to toast the newlyweds.
After the maids had cleared away, Heyes got to his feet to make a speech.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone for being here to share this happy day with us,” He turned to smile down at Julia before continuing, “and for all the wonderful gifts you’ve given us.” He paused briefly while everyone waited to hear what he had to say, “My being here myself today is somewhat of a miracle, for which several of you are responsible and to whom I will be eternally grateful.” he said presently. “Doctor Simpson,” he turned to looked at him, “who has saved my life twice to date.” He smiled at the doctor, “Thank you.”
Doctor Simpson waved away his thanks looking embarrassed. He didn’t consider he’d done anything special. He’d only been doing his job.
“Chuck Jackson,” Heyes continued, scanning the room for him, “who had never met me and yet risked his life to dig me out of the cave-in at the mine. Thank you.”
Chuck smiled, also looking embarrassed.
“Doctor Deveraux of the Deveraux Institute in Cheyenne,” said Heyes, shifting his gaze to the doctor, seated at the next table, “who twice helped me to walk again.” He smiled at the doctor, who smiled back, “If it wasn’t for you, I’d still be in a wheelchair. Thank you.”
Doctor Deveraux nodded his acknowledgement, his eyes shining. Even he had doubted that his patient would get back on his feet after the accident at the mine, and he was proud to have been in instrumental in his recovery.
“Thaddeus.” Heyes turned to the Kid, seated at the end of their table, “The brother I never had. Who’s been there for me all my life.” He smiled at the Kid who lowered his gaze, touched by Heyes’ words when they both knew that for the year after Heyes’ accident, he’d been anything but.
“And my dear friend, Lom,” Heyes shifted his gaze to Lom at the next table, “who’s been a tower of strength to Thaddeus and myself down the years. I could never have made it without your support. Thank you both.” He smiled at Lom who grinned and lifted a hand in acknowledgement, and then at the Kid, who nodded his appreciation.
“I’d also like to thank Donald and Clara Randle for accepting me into their family, and for the wonderful meal they’ve provided today.” said Heyes, smiling at them both, “But most of all, I’d like to thank Julia, for agreeing to become my wife. There were times, when I was sick, that I didn’t want to go on, when I couldn’t see a future for myself. But my friends wouldn’t let me quit, and, since I met Julia, I’m glad I didn’t. She’s given my life meaning again, given me a future.” He bent to kiss her gently on the lips, “Thank you.” he said softly, Then, glancing around the room. “Thank you all.”
He sat down then, as the assembled guests burst into loud applause.
“Oh, Joshua.” breathed Julia, her eyes bright with tears of happiness, “I love you.”​
“I love you too.” smiled Heyes.
As the applause died down, the Kid got to his feet and turned to face the guests.
“Well, there’s not much else left for me to say,” he began, “except that I’ve known Joshua practically my whole life. We lived next door to each other as kids, were orphaned together, and have been together pretty much all the time since, and so I think I’m qualified to say that he is one of the most honest, loyal, kind and caring people I’ve ever met, and I’m proud to be his friend.” He paused momentarily as he bent to pick up his glass, “I haven’t known Julia for very long, but already I know her well enough to know that she’s a wonderful girl and that she’ll be a wonderful wife, and I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing both of them all the very best in their new life together. Ladies and Gentlemen… the Bride and Groom, Julia and Joshua.” He turned to face them, holding his glass aloft, meeting Heyes’ gaze as he did so.
“Julia and Joshua.” echoed the guests, clinking their glasses and downing the toast.
Heyes and the Kid stared at each other for a long moment before Heyes picked up his glass and raising it in the Kid’s direction mouthed, “Thank you.”
The Kid smiled. Heyes smiled back.
The Kid sat down then, and Donald Randle stood up. He was a tall, broad chested man, in his early fifties, with a mane of greying brown hair and a weather beaten face from years of working outdoors.
“Thank you, boys.” he said, nodding to Heyes and the Kid in turn. Then, scanning around the assembled group he said, “When I first met Joshua, I must admit, I had my doubts as to whether he would be able to support my daughter given his recent medical problems, and indeed, wondered if her affection for him wasn’t more out of sympathy than love. But, over the last six months, I’ve come to admire his courage, determination and resourcefulness, and can see now that it was those qualities, along with his gentle nature, wit and humour, that drew Julia to him, not sympathy. And so, I don’t look upon it that I’m losing a daughter, but rather gaining a son, and I’d like to publicly welcome him into the Randle family and wish both of them as many happy years together as Clara and myself have had.”
“Thank you.” muttered Heyes, his cheeks flushed with both pride and embarrassment at Donald’s praise.
“Well, since I’ve succeeded in embarrassing the poor lad, I’ll finish off by saying that I’ve hired some musicians for our entertainment this afternoon so, when you’re ready, if you’d all like to adjourn to the garden, we can continue our celebration of this happy day outside.”
Donald sat down to a round of applause from the guests and Julia leaned over and threw her arms around her Father’s neck and kissed him on the cheek.
“Thank you for saying that.” she beamed.
“Yes, thank you, Sir.” echoed Heyes, his voice gruff with emotion, “I’m glad you approve of me.”
Donald waved away their thanks and said he was going to tell the musicians to get ready.
One by one, the guests came over for a chat with Heyes and Julia and so it was quite some time before everyone drifted outside into the garden, where several tables and benches had been placed in a large rectangle, leaving an open area in the middle for dancing.
When Heyes and Julia finally made their way outside, the party was in full swing, with several people dancing to a rousing fiddle tune. The guest numbers had risen slightly since, now that dinner was over, the cooks and maids had been given leave to join in, and other ranch hands not invited to the ceremony had been summoned to join in the celebrations.
Donald Randle stopped the musicians at the end of their song and called for order.
“Now that the happy couple have joined us, I propose that they lead us in a waltz, in the time honoured tradition.”
Everyone began to cheer and clap.
“No.” Heyes whispered to Julia, “I can’t.” But Julia silenced him with a kiss. “I’ll help you.” she told him.
The musicians began to play and Julia and Heyes set off on a slow waltz, Julia helping to support him. They did a complete circle of the floor before other couples joined in, at which point Heyes said, “I have to sit down.”
Putting her arm around his waist so that he could lean on her, they made their way to a free table and sat down. After doing without his walking stick for most of the day, Heyes was aching all over, but pushed it to the back of his mind, determined to enjoy the day.
Julia went to fetch them both a drink and they sat chatting, to each other and to the various guests that approached them. A while later, Julia’s friends took her off to dance with them.
The Kid wandered over while Julia was dancing, carrying Heyes’ walking stick.
“Want this back yet?” he enquired.
“Thanks.” Heyes took it and put it on the ground by his seat.
“It went off well.” the Kid said as he sat down next to him.
Heyes nodded. “It’s been a wonderful day.” he muttered, casting his mind back over it, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt as happy as I do at this moment.”
The Kid raised a sceptical eyebrow and leaned closer to Heyes with a grin. “Not even with $50,000 in brand new bank notes in your hand?” he said quietly.
“Well...” Heyes considered, “…That would come a very close second.”
The Kid sat back in mock disgust. “You disappoint me. What happened to the scheming, conniving, money grabbing Hannibal Heyes I used to know?”
Heyes wanted to come up with a flippant response, but couldn’t. He liked the new person he’d become, but still held a deep affection for the scheming, conniving, money grabbing rogue he had once been, and although he had no desire to go back to that life, the fact that he was no longer physically able to was difficult to accept and he couldn’t find it in himself to joke about it.
Finally he shrugged. “Long gone.” he sighed, his expression becoming wistful.
The Kid picked up on his mood and let the subject drop.
“Thanks for what you said earlier.” he said, in reference to Heyes’ speech at dinner, “Even though it wasn’t strictly true.”
​
“Yes it was.” Heyes spoke over him, “That stuff didn’t count.” he told him, referring to his refusal to visit him at the Institute, “Neither of us was thinking rationally. I know I accused you of deserting me but, deep down, I didn’t really believe it.”
The Kid smiled.
“You asked me yesterday if I had any regrets.” he said presently, ”How about you? Do you regret anything?”
Heyes picked up his glass and swirled the liquid around in it, while he pondered the question.
“If you’d asked me that before I met Julia, I probably would have said yes, but that would have been from self pity, you know, about the injuries I sustained?” He took a sip of the drink before saying, “But, now? Honestly? No. None. Not about becoming outlaws, or going straight, not getting the amnesty, not even the accident, or the cave in. Because, if none of that had happened I might never have met Julia. Life isn’t all plain sailing, it’s about surviving what fate dishes out to you and being thankful.” He looked at the Kid now, “And I am thankful. he smiled.
The Kid smiled back, glad that he finally seemed to have made peace with himself and could look forward now, with hope, to the future.
“Listen.” said Heyes, seeing Julia returning, “Would you do me a favour, and dance with my wife? I want her to enjoy herself, and I can’t dance with her any more tonight.”
“It would be a pleasure.” smiled the Kid, getting to his feet.
“Would you do me the honour?” he asked, extending his arm to Julia as she approached.
Julia looked questioningly at Heyes, wondering if he would mind, but he nodded his approval and she took the Kid’s arm and headed back out to the dancing area.
Heyes watched them, wishing he could be out there with her, and once again cursing his disabilities.
As though by giving the Kid permission to dance with his wife on his behalf had been some sort of signal to the other men in the room, as soon as the Kid escorted Julia to her seat, her Father came to ask for the privilege, followed by her Uncle and then Doctor Deveraux.
Heyes smiled politely but, when the ranch hands came up in turn to dance with her, his smile became noticeably thin. He supposed it was only natural they’d want to dance with her. There was nothing improper in their attitudes, to them she was still the little girl they’d taught to ride and shoot, throw a lasso and brand steers, but Heyes couldn’t stop the wave of jealousy that rose up in him, mainly because they were doing what he dearly wanted to do but couldn‘t.
The Kid, who was sitting with Lom, listening to Doctor Deveraux and Doctor Simpson chatting about recent medical advances, glanced across and caught the look on Heyes’ face. He nudged Lom and nodded in Heyes’ direction. Lom turned to look and then looked back at the Kid, raising a quizzical eyebrow. Both thought they knew every facet of Heyes’ character, but neither of them had ever seen that expression before.
“Time for a little circulating I think.” smiled Lom, getting up and strolling across to Heyes’ table and seating himself down opposite.
“I’ve got to hand it to the Randles.” he said, “They sure know how to throw a party.”
Heyes dragged his eyes from the dancing and looked at Lom.
“Yeah.” he replied presently, “It’s been a great day.” he added with a brief smile.
“You’ve taken a week’s leave?” asked Lom.
Heyes nodded.
“What are you going to do with yourselves? Or is that a stupid question?” grinned Lom.
Heyes’ smile broadened. “It’s a very stupid question.” he replied.
Lom looked at Julia dancing, her eyes sparkling as she danced an Irish jig with the ranch Foreman.
“She’s a wonderful girl.” he told Heyes, “You’re a very lucky man.”
“Don’t I know it.” said Heyes, “I can’t believe a girl like her would want someone like me.” He shook his head in amazement, “I hope I can make her happy.” he added, somewhat apprehensively.
“I’m sure you will.” smiled Lom.
Heyes raised a sceptical eyebrow.
“But, I can’t do any of this anymore.” He waved a hand towards the dancers, “She’s young. She’ll tire of being married to someone like me.”
“Of course she won’t.” scoffed Lom, “She worships the ground you walk on.”
Heyes glanced briefly at Lom, looking as though he were trying to decide if Lom was being honest, or just kind, but made no comment.
Lom turned the conversation onto the Law examination that Heyes was scheduled to take in a few months time, keeping him occupied until Julia returned to the table, fanning herself with a white silk fan.
“Sorry I was so long.” she smiled, leaning over to kiss Heyes on the lips.
“Well, I’ll leave you two love birds to it.” Lom said, getting to his feet and returning to his seat.
“Is he O.K?” asked the Kid.
Lom grinned. “I’ve heard of pre-wedding nerves, but I think his have come a bit late.” he quipped.
“You should have seen him last night.” said the Kid, “He practically wore a hole in the floor, pacing up and down.”
Lom laughed, finding it difficult to imagine Heyes, who was one of the most laid back people he’d ever met, being so wound up. “He’ll be O.K.” he said now, “He’s convinced she’s going to get bored with him, but I think he’s worrying about nothing, don’t you?”
The Kid nodded. “She adores him.” he said, glancing across at them with a wistful expression as he remembered Laura and their life together, wishing for the hundredth time today that she could be here with him now.
As darkness began to fall, Heyes and Julia prepared to take their leave.
All the guests gathered at the door and threw rice as they climbed onto the surrey.
Giggling, they waved farewell and headed off towards their house, some fifteen minutes ride away on the outskirts of the ranch’s land.
“It’s been a wonderful day.” smiled Julia as the horse trotted along, her head resting on Heyes’ shoulder, her face radiant in the glow of the full moon.
“It sure has,” smiled Heyes. He bent his head to plant a kiss on the end of her nose, “and it’s not over yet.”
Julia smiled, cuddling closer to him, nervous, but at the same time excited, at what was to come.
At the house, Heyes helped Julia down and they stepped onto the porch. As she opened the door, Heyes caught her arm.
“I believe it’s the custom to carry the bride across the threshold.” he said.
“Oh, don’t be silly.” said Julia, knowing he would have difficulty in doing so.
But Heyes was adamant. Putting down his walking stick, he scooped Julia into his arms and, with a faltering step, carried her into the house. Once inside, he put her down and pulled her to him, kissing her deeply.
As he began to fiddle with the buttons of her dress, Julia reluctantly pulled away from his kiss.
“Joshua.” she whispered.
“Yeah?” Heyes’ voice was husky with desire.
“Don’t you think we ought to close the door first?”
Heyes glanced over his shoulder before reluctantly letting go of her. “I guess.” he muttered, going back outside to retrieve his walking stick and then locking the door, while Julia pulled the curtains and lit a lamp, turning it down low. There was no need to lock the door, there was no one around for miles, but he supposed it made it feel a bit cosier inside.
A fire was already laid in the hearth and just needed lighting, which Heyes did, while Julia made them some coffee.
By the time she came back with it, the fire was burning brightly, casting weird shadows around the room. Heyes was sitting on the edge of an armchair by the side of the fire, the poker held loosely in one hand as he gazed into the flames. He looked so handsome sitting there, lost in his thoughts, his dark eyes luminescent as they reflected the amber glow of the flames, that she physically ached for him.
Crossing to his side, she held out the cup.
“Joshua?”
Heyes jumped, startled. “Oh, thanks.” He took the cup.
“What were you thinking about?” Julia asked, perching herself on the arm of the chair, next to him.
“What a wonderful day it’s been,” said Heyes, “and how lucky I am.”
Julia smiled. “It’s me who’s the lucky one.” she said quietly, remembering the looks of envy on the faces of her girl friends when they’d seen him in the church in the dashing Spanish style suit.
Heyes looked up at her, his expression serious. “I’ll try to make you happy.” he said gruffly.
“What do you mean ‘try’?” scoffed Julia, “You do make me happy. I’ve never been so happy.”
Heyes put down his cup and took hers from her, setting it down on the hearth alongside his own before pulling her onto his lap and kissing her, gently at first, but with a rising urgency.
They didn’t bother to go upstairs to the bedroom, but slid onto the rug in front of the fire as they undressed each other.
When their passions were sated, they lay curled up among cushions from the sofa and a blanket that Heyes had fetched from the bedroom, watching the flames and whispering sweet nothings to each other. Later, they made love again before eventually falling asleep in front of the fire.
* * *
Back at the Randle’s ranch, the party went on late into the evening.
The Kid had spent most of the evening in the company of one of the Randle’s maids. She seemed to be enamoured with him, but although he danced with her, fetched her several drinks and paid close attention to her conversation, as soon as Lom got up to leave at eleven thirty, the Kid excused himself in order to leave with him. The maid looked bitterly disappointed at him leaving, but the Kid, Lom noticed, seemed neither aware, nor concerned.
Outside, they hovered a little uncertainly on the porch. Both felt a sense of anti-climax now that the day was over, and both felt the need to say something relevant and meaningful, something other than just ‘Goodnight’, but neither could find the words to articulate their feelings.
“Well, it’s been a good day.” Lom said eventually.
“Mmm.” The kid agreed.
​
Lom glanced across at him to see him staring out into the darkness, a haunted look in his eyes.
“Are you alright?” Lom asked him.
The Kid drew in his breath and let it out in a deep sigh. Today had been hard. Harder than he’d expected it would be. Watching the marriage ceremony had inevitably reminded him of Laura, and he hadn’t been able to prevent a certain sense of resentment rising up in him for what Heyes had gained that he had lost. He was genuinely happy for Heyes, but it had been hard at times today, as he’d watched him laughing with Julia and her family, dancing with her, and watched them kissing and cuddling, to hide the envy he felt, and, if he was honest, more than a trace of jealousy, and keep the smile on his face.
“Yeah.” he said finally, his voice gruff.
Lom eyed him momentarily, sensing his mood.
“Wanna stay at my place tonight?” he said presently, “Save you driving back out to the farm.”
The Kid thought for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, O.K. Thanks.”
They went across to the Kid’s wagon and Lom tethered his horse to the back of it before climbing up alongside him.
“That girl you were talking to.” Lom said as they rode, “She seemed quite taken with you.”
“Rebecca.” The Kid commented, “She’s a nice girl.” he said dismissively.
Lom eyed him thoughtfully.
“Do you think you’ll ever... settle down again?” he asked him.
The Kid’s shrug was casual, but his face showed the pain that still lingered over Laura’s death.
“I don’t know.” he said presently, “Since Laura… I’ve not met anyone who’s made me... feel… the way she did… anyone I’d want to… replace her.”
“You can never replace her, Kid.” Lom told him, thinking back to when his own wife had died, years before, “Your relationship together was unique. You can never recreate it. But you can have a relationship with someone else that can be equally fulfilling, but in a different way.”
“I guess.” The Kid muttered, “But I’m not looking for one right now.”
“I don’t think you ever ‘look’ for one. Often it happens without you knowing. Look at Heyes.” said Lom.
The Kid nodded acknowledgement.
“What I’m saying, Kid, is… well… you may not be looking, but don’t close your mind to the possibility, otherwise you might miss it when it comes looking for you.”
The Kid shot him a quizzical glance. He hadn’t thought about it until this moment but, now he did, he supposed he had closed his mind, too lost in his feelings of grief and loss, resentment and injustice, to allow himself to consider that he could ever have that kind of relationship with someone else.
Lom saw in the Kid’s eyes that his words had hit their mark. He gave him a reassuring wink, turning away with a smile.
The Kid was quiet for the rest of the journey, as he contemplated what Lom had said, realizing, suddenly, how introverted he had become since Laura’s death, shunning everything except his desire to make enough profit from the farm to be able to buy it from Mary Baxter.
Heyes’ words to him the day after they’d come to get him from the jail in Cheyenne suddenly came into his mind ‘You have to go on, for Laura as much as anything, but for yourself too. She wouldn’t have wanted you to give up. She’d have wanted you to go on and enjoy your life.’ and suddenly, finally, the Kid understood what he’d been trying to get through to him.
Perhaps, he thought to himself, it was time he made a few changes in his life.
* * *
No-one saw Heyes and Julia for the rest of the week. Heyes had taken a few days off work so that he and Julia could spend time together in their new home.
They spent an idyllic week engrossed in getting to know more about each other, learning each other’s habits, likes and dislikes and spending hours talking, laughing and loving together.
When he returned to work the following Monday, his happiness was obvious for all to see.
Lom popped over from his office to see him at lunch time.
“Hello there.” he grinned at Heyes, “How’s married life suiting you?”
Heyes grinned. “It’s great. I keep having to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
Lom smiled, glad to see him happy after everything that had happened these last few years.
The next day, Bill Jenkins popped in to tell him that the case the miners had brought against the owners of the mine was progressing and that at some point, he would be called upon to give evidence. He also told him that if they won their case, it was probable he would receive some compensation for the injuries he had sustained.
“That’s only an ‘if’ though.” said Bill, “They’ve got the best lawyers in the country. But ours are pretty good too, so, fingers crossed.”
Heyes wasn’t concerned about any compensation figure. He wasn’t in desperate need of money, and in any case, money couldn’t change what had happened, or the injuries he had received, and he was so happy with Julia no amount of money could buy that feeling. But he agreed to give evidence for the miners when required.​
​
A couple of days later, the Kid popped in to see him while he was in town getting supplies.
“How’s it going?” he asked
“Great.” replied Heyes. He felt a bit awkward discussing his new status as ‘husband’ with the Kid given what had happened to Laura, but the Kid seemed not to have any hang-ups about it and teased him about being an ‘old married man’ before inviting them out to the farm that weekend for a meal.
Heyes eyed him curiously. There was something different about him, but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. He seemed less offhand than usual, and more jovial, more like the old Kid, before he’d met Laura. Heyes couldn’t imagine what had changed his outlook, but it was obvious that something had, and he was glad.
Heyes and Julia went over to the farm that Saturday evening to join the Kid, and Lom, who had also been invited, for dinner.
It turned into a raucous evening, with much drinking, joke telling, laughter and high spirits.
As Lom sat watching the three of them laughing together, he was reminded of times when, as outlaws, he, Heyes and the Kid had sat around their camp fire in the evening doing just the same thing. He looked at Heyes, here without his walking stick tonight, holding Julia’s hand as he told her a joke, his face radiating happiness, and then at the Kid, a glass of scotch in one hand, trying, and failing, not to laugh at the joke, which he’d heard a hundred times before, his eyes, which since Laura’s murder had always held a tinge of sadness, now twinkling with amusement, and at Julia, hanging onto Heyes’ every word, her eyes full of adoration, and thought back over all the trials and tribulations they’d gone through since those days, and survived, to enjoy life once more, and smiled, offering up a prayer of thanks.
-oo00oo-
One Year Later
​
Lom was just leaving work for the evening when he spotted Doctor Simpson and Clara Randle coming out of his clinic.
He crossed the street to them as they mounted the wagon that Clara Randle had ridden in on.
“It’s time.” Doctor Simpson said.
“How long?” asked Lom.
“A few hours I should think.” said Clara Randle.
“I’ll let Thaddeus know.” said Lom.
Clara Randle nodded, and then they rode off.
Lom went to his horse and headed out to the Kid’s farm.
The Kid and Joey were just eating supper after finishing the day’s chores.
“Oh, Hi Lom.” the Kid smiled as he knocked and entered, “If you want to join us for supper, there’s plenty more on the stove.”
Lom shook his head. “I just saw Doc Simpson and Clara Randle. It’s time.”
The Kid put down his knife and fork. “It’s a bit soon isn’t it?” he asked anxiously.
“Not much.” replied Lom, “You’d better get going.”
The Kid nodded. “I’m on my way.” he said, clearing away his plate and telling Joey to lock up when he went home. Then, putting on his jacket and picking up his hat he turned to Lom and said, “I hope it’ll be O.K.”
“I’m sure it will.” smiled Lom.
“I’ll let you know, when I get back.” said the Kid, opening the door.
Lom followed him outside.
“Wish me luck.” grimaced the Kid.
“Luck.” Lom grinned and waved him away.
The Kid rode out to Heyes’ and Julia’s house on the outskirts of the Randle’s land.
It was dusk when he arrived, tethering his horse outside and stepping up onto the porch to knock the door.
Heyes opened the door, his expression anxious.
“I wondered when you’d get here.” he said, stepping aside to let him in.
“I got here as quick as I could.” the Kid replied, stepping inside.
Inside the room, Clara Randle was folding linen at the table, while Donald Randle was perched on the arm of an armchair by the hearth, a glass of scotch in his hand.
“Evening.” the Kid nodded to each of them.
“Hello, Thaddeus.” Clara smiled at him. Donald Randle lifted his glass towards him as a gesture of acknowledgement.
“How’s it going?” the Kid asked.
Heyes shrugged, picking up the glass of scotch he’d left on the table to go to answer the door and taking a swig.
“It’s going fine.” replied Clara.
“Drink?” Donald Randle enquired, seeing that Heyes was too preoccupied to make the offer himself.
“Please.”
Donald Randle poured him a glass of scotch and brought it over. Both eyed Heyes, who was nervously pacing the room.
“How is he?” the Kid whispered.
“Nervous as a colt.” smiled Donald Randle, “I was just the same when ours came along.”
“So am I.” the Kid admitted, to which Donald Randle roared with laughter.
The Kid crossed the room to Heyes’ side and put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
Heyes looked at him. “I hope so.”
“Did you get your exam results?” The Kid tried to distract him.
Heyes nodded. “Last week. I passed.”
“Congratulations.” smiled the Kid.
“There’s a long way to go yet.” Heyes replied, “It’s only the first of many.”
“Sure. But you’ll get there.” said the Kid.
Just then Doctor Simpson popped his head round the door. “She wants you up there.” he said to Heyes.
Heyes looked at the Kid with an anxious expression.
“You’ll be fine.” the Kid smiled, “She’ll be fine. Go on.”
Heyes nodded and followed Doctor Simpson upstairs.
The Kid moved to sit down on the sofa.
“You’d think no-one ever had a baby before.” smiled Donald Randle.
“I guess everyone feels the same.” said the Kid, remembering back to how he’d felt when Laura had fallen pregnant with their child.
Julia had fallen pregnant just three months after their wedding. Heyes had been ecstatic to find out that he was going to be a Father, but had been anxious about telling the Kid, wondering how he would react after losing his own child so brutally. But the Kid had been great about it, and Heyes had told him that he wanted him there for the birth of the baby. His only concern was that the first of his legal exams was due at around the same time, and as he had to travel to Cheyenne to sit it, he was hoping that the baby wouldn’t come while he was away doing it.
Fortunately, the exam date had come through five weeks ago, and Clara Randle had moved out to the house to look after Julia in his absence.
Since his return however, as the scheduled date for the birth drew closer, Heyes had become increasingly nervous, terrified that something would go wrong, and had gone over to the farm on more than one occasion seeking moral support from the Kid. Now that the time was here, the Kid felt almost as nervous as Heyes, reliving, with him, the same anxieties about Fatherhood, and also reliving his grief at losing his own child and Laura too.
The Kid’s gaze fell on Heyes’ walking stick propped against the wall in the corner of the room. Since finding out Julia was pregnant, Heyes had put a lot of time and effort into his exercises and had managed to cut down his need for it to almost nothing, wanting to be as fit as possible to be able to look after and play with the child when it arrived. He still needed to use it if he had to walk a long distance, but on a day-to-day basis, although he still walked with a slight limp, he rarely had to use it at all.
Donald Randle poured them more drinks and they sat around the living room talking.​
Some time later, Doctor Simpson came down to fetch Clara Randle.
“It shouldn’t be long now.” Donald Randle told the Kid, "It’s been over twelve hours. When Julia was born, it took fifteen.”
It was around eleven forty five when they heard the sound of a baby’s cry.
Donald Randle jumped to his feet. “By golly…” he began. He pulled out his watch and looked at it, “Fourteen hours.” he said to the Kid before turning towards the door to wait for someone to come down.
It was some time before the door finally opened, and Heyes entered the room. He looked both shell shocked and ecstatically happy at the same time.
“Well…?” breathed Donald.
“It’s… a boy.” said Heyes, his voice choked by happiness and emotion.
The Kid moved to his side.
“Congratulations.” he croaked, he too feeling suddenly choked. He held out his hand to Heyes who shook it, still looking incredulous.
“Who does he take after?” Donald asked, crossing the room to shake Heyes’ hand.
“I don’t know... he has dark hair... Julia says he looks like me... but I think he looks like her.” replied Heyes as he shook Donald’s hand. The Kid moved away, struggling to contain the sudden wave of emotion that washed over him, happiness for Heyes, but sadness and a terrible sense of loss for himself.
“Have you chosen a name?” asked Donald.
Heyes nodded. “We thought about it a lot.” he told him, “We decided that, if it was a boy… we would like to name him Jedediah, William.” He turned to look at the Kid, who’s jaw had fallen open in shock. Already choked by the feelings that the birth had raised in him, this was too much.
Turning, he left the house.
Heyes turned back to Donald. “Jedediah is after... Thaddeus.” he told him, “Thaddeus is... his middle name.” he fibbed, “He was christened Jedediah,” he added truthfully, “but didn’t like it much. William is named for your son.”
Donald nodded thoughtfully. “Jedediah, William. Jed. Yes, I like it.”
Heyes smiled briefly. “Excuse me.” he said, crossing to the door and going outside.
The Kid was sitting on the porch step, his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
Heyes moved to sit beside him, eyeing him, his own emotions bubbling up inside him. He lifted a hand to dash away the tears that had suddenly come to his own eyes, and put his hand on the Kid’s shoulder.
“Kid?” he croaked, knowing what he must be feeling.
The Kid moved his hands from his face and cupped them around his jaw as he gazed out into the darkness, his elbows resting on his knees. Tears were still damp on his cheeks.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to name him after me?” he croaked.
“We wanted to surprise you.” Heyes replied hoarsely.
“You… certainly did that.”
“You don’t mind, do you?” Heyes asked anxiously.
The Kid gave a choked snort. “Mind? Of course I don’t mind... it was just... so… unexpected…..”
“I wanted to name him after you.” said Heyes, “You’re my best friend. The brother I never had. I’d never have made it this far without you.”
The Kid wiped his eyes on his sleeve. “I’m sorry about this.” he croaked, “I’m supposed to be here to support you and I’m sitting here bawling like a baby.”
“I know it must be hard for you, after what happened,” said Heyes, “and I feel bad, feeling so happy, knowing what you’ve lost.”
The Kid turned to look at him now, surprised to see the tears on his face too.
“It is hard… to live with… but, I’m happy for you, Heyes, honest to God I am. After everything you’ve been through, it’s… wonderful.”
“Thank you.” choked Heyes.
They eyed each other momentarily before Heyes leaned over and threw his arms around him in an embrace. After a moment, the Kid raised his arms and did the same.
As they broke apart Heyes said. “We’d like you to be his Godfather too. Will you?”
The Kid stared at him for a moment, stunned once more, fresh tears spilling onto his cheeks.
“I’d be... honoured.” he croaked.
Heyes smiled, brushing away his own tears with the back of his hand and then standing up.
“Come on in and meet your Godson then.” he said proudly.
The Kid wiped his sleeve across his face and then stood up with a tearful smile.
“Lead the way – Dad.” he quipped.
Heyes smiled happily, opening the door and following the Kid inside.​
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--oo00oo--
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*Some aspects of this story were inspired by George Mottershead, founder of England's Chester Zoo, who was injured in the Battle of the Somme in World War I, and was told he would never walk again, but proved experts wrong and succeeded in learning to walk again within three years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Mottershead
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