"The Legacy: Mark's Story"
                                                   By Linda C.

“Jeffrey, you get back in your seat right now!”  Mark’s eyes were drawn to the woman who was trying to keep her four children in their seats and at the moment it seemed one had escaped.  The fleeing boy appeared to be about 10 years old, Mark thought, and smiled as he remembered his first train ride with Pa.  That train ride was about 50 years ago or so and it sure was a lot more exciting that today’s trip.  Somehow Pa had managed to keep Mark in his seat – when he wasn’t fighting off escaping murderers. The rest of the today’s passengers seemed to be dozing peacefully and Mark smiled at the thought of their having to deal with a cloud of grasshoppers overcoming the train, like Pa and he did.  He remembered, too, how hard Lucas and the rest of the town fought to get this railroad to North Fork, believing that it would help their town grow.  The memories caused a catch in Mark’s throat and he looked away, back out the window at the passing landscape.

                It had been almost ten years since Pa died.  Mark couldn’t believe the time had passed so quickly.  Part of him still couldn’t believe his Pa was gone.  Whenever he thought about it, he felt an ache inside.  He missed him every day and often felt his presence.  Mark could still clearly remember the sound of his voice, the smell of his cigars, the smile that touched his eyes and the pure power of his presence.  He hadn’t been home in a long while, just about five years.  “Home” – that word had such a great sound to it.  Mark knew that no matter where he had lived, North Fork would always be his home.  What would he find there now?

                The train pulled into the station at a little past noon.  It had been a long, hot ride and Mark was tired and a little nervous, truth be told.  All his earlier trips to North Fork had been to visit, attend celebrations, weddings or funerals.  This trip was different.  He was coming home maybe to stay and he hoped he’d be welcomed.

                Millie spotted Mark first and hurried to him, “Mark, Mark!  It’s so good to see you again!”  Millie embraced Mark and when she stepped back to look at his face, Mark saw tears in her eyes.  He smiled at her, “Millie, no crying!  You promised!  Besides, if you cry, I will, too, and you don’t want me to embarrass myself right here, do you?” Mark teased.  Millie laughed and held his face in her hands.  “It’s been so long, Mark.  I’m so glad you’re here!”  She hugged him again.  A younger woman came up behind Millie, “Well, Mother, can I have a turn?”  The younger woman smiled as she embraced Mark.  “Margie?”  Mark questioned, “You look wonderful and just like Millie did the first time I saw her.”  Mark hugged his sister back. 

                Margie really did resemble her mother and Mark couldn’t help but remember the first time he and Pa met Miss Millie Scott.  She was brand-new to North Fork and needed a little help from the McCains in settling in and getting used to life in her new town.  Mark sure was glad when Pa finally married Millie.  He knew then that Pa would have someone to take care of him when Mark left.  Mark had been watching out for Lucas since he was just six years old when he promised his Ma that he would always take care of his Pa.  He did his best over the years, but he knew that someday he’d have to find his own way.  Pa having Millie made that so much easier.

                Millie took Mark’s arm, “Where’s your luggage?”  Mark indicated the two suitcases and guitar case at his feet.  “This is it.”  “Well, let’s put them in the car and have some lunch.”  Margie picked up the guitar case, “I’ll help and I do hope that invitation for lunch includes me.”  The three of them laughed as they made their way to the car, put the luggage in the backseat and crossed Main Street to the café.  Mark had to shake his head as he thought of all the changes in North Fork.  As they dodged a car moving down the street, he remembered how Pa had laughed at his theory that someday machines would replace horses.

                As Millie, Margie and Mark entered the café, a slender blonde woman who was leaving held the door for them.  “Hello, Jean!  How are you?”  Millie spoke first. “I’m fine, Mrs. McCain.  I have to get back to work.”  Jean continued through the door.  “Wait, Jean, I want you to meet my stepson, Mark McCain.”  Jean looked at Mark quickly, smiled and said “hello” but Mark didn’t have time to do more than nod a greeting as she continued out the door.  He did notice that she had very pretty blue eyes.

                The McCain family sat at a table and the waitress brought the menus and glasses of water.  After she took their orders, a quiet descended over the table.  Millie didn’t want to press Mark for too much information.  When she received his letter asking if it was convenient for him to make a visit, she was elated.  Although she knew that Mark was very fond of her, Millie always worried that he wouldn’t come back after Lucas was gone.  To Millie, Mark and Lucas were a package deal.  She loved Mark as much as she loved Lucas and Mark gave her far less aggravation than his father did – that thought made her smile.

                “What are you smiling at, Millie? “  Mark asked.  “Just having you home again, Mark.  Can you stay a while this time?” Millie’s eyes looked directly into Mark’s.  Mark paused before speaking, “I’d like to stay for a time, if it’s okay?”  Margie answered for her mother, “Okay?  Mark, that’s wonderful?  You can stay for as long as you want!  Your nieces and nephews can’t wait to see you.  Matt has saved all the postcards you’ve sent us and Emily thinks it is very romantic that you’re in the movie business.  They can’t want to see you.”  Mark had to laugh at Margie’s enthusiasm but he looked at Millie, “Do you mind my staying, Millie?”  Millie’s eyes misted as she smiled, “Not one bit.  Welcome home, Mark.”  She took his hand in hers and gave it a squeeze of affection.

                The waitress brought their sandwiches and Mark listened as Millie and Margie chattered about all the people and events in North Fork that they felt Mark should know about.  Mark’s curiosity caused him to ask, “Who is Jean?  You know, the lady we met on the way in.”  Margie again answered for her mother, “Oh, that’s Jean Reilly and she’s the secretary over at the power company.  Keeps to herself mostly.  Although she is very pretty for an old maid.” Millie sputtered, “Margie, how cruel!  She is a lovely lady.”  Margie had the good grace to look chagrined, “I’m sorry, Mother, that just slipped out.  I know that not everyone is lucky enough to find their true love.”  She stopped abruptly, realizing that Mark was not very lucky in love either.  Her cheeks were red as she looked at her mother woefully.  “Is the apple pie here as good as yours, Millie?”  Mark’s question broke the sudden quiet.  Millie responded, “Mark McCain, how can I answer that question?  You’ll just have to try it and find out.”  Mark ordered apple pie and coffee for all of them.  Margie finally glanced up at Mark.  He winked at her and smiled.  She was grateful for his ignoring her unintentional gaffe, but she also noticed a deep sadness in his eyes. How she wished she could wash the sadness away from her brother’s eyes.

                When they had finished, Millie insisted on paying the bill despite Mark’s protests.  “Mark, would you like to drive us home?”  “Sure, Millie.  Margie, are you coming with us?”  Margie stood and was putting on her gloves as she spoke, “No, I have to get home before my husband thinks I’ve run away!”   She smiled, “Besides he’ll want to hear all about you.  We’ll be out on Sunday for dinner and he can visit with you then.”   Margie kissed Mark’s cheek and gave him another hug.  “I’m so glad you’re home, Big Brother.”  She kissed her mother and quickly walked out of the café.

                Millie was happy for a few moments alone with Mark.  “Is everything okay, Mark?”  She gently questioned.  “Sure, Millie, I’m okay.  Things are tough right now, that’s all.”  Millie nodded, “I know things have been very hard here, too.”  Mark looked concerned, “Is everything alright with you, Millie?”  “Yes, Mark, I’m fine.  We all are.  You know how your Pa was a stickler for never going into debt, never buying anything on credit and always saving for a rainy day.  Well, that sure has helped us weather these bad times.”   Mark took Millie’s arm as they walked out of the café.

                “Millie, I can’t believe I forgot to ask about Carrie?  How is she?  Couldn’t she come today?”  Mark helped Millie into the car as he questioned her.  “She’s fine, Mark.   You know she and her family live with me at the ranch?  I think I told you that.”  Mark nodded.  “Well, it wasn’t easy for them.  They couldn’t make the payments on their land and had to default last year.  I’m afraid that her husband really isn’t a very good rancher or too good with money either.  It’s hard for them both having to move back in with me.   Of course, I love having the children around and having the house full again.  I love that house, Mark.  When you and Lucas built that house right before we got married, I knew I could never live anywhere else.  It holds so many wonderful memories for me.”  Millie’s eyes looked off into the distance.  “Everywhere I look, I see Lucas.  His chair is by the hearth, his Bible is on the table.  Of course, his rifle is still there, but I keep it in the closet since the children live there.”

                A comfortable silence fell as Mark drove down Main Street and out of North Fork.  “Mark, I forgot to ask you, would you mind staying in the ranch house?  I think it will be more comfortable for you and it will certainly be quieter.”  Mark couldn’t speak for a moment and concentrated on the road ahead.  His heart was beating fast.  How much should he tell Millie?  Did he make the right decision to come home?

                Mark smiled at Millie as he answered, “There’s no place I’d rather stay, Millie.  You know, Pa and I built that house, too.  That was before you came to North Fork.  We sure were proud of our home.”  Mark’s voice drifted off as all the wonderful memories flooded in on him.  “Don’t worry, Mark, it has been updated a bit.  We have electricity now and indoor plumbing, too!”  Mark and Millie both laughed and rode on toward home.  How many times have I been down this road?  Mark thought to himself, on horseback, in a buckboard and now in a car.  The mode of transportation changed but his destination stayed the same – home.  Home, my home is just at the end of this road.  Just that thought filled Mark with such warmth and such hope.  Lucas had spoken to Mark before he left North Fork for the first time, “Mark, this is always your home.  No matter what happens, no matter how long you’re away, Mark, if you need me, you come home.  You understand me, son, you come home.”  Oh Pa, how I wish you were here now.  I’ve never missed you so much. I’m a grown man and I still need my Pa.  Well, I’m home now, Pa.  I’m home now.

                Mark braked the car to a stop in front of the “big house”, as they always called the house Lucas built for Millie.  He got out and was helping Millie out of the car when the screen door banged open.  “Grandma!  Uncle Mark!”  As Mark turned, a whirling dervish catapulted off the steps into his arms.  “Bobbie, you act like a lady!”  Millie scolded the little girl.  Mark looked into the blue eyes of the smiling girl and said, “Bobbie?  Are you Roberta?”  remembering the two year old cherub he met on his last visit five years ago.  “I like Bobbie much better, Uncle Mark.  It sounds more like a cowboy’s name, don’t you think?”  Mark put her down and noted her jeans, boots, plaid shirt and her blonde braids.  When she smiled up at him, he also noticed at least two of her teeth missing. “Well, Bobbie, I’d say you sure do look like a cowboy to me.” “Yahoo!! Will you take me riding?  I’m pretty good, well, mostly.”  Millie directed her granddaughter up the steps into the shade of the porch.  “You go call your mother now and tell her that Mark’s home.”

                Mark took his suitcases and guitar case out of the car and put them on the porch.  He turned to look around at the land that meant so much to him.  His eyes rested on the ranch house, just a short distance away and remembered the first time he left home.

                Mark was just 18 and had been accepted into medical school back east with a strong recommendation from Doc Burrage and a letter from Sam Buckhart.  Both he and Pa were proud, but Mark was scared to death.  He’d be traveling to the East to attend school in Massachusetts.  Mark had never been east of the Mississippi River before.  When he hugged Pa good-bye at the train station, he almost cried like a little kid but he got on that train.  Pa told him, “Mark, if this isn’t what you want, you come home.  There’s no shame in changing your mind, son.”  That promise of being welcomed home somehow made the distance between them shorter.

                It was a tough year.  School was really hard, harder than Mark thought it would be, and he was proud of his good grades.  The harsh New England winter weather was also hard to get used to.  Mark got home to visit twice that year, but the high point of his year was meeting Beth.  She was another first year medical student and Mark was boarding with her aunt and uncle.  She was beautiful with auburn hair and hazel eyes and dimples when she smiled. Mark fell head over heels in love with her.  When he got home at Christmas, she was all he could talk about.  Lucas suggested that Mark bring her back to North Fork for the summer so she could meet everyone.  Mark thought his Pa was so thoughtful not to separate him and Beth for the whole summer; but Lucas really wanted to make sure Beth didn’t take Mark away from him for the summer.  He knew it was selfish, but he wanted at least one more summer with his son.

                During that Christmas visit, Lucas told Mark that he had asked Millie to marry him and wanted to know if it was okay with Mark.  “Pa, I’ve been hoping you’d find a wife for the longest time.  You never seemed to go for the ladies I picked out.”  They both laughed about Mark’s match-making schemes.  Mark was really happy at the news and asked Lucas to wait until he came home for the summer.  When Lucas told him that he couldn’t get married until his Best Man got home from school, Mark just couldn’t believe he could be any happier.

                The second semester was just as tough as the first and the weather was worse. Snow and ice and cold winds seemed to last forever.  Mark daydreamed about going home and going fishing and taking Beth out for rides along the river.  Maybe he could convince Pa to buy a buggy so he wouldn’t have to use the buckboard.  Pa might want one himself now the he and Millie were courting.  That thought made Mark smile.

                The semester was finally over and Mark passed the exams with flying colors.  Beth didn’t do as well as Mark, but they both passed.  Mark left for North Fork ahead of Beth.  She would spend a couple of weeks with her family and then travel to North Fork.  Mark was sorry for their separation, but glad in another way.  Now he and Pa could have some time together. Mark wrote him every week, but it wasn’t the same.  He wanted to sit and talk with Pa.  He had some big decisions to make and he knew he could count on Pa for sound advice.  Even when they didn’t say anything, Pa’s presence brought him a comfort he couldn’t explain.  Besides, Lucas wrote him about his plans for a new house for Millie and he needed Mark’s help.

                Lucas was there on the platform to welcome Mark home and Millie stood beside him.  Mark grinned at the sight – he was so happy for his Pa.  He really liked Millie, too, but mostly he was happy Pa wouldn’t be alone when Mark was away.  After all the welcome home hugs were completed, the trio walked over to the hotel where Micah was going to meet them for a welcome-home dinner.  Mark just couldn’t wait for Beth to come and meet these people that he loved and see his home.  It would be his best summer ever!

                Lucas, Mark and many of their friends and neighbors worked on the new house and it was finished really quickly.  Well, kind of finished, Mark thought.  The walls, the floors, the roof, the windows and the doors – they were all done but Millie would probably take the rest of the summer decorating and moving in furniture!  Of course, the highlight of Mark’s summer was Beth’s arrival.

                Mark was standing on the platform at the train station, a bouquet of marigolds in his hand.  Lucas stood next to Mark, grinning broadly.  Mark was as nervous as he had ever seen him.  When a pretty auburn-haired girl stepped off the train, Mark rushed forward to greet her.  “Hello, Beth” was his only comment as he held out the bouquet to her.  “Mark, they are beautiful.  Thank you.” Beth said as she kissed Mark’s cheek.  “Isn’t anyone going to introduce me?”  Lucas asked with exaggerated exasperation. “Oh, Pa, sorry.  Beth, this is my Pa.  Pa, this is…Beth.”  (He almost said “my Beth” which took him by surprise.)  Lucas removed his hat when he greeted Beth. “I’m very happy to finally meet you, Beth.  Mark has told me so much about you.”  Beth smiled up at him, “How do you do, Mr. McCain.  Mark’s told me a lot about you, too, but I don’t think he mentioned just how tall you are!”  They all laughed and Lucas reminded Mark, “Son, why don’t you get Beth’s bags.” Mark scrambled to get the two suitcases, “Sure, Pa.”  There was also a small trunk remaining.  “I’ll get the trunk, Mark.  You take Beth to Millie’s and I’ll follow you over.”  Lucas shifted his rifle in his hands as he lifted the trunk and followed Mark & Beth to Millie’s house.

                Beth glanced back once at Lucas and turned to Mark, “Does your Pa always carry a rifle?”  Mark nodded and smiled, “Usually he does.  It’s kind of a part of him.  Why?”  Beth shrugged her shoulders, “I’ve never seen anyone walk around carrying a rifle, that’s all.” She smiled at Mark. “Is it far to Millie’s?”  “Not far at all.”  Mark guided Beth the short distance to Millie’s house and found Millie at the front door waiting for them.  “You must be Beth!  Welcome to North Fork!”  Millie greeted Beth with a hug. “We are so glad to meet you.”  Beth returned Millie’s smile, “Thank you, Miss Scott.”  “It’s Miss Scott for just two more weeks, Beth, then she’ll be Mrs. Lucas McCain!”  Lucas’ voice was full of playful happiness.  As a matter of fact, he couldn’t be any happier: Mark was home; Millie was almost his wife and it seemed that Beth made Mark feel very special.  It was a grand day!

                Millie had prepared a delicious meal, as usual, and they all enjoyed the dinner and the conversation.  They were enjoying themselves so much they were surprised when Micah came in.  He had promised that he’d stop by for dessert and to meet Beth.  Mark made all the introductions.  Beth already felt she knew these people from Mark’s descriptions and she bet she could probably find her way around North Fork – Mark had told her so much about his home.  Micah clearly liked Beth and Mark was glad.  Micah was the closest thing he had to a real grandfather and he wanted him to approve of Beth.

                It was quite a bit past dark when Lucas mentioned it was time to get back to the ranch.  “Beth, Millie and I thought it would be best if you stayed here with her.  She’ll bring you out to the ranch in the morning.  Is that alright with you?”  Beth nodded, “Of course, Mr. McCain.  If I won’t be any trouble, Miss Scott?”  Millie smiled, “No trouble at all.  You can help me prepare a nice picnic lunch for tomorrow.”  Millie started to clean off the table and wouldn’t let Beth help.  Lucas announced that he was going to get the horses and Micah walked over to Sweeney’s for a nightcap.  Mark asked Beth to go out on the porch with him so he could introduce her to Blueboy.  “I hope you don’t mind staying at Millie’s.  We’ll be together every day.” Beth put her hand on his arm, “It’s fine, Mark, really.  Millie is very nice.”  It was very quiet for a minute.  “I’ve missed you, Mark.”  “Me, too.  I mean, I missed you, too, Beth.”  Mark’s stomach was full of stomping butterflies.  They heard Lucas approach with the horses.  “Good night, Mark.”  Mark nodded.  “Good night.”  Mark turned to leave, stopped and quickly turned and kissed Beth. Even more quickly, he left the steps and made a beeline for Blueboy.

                Lucas was already aboard Razor and held Blueboy’s reins as Mark mounted.  “Good night, Beth!” Lucas called as he followed Mark’s retreat.  Mark didn’t slow down until they were well out of town.  Lucas pulled Razor up beside Mark.  Looking straight ahead, Lucas said, “Took you long enough to kiss her, boy. You know, I couldn’t walk the horses any slower.”  He glanced sideways at Mark – and they both burst out laughing.

                The sound of the screen door opening caught Mark’s attention. “Mark, I’m so glad you’re home! I’m sorry I didn’t come in to meet your train.” A tall, willowy blonde left the doorway and embraced Mark. “Carrie, it’s so good to see you.”  Mark was always surprised at how much Carrie looked like Lucas.  He resembled his mother, and Margie looked like her mother – but Carrie was Pa, in a very pretty, feminine way.  She had his high cheekbones and straight nose, his blond hair and his clear blue eyes.  She was tall, too, as tall as Mark and taller than Margie and Millie.  Mark hugged her back.  “Well, baby sister, how’ve you been?”  Carrie smiled faintly, “I’m good, Mark, but you know we lost the ranch.  We had to move back in with Mama.  She says she’s happy to have us, but I’m afraid it’s too much for her.  She’s getting on in years now and since Pa died, I worry about her.”  Mark nodded. He had noticed how Millie looked older than the last time he visited; her hair was totally gray now; but, heck, he had enough gray hair himself.  Carrie continued, “That’s why we are so glad you came to us now.  We really need your help.  Bob’s a good husband and a wonderful father, but he’s just not good at ranching.  Pa thought if he worked with him a bit, he’d learn.  He didn’t have much time with Bob.”  Mark touched her cheek and gave her an encouraging smile. “We’ll make it work, Carrie, don’t worry.”  Carrie hugged him again, “Mark, you sounded just like Pa!”  That comment made Mark blink – he wasn’t like Pa in so many ways. In none of the ways that meant the most to Mark’s thinking.

Carrie wrapped her arm around Mark’s waist as she led him into the house and she noticed how thin he was. “Hey, you could use some good home cooking, cowboy! I hope you’re still strong enough for ranch work!” she teased.  Mark lifted her off her feet and caused her to squeal – much like she did when she was a little girl.  Millie called out, “Alright, you two, no rough housing!  Fine examples you are.”  But her smile belied her words.  She was so very happy to have her family all together again.  “Mark, we cleaned the ranch house for you and I think we thought of everything you’ll need.”  “I’ll be fine, Millie. I don’t need much.”  “Would you like to get settled in and rest a bit before dinner?” Millie suggested. “ Mark smiled, “That’s a great idea.   I am pretty tired.”  “I’ll walk over with you, Mark. “  Carrie was half way out the door, “Mama, you keep Bobbie out of trouble while I’m gone.”

The screen door closed behind them as they walked down the rise toward the ranch house. It wasn’t a long walk, but to Mark it felt like the first day he and Pa bought the ranch. How excited Mark was and he could tell Pa was content.  They had moved from place to place for four years until they found their home in North Fork.  Through Lucas, Mark learned to look at their ranch with his heart and not just his eyes.

“Here we are!”  Carrie opened the door and stepped aside to let Mark enter first.  Mark walked in and put his suitcases down near the table.  How could a house have the ability to wrap itself around you, to make you feel so welcome?  Mark was feeling overwhelmed by his emotions.  This was the first time he walked into this house since Pa died.  He could smell the lemon oil that was used to polish the furniture.  The furniture was almost as it was the day he left.  A table and chairs in the middle with a checkered cloth covering it.  In the center of the table was a small vase of marigolds. Millie never forgot.  There was a chair near the fireplace.  As he turned, Mark saw a leather chair near the window. It was worn but solid – just like Pa was.  The kitchen had changed.  There was running water now and an icebox, too.  The windows all had fresh lace curtains on them.  Mark turned to look at Carrie.  Words failed him.  She moved forward and put her hand on Mark’s arm.  “I know, Mark.  Can’t you just feel him here, right here with us?”  Mark’s eyes misted.  “I miss him, Carrie.”  “Me, too.”  Carrie replied before resting her head on his shoulder.  They stood there quietly for a moment.

“Look, Mark, Mama had some things brought over for you.”  Carrie walked to the desk.  On it was the picture of Mark’s mother and one of his Uncle Johnny that Mark remembered from his childhood.  There was also a picture of Lucas and Mark when Mark was a little boy.  Next to them was a more recent picture of Lucas – hair white, standing tall, looking directly out at you.  Mark picked it up and then set it down lovingly.  “These are really nice, Carrie.  I’ll thank Millie tonight.”  Carrie crossed the room, “Oh, and look at the bedroom.  It’s not a bunkroom anymore.”  As Mark went through the bedroom door, his old dresser caught his eye but next to it was a brass bed, covered by a colorful quilt – no more wooden bunks.  The corner where one bunk had rested was now filled by a desk, a chair and a lamp.  It would be strange for Mark to sleep in this room again.

“One more thing, Mark.  Here’s a radio.” Indicating one on the table near the chair in the outer room. “It works pretty well but we don’t get many stations out here.”  Mark smiled, “It’ll be fine.  I like to listen to music. “  “Do you still play your guitar?”  Mark nodded, “Yes.  I even played with a group once in a while.”  Mark averted his gaze.  Carrie thought she had stayed too long or talked too much.  She realized Mark needed some time to himself right now.  She kissed him on his cheek and walked out of the house, reminding him that dinner was at 6:30.

Mark thought about the first time he lived alone in this house.  It was about the darkest time of his young life.  It was right after Pa married Millie.

Beth loved her time in North Fork and was caught up with the wedding preparations with Millie.  She and Mark spent a lot of time together; they rode out some days with a picnic lunch; sometimes they went fishing- although Beth never caught anything.  Beth was content just to be with Mark.  She helped him with some of his chores and was surprised at how hard Lucas and Mark worked.  She wondered how Lucas did it all without Mark.  Father and son made quite a team; they seemed to know what the other one needed or was thinking.  The love between them was deep and Beth hoped she would fit in without disrupting their bond.  Beth also realized that Mark belonged here in North Fork. She had never seen him happier.

The wedding day was glorious.  Lucas and Millie were married at church and then everyone in town (it seemed) followed them to the Mallory House and celebrated with food and punch and cake.  The former Lou Mallory, now Mrs. Drako, had made sure they had a wonderful party. There was music and dancing. It was the first time Beth and Mark had danced together.  They were a little awkward at first, but soon relaxed and enjoyed the music.  Mark was glad to have a reason to hold Beth.  She looked so pretty in a buttercup yellow dress.  He thought she would make a real pretty doctor.  Lucas and Millie left for their new home.  It was decided that Mark would stay in town with Micah and Beth would stay at the hotel under Lou’s care.

It was only two days after the wedding that Mark and Beth had to leave for school.  Lucas and his new bride took them to the train station and started all the good-byes. “Pa, you promised now, you and Millie will come to visit me, right?”  Lucas nodded, and put his arm around Millie. “We’ll be coming sometime in October.  It will be our honeymoon trip.  I promise you, son.”  Mark kissed Millie.  “You don’t mind if I still call you Millie, do you?”  Mark couldn’t think of calling anyone else Ma. “Of course not, Mark.  I love your calling me Millie.”  Lucas and Millie both kissed Beth then Lucas hugged Mark tight.  “I’ll see you in a few weeks, son.”  Mark smiled back, “I know, Pa.”  The newlyweds watched as the train left the station and Mark waved at them from the stairs.

Beth and Mark settled in to school and Mark counted the days until Pa’s visit.  He had so much to show him.  His work at medical school was tough.  Now they had to work in the hospital wards and they even witnessed two surgeries.  Several students got sick and one even fainted.  Mark was glad for all he had seen since childhood and knew it helped him get through this.

The scene was reversed as Mark waited on the platform at the train station for Pa and Millie to arrive.  When they finally got off the train, Mark ran to embrace them.  First, he hugged Millie gently and then he and Lucas exchanged a bear hug.  “Was your trip all right? Where’s your luggage?”  Lucas pointed at the trunk and three bags at his feet.  “I think we’ll need some help, son, you’ve got a lot more luggage when you’re married.”  Millie poked him in the ribs, “You never mind, Lucas.  I let you bring your rifle, didn’t I?”  “Your rifle, Pa?”  Lucas leaned toward Mark and whispered with a wink, “It’s in the trunk – Millie wasn’t sure it was fitting for the father of a future doctor to carry a rifle.”  They all shared a laugh at that and called a porter to help them get the bags to the livery cab that took them to their hotel.  The hotel was only two blocks from where Mark boarded.  “Where’s Beth, Mark?”  Millie asked.  “Oh, she has a cold so she’s waiting at the house.  She and her Aunt Mary have a wonderful dinner planned.  Pa, Uncle John can’t wait to meet you.  After you’ve rested today, I want you to see my school tomorrow and go into Boston, too.  It’s not like North Fork!”  When Mark took a breath, Lucas suggested he should get registered before Mark took them off on this adventure.

After Lucas and Millie checked into their room and freshened up, Mark escorted them to the Adams’ home.  Lucas was more that curious to meet the people who so kindly let his son board with them.  He was pleased.  The Adams, John and Mary, were solid folks, warm and had no airs.  Their house was cozy and well cared for.  Lucas felt his son was in good hands.  Dinner was delicious and the conversation was friendly and easy – when Mark gave anyone else the chance to speak.  He was full of plans for their visit.  “Mind you don’t forget school, son,” Lucas cautioned. “No, sir.  I am ahead on several of my classes and can have tomorrow off to be with you.  Then the weekend, I’m off, too. We can spend a lot of time together.”  Those words made Lucas glad, and Millie, too, for she knew how hard it was for Lucas to be separated from Mark.  Lucas wasn’t one to talk too much about his feelings, but she noticed he often would look off down the road that used to bring Mark home from school and he spent a lot of time caring for Blueboy.

                Beth was very quiet and appeared a bit flushed. “Are you well, my dear?” Aunt Mary asked her. Beth smiled, “Yes, Aunt Mary, I’m fine.  This cold makes me feel tired, that’s all.”  Turning her attention to the McCains, Beth continued, “I’m afraid that I won’t be able to go with you and Mark tomorrow, Mr. and Mrs. McCain.  I’m not ahead on any of my classes so I can’t afford to take a day off.”  Lucas smiled at her as he spoke, “Well, we’ll miss you, Beth, but school comes first.”

                The McCains all enjoyed seeing Mark’s school.  They met two of his professors who told Lucas what a good student Mark was and what a great doctor he would become.  Lucas thought that almost made Mark’s absence worthwhile.  Boston was as exciting as mark told them and Millie enjoyed all the shops.  They marveled at the beautiful colors of all the trees.  They were dressed in shades of scarlet, gold and orange and made quite a sight.  The cool, crisp air foretold of the winter weather than would soon come.

                All too soon, the McCains’ visit had to end.  Lucas insisted that the Adams and Beth join them at the hotel for dinner on their last night.  Again it was a relaxed and comfortable evening.  Beth seemed better but still was tired.  Mark had explained that she struggled a bit with some of her classes so she worked extra hard.  Lucas felt even more proud of Mark when he didn’t tell them how he tutored Beth to help her do well.  Uncle John had told them how wonderful Mark was at helping Beth.

                Lucas told Mark not to come to the station in the morning.  He didn’t want Mark to miss any more classes.  The good-byes never seemed to get easier, but Lucas reminded Mark it was only seven weeks until he would be home for Christmas.  The travel back and forth was well worth the cost to Lucas and, as long as the money was there, he wanted his son to come home.

                The Adams said their farewells and left ahead of Mark.  Mark returned with Lucas and Millie to their room and spent some time talking about nothing special – just holding on to the moment.  Lucas told Mark he would walk part of the way to the Adams’ house with him because he wanted some fresh air.  Millie kissed Mark good-bye, and kissed Lucas’ cheek as well.  He smiled at her, “I’ll be back soon, sweetheart.”  As Lucas and Mark walked down the hotel hallway, Lucas took out a roll of money from his shirt pocket.  “Here, son.”  Lucas tried to hand Mark the money.  “No, Pa, I’m all right.”  Lucas tucked the money into Mark’s pocket. “It’s not too much, but it will help a bit.”  Mark’s face was very earnest when he replied, “I won’t spend it, Pa, if I don’t have to.”  Mark’s face looked very determined.  “Okay, son, now, let’s get you back to the Adams’.” 

                Father and son walked out into the night.  When they were in sight of the Adams’ house, Lucas said, “I’ll say good-bye here, Mark.  You get inside and get some rest.”  “Yes, Pa.  You have a safe trip home.”  Lucas nodded, “I will, son.”  Still Mark didn’t move.  “Mark, it’s getting cold.  You’d better get inside.”  Mark threw himself at Lucas and hugged him fiercely.  “It’s only a few weeks, Pa, and I’ll be home.”  Lucas held Mark for a moment before Lucas’ own emotions were under control.  “It’ll be here before you know it, son.”  Mark left his Pa’s embrace and walked off into the dark.  Lucas watched him walk up the stairs and Mark turned and waved.  Lucas raised his hand in acknowledgement and watched Mark enter the house.  Lucas couldn’t shake a feeling of foreboding.  He’d felt it all evening.  He didn’t know exactly what was bothering him, but he was worried.

                Lucas and Mille had breakfast in their room so they could leisurely get ready for their journey home.  Millie was dressed and packing the last of her things while Lucas was enjoying a second cup of coffee when there was a rapid knocking at their door.  Thinking that the porter was early for their bags, Lucas opened the door to see Mark standing there.  “Mark, I told you not to come see us off.  You’ve got to go to school.”  Mark looked at Lucas as if he couldn’t understand what he said.  Lucas was getting very concerned, “Mark, are you alright?  Mark, what is it?”  Mark’s face was ashen, “Pa, it’s Beth.”  With that he collapsed into Lucas’ arms, sobbing.  Lucas got the door closed and let Mark to the bed and forced him to sit down.  “What’s wrong with Beth, son.”  Mark’s face was so anguished as he spoke, “I don’t know what’s wrong, Pa.  She could barely breathe.  Aunt Mary thought she was dead.  Uncle John has taken her to the hospital.  I have to go there.  I want to be with her.  She’s so sick.  Pa, I don’t know what’s going to happen to her.”  Lucas hated feeling so helpless to help Mark.  “I’ll go with you, Mark.”  Lucas turned to Millie, “Do you mind, Millie?”  Millie shook her head.  She had tears in her eyes.  “Of course not.  Mark, Beth will be alright.”  Mark looked up at her wordlessly, hoping she was right. “Lucas, I’ll arrange to postpone our trip and keep the room. We may be staying a few more days.”  Lucas only nodded.  “Come on, Mark, let’s go.”  Lucas and Mark left and headed to the hospital.

                At the hospital, they found John & Mary standing by Beth’s bedside.  Beth was extremely pale and her breathing was very shallow.  Aunt Mary’s face reflected all the fear and uncertainty she was feeling.  Lucas nodded to John as Mark moved closer to Beth’s bed.  John motioned Lucas to follow him into the hallway.  “What is it, John?  What’s wrong with Beth?”  Lucas face showed his concern.  John’s eyes were full of regret.  “It’s pneumonia.  I can’t believe I didn’t know.  She never complained, never even had a fever.  When Mary called her this morning, she didn’t answer.  She was barely conscious.  Lord, I hope we’re not too late.”  He turned away from Lucas and looked back into the hospital room.  “If we lose that girl….,” he couldn’t continue.  Lucas put his hand on his shoulder.  “There’s hope, John.  She has the best doctors and medicine here.”  John nodded his head, “I just hope it’s enough.”  Lucas’ eyes found Mark, his head was bowed and his eyes closed.  He knew he son was praying.  Lord, please hear his prayers, Lucas added.

                For two long days and nights, they kept watch over Beth.  At times she seemed better and at other times even worse.  Everything medically possible was being done for her.  They just had to wait.  Mark was barely eating and slept very little.  He tried to return to classes, but just couldn’t concentrate.

What if Beth needed him?  He had to be there.  He glanced up as Lucas and Millie entered Beth’s room.  Lucas noticed the stubble on Mark’s chin and knew Mark hadn’t gone home last night.  “How is she today, son?”  Lucas spoke as quietly as he could.  “The same, Pa.”  Mark’s eyes spoke more than his words.  They were filled with worry and fear.  Millie put her arm around Mark as she spoke, “Why don’t you and your Pa go have something to eat?  I’ll stay with her.”  Mark hesitated, “I don’t know, Mille, what if she needs me?”  Lucas encouraged Mark to leave, “We’ll be gone a short time, Mark.  You won’t be much help to her if you get sick, too.”  Mark looked at Beth’s face and back to Lucas.  “Alright, Pa, but we have to hurry.”  As they left the room, John was just entering.  “Good news!  She is showing some improvement.”  He greeted them with a smile. Mark brightened, “That’s great news!”  Uncle John put up his hand, “She’s not out of danger yet, but I’m hopeful.”  “We are just going to get something to eat.  Would you like to join us?” Lucas asked.  “No, thank you, I’ll check on our girl.  I’ll see you later.”

                It was not more than an hour later when Lucas and Mark returned to the hospital.  Aunt Mary and Millie were standing by Beth’s bed and turned to greet them with a smile.  Aunt Mary spoke first, “Mark, come here, someone wants to say hello.”  Mark’s feet almost didn’t move – those words didn’t sink in right away.  When he saw that Beth’s eyes were open, he flew to the bed.  He couldn’t speak, but he could smile and smile he did.  He gently took Beth’s hand.  Beth smiled up at him and whispered, “Hello.”  Mark turned to Lucas and Millie and his face told the story.  Millie started to quietly cry and Lucas put his arm around her; he coughed to try to clear his throat so he could speak.  “I told you she’d be alright son.  She’s going to be fine.”  Mark’s beaming fact was a thank you for their answered prayers.

                Lucas and Millie planned to leave for home in two days.  Lucas felt he’d been away long enough and had to get back to the ranch.  Beth was still weak and would have several weeks of recuperation ahead of her, but everyone expected her to make a full recovery. Mark had fallen behind in his class work and was having trouble trying to balance being with Beth and attending classes.  Mark was concerned about Beth’s health; he was more concerned about the way Beth seemed to be withdrawing from him.

                Mark rushed into Beth’s room, still carrying his books.  Beth was sitting up and smiled slightly as he entered.  “Beth, you look wonderful.  How do you feel today?”  “I’m fine, Mark.” She replied and then fell silent.  “Pa & Millie are coming to meet me here tonight so they can see you before they leave for home.”  “When are they leaving?”  Beth asked.  “The day after tomorrow.  Pa is anxious to get back to the ranch.”  Beth only  nodded. Mark was struggling to find something to get Beth to show some real interest.  “What’s wrong, Beth?  Why won’t you tell me what’s wrong?”  Mark’s eyes entreated Beth to answer.  “I’m dropping out of school, Mark.” She said flatly.  “Beth, no!”  Beth shook her head, “I can’t miss several more weeks of class and have any hope of getting all the work done. I just can’t do it.”  Mark moved even closer to her side “I’ll help you, Beth.  We can do it together. “  Beth raised her hand to silence Mark’s protest. “Mark, I’m leaving Boston as well.  I’m going to Georgia to stay with cousins.  Uncle John thinks being out of the winter weather is best for me.”  Mark was momentarily speechless.  “Beth, you can go to North Fork.  You can stay with Pa & Millie.  The weather’s not so cold there. I’ll go with you.” He suggested.  “No, Mark.  You know I’ve been struggling with school.  I’ll never be able to catch up.  I need to get away and really rest.”  Mark waited a moment before asking, “What about us?”  Beth’s eyes filled with tears and she wouldn’t meet Mark’s gaze.  “Mark, I think I need to be away from everything and everybody.  I’m not ready to make any big decisions.  I’m sorry.”  Mark didn’t know if the pain he felt would ever hurt less.  “Beth, I could go with you to Georgia.”  “No, Mark, I don’t want you to come with me.  You stay here in school. You’ll be a fine doctor some day.”  Mark’s eyes showed some anger.  “I don’t want to stay here without you.”  Beth’s voice was firm, “You can’t come, Mark, I don’t want you to.  Please just leave me alone. ”

                Mark rushed out of her room not really sure where he was going, just needing to get away. He walked headlong into Lucas.  Lucas steadied Mark by putting his hands on his shoulders, “Whoa, son, where are you rushing to?”  Mark had tears on his cheeks, “Just away from here!” he choked out and rushed past Lucas. Lucas and Millie exchanged confused looks and walked into Beth’s room.  Twenty minutes later, they left after Beth explained what she had decided and what she told Mark.  Lucas was trying to figure out how he would find Mark, but Mark was slumped on a bench in the lobby. His head was down and he didn’t see Lucas and Millie approach. At the sound of Lucas’ voice, he looked up, “Mark, come with us back to the hotel.  Let’s have dinner. Come on, son.”  Lucas took Mark’s arm to get him off the bench and led him out the door.

                As they sat in the hotel dining room, Lucas saw that Mark only moved his food around his plate.  “You have to eat something, Mark.”  Mark’s head snapped up and Lucas saw a mixture of anger and deep hurt in his son’s eyes.  “Pa, I’m leaving school.  I’m coming home to North Fork.”  Mark’s declaration took Lucas by surprise, “Mark, you have to think this over.  Things will look better in the morning.  Don’t make a decision just now.”  Mark spoke with great determination.  “No, Pa.  I am leaving school.  I don’t want to be here anymore.  It was a mistake.  I don’t belong here.”  Then his voice faltered a little, “Please, Pa, let me come home.  I know you don’t like quitting, but I just can’t stay here.”  The catch in Mark’s voice cut right through Lucas.  Lucas didn’t argue with his son. He knew Mark was too distraught to think clearly right now and agreed it would be best for him to come home for a while.  Or maybe it would be best for Lucas to be able to keep his eye on Mark – either way, Lucas was taking his boy home with him.

                The train ride was uneventful.  Mark was quiet and withdrawn for most of the trip.  He ate little and stayed near Lucas most of the time.  The last day of the trip when their arrival in North Fork was only hours away, Mark showed some interest.  He asked about Blueboy for the first time. Micah was waiting for them at the station with the buckboard and Blueboy tied to the back.  Lucas had telegraphed Micah about the Mark’s return.  “Pa, Micah brought Blueboy.  I’d like to ride for a while and then come home, okay, Pa?”  Lucas nodded, “But not until you help me with all this luggage.”  The three men managed to get all the bags stowed on the wagon.  Mark looked to Lucas, “OK, Pa?”  “Have a good ride, son – be home before dark.”  Blueboy neighed a greeting as Mark stroked his nose before he jumped aboard.  They took off toward the ranch.  “Lucasboy, do you think Mark’ll be alright?”  “I think so, Micah.  He just needs some time.”  Lucas turned to help Millie into the buckboard.  “Well, Mrs. McCain, let’s go home.”  Millie smiled, “That sure sounds good, Lucas.”

                The months passed by uneventfully.  Millie loved cooking wonderful meals for her men.  Lucas and Mark worked side-by-side getting the cattle through the winter and started spring planting.  They watched Mark carefully and were happy to see Mark slowly return to himself.  He worked hard all day and had dinner with them every night, but he had asked if he could sleep in the ranch house.  He told them he needed to be on his own, but he really wanted to give Millie and Pa some time alone.  He liked being back in his own bed in the ranch house.  By spring, Mark was much in demand by all the young ladies in town and received invitations to many dinners and dances.  Lucas was especially happy to see life back in Mark’s eyes.

                Springtime always means new life and North Fork was seeing its’ share.  In late April, Millie announced that she was having a baby.  Lucas was more than happy and a little surprised that he’d be a father again when Mark was 20 years old.  He also was pretty proud, too.  He and Mark took over washing the dishes every night so Millie could rest.  They wouldn’t have admitted it, but they really enjoyed doing this chore together again.

                The summer heat was hard on Millie and Lucas insisted she rest often and stay out of the sun.  He was really worried and clearly remembered the difficult birth of Mark and how it weakened Margaret.  Doc Burrage assured him Millie was healthy and would do well.  In early October, Millie’s time came.  Mark rode for the doctor as Lucas pretended to be calm and saw to Millie.

                Lucas and Mark sat on the porch waiting while Doc was upstairs with Millie.  “Pa, Millie will be alright.  You know Doc Burrage is the best.”  Lucas smiled weakly.  “I know, Mark, but the waiting is hard.  You took so long we thought you’d changed your mind about coming.”  “I don’t think Ma would have appreciated that!”  They both laughed at that.  “Lucas, you and Mark can come up!”  Doc Burrage called form the top of the stairs.  Lucas took the stairs two at a time and Mark was right behind him.  As they entered the bedroom, Millie smiled at them from the bed, “Come and meet your new daughter, Lucas.  Mark, your little sister wants to meet you, too.”  Lucas sat gently on the bed and kissed Millie.  He pulled back the blanket from the sweet little face of his little daughter.  “She’s beautiful, Millie, just beautiful!”  Millie beamed, “Don’t you want to hold her?”  She asked as she put the baby in Lucas’ arms.  He didn’t remember if Mark was ever this small.  He placed a kiss on the baby’s forehead and she opened her eyes to look at her Pa.  Lucas grinned at her.  “Mark, son, here’s your sister.”  Mark was grinning ear to ear, mostly at how awkward Pa looked right now trying to gently cradle this little bundle.  “Can I hold her, Millie?”  Mark asked.  “Of course, Mark”  Lucas delicately placed the baby in Mark’s arms.  The baby’s big brown eyes opened a bit and looked directly at Mark and Mark just fell in love.  “Millie, she’s beautiful and she looks just like you.  What are you going to name her?”  Lucas and Millie exchanged looks and smiled.  Millie responded, “We are calling her Margaret Anne.”  Mark looked up, “Margaret?”  He was surprised that Millie would name the baby after Pa’s first wife, but didn’t want to say so.  Millie took the baby back from Mark and smiled up at him.  As if she could read his mind, she told him, “I know some might think it strange to name her after Lucas’ first wife, but I wanted to name her after your mother who gave you to all of us.”  Mark’s throat was tight and he couldn’t speak, but he smiled his approval.

                They christened the baby right after Christmas and Mark was proud to be her Godfather.  It was good to have all these happy times to dull the pain of the sad events of a year ago.  Life went on; the ranch needed tending; the baby grew and charmed everyone.  Everyone took to calling her “Margie.”

                When Margie was just two, Millie again presented Lucas with a child – another daughter and they called her Caroline Rose.  This time when Lucas took his new-born daughter into his arms, “his” blue eyes gazed up at him from her face and blond wisps of hair crowned her head.  He couldn’t help but grin at her.  Her little face scowled up at him as if to say, “What are you laughing at?” and laugh he did.  Millie touched his arm.  “You aren’t disappointed it’s not a son?”  Millie’s eyes showed some concern.  Lucas returned the baby to her arms as he replied, “Millie, my son is downstairs entertaining Margie and waiting to meet his newest sister.  I couldn’t be happier.”  Lucas kissed Millie and went to call Mark and Margie to make the introductions.

                Mark turned on the radio as he finished unpacking his things and then he quickly washed up to make sure he wasn’t late for dinner.  He walked sharply up to the big house.  He could smell fresh bread as he walked into the house.  “Uncle Mark!” The first to greet him was his little cowboy, Bobbie.  Her father, Bob Murphy, extended his hand toward his brother-in-law.  “Mark, it sure is good to see you!  Boy, you are a sight for sore eyes!”  Mark returned his smile, “It’s good to see you, too, Bob.  I can’t believe it’s been so long.  How are you?”  Mark and Bob walked together into the kitchen.  “Look who’s here, everybody.”  All their voices raised as one to welcome Mark.

                “Alright, everybody, let’s sit at the table – dinner’s ready.  Millie called out and the family all moved toward the table.  There was a small scuffle over who could sit next to Uncle Mark and, not surprisingly, Bobbie claimed that honor.  Mark and Bobbie sat across the table from Carrie and her older children, Katie and Billy.  Bob sat the head, opposite Millie.  “Mark, would you please say Grace?” She smiled as Mark nodded.  They all held hands and bowed their heads as Mark prayed: “Lord, we thank you for your gifts of food and family.  Bless all here and those we love who are not here.  Amen.”

                Dinner was a lively, friendly event.  Dishes passed and food enjoyed.  Katie was 15, fair and a little shy; Billy at 12 seemed to Mark what Lucas would have looked like at his age.  They all peppered Mark with questions, so many that Mark barely had time to eat.  Millie finally shushed the children and told them they could ask Uncle Mark all their questions after dinner.  The sure did!

                As the family gathered in the living room, Katie at last felt comfortable enough in Mark’s presence to ask him, “Uncle Mark, Grandma told us that Mark Twain once visited North Fork and you met him.  Do you remember that?”  She settled herself on the hassock near Mark’s chair.  “I sure do remember, Katie, you can’t believe how excited I was.  Pa, your Grandpa, had to keep reminding me not to pester him.”  They all laughed.  “You know, I actually helped him catch a fish.”  This got Billy’s attention.  “You went fishing with Mark Twain, honest?”  Mark nodded, “Well, Billy, his name was really Samuel Clemens and, yes, I did go fishing with him for a short while.  He really was an interesting character.  It was all we talked about for weeks at school. “ Billy continued on the fishing line of conversation.  “Where did you go fishing?”  Mark’s eyes smiled with the memory, “I knew a great place along the river, near the bend, just beyond a stand of fir trees.”  Billy’s eyes showed amazement, “Uncle Mark, that’s my favorite place to fish!  I go there all the time!  Will you go fishing with me?”  “Sure, Billy.”  “Tomorrow?” Billy asked hopefully.  Bob spoke up, “Not until your chores are done and I need Uncle Mark for a few hours, too.”  Billy’s face showed some disappointment.  Mark appeared to consider the situation, “Well, if we get up extra early, I bet we can get all the chores done and have plenty of time for fishing.  What do you say, Billy?”  Billy smiled as he said “That’s fine, sir.”  Being called “sir” always surprised Mark. 

Carrie suggested the children head off to bed and amid much grumbling, they did.  Bobbie hugged her Uncle and asked him to come up and read her a story.   Carrie spoke for Mark, “Not tonight, Bobbie, Uncle Mark is tired, too, and he needs to rest.”  Mark pulled Bobbie’s pigtail and winked at her. “Tomorrow night, I’ll read you a story.  I promise.” Bobbie smiled and practically skipped up the stairs calling out her good nights as she left.

Only the adults remained in the living room.  Bob cleared his throat, “Mark, I’d be grateful if you could ride out with me tomorrow to the south pasture.  Some of the herd’s there and I’d like your opinion on some things.”  Mark agreed, “It’d be great to ride across the ranch again, Bob.  I’d be more than glad to help in any way I can, but you all have to know something first.”  Carrie put up her hand to stop him, “We already know, Mark, you’re just here to visit and your life is in California.  We won’t try to make you stay longer than you want to.”  Millie caught a change in Mark’s face and it worried her.  “Mark, will you stay a while?” she asked.  Mark took a deep breath before answering.  “I may stay a good long while, if it’s okay with all of you.”  They all started to speak happily at once.  “Wait, you have to hear me out.”  Mark looked at each one of them before continuing.  “Things haven’t been going great for me lately.  I’ve been working steady on many movie sets and leasing out my horses.  But I never leased them out to anyone who wouldn’t commit to they’re not being hurt, so there are fewer contracts that come to me.  That’s okay with me.  It’s the way I do business.”  He paused a minute and you could see grief roll across his face. “Then, six weeks ago…there was a tragedy.. there was a fire and the barn burned to the ground.  They don’t know how it happened, but I lost every horse I owned.”  Mark’s eyes misted with the horrible sights and sounds of that night.  The living room was totally silent.  At last, Millie spoke, she reached for Mark’s hand and holding it, she said, “Mark, I am so sorry.  We didn’t know. What do you plan to do?”  Mark shook his head, “I don’t know, Millie.  I’ve received a couple of job offers but not from outfits I want to work for.  That’s when I decided I needed some ‘thinking time’ and here I am.  So you see, I’m glad to help you, but you have to know that you’re helping me, too.”  He stopped again to look at each of them.  “I wanted you to know the truth about my visit.”  “Well, Mark McCain, of course, you’re staying here!”  Carrie declared, “it’s your home, too!”  Bob was relieved that it seemed Mark needed them as much as they needed Mark.  It made Mark’s help much easier for him to accept.

Mark felt like a weight fell off his chest and the facts weren’t so awful once they were spoken.  He’d known he’d be welcome and he wasn’t disappointed.  He would, of course, work for his keep.  It had been awhile since he worked the ranch, but he’d learned his lessons well.  Mark stood up and told them he was tired and wanted to turn in.  Millie and Carrie kissed him good night. As Mark went to the door, Millie went to the closet and retrieved something from the back.  She walked to Mark and handed him Lucas’ rifle.  “Please put this in its’ proper place, Mark, in the ranch house.”  Mark’s hands closed gently but firmly around the rifle and he carried it back home with him.  As he entered the house, he snapped on the light and closed the door behind him.  He slipped the rifle into the holder that Lucas had made for it.  The familiar sound of the rifle settling into place was a welcome sound to Mark’s ears.  He even imagined he faintly smelled cigar smoke. “Good night, Pa.”  Mark spoke aloud.  He turned off the light and retreated to the bedroom, certain he would sleep well this night.

Mark awoke early feeling really rested and ready to start anew.  He hadn’t slept this well since the night of the fire.  He went into the bathroom to wash and shave and then made himself some coffee.  There was a gentle knock on the front door before it pushed open.  “Uncle Mark?”  Bobbie whispered in case he was still asleep.  “Good morning, cowgirl!”  Mark grinned at his niece.  “You look like you’re ready to go riding.”  Bobbie’s face showed her disappointment.  “Mama said not yet.  I have to do my chores first.”  Brightening a bit, she took Mark’s hand, “I have to bring you up to breakfast now!”  Grabbing his hat, Mark let her pull him out the door and up to the big house.  The smell of bacon sizzling on the grill welcomed them as they entered the kitchen.  “Morning, Everyone!” Mark called out.  A chorus of “good mornings” greeted him in return.  Bob and Billy were sitting at the table; Katie was trying to tune in the radio and Carrie was frying the eggs.  Mark kissed Millie’s cheek as he walked past her to the table.

After breakfast was done, Bob and Mark headed out the door and down to the barn to saddle their horses.  They rode out together as all the other family members started on their daily chores.  Mark was able to make some good suggestions to Bob in a way that didn’t make Bob feel incompetent.  The land was in good shape.  The herd needed a little work; some fences needed repair and an irrigation ditch needed to be dug.  “There’s nothing here we can’t do, Bob.  The three of us can start…”  Bob cut him off, “What three of us?”  Mark replied, “You, me and Billy – we can get it done.”  “Billy?  He’s only 12. He can’t work the ranch.”  Mark pulled up his horse.  “Well, my Pa wouldn’t have agreed with you.  I learned by working alongside him every day.  I was 10 when we bought this ranch and it was just the two of us for a long time.  I think Billy could do just fine.  I bet he’d like to spend more time with you out here, too.”  Bob shook his head, “He’s more interested in fishing or baseball than in the ranch.  Trying to keep an eye on him while getting the work done is more trouble than it’s worth.”  As they rode back to the house, Mark puzzled over Bob’s words.  One of the best things in life was a boy riding out with his pa – or so Pa told him.  It sure always felt that way to Mark when they rode out together.

Billy was waiting for Mark on the porch with two fishing poles.  Carrie joined him on the porch as the men rode up.  “How’d it go?”  She asked her husband.  “Fine.  We’ve got a good plan.  We’ll start work on Monday.” Bob dismounted as he spoke and walked up to join his wife.  Mark also dismounted, but remained near the horse.  “Well, Carrie, I think all our chores are done.  Would you mind if I went fishing?”  Mark asked with a wink.  Carrie smile back, “That’s fine, Mark, but do you remember how to get there?”  “Well, I think so.  But I could use a guide just in case.”  Billy fairly burst out of his skin.  “Ma, can I go with Uncle Mark, please?  All my chores are done – I even cleaned my room.”  Well, if it’s okay with your father, it’s okay with me.”  Bob nodded.  “You go ahead, but get back in time for supper.”  “Don’t worry, we’ll bring back supper!”  Mark promised.  Carried handed Mark a bag, “Here’s some lunch – just in case the fish aren’t biting.”  Mark remounted and took the fishing poles from Billy so he could mount.  Billy and Mark headed to the river.

They spent a couple of very pleasant hours just fishing.  Billy wasn’t given to too much talk.  He was the first one to catch a fish.  “Good job, Billy!  That’s a good one!”  Billy was proud of his catch, “It’s the biggest one I’ve ever caught, Uncle Mark!”  Mark helped him get the fish off the hook, “This sure will taste good for supper, Billy.”  Billy’s smile lit up his face and all the excitement overcame his shyness.  “Uncle Mark, were there still Indians back in the old days when you were a boy?”  Mark winced at the ‘old day’ reference, “Sure were, Billy.”  “Did you ever see any on the ranch?”  Mark thought back, “I sure did.  As a matter of fact, some Apaches kidnapped me once.”  Billy’s eyes widened, “Honest?”  Mark nodded, “An Apache chief named Chaqua wanted to replace his son, so he took me.”  Billy forgot all about fishing.  “Did they hurt you?  Were you scared?”  “I was plenty scared, but they didn’t hurt me.”  Billy’s face showed keen interest, “What did Grandpa do?  Did he go after them?”  “The Indians hurt Grandpa pretty bad.  I thought they had killed him and I didn’t think I’d ever get home.”  “But he did save you, right?”  Mark nodded, “yes, he did.”  Billy was warming to his topic, “Did he kill the Indians?”  Mark paused a minute before answering.  “There was a fierce fight when he found their camp and the Indians who took me were killed.”  Billy beamed his pride of his Grandpa’s bravery.  Mark continued, “Do you know who helped Grandpa rescue me?”  Billy shook his head.  “Our Indian friend, Marshal Sam Buckhart, helped track the Apaches with Grandpa.”  Billy looked amazed, “Grandpa had an Indian friend?”  Mark smiled at the amazed look on Billy’s face, “Grandpa had all kinds of friends.  I’ll tell you about some of them another time.  Right now, we need to catch some more fish!”  Billy quickly baited his hook and got back to the business of catching dinner.

“Well, McCain, I guess you found a new fishing partner!”  Mark turned quickly at the sound of a familiar voice and he recognized the man in the Sheriff’s uniform, “Freddy!”  Mark jumped to his feet.  “You’re a sight for sore eyes!  How long has it been?”  Freddy Toomey and Mark shook hands and then hugged.  Freddy looked very official in his uniform, “I guess about 10 years ago.  It must have been at your father’s funeral.  I wasn’t in town the last time you visited.”  Mark acknowledged Billy, “Do you know my nephew, Billy?”  Billy stood up, “Hello, Sheriff Toomey.”  “Hi, Billy.  Why don’t you see how the fish are biting while I talk to your Uncle Mark?”  Billy returned to his fishing as Mark and Freddy walked a short distance away.  “What’s up, Freddy?”  Mark questioned.  “Mark, I heard you’re thinking of staying in North Fork.”  “For a while, why?”  “Well, I have an offer for you. I’d like you to think about becoming my deputy.  I need help.  I have the budget to hire one and it would be great to have someone I trust to work with me.”  Mark was totally silent – almost stunned by the job offer.  “Freddy, I don’t know what to say.  I haven’t decided to stay in North Fork permanently and I have to help Bob with the ranch.”  Freddy persisted, “We could make it work, Mark.  I don’t need help full-time all the time.  North Fork isn’t exactly crime infested.  I need coverage when I’m not in the office and extra help some times.  Will you at least consider my offer?”  Mark looked solemnly at his oldest friend.  “Give me a few days to think about it, okay?”  Freddy smiled as he shook Mark’s hand.  “Take all the time you need.  Boy, it’s good to have you home.”  Freddy waved as he walked back to where he left his car.

Mark and Billy caught several more fish as Billy questioned Mark about his growing up in North Fork.  As Mark answered Billy’s questions, he realized his Pa was right about how important a “growing up” time really is and how glad he was that Pa made sure he had it.  When Mark judged they’d have enough for supper, they mounted up and headed back to the ranch.  Mark’s head was swirling with the offer Freddy made.  His life had been away from North Fork for so long – could he really move his life back to North Fork permanently?  Would he make a good sheriff?  Billy’s voice intruded on Mark’s thoughts, “Uncle Mark, can we go fishing again next week?”  He asked as he looked hopefully at mark.  “Well, Billy, I don’t know.  There’s an awful lot of work to be done this week before I can even think about fishing.”  At Billy’s crest-fallen face, Mark appeared to reconsider, “But, I’ll tell you what, Billy, if you help me get my chores done this week, I think we can go fishing again next week.”  Billy’s smile was Mark’s reward, but he continued, “So we have to fix the fence in the south pasture first.  You work with me after school every day this week and still do your homework and I think we’ll get it done.”  “Yes, sir,” Billy beamed, “we can do it.”

Nothing ever tasted better to Mark than the fish he caught himself.  It was that way since he was a boy.  He didn’t get to fish much in California, but he’d not miss an opportunity at home.  Everyone enjoyed dinner and congratulated Billy on the number of fish he caught.  Soon after dinner was cleaned up, Carried herded the kids upstairs for Saturday night baths.  Mark bid everyone good night and walked back to the ranch house.

It was such a clear and beautiful night, he sat on the porch and soaked in the beauty of the stars and the silence of the evening.  “A penny for your thoughts.”  Millie’s voice surprised Mark and he quickly stood up, “Millie, I didn’t hear you come up.  You shouldn’t be walking around in the dark.”  Millie touched his cheek.  “Now don’t you start telling me what I can and cannot do, Mark.  The girls are always at me.”  Mark smiled, “Only because they love you, Millie.”  “Well, there’s nothing can stop me from visiting my first friend in North Fork, is there?”  Millie sat in the chair Mark had just vacated.  Mark sat on the porch step and smiled up at Millie, “I can sure remember the ruckus of that day, Millie.  Pa and I were both surprised at the General Store’s new owner.”  Both he and Millie laughed at the memory.  Millie very gently asked Mark, “Do you think you will stay?”  Mark looked out at the land.  “I don’t know, Millie.  Part of me wants to stay and another part feels it would be like I’m a failure.  I don’t know what I’m going to do.”  Millie waited before asking, “Mark, how would you be a failure?  This is your home.  We are your family.”  Mark looked back to Millie, “I know, but I never liked running to Pa when I had trouble.  Didn’t like it as a kid and sure don’t like the idea as a man.  But the first think I thought of after the fire was to go home.”  Millie’s eyes filled with tears, “I’m glad you came home, Mark.  I was afraid I’d never see you after..”  Mark took Millie’s hand, ”Why, Millie?  Why would I not see you and my sisters?  You are my family.  Being here doesn’t make me miss Pa any less, but it makes me feel closer to him.  I can’t explain that.”  Mark continued to hold Millie’s hand, “You know, Millie, I promised my Ma I would always take care of Pa – and he sure did needed some taking care of, didn’t he?”   They both laughed.  “Well, when Pa finally realized you two belonged together, I knew you’d always be there when I wasn’t and you were.  I love you, Millie, just as if you were my own Ma.”  Millie embraced Mark and they stood quietly for a few moments.

“Well, I’d better get back to the house.  Will you be coming to church with us in the morning?”  Mark took Millie’s arm as she stepped off the porch.  “No, I don’t do that a lot lately, “he answered, “and I have something special I need to do tomorrow.  Maybe next Sunday.  Now let me walk you back.”  Arm in arm, they walked up to the big house and Mark kissed her good night on the steps.

The morning was bright and warm.  It was a beautiful day for a ride.  Mark saddled up the chestnut horse and set out at a canter toward town.  He turned off the road and rode up a slight hill where North Fork’s late citizens rested, surrounded by a worn picket fence.  He dismounted and opened the gate.  Mark walked quietly past the headstones; some names he recognized and some he didn’t know at all.  He stopped and removed his hat when he reached the grave where the headstone read, “Micah Torrance, Marshal.”  “Hello, Micah, I told you I’d be back to visit.  I could never forget you.”  He placed a small bunch of flowers on the grave.  After a moment, he walked on to a larger headstone not too far away.  This one read, “Lucas McCain, 1844 – 1921, Beloved husband, father and friend”.  Mark went down on one knee and ran his hand slowly over the letters of the name.  “Pa, I’m home. I know it’s been a while.  I brought you some flowers, couldn’t find any marigolds.  You can be real proud of your family, Pa.  The girls are raising nice families.  Millie says Billy look just like you.  He’s going to be tall, too.  He’s already almost as tall as I am.”  Mark stopped speaking for a minute and just listened to the silence before he continued, “As for me, Pa, I’ve done pretty well until lately.  But I’m not going against my principles – ever.  I won’t let you down.”  Mark turned quickly as he heard someone approach.  He squinted into the sun to see who it was and recognized the lady from the café – Jean Reilly.  Mark stood up as Jean approached him with a shy smile.  “I hope I’m not disturbing you.  I’ll just be a minute.”  Mark returned her smile, “You’re not bothering me at all.  You’re Jean, right?”  She nodded and extended her hand to Mark, “Yes, I’m Jean Reilly.”  “And I’m Mark McCain, pleased to meet you – again.”  They both smiled and stood there facing each other.  The silence was loud to Mark’s ears and he felt at a loss for conversation.  What should he say to a lady he met in a cemetery, ‘Hi, what are you doing here?’ – well, that didn’t seem quite right.  Jean was the first to speak.  “I’m on my way home from church and just wanted to put flowers on my parents’ grave over there.”  “Oh.” Mark answered intelligently.  Then his face showed surprise, “You’re on the way home from church?”  She nodded. Mark put his hat on and started for his horse.  “I have to get home now.  The whole family’s coming to welcome me home so I’d better be there.”  He mounted quickly and turned to wave at Jean.  “I hope to see you again, Jean!”  “I’d like that.”  Jean called out to him as he spurred the horse down the road.

Mark quickly unsaddled the horse and put him in the corral.  Then he washed his hands and face and, grabbing a package from the table, headed up to the big house.  He could see he had a welcoming committee on the porch.  Besides Carrie’s three children, Margie’s two were all lined up dressed in their Sunday best.  Skipping down the stairs, Bobbie made sure she was the first to reach Uncle Mark.  Taking his hand, she escorted him up the steps to his waiting admirers.  A tall, dark-haired young man stepped forward first.  “Hi, Uncle Mark.”  Mark shook his hand, “Matt, you’re all grown up!  How are you?”  “Just fine, sir, and this is Emily.”  Emily turned big brown eyes up to Mark.  She smiled but was too shy to speak just yet.  Wow, Mark thought, she looks just like Millie. “Emily, you are even prettier than your mother and your grandmother.  The boys must be after you all the time.”  Emily blushed and smiled.  “Mostly it’s Rusty Hansen,“ Bobbie reported, “he chases her at school all the time.”  Emily’s blush deepened and she wanted to bop her blabber-mouthed cousin.  Mark changed the direction of the conversation, “Let’s go inside, I brought each of you something.”  The five children tried to enter as one through the door and announced Mark’s arrival to the waiting adults. 

Margie hugged Mark tightly, “Mother just told me about what happened.  I am so sorry, Mark.”  She hugged him again.  “I know, Margie, thank you, but it will be alright.”  “Yes, it will,” Margie declared, “because you’re home – right where you belong!”  A tall man with graying hair came up to Mark, “Now if my wife would just give someone else a chance to say hello?”  Mark grinned and took his hand, “Luke Hamilton, it’s great to see you?”  “Same here, Mark, It’s really good to have you home.”  Mark couldn’t believe his eyes.  “Luke, you really remind me of your pa.”  Luke smiled and nodded, “I know, I even have his gray hair.”  Mark continued, “John Hamilton was a good man, a great friend of Pa’s and mine and a very important man in North Fork.”  “Thank you, Mark. You know he felt the same way about the McCains – that’s why he named me Luke Warren McCain – after your Pa and your middle name.  I’ve always wondered about the ‘Warren’. “ Mark laughed, “Me, too.  Pa said Ma liked the name – he didn’t know why.”  “Well,” Carrie said, “We have a Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – you can’t say we don’t know our Bible!” to the laughter of the others.

The family all settled in the parlor and Mark distributed the gifts he brought to the children.  They each unwrapped the brown paper from the gifts in a flurry of crinkling sounds and excited chatter.  Matt got a book of pictures of all the cowboy stars that Mark had worked with; Emily’s gift was a lovely locket with a horse outlined in cream on it.  Katie received a bracelet with a dangling heart charm.  Billy’s gift was a whole box of fish flies and Bobbie got a pair of genuine Indian moccasins – which she wanted to wear immediately, but Carrie wouldn’t allow it.  Mark had planned on these as Christmas gifts, but decided that today was a great day to celebrate with his family, too.

Dinner was a noisy, crowded, wonderful meal.  The warmth and ease of the family with each other flavored the meal more than any seasoning could.  Mark had forgotten just how loud and funny his family could be.  When the meal was over, the men moved to the parlor and left the ladies to the cleaning up.  The discussion among the men was a little more somber than during the meal, revolving around failed crops, failed ranches and failed banks.  These sure were tough times.  The discussion lightened when the women joined them.

“Well, what problems have you all solved while we were washing the dishes?”  Carrie asked the group.  Mark replied, “We decided that we all love not having to do the dishes!”  As they all found places to sit, the conversation turned to reminiscing as most families do.  Marked turned to her husband, “Do you remember when you asked Pa for his permission to propose to me?”  Luke chortled, “Remember?  I’ll never forget it.  He stood up, walked directly in front of me and pierced me with his look.  You know, THAT look? My life passed in front of my eyes.  After letting me sweat for a while, he said, ‘Don’t ever make me regret saying yes.’”  Everyone laughed.  Carrie chimed in, “And Pa liked you!  When George Walters asked me to the dance, Pa wasn’t too pleased.  He thought he was a trouble maker.  Well, Pa made sure he was on the porch cleaning his rifle when George pulled up.  I think he grunted when George said hello.  Pa got up and helped me get into the buggy himself.  As we drove off, we could hear rifle shots and the ping of the cans being hit.”  Carrie paused, “You know, George never did ask me out again.  Strange, huh?” 

“How about you Mark?  You must have broken a few hearts along the way.”  Carrie asked.  “I’ve had mine broken a few times, too.”  Mark replied, “Bob, it’s a good thing you’re a braver man than George.”  Bob laughed, “I was pretty new to North Fork so I didn’t know much about your Pa’s reputation or I would have been scared down to my boots.”  “Oh, fiddlesticks!”  Millie piped up, “Lucas was as gentle as he was fierce.  His heart broke when his children hurt.  He was such a good man.  I can’t name one better.”  She defended her dearly loved husband.  “Not one of you ever were more loved or cared for than by Lucas.”

Mark leaned over and kissed her cheek, “We know, Millie, we know.”  His eyes twinkled, “but you have to admit, he could be a little stubborn at times, and maybe a little exasperating – like when he chased away your other beau?  Remember, Harry Chase?”  Millie looked surprised but before she could speak Margie questioned, “Harry Chase?  I don’t know that name, Mother.  What haven’t you told us?”  Carrie’s voice joined her sister’s, “Another beau?  All this time I thought Pa was your one, true love.  You mean Pa had competition?”  Millie put up her hands, “There will be no further discussion on this topic! Mark, I should send you to your room.”  They all laughed at that thought.  The children were captivated by the adult’s conversation and it helped them build memories of a grandfather they didn’t have with them any longer and gain a deeper sense of their family’s roots.

All too soon, the evening came to an end.  Margie and Luke had to get the children home.  Tomorrow was a school and work day.  Before she left, Margie made Mark promise to have dinner with them on Wednesday night.  Carrie sent her children up to their rooms to get ready for bed. Bobbie lagged behind, “Uncle Mark, you promised you’d read me a story tonight.”  Carrie shook her head, “It’s already late, Bobbie, and Uncle Mark is probably tired.”  “I’m not too tired to keep my promise, if it’s okay, Carrie?”  Mark waited for his sister’s approval.  “Just a short story then.”  Carrie agreed.  Mark followed Bobbie up the stairs, “Bobbie, how would you like it if I tell you about when Grandpa and I were lost in the desert?” “You were really lost?  Oh, yes!”  “Can I listen, too?”  Billy asked.  “Me, too!” Katie chimed in.  So Mark sat on Bobbie’s bed and told them all about how he and Pa survived their ordeal in the desert.

When he finished his story, Bobbie threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.  Mark tucked her into bed and then kissed Katie good night.  He and Billy closed the door behind them. “Good night, Billy.” He said as they reached Billy’s room.  Billy surprised Mark with a hug and then quickly went into his room, awkward with his feelings as 12 year old boys often are.  Mark went downstairs to say his good nights and walked to the ranch house.  He was actually looking forward to working on the ranch tomorrow.

                By Wednesday, Mark was very pleased with the amount of work they accomplished.  He was also happy that Billy was as good as his word about working with them after school.  Billy was working hard and Bob was proud of him.  Mark felt it was good they could work together today – just the two of them, father and son.  Mark had to go into town early.  He had some banking to do and he wanted to check into buying a car – not a new one, but something nice.  He was borrowing the family’s car today but he didn’t want to do that often.  He figured he could get all that done and have time to stop and see Freddy before heading to Margie’s for dinner.  He saw Luke at the bank and Luke suggested that Mark check at Swenson’s Garage for a good used car.  Mark was anxious to see Nils’ son and grandson after all this time.  Nils’ grandson, Pete, was in the shop and he did have a couple of cars for Mark to look at.  After a little negotiation and Pete’s assurances that the car was in great shape, Mark decided on a 1929 Ford Model A Sports Coupe with a rumble seat.  After arranging to pick the car up on Thursday, Mark headed over to the Sheriff’s office.

                Freddy was busy with paperwork and didn’t hear Mark enter at first.  “Excuse me, Sheriff.”  Mark said as he walked up to the desk.  Freddy responded, “Yes?  How can I help you?”, as he was raising his head.  His face went from ‘official’ to ‘friendly’ when he recognized his boyhood friend.  “Mark!  Boy, I hope this visit means you’ve been considering my offer.”  Freddy walked around the desk as he spoke to stand next to Mark.  Mark nodded.  “Yes, I have, Freddy.  I don’t think being a sheriff was ever what I imagined I’d be as I was growing p, but I’m willing to give it a try.”  Freddy grabbed Mark’s hand and shook it as he spoke, “This is great news, Mark, great news!  When can you start?”  Mark gave it a little thought.  “Would next week be alright?  I still have some settling in to do and get some more work done at the ranch.”  Freddy agreed right away, “That’ll be fine.  Do you have a few minutes now?  We can discuss your salary and hours and such.”  Mark hung his hat on the wall, “Sure.  You can fill me in on what’s going on and what you’ll need me to do.”  The two old friends sat together for more than an hour before Mark noticed the time. “Hey, Freddy, I have to go.  Margie’s expecting me to have supper with them tonight, and I don’t want to be late.”  Freddy walked him to the door and made Mark promise before he left to have dinner with him and Lucy on Friday night.

                Mark stopped to pick up flowers to bring to Margie and got to her house in plenty of time for dinner.  Margie was always glad to see Mark and she was especially glad to have a few minutes alone with him.  Mark was leaning against the kitchen counter while sipping iced tea as Margie was getting the dinner ready.  She looked casually at Mark, “Have you decided about staying on in North Fork, Mark?”  They had all decided that they wouldn’t pry into Mark’s business, but she just couldn’t wait any longer to know.  Mark’s face was very non-committal and he took a sip of tea.  “Yup.”  Margie looked at him, “’Yup’ you’ve made a decision or ‘Yup’ you’re staying?”  Mark smiled, “I’m staying.”  Margie hugged Mark tightly. “I am so very glad.  Wait till Mother hears!  I’ll call her.”  Mark stopped her from going to the telephone.  “No, Margie, let me tell her myself.  Okay?”  Margie agreed, “But tell her soon, Mark.  I can’t keep this good news to myself for too long!”  “I’ll tell her tonight, I promise.”

                Margie’s time alone with Mark ended abruptly as Matt and Emily rushed into the kitchen anxious to see their Uncle Mark.  Their father wasn’t too far behind them and dinner was right on time.  Emily got the honor of sitting next to Uncle Mark.  The dinner conversation was mostly Mark’s answers to all the questions the children had.  “Uncle Mark, how did you get to work in moving pictures?”  Matt asked.  “It’s a long story,” Mark began.  He told them how he’d competed in a lot of rodeos in the surrounding towns, like a lot of the ranch hands did, and he did pretty well.  At one rodeo, a man approached him and asked him if he’d be willing to work on a western picture they were filming in California.  Mark decided to try it.  He liked the work and was really good at it, so he stayed in California.  “I remember when we came to visit you, “Margie recalled, “Carrie and I were so excited.  We had never been outside of New Mexico before.”  Mark smiled at the memory, “You two sure did like the ocean.  I thought Pa would have a fit when he was trying to fish and keep an eye on both of you at the same time.”  Emily questioned her mother, “Were you being bad, Mama?”  “Of course not, Em, we were just excited about being able to walk in the ocean.  My Pa just didn’t want us to float all the way to China!”  Emily considered this for a second before asking her father, “Daddy, would you take us to see the ocean?”  “Maybe someday, when things get better, we can take a vacation.”  Luke promised his daughter.

                When dinner was done, they all helped clear the table.  Mark glanced over at Margie, “It sounds strange to me to hear your children call Luke ‘Dad” instead of Pa.”  Margie smiled at her brother before answering, “I just can’t picture anyone else being ‘Pa’ and Luke didn’t mind.  He understands.”  So did Mark.

                As Mark said good night to each of them, Matt asked when he would see them again.  “How about Saturday night?” Mark suggested, “I see that ‘Cimarron’ is playing on Saturday and I worked on that movie.  Would you like to come with me to see it?”  Matt was thrilled.  “Yes, for sure!”  Matt wanted to see that movie because he knew it was about Oklahoma and that’s where Uncle Mark was born.  Mark turned to Emily, “Would you like to come, too?”  Emily’s smile was her answer.  “Is it okay, Margie?  Luke?”  “How can we say no?  It’s fine.”  Luke replied.  Mark told Margie he would ask Carrie if he could take her kids, too.  It would be fun and maybe they could stop for ice cream, too.  Mark thought he’d really enjoy that.

                Friday night, Mark drove his new car to Freddy’s home and found that the Toomeys had also invited several other people to meet him.  Mark greeted Lucy with a kiss.  He remembered when he went to her 13^th birthday party how all the boys thought she was the prettiest girl in school.  “Mark, I was so happy when Freddy told me you’re home!  It’s so good to see you again.  I think you know most of the people here.  Oh, except for Jeannie.”  Lucy took Mark’s arm and brought him over to meet her single friend, “Lucy, I’d like to introduce a very dear friend, Mark McCain.”  Mark smiled as he took Jean’s hand, “We’ve already met.  How are you, Jean?”  Lucy smiled, “I’m glad you two know each other.  Mark, Jeannie sings in the choir with me.  I’ll just let you two chat while I get everything ready.”

                Mark and Jean smiled at each other as Jean tried to think of something ‘sophisticated’ to say.  She knew Mark worked in Hollywood with all the glamorous people and she felt pretty plain right now – a regular country bumpkin.  She was just about to excuse herself and make a quick escape when Mark asked, “So you sing in the choir with Lucy?  That’s nice.  Why don’t we sit over here.” He led her to a couch by the window. “How long have you lived in North Fork, Jean?”  He found out she’d lived in North Fork for more than ten years.  Her father had worked for the railroad and they were originally from Chicago . They moved to New Mexico for her mother’s health, but she died shortly after they moved here.  Her father passed away five years ago.  She worked at the power company and she sang in the church choir. “So, if you like to sing, you must like music.”  Mark commented.  “Oh, yes, I do.  I particularly like Bing Crosby.  I have all his record albums.”  “Really, I like his music, too.  I saw him at a club last year.” Mark noticed that Jean’s blue eyes sparkled when she was speaking, “You did?  Was it wonderful?”  Jean looked really interested in Mark’s answer.  “Yes, he was.  What’s your favorite song of his?”  Jean thought for a moment, “I think ‘My Blue Heaven’ or maybe “Waiting at the End of the Road.”  Mark agreed with her choices and added some of his own as they continued to discuss their shared love of music.

                Coincidentally, Mark and Jean were seated next to each other at dinner and continued their conversation all evening.  When Freddy stood up and announced that starting Monday, Mark was their new deputy sheriff, everyone congratulated Mark and Jean almost couldn’t contain her joy.  She didn’t want to appear too excited as she congratulated mark with what she hoped was a poised manner – even if her heart was racing.  When it came time to leave, Mark offered to escort Jean home.  At first she declined, “It’s only a short walk.  I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”  Mark helped her on with her coat. “It’s no trouble at all.  How would you like a ride in my new car?”  Jean smiled up at him, “I’d like that very much.”  Mark opened the car door for her and drove the couple of blocks to her house.  He walked her to the door and waited until she got the door open before he said, “I have an idea.  I’m taking my nieces and nephews to see the movie tomorrow night, would you like to join us?”  She appeared to hesitate, so he added, “I’m buying ice cream, too.  How does that sound?”  Jean nodded, “It sounds lovely.  I’d love to go.  What time?”  “About  5?”  Jean smiled, “I’ll be ready. Good night, Mark.” And she slipped quickly into the house and shut the door, leaving Mark berating himself for being too slow at kissing her while behind the door Jean puzzled over whether he wanted to kiss her or not.  Mark headed back to the ranch and plotted his next move with Miss Jean Reilly.

                Carrie couldn’t believe that Mark wanted five children along on his first date with Jean.  “Mark, you can take the kids another time. “ She suggested.  “No, Carrie, I promised the kids first.  Besides, Jen seems a little nervous with me.  I don’t want her to think I’m one of those slick ‘Hollywood” types and having the kids along will help me.”  Mark explained.  “Oh, so you’re using the kids as decoys” she joked, “mere distractions for poor Jean!  She’ll never see your slick moves coming!”  They both laughed as Mark pretended to move “slickly” toward Carrie. The kids were overjoyed at the thought of a movie, ice cream and a night with Uncle Mark.  Just as exciting, they would get to ride in his new car with the rumble seat.

                Mark spent a little more time than usual getting ready Saturday afternoon, humming to the music from the radio as he dressed.  The kids were all shiny-clean as they got into Mark’s car.  Katie and Bobbie got to ride in the rumble seat on the way into town and Billy would have that honor on the way home – in the dark – he couldn’t wait.  Mark parked his car in front of Margie’s house and her kids were waiting on the steps for him.  They called out good-byes as they raced to join their cousins.  Mark and his entourage made their way to Jean’s house and while she wasn’t waiting on the step, the door opened immediately when Mark knocked.  Jean berated herself ‘ Oh, no, don’t appear too eager, Jean Marie Reilly, slow down and don’t be nervous.’  Mark smiled as he spoke, “Hello, Jean.  Are you ready for some ice cream and a movie?”  Jean smiled at the gaggle of children standing behind Mark.  “I sure am.  Who are all these movie fans?”  Mark introduced each one and proceeded back to the sidewalk, holding the gate for them to pass through.  Jean was the last one through the gate and Mark took her arm as she joined him.  Kate and Emily exchanged knowing looks, but Bobbie marched right up and firmly placed her hand in Uncle Mark’s, staying close to his side.  “Okay, let’s go get some ice cream.”  Mark felt like he was herding his little group, keeping them together, watching for strays – he knew exactly where Bobbie was at all times – attached to his hand.  At the ice cream parlour they had to place two tables together to fit the seven of them.  Soon their orders were placed in front of them and the dishes of vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and pistachio ice cream disappeared as quickly as if left out in the summer heat.

                Again, this little parade started out to the movie theatre.  Once Mark bought the tickets, the ‘who gets to sit next to Uncle Mark’ discussion began.  Mark decreed that Matt and Billy as well as Kate and Emily were old enough to sit by themselves and pick their own seats – something they had never done before.  “That’s not fair, Uncle Mark.  I’m big enough to pick my own seat, too.”  Bobbie complained.  Mark appeared to consider her words.  “Well, maybe you are old enough.  Do you want to sit with the big girls?”  Bobbie nodded vigorously.  “Okay, but it has to be where I can see you.”  All the children moved off to find their seats, leaving Mark and Jean to sit undisturbed and Mark feeling quite proud of this accomplishment!

                After the movie, Mark collected his charges and they preceded him and Jean from the theater.  Once outside, they began asking Mark which scenes he was in and which horses were his.  Jean was very impressed by Mark’s casual replies, never talking more about himself than necessary.  “Did you know that Uncle Mark was born in Oklahoma, Miss Reilly?”  Emily asked.  Jean shook her head.  Emily continued, “Well, he was and it wasn’t even a state then, was it, Uncle Mark?”  Mark shook his head, “No, it wasn’t.” he replied.  Katie looked like she just realized something, “Uncle Mark, New Mexico wasn’t a state when you moved here either, was it?”  Mark shook his head again.  Bobbie’s clear voice declared, “There sure weren’t a lot of states when you were young, were there, Uncle Mark?”  Mark hustled his group toward Margie’s doubting the wisdom of including the kids tonight.  “I don’t know.  We’ll count them tomorrow.”  Bobbie was relentless, “You even traveled by stagecoach, didn’t you?” Fortunately, Margie’s house wasn’t too far away. 

                He left his charges at Margie’s while he walked Jean home.  This time when they reached the front door, Jean didn’t rush right in.  “Thank you, Mark, for a wonderful evening.  Everything was so nice.  Your family is so much fun.”  Mark smiled, “I’m glad you had a nice time, Jean.  Maybe we can do it again, without the tribe?”  Jean laughed and nodded, “I’d love to, Mark.”  Mark gently leaned forward and kissed her.  “Good night, Jean.”  “Good night.  Will I see you at church tomorrow?”  Jean just wanted to prolong the conversation for a bit.  Mark nodded, “I’ll be there.  I want to hear you sing.  Now I better get the kids home. ” Mark walked down the steps and turned at the gate.  Jean was still standing on the steps watching him.  Mark waved and headed back to Margie’s, whistling as he walked.

                Mark was sitting at the desk in the Sheriff’s office, filling out reports when the door opened and an older man wearing a blue business suit walked in.  He had gray hair and a trim beard.  Mark removed his reading glasses and looked up, “Good Morning. Can I help you, sir?” The visitor stepped to the desk.  “I hope so, Sheriff.  I’m only passing through and I want to look up an old friend, thought you could help.”  Mark looked closely at the man’s face and, though he couldn’t place him, he felt he looked familiar.  “Sure, who are you looking for?”  The man removed his hat before answering, “It’s a family called McCain.  I think they stayed here.”  Mark felt the hair on his neck stand up, “You’re looking for the McCains?  Why?”  “I guess you could say they are old friends of mine. Met them years ago.  North Fork’s changed a lot since then.  Mark nodded, “It sure has.  How do you know the McCains?”  Mark stood and walked around the desk as he spoke.  “It’s a long story, but Mr. McCain saved my life, he changed my life, too.”  Mark was looking closely at the visitor’s face, “Do you mean Lucas McCain?”  The visitor looked very pleased, “Sure do.  Do you know him?”  “He was my Pa.”  “You’re Mark!”  The stranger reached for Mark’s hand.  “Mark!  I can’t believe I found you.  You know you’re the first friend I ever had.”  Mark shook his hand but still couldn’t place this man that knew Pa and him.  “You don’t remember me, do you?  Well, I guess you were kind of young – about 10 as I recall.  We had lunch together in the old hotel the day of the big turkey shoot.”  Mark’s eyes widened, “Vernon?  Vernon Tippett?”  Vernon nodded his head, “That’s me!  A good bit older, but still alive, thanks to your Pa.  Is he here?”  Mark shook his head.  “Pa died about 10 years back.  We lived here since we bought that ranch after the turkey shoot.”  Vernon looked disappointed, “I’m sorry to hear he’s gone.  I came back specially to see you both and thank him.”  “Thank Pa?  For what?”  Vernon recalled, “After I was shot that day, my hand healed stiff so I wasn’t a fast gun anymore.  I moved to Denver and eventually opened a gunsmith shop.  I wasn’t quick, but no one knew guns more than I did so I turned my knowledge into doing something more productive that gun fighting.”  Mark smiled, “That’s good, Vernon, but how do you think Pa is responsible.  He didn’t shoot you.”  Vernon smiled.  “No, but he went into that saloon in my place.  He didn’t want to leave you but he walked in there to save my life.  Nobody every did anything like that for me. “  Vernon looked like he was remembering back.  “I remembered all these years.  I thought about the two of you so often I always wanted to come back and see how you were.  Guess I’m a little late.  Well, I’m on the way to California and the train stopped in North Fork and here I am.”  Mark couldn’t quite explain how this moment made him feel.  “Well, Vernon, Pa would have been proud to have you stop to visit.  We had a good life here and we were really happy.”  The conversation quieted for a moment as Vernon and Mark stood facing each other.  “I’m glad, Mark.  You know what, I don’t believe we ever had our pie that day.  Care to join me for some today?”  “You bet!”  Mark grabbed his hat and followed Vernon out the door.

                As they crossed the street to the café, Mark felt that Pa would have been real proud that his family was strong, that he made such a difference in so many lives and that North Fork grew like he knew it would.  No one could feel prouder than Mark of his Pa’s well-lived life. 

                As he glanced back at the Sheriff’s office, he could swear he could see Lucas and Micah leaning on the railing in front of the office, smiling in the sunshine.

This is a story based on the TV series “The Rifleman”
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