Western Trails & Beyond (For DarkWarrioress and myself)

[JackHemingway]

There were several steps involved in preparing pelts for use, but at this point, Jackson was essentially on autopilot when it came to the matter. Skinning animals and hunting were about as common as driving around to find a good takeout place or grocery shopping. In Western Trails, you just didn't think about killing and skinning an animal; it was the new normal. So many hours of the day were filled with activities like this morning's that you seldom missed the creature comforts that helped fill the hours. No, you were too busy, Jackson thought as he laughed to himself while cleaning up.

Once inside, Jackson casually tossed the pelts with the rest of his gear piled up near the door. He'd have to do something with all that, and while he didn't need to post a tent outside, it was still Sara's space, so they had to work something out. He'd gold, though, and some tools, so he'd acquire timber and more tools, build some storage for his belongings, and a gun rack for Sara. They'd make a life one step at a time, but now was a time for coffee, and as Taft scampered away, Jackson moved behind Sara and gave her a long, drawn-out hug. He kissed her neck softly and whispered Thanks for the coffee as he took his mug.

While it was romantic to be that close, figuring out how to drink a cup of coffee while doing it was something else, so he moved close by and leaned against the wall after clinking mugs. After a long drink, he nodded and said, "We might be buying a lot of stuff when we go into the down. We might be investing in a wagon, along with some other things. We'll need plenty of supplies and building materials. Have any friends in town? This place is pretty new to me, but it seems like a good place to live."

After some coffee, kisses, and some small talk, they were getting their hands covered in flour as they laughed and kissed, making Johnny Cakes. Jackson was sure Taft thought the humans were mad, but he appreciated a big bowl of fresh water while he waited for treats. In the beginning, there were only half a dozen dog breeds in Western Trails, but thankfully, many who loved them had created many dogs. It was one of the things he mentioned to Sara, as he was sure Taft was based on someone's beloved country dog mutt.

Jackson nibbled on Sara's ear and whispered, "I want you to know you can keep secrets or share with me whatever you want. We had lives before we met online, and we had lives in this world before we met, but I'm curious to see how beautiful you look in buckskins. Native beauty, I'm sure. What do you want me to build you first?"

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Making a meal with Jackson was fun and it was always nice to do so with someone to help. As they were making Johnny Cakes, flour somehow got on the floor and all over themselves, but they were laughing and having fun. Even Taft seemed to join in, prancing around them, jumping and barking as his humans played.

Jackson and herself slid onto the chairs at the kitchen table with food and coffee. Taft settled at their feet. There was talking and eating going on. Sara nodded her head.

“I’m pretty sure we can both buy what we’ll need. We should probably make a list though. As for friends, I have a few. Why? It is definitely a good place to live, Jackson. Eventually, everyone knows everyone here except for the few strangers that stagger in. Betsy, the lady who runs the diner and inn, has some puppies I believe. We could look them over and bring Taft with us. He can help us choose one.”

At the mention of his name, the dog raised his head with inquiring eyes. Sara reached down to scratch behind his ear and got his leg kicking. Sara laughed and then took a piece of her bacon and offered it to him. She watched the dog woof it down.

“Would you like a little puppy to play with, Taft? You can even teach it all the things you’ve learned.”

Glancing back up at Jackson, she reached out a hand and placed it on top of his.

“I know, Jackson. I trust you with anything and everything.” She smiled, “I do have some buckskins. Never had a reason to wear them. For you? I’ll take them out of my trunk. As for building… we’re going to need a couple of storage sheds. One for some of your things and another to store the things we’re going to buy or maybe make the barn bigger? What do you think?”

 

[JackHemingway]

Jackson watched how Sara treated Taft, and he knew the dog was a good judge of character, so that was another thing he liked about her. He'd spent a lot of time getting to know Sara, and then, thanks to whatever force brought them both to this world, they spent years apart living different lives. The warmth stemmed from the fact that it was as if they were picking up where they left off.

Jackson reached out and squeezed her hand, leaned in, and kissed her on the forehead before leaning down to pet the dog. He then got up and walked to his pile of stuff not far from the door. He needed to build some bins or something. As he began going through his stuff, he replied, "I think some sketches of some of that, once I woke up in Western Trails, well, you know, you find out you can do a lot of things you never could in the old life."

After a brief search, he found his weathered artist's pad and returned to the table. He was happy to pet the dog again and give Sara a little hug. He flipped through some pages of random sketches of the countryside, a few people, and wild animals in their natural environment. Then he found several barns he'd drawn while stuck indoors in a small settlement, riding out the winter, complete with dates that indicated they were completed in December and January.

Jackson sat next to Sara, close, and realized he hadn't really said all he wanted to, and so as they flipped through the drawings, he said, "I think we can build some good stuff together. I like being a captenter, you know. Being creative. I used to do that with computers, but something about seeing a barn or a cabin come together is gratifying. I also had the opportunity to help many people when I arrived here. Now I get to do something with you, and that's well, a special kind of wonderful."

"Oh, and I think we're getting more than one puppy, and maybe a friend for Taft, I mean, it's lonely out here," he said teasingly.

"Also, I do want to meet all your friends. I'm sure we can build some trade relationships, and well, a good company is always special. I mean, how much time did I spend in that small apartment? It was good talking to you, but when you ride ten miles to help some people with a fence and enjoy dinner, you appreciate people a lot more."

Ignoring any objections, Jackson collected the plates and coffee cups and put them aside for washing after they finished talking. Hot running water was something he'd missed, but Jackson learned to adapt as much as he could. He learned against the counter and looked back at Sara. "Honey, why didn't you become famous? I mean, you know how to do everything I do and probably more, I'm sure you'd become the stuff of pulp novels pretty easily."

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Sara nodded.

“I know what you mean. It’s always a sense of satisfaction when you see something go from your brain to something solid and real. “

Her eyebrow rose as Jackson mentioned more than one puppy.

“How many puppies are you planning on? And one friend for Taft? I thought a puppy was going to be his friend.”

She shook her head and laughed.

“We’ll compromise and I don’t have all that many friends, Jackson. I’ve been too busy carving out a life for myself out here at the house.”

She stopped to think about that. Maybe she had a few more than she thought. She wondered what he would think if she told him she had made friends from a saloon in the next town over. The thought made her grin. He probably wouldn’t even bat an eye.

He took their plates and cups to the sink over her objections and when he asked why she hadn’t become famous, she simply studied him for a moment, then shrugged.

“Never felt the need for it, Jackson. I like my quiet life. I like carving out every single day of it. I don’t need to become a name in dime stories. Why do you ask?”

She got up and set the kettle on to boil so there would be hot water for the dishes before she moved across the room to set another log on the fire.

 

[JackHemingway]

"Well yes we'll get one so Taft has a friend then another incase they don't get along, but then we'll need another one to balance it out, and well if there are any puppies left well it won't be right to seperate them from the group and that way nobody will be lonely," Jackson said smiling and teasing Sara before coming over and giving her another hug and a kiss. He nodded and kept holding her.

"We're frontier people now, we'll have dogs on a practical basis, but I have to say I've always liked having them around."

After breaking the hug, he took care of the dishes and lamented the idea that among the things he missed was a dishwasher, even if he was guilty of living out of takeout containers. He listened to Sara for a minute before finishing up and drying the cups and dishes.

"I fell into being famous here. I had plenty of skills and kept helping people along the trail. Finally, a wagon master offered me a job. It seemed like a good idea. After all, I was stuck, so why not be productive? That first trip, we encountered raiders twice, a very nasty bandit, some bad weather, and a giant rattlesnake, to name just a few highlights. What I didn't know was that a school teacher in the wagon train was writing it all down. In her defense, her editor took some liberties, but by the time I made the third long trip, well, people knew who I was in the world of Western Trails."

Jackson continued to Sara about how it all snowballed from there. You had a reputation, and you had skills, so people wanted you on expeditions, gunfighters challenged you, and the military needed you. It was scary at times and a little overwhelming, but he handled each situation the best he could. It felt good helping people make it through a winter, saving people from criminals, and even in a military uniform, he was proud that he was a diplomat as well. Fighting bravely but making fair treaties and treating people with respect.

"So we're going into town, we can take my wagon, and I'm sure Taft is up for a ride. Anything you especially wanted? I should put my money in the bank, not some saddle bag."

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Sara laughed at Jackson’s reasoning.

“Jackson!” she protested laughingly, “We’ll end up with the whole litter with that kind of reasoning. I bet you’d like that, wouldn’t you, Taft?”

She leaned down to gently rub behind the dog’s ears. She easily returned Jackson’s hug and kiss. She wrinkled her nose at him.

“I have to admit, I love having dogs around.”

While Jackson washed the dishes, Sara insisted on drying and putting them away. They stood shoulder to shoulder working together quietly until he snatched the dish towel out of her hand, shooing her away while he finished up the drying. She knew by now that protesting his actions would go unheeded. He liked doing things for her and she adored him for it. She leaned her back against the counter and stood there listening to him. She loved when he talked about his times on the western frontier.

“We can take your wagon. Let me go and check on our supplies. Oh! Would you run out to the barn and check on then feed? We might be running low. Speaking of money, do you want me to pull some of mine out of the bank so we can purchase the property we were talking about?”

She didn’t wait for his answer and slipped into the small space she had her household needs stored in. Flour was running low. Salt too. Maybe some more coffee. Heading back into the main room.

“Jackson, we’re going to need to do some hunting and fishing in coming days too,” she glanced toward the window, “I’ll be so glad when Spring finally settles in. SEEDS! We need seeds too.”

Sara sat on her bed and pulled on her boots again.

“You and Taft ready to head into town?”

Taft’s ears perked up and his tail began to wag. He left out one sharp bark as if to confirm he was certainly ready to go.

 

[JackHemingway]

Jackson listened to Sara as she went about her business in the house, nodding in agreement even when she was out of his sight. This was coming together beautifully, and it was a wonderful feeling. It wasn't every day that someone reconnected with the love of their life in a different world and time. Even more remarkable was that she wanted to build a life with him.

As Sara outlined her needs and plans, he put on his boots and gathered his gear, ensuring he had a double gun belt and checked one of his rifles. He remembered that another rifle was secured on the cart he had left in a dry place for emergencies, along with some supplies to handle any potential crisis.

So, with his money belt on, his weapons accounted for, and his dog, he smiled at Sara. "See you in the barn, love."

With Taft following behind, Jackson walked into the barn to check on all the animals before hitching up the wagon for their trip into town. Aside from Taft, who settled briefly in the spot behind the seats before being distracted by an interesting smell, there was nothing to load. They were on a buying trip, but Jackson remembered to bring the pelts from the previous night. After guiding the animals outside, he took a moment to look around and appreciate the day. It was beautiful, and everything seemed to stretch on forever. It was a great day to be alive.

Before Sara came out, Jackson went back into the barn, took care of the horses, and made a note to build a corral for the horses. Needed to exercise the horses and keep them safe. He then saddled his horse Gunner and caressed his mane. He planned to stay with Sara, but he always wanted to have another horse handy. He walked the seasoned horse outside and patiently waited for Sara. This would be a good day.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

"See you in the barn, love."

Sara was tying her last boot as her head raised up and her fingers stilled. She gave him a soft smile.

“See you in a minute.”

The door softly closed behind him. Sara shook her head, her eyes still smiling as she finished up tying her boots and got off the bed, walking across the room to reach for her coat. Signs of Spring might be in the air, but there still was a definite nip in the mornings and evenings. She could hear Taft barking excitedly outside as her checked the room to insure all was well and safe, then she headed out to join Jackson and Taft.

The very moment she climbed up into the wagon, Taft was all over her, his tail wagging and his tongue licking her face. She knew he was a well-behaved dog. She didn’t mind his excitement and wrapped an arm around him to settle him down as Jackson headed the wagon towards town.

The sun was shining. The air was crisp in her lungs and world was something to look forward to. She turned her head and smiled at Jackson’s profile. She was so lucky. She had found her first love again and he loved her still. There was promise in the air and between them. She was looking forward to it.

 

[JackHemingway]

With everything in order and the wagon ready, the couple set off toward town. Jackson had a good idea of the way, but Sara could find it even blindfolded, so they took in the beautiful scenery around them. A variety of trees and animals frolicked in the fields, while the sounds of nature surrounded them as the horses moved down the trail. Initially, the vastness of the landscape and the absence of civilization felt intimidating. However, as Jackson learned how to survive in this environment, it transformed into a breathtaking place—one that no computer program could fully capture. The fresh air, blue skies, and the feeling of love were the perfect way to start the day. After gazing around at the views along the trail for a while, he turned to Sara.

"When I first got here, it seems like a million years ago. I was terrified and didn't know what to do. You know, back home, food delivery, air conditioning, and the Internet, I didn't think I'd survive. Then, well, it grew on me. You spend all day building a fire, trying to catch a fish, and taking care of your horse; well, you feel like you've accomplished something. Went to bed tired, woke up, and had plenty to do. I missed some things less and less, and well, I always missed you. I wondered what could have been, but I didn't wish for you to come here; I stopped looking for a way back a long time ago. I was just happy to be here and imagined you had a great life."

Jackson looked back down the road and then back at his horse tied to the rear of the wagon. He turned back to Sara and smiled. "We could still have a pretty good life here even if we never saw a cellphone or microwave again, right?"

 

[DarkWarrioress]

As they rode into town together with Taft sitting on the floorboards at their feet, Sara pointed out the wildlife that had caught her attention and were now emerging from their long winter rest.

"When I first got here, it seems like a million years ago. I was terrified and didn't know what to do. You know, back home, food delivery, air conditioning, and the Internet, I didn't think I'd survive. Then, well, it grew on me. You spend all day building a fire, trying to catch a fish, and taking care of your horse; well, you feel like you've accomplished something. Went to bed tired, woke up, and had plenty to do. I missed some things less and less, and well, I always missed you. I wondered what could have been, but I didn't wish for you to come here; I stopped looking for a way back a long time ago. I was just happy to be here and imagined you had a great life."

Sara nodded.

“I know exactly what you mean. For me, one day, it just seemed to click into place. The things I knew how to do and could make happen somehow. There’s still a great many things that I can’t copy or make happen but,” she shrugged her shoulders, “I’ve managed just fine to get by without them.

You know, I never knew what happened to you and I just continued to pray that whatever you were doing, you were happy. Jackson,” she paused a moment, “maybe I’m feeling a bit weird, but….what if…. What if someone back in our old world decided to introduce us to the game and here we are. Wouldn’t that be weird? Maybe I’m overthinking this. but stranger things and all that.”

She laughed. Maybe she just had too much time to think during the long snowy nights of winter. She bumped her shoulder into his with a smile.

“Seems like we have already led pretty good lives and the future looks bright and loving with you in it. Cellphones? Microwaves? We’ll be just fine without them, I’m sure.”

 

[JackHemingway]

You know, I never knew what happened to you, and I just continued to pray that whatever you were doing, you were happy. Jackson," she paused a moment, "maybe I'm feeling a bit weird, but….what if…. What if someone back in our old world decided to introduce us to the game, and here we are. Wouldn't that be weird? Maybe I'm overthinking this. But stranger things and all that."

Jackson gently pulled on the reins, then reached out to squeeze Sara's hand and smile. "Well, considering we have no idea how we got here or how this world works, that theory is as good as any. I like it more because someone believed we would be good together, and I am sure of it. We both spent a lot of time making this place special, and now I guess we're here to enjoy it as much as we can. I certainly doubt that my ideal relationship goal would be living on a 19th-century ranch, but the companionship is perfect."

While nature was alive with animal life and the signs of spring, there wasn't much human presence to note. There were only tracks left by horses and wagons, along with a few distant homesteads that Sara mentioned. She was familiar with the residents and their families, but there were no neighbors "around the corner." This aspect of life on the Western Trail meant that time spent with people was cherished, especially during the long, lonely winters and journeys along the trail.

Finally, the pair arrived at a dirt road crossroads, but it was a frontier outpost that was very helpful to travellers. It had various signs pointing to different trails and points of note, including one for the nearby fort and the other directing them towards town. A large totem pole with a variety of symbols was on display, signaling the local tribe's long presence in the area. There were also several burial markers in stone and wood from earlier times remembering friends, family, and even beloved animals.

Stopping briefly to take it all in, Jackson angled the wagon towards the town and looked at Sara. "Anywhere else you'd like to go before we head into town. We will be there a while; we have a pretty long list. I think we'll make it back before dark unless we stay over in town."

 

[DarkWarrioress]

"Anywhere else you'd like to go before we head into town. We will be there a while; we have a pretty long list. I think we'll make it back before dark unless we stay over in town."

Sara stopped to think.

“Maybe we should stop at the land office and see about that piece of land you want to buy first. If it gets late enough and we need to stay in town, I know just the place. I think we’ll save puppies for last.”

She glanced down at Taft.

“That alright with you, boy?”

The dog looked up at her, wagged his tail and gave a little happy bark as if he had understood every word she said. Glancing at the signs she knew by heart, Sara turned and smiled at Jackson.

“Well, we’re wasting daylight, let’s get into town and get busy.”

Life was looking pretty darn good to Sara. Her heart felt full to bursting. It was nice to have someone to get through Life with.

 

[JackHemingway]

"Yes, Ma'am," Jackson replied as he guided the wagon past a landmark that also served as a signpost. In the distance, he spotted a few deer darting by, nibbling on the foliage. However, as the scent of humans and their animals drifted closer, the deer quickly took off. Jackson considered pursuing them, aware that a butcher or even an ordinary citizen might buy the meat, but that wasn't the plan for today. He enjoyed watching Sara play with Taft and had learned that, just like animals in the old world, the creatures in Western Trails either liked you or they didn't. The fact that Taft took a liking to Sara spoke volumes.

As they approached the town, they encountered various people on their way there, including newcomers, fur trappers, and local farmers. In the past, these individuals had been mere background figures, but now, immersed in the game, they transformed into people with hopes and dreams. A few of them engaged in small talk as they continued on their journey, and they often had to pause so that a curious child could pet Taft, who always responded positively. At one point, Taft even curiously sniffed at a cat that was guarding a wagon filled with heavy milk jugs. The farmer explained that the cat served as an employee, keeping the wagon free of mice in exchange for food and fresh milk.

Eventually, the larger buildings in the town came into view, and the place was spinging with life as people went about their business, wagons were loaded and unloaded. People ranging from Indian warriors to storekeepers were negotiating, and sheriff's deputies eyed rough-looking cowboys. Civilization, no matter how simple, had its own thrill to it, and Jackson took it all in as he moved through the bustling dirt roads.

Jackson turned to Sara and smiled and said, "At one point, I have to take you to San Fransico. They really built a frontier city out there on the ocean, complete with ships bound for China and beyond, steam trains, and tall buildings. Something I never thought I'd see in Western Trails. More than a few of your ideas made it there, though. I can buy you some gorgeous dresses too."

In the game, cities served merely as reference points on a map – places where players began their journey and where they aimed to go, with a lot of emptiness in between. Since being exiled to Western Trails, Jackson had noticed that the landscape had changed, making it easier to travel from small settlements to outposts. While there were still some stretches of emptiness, it was nothing like it used to be. The idea of cities expanding was never something he, Sara, or anyone else had considered bringing to the program.

Soon, they found a spot for the wagon, and Tatf jumped off just as they came to a stop in front of a large building with a tall sign bearing letters painted in gold: "Land Office." Notices about various services and land sales were posted next to the doorway. The building had likely been intended as a bank but had been repurposed for this business. This was a promising sign that the community was growing and that people were eager to establish farms and businesses. Jackson hopped down and walked to the other side of the wagon, offering his hand to Sara, although he doubted she would need his help.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Spring seems to be taking root. Sara can see new sprouts of green grass coming up here and there. Even the deer are starting to come out, after those new shoots of grass, she’s sure. The deer reminds her that they’ll have to go out shooting for meat soon. As they get into town proper she sees people she knows and lifts a hand to wave and they wave back with smiles. Even Taft seems excited as he lets out an occasional bark.

"At one point, I have to take you to San Fransico. They really built a frontier city out there on the ocean, complete with ships bound for China and beyond, steam trains, and tall buildings. Something I never thought I'd see in Western Trails. More than a few of your ideas made it there, though. I can buy you some gorgeous dresses too."

“San Francisco,” she whispers almost to herself.

It’s a place I’ve wanted to see. She turns and looks at Jackson, excitement at the prospect puts stars in her eyes.

“Ohhhh, I’d like that, Jackson. I can’t wait to see it.”

Dresses she can hardly care about, after all, she’s a frontier woman. Where would she wear a fancy dress to?

When she came to town, she always saw the possibilities. Perhaps it was the gamer in her that could never entirely shut down. It also registered that these were real people, living their lives. Or were they? What if they were just some designer’s idea? Still, she was here and everything and everyone were real.

The wagon came to stop which drew Sara out of her thoughts. The Land Office. She watched as Jackson came around and offered his hand to her. She smiled and took his hand as she hopped down.

“You ready to do this, Jackson?”

She turned to Taft.

“You stay with the wagon, boy. We’ll be back soon and we’ll see about your surprise too.”

Together, her and Jackson, went into the land office. They knew her of course and she introduced Jackson and that he was interested in purchasing some land he had his eye on. From there, she let Jackson take over as she found a seat to sit in.

 

[JackHemingway]

With Taft watching the wagon, Jackson and Sara headed into the large office. As Sara introduced them, it became clear they weren't the only ones conducting business that day. The waiting room, which featured cushioned benches, was filled with a diverse group of settlers. This gathering represented a cross-section of people involved in the land game, including Black settlers, European immigrants, and frontier trappers and cowboys looking to settle down.

A husband-and-wife cowboy pair worked hard to keep their buckskin-clad children under control. The children were excitedly playing with their new friends—three kids from a family of Chinese settlers, who were still wearing traditional clothing. These families were looking to acquire land suitable for growing rice and other vegetables. Everyone had a unique story, and it was heartwarming to get to know their future neighbors.

Eventually, Jackson and Sara found themselves in front of John Mackland. In game terms, he was a banker from back East who had come to establish himself in a new town. Unlike the straightforward path presented in Western Trails, Mackland had a more complex background. He had served in the Army, where he managed supplies and payroll, and he had to protect these resources from bandits and raiders. Throughout his journey, he worked alongside prospectors, maintained the financial records for ranchers, and eventually met the skilled buffalo hunter, Henrietta Bass.

It was hard to imagine the lovely and feminine Henrietta Bass, who had once been known as "Henri," serving tea and being a skilled big game hunter. Their romantic story began after she had bagged a giant spider during a hunt. Upon returning to town, she discovered that a substantial bounty had been placed on the creature that had killed many settlers. Amidst the celebrations and the men vying for her attention, John was the only one who asked to buy her a cup of coffee and help her invest her prize money. They talked for hours and realized they had a lot in common; Henrietta's father was a banker, and her mother was a bookkeeper, both of whom shared her passion for hunting.

They initially offered their services out of a saloon for a while as they attempted to establish themselves. Still, after just over a decade, they had a thriving business and four children of their own, plus two adopted children from the local settlers. So, after Sara and Jackson shared their plans for land, cattle, and possibly more, the Macklands seemed impressed by their plans and the skills they had between them.

What always impressed a banker, Jackson found, was cold, hard cash. So, from his saddle bag, Jackson took out several rolls of paper money, gold nuggets, and a few bars of silver, which drew a few surprised looks from around the desk. Jackson just cleared his throat and leaned over to Sara, whispering, "Outlaws, they robbed a lot of people on the frontier, didn't know who to return what to, so the Marshal told me to keep whatever as a reward."

He gave Sara a quick peck on the cheek and held her hand as he turned back to the Maclands and said, "This is just my money, Sara's got money in the bank, but she doesn't need me to explain things. We're partners in all this."

Still taken aback, Henrietta began counting the money, and John nodded. "I see well the parcel you mentioned is available with several others nearby if you want to discuss it. How long have you two been married?"

Henrietta interjected quickly and said, "John, it's none of our business what their arrangement is!"

She turned to Sara and Jackson and said, "We have mixed race couples, we have people married in the Indian nations, and many different partnerships. We can help with a business contract if you want one, though."

Jackson reached out, squeezed Sara's hand, and nodded. "Well, that would be a help until we make things more formal. I grew up in Connecticut, like John and Sara here, who are from California. We have written letters for years, but now that we're finally together, we want to make a go of things. So let's start with the parcel across from Sara's, and as long as it has water and a good place for a house, we're in, and then we can talk about buying some cattle."

 

[DarkWarrioress]

"John, it's none of our business what their arrangement is!"

At Henrietta’s words, Sara felt the burning in her cheeks.

"Well, that would be a help until we make things more formal. I grew up in Connecticut, like John and Sara here, who are from California. We have written letters for years, but now that we're finally together, we want to make a go of things. So, let's start with the parcel across from Sara's, and as long as it has water and a good place for a house, we're in, and then we can talk about buying some cattle."

She hadn’t given any of that any thought, but she should have. They both had different last names for the moment. It made sense for them to have a business contract drawn up for the moment. She knew that the plot they were talking about had water they could and would tap into and a bigger house would be nice as well. Sara had some cattle already but apparently, Jackson was thinking bigger. She grinned as she let him do all the talking.

It didn’t take long for everything to be decided on and both John and Henrietta assured the young couple that the paperwork would be ready for their signatures the next day. After that, it was on to see a man about cattle. The cattle pens were loaded as Sara and Jackson roamed around them, Taft on their heels.

 

[JackHemingway]

The fact that Sara didn't even seem to care about the outlay of money meant a lot. She was living happily before he met her, and he met her again for the first time, and she, like many women on the frontier, didn't get married out of convenience. He was sure she had offers, though. She was smart and knew how to handle a rifle, among many other skills. Hell, being able to get along with the tribal people was a whole different set of skills. Never mind, Sara was beautiful inside and out, which was something he already knew. It wasn't long after looking at the cattle that Jackson found a few hay bales to sit on and pet Taft. He looked over at Sara.

"Have you thought about it? You know, would you like to be married?"

He patted the bale of hay next to him and smiled at Sara. "I'm not asking you, but asking what you think about it. I don't want you to feel any pressure, but well, this is all real to us for now. So why not enjoy it together for as long as we're here? I really do love you, Sara. I don't want to be apart from you again. Look, we can keep separate houses if you want, as we connect again, but I don't want to be far from you again."