Crescent Smile ~ John Marston Story

✽.✫☽ 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟹𝟻 ☾✫.✽

(Unedited)
Word count: 2502
{Listen while you read?~I recommend Imagining Raindrops by Logan Ledger}

☽✫.✽✦✽.»»——⍟——««.✽✦✽.✫☾

Days turned into weeks, and Dixie found solace in the routine of her new life on the McFarlane's ranch. She had left behind the protection business she used to offer, moved out of her father's house and moved into her best friend's ranch. She threw herself into her work, tending to the horses and helping out with the daily operations. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't escape the thoughts of John and the journey they had shared.

The memories of their time together haunted Dixie, replaying in her mind like a bittersweet melody. She missed the way John's laughter filled the air, the warmth of his touch, and the way he made her feel seen and understood.

Every day, as she worked alongside the McFarlanes, a part of her yearned for something more. She yearned for the connection she had with John, the unspoken bond that had formed between them. But deep down, she knew that she couldn't dwell on what could have been.

One evening, as Dixie found herself lost in her thoughts, Bonnie approached her with a concerned expression. "Dixie, is everything okay? You've seemed distracted lately."

Dixie sighed, her eyes filled with a mix of longing and sadness. "Bonnie, it's just... I can't help but think about him. John. The journey we went on, the bond we formed. It's all I can think about."

Bonnie placed a comforting hand on Dixie's shoulder. "I understand, Dixie. Sometimes, the heart wants what it wants, even when it seems impossible. But you have to remember that you deserve happiness, and if John couldn't see it, then it's his loss."

Dixie nodded, grateful for Bonnie's words of wisdom. She knew deep down that she couldn't keep living in the past, holding onto a love that could never be. She had to find a way to move forward and rediscover the strength and independence she once had.

One day Dixie went about her usual tasks on the McFarlane ranch, she noticed a familiar figure in the distance. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was John, accompanied by his son Jack. Time seemed to stand still as their eyes met, and the ache in their hearts momentarily eased.

John approached Dixie, after hitching his horse, with a mix of nervousness and hope in his eyes. "Dixie," he said softly, his voice filled with a longing she had missed.

Dixie swallowed the lump in her throat, her voice barely a whisper. "John... I... I didn't expect to see you here."

As they stood there, locked in a gaze filled with unspoken words, Jack's voice broke the silence. "Pa, who's this?"

John's attention turned to his son, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "Jack, this is Dixie. She's a friend."

Jack's eyes lit up with curiosity as he looked at Dixie. "Nice to meet you, Dixie. Are you a gunslinger too?"

Dixie couldn't help but smile at Jack's innocence. "Well, not exactly, but I did save your pa ass a few times."

John glanced between Dixie and Jack, his heart swelling with a mix of emotions. He had missed Dixie more than he could put into words, and seeing her interact with his son only deepened his longing for what could have been.