Crescent Smile ~ John Marston Story

✽.✫☽ Epilogue ☾✫.✽

(Unedited)
Word count: 1131
{Listen while you read?~I recommend Wild Wind Can Have Me by Benjamin Dakota Rogers}

☽✫.✽✦✽.»»——⍟——««.✽✦✽.✫☾

Months had passed since Dixie Gold Johnson officially moved into Beecher's Hope, transforming the once desolate ranch into a thriving home filled with laughter and love. The land, once haunted by echoes of the past, now flourished under her care after reciting Seth to clean up the government body's. Uncle was laid to rest on the hill behind the barn overlooking the property and all the places the man would drink and nap. The cattle grazed lazily in the sun, and the horses ran freely, their coats gleaming in the light. Each sunrise was a testament to the resilience of a family reborn.

Dixie had become the heart of Beecher's Hope, her presence bringing warmth and vitality to every corner of the ranch. John often marveled at how she had infused life into the old, creaking walls and the dusty fields. He cherished every moment spent with her, especially the quiet mornings when he would wake to find her beside him. Those moments were his treasure, the simple joy of a life rebuilt together.

Today was special. John had planned a short ride to Lake Don Julio, a spot that held memories of their early days and the promise of new adventures. As he saddled up both horses, he felt a thrill of anticipation.

"Ready to ride?" he called out, glancing over his shoulder to see Dixie emerging from the house, a smile lighting up her face. She wore a simple dress, the fabric flowing around her as she approached, Jesse's hat perched on her head and he couldn't help but admire her spirit, the way she seemed to dance with the breeze.

"Always!" she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She took the reins of her horse and mounted with grace. Together, they set off, the rhythmic sound of hooves echoing against the earth.

The trail wound through fields of wildflowers, the air fragrant with the scent of blooming sagebrush. John rode beside Dixie, their laughter mingling with the sounds of nature. Every shared glance, every brush of their hands, deepened the bond they had forged through trials and triumphs.

As they approached Lake Don Julio, the landscape opened up to reveal a stunning vista. The water shimmered under the afternoon sun, reflecting hues of blue and green that danced like jewels on its surface. John dismounted and extended a hand to Dixie, helping her down from her horse. As she stepped onto the newly growth of soft grass, memories flooded back, washing over them like the gentle ripples of the lake.

"Do you remember that first night we spent here?" John asked, a nostalgic smile creeping across his face. He gestured toward the small cabin that stood nearby, its weathered walls standing proudly against the backdrop of the shimmering lake.

Dixie's eyes sparkled with recognition. "How could I forget?" she laughed, the sound light and melodic. "It was the night everything changed for us."

They walked toward the cabin, each step heavy with the weight of cherished memories. John recalled how they had arrived at Lake Don Julio, weary from their travels, but exhilarated by the freedom of the open road. The cabin had been rustic and humble, but it had provided shelter from the world outside, a sanctuary where they could finally breathe.

"I still remember how you fell asleep curled up against me," John said, his voice softening as he recalled the warmth of that moment. "You looked so peaceful, like you'd finally found a place where you belonged." Dixie chuckled, her cheeks flushing at the memory.

Standing beside the cabin now, they felt the weight of those early days settle between them, a reminder of how far they had come. The world outside still held its dangers, but they faced it together, fortified by the love that had grown from those first tender moments.

As they shared a quiet moment, the gentle lapping of the lake against the shore creating a soothing backdrop, John's expression shifted. He reached into his satchel, his fingers brushing against something hidden within. With a deep breath, he pulled out a small, worn box and, without saying a word, handed it to Dixie.

She looked at him, confusion etched across her features. "John, what is this?" she asked, her heart racing as she took the box from him, feeling its weight in her hands.

"Just open it," he urged, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice.

Dixie hesitated for a moment, her curiosity piqued. Gently, she opened the box, revealing a simple yet elegant ring nestled within the velvet lining. It glimmered in the sunlight, a delicate band adorned with a single, sparkling stone—a symbol of commitment, of promises made and futures intertwined.

Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up at John, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. "John... is this...?"

"Yeah," he said, his voice steady despite the flutter of uncertainty in his chest. "I know we've been through hell and back, but through it all, I've realized that it's you I want by my side. Always. You're my home, Dixie. You and Jack. I want to make it official."

Tears welled in her eyes, a mix of joy and disbelief. "You're serious?"

"More than ever," he replied, his gaze unwavering. "I may not have much, but I can promise you my heart, my loyalty, and a life filled with love. What do you say?"

Dixie's heart soared, the weight of his words wrapping around her like a warm embrace. "Yes! Yes, of course, I say yes!" she exclaimed, her voice breaking slightly with emotion.

John's face broke into a wide smile, the kind that lit up his entire being. He gently took the ring from the box, his hands trembling slightly as he slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly, as if it was always meant to be there.

"Glancing at the ring and then back at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "I love you, Red Dead Robin Hood."

"I love you too, Golden Maid Marian," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "You've made this life worth living, and I can't imagine facing another day without you."

They stood together, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them fading away. The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the lake, painting the scene in vibrant colors.

As they watched the sunset together, hand in hand, the past felt like a distant memory, eclipsed by the promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and the unbreakable bond they had forged. The weight of their shared history remained, but it transformed into a foundation upon which they would continue to build their lives together—one filled with hope, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to each other.

☽✫.✽✦✽.»»——⍟——««.✽✦✽.✫☾
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝒹𝑒𝓂𝓅𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇.