The Devil's Daughter in Law

Chapter Eight

I glared out the window at Johnse as he tended to his horse, Mr. Anse nodded at me as he stood there with Johnse. Mrs. Levicy teared up, "What is he doing?" Mr. Anse walked back in, "Me and Johnse are gonna have a talk. Mrs. Levicy gritted her teeth, "I have to know what that means." Mr. Anse looked at his wife, "You think I mean him harm?" Mrs. Levicy nodded, "I need to hear otherwise." Mr. Anse went to walk away and Mrs. Levicy grabbed him quickly, "I will hear you say it. I understand Delia wanting to beat the shit out of him and I'll allow it, but she isn't going to kill him."

Mr. Anse patted her hand, "I'm taking him fishing, Levicy." Mr. Anse walked out the door and Mrs. Levicy took some breaths, "Delia. When they get back. You have ten minutes to beat Johnse." I shook my head, "I have too much-" Mrs. Levicy stopped me, "My son almost got your husband killed. You need to do this. Don't kill him is all I ask. He's still my son." I nodded and hugged her, "You don't have to worry. I'll just relay a message."

I stood outside and watched for Mr. Anse to come back. I saw Will dancing on the watch roof and laughed as he pointed at me, "Swing them hips for me sweetheart!" A Hatfield laughed, "Yeah, Cordie. Swing them hips!" Will snapped, "She ain't swinging them for you, half-wit!" I laughed, "Don't poke the bull, boys." I heard some horses approaching and I looked over to see Mr. Anse riding up as Johnse walked up.

Mr. Anse stood there with Mrs. Levicy as Johnse looked at me, "Cordelia-" I yelled in anger and punched Johnse straight in the mouth, causing him to hit the ground. Will laughed, "That's my wife!" I sneered, "I told everyone, Johnse. My husband or my family gets hurt, I'll kill 'em." Johnse wiped blood from his nose, "You gonna kill me?" I took a breath, "Out of respect for your mother and father. Your brother. I won't kill you. I just wanted one hit." Johnse chuckled, "Well, you damn sure got it." Will wrapped his arms around my waist, "That was a strong hit, Mrs. Hatfield." I smiled, "You taught me, Mr. Hatfield." I heard Tommy crying, "Duty calls. Be careful." Will smiled, "Always."

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I knelt on the floor of Will and I's home in the mountains beside Mr. Anse and Mrs. Levicy's with my eyes closed, "Dear God. I know I don't deserve to talk to you. I've lost my way since my momma and daddy died. But I plead to you now. Please let my husband and father-in-law be safe. Please give mercy to everyone involved. All of this started from something so trivial and unneeded. Please, God. I beg you."

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I heard some horses coming and I gasped, gathering my skirts, and running out to see everyone who came back. Mrs. Levicy caught up with me and covered his mouth at the sight of Mr. Anse carrying their son, Billy." I looked around for Will and teared up in relief as he hurried off his horse, running to me. I cried into his chest, "Thank God, you're okay!" Will shoved his face into my shoulder, "I was supposed to die today. A deer came out of nowhere and jumped out in front of the bullet that should've claimed my life."

I cried out in relief, "God answered my prayer. He answered." Will kissed my lips and picked up Tommy when he came out waddlin' to us. Tommy nuzzled his face into Will's neck, "Dada." Will teared up, "Is that his first word?" I smiled tearfully, "It is. With many more to come." I set a hand on my stomach and Will laughed tearfully, "I love you so much, Cordelia." I kissed his lips, "I love you more, William."

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I stared out the window and cried silently as Will wrapped his arms around me, "I know. I know. I know you wanted us to get Cotton." I sniffled, "Cotton didn't deserve the hangin'." Someone knocked on the door and Mr. Anse looked at us, "It's time." All three of us walked outside and gathered to listen to Mr. Anse, "Most of you have done some trapping...And on occasion found a winter fox that's left his leg behind him in a trap. So it is with us on this difficult day. Leave our leg behind...or die in the trap. Got a letter here that we're gonna send to the newspapers and I wanted you to all hear it first. I do not...I do not wish to keep the old feud alive. And I suppose everybody, like myself...Is tired of the names Hatfield and McCoy...in border warfare in time of peace. The war spirit in me had abated...And I sincerely rejoice at the prospect of peace. I've devoted my life to arms...and we have undergone a fearful loss or noble lives and valuable property in this hateful struggle. We, being like Adam, not the first transgressors. And I propose to rest...in a spirit of peace."

Mr. Anse walked over to Will and me, "The lumber company will be handed down to William Cap Hatfield and his wife Cordelia Hatfield. Their son, my grandson, Tommy is the light of my life and the namesake to my brother, Ellison, is the reason I will be getting baptized. They both expect another child soon. Hopefully give me more grandchildren."

Will smiled, "Thank you, Pa. Thank you." I kissed Will's cheek, "It might have ended in the way I didn't want. But it's finally over."