Longmire: Second Chances

Chapter 15: Giving Thanks

The Red Pony was closed for Thanksgiving, but Henry had opened it up to those he was closest to: Walt, Cady, Vic, Ferg, Ruby, Travis, Eamonn, Zack, Mathias and Jacob. Ferg was with Meg, and Eamonn and Zack both had dates. For once, to everyone's surprise, Mathias came without a date.

Walt and Vic didn't show until about 1 pm, and had done that purposely. Their ego's got the better of them and they wanted to make a big entrance. When they arrived, the others called them over happily, shouts of "Happy Thanksgiving!" greeting them.

They greeted everyone in return, but said nothing, wondering when someone would notice Vic's new accessory. Henry and Cady were still busying with the food, with help from Ruby and, surprisingly, Jacob, everyone in a boisterous mood.

Finally around 1:30, everything was prepared, and everyone was tasked with taking items to the row of tables that had been lined up to accommodate all of them. There was laughter and happiness, filling Henry's heart with pride.

And yet no one had noticed what was adorning Vic's finger yet.

Everyone sat down, and they allowed Henry to say a Thanksgiving prayer.

"Today, we lift up our eyes to the Mighty Spirit in the sky, thanking him for the bounty we have today, and the friendship that we all share. We are thankful that we are all healthy and happy, and enjoying life.

"We are especially happy to have our dear and very loved friend, Vic, back in our midst this Thanksgiving. She left a void in our lives, but we never stopped caring for her and loving her, and we are fuller with her presences this year."

Vic beamed at her friend, who winked back at her.

"And may the Mighty Spirit who resides above us bless our bounty, our friendship-our family."

Everyone chorused a loud "Amen!"

Vic had Walt on her left, and Cady on her right. She kept glancing over at Walt, wide-eyed, not believing no one had noticed the ring. Walt snickered back at her knowingly. She gave him a mock stare.

Finally, Vic couldn't take it any longer, and she turned toward Cady.

"You know, Cady, I've always thought you were a very intelligent, very perceptive woman. Two of the reasons I love you so much."

Cady blushed. "Thank you, Vic."

"Having said that, you and everyone else is as blind as a bat today, you know that?"

Cady momentarily was taken aback, momentarily hurt by what Vic had said, and confusion sluiced over her face.

Vic held her gaze, then gently put her left hand across Cady's right hand. "Uh, maybe look down, Cady?"

Cady looked down, still momentarily flummoxed, the the realization hit her...

....In the middle of the revelry around the room, Cady yelled, "Oh my God Vic!" as tears sprang from Cady's eyes, capturing Vic in a huge hug.

Everyone but Walt looked at Cady as if she were insane. Cady laughed and blushed, looking over at Vic, then her father.

"Uh, everyone, Vic was just telling me that I'm as blind as a bat-that we all are blind as bats, and she's right." Everyone still staring at her in confusion. She and Vic giggled, and Walt snorted a laugh, everyone looking at him now.

"Dad?" Cady looked at him and he looked at Vic, his eyes indicating that she would have the honors.

Vic stood up. "Yeah, well, you all need glasses, Cady is right." She glanced over at Walt one more time. "Yesterday, my life changed forever." She raised her hand so that the stunning, brilliant ring shone forth for everyone to see.

Like with Cady, it took everyone a moment, with Jacob Nighthorse being the first to realize. "Walt Longmire", he laughed, "you old dog you!" And it sunk in with everyone. Everyone at the table jumped up and cheered, crowding around Vic and Walt, the news simply capping off what was an incredible day that was hardly over.

Henry strode up to Walt, his eyes glistening with tears, but beaming proudly at his friend of four decades. "Walter", he said, putting a hand on the taller man's shoulders, "we are indeed blessed today, my friend. You finally put your brain to work." Everyone laughed loudly. Henry extended his hand to Walter, who took it. "May the two of you be blessed for all time", then he hugged his friend happily.

Henry then turned to Vic. "I told Cady yesterday that something was in the air, and as is usually the case, I was correct." He smiled warmly at Vic, who giggled. "You were so missed when you were gone, Victoria. It left a hole in Walt's life-in all our lives. You are not only a blessing to my friend, but to all of us. I love you very much."

Vic rushed to embrace him, and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Henry, that means everything to me-to us." She continued to hug him.

Now Cady looked over at Jacob, and poked him in a rib, a look crossed between amusement and annoyance on her face, as she silently mouthed a word, Tell them, you bonehead!

Jacob cleared his voice as the tumult quieted. "Not to steal your thunder, Walt. Although I don't have a ring yet, which has put me temporarily in a dog house", he winked at Cady. "Cady and I have agreed to get married as well."

The room erupted again, and this time Jacob and Cady were swamped with the good wishes.

When it quieted down again, Henry looked around at those gathered with him. "I have a suggestion to you, my friends. Next time we have multiple engagements to announce, do it before prayer, I beg you?" The room exploded in laughter.

They all had much to be thankful for.

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Sunday came, and much to their consternation, Vic had to depart back to Boston. Her classes resumed Monday morning. Walt insisted again that she finish the school year.

As they arrived at security to say goodbye, there were no tears this time. They each looked at each other, faces filled with deep devotion and happiness. They hated to part, but Vic new she must.

"You better call me when you land in Boston later, Ms. Moretti."

Vic snapped off a mock salute. "Yes sir, Sheriff sir!" Walt laughed, taking her in his arms.

"I do plan to come out once or twice on a weekend to visit you." If he could have swung it, he'd be there every weekend.

"I know, but I want you to think long and hard about coming to Philly with me for Christmas. It's only fair you know."

"You're right, maybe we'll talk about it next weekend and I can make plans to come out there to meet the family."

"God help you, Walt." They both laughed, then leaned in for a kiss.

"God has helped me already, Vic: he's given me you as my partner for life. I love you", he hugged her gently, wanting to feel her love melt into his body.

"I love you, Walt Longmire. I have since the day I first met you. It's you and me from now on, baby."

They once more tenderly but passionately kissed, not wanting it to end. Reluctantly, Vic slipped our of his arms and went to the security checkpoint. After she had cleared it, she looked back, Walt still looking at her. She blew him a kiss, and silently said "I love you", then went down the concourse.