Cowboys And Angels

Chapter 16

Thanks to the cattle provided by the MacFarlane's Ranch, John was able to start providing financial stability for his family while trying to think of excuses to leave the ranch every so often to see Bonnie over the next month. He also hunted often, giving him plenty of reason to leave, before he could start really making money off his cattle he needed to provide money to start with. John went about once every two weeks and always came home with some money from Manzanita Post... His hunting trips always took a few days, if he was able to grab something he would make decent money off of and he always stopped by Bonnie's for a night.

Readying to leave once again, John packed Harlow's saddlebag full of what he would need which included ammunition, a tent, things he would need to start a fire and some food which mostly included vegetables so that he didn't attract predators into his hunting grounds. Figuring out prices in different regions he wrote down some notes before he walked in the house. He would leave in the morning.

"Is that you John?" Abigail asked.

"Yes, ma'am." John replied as he walked into the kitchen as she was preparing dinner.

"Was gettin' to wonder if you went and ran off again." Abigail teased.

"About that..." John mused, however seeing Abigail's scorning glare he chuckled. "Only for a few days longer than normal... I would like to hunt a bison or two, I'll get the best price if I take it down to Mexico." He explained.

"M-Mexico? That's at least a three-day trip one way, John!" She groaned.

"I know, but if I take it up to Manzanita, I'll only get thirty dollars but if I take it to Mexico I'll get forty-five... The fifteen dollar difference is worth it ain't it darlin'?" He asked, watching her think for a moment.

"I-I... Suppose you're right... But John, would you mind taking Jack with you..? He's been talkin' about that, he's been wantin' to go with ya the last few times you've been out..." She said and John frowned slightly.

"Well... Of course, I'd like him to come but to Mexico and back? Ain't that a little extreme for his first real hunting trip?" He asked and Abigail shrugged.

"No matter how much I hate admittin' it... Jack ain't a baby anymore... It may be a lot for his first time but it'll show him you ain't goin' anywhere... I-I think he thinks that every time you leave you ain't comin' back. I know he's a young man and he can be a pain in the ass but he desperately wants your approval." She admits and John raises his brows, impressed by Abigail's knowledge of how Jack's mind worked.

"... When the hell did you get so smart?" He asked, approaching her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning in as she chuckled, kissing her lips.

"I've always been smart John Marston, you're just noticing?" She asked and John shook his head.

"No matter what I say I'll be wrong, so I'll go with you're absolutely right." He snorted, chortling a bit more when Abigail swatted him away.

"Go sit now, dinner's almost done." She ordered and John did as he was asked.

"Speakin' of Jack, where is he?" John asked.

"Oh probably readin' in his room... He likes to be left alone you know how young men are." She said and John shrugged.

John and Abigail ate the stew with relative silence, Abigail had definitely become a better cook. John didn't exactly want Jack to come with him this time around despite feeling guilty, he would be able to spend a few extra days with Bonnie without him but... He loved his son. John stood after his meal, gently pinching Abigail's rear as he passed by her to walk to Jack's room.