Yeehaw!! What a ride!! But now we’ve reached the end. (Or have we? 🤔) WtCB is finished, but there may be more stories about our favorite ranch crew at some point…
When the Cactus Blooms
31. Bottom of the Barrel
Time passed and things settled into a calm, regular routine on the ranch. Jaylah became more skilled each day, Keenser’s flocks grew, and Scotty fixed McCoy’s cabin to suit them both better. Everyday the doctor found himself appreciating the other man more. His only regret was that he hadn’t said something sooner.
But as the anniversary of his father’s passing grew closer, McCoy found himself restless. His newfound happiness with someone felt at odds with the build up of his old heartache. He withdrew into himself and grew quieter than normal. Scotty did all he could to draw him back out, and McCoy made an effort. He worried it wasn’t enough and Scotty would grow tired of him.
He remembered Scotty’s own pain, the brother he’d never see again, and for a day or two was almost himself.
The morning of the anniversary of the terrible day, the beginning of the end of his medical career, McCoy slipped out into the pre-sunrise darkness. Scotty was lightly snoring, and McCoy let out a sigh as he had looked down at him.
He made his way to the barn and got his saddle ready while Honey ate. He’d ride away for the day, clear his head and come back himself. He led the horse out the back of the stables into the paddock and over to the gate. He planned to follow along the east pasture fence and then down to the river. He’d cross it and ride as long as he wanted.
McCoy’s thoughts didn’t quite turn down the dark path they had taken for many a year. His surprise was strong at that.
“Monty,” he mumbled to himself.
Fresh joy and love in his heart protected him from the usual harsh feelings. And in that feeling he was confused. A small, sad laugh escaped him. A turning point must have been reached in his life and he hadn’t fully realized it.
The sorrow that usually drug him so far down was a familiar tug in his chest, but not so much to consume him. McCoy knew the grief would never fully leave him, only continue to lessen. Flares of it would come and go.
Through his sadness, his loss, he felt a new completeness. Someone knew. Someone understood the pain of loss. Of course Christine knew, and McCoy did love her, but it wasn’t the same as the love Scotty returned to him.
A new chance had been given to him and McCoy intended to take it.
He looked around, finally coming out of his thoughts. Honey had walked or trotted along as she liked. The sun had risen and McCoy was surprised to not recognize his surroundings. He had ridden far lost in his thoughts.
He turned Honey around and made a decision. A slow smile spread on his face.
McCoy hadn’t aimed for the ranch on his return ride, but had made for town. Scotty had given him so much, the least he could do was return the favor.
Well! Hello doctor!”
“Hi Gaila.”
“In town alone?” the saloon owner asked.
“Yes,” McCoy answered. “I need some help actually. Can we talk in private?.”
“Sure,” Gaila said, and looked him over appraisingly.
McCoy guffawed. “Not that.”
“This way,” Gaila said. She waved a hand at one of her employees to take over the bar and led McCoy to a back room.
“What can I do?” she asked as she sat behind a desk.
“I need to send a letter. But no one can know. No one, Gaila. Lives could be at stake.”
“Discretion is my middle name sweetheart,” Gaila
said with a loose grin. “Where are you sending it?”
“Scotland.”
“Len!”
McCoy looked around as he entered the yard. Scotty was standing with Keenser.
“I was worried!” he said as he came up next to McCoy. “But Christine had an idea of what ye were up to. Why didn’t ye say?”
McCoy hopped down from Honey’s back and embraced the other man.
“I needed that time alone to clear my mind,” he said. “It’s always a hard day. I’m sorry I made you worry and I’m sorry I’ve been in such a bad mood lately.”
“Don’t worry about it love,” Scotty smiled gently. “We all have our ways and reasons.”
“Yes we do,” McCoy agreed, and before Scotty could say anything more, McCoy pulled him closer and kissed him with all the heat he could. “Thank you,” he whispered when he pulled back.
“For- for what?” Scotty asked breathlessly.
“For being you. For making me more me.”
Scotty blushed and it was the most endearing thing McCoy had ever seen. His chest swelled and he pulled Scotty close again, unable to resist.
“Love you,” he got out before their mouths met again.
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