Yankton

Chapter 38

I quietly followed as Melonie checked on the two kids, both were sleeping on two cots, and as I watched her make sure their blankets covered them, I saw the love in her eyes. Back in the other room, she said,

"I've been explaining to Mel about shock and mental trauma, we don't know what those two saw or experienced, Mel looked Inge over and didn't think she had been r***d, I think they might have seen their parents murdered or something like that, either way, they'll be safe here, and once things settle down, I'll have Sockie try and talk with them again."

"Christ, we're going to be up to our ears in medical people when he comes back, Mel here is going to get one hell of an education, dad wants to bring mom, then sis, he's promising to bring a bunch of obsolete but useable equipment, meds hell, you name it. You know before my mom became head surgical nurse, she started out in pediatrics, those kids back there will certainly benefit from that." I looked at Melonie and grinned,

"Well I'm beat," I sighed, "Tomorrow I'll tell you all about the buffalo heard we stumbled into, and my experience at Indian fighting, but now I've got to put Montana to bed."

Montana certainly knew how to welcome me home, causing the both of us to sleep in. As we woke to the morning light coming in through the window, I kissed her again and said,

"Why don't you keep some of that, the saloon is starting to show a real profit, I'm thinking about adding another girl, Dora's sent word about a woman who might work out. I'm also considering adding a faro table but I need to find the right operator first."

"No Abbie," I softly replied, I earned that money for you that was our original agreement, it still stands." She leaned over and kissed me.

"Just when I think I've figured you out Mr. Yankton, you do something to change it again. I thought I had men sorted out, but then you came along, you are truly a unique individual."

"Look Montana," I replied, "I worked hard for that money, it's yours, I'm keeping a little for myself, along with cash for the building fund, it's your gold, take it, enjoy it."