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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4006284" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-sixty-one, “ Words from Jake” , Wednesday, June 21st, 10:00 A.M. Kate's face turned bright pink. "Monday was a long day with teaching, the trials, the tournament still going on. We spent a lot of time together over the whole weekend. There was a party at the El Parador for Esteban since he was running for town council, and as a send off for Edwin. Conrad walked me home around midnight, like he always would if we were out, and... Well, he'd been inside earlier after the verdict came back for Wyatt, I was shaken up. We were teasing about getting mussed. I teased him again as he dropped me at home, and he asked if we should go inside together. So we did. He didn't leave until almost five in the morning." Ruby acts shocked for a moment before laughing. "Finally! You made the poor boy wait for months!! You're lucky he stayed around," she teases. After she stops laughing she says, "I am really happy for you Kate, I don't know him that well but he seems like a great guy. Everything is falling into place for you. I'm jealous." Kate answers, "Not everything perhaps, but I'm very happy. And my life isn't one for you to be jealous of, it wouldn't be the right life for you. He still wants to marry me, he said yesterday that he would go with me to the Priestess the moment I said the word. But the one thing I'm not ready for yet is to be a wife again. But it was... oh, it was so wonderful." Although she's still embarrassed Kate's eyes shone. "There was nothing else in the world, just us. After a while very tired us," she finished with a laugh. "That's the absolute best tired there is," Ruby smiles. "It's not that I want your life Kate, just that things are settling down, your path is clear even if it takes a while to walk it." "I, uh, when I left Jake and I were, you know, together but I just had... doubts. I was always unsure, even when I told myself I was sure, I wasn't. I don't know if it was me or him or both of us. I was always trying to convince myself. My birthday, three weeks ago, came and went and he didn't come for me like he promised, he didn't contact me. We came to the city, I wrote to him twice, he knew where I was and he still didn't contact me. Before I left the City I asked him to please wire me back. But I also... said goodbye, in my own way. I love Jake, I really do, I always will, and if I thought he would eventually come around I would wait for him forever. I just don't think he will, I see it now. I was thinking when I returned to Promise City I would release him. From his promises, from me." Ruby's eyes well with tears. "I don't know how I will do it, but I have to, I love him too much to keep him." Kate didn't say anything right away, instead leaning over to hug her friend for a moment. “I think I've said this before, sometimes love just isn't enough. Maybe neither of you were ready yet. I can't speak for Jake, he hasn't confided in me about anything between the two of you. From what I've observed he's been hurting too, it was obvious he was missing you terribly. Maybe you both knew that you had gone as far together as you could, no matter how much you loved. Sometimes people enter our lives and help us learn something, then move on. You needed someone to teach you about love, that it was possible, that a man could want you without strings. Whatever else happened that was true of Jake, and perhaps that is making you ready for what Mr. Eastman has to offer?" "You're so smart Kate," Ruby wipes her eyes. "You know so much about these things." She sighs, "I do miss him so much too but I think you're right. I still want to check the Western Union office one more time, before I return to George today." She looks up at her friend. "How do you know if you're ready to be someone's wife?" Kate says, "I've got some bad news for you there, Ruby. You don't. It's much easier to know when you're not ready. I know I'm not ready yet because I don't want to go from depending on one man to depending on another. Tom's death changed me, and I need to get to know myself again before I try to give that new woman to another man. I like having my own home, dealing with people on my own terms, and I'm just a bit selfish of my freedom yet. When are you ready? When the idea of giving up those freedoms is less attractive to you than the benefits of being married. When you would rather work through an argument than be able to just leave it behind you. When the idea of a quiet night at home together, not in bed together or doing something exciting, just both being in the room and quiet and happy to be together. For you... When the thought of staying doesn't frighten you as much as the thought of going, I'd think." "I never want to not be doing something exciting. I..." Ruby glances around the room. "Mr. Gonzales is not back so I will tell you. The dream I had, she told me whomever I chose I would be happy. She didn't say for how long, but that it would leave happy and loving memories. My first night here... I, well, was with a man. I know it's not something you approve of but it had been so long, not having Jake, and I was lonely. And heartbroken. His name was Roger. He was so sexy and fun..." A smile creeps onto Ruby's face. "Anyway, Aphrodite said that he was most like me, he would leave the Navy for me and we could run around the world having fun and no responsibility. And that thought used to appeal to me. But not anymore." Even though her eyes are still red she is grinning. "In George, I think I've found someone who I can do it all with. He loves me, Kate, there is no doubt. He is handsome and kind and you wouldn't believe all the good he has done with his work. And he adores me and wants to give me everything I want. And the past days have been amazing, we've had so much fun, just being together. It's been exciting and fun AND sexy... he, well, he never slept with anyone before me. He waited for ME his whole life! And you would think that might be a bad thing but he is so loving it's not bad, not bad at all... actually it's very very good." And she blushes, "And he's not afraid to learn things from me either." Ruby gets excited, "My heart starts pounding, I get butterflies when I'm near him, I get nervous, I want him to be pleased with me. It's crazy!" Kate says, "That's the beginning of it. It certainly sounds promising, honey, so let me just give you one piece of advice. Don't rush. Mr. Eastman may ask you to marry him again, I wouldn't agree right away. Get to know each other, enjoy each other, and make sure you're willing to do the work that being married means. I've never taken a man to my bed that I didn't love, Ruby, but I do think it makes all the difference." Ruby hugs Kate. "Thank you for the advice. I've missed you so much. Aphrodite told me to trust my heart and that's what I'm going to do. If he asks me, well... there are other issues we haven't discussed and I've made it clear that it's important to me to return to Promise City. We've talked about a lot but some things he wants to talk about things later... so there are some issues. But I'm going to do what the goddess said, and trust my heart. We'll see what it says IF it happens. Maybe it won't," she shrugs. "I'm definitely going to the Western Union office. That final thing will put my heart at ease in regard to Jake." Ruby looks to the door. "Where is Mr. Gonzales? I'm starving and I can't stay out of the house forever. Oh, but I hope you can at least stay until tomorrow. I don't know that I can make all these decisions today! Plus I want you to spend some time with George." "I'm not sure how possible that is, but we'll see. I have school and Ginnie, but I can't say I wouldn't like a chance to observe Mr. Eastman for myself. Since we're talking about Jake, he won the tournament," Kate said with a smile. "And even better, Evan Adair was arrested by Federal Agents on the orders of the President himself. And he'd put a side bet with Jake on the Palace, so Jake won it too." "Jake won? And the Palace too? That's amazing!" Ruby beams. "No matter what happens, I'm happy for him. I wonder what he will do..." Kate says, "Rebuild it first. I haven't told you all the stories yet." "Rebuild it?" Ruby shakes her head. "I guess we do still have a lot to talk about." Gonzales returns and having caught that part of the conversation interjects, "Yes, Ashley King and some of his friends decided to influence the election by dynamiting several of the candidates businesses and homes." Kate adds, "I still wish I knew if the school was a target or if they were just reacting to the fact I was out there defending it. Since Ashley King is dead I guess I don't get to know that." Ruby’s eyes widen. "I'm afraid to ask, did anyone get hurt or worse?" Kate says, “No one close to us was hurt, Ruby. The bartender and one of the girls at the Palace, but that was all, except for some of the dynamite throwers. Food arrives in short order and within ten minutes of that Gonzales returns. Kate says, "I hope everything went well," Kate said as he sat down again. Her breakfast was taking up twice as much room as everyone else's. "We've had a good talk while you were gone." He says, "Good, I'm glad. I'm also hungry, let's eat." As she digs into her food she asks, "How did your walk go?" He says, "Good, it was very informative." Kate says, "Were you looking for something in particular?" Kate asked, and followed the statement with another forkful of eggs. Ruby asks, "Oh? What did you learn?" He replies, "That your Mr. Eastman has a lot of innovative ideas and positive character traits." Kate says, "That's good to hear." "I told you!" Ruby smiles. "Did you go spy on him too?" He says, "No, I just walked over to the library and spoke to the reference department librarians. You'll never find a better source for information in any city than the people who work there." Kate says, "That's true. My father always understood that and he's tried to make sure he leaves a good footstep in the city." Ruby laughs. "Come on Mr. G., you know me and books don't go well together. It's not the first thing I think of! But I'll keep it in mind. So then, now that you know I haven't been kidnapped, yet anyway, what are your plans? Will you come and meet him? Did you meet him when he was in Promise City? Did either of you meet him?" Kate says, "Only when he was drunk... that night. You know." Gonzales replies, "Not really, but Pedro and Dorita did. They did seem to like him, at least until word got around that he had murdered you Ruby. As for our plans, we don't have any, rescuing you was our only agenda item. We might as well go back to meet your friend once we finish this meal." Kate says, “As long as Mr. Gonzales thinks it's alright, we can go meet your young man. I knew I got all dressed up for something." Ruby laughs. "Kate, he's older than you! But yes, I hope he is my young man. He told me he missed me when I spoke to him on the phone." Ruby says, "First we are going to make a very quick stop at the Western Union office. I'm anxious to get there now. Oh, and I need to get something for a three year old." They finish the meal and depart, Gonzales getting directions to the Western Union Office. They arrive and have to wait in a short line for the next available teller. When they reach the front of the line the clerk asks, "How may I help you Ma'am." She says, "Yes, I'm here to check if there are any messages for me. My name is Ruby West." He states "Hold on, I'll check." He returns a minute later and says, "Yes, we have a telegram for you. There was no delivery address so we have been holding it." He hands her a clipboard and says, "Please sign here for it." Ruby's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected there to be anything. She scribbles her name on the clipboard and looks at Kate nervously while she waits. Kate took her friend's hand and gave it a squeeze, almost disappointed there was something. Ruby seemed to have her mind clear, and hopefully this message wouldn't cloud it again. He hands her the two-page telegram. The date and time stamp indicate that it was sent from Promise City, Arizona the previous evening. The top page reads: “Ruby, Your most recent telegram to Jacob was delayed and he only now received it. The following is his response. You and I can talk about this further after you return to Tucson. Most sincerely, your friend and business partner, Cornelius Van Horne.” "Oh."  Ruby gulps and thanks the man behind the counter. Jake had written her back but why did it take so long? And why would she have to talk to Van Horne about it? She hurries out side the office and hesitantly looks at the second page. It reads: Dearest Ruby, I am not coming for you, nor will I be waiting for you if you return to Promise City. Since you have been gone I have come to understand that I cannot give you what you need from me. I meant every word I said to you when I said them; they now linger bitter in my mouth and taunt my waking and sleeping hours. There is no other, there never can be another that takes your place in my heart. I will never be able to explain in a way that will satisfy you, so I will not try. You are free of any and all promises that you made to me. Move on with your life, and find one who can give you what this saloon rat cannot. I have no right to ask this of you, but perhaps one day you will not hate me for my weakness. Remember me fondly if you can. Soar, Ruby West, as you were meant to from birth. Sparkle and shine for all the world to see, for you are truly the brightest star in the heavens. Jake. Ruby's lip trembles as she hands the telegram to Kate. "It's done. I knew it anyway I just... just..." She embraces Mr. Gonzales and cries into his shoulder. Gonzales returns the hug and kisses her on the forehead. He also establishes eye contact with Kate once she has finished reading the telegram. Kate read the telegram who looked back with regretful but unsurprised eyes and sighed. "I didn't know he planned to leave Promise City, but from this it seems he is. How strange that will be." She laid her hand on Ruby's shoulder. "It doesn't matter that you expected it, or think it's the right thing, it still hurts." Ruby sobs for a few more moments then stands tall and wipes her eyes. Kate was right, it did hurt but it was the right thing and they both knew it. "It's okay, I'm okay. I just, I'm fine. Let's go buy some toys and then I can return to George. That will make me happy." She takes the note from Jake and folds it up, tucking it into the pocket of the skirt Kate bought her. "You two are really going to like him and maybe one day love him too. He's...," she searches for the right word knowing they would understand her meaning, "Different." Kate didn't let Ruby off quite that easily, moving in to embrace her and saying, "You're not alright, but you will be. Let us go see your George." Ruby returns the hug for a few long moments. The part of her heart that Jake had, would always have, ached. But she had already thought it over and truly did know it was for the best. And at this time and place in her life, George Eastman was there to lessen the hurt and pain that might have felt like the end of her world just three weeks earlier. Ruby had options and those options took away a lot of the sting of the last hurt she would ever feel over Jacob Alistair Cooke. She wipes her eyes again quickly and smiles, releasing her friend. "There used to be a toy shoppe just around the corner from here. Let's go see if it's still there." Ruby takes Kate's hand and the two girls walk down the avenue followed by Gonzales. They are in luck, the store is still there and even has the original owner, although either he doesn't recognize Ruby or he doesn't recall her. They take their time looking around the shop. Every once in a while Ruby sneaks a peek at Kate and could see in her eyes a twinkle, Ruby assumed she was imaging her own son someday playing in their yard, surrounded by more toys than he could ever use. Ruby chooses a set of Cowboy and Indian figurines, laughing to herself over how appropriate a gift it was. She also buys a toy drum, more to annoy her father than anything. As she approaches the counter something catches her eye, a porcelain doll. She had one once as a child and she vividly remembers her nanny, then her mother punishing her for breaking it. The odd thing was that in a way, the doll looked like Ruby had back then, perfect fair skin, red hair with a big bow holding it back and a perfect little white dress with a pink sash. Ruby picks it up and blinks a few times as she gets lost in her memories looking at it. She decides to also purchase the doll. The man behind the counter rings up her purchases and wraps them for her. Ruby meets Kate and Gonzales near the door. "I'm ready. Did either of you find anything?" Kate had indeed looked through the store imagining her own children playing with them. "Ginnie doesn't care much for toys, she prefers other things, and Liam will have so many gifts from friends and family that he won't be able to play with them all." "Liam, huh? What's his last name going to be, Kale? Or might you change it one day?" Kate says, "His last name will be Kale. Even if mine changes, his will be Kale," she said, with a bit of a blush. Embarrassed, she added, "It's one of the reasons I've refused to marry Conrad. Liam is Tom's father's name, I didn't want to name him Thomas since... well, I thought most people in town would think it odd for me to name my illegitimate child after my late husband. That's changed, but I've been thinking of him as Liam for so long now that it's his now." "Well, he's not illegitimate, is he? You should name him what you want." Ruby considers out loud. "Liam... I like it." Ruby hesitates. "Did you like the gift I sent?" Kate kissed her cheek. "It's sweet, and beautiful, and his first gift. He's not illegitimate, but he's the one who has to live with the name, not me." "I'm glad you liked it, it looked perfect to me when I saw it." "Alright, if there are no other purchases, let's get going." They make their way back to the old wagon pulled by the elderly horse. As Ruby is climbing in she asks, "Where did you get this thing anyway? Didn't they have a carriage instead?" We were keeping a low profile," Kate said. Ruby raises an eyebrow but doesn't question any further. She gives the directions to return to George's house. Gonzales adds, "When you're kidnapping somebody you don't want to draw undue attention to yourself." He then adds with a smile, "And we did such a good job with the kidnapping too it seems almost a shame to have to bring you back." Ruby says, "What should I tell them when we return? I can just tell them you came to visit me and escort me home." Kate says, "We wanted to escort you home because we missed you so much, but as you're happy, we'll just have to settle for a visit." Gonzales replies, "That works, it also has the advantage of being the truth." "Very good then, it's settled." Ruby sits down in the wagon, bracing herself for the bumpy ride, hoping it goes quickly for more reason then one.</blockquote>

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