Redemption, Kansas

by James Reasoner

She laughed softly. “They’ll be better soon enough.”

  “Not soon enough to suit me.”

  “Well, you cowboys always were impatient . . .” She lifted her head and held something out in her hand. “I brought this from the office for you.”

  Bill looked down at the tin star she held. He took it from her, rubbed his thumb over its slightly dented surface.

  “You’re still the marshal of Redemption,” she said.

  “After everything that’s happened . . .”

  “There might not be a town anymore if not for you. You’re the reason people fought those outlaws.”

  Bill closed his hand around the badge and tightened his embrace as Eden snuggled against him. He had no idea what the future might bring, but right now, in this moment, he had everything he needed. He was a long way from Texas.

  But he was home.