If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
...
For a second, Mary-Beth just stared at him, then a soft giggle bubbled past her lips. "Oh, come on now," she teased, shaking her head. "There's no way. Something like this would take a fortune to start, and time, time you don't have with everything goin' on with the gang. And don't get me wrong, your cookin's good, Caleb, but—"
She stopped when she saw the look in his eyes. That steady, unshakable gaze, warm and patient, with that little smile playing on his lips like he was letting her in on a truth no one else knew. Slowly, Mary-Beth's laughter faded. Her breath caught as realization flickered in her chest like a struck match.
"…You're serious, you're… you're not teasing me." She breathed, her voice barely audible.
Caleb's smile deepened, soft but sure. "Dead serious."
The world seemed to tilt on its axis for Mary-Beth. The sizzle of the grill, the chatter of the customers, it all faded into a distant hum.
She was looking at the man she loved, but she was also looking at a businessman, a property owner, a man who had quietly built a legitimate, thriving enterprise right under the nose of the most wanted gang in the territory.
"But… how, Caleb?" she finally managed to ask, her voice full of wonder.
Before Caleb could answer, the young woman server arrived at their table, expertly balancing two plates. On each was a golden brown bun cradling a juicy patty of meat topped with cheese that melted on, alongside a small bowl of crispy, fried, salted fries.
"Two burgers and fries," she said cheerfully, setting them down. "Enjoy!"
The arrival of the food broke the spell momentarily. Mary-Beth stared at the plate in front of her as if it were made of solid gold.
"Eat first," Caleb said softly, nodding toward her food. "Then I'll tell you everything, Mary-Beth."
Tentatively, Mary-Beth picked up the burger. She took a small bite. Her eyes flew open wide as the flavors exploded in her mouth, the savory beef, the melted cheese, alongside the sharp taste of creeping thyme inside the meat, and the soft yet sturdy bun. It was unlike anything she had ever tasted.
"Oh, my goodness," she mumbled around the mouthful, her manners forgotten in her astonishment. "Caleb, this is… this is incredible."
He watched her, his heart swelling with a pride deeper than any he'd felt after a successful robbery. This was different. This was creation, not destruction.
As she devoured the burger with unladylike enthusiasm, followed by the addictive fries, Caleb began to talk about how he achieved it, of course with a bit of embellishment. Hiding the fact that he was transmigrated, had a system, and that this was initially a game he had played turning real.
He told her about the story he had in mind, the recipe he'd refined from his days he lived with his parents before they passed away, the investment of his personal savings he had accumulated through his own and the gang activities.
Then finding Jasper who was being held captive at Rhodes in the basement of the gunsmith store, teaching him how to survive and then the recipes, securing the spot by the stable, the construction of the stall, and lastly securing some help before opening for business.
He essentially told her everything with changes. It was a confession, a unveiling of a secret self he had kept hidden from everyone. He was trusting her with his vision and ambition.
Mary-Beth listened, utterly captivated, her food momentarily forgotten again. She wasn't just hearing about a business venture, she was seeing a vision of a future she had never dared to imagine. A future of stability, of honesty, of building something together that wouldn't end in bloodshed or a frantic flight into the night.
When he finished, she was silent for a long moment, simply looking at him, her eyes shimmering with emotions she couldn't name. Then, she reached across the table and took his hand, her grip firm.
"This is… amazing, Caleb," she whispered, her voice thick. "You're amazing."
In that moment, sitting at a small table outside a fast food stall in Valentine, with the scent of frying oil and hope in the air, Mary-Beth Gaskil didn't just see her lover. She saw a future she never dared dream. And for the first time, it looked very bright and possible to have.
Caleb and Mary-Beth then enjoyed the rest of the burgers and fries together, the late afternoon sun casting long golden rays over the street. Mary-Beth, who had started the meal with a touch of ladylike restraint, abandoned every pretense by the time she was halfway through her burger.
She hummed with delight at every bite, her fingers slick with a sheen of melted cheese and burger juice. When she popped the last fry into her mouth, she let out a small sigh of bliss, then actually licked her fingertips clean.
Caleb chuckled softly at the sight, leaning back in his chair. "Guessin' that means it wasn't half bad?"
"Half bad?" Mary-Beth laughed, cheeks flushed and bright eyes sparkling. "Caleb, this is the best thing I've eaten in my life! Honestly, I could eat three more." She dabbed her mouth with a napkin she had and grinned at him, still glowing from the experience. "Now I understand why people are lining up for this."
Caleb smirked, the warmth of pride stirring in his chest. Before he could answer, Mary-Beth's expression softened and turned pensive. She placed her hands in her lap, fidgeting slightly as if wrestling with a thought.
"What's wrong?" Caleb asked, leaning forward.
She hesitated, then lifted her gaze to his, a shadow of doubt flickering behind her eyes. "Caleb… what's your plan now? I mean… you've got all this." She gestured toward the bustling stall, the customers still crowding around, Jasper moving quick at the window while the woman carried orders to tables.
"This ain't just some little scheme. This is somethin' real. Somethin' big. You could have a whole new life here, better than any of us back at camp could dream of. If you wanted, you could just… stay. Disappear. Leave all that behind."
The words hung between them like a storm cloud. Caleb could feel the weight behind them, the fear and the uncertainty creeping into her voice. A few minutes ago, she was glowing with happiness, but now her mind was racing ahead to what this meant, what it might change.
And she was afraid of losing him.
Caleb reached for a napkin from his satchel, wiped his hands clean, then leaned forward and took both of Mary-Beth's trembling hands in his. His touch was steady, warm, grounding her like roots holding fast in the wind. His gaze locked on hers, gentle yet unyielding.
"Mary-Beth," he said softly, voice low and thick with conviction. "I ain't goin' anywhere. I'll stay with everyone. They're my family. I'd never abandon them." He gave her hands a reassuring squeeze, his next words coming out like a solemn vow. "And I sure as hell ain't ever leavin' you."
Mary-Beth's throat worked as she swallowed, eyes wide and shimmering. "Really?" she whispered, almost afraid to believe it. "You mean that? You wouldn't… you wouldn't abandon all of us… abandon me?"
"Yes." Just one word, but it carried the weight of iron, a promise forged and sealed in his soul.
For a heartbeat, she just stared at him. Then the tension melted from her body like ice under the sun. A long, shaky sigh escaped her lips, and she smiled, a small, fragile smile at first, then one that bloomed bright and relieved.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, eyes dropping as guilt colored her cheeks. "Sorry for doubtin' you. You don't deserve that, not after everything you've done."
"It's okay," Caleb said gently. "Ain't nothin' to apologize for. It's normal, feelin' like that. I understand."
Mary-Beth's eyes softened, touched beyond words. Then, acting on impulse, she stood, circled around the little table, and stopped beside him. With a blush that could've rivaled the evening sky, she leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek in full view of everyone. When she pulled back, her face was crimson, but her voice was light, almost playful.
"That's your reward," she said, her lips curving into a grin. "For bein' so kind… and so patient with me."
Caleb's smile widened, slow and tender. "Guess I'll take it." He rose to his feet, brushing the top of her head with his palm in a gesture so affectionate it made her heart skip. Then his eyes gleamed with that mischievous spark she knew too well.
"C'mon," he said. "I wanna introduce you to my other folks here. Jasper ain't the only one holdin' the fort."
Mary-Beth, still a little flustered but now grinning ear to ear, nodded eagerly. "I'd like that."
So he led her back to the stall, weaving through the crowd of customers until they reached the service side. First, Caleb waved over a lanky man in a faded army coat with only one arm, Mickey, the Civil War vet. "Mary-Beth, this here's Mickey. Hell of a man. Keeps things movin' smooth when folks get rowdy."
Mickey gave a little salute with his remaining hand, grinning wide. "Ma'am," he said warmly, his voice carrying the rasp of age and too much tobacco.
"And this," Caleb continued, nodding toward a solidly built man stacking supplies near the counter, "is Troy. Used to be a ranch hand. Good with horses, better with a six shooter. Helps Jasper keep the peace."
Troy tipped his hat politely. "Pleasure, ma'am."
Both men were quick to exchange hearty greetings with Caleb, their faces lighting up with genuine happiness at his return. They swapped a few words, jokes, and Caleb promised they'd catch up proper later.
Then he guided Mary-Beth through the back door of the stall into the modest kitchen. Heat rolled out to meet them along with the rich scent of sizzling oil.
A man stood over a cauldron of fries, stirring them with practiced ease, Simon, another former ranch hand now turned cook. Caleb clapped him on the shoulder. "Mary-Beth, meet Simon. Fella makes the best fries in here after me."
Simon chuckled, nodding respectfully. "Ma'am."
Finally, Caleb turned to Jasper, who had just stepped in, wiping his hands. "Now, Jasper," Caleb said, "why don't you introduce us proper to the new face out front?"
The young woman from before appeared then, carrying an empty tray. She had a lively spark in her eye and a touch of defiance in her posture. Jasper cleared his throat and gestured to her. "This here's Jessie," he said. "She… well, she used to work at the saloon, but things weren't goin' too good for her there. So I offered her a spot here."
Caleb raised a brow, smirking. "Oh? And how exactly did you know she was 'failing miserably,' huh, Jasper? Don't tell me you've been hiring workin' girls now. Didn't think you had it in you, son. Guess you finally stepped into manhood while I was gone."
Jasper went red as a beet. "It... it ain't like that!" he stammered, waving his hands. "I just, she was sittin' on the saloon porch lookin' all down, so I asked what was wrong. She said she couldn't do her job right and wasn't makin' enough money to feed her folks, so I figured… why not give her a chance here?"
At that, Jessie giggled softly, clearly amused by Jasper's flustered state. She came to his rescue, stepping forward with a smile. "He's tellin' the truth, Mr. Caleb. He's been nothin' but a gentleman."
Caleb chuckled, letting the kid off the hook. "Alright, alright. Just givin' you hell, Jasper." Everyone laughed, the tension breaking into easy camaraderie. After a bit more chatting, Caleb finally straightened, his voice turning brisk but warm. "Alright, folks. Keep up the good work. I'm headin' to the saloon for a drink."
...
Name: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 7/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 7/10
- Charm: 6/10
- Luck: 6/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 3)
- Rifle (Lvl 3)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 3)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 2)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 3)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 4)
- Poker (Lvl 4)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 2)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 2)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
- Pain Nullifier (Lvl 1)
- Physical Regeneration (Lvl 0)
- Crafting (Lv 2)
- Persuasion (Lvl 2)
- Mental Fortitude (Lvl MAX)
- Cooking (Lvl 2)
- Teaching (Lvl 1)
- Germanic Language Proficiency (Lvl MAX)
- Inventory System (Permanent - 5x5x5)
- Acting (Lvl 2)
- Alcohol Resistance (Lvl MAX)
Money: 1,587 dollars and 60 cents
Inventory: 3,245 dollars, 7 gold nuggets, 8 gold bars, 7 silver rings, 1 Double Action, 1 Schofield, 2 large bags of jewelry, 4 gold rings, 2 silver rings, 4 silver pocket watches, 3 gold buckles, 1 gold pocket compass, 2 platinum pocket watches, and 2 Colm's Schofields
Bank: -