Immediately embarrassed, Grover became flustered. Then he smiled. "Oh Roy, you're such a joker. No this is good money and not stolen."
"That's great. We'll see you in two days."
As they drove away from the bank, Sara inquired about making an additional stop.
"Would you mind going out to my old farm. I think this would be a good time to say farewell."
Roy nodded and made the turn toward the old Johansson farm. Musing over his circumstances, Roy was overjoyed and could not believe how much of his life had changed within the last year and a half. Now, he was setting off on a new adventure, with still another unknown future, by joining the U.S. Marshals. I honestly believe the family curse is finally over, Roy thought.
Upon their arrival at Sara's old place, the farm actually appeared worse, despite the devastation Roy witnessed during his last encounter. The place looked as if it was abandoned many years earlier. Between the rains and wind, all that remained of the house, was the foundation. The barn was completely erased. Remarkably, other than two black scars on the earth, one would never know a farm had ever existed. The old cistern still contained water, so Roy tied Sugar-Girl to the trough while the family walked around in astonishment.
"I'm so sorry your farm ended like this Sara. It was a great home and I'm sure you have many memories associated with this place."
Sara looked up into Roy's eyes. "Not all the memories I have, are worth saving Roy."
Roy acknowledged Sara's point by nodding. The family walked over to the crop field and Roy abruptly stopped. He could not believe the sight. The charred plants had regenerated and were nearly six feet tall.
"I swear Sara, the last time I was here, this field was burnt to within a foot off the ground, yet I'm looking at a mature crop that's ready for harvest. How is this possible?"
Sara smiled and put her arm around Roy's waist. Billy and Abe joined them and they all stood staring at the beautiful crop.
"It's called a second harvest, Roy. When everything is perfect with the weather, and you harvest your first crop, then sometimes you get a bonus yield called a second harvest."
She paused while Roy absorbed her comment. Resting her hand on Roy's chest she looked into his eyes and said, "It's kind of like us. You and I are having our second harvest."
Sara's implied meaning was not lost on Roy. He smiled at Sara and then leaned over and kissed his wife. He had much to be thankful for and his heart swelled with pride. Not too long ago, he thought life was a means to the end, but then Roy discovered love and so much more-a family and future.