Coming Home

A lot had stayed the same over a decade. But a lot had changed. 

He was well aware that news of his arrival was even now singing over telephone wires. 

It pleased him. He wanted the town to know he was back— and not with his tail between his legs, as many had predicted.

He had money in his pocket now, and plans for the future.The Barlow place was the heart of his plans. 

He didn't subscribe to ghosts, under most circumstances, but the house had certainly haunted him. Now it belonged to him, every old stone and bramble—and whatever else it held. He was going to rebuild it, as he had rebuilt himself.

One day he would stand at the top window and look down on the town. He would prove to everyone—even to Rafe MacKade—that he was somebody.

The Return of Rafe MacKade

__________________

...

tell the world 
I'm coming home
let the rain wash away
all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits
and they've forgiven my mistakes 
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
tell the world I'm coming...

...

___________________ 

Later, when they were curled together in the deep feather bed, she laid her hand on his heart and smiled.
"I'm awfully glad you came back to town, MacKade. Welcome home."

The Return of Rafe MacKade