"I didn't, I was really only a daddy in the sense that I contributed to the act." he snorted, a little wryly. "I just thought loyalty to the gang meant more than settlin' down with a family. Did what I could for her, in my meager way. I don't think Eliza hated me ever for it, either because she'd found someone on the side or she didn't want the boy to grow up with an outlaw for a father, I ain't sure. She accepted my help whenever I did get the chance to stop by but." he sighed and shook his head.

Arthur snuggled close with the other man, his scent and warmth a comfort in the rough talk. "I was hard on Marston because I didn't want him to do what I did, wanted him and Jack and Abigail to have a life other than being on the run. Think they did, someday I'd like to find them, check and make sure they made it and the kid is gonna grow up good, but nothing more."

He got up after a moment to retrieve the bowl of heated water and a cloth to clean the medicine seller up before things got gross.

"But I try not to regret things too much, can't change the past. And, I have you, for as long as you'll have me. That's more than what I could ever ask for after the life I've lived."