AT THE VALENTINE'S DANCE!

FEBRUARY 14, 1860

Smiling at him shyly, Caly replies, "Thank you. I told you I can be a lady if I want to, but yes I am having a good time. Are you? You look great yourself."

He answered, "Yes I am. Thank you."

They danced to several more songs before Ted came over as the song ended and said, "Hello Caly, Mr. Cross. May I have that dance you promised me?"

Caly looked to Buck who nodded and said, "Go ahead Caly. I'll go find another dance partner for this song." He smiled and left her in Ted’s hands.

As the song started they danced and Ted said, "You sure look pretty tonight Caly."

Smiling shyly at him she said, "Thank you Ted. You look very nice yourself tonight."

"Thank you." Ted answered.

Just as the song ended Buck came over saying, "May I reclaim my date?"

Ted smiled and nodded turning to Caly, "Thank you for the dance."

Caly nodded and took Buck’s arm. The music started again, they moved out onto the dance floor. As they were dancing, Caly said, "Buck who is that girl over there. The one with the red hair?"

Looking over to where she was pointing he said, "Oh that's Catherine Paige. I can introduce you to her if you want. She runs the hotel in town." She nodded and turned her attention back to Buck. After the song ended they walked over to Catherine and Buck said, "Excuse me Catherine. I would like to introduce Caly Johnson to you. Caly this is Catherine Paige."

They nodded to each other and Caly extended her hand, "It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Paige."

Catherine smiled and said, "Hello Caly. It’s nice to meet one of Buck’s friends." The two of them sat there and talked for awhile.

Caly turned to Buck saying, "Can you get me something to drink?" Buck nodded and walked over to the refreshment table and returned with a glass of cider and handed it to her.

Cody walked over to where Buck and Caly were standing. Pulling on his collar to loosen it, Cody said, "Excuse me Buck, but may I have the pleasure of dancing with your date?"

Buck looked at Caly saying, "Well, its okay with me if she doesn't mind dancing with you Cody."

Turning to Caly, Cody said, "Well, what do you say?"

Caly thought for a moment then said, "Yes, I would like that. That is if you don't mind Buck?" Buck shook his head. Caly smiled and said, "Thank you. You are so sweet."

Caly took Cody’s arm and headed for the dance floor. While they danced Cody said, "So Caly have you told Buck how you feel yet?"

Looking surprised she replied, "How do you know about that? I haven't told anyone but my brother. I will get him if he talked. No, I haven't told him yet. I am afraid to."

Cody smiled and said, "No, Michael didn't say anything. I can see it in your eyes when you look at him. But don't worry, I won’t say anything to him."

Smiling she answered, "Thank you so much Cody." Just as the song ended, they were approached by several gentlemen who wanted Caly to dance with them. But Buck reclaimed his date, and they stood there talking with Michael and Jemima. Caly noticed Catherine leaving and looked outside and saw Catherine kiss Jimmy.

She smiled but didn't say anything to Buck or Michael, thinking I'll talk to her later about it. Then her attention was drawn back to Buck. She smiled at him. He said, "Is everything okay?"

She nodded, "Yes, its okay, thanks for asking." Throughout the night Caly danced with her father, her brother, Richard, and several of the other riders.

The dance was ending, and there was one dance left Buck came over and said, "Okay fellas, she's my date. May I have the last dance ma'am?"

Caly smiled and answered, "Yes, you may." Taking his arm they found a square that needed a foursome.

Buck said as he bowed to Caly, "Well, I guess you are pretty popular when you dress up."

Caly replied as they boogied up and touched hands with the couple across from them, "No, I'm just lucky to be on the arm of the best looking young man tonight."

Buck blushed and as they backed up to stop at their starting positions, he said, "Thank you, but I am the lucky one to have the prettiest date here tonight."

She blushed and said, "Thank you." Then they both concentrated on the square dance calls.