AUGUST 4, 1860

Grace sat in the wagon next to her Uncle Teaspoon. She smoothed out her skirt and admired it. Rachel and Teaspoon both thought her dress was nice and both seemed a bit surprised to hear she had made it herself. Grace had been making her own clothes for years, Henrietta had taught her to sew and told Grace she was a natural seamstress. She was now on her way to town to mail her a letter. She had promised Henrietta she would write often.

"You're going to like Dreamvillle, Gracie." Teaspoon's voice broke her thoughts.

Grace nodded to him but kept quiet. She was still so very shy around everyone, even though all had been nice to her. She had met the others at the station and had learned that one of the riders signed. Ike had been surprised that Grace knew how to sign, but the two immediately became friends. Other than Rachel Ike was the one Grace spoke with the most.

"I want to introduce you to a couple of ladies about your age. Their names are Jacy and Melissa Hagan. They are sisters. I think you might get along well together."

Grace just nodded again.

Teaspoon raised his eyebrow to her, "I know you've been through a lot Grace, but you can talk to me I won't bite."

Grace felt badly. She looked to him and smiled, "I'm sorry Uncle Teaspoon."

"That's all right, and you know what? You should smile more often. You're a beautiful young woman, and that smile of yours brightens up my day."

Grace blushed, "Thank you."

"I got a feeling I'm going to have my hands full with suitors for you young lady," Teaspoon grinned at her.

Teaspoon pulled up next to the post office. "Here's our stop." He got down and then helped Grace down.

Grace nodded and thanked him. Grace followed him inside, and he introduced her to Blythe who seemed like a very nice woman. After they left the post office he led her over towards the saloon.

"I don't know if Rachel told you or not, but some of the people in Dreamville have switched jobs, and one of my riders is now running the saloon. Jimmy you met him the other day."

"Yes, I remember him, and Rachel mentioned it."

"Well, Jacy the gal I want to introduce you to works here temporarily, too." Teaspoon led her inside the saloon.

Jimmy looked up from the bar, "Hey Teaspoon, you showing Grace around Dreamville?"

"Why yes I am, and I thought I would bring her in and introduce her to Jacy."

"She's in the back. She should be out soon. Can I get you two a drink?" He said smiling at Grace.

Teaspoon replied, "How about two sarsaparillas?"

"That sounds good." Grace replied.

Jimmy got their drinks as they sat down at the bar and handed Grace hers. "So how you liking Dreamville so far?"

"It seems like a nice place," she quietly replied.

"Jacy," Teaspoon spoke up as a young woman emerged from the back. "I'd like you to meet my niece, Grace."

Jacy walked over to Grace, held out her hand, and smiled, "Please to meet you, I'm Jacy Hagan."

"Grace, Grace Hunter," Grace shook her hand.

Teaspoon talked with Jimmy while Jacy led Grace over to a table to sit down and talk for awhile. Jacy knew how it felt to be the new girl in town for she had been just that eight months ago. She was still shy around some folks, but gradually some of them had brought her out of her shell. Jacy could tell that Grace was shy, too, and would need some coaxing to get her to open up. But Jacy would take it slow at first, and let Grace warm up to her, so Jacy did most of the talking while Grace listened and watched the people come and go.