NOVEMBER 7, 1861

As Teaspoon, Rachel, Zee and Blaine walked out of the saloon, Ike, Jennifer and Jesse joined them. Before the grownups could say anything, the children blurted out that they could stay with Rachel. Jennifer and Ike smiled at Teaspoon and Rachel. They were relieved that the hearing had turned out good, and Jesse smiled at the two girls. He was happy that they would be staying, too.

"I think this calls for a little celebration. What about it Rachel? Lunch at the Silver Spoon?" Teaspoon asked.

"That sounds fine." Rachel agreed.

So all seven of them went over to the restaurant. Adriane came out and after seating the group and hearing the good news, she ran back into the kitchen to tell Paul and Charlie. Both fellas followed the young girl back to Teaspoon's table. "We heard the good news, and Paul and I wanted to come out and congratulate you, Rachel. I know once Grace finds out, she'll be very happy for you, too."

"Thanks Charlie," Rachel said, "but it's still just on a trial basis. Judge Wereton didn't grant us the adoption. He's coming back in about a month to see how things are going."

"We'll I just know that he will grant it. He'd have to be blind to not see what a wonderful person you are." Charlie complimented her.

"Thank you," Rachel smiled.

"I'm sure you folks are hungry, so Adriane please get their order, oh and the dessert today will be on me. You all deserve a treat to celebrate." Charlie stated before heading back to the kitchen with Paul.

The seven of them had a delicious meal, and all of them had dessert. The young girls would have liked to have seconds, but they didn't suggest it.

"Well, I think we better get on back to the station," Rachel said as they all stood around outside. "We have chores to do before I have to fix supper. Teaspoon will you be joining us this evening?"

"I think I just might, Rachel." He nodded. "I'll see ya tonight." He headed for the jailhouse.

The children followed Rachel over to the wagon, while Ike escorted Jennie back to the hotel. He signed `thank you for joining us.' And Jennie signed back `you're welcome'. Then she went inside, and Ike went to the wagon and drove it out of town.

The children chatted away in the back of the wagon. Rachel and Ike would glance around at them every now and then and smile. As the children jumped out of the wagon, Rachel called to the girls to come and help her inside. They obediently trailed her to the house while Jesse and Ike put away the wagon and the horses.