AUGUST 29, 1861

Lee and Jimmy had decided to go see Cody. They didn’t like the way that he was treating Jacy. In the privacy of Cody’s room, Lee said what was on her mind. “How dare you decide for Jacy what is best for her!  I know if it were Jimmy and me in your and Jacy’s position, I would be furious if Jimmy had decided that I didn’t need him because of an accident. It’s her choice, Cody.   She loves you for who you are on the inside, not for who you are on the outside. She was attracted to you because of the outside but fell in love with the person on the inside. And unless you change the person on the inside, she will always love you no matter what!”

“Lee’s right, Cody. We came here today to get you to take Jacy to the Square Dance instead of Kid.  Jacy still loves you, and you are only hurting her by pushing her away.  We know that you love her too. Stop being a fool and take her to the dance.”

Cody decided to let Jimmy and Lee think they had talked him into going to the dance.  “Fine, I’ll go.  But Kid will still escort her to the dance. And please don't tell her that I'm going, I want it to be a surprise!"

Jimmy and Lee nodded. They weren't sure why he wanted it to be a surprise, but they really didn't care about that. All they cared about was that he was at least going to go to the dance. Well, since Jimmy and Lee sort of got what they had set out to do, they decided to leave. On their way back to the way station, they discussed Cody and Jacy. They both wondered why Cody wanted it to be a surprise instead of just telling Jacy that he was going to attend the dance. They couldn't figure it out, but maybe they would on the night of the dance.