SEPTEMEBER 11, 1861

Michael paced back and forth as he waited for Jennifer to sort through the mail. He hoped that he would hear from his grandparents soon.

Jennifer smiled.  "Here it is, Michael. Wow from Mississippi, that's pretty far away. I thought you lived here most your life?"

Michael blushed as he took the letter. "I have since I was four. Mama was from there. I'm hoping her parents will come for my sister's wedding."

Jennifer frowned. She was confused. "Why wouldn't they? She is their granddaughter, right?"

Michael looked around to make sure his father wasn't around. "Well, mama's parents are from the south. They didn't want her to marry pa because he was from the north. As far as I know they have never seen me or my sister."

Jennifer nodded. She could understand why he wanted to do this for his sister. "I hope they come. Oh, I hear your father took in some of the orphans your sister and the riders found. I think that's great."

"Yes, he is. He's adopting five of them. I'm glad he is. I finally get a brother. Well, actually two of them besides Buck." Michael smiled as he told her.

Jennifer smiled. "I'm glad."

Michael smiled and waved as he left the store to read his letter. He sat on the bench outside the store. A frown creased his face. "No, you have to come." He whispered to himself. Quickly he mounted Bear and headed home.

 As he rode into the yard, He saw his father sitting on the porch. "Pa. can you help me?" He asked as he climbed off Bear and ran up the stairs.

Steven nodded. "sure Mickey."

Michael handed him the letter. "Are they coming? I don't understand it."

Steven took the letter and read it. His heart broke for his son. "I don't know Mickey. They will try. The war is making travel from the south hard. Son, don't be upset if they don't come. I'm not sure how they'll take to Buck."

Michael nodded "I won't. I don't care if they like him. Caly loves him like mama loved you. Just thought they should be here."

Steven smiled with pride as he watched his son. "You're right. Your mother would be proud of you. So am I." He stood. "How about we take your soon to be new brothers and sisters for a family ride?"

Michael nodded, "Okay what about Caly?"

Steven smiled. "She's with Buck taking a break from watching you all and working on her wedding." He watched Michael nod. Steven knew Caly had been staying home more now that he had adopted the kids. He knew she needed the break even though she enjoyed watching her new brothers and sisters. Michael smiled as he headed to the barn to hitch up the wagon while Steven went inside to gather his new children for the ride.