APRIL 2, 1860

Having picked up Caly’s chores, since this whole thing with Simon happened, he was busy all the time. He didn't mind though. He knew she was sore and was having a hard time dealing with what had happened to her. He did get the feeling that he wasn't being told everything about what had happened. But he knew Caly wouldn't tell him because she was always protecting him, and he felt bad for not being able to protect her. He did notice that when Buck came around Caly seemed a little better. Even though he didn't care for Buck spending so much time with her. He didn't say anything because it made her happy and that mattered more to him.

Walking out of the barn he saw Luke, Meg, Buck and Caly all head out. He smiled thinking. I am glad she is getting out of the house for a while. He was startled from his thoughts when he heard his father call him from the porch.

Looking at his father he answered, "Yes pa, what did you need?" He knew his father blamed himself for what had happened, but he didn't know how to help him believe it wasn't his fault.

Steven smiled as he looked at his youngest child and said, "Why don't you go do something with your friends. You need to get away from the house for a while. I know you have been around here a lot making sure Caly wasn't alone. Then you are willingly doing her chores on top of your own. I want you to know that even though she doesn't say it she’s thankful to you. Now go have some fun. She’s okay. She feels safe with Buck and we both know he'll watch out for her."

Michael thought about it then saying, "If your sure pa, I would like to go talk with Melissa about something." Steven nodded and motioned for him to get for awhile. Michael smiled and ran to the barn and saddled Bear.

Steven watched as Michael rode out of the barn and headed towards town. He knew that recent events and the fact that no one would tell him everything that had happened was hard on Michael. But Steven knew it was for the best. Michael was still too young to understand. After Michael disappeared from sight he went back inside to finish what he was doing.

Michael rode to town. Reaching the newspaper office, he dismounted and hoped that Melissa would be there and would want to go for a ride with him. He tied Bear to the post and went in.

As he entered he saw Jacy at her desk. Jacy looked up when she heard someone enter the office. Seeing Michael, she said, "Hello, Michael. How are you?"

"Hello, Jacy. I'm fine. Thank you." Michael said.

"I am sorry to hear about what happen to your sister. I do hope she is feeling better."

"Thank you. Caly is doing much better everyday. Buck, Meg and Luke manage to get her to go on a picnic. Is Melissa around?"

"Yes she is. She’s in the back. Go on back."

"Thank you, Jacy," then Michael headed towards the back room. Opening the door he said, "Melissa you here?"

Melissa came into the room saying, "Hello Michael. What brings you into town today?"

Michael smiled saying, "Well, my father said I could leave the ranch for awhile. Caly's with Buck. So he told me to get out and have some fun for a while. I was wondering if you would like to go for a ride with me?" Being shy he looks down as he says it.

"Yes, I would love to go for a ride with you." Melissa smiled. Walking passed Michael, Melissa said, "Jacy. I am going out with Michael for a while. Can you watch Smoke for me?"

Jacy nodded saying, "Sure bring Smoke’s box out here by my desk." Melissa nodded then went back to their room and picked up Smoke and his box and brought him out to Jacy. Placing the box by her desk Melissa hugged her sister and headed for the door.

As her and Michael walked out the door, she said, "Thanks sis. You’re the best." Jacy smiled and nodded as she watched them disappear through the door.

Untying Bear, Michael walked him across the street to the livery so Melissa could saddle Braids. After Melissa got Braids saddled and was mounted up, Michael mounted up. They rode out of town till they came to the lake.

Dismounting Michael turned to Melissa and said, "I wanted to talk to you about the dance." Michael looked away not knowing how to do this.

Dismounting and walking to him Melissa said, "Oh, I was wondering why you took Jemima to the dance. Jesse said you wanted to go with me."

"Well, I was going to ask you but then I saw you hug Jesse. So I thought you were going with him to the dance. I thought you liked him. I was hurt that he asked you knowing I wanted to and liked you."

Melissa blushed after hearing what he just said. Looking at Michael, she said, "Michael, Jesse had just told me that you liked me, and that you wanted to ask me to the dance. I was so happy, and I hugged him to thank him. I wanted to go to the dance with you. Jesse had done me a favor finding out for me. I knew you were to shy to tell me yourself."

Michael smiled saying, "So that’s why he was asking all those questions." Melissa nodded and they spent the rest of the day riding and having a good time. As the sun started to set, Michael made sure Melissa made it home safely. Then he headed home himself. He knew he did the right thing by telling Melissa the truth about asking Jemima to the dance. Walking his horse into the yard he was happy that him and Melissa were honest with each other.