MARCH 30, 1860

Michael was standing in the doorway watching Caly sit on the porch swing. He was at a lost as how to help her since the incident with Simon, she hadn't left the ranch. When people would stop by to see her she would stay in her room. It seemed that only people she let near her were the riders, Meg and Luke. He also wondered where Caly got that old hat she always seem to being wearing.

Walking out Michael sat on the swing with Caly. Caly jumped and moved away before he could say anything to her. Letting her settle down Michael said, "Hey sis, I didn't mean to scare you. I wish you would smile and laugh again."

Caly turned and looked at him and said, "I wish I could." She stood pulling her hat further down over her face. She headed inside. Michael shook his head. He started to get up and head for the barn when Caly came out of the house and said, "Michael the new branding iron I ordered should be ready. Can you go into town and get it?"

Michael nodded and said, "But Caly you can go get it."

Tearing the hat off her head she said, "Look at me Michael. I can’t go into town looking like this," she threw the money at him and ran into the house crying.

Michael just stood there not knowing what to say to her. When Steven walked up and said, "Michael what happened to her should never have to happen to a lady. He took something from her that day. We have to be patient and understanding with her till she's ready to face it."

Michael turned to his father and said, "I didn't mean to hurt her poppa. I only wanted the old Caly back."

Steven smiled and said, "I know son. We all do. But it’s going to take time. Here while your picking up the branding iron get this fixed and give it back to her." Steven handed Michael his mother’s pin that Caly always wears. "We are lucky to still have her with us. He could have killed her." Michael looked at the pin in his hand and nodded. "Go on son. I'll keep an eye on her." Steven continued. Michael looked at his father then to the front door. Then he went and saddled Bear and rode towards town. Steven watched him leave then went in to the house to see if Caly was okay.

Michael rode into town and headed for the blacksmith shop. Reaching it he climbed down and tied Bear to the post. As he entered he was greeted by Justin. Justin saw Michael come in and said, "Hello Michael. Is there something I can do for you today?"

Michael said, "Hello Mr. Calhoun. I need to pick up the branding iron Caly ordered from you. And I was wondering if you could fix this pin for me?"

Justin nodded taking the pin and said, "Oh I heard about what happened to your sister. I do hope she’s feeling better. I know if anyone did that to Samantha he'd be dead." He studied the pin and said, "I will have this ready for you in an hour. Then you can pick up the branding iron at the same time."

Michael nodded and said, "Thank you, the guy who hurt my sister is dead. One of the Express riders shot him. I am glad his dead. But Caly is healing. It will take awhile. I'll tell her you were asking about her. I'll see you in an hour." He turned and left.

Michael returned in an hour and picked up the iron and the pin. "Looking at the pin, Michael said, "Thank you. I am sure Caly will like to have this back." He paid Justin the two dollars for the branding iron, but Justin wouldn’t accept any money for fixing the pin.

Michael mounted up and rode home. As Michael reached home he saw Caly sitting on the swing again. Dismounting Michael unsaddled Bear and rubbed him down. He gave Bear some oats, placed him in the coral and headed for the house.

As Michael stepped on to the porch, he said, "The iron was ready, but I also had something fixed for you."

Caly said without looking at him, "What is it?"

Michael reached out and said, "Here, look and see." Michael handed her the pin.

When Caly saw it was her pin she stated to cry and said, "Thank you, Michael. I thought I lost it," then she stood and hugged him lightly and went inside.

Michael smiled and hoped that maybe that the fun loving, vibrant woman that was his sister was returning. He went out into the corral where his father was getting ready to brand some cattle. and handed him the iron.

************

After school Jemima went to the blacksmith’s shop. Not seeing Justin she called out, "Mr. Calhoun are you here?"

Walking out of the barn Justin said, "I'm right here ma'am. What can I do for you today?"

Jemima blushed when he called her that and said, "I was wondering if you could make a bracelet for me? It’s a gift for my mother on Easter."

Justin nodded and said, "Yes, I can make one for you."

Jemima smiled and said, "I would like it to have a heart on it if it’s not to hard to do?"

Justin smiled at the little girl and said, "That won’t be any trouble to do. I will have it ready in a few days. Do you want to pay for it now or when you pick it up?"

Jemima thought about it and said, "Can I pay for it now? And I'll pick it up later?"

Justin nodded and said, "Sure you can. It wil be two dollars."

Jemima paid him and said, "Thank you, Mr. Calhoun."

"You’re welcome. I am sure your mother will love it." Justin replied.

Jemima smiled and waved as she left and headed home.

find more than the others.