JULY 18, 1861

Noah stood on the porch of the bunkhouse. He was next up for a run. They all had been pulling double or triple duty since Cody had got hurt and Jimmy had refused to leave Lee's side, no one blamed him though.

The young man thought about Ivy. He still missed her, but as time passed the pain of her leaving didn't hurt as much. He was brought from his thoughts when he heard "Rider up."

Noah shook his head and mounted Trouble. Kid came riding up and handed off the pouch. Noah took it and headed off on his run.

Kid slowed Katie to a walk and then stopped her by the water trough. Climbing off her, he dunked his head beside her in the trough. "Sure wish Jimmy would help out around here."

"Kid! I'm surprised at you." Rachel snapped from behind him.

The young man spun around. "Aww Rachel, I didn't mean it honest."

Rachel couldn't help but smile. "I know Kid. Hopefully Lee's getting better."

Kid nodded, "I hope so. Well, I better go cool Katie down." He took up the reins and headed for the barn.

"Alright. Got stew when you’re done." She watched him nod his reply as he disappeared into the barn. She returned to the house to finish her baking.