Jesse was driving Rachel into town. Rachel had to pick up supplies, and both Rachel and Jesse were hoping to receive letters. Rachel was looking forward to a letter from Drucilla. She suspected it was too early, and that Drucilla and Joshua probably hadn�t made it to New Orleans yet, but running a mill was hard, and she was having trouble keeping the station running smoothly as well. She needed more help. There just wasn�t enough of her to go around. She even had to pile more chores on Jesse. In fact several times this week she had him and the another riders cook their own meals.

Rachel had promised Drucilla that she would run the mill for them until they returned, but she had no idea how involved she would have to be in the running process. She figured that once she received a letter from Drucilla that she could write her and tell her that she needed to get someone else to run the mill. Rachel just wasn�t cut out for that type of responsibility. Rachel was missing her close friend, too. Saying goodbye to one of her best friends hadn�t been easy for her. She looked over at Jesse. She knew how awful he must be feeling because Rose was gone. She felt the same way since Drucilla was gone.

As Jesse stopped the wagon in front of the store, he jumped down and then went to the other side to help Rachel down. They both walked in together with Jesse holding the door for Rachel. Rachel smiled at Jesse. He was growing up just fine. He was turning into a nice gentleman. She knew it had been Rose�s work. She had worked a little magic on him, and Jesse wasn�t as reckless and independent as he used to be. She wished that Rose and her family could have stayed in Dreamville. She knew that Jesse missed her very much.

"I�ll see if we have any mail, Rachel." Jesse said after saying hello to Javier and Cody.

Rachel nodded and then started telling Cody what she needed. When Jesse returned he was empty handed. He shook his head at Rachel. He was upset. It had been months since Rose had left and still no word from her. He hoped that she was alright. Rachel could tell that Jesse was more glum then he had been. Her heart went out to him. "Jesse will you stay here and wait until Cody and Javier get the supplies loaded. I have to see someone." Jesse just nodded. He didn�t feel like speaking.

As Rachel walked over to the hotel to seek Mr. Simmons, she hoped that he could suggest someone better for the job of running the mill. As she entered the hotel, Meghan greeted her.

"Good afternoon, Rachel."

"Hello Meghan, how are you?" Rachel asked referring to her condition.

"Oh, I�m fine." Meghan said as she lightly patted her belly. She didn�t like the feeling that she was getting bigger and would soon look like a big balloon, but she didn�t want anybody to know how she felt, except for Luke and Serena.

"That�s good. Is Mr. Simmons around?" Rachel glanced around.

"Yes, he�s in his office. I�ll show you." Meghan led the way and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Walter called from his desk.

"It�s Meghan, Mr. Simmons. Rachel is here to see you." Meghan turned and smiled at Rachel.

"Well, then send her on in, Meghan." Mr. Simmons replied.

Meghan opened the door and pushed it wide opened for Rachel to enter. As Rachel passed by Meghan, she thanked her. Meghan nodded and then went back to work.

Walter stood up. "Hello Rachel, please come in. Won�t you have a seat." He motioned to the chair in front of his desk. Rachel nodded and sat down.

"I�ve come to see you on a business matter, Mr. Simmons." Rachel smiled at Walter.

"Oh, and what might that be?" Walter inquired.

"Well, I don�t know if you know or not but I�m running the mill until Drucilla and Joshua return." She paused. Seeing the surprised look on his face, Rachel knew that he hadn�t heard.

"No actually I didn�t know that. But I�ve been so busy with the hotel, saloon and the bank that I haven�t had time to notice much of anything else. So you�re running the mill!" Walter smiled at her. She didn�t look like the type who could take on such an endeavor. "So who�s running the station?"

"Well, I am when I can and the boys are helping me out. But I think Drucilla and Joshua might be gone for a longer time than I anticipated when I told Drucilla that I would look after the mill for her. That�s why I came to see you." Rachel answered.

"Me? Why me? I don�t know anything about running a mill. And even if I did, I don�t have any time. As I told you before I kind of have three jobs as it is, right now." Walter didn�t think he could take on another job at this time. Although he did sympathize with Rachel and wished that he could help her out.

"I know. I know, but I thought you might be able to recommend someone that could help me." Rachel explained.

"Oh! Well, off the top of my head I don�t know." Walter rubbed his chin.

"Well, thanks for your time anyway, Mr. Simmons." Rachel stood up and began to leave. "I�m sorry I wasted your time."

"No you didn�t waste my time. Rachel let me think about it for a little while, and maybe I can come up with someone for you, ok." Walter stood up and followed Rachel to the door.

"Thanks, Mr. Simmons. I would appreciate it." Rachel smiled.

"I�ll let you know if I think of anybody as soon as I can." Walter said as Rachel was leaving.

"Thank you," Rachel said again as she continued down the hall.