JUNE 27, 1861

As she rubbed down Arrowhead, Samantha thought about the up coming Fourth of July dance. Smiling she was glad that she gave Tally another chance.

Giving the horse some feed she patted his neck as she headed out of the stall. She thought of what was in her closet. With a nod she decided to buy a new dress. So after she left work for the night she would see if Grace could make her one in time.

The rest of the day passed fairly quickly. After seeing to the horses and making sure that they had enough water for the night, she headed over to the boutique. Hoping Grace would still be there and be able to help her. But halfway there, Jedidiah stopped her.

"Good evening," he tipped his hat. "May I escort you where you're heading?"

Samantha didn't want him to go to the boutique with her. She was hoping that he would ask her to the Fourth of July festivities, and she didn't want him to see her new dress until that night. "Well, I was just out for a walk."

"Then may I be your escort?" Jedidiah inquired. "I wanted to ask you something."

Hesitantly, Samantha nodded and took his arm. She wanted to get to the boutique, but this was more important, especially if he was going to ask her what she wanted him to ask her.

They walked down to the end of the town, near the bank. Jedidiah was running the question over and over in his head. He wanted to ask her just right. Samantha was wondering when he was going to ask her.

"Do you know about the Fourth of July festivities that the whole town is planning?" Jedidiah finally asked.

"I sure do. How could I not? Everybody is discussing it."

"Good, good," he smiled. "Are you going to attend?"

"I guess so. Are you?"

"Yes, well, I thought I might go. That is if a certain someone would agree to go with me."

"And who might that be?"

Jedidiah's smile faded. "Uh . . . well . . . I was hoping it would be you."

Samantha grinned. "I would like to go with you."

Jedidiah's face lit up. "Good! Good, I'll pick you up at seven if that's alright with you?"

"That's fine by me." Samantha answered. Jedidiah and Samantha turned around and started walking back the way they had come. Samantha saw Grace leaving the shop. She was heading home. Samantha would just have to go to the shop tomorrow to get a new dress.