JULY 25, 1861

Charity was browsing the general store for the supplies that she needed when Simon walked up to her. "Is there anything I can get you, Miss Charity?"

"I was just looking, really. But I do need some flour and sugar for the restaurant."

"Alright, Ill get that for you."

Charity bought a few other items for herself, and then Simon helped her carry the heavy stuff over to the Silver Spoon. As they were walking over, Simon asked, "Miss Charity, I was wondering if I may escort you to Charlie and Grace's wedding?"

Charity bit her lip. She still liked Cody a lot. What should she do? She cleared her throat and frowned slightly, she liked Simon, but she really had her heart set on Cody. Her only problem was that Simon had asked her to the wedding and Cody hadn't.

She knew that she shouldn't wait for the blonde Pony Express rider because she could be waiting for Cody forever. Sure he was having problems with Jacy, but who knew if he would fix whatever was wrong in their relationship? That would certainly follow the path that her life had always taken. Everyone else had gotten what she had coveted for herself, leaving her alone. Well, not this time, this time she was going to take what had been given to her, even if it wasn't her first choice. Simon was a nice man. A man that she could have a nice time with.

Realizing that Simon was waiting patiently, she smiled brightly. "I'm sorry I was woolgathering."

"That's all right."  He replied.

"I would love to go to the wedding with you."