DECEMBER 25, 1861

Steven smiled as he watched the new couple. The memories of Caly’s wedding a few months back came to mind. He wished her mother could have been alive to see it, but he knew he had done right by his oldest child. She was happy and a well-mannered young woman, well most of the time.

As the new couple left the dance area, he noticed Caly looking a little pale. Then he saw Buck quickly at her side taking care of her. He thought about it if his thinking was right there was more to celebrate then the wedding of the young couple, but he keep his thoughts to himself for all he knew she had just too much tonight.

He made his way over to the new couple. "Jimmy, Lee."

The young couple turned to him. "Mr. Johnson," Lee smiled as she hugged him.

The blond returned the hug. "I wanted to give you this." He handed her a piece of paper. He saw the confusion in her eyes. “Go on open it."

The young woman opened the paper and read it. "Oh Mr. Johnson we can't."

The older man smiled. “Please I know of your plans with Buck and Caly to start a horse ranch between your two places." He saw the surprise in the groom’s face. "He held up his hand to forestall any protests "I've learned a lot about my son-in-law with him under my room. We talked about his plans for their place. That’s how I know."

Jimmy laughed. "He was a little worried about living with you. And thank you for the hay." He shook the older man’s hand, and then a little girl interrupted them.

Steven smiled as he picked up Gabie. "I better get them home. It was a beautiful wedding.

The couple nodded their thanks as they watched him leave being a loving father to his family.