The gang after lunch went their separate ways. Daniel gave his sister one last hug before going home. "I'll write and say you're in town to everyone. They'll be glad to know your here," Daniel said releasing Courtney. Courtney waved goodbye as she ran to finish shopping. Spot followed her trail. "Has she always been that emotional? One minute mad, the next happy?" Jack asked. "She's just having a rough start. With Dad gone, she's more emotional due to being clingy. She's a daddy's girl and always had been," Daniel explained. "How did you know he was gone?" Race asked. "Family, friends, that have sent letters to me," Daniel replied. "Letters arrive faster than a person on a train."
Courtney went from store to store looking or buying things. She bought a basket for produce shopping, a pair of shoes, and a stationary. "Are you going to write a letter too?" Spot asked. "Article writing or just taking notes. I have a month to hire at least fifteen people for jobs. But that's if they let me run a business," Courtney said as she looked at dress fabrics. "That one's pretty and ten cents per yard," Spot smiled. Calling over the owner, the fabric was cut accordingly. Along with other fabrics needed for the dress. The top layer was an orchid purple with the fabrics underneath a lighter shade. "That will be $3.36, please. I hope you enjoy your purchase," the cashier said. Handing the person the money, Courtney went next door to have the dress made.
When would you like to have this done by?" the seamstress asked. "Before August 16th. I want to look like a princess that day," Courtney smiled. Spot and a cashier smiled at her. "It's that special birthday that happens when a girl turns sixteen. Not many girls get that opportunity," the lady said circling Courtney. "Do you think you can make it? How much will it be"?" "No more than $4.38 and that include tax. That gets me a little over a month's time to have it done for you. That's enough for me to have ready before the date." Returning from the back of the store, "You've got your dress now. Anything else?" Spot said. Courtney shook her head and led him out the door.
It was late when Courtney was finally heading home. With two personal cakes in hand (Spot already ate his), they were passing the lodge. "Can I have one?" Jack said jokingly as he was standing outside. "Get your own cake. I haven't picked a favorite yet," Courtney pulled them away. "Favorite sibling? You know you have two older brothers," Spot laughed. "With me being the oldest. Now hand one over. I'll make you pay if you don't," Jack continued to joke. "I didn't paid twenty-seven cents for each just to have one be taken. You'll just have to wait until tomorrow," Courtney smirked. Jack knew what she meant by tomorrow. Tomorrow was his birthday and, yet, he still couldn't wait. With both cake still in her hands, Courtney said goodnight to her brother and headed home again. She sure had a surprise for Jack.
Reaching the door, Spot knocked on the door for Courtney. "Now you finally come home. Along with cake and other things. Has your father taught you how to spend your money?" Denton said as he saw Courtney. "You can come in too, Spot. Maybe you can join us for dinner. I always end up making too much anyway," she smiled as Spot stood in the doorway. As Spot went to take a seat, "What are you planning to make?" he asked. Courtney placed three steaks on the counter and seasonings she bought. "Steak with rosemary, sage, and light gravy over it. Along with the basics: salt and pepper," Courtney said. Spot smiled at the thought. It was his first home meal after many years. Minus the fact she lived with her guardian, it felt like family at the table.
