"Henry gave me a picture of his horse." Grace said as they were sitting down to dinner. "I've never ridden a horse, neither has Henry. I think I'd like to ride one." She went on. "Star have you ever ridden a horse?"
"No, I have not," she answered. As she wiped Hawk's food smeared mouth clean. "I had never even seen a horse until I arrived in the Enchanted forest."
"Henry said they are very big. His grandpa took him to the stables but told him he had to learn first to take care of the horse. His grandpa used to work at the animal shelter. Henry's living with his grandpa right now." Then Grace's countenance fell,"but both Henry and his grandpa are sad. Henry's grandma and mom, Emma, fell through a portal and no one knows where they are. Henry is pretty sad and his grandpa too. I told him I could understand how he felt. I missed you so much when you were gone, Papa and I didn't know where you were." Jefferson's heart constricted. Then Grace smiled, "but I found you. I hope Henry finds his mom and grandma."
"I hope he does too", Star added.
"So Papa, do you think I can go learn about the horses like Henry?"
Jefferson was lost in thought for a moment, wondering how he could possibly help get the hat to work, when he heard his daughter say his name again.
"May I go to the stables too?" She repeated.
"Goo, goo" said Hawk.
"Well, Henry's grandpa is the Prince, he can pretty much do what he wants, but I'll tell you what. I'll talk to him and see if you can join once in a while."
"Thank you, Papa! I'd rather have you for a Papa than the prince. Although he's nice, I love you more."
Grace came around and hugged him. This was all he needed.
Jefferson was asked to make some clothes for Belle. She had many ideas and even gave him drawings as suggestions. She was just way to friendly and touchy to make him feel comfortable. He was perfectly happy with his family being the only ones touching him. When it came time to measuring her, he asked his wife to do so. He had three outfits ready and was planning on taking them to town in the morning. But he still could not sleep thinking how he could get the hat to work.
He had an idea and he got out of bed and went to his maps. Excited at possibly finding a solution, he went back to his nice warm bed. Star curled toward him and he slept soundly.
When he dropped off the clothes, Belle was very pleased and she came around from the counter to give him a hug. He really wished she'd stop doing that.
Star had taken the baby to a Mommy and Me class, why she needed school to learn, or the baby at that matter, he wasn't sure. Star was a wonderful mother and Hawk, well, he was a baby so he's pretty good at being a baby. It made Star happy and that's all that mattered. So while they were occupied singing songs, Jefferson went into the Sheriff Station.
The Prince was stilling at a desk reading over papers. He looked up at hearing Jefferson's shoes hitting the floor.
He smiled as he stood, "Hello, Mr. Harris. What can I do for you?"
"My daughter, Grace, she's pretty good friends with your grandson, Henry. He was telling her about how you took him to the stables and she'd like to go. I can pay for lessons, if that's what's needed."
The prince smiled, "I think it's great that she wants to learn about horses. I can take her with Henry, say, once a week or on Saturdays and I'm sure we can work out any fees with the Stable hands."
"Thanks, that sounds good. She'll be happy to hear that. " Jefferson said then he just stood there thinking if he should mention his idea. It might not even be fruitful at all. Just a huge disappointment. But then he thought about how he was willing to a point of desperation to find a way to get back to his family, his Grace.
"Um, was there something else?" The Prince asked.
"Do you have a map of the town here? "
"Umm, I'm sure we should." He said as he started opening drawers. "What do you need to find?"
"Oh I don't need the map for myself. I made it. I know exactly what's on it. I actually came here for you."
"For me?" The prince asked and paused. Then he went back and did finally find the map.
He opened it and laid it on the desk. Jefferson looked and pointed to a spot in the woods. "There." The Prince looked up at him. "I was thinking of how to get the hat to work. Those are caves, well they can be mines. IF you find a way to mine into the walls. I have heard there can be pixie dust. It might, MIGHT, help."
The prince looked up. Hope filled his face, "The Dwarves! They mine! Thank you!" He gathered up a few things and looked like he was going to immediately walk out. "I definitely owe you a favor."
"But I'm telling you, it's just an idea. It might not work."
The Prince came back to him and clapped him on the shoulder. "It's hope. It's something, I'll take anything." And he turned to head toward the door. He paused and turned back around. "Say, would you want to guide us there and possibly help out? I'd really appreciate it."
Jefferson contemplated an answer. The prince seemed like a nice guy. Not lofty at all. "Sure" he answered.
So this is how Jefferson found himself mining for pixie dust to aid the Prince in a chance at being reunited with his family. And that felt pretty good.