Emily had been home for two weeks. Even though she didn't like it, she admitted to herself that simply getting up and walking was getting extremely difficult and uncomfortable. Her back ached almost daily if not hourly, or at least it felt like it. The heat had really run in a wave that bordered on unbearable. She stood in bed later and later into the day. She barely woke up when Buck came into her room and kissed her on her forehead and said he was leaving. He told her Cody was outside and would be finishing up the rail they were fixing around the barn.

She finished her embroidery project and thought of something to do while she stayed laying in bed. She decided to write a letter to the baby. It could be a journal that Buck suggested. It would be a letter to the baby when he or she was older. She got the pad of paper and began to write:

"My Dearest Firstborn Child,

We are anxiously awaiting your arrival. It should be any day. I wonder what you will look like? What you will sound like? I don't wish for a boy or a girl, I just want you to be healthy and strong. I wanted to write you this letter to tell you about what I'm thinking about today, now and what I'd like for your future.

There's so many that have come into my life since I met your father, and I admit it was a bit overwhelming at times. I was alone with Hank, when I first found out about you. I told Hank first, he's a great friend. Even tho I was alone , I was so happy to have you. Then there was Buck and he took me to the Pony Express Rider station and I really got to know everyone else. It's where your father lived, where his family was. More about him later. I'll write you a letter all about him tomorrow. Today is for those who are here with us. Those who you will be growing up with.

Right now as I write, I'm at the Family M with Cody. We'll call him Uncle Cody. I never met such a happy cheerful fellow. He's alway got a smile and laugher is not far behind when he's around. He loves adventure and his books and your father told me he was in the theater once. Maybe one day we'll see him in a show. He's an excellent shot at long range, so I guess he'll be showing you his skills.

We have your Uncle Noah. He was a free born black. Some of this stuff will get very complicated and I guess I'll have to explain a lot. He's spent his life helping his people but not just the slaves. With him I've learned that it's not the color of your skin that shows what kind of a man , or woman, you can and will be. It's the person you are inside. Everyone is worthy. No human should be property of another. He's witty and kind and thoughtful. He's got a whip that I'm not so sure about, but I suppose there won't be any harm in him showing you.

Rachel will be Auntie Rachel. She's the best big sister anyone could ask for. She's wise and kind and understanding. There's nothing you can say to her that'd be too shocking for her to not understand. And she's great at cards. I'd like for her to teach you. I never knew anyone better than Daddy at cards, but Rachel is really good. But don't you ever cheat. Playing cards for fun or pass the time is fine, but my sweet child, stay away from gambling. It'll only bring a heap of trouble.

Next your Uncle Kid, I don't know his real name so he'll be Uncle Kid. He's from Virginia and was raised with the southern gentleman ways. Since I'm from California I don't rightly know what that all entails but he's loyal and helpful. I'm sure he can teach you some of those ways. He's got a real soft spot for his horse Katy. She's special like Hank. Although, he *might* allow you to sit atop her but that won't be until you are old enough to at the very least sit up on your own. Maybe even walk on your own. I'll let Buck decide that,he's the best one I know with horses besides Lou.

Now your Aunt Lou, she has been the best friend a girl could ask for. She's loyal and brave. She's the best I've seen with horses. She's also understanding like Rachel. And strong, of mind and will. She thoughtful and kind. She's got a big heart. I'm sure she can teach you all about horses. Auntie Lou is exactly what I want you to grow up to be if you're a girl."

Her back was starting to hurt so she sat up more and the day's heat was really starting to get to her. She was starting to feel more uncomfortable so she stretched a bit. Then went back to her letter.

"Mr. Teaspoon, he's the station master and the marshal. He's the wisest man I've known and he has a story for everything. He reads to us , you too, Little Baby, every night and I've come to love that time. We all sit around, we're together and we'll share our ideas or just learn something new. He says it made the riders cultured. I like that. You get all the culture you can. He's hinting he'd like to be called Grandpa Spoon. We'll give him that. Sadly, you don't have any other grandpas alive but if I had to pick one. I could not have picked better than Grandpa Spoon.

With your Uncle Jimmy, I know his secret. He may deny it and we'll let him if wants. He's the quickest draw with his colts, and he might seem scary and mean, but he's the softest, gentlest soul. He's got the biggest heart. He can protect you and have your back but he'll also love you the most. He's sweet and thoughtful. He has my permission to teach you how to shoot, it's a necessary skill in this world, but don't become a gun slinger. Not that Uncle Jimmy is. Don't ever think your problems or pains can be solved at the end of a gun. Uncle Jimmy can be of quick temper but let him be, he'll soon calm down and that beautiful heart of his will show. Also don't read those dime books, there was a man who told a bunch of lies about Uncle Jimmy. All that did was bring trouble to him that he never deserved. We do have two of those books and those are the only exception because they belonged to your father. Uncle Jimmy is good, not like those books say."

Emily heard a knock at the front door. "Mrs?" Came from Cody as he opened it. "I finished feeding the animals, and it's mighty hot out here. Do you mind if I take a break?" He really did not want to work on the fence.

"Of course not Cody. And you can come over here." Emily replied. Cody stood at her bedroom door. "You don't need to do any chores at all." He smiled at that.

"So you don't mind if I go sit out and read my book?" He said holding it up.

"Of course not. Go get your self a drink and relax."

"Whatcha got there?" He asked.

"I'm writing the baby a letter." She replied and wiped sweat off her forehead.

Cody smiled. "That's a swell idea. I'm writin' a journal to chronicle all my adventures so future generations can enjoy 'em too." He turned to leave then turned around again. "You feeling ok?"

Emily smiled. "I'm fine."

"I'll open all the windows and get you some water." He said.

"Thanks that sounds fantastic."

Cody opened the windows but it did nothing to reduce how warm she felt. He brought her the water and she drank it all. "Ok, I'll be outside. You guys could use a hammock out there." He suggested.

Emily went back to her letter.

"Uncle Jimmy is sweet. So is Uncle Cody and all of them. You are going to be one special child surrounded by so much love and experience.

Lastly, at least for this letter, is Buck. He is very special so calling him Uncle just won't do. We'll have to think about something different. It'll be a while til you're calling anyone anything. We'll just figure it out later, as Buck is fond of saying. He's so level headed and calm. He's so sure everything will work out when I'm not so convinced all the time. He is thoughtful, he thinks things through, taking his time. Not like Uncle Jimmy. Buck is even more understanding than Rachel. You can tell him anything. He only asks for honesty so we'll give him that. He's always helping. He's always observant. He's from the Kiowa tribe. I'm sure he will teach you all he knows about that. He saved us, even when I wasn't doing so well on my own. I'm sorry for that. But we're going to be just fine thanks to Buck. All our appreciation is owed to him. He's been kind and gentle. He's a great friend and he's been the one reading to us every night since we've been here. Before that it was Grandpa Spoon. Buck has taken good care of us. If you are a boy, I'd like you to be like Buck. Of course my first choice I would have you grow up to be like is your Father but he isn't with us. Your father was the most special of all. He was my first friend, my only love. But again, more on him tomorrow.

My dear sweet baby, from the moment I knew about you, I loved you. With all my heart. You will grow up with such love and a huge family, something I never had. That is thanks to Buck for bringing us to them all. I will do everything I can to make sure you are happy and cared for. Always be gentle and kind, loving of life, brave and thoughtful, be wise and remember family isn't only those who are related to you by blood but those who surround you with their love.

With all my love,

Your mother,

Emily "

Emily folded the letter and put it in Ike's bible. The ache in her back was a constant dull ache. She scooted down to lay down in the bed.