Ch 5

Cody spent almost all day at the old house. He had brought all their things inside for them and had got their horses settled in the barn. He spent the rest of the day fixing small odds and ends around the house.

Jimmy saw Cody getting his horse the next morning as he was getting ready for his ride.

"Off to help again today, Cody? Wow, you must be such a hard worker." Said Jimmy.

"Well I have a much better view there than I do here. And I'm appreciated." Smiled Cody.

"Whatever." Jimmy said as he swung up into the saddle.

"Rider comin!" Yelled Lou.

"Don't be jealous Jimmy." Smiled Cody.

Jimmy just shook his head and rode off to take the pouch.

Cody had been working most of the morning when he heard a horse approaching. He saw Shannon walk out onto the porch to look. Dorothy stood up from pulling weeds. She turned as well. Cody looked at the rider. Shit it was Lou. She rode up into yard and swung down.

"What the hell ya want?" Asked Dorothy.

"Please Dot. We met her in town the other day. It's one of Cody's friends."

"Makes no shit to me."

"Please." Shannon said as she met Lou at the steps.

"Howdy Miss Shannon. How are y'all doin? Gettin all settled?" Asked Lou.

"Please just call me Shannon. Nevermind Dot, she has had a hard way. What can we do for you?"

"I was sent over by Emma, the head of our station, to invite y'all to supper tonight. She would love to meet everyone."

"It would be our pleasure. What time does she expect us?"

"She said it'll be ready at five."

"Sounds delightful. We wouldn't miss it."

"Thanks, y'all have a good afternoon." Lou turned and mounted her horse.

She looked at Cody staring. She winked at him before riding off. Cody made his way over to Shannon.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to. I mean, there is so much to do here. She would understand."

"Don't be ridiculous. We need to meet everyone. The things will be right here waiting." She said as she flashed Cody a dazzling smile.

Cody couldn't help but smile back.

The ladies pulled into the station yard promptly at five. Cody and Teaspoon met them at the door.

"Welcome ladies. Please come on in and make yourselves at home. Mrs. Shannon has fixed up a fine meal." Teaspoon said as he tipped his hat.

Cody looked nervous as he went and helped Shannon from the wagon. Dorothy spit her chew at him so he jumped back. She got down herself. Teaspoon watched the odd woman and couldn't help but smile.

"I'm glad you could make it." Cody said to Shannon.

"We were just so happy to be invited."

"Where's Ellen?"

"She don't need to come here. Mind ya business." Spat Dorothy.

Shannon looked surprised and laughed.

"Don't worry about that. You see my sister doesn't get out much. She would rather stay to herself. She is an odd little thing."

"I'm just glad you are here." Smiled Cody.

Teaspoon opened the door for them as they walked past. He watched the strange little family. Cody went inside and pulled out a chair for Shannon next to him of course. Dot walked in and flopped down on the other side of Shannon. Lou smiled over at Kid. Noah tried to hide his smile. Teaspoon took his place and tucked a towel in the collar of his shirt. Emma walked over placing food on the table.

"It sure is nice to meet y'all ladies. We would like to welcome you to Sweetwater. We have heard a lot about you." Emma said winking at Cody.

"Have you now? Well I am shocked." Laughed Shannon.

Cody couldn't help but stare at her smile in awe.

"Cody? Hello Cody?" Asked Shannon again.

"I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

Lou and Kid about died. Noah bowed his head.

"I was just telling them how hard that you have been working around our new place. It is very impressive."

"Well our Cody is certainly an impressive man." Snickered Teaspoon.

"Hush now Mr. Spoon." Smiled Emma.

"So where are you from?" Asked Lou.

"We have come all this way from Georgia."

"That's quite a trip." Said Kid.

"It has been an ordeal but the west is the land of opportunity. It is a great place to make a fresh start."

"I think it was worth it." Said Cody.

"Is it just y'all ladies?" Asked Teaspoon.

"It is. We lost everything and everyone back east. I sold what little we had left and headed this way. There was nothing left for us there."

"We most certainly hope that it works out well for y'all ladies. Just know that my boys are here to help in any way." Said Teaspoon.

"Is everyone here?" Asked Shannon.

"Mostly, why?" Answered Emma.

"I have heard many stories of the Pony Express. I thought it took a lot of people to make all this happen."

"We do have two out with a few days off. Another is on a run."

"I see. Now that makes sense."

As the conversation continued, the door came open and Jimmy walked in. He stopped and looked at the guests around the table in surprise.

"Come on in Jimmy. You are just in time. I'll get you a plate." Said Emma.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know we had company."

Shannon and Dorothy locked their eyes on him. Jimmy took notice and looked at the floor as he walked over to the table. He pushed Noah down on the bench and sat on the end far away from the guests. He felt their eyes follow him. Teaspoon was the only one that seemed to take notice of their change in behavior.

"How was your ride Jimmy?" Asked Noah.

"Fine."

Noah noticed Jimmy's quick response and that he remained quiet pretty much the rest of their meal. Shannon finally turned her attention elsewhere and continued talking.

"Mrs. Emma, again thank you so much for having us over. We have had a wonderful evening."

"Anytime Shannon. We hope you and Dorothy will love your time here."

Cody stood and escorted Shannon to the door. Teaspoon stood as well.

"Miss Shannon, I forgot to ask your last name." Said Teaspoon.

"Why it's Creech of course. I inherited the place."

"I didn't realize. They were good folks. Again if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"I will."

Cody and Shannon stepped onto the porch followed by Dorothy. The old woman had barely cleared the door before she was packing her mouth with tobacco. Cody helped Shannon into the wagon and watched as they left for home. Emma finished clearing everything away and retired for the night. Jimmy went out to sit on the steps in the dark. He heard footsteps as Teaspoon came over to stand by him.

"Ya didn't talk much tonight, everything good?"

"Yeah. Fine."

"Son, I noticed the way them ladies stared. You know em?"

"Nope. I ain't never seen them before. I just get this feeling that something ain't right. The looks they give me make me feel on the spot."

"I see what you mean. They are an odd bunch."

"Maybe I'm just imagining things."

"No, son, ya ain't. Just remember that Cody's feelings are involved here."

"Don't worry none about that. I don't want a thing to do with any of them."

"Well don't be rude. We might be seeing more of her in the next few months what with a lovesick Cody."

"No nothing like that. Just the more I can stay away from them, the better I'll be."

With that said, Jimmy stood up and walked back inside.