Three weeks later, Mark found himself in the gunshop, trying to hold in his laughter as Jeff complained about Willie working for them.

"…And the way he handles those horses… Mark, I'm telling you, he's gonna drive them into the ground before the end of the summer!"

"Why doesn't your pa just hire someone else?"

"He can't find anyone else. …You haven't thought about trying your pa again, have you?"

"I was going to the other day, but then he heard about that trail hand getting killed on his way to Santa Fe… didn't figure that would be the best time to bring it up."

"I don't know what he's so worried about… it's a well-traveled road, and you'd be back before dark."

"I think he's mostly worried about the kind of people a gun delivery might attract. Between here and Willow Springs, I don't really see much cause for concern, but he seems dead set against it right now. I might try my luck in a few months."

"I don't think I can last that long…"

Mark finally let out a chuckle as he shook his head. "I'm sure you'll make it, one way or another. You still want to ride up to Granite Pass after church tomorrow?"

Jeff nodded. "My ma said you could join us for dinner if you wanted to."

"If?" Mark laughed. "I wouldn't pass up your ma's Sunday roast for anything."

"I'll let her know."

Before Mark could say anything, Mr. Waller's voice suddenly called from the other room. "Jeff, come on back here and give me a hand."

"Be right there!" Jeff looked to Mark as he went on, "I'll see you tomorrow, then."

"Bye."

Mark left the gunshop and headed over to the general store, surprised that he didn't see Mrs. Kane behind the counter.

"Hello?"

"Oh, no!"

The woman's voice was followed by a loud thud, bringing Mark to the store room. He found Lou on the floor, merchandise spilled out all around her.

"Are you alright?"

"Do I look alright?" she mused, blowing a strand of hair out of her face.

Mark knelt down to help her clean up the mess, asking what had happened.

"Those delivery boys from the train station, they stacked the boxes too high- that's what happened!" She let out a deep breath, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Mark, I didn't mean ta get so riled. Georgia's expectin' and I've hardly been able ta keep up around here since she left. Between deliveries here and the hotel, I hardly have the time ta get anythin' organized between waitin' on customers and seein' after guests at the hotel."

Mark looked around for a brief moment, taking a crate from Lou before helping her to her feet. "Well I've got to wait around town for Pa anyway; you want a hand straightening things up in here?"

"Oh, I'll be fine. I'm sure there's plenty of other things ya'd rather be doin'."

The young man shook his head as he started across the room towards one of the shelves. "I used to help Miss Milly with her inventory all the time. I actually kinda enjoy it. Where's your log book? I'll make sure I get everything written down."

"Are ya sure?"

"I need something to keep me busy."

"Alright then…"

Mark spent the rest of the afternoon helping Lou organize the inventory and stock the shelves in the front room. At four-thirty, Lou closed the store so she could get to the hotel for the supper rush, Mark promising to lock up when he was finished. It was well past seven when the young man left the building, walking down the marshal's office to meet Lucas as he stepped down from Razor.

"Hello, Son," he greeted. "Lou get that pump part in yet?"

Mark nodded, gesturing with it before placing the piece in Lucas's saddle bag. "Something happen at the ranch?"

"Had to drive a couple of beavers out trying to build a dam on what's left of the creek. I should've checked up there days ago."

"I wondered why that strain was doing so much worse than the one down by the house."

"Sorry I'm so late. Ready to eat?"

Mark nodded before following Lucas over to the hotel. Father and son took their time in enjoying the meal, the restaurant being nearly deserted by the time Mark finished his apple pie. Lucas started to pull out his bill fold, only for Lou to walk up and stop him.

"Not tonight, Cowboy. This one's on the house."

"On the house?"

"I really ought ta say it's on Mark. He spent all afternoon helpin' me at the store and I won't have ya payin' fer supper after all the work he put in."

"Maybe I should send you into town more often," Lucas teased. "Thanks, Lou."

"Don't ya go thankin' me. It would've taken me another week ta get that store room in order; and that was just this week's deliveries. Ya can send him inta town every week as far as I'm concerned."

"…Mark was talking a few weeks back about getting a job in town on Saturdays."

Lou's hands came to rest on her hips as she turned to the young man. "Well just why didn't ya say anythin'?"

"I didn't know you were needing help."

"That'would be puttin' it lightly," she declared. "I need someone with two bits of sense ta get my deliveries for the hotel and store from the train depot when they come in on Saturday mornin's. And I'd pay ya an even dollar a day if ya stuck around ta do the inventory, stockin' and orderin'. I hardly have enough help around here, waitin' on customers is enough of a job; I don't have the time ta get everythin' put away."

"…Pa?"

"Like I said before, Son, if it's in town, I don't have an issue."

Mark turned to Lou as he asked, "What time do you want me here next week?"

"Deliveries come in on the ten o'clock train. Thank ya, Mark. I had near half a mind ta put up the store for sale."

"You're really doing me the favor," Mark said. "I didn't think I was gonna be able to find anything in town for only one day a week."

"Well I'm certainly glad ya came in today." Lou jumped as the sound of dishes breaking emanated from the kitchen. She closed her eyes, shaking her head as she let out a deep breath. "…Have a good night."

Lucas and Mark chuckled as Lou walked back to the kitchen, her exasperation overruling the temper that had initially flared.

The following week, Mark found himself helping customers as Lou ran back and forth between the store and hotel. He was glad when she finally decided to close for the day, allowing him to finish with the merchandise before seeing to the hotel deliveries. After taking account of everything Lou was starting to run low on, the young man made his way to the telegraph office to send out the order.

"This is quite the list," Amos commented.

"Lou's been in over her head the last few weeks, said she's only really had time to worry about necessities."

He nodded before turning towards his equipment. "Let me know if there's anything else you need to add."

"Thanks."

Mark stepped out onto the boardwalk just as the stagecoach came to a stop across the street. He turned to make his way back to the hotel, stopping as he caught sight of the lone passenger.

"Jenny?!"

The passenger turned and looked out the window to see a young man hurrying towards her. She made her way to the coach door, the confusion on her face soon being replaced by a warm smile as he helped her down.

"Mark!"

"What are you doing here? I thought I heard you were going out East."

"After everything that happened, I decided I didn't want to be cooped up in the city… thought North Fork was as good a place as any to start over, especially since Uncle Micah is here."

"You're staying for good then? Did Micah know you were coming?"

"I thought I'd surprise him." She looked across the street before asking, "Is he in his office?"

"No, he went to check up on some of the ranches… but he and my pa are supposed to be meeting me at the hotel in about an hour. If that's where your figurin' on staying, I can help you get settled over there while we wait."

"Thank you."

"Mark, here's the lady's trunk."

Mark started to reach up to take the trunk from Nick, only to hear Jeff's voice suddenly call out beside him. "I've got it!"

"Jeffrey?" Mark looked over and could see the shine in Jenny's eyes as she went on, "Jeffrey Waller! It's so wonderful to see you again!"

Mark watched as Jeff juggled the trunk in order to tip his hat. "I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the stage come in. How long do you figure on staying?"

"I'd like to settle here in North Fork." Jenny chuckled as he tried to keep the surprise from his face. "Yes, I am quite capable of seeing after myself."

"I didn't mean any disrespect," he quickly blurted out. "You just don't see too many young ladies out here on their own. Not to say you ain't capable!"

"I don't know," Mark began. "Maybe Jenny should give us another demonstration."

Her cheeks began turning a darker shade of crimson as she shook her head. "I am terribly sorry," she apologized. "Last time I was here, I didn't exactly have the best rein on my temper."

"I asked for it," Jeff offered.

"Why don't we get over to the hotel?" Mark suggested, then added with a teasing gleam, "All the gingham in that trunk's got to be awfully heavy."

Jenny playfully hit Mark with her hand bag as she rolled her eyes. "You best be careful. I can still wallop the both of you!"

"Maybe you should give Mark a few pointers to help him with Willie."

"Willie?"

Mark shook his head. "Never mind. Let's go."

As the three entered the lobby, Mark made his way to the kitchen to tell Lou someone needed a room.

"I'm sorry, Mark, would ya mind puttin' 'em in room fifteen for me? Alice came down sick and-"

"No problem."

Mark returned to the desk and started looking for a key. "Lou said you could have room fifteen, you can go ahead and sign the register."

Jenny reached for the pen as she asked, "Does the hotel offer monthly arrangements, or is there a boarding house in town?"

"Both. …Since you are thinking on staying, you might want to see what you can arrange with Lou. She's needing help here and at the store… she might be willing to include your room and board in your pay, if you went to work for her."

"Would you introduce us later?"

"Well I could do that," Jeff offered.

Looking at the clock, Mark asked, "Aren't you and your pa leaving on the seven o'clock train for-"

"Oh shoot!" Jeff took the key from Mark before running upstairs with the trunk, returning a few moments later. "I'm sorry to have to go, Jenny. My family would be happy to have you over for supper Sunday after next!"

"Thank you, I'd enjoy that very much. Have a good trip!"

Mark chuckled as Jeff ran from the lobby, nearly tripping over his own feet.

"Where is his family going?"

"Just him and his pa," Mark answered. "They own a gunshop in town and have some business up in Santa Fe first thing Monday morning. I'll show you upstairs."

Mark walked Jenny to her room, quickly returning to the lobby so she could get settled. About fifteen minutes passed before he saw her appear at the top of the stairs, her traveling dress having been replaced by a simple skirt and blouse.

"What, no trousers?"

"Mark McCain!" He turned to see Lou marching towards him, fists firmly planted on her hips. "'Tis no question ta ask a young lady!"

Jenny laughed, shaking her head as she made her way down to the lobby. "It's perfectly alright; I have at least three pairs sitting upstairs."

"Lou, this is Micah's niece, Jenny Lincoln. Jenny, this is Lou Mallory."

"Miss Lincoln, 'tis a pleasure ta meet ya; yer uncle's told me so much about ya."

"Please, Jennifer is fine. I take it you own the hotel and store?"

"That I do."

"Mark was telling me you might be looking for some help. I intend to settle here in North Fork and, if you're agreeable, would be very interested in discussing the matter with you. Whenever you have time, that is."

"If ya wouldn't mind comin' back ta the kitchen, I'd be happy ta discuss it now. I've never been one ta take on help on a whim, but the woman that was helpin' me at the store just found out she was expectin', and another two of my girls here quit last week!"

As Jenny started to follow Lou, Mark briefly caught her arm. "You'll join us for supper once my pa and Micah get here, won't you?"

"Thank you, that would be lovely."

"We'll keep an eye out," Lou assured.

Mark shook his head and smiled as the two women walked away, already sensing how well they would get on. Half an hour later, Mark watched as Lucas and Micah rode into town together, quickly making their way to the hotel.

"I invited someone to join us for supper," he greeted. "I hope you don't mind."

Lucas shook his head. "It's your birthday dinner. Who is it?"

"Just a lady who came in on the stage a little while ago. She said she has family around here… an uncle or something, but apparently no one had the decency to meet the coach. I thought she might appreciate some company for the evening."

As Mark led the way to the dining room, Micah asked where the woman was.

"She'll be out in a few minutes." He shook his head as he sat down. "I don't understand some people… leaving a lady waiting at a stage depot in this part of the country."

"Some folks just don't have any common sense," Micah grumbled. "Especially with that depot being right down from the saloon. Whoever her uncle is should have known better."

Lucas eyed his son, noticing the smirk he was trying to hide.

"I got the impression he's kinda old… maybe he forgot or lost track of time or somethin'. …Guess we can't be too hard on him… maybe he couldn't get out to meet the stage."

"Still no reason he shouldn't have asked someone else to meet it for him. People these days…"

Seeing a young woman emerge from the kitchen, Lucas stifled a chuckle before hiding his smile and turning to face the marshal. "You really shouldn't be so hard on the man, Micah. Maybe he didn't know she was coming."

"Didn't know? Now why would someone come all this way without letting their kin know? What if they had moved or… or died?"

"Well I'm certainly glad that wasn't the case," Mark said. "Or maybe we should get Doc Burrage, just to make sure you really are alive."

"What are you talking about, boy?" Hearing a gentle laugh behind him, Micah turned around. "Jenny?!"

"Hello, Uncle Micah." The young woman gave the marshal a hug before sitting down beside him. "Mr. McCain, it's wonderful to see you again."

"Welcome back."

"Jenny, what are you doing here? Leah said she was going to send you to finishing school!"

"We talked about it, but we decided I would be better off getting a fresh start farther west… away from the city… away from… from home. Now I certainly don't have any expectations of you, but I thought it might be better to settle here, where you would be close by." As she continued on, Mark watched Jennifer hand her uncle an envelope. "Aunt Leah asked me to give you this when I arrived. She wanted to be sure you knew she wasn't expecting you to look after me, either."

"If I had known you were needing a place to go, I would have happily done what I could to give you a home here. I told Leah as much. You're much too young to-"

"I'm eighteen, Uncle Micah; I'm not a little girl anymore. And if I remember correctly, your quarters don't exactly accommodate two. I just finished speaking with Miss Mallory, and she's already insisted that I stay here while I manage the store for her."

Micah shook his head, some irritation showing on his face before he finally laughed. "There's no question you're your mother's daughter. When she put her mind to something… there was no stopping her." Turning to Mark, he went on, "Just how long have you known about this?"

"About an hour."

"Lucas?"

"I didn't know a thing until she walked out of the kitchen!"

Feigning hurt, Jenny looked out the window. "If you'd rather I settle somewhere else…"

"Don't you try that with me," he teasingly chided. "I'm glad you're here, Jenny."

Well after their meal had been eaten, the four sat in the restaurant, enjoying conversation. After the rest of the patrons had gone home for the evening, Lou came out of the kitchen with apple pie for everyone; a candle on top of Mark's piece.

"Don't you think I'm getting a little too old for that?" he asked.

"Never too old. As my dear departed father used ta say, a man can only live as long as he can dream. Now make yer wish!"

"I'm so sorry," Jenny apologized. "I had no idea it was your birthday; I had no intention to intrude on your evening!"

"I invited you to join us, didn't I?" Mark chuckled as he blew out the candle. "Thanks, Lou."

"Ya come on back ta the kitchen before ya go and I'll have some for ya ta take home."

"Lou, you keep this up, he won't want to come back to the ranch with me."

"Maybe that's my plan," she teasingly answered. "I best finish gettin' cleaned up. Have a goodnight."

As Lou returned to the kitchen, Lucas looked up at Micah. "Did you still have questions on those reports I filled out?"

The marshal nodded. "You mind coming over to my office after we're done here?"

"Not at all. Mark, I'll just be a few minutes with Micah if you want to ride home together."

"Sure, Pa."

Once everyone had finished eating, Lucas followed Micah out of the hotel, leaving Mark and Jenny alone in the restaurant. An uneasy silence settled between them, Jenny growing confused by the way Mark looked at her.

"…What is it?"

"…Jenny, I saw your signature on the register."

"…What about it?"

"Your tails… I've never seen anyone write like that before. It was the same on that letter you gave Micah."

She sat quietly under his gaze, contemplating her response.

"…Are you in some sort of trouble?"

"No!" Her head shot up, the fire in her eyes extinguishing as she saw his concern. "…Please, Mark, just stay out of this. I… I can't explain, I just need you to believe that I've taken care of it."

"…Whatever's going on, you should tell your uncle. He'll want to help you."

"…Are you going to if I don't?"

"Part of me wants to."

"…But?"

"But this is between the two of you."

"Thank you."

"…Lying never leads anywhere good. Sooner or later, the truth will come out. And it'll be best coming from you."