What will I do when you're gone, who's going to tell me the truth

Who's going to finish the stories I start, the way you always do

You Can't Make Old Friends(Schlitz Donald Alan / Smith Caitlyn Elizabeth / King Ryan)

Lee Coulter had never considered himself a ladies man, he focused his attention on his work and business, keeping both in top form. But there was something about Rosemary Levoux that he liked. He didn't know what it was, for the six months that she had been in town he had barely spoken to her. Still, whatever it was that drew him to her hadn't abated in that time. It was the evening of the celebration of the new phone lines and he was looking in his mirror, combing his hair and straightening his tie. He lived in the row house that was nextdoor to Elizabeth, meaning that countless times he had romance shoved in his face like a bad joke. 'Okay', he would say to nothing in particular, 'i know I'm alone, no need to rub it in'. And yet, he couldn't help but feel like that was about to change.

Jack and Michael were both smiling as Jack rode the little boy around on Sargent, the black stallion taking care with each step, keenly aware of the precious cargo he bore. No the horse was not thinking of his master, but of the little master that was riding with the elder. He appreciated the little human, found his scent appealing. He had never had a fowl of his own and wondered how his master came to have one without going through the means to aquire one. Sargent thought it to be very unorthodox indeed. It didn't bother the horse in the least, he was just happy to bear his humans wherever they wished. Suddenly the horse heard the call of the man that smelled like wood. He turned his head to see him running up to his master, not very fast seeing as he only ran with two of his four legs. Now that he thought about it, he found it strange. He had never given it thought, taking for granted all his life. Humans were strange creatures indeed. Master and the other human male talked in there strange, human speech. Sargent paid them no mind, he himself only understood a few words, except when the little one would look into his eyes he felt as if he could speak to him nonverbally. Sargent then concluded that the young fowl of the new mistress was the most intelligent human he had ever met.

"Hey Jack", Lee said, shaking Jack's hand, "could I speak with you if you have time? It's about that order you put in".

"Sure thing", Jack said, "I'll take Michael back to Elizabeth and I'll meet you at your office".

"No rush, take your time".

Jack tipped his ranchers hat and held Michael securely around the waist.

"Alright Michael, ready to see mommy"?

"I guess", the boy said, suddenly sullen. He didn't like leaving Sargent. He loved the big stallion.

"She's with Auntie Abigail"..

"COOKIES", the boy shouted. It was common knowledge, at least to himself, that Aunt Abigail always had warm cookies ready for him whenever he would visit. Jack chuckled and nudged Sargent into a gentle trot, trying harder then he would have guessed to hold Michael in the saddle. The young boy possessed a great physical strength that was belied by his small frame.

"Alright Michael, let's go get your cookies.

Fiona was sweeping up her shop when she heard the jingle of her door bell. She turned to see Lucas walk in. She took in his shaggy hair and beard. She could see the hind of an angular face beneath the mane of hair and decided that she wanted to see what was hiding beneath. She set the broom down and donned her apron.

"What can I do for you today", she asked, oiling her shears, giving them a couple of snips to work the oil between the joint.

"Haircut and shave", he said simply, sitting down in the chair. Fiona frowned. She could see that it was going to take a lot to convince this man to talk.

"I'm Fiona", she said, snapping the barber's cape around his neck.

"Lucas", he said simply. A man of few words indeed. It would take a lot of work.

Jack found Lee in his office, writing in his ledger while Cody worked on drawing a new map. Jack always enjoyed being in the office, there was a smell of pine that seemed to permeate the very air inside.

"Hey Lee".

"Jack hi, I hope you don't mind if Cody stays in the office while we talk".

"No, of course not".

"So, I have some good news. I found the deed and at any time you want we can finalize the deal".

"That's great, but don't we need to draw up a new deed to be able to put it in my name".

"We do, but I've got a lawyer friend of mine coming in from Hamilton, bringing a everything we need, hopefully he'll be in on the stage this weekend".

"Alright, thanks Lee", Jack said, shaking his hand, "I just hope Elizabeth doesn't think that this is too much".

"Jack my friend, I've known Elizabeth for a few years now, so trust me when I say that she will think it's too much, but she'll get over it".

As Jack said goodbye Lee stopped him.

"Hey Jack, you and Ms. Levoux are old friends right"?

"Yeah".

"Does she like guys like me"?

"Like you"?

"Well, I mean, I'm pretty settled down here, this is home".

Jack chuckled.

"Good luck Lee".