{ Chapter 21: Part 2: Heading to Town}

So you're goin' into town today, Naomi; Mike remarked. Yes, Mike, both Jess and I are going; Naomi replied. Sounds like fun; Mike said as he finished off the last bite.

Oh, it will be, Mike; Naomi said with a grin in both his and Jess's direction. Nothing like a nice, quiet ride into town, right, Jess?; Naomi said teasingly. Yeah, it is kinda nice, Naomi;

Jess said, smiling in her direction. Especially when you've got company; he added. Yes, especially then; Naomi said, smiling back at Jess. That was a delicious breakfast, Daisy; Naomi said

as she finished her last bite. Thank you, dear; Daisy replied. Will you help me clear and clean up before you go, Naomi?; Daisy asked as she started to clear the table. Of course, Daisy; Naomi

said as she started gathering up the dishes. Let's go and get the team hitched up, Jess; Slim said as he stood to his feet. Okay, pard; Jess said as Slim helped him up. See ya

later, Naomi; Jess said as they headed out the door. You too, Jess; Naomi said, smiling at him. I'll be ready in a little while; she added. Okay, Naomi; Jess said as he left.

You care for her, don't you, Jess? ; Slim asked when they reached the barn. Yes, I do, Slim; Jess said as he led a horse out of his stall. In fact, I want to marry her one day if she'll

have me; Jess said. I have'nt known her very long, but I think she'll have you, Jess; Slim said as he hitched the horses to the buckboard. There, it's ready; Slim said as he pulled out into

the yard. I know you've got work to do, Slim, so I'll just wait here for Naomi; Jess said. Okay, Pard, I'll see you later; Slim replied as he climbed down. Have fun; Jess said jokingly.

Oh, I will, Jess; Slim said as he headed for the barn. Meanwhile, in the house Naomi and Daisy were just about finished. You can go and get ready now, Naomi; Daisy said, drying the last

plate. I'm sure Jess must be waiting on you; she added. Alright, Daisy, thanks; Naomi said as she removed her apron. Well, I guess I'll see you later, Daisy; Naomi said as she headed for

their shared room. See you later, dear; Daisy replied. It did'nt take Naomi long to freshen up and put her town dress on. And when she was done Daisy was gone so she walked out

to the buckboard where she saw Jess sitting. You sure do look pretty, Naomi; Jess said when he saw her. Thank you, Jess; Naomi said as she climbed aboard.

Would you like me to drive, Jess?; Naomi asked helpfully. No, I can manage, honey; Jess said smiling at her. But thanks for asking; he added. You're welcome, Jess; Naomi replied. Get up, now; Jess

said to the horses. It's so beautiful here, Jess; Naomi said when they were on the road to town. It is at that, Naomi; Jess said with a smile. I'm so glad I decided to stay here; Naomi

added. I'm glad you decided to stay, too, Naomi; Jess said as Naomi entwined her arm in his. I could'nt have left even if I'd wanted to, Jess; Naomi said, curling up closer to Jess.

Do you think you'll be able to find a job, Naomi?; Jess asked. I hope so, Jess; she replied. Even if you don't, you'll still be able to stay with us, Naomi; Jess said smiling. Thanks, Jess;

Naomi said sleepily. We're here now, Naomi; Jess said softly when they got into Laramie. Okay, Jess; she replied. I must have dozed off; Naomi remarked. I guess you did, honey; Jess said as she

slid out from under Jess's arm. But I figure you needed it; Jess added. I guess I did; Naomi said as Jess helped her down. Want me to come in with you, Naomi?; Jess asked.

Sure, Jess, I'd like that; Naomi replied as they walked into the general store.