"I'm just happy that the man seems to have been able to stay sober," Jonah commented. "He seems a good sort, just has had a hard time in life, and it's so easy to turn to drink." He'd not been far from falling into that trap more than once, but he had no desire to live in the street, even if he was in a stupor.

"Don't worry, Miss Steelgrave, even with opponents, you have plenty of support in the matter, and once it's done, it will be well worth the effort." And maybe even leave a void, for trying to accomplish a project such as this, with all its complications, could be as addicting as the strongest alcohol.

She smiled, "Miss Steelgrave is it now Jonah. I had though we were on a first name basis, or do you think people will talk if they heard you call me Leah?" She giggled, actually giggled. "I am so tired of the barbed tongues, the ungrateful, selfish lot that tends to run this town. We could go to Columbia Falls, yes, but I'd rather stay here and fight for what it is I want. Yes, what I want, not what they want. We will build here where it's needed, and more centrally located."

She took his hand and then covered it with her other. "You've been a good and steady friend throughout this whole ordeal, back to the beginning and I'll not forget that. So let us see what happens over the next couple of days and then where we stand, and go from there. For now, I think the day has been quite long enough and I shall retire."

"I have no doubt, Leah, that anything you put your mind to will come to fruition, and be amazing!" He patted her hand, then stood and pulled out her chair for her. "I do fear, though, that one day you will discover that your talent is wasted here, and move on to places where you'll be properly appreciated."

Smiling, he leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek, but quickly checked that action as too forward, and kissed the back of her hand instead.

"Rest well, and we will continue the good fight!"

She rose, smiling, "Yes. We shall live to fight another day." He noticed his action, or lack thereof. She took her free hand and touched his cheek. "And, we will win. Good night Jonah and thank you." She pulled away slowly, then walked to the staircase and climbed up and out of sight. A long day drawn to a close.