She sat, still smiling ever with Cole Latham's outburst, if it could be called that. How smoothly Matthew had put an end to it, she was more impressed more than ever with his management style. He would make an excellent Mayor for Kalispell.

And it was done. All that remained was for Matthew to hand her the document, that would finish it. Then with a couple of wires, she would start the supplies moving, and the workers on their way to Kalispell. All she would need to do was make the selection of the property, which she had already decided on. Then, to wait of the arrival of the men and the supplies. Excietment rushed through her veins!

She would dispatch her men, Bannister, McKinney, and Santee to ride out and meet the supplies. She had no fear for her safety, for she would let Guyer know what her plan was. then to carry a gun for protection. But that too, seemed unnecessary.

The long wait was over. in her hand was a signed copy of the contract between her and the town of Kalispell for the plot of land she had selected to build both the hospital, and, the orphanage. But it would be one thing at a time. The hospital wold be the most important structure to complete, as there was no railroad to bring in the children.

Oh, they could arrive by wagon or coach, that was true, but for the time being the medical facility had to be built and tat meant getting the men and materials on site as quickly as humanly possible. The well wishers on hand were showering her with those well wishes and vows of support.

Phin stood and tipped his hat to her with a wide smile. Speed opened and held the door for her, another wide smile for her. She stepped trough the chamber doors and walked to the staircase, took a deep breath the descended as gracefully as she could, considering she had been triumphant against her father and his minions. Of course the hard part now lay ahead.

Building the hospital in spite of her father and his minions, not that Latham or Ashworth were worrisome, oh Latham would likely try an file something to stall off the inevitable, but Judge Robertson was not to be found. That would not bode well for Latham's attempts. Of course, she thought, he could always summon Circuit Judge Harland Bryant and make trouble for her that way, if in fact Judge Bryant would listen to him.

She pushed the the doors onto the board walk. A beautiful, fresh, summer morning greeted her as she emerged from the Municipal Building. She marched directly to the telegraph office and stepped inside. "Good morning Mister Wigfall, I have telegram to send."

"Yes Hector I would. It will go to Mister Darius Wellman, Helena, Montana. Can I dictate to you what I want sent, rather than writing it out first? It would just be easier, that is Hector if you don't mind."

She like Hector Wigfall, he had always been pleasant with her, always respectful. She was barely able to contain herself with this victory she had achieved and what it was going to mean to the community as a whole. This was a red letter day, as they say.

"I have to tell you, I hve the contract for the land to begin building our hospital. I am so excited, in fact it is just now hitting me that I am actually sending word to bring the men and supplies at long last."

Jonah had very much wanted to be at the meeting with Leah for the finalizing of the hospital papers, but unfortunately, Mrs. McCann decided to go into labor early, although it could be debated whether it was very late or very early when her husband had come pounding on the door of the house that served as a clinic.

There had barely been time to properly dress and grab his bag before Mr. McCann had dragged him out to the buggy, and Jonah had tried his best to convince the man that if they didn't make it there they couldn't be of any use, and finally he'd listened and slowed ever so slightly.

Of course, it had been several hours before the first baby had come -- yes, the first -- and it had quickly become evident that there was a second on the way.  When in God's name anyone would want one of the squawlering bundles, Jonah had no idea, but two?

At any rate, by the time the McCann's neighbor had come by to give him a ride back to town, the drama at the courthouse was over, positively, he'd been told, and Miss Steelegrave was at the telegraph office.

Briefly, Jonah contemplated going home and 'washing up', but that would take a bit of time, and he didn't want to miss her.  At least he was more unkempt than dirty, so he could put that off.

So, wanting nothing more than to see Leah and have a strong cup of coffee, he waited for her outside the telegraph office.

"Hector, that wasn't the message. I was speaking to you, now the message for Mister Williams is as follows. Mister Williams, We begin construction upon your arrival with men and materials. Do not delay time is short before the first snowfall. I await your reply. Not to worry about saving any money, though I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Now, how much will that be?" She asked.

She then happened to look out the window to see an anxious looking Doctor Danforth on the boardwalk. She turned back retrieving a pair of silver dollars and laying them on the counter. "The Doctor is waiting for me, please, keep the change, and if you would, bring me his reply when it comes."

<---------------0----------------->

She was out the door and throwing her arms about the man with a kiss on his cheek. "It's done Jonah, it's finished! I have sent word for the men and supplies to come. Oh this is so wonderful!" She exclaimed, and it was. The long wait with it's many delays and distractions was now behind her and the business of building the hospital was at hand.

"Come, let's have breakfast and celebrate the beginning of the next step. Oh Jonah, I almost don't believe it. But I have the signed contract and it is true at long last! Oh I can't wait to get started."