As the wagon started moving, Tully tensed, clenching her hands together, but soon enough, the sound of hooves and gaily jingling bells, as well as the realization that no one was particularly paying attention to her, much the less judging her, helped her to relax, and she actually started to smile, enjoying the brisk air in her face, especially since she was warm under all the layers of scarfs, coats, gloves and blankets!

But then the singing started and she tensed, reaching to grip Phineas' hand.  For most, the songs brought up happy and fond memories, but for Tully they reminded her that she was an outsider, not welcome...

"Doctor Smarty..."  Jonah frowned, but then he burst into laughter.  "I should officially change my name to that, it has a fancy ring to it!"

He wasn't accustomed to being teased, at least in a manner that wasn't condescending and intentional, but with Leah doing it, he didn't mind one bit.

But then...she had believed in him from the start?  But, wasn't she too smart for that?

The comment about Case, and the man who had shot Marshal Guyer, and that diverted his attention.  "I'd heard some, but not who the culprit is, nor why he was shooting at the Marshal.  Did the man confess?  For that matter, did your brother give him a chance?"  There was one man he wanted to stay on the good side of!

"My good sir, you may change your name to anything you like, just understand you are attached to this hospital as sure as one of the main beams!" She said.

But his response to Case and the man he killed was somewhat sobering, "Actually Jonah, I have no idea on the details other than he did deliver the rifle that was used with the body. I guess he had a time of it getting back, he was almost to Mexico. Mazie Carter overheard part of what was said, it seemed that Case was forced to shoot him as there was some sort of struggle. But Case would have delivered the man alive just to watch him hang!"

Then she brightened, "This is no time to discuss things from the past, well, at least not about that. It is a beautiful night, isn't it?"

Clara and Jacob showed up at the ranch riding double on Jacob's horse. It was Clara's first time on a horse since she had the baby. But it was time for her to get back to doing anything she had been capable of before her pregnancy. One thing was different and would remain different too, she did not have as much time in a day to get everything done. Running the diner had always been time consuming but enjoyable work. Now though, she had that and caring for little Em. Thus far Em was a good baby, she got her times right, many babies did not. Of course she fussed and cried but what babies didn't.. Clara was already used to the less than pleasant diaper changing though Jacob, to his credit, did it too on occasion when he was around. She was stuck with the washing duties though.

Still, she loved being a mother, as she had hoped she would. But it was nice that she was able to go to this party. Her father and step mother had agreed to do the babysitting. Now she could just have a good time though no one would ever think of sober Clara as much of a party person. As they entered the festively decorated ranch house of Emeline and Pronto, it was a most impressive sight. My goodness, this was quite the house. Pike had done a grand job of it's construction, it must have cost him a lot of money. But then he did have a silver mine.

There were folks there already of course, the place buzzed with conversations and laughter. The young couple hung up their winter coats and removed their hats. Jacob was a bit uncomfortable, these sorts of things were not something in his comfort zone. Clara would never be the life of the party but was quietly confident she could endure it at worst and perhaps even enjoy it if all went well. If nothing else, she could check with Emeline if the woman needed in help in the kitchen or serving food or drink.

"And for God's sake, be polite when anyone talks to us," she reminded Jacob for probably the sixth time. She would have added 'and smile' but that was not one of her strongpoints so no sense being hypocritical about it.

"This is no time to discuss things from the past, well, at least not about that. It is a beautiful night, isn't it?"

"Indeed, I don't think we could have asked for better."  Jonah relaxed and smiled, looking up at the sky, never really having paid attention before.  But the crisp air, the waning dusk, the company...

He shook that thought, nodding.  "A perfect evening, just right for a drive, and to set the stage for the season."  He'd never really thought much of Christmas, it just...was, but this year...Well, he had other ideas, not that there was anything to be done for it.

As they turned up the drive to the Rocking P Ranch, they could see the house in the distance.  The road here was lit with small bonfires to light the way, casting a warm glow on the scenery.

"This really is a lovely setting," he commented, "quiet, away from the bustle of town.  I can see why they like it here."  Not necessarily for him, but still a good place to visit now and then.

The festivities were well underway, and Emeline was having a fine time.  So far, everything was going according to plan, the hands were seeing to the horses and carriages, and tending the small fires that lit the road to the house, food and drink were set out, someone had brought a fiddle and music filled the air, along with singing...

This was all she'd hoped it would be!  And then she spotted Clara and Jacob and ran over to greet them.  "I'm so glad you could make it!"  Giving Clara a big hug, she then looked at Jacob with a smile.  "There are cigars and brandy in the parlor, if you'd like.  And I plan to steal away Clara for a bit, to give her the grand tour."

Her attention turned to Clara again.  "You'll love the kitchen!"

"Oh yes, Jonah, a lovely setting. The hose in the distance, the sound of the falls, I'm sure that was a major factor in the decision to build out here," She agreed, And yes it was the perfect evening for this event. And all of the ranch hands in their Sunday best alongside the road, just perfect!"

She was impressed by many things this evening, and the ranch was near the top of that mental list. How a gunfighter and cafe owner could have dreamed of having a place like this, and to be so open to the community amazed her. She just marveled at the idea. Two people, who by all accounts were well to do beyond what the Steelgraves had amassed, yet they were not trying to bully their way over the town, as she had not all that long ago.

"You know Jonah, I believe this just be the beginning of something quite remarkable."

"It's alright, Miss Tully, try to relax, things I know seem strained for you right now, but perhaps as the evening goes on, well, you'll see that there truly is a place for you here in Kalispell, and not under some porch."

'Under some porch...'  Tully knew how that sounded to someone who had had a relatively 'normal' life, but for her, it meant safety, shelter, solitude -- another form of safety.  But then, it really wasn't any of those.  There were spiders and roaches and all manner of filth, and anyone walking along just had to stop and look to find her there.

No, since getting the room at the back of the printing shop, Tully had truly discovered what it was like to be in a place that was secure, warm, dry, and (mostly) free of bugs.  And she was beginning to learn how to trust.

"Th' singin' does sound real nice, ain't it?  Did ya ever do like this?  Goin' ta Christmas party or ought?"

And there was Emeline, looking splendid and very happy.

"I'm so glad you could make it!" Giving Clara a big hug, she then looked at Jacob with a smile. "There are cigars and brandy in the parlor, if you'd like. And I plan to steal away Clara for a bit, to give her the grand tour."

Clara rolled her eyes, "As if.....he neither smokes nor drinks. I have married a saint it seems."

Jacob just smiled, kissed her on one cheek then said he could always talk farming with some of the men guests. And disappeared into the crowd.

Her attention turned to Clara again. "You'll love the kitchen!"

"Oh, I will? Yes, why not start there then. I love the house already," Clara nodded.

"Father has little Em tonight. Otherwise he would have come with his new wife. I truely think he will be quite the doting grandfather," she added as she followed Emeline.