"It's good to be a family," Emeline commented with a soft smile, "and you'll know that for yourself soon enough."  It wouldn't be long before Speed and Alice were married and moving on to a different dynamic in their relationship, and that might make Speed think even harder about stepping away from law, especially after he had a child.

"Have you started any planning for the wedding?  You can have the Lickskillet for your reception if you'd like, or, at very least, we can provide the food for you.  I can talk to Alice and see what she'd like?"  After all, if you owned a restaurant, it made sense to offer it to your friends.

"I need to see about my suit, and then, there is the dress Alice will need from Mister Pettigrew as well. Now the date, that would be up to Alice, not that I have no say, it is just something she would want, it is her day after all. At least, that is how I look at it. We did select the Month of June, but as to the day? Nothing is set so far. But soon, I believe it is coming fast." And for him, it was coming fast, almost too fast!

"I'm sure that Alice would appreciate your help with this. I don't believe she sees this as a problem as yet, but she would love to meet with you, I'm sure." He agreed, "So what brought you to town? Besides saying hello to me?" He joshed."And finding out you're almost a free man."

Pike laughed at that, "I've not been a free man since the day I tied on the apron to wash dishes at the Lickskillet. Freedom comes in many ways, and you are almost right, I'm now free to run my spread and create an even bigger family with this wonderful woman here. Wheeler's gonna need some playmates, doncha know." He looked at DEm, smiled and patted her shoulder.

"A willing captive, of course!"  Emeline laughed, wrinkling up her nose and quickly sticking out her tongue at Barnabas.  Just as quickly, she turned her attention back to Speed.  "I'd be happy to help Alice with her arrangements, and I'll try to keep her in check!"

Some women had wild dreams of their weddings and wanted all sorts of elaborate -- and expensive -- trappings, but Emeline didn't think Alice was like that.  Certainly, it needed to be nice, but not crazy.  

"Wheeler will have plenty of playmates."  Emeline's cheeks burned red as she smiled.  "And soon enough, you and Alice will add to the mix.  We'll need to add on to the school!"  At this rate, the single room building wouldn't be sufficient in a few years, and they would need another teacher as well.  

"I think we have a bright future, and Kalispell is going to be a good place to raise a family."  She hoped so, although she realized that its remoteness would make it take some doing to tame the rowdies.  Statehood would be a good start, but there was no telling when that would happen, nor where they boundaries would be. 

Pike grinned, "Adding on to the school was one of our priorities, because the need is there and will continue to grow with this community. Only makes sense to look into what it will take to make that happen. Now I know that a lot of other towns tend to use the church for classes, but I want a real school, and maybe another teacher or two to assist Miss Bowen. The school is growing almost beyond its means,"

"Yes, I too, am aware of the need, though Miss Bowen has yet to come forward looking for funds to expand. I also think that the expansion should be in the form of additional classrooms and maybe an office for her. I am not for hiring anyone to be over her, such as a Principal." Speed put in his two cents worth into the education discussion. "We should contact her and get her involved in this discussion."

Valentin walked slowly, but purposefully back toward the Marshal's office. He had been out doing rounds and continuing to familiarize himself with the town and townspeople of Kalispell. It felt good to be off the trail and back in a steady job. Stopping outside the door, he scuffed his boots on the boardwalk to knock any loose dust, dirt, or mud off before stepping into the office, removing his black Stetson as he did. For a moment, he blinked as he spotted the visitors inside. Glancing at Speed, he was quickly assured by the other man's relaxed demeanor that these were welcomed visitors and not a report of trouble.

He nodded politely at the pretty woman and the other gentleman, "Good day, ma'am, sir." Val then looked over at the Marshal, "Rounds done, all's quiet."

@[Flip]

Bongo