"Yes 'um. That's what Speed did with the Copper Queen, sent off to Helena, took maybe a month all totaled and we can do that if you want. Won't be hard, nor take all that long, and anything we buy can end up under the corporation," Barnabas explained. "Probably a good idea, but I'm not for using Cole Latham, our business would end up a common knowledge to Steelgrave, an' I ain't havin' none a that!"

"That building of yours, you oughtta get that done. There's no reason we can't pay 'er off an be done with it, but I'm thinkin' that maybe you sell Clara the business, just not the building, that way you'd have first right and refusal, shoujld you ever want to reopen the place."

"Sell?"  Well, it really wasn't a bad idea if Clara was willing, and they'd certainly be able to make payments.  Clara had  been running the place long enough to know the ins and outs, know what the profits were, and if she could make it.  "That's a good idea.  I guess I've been holding onto it as part of the past.  The Lickskillet was such an accomplishment for me after...I was left alone.  But you're right, I have a wonderful future ahead of me, a lot to look forward to and to keep me busy...Yes, you're right, I'll talk to her as soon as I get to town again."

And it wouldn't be as if she'd be giving it up completely, for she could fill in when Clara needed a break.  And honestly, it would be a burden lifted that would give her more time with her family, the horses and the ranch.

"Now I'm not saying you have to sell the business, not at all, but then again, having the building is, I think, the smart way to go about it. Should Clara ever decide to get out of the business for whatever reason, well she can sell the business back to you, or to whoever."

The location is great, right on Main Street, has the rooms above, and, it could actually be converted to just about anything." He continued. "But the old brewery, I'll look into it, and while I'm in town I'll drop by the bank and pay off the Lickskillet building. It is the only eatery in town after all, aside from the hotel dining room." He smiled, "Building an empire, we are."

"Me?  An Empress?"  Emeline laughed and gave Barnabas a hug, mindful that she was holding the baby.  "Just be sure when you pay it off to use the funds from my account."

It was a point of pride for her, that it was something she had accomplished on her own, and she knew that he understood that.  And it was an account that Clara had access to so she could order supplies and take care of the building.

"I'd thought that I might always be working out of a tent at first, but then I had enough to move here and purchase the building..."  She laughed.  "That's one thing to be said for less civilization...men will pay a good price for a good, simple meal.  I'm afraid as the town grows, so will the competition, but Clara is up to it!"

"As you wish, and I'm glad to have it paid off, not that it was a bother, it wasn't, but, it'll be a good feeling to know it's done and it's yours. Fact is, I'm'onna saddle up and ride on in an' take care of both," He said. It was the thing to do, and he could check in at the office with Speed.

But then she said, "I'd thought that I might always be working out of a tent at first, but then I had enough to move here and purchase the building..." She laughed. "That's one thing to be said for less civilization...men will pay a good price for a good, simple meal. I'm afraid as the town grows, so will the competition, but Clara is up to it!"

"There'll be no tents for you, Lady, I won't have it, 'less it's at the county fair, if we ever have us one of those. That'd be great, huh? I mean havin' a county fair, or somethin' like that big shebang we had back a ways, what, a year or two now?"

"Oh, yes, a county fair would be just the thing!"  Getting together for something other than an emergency was always fun, and a good chance for the community to get to know each other outside of church and their professions.  "Maybe I'll have a couple of horses ready to show what we have...might even have a foal or two by then."

And, of course, the baking competitions!  "And Clara and I can put up pies against each other...she'll be worthy competition!  Yes, I think that's a great idea.  Maybe run it by Speed and see what he thinks?"

Of course, the town council would have to be involved, so it may take some time.  "And since you're going to town, I could use some cinnamon.  Should I expect you back in time for supper?"

"Sure, I won't be all that long," He said thinking the trip would be pretty much in and out, even with visiting Speed to see if he was needed for anything. "Ciminin, got it. an' you think a County Fairs a good idea, I agree, We need to get something going we all need breaks from that.  aside from the day to day business of workin', I'll see what speed says about it"

It did sound like fun. Show her horses, and the baking contest which would mean a dance, it was a grand idea. Time away from most everything and it might last a couple of days, like over a Saturday, Sunday this summer after round up. Yes! So maybe he and Speed could get the ball rolling.

"Anything else you need me to get while I'l loose in town?"  He asked. He might need to make a list!

"No, the larder is fine otherwise, I was just thinking of making some cinnamon rolls."  Emeline took his hand and gave it a tight squeeze.  "Just bring yourself back to us and we'll be happy."

There was no reason to think that anything bad would happen to Barnabas just going to town, but sometimes Emeline couldn't help but worry.  At least now she had things to keep her occupied and not dwelling on his absence. 

"Oh, and check to make sure Clara doesn't need anything, and give her my regards."

"Love, I'm just ridin' to town, of course, I'll bring me back to the both of you. He said wondering what she was worried about, but then it was still a dangerous country and a man rode ready for anything, man or beast.

"Ciminin rolse? I'll ride hard both ways for that! Hopt coffee and rolls, you betcha!" HJe promised, grinning ear to ear like a boy expecting to lick the solon. "Shouldn't take too awful long Anyways maybe three, four hours tops. If I get outta here." He kissed her, and then Wheeler, handing him back to her. On the way out he strapped on his right hand gun, thinking one was enough, and out of the door he went on a dead run to the barn where his horse was tied, into the d]sadd;e, wheeling the roan  around and touching the spur to him, and off in a gallop.

"That's a good man there," Emeline murmured to Wheeler as she watched Barnabas ride away.  "You're one lucky boy, to have him for a papa."  And she knew how lucky she was, to have crossed paths with him.  "Now, let's go check on Mama's horses then get those cinnamon rolls going!"

It was good for the infant to be outside, and to learn the sounds and smells of the ranch, and she was trying her best to accomplish that.  Besides, she didn't like being cooped up in the house all the time, especially when she had the horses, and more than one of the mares was pregnant.  Soon, there would be half a dozen foals scampering all over the paddocks!  Soon, the whole ranch would be teeming with life!