"And this, this is how life should be, carefree as a child on a swing!" She exclaimed, feeling the exhilaration of something she had not done since she was a child. She was thoroughly enjoying the simple back and forth motion, gaining height with each push. For the moment she was free of everything.
"Wonderful!" She exclaimed. Absolutely wonderful!" Slipping the bonds of worry and responsibility if only for a few moments was, as she had exclaimed, wonderful. It was at that moment she saw Speed Guyer ride up, and she giggle like a schoolgirl, being caught on a swing.
He reined in and stepped down, ground hitching his horse. "Sorry to interrupt, I have news." He began, "Hello Jonah, good to see you." He greeted coming up to them, a perfect picture. "I hate to interrupt but I believe you will want to hear this, tomorrow at nine am, you meet with everyone to sign the exchange agreement and put an end to this situation and get the building started!"
Leah starred at him as the swing came to a halt.
"Really? How, how did you do that?" She asked, completely at a loss.
"No matter, Matt and I had a talk with Ben Robertson, he'll arrange it." Was Guyer's explanation.
It was just the reaction he was hoping for, and Jonah hoped that a few minutes of carefree fun would help Leah refocus, or at least some joy in her life.
Then Speed approached, and Jonah grabbed the ropes again, helping to bring the swing to quick stop by digging in his heels. He hoped that Leah wasn't embarrassed at being 'caught', but then, Speed wasn't the sort to judge.
"Good news, Marshal!" Jonah exclaimed, smiling. "Maybe we should have tried the swing out sooner!"
Seemed like Leah's plans were finally going to get started, and here in Kalispell, where she really wanted to be. "Congratulations, Miss Steelgrave!"
"Finally." Leah said. "We can get a good deal completed in the time we have left."
"Yes Ma'am, a good deal of it. Well, I'll leave you two to enjoying the rest of the day" Speed said touching the brim of his hat. "Miss Steelgrave, Doctor." Being formal with the two made hims smile. "See you at nine then. With that he walked to his horse and climbed aboard.
"Thank you Marshal!" Leah called after him. Then to Jonah, "How exciting! I can call for the builders and the supplies to get them started on the foundation." She turned excitedly, "Will you go with me in the morning? I mean you are a big part of all of this, from the very beginning."
"Of course!" Jonah grinned widely, glad that this was finally coming to an end, and even more happy that Leah was happy. "I've been at it this long, I'd hate to miss the best part!"
As much as it was a relief for her, it was for him as well, he was happy for the chance to move on with the project, even though that put him closer to having to figure out how to organize and operate something more than a simple clinic.
"I'd say a celebration is in order, but we've already had tea and cinnamon rolls, and the swing..." He shrugged. "Not sure what's left!"
She smiled at Jonah as Guyer rode off. Oh, I don't know, but I'm thinking you are most certainly correct, a celebration is in order. Tomorrow will be a banner day!" She announced triumphantly, "Not just me or you, but for the County and the good people of Kalispell. Whether they like me or not, it matters not at all at this point. Signing the agreement, that is what is important for all of us!"
It somehow never occurred to Leah that she was about to have another setback, yet it would be one with a solution. A definite change in how this would all play out.
"I do believe a dinner at the Belle-St. Regis this evening is most assuredly in order!" She declared. She was happier than she could remember. At last it appeared that her struggle was almost over, that in fact the Town Council would honor their word to her. A dinner complete with their finest Champaign!
"Of course, and a grand celebration it will be!"
But, good lord, how was he going to pay for it, for certainly he couldn't let her pay! Not only was this a celebration for her, but he was the gentleman, and as much as Leah was her own woman, it was his place to buy.
He'd just have to get over to the Belle this afternoon to do a little bartering. After all, he had plenty of homemade jams and jellies in his larder, not to mention canned whatever-you-could-want, and just this morning, Mrs. Tillery ad paid him in two dozen lovely brown eggs!
"So, then, do you have business to attend in light of the new developments, or would you like another turn on the swing?"
After all, she had actually laughed, and that had been such a good sound!
"Well, I, I don't know. The signing is tomorrow morning, so I cannot see anything that I would have to do right this second. But, when we go for our celebration this evening it would be best if the boys were aware of what is happening, but I'll run home, as I will certainly need too change for this. I mean, I can't possibly go dressed like this. It's a celebration! The end of a long struggle for Kalispell, and yes, for me, and you as well."
"Oh Jonah! It's right there in front of us, the hospital which could be opened by next spring, with the orphanage under construction." Then she giggled, actually giggled like a school girl, "Maybe we can entice Doctor Boone to come back, wouldn't that be something?" Wouldn't it? Everything was aligning as it should have months ago. The struggles end in sight.
"Yes, of course, Dr. Boone has a good deal of experience and knowledge, and with this becoming a regional facility, I'm going to need more help. We'd likely need specialists, once we're up and running..."
Kalispell, and the territory here, was relatively small, so it wouldn't be like the massive hospitals in places like St. Louis, but it would still be good to have a few specialists, and maybe even have a mid-wife or two available. But that was all for later, first, they needed the building!
"Of course, appropriate clothing," Jonah agreed, he'd need to clean up as well. "How does six sound? Would you like me to pick you up, or shall we meet there?"
"Oh I would agree about Doc Boone, though we may not be able to pry him from his practice in Columbia Falls." Leah offered, not that it was good news, or even verified. But he was their only doctor, much like Jonah in Kalispell.
"This is just so exciting, to think after all this time, we can move forward on this project and, perhaps by summer both buildings will be up and ready for use. That would just be fabulous, don't you think?" The feeling of anticipation, of true excitement came to her in waves. One moment it was there, the next it was abated.
"Oh yes, appropriate clothing, and six sounds just fine. Just fine. Oh I can't believe it! At last!"