The morning passed calmly and peacefully for Jessica. It was one of those lazy days where the sheriff and deputy kind of seat around, maybe play a bit of checkers. About mid-afternoon Chase and Jessica were jolted out of their lethargy by galloping hoof beats and whooping and hollering. Sheriff and Deputy raced out onto the porch of the Sheriff's office to see a group of about ten to twelve cowboys come thundering down main street.

Jessica scanned over them, reading what there was to read. She quickly realized what that they were cowboys returning from a cattle drive. They had money in their pockets and were free after several months of herding cattle. One old grizzled cowboy came trotting respectfully into town a little ways behind the others. He smiled and tipped his hat to Jessica as soon as he saw here. She smiled and nodded back at him before turning his attention to horse, a beautiful chunky built chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. The mare danced, neck arched, but yet she responded to the cowboy's every command. The gentlest twitch of the hackamore had her slowing or turning.

The cowboy halted the mare in front of Jessica and Chase. I'm right sorry about them ma'am, he said apologetically, motioning to the lot pulled up in front of the cafe. Been a long couple of months and their prett' near crazed with energy. Jessica smiled, understanding. As long as they don't go causing trouble, they should be fine.