I spent the next couple of days recovering in Emma's spare room. When Cody wasn't on a ride or doing chores he stayed pretty close to me. There wasn't even that much he could do for me by then, but he did read out loud to me and told me the news from town. Emma supplied him with a few books from her own library. She and Teaspoon agreed that I could spend the next two days before my first ride recovering in the bunkhouse. I was glad to be back for the change of scenery, and also to be closer to the other riders.

One day I even had a surprise visitor. All the boys were elsewhere when Aimee let herself in the door. She wore a yellow gingham dress and carried a covered basket.

"How are you feeling, Lou?" she asked. "Kid told me what happened."

"Better," I replied, lowering my voice. "I'll be glad to be up and around again."

Aimee began to shirt her weight back and forth on her feet nervously, "Uh, Lou?"

"Yeah?"

"You, um, don't have to pretend with me anymore. I-I know you're a girl."

"Did Kid tell you?" I demanded, not believing he would betray my secret.

"Uh, no. I just-well..."she touched the neckline of her dress and smiled.

It ws then that I realized I was wearing the flannel nightgown that Emma had given me. I caught Aimee's eye and we both burst out laughing.

"To tell the truth, I'd suspected earlier, but figured it was your business," she shrugged. "In a way, I'm glad you know I know. I don't really have any friends in town and..."

"I'd like us to be friends," I offered, motioning for her to come forward.

She smiled and pulled a chair near my bunk, "You're sure I won't be a bother?"

"Positive. I haven't had a real conversation with another girl in a long time. You'll have to forgive me if I'm rusty."

"I'm sure you'll do fine," she chuckled.

"How do you like Sweetwater?" I asked.

"It's a nice town. I'm glad to be settled somewhere for once. But I feel kind of useless. I'm too old for school, and I live with my parents so I don't have much to do. Think the Pony Express would take me on?"

"I think one girl is probably one too many," I quipped. "Is there something you want to do? Teach or something?"

"What I'd really like to do is write," Aimee confided in a hushed tone. "But I don't know where to begin. No one wants to read a female author."

"Well, maybe you could try something on a smaller scale. I heard one of the boys say that Mr. Harrell was looking for an assistant. He publishes the newspaper. It might be worth a try." I encouraged.

"Oh, Lou, that's a brilliant idea. I'm sure glad we had this talk," she gushed.

At that moment, in walked the Kid, who understandably wore a very confused expression on his face. Aimee flew to him, handed him the basket, and said something about going to see Mr. Harrell right away. Poor Kid then looked even more astonished. It took a good ten minutes to explain to him all that he'd seen and heard. When we finally got everything straightened out Kid peaked into the basket and offered me an oatmeal cookie. I very happily accepted.

Before I rode out the next day, Cody approached me looking concerened, "You sure you're up to this, Lou? I mean, if you need me to cover for you I'd be glad to."

"Cody, that's sweet," I smiled sincerely. "But I'm of no use to anyone just lying in that bed. Besides, the fresh air will be good for me. I'll be fine-really."

"Well", he hesistated. "If you're sure..."

"I'm positive," I assured him. "But thanks for caring. I'm up to this, Cody."

"Okay, just hurry back," he winked.

Fortuantely my ride was short and relatively uneventful. I was a little more sore than usual when I returned but I was also proud of myself for *literaly* "getting back in the saddle". Cody was taking the next run and I handed the mochilla to him. He smiled broadly seeing me returned safe and sound. There was little time to say anything except to wish him a safe ride.

Emma came over from the clothesline to see me, "Glad you're back. I have a tub full of warm water if you're interested."

"Oh, I'm interested!"

The galvanized bathtub certainly looked inviting with its warm water and bubbles. I stripped off my clothes and slowly eased myself into the water.

"Can I come in?" called Emma.

The bubbles gave me adequate coverage, "Sure."

"Thought you might enjoy a special treat after your first ride back," she explained.

"Obliged to you," I sighed happily. "How were things around here today?"

"Pretty average, I guess. Cody was a little quieter than usual. I think he was kind of anxious for you to return."

"Yeah, he offered to take my ride but I refused. Don't want him getting no ideas that I can't do my own work." I said firmly.

"And did he agree?" she wondered.

"Well, he let me go without too much fuss," I laughed.

"That's a good sign. I think Cody appreciates your independence. Well, I'll let you finish your bath," she waved.

I didn't stay in the tub much longer. Emma had put the towels near the stove to warm them and I wrapped them around me with pleasure. We did not have a lot of luxuries living at the way station and we learned how to appreciate the small luxuries in life, like warm towels.

Because Cody had an overnight run he was not with us for supper. I found myself missing his easy-going manner and his stories, even if they were slightly exaggerated. We all knew he mostly used the superlatives for dramatic effect and it did not bother us. The other boys were friendly enough but Cody by far was the most lively. After supper I joined in the poker game rather than allowing myself to wallow in self pity. However my mind was not on the game.

"Thinking about Cody?" Jimmy asked abruptly.

"Why do you ask?"

Noah snorted, "Because that's the third hand you've lost in a row. We can tell your mind ain't exactly on the game."

"Guess we haven't been apart very much," I said, feeling the color rise into my cheeks. "Between the scarlet fever and the beating I took we've kept a pretty close eye on each other."

"It must be nice to have someone to do that with," smiled Buck. "Hope I have that with someone some day."

"You will," I assured him. "All you boys will. Just look at Kid and Aimee."

"She's a special girl," he agreed, blusing slightly.

Jimmy cracked a grin, "I guess what we're trying to tell you is that we're happy for you and Cody. So don't mind the teasing."

"I never do, Jimmy."

On to Chapter 5!