Chance had know he would not get to meet Grey Alone that would have been impossible as they watched as passengers disembarked he kept and eye out looking for a medium useful sort of woman. Randa too was on the look out as she stood next to Chance admiring his strong jaw. She walked over to the little grey mare and reached out a gloved hand to stroke her. The little mare stomped a foot and pinned her ears back and nipped at the blacked gloved hand. Randa jerked her hand back. My she is ill tempered isn't she. No not in the least she is gentle with gentle people. Grey stepped off the step and looking both ways she saw a group of folks a bit down the platform a striking looking woman in green standing next to a tall dark haired man and a older gentleman with grey hair . She walked up to Hank Davis and said Hello are you Mr. Chance Davis. Well you got part of it right young lady Hank said with a smile. I am Hank Davis this here is my wife Clara . Grey looked at the older woman she had a smile on her face with a twinkle in her eyes. You are looking for our son Clara said he is right here and clara gestured toward Chance. Randa stood quietly taking in Grey's small neat person she noticed the shadows under her eyes and the fact that the girl wore no make up at all. Randa noted the freshness of her skin and even though her dress was not eleborate it suited her down to the ground. Grey looked up to Chance and saw the dark brown eyes and her mouth quivered at her mistake, I am sorry Mr. Davis SR i see i was mistaken, Just then the conductor walked up Mam Here is your um Chickens, Grey turned to take the cage looking at each of the hens, forgetting herself for a moment she said Oh they are just fine I am so glad to see them! This was just too much for Randa She touched Chance's arm and sneered She has Chicken's for a dowry how quaint. Grey who had been with folks who were plain spoken promptly replied Oh no they were a gift from my Uncle are they not lovely. Chance stepped forward yes they are right Nice let me take them for you my rig is right here. So he turned away with the hens and Grey watched the tall broad shouldered cowboy as he placed her hens and her bag in the back of the wagon. Randa spoke again. My where is your luggage surely you have more. Grey looked at the other girl. No that is it I have plenty Grey stood a moment then turned her eyes on the Horse who was hitched to the small buggy. Oh you are a beauty aren't you ? The Gray mare snuffled and reached her nose out for a pat. She stroked the mares velvety nose . She is right friendly Chance stated with a smile toward Miranda. Well Chance said Miss Hollister may I help you up? Yes Thank you once she was settled on the wagon Ma Pa we will meet you at the house i am going show Miss Hollister around and take her Hens to my barn, Well Do not tarry son I am sure Miss Hollister could use a cup of tea or Coffee. I would love a cup of coffee mam that would be nice. With that Chance shook the reins and drove the buggy off. He showed her the main streets where the shops were the small libary the sherriff's office Then they went past a small church they rode slowly and in silence. Miss Hollister I know I asked if you would want to marry straight away but that was before my mother had Randa come out. Grey felt her stomach sink Of course he would prefer the other girl why did he not tell me straight away so i could get another train ticket. Well Chance broke into the tumbling thoughts If you would not mind I would like to know you better and all. Ma and Pa have plenty of room even with Randa staying for a bit, What do you say? Of Course Mr. Davis If you have changed your mind please just tell me now and i will be on my way. I just want to slow it down a bit. He stopped the buggy and took her hand. Trust me Miss Hollister you can you know. Alright Mr. Davis we shall do as you suggest Chance smiled at her the first real smile and it was as warm and being in the Sun. On thing we have got to get on to a first name basis every time you call me Mr. Davis I want to look for Pa. what do you think ? Grey nodded her head I think that is just fine , they drove to his place and it was as he stated in his letter a small neat house with a porch and a barn with a pasture and a corral and on one side of the barn was a chicken coop. Come on Grey lets get these Ladies in there new home. They freed the chickens from the cage and into the coop and the hens ran and scratched the ground shaking there feathers They look happy enough, What do you say Grey shall I take you to ma and pa I bet my ma is just itching to talk to you. Oh no really Grey said out loud . She is harmless she is a little on the nosy side but she means well, I have a suggestion Chance said taking her elbow i will bring you back tommorrow for a picnic and then you can look around the place. That sounds like a good plan Chance I would like that. Pulling the buggy up to Chances folks home Grey had been delighted when Chance allowed her to drive the mare they had jogged slowly the little mare was responsive and Grey had enjoyed the sense of freedom driving had given her. She Stepped down and went and patted the horse . You did just fine Grey you will be a hand in no time at all. He hitched the mare and Grey looked up at him. Should you put her away first ? Well i wasn't going send you in on your own. Well lets both go put her away and then go in. They walked in to his parent house and found Randa sitting at the kitchen table his father was sitting in his rocking chair his mother was Putting the kettle on, There you are son yall had a nice ride about? yea ma we did and Grey's chickens are nicely tucked into my coop. He pulled a chair out for Grey and then added more tea to Randa's cup before getting he and Grey a cup for coffee. He pushed the sugar and milk in Grey's direction. Now how did you know i took milk and cream in my coffee she asked him as she stirred her cup with a slight smile. A little bird told me. Oh Grey smiled even bigger a bird named Lilly no doubt, yes that would right. The coffee is right good mam , Now Child you just call me Clara and I am going to call you Grey i don't think we introduced you to my niece Miranda randa for short. Randa did not offer a hand but nodded her head in a regal way. So Grey Hank davis said smiling what did you think of Chance's place. Well I just saw the outside the barn and the chicken coop but it was peaceful. We are going back tommorrow for a picnic. Oh that will be nice clara intterupted I can do you up a hamper some chicken and sandwiches , Well i think you should have a chaparone so I would offer my services Randa all but purred when she said it. Grey may not have hqe much experience with courting but she Smiled and said well Miss Clara you and Mr, Hank should come to thus she defeated Randa at her own game. Randa had thought she could show herself to a better advantage next to the country mouse and now she would have to compete with his parents too. Clara was watching the emotions play over her nieces face, Well Grey would you like to go to your room and freshen up before supper? Why yes that would be fine. Once in the bedroom Grey sat at the looking glass mirror she splashed some water on her face dried her face, brushing her hair she thought about the man downstairs and about the beautiful Randa she wondered what had happened between them.

Clara Davis straighted her already straight spine. Well now Chance who is the lucky lady. One of the Miller girls no doubt. Not even close ma, I decided a local girl would not do, He said this with a firm look on his handsome face. Randa noted Chance had a steely quality that she did not remember. Do tell said his ma. May I know my new daughter in laws name or is it a secret. Certainly Her name is Grey Hollister. She will arrive tommorrow on the train so you will meet soon enough. Chance's pa said well now Clara if that don't beat all you been shaking every tree herebout's and this boy has already got him a bride. Better serve me a piece of that pie i am plum hungry now the older man said with a grin. He adored his wife but she was always getting herself into jams being nosy and such.

The two women sat in the parlor . Randa i just don't know what to say dear i am totally at a loss for words the older woman's face was flushed with embarassment. I never would have asked you to come if Ihad known about Miss Hollister. Aunt Clara. Randa used her pet name for Chance's ma I have no doubt of that . I am not so quick to give up either, Chance is stubborn and our fuss was a misunderstanding on his part. This Lady is on the way they aren't married yet. Furtermore I am glad to be back home so i won't be leaving so fast. Clara did not say anything merely smiled and nodded her head.


Chance sat on his front porch looking at the stars He said a silent prayer. Lord I asked for a wife that needed me and i am still asking but Lord please let her be able to have a few thoughts in her head. Seeing Randa today had brought back old memories and hurts the woman was still just beautiful. Why when he was beginning a new life with the mysterious Grey did Randa have to come home.

Grey was looking at the stars also since sleep came in fits and starts she too was praying. Lord help me I hope i have not made a mistake, What could have made me think it would be alright to come out here.

Early the next morning Clara was pouring her husband's coffee and she said. Hank you know i am gonna need the buggy Randa and i need to go into town, That so clara what would you be needin well we are low on coffee flour sugar those kinda things and just when would you be wanting to go to town? My guess it will be when the train gets in or a little bit after am i right about that honey?

Hank had hitched the team to the wagon he would drive his wife into town he was a little curious to see the lady that was going to marry his son. Clara had worn a dove grey dress that had blue trim, Randa however had not be so conservative in her choice of dress. True there was not a thing wrong with the dress. Emerald green with black trim sure to turn folks head. The girl was a breathtaking beauty with pale skin the green eyes, She had a confidence that she knew the effect of her beauty, She had been a pretty baby and little girl and she took her beauty as a fact and used it to her advantage.

Chance had hitched up the small buggy all shiny and black with the small grey mare. She was a gentle mare honest and true he remember reading Lilly's words. My neiece is a gentle girl she had an affinity with animals and while she has not learned to ride she will in time take to it unless i miss my guess. He had dressed himself with care. Blackpants and boots with a white shirt and black coat and hat. He wondered if he would recongize the girl. Remembering lilly's words she is a useful sort of girl. So she is not a raving beauty he said out loud to the horse. I had fill of beauty's a lot of trouble they are.


Grey had taken time with her change of clothes She had put on a pale yellow gown with blue trim. She decided to undo her single braid that had been good for travel so her hair had some curl . Her hat was small, she held Aunt lilly's hanky in her hand. She pinched her checks and bit her lip slightly for color and decided That is the best i can do aunt Lilly here we go!

As it was both sets of Davis's pulled up to the train station at the same time. They Gathered on the wooden platform. Chance Looked at Randa and said, What no luggage i just assumed you would be going back No need to stay, She smiled at him What and miss meeting the mystery lady not in this life!

Just make it a nodding acquantince will you Randa I don't want you or ma scaring her away.
Hank Davis smiled His son was reading the younger woman right so he had no worries about this woman. The woman on the Train was a different story Hank would have to wait and see just what his youngest son had got himself into.

As the Train carried her westward to her new life Grey wondered again about Chance Davis, What sort of man was he? She had read all the letter's he had written to her aunt but could not get a sense of the man. Had she been rash and made a mistake? What would she find upon her arrival? She smoothed her skirt down closed her eyes and tried to sleep she could hear a baby crying a few rows ahead of her. Babies Would this man want babies. He sounded like an older man so perhaps this would not be a worry. She had no idea if this man had family. Uncle Ottis had shared that Aunt Lily had said she had a good feeling about the man.

The man in question was working with a young horse. Slowly and carefully unlike some of his friends he believed in a firm but Gentle touch with young horses, Sometimes going slow and easy paid off. He released the colt into the corral just as the dinner bell was being rung.

His Ma had been cooking up a storm a sure sign that she had something on her mind. Fried Chicken mashed potatoes. biscuits and honey. green beans. Sitting with his folks at the table he took a couple bites then stopped. Okay Ma what is going on this looks like a meal fit for company? Well Son you know how your ma loves to cook, Just then they heard the Jingle of horse harness. I will just go see who is here, as his mother left the table Chance got that feeling in his belly. The same feeling when he would work with a horse that he thought was learning the ropes when you would be loping for miles and all the sudden the horse would start bucking, usually right before the first buck you would get a little signal to hold tight. That was just how he was afeeln right then. Looking at his pa he knew the feelin was right .

He heard her and sensed her before he ever laid eyes on her. The bright perfume the tinkling laugh, Miranda they all called her Randa the woman who played with him like a toy and discarded him for a newer fancier one. Good mannners and upbringing prevailed and he rose to his feet when she approched the table. She was almost as tall as him still just as beautiful with Dark hair Green eyes. Hello Chance darlin How are you? Papa Davis so good to see you again.
Randa you are amongst family have a seat and help yourself. As the woman was helping herself to a dainty bit of food. Chance wondered What have i done to deserve this. I guess you are right surprized to see me ? Chance Looked at her with raised eyebrows but said nothing. Son I had a letter from Randa and well I got to thinking that you did not seem at all interested in the young ladies i had been trying to introduce you too and then I heard from Randa well she sounded so home sick that i thought visit might perk her up . Chance studied the face he knew so well. She was more beautiful than ever. She did not look wilted or in need of a thing, Her dark hair gleemed and her green eyes danced.

Well you must make yourself at home Randa of course. It is good that you are here ma is going to need some company. What do you mean son his ma said with a smile. Well now ma you know i told you I would be moving to my house when i was ready, his ma laughed no son you said when you found the right woman you would be moving. That is just it I have found her and she is on her way, Randa almost fell off her chair though his ma remained composed if silent, That so son his pa had a smile on his face.

Morning light streamed through the windows and Grey rose quickly to begin the days chores still heavy hearted and unsure of what she would do. She cooked breakfast for her uncle he ate little and said nothing. Once he was gone to work in his store she cleaned the kitchen . Did a quick Inventory of the food in the house Sandwiches would do if her uncle came home for lunch. She collected the Laundry and bed linens and went outside to set up the washing pail. The Sun was shining and she soon became warm with the excertion of her efforts. Once the laundry was washed and rinsed she hung it on the bushes and fence to dry. Then she went to the barn, feeding the chickens and collecting eggs, She heard the jingle of horse harness and walked out of the barn. It Was Ada. Hello Grey have i interrupted your chores? I was just collecting the eggs we have more than enough would you like to to take some home? Well maybe a few but you know you can always sell the extra's in town. The two women headed to the house How bout some lemonaid Ada I am hot and thristy. Both of the women were pale with shadows beneath there eyes I guess neither of us got much sleep last night, Not much Grey agreed but it will get better Aunt Lilly would switch us both if we did not get on with it, well she wouldn't spank us but she would get that worried look and frown if we did not cheer up. It seems a tall order thought Grey. Ada straightened her spine I promised Pa i would clear ma's things out of the bedroom, He wants it all gone clothes books, nick nacks So I best get to it I have a trunk i can use anything you specially want? Grey thought for a moment. If know one wants it I would like a Hanky and maybe a small vase just some little rememberance.



Do you want me to help you Ada? No Grey It will be easier if i just do this but thank you Maybe some tea afterwords. Ada went into her mother and fathers room the bed had been striped but all her mother's things were on her bedside table. Her bible her books a small skein of wool waiting to be knitted, Tears welled in Ada's eyes " Oh ma I miss you so already" Once these few things were in the trunk then she quickly added the undergarments from the chesterdrawers then the Dresses in the wardrobe. She closed the trunk so few things for a life that was so well lived.

As Ada walked into the kitchen Grey poured the hot water over the tea waiting for it to steep. Her cousins weepy eyes told the story of how hard it was to rid the room of her mother few things that had made the room warm and cozy. Here Have some tea. They sat together for a bit sipping tea lost in their own thoughts of the woman who had loved and cared for them both. Ada I have decided to see if Mr Davis responds to Aunt Lilly's letter and if he ask me i am gonna go west to meet him. If not I will see if you Pa would let me work at the store and stay in the back room. Oh Grey are you sure really you could come stay with me and Bobby, No Ada I am sure I will miss you and Uncle Ottis but it is so hard being here now I can only hope that I will hear something soon .

Chance Davis had been having some sleepless nights himself, He was a hardworking man no doubt and he did not lack physical courage but one thing that could set his teeth on edge was his Mama she had it in her head that it was past time for her son to marry the other boys had and Chance needed to fall in line so she started talking to all her lady friends trotting out daughters, neices why there were giggly girls all over the place it seemed. This had at first been slightly funny but when he realized his ma wasn't joking he got plum ornery . Clara Davis was strong willed and stubborn and she fiqured in time her son would give in a pick a bride.

Chance had read all of Miss Lilly's letters the woman had been fairly regular in her correspondence to him the letters had stopped and he wondered had she lost the battle with her failing heart. What would happen to the girl named Grey. He wasn't sure why he cared . He had never seen her she wasn't his problem. Still that nagging feeling was with him. So he decided he would write the girl If she responded he would deal with his mama. He wasn't sure that she would even respond.


Dear Miss Hollister.
Your Aunt Lilly had been writing me hoping that at some time we might be introduced and joined in marriage. She had shared with me that her health was failing and that she felt her time on this earth was soon to be concluded Since it has been awhile since i have heard from her I can only believe that either she has passed away or that she had told you of her plans and you have rejected them . If you are interested in a New start I am prepared to offer you a home with me. Your Aunt said you are a hard worker useful and sturdy, Those are mighty good qualities to have out here.

I feel it is only fair that i tell you about myself. I have never been married, I have a small place with cattle, horses my home is small but neat it is not a fancy place. should you wish to join me i can send you a train ticket. My parents are both living and you would stay at there place until we met and married or we could stop at the preachers straight away. I look forward to hearing from you. I hope this letter finds your Aunt is better.
Chance Davis



Grey Hollister Read her letter again. Here was her answer she could accept this offer and go to a place far away from her cousin and uncle and the rest of her kin. She could stay and move into the back room at her uncle's store Staying at the house was almost unbareable, She continued to do her chores and her Aunts Chores but her Uncle was deep in his grief for his wife and while he would try to talk most evennings he sat outside lost in thoughts or in his barn. The next morning Ada came by on her way to town. Looking pale and a little green around the gills Grey was concerned for her cousin. I think everything is fine I am almost sure that it is. I will stop back by when i have got my shopping done . Are you needing anything? No can't think of a thing see you when you come back by. Grey had just finished churning the cream into butter. when she heard Ada's wagon pull up. Her Cousin still looked pale but no longer green around the gills as before, I can't stop Grey I have to get home I have to talk to bobby a blush crept on ada's cheeks we have plans to make. Grey could not help but think how excited her Aunt would have been another Grandchild to add to the brood. She smiled and Waved you head home and we will talk another day.

That night over supper Grey decided to ask her Uncle his advice it would be a hard conversation to get the man to talk but he was a good man with sound judgement. Uncle Ottis I have to make a decison and I just am not sure what i should do which way to go. How do you know you are making the right decison, I usually chew on it awhile, the older man grunted and usually aftersome thought i make my mind up and get to work.

Uncle Ottis what would you do for help out here if i moved away? You mean if you answered the letter from the Davis fella? I have thought about that and you know the Allen family ? Well since they have been having some hard times I have been giving them a little credit at the store and as it turns out. Ms Allen said Kitty and Callie could come out after Schcool and do the chores and such it would help me and them too.


Grey sat at her Aunt's desk and after a bit she began to write. Mr. Davis, I would be agreeable to join you and as to marriage I being a Good and useful sort of gal would just as soon go to preacher upon my arrival i seek a new situation for myself . I await your reply.

Chance was surprized at the brevity of Grey's letter but pleased that she would marry with out all the fuss and feathers and now he would be able to inform his ma that the parade of eligible ladies could stop. That in it's self was worth the train ticket.


Uncle Ottis had insisted that he send some of her Aunt's Chicken's with Grey on the train the crate was safely stowed in the baggage car. The older man's eyes were misting up and his voice was tight, Remember Grey you have Lilly's blood running through you veins you have her courage. You make sure and Bring Mr. Davis for a visit when you can. With a hard hug. The conductor called all aboard. Grey Hollister boarded the Train and Headed west to a Man she had never met with her few possesions and a clutch of her dead Aunt's laying hens.