The men did not get into town to ask the brides until Saturday morning. Some of the men were angry that Aaron Stempel and the men at the saw mill had gotten first pick, and Jason's men wouldn't get their choice of girls, but as Candy pointed out to them they could have gotten messages down. Still Saturday night, they made the best of it and were having a good time. Joshua was pleased to find that his choice hadn't been spoken for yet. Theresa seemed reluctant to go, almost fearful, but Joshua persuaded her.
     "Joshua seems quite smitten with her." Candy said as she danced with Jeremy.
     "Have you found out any more about here?" Jeremy asked.
     "No, only that she's from San Francisco on her way to relatives in Canada." Candy answered.
     "But you think there's more." Jeremy said. It was more of a statement than a question.
     "I'm sure there is." Candy answered. "She's running from something or someone."
     "Do you think she's broken the law?" Jeremy asked.
     "Oh no, nothing like that." Candy thought a moment. "It's just that she seems fearful of something."
     Before she and Jeremy had a chance to talk further, Big Swede stood on the stairs next to the bar. "I have an announcement!" This caused surprise, Big Swede was usually too shy for public announcements. "Essie and me. We're going to have a baby."
     A loud cheer went up from the crowd with several of the men slapping Big Swede on the back and the women gathering around Essie. Big Swede bought a round of drinks for the men. Essie graciously accepted hugs from the women and excused herself to talk to Aaron. "Aaron, we'll need to find someone to take over the school." Candy heard this and pulled Theresa out of the crowd. "Miss O'Brien is looking for a job and she's very well educated." She told them.
     "But no—I'm not staying." Theresa tried to protest.
     "Only until they find someone to take over permanently." Candy said. "You can use the money to get to Canada."
     "Well...," Theresa started.
     "It's settled." Candy stated. "Isn't it, Aaron?" She added as an afterthought.
     "It's up to Miss O'Brien." Aaron said.
     "Well, then. I accept." Theresa agreed.