He'll see a shift in her, too. The way he talks about his childhood rings true with her own. She smiles like the schoolteacher used to, soft and hazy, an unguarded light in her eyes, expression sweet with memories. It passes quickly. Far too quickly.

"I reckon you an' I have that in common."

She drops her gaze, thumb brushing bourbon from the rim of her glass. It's business as usual when she looks up again.

"I'm glad t'hear it. I'm gonna need someone t'mind the horses, be my eyes when I'm otherwise occupied. You'll need t'supply your own mount, 'course. An' I'm lookin' for extra ponies; good stocky sort, deep chests, full broke. Y'got a finger on where I might find some?"