Chapter One The Reunion
Teaspoon walked off the porch of the house at Rock Creek, Nebraska. This house was part of the old Pony Express waystation. He saw the dust gather as several horses and wagons came across the prairie. He smiled knowing who it was. Inside he heard six year old Brandon Saunders the oldest child of Louise McCloud Saunders and Michael Saunders, commonly known as the Kid. A young man on a tall dark horse halted beside him and the rest of his group followed suit. He grinned cockily, not like before the war. He knew things a young man shouldn’t have to know. This young man was William F. Cody known as either Cody or Billy. In the wagon beside was his wife Rachel Cody, called Rae with their children Hunter McSwain Cody and Ike James Cody. The group also contained of James B. Hickok of Jimmy, his wife Elizabeth, and their children. There was also the Crosses; Buck, his wife Danielle, called Dani, and children Emma Rachel Cross, Ike McSwain Cross and Louise Hunter Cross. The children with the names Ike or McSwain were named in memory of their parents’ friend, fellow rider, and brother Ike McSwain. Ike had been mute and an incredible horseman. He had died trying to save his one true love from being killed by stepping in front of the gun that ended his life. Teaspoon heard the door open and close behind him. He glance over his shoulder to see Rachel Dunne, Emma and Sam Cain, Kid, Louise and their boys Brandon and Matthew. Kid was limping slightly as he walked. Ever since that fateful night so many years ago Kid had always had a limp. Kid remembered the night well. The first night of Dani and Rae’s arrival, Dani had said something to make Louise angry and she’d run outside. Kid had followed her and found her leaving on Maggie, her horse. Kid had jumped into the corral and mounted Katy, his beloved paint mare, who trusted him completely. Kid had urged her to jump the corral fence and she’d tripped over it landing on Kid. The rest isn’t important. Kid had his arm around Louise with a vibrant smile on his face. Louise had an equally stunning smile. Louise stepped away from the Kid and hurried over to Rae and Dani. “Hey Lou,” Rae called out using Louise’s nickname from when she’d masqueraded as a boy. “How are you two?” Lou stopped beside them and pulled two of her best friends and sisters into a hug. “Guess what?” Dani grinned. “What?” Louise looked at her curiously. “We’re expectin another child,” Dani answered putting a hand on her swollen stomach. “Your not the only one,” Louise added. The Kid nodded his agreement with Louise as he stepped up to them. “Us to,” Cody butted in looking at his petite wife with affection. “We aren’t,” Elizabeth Hickok murmured wistfully. “Uncle Kid!” Louise Cross cried running to her uncle. He held out his arms and the Indian child ran into them. “Hi princess,” Kid greeted her picking her up and swinging her around. “How’s Rose doing?” Naming the horse he’d given the Cross children. She was the second foal and first daughter of Katy. “Rose is right there,” she pointed to the paint standing tall underneath Ike Cross, who like his namesake was amazing with horses. “Let’s go eat dinner it’s on the table!” Louise called out over the reunion. Kid looked at her from where he stood holding Louise Cross. Their eyes locked and held. He mouthed I love you silently. “Where’s someone to greet me?” Cam a loud booming voice. “Noah!” Louise exclaimed. “Hi Louise and what’s this a little stomach on you?” Noah Dixon jumped from his father’s saddle on he back of a black horse and stepped to his sister. “We’re expectin,” Louise explained giving Noah a bright smile and a hug. “Congratulations, hey Kid,” Noah let go of Louise and looked at Kid who had sat Louise Cross down. “Hey yourself,” Kid grinned at his friend, fellow rider and brother. “Let’s eat I’m starving!” Emma Cross called out making everyone laugh. “She’s right I’m expectin and no one’s letting me eat!” Rae added to the protests of the Cross. The family moved inside where they all sat around the table. Louise began to put whiskey, and milk for the children on the table. “Louise honey sit down I’ll finish,” Kid took a bowl of peas that had finished cooking from her hand. “I’m perfectly capable of setting the table,” Louise retorted. “Well let me help,” Kid said firmly. “You have to take care of you and the little one,” Kid put his hand where the unborn child lay. “Get the whiskey,” Louise looked up at him and saw the concern in his soft brown eyes. Everyone looked at them as they leaned together and kissed gently. “Some things never change,” Jimmy muttered. “What do ya mean?” Kid looked away from Louise to look at Jimmy. “You two,” Cody butted in. “Well what can we say?” Louise grinned as they finished setting the table. “Let’s eat,” Cody suggested. “Not yet we haven’t said the blessings,” Brandon looked at his uncle. “Grandpa would you say it?” Matthew Saunders said. “Sure,” Teaspoon agreed. “Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this food that has been set before us. We thank you for the safe traveling you gave our family. We just pray that you’ll continue to have mercies on us as we continue this walk through life, Amen,” Teaspoon finished. Cody didn’t complain just looked at them in shock. “Who wants potatoes?” Louise held out a bowl after putting some onto the plates of her family and herself. “Why you waiting on Kid?” Jimmy asked. “Because if I don’t he’ll take all the food,” Louise answered putting rolls on their plates. “Sounds like Billy,” Rae commented. “Hey!” Cody exclaimed as the table broke out in laughter. The partying lasted late into the night until the children had to go to bed. Finally Louise and Kid climbed the stairs and inside their room. Louise put on a light blue satin night gown. She didn’t usually wear one mostly she wore Kid’s old shirts but tonight she felt like dressing for her beloved husband. Kid dressed in his long johns and crawled into bed. The couple curled up together with Louise’s head against his strong lean body. Kid put his arms around her and laid his head on her shoulder. “I love you,” Louise whispered. “Do you feel like dancing?” Kid asked softly. Dancing was the term they’d used for their ‘outings’ at night together back in the days of the Pony Express. Kid still used the term. Louise nodded ever so softly. Kid took over from there, undressing her slowly before ridding himself of his own clothes. Louise wouldn’t be able to say yes in three months. For safety reasons they didn’t ‘dance’ 6 months before the baby was born. Chapter Two Kid made a special trip into town the next morning on Katy's Pride, the paint mare's 1st foal. The next day was Louise's birthday and he had to get one of the gifts he'd ordered for her. The other gift would be delivered to the house sometime that evening or in the morning. He slowed the paint colt as he reached the railroad building. "Hi Kid, here's yer package. I peacked at it and Louise'll love it," Mr. Tompkins said. Mr. Tompkins had been put in charge of the comings and goings of packages at the railroad station and of course owned the general store. "I believe so I paid alot for it but she's worth it," Kid grinned as he halted Pride and dismounted. He took the package and tied onto the colt's back. "I'll see you later," Mr. Tompkins set off towards the general store. A sudden shot rang out from the saloon and Kid pulled out his gun. He walked to the Lone Raiders Saloon. Kid saw Jesse James, as a gang member. "Jesse!" Kid called. Jesse turned and saw him at once. "Outside!" Kid told him and Jesse nodded. He followed Kid outside. "Hey Kid how ya doin?" Jesse greeted him. "I'm finw why you robbin my favorite saloon?" Kid looked at him seriously. "I'm an outlaw, this is what I do to get money," Jesse answered. "Go before I have to shoot ya." "Naw yer comin with me at least to let Rachel, Teaspoon, Louise, and the others see you and know your alive," Kid told him. "Let me get my horse," Jesse sighed. Kid nodded and Jesse left returning a moment later on a black colt. Kid vaulted onto Pride's back and they rode off. "You still do that vaulting stuff?" "Yea I learned alot of riding techniques from the Pony Express," Kid answered. They reached the old Rock Creek waystation and dismounted. Kid led the way into the remodeled barn. "You can put the colt in the far right stall." Kid led Pride into his stall beside Rose. He un tacked the colt and threw the saddle over the saddle rack and the bridle on a nail. He took the gift and carried it into the tack room. He put it into his trunk, the same one from the Pony Express days. Louise never went inside it. Jesse met him and they walked up to the house. "Papa!" Matthew cried running out of the house with Brandon to meet their father. They stopped when they saw Jesse. "Who's he?" Brandon asked his father. "This is your uncle Jesse," Kid replied. The boys accepted this without a problem. They had lots of uncles and aunts. "Kid where ya been?" Louise called out from where she on the swing on the porch. "In town doing some errands and look who I ran into," Kid walked over to his wife. She studied Jesse for a moment before reaching out to give him a hug. "Welcome home," Louise murmured to him. "Hi Lou," Jessse grinned at her. Ten years had taken a toll on their family. Ike's passing had been the hardest. There were also good things, like weddings, new jobs, the birth of all the children among other things. Louise turned to Kid who pulled her into his arms. "How are you both?" Kid placed a hand on her small rounded stomach. "We're fine," Louise laughed at his referral to both her and their unborn child. "What's it gunna be this time?" Jesse asked. "I want a girl. We already have two boys," Louise answered. "We need a pretty little girl. I've already go my boys to take over here," Kid added. "Let's hope!" Rae called from inside. "Who do you think the cihld will look like?" Jesse was full of questions. "I want a beautiful little girl with all of Louise's looks and personality," Kid looked down as his petite wife with a steady gaze. "Kid!" Louise blushed and hid her face against Kid's lean shoulder. "What?" Kid asked innocently lifting her chin with his right fore finger. "Youn know what!" Louise exclaimed. Jesse shook his head and went inside to see the rest of his family. Everyone greeted their missing family memeber. "Those two are still the same aren't they?" Jesse asked. "Yes but Kid knows things from the war. Sometimes there will be days before you can see his smile," Emma answered. "Buck come here!" Kid called from outside as Louise came inside. They all looked at Buck who looked puzzled as he went outside. "What it is it Kid?" "I need you and eveyone else to distract Louise. Her birthday is tomorrow and a man told me that it's coming," Kid looked at Buck pleading. "Sure," Buck agreed. "I'll take them to to the swimming pond." "Take Jesse with you he needs to visit with everyone for a little while," Kid added. "Sure," Buck acknowledged and turned to go inside. He found Louise cleaning. "Hi Buck," Louise said. "You know Kid won't approve of you cleaning," Louise sighed hanging a cloth across the oven handle. "Let's all go to the swimming pond," Buck suggested. "Is Kid coming?" Louise asked. "No he's going to break Heart," Buck replied hating having to lie to her. "Then lets go I need a break from him," Louise grinned.Buck nodded and left to hitch up some horses. The other Riders came out to get their own horses ready. "What's with Kid?" Jimmy asked running a brush over Blaze. "Louise's birthday tomorrow," Buck said. Kid came into the barn and went into Heart's stall. Heart was the third foal of Katy. Katy had four foals with a fifth on the way; 3 fillies and a colt named Pride, Rose, Heart and Honor. Honor was the youngest at only a weanling. The boys left the barn with their horses and soon Kid heard the group heading off. As Kid worked with Heart in the corral he felt eyes on him. He turned but all he saw was Katy and Star Ike's old horse. After Ike had died and the Pony Express ended Teaspoon had told Kid to keep the horse and allow him to live out his days in pleasure. The donkey, Sampson had died shortly after Ike had and they had all agreed that he'd died of a broken heart. Kid carried a saddle, blanket and bridle into the corral and put the saddle and bridle on the fence. He carried the blanket over to the filly. She snorted as Kid rubbed her with it. Her sides quivered but she stood still. Kid gave her a carrot and then set it on her back. Kid looked up at a sound and found Mr. Tompkins coming with the delivery. Together they put the gift away. Kid nodded his thanks and waved as Mr. Tompkins left. Kid returned to Heart. Chapter 3 An hour later Kid eased into the saddle. He squeezed her sides and the filly walked forward. Kid heard a gasp and looked up. A young man stood at the fence watching him. Kid walked Heart over to him. "Wha?" Kid looked curiously at him. "I'm Collin Dean I heard you was lookin for workers," the young man answered. "I'm Michael but they call me Kid. Can you ride, rope, break, groom, and feed horses as well as mending fences, and other things?" Kid hopped down from Heart and held out his hand. "Yea," Collin shook Kid's hand. "The job's yers ya can bunk with the other 2 boys in the bunkhouse. This is Heart no one else woeks with Heart, Heart's dam and Heart's older brothers and sisters but me. Dinner is at six it dosen't wait. I expect all my employees to look respectable, no drinking, no fighing with fellow workers, and obey orders at once." "I can do it," Collin agreed. Kid nodded and motioned for him to follow, Kid tied Heart to the fence. Collin followed along behind. Kid opened the bunkhouse door and old memories flooded into him. Memories of fighting with Jimmy, Ike, Cody, Buck, Noah, Sam, Lou, Rachel, Emma, Teaspoon. Card games which Cody usually won. Reading books with Cody and Lou. Saying goodbybe had been hardest and had happened mainily in this room. Looking at each bunk he could remember where each rider had slept. He hadn't been in the bunk since everyone had left. He hadn't wanted the memories to come back in a rush. "Where do I sleep?" Collin pulled Kid out of his thoughts. "Second bunk to the left of the door bottom," Kid answered assigning his own old bunk. Kid felt as though a part of him was letting go, saying goodbye to something he should have said goodbye to a long time ago. Kid turned and walked out of the building. He returned to Heart trying to clear his thoughts. However the filly reminded him of all the times they had tried to break a colt or filly and only Ike could do it. He led her into the barn and after untacking her returned her to her stall. He left the barn but everywhere he went brought bakc painful memories. Kid got Jake, saddled him and rode out to his family. Louise looked up as he arrived. Kid stopped Jake and looked ahead stonily at nothing in particular. Louise frowned instantly. She came over to him. "What's wrong?" Louise asked putting a hand on his leg. "I hired a new hand and I had to show him into the bunk. When I went inside all the memories of the Pony Express days came back; both good and bad ones. I had to leave it was so bad. Working with Heart didn't help," Kid looked down at her. "Come sit down we can talk tonight." Louise gripped the stallion's bridle. Kid consented and dismounted. He tied Jake to a tree and followed his wife towards their family. Kid still held a downcast look on his face. Jimmy glanced at him who looked back. Kid settled down beside his brother and leaned against a tree. "Don't this remind you of something?" Jimmy sighed. "Everything does Jimm. Everytime I look at the bunkhouse, ride, work with the horses, I remember the past. I think I'm going to sell up and move back east," Kid looked more serious then Jimmy had ever seen him except when he proposed to Louise that 3rd time. "Why Kid?" Buck asked. "I can't work with these memories popping up all the time. I'm going to see what Louise thinks though. If she wants to stay we stay," Kid answered. Kid got up and walked off upruptely. "What's with him?" Buck looked at Jimmy. Jimmy knew as he watched Kid. "11 years today I killed Jed. I don't think he's ever forgotten it," Jimmy replied. "I'll see what I can do," Buck got up and went after Kid. "Kid?" "Yea Buck?" "You couldn't have saved Jed." "I know that in my heart but up here," Kid pointed to his head. "I'm not so sure." He sighed as he looked at his children playing in the water. "I want to make sure Brandon, Matthew and the unborn child don't end up like that. I want them to grow up the way I wish I could have grown-up. In fact I had to grow up when I was 5. When I met up with Teaspoon I felt like I'd gotten part of my childhood back but I don't want that to happen to my children." He knew whatever he told Buck, the Indian would help in any way he can. "Teaspoon has helped us the only way he could. He knew our lives had been hard and he tried to make the beginning of our real lives as happy as possible. He couldn't but he tried and I thank him everyday for what he's given us." "That's the way I want to be." "Well then try all that can be expected is for you to do your best. That's all Louise can expect of you; to be the best father, husband, and person that you can be. Not the best in the world just the best you." "I'm afraid I'll turn into my father." Kid had a cold look in his eyes when he mentioned his father. "I'm gunna get Lou you can explain all this to her." Buck left and went to Louise's side. He quickly told her in quiet tones what was going on and she looked horrorified as she walked over to her husband. "What's wrong?" Jimmy asked. "Nuttin that don't need to be told to his wife. He's all messed up inside," Buck relied. "And what's that?" Dani frowned. "Fears." "Kid nothing is going to happen!" Lousie eclamied. The others glanced back and forth. It seemed things never changed. Kid mounted Jake and took off without a backwards glance. Louise glared at him before taking Jimmy's horse and following after him. "Kid wait up!" Louise cried out kicking her mount. Kid glanced behind him and slowed Jake to wait for her. "What?" Kid asked sullenly adjusting his seat in the saddle. She saw that the shadow had once again fallen over his face. "I'm sorry I didn't need to get angry at you. I know that you are trying to overcome it. it wasn't you fault. It wasn't Jimmy's fault for pulling the trigger. He had to damn it!" Louise grabbed Jake's bridle. "I know that but that's why I'm always worried about you the boys, and the other child." "Oh Kid all you have to do is care for us in the best way that you can," Louise felt tears prickle on her eyes. Kid looked at her and in one swift motion Kid dismounted and stepped to Louise. He pulled her from the horse and held her close. "I love you Louise and I just want to protect my family," Kid put his hand under her shirt to rest against her protruding belly. "Let's go to the house. We can talk while I rest," Louise suggested. "You go I'll put the horses away. No buts!" Kid turned her and pushed her gently towards the house. Louise huffed at him as she walked into the house. Kid sighed and walked the horses into the barn. He quickly took care of them. "Kid!" Buck called out. Kid looked towards Buck from where he stood with Katy. "Yea?" Kid asked. "Everything ok?" "Yea." They went into the house and helped Louise set the table for dinner. Chapter FourEarly the next morning Kid slipped out of bed and hurried downstairs after dressing. He would put his Sunday best on later but he had to get everything ready. Emma was already in the kitchen when he got there. "Morning yer up early," Emma greeted him. "Lou's birthday today. I have to get everything set up," Kid explained. "Oh." "Where's Dani and Rae?" "In bed still." "Well I need them to distract Lou so I can get the cake Elizabeth the hotel cook, cooked for me," Kid popped a biscuit into his mouth. "I'll get them up," Emma promised. "Thanks but keep Lou from the barn," Kid slipped out of the door. Louise woke up and looked at the place where Kid slept. He was already up she noted. Slipping out of bed she quickly dressed in a calico work dress. After fixing her hair she hurried down the stairs to find Rae, Dani and Emma cooking breakfast. "Where's Kid?" Lou asked. "Hiya Lou," Emma greeted her. "He had an errand to run said he'd be back in an hour or so," Rae added. "Ok this pregnancy bussiness is tiring and I'm starving. Any tomato soup?" Lou looked closely at them. "Louise you are going to eat a proper breakfast!" Emma exclaimed. "Emma your a guest in my house you shouldn't be cooking!" Lou told her. "Lou you know Kid will have our hides if we let you work," Dani scolded. "He wouldn't dare!" Louise tundered. "Calm down," Rae soothed. In town Kid thanked Elizabeth as he carefully set the cake on the wagon seat. "Tell Miss Louise a happy birthday," the African-American said. "Yes ma'am," Kid tipped his hat to her as he climbed in the wagon. He picked up the traces attached to Pride's harness. "Hey Kid," Sam called. "Come to the house in two hourse," Kid told him. Sam nodded as Kid clucked his tongue. He stopped in front of the barber and seamstress. to get his new suit on. He would be getting dressed, have a save, have his hair cut and wear new shows. Two hours later Kid carefully slipped the cake into the house and saw sam and Teaspoon arrive. Kid smiled to himself. "Lou c'm here!" Kid called up the stairs. He heard footsteps then a face appeared. Behind him he feld everyone gathered around him and nodded. "Happy Birthday!" They shouted in unison. "Thank you!" Lou flew down the stairs and into Kid's waiting arms. "When do you want your presents?" Kid laughed. "Now!" Lou demanded. "Ok Buck," Kid mentioned to him. Buck tied the blindfold around his sister's eyes. Kid gently lifted her and carried her towards the barn. Inside he sat her down in front of a stall and took the blindfold off. She opened her eyes and saw a beautiful tall dappled gray colt's head poking out over the half door. She'd never seen such a handsome colt. She turned shining eyes towards her husband. "Happy birthday Lou," Kid whispered, "Is he mine?" Lou took a trembling step towards him. "Every inch, I know how devestating you were when Lighting had be destoryed and I thought you might grow to love this horse just as much. Least I know Katy already does," Kid explained including his other favorite girl who wickered from her stall beside the colt. "He's wonderful!" Lou kissed her husband before moving to the horse who wickered. Kid took a step to Katy and rubbed her neck fondly. "I have something else for later," Kid held a twinkle in his eyes. "Ready for everything else?" Emma looked at her "daughter". "What?" Lou looked at her family with curiousosity. "Presents," Teaspoon gruffed out while hiding a smile. "Lou here," Jimmy handed the woman his gift. She opened the gift to reveal pictures; Pictures of her and Ike, her and Jimmy, her and everyone and most of all her and her beloved never forgotten horse Lightning.She gave Jimmy a hug of thanks. She would cherish these memories of Ike, Lightning and the good days forever. No matter what happened she'd always be able to remember Ike as he was before; with a bright smile yet sometimes sad look. From Sam and Emma she got bath salts, Buck and Dani got her some Kiowa items, Rae and Cody gave her tickets to the Wild West Show and tickets to come east and visit. Noah gave her a whip/lasso; the same one he'd used during their days of the bunkhouse rules. Teaspoon gave her his own gun; the one he'd fought the Alamo with. "I'm hungry!" Brandon called out. Matthew, standing beside him nodded in agreement. Kid laughed and picked up the boy. He twirled him in a circle. His eyes caught Lou's above Brandon's head and nothing seemed to matter as Kid whispered come here. After everyone had their filling of food the cake was brought out and they sung happy birthday to their sister, mother and of course Kid to his wife. Slowly everyone ate the cake and they all headed to bed. Kid brought out the last gift. "What's that?" Lou asked as she peeled off her top clothes. "Open it, who knows it might be that Base Ball game of Teaspoon's," Kid joked bringing back memories of that pointless game. "No way!" She made quick work of opening it to reveal the nightgown. She slipped into it and ater an hour of fun they fell asleep in each other's arms knowing that safety would always be there in each other's arms. Chapter 5(five months later) “Where’s Kid?” Lou cried from their bedroom. “He’s in the barn. Why?” Rachel hurried to the woman’s side. “Get him hurry!” Lou cried. The older lady hurried out to the barn where she found Kid and Collin working on a stall. “Kid Lou needs you right now. Collin I need you to out and bring the doctor back.” Rachel told them. Kid put his tools down and ran from the barn. Collin quickly saddled a horse and rode off as Rachel went back into the house. Rachel found Kid putting a cool cloth on Lou’s forehead. “It’s ok,” Kid soothed. “I love you Kid more then life,” Lou bit out with a burst of pain. “Lou drink this,” Rachel brought the girl that become her daughter a glass of water. Rachel put in her hand.
Collin returned and found Rachel in the kitchen. “Rachel the doctor isn’t here,” Collin told her nervously. “Great what do we tell kid?” “I don’t know. I could go gather the family,” Collin offered. ‘Get a fresh horse,” Rachel agreed. Their family was scattered all around the Territory but Collin knew were they where and the shortcuts to them. “Rachel where’s the doctor?” Kid asked as she came inside. “There is no doctor but Collin is rounding all our family up,” Rachel told him. “Ok,” Kid returned to Lou’s side. “How are you darling?” Teaspoon asked from the door way. “Hurting,” Lou bit out expressing pain for the first time since they’d known her. Kid gently slipped into bed beside her and cradled her on his lap, brushing hair from her face. Lou looked into her beloved husband’s eyes. Teaspoon and Rachel looked at the couple hoping Collin would get back with everyone soon.
Collin arrived at Cody’s home and pounded on the door. Rae answered, “Collin what is it?” “Lou she needs y’all now,” Collin told her. Rae nodded as he continued. “I have to go get the others. You go on there.” Collin mounted and rode out towards Jimmy’s. Bandits came around and he noticed Jesse. “Collin?” Jesse looked at him. “Jesse go home it’s Lou,” Collin told him. “I’m going boys let him go,” Jesse waited until Collin left before heading back to the Saunders’ home. At jimmy’s house he was quick in letting him know what was up. Jimmy left on old Sundance and Collin rode onto Buck and Dani. “Collin?” Dani asked from where she was hanging clothes. “Dani where’s Buck?” “In the barn.” “Get ready to ride Dani.” Collin dismounted and ran into the barn. “Buck saddle some horses Lou needs y’all.” Collin looked at him. Dani and Buck followed Collin as they headed home.
“Cody what are y’all doing here?” Kid greeted them. “Collin told us hey Lou sweetie,” Rae spoke receiving a glare from Cody. She went to Lou’s side and gave the woman a hug. She knew it wasn’t looking good; Lou’s chances of living were slim. Noah and Jimmy burst in then with Jesse. Soon followed by Buck and Dani and Collin. Dani glanced to Rae for conformation on the situation. Ever since the Pony Express days Rae, Dani and Lou had remained best of friends. The three women had had to stick it out even when times grew hard, and Ike had passed away. When the Pony Express had ended their friendship had been everything for them to live on. Rae nodded silently where Lou and Kid wouldn’t see it. Suddenly Sam and Emma burst in. “Emma!” Lou cried. Emma quickly hurried over and began to check her out. “Buck get me some boiling water and a knife. Cody bring me some soap, and towels,” Emma barked and like in the days of the Pony Express they followed Emma’s orders. “Kid?” Lou looked for her husband who’d gotten up so Emma could take care of her. He was at her side in an instant. “It’s Ok my love. Emma will take care of you,” Kid soothed kneeling beside her. He took her hand and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Oh Kid I feel bad,” Lou cried. “I know honey just hand on,” Kid whispered as Lou had another contraction. “It’s coming!” Emma called. Cody and Buck returned with the things and handed them to Emma. Lou screamed in pain and Rae’s heart went out to her. She began to softly sing
Amazing Grace Dani joined in followed by everyone else. Rachel nodded approvingly. “Lou one strong push sweetie,” Emma encouraged. Lou pushed hard squeezing Kid’s hand so hard he grimaced. There was a pause and then a wail as Emma lifted the new baby and handed the little girl to Rachel to be cleaned up. But suddenly Lou gave another push and a second head appeared. Then another push and the child popped out. This one was also a girl. “Kid, Lou you’ve got to beautiful baby girls,” Emma announced as she cleaned the 2nd child. Kid’s eyes lit up when Rachel brought their first girl to them. Lou held out her arms and Rachel gently placed the baby into her mother’s arms. Kid took the other from Emma and settled beside Lou on the bed. “Is Mama Ok?” Brandon asked coming inside. Matthew followed closely behind him. “Come and meet your new sisters,” Kid told his sons. The two boys walked towards their bed as everyone else stepped outside. “What should we name them?” Lou asked. “Emma Rae and Rachel Danielle or something like that,” Kid answered. “Sounds good,” Lou yawned. Kid gave his girls a kiss and lifted them into a crib. “I’m going to build a second crib.” Jimmy looked up as Kid came out. “How are they?” “Go in and see them,” Kid told him. Jimmy nodded and went inside as Kid headed towards the barn.
To Be Continued........... Email Anna
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