A continuation of the stories "I'll See You In My Dreams" and "Time in a Bottle"

Prologue - Every Road Leads Back

Spring 1876, Sweetwater, Nebraska

She heard the name of her beloved whispered in the sudden gust of wind that swept across her face and sent loose strands of her long auburn hair tickling at her nose. She closed her eyes and gracefully drifted backward into the tall, lush grass, feeling the coolness of the earth against her back and neck, realizing that although she would not actually be able to see the man she loved so much, she could at least have her dreams.

She began to envision a time long ago when she was at this same exact place...when she was with him. It had been ten long years since she had seen him last, yet at the same time, it felt like only yesterday.

She could still feel the sensation of his soft lips lingering on her forehead when he kissed her good-bye. She raised her hand to her head and began to gently trace the spot with her finger as if the kiss had left a permanent imprint in her skin. Rather, that imprint was left deep in her heart.

In her other hand, she fiercely clung to the last letter that he had written her, dated many years ago. She brought it to her bosom, pressing the well-worn paper tightly against her chest as if it were he that she were clinging to.

"Oh, Jimmy," Louise whispered to herself, "I miss you so much."

Soon Lou drifted off into a light slumber, the thoughts of James Butler Hickok still running through her mind.

She thought of the last time she had seen him. Kid had been killed in the war a little over a year before, and she had returned to Sweetwater and made her home amongst her remaining friends from the Pony Express days.

Lou and Jimmy had fallen in love and were to be married. But as always, Jimmy's inner demons would not allow him to share his life with another. He would never be able to rest easy and live a peaceful existence while the possibility of some fame- or revenge-seeking, pistol-toting drunken desperado calling "Wild Bill" Hickok out into another gunfight still lay in the foreground of his thoughts. Jimmy would never allow himself to rest easy or experience happiness. And it was this fact that saddened and worried Louise the most. More than anything she wanted to know that he was happy, even if it meant that he was not with her.

So many images of the past, of days gone by, flickered before Louise's eyes as she lay stretched out on the grasslands near the pond. It had been their place. It still was, even though Jimmy was not physically there to share it with her. He was in her heart, always and forever.

Lou saw visions of herself ten years younger and Jimmy sitting in the middle of the pond, laughing and splashing each other until they were both soaking wet. She saw his face so plainly in front of her when they kissed that day...when she realized her feelings for Jimmy had grown into love for the first time...when she realized that things between them would never be the same again.

No, they were never the same. They were better. Lou had never felt the love for a man like she felt for Jimmy. Of course she had loved Kid with all her heart. She always would. But the love was different somehow--indescribable. It was something that to this day Lou could never fully explain, not even to herself. Maybe it was the secret longing that both she and Jimmy had kept buried deep within for so many years. Maybe it was passion that came forth when they were finally able to admit their love to each other.

Kid needed Lou, and she loved him for that. But Jimmy understood her so perfectly, in a way that no one else did or ever could. No one could even come close. Jimmy trusted her; he believed in her abilities. And Lou loved him for it, long before she actually put a name to the feeling she had for him.

Jimmy never aged in her mind. His face would always be young and fresh. His eyes would always be that misty, dark gray that allowed Lou to look right into his heart and soul. His words might have betrayed him at times, but his eyes never could. Neither could his heart.

Jimmy loved Lou, but he couldn't be with her. He wouldn't let himself be with her. She hated the fact that Jimmy could not allow himself to be happy, but she couldn't fault him for it either.

Then Lou envisioned the day of the wedding...the wedding that never was. She saw herself dressed all in white with the crown of wildflowers upon her head, waiting at the pond with Rachel, but knowing that Jimmy would never come, all the while, feeling strangely content in that fact.

They had already said their good-byes. Though the words were never actually spoken, they both knew. They knew that it would be a long time before they would see each other again, but they also knew that they eventually would.

Their paths would meet again some day. Lou understood that nothing could break the bond that indelibly held their hearts together, just as Jimmy understood that no matter which road in life he chose or happened to wander on, every road would lead him back...back home...back to Lou.

Lou suddenly felt a presence as a shadow fell upon her face, which she noticed even though she was half-asleep with her eyes closed. She quickly opened her eyes and saw the hazy outline of a figure standing above her, the sun's blinding glare obscuring the specific facial features of the person.

At first, Lou thought that she was surely dreaming when she instantly recognized the familiar, statuesque stance of her beloved, his broad shoulders and narrow waist, his long hair blowing freely in the breeze, the sun creating a halo-like affect around his head. But then her eyes widened and filled with tears of joy, knowing that what she was seeing before her was very real indeed.

As Lou raised her hand to her eyes to block out the brilliant rays of light, she gazed upon the face that she had longed to see every day for the past ten years. It was a face she had seen hundreds of times before, and many more times in her dreams. Her heart had ached to be near him, and now, he had returned to her. It wasn't a dream; rather, it was a dream come true.

Lou took the hand that was stretched out in front of her, bringing her to her feet.

She cried happily, and almost unbelievingly, as she fell into his wordless embrace.

"Jimmy!"

Chapter I - At Long Last Love

"Jimmy!"

Louise was almost in a state of shock when she realized that she was finally holding the man whom she had yearned to hold in her arms for ten long years. The emotions were so overpowering, so overwhelming, but so wonderful.

"God, I've missed you, Lou," Jimmy spoke at last, his voice nearly in a whisper as he attempted to blink away the tears that were soon forming in his eyes as well.

"It's been so long," Lou cried, "so very long."

Jimmy stroked her long, silky hair as he held Lou in his loving embrace. He never imagined that it would feel so good to hold and touch her as it did right at this moment. And though it had been many years, the inner stirrings that Jimmy felt when he was with Lou had not dulled or diminished in the least. They had only become stronger.

Lou finally managed to pull herself away from Jimmy just enough so that she could look him. He has changed quite a bit, Lou thought. His face had aged appropriately, but Lou also saw what the years of inner turmoil and loneliness had done to him. The years of living as "Wild Bill", roaming from one lawless town to the next, drowning his pain and sorrow in cards and whiskey had left its mark.

However, behind all that, Lou still saw the Jimmy she knew and loved shining through the surface. All she had to do was look into his eyes and know that who he really was, the side of him that he never showed to anyone else except her and their friends from the Pony Express, had not changed. No, he was the same old Jimmy, the Jimmy she loved so much, the Jimmy that loved her.

"Please don't cry, Lou," Jimmy said, soft and gentle.

Jimmy raised his hand to Lou's face and tenderly wiped away the teardrops that were cascading down her rosy cheeks. The feel of her smooth skin under his finger sent a shiver down his spine. It was a sensation he had missed more than he ever thought.

"I can't help it, Jimmy," she replied, "I'm just so happy!"

Just then, Jimmy gave Lou the most beautiful smile that seemed to erase all the time and distance that had come between them. They were together at long last.

They stood close, arms intertwined, looking into each other's eyes in blissful silence for what felt like hours. No words needed to be spoken. Their love and understanding transcended all such superficialities, for it was on a level that was just too deep for most normal folks to even begin to comprehend.

They simply held each other tightly, drinking in the sight of one another, both feeling that their dreams of being reunited were finally fulfilled.

She's even more beautiful than I remembered, Jimmy thought to himself, smiling slightly.

Lou wore a plain ecru blouse that buttoned in front, the top two buttons not fastened, allowing her lovely neck and uppermost portion of her chest to be tastefully revealed. The blouse was fitted and tucked at the waist into a dark brown split skirt that fell to the middle of her calves. Though her outfit was simple, it fit Lou's slender, yet delicately shaped, figure perfectly, and she looked wonderful in it.

Her hair was still very long, falling in loose strands almost down to her waist. As the wisps of hair just around her face danced in the subtle spring breeze and the golden sunlight shone brightly against the coppery highlights, Jimmy wondered, as he had so many times before, how anyone could have ever mistaken Lou for a boy. It seemed a feat that would be impossible now.

Lou sighed to herself in sheer happiness as she looked Jimmy over, her eyes straying from his for the first time since he arrived.

He's just as handsome as ever, she thought, a slight blush rising in her cheeks.

Though Jimmy had kept his long, dark brown hair and pulled-low black hat, his outward appearance had changed greatly due to his dandy clothing. Always the one to wear black, he had stayed with that tradition, choosing a fine black linen coat and pants with a perfectly white shirt peeking out from under a silver and crimson patterned brocade vest. Hung low past his waist were the two deadly ivory-handled Navy Colts.

Lou supposed that Jimmy figured he had a reputation to uphold, though it was not always one that he wanted, and now he had finally chosen to dress in a manner appropriate to reflect that reputation. But even Jimmy realized that maybe it was kind of ridiculous for him to dress this way on the plains outside of Sweetwater. He had nothing to prove to Lou or his old friends, for they knew him as Jimmy, and not "Wild Bill".

Moistening his lips in preparation to speak, Jimmy broke the comfortable silence that had formed between him and Lou.

"Somehow I knew you'd be here," he said, smiling at Lou and at the recollection of all the unforgettable memories they had created together by the pond.

Lou smiled in kind. "I come here whenever I can." She nodded slightly and looked around at the surroundings dreamily, deeply inhaling the air perfumed with the scent of wildflowers, before restoring her gaze upon Jimmy. "This place has meant so much to me."

Lou paused for a moment, the smile fading and her face turning more serious. "I've missed you so much, Jimmy, but I've never stopped believin' that you would return to me. Even when your letters stopped, I knew." She paused, her eyes penetrating into his with such strength and soul. "I love you, Jimmy."

"I love you, too, Lou," he sighed just before pulling Lou close to him and enfolding her in his arms. "I'm so sorry I didn't write. I...I just couldn't. I..."

"It's alright, Jimmy," she reassured him. "It's alright. You're here now. That's all that matters."

Then they kissed.

It was what they had been waiting for...dreaming of...and more.

The moment felt to Jimmy and Lou as though they were being transported back ten years in time to that glorious summer's day when they first kissed and admitted their feelings to each other.

Jimmy also imagined himself with Lou on the day that was to be their wedding day, imagining Lou dressed all in white, in the wedding dress that he would never see her in, her face aglow with all the love she had for him.

Imagining that Teaspoon had just pronounced them 'man and wife' and said, "You may kiss the bride." Imagining what his life would be like had he stayed in Sweetwater and made his dream of marrying Lou come true.

For a moment, Jimmy wondered how he could ever have let himself leave her...how he could have walked away from spending the rest of his days with the only woman he'd always loved. He silently cursed himself for the lost years he'd spent away from Lou. But at the same time, Jimmy knew deep down inside that he had made the right decision. To him, leaving was the only decision. He felt he had no other choice. Just as he felt he had no other choice but to finally return to her.

Lou suddenly sensed Jimmy's distraction in the kiss. She could tell that he was deep in thought and probably knew precisely what it was that occupied his mind. For she had been thinking the exact same thing...thinking what was, what might have been, what if...

All the questions and doubts that both of them had seemed to fade when they parted lips and looked deeply into each other's eyes again. There was only the present and the fact that they were together at last.

Chapter II - Homecoming

The little white farmhouse came into view over the horizon. To the left were the barn and the corrals, which were filled with some of the finest horse blood in all the territory. The place had greatly expanded and been built up since Jimmy left, but still, seeing the only home he'd ever truly known brought the memories flooding back.

Even with the larger barns and several new outbuildings scattered about, the essence of what it had been remained the same. The foundation of family and love was strong, strong enough to survive some of the worst of times, including the loss of several of their own. Seeing it all again...it was as if days gone by had finally returned. Even the air seemed to carry the scent of the past and of times never to be forgotten.

Pausing to fully take in his surroundings, Jimmy sighed as he looked around. He smiled to himself when he saw the old bunkhouse. It was there, just as remembered it...just as it was when he first laid eyes on it and met the people who would become family to him...just as it was when he last saw it as he was saying goodbye to Lou. Jimmy silently wondered if he were to open the door as he had hundreds of times before, if he would hear all the voices that once filled its walls with laughter and a sense of camaraderie.

After several moments, Jimmy glanced back down at Louise, who stood by his side, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

"Somehow the old place hasn't changed much," Jimmy said wistfully, "even after all these years."

Lou nodded in agreement. Her eyes scanned over the land that had become hers when she moved back to Sweetwater after the war. A certain pride glowed in their dark brown orbs when she reflected on all the hard work she'd put into turning it into a successful ranch. It was what she and Kid had dreamed about before he chose to return to Virginia to fight for his home soil. He hadn't lived to help Lou work for the dream and see it come to fruition, but there was a deep sense of satisfaction that came along with the knowledge that she'd made it a reality, in spite of everything, and on her own terms. It was hers now, and no one could ever take it away.

Jimmy noticed that Lou seemed to be a million miles away, but from the expression on her face, he could guess what was on her mind. She had every right to be proud of her accomplishments. She had succeeded where most would have failed. She had survived a traumatic childhood, only to become a strong, independent woman. She fought to carry after her husband was killed, when so many would have just given up. And there was no one else, man or woman, who Jimmy admired more than Louise McCloud.

Lou eventually became startled back into reality when she felt a hand warm her cheek. She glanced over and saw Jimmy. His eyes were so full of life and love, and the way that they were boring into hers with such intensity caused a slight blush to rise to her face. Somehow, Jimmy still managed to make her feel like this, even after so many years. Here she was, a woman of thirty-five years with a growing son, and one look from James Hickok was enough to send her heart aflutter, leaving her feeling like a lovesick schoolgirl.

All prior thoughts erased, Lou found herself surrendering completely under the heat of Jimmy's gaze. "Part of me still can't get over the fact that you're really here, Jimmy," Lou said, shaking her head slightly as she brought her hand up to brush away a strand of hair that had flown loose from under his hat. "I feel that it's all just a dream...that if I wake up, you'll be gone again." Her hand dropped back down to her side, as if touching Jimmy might shatter the moment and the dream would be over.

Moving to stand directly in front of her, Jimmy took her face in both his hands. He lowered his head towards Lou, his expression speaking to her with everything that was burning in his heart.

"It's not a dream, Lou," he told her softly. "And I promise you this: I ain't ever gonna leave you again. Not as long as I live."

"I love you so much," she whispered, all emotion overwhelming her.

Jimmy answered with a long, sweet kiss. His lips had ached for hers for far too long. He understood how Lou could wonder if this was all just a dream. If it was, it was the sweetest, most wonderful dream ever dreamt, and he never wanted to wake from it. So many days and nights Jimmy had had the same dream. So many times he had awoken to the harshness, the loneliness, of reality, wanting nothing more than to close his eyes and become lost in the dream with Lou forever.

As they stood clinging to one another, the moment succeeded in carrying the two of them away. Jimmy and Lou were in their own world now. A world where love and youth reigned eternal, and where neither ever felt longing or loneliness again. Time was never-ending, and everything was wrapped up in all the colors of sunrise, always the dawning of something new and vibrant and beautiful.

Jimmy and Lou were finally brought out of that world and back into the real world, which suddenly seemed so much brighter and better than before, when they heard the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching. Rachel's shrills of delight followed soon after.

"James Hickok?" She shouted as she ran to greet them. "Is that really you?"

Lou glanced at Jimmy knowingly, and he returned her look with a warm grin. Arm-in-arm, they walked towards Rachel, meeting her halfway to the house.

Rachel immediately wrapped Jimmy up in her motherly embrace. "I can hardly believe my eyes, but I knew it could only be you."

"Ah, Rachel," he began, "it is good to see you!" Jimmy stepped back a little bit so that he could get a better look at her. "You look just as pretty as ever," he added with a smile.

"Oh, you hush up about me," Rachel beamed as they all started heading for the house. "It's you I want to hear about! Ten years is a long time to go without seein' someone."

Glancing over his shoulder to Lou, Jimmy replied, "I couldn't agree with you more, Rachel. And I intend to make up for every minute of lost time."

Lou's heart danced inside at Jimmy's words, and for the first time in ages, she felt complete again.

"Come on," Rachel interrupted her thoughts, "I know at least two other people dyin' to see you!"

Chapter III - Awakenings

Teaspoon Hunter -- town marshal, former Pony Express stationmaster and Texas Ranger -- dozed in the armchair in the parlor of the old farmhouse. His soft snores filled the room as the afternoon sun came streaming in through the open door.

Rachel and Lou glanced at each other when they noticed his napping state, and they stood there trying to stifle their laughter. They each thought to themselves what a wonderful surprise this would be for Teaspoon, having Jimmy home again. However, the older man was oblivious to the fact that three people had just walked into the room.

Jimmy, on the other hand, was completely taken by surprise when he saw Teaspoon. He looked as he had all those years ago when he used to sit in the marshal's office, his feet perched up on the desk and his chair leaning back on two legs, his trademark hat tilted down over his eyes. Teaspoon looked very much as he had the last time Jimmy had seen him, save a few added wrinkles.

Some things never change, Jimmy thought with a grin. Not that he wanted them to.

Still chuckling silently, Rachel tiptoed over to where Teaspoon sat. She leaned down close to him, but still he did not make a move. Then, she shook him fiercely, shouting out, "Wake up! We got company!"

Teaspoon nearly jumped out of his chair and out of his skin at the way he'd been startled in alertness. "Who? What?" he growled in his state of disorientation. He reached to his hip where his gun would have been were he actually wearing it at the moment, and finding it absent, he slowly began to come to his senses, realizing that he was inside the house and not being attacked by a group of bandits.

His eyes focused on Rachel and Lou, who were laughing riotously at the expression that was still plastered on the old man's face.

"What're ya tryin' to do?" Teaspoon grumbled upon seeing he had become the subject of merciless ridicule. "Tryin' to scare a man into an early grave?"

Teaspoon worked at righting himself in his chair, groaning the entire time, when he finally saw the tall, long-haired man dressed in black standing in the background. It took less than a moment before recognition set in, and an understanding expression spread over his face as his eyes met with Jimmy's.

"Teaspoon, look who we found wanderin' outside the house," Rachel said with a joyful smile. Though, no introductions were needed at this point.

"Jimmy," he simply said.

Jimmy removed his hat, approaching Teaspoon with an amazing surety. It felt so good to be back with his family, the only people with whom he felt completely comfortable...where he could just be Jimmy. "Teaspoon. It's been a long time."

"That it has, son," came his reply. "Too long."

Teaspoon rose to his feet as fast as his aging bones would allow and moved to within arm's length of Jimmy. He held his hand out to Jimmy, who accepted it willingly and proceeded to pull the older man in towards him for a hug. It was something that 'Wild Bill' would never have done, embracing another man. But that part of his life suddenly seemed washed away as he easily slipped back into being Jimmy. And he could find no more appropriate form of greeting to give the man who had been a friend, father figure, and mentor to him while he worked for the Pony Express. Even after, Teaspoons words of wisdom and 'bag of tricks' remained with him.

Rachel and Lou watched the exchange in silence, their hearts warmed by the long-awaited reunion. Lou could feel the tears threaten to spill as she thought how good it felt to have Jimmy back again. If only the whole family could be together again, she mused, the melancholy suddenly sweeping through her.

The two men finally released each other, smiles of happiness still visible on their faces. Teaspoon stepped back, taking the moment to regard Jimmy more closely. His eyebrow raised at the sight of the fine clothes he wore. And Teaspoon couldn't help thinking that, somehow, they didn't fit Jimmy; they just didn't seem like him.

Jimmy knew what the old man was thinking, and for an instant he felt a little embarrassed at how he must appear. Surely Teaspoon must be thinking that Jimmy had given into acting more like 'Wild Bill' than he would have hoped. Maybe there was some truth in that, Jimmy admitted to himself. However, now, Jimmy could cast that aside for a while and be the man who knows himself to be inside.

Rachel disrupted the wordless conversation between Jimmy and Teaspoon by lightly swatting the older man on the arm with her hand. "Well? Are you two gonna just stand there gapin' at each other?"

Before anyone had the chance to respond the front door flew wide open, and in ran a young boy who immediately ran to the side of his mother.

Lou scooped him up in her arms, hugging and kissing him until the boy squealed with laughter for her to stop all the fussing. "Ma! Stop it!" He thought his mother had gone plum crazy, and Lou knew it was only a matter of time before he was full-grown and stopped running to her altogether.

"How was school today, little man?" She asked him, stooping a bit to his level.

His face immediately took on an irritated look at the mere mention of school. "Ahhh, that Mary Sue Walker keeps tryin' to kiss me at recess. She just won't leave me be!"

Lou found it difficult to hide her amusement, though she tried to cover it up with an understanding face. "Did you ask her to stop?"

The boy nodded.

"You were nice about it, right?" She asked.

He stood shyly, in that same manner that his father often had, his head down, feet shuffling on the floor. Then he brought his finger up to his chin and appeared pensive for a moment before he glanced up and replied, "Well, was tellin' her I'd put a toad down her dress if she kissed me again nice?"

"James McCloud!" Lou exclaimed, her voice full of shock. However, on the inside, she was chuckling right along with the rest of the adults in the room. But Lou knew she had to send her son the right message, so she threw a glare in the others' direction warning them not to encourage her impressionable son. "You should know better than that."

"But she just wouldn't quit it, Ma!" He defended himself.

"All the same, you could have been a little nicer about it," Lou told him. "There'll come a day when you won't mind the girls' attention."

"Uh-uh! No way!" James shook his head. He didn't believe it. Never would he want to be the target of girls' kisses and moony looks and secret whispers. No way, no how. He shuddered at the notion. "Yick!"

Lou rose to stand fully, a smile lighting up her face as she shook her head at her son's antics. He was nearly eleven years old, but to her, James would always be her baby...her little man. He was a bit small for his age, something that Lou attributed to the fact that he was born slightly prematurely. He had delicate facial features, a slightly upturned nose dotted with a few freckles. He had dark brown hair, just like hers, not to mention the same stubbornness and will of iron that made it possible for her to survive the harshness of life that often accompanied living in the West. Louise knew already that her boy was going to be quite the handsome gentleman in a few years, and there'd be more than just Mary Sue Walker out to capture his affections.

But his eyes were all his father's. They were the identical sparkling azure color that could swallow a person up in their depths if they looked too long. They were Kid; and Lou could still feel his presence every time she gazed upon the child they had created. But somehow, it didn't hurt anymore.

"Well, ain't ya even gonna come over 'n' say hi to your Uncle Teaspoon and Aunt Rachel?" The grizzled man said to the young boy playfully.

Happily, James ran over to greet them, hugging and kissing them both. Rachel and Teaspoon had become his adopted grandparents over the years, though he referred to them as his 'aunt' and 'uncle'.

Once his overwhelming welcome home from school was over, Lou decided to introduce James to the tall, dark stranger that caught his attention and held his focus. It was as if, standing right in his own living room, was a man straight from the pages of the dime novels he'd seen the other kids at school gawking at during recess. James stood completely transfixed by the man in black. He was not afraid, just in awe. And Lou could tell that her son was immediately taken with him.

"James," Lou began, "you remember your Mama, Uncle Teaspoon, and Aunt Rachel talkin' 'bout your Uncle Jimmy, right? Who you're named after?" He made no answer. "Well, he's come here to pay us all a visit. You haven't seen 'im since you were a baby."

Lou looked over to Jimmy. She was beginning to feel a little unsure of herself and the way things were going, but the softness in his eyes reassured her, making her feel at ease.

Jimmy approached the boy with a hint of caution in his step. At first he thought about bending down so that he would meet James eye to eye, hoping to take some of the shock out of the situation. But after a little more thought, Jimmy figured that a boy of ten, an age where many started to want to be treated more as a man, might take more to someone who spoke to him as a real person, not just a kid. So, he simply extended his arm out, offering to shake hands with James, as a man would do.

"Pleasure to see you again, James," Jimmy said with a slight smile. He might have worn a gunfighter's rig and gambler's clothing, but his face and voice made him instantly likeable to the youngster.

A grin broke on James' face, and he grew relaxed as Jimmy took his hand and shook it firmly, thus making their introduction formal.

"How long will you be stayin', Uncle Jimmy?" James asked as if he'd known his Uncle Jimmy all of his life, apart from the stories his mother told him at bedtime each night about her days as a rider for the Pony Express.

Jimmy glanced back at Lou, and he could tell how pleased she was that James seemed to approve of him. James was a very loveable boy, but he tended to be very shy around new people at times. She was also pleasantly surprised at how well Jimmy was handling things. He'd make such a good daddy, she thought.

"I don't know exactly," Jimmy spoke tentatively, realizing that he didn't quite know how to respond. He looked to Lou for her unspoken support. After all, how could he tell Lou's son that he planned on staying for good? That a man who is not his father will be staying in his house and, hopefully, sharing a bed with his mother? The right words didn't come easy, especially when trying to explain to a ten-year-old. But Lou gave Jimmy a tender, heartwarming smile, and the words magically appeared. Besides, there'd be time enough to explain everything later on.

Turning back to James, but his eyes still locked on Lou's, Jimmy said, "But I hope it's for a long, long time."

"Hooray!" James yelped in excitement. "Now you and Ma can both tell me stories 'bout when you and my pa worked for Uncle Teaspoon ridin' the Express!"

Jimmy's smile broadened by the minute, and Lou could feel her heart absolutely soaring. She didn't remember the last time she felt this happy. Jimmy was back. All she had to do was look into his gentle gray eyes to know that it was true; her Jimmy was back for good.

Chapter IV - Moonlight Promises

After supper, which was filled with a million questions, Jimmy and Lou finally found some time to be alone. They walked along the edge of the western corals, the moon hanging high above them to light their way through the darkness.

They walked in silence for a long time, words not needed to describe how much they'd missed each other. Somehow, it was as if no time had passed at all, and they did not really feel the need to catch up. Being together was enough. The air was so comfortable between Jimmy and Lou...just as it always had been...just as it was always meant to be.

Though Louise felt no impending desire to fill Jimmy in on the details of her life while they were apart, Jimmy certainly got an earful at dinner from Rachel, mostly about the other members of their family.

Jimmy learned that Buck had left Sweetwater about seven years ago. His brother, Red Bear, had been killed by the army in a battle to protect his tribe's land and heritage. For many years, the army tried to force the Indians onto reservations, and for the most part they were successful. Although it never came without a fight. Buck felt a responsibility to return to his Kiowa people and do his part to help them in their losing battle to preserve their way of life. While living with the Kiowa, he found a wife and started a family of his own.

Buck still remained in touch with Lou and the others in Sweetwater. He sent letters as often as he could, considering the fact that the tribe was constantly on the move to avoid being confined to the reservation. But Lou understood. She knew it was always a struggle for Buck to live and fight with his Indian brothers, knowing he had a family that he loved in the white world as well.

Stories of Cody, who was now more widely known as 'Buffalo Bill', circulated across the country for the past several years. Most of what Lou knew of Cody came from newspapers and local gossip, but she heard from him every now and then during his many travels and exploits. He always made a point to stop by and enjoy some of Rachel's home cooking whenever he was nearby. Last time he came around, everyone was surprised to learn that Cody had taken himself a wife, a lady named Louisa. Still, married life did not stop his wanderlust or quest for adventure.

And Cody always seemed to be having some kind of new adventure, whether it was scouting with the army or creating his own stage acting troupe which recounted tales of life on the plains. Lou had learned at supper that Jimmy even spent some time with Cody participating in one of his shows up in New York before deciding it was not for him. She'd heard stories about the infamous 'Wild Bill' Hickok joining 'Buffalo Bill' on stage, but she had always dismissed them as rumors. It was hard for her to believe that Jimmy would leave his beloved West to go to the big city and act in a play. This fact left Lou nearly choking on her laughter during the meal, imagining her Jimmy on stage. She felt bad for making Jimmy feel uncomfortable and embarrassed, but she couldn't help it. Eventually, everyone at the table, Jimmy included, despite all his attempts to keep a straight face, joined in the laughter.

As for the rest of their little family, Rachel and Teaspoon, of course, still resided in Sweetwater. They lived in Emma's old house with Lou and James, which had been expanded on some years ago. At first, Rachel insisted that she and Teaspoon have a house of their own built on the property, but Lou convinced them to stay on. Having family close had become so important to her over the years, and finally, they conceded, never regretting the decision once.

Teaspoon and Rachel never married, but the nature of their relationship was clear to everyone they knew. It was simply that neither had the desire, or the temperament, to walk down the aisle again.

Rachel gave up teaching school a while back when some of the children's parents started giving her trouble about not possessing a teaching certificate. She didn't want to go through the long process of getting a proper license, and frankly, she was beginning to feel the years wear her down and wanted to spend more time helping Lou on the ranch. However, her teaching skills never went to waste since she was constantly on James about doing his homework correctly.

Teaspoon had also retired from his post as marshal of Sweetwater, and only after a lot of coaxing from Rachel. There was no doubt that Teaspoon was still spry, especially for his age, but everyone agreed that it was time to turn the town over to someone who was a little younger and faster. But whenever trouble arose and the new marshal needed some men to form a posse, he always called on Teaspoon because of his vast knowledge of the territory, his tracking skills, and his great instinct.

Sam and Emma now made their home over in Fort Laramie. Sam had worked his way up to the position of Territorial Governor over the years, and Emma couldn't have been prouder. Together, they had a family of their own now -- two young girls -- one about James' age, the other two years younger. They were both redheaded and high-strung. Just like Emma, Sam would say. Lou could always tell from Emma's letters that they had their hands full, but were loving every minute of it. They all made the trip to Sweetwater at least once a year. Lou and Rachel loved having the company, but James could never wait to get rid of the two freckled young girls, who he believed were only out to torment him.

And then, there was Jesse. Jesse James, as he was called. His name was known all over the country, and not for things to be proud of. After he left Rock Creek all those years ago, he joined up with his brother Frank, where he fought for the Confederacy in guerilla bands, even massacring Union soldiers.

Following the war, Frank and Jesse began their crime spree. They robbed banks, trains, and stagecoaches, constantly living life on the run from the authorities. Eventually, the U.S. Government even had a hefty price out for Jesse and his gang. Ever since his departure from Noah's funeral, it appeared that Jesse just kept finding more and more trouble, just as Jimmy had always feared.

Jimmy was roused from his deep thoughts when he felt Lou's warm hand reaching out for him. He took her hand in his own, an unconscious and natural reaction. He turned to look at her, and he saw her dark brown eyes boring into his. Suddenly, he felt guilty again for all the time he'd been away, for all the letters he started writing to her but could never manage to finish. And he ached just to hold her in his arms and make all the wasted time and missed opportunities go away.

Sensing Jimmy's unspoken torment, Lou whispered words to soothe his soul. "It's alright, Jimmy. It's alright."

"I didn't mean to stay away so long," Jimmy spoke, his voice beginning to crack with emotion. "I...I meant to write to you. I'm so sorry, Lou. I--"

"Shhhh," she hushed him gently, stroking his long brown hair with a delicate hand. Lou looked deeply into his eyes, seeing all the regret and the torture that Jimmy had been putting himself through. "There's no need to say you're sorry. I understand, Jimmy. I know it ain't been easy, but we're past all that now."

Jimmy's eyes wavered, and he found that he had to look away, almost as if he could not believe what Lou was telling him. He didn't deserve to be forgiven so easily, he thought. He didn't deserve the love that was staring him in the face, shining in the eyes of a woman he suddenly did not feel worthy of. Only when he felt Lou's hand guiding his face forward did he return his gaze to her.

"Look at me, Jimmy Hickok," she said firmly, but lovingly. "I love you. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone else in this world. No amount of time or distance can ever change that. And I'm tellin' you that you ain't got nothin' to feel sorry for. Like I said before: You're here now, and that's all that matters. Ain't no use wonderin' what might have been. But what we can do is work on what is. Right here and now."

Lou paused for a moment, moistening her lips with her tongue. "The past is past, Jimmy. The present is now, and you gotta stop torturin' yourself for somethin' you can't change." She clasped his hand in hers and squeezed it reassuringly. "There's still time for us, and we should make the most of that time together. It's not too late."

For a moment, Jimmy stood speechless, in awe of Louise McCloud. She's so strong, he thought. So beautiful. And so right...right about everything. He had always let his negativity get the better of him while Lou forever managed to remain strong, in spite of everything. She'd lost her husband but chose to move on and live her life. After that loss, she gave her heart to Jimmy when a lot of women would have shut love out. Why is it that he could face the toughest gunfighter and stand victorious, but could not face himself and conquer his own feelings of inadequacy? Jimmy knew he had no right to allow his weaknesses to take over, not when he had Lou and her faith in him to make him stand tall and be strong.

At last, Jimmy felt the words come to him, and his ardent vow fell from his lips. "I will, Lou. I promise you that. We'll make the most of our time. I told you I wouldn't leave again, and I aim to keep that promise, for as long as I live...for longer."

Jimmy felt an inner peace sweep through him, and all the guilt he had harbored for leaving Lou ten long years ago and for not returning to her sooner left his soul for good and he was free.

"I love you so much, Lou," he whispered, the emotion threatening to overtake him.

"Oh, Jimmy!"

They held each other close, the stars twinkling in approval from above.

"You're right, Lou," he began. "The past is gone. And this is just the beginning...for both of us."

Chapter V - Through the Eyes of a Child

In the few weeks since his return to Sweetwater, Jimmy managed to slip back into life at the ranch with tremendous ease. It seemed impossible to him that he'd ever been away. Everyone was overjoyed to have him back in their lives, and it was impossibly to ignore the fact that Louise was happier than she'd been in a very long time. Even James noticed the change in his mother, and he knew it was because of Jimmy.

"Uncle Jimmy," he said, "tell me another story about the Pony Express."

It had become tradition in a short amount of time that Jimmy would sit with the boy each night and read to him and talk about the adventures he, Lou, Kid, and the others had when they rode for the Express. It warmed Jimmy's heart to see the youngster's eager eyes focused on him when he spoke, hanging on to every word, every syllable, as if he were revealing the world's greatest secrets and mysteries. Also, he was pleasantly surprised at how James followed him around, taking to him so easily and so quickly.

Jimmy scratched his chin, searching his brain for a story he hadn't already told. He found that talking about his time as an Express rider with James only made the memories that much clearer to him. It made him recall things he hadn't thought about in years, but he was grateful for the opportunity to rekindle the past and allow the legacy he helped create along with his dearly departed friends to live on in some small way.

A broad smile crept onto Jimmy's mouth as he was about to tell James about the time Teaspoon had bought all the riders 'a surprise'...which turned out to be a set with which to play 'dirt tennis'. He shook his head when he remembered how silly he felt wearing those short white pants, and then how he'd gotten angry and shot the ball down. He hadn't even managed to get the story out, and already he was busting out laughing to himself.

Lou walked in, wondering what all the commotion was about. "What's so funny?"

Jimmy turned and saw her standing in the doorway leaning against the frame, her arms folded across her chest and a sly grin on her face.

"Uh, nothin', Lou," he replied, still chuckling. "I was just about to tell your son here about the time Teaspoon tried to teach us all to play tennis."

"That was the time when you argued about the call Teaspoon made and you pulled out your gun." Lou was laughing right along with him by this point. "You sure showed him," she teased.

"Well, as I recall, you weren't too good yourself," Jimmy shot back with a joking grin. "That wash tin still has a big dent from where you whacked the ball at it!"

"Tell me the story, Uncle Jimmy!" James interceded. He wanted to be let in on the fun, too.

"Not now, little man," Lou told him, her voice taking on that stern, but loving, motherly tone. "It's time for bed."

"Awwww!" he protested.

"You have school to go to tomorrow mornin'," she told him, unyielding. "It's not long 'fore it lets out for summer. Then there will be plenty of time for stories."

"Please, Ma? Please?" James pled. "Just one more?" His face took on that pouty look that Lou had come to know only too well. He was nearly eleven years old, but he could manage to look just like he did when he was five.

Lou glanced over at Jimmy, who simply smiled and shrugged. He knew the power of persuasion in that boyish, puppy-dog expression on James face. It was exactly like his father's. Lou wouldn't be able to hold up against it for long.

Finally, she sighed and relented, as both 'boys' knew she would. "Alright, alright. But just one more story." She didn't know if the warning was more for her son or for his namesake, who indulged the child far too much for his own good. "Then I'll expect you to go right to sleep."

"Yes, ma'am," James said with a nod. He wouldn't try to press his luck.

"Yes, ma'am," Jimmy added, winking at Lou impishly.

She simply shook her head at the pair, sighing again. Her two men, she thought. Then she said, "I'll be back in a few minutes to tuck you in and kiss you goodnight."

"Alright, Mama."

Lou blew James a kiss and then left the room, closing the door behind her.

Even though Lou was no longer standing in the doorway, Jimmy's gaze remained on the spot where she had been only moments ago. God, I love her so, he thought to himself.

It almost seemed that little James must have overheard the thought that was going around in Jimmy's mind when he suddenly said, "You like my mama a whole lot, dontcha, Uncle Jimmy?"

He turned to face the child, startled for an instant that he'd actually voiced the sentiment out loud. But he knew from the innocent expression on James' face that he was simply speaking from what he'd observed.

Jimmy smiled at him, and brought his hand up to tousle the boy's hair as he sank back into the softness of his pillow. His hair was thick and dark and straight, just like his mother's. And Jimmy wondered at the way his feelings for Lou had become so obvious, so transparent, that even a child could see. He couldn't deny it, and he didn't really feel the need to.

Choosing his words carefully, Jimmy told him, "Yes, James, I like your mama very much. We've known each other for a long time, and she's real special to me."

But James wasn't really satisfied with the answer he got. "I can tell she likes you a whole lot, too, 'cause lately she's always smilin'. Ain't never seen her smile so much before."

Jimmy honestly did not know what to say at this point. Of course, he was glad to know that Lou was so happy, and that he was the partly responsible for it. But how could he go about explaining the exact reasoning to James? What he felt for Lou was so simple and pure, but it could be so complex to put words to. He was at a complete loss.

The silence didn't seem to phase James any, though. He just kept chattering away. "She walks around the place singin' and smilin' she's so happy. I'm glad she's happy."

"I'm glad she's happy, too," Jimmy said, not knowing what else to say. He was afraid he was setting himself up to say or do something really foolish, something he couldn't take back. His mind began to wander.

Then, it happened.

"Uncle Jimmy?"

"Huh?"

"Do you love my mama?"

Instantly, Jimmy was snapped back into reality. He was shocked at the question placed before him...shocked that it came from the lips of a ten-year-old, who also happened to be Kid and Lou's son.

He looked at the boy. James' face was a blank canvas, free from any expression. Then a look of curiosity and sincerity was painted across it in a matter of mere seconds.

"Uncle Jimmy, do you love my mama?" he repeated.

Flustered, Jimmy said, "Well, your mama and me...we've been friends for a long time. She's like family. Of course, I love her." There. He'd said it. And the words sounded harmless enough after all. Jimmy hoped this would be the end of the topic.

Unfortunately, James was becoming a little frustrated at the way his questions were being avoided. He was nearly eleven, and he was tired of the way grown-ups always thought kids didn't understand anything. He hated not being able to know things just because he was young. So he persisted.

"No, I don't mean like how you love Aunt Rachel or even Uncle Teaspoon. I'm talkin' 'bout like the way my pa loved her." Having made himself clear, he asked once more, "Do you love her?"

Seeing the look in the boy's crystal blue eyes, there was nothing Jimmy could do but tell him the truth...the real truth. He probably didn't even have to say the words because it was written plainly across his face. You'd have to be a fool not to see it. Jimmy smiled at him, marveling at his intelligence as well as his stubbornness.

He nodded. "Yes, James. I do. I love her like your pa loved her. I love her more than I can ever say."

A satisfied glow spread across James' face, and Jimmy felt somewhat relieved at the outcome.

"I knew you did," James said, yawning. "Mama used to tell me stories about a man in black who rode in on a horse that looked like gold. She said he saved her from the pain of when my pa died. Said he loved her so much," -- another tired yawn escaped -- "that she knew she had to be brave. Mama never said it was you, but when I saw you, I knew."

Jimmy was staring off into space, dazed by what he was hearing. He'd never expected Lou to tell her son stories about him like that, making him sound like some sort of hero. He expected those would have been reserved for his daddy, for the Kid.

He's as much your son as he is Kid's.

Lou's voice echoed in Jimmy's ears as he remembered the time of James' birth. Everyone was in town on errands that day except Jimmy when the baby started coming a month early. Lou had been so frightened, and he'd wanted so much to ease her pain. Jimmy didn't know what he was doing, but together, they managed to bring a new life into the world.

Lou held the tiny form in her arms, glowing in the joy of seeing her dead husband come alive again in the eyes of their child. She looked up to Jimmy, announcing that she would name her son after him. He was astounded. It didn't seem right somehow, and he let her know it. That was when Lou said, "Jimmy, he's as much your son as he is Kid's. Maybe you didn't help make him, but you helped bring him into this world. His name will be James."

"Are you gonna marry her?"

Jimmy whirled back around at the sound of James' voice.

"What?" he asked, though he'd heard the question perfectly.

"Are you gonna marry Mama?"

Unsure of what he was gonna say, Jimmy was relieved when the door to the bedroom opened and Lou appeared from the hallway. The light followed her in as she glided across the hardwood floor towards them.

"Time for bed, sweetie," she said.

This time, there was no protest.

"Did you have fun listenin' to Uncle Jimmy's story?" Lou asked.

"Actually," Jimmy jumped in, "James was the one doin' most of the talkin' this time."

She was intrigued by the hint of mystery in his voice and the odd grin that he wore. "Oh? And just what was my son tellin' you?"

Jimmy suddenly feigned innocence. "Oh, nothin'."

"Uh-huh." Lou didn't believe it for one minute. But it was time to put her boy to bed. She'd deal with Jimmy later.

Glancing over, Lou could tell that sleep was beginning to set in, for James' eyes were halfway closed already. She leaned over him to straighten the blanket.

Jimmy took it as his signal to stand up from his spot on the edge of the bed. He watched as Lou bent down and kissed the boy tenderly on his forehead, brushing his bangs aside in order to do so.

"'Night, little man," she whispered.

"'Night," came the tired reply.

Lou had moved aside, and Jimmy took his turn to say goodnight. He touched the top of James' head affectionately, causing a smile to cross Lou's lips as she watched the exchange between the two men she loved most.

"Sleep tight, James," whispered Jimmy. Then he blew out the lantern on the bedside table.

Thinking that James was fast asleep, he and Lou began to steal away towards the door when a low voice sounded from behind.

"Uncle Jimmy?" he called out softly.

Jimmy came back over and knelt by the bed.

"What is it?" Jimmy asked gently.

James yawned his answer, his eyes now closed. "I hope you do."

"You hope I do what?" he asked, but the barely audible sound of the boy's steady breathing was all the reply he got.

Then Jimmy remembered.

Are you gonna marry Mama? James had wondered a few minutes ago.

I hope you do, he'd just told Jimmy.

A smile formed on his lips, and Jimmy leaned in to whisper to James, though he knew he was fast asleep. "I hope so, too, James. I hope so."

Jimmy rose to his feet and walked to where Lou stood with a bewildered expression on her face. His eyes twinkled at her, and he took her by the arm and led her out into the corridor. She followed him wordlessly as he headed into her room across the hall, closing the door behind them.

Chapter VI - Something in the Air

"Sometimes I don't know how you do it," Jimmy commented with a smile.

Lou finished cinching the saddle on her new horse, Midnight, and looked up at him curiously. "How I do what?"

"This!" He spread his arms out, trying to encompass the entirety of the ranch within them. "All this. You have one of the best spreads in the territory. Sometimes it just amazes me how to manage it all so well."

Chuckling at his sudden choice of topic, Lou replied, "It's not as if I do it all by myself, Jimmy. I have Rachel and Teaspoon to help, and then there's Walt 'n' Hank. They practically run the place on their own."

Jimmy simply shook his head at her as he mounted Charlie. "Why don't you quit fightin' me on this and admit that that you're just an amazin' woman!"

"I ain't fightin' nothin'," Lou began, pulling herself into the saddle with ease. Even after many years, the born rider in her was still evident. "I ain't doin' nothin' special. I just do what I hafta do. An' that's all there is to it."

"If you say so." Jimmy knew what an incredible lady Louise McCloud was, and he knew she was just too modest -- or more likely too stubborn -- to actually admit it herself.

"You two gonna quit yer jawin' anytime soon?"

The voice belonged to Teaspoon, who was helping Rachel up into the buckboard. He hefted himself onto the bench next to her, groaning and making a funny face as he felt what all the years had done to his bones.

Jimmy and Lou turned on their horses to look at Teaspoon, who now sat with his arms folded across his chest. He wore his trademark, crooked grin and tattered black hat, looking much as he did when the riders had first met him. They smirked when they saw Rachel smack the older man lightly on the arm, telling him to hush up himself so they could all get going. "Day's a-wastin'!" she told him.

Blushing slightly, Lou returned her gaze to Jimmy. A sly grin crossed her lips just before she kicked her horse into a run and shouted, "Don't choke on my dust, Hickok!"

In a flash, Lou was off and speeding away from the ranch. Jimmy reacted quickly to the challenge, smiling as he commanded Charlie into action with a hearty, Ya!, chasing after her as fast as he could. The race was on.

Teaspoon and Rachel were left behind in a cloud of dust, watching as the two spirited riders galloped across the land as if they were teenagers, riding for the Express again.

"Kids," Teaspoon muttered.

Rachel just shook her head and smiled while he slapped the reins and started the wagon rolling. They traveled along at a much slower pace, the gentle joggling motion of the wheels lulling Rachel into a relaxed state. She sighed and rested her head on Teaspoon's shoulder as they drove towards town for their monthly trip to pick up supplies.

Once they all reached town, (Lou won the race, by the way) Rachel divided up the list of things to get amongst the four of them. They each went on their separate ways hoping to get the job done much quicker.

---

It was a beautiful late spring day. The sun shone brightly in a rich, azure sky, and the few clouds that were present were the pure white, fluffy variety that made a person want to spend hours trying to see what objects they could find in their cottony masses. It was the kind of day that made a body feel glad to be alive. At least, that's how Jimmy felt as he walked through the streets of Sweetwater, going about completing his given set of errands.

But Jimmy was having a hard time keeping his mind on the task at hand. His thoughts kept wandering back to the previous night. It was the first night he had spent in Lou's bedroom since his return a few weeks ago. Lou had tried to convince him when he first arrived that it was alright for him to share her bed. Heck, she'd wanted him to. She loved him and had missed having him near. But Jimmy had insisted that it wasn't right. Not yet, he'd told her.

Knowing that little James was asleep just across the hall made Jimmy uncomfortable. Lord knows, he wanted to be with Lou more than anything. It was almost more than he could bear not to be able to hold her at night and feel her body naked against his. However, he did not want to make it look to James as if he were moving in too fast on his mother. After all, the boy didn't know the history that he and Lou shared. Jimmy didn't want him to be upset with the fact that there was another man -- a man he'd only seen before when he was too young to even remember -- who'd suddenly shown up and was now taking over the spot in his mother's life where only his father should be. Somehow, Jimmy wanted to feel that he had the boy's approval.

The conversation with James last night seemed to give Jimmy the push he needed to finally feel at ease with letting himself love Lou again in the way he desperately wanted. It was not that he needed the push, really. He just wanted James' blessing, to tell Jimmy that it was alright for him to be with Lou and not have to work so hard at hiding their relationship.

So, Jimmy stayed with Lou that night. They did not make love, but they slept in each other's arms, simply content to hold one another as dawn bathed their bodies in its glorious light and smiled down upon their love.

He grinned to himself at the memory of Lou's warm body pressed against his. Jimmy's blood ran hot just thinking about it. How long he'd waited and hoped and dreamed for that moment. So many nights alone he'd tried to make that longing vanish by drowning himself in whiskey when he knew that the fire that burned within him -- the fire of his love for Louise McCloud -- could never be put out. Too strong was her hold on him, and she would not allow him to ever forget her love even when he'd felt so tortured by the memory of her sweet scent that he thought he wanted to bury those memories in the recesses of his mind forever.

But those days were behind him now, in the past where they had no further hold on him. The past is gone, Jimmy thought to himself. He no longer had to exist off of dreams of coming home to Lou. He was home, and he had her living, breathing body in his arms to cling to.

The sun immersed him in its radiance. It's good to be alive, he mused. He whistled merrily as he headed towards the general store with quick, lively steps.

---

Lou had just finished up some business at the bank when she ran into Rachel outside the dress shop, so the two of them decided to check out the new yardage arrivals while they were there. Lou passed a pretty mint green pattern that had caught her eye. She was all smiles, moving among the bolts of fabric as if she were floating on air. Rachel couldn't help but notice the extra spring in the younger woman's step, or the aura of complete happiness that surrounded her.

Pretending to be looking at a dark blue gingham material, Rachel secretly watched Lou. She had started to hum while she wandered through the shop, glancing at the fabrics but not really appearing to be paying much attention. Rachel knew that her friend was definitely pre-occupied, and she had a good idea just what -- or rather, who -- was filling Louise's thoughts.

Finally, Lou spotted Rachel out of the corner of her eye and noticed the mischievous grin on her face. She did a double take, catching Rachel red-handed, though she attempted to hide the fact that she'd been staring.

"What?" Lou wondered as she approached Rachel. She didn't realize that she was being so obvious.

"Nothin'," Rachel retorted, still grinning. "It's just that you been actin' like a love-sick schoolgirl all day."

"Oh?" She feigned innocence and dropped her gaze back to a dress hanging nearby in an attempt to hide the blush she felt creeping on.

"Mmmhmmm," Rachel nodded. She stood with one hand on her hip and that knowing look on her face. "And I think I know what it is that has you feelin' so good today."

Turning back to her, Lou said with teasing in her voice, "Well, do tell, Rachel. Don't keep me in suspense any longer."

"It's just that I happened to notice that the bed in the spare room was already made when I got up this mornin'," she mentioned, her tone mysterious.

Lou was quick to answer, doing her best to keep up in the little game that was developing between her and Rachel. "I guess Jimmy was up early and got to it before you did."

"Louise, when did we ever know Jimmy Hickok to make his own bed?" Rachel asked, folding her arms across her chest. Her eyebrows were raised in such a way that Lou knew she couldn't keep her secret much longer. It wasn't really secret anyway. It's just not something she went around telling the whole world.

Lou was turning bright red at this point, and Rachel knew that she'd guessed correctly. She closed the gap between them and lowered her voice. "I knew it! I knew you two wouldn't be able to hold off much longer."

"Wait a minute, Rachel," Lou said. "It's not what you think."

"Oh, come on, Lou! We're friends, aren't we? Women can talk about these things, too. What was it y'all used to call it? Dancin'?" Rachel stifled a laugh. She just wasn't buying the fact that while Jimmy and Lou had slept together, they had not 'danced'.

Lou moved even closer to Rachel and whispered so that the other women who had come into the store wouldn't overhear. "No, I mean it, Rachel. Me 'n' Jimmy...," she cut herself off, sighing in exasperation. "There was no dancin' involved. We just...held each other."

Suddenly Rachel felt foolish. She had no right to assume anything had taken place, and it wasn't really her business to begin with. She immediately felt the need to apologize for making Lou feel uncomfortable.

"I'm so sorry, Lou," she admitted. "I didn't mean to pry. I was only happy for you 'n' Jimmy."

"I know," Lou replied, not angry in the least. "I'm just so glad he's here...that he's back in my life. And last night felt so good, Rachel. So right."

Rachel smiled at the younger woman. Lou's joy was apparent in everything about her...the way her eyes lit up, the soft glow on her face. Only true love could do that to a person.

"I know, honey." Rachel touched her gently on the shoulder. "You two were made for each other. And if there's anybody in this world who deserves to be happy, it's you 'n' Jimmy."

A thankful smile came across Lou's face, and the two of them went back to browsing.

---

Jimmy stepped into the mercantile, glancing down at the list of items he needed to purchase there. His eyes remained focused on the piece of paper in his hand as he walked up to the front counter. The shopkeeper was busy stacking up some cans on the shelves behind the long wooden counter. He had his back towards Jimmy but had heard the sound of footsteps announcing the arrival of a potential customer.

"What can I do for ya?" his gravelly voice called out. He'd not yet turned around to face Jimmy.

Jimmy looked up from his list when he heard the familiar voice. He furrowed his brow as recognition washed over him. "Tompkins?"

The broad, white-haired man spun around at the sound of his name. He was instantly transported back in time when he saw the man before him...to a time when he was doused in flour before being hit over the head with a frying pan. He shook his head to clear the memory.

"Well, if it isn't Jimmy Hickok," Tompkins said with a wry smile. "I heard rumors sayin' 'Wild Bill' was back in town." He snickered when he said the infamous name, never quite able to equate the young hothead who first came into his store all those years ago with the most well known gunfighter around.

Jimmy tried to hide his disgust upon hearing the hated moniker. Yes, he'd used it for a while to get what he wanted. It was a name that some feared, some loved, and some wanted to blow out of existence. There were times when it gave him an advantage, but even more times when it made his life a living hell. And for some reason, it really grated on Jimmy's nerves to hear it roll off Tompkin's tongue like that.

But, he masked his feelings and greeted the old man from his Express days. "Good to see you, too, Tompkins," he quipped, barely managing to conceal his sarcasm.

"What brings you back to Sweetwater? Last I heard 'Wild Bill' was makin' his residence in Abilene."

Jimmy was getting a little irritated. It seemed that Tompkins was finding the situation a bit too amusing for Jimmy's taste. Maybe not much had changed in fifteen years after all.

"I'm just here for a visit," he said quickly. "Rachel and Lou need a few things on this list here." Jimmy handed over the list in an attempt to change the subject and get on with business. It was a fine day; no need to waste it jabbering with someone who only made Jimmy feel annoyed and self-conscious.

Tompkins took the piece of paper and looked at it, squinting his eyes so he could better make out what it said. He mumbled incoherently to himself as he perused the list. Meanwhile, some other customers began wandering into the store.

"Be with you fellas in a minute," he told them, as he proceeded to get the items on Jimmy's list and collect them in a large crate.

"Just put that on Lou's account," Jimmy said.

"Alright," Tompkins nodded. "Anythin' else you need while you're here?"

"Nope," he shook his head. "That'd be it for today."

Suddenly, the older man started laughing in that irritating belly laugh of his, shaking his head in disbelief. "I never thought 'Wild Bill' was into shoppin'," he chuckled.

Jimmy failed to see the humor, and his face showed his displeasure. "Could we just get on with it?"

Tompkins tried to stifle his laughter as he finished totaling up the purchases and marking them in his ledger. Jimmy took an apple from a nearby barrel and began munching away while he waited. It was amazing how in a matter of minutes his entire mood had been soured.

But unbeknownst to Jimmy, one of the men who had come into the store had been listening to everything Tompkins had said. His ears perked up and his eyes glimmered with malicious intent at the sound of the name 'Wild Bill'. He nonchalantly ambled out into the street while Jimmy was still standing at the counter with his back turned. He knew somebody who'd be mighty interested in knowing that 'Wild Bill' Hickok was back in town.

Chapter VII - Last Man Standing

"Is that all of it?" Rachel asked while Jimmy, Lou, and Teaspoon loaded the back of the buckboard until it was full of crates, barrels, and sacks.

The blonde-haired woman made a mental checklist as her eyes scanned the inventory in the wagon, verifying that they hadn't missed anything.

"Looks like we got everythin', Rachel," Teaspoon told her.

Lou turned to Jimmy, a wily smile playing on her lips. "Did ya get a chance to go over and see our old friend?" She motioned with her head over to the general store. She laughed to herself as she recalled all the trouble she and the other Express riders had given Tompkins over the years, though it seemed rightly justified at the time.

"Yeah, I saw Tompkins alright," Jimmy nodded, seeming not so pleased. "Still the same cranky old geezer he was the last time I seen him."

"Really?" Lou looked a little surprised. "I always thought he'd sweetened up a bit over the years."

"Well, ain't nothin' sweet about him, if ya ask me."

Lou didn't ask what Jimmy had meant by it. She simply shrugged her shoulders and let it be.

Jimmy held out his hand to help Rachel into the buckboard so they could be on their way. They'd gotten everything they needed from town, and there was still plenty of time left in the day to make a last attempt at enjoying it.

"Hey, Hickok!" a voice sounded in the distance.

Jimmy stopped and turned toward the source of the disturbance.

"Wild Bill Hickok!"

The voice grew louder, but the crowds of people and wagons rolling through the street prevented Jimmy from seeing who exactly was calling his name. He searched the masses with his skillful gaze, his eyes narrowed. Jimmy could feel Lou's grip tighten around his arm, as everything around him seemed to be moving in slow motion. All other sounds vanished from Jimmy's ears except for the lone man's voice calling him out.

Suddenly, the crowds parted like the Red Sea, revealing a young man who couldn't have been more than twenty years old. His lips were curled in defiance, his eyes clouded in an ominous haze.

"Welcome back, Wild Bill!" he sneered, challenge dripping in his words and zealous stride. He kept approaching Jimmy, his icy stare never leaving him.

Lou felt her breath leave her body when she realized what was happening. No, Jimmy. No. Her heart cried out the words, but they would not fall from her lips. She didn't understand how this could be happening, not when she'd been so happy only moments ago. It couldn't be real, she thought...she wished.

Unfortunately, Jimmy knew all too well what was going to happen. He'd resigned himself to this life long ago even though he'd been able to forget about it temporarily due to the euphoria of being back home with Lou. But now, it was all crashing down upon him again. And it was too late to turn back.

He gave a slight nod of acknowledgment to his challenger, realizing there was not much else he could do. Then Jimmy turned to Lou, her fingernails digging into his flesh though he paid it no mind. He placed both hands on her shoulders, shaking her into reality until she turned her head to look at him.

"Lou," he told her, his voice firm and unwavering, "I need you to go home."

Her brow wrinkled in confusion. She couldn't believe what he was saying to her. Here he was about to engage in a gunfight. The man she loved was about to risk his life, and he wanted her to leave his side. She couldn't believe it. She wouldn't. She shook her head violently. "No, Jimmy. I ain't leavin' you! I won't!"

Jimmy's voice grew louder, more determined. He would not let her stand by and watch, knowing that if something went wrong and she were hurt, he'd never be able to live with himself. Jimmy remembered how awful he had felt when he'd killed that woman accidentally when she ran out into the middle of a gunfight. And he wanted to die after he had killed his own friend and deputy when he was working as marshal in Abilene. Deputy Mike Williams ran out into the street to help disperse a mob of drunken Texans, but Jimmy unknowingly shot and killed him, thinking he was the enemy. He was determined not to let that happen again and became even more ardent in his demand.

"Lou! I said go home. Now!" He was practically yelling at her by this point, but he didn't know what else to do to get his message across. Time was running out, and his opponent was getting impatient.

Lou stared back at Jimmy in rebellion, unwilling to back down. He turned to Rachel, who was practically in a state of shock. His eyes looked upon her pleadingly. They needed to get Lou out there quick, and he hoped Rachel might be able to force some sense into her.

"Rachel, please," he said. "I need you to take Lou home."

With a nudge from Teaspoon, Rachel hopped off the wagon and reached out for Lou. She wrapped the younger woman in her arms, practically hauling her away from Jimmy and from the scene that they all knew was about to unfold.

"I ain't got all day, Hickok!" The man hollered again, rapidly becoming antsy.

He remained standing in the middle of the main street of Sweetwater. Within a matter of minutes, the town suddenly seemed empty. Mothers had latched onto their children, dragging them out of the street and into the safety of the shops. There were still plenty of people lining the sidewalks, men mostly, anxious to see the show. The sense of morbid curiosity that filled the air was overwhelming...and disturbing.

Jimmy said nothing, and turned again to face Lou. He saw the anger and hurt in her eyes, and it was like a knife to his heart knowing he was the reason for it. But he knew he had to be strong and keep his resolve that no danger come to the woman he loved. Glancing over to Rachel, who held onto Lou securely, he said, "Get her out of here."

Rachel obediently forced Lou up onto the buckboard, following after. She took hold of the reins, studying Jimmy as his eyes locked on Lou, who sat refusing to look at him. He tried hard to convince himself that he was doing the right thing. Meanwhile, his heart was breaking.

Teaspoon stood back studying the events of the last few minutes. He had learned enough in his lifetime to know that there was not much he could say or do to prevent what was about to take place. He'd said it a long time ago: There's something about Hickok, I don't know, that's bigger than life. If I wasn't superstitious -- which I am -- I'd call it destiny. Whatever it is, all I know is that we can't keep protecting him from it because, sooner or later, he would have to face it. And it ain't something a man ever beats. Not in this life anyways.

From beneath the brim of his hat, the old man looked up at Lou, who just continued to stare straight ahead of her. "Lou," he said in a soothing tone, "I'll take your horse and make sure James gets home from school alright."

She didn't respond, not even a nod. All she kept thinking was how she wished she had her gun with her. She'd either shoot the man standing in the middle of street herself, or shoot Jimmy. She saw the way he was looking at Jimmy, at the hate radiating from every pore of his body, and it terrified her.

Patting Lou on her arm, Teaspoon heaved a great sigh. He then motioned to Rachel to drive on. She nodded sadly and slapped the reins.

Lou felt the initial jolt from when the wagon started into motion, her head snapping back slightly. The wheels rolled through the dusty street, carrying her further and further away from the man she loved. She'd never felt so utterly helpless before. She wanted to cry out and tell Jimmy that she loved him, but she had no voice. And the distance just kept growing.

Once the buckboard was a safe distance from town, Teaspoon came up to Jimmy, looking him square in the eye. He placed his hand on his shoulder in a fatherly way and said, "You don't have to do this, Jimmy." Teaspoon knew his attempt meant nothing, but he still felt the need to try.

"I got no choice, Teaspoon," Jimmy replied coolly, yet regretfully. He was preparing himself mentally for the ensuing battle, forcing himself into 'Wild Bill' mode. It was kill or be killed. And there was no turning back.

Teaspoon simply nodded and stepped away. He had no doubt that Jimmy would come out of this the victor, but he also understood how, in the past, every time Jimmy was forced to take another life, he let a little piece of himself die along with it. It was as if a small part of Jimmy was gone, only to be replaced by the persona that 'Wild Bill' Hickok had become over the years. Teaspoon had hope, though, that this time things might be different. He had Lou now. He had her love to help keep him strong, but only if Jimmy would let her.

At last Jimmy stood face to face with his latest foe...the next notch on his gun, the next ghost to haunt his soul. He pulled on his black leather gloves, which helped him keep a solid grip when he'd go to reach for his gun with lightning speed. Eventually, he was ready, the silver of his two Navy Colt revolvers glinting in the afternoon sun.

The man across him snarled his threat, moving aside his coat to reveal the weapon at his hip. "I'm takin' you down, Wild Bill."

Jimmy raised one eyebrow. How many times had he heard that before? How many men over the years had made those their last words? How many more, he wondered.

"What's your name, boy?" Jimmy asked. That was his first vocal acknowledgment.

"What difference does it make? Soon everybody's gonna know the name of the man who shot down Wild Bill Hickok." The young man's arrogance and naiveté was apparent, unfortunate traits possessed by many of the men Jimmy faced.

Jimmy's face remained a stony facade. "Then humor a dyin' man's last wish," he spoke with sarcasm.

"McCall," he said. "Thomas McCall. Now quit stallin', Hickok!"

Nodding, Jimmy made a mental note of the man's name. Jimmy stood tall, his body poised and ready for action, his eyes focused on detecting even the smallest movement from his opponent. They flickered back and forth between the face of the enemy and the shaky fingers that hung by his side, only inches away from the gun intended to "take down Wild Bill".

"There's no turnin' back," McCall warned, not realizing his words would seal his own fate.

"Nope," Jimmy said in a voice so low only he could hear. "There's no turnin' back."

The sound of guns clearing leather followed by the echo of a single shot ripped through the eerie silence that hung over the town. When the smoke cleared, there was only one left standing.

Chapter VIII - A Pledge Beneath the Heavens

Louise had been wandering alone in the darkness for what felt like hours. After what happened in town with Jimmy, she needed to get away from it all; she needed to think. But she found that her mind was a blur, a storm of thoughts and emotions so mixed up that she didn't know what to think.

She'd been forced to leave town with Rachel, and she remained in a stoic state of silence throughout the ride home. The minute the buckboard was pulled to a halt outside the barn, Lou bolted up from the seat and ran. She just kept running further and further away from the house because she didn't know what else to do. Usually, she would have at least saddled her horse and rode, but in this instance, there did not seem to be time enough for that. Lou wanted to get away as fast as she possibly could. Away from what, she did not truly know.

But that was hours ago. It was mid-afternoon when she began running, as if for her life, and now it was way past suppertime. Lou realized that everyone must be worried sick about her, but not even that fact convinced her to turn around and head for home.

Her legs and her senses guided her unconsciously as she ambled across a densely wooded area of her property. Lou didn't know where she was going. She didn't care. It was similar to the countless number of times she'd hopped on Lightning and rode across the open prairie, letting her faithful horse carry her and lead her away from her troubles and towards some inner peace. He always led her in the right direction, never allowing her to stray.

Lou had been walking in a haze, breathless, but she finally regained awareness when she realized that she was at the pond. Somehow, it did not surprise her in the least that her heart had led her there. The place always brought her comfort and solace. She felt safe there, as if this spot of Earth was somehow closer to God.

Deciding to stop her tireless stroll, Lou stood by the edge of the water, staring into its murky depths. The moonlight danced across the silvery surface of the water, a silent, flowing waltz with the stars. The night breeze caressed her cheeks, and a shiver ran down the length of her spine. Lou did not shiver because of the chill, but because of the fear that ran through her. Fear that she would lose Jimmy...fear that she wouldn't be able to bear it if she did.

She gasped unconsciously, taking in a long, deep breath and holding it for several moments. The air stung her nose and burned her lungs. Closing her eyes, Lou whispered a prayer. A prayer for Jimmy...and herself.

Lou was completely oblivious to the tears that had begun to cascade down her cheek. So fervent was her plea and so strong was her concentration that she did not hear the sound of hoof beats coming up fast from behind until they were almost on top of her.

Jimmy flung himself from his saddle and ran to Lou's side. "Lou!"

Opening her eyes at last, she spun around towards him. Her heart began to race at the sight of him, her fears vanishing into the ethereal beauty of night.

The words caught in her throat as Jimmy wrapped her in his arms, holding her so tight she could barely breathe. But Lou did not protest. She only wanted to be held tighter, so tight that they would disappear into each other and into a world where nothing or no one could ever come between them.

"I'm fine, Lou," Jimmy whispered in her ear. He wove his fingers into the tangles of her long hair. "I'm here. Everything's gonna be alright."

Finally, Lou found her voice, and it was filled with a strange mixture of relief, sadness, and joy. "I thought I'd lost you. When I saw the look in that man's eyes...I felt truly afraid for you, Jimmy."

Jimmy pulled away from Lou just enough to look into her tear-filled eyes and spoke the words of his heart. "I told you, Lou. I told you I ain't never gonna leave you again. No matter what happens, I'll always be with you. I swear it now, and I swear it forever."

Lou felt her soul become at ease. She'd heard Jimmy say those words before, but somehow, the full extent of their depth and meaning had not completely sunk in until now. She and Jimmy had something so powerful -- a love so deep and transcending -- that it had to be true. Jimmy would be with her...always.

"I can't guarantee that what happened today won't happen again," Jimmy cautioned, only to be cut off by Lou.

"I don't care, Jimmy," she told him outright. "I knew what might happen when I chose to love you, and I'm ready to face it with you. Just don't push me away when trouble comes."

Jimmy nodded lightly, making his silent vow to her, his eyes never leaving hers once. He knew he'd hurt her earlier today by sending her away, especially when he knew she was strong enough to handle anything that life threw at her. He couldn't help his innate desire to protect Lou, but she was right...about so many things.

"I love you more than life itself," Jimmy finally said. "I can't imagine my life without you, Lou."

Lou smiled up at him, an expression of pure happiness on her face. "I love you, too, Jimmy. Now more than ever."

The moon suddenly began to shine at full strength as it moved out from behind some clouds. It felt as if the moon were lighting up the world just for them, smiling upon their love. Lou and Jimmy were in their own private Eden where only good and truth and love existed, and all evil was shut out by the sentry of trees that stood guard around them. Nothing could disturb the sanctity of the moment. Nothing dared to.

Jimmy's heart was literally singing inside him. He'd never thought it possible to love somebody so much, but there he was, holding the one person who gave his life meaning and purpose and filled it with all the intangibles that made it worth living. And, looking at her, he suddenly felt the overpowering need to express all the things that were just bursting to be let out. He'd ridden through Hell and back today, but Jimmy could think of no better time, no better place.

"Lou, I can hardly believe I'm standin' here with you like this," he began. He thought the words sounded awkward to his own ears at first, but they began to come easier with each heartbeat. Lou's touch made it so. "I love you so much. I think I started lovin' you the minute I found out you were a girl, and it hasn't stopped since. It's only gotten stronger and stronger every day. I should've known from the start I couldn't hide it for long."

Lou brought her hand to his face, outlining the curve of his jaw with her fingers...gently, sensuously. "We don't have to hide it, Jimmy. Not anymore."

Taking possession of her hand, Jimmy squeezed it in his own. He continued. "For a long time, I was afraid to love you. There was Kid, and you two loved each other. At the time, I know it was right," he confessed to her. When Lou and Kid were first married, he denied that Kid was right for her. How could another man be meant for Lou when Jimmy loved her so much? "And then, when Kid was gone and we admitted that we loved each other, I was still afraid to let myself love you. Afraid that my troubles would find you, and I didn't want to cause you any pain. So, I ran away. I ran from you, I ran from love...I ran from the best thing that ever happened to me, all out of fear."

His eyes were locked on Lou's, unflinching, penetrating into the very core of her existence. Jimmy shook his head slightly. "But everything inside me tells me the time is right for us now. And I'm not afraid anymore. I won't fear love, because I know you never have."

"Jimmy." Lou's lips moved to form his name, but the sound was barely audible because her emotions were so saturated by the earnestness of his confession. Never before had she heard Jimmy speak like this to her. Never before had he been so articulate and eloquent about what was in his heart. Though she always knew the things that he couldn't say.

It was a very rare thing in itself for Jimmy to admit that he was afraid. After all, the name of 'Wild Bill' Hickok was enshrouded in a legacy of courage and fearlessness, even callousness. But Lou knew the real Jimmy. She knew his vulnerabilities, and she was glad he was able to share them with her. So she listened to him with open ears and an open heart.

"That time we rode with Elias, I head him say that you were woman enough to match me," he told her. Lou hadn't realized that Jimmy heard her conversation with Elias Mills, but he'd secretly listened to every word. "He was right. He knew that you were woman enough...that you were strong enough to stand by me in spite of the trouble that's always shadowed me." He moistened his lips with his tongue, pausing for an instant. "But the truth is I wasn't man enough at the time to let you."

Squeezing Jimmy's hand lightly, Lou wordlessly encouraged him to go on. She wasn't going anywhere. She'd stopped running.

"You once told me that I was a better man than I gave myself credit for." Jimmy smiled at the memory and at the recollection of the taste of her mouth on his for the first time. It burned within him like a fire, and for so long, he had tried to squelch it. But it would not be forced out. The flames of his passion only grew higher and more consuming. "Well, that's only because of you. You believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself. You made my life mean somethin', and I know that my life ain't worth livin' if I don't have you in it."

Jimmy then took hold of both of Lou's hands, twining his fingers between hers, melding the two separate entities into one. He sensed the heat from her body transferring into him, giving him just a little of her strength so that he could continue. "Lou, I need you. I need you to be with me always. To hold me up and make me strong...to help me be the kind of man you believe I can be." He paused for a moment, feeling breathless from the sight of her more than from the length of his entreaty. "Be my wife, Lou. I need you by my side. Please...will you marry me?"

The answer rolled off of Lou's tongue before she had a chance to realize it. "Yes!" She clung to Jimmy and pressed her face into his chest, repeating the word over and over again in muted tones. It was the most wonderful word in the world, she thought. And this was the most wonderful moment.

Jimmy glanced heavenward upon hearing her declaration. No man on Earth could have been happier than he was.

Then, in the heat of such a serious and passionate moment, a wry smile formed on Jimmy's lips. "I promise you I won't sneak away before the weddin' this time."

Lou couldn't help but laugh. She moved to look up at him and said, "Don't worry. I won't let you get away this time."

Still smiling, Jimmy cupped her face in his hands and lowered his mouth onto hers. Lips like honey, he thought, as he lost himself in the kiss and in their love. He knew that with a love like theirs, nothing could ever touch them. Their bond had been forged long ago, before either of them had even realized it.

The kiss eventually ended, but the feelings it carried did not. Lou's eyes were dancing in the moonlight, her hair shining like copper beneath the stars. It was hanging loose down her back, the way Jimmy loved it most. He brushed a wispy strand away from her face with his hand. Jimmy marveled at how he never tired of touching her. It was familiar and comfortable, yet it was new and exciting at the same time. Touching Lou felt like home, and there was nothing in the world quite like the feeling of coming home after a lonely, weary journey. Jimmy had been on the journey for far too long. Now he was home.

"Should we go back and tell Rachel and Teaspoon the good news?" Jimmy asked, hardly able to contain his joy. He was so eager, he didn't wait for her response. "Let's set the date for this Saturday."

"No," Lou simply said. Jimmy looked puzzled. "I mean, not Saturday. I don't want to wait till then. Let's do it here...now. Like it was meant to be."

He nodded in agreement. "Like it was meant to be," he echoed softly.

And so, Jimmy and Lou would make their wedding vows to each other. It would be just the two of them...and all the love that could flourish between a man and a woman. A love so pure that no piece of paper or official ceremony could ever be needed to sanctify it. They had the expanse of velvet blue Nebraska sky as their cathedral. The moon would serve as their preacher, and the trees and the stars their congregation. This was where their love had begun, at this place. It was only fitting that it would be where Jimmy and Lou would pledge themselves to each other for all eternity.

"Louise McCloud, I promise to love you forever. I'll be with you and take care of you always. I'll love James like he was my own flesh and blood. And I'll never stop tryin' to be the kind of man that's worthy of you."

The power of Jimmy's pledge brought tears to Lou's eyes for the second time that night. But this time, they were tears of happiness. It touched her that Jimmy somehow felt as if he had to prove himself to her. He never did. She loved him for what he was.

Then, Jimmy unexpectedly reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out the two golden rings that he had bought ten years ago. Lou gasped when she saw their perfect circles glistening in the moonlight. She had nearly forgotten, though Jimmy never had.

Jimmy placed one of the delicate gold bands on the ring finger of Lou's left hand. He slid it up until it came to rest right next to the wedding ring that Kid had put on her finger many years ago. Lou had never taken it off, and Jimmy didn't expect her to now. He knew he no longer had to compete with Kid for her love. He felt Kid's spirit smiling down upon them that very moment.

Lou brought her hand to her lips, pressing the ring against them. Then she took Jimmy's hands again, and began speaking her vows.

"Jimmy Hickok, what we got is bigger than the sky, brighter than the moon and all the stars, deeper than these waters. We got somethin' that most people only ever dream of." She paused for a second to collect herself. "I promise to stand by you and love you in everything you do. I wanna be there with you even in the face of danger. I was prepared to make that promise to you ten years ago, and every day since, so I'm makin' it now. I loved you then, and I love you now. And I'll love you till the end of time."

Taking the matching gold ring from Jimmy, she slid it onto his finger. It looked so right on his hand, and instantly it seemed to become a part of his being.

An indescribable energy surrounded the two lovers as they clasped their hands together and kissed. They were truly one new creation, two halves joined into one as only God can do.

Jimmy and Lou engaged in a dance as old as time as they made love that night under the stars, showing their love for all the heavens to witness. Their vows resonated deep within them, giving them a heightened passion unlike they'd ever known before. And the winds carried Jimmy's words on them like a song: No matter what happens, I'll always be with you. I swear it now, and I swear it forever... I'll always be with you...

They stayed there all night, awake in each other's arms, until the last star faded into the first pink light of dawn.

Chapter IX - Revelations and Revelry

Lou and Jimmy should have felt tired that morning, but they didn't. They were too full of energy and euphoria and love to be let the lack of sleep bother them, and the rising sun only succeeded in making them feel more alive.

"Mornin', darlin'," Jimmy whispered in Lou's ear, kissing her softly on the side of her face.

Lou lay stretched out on the grass, enfolded in his strong arms. She felt so warm and secure nestled next to Jimmy, her head tucked in the hollow between his neck and shoulder. She hadn't wanted the night to end.

She smiled at him lovingly as she lightly touched his cheek with her fingertips. "Mornin'."

"I hate to say it," Jimmy began reluctantly, "but I think it's time we headed back to the house."

Sighing, Lou had to agree. "I know. I just can't imagine what everyone's gonna say when they see us ridin' back after bein' gone all night. And then when we tell them..." Her face began to flush prettily, and she was all aglow at the thought about what she and Jimmy had done last night...vowing eternal love, 'dancing' under the stars...

Jimmy chuckled, weaving his fingers into the long tendrils of her hair. "I don't know. Either Rachel's gonna kill us for not invintin' her to the weddin', or she'll be so happy she can't stop cryin'."

Lou lifted her head and perched it up on Jimmy's chest to look at him. She had a lovely expression on her face. "I have a feelin' she'll do both. First, she'll get all teary-eyed and start fussin' over us somethin' fierce. Then, she'll stand there, her hands on her hips, and start on how we shoulda waited so she could be there."

"I reckon you're right," Jimmy conceded. "In any case, she 'n' Teaspoon'll be so glad for us."

Lou's face suddenly sobered as she realized that she hadn't even thought how all this would come to affect her son, James. She knew that he loved his 'Uncle Jimmy' very much, but how would he take to having another man around the house to stay for good? Lou had counted on having more time to allow Jimmy to make the transition into both of their lives, but last night, none of that seemed to matter. The sense of urgency that she'd felt overpowered any logic.

"Oh, Jimmy, what am I gonna tell James?" she wondered, her mind racing with possibilities that she hadn't considered until now. "How am I gonna tell him we got married?"

Jimmy took on a wistful look as he thought about Lou's question and the conversation that he had with James two nights ago.

"Are you gonna marry Mama?" the boy asked Jimmy. "I hope so," came the later reply.

He smiled at the recollection, knowing that everything was going to work out just fine. Jimmy sat up, forcing Lou to do so as well, and looked deep into her chocolate brown eyes. He could see the worry laden in them, but he believed that he had the power to remove all traces of doubt from them.

"It's alright, darlin'," he smoothed her hair back with his hand. "'cause I happen to know that we have James' seal of approval to get hitched."

She looked at him quizzically, her brow wrinkled. "You do?" Jimmy nodded. "And how's that?"

Jimmy just grinned and looked her as he rose to his feet, pulling Lou up along with him. The horse blanket that had covered them during the night fell to the ground, exposing their nakedness.

The sunlight streaming through the trees danced on their skin, dappling it with a soft orange-yellow glow. Jimmy's eyes traveled over Lou's body, lingering on her delicate curves as she stood before him with an expression of wonderment on her face. He could hardly believe she was his, but she was. Lou had given herself to him so completely, as he did to her. And Jimmy could still feel the power of their oneness washing over him like new rain. He reveled in the feel of it.

Grabbing the blanket and wrapping it around himself and Lou, he said, "C'mon. I'll tell you on the way back to the house."

---

Rachel was up early as usual, preparing to start breakfast for everyone. Her mind was not really on the task at hand, as she was still worried about Lou and Jimmy. She hardly slept a wink that night, though Teaspoon tried his best to ease her mind and allay her fears. He'd informed her that Jimmy walked away from the gunfight without a scratch, and that he had ridden off afterward in search of Lou.

"Jimmy'll find her," Teaspoon had said. "Nothin' can keep those two apart for long. They got Destiny on their side."

Teaspoon had arrived home that afternoon with James, who had no idea what had occurred. He sensed that something strange was happening when he spotted the old man with his mother's horse waiting for him outside the schoolhouse. Usually James walked home with some of the neighboring children, a fact that made him feel proud and independent since many of the other kids his age still had their mother's picking them up after school. So, he knew something was up, but Teaspoon just told him that he was in town and figured he'd give James a ride home, save him the walk. James shrugged and accepted.

It had been a different story later that night when the boy kept wondering where his mama and Uncle Jimmy had gone. Teaspoon and Rachel eyed each other over the supper table, unsure of what they should tell him. They didn't want to lie to James, but they also didn't want him to be left wondering and worrying. Eventually, Rachel decided to tell him that his mother and Jimmy went to spend a quiet evening alone together so they could catch up on lost time. James seemed satisfied for the time being, and Rachel didn't feel so bad since she knew there was probably a great deal of truth in her statement.

The griddle was just starting to warm up on the stove when Rachel saw the approaching horse outside the window. She immediately abandoned the hotcake batter that she'd been mixing and ran outside, a mixture of relief and curiosity on her face.

Lou was riding in front of Jimmy on his new palomino, Charlie. They trotted in at an easy pace, finally coming to a stop just outside the old bunkhouse where the family still ate most of their meals. Rachel stood outside with her arms on her hips and her apron flapping in the subtle breeze, as Jimmy helped Lou down from the saddle.

Rachel still wore a worried expression, but it melted the minute she saw Lou and Jimmy's smiling faces. She had thought about scolding the two for not coming home last night and leaving her half scared out her mind. Then she thought twice, determining she should simply be happy that they were back now and that they were safe. Besides, Rachel knew she'd just been plain silly to fret so. She knew that Jimmy would find Lou, and that everything would work out fine in the end. The young couple did not even have to say a word for Rachel to know this was true, and she figured it would be best to leave it at that and ask no more questions.

"Mornin', Rachel," Lou said to the blonde-haired woman, approaching her with a sudden feeling of giddiness. She latched onto Jimmy's hand and felt comfort in his surety.

She smiled at them. "Mornin' yourselves. I'll have breakfast ready in 'bout half an hour, in case your interested."

"Thanks, Rachel," Jimmy told her. "We didn't mean to worry ya none last night." He glanced over to Lou standing next to him before turning back to Rachel to speak for the both of them. "We just needed a little time alone, to sort things out, so to speak."

"Well," she sighed, folding her arms across her chest, "I'll admit y'all had me worried. But I knew you two would be alright."

"We're more than alright, Rachel," Lou began. She could feel the warmth of a blush growing in her cheeks, and soon she could not contain her happiness. Her eyes flashed over to Jimmy's, sparking in the sunlight, and he nodded reassuringly. "You see, Jimmy 'n' me...well, we got married last night."

Rachel's mouth dropped wide open when she heard this, and for a moment, she was rendered speechless. Then she ran over to the younger woman and flung her arms around her. "Oh my gosh, Lou! Jimmy!" She moved on to embrace him as well. "I can't believe this! I'm so happy for you!"

"That means a lot to us," Jimmy told her with sincerity. He reached over and pulled Lou closer towards him. The joyous couple just beamed with their love.

"This is incredible!" Rachel carried on. "How did you two manage to find a preacher so quick?"

Jimmy and Lou glanced at each other knowingly. She responded to the question. "We didn't." Rachel looked utterly puzzled, but Lou went on to explain. "We figured we didn't need a piece of paper to show the world or each other how we feel. We know how we feel, and the Lord knows how we feel. What more do we really need? In the end, a weddin' is just a matter of a man and woman and the love between 'em. And that's somethin' we got plenty of."

Rachel's eyes were glassy with tears by this point. She knew exactly how Lou and Jimmy felt. She and Teaspoon felt the same way about what they shared, and they certainly didn't need a marriage certificate to prove their love for each other. And those folks in town who disapproved of their relationship, well, they could all go to the devil for all she cared. Rachel understood that Lou and Jimmy believed the same.

"Oh, I couldn't be happier, Lou," Rachel said, her eyes shining with tears. "But part of me wishes you'd waited, just so I could see you get all fancied up and walk down the aisle. I always loved goin' to weddin's."

"Maybe next time, Rachel," Jimmy teased her, only to receive a jab in the ribs from Lou.

"Sorry, Jimmy, but I'm afraid you're stuck with me for good this time," Lou spoke to him with an adoring smile. "An' I ain't ever lettin' you go."

"I wouldn't want it any other way," he said, just before he wrapped both of his arms around Lou and bent in to kiss her lightly on the lips.

The trio was interrupted when they heard the front door of the house slam shut, the sound of Teaspoon and James' footsteps following soon after. James ran to his mother's side at the sight of her, throwing his arms around her waist.

"Mama! I missed you last night!" he told her, obviously happy that she was home again.

Lou bent down to hug and kiss her son. She hadn't realized how much she ached for him until that moment, and she felt the emotions welling in her chest. "I missed you so much, little man! I'm sorry I wasn't here to tuck you in last night."

"That's alright," James assured her. "Uncle Teaspoon told me the story of when you 'n' Pa 'n' Uncle Jimmy 'n' Uncle Cody 'n' Uncle Noah were chasin' after this strange beast, and it turned out just to be a camel!"

James finally loosened up his grip on his mama when he saw that Uncle Jimmy was back as well. He ran over to his side, hugging him, too. "Uncle Jimmy!" he squealed with delight.

"Hey there, James," he smiled down at the eager young boy. "I'm glad to hear you're not too mad that Uncle Teaspoon had to tell you a story and not me." Jimmy sent a teasing wink towards the older man.

"Naw," James shook his head. "You're both pretty good at tellin' stories."

"Speakin' of stories," Rachel interceded, "I think Lou and Jimmy have a story of their own to be tellin'."

She glanced at the happy couple and then at Teaspoon, her eyes twinkling cheerfully. He had one brow raised in question and that typically curious smirk on his face.

James wondered what new story his mother and Uncle Jimmy would have to share. Something happy, he supposed from the way they were smiling. He loved stories with happy endings the best.

So, they all went inside the bunkhouse while Rachel finished making breakfast for everyone, surrounded in a wonderful sense of love and family.

---

"And you're sure you don't mind if Uncle Jimmy stays here with us?"

James lay in his bed, a contented look on his face, while Lou sat next to him, stroking his thick, dark hair with a mother's gentle touch.

"I like Uncle Jimmy, Mama," the child told her. "I'm glad he's stayin'."

Lou felt relieved at hearing him say those words to her. Ever since that morning when she'd told everyone that she and Jimmy got married, she was not certain if James' initially positive reaction would be lasting. After all, it was only three weeks ago that Jimmy came back into their lives. It would not seem unusual to Lou if James were less than happy upon hearing that she had a new man in her life. But Lou notified her son that he'd always come first with her, despite the fact that he didn't really seem to need the reassurance of her love.

James' happiness at Lou and Jimmy's sudden marriage made the decision unanimous. Rachel was thrilled, of course, and Teaspoon's weak attempts to mask his extreme joy by saying, "Well, it's about time," and "I been wonderin' what you two been waitin' fer," were in vain. They all knew how the old man felt. He was never good at hiding his true emotions, especially happiness, and they wondered why he didn't give up trying altogether. Teaspoon was a softy at heart, and they loved him for it. Besides, he was right...it was about time. Jimmy and Lou deciding to marry was not truly sudden after all. Their love had been more than ten years in the making.

The lantern cast a lovely glow on Lou's sun-kissed skin as she leaned over talking to James. Jimmy stood just outside the bedroom door, listening to everything they were saying, and feeling infinitely glad to have been accepted so easily. In the short time since his arrival, he had grown to love the boy as if he were his very own. Jimmy only regretted the opportunities that Kid was missing out on in getting to know his son. He'd come a far way in his feelings over the years. There had been a time long ago, after James was first born, when Jimmy wished more than anything that Lou were his wife and the child were his own. But now, Jimmy couldn't help feeling blessed with the way things had turned out for him. And there was no need for him to feel jealous or envious...not when he had it all, and not when he knew with his every ounce of his soul that Kid was up there smiling down upon them.

Jimmy leaned in towards the door, which was slightly ajar, when he heard the voices again.

"I'm so happy you like Uncle Jimmy, little man."

"I do," James nodded. "He tells real good stories, Mama, and you're always smilin' now that he's around."

It was true; Lou found it so easy to smile now that Jimmy was back. Her happiness was infectious and everyone was taking notice.

"Now that you 'n' Uncle Jimmy are married," he began, his expression becoming a little more serious, "you won't be lonely anymore."

Lou kissed him on the forehead, letting her lips linger there for a moment to savor the sweetness of the moment. She didn't think it was possible to love a person this much, and here she had, not just her child, but she had Jimmy, too. Her heart was so full she thought she might bust right open.

"I could never be lonely, sweetie," Lou whispered. "Not when I have you. I love you."

"I love you, too, Mama," James said.

Finally rising from her spot on the bed, Lou pushed the hair away from James' face one last time before she turned to leave.

"Goodnight, little man," she said as she clasped the doorknob in her hand.

"'Night, Mama."

Lou closed the door behind her. Jimmy was there, standing in the hallway with a look on his face that Lou couldn't seem to fathom. They simply stared deeply into each other's eyes for a minute, knowing that they were surely the two luckiest people on Earth.

At last, Jimmy's face broke into a slight smile as he took hold of Lou's hand and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. When their lips parted, Lou felt dizzy and breathless...and completely wonderful.

A sly smile crossed Jimmy's mouth as he began leading her downstairs to join Rachel and Teaspoon for a cup of coffee. "Let's go, Mrs. Hickok," he said.

"Mrs. Hickok," Lou echoed pensively. "I happen to like the sound of that." She smiled that brilliant smile of hers and followed her man down the steps.

Chapter X - Malicious Intentions

The last cool days of spring had ended, leading to the hotter, drier summer days and night. School had let out in the middle of June, so James spent more of his time at the ranch helping out his mother and Jimmy and the several hired hands they'd taken on over the years. He loved working with the horses, and he had such a gentle touch to him. It was a trait that had been passed on to young James from both his mother and father.

Lou and Jimmy had been married for over a month now, and it was pure heaven. Rachel had suggested that they take some time off for a honeymoon, maybe travel around a bit and see some other sights, but the newlyweds agreed that there was no place they'd rather be than home in Sweetwater. They had each done their share of drifting and wandering over the years, both physically and spiritually, and now they were simply content to revel in the joys of being home...and being together.

It was a particularly hot and sunny afternoon when Jimmy and Lou rode into town to mail off some letters and take care of other business. They enjoyed spending the time alone, trotting along side-by-side on their horses as they had so many times before during their Express days. Somehow, it always brought the memories stirring to the surface.

After tying up their horses to the hitching post outside Tompkins' store, Lou and Jimmy walked over to the post office to drop off their mail. They had written letters to Buck and Cody shortly after their un-officiated marriage ceremony, but after neither produced a response, they decided to try again. The two former riders were constantly on the move, something that Jimmy and Lou understood and never begrudged. Cody was probably off traveling the country with his latest stage production, too busy to leave a forwarding address. And Buck was especially difficult to contact with all the activity between the U.S. Army and the Indians. It was impossible to know exactly where he was these days, but they never stopped trying.

"Is that all for today, Mrs. McCloud?" asked Mr. Beverly, the post office director.

Nodding, Louise said, "Yes, that's it. Is there any mail to be picked up for the ranch?"

The man lowered the reading glasses so they sat on his nose properly, and he perused the pile of incoming letters. Finally, he raised his eyes to meet with hers again, declaring, "Nope. No letters for the PXP Ranch today."

Lou suddenly appeared crestfallen. She always hoped to find a letter from her extended family and was disappointed when there was none. But she knew mail still traveled slow these days, many preferring to make use of the telegraph to send out any urgent messages.

"Alright," she sighed and turned to leave, Jimmy by her side. "Have a nice day, Mr. Beverly."

"You, too, Mrs. McCloud."

Jimmy tipped his hat at the man just before he closed the front door of the office behind him, the bell on it jingling loudly. Outside, he put his hands on Lou's shoulders trying to comfort her.

"Don't worry, Lou," he told her soothingly. "I'm sure Cody and Buck got your letters. It's just takin' time for theirs to come back to us."

"I know," Lou replied, still feeling melancholy. "It's just that I miss them all so much. Sam 'n' Emma, too. Part of me wishes they could all come for a visit at once, when the rest of me knows that would be impossible."

Kissing her lightly on the forehead, Jimmy said, "Not impossible, darlin'. Only difficult."

Lou felt her heart grow more at ease under Jimmy's loving hand. She knew that she was just being over-emotional. It seemed that lately, she was either suddenly thrust into a mild depression or deliriously happy. She didn't know what to make of it. She summed it up to the heat and the long hours of working out in the sun, making her head do funny things and think strange thoughts. Lou dismissed her feelings and changed the subject.

"Do you think I should be tellin' everyone in town to call me Mrs. Hickok now that we're married?" she mused aloud. "After all, they must suspect somethin' by now."

Jimmy looked down at her as they walked along the wooden walkway that lined the street. He chuckled at her sudden choice of topic. She seemed to be doing that a lot recently, he noted to himself. Changing topics as quickly as she changed her mood. But he loved her for it. Lou always kept him on his toes, and life was never boring, that was for certain.

She glanced at him, wondering what was so darned funny all of the sudden. "What?" she asked, slightly defensive, though a smile lit her face.

"Nothin', Lou," Jimmy shook his head at her, still grinning so that his dimples showed. "It's just I don't care what name people in town call you. They can call you Mrs. Annabelle Mumblepuss, for all I care."

Lou couldn't help but laugh as well, especially hearing Jimmy suggest that the townsfolk call her by the name she'd given the rag doll she had as a child. She smiled at the memory of his face when she'd told him about the doll and what she had chosen to name it. At the same time, Lou knew that Jimmy was right. She was being silly, and it didn't really matter what her name was because she knew she belonged to Jimmy. And it was only a name, after all.

What's in a name? Lou asked herself, remembering a particular sonnet by a fellow named Shakespeare. She'd read it in the little leather-bound book of poetry that Kid had given her before he left for the war. She sighed, remembering how even after she'd married the Kid, she never learned his real name. At least she knew Jimmy's full name, and Lou chuckled to herself at the idea that she was 'Mrs. Louise McCloud-Kid-Hickok'.

"Besides," Jimmy began again, interrupting her thoughts, "it might be easier to leave you as Mrs. McCloud so we don't have to explain why no one was invited to the weddin'."

Jimmy was smiling on the outside, joking with Lou about their unique situation and circumstances. However, he was secretly plagued with the reality of what her taking his name could mean. He'd cursed his own name so many times for all the trouble it brought him....trouble that he wanted as far away from Lou as possible. It was something he didn't even want to think about. Jimmy just hoped she would be content with keeping her own name for the sake of convenience, knowing that the name didn't really matter anyway. Lou was Hickok at heart.

---

The afternoon in town seemed to be passing by quickly, with all of their errands out of the way in no time. Their final stop before they could go home had been the bank. Jimmy and Lou were just heading out of the bank that very moment when Martin Willingham, the owner, spotted them on the street. Well, he spotted Louise, and moved fast to approach her.

"Why, good day to you, Mrs. McCloud," he said, smiling and tipping his hat to her. His eyes quickly grazed over the man standing next to her, but he did not greet him...not yet.

"Oh, Mr. Willingham," Lou stammered, having been caught off guard by his sudden presence. "We were just leavin' the bank."

"A fortuitous meeting then," he replied, that fake-looking grin still plastered on his face.

Martin Willingham became owner of the Sweetwater Bank two years ago. He was a man of about forty, very well dressed, and he hailed from a wealthy family back East though he'd managed to make it quite well living out West. In addition to the bank, he also owned and operated a big cattle spread just outside of town. In fact, his property bordered on the PXP Ranch. At one point, he had been eager to offer Lou a bundle of money to buy up her property. Then he began making other kinds of offers, only to be flatly refused.

After a few moments of silence, Willingham finally decided to say something to Jimmy, who stood clasping Lou's hand and studying the banker suspiciously. "And is this one of your new hired hands, Mrs. McCloud?" he remarked snidely.

Inside, Jimmy was seething, but the feeling of Lou's grip tightening on him was enough for him to restrain his brewing anger. It was not so much what the banker had said, it was more the way he was looking at Louise when he said it. The way his eyes swept over her body as if he were undressing her with them. The way his wicked intentions was barely concealed behind an exaggerated grin. It did not take much for Jimmy to realize that he did not trust Martin Willingham, not the least little bit.

Lou managed to bite her tongue as well, though the man thoroughly disgusted her. She still had to conduct business with him, and she knew it would be to her advantage to smile and play nice. "Actually, Mr. Willingham, this is Jimmy. He's my husband." She hoped he would take the none-too-subtle hint and stop his futile attempts at pursuing her, once and for all.

The banker was stunned, but he fought to keep up his facade. "Oh! Well, allow me offer my congratulations...to both of you! And might I say, I'm certain you made a fine-looking bride." He bowed slightly and took Louise's hand in his to kiss it.

When he had done slobbering on her hand, Lou wanted to go right home and find some soap and hot water so she could get his filthy mark off of her. But still, she kept her mask of congeniality, holding fast on to Jimmy with her other hand so that he wouldn't punch the man's lights out or worse, reach to his hip for his gun.

If Willingham only knew that he was messing with the quickest draw in the West and not an ordinary rancher, he might have thought twice about dismissing Jimmy so easily.

"Thank you very much," Lou said. "But we really have to be gettin' on home now. Good day."

With hardly time for him to say goodbye, Lou was already walking away quickly, her skirt sweeping up a cloud of dust, with Jimmy in tow.

"Good day to you, too," Mr. Willingham sneered quietly to himself once Lou and Jimmy were well out of earshot.

He continued to stare at Lou while she made her way through the bustling streets of Sweetwater. He licked his lips lasciviously, thinking of how good it would feel to have her next to him. She was quite a beauty, he thought to himself, and he couldn't help but notice her from the minute he had moved to this godforsaken wilderness from his comfortable family home in Boston in an attempt to further his fortunes and make a name for himself.

Ever since his arrival, Martin had made efforts to win over Louise and gain her affections, as many other local men had also tried to do, but it was to no avail. She would have none of it and insisted that they keep their relationship on a strictly business level. Though, he never stopped persisting. And the fact that Louise now claimed to be married would not deter him in the least. Willingham wanted her, but he wanted her land even more.

Over time, Willingham kept increasing the number of cattle on his ranch at alarming rates, thereby increasing the size of his pocketbook as well. However, he also found that, by doing so, his natural resources were rapidly becoming more and more depleted. Still, he would not cut back operations. He had other plans instead...plans which would allow further expansion of his growing empire.

The land to the north of him was still rich and full of the moist grass that his cattle desperately needed for grazing. It also had the best source of water in the area with the creek that ran through the densely wooded area on the property. Horses, not cattle, were its staple, so the land was relatively unspoiled. It was the land that was owned by Mrs. Louise McCloud.

Willingham removed his hat and wiped the perspiration that had formed on his brow with a white handkerchief. He looked up at the sky, squinting from the brightness of the sun. It was going to be a long, hot, dry summer. And he knew that if his cattle and his business were going to thrive, they were going to need more grass and water.

He had tried all the usual tactics to win over the lovely, yet feisty, Louise McCloud and had failed miserably. Failure was something Martin Willingham was not used to. He would not tolerate anything but success, and he would do everything in his power to insure that he would indeed get what he wanted. He had a few more tricks up his sleeve. After all, he knew that he hadn't gotten to where he was today if he didn't know how to bend things to his will. He had come out West, started a profitable cattle business, made a name for himself apart from his family. He even took over the town's bank when it ran into some financial trouble a while back, making his advantage and position within Sweetwater even greater. And he was slowly eating up the land all around him, until there was only one last -- and very beautiful -- barrier remaining.

Martin's eyes caught the back of Jimmy as he un-tethered his horse. He would not be thwarted so easily. Louise might pose a challenge, but it would be a challenge he'd most enjoy meeting and conquering. With that last thought, Martin Willingham turned away and headed for his bank.

As the couple mounted their horses, prepared to depart for home, Jimmy turned back to look at the banker before kicking his horse into a run. No, he didn't trust the man at all, Jimmy decided. Not one bit.

Chapter XI - Things Fall Apart

The bad news came in the form of a note carried by Mr. Beverly, who was sent out to the ranch one evening a few days after Lou and Jimmy's last visit to town. It had been a special errand given to him just as he was about to close up the post office for the day. He'd been tossed a few coins and sent on his way to the PXP ranch to deliver the news to Mrs. McCloud and family.

Louise stood in the doorway, reading the note that she'd just been handed. Seconds later, she looked up at Mr. Beverly, shock and confusion written all over her face. "I don't understand."

The man was sincerely regretful to have been the bearer of such unhappy tidings, especially to such a nice woman as Louise McCloud. He didn't typically serve as a personal messenger, but under the circumstances, he had felt compelled into doing so. He had his own problems to think about. He knew he couldn't be letting his own feelings of pity get in the way of doing what needed to be doing.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," Mr. Beverly replied sadly. "But that's what I was instructed to give you."

"I know you only deliver the mail, Mr. Beverly," Lou agreed. "You didn't write this."

The post office worker turned around to leave, instantly sorry that there wasn't something more he could do. He knew he had his hands tied, and it would be only a matter of time before the bank and Martin Willingham came after him, too.

---

Lou had put James to bed early, despite his protests, and now the adults were all gathered in the downstairs parlor. She sat on the sofa, her brow furrowed, glancing over the note for what must have been the hundredth time that night. Finally, Jimmy pulled the piece of paper from her grip, replacing what was in her hand with his own.

"Lou, honey," he began, "this don't mean things are over for us. It's just a little bump in the road. We'll get through it."

Snapping up to look at him, Lou said, "Jimmy, you don't know what this means!" She didn't mean to raise her voice, but the more she thought about the possibility of losing everything, the more frightened and angry she became. "The bank is callin' in the loan I took out to build the new barn last winter. I don't have the money to pay it back." She closed her eyes and shook her head, almost in disbelief that all this could be happening to her...to them. She had been so happy, and it suddenly felt as though the world was crashing down upon her. "Not now," she said.

"But the ranch is more profitable now than it's ever been." He shook his head. He didn't get it. "Maybe you're right, Lou. Maybe I don't understand."

Lou looked at Jimmy and saw the hurt expression in his eyes. She hadn't meant to be so blunt and so cool towards him. Things were happening too fast, and it seemed that in one fell swoop, everything she had worked and sweated for might be taken away. She could not help but feel overwhelmed and emotional

"I'm sorry, Jimmy," she apologized to him. "I didn't mean to go over the edge like that."

"It's alright, darlin'," he whispered to her as he brought her body in towards him. He stroked her hair, trying to soothe her and convince her that everything would work out alright in the end, just like it always did.

Teaspoon picked up the note and began to examine it, trying to see what he could do to help the situation that had been thrust upon them. Rachel sat by his side, her heart crying out to help Lou. She asked him, "Is all this legal, Teaspoon?"

He heaved out a heavy breath as he turned to look at Rachel's worried face. "I'm afraid so. When Lou took out that loan, it was because she needed the money right away to replace the barn that'd just burnt down. Winter was comin' on quick, and we needed someplace to keep the animals. The bank musta realized this and upped the risk of the loan 'fore any of us had a chance to think they might actually call it in early."

"That just don't seem fair," Jimmy remarked. "Is there anythin' we can do, Teaspoon?"

"I'm afraid not, son," he sighed regretfully, handing Mr. Willingham's note back over to Jimmy. "The bank wants their money back, and they want it by the middle of next month."

"What do we do now?" Rachel wondered.

Lou sat there, looking as if she were in a daze. For the first time in a long while, she didn't know what she was going to do.

Seeing her deep state of thought, Jimmy asked, "What're thinkin', Lou?"

She merely shook here head, and answered, "I don't know, Jimmy. I just don't know."

"Why can't we just pay 'im off? Get Mr. Martin Willingham and his bank off our backs for good?" The utter disdain that Jimmy felt for the banker and what he was doing was very evident in each word he spoke. He knew from the start that there was something about the man that he didn't like, and now Jimmy knew his initial instincts had been confirmed.

Lou realized that while Jimmy was good at working with her on the ranch doing the actual physical labor, he was not as well informed about all the business aspects that went on behind the main operation. She took care of all the mone