Prologue

Louise "Lou" McCloud sighed as she checked the total again. Today was payday, and once she had paid off this month's bills, it seemed as if her promise to her brother and sister seemed as far away as the day she made it.

Seven years ago, their mother died of cancer, and they were sent to live with their father who they hadn't seen since shortly after Teresa had been born. It wasn't so bad at first, but then he decided to allow his business associates use his oldest daughter to further his own career. By the time she was fourteen, she'd lost count of the number of men that had been forced upon her.

Finally one of her teachers suspected something was wrong, and the children were immediately removed from the home. Lou and Teresa were sent to the same home, while Jeremiah was sent to a separate one. But Lou hated being away from her brother and rebelled. She was immediately sent to a group home for "troubled" children, and all three siblings were separated.

Lou saw her brother and sister as often as possible, and tried to make them understand that she was too young. That the courts wouldn't allow her to raise them until she was older, but her six year old sister and eight year old brother couldn't understand. She vowed she would get them as soon as she was able too, but reality was a hard thing to suddenly be thrust into.

It was at the group home that she met some of her dearest friends. Of course when she'd first been sent to group home, she wouldn't have anything to do with anyone, male or female. But eventually, she became closer to the six guys that were there than any of the girls.

After they all aged out, they decided to keep their "family" together and rented a four bedroom house. The guys doubled up while Lou had the master bedroom and bath all to herself. With seven of them, rent was cheap and the bills were low. Other than her car payments, she saved almost all of her measly paycheck and put it aside. But by her calculations, it was more than likely that Jeremiah would age out of the system before she had enough saved.

"Hey, Lou," Kid said entering the break room.

Kid, as he'd been called since he'd entered the foster system at age two, smiled at his best friend for the past four years. But these last few months, he'd felt as if the friendship was growing into something more.

Lou immediately threw her check into her backpack quickly and zipped it up. "Hey."

"Whatcha doin'?"

Frustrated he was nosing into her business again she sighed. "Is there something you want, Kid?"

"I'm off and was thinking of walking around the mall. Just wondered if you wanted to join me, is all."

"I think I'll stay behind," she said sadly. She would love to hang out at the mall where they worked, but she knew she'd buy something she didn't need. Something that wasn't as important as her brother and sister.

"You okay?"

"Fine," she snapped. When she saw the hurt expression on his face, she felt bad. "Sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"What's wrong, Lou?" Kid asked as he crossed the room to where she was sitting at the break table.

"Just been thinking about Jeremiah and Teresa and how it doesn't look like I'll ever be able to get them out before they age out."

Kid knew she felt bad about leaving them behind. "Is there anything I can do?" Lou shook her head. "I want to help." Of course you do, she thought. You always want to help. Half the time I appreciate it and the other half I hate you for it.

"Thanks, Kid. But this is something I need to do myself."

Kid nodded. "Sure you won't change your mind? Might make you feel better. Cody says if we hurry, he can get us into the new Brad Pitt movie. You know you want to see it."

Lou sighed and stood up. "Sure, why not. But if you want to help, just make sure I don't buy anything I don't need."

Kid chuckled and flashed her a grin. "That I can do."

~~~ *~* ~~~

Kid watched Lou as they window shopped around the mall before the movie started. He watched her gaze longingly at the window display at Bath and Body Works. He knew it had to be hard for her not to be able to buy the girlie stuff like other girls they knew.

The first time he'd seen her look like a real girl, instead of the tomboy they had all grown used to, was on her eighteenth birthday. Even then, the guys had chipped in to buy a dress for her. He still couldn't get the image of her in that blue dress out of his mind, and longed for her to be able more comfortable dressed like that.

Admit it, Kid, he thought to himself. She's not like other women. That's one of the reasons you're so fascinated by her. That was the night you knew she was the one you would love forever.

He watched her sigh and then left the window and headed towards the pet store. He went inside and picked up her favorite bath oil. He knew she was running low on it, but being so concerned about money, she would rather go without then buy the rose scent that she used so rarely. And that drives you nuts when she does use it.

He took two bottles to the counter and reached into his pocket for the money.

"Got a girl now, Kid?" Tompkins, the storekeeper teased causing Kid to blush.

"He's had one for some time," Buck said entering the store. "Course none of us knew who it was until a coupla weeks ago."

"Shut up, Buck," Kid snapped, sending him an evil look. He turned back to the storekeeper. "She's just a friend."

Tompkins grinned and nodded. "Must be some friend. Total is a thirteen dollars and fifteen cents."

Kid nodded and handed him the money.

~~~ *~* ~~~

As soon as Lou had walked by the Bath and Body Works, she knew she made a mistake by not going home. Every week there was something knew she wanted, and this week her favorite bubble bath had been on sale. She'd left as quickly as possible before she gave into the temptation.

Admit it, she said to herself. You agreed to stay out because you wanted to spend time alone with Kid. Lou sighed knowing she was right. Since her eighteenth birthday, she and Kid had grown closer, and she was beginning to feel things for him she didn't want to feel but couldn't help.

For as long as she'd known him, she'd always been able to talk to him, even though there were still things she would never tell him or the others. She was envious that while she was pinching every penny, he was working his way through Vet school and still seemed to have money to spare. They all did.

"Hey, Lou," Jimmy, the oldest of her "brothers", said coming up behind her. "How are things over at Pony Espresso?"

She shrugged. "If Kid wasn't working there, I don't think I could handle the job on such slave wages," she joked.

Jimmy laughed. "Don't let Noah hear you joke like that. Where's Kid?"

Lou realized that she'd lost him. "Not sure," she replied. "He was with me a few minutes ago." She turned to look around but didn't see him. "I guess I'll meet up with him at the theater."

"Cody convinced you to see the new Brad Pitt film?" Lou nodded. "Geez, most girls go to see it for him, you go for the action and violence."

"Yeah well, he's not my type."

Jimmy smiled. "Well it looks like your type is heading our way now." He laughed as she turned as red. "I'll see you guys back at the house, I've still got a few more hours to work. Have fun," he said as he started to walk away. "But not too much."

"Bye, Jimmy," she said as Kid joined her. "Where'd you go? I turned around and you were gone."

"Weren't worried about me, were you?"

Lou melted as his blue eyes sparkled and he flashed the grin he knew she couldn't resist. "No, I was just wondering if I'd have to see the movie myself."

Kid held up the plain bag he'd asked Tompkins to put her gift in. "Had to make a stop and get something."

"What is it?" she asked playfully.

"Nothing," he said mischievously.

Lou reached for the bag and Kid held it above his head. "Let me see it," she demanded.

Kid shook his head and kept holding it above her reach. Lou kept jumping for it, and accidently knocked him over, landing with her on top of him. Her face less than an inch away, he moved his head up slightly, longing to kiss her.

She laid on top of him for several moments, trying to catch her breath. She saw the longing in his eyes and was about to kiss him when suddenly she felt him pressing into her leg. Blushing, she quickly stood up.

"Are you okay?" she asked holding a hand out to help him up.

Kid, embarrassed by his body's betrayal, nodded. "Not sure which is bruised more, my ego or my backside. How about you?" He took her hand and allowed her to help him up, but once standing, he didn't let it go.

"I'm fine. We'd better hurry if we want to make it in time for the movie."

Kid silently groaned at the thought of spending two hours next to her in a dark theater, especially if they sat in the balcony like she liked to do. He knew from past experience they'd be the only ones up there watching the movie.

She noticed his hesitation. "If you don't want to go,"

He shook his head. "I know how much you've been looking forward to seeing it," he interrupted. "Besides, when was the last time you let yourself enjoy something?"

About thirty seconds ago, she thought. "We better get going then," she said as they started walking towards the other end of the mall. As they approached the theater, she realized that Kid suddenly let her hand go and part of her felt disappointed. But as Cody approached with his cocky grin, she realized why he had.

"Glad you two made it," he said opening the velvet rope so they could enter. "You guys have just enough time to get some popcorn and sodas before the movie starts." With a wide grin he added. "And unless you two are sitting in the balcony, I'm off in twenty minutes and I'll join you."

"Shut up, Cody!" Lou and Kid exclaimed together.

"You know I like it better up top," she said as she headed towards the concession stand.

Cody leaned in towards Kid. "Keep that in mind."

Kid turned redder than Cody's blazer and shot him a mean look. "Knock it off, Cody."

Kid went to the counter next to Lou as she placed their order. She reached into her pocket for the money, but he stopped her. "This was my idea, so it's my treat," he said.

"Kid, I can afford popcorn and diet soda."

He shook his head. "You can pay next time," he lied.

Lou gave in and grabbed a MovieFone pamphlet to read while they were waiting for the movie to start. By the time they headed to the balcony, the only two seats together were in the back row, and the people next to them were already going at it hot and heavy.

"Maybe we should go downstairs," Lou said quietly.

Kid shrugged. "Up to you," he said. "I'm fine here."

Lou nodded and they sat down. She longed to be able to trust Kid enough to deepen their relationship, but she was scared what he would do if he ever found out why she was sent into foster care to begin with.

Trying to ignore the noises around them, she opened the pamphlet and started reading the film reviews and details about upcoming movies. Right before the lights dimmed, she saw an ad that might be the answer to her problems.

YOUNG GIRLS WANTED!

Lou slipped it into her backpack and decided to call later that night. What harm could it do?

As the lights dimmed, she felt Kid's arm sneak across her shoulder and she settled against it. When she reached for a handful of popcorn, she felt sparks of electricity run through her body as her hand touched his in the bag. They shyly smiled at each other, but remained sitting like that for the rest of the movie.

Chapter 1

That night it was Lou's turn to cook dinner. Luckily most of the guys either had to work or had a date, so Lou decided to cook a frozen pizza. It was quick, and she knew Kid and Ike wouldn't mind.

While it was cooking, she decided to take her mail and read it out on the porch. Skipping through the junk mail, she smiled as she saw her weekly letter from Teresa. She quickly opened it and began reading. Her heart broke as he sister begged for Lou to come get her. She was so distracted, she didn't hear Kid come out and join her.

"Dinner's ready," he said sitting down next to her on the porch steps.

"Not hungry," she said quietly.

"Another letter from Teresa?" Kid asked, already knowing the answer. Lou nodded. "You're doing the best you can, Lou. She knows that."

"I just wish it was more," she sighed. "I miss them so much."

Kid wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "I know you do."

"Sometimes I just feel like I'll never be able to get them out. I should've never promised them, and then they wouldn't be so disappointed every week."

Kid knew she was trying to fight the tears and hugged her a little tighter. "You'll see, Lou. It'll all work out in the end. Before long, you'll be moving out of here and moving into your own house. A house where they can each have their own room, a big yard where they can run and play, trees they can climb... And none of it will matter to them because they'll have you back in their lives."

She smiled as she looked at him, "You've always known how to make me feel better." She went to kiss his cheek, but Kid turned his face to say something and their lips met.

When Kid felt her lips cover his, he couldn't believe he was finally kissing her. He thought he was dreaming until he felt her tongue penetrate his lips. He groaned as he pulled her into his lap as their tongues continued to dance.

Lou giggled as he responded to her kiss, and finally broke away. "I'm sorry," she apologized looking away from him.

Kid rubbed her back. "Don't apologize. If anything, I should be the one to apologize."

Lou looked at him puzzled. "Why?"

"Because I couldn't find the courage to kiss you first," he said lovingly. He cupped her face and smiled at her. "I've wanted to kiss you since you're birthday."

"Waiting until I was legal?" she joked.

Kid shook his head. "Waiting until I realized how much I lov..."

Lou put her fingers to his lips. "Don't say that," she begged shaking her head.

"It's true, Lou. I can't help the way I feel, but if you don't feel the same, then we can just ignore this ever happened."

"I can't do that, Kid."

Kid held his breath, hoping she meant what he wanted her to mean. "Does that mean?"

"I'm not sure. These feelings I have scare me," she said quietly.

"What happened to you, Lou? Why are you so scared of trusting your heart to me? Who hurt you?"

Lou just shook her head and couldn't speak. She wanted to tell him everything; her mind begged her too. It'll be easier to tell him now and him hate you, she thought. Than to fall deeper and have him hate you later.

"I'm sorry, Kid," she said getting up from his lap and running back into the house.

Kid sat there stunned wondering what went wrong. He cringed as he could hear her bedroom door slam from outside. It slammed with enough force the windows rattled.

*What's wrong with Lou?* their roommate, Ike, asked coming outside.

Ike had refused to speak since he was three when he had witnessed the horrendous murder of his parents and sister during a home robbery. He was put into Foster Care because no one wanted to adopt a mute. He was able to communicate through sign language, which only those that grew up with him had taken the time to learn.

"I finally told her how I feel."

*I take it she doesn't feel the same?* he signed indicating to inside.

"I don't know," he sighed. "When she kissed me..."

Ike grinned widely. *So you two finally kissed? No wonder you scared her off.*

"Thanks a lot, Ike." Kid buried his head in his hands. "I'm an idiot."

Ike tapped his shoulder so Kid would see his response. *No you're not. Go on up and talk to her.*

Kid nodded and left Ike standing on the porch. He slowly climbed the stairs and stood outside her door. He knocked softly.

"Go away, Kid."

Kid could tell she was crying, and felt horrible. In the four years he'd known her, he'd never heard her cry, and now she was and it was his fault.

"Please talk to me, Lou. I'm sorry."

"I told you, it's not your fault. I just want to be alone."

"You need to eat something," he said concerned. "You're too thin as it is."

Lou sighed as her stomach growled at the mention of food. Other than the popcorn she'd had at the movies, she hadn't eaten since breakfast. She stood up and unlocked her door.

Kid stood outside her room, refusing to enter her room unless he was invited. That was the one rule of the house - no one entered her room without permission. "Do you want me to bring you up some pizza?"

Lou shook her head. "Gimme a few minutes and I'll be down to eat."

"Are you sure?"

Lou nodded. "You can wait for me if you want," she said before heading into her bathroom to splash water on her face.

Kid smiled at the invitation and sat down at her desk. He swallowed hard as he looked towards her bed and imagined her lying there sleeping. His groin tightened at the thought of what she might sleep in, and how it would feel to kiss every inch of her body as he took it off her.

Lou splashed some cold water over her face longing to take a cold shower. The kiss had left her more shaken than the conversation afterwards, only because for the first time in her life, she could imagine having more.

After splashing more water on her face, she reached for a towel when she knocked something over. After drying her face, she went to pick up the bottle and smiled. "Where'd this come from?" she asked Kid as she went back into her bedroom.

Kid looked up and decided to play dumb. "Where'd what come from?"

Lou shook her head and crossed to him. "You didn't have to," she said smiling at him.

"I know how much you like it, and I know even with it on sale you'd rather save your money."

"Thank you," she said kissing him lightly.

Kid longed to pick her up and carry her to her bed, but he needed to get some control and fast. Less than thirty minutes ago he finally admitted he was in love with her, and the last thing he wanted to do was force his feelings on her when she was so unsure of her own.

"We better go down and eat before Ike comes looking for us," he said quietly.

~~~ *~* ~~~

For the rest of the weekend, Kid and Lou continued to explore their feelings, but continued to go slow, which for the first time in his life, Kid found agonizing. The few girlfriends he'd had in the past, he was always the one who insisted they go slow and not rush things, and therefore rarely made it past the kissing stage. Now the more time he spent with Lou, the farther he wanted to go.

By the time she left for work on Monday, Lou had temporarily forgotten her money problems and couldn't wait to see Kid. He had worked an earlier shift since he had classes on Monday nights, and the first thing she did when she walked into the coffee shop was kissed him.

"Missed you," she said playfully when they broke the kiss.

Kid grinned. "You just saw me four hours ago."

"What? Am I not allowed to miss you?" she asked hurt.

"You're nuts, you know that?"

"Nuts about you," she grinned as she went back to the break room to put her things up. When she came back she remembered something. "I need to get my ATM card back from you. I'm low on gas and couldn't fill up on my way in to work."

Kid nodded and pulled out his wallet. "I forgot I had it." He handed her card back.

"No problem. Thanks for depositing my check. I was so distracted Friday night, I would've forgotten all about it."

Kid blushed at her implication. "Glad I was able to get your mind off things," he smiled. Just don't get mad at me when you learned what I did, he thought.

The two continued to work for the next few hours until it was time for Kid to leave. "Will I see you tonight?" he asked.

She nodded. "If you don't stay out too late. I'm working the opening shift in the morning, so I need to go to bed early." She saw Kid blush and chuckled. "I meant for sleep."

"I know," he said kissing her forehead. "I'll try not to stay at my study group too long."

Lou kissed him and was disappointed when he left. The rest of her shift went by slowly, and by the time she got home, she was so tired that she crawled into bed for a quick nap.

"Morning, sweetheart."

Lou awoke to feathery light kisses and smiled. "What time is it?" she asked opening her eyes to see Kid standing over her.

"Half past nine."

Lou smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, lowering him on top of her.

"Lou," he groaned against her neck as she pressed him against her. He reluctantly pulled away from her embrace. "Can we talk?"

Lou panicked and sat up. "Did I do something wrong?"

Kid shook his head. "No, no. I just think we should wait," he said quietly.

"Oh," she said disappointed.

"I was wondering if you had plans for this weekend?" Lou shook her head. "One of the guys in my study group has a cabin overlooking the river. I thought maybe we could..."

"I can't, Kid. You know I have to save my money."

"You wouldn't have to pay for anything. He's letting any of us use it when we want, and it's fully stocked. The only thing you'll be spending... is time with me."

Lou sighed. She wanted to more than anything, but she was too scared. "I'm sorry," she said shaking her head and stood up.

Kid took her hand and pulled her back down. "Tell me what happened," he begged. "Help me understand."

"I don't know what you mean."

Kid wrapped his arms around her and brought her face to look at his. "Lou, I know why most girls are put into Foster Care. What did your father do to you?"

Lou gave into the tears that were forming. "I don't want to talk about it," she said between sobs looking away from him.

Kid cupped her face. "Nothing and I mean nothing will change the way I feel about you. Tell me what haunts you at night. You know all my secrets."

"Kid, please. It's a part of my life I need to forget."

"Then let me help you forget. If you don't want to go to the cabin, we won't. I love you, Lou, and I just want to spend time with you. We don't have to do anything you aren't ready for."

"Maybe," she said slowly. "Maybe the cabin is a good idea," she said smiling at him as she saw the love in his blue eyes. "I can't promise you anything," she said quietly.

"Just promise you'll enjoy yourself no matter what happens between us."

Lou nodded, amazed at how wonderful he could be, and why she was just now realizing it. She wanted to love him, wanted to share herself with him completely, and hoped one day she would be able to. She was about to lean in and kiss him when she yawned.

Kid smiled. "Maybe I should've let you sleep. I'll let you go back to sleep."

"Would you stay with me?" she asked shyly. "Just hold me until I fall asleep?"

Kid nodded. "Anything you want, Lou." He stood up to allow her to get comfortable in the bed.

Lou laid back down and Kid covered her with a sheet. He crawled in next to her, on top of the sheet. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the back of her head. It wasn't long before both of them fell asleep feeling more loved than either had in their lives.

Chapter 2

For the rest of the week, Kid and Lou were teased endlessly by the others. Kid had fallen asleep and her bedroom door remained opened all night. All the other guys had walked by her room at some point, and neither Kid nor Lou had heard the end of it and both were looking forward to getting away for the weekend.

But on her way to work Thursday afternoon, Lou's car broke down. When she called into the coffee shop to tell them she wouldn't be in, Kid offered to come and get her. She told him the tow truck was already on the way and she'd meet him back at the house. That night she was waiting for him on the porch.

"Hey," he said smiling as he saw her waiting for him. He frowned when he saw the rage in her eyes. "Lou, what's wrong?"

She thrust out a piece of paper at him. "What is this?"

Kid knew he was in trouble when he saw the printed bank statement. "Looks like you printed out your bank account balance," he answered sitting next to her.

"Don't play dumb with me, Kid!" she snapped. "I was trying to arrange payments on the repairs for my car, but when they went to do a pre-auth, they said I had the full amount. I knew they had to be wrong. So as soon as I got home, I looked and there's almost five hundred more than there should be."

"So?"

"Damn it! The deposit from Friday alone was two hundred more than my paycheck. This isn't a bank error either. I saw the deposit slip you made out."

Kid hung his head down in shame. "I was just trying to help, Lou."

She shook her head. "No, you were just trying to buy me. Well let me tell you, Kid. I'm not for sale!"

Lou ran into the house and slammed her bedroom door, locking it behind her. She then went and locked the door to her bathroom that connected to Jimmy and Kid's room, although they never used it. She flung herself down on the bed and cried.

How could he, she thought tearfully. How could Kid do that to me when he knows how much it means for me to do this on my own?

"Lou?" Kid called from the other side of her door. "Can we talk?"

"Leave me alone!" she yelled. "I never want to talk to you again."

"Let me explain, please," he begged.

"I don't want your explanations and I don't want your money! As soon as I can I'll pay back every dime."

"Lou, it's not about the money."

Lou flung the door open. "Maybe not for you," she hissed, blocking him from entering.

Kid reached out to wipe a tear from her face and sighed as she drew back. "I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted to help. I didn't think that it would upset you so much."

"That's the problem with you, Kid. Too much thinking." She slammed the door in his face and sat down on her bed. She grabbed a pillow to hold and threw it across the room as she realized it was the one Kid had slept on just a few nights ago. She quickly got up and stripped the bed of the sheets and replaced them with clean ones. When she was finished she spent the next couple of hours trying to figure out what to do now.

~~~ *~* ~~~

That night at dinner, Lou couldn't even look at Kid. It was one of the rare occasions when everyone was gathered at once, and they all could sense the tension between the couple. Finally Lou broke the tension.

"I have an announcement," she said not looking at the others. "As much as I love you guys," well most of you, she added silently in her head. "I'll be moving out as soon as I can."

"You've finally saved enough money to get your brother and sister?" Noah asked sounding happy.

Lou shook her head. "I just think it's time to move on. I've depended on you guys since I was fourteen and it's time I moved on. The sooner I learn to depend on myself, the sooner Teresa and Jeremiah can depend on me."

The guys were stunned as Lou ran from the dining room. "What the hell did you do to her?" Jimmy demanded.

"Geez, Kid," Cody added. "Not many guys I know can manage to have a girl break up with them before they even get together."

Kid pushed his chair away from the table and left the room.

*Way to go, Cody,* Ike told him.

"Maybe one of us should go talk to them," Buck suggested. "Find out what's really going on."

"I don't think it'll matter," Noah said shaking his head. "You know how Lou gets when she's got her mind made up about something."

Jimmy stood up and went to the fridge and grabbed two beers. "Well I'm going to go talk to Kid. Try and figure out what he did so we can make her feel better."

Jimmy walked out the back door and saw Kid lying on a deck chair by the pool. He opened the beers and handed him one as he sat down in another chair.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"I was just trying to help her out. I never thought she'd get so mad," Kid replied sadly.

"What happened?"

"Whenever Lou asked me to deposit her check for her at the ATM, I'd slip her some extra money."

Jimmy shook his head at his friend's stupidity. "How much?"

"To date, over five hundred dollars."

Jimmy whistled. "And she never wondered where the extra money was coming from?"

Kid shrugged. "I'd just add a few dollars here and there so she wouldn't get suspicious. It wasn't until her car broke down that she noticed."

"Why now?"

"Because she was so upset on Friday. She was trying to figure out her finances and then the letter from Teresa... When she asked me to deposit her check for her, I guess I went a little overboard and added two hundred."

"Was that before or after you told her how you felt?"

"Does is make a difference?"

Jimmy nodded. "Well if it was after, she may think you're trying to buy her love. She might see it that way either way."

Kid nodded in understanding and took a long sip of his beer. "Guess I never thought of it like that. That was the last thing I wanted for her to feel like I was doing."

"You should be telling her that, not me," Jimmy said.

Kid nodded and finished his beer. "I hope this works," he said before heading back into the house and up the stairs taking them two or three at a time. He stood outside her door and took a deep breath before knocking.

"Go away, Kid!" Lou yelled from inside her room. She knew it had to be him; she had seen him and Jimmy out by the pool talking.

"Please let me in, Lou. I want to talk to you."

Lou sighed knowing he wasn't going to leave her alone until she opened the door. She slowly went to unlock it and then sat on her bed.

Kid heard her unlock the door, but waited for an invitation in, despite the fact the past few nights, she told him he didn't need one. After a few minutes of her silence, he opened the door.

"I knew you wouldn't take the money if I'd offered so whenever you asked me to deposit your check for you, I'd add just a little extra to it. This time I just got carried away."

"Why'd you do it?" She questioned.

"I was just trying to help."

"How long have you been doing it?"

Kid was still standing by the door. He longed to sit next to her on the bed, but didn't want to push it. "Since you started working with me."

Lou's eyes grew wide. "You've been padding my account for over a year? When you've had your own bills and school to pay for?" Kid nodded. "Why?"

"Because I wanted to help. I know how much you want to give Teresa and Jeremiah a better life."

"But you knew how important it was for me to do it on my own," she said quietly.

"Lou, ever since I met you, you're always trying to do things on your own. You don't have to anymore." He hung his head down, and the next words out of his mouth scared him of her reaction. "I want you to lean on me when you need too. I love you, Lou." He crossed to her and knelt down in front of her, taking her hands in his. "Marry me."

Lou pushed him away from her. "I can't believe you just asked me that!" she yelled. "How dare you!" She got up and started angrily pacing her room. "You low down mealy-mouth coyote! Who the hell do you think you are?"

"I guess that means no?" he asked jokingly. Lou just glared at him.

The others came running to her room as they heard her screaming. "Get him out of here before I kill him," she told them.

"Calm down, Lou," Jimmy said.

"Calm down? Calm down? You want me to calm down when he just proposed to me?"

"Lou," Kid begged.

"Don't Lou me!"

Cody and Jimmy saw Lou was about to seriously hurt Kid, and helped him up. Once he was standing, Cody slapped him upside the head. "Idiot!"

"I'm so sorry, Lou, but I love you."

"OUT!"

The guys left Lou's room and Lou slammed the door with enough force, her backpack fell off her desk. Frustrated she went to pick it up when the MovieFone pamphlet fell out. She looked at it and couldn't believe it had been almost a week of her life seeming perfect.

When are you going to learn your life will never be perfect? She asked herself. That your bastard of a father made sure of that?

Lou flipped the pamphlet to the ad and then reached for her cell. After hearing what the job entailed, she cringed, but set up an interview for the next day.

You've been forced to do more for less, she thought. At least this way if you get the job, you can pay Kid off and have your brother and sister a lot quicker than you ever imagined.

Chapter 3

Lou woke the next morning feeling miserable. She was up half the night going over what could have been between her and Kid and wasn't sure what time she had finally cried herself to sleep. She knew someone had been up and about and figured it was Kid getting ready for the opening shift.

She turned over and groaned as she realized she'd slept close to noon and she had to be at work soon. Just the thought of working with him, even for his last hour, made her want to cry again. She still couldn't believe it had been only two days ago when they had been making out while taking inventory. She could still feel his hands roam her body as he laid her down on a twenty-five pound bag of Columbian Roast while murmuring what he wanted to do to her over the weekend. Lou had been positive they wouldn't have had to wait that long if they hadn't been caught.

She knew she'd have to talk to her boss and soon so the schedule could be arranged where they wouldn't have to work the same shift again, but until then, she did the only thing she could think of.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Samantha Edgars, the manager of Pony Espresso, slammed the phone down in frustration.

"Problems?" Kid asked.

"It would've been nice if you told me your girlfriend was sick," she responded. "Instead she calls barely an hour before her shift starts."

Kid looked in concern. "Lou called in sick?"

Samantha nodded. "And she tried the same thing yesterday, but it was her car. Any chance you could work a double?"

Kid sadly shook his head. "I have a midterm in one of my labs this afternoon at two. It counts as thirty percent of my grade."

"That's right. I forgot lab exams were a week earlier than regular classes. I'm sorry, Kid. Lou used to be my best employee. In the year and change she's been here, she never called in sick or was late. But two days in a row with a lame excuse and short notice... Well if I can't find someone to cover her shift, I'm gonna have to let her go."

Kid went to help the lunch crowd customers who were arriving and his heart broke with each no Samantha received. He already felt bad for the way he'd behaved the night before; he didn't think he could handle it if he was the reason Lou lost her source of income. As Samantha finished calling people, Kid shook his head.

"I'll stay."

"Are you sure? What about your exam?"

"I'll work something out," he said as he continued back to work.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Lou was a nervous wreck as she prepared for her interview. The only dress she had was the simple blue one the guys had bought her for her eighteenth birthday. If she were somehow able to get the job, she knew her first paycheck would probably go towards new clothing.

If you take the job, she thought nervously. You couldn't handle doing it before, what makes you think you can now? Lou looked at her clock and realized she'd need to leave and soon. It's not too late to back out.

But Lou knew it was. Without anything more than a G.E.D., she knew getting anything other than a remedial job was hopeless. And unlike the guys, she couldn't go to college to further her education, not until she had her brother and sister with her.

With one last look in the mirror, Lou sighed and grabbed her purse and keys and headed out the door.

~~~ *~* ~~~

By the time Kid got home, he was exhausted and mad. "Where's Lou?" he demanded as soon as entered the house.

Jimmy shrugged. "She was gone by the time I got home."

"Gone? What do you mean gone?"

"Gone as in not here," Noah replied. "She left around six."

"And she looked hot!" Cody added. "I forgot how good she looked in that blue dress we bought her."

Kid was furious. "She calls in sick to work and then goes out on a date? I blow off my Microanatomy mid-term to save her job and this is how she repays me?"

"Kid, what are you talking about?" Jimmy asked, looking at the others as if they had some clue to his rambling.

"Nothing!" Kid snapped as he climbed the stairs. He couldn't believe she was already going out with someone barely a day after they broke up. Not caring about the one house rule, Kid let himself into Lou's room and sat at her desk waiting for an explanation.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Lou sat across from Lyle Wicks, the man who might be her new boss and felt things were going good so far. But then again he hadn't mentioned the part of the job she was dreading.

"Well, Louise," he said smiling in a way that made her feel nauseous. "You seem to be just the type my clients prefer. Of course there are a few more details. You do realize this is an escort service, and some of these clients have certain... expectations." Lou nodded. "I'm assuming someone as beautiful as you have experience in that area?"

"Yes sir," she said quietly.

"I assume then you're on a form of birth control?" Lou shook her head. "Well all of my girls are required to use a discreet form, as well making sure the men use condoms. The men know this going into the date, but some try to talk their way out of it."

Lou cringed as the realization of what she would be doing finally sank in. "I understand."

Wicks got up and crossed the room to the couch where Lou was sitting. He placed his hand on her thigh. "Well," he said smiling at her. "If you pass this next part, I'll have you go shopping with a stylist tomorrow. Can't have you dressing like you are when men are willing to pay hundreds of dollars an hour for you, now can I?"

Lou shook her head. She had no idea she would actually have to "audition" for this job and seriously considered bolting from the room.

"Of course, I get almost half of that, but it's still enough money for you to be quite accustomed to the lifestyle some of my girls live."

Lou swallowed hard as he ran his finger down her cheek. As he laid her down on the couch, Lou tried to return to that place buried deep inside her that she had promised herself four years ago to never visit again.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Lou had sat in her car and cried for two hours after she was offered the job. After hearing the amount of money she could make in a night, Lou did the math quickly in her head, and realized that her dream of having a place of her own with her brother and sister could quickly be a reality in as little as two months.

Is selling your soul worth it? She asked herself on the drive home. Can you go through this again even if you're getting paid? And what will they guys think if they ever find out? What would Kid think?

Lou bit her tongue as an answer to the last question popped into her head. By the time she pulled into the driveway, the house was dark and quiet. She let herself in and quickly made her way to her bedroom. All she wanted to was to take a long shower to wash of the dirty feeling she couldn't shake. The last thing she wanted was what was waiting for her.

"Getting home kind of late, aren't you?" Kid said as soon as she flipped on the light.

Lou jumped at his voice. "What the hell are you doing in my room?" she growled.

"Answer my question," he said trying to remain calm.

"I don't have to answer to you or anyone else anymore. Get out!"

Kid crossed to her and looked her in the eye. "Not until you explain why I probably flunked out of school today by missing a midterm so you could keep your job when all you did was went out on a date. I think you owe me that much."

"I never asked you to do that," she said quietly. She couldn't believe after what had happened the day before, he had been willing to risk his education for her.

Kid cupped her face. When he saw the pain in her eyes, all of his anger melted away. "I wanted too, Lou. You won't let me help you and I know how bad you need the money. But then I come home and find out you're on some date..."

She shook her head, scared to look at him. "I wasn't on a date," she said quietly. "I had a job interview."

"So you called in sick, risking your job, for an interview?"

"Kid, please."

"Answer me, Lou."

She shook her head. "I called in sick because I... because I knew I couldn't work with you knowing how much you must hate me. Because I couldn't work with you without remembering... the good times we had."

Kid blushed as he instantly knew the day she was talking about. Had they not been caught, he was positive that they would've done a lot more than making out. "I don't hate you, Lou. I'm upset with you, yes, but I could never hate you."

You will if you ever learn about my new job, she thought. How I could never be with you, the man I love more than anything I could've ever imagined, but could be with other men for money.

"I'm planning on calling Samantha this weekend and asking her to change my schedule so you don't have to work with me anymore," she said quietly.

"Don't do that, Lou. If you can't stand to work with me, then I'll quit. If you really can't stand to live in the same house as me, I'll move out."

"If you quit and move out, how can you afford to find somewhere else to live?"

"Don't worry about it. I've told you before money isn't an issue for me."

"That's the problem with you, Kid. You always say money isn't an issue, but yet you live like it does, just like the rest of us."

"Lou," he begged wanting to explain.

"Whatever, Kid. The sooner I move out, the sooner I can find a place for Teresa and Jeremiah. That's all that matters to me."

And what about me? You're the only thing that matters to me, he thought. He knew he was supposed to be angry with her, but when he saw her in the blue dress again, he suddenly felt like he did the first time he saw her in it. But the last thing she needed to hear right now was how he still loved her.

"So that's it then? It's really over between us?"

Lou nodded. "I guess I'm not as ready as I hoped I'd be," she said sadly. She chewed her upper lip in an effort not to cry. "And I can't help but think you're trying to buy my love."

As Jimmy's words came back to haunt him, Kid tried pulling her into his arms but she refused. "I never meant for you to feel that way, Lou. I was just trying to help."

"What are we gonna do now?"

Kid shrugged. "Try to go back to the way things were, I guess."

"Do you think we can?" she asked seeing the sparkle in his eyes disappear.

Kid nodded. "I hope so. I can live without your love, but I can't live without my best friend."

Lou nodded. "I'm sorry, Kid," she said as she started to yawn.

Kid nodded. "I'll let you get some sleep then," he said heading for the door. He thought about asking her about this new job, but as he turned around, she was already unzipping the back of her dress and he knew he needed to get out of there and quick, before he did something he'd never forgive himself for. "Night," he said before leaving her room and shutting her door.

~~~ *~* ~~~

No matter how long Lou showered, she couldn't wash away the pain and guilt; couldn't wash away the feeling of Wick's hands on her body. By the time she realized there was no more hot water, she slowly got out and without even bothering to put on pajamas, collapsed on her bed and cried herself to sleep.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Jimmy laid in his bunk staring up at the dark ceiling, unable to sleep. Since Kid had come to their room he'd crawled into bed and did nothing but sigh and toss and turn. "I take it things didn't go so well?"

"I'll be lucky if she ever talks to me again," Kid said sadly. "You were right. She thought I was trying to buy her love."

"Sorry, Kid."

"I love her, Jimmy. But I lost her before we even had a chance and I don't know what to do now."

"She's probably just as scared as you are. Just give her time and she'll come around."

"I hope you're right." Kid said before turning over one last time and beating his pillow into a fluffy ball.

Chapter 4

But time ran out and less than a month later, Lou had saved enough money to put a down payment on the house of her dreams. She had also petitioned the courts for custody of Jeremiah and Teresa, and Teresa would be moving home in a few days and Jeremiah hopefully soon after.

"Are you sure about this, Lou?" Noah asked as he helped load her car with her boxes.

"It's time, Noah. I've been around you guys too long. It's not fair if I bring Teresa here, and it's time I make it on my own."

"What about Kid?" Buck asked.

"What about him? He hardly speaks to me anymore and he's avoiding me."

"You haven't made things any easier for him," Jimmy added. "Since you paid him back for all the money he gave you, you changed shifts at the coffee shop and you're never home since you started the second job. He's not the only one who's missed you."

*And now you're leaving us.* Ike added.

Lou sighed. "You know I can't live here forever. What were you guys going to do when I got married one day?"

"Still see you and Kid at least once a week," Noah said smiling as he closed the trunk to her car.

Lou groaned. "I swear we were together less than a week and you guys already had the two of us married off."

*Hate to tell you, but we've had you married off since we were all living at the group home.*

Lou smiled at her friends. She knew they meant well and she'd miss seeing them all the time.

Jimmy pulled her into a hug. "We'll miss you."

"Come on guys, it's not like I'm moving out of the country. Just a few blocks away," she reminded them. "We'll still see each other all the time."

The others nodded and hugged her one by one as they said their goodbyes. As Lou drove away she fought back the tears as she wondered why Kid wasn't there to say his goodbye.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Kid had parked around the corner until he saw Lou drive by. He knew today was the day she was moving out, and he couldn't stand to be home when she said her goodbyes. They had tried going back to being just friends, but it was hard. Once she had paid him back, a lot quicker than he ever imagined she'd be able to, it was almost as if she didn't want to have anything to do with him.

He longed to know more about the new job she had, but she refused to talk about it to him or any of the others. He followed her one day to her new house, and couldn't believe in such a short time she'd been able to afford the house of her dreams. It had the big yard, enough bedrooms for each of them, a white picket fence and a wraparound porch with a swing... the only thing it was missing was him.

Kid drove home and entered the house. It seemed so empty without her.

"You just missed Lou."

"God, Jimmy," Kid said. "You scared me."

"You got out of class two hours ago. Where have you been?"

"Did she say anything?" Kid asked hopefully.

Jimmy shook his head. "But we could all tell she was disappointed you weren't there."

"I couldn't. She's barely speaking to me anymore, and I knew if I was here it would make it harder for the both of us."

The two friends remained silent before Kid turned to head to their room.

"Hey, Kid." Jimmy started.

"Yeah?"

"She left a box of clothes in her room. Maybe you could take it over to her later."

Kid smiled, knowing Lou would've never left anything behind accidentally. "Thanks Jimmy."

~~~ *~* ~~~

Lou entered her new home and realized how empty it felt without the guys' normal banter. She had the entire house furnished now except for Teresa and Jeremiah's room and was leaving it so they could decide how they wanted to do their own rooms. She couldn't wait until they moved in and she could take them shopping.

As she headed up the stairs, she paused at the photos that lined the wall. Most were of her with her brother and sister, but she stopped at one taken of her and Kid on her birthday. Looking back, she wondered why she didn't see the love for her in his eyes sooner.

Stop it, she scolded herself. If he loved you, he would've been there to say goodbye this afternoon.

As she unloaded her car, every time she passed that picture she stopped to look at it and felt ashamed. She knew Kid was wondering why she had started withdrawing from him, but she would never admit why. She was even embarrassed by it, but it helped her get through the nights she worked.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Two days after Lou moved out, Kid was supposed to go to a party at his advisor's house, but wasn't looking forward to it. His advisor was well known to have a different pretty girl on his arm at every function, and he expected his students to have dates as well. When Kid had first learned about the function, he longed to take Lou, but instead he wound up giving into Samantha's advances and asked her.

"I was wondering if you'd ever get around to asking me out," she said cheerfully as they made the drive to the party. "Are you trying to get a raise?"

Kid swallowed hard as he heard her sultry voice and she placed her hand on his upper thigh. "Thanks for coming with me."

"Like I said, I've been waiting for you to ask me out ever since you and Lou broke up." She chuckled. "Actually since before you two started going out."

Kid nodded. Lou had often joked about Samantha's flirtatious behavior and Kid would tease back that Lou was just jealous. But he knew Lou was the only one for him, and he still believed that with all his heart. A heart that belonged to her and always would and the one thing he didn't want back from her.

Kid just nodded as they pulled into the long driveway. He exited the car and went around to the passenger side to open the door for Samantha. He had to admit she looked beautiful in the pale green dress she was wearing, but it did nothing to change how he felt about her.

He gently placed his hand on her back and guided her inside where the party was. He introduced her to several of his classmates and professors, but as he led her towards his advisor, Kid stopped cold.

Samantha sensed something was wrong and looked up. Her jaw fell. "Is that?"

Kid nodded. Lou was wearing a tight purple sleeveless cocktail dress, and in all his fantasies he never imagined she had enough in the bust area to expose as much as it did. He longed to turn and run out the door, but he felt frozen as he watched her hanging all over his advisor.

"Kid?" Samantha asked. "Are you alright?" Kid just nodded but Samantha realized how red and uncomfortable he seemed. She ran her hand up and down Kid's arm, mimicking Lou and leaned in to whisper in his ear. "If you want me to help you forget about her, we can sneak out to the patio for some fresh air."

Kid's eyes grew wide at her statement and shook his head. "Maybe we should go, though," he said turning to leave.

"Kenneth!" A voice called out.

Kid groaned as he recognized his advisor's voice coming near him. He continued heading towards the door.

"Kid!"

"Kid," Samantha told him. "Someone's calling for you."

"I think we should go," Kid said quietly. "I'm suddenly not feeling well."

"You can't keep running from her."

Kid nodded and slowly turned around. He tried looking at Lou but she wouldn't look at him. "Professor Lambert, good evening," Kid greeted plastering a fake smile on his face.

"This must be that lovely lady you were talking about," he said gesturing towards Samantha. "The one you were willing to flunk out of school for."

"This is Samantha Edgars," Kid introduced her. He noticed Lou had looked at him at the mention of his midterm. He gave her a half smile but she quickly looked away.

"Nice to meet you Miss Edgars. You're Kid here is one of the brightest students I've ever met. You must be something special if he was willing to throw it all away for you."

"No sir," Kid started. "It wasn't her it was..."

"Robert, I think I need a drink. Would you mind getting me a glass of champagne?" Lou asked, knowing Kid was uncomfortable.

"Anything darling," he answered. "Would you two care for anything?"

"I'm fine," Kid replied.

"I'd like some champagne as well," Samantha added.

"I think we can manage that. Would you care to accompany me?" Robert asked.

Samantha beamed. "I'd enjoy that very much." She turned to Kid and kissed his cheek. "Don't miss me too much while I'm gone."

When they were gone, Kid gently took Lou's arm and led her to the patio, thankful they were alone. "What the hell are you doing?" he demanded.

"You have a lot of nerve talking to me like that, Kid. Or should I say Kenneth?"

Hearing her say his name sent a chill through his body. "Lou..."

"No Kid, don't Lou me. Don't stand there and act like you still care when you have Samantha hanging all over you."

Kid couldn't help but grin. "You're not jealous, are you?"

"Up yours!" she yelled as she started to walk away.

"I'm sorry, Lou. It just rips me apart seeing you with someone else."

Lou stopped and shivered at his words. She knew that her date for the evening was a Professor, but she never imagined she would run into Kid. And as much as she missed seeing him, of all the people for him to come with, Samantha hurt the most.

"How did you two meet?" he asked.

"A friend through work set us up."

Kid breathed a sigh of relief, remembering the type of women his advisor usually dated. "Is it serious?" Lou shook her head and Kid cupped her face. "I'd rather have brought you, but you won't return my calls, you never come over to the house... I miss you, Lou."

Lou closed her eyes as the sincerity in his voice sank in. She knew from Jimmy that Kid was still in love with her, but she couldn't accept it. Suddenly her eyes flew open wide as she felt Kid's lips on hers.

"Kid, please," she begged as she pulled away.

Kid shook his head. "Come home with me, Lou. Give me another chance."

"I'm sorry, Kid," Lou said before running off leaving him standing there confused.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Lou made sure she avoided Kid for the rest of the night and when the party was over, she wanted nothing more than to go home and forget the horrible night had ever happened. Unfortunately, Lambert had other plans in mind.

Lou was grabbing her purse and shawl when Lambert came up behind her. "Where do you think you're going?"

The tone of his voice frightened her a bit. "Home. The date is over."

He pulled her against him roughly, and she could feel his arousal through the thin fabric of her dress. "You owe me," he whispered huskily in her ear; already lifting the hem of the dress above her hips.

Lou shook her head. "You didn't specify this when you called the service," she replied thinking fast.

"I didn't specify you could make out with my students either. I saw you and Kid out on the patio earlier." Lou cringed and turned to face him. "It's always the quiet type you least expect. Never would I have imagined Kid going after a whore."

"It's not like that!" Lou blurted out.

Lambert slapped her hard across both sides of her face and then pushed her roughly against the wall. "Just relax and Wicks will never hear any complaints from me."

Chapter 5

The next morning, Jimmy had teased Kid endlessly.

"I take it you had a good night?" Jimmy asked from his bed as Kid was trying to get ready for class.

"What do you mean?"

"Kid, I've shared a room with you since you were ten. I've never heard you make those types of noises in your sleep."

Kid blushed as he remembered the wonderful dreams he had had of him and Lou.

"Guess Samantha is helping you get over Lou."

"It's not what you think, Jimmy."

"Was your first time what you expected?"

"Back off, Jimmy. Nothing happened between me and Samantha."

Jimmy got out of bed and slapped him on the back. "It's nothing to be ashamed of, Kid. We know how bad you've been pining over Lou. We knew all you needed to get your mind off her."

Kid shook his head as Jimmy went into the bathroom. After seeing her in that purple dress, he thought, I'll never be able to get her out of my mind.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Lou woke up and cringed in pain. Some of the other girls had warned her that some clients like to rough them up a bit, and Lou thought she could handle it. But last night as Kid's advisor had beat her while forcing himself on her made her begin to realize nothing was worth risking her life. Especially with Teresa coming home tomorrow.

At least tonight is your last night for a week, she thought happily. Just plaster on the make-up and no one will know how vulnerable you really are. Except for Kid, he always seems to know.

With that final thought, she slowly crawled out of bed and headed for a warm shower to help relax her sore muscles.

~~~ *~* ~~~

After his morning classes, Kid rushed to his advisor's office. During one of his classes, everyone talked about the hot "escort" Professor Lambert had brought to his party, and Kid flinched as he heard them talking about his Lou like that. He could have never imagined Lou would do something like that, but the more his friends talked, the more things made sense. But he needed confirmation and only one person could give that to him.

"Come in," a voice called out as Kid knocked on the door to his office. Kid entered and his professor looked up. "Why Kid, to what do I owe this pleasure? Have a seat."

Kid sat down and looked at his hands. He felt like a fool asking, but he needed to know. "I was wondering if I could ask you a question. It's kind of personal," he said blushing.

Professor Lambert chuckled at Kid's reaction. "Well that's what I'm here for. What can I help you with?"

Kid squirmed in his seat embarrassed. "I was wondering about your date last evening."

Lambert smiled. "Yes, I noticed you taking a particular interest in her on the patio. What would you like to know?"

"Uhm, I heard that you enjoy a..." Kid wasn't sure quite how to phrase it. "A certain kind of woman. I was just wondering where you met her."

"Why, Kid. I never imagined you for the type that would have to go looking for it. You're the classic All American Boy, and the date you had last night looked like the typical High School Cheerleader."

Kid shrugged. "Samantha's just a good friend. I could never feel anything more than that for her."

Lambert nodded in understanding and reached into his desk drawer. "I understand. Besides, every once in awhile, we men have certain needs a girl like that just can't satisfy." He handed a business card to him. "I met her through Sweetwater's Sweet Escorts. I guarantee they'll have something you'll find particularly enjoyable."

Kid looked at the card sadly. It's true, he thought. She has to be so stubborn that she won't accept my help, yet she'll... he couldn't complete the thought. What has happened in her past to make her go this far?

"Thanks, Professor Lambert."

"Any time, Kid."

Kid walked out of the office still staring at the card. Now that he had confirmation, he wasn't sure what he was going to do with the information. But he knew he needed to act fast.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Lou had wanted to call in sick for the evening, but when she called, she had a last minute change in her schedule and there was no way she could get out of it.

"So meet him at the Sweetwater Arms Hotel at seven. He'll be in room 213, and he's paid for the evening so plan accordingly," the secretary told her. "And he sounds hot!" she added.

Lou did the math in her head and smiled. Even after Wicks' cut, her goal of the perfect life was within her reach, and she knew she wouldn't have to work for him much longer. She just hoped this client wasn't as bad as Lambert.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Kid paced his room nervously. He was worried about Lou more than ever and only hoped he could convince her to come home. He had everything already planned out in his head, and just hoped she would understand what he was trying to do. He smiled as he heard a soft knock on the door and went to open it.

"I'm looking for a Kenneth..." she started nervously looking down at her feet. She looked up and wanted to turn and run. "Kid?"

Kid knew she wanted to run and gently grabbed her hand and led her inside. His heart broke as he noticed the darkness under her left eye that she had tried to hide with make-up.

"Lou, who did this? What happened?" he demanded angrily.

"What are you doing here?" she asked sadly, hoping he wouldn't have noticed the bruises on her face.

"Answer me. Who did that to you? Was it Professor Lambert?"

Lou just nodded, still scared to look him in the eye. Kid pulled her into his arms and she'd never felt safer. "God, Lou, why didn't you come to me for help?"

Lou pulled back, the fire burning in her soul. "I don't owe you anything, Kid!"

"After the fifteen thousand I just paid just so I could get you to talk to me, I think you do."

Lou looked at him in shock. "Fine," she said as she started unbuttoning the front of her dress. "We both know you didn't buy me to talk, so let's get it over with. Take what you want so badly so I can leave."

Kid was torn as he finally saw the woman he loved more than anything standing naked in front of him. He couldn't hide the desire he had for her, but that was the last thing on his mind. "You don't understand, Lou."

"Whatever, Kid," she said rudely as she started to unbuckle his belt.

He stopped her hands and cupped her face. "You don't understand, Lou. You're right, this time I did buy you, but not like you think. I knew this was the only way I could get you to talk to me. That's all I want, Lou."

Lou felt embarrassed at her behavior and mumbled something.

"What did you say?"

"I said a whore doesn't get paid to talk, Kid. That's all I am and all I'll ever be."

"Just because you're father did that to you, doesn't make you a whore," he said cupping her face gently, forcing her to look him in the eye.

"You don't understand. The only difference between my father and Wicks, is that with Wicks, I get paid."

"I don't understand," he said. He turned and reached for the robe hanging on the bathroom door. "Put this on, please. I can't think with you like that." Lou took the robe and tied it around her waist, but Kid could see more of her creamy breasts than he wanted to. He took her hand and led her to sit next to him on the couch. "Tell me what you mean."

Lou took a deep breath and realized it was time she finally told him. "My father never touched me," she said feeling relieved. "But that didn't stop him from letting his friends do it. By the time I was fourteen, I couldn't even remember how many there had been," she said shamefully.

"That's why you were scared when I suggested we go away for the weekend." Lou nodded. "Had I known..."

"It wasn't your fault," she interrupted. "I loved you so much, and I wanted to be with you in that way so badly, but I wasn't sure if I could." She looked down and started picking at a loose thread in the robe. "I swore long ago that I would never depend on another man for anything." Lou looked up at him. "No matter how much I loved him."

"How did you get involved with Wicks?"

"Does it matter?" Kid nodded. "When we broke up, I knew I couldn't stand to live in the same house with you. I couldn't stand seeing you everyday knowing how bad I hurt you, even though I felt like you had tried to buy my love."

Kid groaned, knowing what she would think when he did what he had planned. I only hope she understands, he thought.

"I saw an ad and called the number for more information. As much as I didn't want to take it, when I heard how much money I could make... Well I just wondered how it was any different from what happened to me when I was younger."

"And you're just too stubborn to let me help," he said sadly, thinking of what she had gone through to save her pride.

"I couldn't, Kid. Every guy I've ever depended on... They always wanted more," she said quietly. "When I have enough saved up to make sure Jeremiah and Teresa never want for anything, I'm going to quit."

"How much will it take?"

"What?"

"How much money do you need?"

Lou sighed. "Tonight would've helped a great deal, but I can't take your money. Especially if we didn't..." she blushed.

Kid stood up and crossed to the bed where his coat jacket was lying. He pulled something out and a few moments later handed Lou a check. "Here."

Lou took it and her eyes grew big. "I don't understand," she said shaking her head. "I thought you weren't trying to buy my love. This is a check for a quarter of a million dollars!"

"I'm not buying anything. If you take it, I'm walking away from you forever."

Lou shook her head. "Kid, no! You can't afford this, you have school and..."

"I've told you money was never an issue for me."

Lou looked down at the check and ran her finger over his name. "Kenneth Ian Darby," she looked at him questioningly. "The third?" She couldn't help it and started laughing.

Kid nodded. "Since you came clean about your past, I guess it's time I came clean about mine." He sat down on the bed, as far away from her as he could. "My mom was sixteen when I was born and my father was nineteen. They never married and my mom didn't know anything about her parents. She had grown up in the system as well. My father was her foster brother." Lou looked at him horrified. "It wasn't like that, they were in madly in love with each other."

"They were killed a year after I was born in a car accident. A drunk driver fell asleep at the wheel and they were all killed instantly," Kid grew quiet. "I was the only one in the accident to survive."

Lou gasped. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know."

"None of you did."

Lou heard the pain in his voice and went to sit next to him on the bed. She wrapped her arms around him, glad to be able to comfort him for once.

"Being young, my parents never expected anything bad to ever happen to them and didn't have a will. My father's parents took me in, but they had him late in life, and the death of him was too much and their health started to go downhill. My grandmother died six months after the accident, my grandfather three months later. There was no one else to take me."

"That's how you wound up in foster care." Kid nodded. "But that doesn't explain how you wound up with so much money or in the group home."

"My grandparents set up a trust fund for me," he said quietly. "Once I turned eighteen, my living and educations expenses were paid for. I only had a monthly limit on personal things. Once I marry, I have complete access to it."

Kid looked her and realized he would give up all of that money if she would love him like he loved her.

"As for the group home, when I was five, my foster father started beating me and one day I fought back. The system determined I was too much trouble to try and be placed in another home, so they sent me to the group home."

"Kid, I can't take this money. It's yours."

"I want to give you the money because you need it more than I do. Lou, there's only one other option, but I know how you'd feel about that, so that's why I'm giving it to you. Like I said, if you take it, it's yours, no strings attached. I'll walk away so you don't think I expect anything from you."

Lou smiled at him. "Even if I did take it, Kid, I couldn't let you walk away."

Kid wanted to tell her about the other option he had in mind, but for the first time in ages, she was speaking to him, really talking, and he didn't want to scare her with another proposal.

"Lou, I have to tell you something else, but I don't want you to get mad or think I'm trying to buy you."

Lou looked at him curiously. "What is it?"

Kid cupped her face again. "No matter what has happened to you in your past, no matter what you're doing now, it doesn't change the fact I've been in love with you for as long as I can remember. I know you're stubborn and want to do this on your own, so if you won't let me help you, I want you to promise me something."

"What?"

"Promise you'll find another job. I want the next man that you be with, be me."

Lou's heart soared at his words. She wrapped her arms around his neck and began kissing him. "Well you did pay for my services for the night," she said seductively as she laid back bringing him down on top of her.

Kid reluctantly pulled back. "I told you, Lou, not like this. I want us to wait."

Lou groaned as she sat up. "Remember what happened last time you said those words?"

"Lou, I want it to be special for you. You deserve the first time you willingly give yourself to me... or to anyone... well I want it to be special for you. When you're ready, I'll be waiting."

"There's something I need to tell you," she said quietly. "But I don't know how you'll feel about it."

"What?" he asked nervously.

"In my mind, you've already made it special for me. Thinking about you was the only way I could get through it. I'm sorry," she sobbed.

Kid pulled her into her arms. His heart broke that she had had to put herself through all of this. "All the more reason it'll be special... for us both. There's no one else I've ever wanted, Lou." he felt ashamed at his confession and chuckled as she realized what he meant. "So when you're ready, we'll completely give all of ourselves to each other for the first time."

Lou couldn't believe that the man she cared for loved her enough to wait. She wished she could've said the same, but he was right. It would be the first time she willingly gave herself to someone out of love. She finally said the words she'd been longing to say to him for so long.

"I love you, Kid."

Kid smiled as he heard the words he'd longed to hear for so long. "I love you too, Lou."

Chapter 6

Lou woke up the next morning feeling safe and secure as she felt Kid's arms wrapped around her. He refused to do anything more than kiss her last night, but since he did pay for the night, she was determined to give him the time, and she fell asleep with him whispering how much he loved her.

"Good morning," he nuzzled against her neck, trying so hard to fight the desire after promising he would wait. "What are your plans for today?"

Lou rolled over and faced him. "You don't remember?"

Kid shook his head and then he remembered. "Teresa's coming to live with you today." Lou nodded. "Lou, what were you going to do with her on the nights you had to work?"

"I was switching to days when she was in school." She looked at him in awe. "But if you really mean what you said last night, it won't matter much longer anyway."

"You're taking the money then?" he asked disappointed. He told her if she took it, he'd walk away from her, but he honestly had hoped it wouldn't come to that.

"No," she said, smiling at the relief on his face. "But since I have the next few days off while Teresa gets settled, I'm going to look for another job."

"What time are you picking her up?"

"Her social working is dropping her off at four," Lou answered. "I was gonna show her the house and then take her shopping so she could start decorating her room."

"How long until Jeremiah comes to live with you?"

"A couple of more weeks. He doesn't want to miss his eighth grade graduation and if he came before school was out, he'd have to go to another school."

"You're spoiling them already," Kid joked, kissing her lightly on the nose.

"They deserve it," she said crawling out of bed and heading towards the bathroom.

Kid groaned as he heard her turn the water on. He had to fight against every feeling he'd ever felt so he wouldn't join her in the shower. "You deserve someone to spoil you too," he grinned.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Kid and Lou enjoyed a quick breakfast together before parting ways. Lou returned to her house and Kid headed straight to the escort service offices. He knew Lou would never feel free unless there was a way Wicks would let her go, and Kid had a plan in mind.

Kid sat nervously in the waiting room looking at the photos of the other girls that worked for the escort. They were all pretty, but none of them were as beautiful as his Lou, and his eyes were captivated by her photo.

"Mr. Darby? Mr. Wicks will see you now," the receptionist said as she led Kid into the main office.

"Have a seat Mr. Darby, I'm Lyle Wicks. I've been told you have a particular interest in one of my girls."

Kid nodded. "Yes sir, Louise McCloud."

"Ah, Louise. Yes she certainly is a special one to me. Have you enjoyed her services already?"

Not in a way you'll ever imagine, Kid thought. "Yes sir, last night as a matter of fact."

"So you were the lucky last minute change. Well anyone as young as you with that kind of wealth is more than welcome here. So what can I help you with?"

"I'd like to know what it would take to make her mine and mine only."

"Well now, Louise is one my best girls. It wouldn't be fair to my other clients."

"Like you said, I'm a man of wealth and money is no object."

"I'm sure I can entice you with one of our other..."

"No!" Kid yelled standing up and slamming his fists onto the desk. He realized he was losing control and needed to regain it and quickly. "I'm sorry about my outburst, but I'm the type of man who when I know what I want, will not stop until it's mine."

"Are you threatening me, Mr. Darby?"

Kid shook his head. "No sir, not at all. Just letting you know what I want."

"Well the problem is Miss McCloud has already compiled quite a debt with me. There was the initial loan for her wardrobe as well as the fact I hold the title to the mortgage on a nice house she's acquired. Then there are the incidentals."

Kid cringed thinking what kind of incidentals this man would charge for. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a fake business card he'd had made for this occasion. "When you've decided on a price, call me."

Kid tossed the card on the desk and left the office, praying he hadn't just made things worse for Lou.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Lou looked at the clock again and smiled. In less than three hours, Teresa would be with her. And Kid still loves you despite of everything, she thought. Lou could now easily picture growing old with him in this house, and filling it with more children than just her brother and sister.

She was heading out to buy some last minute groceries when her cell rang. Hoping it was Kid, she quickly answered it without looking at the Caller ID.

"Hey," she said cheerfully.

"Hello, Louise," the voice on the other end responded.

Lou swallowed hard. Rarely did Wicks call the girls himself and she began worrying what he wanted. "Mr. Wicks, I've already told you, I can't work tonight or this coming week."

"I know that, but I need you to come into my office immediately. There are a few matters we need to discuss."

"Can it wait? My company will be here in a few hours and..."

"I'm well aware of your sister's arrival, and if you don't meet with me now, I'm sure her social worker would love to know what kind of home she's going to. I'll see you shortly."

As the call ended, Lou began to panic. She had never told any of those she worked with about her brother and sister, and she was scared that Wicks now knew about them. As she pulled out of her driveway, she made a frantic call to Kid saying something had come up and could he be there when Teresa was due to arrive in case she wasn't back.

~~~ *~* ~~~

When Kid got out of his last class for the day, he turned his phone on and smiled as he saw a missed call from Lou. Not wanting to intrude on her reunion with her sister, Kid had planned on going to a study group session that night, but as soon as he heard her message, he rushed to her house in record time.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Lou was immediately taken into Wicks office when she arrived. When she entered Wicks was sitting in his chair facing away from her and she began to get worried. After a few minutes of silence, she finally spoke.

"You wanted to see me?" she asked cautiously.

Wicks stood up and crossed to Lou and immediately slapped her. Lou sat there stunned as the pain traveled through her already swollen face.

"That was for the visitor I had this morning," Wicks informed her. "I don't appreciate your behavior lately."

"I don't know what you mean," she said quietly.

"First I get a complaint from a customer that you were seen engaged in activities with someone else. Someone who hadn't paid for your services... Until last night."

Lou looked away ashamed, knowing any explanation would just make matters worse.

"Then after someone came inquiring about you this morning, I did some checking. Turns out both men were the same; a Kenneth Darby."

Lou nodded. She was angered that Kid came to see Wicks without her knowledge. "What did he want?"

"You, for his own personal use. He was willing to pay a pretty penny for you as well. Made me wonder how someone that young could afford the money he was offering, so I checked him out some more. Turns out you two know each other very well. You grew up together?"

"Yes sir," Lou nodded.

"Are you seeing him on the side? Are you giving it to him for free?" Lou shook her head vigorously, but Wicks slapped her again even harder. "Don't lie to me!"

"I'm not, I swear," she pleaded.

"You owe me a great deal of money still, Louise. I'd hate for you to lose custody of your brother and sister after you've fought so hard for them. You'd lose your house as well since I hold the mortgage. Do you understand?"

Lou nodded, feeling scared. She knew he'd make good on his promise; she'd seen it happen to other girls.

"This isn't the movie Pretty Woman. You're a whore and nothing more. No man will ever love you."

You're wrong, she wanted to yell. Kid knows all about me and still loves me.

"You can have your time off to spend it with your sister, but when it's over, you're mine. You'll work when I say whenever I say. Otherwise your sister will be back in the foster home so quickly, both your heads will spin. Once your debt is paid, I'm done with you."

Wicks turned and left his office, leaving Lou sitting there alone. After a few minutes she gave into the tears that had been threatening. Twenty minutes later, she had finally regained her composure, and knowing what she needed to do, she quickly left.

~~~ *~* ~~~

When Lou pulled into her driveway, she was relieved to find Kid sitting on her porch step. She knew he'd be furious when he saw the condition Wicks left her in, but she was about to do the hardest thing she'd ever done.

As soon as Kid watched Lou pull into her driveway, he was at her car before it had stopped. As soon as she got out he pulled her into his arms and held her. "I've been so worried about you," he said lovingly.

Lou pulled away from him and Kid gasped at her face. "You saw Wicks didn't you?" Lou nodded. "I'm so sorry," he said sadly. "I never thought..."

"Don't be sorry. No one has ever stood up for me like that. I was mad at first, but it made me realize how much you really love me."

"I do, Lou. What happened?"

Lou sat down as she explained her meeting with Wicks and his threats. Kid just held her as for the first time since he'd known her, she showed signs of fear.

"I'm not going to let that happen to you, Lou. I don't care what he says, I'll make sure Teresa and Jeremiah will be with you no matter what it takes."

Lou smiled. "I'm glad you said that." Lou looked at him and hoped she wasn't about to make a complete fool out of herself. "Kid, does your "other" offer still stand?"

"What offer?" he asked puzzled. At Lou's look of panic he realized what she was talking about and tried not to smile. "I seem to recall making several offers."

Lou swallowed hard. "Did you mean it when you asked me to marry me? Does that offer still stand?"

Kid's smile grew wide. "Until the day we say I do. Are you asking me to marry you?"

She chuckled. "I guess I am."

"Well there's a problem," he said sadly. "I've been carrying the ring I bought you around since I bought it, and I even had it with me at the hotel this morning, but I left it at home."

"I don't need a ring, all I need is you." She moved to sit in his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. Kid leaned forward and kissed her passionately, not caring if she could feel the effect she was having on him.

A few minutes later they were still distracted and didn't hear a car pull up.

"Geez and I thought I'd be the one getting the hugs and kisses when I got home," Teresa joked as she ran from the car to her sister.

Lou pulled back and stood, pulling her sister into her arms. "God, Teresa, you don't know how glad I am to have you home."

Kid smiled at the reunion. "I'll leave you guys alone." He kissed Lou on her cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"I don't mind if you want to stay," Teresa said smiling up at him.

Lou chuckled as she realized that even though Teresa had only seen him a few times, it seemed her younger sister had developed a crush on Kid.

"Teresa," Lou started. "Why don't you go pick out your room and decide how you want to decorate it. Kid and I need to talk to your social worker for a few minutes. Is that okay?"

Teresa nodded and ran into the house. Lou and Kid led Teresa's social worker into the living room, and Lou began to explain everything, including her job at the Escort Service. Kid sat there holding her hand the entire time, trying to show his support.

"Since he's threatening to cause trouble with me getting custody of Teresa and Jeremiah, I decided it was better to come clean with you first," Lou explained.

The social worker just nodded. "Well I'm glad you did, and to be honest, had I known sooner, Teresa might not be here right now."

Lou sighed, one of her worst fears confirmed. "I've worked so hard to get them back. I would do anything so my brother and sister could have a better life. I'm not proud of what I've done, but I did it for them."

"And I can promise you," Kid added, squeezing her hand. "Lou won't be doing it anymore. As a matter of fact, she agreed to marry me this afternoon."

"Well that does make things easier." The social worker smiled at the couple. "But I will be monitoring the situation very closely. When is the big day?"

"Actually," Kid started. "We haven't..."

"As soon as possible," Lou interrupted. "I know its short notice and there's a lot of red tape to go through, but I was wondering if it was possible if we could take Jeremiah to Vegas for the wedding this weekend."

"Are you sure?" Kid asked stunned. He always pictured her wanting a huge wedding with all the trimmings. Now she was saying she was ready to fly off and get married less than twenty four hours after they were engaged. "You wouldn't rather wait? Or have a big wedding?"

Lou looked at him and smiled. "There's only one thing I need at my wedding, and that's you."

The social worker chuckled at the couple so obviously in love. "I'm sure as long as Jeremiah's back in time for school on Monday, there won't be a problem. I'll go ahead and break through the red tape, just call me to let me know when you want him."

Kid and Lou looked at each other. "Tomorrow morning?" they asked at the same time.

"I'll have him here by eight," she said smiling and standing up. "As for the other, I wouldn't worry about it, Lou. I've worked with you since you started to fight for them, and no matter what anyone has said or does, you're still the best choice in my opinion for them."

After the social worker left, Kid remained sitting next to Lou holding her hand. "Are you sure about all this Lou? You don't want the others there?"

"I guess I wasn't thinking about that. If it means that much to you, we can wait."

"I'm sick of waiting," he said grinning. Lou caught the innuendo and blushed. "But having your brother and sister in the house wasn't how I imagined our wedding night."

"Is it true?" Teresa shrieked running down the stairs. "You're getting married?"

Kid and Lou nodded. "Are you okay with that?" Lou asked nervously.

Teresa gave Kid a bear hug and Lou had her answer. "When?" she asked anxiously.

"Well, we were thinking tomorrow. Jeremiah will be here in the morning and we'll fly to Las Vegas, get married and then come back tomorrow evening," Kid answered.

"Well obviously I can't be here tomorrow night, where will I go?" Teresa asked worriedly.

Lou chuckled at her sister's behavior. "How about spending the night with the guys? You know how much fun you have with Jimmy and them."

Teresa nodded. "I can't wait! They'll be so happy at the news."

"Teresa," Kid started. "They don't know about it, so it's our secret alright?" Teresa nodded. "Lou and I will tell them in a few days, but can you keep quiet until then?"

"That's so sweet," Teresa sighed. "So romantic."

Kid stood up and looked at Lou. "I better get going."

Lou walked him to the door. "How come?"

Kid heard the disappointment in her voice. "It's bad luck for me to see you the night before the wedding."

Lou chuckled and kissed him. "I love you, Kid."

"I love you too, Lou. I'll take care of everything. All you'll have to do is call Jimmy and ask if Teresa and Jeremiah can stay there tomorrow night."

"What are you going to tell them?"

"That I have a hot date and don't plan on coming home," he whispered huskily causing her to blush. "I'll see you in the morning."

Kid kissed her one last time, and Lou watched him leave, her lips and body feeling as if they were on fire from her kiss.

Chapter 7

When Teresa and Lou went shopping for stuff for Teresa's room, she insisted Lou buy a new dress for her wedding. Lou chose a simple pale blue strapless dress that came right above her knees. Lou nearly passed out when her sister suggested she get something for her wedding night as well.

"Teresa!" Lou admonished.

"You want it to be special right? What about this?"

Teresa handed her a long white sleeveless gown. But it's white, Lou thought. "I'm not so sure, Teresa. Besides, what do you know about wedding nights?"

"I watch TV and movies," her sister answered.

Lou groaned realizing her little sister was growing up too fast, but eventually gave in. It may be white, she argued with herself. But Kid was right. It is the first time I'm willingly giving myself to someone.

When they got home, Lou was exhausted and ready for sleep. When she got out of the shower, she smiled as Teresa was already fast asleep in her sister's bed, and crawled in next to her sister, glad to finally have her home.

~~~ *~* ~~~

"Something on your mind, Kid?" Jimmy asked as he heard his roommate having another sleepless night.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"You just did," Jimmy said smiling. "What's up?"

"You know that date I have tomorrow? I'm kind of worried."

That statement got Jimmy's attention and he turned over to look at his friend. "About what?"

"Well, she's got a lot of experience," Kid admitted blushing. "I'm worried about screwing things up."

Jimmy chuckled. "You really like her, don't you?"

"I love her more than anything."

"Then I wouldn't worry about it. If she loves you as much as you love her, then it won't matter to her."

Kid nodded. "Thanks, Jimmy." Kid turned over and tried to settle down.

"Besides," Jimmy continued. "Sometimes screwing up can be kinda fun."

Kid groaned and both started laughing.

~~~ *~* ~~~

The next morning, Lou was a bundle of nerves waiting for Kid to show. When Jeremiah arrived, he was full of excitement and wanted to know what the special occasion was. Lou had wanted to wait until Kid was with her, but she finally had to tell him.

Jeremiah looked at her worriedly. "Was he the one who left those bruises on you?"

Lou sighed as she pulled her brother into her arms. "Jeremiah, no. You know Kid. He'd never do anything to hurt me. He loves me."

"We thought dad loved us too, but look what he let happen to you," her brother said quietly.

Lou's eyes grew wide. "What do you know about that?"

"I know more than you think," he said shamefully. "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to stop it."

Lou's heart broke at his words. "You were only eight, Jeremiah. There was nothing you could have done. Do you understand?"

Jeremiah nodded and hugged his sister again. Lou just held on tight to him and kissed the top of his head. "I promise you, Kid will make sure nothing ever bad happens to any of us again."

"Lou?"

"Yes Jeremiah?"

"I didn't bring anything to wear for a wedding."

"I think I can handle that," Kid said walking up to them carrying two suit bags over his shoulder. "Hey," he said smiling at Lou.

"Thank you," she mouthed as she looked up, releasing Jeremiah.

"I hope it fits," Kid teased. "You look like you've grown an extra foot since Lou's birthday. But I figured as much so hopefully it'll work."

"Thanks," Jeremiah beamed.

"Are you guys ready to go? Our flight leaves in a little over an hour."

"Let's go then," Lou said smiling. She grabbed the small overnight bag she had packed with her and Teresa's outfits and off they went.

~~~ *~* ~~~

When they arrived in Vegas, Lou had expected a quick and simple wedding at some chapel and they would turn right back around and head home. She was wrong. A limo had been waiting for them at the airport and immediately drove them to the Venetian Hotel.

"Kid," Lou started shocked as they pulled up to the hotel. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble."

"Yes, I did, Lou. I don't know about you, but I only plan on getting married once, and even though you said you didn't need anything special, I did. I wanted it to be special for you."

He helped her out of the limo and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Thank you, Kid."

"It's not too late if you've changed your mind," he said cupping her face. "I'll understand if you have, this is all happening so quickly."

Lou shook her head. "I love you, Kid. I want this as much as you do."

"I doubt that," he said grinning, as he pulled her body against his. Lou chuckled as she felt his arousal against her leg. "You don't know how long I've wanted this."

"Then let's get going," she said smiling at him.

~~~ *~* ~~~

"With this ring, I do thee wed," Kid promised, placing both the engagement ring as well as the wedding band they had purchased shortly before the ceremony.

When Kid saw Lou start walking down the aisle in the pale blue dress she had chosen, he almost met her halfway and carried her straight to the room he had rented so they could prepare for the wedding. He had had to remind himself that he'd waited this long, a few more hours wouldn't hurt him. And he wanted this day to be as special for her as it was turning out for him.

Lou had been a nervous wreck all day, but as soon as she saw Kid standing at the front of the chapel next to Jeremiah; both dressed the same, all doubts and fears fled her mind. The expression on Kid's face reassured her of his love and even though others might think they jumped into things too quickly, she knew there would never be anyone for her but him.

"With this ring, I do thee wed," she repeated while placing the matching band on his finger. She smiled when Kid refused to let her hand go.

"By the power granted to me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Kid just stood the gazing at his wife lovingly. Your wife, he thought. She's yours for the rest of your lives. She's made you the happiest man alive and all you can do is stand there staring at her.

"Kid," Jeremiah nudged him. "Kiss her."

Kid nodded and cupped her face gently. He leaned forward to kiss her lightly, not wanting to make a scene in front of her brother and sister, but she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and began deepening the kiss.

Finally Teresa chuckled and Jeremiah cleared his throat to get their attention. Kid pulled back and blushed, causing Lou to laugh as well. Kid took her hand and smiled. "I have a couple of more surprises for you guys, I hope you don't mind."

Lou looked at him curiously. He'd already done way more than she ever imagined he would, and couldn't imagine what else he had planned.

~~~ *~* ~~~

By the time the newlyweds returned home to Sweetwater, it was after ten in the evening. Kid had arranged a nice dinner for all of them and then a helicopter tour of The Strip, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.

On the flight home, Lou fell asleep against him and Kid still couldn't believe his dreams had come true. When they arrived back at the house, she quickly got in her car and drove Teresa and Jeremiah over to the others and hurried home.

When she returned, Kid was sitting on the porch waiting for her.

"Kid, you could've gone inside," she said smiling. "This is your house now too."

Kid shook his head and reached into pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to her. "Actually, you're wrong, Lou. As of this morning, this is your home."

Lou looked at the paper in shock. "You paid off the mortgage?"

Kid nodded. "Wicks has nothing over you now. It won't be official until Monday morning, but for as long as you want it, this is your home. I hope you like your wedding present."

Lou shook her head. "No Kid, you're wrong. For as long as we want it, this is our home. I just feel bad because I didn't get you anything."

Kid unlocked the front door and then picked her up in his arms. He kissed her as he carried her over the threshold. "You've already given me the best present I could ever ask for."

Lou chuckled as he continued to carry her straight up the stairs to their bedroom. Once inside, he finally put her down and began kissing her passionately. Eager to finally express his love for her in the most intimate way, he began unzipping the back of her dress.

Lou chuckled at his eagerness. "Wait," she said huskily.

"What's wrong?" he asked looking at her concerned.

"I'll be back in a few minutes," she said before kissing his cheek and heading into the bathroom.

Kid paced the room nervously waiting for Lou to return. I'm so scared I'm going to disappoint her, he thought sadly. She's been with so many other men, how can I compare? What if I do something wrong? What if...

Kid heard a noise and turned towards the bathroom. His jaw fell to the floor as Lou emerged wearing a simple, yet elegant white gown.

"Surprise," she said grinning.

He could just nod as she came closer. She's just as nervous as I am, he thought. He rubbed her arms lovingly before he picked her up by the waist. She felt so fragile in his arms, but as he laid her down on the bed, nothing had ever felt so right.

~~~ *~* ~~~

Kid woke suddenly hearing sobs coming from somewhere in the room. He looked up and saw Lou sitting on the edge of the bed and his heart broke at the sight of her hugging her legs and slowly rocking back and forth. "Are you okay, Lou?"

Lou jumped at his voice. "I don't know," she answered honestly. She was so confused. He had been so gentle, so eager, so loving, so vulnerable as they made love. He had been determined to take his time to find out what she liked without any help from her, and it had been like nothing she had ever experienced.

"A couple of hours ago, the most important thing on my mind was finally doing what I've been wanting to for so long." He chuckled. "I can't believe I waited almost nineteen years to do that."

He regrets it, she thought. He'd rather have had someone inexperienced like him than a whore like me.

"Do you think it was a mistake?" she asked still refusing to look at him.

Kid scooted closer towards her and kissed her bare shoulder. "No," he said turning her face towards him. "You were worth the wait."

Lou sighed in relief and nodded. "I love you, Kid... Kenneth."

Kid smiled as he caressed her neck lovingly. "I love you too, Louise." He pulled her into his arms and just held her.

"And we love you both!" Voices called out as the bedroom door opened.

Kid groaned and Lou pulled the blanket even tighter around her as Jimmy and the others bounded into her room. "What are you guys doing here?" she asked panicked.

"I'm sorry, sis," Jeremiah apologized. "I didn't know it was a secret. I wouldn't have said anything."

"Don't worry about it, Jeremiah," she tried comforting. "It's alright."

Jimmy shook his head. "I should've known something was up as soon as you said you loved her more than anything. But the lots of experience threw me."

"Do you guys mind?" Lou asked getting frustrated as she glanced at her family. "You are interrupting our wedding night."

*Why didn't you tell us?* Ike demanded.

"We would've been there," Noah added sounding hurt. "We're family."

"And don't you think it's a bit quick?" Cody asked. "You guys haven't even been together that long."

"We've known each other for almost five years." Kid looked at Lou and smiled as he saw the love in her eyes. "And I've been in love with her for as long as I can remember. As for the rest of it, it's a long story, guys," Kid started to explain. "We just wanted something..."

"If you guys will get out so we can get dressed," Lou interrupted. "We'll meet you downstairs and explain everything."

The boys nodded and left the room. "I'm sorry, Lou," Kid said kissing her forehead. "You know we don't need to explain any of it."

Lou nodded. "But Noah is right, they are family." Lou leaned over and whispered huskily. "And the sooner we get rid of them, the sooner we can keep enjoying our wedding night."

Kid quickly jumped from the bed and quickly dressed. Lou soon followed and they headed downstairs to face their family hand in hand.

Epilogue

Wicks caused his share of problems for the newlyweds. The Monday after their wedding, he made their life a living hell as soon as he found out Kid had not only paid off the house, but made a big payment to him to cover any of Lou's other debts. Kid also tipped off the police as to his activities, and it wasn't long before Wicks was behind bars and couldn't bother the couple again.

But there were times when Lou wasn't sure if she and Kid would make it. In the next four years, there had been plenty of times when both thought that getting married had been a huge mistake, despite their love for each other.

Kid insisted Lou take it easy for awhile after the marriage. He wanted her to have a chance to relax and not have to worry about everything on her own, but Lou saw it as him trying to control her. She insisted that just because they were married, she didn't want to rely on his money, that the marriage was an equal partnership and she wanted to contribute to it.

When she recently decided to go back to school to become a social worker, Kid's over protectiveness had returned. It had gotten so bad, that several months ago, she had kicked him out of the house for several weeks. During that time they were both miserable, and when she finally allowed him to come home, he promised to try harder.

And that he has, she thought smiling as she rubbed her still flat stomach. She had been suspicious for the past few days, but with Kid's graduation from Vet school, she knew she wouldn't be able to keep it a secret. So first thing this morning she took the test, and was on cloud nine ever since.

"If you thought he was overprotective before," Teresa leaned in and whispered. "Wait until you tell him." Lou looked strangely at her sister. "Oh come on, if you don't stop rubbing your stomach, you'll have rug burn!"

Lou laughed and looked up. Kid was getting ready to cross the stage to get his diploma and he gave her a huge grin and little wave. Looking at him, she realized she really did love him, no matter how irritating he got at times, and she couldn't imagine her life without him in it.

"Kenneth Ian Darby the Third," the announcer said and all of their friends stood up screaming and clapping in excitement. Lou turned when she heard Buck laughing.

"What?" he asked innocently. "I still can't get use to hearing his name. He'll always be Kid to us."

"Well he's definitely not a Kid anymore," Lou retorted as Kid walked off the stage and hurried over to her.

"Hey," he said picking her up in his arms and kissing her.

"Congratulations," she said smiling, resting her forehead against his.

"Congratulations, Kid," the others said patting him on the back.

"Let's get out of here," he said putting Lou back down. They left the stadium, but Kid walked behind her with his arms wrapped around her tiny waist and his head on his shoulder. Once she let him come home after their separation, he couldn't get enough of having her near him.

The entire family drove back to Kid and Lou's, where a huge BBQ party had been organized to celebrate his graduation. It wasn't long before the party was in full swing and the laughs and beer were flowing.

Kid saw Lou sitting in a lounge chair by the pool they had built two summers before and handed her a beer. Lou shook her head.

"Why not, Lou?" he asked concerned. "It's a party. You always drink when we all get together."

Lou smiled and pulled him down next to her. "Remember how you said a few weeks ago, if you never birthed a cow again it would be too soon?"

Kid nodded. "That's not something I want to see again," he groaned.

"I guess that means you won't want to be in the delivery room."

Kid looked at her strangely for a moment and then his eyes grew wide. "You mean?"

Lou nodded. "Happy Graduation, dad."

Kid sat there shocked as he looked at his wife. Even though they had never discussed it, he had longed to one day create a child from their love, and now they had.

"We never discussed having kids, Lou. Are you okay with it?"

Lou's heart sunk as she heard the fear in his voice. "Are you?" she asked scared of his answer.

Kid nodded and pulled her into his arms. "More than okay. I know we've had our problems, but I promise you, for our child, I'll work harder at being a better husband."

"You're already a wonderful husband, Kid," she said gently cupping her face. "And I know you'll make a wonderful father."

Kid nodded and kissed the tip of her nose. "And you'll make a wonderful mother. You already are one to Teresa and Jeremiah." Lou grinned at him. "I love you, Lou."

"I love you too, Kid."

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