As the station appeared around the bend, Lou sighed. This was one of the few runs where she had prayed the shipment back to Sweetwater would be delayed an extra day or two, but luck wasn't on her side this time.

As she arrived at the station she noticed the place looked deserted. With the sun setting there would usually be lanterns already lit at Emma's and outside the bunkhouse, but there was nothing.

Sighing, she dismounted Lightning and threw his reins over the post. "I'll be back in a few and I'll take care of you," she said. "I promise, especially since you're the only one to take care of me today."

Lightning neighed his agreement and she went inside. She immediately turned the lantern up so she could see better and gasped as she saw what was lying on her bunk. She crossed to her bunk to make sure she wasn't dreaming; she wasn't. There on her bunk was a bouquet of mixed flowers and a simple card attached.

"Lou, Put your dress on and come to Emma's. Don't worry Teaspoon's gone for a few days. The guys"

Great, she thought shaking her head. Today of all days for them to play tricks on me. She sighed as she grabbed her shower items and headed outside. She immediately noticed Lightning was no longer where she left him. Figuring he was sick of waiting and headed into the barn on his own, she continued on to the shower wondering what the guys were up too.

After a quick shower, she headed back into the bunkhouse and reluctantly changed into her blue dress. Not messing with her hair, other than to dry it, or with the hat, she cautiously made her way over to Emma's.

She knocked on the door but there was no answer. She waited a few moments and knocked again. She wanted to turn and leave, knowing she had been set-up for one of Cody's pranks, but she opened the door just in case.

"Emma?" she called out. "Is anyone here?"

Suddenly she was blinded by bright lights and almost deafened by the shouts of

"Surprise!"

"What's goin' on?" she asked confused. The room was decorated with a homemade banner wishing her a Happy Birthday. There were streamers tied to most every surface, and the guys were all dressed in their Sunday's finest.

Kid stepped forward. "Did you think we wouldn't find out what today is? Why didn't you tell us? Why didn't you tell me?" he asked quietly, wishing they were alone.

She shrugged. "It's no big deal," she said, not wanting to admit it was something she stopped celebrating long ago.

"Well it is to us," Emma said. "Happy birthday, Loulabelle."

"Thanks," she smiled shyly as everyone began to approach her to give her their best wishes. "I'll be back, I need to make sure Lightning's settled into his stall for the night," she said turning to leave.

"Ike's already taken care of it," Buck told her. "We saw you ride in and as soon as you went into the bunkhouse, he did it."

*Happy Birthday, Lou.* Ike signed.

"Thanks, Ike."

Emma invited Lou to sit at the head of the table and she brought out a huge cake. Everyone told her to make a wish as she blew out the candles. Lou thought for several moments, trying to think of what to wish for, and smiled before blowing out the candles.

"Thanks you guys," she said later when everyone was getting ready to break up for the night.

"Sorry we didn't have time to get you anything," Jimmy apologized. "We didn't find out about this until a coupla hours ago."

"Yeah," Cody agreed. "The flowers we picked was the best we could do on such short notice. But next time we're in town..."

"You've given me the best gift of all, thanks you guys. It's been a long time since I've done anything for my birthday and I guess I just figured this year wouldn't be any different."

"Well, birthdays around here are important," Emma said. "You're just the first one we've had to celebrate over. Now you boys go on and get, you still have your chores to do in the mornin'."

"Yes ma'am," they all complained as they headed outside.

"Thanks, Emma," Lou said after they'd left. She started to help her clear the table but Emma swatted her hand away playfully.

"Not tonight, it's your birthday," she jokingly scolded. "And I hope you don't mind that I did this, but when I realized it was your birthday, I knew you needed a little special something. It's hard enough you have to live like a boy, I figured you needed a chance to be a girl for a night, and what a better way."

Lou nodded, thrilled that Emma was so understanding. "Good night, Emma, and thanks again." She walked outside and was surprised to see Kid waiting for her. "Hey."

"Hey," he murmured shyly. "Happy birthday, Lou," he said kissing her on the cheek.

Lou blushed. "Thanks, Kid."

"May I walk you to the bunkhouse, Miss McCloud?"

Lou giggled but nodded. Kid held out his arm and she took it. When they reached the bunkhouse door, she let go of his arm and he kissed her lightly on the lips before opening the door for her. He watched her go to her bunk and smiled.

Lou found another bouquet on her bunk, this time full of daisies and smiled. She looked at the card and smiled as she read it to herself. "Roses are red, violets are blue, but on such short notice, these daisies will have to do. Love, Kid."

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