This is an AU story. The dance Kid takes Samantha too happens before the trip Lou and Jimmy took during Color Blind. There's several weeks between Kid and Lou's breakup and the events of Color Blind.

Part 1

Lou felt sick; more sick than she had in the past two weeks. But now it was emotional as well as physical. Her worst fears had been confirmed by the doctor in Willow Creek, and she didn't know what to do.

"Lou?" Jimmy asked as Lou walked to the waiting room in the doctor's office. "What did he say? Are you okay?" Ever since Lou fell from the noose, Jimmy had been terrified for the woman standing in front of him. The woman he loved more than anything and would never forgive himself for what happened to her. He rushed her to the nearest doctor and waited patiently, praying that she would be all right.

Lou weakly nodded, still in shock, then shook her head. "Let's go home, Jimmy."

"Lou, you're scarin' me. What did he say? It can't be too bad if your ready to go home. Maybe I should go talk to..."

"No!" Lou yelled louder than necessary. "He says I'm fine but I need to take it easy. Jimmy, do you mind if we rent a buckboard instead of riding back? I'm tired and don't think I could stay on Lightning very long."

Jimmy's jaw fell as he watched Lou walk outside. In all the time he'd known her, Lou had never turned down a chance to ride through the prairie. It was her way of unwinding; a way of her forgetting what was happening back in Sweetwater with Kid and Samantha.

"Lou!" Jimmy called out after her as she made her way to the livery. "You ain't fine. I've never known you to pass up a chance to ride. What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

Lou shook her head and the tears that had been threatening started to fall. "I don't want to talk about it, Jimmy. If you don't want to deal with the buckboard, then I'll just take the stage back."

Jimmy pulled her into his arms as she cried on her shoulder. This was not the Lou he knew; the Lou who would never allow anyone to see her cry in public. "We'll get the buckboard and you just rest up. It'll be slower, but we're already a few days behind schedule so a few more won't matter."

Lou sniffled. "Thanks, Jimmy. Like I said the other night, you've been a good friend to me."

Jimmy nodded and wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Just 'member that when you're ready to talk. All right?"

Jimmy hitched the buckboard to Sundance and Lightning and made a pallet, using their bedrolls, in the back for Lou to lie down on. He helped her up and before he was even sitting in the driver's seat, she was fast asleep.

By the time he stopped for the night, Lou was still sleeping; curled up in a ball and clutching her stomach. Deciding to she needed rest, Jimmy went about setting up camp for the night; taking care of the horses, starting the fire, and fixing dinner. When it was ready, he slowly woke Lou up.

"Lou?" he said gently shaking her.

Lou woke with a start, "Kid?" she asked groggily looking around.

Jimmy sighed at her calling out for the man who'd broken her heart. "No, it's me, Lou. Time to wake up and eat something."

Lou shook her head. "I'm not hungry. Where are we?"

"We're less than half a day away from Sweetwater. And you need to eat something Lou. I know you haven't eaten much since our dinner the other night."

At the mere thought of food, Lou hopped down from the buckboard and immediately began throwing up. She pushed Jimmy's hand away when he tried to comfort her. When she had finally emptied her stomach, she accepted the moist bandana he offered and she moved to sit in front of the campfire. "I'm fine, Jimmy," she said as she watched him stare at her with concern.

"Lou, if you don't tell me what the doc said back in Willow Creek, I'm goin' back and findin' out myself. I hate the fact you were kidnapped because of me, I couldn't live with myself if you were seriously hurt because of me."

Lou sighed and buried her face in her hands. "I'm not hurt, Jimmy."

Jimmy crossed to sit beside her and rubbed her back. He wanted to pull her into his arms to comfort her, but he knew she would probably get upset and angry. "Then what's wrong? You know you can tell me. Does it have to do with Kid?"

Lou nodded before turning to sob in his chest. "I'm quittin' when we get back to the station."

"No, Lou. Don't quit because of him."

"I have to Jimmy. I can't work with him when he's so happy with Samantha," she lied.

Jimmy rubbed her back and chuckled. "He ain't happy, Lou. Fool ain't been happy since you guys broke up."

Lou sobbed even harder. "That's why I have to leave, Jimmy. Because of why we broke up."

"Lou, you're not makin' sense. I'm tellin' ya, you don't need to quit."

"I have to Jimmy. I won't be able to ride anymore. Teaspoon won't keep me around if I can't earn my keep."

"What do you mean you can't ride anymore? I thought you said you weren't hurt."

Lou nodded. "I'm not hurt, Jimmy... I'm... I'm pregnant."

Part 2

Jimmy felt is if he'd suddenly lost the ability to breathe. He had to have heard wrong, it couldn't be possible. "Pregnant?" he asked stunned and Lou just nodded. "How?"

Lou shot him her irritated look. "How do ya think, Jimmy?" Lou buried her face in her hands. "Oh God, what am I gonna do? I can't tell Kid, Jimmy. He'll look down on me from his high horse and keep saying how he told me so."

Jimmy shook his head. "Kid wouldn't do that, Lou, he loves you too much."

Lou shook her head. "Maybe if he'd mentioned that when he proposed, I might have said yes," she said quietly.

"What?" Jimmy asked shocked. "Surely you knew he did, though."

Lou shrugged her shoulders. "I thought he did, but all he kept talking about was doing the right thing. How he was ready to settle down and start a family... if we hadn't already. And how could he love me and then find someone so soon after. Jimmy, you saw them at the dance. Do you know how hard it was for me to stand there and watch him hold her close like he use to with me?"

"Lou, Kid wasn't thinkin' at all."

"I know that, Jimmy. And you don't know what happened as I was leavin'. I'd been talking with Rachel and didn't notice Kid and Samantha leaving. Since I wasn't feelin' good, I decided to leave. I went behind the dance hall and saw them... Kid had taken her to the same spot we would go to dance, and he... he was kissing her like he use to kiss me."

Jimmy shook his head and wanted to kill the insensitive rider. "Aw, Lou, I'm so sorry."

Lou sat down on the ground and started to cry again. "Truth is, right now, this was the last thing either of us wanted. Jimmy, what am I going to do?"

Without thinking, Jimmy said the first thing he thought of. "Marry me."

"Damn it, Jimmy!" she yelled getting up and walking away from him. She should've known he'd have to be like Kid and do the honorable thing. "Why'd you have to ask me that?"

Jimmy got up and followed her. He put his hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. "You know I care for you, Lou, so give me a chance to be a father to the baby."

Lou's anger faded as she felt Jimmy's hand splay on her stomach. She knew he had strong feelings for her, possibly even love, but could she destine her life and that of her unborn child to a man she couldn't love back?

Jimmy sat down beside her and pulled her close to him. "I know you don't love me..."

"I do, Jimmy. Just not in that way," she said honestly, but without looking at him.

Jimmy nodded. "I know and you know I care about you. Who knows, maybe someday you will grow to love me. Besides if you marry me, Teaspoon won't make you leave."

"Or he'll think we both lost it and fire us both," Lou said chuckling. What he was saying made sense, but Lou still couldn't believe she was considering it. More than anything she wanted to allow Kid to be a father to their child, but he was happy now with Samantha. And forcing him to marry her now was worse than marrying someone she didn't love.

"What would we tell everyone?" Lou asked finally looking at Jimmy.

"We can tell them whatever you want. You don't have to tell them about the baby if you don't want to."

"But they'll ask why we're gettin' married."

Jimmy cupped her face. "You can either tell them that we've been in love for awhile, or you can tell them that the baby is mine. You don't have to answer me now, think about it for a few days. Either way I'll..."

"Yes," Lou said quietly.

"What?" Jimmy asked in disbelief.

Lou nodded. "Yes, Jimmy. I'll marry you."

Part 3

When Jimmy and Lou returned to the station, everyone rushed to the buckboard wondering what was wrong. Questions flew at Jimmy as to why Lou was asleep in the back and not riding in like usual.

"Everyone back off!" Jimmy exclaimed as he climbed down from the buckboard. "She ain't feelin' well."

"Boys, don't ya'll have chores to do?" Rachel said, concerned for Lou. "If you want supper, you best get to them."

The other riders nodded and began to walk off except for Kid. "What's wrong with her Jimmy," he said growing angry. "If you hurt her..."

Jimmy turned to the man he once considered a brother and balled his fists at his side to keep from hitting him. "You're one to talk about hurtin' her. Didn't wait that long before you started seein' the new schoolteacher. Maybe she can teach you how to treat someone you love."

"What are you talkin' about Jimmy? Lou broke up with me."

Jimmy shook his head. "And you didn't fight to keep her did you? No, you went and fell for the first thing you saw that happens to be everything Lou ain't. The proper southern lady and threw her in Lou's face. Well no more, I ain't gonna let you hurt her again," he said before walking towards Rachel.

Kid looked at Jimmy puzzled then shook his head. Unhitching the two horses, he led them to the barn.

"Rachel?" Jimmy approached her. "Can Lou stay at the house with you?"

"What's wrong with her Jimmy, did she get hurt?"

Jimmy sighed. "I'll let her tell you when she wakes up. Please? I know she'd feel better staying up at the house than in the bunkhouse."

Rachel nodded. "Of course she can, Jimmy."

Jimmy went over to the back of the buckboard and gently woke her. "Good morning sleepy head."

"Are we home?" Lou asked groggily.

Jimmy nodded. "Rachel says you can stay up at the house for as long as you need to."

Lou sat up, a look of panic on her face. "Did you tell anyone?"

Jimmy helped her down from the buckboard and shook his head. "I told Rachel you would tell her everything when you're ready."

"The others?"

"They came up as soon as we got back, everyone seemed concerned. Especially Kid. Lou, I really think..."

Lou adamantly shook her head. "He gave up the right to be the father when he fell for Samantha."

"Lou, if you had seen the way he was worryin' about you..."

"Damn it, Jimmy. If you want me back with Kid so much, why did you even ask me to marry you?"

"What?" Kid exclaimed walking up to the porch. Lou groaned.

"How much did you hear?" she asked.

Kid went straight to Jimmy and grabbed him by shirt. "You just couldn't wait could you?" he spat as he hit Jimmy in the jaw. "As soon as she was free you went after her." Kid punched him again, this time in the stomach and causing Jimmy to lose his balance and fall down the stairs. Lou screamed as she watched him fall.

"Kid, stop!" she yelled. "He waited longer than you did," she said quietly.

Kid crossed to her and looked her in the eyes. "You left me, Lou. You wanted your freedom so I gave it you. Tell me, is he the reason you said no?"

Lou couldn't answer him and was about to walk inside the main house when Kid put his hand on her arm stopping her.

"How could you? Didn't our love mean anything to you?"

Lou just stared at him, scared that if she spoke, she would tell him everything.

"Leave her alone," Jimmy said, standing up and storming up the stairs of the porch to remove Kid's hand from her arm. "Haven't you hurt her enough?"

"You were my best friend, Jimmy. How long did you wait? Or were the two of you..." Kid couldn't even finish the thought. He didn't want to think that Lou had been with Jimmy while she had been with him.

"Think about it, Kid. You should know her better than that. She would never do that."

"I don't know what to think other than I guess I didn't really know anything about her if she could do this. Why, Jimmy? Answer me why."

"Would you two stop talking about me like I wasn't here? Or maybe that would be better," she said before turning and going into the house.

"Kid," Jimmy started not knowing what to say; how much Lou wanted him to know. "It just happened," he finally muttered.

"I still love her, Jimmy," Kid said quietly.

"Yeah? You have a funny way of showin' it," he said before walking away, leaving a stunned Kid standing on the porch.

Jimmy found Lou sitting at the table in the kitchen, drinking tea. Rachel was sitting across from her and he could tell she hadn't said anything, but it was obvious she'd been crying. Rachel looked at him with a puzzled look on her face.

"Jimmy, would you go get Teaspoon? I don't want to have tell this more than once."

"Are you sure about this, Lou? It's not too late to change your mind." Lou nodded. "Do you want me to get the others?" Lou shook her head and Jimmy left to find the station master. A few minutes later, both returned and found Lou and Rachel sitting in the living room. Jimmy sat down next to Lou and smiled.

"Well," Teaspoon started. "What's the announcement? We were gettin' worried when the two of you didn't show up on time. Is that what that the announcement is about?"

Jimmy looked over at Lou, not sure how she was going to tell them. Both knew Rachel and Teaspoon would be the hardest to convince. He was surprised when he felt Lou take his hand in hers.

"Jimmy and I want to get married," she said quietly.

Rachel gasped as her hand flew to cover her mouth in shock. "Married?"

Lou and Jimmy nodded and he squeezed her hand to let her know he was still with her.

"Son," Teaspoon said looking right at Jimmy. "Are you sure about this? Have the two of you thought about how this will affect the others?" No words were needed for everyone to understand who he really meant.

"He already knows, he overheard us talking on the porch," Jimmy said.

Teaspoon nodded knowing that was the reason Jimmy looked like he'd been in a fight. "Are you two sure about this?"

Lou and Jimmy looked at each other and then back at Teaspoon and Rachel. "I'm pregnant," Lou said so quietly that Jimmy could barely hear her.

"Figured as much," Teaspoon nodded, disappointed that these two could be so insensitive to the one person who loved both of them more than anything. "What do you two plan on doin'? Lou, you know I ain't gonna let you ride anymore?"

Lou nodded. "I was hopin' that maybe Rachel could use some help around the station. That way we can continue to be near our family."

"Of course I could always use the help, but have the two of you thought about where you're gonna live? I mean once you get married, the bunkhouse is no longer an option, and you guys are welcome to stay here at the main house, but you should really find a home of your own for when the baby arrives."

"We still have some plannin' to do yet," Jimmy replied as he put his arm around Lou's shoulders. "We're still in shock over the news."

"When were you expectin' to get married?" Teaspoon asked.

"We hoped you would marry us Teaspoon, and as soon as possible. The doc back in Blue Creek said I could start showin' soon, and I don't want people talkin' about it."

"They're gonna talk when they find out anyway, sweetheart," Teaspoon said. His heart broke at the thought of what he had hoped was one careless mistake, costing her the life she'd worked so hard for herself. "Well since you can't ride we need to rework the schedule some and Jimmy, I know you've got a few rides coming up soon, so if you two are that sure, how's about Saturday after next?"

"Thank you, Teaspoon," Lou said standing up and giving him a hug. "This means a lot to me... to us." Teaspoon just nodded. "Well if I'm gonna be stayin' here, I better go get my things from the bunkhouse."

"I'll get 'em Lou," Jimmy said standing up. "You shouldn't be liftin' things."

"Damn it, Jimmy, I can pack a few things in my satchel and bring them over. I'm pregnant, not an invalid."

"What about your trunk? How ya gonna carry that all the way here? Drag it?" Jimmy asked.

Lou shrugged her shoulders. "I don't want you going through my stuff," she said.

Teaspoon and Rachel watched the scene with amusement.

"I'll just bring your trunk and anything in plain view. If I miss anything, you can go back later and get it all right?"

"Thanks, Jimmy," she said smiling weakly.

"I'll help you, son. Just in case you need some help."

Lou buried her face in her hands and started crying after Jimmy and Teaspoon left. Everything seemed to be happening so fast. Just a couple of months ago, she had fought with Kid about moving into the house with Rachel. Now she had no choice.

Rachel crossed the room to sit next to her young friend and pulled her into her arms. "Everything is gonna be all right, Lou. Don't worry about it."

Part 4

Kid rode Katy hard for what seemed like hours. He was still in shock and had never felt so betrayed in his life. His best friend and the woman he loved were getting married, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Lou and Jimmy had been right; he had paraded Samantha around, but he had been trying to escape the pain of losing Lou. Now he'd lost her for good, and he didn't think Samantha could do anything to make him feel better.

Without paying attention to where he was going, he found himself arriving at the waterhole, where he and Lou had often snuck off to when they wanted to be alone. He dismounted from Katy and sat down by the bank, trying to forget all the happy times he once spent here.

~~

Jimmy and Teaspoon entered the empty bunkhouse and Jimmy breathed a sigh of relief. He was not looking forward to telling the others, if they didn't know already.

He quickly gathered items Lou had around her bunk; a book, some photos, and a carving of a tiny rider with feminine features on top of a horse that had most likely been a gift from Kid. He shook his head at how stubborn the two of them could be.

He finished placing them in her trunk and was about to pick it up so he and Teaspoon could carry it up to the house, when the door opened.

"What are you doin' with Lou's stuff?" Buck asked.

"Is it true?" Cody asked. "Are you two gettin' married?"

*How could you betray Kid like that?* Ike added.

Jimmy sighed and sat down on his bunk. Teaspoon sat down at the table and held his hands up. "Now, boys, settle down. There are circumstances you don't know about."

"Did someone try explainin' that to Kid?" Noah asked. "He came rushin' into the barn talkin' about how the two people he cared for most could betray him and then took off on Katy like the devil himself was after him."

"Lou's decided to quit ridin'. I asked her to marry me so she could stay on here at the station and she accepted."

"How could you, Jimmy?" Buck asked shaking his head. "You know how much he cares for her."

"Does he? First chance he got, he found someone to replace Lou, and made sure Lou knew Samantha was everything she wasn't. You all saw how they behaved at the dance. He was hangin' all over her while Lou had to stand and watch because she was in disguise. Seems to be if he still cared about Lou, he could've shown her a little respect."

"Still, Jimmy," Noah started. "That don't give you the right to move in on Lou. Kid's your best friend, and it ain't fair to him."

"Boys," Teaspoon interrupted. "There's more to this than you know, and Lou and Jimmy will tell you when they're ready."

"Teaspoon, how can you accept this?" Cody asked.

"Boys, why can't you be happy for them?" Teaspoon answered. "Choices have been made, consequences have happened. You boys are all family and need to be supporting Jimmy and Lou, not condemning them."

*Consequences? Like what?* Ike wanted to know.

"Lou's pre..." Jimmy stopped as he realized he almost told them. They'd find out soon enough, but he wanted to let her tell the others when she was ready. "I love her, you've all known that, and she‘s agreed to be my wife. That's all you need to know."

~~

Lou stood in the kitchen getting her first cooking lesson from Rachel, but could barely pay attention to what was being said. "I'm sorry, what did you say, Rachel?" Lou asked turning to her friend.

Rachel put the dish rag on the counter and sat down at the table. "Louise, I know your mind is elsewhere right now, so maybe we should do this some other time."

Lou nodded and sat down as well. "I'm sorry, Rachel, I'm still trying to take it all in."

Rachel reached out and placed her hand on Lou's. "Are you gonna tell Kid?"

"He overheard Jimmy and I talkin' about the wedding so he already knows."

"I meant that you're carryin' his baby."

Lou's face paled momentarily and then spoke. "It's not..."

"Louise, I know you and Jimmy are close, but I know you'd never be unfaithful to Kid, and if you're due to start showin' soon, it would've had to have been when you two were together. You're about three or four months along, am I right?"

"Give or take," Lou said quietly

"So you're just gonna let him think it's Jimmy's?"

Lou nodded. "I can't tell him, Rachel. You've seen how happy he is with Samantha. She's everything I'm not; everything he wanted that I couldn‘t be. Besides, he doesn't know that's why we're gettin' married," she said very quietly.

"He's gonna find out sooner or later. Don't you think it's better that he hears it from you and not from the others?"

"It ain't any of his business. This is what he feared the most, and I don't want him givin' up his happiness with Samantha because of one stupid mistake that I let happen."

"He was there too, Louise. The blame's not all yours."

"I don't want him feelin' trapped. I wanted him to marry me because he loved me, not because he felt like it was his duty."

"But do you think it's fair to trap Jimmy just because you're pregnant with Kid‘s child?" Rachel asked.

Lou heard the concern in her friend's voice. "I didn't trap Jimmy. He asked me on his own. It wasn't an easy decision for me to make. This child deserves someone who loves him or her as well as it's momma."

"But you're not in love with Jimmy?" It was more of a question than a statement.

"No, but he's been a wonderful friend, and I'm sure in time I'll grow to love him as much as he loves me. That's something I can't expect from Kid. Not now, and I'm not sure if he ever did."

"He did love you, surely you knew that."

Lou shrugged her shoulders. "I thought he did, but how could he fall in love with Samantha so quickly? It was like nothing we had together meant anything to him."

"Louise, the two of you have created something that proves how in love you were with each other. He has a right to know either way."

"He gave up that right when I overheard him tellin' the boys how nice it felt to be with someone that believed in the same things he did. Someone he didn't have to sneak around to be with. Someone who was everything I never could be."

"I think he still does love you. If he knew you were carryin‘ his child..."

"Rachel, I hate to ask you, but please don't tell him. If he wasn't with Samantha, then things would be different. But he's happier with her." Lou sighed. "It wouldn't surprise me if he's plannin' on askin' her to marry him soon," she said quietly.

"No, Louise, I think you're wrong. He has the right to know. Besides, I think that Samantha is just a way to try and deal with the pain of losing you. He was lost when you two broke up."

Lou shook her head. "Well, he sure got over it quickly. Please, Rachel. You can't tell."

"Fine, I don't agree with it but if that's what you want..." Rachel was interrupted by a knock on the front door.

"I'll get it," Lou said standing up and heading to the door. She opened it and her heart fell as Samantha stood on the other side of the door. "Samantha," she said coldly.

"Louise, isn't it?" She questioned the female rider. "Back from your run? How..." she paused not knowing what to say. "Do you happen to know where Kid is? He was supposed to meet me for lunch, and it's not like him to forget about a thing like that."

Lou shook her head and tried to hide her obvious distaste for the schoolteacher. "I haven't seen him since shortly after I got back. Maybe he's..."

"What are you doing here, Samantha?" Jimmy asked rudely as he and Teaspoon lifted Lou's trunk on to the porch.

"She was lookin' for Kid," Lou answered. "Seemed he missed a lunch date."

"Miss Edwards," Teaspoon said. "The other boys saw him take off for a ride. Assumed he was headin' out your way. That was a coupla hours ago."

"Well obviously he wasn't coming to see me," she said frustrated. "Does anyone know where he might have gone?"

"He sometimes goes down to the waterin' hole when he wants to think," Lou said quietly. The same water hole that was probably where... she refused to finish the thought as she rested her hand on her stomach. "You might want to try there."

Samantha nodded and turned to walk away without saying another word. Lou tried fighting back the tears she felt forming as she watched Kid's new love ride off in the buckboard. Jimmy placed his hand on her shoulder.

"You didn't have to tell her where he was."

Lou nodded. "I know, but he deserves the right to be happy."

"Teaspoon," Jimmy started. "Would you take her trunk in. I'd like a moment alone with her."

Teaspoon nodded and Jimmy led Lou to the porch swing. "What about your happiness? Don't you deserve the right to be happy to?"

"As long as he's happy, I'm happy for him. Besides, this baby is all the happiness I need." Lou stopped when she saw the look on Jimmy's face. "That and marryin' you," she smiled weakly.

Jimmy turned her face to look at her and then took her hands in his. "Lou, you don't have to marry me if you don't want too. I'll understand and you can always let him know it's his child."

Lou shook her head. "We've been through this already, Jimmy. And I do want to marry you. Not too many men I know would be willing to step up and take responsibility for someone else's mistakes."

"Is that how you see this child? As a mistake?"

Lou shrugged. "Well we weren't plannin' on it. What else would you call it?"

"I see it as two people who loved each other very much, creating something wonderful from that love."

"Guess he didn't think it was as wonderful as you did."

Jimmy pulled her into his arms as the tears started to fall, and silently cursed Kid again for putting her through this.

~~

"Kid?" Samantha called out as she approached the watering hole. She knew he had to be around because she saw his horse grazing. "Kid, are you here?"

Kid awoke with a jerk as he heard his name being called. "Lou?" he asked, then shook his head as he saw Samantha coming towards him with a blanket.

"There you are, Kid. I've been looking for you. You missed our lunch date." Samantha spread the blanket on the ground before sitting down on it next to Kid.

"I'm sorry, Samantha. Just have other things on my mind. How'd ya know where to find me?"

Samantha walked her fingers down his chest and rested her head on his shoulder. "I stopped by the station and that Louise told me I could find you here."

Kid hated the way Samantha said Lou's name. It was as if the thought of a woman doing a man's job disgusted her, and it almost sounded like a hissing snake.

"I wish you wouldn't talk about her like that," Kid said, wondering why he suddenly felt the need to defend Lou.

"Well, Kid, I'm sorry, but look at the way she lives. She and Jimmy were practically hanging all over each other. And I'm sure living in the bunkhouse with all you boys, he's not the first."

"You're right. I was," he said barely louder than a whisper.

"What?" Samantha asked stunned.

Kid nodded. He hadn't told Samantha about him and Lou, but figured it was time. "I love... loved her, and thought she loved me. But when I asked her to marry me she told me she wasn't ready and we broke up."

"Well at least you two didn't do anything foolish," she said trying to hide her hurt. "A girl like that is nothing but trouble, and it's a good thing you found that out before you settled down. How long was it before she moved on to Jimmy?"

Kid shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I found out today that they're plannin' on gettin' married soon." He didn't want to tell her that he had moved on first, or at least that's what his heart would have him believe.

"Well, you just need to forget all about her. It'll be getting dark soon, and you know Martha just hates it when I'm unaccompanied at night," she grinned seductively. When Kid didn't respond, she blew gently in his ear causing him to moan.

Kid tried to forget all about Lou as he kissed Samantha, but he couldn't help wishing he was kissing Lou instead.

Part 5

Life continued on at the station over the next few days, even though Kid avoided Jimmy and Lou as much as possible. Lou would only feel comfortable eating in the bunkhouse with the others when Kid wasn't there and if Jimmy was. When Jimmy was out on runs, she remained up at the main house, knowing curiosity would eventually have the others asking too many questions.

Now with the wedding only days away, Lou sat on the porch waiting for Jimmy to return from his last run before they were to be married. He and Kid had been gone for several days and she was worried what might happen between the two. It broke her heart that they seemed to hate each other now and she knew she was the cause of it.

She knew Jimmy would never betray her confidence and tell Kid he was the father; they had discussed that several times before he left, but she wondered how long it would take for Kid and the others to figure it out, now that her once tiny body betrayed her by filling out as the baby grew.

She had been able to hide it somewhat from the boys by wearing large blouses and flowing skirts to hide her figure, but the simple dress she had chosen to be married in, was growing tighter each time Rachel called her in for a fitting.

"Riders Comin'!" Rachel called out from the clothes line.

Lou smiled as she watched Kid and Jimmy ride in together. Buck and Ike met them and took the horses to the barn. Jimmy said something to Kid who nodded and then went to the bunkhouse while Jimmy climbed the porch steps and kissed Lou on the forehead.

"Welcome home," she said as he sat down on the swing next to him. That's when she noticed his cuts and bruises on his face and her smile faded. "You two fought over me," she said trying to hide her anger.

Jimmy nodded. "I think Teaspoon sent us on that run hopin' it would bring us closer again. That we'd work out our differences. He shoulda known better."

Lou lowered her head to her chest and tried not to cry. "I hate that I'm the reason you two can't be friends anymore. I..."

Jimmy lifted her chin with his finger and smiled. "It's been buildin' a long time, Lou. But we didn't fight the whole time, we actually did talk. I really think, now more than ever, he has the right to know about the baby." Jimmy wanted to tell her that even though Kid hadn't come out and said the words to him, it was obvious he was still in love with her; that Samantha was just a way for him to try and forget.

A flash of panic crossed her face. "You didn't tell him, did you?"

"I gave you my word, Lou. As far as I know, he doesn't even know you're pregnant." Jimmy smiled as he looked at his future wife. "But he'll know as soon as he looks at you."

Lou giggled. "I must look like a cow. I certainly feel like one."

Jimmy shook his head. "You look beautiful," he said honestly.

"That's awfully sweet of ya, Jimmy."

"Lou, tell me somethin' and I want you to be honest with me." Lou nodded as she looked in his sorrow filled eyes. "Do you still love him?"

"A part of me will always love him, especially now," she said looking down and resting her hands on her swollen belly. "But he's in love with Samantha now," she said quietly.

"If he wasn't?"

She shook her head. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Jimmy knew Lou well enough to know that it did matter, but he also knew better than to press her. He took her hands in his and squeezed them to get her attention. It pained him to see the tears in her eyes.

"If you have doubts..."

Lou shook her head. "I don't."

"I better go get cleaned up for lunch. Are you gonna join us in the bunkhouse?"

Lou shook her head. "I don't think it's a good idea. Everyone will know as soon as I walk in the door."

"Lou, honey, they're gonna know sooner or later. This way I'll be there with you when they find out."

"Guess you're right, I'm just nervous."

"I know," Jimmy said putting his arm around her shoulders and bringing her closer to him. "But everything will be fine. I better get goin‘," he said releasing her and standing up.

"Jimmy?" Lou asked quietly.

"Yeah, Lou."

"I was wonderin' if you wanted to go to the doctor's with me tomorrow."

A look of alarm passed over Jimmy's face and he knelt down in front of Lou, looking for a sign that something was wrong with her or the baby. "Is there something wrong with the baby?"

Lou shook her head, smiling as he heard the alarm and worry in his voice. "It's just a check up. I also had a few questions for him and I thought if you had any questions..."

"Sure, Lou. If that‘s what you want," he said relieved that she was all right. Jimmy stood up and watched as Lou tried to stand as well. He chuckled at the fact she didn't seem as coordinated as she used to be. He held out his hand and helped her up when she took it.

Lou silently cursed herself for her clumsiness. She'd never felt so awkward in her life, and knew it would only get worse as the months went on. When Jimmy extended his hand, she knew it would just be easier and allowed him to help her. Unfortunately since her center of gravity wasn't what it used to be, she slammed right into his chest.

"I'm sorry, Jimmy," she said trying not to giggle.

Jimmy chuckled as he helped steady her, but didn't let her go. In fact, he held on to her even tighter as he looked down into her doe eyes and leaned in to kiss her.

Lou wrapped her arms around Jimmy's neck and deepened the kiss. It was their real first kiss, and Lou couldn't help but think how different his kiss was compared to Kid's. His had always been soft and tender where as Jimmy's was aggressive. She silently cursed herself and groaned as she felt a fluttering in her stomach.

Jimmy jerked back and looked at Lou puzzled; especially as a wide grin spread across her face. "Was that the baby?" he asked stunned as realization dawned on him.

Lou nodded. "I think so. Either that or I swallowed a horse," she said giggling.

"Did it hurt?" he asked as he placed his hands on her swollen stomach. He was amazed how something so tiny growing inside her could make that much movement.

Lou shook her head. "Not really, it kinda felt like someone was tickling me from the inside."

Jimmy suddenly felt bad. As much as he loved Lou, he felt Kid should be the one experiencing this, not him. The pregnancy suddenly felt real, and his guilt increased ten-fold. "Lou," he started suddenly.

Lou looked up at Jimmy and instantly knew what he was thinking. She shook her head. "He doesn't want this, Jimmy. He made his choice and I've made mine," she said as she pulled free of Jimmy's grip and headed towards the barn.

~~

Kid returned to the bunkhouse after showering and stopped as he heard the others talking inside. Had he not heard Lou's name, he would've continued in.

"I'm tellin' ya," Cody said. "Lou's lookin' good now that she's put some weight on. But I just don't think it's ‘cause she quit ridin'."

"You're crazy, Cody." Noah said. "She can't be."

"Why else are they gettin' married so soon? I mean we all knew how Jimmy felt about her, but I don't see Lou marryin' him for any other reason than a baby."

Kid felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. He thought he'd felt betrayed before, but the fact Jimmy had created something with Lou, something that should've been his, was more than he could handle. He remembered seeing Lou head into the barn, so he decided to confront her once and for all.

~~

"Hey girl," Lou said approaching Lightning's stall. The horse looked at her and whinnied. "I know, I haven't come and seen you as much as I should, it's just hard to see you when I can't ride anymore."

Lightning snorted and lifted her head over the stable door. Lou rubbed her forehead on Lightning's nose and fed her a sugar cube from the supply she brought. "Girl, what am I gonna do? Do you think everyone's right about him havin' the right to know?" Lou chuckled as both Lightning and Katy snorted in agreement. Lou looked at Kid's horse next to her own and gave her a sugar cube. "I should've known you'd agree with everyone else."

"I know it's not right, but he's happier now with Samantha than he was with me. I know I lied to Jimmy, but I can't help it. I love Kid as much today as I did when we were together. At least with us stayin' around, he'll get the chance to know his child. Even if he doesn't know it's his," she said very quietly. "And even though I still love Kid, I know Jimmy will be a good father and a good husband."

"So it's true?" Kid said entering the barn and crossing to Lou. "You're pregnant." Of course it's true, he thought. Look at her. I know that body like the back of my hand. Her breasts are fuller now and she definitely has a swollen belly. I've never seen her look more beautiful than she does right now.

Lou looked away as she blushed when she noticed him staring at her. "How much did you hear?" she asked worried that he'd overheard her saying the child was his.

"How far along are you?" he asked, hoping somehow that the child was his. "A coupla months?" Lou nodded. "Were you and Jimmy together when we were?" Kid asked solemnly, scared at the answer.

Lou had never felt so angry as she did when he made that accusation. Lou stormed past Kid but he reached out and grabbed her hand stopping her. "No, Kid, I was never unfaithful to you. It just happened," she lied, hoping he couldn't tell.

"When?" he asked looking in her eyes for the truth.

"Do you want all the details, Kid?" She hissed. "Like when and where and how? You were already with Samantha, what do you care?" She jerked her arm free and left the barn before he could see her cry.

"Because I wish more than anything, it was my child, Lou," he said quietly as he watched her leave. "I care because I still love you."

~~

Lou sat on the steps of the bunkhouse debating whether she wanted to join the others for supper or not. After her confrontation with Kid in the barn, she spent the rest of the day in her room crying for the life she wanted but could no longer have. When she didn't come to the bunkhouse for lunch, Jimmy came to check on her, but found her curled up asleep. Later she promised him she would come for supper, but she knew Kid was in there and she couldn't face him again.

"Louise," Rachel said coming outside and sitting down next to her. "They already know, they're curious and have a bunch of questions for you and Jimmy. You can't sit out here all night and expect it to disappear."

"I know, I just... I just can't face Kid again."

"Don't let him bother you. The others in there love you too, and want to show you their love and support. Give them that."

Lou nodded and stood up. She briefly hesitated at the door, before Rachel opened it and led her inside. She frowned as all conversation stopped and the riders looked at her.

Even Cody had stopped eating long enough to stare at her. "Wow," he said. "You look beautiful."

Lou blushed and looked away at Cody's compliment. She was so used to him joking around, it surprised her when she heard the sincerity in his voice. Lou sat down at the end of the table, next to Jimmy and across from Kid as Rachel handed her a plate.

"He's right, Lou," Buck added. "Pregnancy really agrees with you."

*Why didn't you tell us sooner?* Ike wanted to know.

Lou shrugged as she pushed her food around on her plate. "I guess it was because..."

"Rachel," Kid interrupted. "May I be excused?" he asked pushing his plate away.

He can't even be in the same room with me, Lou thought. Does he hate me that much for breaking up with him?

"No, you may not," Rachel replied. "This is the first time in weeks that all of us have been together, and everyone's gonna sit here and enjoy each other's company."

The group ate in silence for a few minutes more before Kid finally spoke. "So, Lou. Why didn't you tell us sooner? Why keep it a secret?"

"I don't know, maybe..."

"Maybe she didn't want to flaunt her new relationship the way some other people do," Jimmy hissed.

Kid lunged across the table and grabbed Jimmy by the collar. The other riders jumped up from the table and helped Teaspoon pull them apart. No one had noticed Lou running out crying.

"Damn it, boys! That's enough." Teaspoon hollered. "You two are so busy tryin' to kill each other, you don't realize how much you're hurtin' the one person who loves you both."

Jimmy and Kid both looked around and realized Lou had disappeared. Both headed towards the door, causing the others to chuckle as they collided trying to be the first one out.

"This ain't your place anymore, Kid," Jimmy informed him. "You gave up the right to care about her feelings the moment you took up with Samantha."

"You think I don't know that Jimmy? But it's my fault she's upset. Let me go talk to her, please. Give me this one thing." Jimmy nodded and watched as Kid went to the porch of the main house where Lou was sitting on the swing with her head buried in her knees.

"Why aren't you inside?" Kid asked sitting down next to her.

"Rachel locked the door and I don't have my key," she said sniffling and refusing to look at him. "What do you want, Kid?"

"Look at me, Lou, please?" Kid's heart broke as he saw her tears, knowing he was the reason they were there. "I'm so sorry, Lou. I never meant to hurt you. It's just hard to see you movin' on like this so quickly. And with Jimmy of all people," he added quietly. "I guess I know how you must've felt when you saw me and Samantha at the dance."

Lou nodded. "Just because I wasn't ready to marry you, didn't mean I didn't love you. I just wanted more before we settled down."

"Lou, is there any chance the baby is mine?"

The voice in the back of her head screamed out to tell him the truth, but she had to know. She looked in his eyes. "What if there was?"

"Then I'd want to do the right thing by you. Just like Jimmy is doin'."

Lou's heart sank as once again, he talked about doing the right thing, and not about loving her. Lou just shook her head; scared if she spoke she would tell him everything.

Kid nodded in understanding but disappointed. "Lou," he started, "I know we've had our share of problems, and I've probably caused more than most," he smiled as Lou chuckled and nodded in agreement. "But I'm sorry for everything. Even accusing you of bein' with Jimmy when you were with me. I hate how we've become and I don't want to cause you any more pain."

"I miss your friendship more than anything," Lou replied as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry for everything, Lou. I just want you to be happy. That‘s all I ever wanted for you. If being with Jimmy makes you happy, then I‘m happy for you," he said surprising himself when he realized it was true. But in the back of his head, he longed for Lou to tell him she could only be happy with him and that the child she was carrying was his. As he heard her breathing slow and her light snore, he longed to take her to bed and stay with her. But he had to remind himself she belonged to Jimmy now, and as much as he hated it, as long as Jimmy made her happy in ways he couldn't, he was happy for both of them.

Jimmy looked out of the window towards the main house and smiled as he saw Kid and Lou together. As much as he loved Lou, he knew she would never be as happy with him as she was when she was with Kid. But if they were too stubborn to see how much they still loved each other, he silently vowed he would at least try to make her as happy as he could.

Part 6

Jimmy waited patiently outside while the doctor examined Lou, and grew worried when he was finally allowed back and saw tears in Lou's eyes.

"Lou? What's wrong?" He asked immediately pulling his Colt ready to kill the doctor for hurting her.

"Whoa, son," the doctor said trying to calm Jimmy down. "Put the weapon away, there's no need for that here."

"Why's she cryin' then?" Jimmy asked, still with his gun at the ready. He felt a little better when Lou reached out and caressed his other arm.

"Jimmy, it's all right. These are tears of joy," she said smiling.

"Yes son," the doctor agreed. "Would you like to hear what made her so happy?"

Jimmy hesitantly re-holstered his gun and nodded. He watched as the doctor stuck the stethoscope in his ears and moved the flat part around Lou's stomach. Finally the doctor smiled and told Jimmy to take the ear pieces.

Jimmy looked at him questioningly but listened trying to figure out what he was listening for. Then he heard it; a faint but strong heartbeat, other than Lou's. "Is that... is that the baby?" Jimmy asked stunned.

Lou nodded as the tears began flowing again. Even though it was obvious she was pregnant, it didn't seem real until she'd heard the baby's heart beating. A tiny heart that was half hers and half Kid's.

Jimmy once again felt guilty that he was experiencing something Kid should be, but thrilled that Lou wanted to share this moment with him.

"Well now, Louise," the doctor said in a warning tone. "You need to continue to take it easy now. You're blood pressure is higher than I'd like for it to be and that's not good for you or the baby."

Lou nodded, knowing the doctor was right. But with everything that's happened with her, Jimmy and Kid lately, she couldn't help but be stressed. For most of the ride back from the doctor's, both Lou and Jimmy were quiet and lost in thought.

As Lou saw the station up ahead, she finally spoke. "Thanks for comin' with me today, Jimmy. It meant a lot to me."

Jimmy nodded and smiled at her. "I'm glad you asked me. That was amazing to hear the heartbeat. It makes it feel so real now."

"That's how I felt. When I first suspected that I might be pregnant, I was in denial. I couldn't believe with everything that has ever happened to me that there was a chance I'd be left alone to raise a child by myself. I knew Kid didn't want a child and that he was happy with Samantha. I wasn't sure if this is what I wanted, but as soon as I heard her beating heart..."

"Her?"

"I hope for a girl. One that looks like me," she said quietly.

"You wouldn't want her to have Kid's blue eyes?" Jimmy asked jokingly.

Lou shook her head. "It's hard enough that she'll remind me of him anyway, but I don't know if I can handle it if she looked like him too."

Jimmy nodded in understanding as he brought the buckboard to a stop in front of the main house. He got down and crossed over to Lou's side, helping her down.

Lou allowed Jimmy to help her down and smiled at him. "Jimmy, thanks."

"You've already thanked me," he said pushing a lock of her from her face and looking into her eyes.

"I mean, thanks for everything. You don't have to do this, not too many guys would."

"Kid would," he said quietly.

Lou sighed. "For someone who almost two weeks ago was excited about marryin' me, you're sure sendin' me mixed signals. Do you not want to marry me anymore?" she asked quietly.

Jimmy shook his head. "I do, Lou. But I don't want you makin' the worse mistake of your life by marrying me when you don't want too."

Lou smiled at him and stood on her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I do want to, Jimmy," she said before kissing him.

Jimmy grinned as Lou pressed her body against his. He had heard one question she had asked the doctor, and as much as the thought excited him, he wasn't about to push the issue right now. Feeling aroused, Jimmy pulled back and cleared his throat.

"I better go finish cleanin' out the stalls like Teaspoon asked me to do this morning."

Lou nodded, trying to hide the smile she felt trying to escape from his reaction to her kiss. "I have some stuff Rachel wants me to take care off as well."

"Be careful and take it easy, Lou. You heard what the doctor said about your blood pressure."

"I know, and don't worry, it's nothing strenuous. She just probably wants to give me another cooking or sewing lesson or do some last minute this or that for the wedding."

Jimmy and Lou parted ways for the rest of the morning. Rachel and Lou spent the rest of it finishing up last minute details since the wedding was going to be held at the station. Lou and Jimmy had decided on a small wedding, with just their express family in attendance, and not only was Teaspoon officiating, but he had thrilled Lou to death when he had said he would be honored if he could walk her down the aisle.

Now that Rachel had thrown Lou out of the house so she could prepare lunch without Lou's nausea effecting them, Lou headed down to the barn and sat on a bale of hay and watched as Jimmy finished cleaning out the rest of the stalls.

She couldn't help but notice the way the sweat seemed to glisten on his tanned skin and well defined muscles that were usually hidden under his shirt. Part of her longed for their wedding night so she could discover his other hidden treasures.

Jimmy felt as if he were being watched and turned to see Lou staring open mouthed at him. He smiled at her and chuckled as she blushed and looked away. Jimmy propped the shovel against the stall wall and reached for his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face. When he was done, he crossed to the other side and sat down next to her.

"Shouldn't you be restin'?" Jimmy asked, the concern evident in his voice.

"Rachel started lunch, and I couldn't handle the smell so I figured I'd come out here."

"Lou, I wanted to ask you something. I heard what you asked the doctor."

"Heard what?" Lou asked, the embarrassment obvious in her voice. "I don't know what you're talkin' about," she said looking away from him.

Jimmy lifted her chin with his finger and smiled. "I want you to know, I don't expect anything from you on our wedding night. I'd love to be able to share that with you, but I know you don't love me. But I love you enough to be patient until you are ready. Even if it's after the baby is born."

Lou's heart swelled at his words. She wanted to be ready and wrapped her arms around him and engaging him in a passionate kiss. Jimmy eagerly accepted and before long, Lou was lying back on the hay bringing him down to lie beside her.

Jimmy groaned as Lou's hands began their exploration of his body. He'd dreamed about this for so many nights and feared he was dreaming again. He wanted to go slow, let Lou set the pace, but the more he felt her hands on his body, the more aroused he became.

Lou tensed as she felt Jimmy's hand on her leg. She tried to relax but found it harder and harder as his arousal pressed into her side.

Kid walked into the barn to let Jimmy know Rachel was calling everyone to lunch, but the sight that greeted him stopped him dead in his tracks. He knew obviously Lou and Jimmy had to have been intimate at some point, but to see it with his own eyes was another thing.

He knew he should turn and leave before they noticed him, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He felt envious as he watched a man he once considered to be his brother, about to make love to the woman he still loved. He felt disgusted with himself as he found himself being aroused by her moans; moans he thought she'd only made with him.

Shaking his head in disgust and turning to leave, he stopped again as he heard a change in Lou's voice. It was something that he'd never heard from her, almost like a whimper in pain. But he figured it was something else since Jimmy was now on top of her. Kid turned and hurriedly left the barn.

Jimmy realized almost immediately something wasn't right. Lou didn't seem to be as ready as he was. He immediately sat up and pulled Lou into a sitting position.

Lou looked at Jimmy confused and hurt. "What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?" she asked.

"Lou, I'm sorry," he said shaking his head. "I shouldn't have pushed you."

"You didn't Jimmy, I wanted it."

"Your brain may have been sayin' you wanted it, but your body just ain't in it."

Lou nodded feeling like a fool. She had tried, she really had, but images of Kid kept floating through her mind. And although she had hoped that would help get her in the mood, it just made her feel worse.

"Let's go clean up for lunch," Jimmy said standing and holding his hand out to help her up.

Lou shook her head. "You go ahead, I need a few minutes." Jimmy nodded and Lou watched him walk away. She felt so humiliated, but was at least thankful that he showed concern for her feelings and didn't force her. She was so confused by her feelings she didn't even notice Kid enter the barn.

"Lou?" Kid asked coming to check on her and noticing her crying. He immediately crossed to the bale of hay and sat next to her. "Lou, what's wrong?"

"I'm fine, Kid. It's nothing."

"Looks like something to me, what is it?" A horrible thought entered his head. As much as he refused to think about it, he had to know. "Lou, has Jimmy... Did Jimmy force himself on you?"

"What?!" Lou exclaimed. "How could you even think that?"

"I just thought... Never mind, I know Jimmy would never do that. I guess I'm just concerned about you."

"I guess it's just nerves. I feel like this is movin' faster than when I was with you."

"Do you love him?"

Lou shrugged. "Not in the way he loves me."

"Then how..." Kid couldn't even finish the sentence.

"On our first ride after you and I broke up. I was upset and Jimmy was consoling me. One thing just led to another, and well, you know the rest," she said looking away so Kid couldn't see her lying.

"Lou, you don't have to marry him if you don't think it's right." Kid said looking at her.

Lou grew even more confused as she saw the love and concern in Kid's eyes. Stop it! She silently cursed herself. You're seeing what you want to. He's happy with Samantha now.

"But what about the baby?" she asked.

"Wouldn't you rather have your child grow up with one lovin' parent and the support of her family instead of growin' up in a loveless marriage? Look how our families were. Wouldn't you have been happier that way?"

Lou shrugged. "I guess, but..."

"But what, Lou?"

"Nothing. Like I said, it's probably just nerves. I'm sure Jimmy has them too. I'm sure all guys feel that way before they settle down with a woman for the rest of their lives."

"I wouldn't as long as I was marryin' you."

Lou chuckled. "That's a sweet thought Kid, but your better of with Samantha."

"What makes you think that?" he asked.

"She's more of your ideal woman. She's everything I'm not. Everything you deserve," she said quietly looking away from him. The last thing she needed right now was for him to see how she truly felt.

Kid lifted her face with his finger and smiled. "Lou, you're wrong. I loved you because you aren't like other women. You were different from any woman I've ever met. Strong, independent, feisty... but it was also those things that made me worried every time you rode out of here. I hated that you were willin' to put yourself in danger, when I was willing to take care of and protect you."

"Well you don't have to worry about that with Samantha. Teachin' a bunch of kids is about as dangerous as she can handle," she said chuckling and Kid nodded in agreement. "Are you bringin' her to the wedding?"

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?"

"I don't want things to be uncomfortable on your special day."

Lou shook her head. "Kid, I want to put all of this behind us. I want us all to be friends. I know she makes you happy, and I'm glad."

"Are you sure, Lou?" he asked surprised at her sudden change in attitude towards Samantha.

Lou nodded. "Besides, it probably won't be too long before Jimmy and I come to your weddin'."

Kid tried to imagine what it would be like married to Samantha, but realized he couldn't. His feelings for her were nothing compared to what he still felt; would always feel, for Lou. "I doubt it, but if you're sure, I'll go ahead and invite her."

Lou nodded and was about to say something else when she heard Rachel calling everyone for lunch. "I guess you better go."

Kid nodded and stood up. "Aren't ya coming?"

"I'm not really hungry," she said shaking her head.

"Lou, you need to eat. I know you didn't eat much before, but you're eatin' for two now."

"I guess you're right," she agreed. She started to get up and Kid reached out to help her. "Thanks," she said as she crashed into him as she had Jimmy a few days earlier.

Kid held her longer than he should, relishing in how she still felt in his arms. He longed to kiss her but knew she belonged to Jimmy now.

Lou sighed as Kid held her. It felt so right, as it always had, and she longed to stay there. She looked in his eyes and saw the desire he still felt. She longed to kiss him, and was about to when she heard Jimmy's voice.

"Lou? Kid? You two in here?" Jimmy stopped as he saw Kid and Lou in an embrace. Lou looked at him and immediately pulled away from Kid.

"What is it, Jimmy?" she asked.

"Are you guys comin' to lunch? Rachel says to come on now or Cody might not leave you guys anything."

Kid and Lou nodded and Kid left the barn. Lou tried to leave to, but Jimmy stopped her.

"Lou, are you sure about this? It's not to late to change your mind about marryin' me."

Lou hesitated briefly before nodding. "Yes, Jimmy. I'm sure," she lied as she stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. She knew Jimmy loved her, and she didn't have the heart to break things off with him. No matter if her heart would always belong to another.

Part 7

The day before the wedding, Jimmy went to talk to Rachel. He'd witnessed Kid and Lou talking more and more, and the embrace he caught them in bothered him even more.

"Rachel?" Jimmy asked as he opened the door and entered. "Are you here?"

Rachel came down the stairs and put her finger to her lips. "Shh," she said. "I finally convinced Lou she needed a nap. Come on in, Jimmy. What can I help you with?"

Jimmy entered the living room and sat down on the couch, wringing his fingers. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Lou."

"Is everything all right?" she asked, concerned, and sitting down across from Jimmy. "Is it something with the baby?"

Jimmy shook his head. "It's about tomorrow, and Lou and Kid."

Rachel nodded in understanding. She hadn't missed the fact Kid and Lou seemed to be spending a lot of time together the past few days. "What about it?"

Jimmy looked down at the ground. "I love Lou and would do anything to make her happy, but I think marryin' her is a bad idea."

"Why would you think that?"

"She's still in love with Kid and it's obvious he feels the same way."

"I know that, but she's convinced herself that he could only be happy with Samantha. She refuses to listen to anyone trying to tell her different. And she knows how much you love her, and thinks it will make you happy if she marries you."

"She's tryin' so hard to please me," Jimmy said thinking about the incident with her in the barn. "But I think the harder she tries, the more miserable it's makin' her. I couldn't live with myself if she woke up one day and realized that marryin' me was the worst mistake of her life."

"What are ya thinkin'?" she asked.

"The only thing I can think of is tellin' Kid the truth; that the baby is his. But I promised Lou I wouldn't."

"I did too, Jimmy, but I agree. If he knew he'd make her see the light."

"Problem is, Lou would just think he's marryin' her because of the baby. There has to be some way to convince her otherwise."

Rachel smiled slyly. "I think I might have an idea. How about this?" She leaned in and whispered into his ear. As Jimmy heard the plan, he smiled and hoped it worked.

~~

After lunch, Lou woke up feeling more refreshed than she had in days. She was still nervous that she was about to become Mrs. Hickock, but she couldn't find it in her heart to break things off with Jimmy. She had her final fitting for her dress this afternoon and she was determined to ask Rachel for some advice.

"Louise, if you don't stop fidgetin', I'm gonna wind up sticking one of these pins into you instead of the dress," Rachel said smiling.

"I'm sorry, Rachel. I guess I just have other things on my mind."

"Wanna talk about it?"

Lou nodded. "Do you think I'm doin' the right thing?"

Rachel stopped what she was doing and looked up at her friend. "Oh, honey. It doesn't matter what I think," she said standing up and hugging her when she noticed the tears in her eyes. "Are you havin' second thoughts?"

Lou nodded. "And third and fourth... I care about Jimmy, and I know he loves me, but I'm just not sure I can make him happy in the long run."

"Have you thought about telling Kid the truth about the baby? I know these past few days you've been spendin' a lot of time with him."

Lou nodded and was about to speak when there was a knock on the door.

"Rachel," Kid asked walking into the house. "Jimmy said you wanted me to go into town for supplies?"

Rachel nodded. "I do, thank you Kid," she couldn't help but notice how he lovingly gazed at Lou. "But I left the list over in the bunkhouse," she said starting for the door.

"I'll get it," Kid said, although he didn't want to leave the beautiful sight in front of him.

"No, you stay right here, I'll just go make sure I didn't forget anything," she said giving Lou a wink before walking out of the house.

Lou suddenly felt very self-conscious. Tomorrow she would have a huge bouquet to hide her swollen belly, but Kid was seeing her as she looked. "I think I should go change," she said heading up the stairs.

Kid placed his hand on her arm and stopped her. "You're beautiful," he said sensing her self-doubt.

Lou chuckled. "Even though I'm as big as a house?"

Kid shook his head. "You're not fat, Lou, you're pregnant. And you're gonna be the most beautiful bride Sweetwater has ever seen," he said looking into her eyes and pulling her closer. "More beautiful than I could even imagined."

Lou blushed as she saw the sincerity in his eyes. She was about to pull away when suddenly Kid's lips captured her own in one of the most passionate kisses they'd ever shared. Lou pulled back and shook her head.

"Why?" she asked confused. "Why did you do that?"

Kid pulled her back into his arms as she tried to break free, and looked her in the eyes and smiled. "Because I still love you, Lou. I can't help it, but I always have and always will."

"What?" she asked astonished.

Kid nodded as he continued to look in her eyes. "I know he can't make you happy, as happy as I can. If I thought he could, I'd walk away, let him have you. But you can't be happy living the kind of life he does. There's always someone coming after him."

"You don't know that. You don't know anything about me anymore."

"Lou, I know he can't make you as happy was I can. I saw you and Jimmy the other day in the barn," he said very quietly.

Lou pulled back horrified that he saw them. "You watched us?"

"I didn't mean to, but I couldn't help it. I know you didn't want it as much as he did, that's..."

"That's why you thought he had forced himself on me. I can't believe you, Kid! How could you even do that?"

"Please don't be mad, Lou. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. I don't know if it's because of the pregnancy or you just don't love Jimmy, but he can't please you, not like I can," he said huskily as he started to kiss the space between her neck and shoulder that used to make her melt. "Or if you want, we'll go slower this time. Please, Lou, give us another chance."

Lou could hear his jealous tone as he tried to convince her. She almost allowed herself to get lost in his words, in his kisses. She knew no matter what he said, he wasn't in love with her. He just couldn't stand to lose her to his best friend. She broke free and slapped him across the face. "You don't love me," she said not fighting the tears this time. "If you did, how could you still be with... still be with... be with her?" she said, the last part sounding like a hiss.

Lou broke free and ran up the stairs leaving a bewildered Kid left standing there. He shook his head and turned to leave as Rachel came back in.

"Kid?" she asked concerned when she saw Kid rubbing his red cheek.

Kid shook his head and left the house mumbling about not being able to understand women.

Rachel could hear Lou's sobs coming down the stairs and realized that no matter what she and Jimmy did, Lou would probably never realize how much she and Kid were meant to be together. She walked out of the main house determined to find out what Kid did or had said to her.

She grabbed his arm when she caught up with him at the fence to the corral. "Don't you know you shouldn't be upsettin' her right now? The doctor's already concerned with her blood pressure without you adding to it."

Kid turned to Rachel. "What do you mean the doctor's concerned? Lou said everything was fine," he became concerned and mentally kicked himself for upsetting her.

"Yeah well, except for her blood pressure being through the roof, and being able to hear her crying from downstairs, everything is just fine!" Kid turned away, not wanting Rachel to see how ashamed he was. "Kid, what the hell did you say to her?"

Kid turned back to look at Rachel. "I told her that I still loved her," he said quietly. "I told her if she'd give me a chance, I could make her happy, and that because of Jimmy's reputation, he never could."

Rachel shook her head. "Did you ever think she's not concerned about her happiness right now?"

"What?" Kid asked puzzled.

"That maybe she's doin' this to make everyone else happy... including you?"

"I don't understand, Rachel. Why would her marryin' Jimmy make me happy?"

"Because she's convinced herself that you're better off with Samantha. All she wants is for you to be happy, and she hasn't seen you as happy as you were with Samantha at the beginning."

"That's ridiculous. The only reason I'm still seeing Samantha is I can't stand living without Lou. And seeing her with Jimmy... I just can't bear it."

"So you acted like a jealous ex-lover by saying how you can't stand her with Jimmy?"

"I told her I loved her and I kissed her, too. What else was I supposed to do?"

"How about telling her you need her, not because of Jimmy or the baby, but her. You can't live without her and that you want to be the father of her baby," Rachel looked at him as serious as she'd ever been. "Kid you realize that don't you? That being with her includes being a father to the child she's carrying, regardless of who the father is?"

"I'd give anything for the baby to be mine," he said in surprise, but it was the truth. "Even though the baby's Jimmy's, I'd still love and cherish it as if it was mine. My own father made me feel unwanted, I could never do that to any child," his voice got extremely quiet as he realized how much he really did love her. "Especially Lou's."

Rachel smiled and nodded. "Well Kid, that's all she needs to hear. It's the only way you might be able to convince her that you aren't better off with Samantha. That you do still love her... no matter what."

"But what do I say to her? Everything I've tried to say or do just upsets her more."

"I can't tell you what to do, Kid. You need to figure that out on your own."

"I guess I just gotta figure out exactly what I should say to her. And what about Jimmy? I know he loves her, I hate that this is going to hurt him."

"Well, I guess you've got to figure out what you can and can't live with. But you don't have much time, Kid. Once she and Jimmy are pronounced man and wife tomorrow it will be too late."

"She won't talk to me right now, I know it."

"Give her time to rest, Kid. I doubt she'll come to the bunkhouse for dinner, so maybe you could go talk to her then."

Kid nodded. "Rachel, thanks."

"Just don't hurt her again, Kid," she said before walking back to the house to check on Lou.

Part 8

The morning of the wedding was cold and stormy, and Lou was suffering from the worst case of morning sickness yet. After the incident with Kid, she had locked herself in her room refusing to come out or see anyone other than Rachel. Rachel tried mentioning Kid, tried to get Lou to see and talk to him, but Lou would just become more upset. Finally Rachel had to give her something to calm down and help her sleep.

Now as the riders tried to prepare the downstairs of the house to have the wedding inside instead of outside, Kid kept gazing up the stairs, trying to find one last way to convince Lou that she was making a mistake.

"Boys," Teaspoon interrupted them. "It's about time you start gettin' ready. You all want to look your best dontcha?"

All of the riders grumbled but nodded and left except for Kid. He sat down on the couch not wanting to leave before talking to Lou.

Teaspoon crossed over to Kid and put his hand on the young boy's shoulder. "Kid, that includes you. I know you want to talk to her, but you don't need to be upsettin' her anymore. 'Specially on her big day."

"Teaspoon, I love her. I don't think I can watch her go through with it. Breakin' up with her nearly killed me. Seein' her marry Jimmy will do it for sure."

"I know that son, but she's made her choice. And as much as it'll hurt you, imagine how she'll feel if you ain't there." Kid nodded reluctantly, knowing Teaspoon was right. "Now go and get ready."

Teaspoon shook his head as he watched Kid leave, feeling bad for the young man. He was about to go check on the bride to be when Rachel came down the stairs.

"Kid not wanna leave?" she asked as she sat down on the couch.

"He's determined to make Lou change her mind," Teaspoon said nodding. "He doesn't understand why she won't talk to him."

"I think at this point, she may blurt out the truth. Honestly though, I think he should know he's the father before he realizes it when the baby's born."

"What?" Teaspoon asked stunned. "Kid's the father? But I thought Jimmy..."

Rachel covered her mouth, realizing Teaspoon didn't know. Teaspoon shook his head at the mess his riders had gotten themselves into. Teaspoon stood and headed towards the stairs. "I think it's time I go have a talk with my daughter," he grinned.

"Teaspoon, don't upset her."

"Don't worry, I won't," he said as he ascended the stairs. When he reached Lou's room, he knocked on the door.

"Come in," Lou called out, thinking it was Rachel.

"Louise," Teaspoon said as he watched her finishing her hair. "You look beautiful."

Lou jumped at the unexpected voice. She looked into the mirror and smiled as she realized he had tears in his eyes. "Thanks," she said fighting back her own tears. "Did you need something?"

Teaspoon shook his head and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Just wanted to see if you needed anything... or want to talk about anything."

"You mean about Kid?" she asked quietly. Teaspoon nodded. "What's there to talk about?"

"Maybe the fact he has the right to know that's his child you're carryin'," he said in a supportive tone, trying not to upset her.

Lou sighed. "What difference would it make? He'd leave Samantha and be miserable with me."

"Louise, honey, we both know that ain't true. Anyone can see how much he still loves you."

She shook her head, not caring if she messed up her hair. "He just doesn't want to lose me to Jimmy."

"So you're gonna let him think you had a fling with Jimmy, and then deal with the aftermath if that young'un looks like him when it's born?"

"Who says I didn't?"

"Louise, I know you better than that. It's obvious you're still in love with Kid, but you've convinced yourself he's better off with Samantha."

"He is," she said quietly. "Samantha is everything I'm not, everything I could never be but he deserves. It doesn't matter what I feel for him, if he knows the truth, he'll insist on marryin' me out of obligation. I couldn't live with him marrying me just because I'm carryin' his child."

"But he wants you now, even though he thinks that's Jimmy's child."

"How do you know?" she asked looking up with hope in her eyes.

Teaspoon saw the spark in her eyes and knew that's all she wanted to hear. "Do you still love him?"

She nodded. "A part of me always will. How could I not?"

"What about the rest of you?"

"Teaspoon, I know you're tryin' to help, but it's too late. I'm about to marry Jimmy."

"Not if you don't want to."

"But the wedding..."

"Talk to Kid before then."

"What about Jimmy?"

"Jimmy loves you and wants you to be happy. If Kid can make you happy again, then that's all he wants."

Lou nodded. "Would you... Would you send Kid up?"

Teaspoon nodded. "Do you want me to talk to Jimmy?"

Lou shook her head. "Let me talk to Kid first."

Teaspoon nodded and left the room, happy that the two would finally work out their differences. Teaspoon headed to the bunkhouse and was surprised to find all of the boys, including Jimmy, there except for Kid.

"You boys seen Kid?" Teaspoon asked.

"Not since we left the house," Buck replied.

"Thought he still may be there," Cody answered.

Teaspoon nodded and headed out. Jimmy followed him. "Why are ya lookin' for Kid, Teaspoon?"

"Lou wanted to talk to him," he answered honestly.

Jimmy nodded in understanding and was surprised a smile formed on his lips. "She finally figure things out?"

"Are you okay with that?" Teaspoon asked, concerned.

Jimmy nodded. "I just want her happy, Teaspoon. I love her, but I know she's better off with him. Maybe he went to go get Samantha?"

Teaspoon shook his head. "I don't know, I hope not. Look if you see him, tell him to go see Lou, that she wants to talk to him."

An hour later, Kid was still no where to be found and the wedding was due to start in a half hour. Lou was beside herself as every minute passed without Kid coming to see her. Deciding everyone had been wrong, she decided Jimmy could make her happy; at least he had cared enough to try and come check on her.

Five minutes before the start of the wedding, Rachel was surprised at a knock on the door. Going to open it, she was even more surprised to see Samantha standing on the porch, alone.

"Samantha," Rachel said. "How nice to see you. Is Kid with you?"

Samantha shook her head. "I figured when he didn't show to pick me up, he must have been too busy here with final preparations. He's not here?"

"No, but I'm sure he'll be here shortly," Rachel said standing aside to let her enter and then looked outside for any sign of Kid. "Have a seat, things will be starting soon."

Samantha didn't look happy about being stood up, but took a seat. Soon the room was filling with the other riders and Kid was still nowhere to be found as Jimmy took his place in front of the fireplace.

Teaspoon took his place at the bottom of the stairs as Rachel began playing the Wedding March on the piano. Soon Lou was walking down the stairs looking more beautiful than any of the riders had ever seen. At the bottom of the stairs, Teaspoon kissed her cheek and hooked her arm in his. "Are you sure about this, Louise?"

Lou nodded but suddenly stopped and covered her mouth feeling extremely nauseous. She heard her friends chuckle and as the nausea passed she glared at them. Her heart broke as she looked around and saw Samantha but no Kid. But she tried to forget her bad feelings as Teaspoon led her to a waiting Jimmy.

Jimmy looked at Lou and smiled. She had never looked more beautiful, and even knowing she didn't love him as much as he loved her, didn't take away from his excitement.

"Dearly beloved," Teaspoon started.

Kid is a fool if he can't even stand to see to her as beautiful as she is right now, Jimmy thought as Teaspoon continued on.

As Teaspoon went through the beginning of the ceremony, Lou looked up at Jimmy with adoration. The fact he was willing to marry her to give her child a name when she didn't love him, created a special feeling towards him beyond love. I know he'll make me happy, she thought. And Kid will be free to be happy with Samantha or whomever he wants.

"Now," Teaspoon started bringing Jimmy and Lou's attention back to the matter at hand. "If there be any reason that anyone should object to this union..."

"I do!" Kid said as the door to the main house flew open. He walked to the couple and stopped in front of them.

"'Bout time you showed up," Jimmy said smiling. "Now, object already before I have to."

"What?" Lou asked shaking her head at the two of them.

"You belong with him, as much as I love you, I know you still love him as much as he still loves you," Jimmy said.

"You do?" Kid and Lou said at the same time looking at each other.

Kid nodded and reached out and took Lou's hand as Jimmy stepped back. "Lou... Louise, I love you more than I ever thought I could love someone."

"You what?" Samantha hollered, standing up. "How dare you do this to me!"

Kid turned, realizing Samantha had come to the wedding on her own. "Samantha, I'm sorry, but it's true. I never stopped loving her. I tried to tell you a few times, but you just wouldn't listen."

"You two deserve each other! Other than you and Jimmy, who knows how many of these guys she's had wrapped around her finger. I wonder if she even knows who the father of that bastard is!" Samantha turned and ran out of the house crying in shame.

"Guess it's true what they say," Noah said chuckling. "Every gal has to cry at a weddin'."

"It sure does smell a lot better in here all of a sudden," Cody said. "She was wearing more perfume than a whorehouse."

Kid chuckled with the rest of their family and turned back to Lou. "I know that that includes loving your baby, though it's Jimmy's. I know we've both made mistakes, but that doesn't matter anymore. Look me in the eyes and tell me you love him and want to marry him, and I'll leave right now. But know I do still love you, and I'd wish you and the baby would marry me instead."

"Would you still love me if the child wasn't Jimmy's?" Lou asked quietly looking away.

Kid lifted her chin to make her look in his eyes. "I don't care who the baby's father is, I just care about the mother." Kid got down on one knee and reached into his pocket for a set of engraved, gold wedding bands. "Louise McCloud, would you marry me? Right her. right now in front of our family?"

Lou nodded and smiled. "Yes, Kid. I would love to marry you and create a family for our child."

Kid stood and looked at her puzzled. "Did you just say..."

Lou nodded. "You seemed like you were happier with Samantha. She's everything I'm not, and I didn't want you to think you had to marry me because of the baby. I thought you didn't love me anymore."

Kid stood back and looked at Lou. He couldn't believe that the life inside her, that he was prepared to love as his own, was his own. He gently picked her up and twirled her around in his arms. He put her down and looked in her eyes, smiling as he saw the love for him there. "You're right, she was everything you're not. But you know what?" Lou shook her head. "You're everything I need and all I'll ever want."

Lou's tears flowed down her face and Kid tried to wipe them away. "Teaspoon," he said. "Do you mind marryin' us instead?"

Teaspoon nodded. "I'd been plannin' on it all along," he said grinning. "But do you mind if we continue on from where I left off? I don't want anyone else interrupting."

Kid and Lou chuckled and nodded in agreement. Jimmy turned to Lou and kissed her cheek. You make sure he spends the rest of his life makin' up for how stupid he's been, ya hear me?" Lou nodded. "If you don't, I will."

"Thank you for everything, Jimmy. I'm sorry that..."

"Don't worry about it, Lou. One thing Kid and I still have in common is how much we love you and want you to be happy. You will be now," he said as he kissed her cheek and turned to Kid. "And if you ever hurt her again, you'll have to answer to me, you understand?"

Kid nodded. "Don't worry, Jimmy. I'm about to spend the rest of my life makin' sure I never hurt her again."

Kid and Jimmy shook hands before Jimmy pulled Kid into an embrace. He then turned to sit down with the rest of the riders as the wedding was about to continue.

"Wait!" Kid said. "I forgot one thing," he said before heading back to the front door. He opened the door and waved. Moments later, Jeremiah and Teresa entered the house and ran to their sister hugging her.

"Kid?" Lou asked deeply touched at the thought.

"That's why I was late. I knew you would want them here so I sent for them a few days ago. Unfortunately the stage was late or we would've been here earlier."

"But what if I'd said no?"

"Then I would've looked like a fool with the covered buckboard and Katy and Lightning all decked out. But either way, I wanted to give you something special."

"You have, Kid. More than you can ever imagine," she said cradling her stomach and kissing him passionately.

Teaspoon cleared his throat. "So am I marryin' you two or are ya waitin' for the young'un to make his appearance?"

Kid and Lou broke apart but continued to hold each other's hand as they continued through the ceremony. When Teaspoon finally pronounced them husband and wife everyone clapped and cheered as Kid pulled Lou against him kissing her and never wanting to let her go.

Lou broke the kiss and Kid rested his forehead against hers. "I love you, Kid. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the baby sooner. I know I don't deserve..."

Kid put his finger to her lips. "None of that matters anymore, Lou. All that matters is I love you too."

Lou nodded, still amazed that she and Kid were now husband and wife.

"Lou, I don't know what you and Jimmy about where you were gonna live and stuff like that. I wasn't sure if you'd say yes, so I didn't want to make plans without including you, but I'll do whatever you ask. If you want to find a place of our own, then we will."

"Right now," she said huskily. "The only thing I care about is," she whispered in his ear and everyone chuckled as Kid turned as red as the roses in her bouquet.

Kid nodded. "Then what are we waitin' for, let's go!" he said grabbing her hand and leading her outside.

Lou stood frozen in place as she saw the elegantly decorated buckboard as well as Katy and Lightning with ribbons and flowers in their manes. Lightning kept trying to bite his off.

Kid saw Lou's reaction and smiled. "The ribbons and flowers were Teresa's idea. Are you ready to go?" he said taking her hand and helping her up to into the buckboard.

Lou nodded as Kid got in next to her. They waved good-bye to their family and headed off for a place known only to them.

Epligoue

When Kid and Lou had returned from their few days of enjoying being husband and wife, they settled quickly into both a routine and into the main house. Kid often spoke of them looking for a place to settle on their own, but something told Lou that they should wait. Her instincts proved right when two months later, the station relocated to Rock Creek.

Not finding a suitable house for their expanding family, Kid, Lou, and Teresa continued staying with Rachel, and Jeremiah stayed in the bunkhouse while the boys helped Kid and Jeremiah build a small ranch house not to far from the station. Even after the house was finished and her pregnancy progressed, Kid insisted Lou and her siblings stay at the station when he was out on a run.

While Kid was on his last scheduled run before becoming a father, Lou went into labor three weeks early.

"Damn it, Jimmy. Where is he?" Lou hissed during another strong contraction.

"He should be back from Seneca soon, Lou," Jimmy said trying to comfort her. "Try and hold on."

Lou grabbed Jimmy by his collar with fire burning in her eyes. "You want to lie in this bed and try to hold on? Damn it, Jimmy! Get... him... here... NOW!"

"All right, Lou, anything you want," Jimmy said standing up and heading towards the door. He was determined to at least have Rachel come sit with her while he headed down to the saloon for a stiff drink.

"Jimmy, where are you goin'?" Lou asked calmly as her contraction subsided. "Don't leave me."

Jimmy chuckled knowing Lou couldn't help herself. "Kid should be back anytime now."

"Why did he have to go? Why did he have to get in one last run?" Lou asked crying almost hysterically.

"Lou, honey, be fair, this little one's comin' early."

"But he's not scheduled to be back until tomorrow. Jimmy, he's gonna miss the birth of his child."

"I know, and he ain't gonna be happy about it, but that's why he wanted you here with us when he was gone."

Rachel entered the bedroom carrying a pot of water and towels and smiled on the couple at the bed. She was glad that despite Lou leaving him at the altar for Kid, that the three had repaired and forged an even stronger friendship for it.

"How's she doin' Jimmy?" she asked setting the stuff down on the dresser.

"Tryin' to wait until Kid gets back. And you know how stubborn Lou is, she just might force the kid to stay in there until then."

"I am not havin' this baby until he gets here and that's final!" Lou hollered as another contraction hit. She nearly broke Jimmy's hand in the process, twisting it more and more as the pain increased.

"Jimmy, why don't you go bring the rest of the stuff up while I check and see how Lou's progressin'," Rachel said seeing that the poor man needed a break, and preferably not his hand.

Jimmy shot her a grateful look and ran from the room and headed towards the bunkhouse. He was about to enter when he saw the familiar paint horse ride into town.

"Kid!" Jimmy called at as he walked quickly towards the barn. "You need to get over to the house and quick."

"What's wrong, Jimmy?" Kid asked quickly dismounting. "Is it Lou?"

Jimmy nodded. "She went into labor not too long after you left yesterday afternoon. She's been holdin' on until you got back, but I don't think she can wait much longer."

Kid looked towards the house and then at Katy. "Jimmy, would you..."

Jimmy nodded and took Katy's reins. Kid took off faster than he'd ever run, his heart breaking as he heard Lou screaming from outside.

"Just a few more pushes, Louise. She's almost here," Rachel said in a calming voice as Kid entered the bedroom.

"Kid?" Lou said as she saw her husband. "You made it."

Kid rushed to her side and grabbed her hand. "I couldn't miss this, you'd never forgive me," he said chuckling.

"I'm never forgivin' you anyway! You promised me you'd never cause me any more pain, and look whats you've done to me," she hissed through a contraction.

"I know and I'm so sorry," he said rubbing her hair. "I promise you that this is the last time. But at least this time the pain will be worth it. We're about to have a baby, Lou. A perfect little you."

"Just one more push, Louise, the head is out," Rachel encouraged her.

Kid took a peek and smiled. "She has a head full of dark hair just like you. She's almost here, honey."

Fifteen minutes later, the entire express family as well as Lou's siblings had assembled downstairs and started cheering as the sound of a baby's cries floated downwards. A few minutes later, Kid came downstairs holding a tiny bundle in his arms.

"I'd like to introduce you guys to the newest addition to our family. James Hunter McCloud, meet your uncles."

"James?" Jimmy said beaming.

Kid nodded and smiled. "Hope you don't mind, Jimmy. We thought since you helped bring us back together..."

"Don't mind all, Kid. I'm happy for the both of ya."

Everyone crowded around and looked at the tiny bundle. Kid stood there amazed as once again he counted ten, ten and one. As the baby was passed around, Kid thought back to the amazing woman resting upstairs and how much he loved her. She's just given him the greatest gift, and he vowed to spend the rest of his life thanking her for it.

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