Part 1- The Bunkhouse; Early Morning, before breakfast Lou woke up feeling even worse than she had when she'd gotten in the night before. She hated riding during the late summer months and she's been so tired lately, that after refusing Kid to let him take her ride, she took him up on his suggestion to take a few days to relax. She hated being told what to do, especially by Kid, but after arriving in Green River a day earlier than she had been expected, she refused the invitation to bunk there, and instead checked in to the town's one hotel for the evening. She'd taken a relaxing, luxurious bath and pampered herself for once. In the past, Louise would've emerged from her shell, and gone looking for some companionship, but since Kid & Lou had gotten together, she'd left her alter ego in the room. She'd decided to eat at the hotels upscale restaurant, and was surprised to find southern cooking on the menu. Hearing Kid talking about his favorite meals, growing up in Virginia, Lou had decided to try some Fried Chicken with okra and collard greens. She had been surprised to find out how much she liked it and had returned in the morning for something called grits. Well at least she could tell Kid how much she had enjoyed the dinner. Heading back that morning she'd gotten violently ill. She rested for awhile, but by late afternoon, she knew she'd have to make camp. She felt better by the time she went to bed, but when she woke up the next morning, she had to fight back the nausea. Taking the trip back to Sweetwater more slowly than usual, she'd nibble on the crackers she always carried. Usually she'd feel better, but by the time she finally got back, Buck took one look at her and offered to take care of her horse. Lou had been so tired, she didn't even have the energy to climb onto her bunk and collapsed in Kid's bunk without so much as a "Thank You" or "Hello". Now as she lay in bed listening to the rest of the guys wash up and prepare for breakfast, she wondered if she could skip it without arising any suspicions. "Hey, Lou," Cody said. "You better hurry and wash up. Rachel will be here with breakfast soon, and there's a lot of chores to do today and with Kid, Noah & Ike out on runs, you, Buck and Jimmy get all the work." "Leave her alone, Cody." Jimmy playfully whacked Cody with his hat as they exited the bunkhouse. "Maybe if you pulled your weight around here more, she wouldn't look so tired." Lou tried closing her eyes, but heard Buck slowly approach. "You got in late. Want me to ask Rachel if we can eat at the house so you can rest?" "No, I'll be alright." Lou sat up and kicked her legs over the side of the bottom bunk. She tried standing when she felt light headed. Buck caught her and sat her back on the bed. "You sure?" Lou nodded. "Just tired of all this heat I reckon'. I'll be out in a minute." Buck gave her one last look and left the bunkhouse. As he was headed towards the showers, he saw Rachel heading down from the main house to the bunkhouse with breakfast. He approached her and offered to take one of the heavier pots. "Mornin', Buck. How are you doing?" "Worried about Lou. She got in late last night, and don't look too good this morning." "She say anything?" "She says she's fine, but she ain't lookin' fine. Would you check on her?" "Sure Buck, you go wash up and then tell the guys to finish bringing breakfast down, and it will be a few minutes late." She said as they reached the bunkhouse. She took back the pot Buck had held and opened the door. "Lou, you ok?" "Fine, Rachel. I'm just gonna go wash up." She said as she headed towards the door. Rachel gently took Lou's arm. "You know, the Kid was startin' to get real worried when you didn't get back. He made me promise if you weren't back by this afternoon to send out a search party." "Kid worries too much." "From the looks of you, he's got the right." "I'm fine, just tired is all. The heats gettin' to all of us. Even the horses are more tired than usual." Rachel looked at Lou skeptically. "All right then, go wash up, breakfast will be ready shortly." Lou started out the door "And Lou." Lou turned back and looked at Rachel. "If you ever need to talk..." "I know," was all she said before walking out. By the time Lou had washed up and returned to the bunkhouse, the rest of the boys were almost through eating. "Hope you boys left somethin' for me, I'm starvin'." Lou said as she took her seat. Rachel placed a plate down in front of Lou and smiled. "Well it was hard keepin' Cody away, but I think we managed to save you something." Cody smiled and patted his belly. "Can't help it if a growin' boy needs lots of food." "The only thing still growin' on you," commented Jimmy, "is your belly." Lou laughed at the usual morning banter, and took a bite of her eggs. Just the smell of them had made her nausea return, but she knew after that first bite, today was not going to be a good day. "'Scuse me boys." She said as she got up and headed for the door. Everyone but Cody watched her leave. When they went back to eating they noticed Lou's plate was now in front of him. "What?" He asked. ""Well if she ain't goin' eat it..." "OK boys," Rachel said taking the plate from Cody. "Go start on your chores. The horses need takin' care of, and you promised Teaspoon you'd mend the fence Ike's horse knocked down." "Aw Rachel." Cody complained. "Out!" As the boys headed out of the bunkhouse, she grabbed Buck. "You're right she ain't lookin to good. Would you ask her to come up to the main house, I have some things there I want her to work on." Buck nodded and went off in search of Lou. Part 2- The Main House; Late Morning "You wanted to see me Rachel?" Lou said as she entered the parlor of the main house. Rachel was sitting on the couch drinking tea. "Come on in Lou, sit down. Would you like some?" She offered as Lou sat down next to her. Lou shook her head. "Lou can I ask you somethin'?" "Sure, what is it?" "How long have you been sick?" Rachel tried to hide a tiny grin behind her cup. "I've just been tired that's all. Been workin' and ridin' hard," Lou said getting defensive. "I'm not saying you ain't. You work harder than most, because you feel you have to. But this morning, it wasn't like you. I'm concerned about you." "I'm fine. Now if you 'scuse me, I got chores that need a doin." Lou got up and headed for the door. Rachel remained seated and waited until the door was open. "Are you pregnant?" Lou stopped cold in her tracks. "I don't know what you're talkin' about." Rachel got up and shut the door. She gently took Lou's arm and led her back to the couch. "Lou..." "I'm fine." Lou continued to stand. "Nothin a few days of rest ain't goin' to cure." "Sick in the morning? Always tired? Lightheaded? Any of this sound familiar?" As Rachel's questions started to sink in, Lou sat on the couch and moaned. She buried her face in her hands, a gesture Rachel knew Lou did when she was nervous. "So it's possible?" Lou nodded, then shook her head, then nodded again. "I really never kept track of stuff like that. I mean not since, I mean not since I..." Lou started to panic "Rachel what am I gonna do? I'll have to quit ridin' for sure." "OK first thing first. We need to get you to a doctor. We..." "I ain't goin' to the doc Rachel." Lou said vigorously shaking her head. The fear and panic she felt became apparent. "He don't even know that I'm..." "Well then, we'll go some where else. There are other doctors in the territory. We can leave..." "But I just got back. Teaspoon ain't gonna give me no time off. He..." "Let me worry about Teaspoon and the boys. I'll tell 'em I need help with some errands in Blue Creek. Is that all right?" Lou nodded. "Ok go get your stuff. I'll leave word with the boys." Lou stood and headed again for the door. "And Lou?" Lou turned around "It's gonna be ok." Lou nodded and left towards the bunkhouse. Rachel soon followed and went to prepare the horses. When she was done, she headed towards the corral. "Boys?" She called out as she interrupted their work "Lou's goin' to help me with some errands over in Blue Creek. Let Teaspoon and the others know. Lou shouldn't have any runs scheduled, and we should be back in a few days." "But what you gotta do in Blue Creek that you can't do here, Rachel?" Cody asked sitting on the fence post slacking off his chores as usual. "Now that's none of your business. Just finish on up here and make sure you let Teaspoon and Kid know." Just then Lou exited the bunkhouse with her pack. "Ready then?" Lou nodded, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone. "We'll see you boys later then." Rachel and Lou headed toward the wagon and Rachel got in the drivers seat. The guys continued to watch them leave. "Man!" Cody exclaimed. "Now we have to do all Lou's chores too. It ain't fair I tell ya." Buck looked at Cody exasperated. "We? Doesn't look like you're doin' much of your own chores." Jimmy stopped hammering and chuckled. "Yeah, might do you some good, to help out for once. Looks like Lou really needed a break." He wiped the sweat from his brow and continued to hammer the board in place. "Well if you're just goin' sit there, at least hold this board steady." Cody held the board close to where Jimmy was nailing it. "All this special treatment she's gettin', and I have to do work. Everyone actin' like she's fragile or something. Like she's 'spectin or somethin'." Jimmy accidentally hit Cody's hand when the hammer slipped. "Ouch Jimmy watch what your doin'!" Buck turned and glanced at Cody. "What did you say?" "I said it's a wonder if she's pregnant the way she and Rachel just..." when his words sank in, he suddenly stopped talking, shaking his head. "No, Lou? She can't be... Is she? I mean..." "We know what you mean," Jimmy replied. "I guess she could be, I mean look at breakfast this mornin'. Granted she's never had much appetite, but has any of you ever seen her turn green at the sight of eggs?" "A baby," Cody said as he shook his head in amazement. "Boy things 'round here sure are goin' to change. A baby... Can you imagine it?" Buck shook his head and looked towards the road. "Rider Comin'. It's Kid. Don't nobody say nothin'," Buck headed over towards Kid to help with Katy. "Lou back?" Kid asked as he dismounted and headed towards the bunkhouse. "She was." "What'ya mean 'she was'? Where is she now?" "She got in last night and then headed to Blue Creek this mornin' with Rachel." "Why?" "Didn't say." "What are they gonna do?" "Didn't say." "Buck would you stop standin' there and tell me what's goin' on." "Not gonna say." Buck smiled and walked away leading Katy towards the stables. Kid walked over towards Jimmy and Cody. "Do either of you know what's goin' on? Why'd Lou take off? We haven't seen each other in almost a week. I had somethin' important I wanted to talk to her about." Jimmy looked at the ground and muttered under his breath, "Seems like you two oughta be talkin' more often than anythin' else." "What Jimmy?" Kid asked puzzled. Jimmy looked up with a cocky grin. "Nothin' Kid, just talkin' to myself." "Do you know where Rachel and Lou went off to?" "They said to tell you that they went in to Blue Creek for a few days to do some errands." Cody replied. "What's in Blue Creek that they can't do here? "That's what I said." Kid shook his head frustrated and started to walk away. Cody placed his hand on Kid's arm to stop him. "Lou wasn't lookin' too good if you ask me." "It's the heat; you know she doesn't handle it like the rest of us. She had a long hard ride; she's probably just goin' with Rachel to get a break. It'll do her some good." "Kid," Jimmy said. "I think it's more than the heat that's done her in. You two been ah dancin' lately?" Remembering his embarrassing conversation with Jimmy a couple of months ago, Kid blushed. "What's that got to do with why Lou's sick and they went in to Blue Creek?" Cody couldn't help but rib the Kid. "It's got all to do with the sickness she's got. Maybe there Rachel could take her to see... a doctor. " "Lou coulda seen Doc here in town. Why go to Blue Creek?" "Maybe the kind of problem Lou has would puzzle the Doc here. Remember he don't know Lou's secret." "So? If it's just the heat that's botherin' her..." Jimmy's words finally sunk in. Kid leaned on the fence rail as if needing its support to hold him up. "Are you sure? Did she say anything? Why wouldn't she..." "They didn't say nothin'." Cody responded. "Lou got sick over breakfast this morning and Rachel called her up to the main house. Afterwards she came back, packed a pouch and they headed out all secret like." "How long ago did they leave? Maybe I can..." Kid started heading towards the stable. Cody hopped down off of the fence post and walked after him. "Kid, maybe Lou's feelin' this is something she's needin' to do on her own." Kid stopped cold and turned to face Cody. "I'm just as responsible as she is Cody, don't stand there lecturin' me." Kid ran his fingers through his hair. "Why wouldn't she tell me? Why couldn't she talk to me about it, instead of runnin' off to Rachel? Or worse, tellin' you guys our business that you have no right knowin'. I thought I meant more than that." By this time Jimmy and Buck had joined the group. Buck placed a calming hand on Kid's shoulder. "Lou didn't tell us nothin'. We figured it out by her behavior. Maybe she just wasn't sure how you'd react. Give her and Rachel this time Kid. She'll come talkin' when the time is right." "I reckon' that just because you're right, doesn't mean I have to like it." Kid sighed and headed towards the bunkhouse. Cody shook his head. "Yep, knew the Kid wouldn't like it." Jimmy smiled. "Imagine, the Kid havin' a kid." All three riders turned and headed back to their chores. Part 3- Path from Blue Creek; Late Morning Lou would never be as close to Rachel as she had been with Emma, but this trip had brought the two women closer. Lou had remained quiet the whole way up to and now most of the way back from Blue Creek. Rachel hadn't even tried to pry, and Lou had appreciated it. She knew she now had a confident in someone in whom she could trust. "I know I haven't said much till now, but I'm ready to listen when you're ready to talk," Rachel said placing a comforting hand on Lou's arm. "I remember feelin' the way you are. Scared, uncertain, worried, happy..." Lou looked up and smiled. "But just remember, you're not alone in this. Kid loves you more than anything." "I know. I just wonder how he'll react. Maybe I shouldn't tell him?" "I think he might find out. But if that's your decision, then you have to live with it." "Things are gonna be different. I mean they have been, but now... And if Teaspoon finds out..." "Lou, they don't have to be any different, and Teaspoon's not going to fire you. And The Kid loves you, so stop worrying." "I know and I love him, but this... I mean..." "I know, but I promised you it would be okay didn't I?" Lou nodded. "When we get back you and Kid can have a long talk. Work things out. Tell him how you're feelin.'" "How do you think he'll react? Think he'll be angry?" Rachel pulled the wagon to a stop, and looked at the young, frightened rider. "No matter what Lou, Kid loves you. You just need to remember that." Lou nodded but was still uncertain. "It won't be too much longer now." "He'll probably be out by the barn. I'll be surprised if all the stalls haven't been emptied, cleaned, and given fresh hay." Lou laughed nervously. "He probably even replaced the barn door instead of oilin' the hinges." "Well when he's got somthin' on his mind, chores sure do get done a lot faster. If you don't want to face him yet, I can drop you off in town." Lou shook her head. "The sooner I get this over, the better. Actually, could ya drop me off at the water hole? And send Kid on after awhile?" Rachel smiled, nodded and started up the wagon again. " Kid saw the wagon as soon as Rachel rounded the trees. He ran towards it. "Rachel, where's Lou? Is she ok? I've been so worried." Rachel pulled to a stop and smiled. "She's fine, just needs some time to herself. Go tell the boys you all need to help me unload these supplies. After that, then you can go see her." "But Rach..." Kid started. "Don't but Rachel me, do it!" Kid headed towards the bunkhouse. When he entered, Cody was laying on his bunk reading, Ike was writing on his pad of paper, and Noah was napping. Jimmy and Buck were out on a run. By now, Teaspoon was the only one who didn't know what everyone else suspected. *Well?* "Rachel wants us to help unload the wagon. Lou wasn't with her." Ike started signing fast like he often did when he was excited, or agitated. Without Buck there to translate, Kid could only make out a few words. "I don't know about the baby Ike, slow down. Rachel just said Lou needed some time to herself and that I could go see her when the wagon was unloaded." By this time Cody and Noah were up and about. Noah was headed out the door followed by Ike. Cody looked at Kid "Go on. You've been bustin' a gut wantin' to see her since you rode in. We'll take care of Rachel." Kid didn't need to be told twice. "Thanks Cody, I'm pretty sure I know where she is." "Just remember Billy's a fine name if it's a boy!" Cody called as Kid headed towards the barn. When he got to Katy, he didn't even bother with the saddle, just grabbed the bridle and rode off. He could hear Rachel yelling at him to come back. "That boy is more stubborn than a mule." She said to the others as they unloaded the wagon. "He's just waitin' for the news. We all are." Noah said. "What news are you boys talkin' about?" Rachel didn't need anyone to interpret for Ike, the sign was unmistakable. She had hoped Kid would hear about it from Lou, but knew better. The boys could figure anything out once they put their mind to it, and breakfast that morning had given them the biggest piece of the puzzle they needed. "A baby? Did you boys tell Kid your crazy idea?" The boys, knowing they were about to be reprimanded for not minding their business, just nodded. "Didn't think that it might be Lou's business to tell him did you?" "Well?" Cody asked, sitting on the back of the wagon board. "Are you gonna tell us or not?" Rachel shook her head. "That's somethin' between the two of them right now. If there is a baby, you'll all know soon enough." Part 4- Waterhole; Mid-afternoon The cold water felt so soothing on her bare skin. Lou wasn't looking forward to talking to Kid. She'd rehearsed what she was going to say so many times on the trip back from Blue Creek, but knew Kid would have his own ideas. She was thankful he didn't know, and was looking forward to having some fun before things got serious. Lou ducked under the water, and didn't hear the rider approach. When she surfaced, she could sense Kid's presence even with her back turned. It was time for the moment of truth. "Come on in, Kid. You can't imagine how good this feels!" Kid dismounted and stripped down to his long johns. He hustled to the edge of the water and grinned when he saw her. "Okay, here I come!" He couldn't believe it when Lou started to laugh at him. "What's so funny?" "The longjohns. Kid, it ain't like I never seen you without 'em on before..." Kid removed the top, but left his bottoms and boots on. He wanted to be prepared in case they needed to make a quick get away for whatever reason. Looking around he finally dove in and swam over. It felt good to have her in his arms again. "That's better already." Lou said smiling at him. "You ain't hidin' a coupla husbands on me, are you?" "Mmm, Kid, I ain't lived long enough to have a coupla husbands." "Well, you're sure pretty enough to have a coupla hundred..." They started to kiss, but Kid didn't want to be distracted from what he needed to do to make things right. Lou sensed his hesitation. "Kid, what's wrong with you?" "It just don't feel right." "Sure feels right to me." God he couldn't think when she moved like that. "Well, yeah... it just ain't the way I was brought up." Lou groaned. She knew where this was going, and couldn't look him in the eye. She turned away from him and settled into his lap as he continued. "I was taught that when a man and woman... when they been doin' what we've been doin' that it ain't proper unless... well, unless..." "'Scuse me, Kid. But you ain't fixin' to propose?" She turned back to look in his eyes. "No! Well, maybe... I guess not... Well, yeah, maybe I am". His hand caressed her still flat stomach. "It ain't right otherwise Lou." Lou couldn't believe that he thought he knew. "Well then, I'm afraid I won't be able to accept." Kid couldn't believe what he'd just heard. Lou knew his upbringing would not allow him to let their baby come in to the world unless they were married. "Why not?" "Because where I was brought up, I was taught that when a man comes proposin', it's supposed to be on bended knee!" She pushed the Kid under the water and started to swim away, but he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close to him. "And there's no need." "What do you mean, there's no need? Of course there is." Lou shook her head. "Kid, you askin' me to marry you because you want to?" "Because I want too, because of the baby... I mean..." "Kid what baby?" "Our baby. I mean it is our..." "Kid don't even think of finishin' that sentence." "But I thought..." Lou pushed him away as she started to glare at him. "You thought what?" "I mean Jimmy and Cody and Buck..." "What about Jimmy, Cody and Buck? They don't know anything." "Well you gettin' sick like you did, and Rachel takin' you to another town to see a doctor..." "They knew there had to be a baby." She shook her and started laughing. She could only imagine the conversation the boys had in her absence. "Kid I thought so too but there's no baby." "What?" "When I was in Green River, I was missin' you. They had a restaurant that specialized in Southern cooking. The kind you always talk about your ma makin'. And well Kid, I gotta tell ya, grits don't like me as much as I don't like them." Kid still look puzzled. "It was just a case of bad food poisoning." "There's no baby?" Kid grinned from ear to ear relieved. "You tried grits? For me?" Lou nodded and smiled. "Lou?" "Yeah?" "I love you." "I love you too, Kid " Author's Notes: Big thanks to Lisa, Paola & Debbie, especially Debbie for finding the perfect title! Beta readers rule and I'm not sure what I would have done without you guys! This is another one of my originals from when TYR first ran and all I can say is I was 17 and in love. Head on Back to the Writers Ranch Main Fan Fiction Index