Prologue

She couldn’t take this to the grave she thought.  She just couldn’t.  Allison Standish had to tell her nieces and nephew that they had another sibling out there. Which should she tell first, though, the boy or the sisters that could help him through it.  And if she told her nieces first which should it be. The youngest of the girls was closest to him.  Yes she would write her first and then have her decide if the boy should be told.  Her poor dear sister was gone and now she would do the right thing finally and tell the children of the child their father had given away.

As she picked up the pen, she hesitated just a moment and begged forgiveness of her sister for no longer being able to keep the secret.  Then she wrote…

Dearest Celinda,

I’m writing you first because you are closest to James and I have some information that he needs to hear.  I hope you will tell him or at least forward this letter when you feel that the time is right.

I will begin with you.  After your birth your father told your mother that he wanted no more female children. There were already you two girls and he believed that your mother would only give him girls.  He warned her if she had another girl that he would give the child away.  He wanted a son, not any more daughters. 

When your mother found herself with child again she prayed for a boy everyday.  She worried herself so that she became very ill, so I came to stay with your family.  I remember the night James and his sister were born.  A storm raged all around the house, and your father sat with a dark look on his face he just knew that the child would be a girl.  He had even found someone to take her already.  When I came out with James, he was so pleased, but then he heard the cry from the bedroom.  He asked me what it was and I told him that your mother had had twins.  He looked pleased at first then he asked me what the child was.  I was terrified of what he would do when I told him that it was a girl. 

He remained true to his word though, and gave the child to a couple that was passing through and had just lost its own child.  Their last name was Boggs, that’s all I was ever able to find out.  

Please forgive me for keeping this from you, all of you.  I love each of you as I do my own.  And tell James that I’m so sorry. 

Your loving Aunt
Allison Standish

She folded the letter and called down to her daughter.  “Melissa, please post this for me right away.”

“Yes, mama.  Are you feeling better today?” her daughter asked.

“When that letter is posted and on it’s way to your cousin I will feel much better,” she was sorry for the gruff tone but this was important.

“I’ll run post it now then,” Melissa agreed.  “But you must promise me to rest while I’m gone so we can talk when I return.”

She smiled at her oldest daughter and layback against the pillows, “I promise.”

“Then I’ll be back shortly.”

Chapter 1

Celinda stared at the letter in her hand.  She had another sister out there, and Jimmy, he had a twin.  What was she like Celinda wondered.  Where was she?  Was she married, or alone?  Was the family that raised her good or had she been mistreated?  Millions of questions passed through her mind.  She didn’t even hear Nathan come in, so she nearly jumped out of her chair when he touched her shoulder.  She looked up at her husband and the tears started to flow. 

“I’m sorry, Celinda, I didn’t mean to scare you like that.  What’s wrong?” her husband apologized.

“It’s not you.  This letter came today, my father, oh, Nathan,” it was all she could get out before she started crying again. 

“Let me see the letter,” he said as he gently pried it from her hand. With each word he read his admiration for her father dimmed a little more.  He gave away his own child to people he didn’t even know.  Nathan didn’t want to believe it but he had met Aunt Allison several times and he knew the old lady would not lie about something this important. 

When he finished reading he pulled his wife into his arms and let her cry.  Then he whispered to her, “We’ll find her, I promise.”

“But we don’t even know where to start looking,” Celinda sobbed.  “And Jimmy needs to know.”

“Then we start there, by telling him.  I saw Lou in town today, he’ll deliver the letter to Jimmy for you, I’m sure.”

“He hasn’t left yet?” the hope in her eyes broke Nathan’s heart.

“No, or we could just go to Rock Creek and deliver the letter ourselves,” he suggested, knowing it was about time for them to move again.

“Do you think so?” she asked

“Of course, why don’t you send Jimmy a note and let him know we are coming?  And we’ll give it to Lou to give to Jimmy. Okay?”

“Oh, Nathan, thank you so much,” she said as she ran to get her writing desk and quickly scribbled a note to Jimmy.

Chapter 2

As Lou rode into the station she handed off the mochilla to Cody and called ride safe as he took off.  Kid was there taking hold of Lightening for her as she dismounted.  “I’ll take care of him for you,” he called as she dismounted.

“Thanks,” she replied as she headed up the steps of the bunkhouse only wanting a shower and a nice long nap.  Then she remembered the letter in her pocket.  “Know where Jimmy is?” she asked. 

Kid turned back to her, just back and she was asking after Jimmy, “Yeah. He’s inside.” He was doing his best not to get angry or snap at her but he couldn’t help the way he felt.  Couldn’t she see how much he loved her?  Lately though she seemed more interested in Jimmy than him, and it was making him crazy with jealousy.  Well, he would take care of the horse like he said and maybe by the time he got back to the bunkhouse they would be through with their hellos.

Lou was just glad to be home, or she would have noticed the change in Kid’s mood when she asked about Jimmy.  As she entered the bunkhouse she squinted to see where Jimmy was.  She located him on his bunk reading the book Noah had given him the other day.  “Hey, Jimmy.  Nathan asked me to give this to you when I got back.”  She handed it to him and turned to her trunk to gather her things for her shower.

Jimmy opened the letter and read it quickly.  “Did you know they were coming for a visit?” he asked.

“What?  No, is that what it’s about? Well, that’s nice, see you in a bit,” she called as she went out the door.

Rachel had seen her arrive and noticed how tired she looked.  “Lou,” she called from the porch, “could you come here for a minute?”  Rachel had a hard time not laughing as Lou walked toward her.  What a surprise awaited the young woman.

“Yeah, Rachel,” Lou said exasperated.

“I was just wondering if you would prefer a nice hot bath to the shower, but if….”Lou cut Rachel off as she threw her arms around her neck.

“Thanks so much, how did you guess that was just what I needed?”

“Well, we women have to stick together among all these men,” Rachel laughed. “I’ll keep the boys busy and out of the house so you can have some privacy.  See you in a bit.”  Rachel smiled as she head towards the bunkhouse to fix dinner.

Lou entered the kitchen to find a tub set up in front of the stove the water still steaming.  She disrobed and slowly entered the tub.  It felt like heaven, after the long ride and all the dust and dirt, this was just what she needed.  She would have to remember to thank Rachel again. 

---

Kid was doing anything but relaxing in the barn.  Every time he closed his eyes or when he had too much time to think he would think of Jimmy and Lou and wonder what was going on between them.  Jimmy was his best friend and Lou, he loved her so much.  How could the two of them do this to him?  But he wasn’t even sure there was anything going on between them.  Maybe, he thought, if he talked to Rachel or Teaspoon he could figure it out.  But Teaspoon was going to be gone till the next day.  That left Rachel, and she was up at the house.  He finished what he was doing and left the barn to go talk to Rachel.

He knocked when he reached the porch but when there was no answer he opened the door and let himself in.  He was stunned by the vision before him as he entered the kitchen.  There was Lou in the tub, and she looked so beautiful. Her eyes were closed and it looked like she was asleep.  He just stood there staring at her till he caught himself, and that was when he heard her.  “What’s the matter Kid ain’t you ever seen a girl before?” the laughter in her voice barely held in check. 

He looked away then and started to apologize when he realized she was teasing him.  He blushed when he heard her giggle.  “I was looking for Rachel,” he started.

“She went over to the bunk house to fix dinner. Thanks for taking care of Lightenin’.  I sure needed a bath, seems there is more dust than usual being kicked up out there.”  Lou knew Kid was uncomfortable but they had seen each in more compromising positions.  And she was having a lot of fun, she hadn’t felt this good in weeks.

“No problem. I’ll just get over there…um…see you at dinner.” Kid heard her laughter as he crossed the yard.  It didn’t make him mad though, and he wondered at that.  It should but to hear her laugh and know she was nowhere in danger and safe here at the station made him feel good instead. 

Jimmy was coming out as he was going into the bunkhouse.  “Kid,” he called, “want to walk over to the hotel with me?  I need to make some reservations, Celinda and Nathan are coming.” 

“Sure,” Kid said.  He couldn’t even be mad at Jimmy now.  He still had a feeling there was something going on between Lou and Jimmy but wasn’t as sure now of it as he had been earlier.  As they started down the street he asked Jimmy if there was a problem or was it just a visit.

“The note said it is just a visit, think you could trade a run with me so I can be here when they arrive.”

“Um…sure.” Noticing the sign for the dance to that was Friday night he asked, “Have you asked anyone to the dance yet?”

“No.” Jimmy replied.

“Good.” Kid said under his breath, and Jimmy knew that meant that he hadn’t asked Lou yet.

He then decided to tease his friend a little. “I was thinking of asking Lou, ya know.  Do you think she would go with me?  I mean ya’ll are still broke up right?” Jimmy teased.

“Well, I …um … yeah, but I was thinking about asking her myself.”

“Ah, Kid, why didn’t you just say that.  I know she would rather go with you than anyone.  Don’t you know that?”

“Now how would I know that?  She did break up with me.”

“Kid, she just said she needed time.”

“You really think she would go with me?”

Jimmy couldn’t stand the look of hope in Kid’s eyes.  He knew how bad the break up with Lou had hurt Kid and was hoping that his best friends would get back together some how.  “Yeah, I think she would.  Why don’t you go ask her?  I can take care of this myself.”

“Thanks, Jimmy.” Kid called as he started back to the station.  As he approached the station he saw Lou entering the bunkhouse.  He called to her but she must not have heard him because she went on in.


Chapter 3

“Rachel,” Lou laughed, unable not to after telling her what had happened. “It’s not that funny.”

“Yes, it is.  You two need to stop all this and give into your feelings.  We all know that you love him and you do too.”

“It’s not that easy.  There’s other things,” Lou said seriously, her laughter dieing away.

“What is it?” Rachel knew there was something, and then it hit her like a ton of bricks.  “Is all this about what happened with Wicks?”

“Yes,” Lou said as she turned away. “I know that Kid knows about it but it still hurt so much.  I’m not sure if I can…the nightmares are back Rachel.  I know that I’ve woke the boys up a few times lately with them and Kid always looks so upset.  I don’t know what to do; I mean they are even worse when I’m out a run alone. 

Kid stood listening on the other side of the door, he didn’t mean to eavesdrop but he had to know what the problem was.  And since Lou wouldn’t tell him this was the only way he could think of to find out.  But what he was hearing was beginning to anger him more and more.  He wished he had let her kill the bastard, wished he had done the job himself. 

“Rachel, you think he looks at me any different then before, you know before I told him?” Kid was stunned by that question, she was the same woman he loved but yeah, if he was truthful he did see her a little differently, she was stronger then he ever expected.

“No, Lou, I don’t think he does. Why has he said anything?” Rachel asked. 

“No, he’s just not… I don’t know, as protective…He doesn’t seem as worried about me as he was before.”

Kid couldn’t take it anymore, he opened the door, “Lou we need to talk. Could we go for a walk?”

Lou jumped up as Kid walked in.  She wondered how much he had heard.  She looked at Rachel, and when Rachel smiled at her, Lou nodded and left with Kid.

They had walked a good ways when Kid reached to take her hand.  “I’m sorry, I should have let you kill him.  I really wish I had,” he told her as he looked across to the horizon.  “Lou, I still love you.”

Louise felt like she couldn’t breathe, tears started to feel her eyes fill up, “No, you were right.  I should have told Teaspoon and let him handle it.  Let the law take care of it.” She looked at Kid, “I love you, too.”

Kid felt like his chest would burst, as he looked down at her. Grinning, he said, “Then I take it you’ll go to the dance with me Friday?”

Lou smiled at him, “Sure will.”  She reached up to touch his face, and then found herself being kissed.  “Um...Rachel probably has dinner ready, we should get back.”

“We should,” he agreed.  “Think we should tell the others.”

“I think they can figure it out,” Lou said. “But I don’t know about Cody, he is pretty thick headed at times,” Lou laughed, and Kid thought to himself, that he had missed that sound over the last couple of weeks.
 

Chapter 4

Jimmy arrived back at the bunkhouse and Rachel could tell he wasn’t pleased.  “Jimmy is there a problem?” she asked.

“I was checking at the hotel for a room for Nathan and Celinda and it seem that there aren’t any rooms available right now,” Jimmy explained.

“Why should they stay at the hotel, there’s plenty of room in the house, besides I’d love a chance to spoil that nephew of yours.” Rachel replied.

“Yeah, Jimmy,” Lou joined in, “it’d be fun having a little one around.”

Jimmy noticed that Lou was sitting next to Kid again and that you couldn’t get a piece of paper between them.  “I’m sure it would be fine with Teaspoon,” Rachel said.

“What would be fine with me?” Teaspoon said as he entered the bunkhouse.

“Jimmy’s sister and her husband coming for a visit and staying at the house,” Rachel replied.

“Oh, course, it is.  After all she’s part of the family, her being your sister and all.” Teaspoon said.

The relief was evident on Jimmy’s face. 


The next morning Lou woke as Kid was heading out the door for his run, it was still very early and none of the others were up yet.  Lou quickly dressed and met Kid as he was coming out of the barn with Katy. “Promise you’ll be careful and hurry back soon,” she said.

“As quick as Katy can get me there and back. No later then noon tomorrow, promise,” Kid said grinning. Laughing, he said, “This is switch, you worried about me.”
 
Lou blushed at his teasing, then leaned up to kiss him good-bye. Taking advantage of the situation Kid kissed her back. 

Teaspoon had watched the two of them from the porch of the bunkhouse, and called “Rider Coming!” with a smile. He was glad to see the two of them back together; he figured it was about time since he’d never seen two people that belong together more. Walking out into the yard he put his arm around Lou’s shoulders as Kid took the hand off.  “He’ll make it back on time,” he told the young woman beside him.

Looking down at her feet Lou said, “I sure hope so.”

Feeling a bit sorry for her, Teaspoon offered, “Why don’t you and Rachel ride over to Parker’s Crossing and get something nice for the dance?”

“Now Teaspoon…” Lou started but Teaspoon cut her off.

 “I just mean that maybe you could pick up something nice for the dance and all, you are off for the next few days. You should enjoy yourself.”

Lou really wanted to go but was afraid that if she let down her guard and did give in to wanting a new dress for the dance, Teaspoon and the others might get the idea that she couldn’t do her job. Teaspoon was aware of where her thoughts were going and told her, “You should look nice for the dance, otherwise some of those young ladies in town might think that Kid is available, especially that new schoolmarm, Miss Melanie. Like I said before you do have the next few days off, and I think Rachel might like the day off too.”

Lou thought it over for a moment. She would like to look nice for the dance, especially since we was actually going with Kid this time. It wasn’t like she had asked Teaspoon to go get a new dress no he had suggested it. Finally making up her mind she said, “Ok if you’re sure you can do without us today?”

“I’m sure, now git on over to Rachel’s and tell her ya’ll are going shopping. I’ll have Jimmy saddle your horses,” Teaspoon said with a wink.

Leaning up to him Lou kissed him on the cheek, “Thanks Teaspoon.” He watched her run towards the house to get Rachel, and then turned towards the bunkhouse calling for Jimmy.

“Yeah, Teaspoon,” Jimmy asked as he appeared on the porch.

“Saddle a couple of horses for Lou and Rachel.”

“Is there a problem?” Jimmy asked becoming concerned.

“No, they’re just going over to Parker’s Crossing to pick up a few things,” Teaspoon said as he reached the porch and sat down in a chair.  Jimmy still wasn’t convinced that nothing was wrong. Teaspoon added as he pulled his hat down over his eyes, “Just thought that Lou might like to pick up something nice for the dance.” Jimmy snickered, Teaspoon sure did have a soft spot were Lou was concerned.

Chapter 5

“Louise, Kid will love it, and you look wonderful,” Rachel said. Lou was standing in front of a full-length mirror at the dressmaker’s in Parker’s Crossing. She had on a dark green gown with long sleeves, and what the dressmaker called a sweetheart neckline. “It’s the latest fashion,” the dressmaker had told them. Lou smiled at her reflection, and decided that Rachel and the dressmaker were right.

As they were waiting for the dressmaker to take the hem up a little more, Lou and Rachel looked around the shop some. Rachel watched as Lou fingered the pretty blouses and skirts.  Then she made a suggestion that startled both her and Lou, “Why don’t you get a few more things, you could wear them around the station when Louise comes for a visit.”

Lou wasn’t sure, “But what if someone figures it out?” Suspicion began to creep into her mind, “Rachel, are ya’ll going to fire me?”

“No!” Rachel exclaimed, “I just thought that you might like to wear something besides your boy togs once in a while. We could cover and say that Teaspoon was your father or that I was an aunt, something like that. You could even be a sister to one of the boys.” Rachel was getting excited about helping her friend to be the lady they all knew she longed to be.

Picking up a blouse that was made of a calico that had light blue back ground and sprinkled with tiny white flowers, Lou seemed to mull over the idea.  The dressmaker came back in then with the dress Lou had picked out for the dance. Seeing Lou admiring the blouse she said, “That and the dark blue skirt under it go together, and there is another set there too, I believe that it’s the brown skirt and mauve calico.”

Finally making up Lou’s mind for her Rachel said, “Look I’ll buy one of the sets for you, as say an early birthday present, and then you should still have enough for the dress for the dance and the blue outfit. You can even mix the pieces up and that will give you four different ones.” She then turned to the dressmaker asking if it would be possible to have them hemmed and ready after lunch.

“Oh, of course they can,” the dressmaker replied.

“Good,” Rachel as she put her arm around Lou, “now let’s go find us some lunch.”


Back in Rock Creek, at the same time Jimmy was meeting the stage that was carrying Nathan and Celinda. When it finally stopped the driver opened the door for the passengers to get out. The first couple off of the stage was an older couple that was met by a younger couple. Then Nathan stepped down and turned to help Celinda with the baby.  Jimmy stepped up and hugged his sister saying, “You didn’t say why you were coming to visit, is everything ok?”

Celinda looked up at Nathan as he answered Jimmy, “Everything is fine. Just some family news that can wait ‘til after we get settled over at the hotel.”

Jimmy didn’t quite believe Nathan. The look his sister had given her husband told him that there was more to the story then they were willing to tell him right now. “Ok,” said he replied, “but ya’ll aren’t staying at the hotel. The hotel is full up right now. Rachel said ya’ll could stay at the house with here while you’re here.”

As they walked along to the station, Celinda caught Jimmy up on all the news of the family. Their sister Lydia was fine, and expecting another baby. Aunt Allie, as they called Allison Standish, was now bed ridden and had moved in with her daughter Melissa in St Louis.

When they reached the station, Jimmy knocked on the door and then let himself in. Rachel and Lou weren’t back yet he noticed so he showed Nathan and Celinda where their room was. He left them to unpack, telling them that it might be best if they had dinner at the hotel tonight because Rachel wasn’t there and Teaspoon was fixing dinner.

Chapter 6

The next morning after breakfast and while the others were doing their chores, Jimmy went to talk to Celinda. He was anxious to hear the news that his sister had wanted to tell him last night but had kept to herself. He waved to Lou and Teaspoon as they walked back from town. Lou had left earlier that morning to catch the stage a ways from of town, so that Louise could arrive to visit her “uncle” for a few days. Jimmy laughed to himself as he thought about the way some of the fellas in town had gawked at Lou when she stepped off the stage. He was sure none of them had the slightest clue that Louise was really Lou.

When he reached the house, he found Nathan on the porch. “Mornin’” he called to his brother-in-law.

“Mornin’” Nathan greeted back as they walked inside.

As they walked in Rachel poked her head out of the kitchen. “Want some coffee, Jimmy?” she asked.

“No, thanks, Rachel. Just came over to discuss some family business,” Jimmy told her.

“Well, then I’m going to head over and get started on the laundry for today,” she said as she went out the door. Adding over her shoulder, “Coffee’s on the stove if you change your mind.”

While Nathan went up stairs to get Celinda, Jimmy watched Rachel greet Lou and Teaspoon on the porch of the bunkhouse. Lou sure was looking pretty this morning in her new dress. It dawned on him then where she and Rachel had disappeared to yesterday, they must have gone shopping. Kid was really going to be surprised when he got back.

Jimmy turned back around and looked at Nathan as he came back down the stairs with Celinda. When they were all settled in the parlor, Nathan said, “Jimmy, we’ve some news to tell you.”

“I figured that…” Jimmy was about to respond. Celinda, though, interrupted him. “Not now, Nathan,” she pleaded. He could see that what ever it was had Celinda really upset.

“Yes, now,” Nathan replied. “Celinda received a letter from one of your aunts last week.” Nathan turned to Celinda, who had started crying. “Show him the letter, it’ll be easier for you that way.”

Celinda reached into the pocket of her skirt and pulled out the letter. As she handed it to Jimmy, she said a quiver in her voice, “Jimmy, I’m sure he did what was best.”

“Huh?” Jimmy was confused. “What’s this all about? Who did his best?”

“Just read the letter,” Nathan answered as he tried to comfort Celinda. She was really taking all this hard. She loved her father so much and had stayed by his side after Jimmy had left. Nathan found that his respect for his deceased father-in-law was becoming less and less. He hated that anyone would upset his wife this much, he love her so much.

Jimmy opened the letter and began to read. Nathan could tell when he reached the part about the baby. Then a different look came over Jimmy’s face that frightened him, it was full of anger and hate. As Jimmy read further down the page, Nathan watched as Jimmy’s expression changed from the fury to one of complete shock. “How long have you know about this?” Jimmy said a catch in his throat.

“Just since last week, when we saw Lou in Seneca. The letter arrived when he dropped it off there,” Nathan told him.

“Does she know?” Jimmy asked without thinking. He forgot for a moment that Nathan and Celinda didn’t know that Lou was a girl or who her father was.

“Of course, Celinda had already read the letter by the time I got home that afternoon,” Nathan replied, not getting Jimmy’s question.

“No,” Jimmy said as he shook his head, “does Lou know?”

Celinda’s tears stopped as she watched Jimmy’s reaction to the news. “No, we thought if you wanted them to know, you would tell your friends,” Celinda said. Something was wrong, she just knew it, her brother was acting very odd.

“Celinda,” Jimmy said his voice shaky,  “I think I know where to find our sister. But first there’s something you need to know. I was going to tell you anyway, now…” Jimmy shook his head trying to clear it.  He walked over and took Celinda’s hands as he sat down beside her on the settee. “This has to stay here only Teaspoon, Rachel, and the others know this and Lou could lose her job if it is found out. Celinda, Lou’s not a boy, she just dresses and acts like one so she can work here. She has a younger brother and little sister; they’re in an orphanage in St. Jo. She’s trying to save enough to get them a fresh start somewhere.” Jimmy paused for a moment to let this all sink in. “Her real name is Louise. McCloud is her mother’s name. Her father wasn’t a very good man and ran out on them when she was very young. After her father left them her mother used her maiden name to try and hide from him.”  Jimmy paused again and took a breath, hoping that maybe Celinda would figure out where he was going and he wouldn’t have to say it.

“What does that have to do with our sister?” Celinda asked.

As Celinda finished her question, Nathan caught on to what Jimmy was telling them. “Oh, God,” was his reaction.

“Cinda, Lou’s father’s name was Boggs,” Jimmy said, the lump in his throat getting larger by the minute. 

“Oh, my,” Celinda said. Excitement seemed to take over then, “Where is she? We have to find her…tell her…let her know she’s not alone in this world.” Celinda was excited her little sister was here, they wouldn’t have to search for her. This was so much more then she could have hoped for.  As her mind worked she gave voice to her thoughts.

Jimmy listened to Celinda as she ran on how and when they would tell Lou and plans for after they told her. Jimmy got up from the settee as she did and walked over to the window. Looking out at the station he spotted Kid as he rode in from his run, then as Lou left the bunkhouse and headed him. Kid smiled when he saw Lou dressed as a girl. Jimmy had to admit she sure did look pretty today. Kid and Lou stood talking for a minute before they entered the barn. Stopping Kid looked back to see if anyone was following them, then shut the door as they went inside.

“No, Celinda that won’t work,” Jimmy found himself saying. “I’ll tell her,” he said turning back to Celinda. “I think it would be best. She can be pretty unpredictable at times,” he finished as he turned back to the window and looked at the barn.

“When?” Celinda asked anxiously as she stepped up beside him.

“Huh?” Jimmy said looking at her. “Oh, um…I don’t know. I have to pick the right time.

“Oh,” Celinda said looking crestfallen.

“It’s not going to be easy for her to hear,” Jimmy said to her, then thought, or me to tell her. Jimmy tried to find an excuse, any excuse, to put this off for a while, so he could think.

“Ok, well, I need to help Rachel with dinner as I promised,” Celinda said as she left the room.

Nathan looked at his brother-in-law something wasn’t right. “You ok, Jimmy? I know this is a shock for Celinda, so it must be for you, too.”

“Yeah, Nathan, I’m just fine,” Jimmy said as he took his guns off of the hook just inside the door. “You know this great man my father was suppose to be just seems to keep surprising me with the things he did. I don’t know the more I find out about him, the more I don’t want to know,” Jimmy said over his shoulder. Opening the door Jimmy left Nathan standing in the parlor of the house shaking his head.

Walking toward the barn, he heard laughter, and then someone squealed. Not sure just what his friends were doing inside; Jimmy made a lot of racket as he entered the barn. Lou squealed again as she dodged a handful of hay that Kid had just thrown at her, running into Jimmy as she did. “Oh, sorry, Jimmy,” she said, then noticing the confused expression on his face. “Somethin’ wrong, Jimmy?” she asked, her laughter dying away.

“Not really,” he muttered, not able to look at her. He then went over to Sundance and started to saddle him.

“Well, I better get inside and help Rachel like a good lady would,” she laughed. “By the way Jimmy, that nephew of yours is really cute, must take after his uncle,” she teased as she left the barn.

Jimmy stared after her for a moment, then slowly his smile faded. He had to bite his tongue a bit, he wanted to call after her, “He’s your nephew, too.”

“You sure there isn’t anything wrong Jimmy?” Kid asked.

“No, Kid nothin’s wrong,” Jimmy answered him as he finished saddling Sundance. “I’m just going for a ride.” Jimmy felt bad Kid was his best friend and he figured he deserved more than that lie. “Celinda brought some family new from one of our aunts with her. I just need to think about it.”

“Anything you want to talk about,” Kid asked knowing better. Jimmy would talk to him about it when he was good and ready and not before. “Well, we’re all here when you us,” Kid added as Jimmy rode out of the station like the devil was after him.

Jimmy rode as Sundance as fast and hard as he could, his mind racing even faster. Past events came to his mind. Kid asking his advice about, and him telling Kid to dance. Oh, lord, he thought, he’d as much as told Kid to…to…Jimmy couldn’t believe he’d done that. Later that same day when Lou and Kid left on the run to Red Fern, and he’d laughed with Rachel saying that Kid had asked for Lou special. He’d given his ok without knowing it for his best friend to sleep with his sister, his twin sister. Jimmy felt like he was going to be sick.

Something spooked Sundance then and he reared up catching Jimmy off guard and throwing him. Jimmy lay on the grassy prairie staring up at the sky, thoughts racing through his mind still. He’d been glad when she followed them when they went after Pike. She could have been killed them. He could still see her hanging there on that cross.

Hanging. That brought back thoughts of another time, he’d put her in danger. When the gunfighter had kidnapped her to get at him. She could have been hung then. His stomach rolled, attempting to turn against him.

Then next memory was that one that did him. He’d kissed his own sister! His TWIN sister! His mind screamed. How could he have done that! With that thought he rolled to his knees and lost his breakfast. How was he going to tell who she was after that? Lord, why had he done it? She had looked so pretty that night standing there in the moon light, concern for him written all over her face. He wouldn’t talk to her about it the next day, had pushed her away figuring if she had returned his feelings at the time she’d only get hurt.

Jimmy sat back on his heels and let the tears fall from his eyes. No one was around to see; no one would know he had cried. Finally after having shouted his anger and hatred to the winds and empty prairie, he fell asleep.  Sundance stood watch faithful over his owner, who until now he had never seen cry.

Chapter 7

Back at the station, Rachel looked at Lou curiously. Celinda had told them when she joined them that Jimmy had told her that Lou was a girl and why she was working for the Express. Celinda had asked Lou a few questions about her riding for the Express, but then her questions took on a more personal nature. Rachel could tell that Lou was getting uncomfortable, but was unsure of how to get Celinda to stop. Thinking maybe a change in the conversation would work, she attempted to change it with, “So you’re going to be Teaspoon’s niece during this visit?”

Lou laughed and said, “Yeah, that should keep some of the fellas away.”

Rachel laughed and then Celinda spoke up, “How about if we say you’re with us….? You could be my sister-in-law, who’s visiting to help with the baby.”

Lou just stared at Celinda. They had already started saying she was Teaspoon’s niece when she arrived on the stage. Rachel helped her out by telling Celinda just that.

“Oh, I understand,” Celinda said with a bit of a crestfallen look. “I just thought that maybe that way we could become better acquainted since…” Celinda trailed off when she realized what she’d almost said.

Lou looked at Celinda, she was uncomfortable with the direction their conversation that had gone. Celinda was saying she wanted to get better acquainted, but why Lou wondered. It dawned on her then, maybe Celinda thought her and Jimmy were more than friends. Only one person could have given Celinda that idea, Jimmy. Just what had he told his sister about her, about them? Thinking to set Jimmy’s sister straight Lou said, “Um, Celinda, Jimmy and I are just friends.”

“Oh,” Celinda laughed, “I know that.” Trying to cover her slip Celinda quickly added, “It’s just that he thinks of ya’ll as family and…well...” Celinda searched for the right words. “See our only sister is back east and we don’t get to see her very often. I just figured if Jimmy thought of ya’ll as family…well…maybe you could look at me as a sister.”

Lou smiled at Celinda and laughed, “I thought that you thought that Jimmy and I were more than friends.”

Celinda looked horrified and then laughed, too. “Oh, no,” Celinda said, glad that Lou believe the little lie she had told. She hated to lie to this new sister she had just found out she had, but Jimmy said he needed to tell Lou, and Jimmy did know Lou better than she did.

Rachel had caught the anxious and horrified looks on Celinda’s face and the hesitant way she had looked at Lou. Something wasn’t right here her instincts told her. Turning back toward the window she saw Jimmy ride past, and then lead Sundance into the barn. “I’ll be right back,” Rachel said as she went out of the door. She left Lou and Celinda peeling and cutting up the potatoes for dinner while they got better acquainted.

She reached the barn just as Jimmy had started out. “Jimmy,” Rachel said but he started to walk right past her. Touching his arm as he went past calling his name as she did so. “What’s going on?” she asked him.

Jimmy looked at Rachel. He felt like he’d been thrown from a horse again that he’d been trying to break all day. “Nothing, Rachel,” he lied not able to look at her.

“Then tell me why Celinda is up at the house quizzing Lou on everything?” Rachel asked a little perturbed.

“Huh?” Jimmy said looking directly at her this time.

“I said, what is going on, that Celinda wants to know so much about Lou?” Rachel replied.

“Oh, Lord,” Jimmy said covering his face with his gloved hand. “What did Lou do?”

“She just told Celinda that you and her were just friends. Celinda said that since you and Lou were such good friends and since your other sister was back east she wanted to be good friends with Lou,” Rachel told him. “But that’s not the whole truth, is it?”

Taking Rachel’s arm Jimmy pulled her into the dim light of the barn. He had to tell someone what was going on, and he knew the only two that would keep his secret right now would be Rachel or Teaspoon. “You sure Lou believed her?” Jimmy asked.

“Yes,” Rachel replied. Wanting to get to the bottom of this before Celinda and Lou missed her, Rachel asked, “Now what is going on Jimmy?”

“Celinda brought some news with her from our aunt in St Louis,” he told Rachel. Wanting to get it out as quick as possible, he rushed on, “Seems my father was full of secrets he made our mother keep. My aunt told Celinda that I have a twin sister out there some where.” Jimmy swallowed hard, his chest felt like it was going to burst from either pain or happiness he didn’t know which. “He made my mother give the baby up when she was born, said he didn’t want any more daughters to have to marry off. A couple that was passing through on their way west had just lost their baby so he gave her to them. The people they gave here to were named Boggs. Rachel,” Jimmy looked at her for the first time since beginning his tell, “Lou’s my sister.”

Rachel looked at him. She’d never seen Jimmy Hickok cry but his eyes were filling with tears as he looked at her. “Oh, Jimmy,” Rachel said. Rachel watched the young man as he struggled with what he had just found out. As Jimmy laid his head on the side of the stall he heard Rachel ask, “When do you plan on telling her?”

“I don’t know,” he told Rachel honestly.

Teaspoon had been in the tack room and stepped out when he heard their conversation. “You best to it soon, son,” he heard Teaspoon say from the other side of him. “It’s going to be tough anytime you do it. But if you don’t tell her soon it’s going to start eating at you.”

“Jimmy, she won’t blame you,” Rachel told him.

“That’s not the problem is it son?” Teaspoon said.

Jimmy shook his head, “No, it ain’t.” Looking at Teaspoon, Jimmy knew the older man had an idea about his dilemma. “I gave Kid advice about her. I put her in danger and said it was ok, that she could take care of herself. Damn it, Teaspoon, I kissed my own sister like a man kisses a woman!”

Chapter 8

Rachel looked down at Jimmy he was really beating himself up over having kissed Lou.

"Son," Teaspoon said gently, "Did you know she was your sister at that time?"

"No, but...."

Teaspoon looked at Rachel and silently signaled her to leave the barn. Slowly Rachel walked to the door. She looked back once but realized that Teaspoon could probably handle this better than she could. She sent a silent prayer for Jimmy heavenward as she left the barn.

"Tell me how it happened?" Teaspoon requested after Rachel had left.

"It was when we took Mills to hang. Kid got shot that first day and said to go on so we did. That first night Mills saved her from a snake. The next day we stopped in a little town for something to eat. The fellow that shot Kid snuck up on us and pulled a gun on me. Mills grabbed Lou's and shot the gun out of his hand. I drew on Mills then but he'd already started to hand Lou back her gun. I'll tell you this, Teaspoon; she was pretty amazin' when that fella went for his gun. She kept shooting till it was out of his reach. She was about to shoot him for what he'd done to the Kid. I tried to stop her but Mills was the one to convince her not to. He told her the man wasn't worth it." Jimmy paused, his frown suddenly becoming a grin. Pride filled him as he realized that same woman he'd just been describing to Teaspoon was his sister.

Teaspoon let out a little of the breathe he was holding when Jimmy grinned. The boy didn't know it or feel it right now but he was going to be ok.

Slowly Jimmy's grin faded as he continued his story. "That night when we camped I could see myself growing more like Mills everyday. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself when Lou tried to help. She asked what the problem was and I was pretty rude to her. She told me then that she thought I was a better man than I gave myself credit for being. She leaned up after that and kissed me good night on the cheek. That's when it happened, I grabbed her and kissed her. The man that was after Mills snuck up on us and that ended it."

"Was that the only time, son?" Teaspoon asked.

"Ain't that enough?" Jimmy asked irritated.

"It never happened again?"

"Never..."

"Why not?" Teaspoon asked.

"Cause she's in love with Kid," Jimmy replied.

"Then the way I see it, you were just re-acting to the time and place. If it happen the way you say," Teaspoon put up his hand to keep Jimmy from interrupting him, "and I'm not saying that I don't believe you, then I'd have been hard pressed not to kiss a pretty lady that was that concerned about me. Especially, one as pretty as our Louise is." As Teaspoon finished he tucked his thumbs under his suspenders.

"She is pretty," Jimmy said with a smile. "And a damn good shot."

"When are you going to tell her?" Teaspoon asked.

"I don't know," Jimmy said frowning again. "I guess it better be soon what with Celinda asking her so many questions."

*~*~*~*~*

The day progressed slowly for Jimmy after his talk with Teaspoon. He really needed sometime alone, time to figure out how to tell Lou what his father had done to them. That he was her brother. "Twin brother," he corrected his self out loud. He looked around when he realized what he had done to make sure no one had heard him.

"Jimmy," Kid called from the door of the barn, "will ya help me get this feed up in the loft?"

"Sure," Jimmy replied. He really didn't want to be alone with Kid but he figured a bit of work might do him some good. "Wasn't Cody supposed to be helping you?" he asked.

"Yep, but he decided walking Miss Melanie home from school was more important," Kid answered. "Which means he won't be back until after supper."

"Great guess we have to feed the horses, too." Jimmy grumbled.

"Yep," Kid said with a grin.

They worked in silence for most of the job until Jimmy spoke, "Kid....um..."

"Yeah, what is it Jimmy?" Kid asked as he took the next bag of feed from him.

"Do you know why....never mind" Jimmy couldn't bring himself to ask the question he needed answered. Problem was he already knew the answer.

"Do I know what?" Kid asked unaware of what Jimmy wanted to know but now very curious.

"Nothing," Jimmy replied. Jimmy knew Lou had confided in Kid what had happened to her, what that man Wicks had done to her. But neither of them would speak of it. Jimmy was aware though, and, like it or not he knew, too. He'd seen the look before, the skittishness even around the people she loved and trusted the most. The haunted eyes and worst of all the nightmares that kept waking her and everyone else up at night. Lou'd had them all the last few weeks.

"Jimmy, you ok," Kid asked as he climbed down out of the loft.

"Sure, it's nothing, just got some things on my mind," Jimmy said, hoping Kid would drop the subject.

"Well, if you're sure you're ok. I promised Lou, I'd go for a walk with her before supper," Kid said with a grin.

"Yeah, I get it. I'll finish up with the horses," Jimmy said. "Guess ya'll patched things up."

Kid blushed, "Yep, just a big misunderstanding's all. Lou got it into her head that I didn't want her anymore ca....." Kid stopped he'd almost told Lou's secret, "cause I wasn't mother-henning her so much." Kid tried to hide the need for Jimmy to believe his lie with a laugh.

"Glad you two worked things out." Jimmy didn't believe him for a minute. "You go on and I'll finish up."

"Thanks," Kid threw over his shoulder as he left the barn. He wasn't sure why Jimmy volunteered to finish the chores by himself but he wasn't going to complain. Things were just going too good with Lou and he didn't want to keep her waiting.

Chapter 9

Jimmy watched Kid head across the yard. He couldn't help the sinking feeling he had in his chest. He needed to know...had to know, what had happened to Lou by Wick's hand. 'Who else might know?' He wondered. ' There was Charlotte but she was dead. Teaspoon, or maybe one of the others. No, none of them except for Kid. Slowly it dawned on him, Lou told Rachel everything, She was Lou's best friend.' Quick as he could he finished up feeding the horses and headed to the house to find Rachel.

"Rachel," he called as he entered the kitchen of the house.

"Whatcha need, Jimmy," Rachel replied as she climbed out of the cellar with a bowl full of butter.

Jimmy jumped right in, he figured he had to ask her fast because if he didn't he'd lose his nerve. "I know you and Lou talk. And ...um...you see...Rachel, what'd Wicks do to Lou?" Jimmy asked as he closed the cellar door and moved over to look out at Kid and Lou heading for the rise.

"Jimmy, you need to ask Lou that," Rachel replied the smile she'd been wearing vanishing from her face.

"I...I...I can't Rachel. I've got to know," Jimmy said. "I need to know, you've got to tell me." Jimmy felt desperate; his chest felt so tight he thought it was going to bust. "Ye see when I was a kid," Jimmy swallowed hard, none of them had ever talk of what had happened, "these men came while my father was away. I tried to protect my ma but they knocked me a round. The girls hid in the barn but they saw it all, saw them taking turns with her. I was out cold, but I still feel like I should have done something." Jimmy felt his stomach churning. Turning back to Rachel, he said, "So you see I got to know."

"Jimmy, I understand how hard this ...."

Jimmy cut her off, "No you don't. I couldn't stop it. I can't change what happened to Lou, but I need to know."

"Jimmy, I promised. She feels so ashamed, scared you boys will look at her different," Rachel tried to explain.

"Thanks," Jimmy replied as he headed out the door, "Ma felt the same way." He didn't know where he was going or what he was going to do, but he had to ride. He saddled Sundance and rode out of the station faster than if he was on a ride.

*~*~*~*~*

Lou watched him riding away, "I wonder where he's heading?" Lou said to Kid.

Kid felt a twinge of jealousy as he looked in the direction Lou was. Jimmy was riding away from the station at a rapid pace. "Maybe, Teaspoon got another special run," Kid replied an edge to his voice. "I'm sure he'll be back soon."

"Hope he is, what with his family visiting and all," Lou replied. Turning to Kid she said, "You aren't still jealous of him are you?" She laughed when Kid blushed, "You shouldn't be, he's the one that got us talking again ain't he?"

Kid laughed at himself then. "Yeah, guess he did."

*~*~*~*~*

Jimmy rode hard in no particular direction. He was so angry and there was no one to take it out on. 'If only that fella hadn't beat him to killing Wicks. It wasn't fair, he should have done it. He should have been the one to kill the man that had raped Lou. The man that had hurt her.'

The sun had been down a while when he rode into the cemetery. He wanted revenge. He'd wipe the name of the man that had hurt his sister from the face of the earth. He climbed down off of Sundance and took the shovel he'd bought at the general store and began to dig. The earth was still pretty soft and the shovel had an easy time biting in to the dirt to move it. He stopped when he reached the wood and pried the boards off of the top of the pine box. The smell was awful, but it didn't stop him. He took the rope from his horse and tied it around the feet of the body. Climbing back on Sundance he drug the body far out onto the prairie. No one the likes of Wicks should be buried with descent folk he thought.

After leaving him out on the prairie for the prairie carrion creatures, coyotes, vultures, and whatever else would make a meal of him, Jimmy rode back to the cemetery. After filling in the grave he rode over the small marker that was there making sure all signs of Wicks were gone. That no one would ever know that the man had even existed.

He didn't feel better after what he had done. He had thought that it would ease the guilt he felt for not being there to protect Lou. But it didn't, he just felt sick. Sick that he hadn't protected her from the rotten SOB. As he entered the barn, he saw Buck standing next to Warrior's stall. "It didn't help did it?"

"Huh?" Jimmy asked.

"It didn't help to do what you did. I saw you in town. He should have gotten worse for what he did. He should have suffered for what he did to Lou," Buck replied.

"How do you know what happened to Lou?" Jimmy asked. Why had she told Buck and not him?

"I've seen the signs. Lou's had them bad since that friend of hers died. I saw the same thing in my mother before she died. She loved me but she couldn't hide the fact of the way she came to have me," Buck replied.

"I saw the same in my ma's eyes, the same nightmares, same everything," Jimmy said. "I just couldn't stand for him being there among decent folks any longer."

"Wish I'd had the nerve," Buck said as he left the barn.

Chapter 10

The next morning dawned warm and sunny. The perfect early fall day. The ladies of the station were the first up. Lou really had been unable to sleep with the thought of going to the dance as Louise. Rachel and Celinda were excited for her and rose early to help her get ready.

The men of the station were in good spirits about the dance also. The only two who weren't going to be able to attend were Ike and Noah. Noah had taken a special run for Teaspoon west to one of the army forts and Ike had taken the run for St. Jo. Both were not due back until the next day at the earliest.

Buck work quickly to get his chores done so he could ride into town to meet the stage. He'd written Jane to ask her to come for the dance. She'd accepted and she was to arrive that morning. He knew she'd be surprised he'd arranged for her room and a special dinner for the both of them at the restaurant. Mr. Jarvis was more than pleased to help with the arrangements. He was still feeling guilty over the way he had treated Noah and Buck when they had first arrived in town. Yep, Jane was going to be surprised and he hoped she'd decide to stay for a while. Maybe longer, if he got that small piece of land north of town.

Jimmy and Kid were both a bit preoccupied thinking of Lou while they worked. They stopped for a moment and stared as Buck headed into town. Jimmy looked questioningly at Kid. Kid called out to him with a smile, "Jane's on the morning stage." Jimmy grinned and went back to work. They knew Buck was in love with the girl, they'd all traded runs with him so he had all the runs to Benton.

Cody was the only one not taking things too seriously. Heck, he'd asked Melanie to the dance and she'd accepted. He figured he'd pick her some wild flowers on the way to her place and then walk her down the street to the dance.

Everyone grew more excited as the day waned. The most excited was Lou though. She'd done her hair several ways but none she really liked. She was about to give up when she saw Celinda standing behind her. "Need some help?" Celinda asked.

Lou smiled nervously, "Please. I don't know what to do. It's just so short still."

"It'll be fine. Let's see. Um...I'll be right back," Celinda said as she left the room. She returned moment later with something in her hand. "These were my mother's and I think they'll do the trick."

"Celinda, I don't know," Lou protested as she turned around. "Those are your mother's."

"Momma wouldn't mind. Let's see how they look," Celinda said as she turned Lou back to face the mirror. She worked quickly pulling up the sides of Lou's hair leaving soft tendrils to frame her face. "There," she said as she finished. Lou looked in the mirror at herself. "Wow," Lou said "They're so beautiful." The pair of tortoise shell combs were carved in Celtic knots; she'd never seen anything so beautiful.

"You're welcome," Celinda said as she looked at her newfound sister's reflection. She noticed it then and realized it was probably what had attracted Jimmy to Lou in the first place, a few more years and her hair pulled back Lou would be the spitting image of their mother. Tears filled Celinda's eyes. "I've got to get ready myself see you in a bit," she said as she rushed from the room.

Rachel knocked on her door a moment later. "Thought you could use a sandwich and some milk," Rachel said as she stepped into the room with a tray. "Lou," She said spotting her friend as Lou stepped from behind the screen in the corner you're beautiful."

Lou blushed at the compliment. "Thanks, could you help me finish buttoning it up."

"Sure," Rachel replied as she put down the tray and walked over to stand behind Lou, "Lou, you're as cold as ice. You, ok?"

"Yeah, just nervous I guess," Lou replied. Nervous was an understatement. She was so worried something would go wrong she couldn't think straight. Lou tried to take a bite of the sandwich but it tasted like sawdust. She smiled at Rachel.

"Calm down, sweetie, things are gonna go just fine," Rachel encouraged with a giggle as she left to put her own dress on.

Lou finished her sandwich and gathered her shawl to go downstairs. When she opened the door Celinda stopped her. "Jimmy and Kid are on their way over why don't you wait up here and we'll call you down when he gets here," Celinda suggested.

"Why?" Lou asked eager to go down stairs.

"Well...."Celinda blushed, "Nathan once told me that he thought there was nothing prettier than a lady all dressed up coming down a set of stairs."

Lou giggled, "Really?" She couldn't imagine the always-serious Nathan saying something so romantic.

Celinda laughed along with her, "I know he seems so serious but once he was a lot like Jimmy. He's calmed down a lot since he started courting and we were married. Guess fatherhood does that to a man."

"Ok," Lou agreed with a grin, "I'll wait up here if you'll stay with me." Lou really did like Celinda she just seemed awfully nosy at times. "I'm sure Carol Sue will take good care of Little Nathan while we're at the dance," Lou said.

"Oh, I know she will. She seems like a sweet girl. Will her fiancée be back soon?"

"Rachel said Carol Sue heard from him the othe......."Lou began.

"Louise, Kid's here," Rachel called up.

Lou felt every butterfly she had managed to calm take flight once again.

"I'll go down first," Celinda offered knowing Lou might want a minute alone to calm her nerves.

Lou smiled gratefully at Celinda and a few moments later followed her down the stairs. Kid was waiting for her as the others were going out the door. Jimmy glanced back at his friends as he was going out the door. The site took his breath away. For a moment he thought a younger version of his mother had returned. He closed his eyes and realized it was Lou on the stairs, and followed the others into the night. He looked at Celinda and she knew what he was thinking.

"No doubt about it, she's our sister," Celinda whispered to him.

Jimmy swallowed hard; she definitely was their sister.

Kid had caught his breath when he saw her descending the stairs. Lou was beautiful. He almost forgot the package in his hand until she was standing in front of him. "I picked this up on my run. I thought you might like it," he said holding it out to her.

Lou looked down at what he had in his hand. She couldn't imagine what it was; she hoped he wasn't proposing again. Slowly she opened the small pouch and emptied it into her hand. A golden locket with a horse etched on to the front fell out into her hand. Tears filled her eyes. It was beautiful.

"Lou," Kid began, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you cry."

"Kid, it's beautiful. I love it. Will you help me put it on," she stopped him and turned around.

"Um...sure," Kid said. He fumbled with the clasp. He wanted to curse his fingers for being too large but truth be told it was the images filling his head that were the problem. Just brushing her neck with the back of his fingers brought back memories of the times they had shared at Red Fern and the swimming hole. He was growing hot just thinking about them. As the clasp caught he leaned down and place a soft kiss on her neck.

"Oh," Lou gasped as she leaned back against him, her own memories of the special dance they had shared assailing her.

Kid broke the moment gently, "They'll be waiting for us."

"I know," Lou agreed as she tried to gather her thoughts. One last kiss and Kid led her out the door. He had been right everyone was waiting at the start of the boardwalk so they could enter the dance as a family.

Chapter 11

As they entered the dance, more than one bachelor noticed the marshal's visiting "niece". Teaspoon and the riders claimed all her dances though and some of the fellows were getting pretty sore since none of them had gotten a dance with Louise. Most though kept their thoughts and hands to themselves. Especially since each time one even dared to say anything to her he got daggers shot at him from Hickok and the one they called the Kid.

But as it always happened one just can't keep his mouth shut and this time it was Zach Owens. He decided he was going to dance with Miss Louise. When she turned him down-quite politely and accepted Teaspoon's arm-he got nasty. Not noticing Jimmy and Kid walk up behind him he commented to a couple of friends, "She can't be much better than a whore, stayin' out there at that way station with all those riders. Bet they've ridden her pretty good even if she is the marshal's niece."

Kid grabbed Jimmy's arm as he started to swing and tapped Zach on the shoulder. As Zach spun around an elbow "accidentally" connected with his middle. "Oh, sorry 'bout that, Zach," Jimmy said as he put his arm around Zach's shoulders. "Kid here gets pretty clumsy sometimes. Let me help you outside for some fresh air."

Kid apologized saying, "Sure am sorry, Zach, didn't see ya." Making sure Lou was still dancing and hadn't heard or seen anything Kid followed Jimmy and Zach outside.

"Now fellas, I was just funnin' in there," Zach tried to apologize.

"Well, now, Zach, I'm gonna let you in on a little secret," Jimmy began. "Miss Louise ever hears a word of what you said....and well, you won't have to worry 'bout what me or the Kid here might do to you. See not only is she the marshal's favorite niece but he taught her how to take care of herself. She's a dead shot might even be able to out shoot me. Comment like you just made would make her pretty mad, too." Jimmy watched the boy, hoping he wasn't going to have to convince him anymore to leave the dance. He wanted to beat the crap out of him but he knew that would cause too much of a commotion and ruin the dance, not just for everyone but especially for Lou. As Jimmy watched Zach paled a bit more.

Kid caught on quick and tried not to laugh. "Yeah, Marshall Hunter told us that's why she came to visit. Some fella down in Texas made a pass she didn't like and just 'bout lost his hand. She's real mean like that. Marshall's the only one that can keep a rein on her temper." Kid added to Jimmy's story.

"You...You mean she shot 'im just for makin' a pass?" Zach asked.

"Nope, not that fella, she used a knife on 'im," Jimmy added.

The color drained from Zach's face. "I didn't mean nothin'," he whined and hurried off down the street toward the livery.

"Think it'll work?" Jimmy asked Kid with a huge grin.

"Don't know but it sure was fun," Kid replied. "Let's get back inside 'fore she misses us."

As they reentered the dance, Teaspoon commented, "I hope you two didn't hurt poor Zach too bad."

"He's fine, Teaspoon," Kid said as he watched Nathan dancing with Louise.

"Just told him what a crack shoot Louise is, is all," Jimmy added.

"I see. Guess he didn't like getting turned down by our Louise, did he?" Teaspoon asked.

"Nope," Jimmy and Kid answered smiling at each other.

Lou and Nathan had finished their dance so Teaspoon said, "We'll finish this later, boys."

"Yes, sir," they replied.

Teaspoon wasn't so sure he liked the way these two were getting along. If they started backing each other up it could lead to some interesting trouble for all concerned. He did have to give them credit though. They had defended Louise's honor, and the lady hadn't even caught on. He smiled after they had walked away; they had finally quit fighting about her and defended her together. It was about time.

Chapter 12

The next morning Lou woke early before the others and was brushing Lightning down in the corral after having taken him on a quick ride. She was really enjoying not having to pretend to be a boy, even if it was only for a little time.

Nathan had risen early, too, and rode past Lou on his way out of the station. He pulled the horse to a stop when he spotted Lou in the corral. "Did you have a nice ride?" he called to her.

"It was wonderful," she called back. "Where are you off to so early?"

"I'm going into town to see the banker. I heard last night at the dance that the Dawsons are moving on and thought that I would see if I couldn't purchase their farm," Nathan replied.

"Really?" Lou replied with interest.

"Yeah, well, see you later." Nathan called as he whistled to his horse.

Lou's mind was whirling as he did. Patting Lightning on his neck she said, "Sorry boy, but I think I have an idea on how I just might be able to keep being a lady. I promise to brush you twice as much when I get back." Lou headed for the house to change into a dress. When she was ready she headed for Teaspoon's office.

*~*~*~*~*

Reaching the door of Teaspoon's office, Lou paused; maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Teaspoon had his hat pulled down over his eyes and his feet propped up on his desk. Lou started to turn and leave. "If you came in to town dressed like that it must be important, Miss Louise," Teaspoon teased from the desk.

Lou stopped and turned around smiling. "You fool many folk with that?" Lou teased back.

"Enough," Teaspoon laughed. "Now what do you need?" Teaspoon noticed one of the young dandies around town had paused at the window of his office and was staring at Lou. Teaspoon caught his attention when he frowned at the young man. The young man blushed and hurried away.

"What's wrong?" Lou asked turning around.

"Nothing, just thought I saw Cody, he's suppose to be fixin' that fence that went down in that storm last week. Thought he was loafin' around again," Teaspoon replied, "Now back to my question..."

"Oh, um, well, Nathan mentioned that the Dawsons had left town and he was going to see about buying their farm from the bank. I was...." Lou paused she wasn't sure how Teaspoon was going to take what she was going to say next. "Well, I was wondering if anyone had bought Mrs. Dawson's dress shop yet." Lou finished quickly.

Teaspoon didn't need for Lou to explain further. The last few days he could tell that she was growing tired of pretending to be a boy. He didn't doubt she could make a go of the dress shop. If she worked half as hard at it as she did at being a rider, it would be the best dress shop in the territory. "You thinkin' about buying it?"

Taking a deep breath Lou said, "Yes, I have the money Charlotte left me and the money I've been saving. If I could make it work then I could send for Jeremiah and Teresa. Besides ya'll wouldn't have to keep coverin' for me if I did."

"Now you know that ain't a problem," Teaspoon scolded her, though he was laughing inside at the nervous way Lou had said everything in on breath. "You really want to give up, Lou?"

"What do you mean?" Lou snapped her temper flaring.

"Now simmer down young lady. All I meant was are you ready to be a young lady full time."

Lou thought about it for a moment, "Yeah, guess I am. It's just easier not having to pretend," Lou admitted. "And with you being my "uncle" I figured folks will accept me as me."

Teaspoon puffed up with pride at that statement, because he knew it came from Lou's heart. He realized she'd thought things out. "How long you been thinking about this?" he asked.

Lou blushed, was it that obvious she was tired of being Lou and wanted to be Louise again. "Honestly," she replied, "since Charlotte died."

Teaspoon looked at her, she was so small but her spirit was strong. Smiling at her he said, "Guess we better skedaddle on over to the bank then and get that place bought before someone else does." Offering her his arm, they walked out of the jail.

*~*~*~*~*

A few hours later after dealing with the bank, Teaspoon watched as Lou made a careful inventory of the shop. Dawson's wife had left almost everything there saying that she wouldn't need it since a dress shop wouldn't be needed where they were going.

Lou checked everything out in the store. The patterns would do, only a few would have to go. The trims and fabric were all in good condition. The exception was a bright orange piece; it would have to go or maybe she could make a shirt for Teaspoon. Maybe even Cody, if she fibbed and told him it was the latest style. A few of the dresses that were already finished looked too fancy for the ladies of Rock Creek but Lou figured some of the saloon girls might purchase them

Lou realized she would need to order a few things though. Some fabric, more calicos and some homespun. The trims of course would do but she would need more laces and ribbons. When she finished making her list, she and Teaspoon headed for Tompkins' store.

They waited while Tompkins finished helping Mrs. Carson. When he was finished Tompkins looked at them and actually smiled. "What can I help you with today, Teaspoon," he asked.

"My niece here," Teaspoon replied, "needs to order some things for the dress shop."

"Oh, you bought it then," Tompkins looked at Lou skeptically.

"Yes," Lou replied, "and even though it is well stocked there are a few things I'll be needing."

"Do you really know how to sew?" Tompkins asked.

"Of course, she does," Teaspoon replied stepping to Lou's defense. "Don't most young ladies know how to sew?"

"Well, I just figured she was working for you cause she didn't know how to sew or anything else ladylike," Tompkins grouched back.

"What?" Lou exclaimed, "You know. Who told you?"

"A man would have to be blind not to know," Tompkins replied.

"How long have you known?" Lou asked.

"Since that time you hit me in face with that skillet. Only a female can handle a skillet like that," Tompkins said with a grin.

"Teaspoon ain't known that long," Lou answered surprised.

"You never said anything," Teaspoon said a bit amazed.

"Just figured she had a right to earn a living the way she wanted. Least ways, she didn't go to work for the saloon or that cathouse down the street like some girls do," Tompkins replied to Teaspoon. Turning to Lou he said, "Let me see that list of yours and I guess you're going to want to charge it."

"No, sir," Lou replied with a smile, "I'll be paying cash."

"Then let's see what you'll be needing," Tompkins said his smile and manner becoming even friendlier at the mention of cold hard cash.

"Well, looks like you're in good hands there Lou. I'm going to run out to the Hendersons and check on them. I'll meet you at your shop in a while," Teaspoon said.

"That sounds nice, my shop," Lou said smiling.

"You've earned it," Teaspoon said giving her a hug.

"I have to agree with that, seein how long she's put up with you and those boys," Tompkins put in.

"You just couldn't stand there and be nice a moment longer could ya," Teaspoon slung back at Tompkins.

"No," Tompkins smiled back.

Lou laughed at both of them. They were really good friends but neither would admit to it.

*~*~*~*~*

After spending time picking out the laces and ordering a few other items from Tompkins, Lou was about to head back to the station when she got sidetracked walking past her shop. She paused for a moment, then decided she'd go ahead and get started fixing things up the way she wanted them, and, so, went in. The shop was fairly clean, still she started putting things where she wanted them and putting some of her purchases away. When she was finished she sat down in a rocking chair that was in the backroom by a small stove. She thought about going upstairs to see what she would need for when Jeremiah and Theresa joined her. They'd have a good home here and finally they would all be together again. Lou decided she'd go upstairs in a minute the rocker was just too comfortable to leave for the moment. As she rocked Lou's eyes closed and a short time later she was asleep.

*~*~*~*~*

Later that afternoon everyone was looking for Lou but couldn't find here anywhere. Tempers were starting to flare as two riders started to become very worried.

Teaspoon knew he'd been gone quite a while and didn't expect to find the door to Lou's shop unlocked. He'd have to have a talk with her about leaving the door unlocked when she wasn't there. Anyone could have come in and stole anything. He turned to leave but spotted movement behind the curtain to the backroom. Pulling his gun he slowly made his way towards it. Stepping into the backroom, Teaspoon smiled as he holstered his gun. There sat Lou sound asleep. Looking around he noticed how clean everything was and that Lou had moved some of the things to different places.

Reaching out he touched her shoulder as he called her name, "Lou."

Lou blinked a couple of times, as she started awake. "Huh?" she said as her eyes focused on Teaspoon.

"You fell asleep, darlin'," Teaspoon said. "The place looks real nice. You ready to go home now?"

Lou smiled, she felt better than she had in a long time. She realized none of the nightmares she'd been having had haunted her sleep this time.

"We should get going. If we don't get back soon, Cody won't leave us much for dinner," Teaspoon teased.

As she stood up, Lou said, "I didn't mean to fall asleep." Looking around she added, "It does look nice, doesn't it?"

"It sure does, you ready?" Teaspoon asked.

"Yeah," Lou replied as she followed Teaspoon to the door. She looked back before she stepped across the threshold, and smiled to herself. It really did look nice.

*~*~*~*~*

The tension between Kid and Jimmy had been brewing all day since neither had seen Lou. The others could feel it grow each time one of them looked at the other. When a noise sounded in the yard all the occupants of the bunkhouse jumped. They all stood there as Nathan came through the door. Celinda was the first to reach him, "Have you see Lou today?" she asked, worry for her newfound sister filling her face.

"This morning as I was leaving, she was in the corral brushing Lightning," he replied. "Why?"

"No one has seen her all day," Kid replied swallowing the lump in this throat. He kept telling himself she was alright that she would be home soon, but he was still scared for her.

"You sure you haven't seen her, Nathan?" Jimmy asked.

"I'm sure," Nathan replied.

Jimmy grabbed his hat and guns and started for the door. Kid stopped him when he placed his hand on Jimmy's arm. "I'm sure she's fine, Jimmy," he said sounding more confident of what he said than he was. "Let's give her a couple of more hours. I'm sure she'll be home by then."

Jimmy wanted to punch Kid. Didn't he realize the danger Lou could be in? Why wasn't Kid as concerned about Lou as he was? "You wait if you want, Kid," was Jimmy's reply.

Cody and Buck looked at each other. Neither could figure this out. It was as if Jimmy and Kid had switched places.

Kid was now ready to punch Jimmy. He prayed Lou was fine, but really wasn't positive that she was. She could handle herself but she was still his and he protected what was his. He also knew though that if she was ok and they went out after her how angry she would get. They had just gotten back together; he didn't want to fight with her right now. "Jimmy, I just think it would be best if we waited," Kid came close to shouting.

Jimmy had had enough; he just couldn't understand why Kid wouldn't go after Lou. "What's a matter Kid; you don't want her anymore and figure that if something happens to her you won't have to tell her?" Jimmy said without even stopping to think.

"Take it back, Jimmy," Kid snapped. Kid couldn't understand why Jimmy was so worried about Lou. Then a thought dawned on him. Maybe Jimmy loved Lou like he did. She sure had looked pretty lately since she'd been able to be the lady they all knew she was. Maybe Jimmy was seeing Lou as more than a friend. "Why are you so worried about her, Jimmy?" Kid snapped again.

The two young men were face to face now. "She gets hurt and you'll answer to me, Kid," Jimmy growled.

"Oh, why is that?" Kid growled back.

"Cause..." Jimmy trailed off.

"Cause why? Cause you've changed your mind and care for her more now," Kid yelled in Jimmy's face.

"No, that's not it," Jimmy yelled back.

"Then what is it?" Kid pressed

Jimmy felt backed into a corner. He had no choice now, he could let Kid believe what he wanted or he could tell him the truth.

"Then what is it, Jimmy?" Kid pressed harder.

Fed up Jimmy shot back, "Cause, damn it, she's my sister! And so help me, friend or not, you hurt her again and I'll shoot you myself."

Kid looked at Jimmy too stunned for words. Cody had no trouble finding his voice though, asking, "How's that possible? When did you find out? Your sister??"

Buck and Ike were surprised too, but Cody was doing fine with the questions so they remained silent.

A moment passed as Kid and Jimmy stood staring at each other. The door that was between them opened then and a smiling Lou stepped in followed closely by Teaspoon.

Both Jimmy and Kid turned and spying Lou shouted, "Where the hell have you been?"

"What?" Lou asked her smile fading.

"We've been worried sick," Kid replied.

"We've looked everywhere for you," Jimmy joined in.

Then both asked again, "Where've you been all day?"

Lou was not pleased by her reception in the least. "If it is any of your business, and it ain't by the way, I went into town to take care of some business," she replied. "And I was perfectly safe. And I can take care of myself." Lou was fuming she'd had such a good day and now to be treated like this. She took a deep breath and added, "I think I'll go on up to the house if you two are finished with your interrogation." Turning around she smiled at Teaspoon, "Thanks," was all she said before brushing his weathered cheek with a kiss and heading back out the door.

Jimmy and Kid both just stared after her as she walked across the yard, neither sure of what to say to each other or Lou.

"Would someone like to explain what all the commotion was about?" Teaspoon asked as he walked in and shut the door behind him.

Rachel trying to help answered first, "No one had seen Lou since this morning before breakfast. We were all a little worried about her."

"A little worried?" Cody added, "Jimmy and Kid there were more than a little worried."

Buck was the only one that hadn't forgotten Jimmy's last statement before Lou and Teaspoon arrived. "She's really your sister, Jimmy?" he asked.

"Yes," Celinda spoke up. "Our aunt recently wrote us to tell us we had another sister, Jimmy's twin."

"Twin? Well, hell," Cody unable to stay out of the conversation added, "that explains that temper of hers, easy enough."

"Cody," Teaspoon warned as Jimmy and Kid both sent the blonde rider quailing looks.

*Does she know yet* Ike signed

Celinda looked at Jimmy. He didn't look too happy about having blurted out the fact that Lou was his sister. "No," Jimmy said quietly, having caught sight of Ike out of the corner of his eye.

Kid hoped that not everyone could see his relief that Jimmy was Lou's brother. It dawned on him then that he'd been sleeping with his best friend's sister and the guilt began to eat at him. He couldn't look Jimmy in the eye right then and Jimmy realized why.

Jimmy started to ball his fist as the door swung back open. Lou stood in the doorway looking at him. "Would you care to explain to me where you got the notion that I'm you sister?" she asked with faked calm.

Celinda started to speak, but Jimmy was the one to answer Lou, "The letter came just a few days ago. Our aunt in Illinois sent it to Celinda. She's sick and wanted to let us know what had happened."

"So you're telling me that I'm your sister. That my brother and sister are not my family, that my mother wasn't my mother, and the poor excuse for a father I had wasn't my father," Lou responded her control slipping more with each word.

"That's right," Celinda said with a smile. "You have us now."

"So instead of an outlaw for a father, I now have one that didn't even want me? I also, now have no connection to the only two people in the world that I've known all my life. My mother, the only person that ever loved me unconditionally, wasn't mine to claim either." Lou refused to cry but the others could hear the hurt and anger in her voice. "Why? Can either of you tell me that? Why didn't he want me?"

"We have two other sisters," Celinda said confused, the reaction she was getting wasn't what she'd expected. This girl was an orphan of an outlaw before, now she was the daughter of a great man. What was wrong with her? Couldn't she see how great it could be for her now that she had a family to protect her? "Aren't you pleased? Now you have a respectable family."

Jimmy groaned.

Kid paled trying to figure out if Lou was going to go after Celinda or shoot her. Cody, Ike, and Buck started looking for a quick exit or how best to stay out of the way.

Lou shocked them all though when she only replied, "My dead mother was very respectable, as were my grandparents. That my father was," Lou swallowed hard, "an outlaw doesn't change that fact. He may have left us, but at least he didn't give me away because of what I was." Her rage finally bubbling over Lou finished with, "No, I'm not proud. The man you call father gave me away for no reason. NO, REASON....."Lou shouted as she looked at Jimmy and then ran from them all.

Kid stared after her as she ran. Glancing over his shoulder at Celinda he said, "You need to talk to your sister Jimmy." Then went after the woman he loved.

Jimmy just stared after Kid. Lou was hurting but he didn't know how to help her. He wanted to scream at Celinda but he knew she was only saying what a lot of folks would be saying. He vaguely heard Rachel say something about pie at the house and the others leaving him and Celinda in the bunkhouse alone.

He tried his best to think of how to explain Lou's feelings to Celinda but Celinda solved that problem for him when she said, "I thought she'd be happy to know that she had us. That you were her brother."

Jimmy gave her a halfhearted smile and said, "You don't know her history. You don't know all of the things she's seen or been through. I don't know it all, and I don't think Kid even knows it all. When our father gave her up, he made a big mistake. Boggs was never really around when she was growing up. Her mother then got ill and passed away. She spent a lot of time in the orphanage in St. Jo. She ran away from there a couple of years ago and worked as a laundress for a while. Something happed that she's only told Rachel about. All we know is that she was hurt bad enough that she still has nightmares sometimes. So you see why she doesn't want to be our sister. It's like he let it all happen to her." Jimmy could tell what he was saying wasn't getting through to Celinda. "Celinda, think about it. He gave her away just because she was a girl. He didn't want her, didn't care enough to find her a good home, just gave her to the first couple he found. It was easy to hate Boggs cause there wasn't a good bone in his body, but to be the daughter of a so-called good man, a man people look up to and admire. How does she hate that?"

Slowly the magnitude of what her father had done began to sink in to Celinda's brain. Lou had been robbed of a loving family, of a childhood spent in play, teen years spent being courted and going to dances. Instead she'd had a family of just an ill mother and siblings that depended on her. Her childhood was spent looking after the younger children and doing much of the housework. Now her teen years she was spending working and she had been hurt bad enough for nightmares to disturb her sleep. Celinda felt she needed to know more. "What happened to her, Jimmy?"

Jimmy still couldn't voice what had happened to Lou. He hadn't let himself face the fact of what had been done to her before. His throat tightened he couldn't make the words form when his mind wouldn't acknowledge the truth. He shook his head and looked away from Celinda.

It was then that she figured it out. They had never discussed what had happened to their mother that day. Their mother had forbid them to talk about it or to tell their father of the men and what they had done. She had been so ashamed that she'd allowed it to happen, although they all knew that it wasn't her fault. That she couldn't fight them off. They were there when the nightmares kept her awake all night. She worked herself to the point of exhaustion just to be able to sleep a dreamless sleep.

Celinda's eyes teared and she cursed her father for what he had done. "Does she know you know the truth?" she asked.

Jimmy shook his head, "No, it could be something else."

"What?" Celinda asked desperate for it to be something else.

Jimmy snapped at her then for the first time in his life, "How the HELL do I know?!! She hasn't said anything to me. I'm just her friend," Jimmy said giving into the feelings and hurt he'd been feeling for the last few days. "Just a friend. Not her lover, not anything but a friend. And you want to know the worst of it, for a while I wanted to be more. I wanted her like Kid does. I thought I was falling in love with her. Hell, Celinda I even kissed her once. Can't you even see how pretty she is, how strong? She'd of been a match for me, but no. Our father had to reach from the grave and take her away from me, too. He gave me a name that is too much to live up to, a cause everyone expects me to fight for just because of my name and an image that is larger than life at times. I guess you think I should be grateful for all that, too. But I'm not. I would rather just fight my demons not his too." Jimmy felt as if an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders by the time he had finished.

Celinda just stared at her brother. She had known that there had been trouble between her father and brother but never anything like this. "Do you hate him that much?" she asked.

"Yeah," Jimmy replied. "I do, Teaspoon has been more of a father to me than he ever was."

Celinda bowed her head as she said, "I didn't know."

Chapter 13

It was a long night for everyone.

Kid and Teaspoon finally tracked Lou down at her shop. At first Kid didn't know what to do or say. He found her in a corner of one of the upstairs rooms crying. Not knowing what to do he just sat down and held her. She had continued to cry off and on, and asking question he didn't have the answers for. Kid wasn't even sure that Jimmy, Celinda, or their aunt would either.

Teaspoon found them there Lou curled into a ball in Kid's arms. He nodded to Kid, then returned downstairs to lock up. He returned to the station a short time later letting everyone know that Lou was ok and that she and Kid were staying at the shop that night.

Jimmy had stormed off to try and calm down after losing his temper with Celinda. He was so angry at everything that had happened the last few weeks. He'd started to give his heart to someone only to find that she loved his best friend. He'd then found out she was also his sister. Lord, it sounded as bad as one of Marcus's dime novels. He had no clue where things were going to go. He laughed at himself as he thought maybe he should write Marcus and tell him about it, it'd make a great addition to the story about him. Hell, this part would even be true and no one would believe it.

That was how Celinda found him in the barn, stuck between laughing and crying. She tried to talk to him but he wouldn't even look at her. Trying to be kind to his sister Jimmy asked her to leave him be and go on back to the house. Celinda wanted so badly to settle things and apologize to her brother, then realized that he needed time to cool down.

*~*~*~*~*

The next morning as Kid awoke the sun was streaming down on Lou, who was huddled asleep in his arms. Her eyes were still swollen from crying but she seemed to be sleeping peacefully enough. He was afraid if he moved he'd awaken her. So he sat just watching her sleep, praying that she could find some kind of happiness from this.

Thoughts ran through his mind. Jimmy's sister....twin sister he corrected himself. He felt guilty and ashamed; he'd been sleeping with his best friend's sister. It wasn't right. He figured Jimmy would get around to punching him...he stopped himself then, it didn't matter. Nothing mattered.

Lou was taking this so hard. Thinking on what he knew of Lou's past Kid couldn't blame her. They'd had no right to do this to her. Jimmy's father had no right to give away his daughter. Boggs had no right to abandon her, nor to force her to reveal that she was a girl before she was ready to. And Wicks had no right to treat her the way he had or to rape her.

'No wonder she mistrusted me so much in the beginning,' Kid thought. He was even beginning to realize why she needed to be so independent and strong.

Smiling, he began to think of the similarities between her and Jimmy; the same smile, the same quick temper, pushing others away when they needed them the most, and wanting to deal with their problems on their own. Not to mention the way, and he had to admit this, they both had with a gun.

He loved her so much and realized, like Jimmy at times, needed her space. But whether or not she wanted to admit it, this wasn't one of them.

Lou moaned and he jumped waking her. He watched as she rubbed her eyes and looked up at him. "Was it a dream?" she asked.

"No," was his simple reply.

"He's really my brother?"

"According to Teaspoon, your twin brother," he told her quietly.

Lou giggled. "My twin," she repeated softly to herself.

Looking around at the room while Lou gathered her thoughts he realized where she'd spent the previous day. "You've fixed it up nice," he told her.

"The whole place is mine. Charlotte and I had a dream of a shop like this. She wanted to be respectable and to keep me that way," Lou told him.

"You can sew?" Kid asked incredulously.

"Yes," Lou laughed but then she turned serious, "Kid, I've got to talk to Jimmy."

"I know," he replied. Teasing, and trying to lighten the mood, he added, "Least now I don't have to be jealous anymore." Lou smiled at his joke, but her smile did not reach her eyes. "He loves you a lot, Lou, don't hold what his father did against him."

"I don't. His...our father hurt all of us with what he did. If he hadn't though 'Miah and Tessa wouldn't have anyone," she told him.

"Let's find Jimmy," Kid said standing. "Besides I'm getting hungry and I'm sure Rachel will have breakfast ready soon."

"I love you," Lou stated as she stood, and followed him out of the room.

*~*~*~*~*

Jimmy hadn't gone to bed until long after Teaspoon returned and told them that Lou and Kid were fine and staying at the shop for the night. He hadn't slept much though. He had awakened from nightmares all night. Just before sunrise, he finally gave up and sat on the porch of the bunkhouse. That was where Celinda found him.

"I'm sorry, Jimmy," she said.

"Nothin' for you to apologize for," he returned, not taking his eyes away from the colorful sky. "You didn't do anything."

"I did, I defended his actions toward you time and again," Celinda stated.

"You were just being loyal to your father. 'Sides he treated you good," Jimmy replied.

Celinda thought for a moment. "But you're my brother. You were there more than he was. Jimmy, my loyalty should belong more to you than him. I guess I just...I was just excited that it was so easy to find her. I thought she would be happy to know she had family besides the two little ones. I'm willing to accept them too for her sake."

"You can't have one without the other," Jimmy said exasperated from trying to make Celinda understand that Lou might not want them for family especially if Celinda pushed it on Lou. "But Celinda, you're going to have to give her time. It's a lot to have dumped on you from out of the blue."

"I understand that now. I should have listened to you. I thought I could fix his mistake-set things right so to speak. I was even thinking that Nathan and I could take in her brother and sister until she could take care of them," Celinda said.

Jimmy stood up put his back to the street and blocking Celinda's view of it; then taking Celinda by the shoulders, "You can't do that. You'll just scare her off. She's been taking care of them since she was a kid. She won't have it."

Celinda looked crest fallen, then replied, "I was getting ahead of myself again. I know she needs time." Looking Jimmy in the eye she said, "She's so special to you already, that I want to get to know her too. I want to be a real sister to her not just someone who is related to her."

Jimmy smiled ever so slightly, "I'm sure she'll let you, but one thing she has to do...."

Lou cut him off, "I have to do things my way. Just like you do."

Jimmy was shocked and surprised by Lou appearance; she had caught him totally off guard. He was so preoccupied with getting things under control with Celinda that he hadn't heard her approach.

Looking directly at Jimmy, she said, "I have to have time to figure out what this all means to me. How I feel about having more family-family I never knew about. I know you think I should be happy about this, Celinda, but I'm not. Your...our," Lou sighed and swallowed the lump in her throat, "father gave me away for no good reason." Lou closed her eyes, willing the gathering tears away. When she continued her voice was husky. "Did they ever think of me? Even once?" she asked.

Celinda thought back, and started to answer when Jimmy beat her to it. "Ma did. She'd stare into space at time or at girls my age in town. I asked her once what she was thinking about. She said about how she sometimes dreamed that she had another little girl. Someone for me to tell my troubles to, someone I could be close to. I didn't understand because Celinda and I were close. I guess she was thinking of you."

Celinda spoke up then, "I didn't understand what he meant but Pa was sorry, too. Toward the end, he told me that he'd committed a great sin against Ma, Jimmy and the girl child. He was drunk that night and I thought he meant our other sister, now I know he meant you. He asked to forgive him because he knew Ma and Jimmy would never do it."

"You're damn right I won't," Jimmy stated.

"I can't either," Lou said, stepping up beside him.

"I understand," Celinda said hanging her head. "I, um, promised to help Rachel with breakfast."

Lou put her hand on Celinda's arm, saying, "I respect that you loved him but I can't. From what Jimmy's told me about you, I think, we could...will become good friends. I am glad to have an older sister I always wanted one."

"I hope so," Celinda replied squeezing Lou's hand as she hurried away to help Rachel with breakfast. "I'll see you at breakfast." Celinda knew Lou and Jimmy had a lot to work out between them.

Lou turned to Jimmy, "What do you think of all this?"

"I'm lucky," Jimmy replied. "Now maybe Kid'll stop taking a swing at me everytime I look at you."

Lou laughed nervously. "He does have a bad habit of getting a bit jealous."

"More than a bit," Jimmy said with a smile and rubbing his jaw. Then seriously he said, "I'm sorry, Lou, I'd never of let you put yourself in danger the way I have if I'd known you were my sister."

Rolling her eyes, Lou replied, "What makes you think you could have stopped me?"

"Guess I couldn't," he answered with a nervous laugh. "No one seems to be able to stop me either. You are my sister and I have to admit I wouldn't have told Kid he should go ahead and dance with you if I'd have know it then." Teasing he said, "He'd be dead now too I suppose if I'd known when he took up that school teacher."

"I'd probably of let you shoot him that time," Lou giggled. "As far as dancin' goes-last time I checked it takes two."

"Lou," Jimmy groaned. "I really don't need to know that."

"Well, one thing is for sure, I'm glad to know my best friend is my brother. Besides guess its safe to be a girl now. Who'd be dumb enough to mess with Wild Bill's sister," she teased.

"Twin sister," he corrected her, "and nobody better.

"Don't worry big brother-and I assume you are the older of us-no one will," Lou told him. "Come on everyone will be waiting for us to eat. I'm sure Cody has tons of questions and comments to make."

Jimmy laughed. "Maybe it won't take as long as I thought for you to be ok with this," he thought.

"Maybe it won't," Lou said with a knowing smile that only twins share.

Epilogue

"I swear Kid, she screams one more time and I'm going to shoot you," Jimmy growled.

"You won't have to. I'll shoot myself," Kid replied. Lou was upstairs with the doctor, Rachel, and Celinda having his child. It'd been ten months since they were married and he loved her more than ever. He couldn't believe he'd done this to her.

"Boys, she'll be fine,' Teaspoon said. "Havin' younguns is difficult work that's all. She'll forgive you, Kid, as soon as she gets over the birth.

Just then cries were heard coming from the room. Then silence. Jimmy and Kid pushed and shoved each other all the way up the stairs. Teaspoon shook his head, they were lucky they hadn't fallen back down the stairs and killed each other. Laughing Teaspoon went after them eager to see his 'grandchild' for himself.

Rachel had just finished helping Lou get cleaned up and Celinda had finished cleaning up the babies and wrapping them in blankets when Jimmy and Kid burst through the door. "Is everything alright?" Jimmy asked as Kid relaxed at seeing that Lou was ok.

"Everything is just fine," the doctor said. "Congratulations, Kid, you have two healthy daughters."

"Huh?" Kid said looking at the doctor. "Two daughters?"

"Twins," Lou said as Celinda handed her one of the babies. "This here is Jamie after her Uncle Jimmy." Lou paused as Rachel put the other baby in Kid's arms. "And that's Allie after her Grandpa," Lou said smiling at Teaspoon.

Jimmy shook his head, "Girls, Lou, both girls. Do you know what it's going to be like around here when they get half grown? There'll be fellas everywhere. We'll have to keep those shotguns handy, Kid," he teased.

"Not if they're anything like their momma. We'll be protectin' the boys from them," Kid replied with a smile.

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