Sitting on the wagon Kid studied the layout of the land in the growing darkness. Lou and Ethan had retired to the rear of the wagon to sleep an hour ago and he was relieved. Listening to Lou’s familiar breathing Kid was reminded of the nights they’d spent together under the stars on their way to Virginia and he’d felt blessed to have her next to him. He’d spent many evenings awake listening to her breath in his arms; her warm body pressed against his a constant reminder of what he’d been given. “We there yet?” Lou’s sleepy voice had him turning on the wagon seat and smiling at her. “We’re at camp yes.” “You’re not to blame for what happened in Virginia.” Lou said smothering a yawn and moving to sit up next to him in the dusk. Her mind on that day when they’d picked Ethan up and had gone into town to get supplies and check out things only to find that the small town had become a powder keg of resentment and hostility. When a man had thrown something and hit Lou in the shoulder Kid had reacted by slamming him into a wall and pinning him there with hand at his throat. They hadn’t spent more than three hours there before they’d ridden out with the baby. They’d picked up a wagon in a small town that was filled with people moving around for the price of a bag of flour and some bacon. The young couple they’d bought the wagon off of had been grateful to get that much and had decided to stay in the area. “I know. I’ll unhitch the horses if you want to crawl back into bed.” “Wake me in a couple of hours.” “Sure thing.” Crawling back into bed Lou stared at the tarpaulin that covered the wagon box and sighed, despite the fact that they’d put a lot of miles on the horses and had given up sleeping in separate bedrolls, Lou had to admit it had been a romantic gesture for Kid to propose marriage. They’d been married in a quiet ceremony at some backwater little town that had hardly seemed big enough to have a preacher yet Lou had never felt more married. Closing her eyes she sighed softly, she loved Kid and she loved the fact that she was Mrs. Franklin Kowalski although Kid still refused to answer to that name. Sitting by the wheel of the wagon Kid kept one eye out for trouble as he waited for the exhaustion to come so he could wake Lou. They’d been on the road now for nearly a month something that he found to be a mixed blessing, they’d left Virginia behind them long ago but now they had no where to go. He pondered going back to Nebraska but it was a hot bed of activity and he didn’t want to endanger the baby or Lou so he was trying to figure out where he could go that wasn’t in the middle of a war. With a sigh he stretched and yawned and rose to wake Lou up before retiring for the night only to wake when she shook his shoulder an hour before daylight. Moving quietly they hitched Katie and Lightening up to the wagon and headed out, Lou making cold sandwiches for breakfast as Ethan woke and started to fuss. “Morning sleepy head.” Lou teased the little tow-headed boy who’s wild curls fell against baby fine skin and his blue eyes revealed a solemn laughter that intrigued and entranced those who looked upon him. “When we get settled I’ll send for Jeremiah and Theresa okay?” Lou whispered almost fearfully. “Sounds good.” Kid nodded. “Any idea where we are?” “No. I’m hoping its somewhere friendly, I’m starting to wish for the bunks again.” “You and me both.” Kid grinned and nudged the team a little faster. “If I didn’t know any better we were out near Omaha.” He said looking around at the country as the sun rose to revealed tall grass that waved in the wind. “I think you’re right. Maybe we are.” Lou whistled. “We’re back in Nebraska.” “Looks that way. When we get into town we’ll ask around maybe there’s someone with a farm to sell.” “One we can call ours?” “One that’s ours.” Kid promised and smiled at her before dropping a kiss on her lips and hugging Ethan who sat on Lou’s lap. Urging the team into town Kid pulled up by the livery and hopped down before turning to help Lou with Ethan. “Morning folks.” The unfamiliar voice had both of them glancing at the aged man who approached them. “Morning. Is this Omaha?” “Omaha’s about two days west of here.” The man said. “This is Taylor Nebraska.” “Peaceful around here?” Kid asked as he corralled Ethan from running off. “As peaceful a place as any. You folks coming from the south?” “No.” Kid shook his head. “Rock Creek. We used to work at the Station there.” “Well I know the express is disbanding its riders. Fewer and fewer people are sending letters and getting them through what with the war and all. I’m afraid if you’re expecting to work for the company..” “Actually we were wondering if there’s a farm around here for sale.” Lou said with a glance at Kid. “We’re looking to buy.” “There’s a couple that I know of. Old man Teague is selling, he lives about ten miles out north of here, and the Carne’s are selling as well.” “Carne’s?” “Yes sir. Him and his missus are headed back to Boston, found farming to be too much work.” “Whom would we talk to about buying a place?” “That would be him.” He pointed to a well-dressed man standing watching them with a friendly look upon his face. “He’s a smart fella, honest to.” “Thanks.” Kid said leading Lou toward the man that had been pointed out. “Morning.” “Morning.” Kid offered his hand. “I’m Kid and this is my wife Louise.” “Matt Metcalfe.” “Any relation to Emily Metcalfe?” Lou asked suddenly. “Cousin.” Matt smiled sadly. “To bad about her though.” “Oh?” “She died a month ago. She never really did get over the loss of her father.” “Our condolences.” Kid said softly and glanced at Lou before taking a breath. “We’re looking to buy a farm. The man at the livery said there’s two for sale.” “Yes sir. If you’ve the time I can take you out to see the Carne’s place it’s the closest and then we can ride out to the Teague place after that.” “Perfect. We’ll get our horses.” Kid said and led the way back to the wagon. After unhitching Katie and Lightening he saddled them easily and familiarly before swinging into the saddle and reaching down to take Ethan so Lou could mount easily. “Shall we?” Matt said nudging his mount away from town. Leading the couple toward the Carne place he sighed, they looked young, and were obviously newlyweds, and yet the little boy that sat before the man was a spitting image of him. He wondered suddenly if this wasn’t a second marriage for the man and felt a touch of sadness at the thought of his own wife who’d died two years before along with their daughter. After showing the young couple around the Carne place, which wasn’t much considering that there was little water and the ground had baked hard with the lack of use from a plow. The house was ramshackle and in desperate need of repairs and the barn had collapse months before just after it had been erected. “It’s cheap but the other farm’s better.” Matt said quickly. “Better water, lands fertile, it’s been taken care of.” “How far is it?” Lou asked taking an apple out of her saddlebag and biting off a piece for her new son. “Half hour ride.” Matt shrugged. “I imagine you must be famished, we can head back into town.” “No that’s fine. I’ve brought a picnic of sorts we’ll be fine.” Lou smiled at Kid. “Lets ride shall we?” “After you.” Kid grinned at her as she spurred Lightening into a gallop and headed in the direction that the farm sat. Following her lead Kid urged Katie into a full gallop, the giggles from the little boy in front of him making his heart sing. Pulling up by a set of wagon wheels that had been make into makeshift markers the trio surveyed the layout. A small house sat empty and vacant its windows darkened and lifeless. A barn sat off to the side the doors open and swinging in a silent breeze. “Where’s the water here?” Kid asked. “You’ve got a well out back of the house and a creek runs through the farm to the back of the barn. There’s a hundred acres that are under the title of this place along with the water, and any mineral rights. I don’t reckon there are but the owner wanted all titles in his name so when he decided to sell well they were available. I know of two others who were interested but they didn’t come back to finalize the deal.” “How much?” Kid asked softly, he knew how much money he had left, four hundred dollars exactly and Lou still had her money. He’d refused to touch her income saying she’d need it to get her brother and sister and he refused to let her spend it on anything other than that. “Fifty cents an acre.” Matt said and watched the man’s frown. “Course I might be talked down a bit.” “Forty cents times a hundred is what?” “Four hundred.” Matt replied and noticed Lou shaking her head. “That’s still too much Kid unless we use some of my money.” “You need that to get Theresa and Jeremiah.” Kid protested. “I can’t get them if they don’t have a home to come to.” Lou replied. “I tell you what.” Matt said something about this couple touching a nerve within him. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give it to you for thirty cents an acre right now and you pay me the difference of one home cooked dinner in the near future. How’s that sound?” “You sure about that?” Lou smiled at Kid who nodded briefly. “Done.” “Meet me in town in the morning and I’ll have the papers drawn up for you to sign.” Matt said s he turned his mount back toward town. “Good luck to both of you.” “Thank you.” Kid watched the man gallop off and sighed. “Well looks like we have a home.” “Looks like it.” Lou replied and grinned as she swung down. “Come here Baby, Kid you can take the horses and we’ll take a look around.” “Sounds good.” Kid said leading the two horses over to the corral, they’d have to pick up the wagon in the morning but for now they would make do with what they had. Stripping them down he carried the saddles into the barn and set them on the rack before he headed outside. Hearing movement from in one of the stalls he paused and reached for his gun. Moving toward it he cocked the gun and aimed as he stepped into the opening of the stall. Staring in shock at the image that met his eyes he shook his head and holstered his gun. “Well come on out.” He said stepping back and letting the little boy move from the corner he’d hidden in. “You got a name?” “Elijah.” The boy whispered staring at him as he stepped further into the light, the darkness of his skin showing him to be of Negro descent. “You from these parts?” “My Pa owns the farm next to this one.” The boy whispered. “I didn’t mean no harm mister, I was just looking for my dog.” “You eaten yet?” “No sir.” “I bet your Pa’s anxious about where you’re at.” “I don’t get home soon he’ll blister my backside.” “I suggest then you hurry up before I decide to ride over there with you and speak to the man.” Kid said and grinned when the boy darted off, his bare feet racing over the ground as he headed for home. “I thought for sure he was going to have a heart attack.” Lou said holding Ethan on her hip as she watched the boy race off. “He’ll be back. Curiosity will get the better of ‘im.” Kid declared and smiled at his wife. “So wife, what are we having for dinner?” “Fish?” Lou suggested and handed him a dusty fishing pole. “As long as you catch it first.” “Yes boss.” Kid said and headed for the creek the fishing pole grasped tightly in one hand. Riding into town Kid was silent as he tried to figure out a way to get everything they needed before winter, which was fast approaching, and no money. “Kid?” Lou drew him away from his thoughts and watched the light come into his eyes as he turned his attention to her. “I know this year’s going to be hard but we’ll make do. If nothing else we can sell the horses.” “I don’t want..” “I know.” Lou whispered. “We can make this work.” “I know. You’d best see to it that a rider from Rock Creek’s sent to get Theresa and Jeremiah. Now that we’re getting our own place I don’t want them to have to say there any longer than necessary.” “I’ll send a letter first thing. How much you figure it’ll cost?” “I don’t know. We got paid a hundred dollars to transport a tiger, how much more can they ask for two kids.” “I’ll offer ‘em a hundred and maybe when they realize who it’s for they’ll cut us a deal.” “Sounds good. Once we’ve got these papers signed we’ll collect the wagon and head home again. There ain’t much in that wagon but what is there belongs to us.” “I know.” Lou glanced around her at the lushness of the countryside and felt at peace. “Who’d have ever guessed that we’d get to this point.” “What do you mean?” “Two kids without kin, doing a dangerous job. Who’d have ever imagined that a girl would do the job we were paid for, and do it well? I know that I hoped to do it well but I never expected to last beyond my first ride.” “Who’d have ever thought that we’d be married with a baby?” Kid asked with a chuckle. “Or that a dirt farmer’s son from Virginia would have a beautiful wife that would make many a man jealous.” “Oh shush.” Lou laughed as they pulled up in front of the lands office. “You’re such a liar.” “I am not. I’m not blind, I’ve seen the way you turn heads.” “That’s in your imagination.” Lou said as she led Ethan inside. “Ain’t no man going to look at anyone as boyish as me.” “I did.” “Only after you found out I was a girl.” “Naw. I noticed you right off. Frankly there was something about you that I found to be distracting.” Kid explained as he closed the door behind him. “Morning you two.” “Morning Matt.” Kid said and took a seat after Lou was seated. “So the papers are all in order?” “In order and awaiting a signature.” Matt said with a smile. “I just need to know who’s name’s going on the title?” “Mister and Missus Franklin Kowalski.” Lou said quickly. “It’s ours.” “Very well. First name Missus Kowalski?” “Louise.” “Excellent.” Matt said handing Kid the pen. “I’ll need both your signatures and then we’ll see about the funds.” “I brought cash with me.” Kid said and smiled at Ethan who’d grabbed Lou’s hair and was pulling himself into a standing position on her lap. “Cash is always good. I’ll get you a receipt for it.” Nodding Kid waited until Matt had moved off before squeezing Lou’s hand. As much as he was excited about the farm he was leery of the coming winter and the lack of supplies. “Quit worrying.” “Yes boss.” Kid said and laughed softly for once at ease with who he was and where he was. ***** Sitting on the stoop of the porch Rachel watched the boys that were left at the station working hard. Cody had pulled out with the army less than a week ago an Jimmy was thinking of moving on, the only ones who weren’t in any hurry to leave were Noah and Buck, although they felt like they were being left behind. She wished she knew where Kid and Lou were, how they were doing. Missing the young couple she spent many days going over the conversations Lou and she had had trying to figure out where they would be was depressing. Spotting Teaspoon coming along the street she sighed, even Teaspoon was thinking of leaving town. “Any word yet?” “Nothing.” The Marshall declared. “Got a letter from Saint Jo though. Seems that we’re being asked to escort two youngsters to Taylor.” “That’s north of here ain’t it.” “Yes. Nearly to the border.” “Why are we being asked to escort these kids?” Rachel frowned. “We usually carry only mail.” “Seems the company was asked to do this special. Paid a hundred dollars for it to be done. Course they want delivery before payment is completed.” “Buck and Noah are the only ones left on the runs. They’ll be glad to do it.” “I figure they can leave at first light. “I’ll tell ‘em at dinner tonight.” Rachel said and watched the aging station master walk off. In the last few months he’d aged considerably and her heart went out to him with each passing day. “Noah. Buck.” Rachel called. “Dinner’s ready you want to wash up?” “Yes ma’am.” Noah called as he and Buck headed for the washbasin sitting at the back of the bunkhouse. “Sure is getting more and more quiet around here.” He muttered to Buck. “I know. Jimmy’s pulling out tomorrow, figures he can get a good start if the weather holds. Headed to work with the abolitionists.” “I guess it’s what he needs to do. What about Teaspoon and Rachel?” “Rachel wants to pretend that nothings happening, that war hasn’t broke out.” Buck said softly. “Teaspoon seems to be aging right before our eyes. Seems like he’s been getting older and older ever since Cody said he was leaving.” “Damn war.” Noah snapped. “They’re fighting over men like me and yet they won’t let us join. What the heck are we supposed to do with ourselves while we wait?” “I don’t know.” Buck said as he opened the door. “Just hope it’s enough to keep us busy.” “Me to.” “Boys.” “Rachel.” Buck settled at the table easily across from Noah and waited for blessing to be spoken. After blessing he picked up his fork. “Any runs?” “Yes.” Rachel said. “You two are to go to Saint Jo and pick up to young children and take them to Taylor.” “Who’s picking them up in Taylor?” “The Kowalski’s.” Rachel said. “As soon as you get to town you’re to go north for about ten miles to a farm, they live there.” “Kowalski’s.” Buck shrugged. “Must be German.” “I’m not sure.” Rachel said. “But they’re paying good money for it and you to are the only ones that I’d trust with this.” “Heck Rachel, we’re the only ones left.” Noah laughed and dug into his dinner. “All that aside. You two be careful. I don’t want any problems with this transport.” “We’ll be careful.” Buck promised. “When do we leave?” “Tomorrow morning. These are the papers you’ll need to get the children.” Rachel said sliding a folded piece of paper at the middle of the table. “You boys finish up and hit the sack, you’ve a long ride tomorrow.” “Yes Ma’am.” Noah said with a glance at Buck glad to be getting away from the station for a while. Pulling up by the familiar form of the orphanage Buck sighed. “I remember the last time I was here.” “Oh?” “Yeah, just after we found out Lou was a girl. We brought her brother and sister back here. I kept planning to come see them and never got around to it.” “Maybe you’ll get a chance to see them today before we leave.” “I hope so.” Buck smiled. “They’re great kids, course they’re more like Lou than we wanted but hey you’ve got to take the bad with the good right?” “Come on.” Noah chuckled. “Lou’d have your head if she heard you talking like that.” “I know it.” Buck said as he dismounted next to the front doors of the orphanage and headed up the steps. “You got the papers?” “Yep. In my pocket.” Noah said pulling them out to show Buck as the doors open and a tiny figure stared at them for a moment before smiling. “Buck! Sister it’s Buck.” “Hello Sister.” “Buck won’t you and your friend come in?” “How are Jeremiah and Theresa?” “Doing well. They’re in study at the moment. What can I do for you?” “We’re here to pick up a couple of kids. Their folks are sending for them.” Buck said as Noah handed over the papers. “Please take a seat.” The nun sat in her chair and unfolded the documents that the boys had brought with them. After reading through them she glanced at the two young men that at the nun who stood by the door. “Sister Mary would you please see to it that this is done.” She said as she handed slip of paper to the other woman. “How is Lou doing?” “We haven’t seen her in months. Not since she and Kid went to Virginia.” Buck explained. “Seems he had a nephew he had to go gather.” “An understandable voyage then.” The sister sat back in her chair and smiled at the two young men. “And the rest of the boys?” “Cody’s working for the army, Jimmy’s gone to work with the Underground Railroad.” “And Ike?” “He died several months ago.” Buck whispered still saddened at the thought of his friend’s passing. “I’m sorry.” Pausing when the knock at the door heralded the arrival of the children she smiled. “Well I’m sure you’ve much to do on your trip. I pray for a safe journey for both of you.” “Thank you sister.” Noah said rising as the door opened and a little boy and little girl were ushered into the room. “Buck!” “Theresa.” Smiling Buck knelt as the girl launched herself at him and hugged her hard. “Well let’s see.” He pretended to study her quickly. “You’re looking like a fine little lady.” “Thank you.” She said with a small curtsey. “Is Louise with you?” “No honey she’s not.” The nun said and took the paper back from her colleague. “Gentleman, I believe you’ll need this.” She handed it to the boys and hurried from the room leaving Buck frowning slightly after her. “Where’s Louise?” Jeremiah demanded. “She went to Virginia.” Buck answered. “Why?” “To help Kid get his nephew.” “Figures.” Jeremiah said and folded his arms across his chest. “I’d have thought she’d be more interested in coming for us.” “Jeremiah!” Theresa’s words were sharp and brought flush to his face. Glancing down at the papers in his hand Noah frowned and nudged Buck. “Says here the Boggs’s kids.” “These are the Boggs children.” Buck whispered and read the paper quickly. “Kowalski? I don’t know any Kowalski but maybe Lou does.” “Could be.” Noah shrugged. “We won’t find out standing here.” “You two ready to ride?” Buck asked with a quick grin and an easy laugh as Theresa jumped up and down. “Where we going?” “Taylor Nebraska.” Buck replied and ushered them out of the room toward the horses. “Course we’re going to need a wagon or a buckboard instead of the horses.” “There’s a livery in town.” “The horses would be faster.” Noah said. “We’ll double.” Buck decided. “Just means that we’ll have to be more careful.” “Who’s going to ride with who?” Jeremiah asked glancing between the two men. “I ain’t riding with my sister.” “Well then you can ride with me and your sister can ride with Buck.” Noah smiled at the young man. “Unless you’d rather ride with Buck.” “Naw. As long as I ain’t riding with Theresa I’m happy.” Jeremiah said trying to hide his glee at the thought that Lou had finally sent for him and Theresa. “Then lets get a move on.” Buck said and lifted the little girl onto his saddle and swung up behind her. “Hang on tight now, we’re going to have to take every short-cut we know to get there before the first of the month.” “What’s on the first?” “A new month.” Buck replied seriously and nudged his horse into a lope as they headed northwest toward Nebraska. ***** Standing in the shade of the barn Lou sucked in several deep breaths and hoped that Kid didn’t catch her. The nausea she often experienced hadn’t let up in two months and she was beginning to think it wouldn’t. With only one bedroom in the house, they made love in the dark and she was glad for it. In the dark Kid couldn’t see the slight cringe on her face when his hands brushed against her aching breasts. Hearing childish laughter she pasted a smile on her face and headed around the corner to see Ethan and the neighbor’s children playing tag in the yard. She’d become fast friends with Rosa and Abraham Johnston and their children after that first meeting with Elijah who’d become something of a fixture at their place. Waving at Rosa she hurried toward her, praying that she didn’t look as sick as she felt. “Louise, you okay?” Kid’s question brought her hope crashing down around her ears. She’d dreaded telling him of her pregnancy; they had enough to do with just surviving the coming winter with Ethan, Jeremiah and Theresa. Adding another mouth to feed would only increase his worrying and he’d spend more nights up trying to figure out where he’d get money for shoes, clothes, food that they didn’t have. “I’m fine.” Lou lied hoping he’d let it drop. “Really? You look a little green.” Kid frowned as Lou flushed guiltily and nodded quickly before hurrying to help Rosa with the platter the other woman was carrying. Watching her helping Rosa he pushed aside his unease and turned back to the conversation with Abe as he insisted he be called. “I ain’t seen it mind you.” Abe said. “But I did hear tell of a man who ran these fancy horses down south. Fact was my kin was a slave on his plantation and these horses well they stepped up so high and pretty. Ain’t never seen the like, and I ain’t sure they’d be of any use to anyone. What goods a horse that steps pretty if they can’t work the land?” “I know.” Kid sighed. “I’ve been pondering buying a good solid stallion, one with nice bloodlines to cross with my two mares but it’s been hard. I can’t afford to buy him just yet and I know we’re going to need to buy one if we want to raise quality horses.” “Maybe you could catch one of them mustang stallions. Some of ‘em are might nice to look at and have some good solid qualities.” “That’s true. Most of the horses I rode during the express days were hardy and fast, Indian ponies and mustangs. If I did that it would save me some money up front and I might just get a good solid line of cow ponies out of it.” “Sure. There are plenty of cows around here running wild. Just go round some up, slap your brand on ‘em and you’ve got a herd started.” “You run cows?” “Oh no. I’m into wheat.” Abe laughed uproariously. “Rosa would kill me if I got into cows.” “Now Abe I ain’t never done said such a thing and you know it.” Rosa said her eyes filled with laughter as her husband teased her. “Besides where you gonna get a cow pony, you ain’t got anything that could chase down a jack rabbit much less a cow.” “Now Rosa a jack rabbit and a cow are mighty different.” “Not in my books. Now you two best round up those young ‘uns. Dinner’s served.” “Yes Ma’am.” Abe rose and turned to his six kids that played with little Ethan. “Elijah bring Ethan to dinner. The rest of you best wash your hands and faces.” “Yes Pa.” The words were quickly spoken and followed by the actions of well-behaved kids. Sitting down Kid watched Lou as she moved around; as soon as company was gone he was going to get to the bottom of things. She’d been sick three times this week and yet she refused to admit to it. “Kid? Say the blessing?” Lou prodded him gently and watched him smile as he bowed his head. As he spoke she kept one eye on him her fingers itching to tame the curls he had as they kept being blown about in the wind teasing the collar of his shirt gently. “Amen.” Lou repeated after everyone and passed around a plate of cornbread. Laughing as the children helped themselves to the food she placed a small portion on her plate, the thought of food almost as repulsive as the smell that drifted up to torture her. Glancing around she hoped the dog was nearby so she could feed him scraps; she’d never be able to eat what she’d taken. “He’s locked in the barn.” Kid’s quiet words had her glancing sharply at him. “Who?” “The dog.” Kid said with a brief nod at her plate. “Eat.” “Kid.” “Riders coming.” Abe said glancing down the road, a glance at Rosa had her rising and gathering the children even as Kid and Abe rose to watch the oncoming riders. “There are only two of ‘em.” “We ain’t had any trouble so far.” Kid murmured as Lou frowned at the oncoming riders. “Probably just passing through.” “I hope its Buck and Noah with the kids.” Lou whispered and smiled when she recognized Buck’s familiar figure. “It is.” Grinning at Buck Noah nudged his mount into an all out gallop as they tore into the yard pulling up sharply by the corral fence. Swinging Jeremiah down onto the ground he dismounted and braced himself as Lou flung her arms around him. “Hello there.” Noah laughed as she kissed his cheek before turning to Jeremiah, Theresa and Buck who looked pained by her attentions. “I take it this is the Kowalski place?” Noah joked as Kid approached a huge smile on his face. “It is.” Kid said hugging the other man and laughing. “We were expecting you last week.” “It’s Theresa’s fault.” Jeremiah glared at his sister. “She spooked the new horses so we had to walk to the next station to get new ones.” “I did not.” Theresa snapped and turned back to her sister. “I didn’t Louise.” “I know.” Louise smiled. “You guys eaten yet?” “Not since this morning.” Buck declared with an easy grin as Kid shook his hand then pulled him into a brotherly hug. “It sure is good to see you.” “How is everyone?” Lou asked as she arranged thing so that she didn’t have to eat, surrendering her plate to her sister instead. “Cody’s gone, Jimmy’s gone and Rachel and Teaspoon are getting married. How about you?” “Oh we’re fine.” Lou smiled easily. “We’re just waiting on Lou.” Kid smiled at his wife who frowned at him. “For what?” “To get another plate to eat off of.” Kid said crossing his arms. “Buck, Noah this is Abe and Rosa Johnston they’re our neighbors to the east. And these are their kids, Elijah, Sara, Ulysses, Mary, Jonas, and last but not least is the youngest David.” “Pleased to meet you.” Buck said offering his hand for a shake. Seeing the shock in the other man’s eyes he ignored it and offered his hand to Rosa. “Ma’am.” “You’ve got family come to call..” Abe started. “Indeed.” Kid said and waved a hand at the table. “They can join us. So Lou that shade of green hasn’t done anything for you yet.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Lou snapped. “He’s talking ‘bout that morning sickness you keep having.” Rosa said innocently unaware of Lou’s ire as she glared at the other woman. “Dinner is getting cold.” Lou muttered and glanced away as Kid glared at her. “We’ll discuss this later Louise.” Kid’s tone had Lou grinding her teeth but she forced a smile and turned her attention to a discussion with Buck and Theresa about the trip. ***** “So what to you think?” Noah asked as he stood watching the Johnston’s leave. “You think she’ll kill him?” “If he doesn’t kill her first.” Buck chuckled at the three kids in the yard playing. “I never thought they’d live in sin.” Noah frowned as his mind tried to work out the problem. “Seems like they’ve forgotten a few things.” “I don’t think so.” Buck said quietly. “I know Kid and he wouldn’t be taking advantage of her living with him like this. I think they got married only real quiet like. Besides even if they didn’t I ain’t going to point it out. Lou’d kill me.” Buck cringed when he heard a crash from inside the house. “If that’s the way they’re still discussing things I’m glad I’m outside.” “Me to.” Noah said flinching when he heard something break. ***** “Why didn’t you tell me?” Kid demanded ducking the pot Lou threw at him. “Cause you’re so worried about this coming winter I was scared you’d think this was just another burden.” Lou snapped grabbing the water bucket and heaving it at him. “Of course I’m worried, I’ve got responsibilities Louise. I have a family to provide for, I’ll be damned if I’m going to let anyone starve.” “I told you we could use some of my money to buy supplies but you won’t let me touch it.” “Because you need it for your sister and brother.” Kid snapped pinning her to the wall with his hands on either side of her face. “They’re here. I still have some money, sooner or later you’re gonna have to let me contribute.” Lou whispered staring at the blue eyes in front of her. “Please?” “I must be crazy.” Kid whispered stealing a kiss. “Alright. As long as you buy something for yourself.” “Like what?” Lou frowned. “I don’t know. A new dress or a hat or something.” Kid shrugged and grinned. “You do know we have two able bodied babysitters standing in our yard and all three children are outside. What do you say we sneak in a dance or two?” Laughing softly Lou nodded as he whirled her around the room as he adjusted clothing so even if one of the kids walked in, they wouldn’t know what was happening. Sitting by the roaring fire that evening Buck glanced up at Kid and Lou who sat together in an overstuffed chair and held on to each other. The children were fast asleep in their respective beds, Noah was checking the stock, and Buck was sitting nursing the second cup of coffee he’d had all night. “You look ready to burst.” Lou’s soft laughter filled tone had him glancing at them again. “Sorry just thinking.” “I can imagine about what.” Kid said with a smile at his wife. “When we got married we did it so fast that sending out invitations or anything would have been pointless. That and with the war going on we weren’t sure that you’d even receive anything.” Kid explained. “You’re family, and we should have waited for you but in all honesty we weren’t thinking that far ahead.” “Kid I know you, you’re too honest for your own good and I admit the thought did cross my mind about a wedding but then I thought about it and realized that if you two are living here with Ethan like you are, you’d have to be married.” Buck grinned suddenly. “Besides that Lou’d probably kill you sooner or later and then where would you be without her.” “Alive.” Noah said closing the door and moving to settle by the fire. “Stocks all bedded down.” “You two figure out what you’re planning on doing now that we’re at war?” Lou asked glancing between them. “No not yet.” Noah shrugged. “They won’t let me fight, and with Cassie gone there isn’t anything to keep me tied to the area.” “Have you ever thought of starting a place of your own? Settling down somewhere other than Rock Creek?” Kid asked. Shaking his head Noah glanced at his friends slightly, a flush climbing his face. “Kid even if I wanted to settled down and have a life of my own I couldn’t. I’m black and as long as this country’s at war there’s never going to be a moment’s peace for men like me. I appreciate your offer but no thank you. I won’t tie you down to that sort of situation.” “Buck?” Kid glanced at the half-blood sitting staring into the flames. “Granted the place isn’t much but if you don’t mind a fair bit of work it could be the most profitable venture you’ve ever had.” “What about Rachel and Teaspoon?” Buck asked. “I don’t want to leave them alone.” “They’re not alone. You said it yourself, they have each other.” Lou put in. “You’re family Buck, you and Noah both. We want you here.” “I’ll let you know in the morning.” Buck said rising to his feet and stretching out the kinks in his body. “I’m gonna turn in.” “It is rather late.” Kid said lifting Lou off his lap and rising. “We’ll bid you good night for now. See you both in the morning.” Leading Lou off toward their bedroom they moved silently, firmly through the darkness closing the door with a soft click. “Well? What are you going to do?” Noah asked Buck a few minutes later as they lay staring into the flames. “I’m going to stay.” Buck replied softly. “Family’s important and they’re all I’ve got to hang onto. I wish you’d reconsider, you could make a real life for yourself.” “I know.” Noah said rolling over and pulling his blankets up over his shoulder in hopes of falling asleep. “But what kind of life would it be for everyone else?” He whispered closing his eyes and falling asleep. Remaining silent, Buck stared into the flames until exhaustion claimed him and he couldn’t put sleep off any longer. The annoying call of a rooster in the near vicinity woke him and he sat up and glanced around. Noah still slept on, and from the sounds of it, Kid and Lou were awake although they weren’t out of bed just yet if the faint rustling of cotton echoing in the house was any indication. From above him the slight snores of the children told him they dreamt on, leaving him alone in the predawn light. Rising he made a pot of coffee then settled at the table to watch the sun rise. Somehow he knew Noah would stay a couple of days longer but he’d pull out and head back to Rock Creek for a while before drifting. With that knowledge came the self-awareness that told him he was home. That he needed to be here, that this time he’d found a family that needed him, wanted him in its midst’s. “You thinking awful hard.” Kid words had him glancing up. “Just thinking of how much I like my family.” Buck replied and smiled. “And how glad I am to be home.” “We’re glad to have you home.” Kid said setting into a chair next to Buck to watch the rising sun with him. “This time we don’t plan on letting anyone slip away.” Nodding Buck smiled, indeed they had found the strength of family. Email Destardi HOME