“Gum-pa” Joey squealed as she ran through the doors. A lot of laughter followed as Lou slowly entered the office.
“Hey Teaspoon. How are you this afternoon?” she inquired.
“Good darlin’, even better now my girls have come to visit. The kids not out yet?” he replied.
“Nah, so I thought I’d drop this one off to do her deputing duties, & go over & pick them up, if that’s all right with you?” Lou asked with a smile.
“Of course, I couldn’t get through the day without my granddaughter lending a helping hand.” Teaspoon grinned.
“Okay, baby, be good for Grandpa. I’ll be back to pick you up soon” Lou explained to her daughter, picking her up, & giving her a kiss goodbye. Lou gave Teaspoon a kiss on the cheek & then walked out over to Tompkins’ store to get the few groceries that the ‘family’ needed before picking up her siblings from school.
Walking into Tompkins’ store, Lou quickly gathered the items she needed & headed to the counter, but paused mid-stride as a new dress on the back wall caught her eye. As she gazed upon the blue material, memories came flooding back of a time that seemed so long ago.
“Looks like I’m the envy of every man in Willow Springs” Jimmy teased as they walked along the boardwalk. Hearing the whistles she was receiving from some men of the town, Lou threaded her arm through Jimmy’s & happily strolled along not having to be disguised as Lou, but letting Louise shine through…”
Letting a sigh escape her, Lou finished making her purchases & then proceeded over to the school where the children were just getting out for the day. Willow Springs seemed a hundred years ago, & Jimmy, oh Jimmy. Noone had heard a word from Jimmy since after she & Kid were married. And Kid, well he turned out to be someone Lou didn’t know.
“Lou, Lou, guess what?” Teresa screamed from the schoolhouse porch steps when she saw her sister waiting for them. Without waiting for a reply, she continued, “the town’s having a social on Sunday after church. Can we go please, please please?” By now the young girl was jumping up & down in front of Lou.
Lou snapped out of her thoughts when Teresa’s scream reached her ears. Roughly catching the last few words, Lou understood what her sister was asking her. “We’ll see. Now lets get home. Where’s ‘Miah? Is he in trouble, AGAIN?” Lou groaned.
“No, I’m right here. I was helping Aunt Rachel clean up.” Jeremiah pouted from behind Lou.
As if on cue, Rachel exited the schoolhouse with an armload of books. “Thank you for your help ‘Miah. Hey Lou, how are you today?” Rachel inquired.
“Oh, hey Rachel. I’m good. Just dropped Teaspoon’s deputy off to help him out for a while. Oh, & I got the things we needed from Tomkins’!” Lou explained. “Did you need a lift home, Rachel? You look like you’ve bought the whole library home with all those books” Lou gaped.
“That would be great Lou.” Rachel replied. Taking half the load of books, Lou, Rachel & the children walked to the wagon.
“Oh, darn….. Rachel, would you be able to look after the kids for me this evening? I promised Joey I’d take her for a ride today.” Lou confessed.
“Of course Lou. I know they have homework, so I’ll help them with that” Rachel explained knowledgably, winking at the children.
“Thanks Rachel. Okay, lets get going. I don’t really want to be out riding with Joey in the dark…gedup.”
With that, they were on their way back to the old waystation, now called P.E.W. The old waystation was now a thriving horse & cattle ranch, one of the biggest in the territory. When Lou moved back to Sweetwater after her divorce from the Kid was finalised, she turned the almost rundown old place around. With a little help from her express family, P.E.W. was off & running. Teaspoon & Rachel moved back to Sweetwater not long after Lou, to be close to her & the children, & to lend her a helping hand & their support when she needed it. The Marshal of Sweetwater was shot & killed a week before Teaspoon & Rachel arrived, so Teaspoon offered to take the job as Marshal. Meanwhile, Rachel lent a helping hand out at the school & when the schoolteacher left town, Rachel took over teaching the class. Often some of their ‘family’ would come & visit, bringing along their own growing families.
Cody often visited when he could with his fiancée, Rebecca. Of course Cody always made use of his old excuses to get out of any work, which needed to be done, unless Lou was likely to show him up otherwise.
Buck, Ike & Their families had all stayed back in Rock Creek & set up homes. After the express finished, Kid & Lou moved south, Buck returned to his Kiowa family, but eventually returned to Rock Creek with a bride. Since no one but Buck could pronounce her Kiowa name, she got it shortened to Lana.
Ike & Emily married three weeks after Kid & Lou married, & Noah married Cassie four months later. There seemed to be a run of wedding planning in Rock Creek at that time. Most folks put it down to there being something in the water, & stopped swimming in the various dams JUST IN CASE! The Express Family had really grown over the last three years
When the wagon arrived back at P.E.W. the two children jumped of & hurried inside to change & make a start on their homework, so they could play outside before it got dark. Rachel & Lou unloaded the wagon, then as Rachel went inside, Lou unhitched the horses, took them over to the barn & handed them over to the waiting hands of her Head Foreman, Simon Jakes. He was a widower who was lost when his wife died. When the bank foreclosed on his loan, he became homeless as well…for about a minute.
Lou happened to be visiting when the bank manager came & delivered the news. Lou couldn’t let her friend become homeless, so she offered him a job as her Head Foreman on P.E.W since the place was rapidly growing & she needed to hire people to help work it anyway.
Simon’s only reply to this offer was “under one condition…you tell me what P.E.W stands for!”
Laughing, Lou answered “Pony Express Waystation. Anything else?”
Shaking his head he replied, “Good point…Great name. Okay, since you need workers, & I need a job & a place to stay, you’ve got yourself a deal, Lou….I can’t believe I’m working for a woman!” he scoffed. At seeing the scowl form on Lou’s face, he stammered “Just kidding, Lou”
Lou went into the barn after handing the reins over to Simon & saddled her faithful old horse, Lightning. Leading him out of the barn, Lou mounted the horse with her ever-present grace of an old pro & took off at a gallop. She always loved the freedom of the open plains. It felt great to have a bit of time to her, just riding, before she had to pick up Joey from Teaspoon. She knew he wouldn’t mind a few extra minutes with his granddaughter.
Meanwhile in town…
“Bang, Bang, Bang… take dat bad man.” Joey yelled.
“Oh, you got me.” Teaspoon croaked as he ‘fell down dead’ into his chair. “Nice shot there deputy.”
“Gum-pa, can have candy?” Joey asked, looking at him with those big blue doe eyes that just melted your heart.
Looking out to the street for any sign of Lou, Teaspoon replied “okay darlin’. I don’t see your mama, so here we go. One for you & one for me,” he said smiling & handing the girl a piece of candy, then popping a piece into his own mouth.
“Hey, don’t you know that stuff will ruin your dinner” came the voice from the doorway.
Teaspoon looked up at the man at the door. After a brief moment, recognition dawned on the marshal. “Well son, it’s been a long time. Welcome back.”
“Hey Teaspoon. Yeah, it has. Too long. I went to Rock Creek & the boys told me you & Rachel moved back here. Is there something you two aren’t telling the rest of us? Hmmm?” Questioned the old friend, looking at the little girl clinging to Teaspoons leg.
“Just hold it right there, son. Have you bin hit upside the head? Rachel & I are only FRIENDS. This here is Joey…my depu…” He was cut off by the little girl running out the door yelling “MAMA”.
Turning around, the man was stunned by the beauty that dismounted from her horse & picked up the little girl, swung her around then brought her to her chest for a cuddle.
“Lou?”
Looking up at hearing her name, Lou breathed, “Jimmy? Is it really you?”
The pair just stood still, starring at the other, noticing the physical changes the other had undergone over the past three years. Jimmy had cut his hair a little- like it was at the beginning of the Express days, & grown a moustache
‘I hope he will remove that moustache. He looks much more handsome without it…hey where did that come from?’ Lou thought
Jimmy noted the subtle changes Lou had: her hair was a little longer, just below her shoulders; ‘I hope she doesn’t grow it any longer, it looks fantastic. SHE looks fantastic’ thought Jimmy. Lou now had an obvious bust (‘VERY feminine, no mistaking her for a boy now!’) & a slight curve to her hips. (‘Hmmmm, I’ve really missed her.’)
‘I wonder where Kid is? Maybe he’s back at the waystation’ Jimmy thought after a while.
“Mama, we ride Lighninny now?” Joey asked, breaking the trance Lou & Jimmy were in.
Looking down at her daughter, Lou nodded, “Course darlin’. Just a sec. Jimmy are you hangin’ around or just passing through?” Lou asked, turning her attention back to her old companion.
Ahh, I was thinkin’ of stickin’ around for a while & catching up with everyone…If that’s okay with everyone?” he replied, looking at both Teaspoon & Lou.
“Of course you can. You’re family after all. We can always put you to work breaking in the new horses we got yesterday!” Lou teased, chuckling.
“Mama, go ride,” Joey whined getting bored watching the stranger & her mother looking at each other. She loved riding with her mother because she could spend some time with just her mum.
Jimmy & Lou both looked down at the little girl. The only part of her that was her father, was her eve colour, everything was her mother through & through.
“Okay baby. By the way, this is your Uncle Jimmy. Jimmy, I’d like you to meet Josephine…” Lou responded
“Joey” Joey interrupted.
“Sorry, JOEY” Lou corrected.
Jimmy knelt down & offered his hand to the little girl. She was so much like Lou it was amazing. Except for her eyes. That was definitely Kid. When Joey took his hand & shook it, Jimmy said, “It’s so nice to meet you, Joey.” He smiled at her name & looked up at Lou. ‘Yeap, just like her mama…stubborn to all buggery’ he thought.
“So, Jimmy, did you want to ride back with us, or meet back at the station later?” Lou inquired.
“Yeah sure, I’ll come. That’d be great. See you back at the waystation, Teaspoon?” Jimmy questioned.
“That you will. I’m sure Lou has made a delicious meal for us, as usual” Teaspoon remarked, a hint of teasing in his smile.
“Of course, but Rachel said she’d heat it up for us since we’re going for a ride before dinner, aren’t we, munchkin?” Lou asked, looking down at her daughter who was now gripping her hand & starting to pull her to the door as best as she could.
“Yeap. Come’ the little girl begged.
“Okay, Jimmy hope you’re ready, coz we gotta get goin’.” At his nod of confirmation, the two ex-riders bade farewell to Teaspoon & went out the door. Jimmy mounted his horse, Sundancer, then sat atop & watched as Lou swung Joey up onto the saddle & followed quickly herself onto the saddle. With that, the three set off for a ride before going to P.E.W.
The trio arrived at the old watering hole a while later. They dismounted & watered the horses. Joey went & sat at the water’s edge as she usually did & watched the insects fly around on top of the water. It was always so interesting to her.
Jimmy & Lou sat down on the bank for a bit, neither saying a word, just content to be near one another like the old days. After about half an hour, they decided to head to the ranch. The trio remounted & rode gently back home. Joey was warming to her uncle Jimmy. He made her mama smile.
When they were within seeing distance of the ranch, Joey yelled “GO MAMA!” This was her way of saying ‘Let’s Gallop’. Lou looked at Jimmy & spurred on her horse into a gallop, which Jimmy quickly followed suit. The trio bounded into the waystation like the devil was chasing them, Joey laughing the whole way.
When they brought the horses to a stop, Joey cried “Yey, that fun.” Jimmy dismounted & came around to help Lou with Joey. Passing her to him, Lou then dismounted herself & led their horses to the barn.
Later that night, after Lou had put the kids to bed, Lou, Jimmy, Rachel & Teaspoon sat in the loungeroom & caught up on the last three years.
“So, son, where have you been? I had word about a year ago you were in Deadwood!” Teaspoon stated.
“Yeah. I’ve been to a few places, but nowhere felt like home.” The gunslinger replied, sadness evident in his voice.
“Well I hope you’d consider here as a place to call home,” Lou almost whispered. Today had been one of the happiest days she had experienced in a very long time. It almost felt like old times when they rode for the express. When they could just spend time together without feeling guilty…that time was always rare when Kid was around, but even more precious.
Looking intensely at Lou, Jimmy was trying to read her feelings, but for the first time he could remember, he wasn’t able to. This scared Jimmy to no end. “Well won’t Kid mind? I mean last time I saw him, we didn’t exactly see eye to eye.”
At this Teaspoon choked on his coffee & both he & Rachel turned their heads to look at Lou. Since she arrived on their doorstep fifteen months ago with the announcement that she & Kid had divorced, noone had directly asked Lou about Kid, let alone mention his name. They were unsure how Lou would handle this, so they looked on with interest.
“Well Kid doesn’t have a say in it anymore, Jimmy. He & I were divorced a month after Joey was born. That’s nearly a year & a half ago.” Lou replied strongly, sitting up straighter to prove that she was stronger without him.
Jimmy’s jaw dropped open at hearing this news. This was the last thing he had expected to hear. Questions filled his mind: What happened? How could that happen to a couple who loved each other so much? Why hadn’t I come back sooner? Why wasn’t I there for her when she needed me most? What has Kid done to Lou? The questions continued.
Lou saw the shock on Jimmy’s face, then she saw the emotions flash across his face: horror, sorrow, guilt, love & anger. Seeing these feelings in Jimmy brought back butterflies she hadn’t felt since she was an express rider & on a certain trip with one James Butler Hickok to take Elias Mills to his hanging. When the anger didn’t leave his eyes, Lou decided it was time to tell the tale.
“Please don’t blame yourself Jimmy. I know you’re blaming yourself for not being there. When I was six months pregnant Kid left for work & never returned. At that stage I was as big as a house & only getting bigger. I waited for him for a month, making myself sick & confined to bed, but knew he wasn’t coming home, so Jeremiah & Teresa somehow took me to Emma & Sam’s. On the way through one of the towns, there he was, with a new family. Well by the looks of things, when he went away on business trips, it was to see his other family.
Emma took care of us & helped out until Joey was born & that’s when I filed for divorce. The territorial judge passed through town three weeks later & granted the divorce. We stayed with Sam & Emma for about another month, then we moved back to Rock Creek for a while with the rest of the family, then here. We did it up to what you see today.” Lou sighed. It felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders she didn’t even know she was carrying.
Jimmy looked at her, tears shining in his eyes. They both stood up, crossed the loungeroom & hugged one another. Crying, the pair sat down on the floor where they were standing & just continued to hold each other & cry.
Teaspoon took this as his & Rachel’s cue to leave. The young couple needed to be alone & console one another. They checked on the children before they went into their separate ways to retire. Rachel went into her room between the girls’ rooms whilst Teaspoon went into his at the end of the hallway, next to Jeremiah’s room & the attic stairwell, where Lou’s room situated. The spare room where Jimmy would be staying was located on the ground floor to the left of the stairwell.
After about half an hour of releasing their emotions, Lou & Jimmy dried their eyes. Without going out of arms reach from each other, they made some tea & went to sit on the porch swing. Just being in Jimmy’s arms, she felt safe once more. Lou had always felt a sense of peace whenever she was with Jimmy.
Jimmy enjoyed being ‘home’. ‘Yeap, I could settle down here, as long as Lou stayed around,’ he thought. He knew he still loved her as only a lover could. That much hadn’t changed. It was his main reason for staying away so long, but his heart finally got through to his brain & told him to find her once more. He just couldn’t deny it any longer. There was only one woman in this world that he could see himself spending the rest of his life with & she was in his arms right now. Sure, long ago Emma Shannon set his heart aflutter, but since Lou was revealed to be Louise, no other woman has been able to hold a candle to her. Now if he could just tell her how he felt.
As she shivered, she felt his arms tighten around her, then something she hadn’t felt him do for a long time…he kissed the top of her head. She had to fight the urge to turn around & kiss him back. She really missed Jimmy over the years. If she’d known three years ago, what she knows now, she would have married Jimmy, not Kid. But here she was, single again & back in the arms of Jimmy. She decided right then & there, that this time she wasn’t going to let him get away. Now to get him to confess his feelings to her. She knew he had once loved her, but she loved Kid more back then. She still loved Jimmy & if that kiss he had just given to her, albeit on her head was any indication, she knew he still loved her. ‘That’s it. I know how to get him to do it…’ she pondered.
“Ahh, Jimmy?”
“Hmmm?”
“Would you go to the dance with me on Sunday?” she asked with hope flooding her heart.
“Only if you’ll go with me? I was just working up the courage to ask you the same thing, but you beat me to it!” he smiled down at her.
Turning around, Lou asked, “how did you know about the dance? You only arrived today.”
“Teresa was telling me all about it while you were cooking dinner. She was hinting at how much she really wanted to go. I think there’s a boy involved. Anyway, that’s when I decided I’d ask you. It’s been a long time since we went to a dance, especially with Louise, not just Lou.” He winked at her, making her smile light up her face. God he loved that smile.
“Oh, well in that case, I’d love to Jimmy.” Lou giggled. ‘God I could just kiss him so easily’ she thought, licking her lips.
He saw her lick her lips & did the same in response. He then started to lean in to taste those lips for himself. It had been too long since he tasted her kiss, held her in his arms… Just as he reached his goal, Lou responded & kissed him deeply. She wasn’t expecting this, but she sure as hell was going to enjoy it.
A cry from upstairs scared the couple apart. Looking into each other’s eyes, Lou whispered, “come on, come give me a hand.” With that, she stood up, holding onto his hand & led him through the door & up the stairs to Joey’s room. She led him into the child’s room, where she unwillingly let go of his hand so she could pick up the clean nappy to change her daughter.
“Jimmy, could you please pass me the bottle on the chest of drawers?” she asked pointing to the bottle.
He picked up the bottle & walked across the room to give it to her. He looked into the cot of the little girl & his heart melted. Instead of giving the bottle to Lou, who was still busy fastening the clean nappy, he handed it to Joey. She looked at him sleepily & smiled. Taking the bottle from him, Joey put it in her mouth, but her eyes remained locked to his.
Joey liked this man. Her mummy liked him more than any other man she had seen visit. She just hoped he’d stay around for a while. He had a really nice horse she’d love to go riding on…
Jimmy couldn’t help but fall in love with Joey. He wished he were her daddy. ‘Maybe I might become her daddy if things between Lou & I work out’ he thought. That thought thrilled him to no end. ‘If only I can get rid of Wild Bill. Well maybe he can be killed off & I could just go by the name of James Butler?’
He was brought back from his thoughts by a kiss placed on his cheek. He looked down at Lou & smiled. He couldn’t help but fall further in love with her each time he looked into her eyes. He looked to Joey & saw that she was back asleep, then he looked at Lou. He reached out, pulled Lou to him & covered her mouth with his once more. This was where he wanted to spend eternity…with Lou, Joey & if possible, more kids of their own.
Teaspoon heard Joey cry & even though she stopped, he thought he’d get up & check on her. Anyway, he needed a drink of water.
He stuck his head in Joey’s room & what he saw startled him at first. Then, as that wore off, the sight before him warmed his heart. To him, Louise was like his own daughter. Especially what they had been through together over the past five years since they had known each other. (Sure, at first he thought she was a boy, but hey, he was still a father figure to her even then). With what Louise had been through personally within her short life, he was glad it was Jimmy making her happy. He always thought they’d make a good pair. The only thing that might set them back was their stubbornness. But then again, Jimmy did believe in Lou’s ability to look after herself, unlike Kid who always seemed to panic at the slightest thing…like he wanted to put her into a glass case & only take her out to show her off.
As the pair seemed to be finishing their kiss, Teaspoon snuck back to his room. He could wait for that glass of water after all.
Lou walked Jimmy to the bottom of the attic stairs, intending to lead him up them, but Jimmy stopped her. When Jimmy made love to her, he wanted it to be VERY special. She looked at him questioningly.
“I want to make it special for you, Lou. I don’t want to rush it; rush us.” He whispered hoping she’d understand & believe it. He knew she & Kid had rushed into things & look where it got them. He promised that wouldn’t happen to them.
Nodding, Lou leant forward & up to kiss Jimmy. He returned the kiss then watched Lou walk up the stairs, before turning & heading down the other set of stairs to his room. He couldn’t wait until morning because he was already missing Lou.
The sun rose upon the PEW bright & early. The occupants of the house stirred & eventually rose & dressed for the day. Lou was busy cooking breakfast when Jimmy entered the kitchen carrying Joey. She had woken up & brought her clothes down stairs, where Jimmy dressed her for the day. The little experience he had with his own nephews & nieces from his sister Celinda, had given him enough know-how of how to dress a child. He was very proud of his efforts until he came down to the nappy…that was where he got stuck.
“Ahh, Lou…A little help?” Jimmy Pleaded.
Turning around when she heard the worry in his voice, Lou laughed at the sight that befell her: there was Jimmy Hickok holding her daughter whom he had dressed but leaving her little bottom bare. Jimmy just prayed Joey wouldn’t lose herself in his arms.
Taking her daughter from Jimmy’s arms, Lou handed him her wooden spoon & preceded to the living room to finish dressing her daughter, calling over her shoulder for Jimmy not to0 burn anything.
Within a few minutes, she returned to see Jimmy trying to stop a pot from boiling over, also checking on the soon-to-be black toast. She gave a little giggle as she went over & took control of the situation once more.
Jimmy let her take control, as he knew he was failing miserably but he stood behind her, watching her fluid movements. After she gained control of breakfast once more, Jimmy had a sudden urge to just hold Lou in his arms. He stood behind her, & wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck.
Startled, Lou turned to look at him & saw only love shining in his eyes. She reached up to kissed his lips softly & briefly before turning back to the stove, content to be in his arms.
Teresa, Jeremiah, Rachel & Teaspoon entered the living room & saw Joey peeking around the corner of the kitchen doorway. Teaspoon put his hand out to stop Rachel, then asked Jeremiah & Teresa to fetch some eggs from the chicken coop. As the children left the house, Rachel gave Teaspoon a questioning look, who simply smiled, put a finger to his lips to gesture silence & walked to the kitchen door where Joey was looking into the kitchen. He motioned for Rachel to follow him & look inside.
When Rachel looked into the kitchen, her jaw almost hit the floor at the scene that lay in front of her. There was Jimmy holding Lou, gently kissing her, whispering softly into her ear, making her smile. Rachel couldn’t stop the smile that split her face in two.
Joey’s giggle startled Rachel from her thoughts. Jimmy turned at hearing the giggle & suddenly, he dropped his arms from around Lou. He forgot that they weren’t alone in the house, that they were now well & truly busted. ‘Ah, what the heck’ Jimmy thought, as he wrapped an arm back around Lou.
“Morning Rachel, sleep well?” Jimmy greeted.
“Morning Jimmy, Morning Louise. I sure did. How long have I been asleep? I seem to have missed a few things!” she replied, smiling at the couple, while she picked up Joey & placed her into her highchair, which Buck, Ike & Noah had made for Lou after they found out Lou & Kid got divorced, & that Lou was expecting. Emma had sent they a letter telling them Lou was coming to stay & why – at Lou’s request of course.
Lou & Jimmy smiled, looking at each other, then they turned back to Rachel, where Lou was the one to speak, ”Rachel, I know you didn’t over sleep. As for what you missed, well… I still can’t believe it’s happening myself.” She looked at Jimmy, smiling, with love shining in her eyes, then she leant up to give Jimmy a kiss.
Just as Lou was reaching up to kiss Jimmy, she heard her siblings come stomping back into the house, heading in the direction of the kitchen. As they entered, Lou pretended to be reaching up to get something out of Jimmy’s hair.
“Here’s some eggs, Lou” Jeremiah announced, handing over his share of the eggs, followed closely by Teresa.
Thanking the children, Lou took the eggs & put them into a basket on the bench, then she turned back to the stove to continue with breakfast where she noticed Jimmy had already done this, so she instead gathered the plates & utensils to set the table.
“Okay, it’s ready!” Jimmy called over his shoulder. Lou returned to Jimmy’s side & helped carry the breakfast to the table. Lou immediately dished up Joey’s breakfast & set it before the child, who promptly took to blowing on the meal to cool it down. The rest of the family took their places: Teaspoon head of the table, Rachel to his right-hand side, Teresa to his left, Jimmy sat next to Teresa, Lou next to him, Jeremiah next to Rachel & Joey at the other end of the table, & began to serve their own breakfast & eat.
Since today was Saturday, breakfast was a fairly relaxed event. No-one was rushing off to school, or to the office. On Saturday’s, Teaspoon only went into the office for a few hours just to check on things…Saturday was HIS day with his family.
After breakfast, everyone went about their daily chores: Lou did the Laundry & gardening, Rachel prepared & cooked the days’ meals, Teresa fed the animals with Joey, Teaspoon made his way to town for a few hours, while Jeremiah & Jimmy mucked out the stables. Jimmy wanted to help Jeremiah because he wanted to talk to the boy.
After working along side each other for about twenty minutes, Jimmy decided it was time to break the ice.
“Um, Jeremiah, can I talk to you about somethin’?” Jimmy asked, his stomach already tied in knots of anticipation.
The boy stopped working & looked over at Jimmy. Seeing the man before him squirming in his boots had the boys’ attention. ”Sure, what’s up?”
“Well you know how I’ve always been close to Lou & well…ahh…well I’ve loved her for quite a while, hell, before she even married Kid…”
At the mention of Kids’ name, Jeremiah’s facial expression darkened. “Don’t say that name around me, Jimmy. He has caused Lou so much pain, I’m likely to kill him if I ever see him again.” Jeremiah spat.
“I’m sorry, I know exactly how you feel. What I’m trying to ask you is, well, if it would be alright with you if I could court Lou?” there, he said it.
The boy stared at Jimmy, a smile forming on his face. Here was ‘Wild Bill Hickok’ asking HIS permission to date Lou. “How do I know you won’t hurt her. Kid promised he wouldn’t, & he lied. Lou couldn’t survive another heartache like that & I won’t let it happen if I can help it.” Jeremiah felt proud to be spoken to like a man, also because he was Lou’s only living male relative he had to look out for his big sister.
“Well I’ve decided that with your permission, of course, & if things go well with Lou & I, somehow I’m going to kill off “Wild Bill” & just go by James or Jimmy Butler.” Jimmy explained. At the boy’s understanding nod, butterflies replaced the knots in his stomach.
“Jeremiah, if I ever hurt Lou, I’ll give you my guns to kill me with…hurting Lou would just kill me anyway. I really do love Lou with all my heart. I know I’ve barely been here a day, but your niece already has me wrapped tightly around her little finger. I’d love it if you would give me you permission to court Lou & possibly join your family.”
Jeremiah told Jimmy he’d think it over & let him know later on in the day. With that, the two men finished their chores just in time for lunch.
After lunch everyone headed to the pond (Teaspoon arrived back home just as lunch was dished up) for a swim. It was such a glorious day, everyone decided to ride the horses to the pond, including Teaspoon & Rachel. Joey wanted to ride on Jimmy’s ‘pitty horse’, which was fine with Lou who wanted Joey to get more acquainted with Jimmy. Lou noticed on the ride, that Jeremiah seemed to be watching Jimmy an awful lot which worried her a bit. She knew he occasionally read those dime novels of which she strongly disapproved of, & feared he had started believing the stories that had been written over the years of ‘Wild Bill’. She decided she’d have to have a little chat with him about it tonight. She really wanted things with Jimmy to be given an honest chance. She knew ‘Miah was just watching out for her, especially after what Kid had put her through, put them all through, but she hoped her brother might at least give him a chance to prove himself a worthy suitor.
As they arrived at the pond, they all took care of the horses, then the older children (no, not Lou & Jimmy – ‘Miah & Teresa) stripped down to their ‘swimwear’ (a.k.a their longjohns / singlet & bloomers) & jumped into the water. Joey tried to follow them in, but Jimmy was too quick for her, quickly scooping her up in his arms & attacking her with tickles. Joey squealed with laughter as Jimmy continued his assault. When the little girl was crying with laughter, Jimmy stopped his attack & handed the girl over to Rachel’s awaiting arms. He looked around the bank for Lou, & was surprised to see that she was already in the water. ‘Gee she’s quick’ he thought.
While working on the ranch, Lou tended to wear her old work clothes from the Express days. ‘It’s so much easier to work in than wearing a dress or skirt’ he recalled her once telling him a long time ago, & he saw that she had stuck to this belief. Jimmy couldn’t believe Lou still wore longjohns, but hey, she always did the unexpected.
He looked over at Rachel, who nodded her approval, before he stripped down to his longjohns & did a running bomb off the old rock that jutted out from the bank into the water. (Remember when Teaspoon did that & found out Lou was really Louise? So does he!)
When Jimmy surfaced, Lou started an all-out water fight, splashing everyone in the water. They all joined in, with the girls ganging up on the guys. Without her noticing, Jimmy ducked under the water, swam over to Lou, where he threw her up out of the water only for her to slash back into the water in a most unladylike fashion.
She surfaced coughing & spluttering, glaring at Jimmy who could only smile back at her. Lou pretended to pout, so Jimmy swam over to her & embraced her, knowing she was faking, but not being able to resist – she looked so beautiful.
Jeremiah & Teresa continued the splashing fight, though ‘Miah watched Lou & Jimmy out the corner of his eye. ‘They look so happy together. He really does make her smile. I can see he genuinely cares for her & Joey likes him…Joey never likes strangers! Hmm, maybe I’ll give Jimmy my blessings. He DID say that if he hurt her I could kill him’ he thought, smiling at that last thought.
When Lou whispered into Jimmy’s ear that they had an audience, jimmy turned his head to see that it was Jeremiah watching them. When he looked at ‘Miah, the boy nodded his approval of their courtship & Jimmy mouthed “Thank you”. He then pulled Lou into a lingering kiss, while ‘Miah went back to splashing his little sister.
Shocked, Lou looked at Jimmy for an explanation. Looking at her, he simply smiled one of his irresistible smiles, pulled her in for a quick kiss, and told her “I’ll tell you about it later”, then he picked her up, and threw her back into the water.
Joey was getting bored watching everyone having fun in the water without her, so she decided it was time to join in. “Mama” she squealed.
Lou who had just surfaced once more, quickly looked over only to see the girl wadding into the water, quickly getting deeper. Lou’s heart stopped as she yelled for Joey to stay where she was, taking off, swimming towards her.
Jimmy saw that Joey was still heading further into the water, so he went quickly to her, since he was a lot closer to her than Lou was, picked up the girl & bought her back into the water with him.
Lou, Rachel & Teaspoon watched this. Lou fell still further in love with Jimmy, as her heart began to beat once more; Teaspoon, who had watched the whole scene between Jimmy, Lou & Jeremiah, & knew what was happening, then when Jimmy came for Joey, his heart leaped at seeing his ‘son’ finally leaving his wild days behind him. Rachel on the other hand, had silent tears of happiness trickling down her face.
Lou swam over to Jimmy & Joey, then stood next to him, embracing both him & Joey. Jimmy put an arm around Lou, & placed a kiss on Joey’s cheek. The little girl threw her arms around his neck & kissed him back on the cheek.
At the feel of the little girl’s kiss on his cheek, Jimmy’s heart raced, fluttering to great heights. He looked at Lou & that’s when he made the decision to never leave her.
As the summer months cooled to autumn, the small family made arrangements for the resat of the family to come & visit. A Reunion. It had been FAR too long since the whole family had been under one roof. Even Emma, Sam & their family were coming. Everyone save for the outcast Kid.
Come mid-October, everyone began arriving. Cody & Rebecca arrived first & were blown away at Lou & Jimmy’s relationship. Sam & Emma arrived the following day, then the next day greeted Buck, Ike, Noah & their families back to P.E.W. The old express riders decided to spend the first night all together in the old bunkhouse “Just like old times”.
Two days after everyone’s arrival, the family threw a party. In the morning, the women prepared all the food & drinks, while the boys set up outdoors with tables, lanterns & wood for a bonfire when the party entered the twilight hours of the evening. Sam & Teaspoon were on child minding patrol…& boy did they have their hands full: Sam & Emma had 5 children – Samuel (a.k.a Junior), James, Louisa, Jessica & Elizabeth; Buck & Lana had 2 – Morning Glory & Eagle Wing; Ike & Emily had 3 – Buck, Aloysius & Kate; Noah & Cassie had 1 – Benjamin, with another on the way, then there was Jeremiah, Teresa & Joey. With 14 children to care for, the men were kept on their toes, although Jeremiah & Teresa were a big help at keeping the younger children occupied.
Lunch was just a simple affair of sandwiches. The feast would begin later that afternoon.
Joey was excited about the party. She had been running around all day hoping it will be time & she was making Teaspoon & Sam VERY dizzy. She had been slowly working the other children into her dizzying frenzy. Jimmy saw that she was wearing the older men out so he came over to see if he could lend a hand, since the outdoor preparation was complete. Jimmy smiled at Joey – she was a spitfire just like her mum.
As soon as Joey saw Jimmy walking towards her she tore towards him. She loved Jimmy; he always made her feel special. She decided to call him what the other children call the men they live with. “Daddy” she screamed as she ran towards Jimmy. Jimmy stopped dead in his tracks as he heard the little girl call him daddy. His heart leapt into his throat; how was he going to deal with this? He looked towards the house and saw Lou come outside at the sound of her daughter’s scream.
Lou’s heart was beating rapidly ‘he can’t be here!’ she thought. When she got outside & saw that Joey had called Jimmy daddy, she couldn’t help the smile. She hoped he wouldn’t mind, then he looked at her & she knew he didn’t. She could see the fear in his eyes until he saw the approval on her face. When he saw Lou’s approval, a smile split his face in two. Just as Joey reached him, he bent down & scooped her up in his arms, giving her a giant hug & kiss. He loved Joey like she was his own.
“What’s up darlin’?” Jimmy asked Joey. “Have you been hassling your grandpa & uncle Sam?”
Smiling Joey just shook her head ‘no’. “Where party?” she questioned.
“The party? Hmmm, well why don’t we go & ask mama, huh?” he answered.
At the girl’s nod, they set off towards the house. Since Lou had gone back inside, they went into the house & found her busy in the kitchen with the rest of the women, finishing off the last of the food preparations for the party. As they entered the kitchen, Lou looked up & smiled. She put down the bowl of potatoes she was holding, went over to Jimmy & Joey & gave them a big group hug & kiss.
“What are you two up to?” Lou probed with suspicion.
“We want party!” Joey stated confidently.
Looking at both Joey & Jimmy, Lou replied “Oh really? Well it’s almost ready. We just have to take everything outside & lay them on the tables, & then you may have your party. Happy?”
At this, they both nodded. Jimmy gave Lou a long, lingering kiss as he backed her up towards the kitchen table. When she bumped into the table, Jimmy sneaked a hand around her & grabbed two muffins he had noticed sitting there when he & Joey entered the kitchen. He then put his muffin-filled hand behind his back. When he felt Joey’s little hands grasp the muffins, he ended his kiss with Lou & looked into her eyes.
“Well, we’ll just go back outside & wait, won’t we sweetheart?” Jimmy declared, turning to look at Joey nodding, who had hid the muffins behind her back.
Jimmy gave Lou a quick kiss on the nose, then turned, picked up Joey, walked outside & went over to the corral, where he sat Joey on the top rail * they ate their ‘secret’ muffins. Jimmy knew Lou saw what they did, but with the type of kiss he just gave her, he knew he could get away with almost anything.
Teaspoon was gob-smacked when Joey called Jimmy ‘Daddy’. He was wondering what might happen when this day came, how both Jimmy & Lou would handle the situation. He was very proud of them at the way they did cope, although he didn’t think this day would come so soon.
When he saw Jimmy & Joey leave the house, he saw that Joey was hiding something, then she handed Jimmy one, making Teaspoon laugh at their antics. They made a wonderful family, Teaspoon only hoped it would soon enough be ‘proper’ as the fine ladies in town would say.
All too soon, the tables were covered with food & the party had begun. Ike & Buck provided music with Buck’s homemade flute & Ike’s Harmonica, while the others danced & talked, after all, they had a lot to catch up on.
As the evening wore on, everyone sat down to eat. That’s when Jimmy decided it was time. He put his cutlery & stood up, clearing his throat.
“Excuse me everyone. Can I please have your attention.” Jimmy called over the noise, tapping the side of his glass with a spoon as he had seen done sometime in his travels.
“Ah hem. I’d just like to say how glad I am that we are able to all be here together. I know it’s been awhile….”
“Here, here!” came Emma & Teaspoon’s voices from the group.
“…Well anyway. I’d like to thank the ladies for making another most delicious meal. Now there’s something I’ve been meaning to say & do for a long time, so ahh…” turning to Lou, Jimmy went down on one knee & pulled a little velvet pouch from his shirt pocket. Taking Lou’s left hand in his shaking one, he looked deep into her drown eyes, then he asked her the one question that had been too long in coming…
“Louise Mary McCloud, will you marry me?” he breathed.
Tears glistened in her eyes, then a smile spread across her face. “Oh, Jimmy! Yes, oh yes, I’ll marry you,” Lou squealed, jumping into Jimmy’s arms & kissing him passionately.
The family erupted into applause, & words of congratulations. Joey went to Lou & Jimmy, squeezing between them, wanting to join in the group hug once again.
As the couple broke apart, they were enveloped in the arms of their family with warmest wishes.
The party continued with a new spirit. Slowly the children wore themselves out, as did the adults. As the night faded into dawn, there was only one couple left to watch the sun rise. The newly engaged couple sat snuggled together watching the horizon as the colours of early morn changed minute to minute. As the sun rose above the horizon, the couple decided to retire for a few hours of precious sleep before they had to face another busy day. They looked towards the quiet & slumbering house, but then turned & headed into the bunkhouse arm in arm. Jimmy took off his shoes & climbed into a bunk fully clothed, with Lou climbing in after him. She snuggled up to him, resting her head on his chest, as he wrapped his arm around her & they both fell quickly into a deep slumber.
It was late morning when Lou & Jimmy awoke. Looking at each other, they giggled at the bed-hair they both sported. It had been a VERY long time since they had seen each other that way, the couple couldn’t help but laugh.
Upon hearing the laughter erupt from the bunkhouse, Cody couldn’t help himself. He entered the bunkhouse & decided to hassle the couple.
“What time do you call this? It’s almost lunchtime & you two are still in bed. I hope you don’t think I’m doing your share of the chores as well as my own.” He playfully fumed.
“Well just doing your own share of chores would be a first, Cody! Don’t worry, we’ll get around to them…eventually” Jimmy stated, turning to look hungrily at Lou.
Cody knew that look, so he made a hasty retreat. Lou looked from Cody’s retreating form to Jimmy & yelped as he pounced on her like a wild cat. Jimmy couldn’t stop himself from kissing Lou. He just wanted to kiss her until the end of time.
Lou knew what would happen if she didn’t put a stop to it soon. Sure, she wanted to, but with Joey around, as soon as the child found out they were awake, she would come barrelling in like the devil’s chasing her.
Just as Lou was finishing her thought whilst reluctantly untangling herself from Jimmy’s embrace, Joey came thundering through the door.
“Mama, Daddy, it morning. Up time now.” She insisted.
Looking at each other, Lou & Jimmy both smiled, shaking their heads.
“Okay, okay, we’re up!” Jimmy exclaimed as he & Lou climbed out of bed & put their shoes on. Once their shoes were on, Jimmy picked up Joey, wrapped his spare arm around Lou’s waist, with Lou doing the same to Jimmy, & together the trio headed outside to face the day.
Lou & Jimmy decided they wanted to marry whilst the family was there, so they decided to marry the following Saturday. That gave them just over a week to prepare. Lou rode off early the following morning into town where she went to the dressmaker to arrange her dress. Then she went over to the church to talk to the minister.
After seeing the minister, Lou went over to Tompkins’ store to buy some things she’d need for the wedding; from there, she went over to see Teaspoon who had come to town even before she had to do a bit of work & see how the town coped without him…& as usual, the town coped UNTIL he arrived.
When Lou arrived, Teaspoon was just locking up a boy who couldn’t have been more than fifteen years old. At Lou’s quizzical look, Teaspoon stated simply “I found him breaking into the Livery this morning. He won’t tell me nuttin’, so I’m gonna keep him here til he does.
“Well I’m hoping you’re gonna tell him something’ kid, coz I know this man will do exactly as he’s just said.” Lou told the prisoner, and then turning to Teaspoon, continued, “So, Teaspoon, will you consider giving me away? Jimmy can’t do it this time. He’s apparently preoccupied on that day. And you’ve been like a father to both of us that it seems only right if you do!”
“Well now, it would be my pleasure, darlin’!” Teaspoon replied, tears pricking at his eyes. Without looking at the boy in the cell, Teaspoon escorted Lou to the awaiting wagon across the street. He couldn’t be happier than he was at that moment, well for now anyway!!!
When Lou arrived back at the ranch, Jimmy ran up to her & wrapped her up in his arms. Sure she had only been gone for a few hours, but he really missed her. These days it was like he couldn’t breathe without her. He gave her a deep kiss, just to let her know how much he had missed her.
“Do you know how much I missed you today?” Jimmy questioned Lou when they broke apart.
“You missed me, huh? Well how are you gonna go staying at the hotel the night before our wedding?” Lou replied with a smirk across her face.
“WHAT? Are you serious? Lou, I don’t know about that. I mean…the whole night, away from you? What if somethin’ happens here. Maybe I should stay in the Bunkhouse?” he suggested, teasingly.
“Nope. This place is off limits to you that night. Remember, you can’t see me before the wedding. If something happens here, Teaspoon aaaand Sam will be here to help us poor defenceless women & children. Now come on, help me put the wagon & horse away, then we can take these groceries inside & talk more about our wedding. After all, we still haven’t discussed our honeymoon & where we’re gonna stay on our wedding night.” Lou ordered, wiggling her eyebrows at the last part.
Laughing, they both put the horse & wagon away, then headed inside with the groceries to talk more about their future. Since Joey hadn’t come running out to welcome Lou home, she figured Joey was busy playing with the other children, or having a nap…at this time of day, she opted for the latter.
Jimmy & Lou entered the house & instantly they smelt the efforts of Rachel & Emma’s cooking. With watering mouths, they went into the kitchen, not only to put away Lou’s purchases, but since it was almost lunchtime, they wanted to help out with anything they could to get lunch ready quicker. For some reason, they were ravenous.
The week simply flew by. Friday was a fury of activity. Lou was busy picking up her dress & organising the final preparations for the wedding. The other women were busy cooking: pies, biscuits, the wedding cake, foods of all descriptions…They also had to keep Cody out of the kitchen – that’s where Teaspoon & Sam came in. They got the children to create as many chores as they could to keep Cody occupied.
Jimmy meanwhile was busy organising the boy’s hotel accommodation for the night, putting the final touches to his wedding night surprise for Lou…his bride-to-be. He stopped his horse a little way off from the ranch as he saw Lou sitting on the Corral fence looking out over the plains. He knew she was taking some time-out to think – he could see it in her face that she was deep in thought. He rode slowly up beside her & dismounted, still without her noticing.
“Lou…” Jimmy whispered, careful not to scare her.
“Lou jumped at hearing her name, but Jimmy had his hand behind her back just incase she fell. Turning towards the voice, lou smiled brightly at seeing Jimmy.
“Hey, how are you? I’ve been missing you today!” Lou exclaimed
“I’ve missed you too. Are you okay? You were thinking pretty hard there. Are you having second thoughts…” Jimmy gulped, a lump had just formed in his throat “…about the wedding? About us?” he choked on the last bit. He knew he would never have second thoughts about anything related to Lou.
Lou looked at Jimmy shocked, “No, Jimmy. I wasn’t having second thoughts at all. Actually, I was thinking about us. Where our life together might take us…um, Jimmy. I do need to as you something though…I was just wondering about ‘Wild Bill’. How does he fit into our life? I know you’ve always hated it, but I don’t want to lose my husband to someone who wants to make a name for themselves. How do we erase him from our lives so we can be just Jimmy & Louise?”
Looking away from Lou to the expansive prairie, Jimmy replied, “Well, Lou. I’ve been thinking about that since the day I arrived. I was thinking about killing him off, maybe going by ‘Butler’ as our surname. That way, noone will ever know who I was before we married. The name Hickok will die with ‘Wild Bill’. I just don’t know how to go about it. We get married tomorrow – time’s running out.”
“Well let’s go talk to the boys. Maybe one of them will have an idea. Remember Teaspoon’s friend, Sirius Happy & the trick they played on that cheating gambler that Christmas? Maybe together we can all come up with an idea like that… & maybe, Jimmy, putting one of your guns away might not be a bad idea either. I know you got the first from ‘The Judge’ & the second after you killed your friend Brad, but to kill off ‘Wild Bill’, Jimmy, you’ll have to leave one off your hip.” Lou suggested.
Nodding, Jimmy wrapped an arm around Lou & pulled her over for a kiss. “I know you’re right. I also knew it wouldn’t be easy. But what I’ve learnt is that it will be a lot easier to do with you by my side. Lou will you marry me tomorrow & become Mrs. Butler, not Mrs. Hickok?” Jimmy proposed.
“Of course I will, Jimmy. As long as I marry you tomorrow, I don’t care what our last name is. Remember I was Mrs. Kid McLeod…Mrs. James Butler, will be easy” she smiled. “Come on. Let’s go let everyone in on the plan.” She insisted, jumping down & pulling him down with her, before they both headed into the house to find the rest of the family.
Later that evening the boys all rode into town for the night. After putting their horses into the Livery for the night, they all headed to the tailor to pick up their suits, then they went to check into the hotel.
After checking into the hotel, Jimmy excused himself for a little while. When he left the hotel, he headed over to Tompkins’ to get some last minute gifts for Lou. When he was walking back to the hotel, Jimmy felt like he was being watched. He stopped & looked around, but couldn’t see anyone acting suspiciously. Shrugging, he continued towards the hotel.
As he neared the hotel, the boys came out of the hotel. Jimmy quickly ran upstairs to his room to deposit his purchases, then returned to the boys, where they all went over to the restaurant for dinner. On the way to the restaurant, Jimmy noticed Buck kept looking around.
“What’s wrong, Buck?” Jimmy asked. ‘Maybe he senses it too’ he thought.
“I don’t know. It feels like someone’s watching us. I’ve been feeling it since we rode in today… the thing is, I don’t see anyone.” Buck growled. He’d always haded this feeling…trouble was never too far off.
“I know what you mean, Buck. I feel it too. Come on, let’s get to the restaurant,” Jimmy encouraged, & together the group hastened over to the restaurant.
Once inside, they ordered their meals & a bottle of wine to have with their meal. Soon enough the meals & wine arrived. They toasted to Lou & Jimmy’s happiness & then ate their delicious meals. As they awaited dessert to arrive, Cody noticed Buck & Jimmy looking around again.
“What is going on with you two?” Cody demanded. “You keep looking around like trouble’s at yer back!”
“Maybe it is, Cody. Someone’s watching us & I think I just saw who it was. If it is, trouble really is about to break out.” Buck hissed.
* What is it, Buck * Ike signed.
“Not what, Ike, Who…” Buck replied.
“…I think Kid’s back in town!” Buck’s eyes flicked across to Jimmy for his reaction. Buck saw Jimmy’s eyes darken as he turned his head looking for his old ‘friend’.
When Jimmy spotted Kid, he couldn’t help but notice he was alone. “I wonder where his wife & kids are?” Jimmy pondered aloud.
“Me too,” replied Noah. “I’m glad Lou’s back at the ranch. I don’t like Kid’s chances if she was!”
“Well if he’s here to get Lou back, he’s gonna have a hell of a fight on his hands. I’m marrying Lou tomorrow, & he’s not going to ruin it,” Jimmy roared. With that, he stood up & stormed over to where Kid sat watching his friends, hoping he was being inconspicuous, but as he saw the boys approaching, he knew he’d failed.
“Well, well, what brings you boys back to Sweetwater? It’s been too long. Please, sit down, have a drink. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do…” Kid babbled.
“What are you doing here, Kid? Where’s your wife & kids?” Jimmy asked, holding himself back from punching Kid to a pulp. He was proud of himself & knew Lou would be too, not to mention Teaspoon, Rachel & Emma if they could see him now.
“Well, Lou’s back home…”Kid lied, but was cut off mid-sentence.
“Yeah, I know she’s at home…just where we left her with the rest of our families.” Buck emphasised, gesturing to the other boys.
“When you ran out on her, she left & came home to build a new life for herself & HER family.” Cody announced.
“She divorced you, that is after she saw you & your OTHER family, came here & is finally happy…& she’s happily living without you!” Jimmy spat.
Kid’s face dropped at the fact that they all knew about him & Lou.
“Okay, so you already knew. Well I came here hoping she might have come back here, since she wasn’t in Rock Creek. I went there first & was told you were all here…so if Lou’s here, I was hoping to talk to her, to apologise & maybe start out fresh!” Kid attempted to explain, a smile on his face.
“You wanted to explain to Lou why you left her when she was six months pregnant? Why you have another family – one since before we all left the express? And then expect Lou to take you back, just like that?” Jimmy asked sarcastically. His cool was quickly waning & his anger was almost ready to explode.
“Well, Kid, I think you’ve missed your chance. We know for a fact that she’s moved on. She’s met a great fella, she’s got a great life & is really happy.” Cody announced, quickly glancing at Jimmy.
For a few minutes, Kid looked as though he had been slapped in the face. Then he shook his head. “Maybe, but I intend on going out & talking to her anyway, right after I finish this fine meal.” Kid stated just as his meal arrived.
”Kid, it’s getting late. Why don’t you leave it til tomorrow? She’ll still be there…unless you’ve gotta get back…you know, to your WIFE.” Noah growled.
“No, you’re right. It’s getting late. There’s no rush. I’ve got a few things to organise in the morning, so maybe I’ll go out after lunch. If you go out there in the morning, don’t let her know I’m coming. I’ve got a plan. Oh, & by the way, who’s the new minister in town? I’ll need to talk with him & make sure he’s free if I’m going to marry Lou tomorrow!” Kid announced, happy with himself. “Oh, & you guys are all invited to the wedding tomorrow after Lou says yes.” With that, he happily dug into his meal.
Together, the boys dragged Jimmy out of there. They knew he was about to kill Kid. He had become such an arrogant self-assured …well asshole. They were about to leave when another old friend walked through the door.
“Oh, my lord, Jessie, is that you?” Noah asked.
The boy looked up at hearing his name & recognition crossed his face.
“Noah, Buck, Ike, Cody. Hey Jimmy” Jessie squealed. “What brings you guys to town?”
“This is where we all started on the express…except Noah. We’re having a reunion of sorts.” Buck declared looking back at Kid, then to Jimmy. “So how long are you in town?”
“I’ve just arrived. It sounds like a nice town. So is Rachel, Teaspoon & Lou here?” Jessie replied, looking around the restaurant & then spotting Kid, “Why is Kid eating alone…is Lou alright?” he asked hurriedly, thinking something terrible had befallen his favourite rider & first love.
“She’s fine. She’s back at home with Teaspoon & Rachel. She & Kid are divorced. You should come out to the old waystation tomorrow afternoon for a bit of a feast we’re having.” Jimmy explained, with a smile on his face. He was starting to get extremely excited about tomorrow… about his wedding to Lou...about their future together. ‘As long as Kid doesn’t find out, it should all go smoothly!’ he thought.
“Well, we’ve gotta go. Got a big day tomorrow” Cody announced, slapping Jimmy on the back. The boys said their farewells, giving Jessie directions to the ranch, then left the restaurant & headed to the hotel.
Jimmy wanted to do was ride back to the ranch & warn Lou that Kid was back in town. He knew she wouldn’t take it lightly. She had told him one night a few weeks back as they sat up talking, that she was scared that one day Kid would come back to take Joey away from her. That night, Jimmy promised her that he’d protect them both…she had to know he was in town tonight!
“Umm, could one of you do me a huge favour?” Jimmy asked the boys as they stood at the threshold to the hotel. “I need one of you to ride out to the ranch & tell Lou that Kid’s back in town. I can’t let her arrive tomorrow & get the shock of her life when she sees Kid.”
“I’ll go,” Buck offered. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”
“Just don’t let Kid see you, otherwise he’ll go out first thing &know what’s happening. I don’t want him ruining tomorrow…for any of us!” Jimmy stated firmly.
At everyone’s nod of understanding, Buck headed out to the old waystation as fast as his horse could take him.
At hearing a fast approaching horse, Teaspoon, Sam & Lou quickly filed out of the house where they were enjoying a lovely nightcap. When Lou saw it was Buck, her heart dropped to her feet, thinking the worst had happened…’why else would Buck come rushing in here?’ she solemnly thought.
“Buck, what is it? What’s happened to Jimmy?” She stammered, tears pricking at her eyes.
“He’s fine, Lou, but he asked me to come warn you…”he gulped as he climbed down from his horse and walked up to Lou. “…Kid’s in town!”
Buck saw Lou’s eyes hardened just like Jimmy’s eyes did. Anger edged into her features. “Does he know about the wedding? About Jimmy & I?” she asked, traces of fear in her voice.
“No. Cody told him you’d met a great man & had moved on. And we didn’t say anything about Joey…& he hasn’t asked about her. He doesn’t even know he has a daughter. He was going to come out here tonight, but we talked him into leaving it until tomorrow. He then decided to leave it until tomorrow after lunch…oh yeah, & he wants to talk to the minister in the morning before coming out here. It appears he expects you to take him back & remarry him tomorrow afternoon. We’ve all been invited to the wedding….seems like you’re gonna be a busy woman tomorrow, Lou” he chucked.
“Yeah! Marrying Jimmy in the morning, then Kid in the afternoon…hmmm the wedding night sure will be interestin’!” Sam jested, bringing a laugh from everyone.
“Well make sure Jimmy’s at the church a bit earlier than we planned. I want to arrive on time & get the wedding over with so Kid can’t stop it. Maybe we should have a lookout… just incase.” Lou stated firmly.
“Don’t worry, Lou. None of us will let Kid ruin Jimmy’s & your big day. I promise you that!” Teaspoon insisted, with nods coming from Sam, Emma, Rachel & Buck.
“Well, I’d better get back. I’m hoping Kid doesn’t see me. Oh, yeah, Jesse’s in town as well. Jimmy invited him over tomorrow for lunch, but we didn’t mention the wedding, just incase he accidentally told Kid. Well night all. See you all at the church.” Buck smiled, tipping his hat then mounted his horse & rode quickly back to town. When he arrived, he snuck through the backdoor of the hotel & crept silently up to his room. He had made it two doors from his room when he saw Kid poke his head out of his door, then saw a scantily dressed woman come out of Kid’s room, kiss his cheek & leave. Buck had seen the woman earlier outside of the saloon when they arrived in town: she was then busy trying to attract a customer or two.
Buck quickly barged into the room to his left. The occupant looked up from the window he was looking out of, startled at the sudden intrusion.
“Buck, what are ya trying to do? You scared me half to death.” Jimmy cried. He’d taken his guns off earlier & they were hung over the end of the bed.
“Sorry, but I didn’t want Kid to see me. He was just saying goodbye to his night’s entertainment.” Buck spat.
“He what? Thank god Lou’s ma…..” Jimmy was interrupted by Buck.
“Ah, Jimmy, don’t!” Buck stated. He then mouthed ‘Kid’s at the door.’ They both looked towards the door, then Jimmy & Buck quietly & quickly moved to the door & hastily opened it.
There was Kid with his ear pressed up against the door. When the door suddenly opened, he straightened up like he’d done nothing wrong.
“Somethin’ we can help you with, Kid?” Jimmy asked.
“Ahh, Jimmy, Buck, just wondering if you were asleep yet. I was hoping you’d join me for a drink over at the saloon” Kid slurred.
“No thanks, Kid. We’re about to go to bed. Got a big day tomorrow. We’re gonna see Lou in the morning & then we’ve possibly got wedding tomorrow afternoon. So what time are you heading out tomorrow to see Lou?” Buck asked casually.
“Oh well. I’m seeing the minister around eleven – he has a wedding to perform funnily enough, then I’ll go out & see Lou. Hoping all goes well we’ll be at the church about four. I’ll let you know. Will you be here or somewhere in town? Kid replied.
“Umm, probably somewhere in town!” Buck answered.
“Okay. I’ll meet you all at the saloon at say three-thirty. That way we can all get ready to head to the church in time. Well night boys. See ya’ll tomorrow.” With that, Kid returned to his room. Buck soon followed on to his own room where he soon fell asleep.
Jimmy went back to look out the window when everyone had left him to his thoughts. After about an hour, he went over to his bed & wrapped up the final present he had for Lou. After it was wrapped, Jimmy turned out his light & tried to get some sleep…& tried…& tried. At around dawn, he finally fell asleep, only to have someone banging on his door a few short hours later.
Meanwhile at P.E.W:
Lou had her hair in rags & was just too full of feelings to sleep: feelings of excitement, fear, anxiety, worry, anger & happiness. The wedding was responsible for the excitement, happiness & some anxiety, while Kid’s reappearance was the basis for the fear, worry, anger & the rest of the anxiety. As the rooster crowed the morning in, Lou’s body finally let sleep overtake her.
She’d slept for nearly 3 hours when Emma entered her room & awoke the sleeping Lou. Emma had heard Lou throughout the night, & knew she hadn’t had much sleep, but knew that they had to be at the church on time, if not earlier.
As Kid arrived at the church; he noticed the buggy with “Just Married” painted on the back, so he crept into the church & took a seat in the back just as the minister announced “I now pronounce you Husband & Wife. You may kiss the bride.”
At hearing those words, he looked up at the Bride & Groom & his heart dropped to his boots. It was Jimmy & Lou. ‘How could they all lie to my face like that last night?’ he thought angrily. ‘All the boys lied to me.’ He stood along with everyone else out of habit, but did not clap or cheer. As Lou & Jimmy walked past him, they didn’t even look at him…they were too busy looking at each other.
As the rest of the express family filed out of the church, the little girl holding Teaspoon’s hand caught his eye. She was the spitting image of Lou. When she proudly walked up the isle, smiling a big bright smile, she looked directly at him & her face changed to a frown.
When she looked at Kid, he saw that her big eyes were blue…just like his. ‘Oh my god! That’s my daughter!!!’ Kid’s thoughts bellowed in his head. ‘Why didn’t she tell me?’ He looked at the little girl’s back as she left the church.
‘Gosh, there’s a lot of kids here.’ Kid thought off-hand as he finally left the church, intent on confronting Lou. As he exited the church, he saw Jimmy & Lou leaving in the carriage. He decided to get his horse & follow them. He ran to the livery, saddled his horse & took off riding after the newlyweds & express family.
As he approached the old waystation, he noticed the massive amount of change that had occurred. The place was now fenced, with a sign about the entryway reading P.E.W.
‘Hmmm. Wonder what that means?’ he pondered as he headed towards the group of people outside the bunkhouse. He made it within ten yards before someone noticed him.
“Mummy, man here” Joey yelled over the noise.
Looking up from happily talking to her friends & family, the smile fell from Lou’s face. She felt Jimmy come stand beside her & wrap a comforting arm around her waist. She knew he was trying to give her some of his strength. Now, one of the things she had feared for a long time was about to occur…Kid coming to claim his daughter.
Together Jimmy & Lou walked to stand together with Joey as Kid came to a stop astride his horse. Joey turned Jimmy & held her hands to be picked up as she now became very shy around strangers. Jimmy picked her up & gave her & Lou an encouraging cuddle.
“Kid” Jimmy acknowledged, nodding his head slightly.
“Hey Jimmy. Good to see ya again. So, what’s going on here? Having a party without me, huh?” Kid replied, anger evident in his voice.
“What do you want Kid?” Lou demanded. She put an arm around Jimmy, trying to absorb some of his strength. Inside, she was trembling…something in Kid’s eyes scared her.
“What do I want? Hmm, lets see…” his tone was sarcastic & laced with venom. “…Well I’d like MY wife by my side & to get to know MY child. Why didn’t you tell me I had a daughter, Lou?”
“Well, let’s get this straight. I stopped being your wife when I divorced you after seeing your other wife & children. As to why I didn’t tell you about MY daughter: it was because you left us before she was even born. I was six months pregnant when you left, Kid. I married Jimmy today & he has also adopted Joey. We aren’t YOURS anymore, Kid.
”You gave up your right to us when you left. I almost lost Joey thanks to you. I got so sick worrying about you…that something had happened to you, that Jeremiah & Teresa took me to Emma’s, all the while praying that we didn’t lose her, or me, or that I gave birth on the way. On our way we passed through a small town & saw you & your ‘Other Family’. Tell me Kid…how old are your other children? They seemed to be old enough to have been born when we were all riding for the express…before we were married…” Lou spat. Her anger was greater than it had been since Wicks killed her friend Charlotte a few years ago.
The anger on Kids face had ebbed away & he now looked like a wounded animal. He knew he’d been busted & that his double life as he knew it was over. Guilt crept into his heart…how he longed to take it all back & remain faithful to the best woman he’d ever known. He cursed himself inwardly, damning himself to hell.
Jimmy pulled Lou into a loving embrace… he knew how to calm her whenever she was stressed, angry, or upset. Just wrapping her up in his eyes seemed to calm her almost immediately. As he held her tight, he felt her tense shoulders begin to loosen.
Lou looked up into Jimmy’s eyes & he ducked down to kiss her…to kiss his wife.
Kid turned away from Lou & Jimmy. It crushed his heart to see them so happy together. He had known deep down that Lou would eventually get on with her wife without him, but he never truly believed she would ever remarry…& to marry Jimmy felt like the ultimate betrayal.
As Kid turned, he saw his daughter playing with many other children…the same children that had filed out of the church. ‘Who do all these children belong to’ Kid pondered.
Teaspoon came over to his ’son’. “Kid…” he bellowed, slapping him on the back. “I know this is hard on ya, but yer did make it hard on her…VERY hard! That gir…I mean…woman, has a strength greater than most men I know. She is finally happy again, Kid…let her be happy…doesn’t she deserve it after everything she’s been put through in her life already?”
“Yeah. I know you’re right, Teaspoon. It’s just hard. I really do love her still & I really miss her. You probably think I’m lying, but I’m not. Look at what I’ve missed by leaving her – the birth of my daughter, being part of a great family &…” Kid faulted. Teaspoon simply nodded his understanding.
“I know son, but there’s nothing you can do to change the past. You can only make the future better!” Teaspoon stated knowledgeably.
Kid nodded. “Um…Teaspoon…can I ask you something?” Kid asked.
“Sure Kid, what else is on yer mind?” Teaspoon replied.
“Who do all these children belong to? There are so many…Has this place become an orphanage?” Kid laughed.
“No, not at all. This is
our family, Kid. It sure has grown since you lot joined up for the
express, huh?” Teaspoon went on to explain the family tree as he guided
him to the drink table. He knew deep down noone would turn Kid away…no
matter what he’d done in the past…he was still family.
Kid was shocked by how much
he’d missed since he left Lou. Then there was Lou & their daughter.
Why he left them, he still didn’t know… it was just a very wrong
decision!!! He had just found out that Lou was now remarried & has
happily moved on with her life, while his other wife, Elizabeth, had
left him for another man, taking their children with her. In the letter
she had left him, she explained that she had been seeing Kid’s boss for
several years, that Kid’s boss, NOT Kid was the real father of their
children, that they had all run away to be together, & NOT to go
looking for them.
Kid felt lost. He now partly understood what he had put Lou through
& felt absolutely awful – that was why he returned – GUILT. He had
to apologise to her, to say sorry for being so cruel.
Jimmy & Lou stayed close together all afternoon. Kid’s return had
worried them both & being together made them stronger. Lou also
kept a close eye on Joey, noticing that she was sticking close to
Jimmy. Lou smiled to herself at how Joey had taken to Jimmy so quickly.
Her little girl was growing up so quickly. “Oh my god!” Lou whispered.
At hearing the sound of shock in Lou’s voice, Jimmy immediately turned
to Lou, asking “ What’s wrong, Lou? What’s happened?”
“Nothing. Well except I just realised that it’s Joey’s second birthday
in 8 days time…I’m afraid our honeymoon will have to wait, or be very
short. I can’t miss her birthday!” Lou replied, looking at Jimmy,
hoping he wouldn’t be too angry with her.
“It’s fine with me. We can’t miss our daughter’s birthday. As long as
what I have planned for tonight doesn’t get ruined, I don’t mind
waiting to go on out honeymoon. Especially either way I’ll be spending
it with my family.” Jimmy stated matter-of-factly.
Lou looked questioningly at Jimmy, “you’ve already got plans for
tonight?” Lou asked with a pout.
“No, we’ve got plans for tonight!” Jimmy replied with a smile. Jimmy
gave Lou a quick kiss, then went to have a talk with Teaspoon while Lou
looked at his retreating back stumped at what Jimmy had planned.
While Lou was talking to Teaspoon, Lou returned to her previous
conversation with Emma, when Joey again called out to gain Lou’s
attention, “Mama, Rider hummin’!”
Everyone broke into laughter at Joey’s version of the old express call.
The all looked towards the in-coming rider.
“Jesse!” Lou squealed & ran to the boy she once knew. Jesse
immediately jumped off his horse close to Lou & enveloped her in a
bear hug.
She sure was pretty in that wedding dress. “God, I’ve missed you” Jesse
whispered into Lou’s hair.
Lou stood back & gave Jesse the once over, noting the changes that
had occurred to her young friend.
“You’re all grown up, Jesse. Have you been taking care of yourself?”
Lou babbled excitedly.
“Yeah, Lou, I have. You look beautiful…You & Kid got remarried? Why
didn’t anyone say anything last night? I would have loved to have been
there…”Jesse whined.
“Ahh…Jesse…Kid & I got a divorce almost 2 years ago…I married Jimmy
today. It’s a long story. Come join the party. There are a few people
you have to meet.” Lou said. Jimmy came over to Lou, carrying Joey, to
welcome Jesse back to the family.
The party continued on with lots of introductions, reminiscing and
catching up.
As the afternoon sun began setting on the horizon, Lou & Jimmy said
goodnight to their family, especially to Joey who had never been
separated from Lou for more than a few hours, & who had become
Jimmy’s shadow over the past few months. Being apart from them would be
an adventure for her…but at least she would have her family close by.
Finally the newlyweds left for their wedding night & beginning of
their life together.
Once out of eyesight from the ranch, Jimmy pulled the carriage to a
stop, to blindfold Lou. “I want this to be a surprise” he told her. She
finally agreed, allowing Jimmy to cover her eyes with his bandanna&
then they were off again.
After travelling blindfolded for what felt like forever, Lou heard
running water & the carriage came to a stop. Next, Lou felt Jimmy
climb down, she then heard him come around to her side & finally
she felt his arms lift her out of the carriage & set her feet on
the ground.
Jimmy removed the bandana from her eyes & whispered “Surprise!”
softly in her ear.
Opening her eyes, Lou was amazed to see what Jimmy had secretly
prepared for their wedding night. Before her on the bank of the pond
lay a campfire, but what was next to the campfire took her breath away.
On one side lay their bedrolls, blankets & even pillows. On the
other side lay yet another blanket, but this one was covered in various
desserts – strawberries, cream, ice-cream (still frozen), fruit salad,
Apple pie, & even some homemade cookies. Her mouth instantly
started to water, as the love in her heart for her husband grew to new
heights.
Lou turned to her husband & pulled him down to her for a passionate
kiss. As the kiss began to get very heated, Lou pulled away & went
over to the blanket full of food. She sat down & gave Jimmy her
best ‘come hither’ look, patting the blanket beside her.
Taking the hint, Jimmy sat down next to his wife & watched as she
reached for a strawberry & fed it to him, following it with a kiss.
As he responded, Lou pulled away & reached for a spoon of
ice-cream. She brought the spoon close to his lips, but then quickly
put the spoon to her own lips.
For the next half hour, the couple fed each other between kissing &
exploring each other. By this time, the food had been forgotten &
the exploring of each other had overridden any thoughts of food.
Lou & Jimmy finally sealed their marriage in a fast & furious,
but passionate ‘dance’ that is as old as time.
As their intimate dance concluded, the duo decided to cool themselves
in the pond. They never went farther than arms length from each
other…not until Jimmy began an all out water fight.
The fight ended in a tie as Lou swam under the water & jumped up
onto Jimmy’s back, causing him to fall forward into the water. ‘Boy
she’s strong’ Jimmy thought to himself as he regained his footing.
When he was finally able to stand, he walked purposefully towards Lou,
picked her up, kissed her passionately on her mouth, & then threw
her into the water.
As Lou surfaced, spluttering & trying to catch her breath, Jimmy
swam over to her, pulled her to him & covered her face in gentle
kisses: her forehead, her eyes, her cheeks, her nose, her ears, her
lips, her chin. He worked down her neck as he walked them back to bank.
As they came to the water’s edge, Jimmy lay them down & continued
the sensual bliss on Lou’s body, the water lapping at their legs. This
time as they made love, it was tender & filled with all the love
they shared.
Finally they were spent. Jimmy had only enough energy to carry them
both over to their bedrolls, laying Lou down, then laying down next to
her, pulling a blanket over them & pulled Lou close to his side.
Lou snuggled into Jimmy, resting her head on his chest, Jimmy wrapping
his arm around Lou & together they fell asleep after a long,
exhausting, but exhilarating & wonderful day that neither would
ever forget.
As the sun was beginning to rise, so too was Jimmy. He opened his eyes
and just layed there watching Lou sleep. ‘My god! She can’t be anymore
beautiful than she is right now!’ he thought happily to himself.
“You’re watching me sleep, aren’t you?” Lou spoke up from her snuggled
position at Jimmy’s side. Smiling, she sleepily looked up.
“Good morning Mrs. Hickok…or should I say Mrs. Butler? I forgot to give
you your wedding gift last night…” Jimmy reached over to his saddle bag
he’d brought along the previous day, & pulled out a box tied with
lovely pink & blue ribbons.
Lou sat up, pulling the blanket up to cover her bare chest & took
the parcel Jimmy was holding towards her. She sat it in her lap, untied
the ribbon & opened the lid. Inside laying amongst tissue paper was
one of Jimmy’s pearl handled guns. Lou looked into Jimmy’s eyes with
questioning on her face.
“Well if I’m gonna become Jimmy Butler, ‘Wild Bill’ has to be laid to
rest, & I can only do that with you by my side. I also know you’re
able to protect yourself if ever the worst should happen!” Jimmy stated
lovingly.
“So when’s ‘Wild Bill’s’ day up? Have you talked it over with the boys
yet? I know we didn’t decide anything the other day” Lou asked.
Well, I was thinking on our honeymoon. I’ve got some friends in
Deadwood, so we can kill off Wild Bill, then continue our honeymoon in
peace as Mr. & Mrs. Butler. What do you think?” Jimmy replied.
“Sounds good, although we’d better split up going into Deadwood. We
don’t want to raise suspicion. I must say, I’m a bit scared, Jimmy.
What if something goes wrong? I don’t want to become a widow!” Lou
sobbed, tears running down her face.
Jimmy wrapped Lou in his arms & kissed the top of her head. “I’m
never gonna leave you Lou. Now that I’ve finally got you, I WON’T let
that happen. I’ve got too many plans for us, for our future, to leave
them behind.” He stated matter-of-factly.
Looking up into Jimmy’s face, Lou whispered “You’ve already got plans
for us? Like what?”
Well, like growing old together, maybe making our family bigger…No
matter what we do, as long as it’s together, I’ll be happy!” Jimmy
exclaimed.
“You want children?” Lou asked shocked.
“Yes, definitely, Lou. After being with Joey, I want at least two more,
but it also depends on you…if you want any more children…”Jimmy
insisted.
“Jimmy, I’d love to have more children…especially with you!” Lou
exploded excitedly. She’d always wanted children, & since having
Joey, she’d often dreamed of giving her some siblings, but it was made
hard without a husband in her life.
The young newlyweds decided to enjoy a hearty breakfast with their
family, so packed up camp & headed home.
As the wagon came to a stop outside the bunkhouse, Joey came tearing
out from the house shrieking “Mama, Dada, ya home…” as she ran &
almost bowled Lou & Jimmy over trying to hug them both at the same
time.
Laughing, Jimmy picked up Joey & the trio had a group hug. Yeap,
life was great at that very moment! As they were in the group hug,
everyone filed outside the bunkhouse to welc