Lou walked aimlessly through the once-busy streets of Rock Creek and sighed. The town was emptying rapidly of it's abled-body men, and even some of the older boys. War was beckoning to the citizens, and most were ready to answer the call, though not all on the same side.

It had only been a week since she and Kid had returned from their honeymoon in Chicago, but the changes in the town were perceptible. It seemed a lot quieter now, even the once-rollicking saloon was silenced, emanating an eerie stillness.

The Way Station came into view and she was filled with a strange foreboding. It felt so empty now that Cody had ridden off with the army, and Jimmy spending all of his free time in town with Rosemary. She had decided to stay in Rock Creek for a while, though Lou didn't know her reasons. Kid suspected that she was waiting for Jimmy to return with her to Kansas and join the abolitionists. Jimmy was determined to see the express to the end however, which wouldn't be very long.

Lou shook her head sadly as she thought of Kid and Jimmy's deteriorating friendship. A shaky truce had been called shortly before the wedding, but she knew it was only for her benefit. Kid had told her how Jimmy and Rosemary hadn't trusted him with the encrypted code of southern sympathizers and their locations, and although he tried to downplay his feelings, she knew he'd been wounded to the core. Sure they didn't always agree, but through everything, Kid and Jimmy had always trusted eachother, until that incident.

She turned around and was about to head to Tompkin's store to pick up some supplies when she caught sight of a lone figure in the graveyard. She knew immediately who it was and didn't hesitate as she walked across the street. The woman didn't notice Lou's presence until she was right beside her.

"Oh...Louise, I'll go now." Rosemary said guiltily as she turned to leave.

"Don't be silly Rosemary. You have as much right to be here as any of us." Lou replied firmly as she held her hand.

"You may be the only one who thinks that." Rosemary returned as she glanced back again at Noah's grave.

"I...I don't blame you for Noah's death..."

"No, but your husband does."

Lou let out a heavy sigh and shook her head sadly. "Kid doesn't know what he thinks. He just lashed out...I don't think he really blames you Rosemary. he's just hurtin'... Noah was a good friend."

"Yeah, well why is Kid so eager to fight for the South, huh? Those men are slavers, people Noah hated. If they were such good friends, how can Kid even think about joining them?" Rosemary spat as she pulled her hand free.

Lou was a bit taken aback, but she was too stubborn to let Rosemary get away so easy. "The South is Kid's home. He wouldn't be fightin' for slavery. That ain't the issue of the war and you and I both know that. It's about control, and who gets it. I know that there are bad men aligned with the south, but there are also bad men fightin' for the North too...Besides, I don't even know if Kid wants to fight in this war anymore."

"Oh, is he a coward too?" Seeing the look on Lou's face, Rosemary softened her tone. "I'm sorry. I had no right to say that. I know that Kid is a good man."

Lou was about to respond when Jimmy approached the pair and smiled. "Well hey stranger, how you doin'?" Lou asked Jimmy half-serious, half-teasing.

Jimmy had the grace to look ashamed at that. He had been avoiding Kid like the plague, and in turn Lou. He didn't know how to treat her anymore, now that she was married. He missed both of them terribly, but his pride wouldn't allow him to apologize to Kid. He knew he had been wrong for withholding the information from Kid, but it hadn't been his decision. And what Kid had said about Jimmy wanting to take Isaiah place was out of line. Still, a small voice told him that maybe Kid had been right. Maybe.

"Uh...hey Lou. I'm sorry I haven't really been around lately..."

"Well, you do have a chance to make it up to me." She said, raising her eyebrows.

Jimmy felt a pang in his heart as he looked down at Lou. Her short auburn hair was dancing in the wind, framing her face, and her dark eyes looked huge. He had missed looking into her eyes. He quickly caught himself and felt guilty for thinking of Lou like that. He and Rosemary were... well, what were they? They certainly had a special bond, but she was still grieving her husband's death. They'd agreed to take things slow, and they were doing just that.

"How's that?"

"You and Rosemary can join Kid and I for dinner tonight at that new fancy restaurant in town."

"I don't know Lou. Kid and I ain't exactly on the best of terms."

"He misses you, you know?" she said softly, not meeting his gaze.

"I...I miss him too-"

"Great. Meet us at six, then." Lou said as she rushed off, not giving Jimmy and Rosemary the chance to decline.

He looked over to Rosemary and she smiled back ruefully. "How does she do it?" he asked.

"I suspect it takes practice, and with the way you and Kid act, she's gotten plenty of it. Now, what are we goin' to wear tonight?"

**********

Lou smiled as she opened the door to her room and found Kid sprawled on the bed. His brown hair was still damp from his recent shower and he hadn't even bothered to get under the covers before falling asleep. She closed the door gently behind her and thought about leaving him to sleep, but she had missed the sound of his voice over the two-day period he'd been gone on his run. She felt silly, but she couldn't explain it.

She silently crept up to the bedside and sat on the edge. She leaned over and began tracing his jawline with gentle kisses. His electric blue eyes opened and he smiled as he pulled her down beside him, repositioning himself so that he was staring down at her.

"You miss me?" He asked smiling.

Lou didn't reply, but instead pulled him down for a kiss. He responded in kind, basking in the warmth of her embrace. She pulled back suddenly and smiled at her husband as he began to unbutton the top of her dress.

"Kid, it ain't even dark yet."

"Well, close the curtains then." he murmured as he nuzzled her neck.

She laughed, but pulled free from his embrace. She took his large hand in hers and looked at him seriously. He sat up suddenly, knowing the expression on his wife's face. She had something to tell him, something important. He didn't think it was terrible news because her brown eyes were dancing in merriment.

"Kid...we uh need to talk about somethin'."

"What is it Lou?"

"I...when I was in town today, well, I stopped by to see the doctor." Kid nodded, Lou hadn't been feeling well since their return from Chicago. "He ...he said that..." She stopped to take a deep breath.

Kid was beginning to get worried now. She was hesitant to tell him whatever the doctor said. She suddenly stood up and walked to the dresser. Her back was towards him as she picked up something from the shiny surface. When she turned back to him, she was holding the needles that Jesse had given her in jest only weeks before.

"Well, it looks like I'll be putting these to use pretty soon." she beamed.

Kid stood up as well, his brow knitted in confusion. "I...I don't-"

"I'm goin' to have a baby."

Kid's jaw dropped, literally. He stood staring at Lou, her eyes now filled with doubt as his silence. Before she knew what was happening, Kid had crossed to the other side of the room and was twirling her around the room. She laughed while Kid began kissing her profusely. He knelt on one knee and caressed her still flat abdomen.

"How much longer?" he finally managed.

"Six months."

"Six months-? But I thought-- oh..." Kid blushed brightly.

Lou laughed and bended down beside Kid. She kissed him deeply and looked lovingly into his eyes. "You should have seen his face when he told me. He was as red as an apple Kid. He was more embarrassed than I was." She said, smiling now as she remembered the older man's face when he realized that Lou hadn't been married long enough to be three months pregnant.

"Does anyone else know?" he asked quietly.

"No... but I guess we'll have some explaining to do." Lou replied mischievously.

Kid smiled and stood up, helping Lou to her feet as well. Suddenly, he picked Lou up and gently placed her on the bed, kissing her neck. She smiled at Kid and looked at him playfully.

"You know, this is how I got in this condition in the first place."

Kid's only response was to bring his mouth to hers, silencing any further protest. She relaxed and brought her arms to rest behind his neck, reveling in the warmth of their embrace, and the feel of his hands as they roamed expertly over her body. He again began to unbutton the top of her dress, and this time, she didn't stop him.

**********

Lou awoke to find Kid staring intently at her, his blue eyes full of adoration. She smiled and brought her hand to caress his smooth cheek. He caught her fingers and brought them to his lips.

"What are you lookin' at?" She asked.

"You're so beautiful."

Lou blushed a bright shade of red and lowered her eyes for a moment. She noticed how the sun light in the room was fading, and she wondered how long she'd been asleep. She'd been so tired lately because she hadn't been getting much sleep. She glanced back at Kid and wondered how she was going to get him to dinner tonight.

"Kid... we better get dressed."

Kid pulled her closer and kissed her lips softly. "I was thinkin' we could stay in bed for the rest of the night."

"Well... that would be rude considerin' we're supposed to meet some people tonight for dinner."

Kid pulled back and looked at his wife questioningly. "What people?" he asked suspiciously.

"I ran into Jimmy and Rosemary tonight...and well, since it's been awhile since we've seen them, I thought-"

"Well you thought wrong. I don't even want to see them, much less eat with them." Kid grumbled as he sat up on the edge of the bed, his back turned towards her.

Lou detected the anger in his voice, but she wasn't going to give up so easily. Pulling the thick comforter around her, she sidled behind Kid and placed her chin on his tan shoulder. "Kid... you and Jimmy are best friends, surely you can put aside your differences for one night."

"It ain't Jimmy I got a problem with, it's Rosemary." he replied bitterly.

"Jimmy's got a right to be happy Kid."

"I know that Lou." Kid said as he stood abruptly, pulling his trousers on as he did so. "But she ain't goin' to make him happy. Everything that woman touches falls apart."

"That ain't fair and you know it."

"It's the truth Lou. Now...I know what you're tryin' to do, but I ain't goin' to dinner tonight." he said quietly as he looked out of the window.

"Well... I guess I'll have to go by myself then."

Kid turned around to protest, but he saw the determined look on Lou's face. her jaw was clenched tightly, and her eyes were filled with defiance. Sighing loudly, Kid grabbed his shirt and hat and slammed the door as he exited. Lou sat still for a moment, debating whether she had made the right choice.

**********

Jimmy looked up from the table in time to see Lou enter. he tried to hide the pleasure he felt upon seeing her, but Rosemary didn't miss much, he knew. Lou smiled as she approached them, and Rosemary felt a pang of envy upon seeing the young woman. Her hair was gather gracefully in a bun, and she was wearing a pale pink dress that accentuated her decidedly-feminine figure. Rosemary also noted Kid's absence, but she wasn't really surprised.

"Hey you two, sorry I'm runnin' a little late."

Jimmy stood up to kiss Lou's cheek, and looked behind her for Kid. Lou noticed and smiled in apology. "Kid wasn't feelin' well, so he decided to stay at home."

"Sorry to hear that." Jimmy stated as he sat down, his face as stony as ever.

"Would you rather postpone this?" Rosemary asked, not believing her story for one minute, but also not wanting to come between husband and wife.

"Don't be silly. Kid's a big boy, I'm sure he can handle himself." Lou said almost bitterly. "Now...what shall we order?"

**********

Jimmy sighed in contentment as he left the restaurant, both arms occupied by the two women who held a special place in his heart. Dinner had gone smoothly, despite Kid's absence and the tension it caused. Rosemary and Lou seemed to get along great, and that eased his mind. He wanted everyone to see that Rosemary wasn't a bad person, but somehow, he didn't think that was ever going to happen. Lou however seemed to have taken a special liking to the other woman, trying her best to make friends.

Jimmy hadn't seen Rosemary laugh like she had tonight in quite some time. Even now the two women were laughing about something Lou had said when suddenly Rosemary came to a halt, gasping in surprise and shock.

"What's wrong?" Jimmy asked as he looked up, then stopped dead in his tracks. Three dangerous looking men stood before them, leering openly at Lou and glaring at Rosemary.

"Been a long time Mrs. Burke..." the tall one said as he stepped forward menacingly.

Jimmy quickly pulled his gun, startling Lou, and pointed it at the trio. He didn't have a good feeling about these men. Maybe it was the way they stared hatefully at Rosemary, or just his instinct. Maybe a bit of both, but they were up to no good.

"Don't get excited fella... we're old friends...ain't we Rosemary."

"Get away from me." Rosemary said with so much hate that chills ran down Lou's spine.

When they made no attempt to move, Jimmy stepped forward, waving his gun. They paused for a moment, but seemed to think better of it. They walked off in the other direction, but not before calling to her tauntingly.

"We'll come back and see you when you ain't got company Mrs. Burke."

The other men laughed as they made their way to the saloon, and Lou looked at them with a feeling of dread. She looked back to Rosemary and saw her hands were shaking wildly.

"Are you o.k? Who were those men?" Lou asked in concern.

Rosemary looked at Lou with venom in her eyes. Jimmy stood in front of the two women, waiting for an explanation. She took a deep breath and looked in the distance.

"Those men are the Smith brothers. They uh... they had a small, but prosperous farm a few miles from where we were operating the underground for slaves. Seems they caught wind of what we were doing and didn't like it too much. They confronted Isaiah, and even had fist-fights with some of our associates. Well, one night, they snuck onto our property and set fire to our house, and the barn where the slaves were. We got out of the house in time, but when we went to help the others, Michael ran back into the house to get something-or-other. I didn't realize until it was too late, and then the house just crumbled under the fire." Tears were running freely down her face now, but she didn't stop. "Isaiah just went crazy... he knew it was those men, so he retaliated by burning their entire property down. They lost everything...including their youngest brother. They couldn't prove anything ofcourse, but they knew it was Isaiah... they swore they'd get revenge, and now they've come to collect."

She didn't protest as Jimmy pulled her into a tight embrace. She began to sob uncontrollably, and Lou could only look on helplessly.

"Oh James...what am I going to do?"

"You're coming to stay with us at the waystation, that's what." Lou said firmly as she met Jimmy's troubled gaze.

**********

Jimmy held Rosemary's bag in his hand and looked around the waysation in apprehension. It had taken a lot of convincing on Lou's part to get the woman to agree to come stay with them, where she would be relatively safe. Rosemary knew she wasn't welcome there, and didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable. But once again, Lou had won.

Lou took the bag from Jimmy once they reached the porch steps and grabbed Rosemary's hand. "C'mon, I'll get you set up in the guest room and you look like you cold use some sleep."

Rosemary followed her obediently, looking back at James to give him the faintest smile before turning back around. Lou led her up the narrow staircase to a door at the end of the hall. Judging from the lack of lights, it was obvious that the other occupants were asleep. Lou opened the door and lit the lamp.

"My room is right next door. If you have any problems, just come on over. There are blankets in the closet over there, and don't worry, I'll explain everything to Rachel in the morning." Lou said as she placed the bag on the bed.

"Thank you so much Louise... I really appreciate it." Rosemary said, almost shyly as Lou turned to leave.

"Don't mention it." Lou said with a wink as she shut the door softly behind her.

**********

Lou entered the dark room and saw immediately that Kid was seated next to the window, waiting for her to enter. She couldn't make out his face, but she knew he wasn't happy, anger seemed to be emanating from him. She sighed in frustration, preparing herself for the coming fight. Without a word, she turned the lamp on and sat on the bed across from Kid.

"What's she doin' here?" he asked quietly

"It's a long story Kid. Can we talk about this in the mornin'?"

"No."

Lou looked at him in surprise. His tone was furious, but his face remained unreadable. "Look, on the way home from dinner we ran into some men. They were responsible for killing her son. Well, they kinda threatened her, so I thought it would be better if she stayed here, where we could keep an eye on her."

"Lou! You've gone too far this time. If those men are dangerous, then you could be putting the rest of us in danger. Let her deal with her own problems, hasn't she caused enough damage already?"

"I can't believe you're sayin' this. She needs help -"

"Well, let her get it from somewhere else. We have enough to worry about."

"What's happened to you Kid?"

"What's happened to me? What's happened to you? We made vows to eachother Lou...first Jimmy turns against me, now you?" Kid stood up angrily and headed for the door.

Lou stood up as well, Kid's words spurring her on. "We're not against you Kid. Why can't you see that? I love you Kid." Lou said as she grabbed his arm.

He shook her hand off, and turned the door knob. "You coulda fooled me." was all he said as he descended down the stairs.

Lou watched him from the window as he stormed to the barn, and then into the darkness on Katy. She sat on the bed heavily and wrapped her arms around herself, trying her best not to cry.

Part Two

Hours later, the Kid still hadn't returned and Lou was getting worried. She had been laying in their bed, tossing and turning. She finally decided to get up and take a short stroll in the yard. She pulled on her robe and soft slippers and headed downstairs.

The air was cold and crisp, and she shivered as she pulled her robe tightly around her. She walked over to the corral and leaned on the wooden post, looking in the distance for any sign of her husband. She heard footsteps behind her and whirled around.

"I saw you walkin' out here, thought you might like some company." Rosemary said as she stood beside Lou.

Lou just nodded and turned her attention back to the dark horizon. The two woman stood beside eachother, content in the companionable silence. Suddenly, they heard a ruckus from the barn. Horses were stomping their hooves loudly and were neighing in panic. Lou instinctively ran towards the wooden building, fear pumping wildly in her heart.

She opened the door and was surprised as smoke greeted her from within. She could make out the dangerous orange flames that danced perilously close to her now. She turned back to Rosemary, and began to take her robe off.

"Go get the others, tell them to ring the bell."

"Wait...what are you doing?"

"I'm goin' to try and save those horses." Lou replied, dashing into the blazing inferno before Rosemary could protest.

**********

Tears stung Lou's eyes as she made her way further into the burning stable. Wood was crackling under the heat, and Lou could see that the back door was completely blocked by a large support beam that had fallen from the ceiling. She knew she had no time to waste, so she ran to each of the stalls, opening the latches and ushering the frightened animals into the center.

A strong hand gripped her shoulder and she turned to see Kid. She sighed in relief and even offered a small smile.

"Kid, you have to start leading the horses out now...they're panicking. The back door is blocked."

Kid looked like he wanted to protest, but knew they had no time to waste. he carefully made his way to the entrance, deftly avoiding the violent flames that leapt at him from every side. When most of the horses were free, he turned back and found Lou desperately trying to combat the flames with her flimsy robe.

"Lou..come on, we gotta get out of here. We can't save this place."

He took a step towards her, but leapt back as some burning debris fell from the ceiling, effectively blocking her of from the only exit. She looked at Kid in despair, and started coughing uncontrollably as the smoke finally took it's toll. She sank down on one knee, trying to stabilize her breathing, but she wasn't having much success. When she saw Kid take a step closer, she waved him off with her hand.

"Get out of here Kid. There's nothing you can do." she yelled over the roaring flames.

"I ain't leavin' you here." he screamed.

Don't be stupid Kid... get out of here while you still got the chance."

"I said I ain't leavin' you." He returned, looking around him for some possible means of rescue.

"I'd leave you." she lied.

Well, good thing I ain't in your place." Kid returned evenly, knowing very well that she was only trying to get him to leave.

He suddenly spotted several thick blankets in the corner of the stable and picked them up, walking over to the fire in front of Lou. He began beating at it mercilessly, but it still returned, almost as if strengthened with every blow. Kid was so focused in his task that he didn't notice as Lou sank to the ground unconscious.

Kid finally looked up, apology in his eyes. The sight of Lou lying prostrate on the ground as flames closed in on her, was enough to make Kid insane. Without thinking, he leapt into the center, ignoring the pain that seemed to eat his skin. He gathered Lou in his arms, wrapping one of the blankets around her for protection against the searing flames and dashed once more through the fire. When they were safely on the other side, Kid carried Lou out of the now-crumbling barn.

Several townspeople had come to help, but upon seeing the state of the structure, had just watched helplessly as it had succumbed to the blaze. Jimmy and the others, who had been gathering the escaped horses, caught sight of the pair and ran towards them. Kid crashed down to his knees and looked at the seemingly-lifeless Lou. He started to shake her, but couldn't arouse her.

"Dammit Lou, wake up." He exclaimed as he shook her violently.

Jimmy pulled Kid away from Lou, while the doctor stepped forward. "Can one of you boys take her into the house, I'm gonna need to examine her more closely."

Kid quietly collected his precious burden in his arms, while the rest of the ton looked solemnly at the fire that was lit up to the sky. Several were worried that the inferno would spread, but their fears were put to rest as it began to settle, occasionally emitting a loud pop or crackle.

Rachel approached Rosemary, who stood apart from the others and placed her arm around her. "Lou's gonna be fine... she's a fighter."

"I know. But is she strong enough to survive this? She was in there for a mighty long time Rachel..."

Rachel sighed and looked towards the house where Kid was making his way up the stairs, Lou in his arms, and Jimmy and the doctor on his trail. Lou had looked awful, but Rachel knew she was going to pull through. She had to. Lou was the one force holding this disintegrating family together. If they lost her now, she didn't know what would happen to the rest of them.

**********

"Well, she's gonna be just fine. She inhaled a lot of smoke, so her breathing won't return to normal for a few days." The doctor said as he looked at Rachel, Kid and Jimmy.

"What about the baby?" Kid asked quietly.

"The baby's just fine Kid... now let me take a look at those burns on your arm."

"I'll be fine... I ain't leavin' here."

"It'll only be take a few moments. Besides, Lou will kill me if I let those get infected."

Kid looked at Lou for a moment. The color was slowly returning to her face, and she did seem to be breathing better, though not as well as he wanted. She seemed to be struggling with each intake. He smoothed her hair and stood up to follow the doctor out the door.

Meanwhile his companions were reacting to the news. Jimmy walked closer and gazed at Lou longingly. Rachel followed him and placed a hand on his arm. Jimmy looked at her and smiled.

"Did...did he say baby?" Jimmy asked disbelief.

"Mmm hmm." Rachel beamed as she placed a kiss on Lou's forehead. "C'mon, she needs some rest. And we need to find out who did this." Rachel whispered as she led him out of the room.

"I already know who did this." Jimmy returned, his tone steely.

**********

"They're have to pay Teaspoon." Kid nearly yelled as he sat down heavily at the table.

"Son, what do expect me to do? Haul 'em in with no evidence? That's not the way the system works. We ain't got no proof."

"C'mon Teaspoon, who else would set the stable on fire?" Jimmy asked angrily.

"You boys are too angry to talk sense into, so if you'll excuse me, I have some business matters to attend to." Teaspoon said as he walked out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

"He's right. We ain't got no evidence." Rachel sighed heavily as she sat down next to Kid.

Kid suddenly turned his fury on Rosemary, who was sitting in the corner, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. He stood up and pointed his finger at her. "This is all your fault."

Rosemary didn't say anything. She transferred her gaze to the floor, trying not to let the tears break free from her eyes. Before she knew what was happening, Jimmy had crossed the room with a speed she'd never seen and punched Kid in the mouth. Kid, who'd been holding back frustration and anger for weeks, finally vented his feelings.

Rosemary and Rachel had moved to the side of the room while the boys wrestled, knowing that it had been coming for weeks. That didn't exactly make Rachel feel better as her plates and glasses shattered on the floor. Kid definitely had the upper-hand and he didn't look like he would tire any time soon.

"STOP IT!"

All occupants in the room looked up as Lou shakily descended the stairs, gripping the railing so tight her knuckles were white. She crossed to where Kid and Jimmy were no standing, their fists clenched. She leaned on the table for support.

"What's happening to you two? You're supposed to be best friends."

The men just glared at eachother, their chests heaving. They avoided Lou's searching gaze. She walked unsteadily towards them, and came between them, holding both their arms for in emphasis.

"If you want to get these men, you have to put aside whatever differences you have."

Both men had the grace to look ashamed. They avoided eachother's gaze and Jimmy turned around. He nodded to Rosemary and she followed him out of the disheveled house. Rachel, knowing that the young couple needed time alone, went into the back room.

Lou brought her hand up to lightly touch Kid's bruised cheek. He winced slightly, but brought his hand to cover hers. She walked closer and leaned her head on his chest as he wrapped her tightly in his arms. Kid finally broke the silence and looked down at Lou.

"C'mon... you need to rest."

Before she could protest, he cradled her in his arms and carried her carefully up the stairs to the room. He gently placed her on the bed and pulled the comforter around her. She grabbed his hand and forced him to sit beside her on the bed.

"Kid... what's goin' on with you?"

"What are you talkin' about?"

"You're so angry Kid, you've been like this for a while now, lashin' out at everyone. I love you... but you have to tell me what's wrong so I can help."

"I... I don't know what's wrong with me Lou. Ever since Noah's death...I'm just confused. I was so sure that I wanted to fight for Virginia, but now I ain't so sure. You're goin' to have a baby and we don't know what we're goin' to do. Teaspoon talked to me a few days ago and told me that by the end of next week, I'll be out of a job. We still have to get your brother and sister --"

Lou pulled Kid down, so his head rested on her bosom. He put his arms around her and was calmed by her sweet scent. She ran her fingers through his hair and kissed him gently.

"Kid... these are things you need to share with me. I'm your wife now... you can't keep things like this in... or you'll explode."

"I... I just didn't want to worry you."

"Kid, your behavior has worried me more than anything you could have shared with me." Lou smiled as she cupped his face in her hands. He smiled back and kissed her deeply.

"Kid...I want you to know that whatever happens, we'll be fine. Whether you decide to fight, or not. We'll make it."

"You believe that?"

"I know it."

Her blind faith tugged at his heart. He'd been such a fool. He'd been acting like such a child. He wasn't really mad at Rosemary. It wasn't her fault that Noah died, and it wasn't her fault that Lou had almost died. The woman just had bad luck, and making her feel more guilty than she already did was plain cruel. he knew he needed to apologize, not only to her, but also to Jimmy.

He placed a soft kiss on Lou's cheek and stood up. "Where are you goin'?" Lou asked.

"You need some rest, and I guess I need to go see some people." he said ruefully.

As she closed her eyes, he kissed each eyelid and gave her small hand a squeeze. He took a deep breath and headed down the stairs, trying to think of what he was going to say.

**********

Jimmy looked up in surprise as the bunkhouse door opened and Kid walked in. He prepared himself for another onslaught of attacks, but from the expression on his face, he could tell that Kid had come to apologize. Kid removed his hat and cleared his throat.

"Um...Rosemary, I'm really sorry about the way I've been treating you. I know that nothing that's happened has been your fault. I... I guess I just needed someone to blame, and you... well you were the easiest target."

Rosemary was genuinely surprised by the sincere look in his blue eyes and the earnestness of his tone. She looked to Jimmy, for confirmation, and he smiled at her.

"I don't expect you to forgive me... but I just wanted you to know that I know I've been actin' like an ass."

"Don't worry about it Kid. I've already forgotten it." she replied amicably.

He smiled in relief, and then turned his gaze to Jimmy, his face becoming serious again. Jimmy debated whether he should torture Kid, but he decided against it, and instead held his hand up.

"Kid, I understand. Let's just forget about it, all right?"

Kid smiled and walked over to Jimmy where they hugged eachother tightly. Jimmy backed up and looked at Kid mischievously. "So, exactly how far along is Lou?"

Before Kid could respond, the door burst open and three men, whom Jimmy recognized from the night before, walked in, their guns trained on the trio. Kid looked at them in surprise, but quickly ascertained that these were the men he'd been told about, the Smith brothers.

"All right you two... put your guns down nice and slow, and maybe we won't kill you." The blonde said.

Kid and Jimmy complied, and Rosemary took an unconscious step back. The three men came further into the room, and all smiled maliciously.

"You don't look so tough now that you don't got your guns."

"What do you want?" Rosemary said boldly.

"You. We're gonna make you pay... but not here. We have to make sure that your friends here don't follow though."

"They won't..." Rosemary said convincingly. "Just don't hurt them, please."

"I'd love to oblige you, but it's not in my nature..." the leader said as he clicked the gun hammer back and raised it at Kid.

"Drop them right now..."

Everyone looked to see as Teaspoon and Barnett stood in the doorway, their guns aimed at the assailants. The two others acquiesced, but the leader wasn't as smart. He lowered his gun, but before anyone knew what was happening, he raised it again, and shot at Kid. Rosemary, whose instinct told her not to trust the man, leapt in front of Kid, knocking him to the ground.

Teaspoon quickly squeezed off a few shots, effectively killing the man. Kid sat up dazed, but quickly figured out what happened. He rushed over to Rosemary, whose head was cradled in Jimmy's lap. Her chest was gaping open, and blood pooled in a large circle. He knew she wasn't going to make it. She gripped his hand tightly, and looked at him. She tried to speak, but couldn't seem to form any words.

Kid gently pushed several strands of hair from her face. She looked at Jimmy and smiled, and then closed her eyes forever. Jimmy began to shake with sobs, and Teaspoon ushered the criminals and his deputy out of the bunkhouse so Jimmy could have some privacy. Kid stood up as well, not knowing what to say. He felt so guilty...she saved his life.

**********

"Kid...? You okay?" Lou asked as she stood beside her husband, looking down at Rosemary's grave.

"Yeah... I'm fine."

Lou looked at him for a long time, and then placed her small hand in his. He looked down at her, and she could see the tears glistening in his eyes. She wrapped her arms around him tightly and tried to comfort him.

"I treated her so bad Lou... and she died to save my life."

"Kid... she understood."

"I don't know Lou, I just don't know."

"Her life was full of so much sorrow Kid... she's in a better place now."

"What about Jimmy?"

"You know him... he won't admit to how he's feeling."

"He blames me..."

"No, he doesn't."

"How do you know?"

"Because he told me."

"He did?"

"Right after the funeral. He knew how you were feeling Kid, and he didn't want you to worry..."

"I acted like such a fool..."

"Shh... Kid, that's all in the past now. We have to look in the future now..."

Kid looked at her, and smiled as he placed his hands protectively on her stomach. She stood on her toes and placed a small kiss on his cheek before stepping back and covering his hands with her own. She didn't know where they were going when the Express was fully disbanded, but somehow, looking into his eyes, she knew that everything was going to be fine.

"C'mon, let's go home."

~The End~

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