Chapter Ten

A Couple Days Earlier

"Welcome back Cody," Rachel smiled as the blonde rider entered the bunkhouse. "Have a good trip?"

"Sure did," Cody sat down at the table and grabbed a biscuit. "Don't worry, Rachel," he said, seeing that she was about to scold him. "I washed my hands on the way in."

Rachel smiled at how well the riders knew her. "Alright Cody."

"So," Buck asked around a spoonful of potatoes, "did you see Lou?"

Cody nodded, shoving the biscuit into his mouth. "Sure did. There was a dance in town, and everyone was there. I even had me a pretty date."

"Who would have agreed to go to a dance with you?" Jimmy joked.

"She was the new store owner's sister, Anne Marie Mosley. Her brother, Josiah, seems to be quite taken with our Louise." He stood up to pull the letters from his pocket. "Oh, before I forget, Lou sent some letters for everyone." He handed Rachel and Teaspoon their letters, and handed the letter for all the riders to Buck to read while he ate. Only Lily noticed the disappointed look on Kid's face when he didn't get his own letter.


"Where did Kid and Lily head off to?" Mrs. Marsten handed Cody a plate to dry.

"I think I heard him mention something about going for a walk," Cody replied as he put the last plate away. "Thank you for dinner Grandma Marsten," he smiled mischeviously, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"Oh you," she swatted him with her dishcloth. "I know the only reason you come around here is for the food."

"Now, Grandma Marsten," Cody began to protest.

"Oh, hush. I don't mind at all," she smiled at the young man. The new express riders were a joy to have around town.

Ike gave her a hug as he and Cody put on their hats to head back to the bunkhouse. "Thanks for dinner," he signed.

"You're welcome Ike," she replied, smiling. Who ever thought an old woman like her would learn even the simplest Indian signs?

Cody and Ike left, and she headed up to her bedroom, leaving the lamp in the kitchen window for Lily's return.

"Lily," Kid began, blushing nervously.

"Yes, Kid?" Lily smiled; Kid looked so adorable when he was nervous.

"Would it be alright...um, I mean, would you mind...Lily," he took a deep breath, "I would like very much to court you," Kid sighed, relieved to have finally said it.

Lily paused to form her words carefully before she replied. "Kid," she said gently. "If you had asked me that a couple days ago, I would have said yes without even having to think about it."

"But?" Kid asked, not quite sure he was going to like what she had to say.

"But you are still in love with Lou, and I refuse to play second fiddle to anybody," she spoke honestly.

Kid hung his head shamefully. "I'm so sorry," he barely whispered.

"Kid, look at me," Lily waited until he lifted his head and looked her in the eyes to continue. "Don't you dare be sorry, do you hear me? You should never be sorry for loving somebody." She took his hand. "Does Lou realize how incredibly lucky she is to be loved by you?"

"I doubt it," Kid said bitterly. "According to Cody, she's got Josiah Mosley."

"Kid, I've only known Cody for a few weeks, but even I know that most of what he says is exaggerated beyond imagination."

"Yeah, but what if it is true?"

"Maybe you need to go back to Sweetwater to find out. I just know that until you figure out how you two feel about each other, you can't even try to move on with someone else."

"Maybe you're right," Kid smiled. "Lily, I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you, or myself, about my feelings for Lou. The last thing I ever want to do is hurt you."

"Don't worry, Kid," Lily smiled. "Honestly, I'm not even upset at all."

"Does that mean we can still be friends?"

"Of course, silly," Lily hugged him. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Me either," Kid smiled back. "Of course, now that you and me are officially not 'you and me,' you're gonna have quite a few boys falling at your feet, trying to get your attention."

"And the bad part of that is?" Lily's eyes twinkled.

Kid laughed as he stood up and brushed the dirt off his pants. Reaching down to help her up, he grinned. "If you come by the station tomorrow, we can tell the other boys and let the competition begin."