Chapter 15

Two weeks later, Louise and Lori were finishing up hanging the laundry. Billy and Annie were riding back in after checking the herd playfully laughing with each other. Teaspoon walked out the barn behind a running Eli. Lucas limped out behind him still favoring his arm. She heard Lucas yelling at his younger brother. She saw him limping faster trying to catch up with him. She laughed. She watched Jimmy and Hunter coming from the feed shed. Jimmy was still walking somewhat stiffly from the wound and cut on his upper back. Hunter walked beside his father talking with his arm still tied up in a sling. Lucas pushed Eli off on Teaspoon and walked over to where they were standing in the yard. She watched her boys. She smiled as she took in how much they all looked alike. Jimmy saw her staring and smiled over at her. He said something to his boys and walked over.

"What you think you're looking at?" He said smiling.

"My handsome men." She smiled.

"I don't know who you're talking about."

Louise laughed harder.

"What are we gonna do with those two boys?"

"What you mean?"

"What I mean is, we are in trouble. We have two very handsome, strong, daring young men on our hands that look and act just like you."

"They might look like me but their better than I was at that age."

"They have you to show them the way."

"What about those girls of ours? I still don't understand why they couldn't have been ugly."

"Stop it." Laughed Louise.

Jimmy looked down at Lou. He swept her up in his arms and kissed her. He smiled as he heard his boys groaning.

Rachel came out and yelled that it was time for dinner. Lou smiled and pushed Jimmy away to help Rachel bring the food out. He followed behind her. Teaspoon herded Eli over as Jimmy pushed him down in a chair. Soon everyone was seated outside. Teaspoon said a prayer as the meal started. Lori looked over at her Dad and Mom.

"So, how's everyone feeling? Back to normal yet?" She asked.

"We're getting there. Few more weeks and we should be good as new." Said Jimmy.

"That's good."

Jimmy eyed her suspiciously.

"Why?"

Lori looked at her sister and felt herself blush.

"What you two got going on?" He asked watching his girls.

"Well Dad, there's a dance next month." Lori started.

"No. No way." Said Jimmy shaking his head.

"Jimmy, honey, she had someone ask her to go." Said Louise.

"No." He said again.

"I was hoping you were gonna take me anyway." Smiled Lou.

Jimmy saw his daughter's face fall. He felt his heart break. He sighed.

"Do I know this one?"

"Yes, sir. It's Patrick, the blacksmith's son."

"He's a good boy, Jimmy. Not too mention how cute he is." Laughed Lou winking at Lori.

Jimmy cut his eyes around the table thinking it over.

"I guess so." He heard himself say.

Lori turned to Annie and Billy squealing. She jumped up and hugged her Dad's neck. Jimmy hugged her back.

"Just remember. I've killed before." He whispered.

Lori just giggled. He looked at his boys.

"How bout y'all? Might as well hit me all at one time."

"Um. I might ask Sarah." Whispered Hunter looking at his food.

"Bout time you caved." Laughed Jimmy.

"That's so sweet Hunter." Smiled Rachel which made Lucas laugh.

Jimmy turned to him.

"And you?"

"No one in particular. Probably have bout three there."

Jimmy frowned at his son while Teaspoon snickered.

"I told you to stop that. Please listen for once."

"I did. I had five lined up. I narrowed it down to three."

"Oh my God, Luke. Pick one."

"Maybe one day." He smiled.

They all laughed except Jimmy. He looked at Billy who was laughing also.

"Why are you laughing? You better not get any ideas from him. You aren't set in this family yet, you know."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Billy said smiling at Annie.

Jimmy finally smiled.

"It might be hope for you yet."

The End.