Chapter 9
Lou checked in on Kid who was still sleeping. She walked around the station waiting on Jimmy who hadn't came back yet. She huffed and got her horse. She set out toward the creek. She saw his horse off to the side. She rode up to find him laying back in the grass watching the clouds. She walked over to him.
"Can I sit?"
"Why not, you're here."
"I didn't mean to hurt you. It seems like I always end up doing that."
"No, I'm sorry. I know you and Kid have a long past. I acted like an ass."
"A jealous ass." Lou smiled.
"A worried ass."
"Why worried?"
"I'm afraid to lose you. I've had these feelings for you bottled up inside for so long. Now that they are free, I can't just put them back inside. I feel hope for myself when I've always felt lost before. I have caught myself thinking of my future and not my past. I have wrapped all my hope in you."
"Jimmy, I don't know what to say."
"I do. I love you Louise. I always have and I always will."
Lou didn't have words. She paused in thought. Jimmy watched her face. He got up and walked over to her. He hugged her tight and kissed her. She seemed to melt into him.
"I love you too." She finally said.
Kid woke the next day to find Teaspoon propped up in the chair.
"Son, how are ya?"
"I'm good. A lot better."
"Did you know the man that tried to hold you up?"
"No, never seen him before. He just came out of nowhere and pointed his gun at me. He wanted the pouch. I told him no and he went to fire. I did too. My bullet hit him and he hit me. That's all I remember."
"I guess that's it then. I just had to ask one more time. Rest now, I'll be back later."
"Teaspoon? Can you ask Lou to come for a minute?"
"Sure. Be glad to."
Lou walked in shortly after Teaspoon left. She eased down into the chair. She looked at Kid's pale complexion.
"Hey Lou."
"Kid."
"I wanted to let you know again just how sorry I am for everything that has happened and for what I did to you. I love you, Louise. More than a man should love a woman. You were all I thought about while I was laying on the ground out there. I just hoped that I could see you one more time."
Lou felt her eyes tear up. She tried to blink them back.
"Why not Lauren?"
"She never was you. I broke it off last week. I couldn't see nothing but your face."
"I can't do this right now." Lou said standing.
"Lou, I know you're seeing Jimmy now. I understand if you want to be with him. I just had to say what was on my mind."
Lou looked at Kid. Tears falling, she nodded and left.
