Chapter 11
Before they knew it the sun had risen into the sky ushering in the morning and their eventual departure from the Lakota camp. Lou rolled over as she slowly opened her eyes, searching for the man who shared her bed. Reaching over to the space beside her, she found it empty. Adjusting the blanket over her naked form, she sat up, looking around the dimly lit tipi. Everywhere her eyes searched, she came up empty. Had he left her already? Was the news of their possible baby too much for him? she thought, her fear rearing up in her mind. Just then, the flap to the tipi was thrown aside and the face she had been searching for appeared in the entrance. "Good morning," he greeted her.
"Why didn't you wake me up?" she demanded, her voice full of irritation.
"You looked so peaceful and you've been so tired lately, I didn't have the heart to wake you yet," he said, trying to explain why she woke up alone this morning. "Besides, I was able to get Katy saddled so we can leave as soon as you're ready."
Stretching her arms over her head, Lou let the blanket fall to her waist, her bare breasts visible in the morning light. She noticed the hungry look Kid tossed her way as he tried to gather the rest of their belongings to stow before they could leave. Tucking the blanket around her bare body, Lou rose from their pallet and walked over in search of her dress, finding it where Kid had left it last night when he let it slip from her body. Thinking about last night caused a blush to spread over her body as she remembered the feel of his work-roughened hands and soft lips on her skin. Dropping the blanket to the ground, she stepped into her dress, sliding the now familiar material up and over her curves, tying the laces at the shoulders to secure it in place. Slipping her feet into her moccasins, she ran her fingers through her hair in an attempt to tame the unruly tresses before walking over to meet Kid.
"You need to get dressed so we can leave," he said, bending to stuff his extra clothing into his saddlebags. Kid had a small bundle of the corn cakes she seemed to like sitting on the floor beside his bags, waiting to be added to their things.
"I am dressed," she replied, reaching down to snatch a cake from the bundle.
"I meant in your riding clothes," he remarked, eyeing up her bare legs. He wasn't so sure he wanted his express brothers to see so much of her skin on their ride home. If she was wearing that dress, they would see a lot more than they usually do and he might be forced to forget they were his brothers.
"I know what you meant, Kid," she retorted, munching on the small cake, "but these are all the clothes I have with me."
"What do you mean? What happened to your other clothes?" he asked, rising from the ground and looking down at her with his hands on his hips.
"They were ruined after I was shot and brought here. Magaskawee told me they burned them," Lou explained with a shrug of her shoulders.
He looked her over once more, a lascivious grin appearing on his face. This was going to be an interesting ride home, he thought to himself, imagining her supple form pressed up against him for the next three or four days as they made the long trip back to Rock Creek. His hands traveling along her bare thighs as they moved in rhythm atop Katy's back… he was snapped out of his daydream by her hand swatting the back of his head.
"Stop that," she said, a lustful smile spreading over her face as she acknowledged where his thoughts were heading.
Leaning down to whisper in her ear, he said, "Good thing we'll be staying in a hotel tonight," causing her to blush violently at the meaning behind his words.
"If we don't get goin' soon, we're never gonna make it to that hotel, Kid," she purred, turning to walk away. She needed to answer the call of nature and find something more substantial to break her fast before they said their goodbyes and left for home. Walking away, Lou felt Kid grab her hand, pulling her back in his direction, her body crashing into his.
Peppering her lips and cheek with gentle kisses, he whispered, "Not that I'd mind getting a late start, but I don't want to have to explain the reason behind it to Buck and Jimmy."
"And what would you have to explain?" Lou asked coyly, her brow raised in interest.
Tightening his hold on her, he growled, "I think you know what will happen if we don't get going." His lips found hers, his hand trailing along the length of her dress, reaching for the hem in search of her bare skin hidden beneath. Sliding his palm along the length of her lithe leg, he paused as his hand cupped her bottom, pulling her closer to his burgeoning arousal.
Pressed against her stomach, Lou could feel the evidence of his passion stirring. Knowing they would never leave the tipi at this rate, she gently brought her hands to rest on his chest. Pushing slightly, she wrenched her lips away from his, allowing some air to pass between their two bodies. Both breathing heavily, she stared at his deep blue eyes noting the undisguised longing in them. "Save it for tonight," she whispered, extracting her body from his grasp. "When we can be in a real bed for a change," she added with a saucy smile. Scampering over to the tipi entrance, she quickly disappeared through the opening into the bright sunshine of the August morning.
Watching her leave this morning, Kid shook his head at her boldness with him. Looking around the tipi, he realized he had to pack up their bed. Carefully unrolling his unused bedroll, he layered the buffalo hide and blanket on top before rerolling the entire pile of bedding back up. Taking the ties he usually used to hold the bedroll together, Kid wrapped them around the roll, breathing a sigh of relief when they turned out to be long enough despite the added bulk the hide and new blanket added. Hoisting the roll over his shoulder, Kid left the tipi, heading for his beloved paint mare.
Seeing her where he left her tethered to a nearby tree, he ran his hand over her velvety face, whispering, "We have Lou coming home with us today, Katy. We'll need to take extra good care of her and make sure she gets home safely, alright?" The chestnut and white mare gave a soft whinny, prompting Kid to gently pat her flank as he moved to tie the overstuffed bedroll to the back of the saddle. Looking around, he thought he just needed to grab his saddle bag and bring Lou out here and they could start the long journey back to Rock Creek.
Walking back to the common area outside their tipi, Kid stopped and started scanning the immediate area for his wife. All around him he saw homes and signs of families starting their day. Women were preparing their baskets for foraging, children were running and playing, and the men were gathering for the day's hunt. Everywhere he looked, he saw people working together. Two years ago, the sight before him would have filled him with longing and despair because he had been all alone. Now, as he stood and observed the Lakota villagers moving about their morning chores, he felt content. He had a family waiting for him back in Rock Creek and a woman he loved more than anything by his side, or at least she would be if he could only find her again this morning.
Scanning the area, his gaze soon settled on a petite woman with short wavy hair standing near a familiar pair of faces. Smiling at the trio, he sauntered over to find Lou cradling baby Wichahpi in her arms, her nose nuzzled against her soft cheek. She was speaking softly to the infant, whispering her goodbyes.
Seeing Kid approaching where she stood with Curly and Magaskawee, Lou passed the infant in her arms back to her mother and moved over to meet him. "Are you all ready to go, Lou?" he asked, glancing over at their friends for a moment.
"I was just saying goodbye," she said, a touch of sadness in her voice.
Overhearing her words, Curly said, "Do not worry Shappa, for Magaskawee and I shall come and visit you and Kid once you are settled in Rock Creek. It is not goodbye forever, just for a little while."
"I know Curly, but how can I thank you for all you have done for me, for us, while we've been here?" Lou asked, taking his large hand in her two smaller ones. "Magaskawee took care of me when I was injured and you brought Kid to me. I can never repay you for that."
"Think of it as only a small way for us to repay you for saving Kimimela from those men," Magaskawee said, shifting her daughter in her arms. Behind her, Eyota emerged from the tipi the family had been sharing since Lou's arrival at camp more than two weeks ago. She placed Wichahpi's sleeping basket by her daughter's feet so she could put the infant down while the foursome said their goodbyes. Placing her daughter in her basket, Magaskawee threw her arms around Lou, whispering in her ear, "You will be a good mother to your child. Do not fear, the Great Spirit will watch over you and Kid on your journey."
"Thank you. I told him last night," Lou whispered back into her friend's ear softly adding, "About Weayaya."
Magaskawee drew back, her hands still holding Lou's arms, searching her eyes for the truth she found there. "And what did he say?"
"I told him it was likely, not that it was definite, but he was so very happy," Lou said softly, tears of joy slipping from her eyes.
"Did Eyota not say that Weayaya would bring joy to you both? I am pleased he is happy. You, too," the Lakota woman said. "You have a safe journey back to your home. I am sure your family is longing to see you both again."
"I think you're right, Magaskawee," Lou replied, hugging her one last time.
"I have given some corn cakes to Kid for your travels, so you will not get sick again. He has them in his bag for you. Remember to eat often and you should be alright," she reminded, moving to the side as her mother came closer to Lou.
Taking Lou's hand in her own, Eyota brought her over to where Kid stood talking with Curly. Placing her hand in Kid's larger one, Eyota gently laid her hand on top of their intertwined ones, saying, "Niayawas̆tepi...Niayawas̆tepi."
Magaskawee leaned forward to translate, but Lou waved her off saying, "I think I understood that one." Smiling up at Kid, she whispered, "We are blessed."
"I would agree with that," he said, dropping a soft kiss on her lips. They turned to thank the old woman, finding her smiling serenely at the couple. Nodding her head in agreement with her own words, she patted their hands and wandered off in search of her younger daughter.
"I guess it's time," Curly announced. He extended a hand to his pale friend, saying, "It has been good to see you again, Kid. This time it is I who has been able to help you. Take care of your Shappa and Weayaya and we will see you again."
"Don't worry, Curly, I will," Kid promised.
"And do not make her wait too long to become your wife in truth," he murmured under his breath, his eyes darting to the young woman next to them.
"I don't think that will be a problem either," he said with a laugh. Turning to Lou, who stood patiently by his side, Kid asked, "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," she said, turning to look one last time at her temporary home and the people she now called friends.
Taking Kid's hand, she allowed him to guide her over to where Katy now stood, their gear stowed on her back. Grabbing a hold of the saddle horn, Lou stepped into the stirrup and mounted up onto the paint mare. Kid followed, settling himself behind her. Taking the reins from Curly, they both waved and called, "Goodbye," before Kid turned his horse towards the edge of the village and the narrow path through the woods that led to the creek. Wrapping his arm around Lou's waist, he leaned forward, whispering, "Let's go home."
Making their way slowly through the trees, they soon reached the creek. Kid led Katy to the shallow section they had crossed the previous night on foot and urged the mare forward. Rising along the opposite bank, he kicked his heels into her sides, urging her to keep moving. They passed the spot Jimmy and Buck had chosen for their camp last night, spotting the remains of their campfire and the depressions in the underbrush from their bedrolls. "Do you think they're still around here?" Lou asked, turning her head slightly so Kid could hear her.
"I doubt it. I told Buck last night to meet us at the edge of the prairie this morning, so I would expect we'll see them as soon as we reach the treeline," Kid replied, continuing to pick their way through the trees.
About an hour after they left the Lakota village, Kid and Lou reached the edge of the trees, entering the vast prairie that lay spread before them. They had just emerged from the trees when they heard a sharp whistle. Turning their heads in the direction of the shrill sound, they smiled when they saw their two friends waiting about a hundred yards away. Riding over to meet them, Kid called, "Nice to see you this morning!" Arriving where Jimmy and Buck stood waiting on their horses, he asked, "You been waiting long?"
"Not too long," Buck replied. "We've been staying in the shade as long as we could. The sun is hot today." Turning to Lou, he added, "Where's your hat?"
"Gone, along with all my other clothes," she replied, watching as her two friends glanced at her native feminine attire.
"You think we might make it to Fort Kearney tonight?" Kid asked.
"Maybe if we had left earlier this morning," Jimmy said, a note of irritation in his voice.
"Something wrong, Jimmy," Kid asked, wondering what had happened to cause his friend's bad mood.
"No, we just been waiting here for you for two hours. Thought you would've been here earlier."
"I wanted to let Lou sleep a little this morning. It's gonna be a long day and she tires easily," Kid explained, adding, "because of her head."
"You feeling alright, Lou?" Jimmy asked the petite rider sitting closely in front of his best friend.
"As good as can be expected, Jimmy," Lou explained. "Are we gonna get going?"
"You heard the woman," Jimmy said to his horse, turning Sundancer towards the southeast and home. "Time to go home." Kicking his heels into his palomino's sides, he took off amidst a cloud of dust. Buck soon followed in his trail, leaving Kid and Lou behind temporarily.
"You ready?" Kid asked her, kissing her cheek one last time.
"Take us home, Kid," she said, turning to plant her lips firmly against his. Turning back around, she relaxed into the chest of the man behind her as he kicked Katy into a gallop, heading off in the direction their two friends just travelled.
They had been travelling for most of the day, stopping every few hours for Lou to rest and eat something before they would mount up again and head off in the direction of home. Now as the sun hung low on the horizon behind them, Kid knew they were going to have to stop soon for the night. Lou had drifted off to sleep in his arms about an hour ago, the long day finally catching up with her. Slowing his mare to a walk, he noticed Jimmy and Buck doing the same. They had initially started their ride going the same speed they normally would but soon realized that Katy needed to travel at a slower pace given her extra burden and the summer heat. Pulling up on their own mounts, the two friends soon fell into a more leisurely pace alongside their southern friend. "You wanna stop soon?" Jimmy asked, noticing a sleeping Lou resting peacefully in Kid's arms.
"We should," Kid said, glancing down at the woman nestled in his arms. He knew she had been tired lately, but he never expected her to fall asleep in the saddle.
"We could make camp over there by that rise," Buck suggested, pointing to a spot nearby amidst a grove of evergreens.
Glancing briefly at the location his friend had indicated, Kid looked off in the distance where he could see some buildings dotting the landscape, recognizing the familiar layout of a town. "I think I'm gonna take Lou into town and get a hotel room. She hasn't slept in a bed in weeks. I think another night on the ground might be too much," Kid said, informing his friends of his plan.
"A soft bed sounds pretty good to me, Kid," Jimmy said with a grin. "How about you, Buck? Wanna head into town tonight?"
"Sounds like a plan," Buck agreed.
The three riders turned their mounts in the direction of the nearby town, hoping they had a hotel and rooms available for the night. About thirty minutes later, the trio of express riders entered the little town of Cedar Ridge, named for the large expanse of cedar trees that grew along one side of the town. Their mounts plodding their way down the main street, all three riders kept their eyes looking for any sign of a hotel and a livery stable. Jimmy noticed the livery first, pointing out the large, well-kept barn down the street. Almost directly across from the livery, Kid noticed the only hotel in the small town. Guiding Katy over to the large building, he gently woke Lou. Dismounting from Katy, he reached his hands up to help Lou slide from the mare's back into his waiting arms. Barely awake, she clung to his side as he led them into the hotel lobby. Walking up to the desk, Kid noticed the clerk watching the pair of them with a curious look. "Good evening, sir," the clerk began, "How can I help you this evening?"
"We'd like a room," Kid announced, slipping his arm around Lou's waist, trying to hold her up in her drowsy state.
"Ah, Mr. and Mrs…" he asked, looking between the young man and the woman he held tightly to his side, dressed only in an indian dress of some sort. They certainly were an odd pair.
"McCloud," Kid finished for the clerk, failing to notice the arrival of his two friends behind him.
"Very well, sir. If you'll sign here please," he said, turning the guest registry for Kid to sign his name. He whispered in Lou's ear, "Lou, I have to sign the book and then we can go to our room." Seeing her nod, he removed his arm from her waist, grabbing the pen and signing 'Mr. & Mrs. McCloud' on the line. Returning his arm to Lou's waist, he dropped some coins on the counter, asking, "Can you send up a hot bath and plenty of towels?"
"Sure thing, sir," the clerk said, handing Kid a brass key, adding, "Room 217."
"Thanks," Kid replied, gently guiding Lou up the stairs and to their room, leaving Jimmy and Buck to wonder what they just witnessed.
Looking at Buck, Jimmy asked, "Did he just register them as Mr. and Mrs?"
"It certainly sounded like it," Buck said.
"What the hell happened in the last few days, Buck?"
"I have no idea and it doesn't look like we'll find out anytime soon," the Kiowa said moving closer to the counter, as they watched their friends disappear up the stairs. Soon both men had secured rooms for the night, rooms 2o9 and 213, just down the hall from their brother and sister. Heading outside, they grabbed the reins of their mounts and led them to the livery station across the street.
Kid, having deposited Lou on the bed in their room, said, "Lou, I'll be back in a little while. They'll be sending a bath up for you soon. I have to go take care of Katy and then I'll be back."
She nodded her head, mumbling, "Alright, Kid. Come back," before succumbing to sleep once more. Kid pulled her moccasins from her feet, placing them quietly on the floor before he kissed her cheek and swiftly exited the room. He moved quickly through the hall and down the stairs, passing through the lobby and out the hotel doors. Noticing that Katy now stood alone, he took her reins and led her across the street to the livery. Finding the man who worked there, he gave his instructions for the care of his beloved mare. He quickly removed the bedroll, saddlebags, and canteen from her saddle and left the livery.
Walking out into the warm night air, he spied a store next door still open despite the late hour. Turning to his right, Kid walked over and slipped inside. Looking around, he quickly found a bar of Lou's favorite lavender soap. Picking that up, he continued meandering through the store finally deciding that she might like something more comfortable to sleep in beside the buckskin dress she currently wore. Along the back wall he found a soft white nightgown, similar to the one she wore all those months ago when they spent the night at the Redfern station. Finding one that looked like it would fit her, he brought the two items to the counter, paying the man working there. Kid waited while the older man wrapped the two items together in brown paper, tying the package with twine before handing it back to Kid.
Satisfied that Lou would sleep more comfortably tonight than she had in weeks, Kid left the store and headed back to the hotel. He saw Jimmy and Buck waiting for him outside the hotel entrance. "What'd you buy there, Kid?" Jimmy asked.
"Something for Lou, why?"
"Just curious. Anything you want to tell us, Mr. McCloud?" Jimmy said, placing special emphasis on the last two words.
Kid grinned at both Jimmy and Buck, thinking to himself that they must have heard him when he registered at the hotel. Looking directly at Jimmy, he said, "Nope. Seeing as how I left Lou up there, I'm gonna get going."
"What's the hurry? Shouldn't we have supper before we turn in?" Buck asked, a half smile curling the side of his mouth. Kid seemed awfully eager to be alone with Lou tonight.
"I don't think Lou's gonna want to eat in the dining room tonight dressed in her deerskin dress," Kid reasoned. "But supper would be a good idea. Why don't I come with you and I'll order dinner to bring up to our room?" Walking away, Kid entered the hotel, immediately turning to the left to enter the dining room. Finding a waitress, he ordered two dinners and stood waiting for her to bring them back. He watched as Jimmy and Buck seated themselves at a table, ready to enjoy their own meal before turning in for the night. Minutes later, the waitress returned carrying a tray with two plates of roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, and peas. Included with the meals, there was a plate with a small loaf of fresh sourdough bread and butter as well as a pitcher of water and two glasses. Eyeing up the large tray, and realizing he still held his gear and the package from the general store, Kid tried to shift the items he was already carrying around to accommodate the large tray.
Seeing his dilemma, the waitress offered, "Why don't I have someone bring it up in a little while? What room number?"
"Thank you," Kid replied, "Room 217." Turning away, Kid left the dining room and made his way up the stairs in search of his wife.
Opening the door, he found her sitting up on the bed, her head turning to glance in his direction and her eyes soft with sleep. She must've just woken up, he thought to himself. Closing the door behind him, Kid moved across the room, depositing their saddlebags and bedroll on the chair near the window. Closing the distance between them, he moved to sit on the bed beside her, slipping an arm around her waist. "How do you feel?" he asked, noticing her rubbing her eyes in an attempt to wake up.
"Tired. How long have I been asleep?" she asked softly.
"You fell asleep about an hour before we saw this town. The boys wanted to stop and set up camp for the night when they realized you were asleep in my arms, but I suggested we come into town to find a hotel."
"Did you carry me in here?" she asked. Seeing the shake of his head, she dropped her gaze back to her hands resting in her lap. "I think I remember walking in the lobby and...did you tell the clerk we were married?" she asked, turning her head to look into his blue eyes. She saw the gleeful gleam there and a bit of sheepish remorse.
"I might have let him think we were married, but Lou, I didn't want to be separated from you tonight," he explained, hoping she wouldn't be too angry with him.
Smiling softly at his uneasiness, she replied, "I'm glad you did. We only have a few more nights like this before we'll be back to the bunkhouse. Best to take advantage of that." Bringing her hand to rest lightly on his cheek, she pulled his face closer to hers, pressing a soft kiss on his waiting lips.
"I asked the clerk to send a bath up for you," he whispered as he pulled away from her. "I wonder what's keeping them?" he wondered out loud.
"And what about you?" she asked, shyly. "Are you gonna take one too? Or are you planning on joining me?"
"While I wouldn't mind joining you, I'm not sure we'll both fit. You can go first and then I'll get in after you," he said. Remembering the package still in his hands, he handed it to her, saying, "Oh, I got you something."
"You did?" Lou said, turning the brown paper wrapped package over in her hands. "What is it?"
"Open it," Kid urged. He watched as she carefully removed the twine from around the package before unfolding the paper revealing the soft white nightgown and the bar of fragrant soap. Holding the soap to her nose, Lou inhaled the familiar floral scent. "It's your favorite, right?" he asked, knowing already that it was.
"Thank you, Kid," she said, fingering the soft batiste of the nightgown.
"I thought you might want to sleep in something more comfortable than that dress you've been wearing for days," he said, reaching over to take the soft fabric between his fingers. His fingers brushed up against her smaller ones, sending a spark through them both. "I, um...I, uh, ordered dinner for us on my way up. It should be here soon," he stammered, trying to regain his composure. He had ridden all day with her soft backside pressed up against him and yet the barest touch of their hands could still stir up his desire for her.
"Oh, that's...that's good," Lou said, she was feeling a similar energy running through her after his fingers brushed against hers. "I'm getting hungry and can't wait for a meal that doesn't involve buffalo of any kind." Resting her head on his shoulder, she allowed her body to sink into his larger one, relishing the feeling of security he gave her.
A loud knock reverberated through the room, forcing Kid to leave her side and walk over to the door to answer it. Outside, stood two young men hoisting a large copper tub between them accompanied by three women, each burdened by two large buckets of water. Kid held the door open for them, watching as the tub was placed on the floor in the large empty space at the foot of the bed. Quickly leaving, the men were followed by the women who poured all but one bucket of water into the tub. Their task accomplished, the entourage turned and left the room. Kid had just closed the door behind them, when there was another knock. Opening the door slightly, he saw a young girl carrying a stack of towels in her spindly arms. "Towels for you, sir," she squeaked, before thrusting the bundle of freshly laundered linens into his arms and running off, her two long brown braids swinging behind her. Kid watched as she disappeared down the hallway, thinking that she reminded him a lot of what he imagined Lou looked like a few years ago. Slowly closing the door he paused, listening for the click of the latch.
Lou had risen from her perch on the bed, watching as their bath was delivered into the small room. Her eyes watched Kid by the door as he stood there, motionless. Moving around the bed, she slipped past the tub and moved close to where he now stood. Placing her small hand on his back, she asked, "Hey, you alright?" He turned his face to hers, his blue eyes filled with sorrow. "You look like you've seen a ghost," she commented, sliding her palms around his waist and hugging him close. He shifted the towels in his arm.
"I think I have," he said with a cryptic smile.
"What do you mean? Who was out there?" she asked curiously, reaching for the doorknob to peek outside.
Kid stopped her motion, saying, "No, no one. She's gone now."
"Who? Who's gone?"
"There was a girl there who brought the towels for us and she reminded me of you, or what I think you must've looked like when you were her age," Kid said, sadly.
"Why does that make you sad?" Lou asked gently.
"Because it makes me think of everything you had to give up to get here, and I wish you didn't have to give up yourself to become Lou," he said. Moving across the room, he deposited the linens on the end of the bed, sitting down on the edge before looking down at his hands.
Lou watched him in his distress as he rubbed his hands together, the way he always did when he was trying to think through something. Walking over to where he sat, she knelt down on the floor in front of him, stilling his hands with her own. "Kid, I know you wish we could go back and do things differently, we all do. But, Rachel helped me realize that sometimes we have to go through the bad stuff to end up where we are. If all those bad things hadn't happened to me, I would never have signed on with the express and I would never have met you. So if that's the price I have to pay to have you in my life, then I can live with that." Kid turned his blue eyes to stare into her brown orbs, feeling himself getting lost in them. He knew she was right. If Wicks hadn't hired her and then attacked her, she would never have donned her disguise and he would never have met her. And now, having spent the better part of the last eighteen months with her, he couldn't imagine his life without her. Holding her hands in his, Kid brought them to his lips, kissing the backs of her fingers before pulling her onto his lap.
Slipping his arm around her waist, he reached up a hand to gently brush her cheek, his hand wrapping around the back of her head, his fingers threaded through her dark auburn tresses. "I think I can live with that, too," he said, bringing her closer to press his lips to hers. He could feel her small hands skimming along the front of his shirt before resting near his collar. Her fingers gently teased the bare skin where his collar was open as he pressed soft kisses along her jawline.
"Kid," she whispered, "That bath water is gonna get cold, and I really don't wanna take a cold bath tonight."
Realizing she was right and he was indeed distracting her from her bath, Kid gently pushed her to her feet, pausing when she stood staring at him. "What?" he asked, noting the gentle gleam in her brown eyes.
"Wanna help me?" she asked, reaching up to pull at the first tie at her shoulder.
He quickly reached his hand to stop her fingers from releasing the ties, saying, "Why don't I do that?" Standing close to her, he slowly pulled each of the six ties that held her dress together at her shoulders, watching as the hide garment slipped from her body. Moving closer to her, Kid reached down and lifted her into his arms, carrying her the few feet to the gleaming copper tub. Depositing her feet into the warm water, he kissed her once again, before watching her dip beneath the water's surface. She lay there for a moment, her head resting against the one end as she enjoyed the feeling of the warm water lapping her skin. He stood there admiring the view of her naked body in the water, shaking his head a moment to regain his senses. If he kept looking at her like that, he was going to climb into that bath with her and not let her out again until their skin was wrinkly and the water cold. Crossing the room to the window, he dragged the chair over to where her head still lay against the rolled metal edge. Dropping into the chair, Kid stared at the back of her head, trying to banish the image of her body in the water from his mind. Lou turned to peer at him through one eye, finally turning her attention back to her bath and slipping her head beneath the water. After raking her hands through her hair to make sure it was thoroughly wet, she emerged from the water and rested her head against the tub again.
Closing her eyes, she asked, "Can you hand me that soap?" Holding out her hand, she waited for the small bar to be placed there.
Reaching across to where the soap still sat on the bed, Kid carefully unwrapped it and was about to place it in her outstretched hand when he thought better of it. Reaching into the tub to wet the soap, he gently began massaging the fragrant suds into Lou's hair, using his fingertips to work the soap into a lather. "Lean forward," he said softly, "so the soap doesn't get all over the floor." Obeying his request, Lou sat up, bringing her knees up to her chest and tipping her head back to keep the soap from running into her closed eyes. The feeling of his fingers in her hair was making her sleepy again, the sensation relaxing her whole body. He continued to massage her scalp, breathing in the soft scent of lavender now emanating through the room. It was a scent that would forevermore remind him of her, the soft scent clinging to her skin reminding him that under all the layers of boyish clothing and trail grime, she was indeed a woman. And, one that was all his.
Dragging his hands out of her hair, he dipped them into the water, watching as the white foam floated away. "Do you want me to pour that water over your head to help rinse?" he asked. Lou simply shook her head, instead choosing to submerge herself under the water, reaching up to gently release the soap from her hair. Rising out of the water, she looked around to find a layer of bubbles now floating in the tub. Pushing them away with her hands, she reached for the small towel Kid was holding out for her use. Taking the bar of soap from his hand, she began lathering the cloth and using it to wash her body. Sliding the soapy cloth over her wet skin, Lou quickly finished her bath, rinsing off one last time before standing in the tub. Grabbing a towel from the bed, she wrapped it around her slim body and stepped from the bath. Her bare feet softly padded along the carpet as she moved to the side of the bed. Drying her damp skin off, she slipped the soft cotton nightgown over her head, the gossamer fabric feeling like silk against her skin. Picking the towel up from the bed, she leaned over and began gently rubbing the excess moisture from her hair.
While she dressed, Lou kept stealing glances of Kid where he sat near the tub. Realizing she was finished bathing, he dragged the chair back to its original position and started disrobing. Peeling his long johns from his body, he stepped into the tub, sitting back amidst the lavender scented water, enjoying the feel of the warm water on his tired muscles. Kid lay back against the side of the tub, smiling as he felt slim arms sliding along his chest and dipping beneath the water. Her damp hair was cold against his cheek and neck, but the feeling of her hands on his flesh more than made up for the chill. "Lou," he warned, "Dinner should be here soon. Let me finish my bath and then you can have me all to yourself."
She pressed her lips to his scruffy cheek, withdrawing her hands from the water. Walking over the chair, Lou sat down with a sigh, pulling her knees up to her chest. Resting her chin on her knee, she watched as Kid finished his bath, admiring his muscular backside when he stood in the tub. Her disappointment grew when he wrapped a towel around his waist before stepping from the bath. Kid turned and stalked across the room, looking for something clean to put on. Knowing he had not really packed for this trip, he grabbed his discarded long john bottoms and pulled them back on his lower body. Slipping pants over them, he turned to find Lou staring at him. A blush spread over her face when she realized he had caught her ogling him. Kid was about to tease her about where she was looking when another knock echoed through the door. Grabbing his shirt and slipping it on, Kid walked to the door, opening it slightly to see who it was.
Outside stood one of the waitresses from the restaurant bearing a large tray with their dinner on it. Opening the door wider, he took the tray from the woman asking, "Can you send someone up to take the bath away?" Seeing her nod before scurrying away, he turned back into the room, kicking the door closed behind him.
Kid brought the tray over to the bed, placing it in the center of the mattress. From her seat by the open window, Lou slowly sauntered to the bed, carefully settling herself on the one side. Joining her from the other side, Kid moved the glasses and pitcher of water to his bedside table, filling both glasses and handing one to her. "This smells delicious," Lou said, closing her eyes as the aroma of mashed potatoes and gravy assaulted her senses. After subsisting on buffalo, berries and corn cakes for the last two weeks, the smell of the meal waiting on the tray was overwhelming.
Sliding the tray closer to where they both sat, Kid handed utensils to Lou before offering her one of the plates of food. Taking the one with the smaller amount, she quickly scooped a forkful of gravy-laden mashed potatoes and eagerly maneuvered them to her mouth. Closing her eyes, she savored the taste of the comforting food, silently praying it wouldn't make a reappearance later. Satisfied with the first bite and the fact that her stomach seemed to not take issue with the potatoes, she continued devouring the vegetable.
Watching Lou devour the mashed potatoes like someone who hadn't eaten in a month, Kid chuckled at her eagerness. Taking his plate, he started cutting the beef into smaller pieces before slowly enjoying his dinner. While he hadn't had the same reaction as the woman across from him to the Lakota foods, he was nonetheless happy to be eating something that was closer to what he was accustomed. Glancing over at Lou, who had finished her mashed potatoes and had moved onto the peas, he asked, "Feeling better?"
Her mouth full of the green vegetable, Lou nodded her head. Swallowing, she said, "You don't know how often I thought about eating some of Rachel's mashed potatoes and gravy while I was with the Lakota. These are delicious!" scooping another forkful of peas into her mouth, she picked up her knife and started cutting into the first slice of roast beef.
"Well, I'm happy they had something you liked tonight," Kid commented, popping another piece of beef into his mouth.
Having finished most of her dinner, Lou finally approached the beef. Stabbing the first bite with her fork, she brought the meat to her lips, feeling the first hints of nausea roiling through her stomach as she smelled the morsel. Knowing she needed to eat to keep from getting sick, she put the beef into her mouth. Chewing slowly, she closed her eyes as she fought the nausea threatening to bring the rest of her dinner back up. Lou placed her hand on her uneasy stomach, breathing slowly as she chewed and finally swallowed the bite. Grabbing her glass of water, she sipped the cool liquid, eliminating the taste of the meat from her mouth. Pushing her plate back onto the tray, she announced, "I'm done. You can eat the rest of mine if you want."
From his position next to her, Kid had been watching her as she tried the beef, her face paling as she fought off the nausea he had been witness to since they had reunited nearly a week ago. His brow drew together in concern as he watched her push her plate away and sip the water. "No beef?" he asked, keeping his blue eyes focused on her. It seemed like buffalo wasn't her only problem now, he thought, wondering what other foods she would find intolerable. Lou shook her head in response to his question, preferring to continue sipping her water. Satisfied that she had eaten more than he had seen her eat over the past five days, Kid decided to let it go, turning back to finish his own dinner as well as the rest of hers.
Their meal completed, Kid carried the tray over to the dresser, leaving the remnants of their meal for the morning. "You want me to keep the bread for tomorrow when you wake up?" he asked Lou who remained sitting on the bed, her back propped against the headboard.
"Probably a good idea," she said. "Can you leave the rest of the dishes in the hall for someone to pick up? I'm not sure I'm gonna want to smell that all night," she added cautiously.
"How about I just bring it back downstairs," he said, fastening the buttons on his shirt. "We can keep the water and bread for tomorrow or if you get hungry later." Gathering the tray, Kid disappeared through the door.
In his absence, Lou stood and walked over to the saddlebags, looking through them for Kid's comb. Finding it, she started yanking it through the snarls in her hair. Riding across the windy prairie all day without a hat had left her hair a tangled mess. Looking into the small mirror over the dresser, she noticed the pink tinge to her nose from being under the sun all day. Thankfully, Kid had encouraged her to lean back against him to use his hat brim for some protection. Smoothing the comb through her now tangle-free hair, Lou returned the comb to the saddlebag. Peeking out the window into the dark night, she yawned, feeling her body relaxing after her bath and meal. Moving over to the bed, she pulled the quilt down to the bottom, slipping her tired body between the cool sheets. The feeling of being in a real bed with a soft mattress and clean sheets was more than her exhausted body could battle. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep.
After returning the dishes to the dining room, Kid hurried back up the stairs to the room he was sharing with Lou. Opening the door, he smiled when he found her curled up asleep in the bed. Turning the lamp way down, he disrobed down to his long john bottoms and slipped into bed with her. The soft glow of the lamp cast a dim light through the room, illuminating her soft features. Laying on his side so he could watch her as she slept, Kid saw a soft smile grace her lips as she mumbled in her sleep, "Weayaya." He watched as she pushed the sheet away and rolled over, slipping her hand to rest on her lower abdomen, whispering again, "Weayaya." Her head turned to the side, he watched a tear slip down her cheek, glistening in the soft lamplight. Reaching over to her, Kid gathered her into his arms, placing his larger hand atop hers, repeating the Lakota word she kept whispering in her sleep. Kissing her damp cheek, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the woman safe in his arms and the child he hoped they had created.
The next morning, following a hasty breakfast, the four riders were off again, following the express trail back to Rock Creek. Passing the day in much the same way as the previous day, Kid made sure they stopped periodically so Lou could rest and eat before heading off again. He had tucked the extra bread left over from dinner the night before into his saddlebag for her to eat throughout the day. During their stop for lunch, Jimmy offered Lou some of his jerky, prompting her to wrinkle up her nose and Kid to explain how meat was bothering her stomach lately. A curious look passed between Buck and Jimmy when Kid revealed Lou's new dietary dislikes, wondering what their fellow riders weren't telling them. Lou returned to eating her bread and sipping water from their canteen, trying her best to ignore the odd looks passing between her friends.
Despite the slower pace, they were making excellent time. As they passed Fort Kearney, the sun was drooping low in the sky on their second day on the trail. Night was coming and the riders all knew they would need to stop soon. Kid whispered to Lou as she rested against his chest, "Do you wanna go into town again, or stay out under the stars tonight?"
"As tempting as a night under the stars sounds, we wouldn't be alone, and I could use a good meal again," Lou said softly to the man holding her close.
"Not eager to try Jimmy's beans tonight?" Kid teased, knowing her answer to that question. At her scrunched up face and shaking head, he laughed out loud, saying, "Another night at a hotel in town sounds good to me, too." Riding to catch up with Jimmy and Buck, Kid called, "We're gonna head into town again tonight. Lone Tree should be coming up soon, so Lou and I'll be heading to the hotel there."
Looking over at his best friends, Jimmy commented, "Another night in a hotel, Kid? You two disappeared for the entire night last night once we stopped in Cedar Ridge. You gonna do that again? Buck and I were wondering what you were doing all night?"
Lou levelled a glare at her friend, saying, "Ain't none of your business, Jimmy. But if you must know, we were sleeping, same as you and Buck." She really didn't want to dignify his question with a response, preferring to let him wonder about their activities in the hotel, but she also knew how gossipy the boys could be back at the station. The last thing either she or Kid needed was the boys talking about them behind their backs about things they had no business discussing. Grabbing the saddle horn, Lou straightened her back, keeping it rigid in her anger at the audacity of her friend. Behind her, she could hear Kid trying to suppress his laughter at her outburst. Turning in the saddle, she turned her fiery eyes in his direction, hoping he would stop. Seeing the irate look in her eyes, Kid leaned forward and kissed her, silencing her with his lips. As his lips gently played with hers, Lou could feel her anger dissipating into mild annoyance at Jimmy, her ire with Kid forgotten completely. Reaching her hand up, she placed it on the back of his neck, urging him to deepen their kiss. She could feel his palm sliding up her bare thigh, his fingertips slipping underneath her dress.
The sound of a throat clearing nearby and a soft chuckle jostled them, interrupting a moment that was growing increasingly heated. "Maybe the hotel room's a good idea there, Kid," Jimmy commented, slightly embarrassed by his friends' amorous activities while mounted on a horse. Seeing how Lou reacted to Kid, he better understood Kid's difficulty in returning to his own bunk each morning. He watched as the two blushed furiously as they understood the underlying meaning of his words.
Lou could feel her cheeks burning in embarrassment. She couldn't believe she let Kid kiss her like that in front of both Jimmy and Buck. While she was fairly certain they both suspected the true nature of her relationship with Kid, putting it on display for them was another matter entirely. Peeking over at Kid, she could see the same crimson color flushing his cheeks as well. She smiled sheepishly up at him, whispering, "Maybe we should get going. It'll be dark soon and we should get settled before then. No telling what Lone Tree's like after dark."
"Good idea," he whispered back, keeping his eyes on Jimmy and Buck who were still standing there watching them with grins on their faces. Kicking his heels into Katy's sides, horse and riders were galloping off in search of the nearest hotel and livery stable for the night.
The evening in Lone Tree passed much the same as in Cedar Ridge for the riders. Jimmy and Buck shared dinner together in the hotel dining room before turning in for the night while Kid and Lou disappeared into their hotel room for the night, not to emerge again until the next morning. Ensconced in their room, they ate their dinner, talking about their return to Rock Creek. After another long, hot, and dusty day on the trail, Lou was eager to enjoy another bath before bed. Kid, who had initially tried to help her in the bath like the night before, in the end decided to strip down and join her, settling behind her in the tub. They took turns washing the other's hair before roving their soapy hands along the curves and planes of each other's bodies. Their bath complete, Kid's lips sought Lou's as they moved on to more amorous activities. Their bodies sated from the heights of their shared passion, they emerged from the tub, dried off and slipped between the sheets. Wrapped in the other's arms, they soon fell asleep.
Upon waking the next morning, Lou and Kid quickly dressed, joining Jimmy and Buck for breakfast in the hotel before starting their final day on the trail home. Eager to get home to relieve the replacement riders, Buck said, "Jimmy and I were thinking of riding ahead today to let the others know you're on your way. Teaspoon sent for replacement riders before we left. Might be a good idea if they're gone before you bring Lou back to the station."
"Might raise too many questions about why we had to go after our rider and ended up bringing a girl home," Jimmy added, looking pointedly at Lou's attire. In her deerskin dress with her hair softly curling around her round face, it was difficult to see how anyone might have mistaken her for a boy.
Kid and Lou traded a look, before Kid said, "That'll be fine. I'm sure you've been wanting to get home faster than we've been riding anyway." He watched as Lou ducked her face from their view, a soft smile playing with her feminine features. She was grateful that she would have the last few hours of their trip alone with Kid before they had to return to reality. All too soon they would arrive at the way station and Teaspoon and Rachel would be full of questions, questions she wasn't sure how she wanted to answer yet. Lou knew she would have to share the story of how she was injured and taken to the Lakota, but she knew she couldn't tell either Teaspoon or Rachel about her baby yet. Hell, Kid barely knew, and she was still trying to make him think it was unlikely, blaming all her symptoms on her head injury and the stress of being away from home for so long. While Teaspoon wouldn't necessarily be a problem, after all it did take the man six months to figure out she was a girl, she knew Rachel would figure out her real condition fairly quickly. Rachel had been expecting a baby when her husband died, so she would recognize her symptoms, Lou was sure of it. Thinking ahead to their arrival home, Lou knew she would have to make her way to Rachel's porch fairly quickly to fill her in on everything that had happened while she was gone.
Lou finished her breakfast, choosing to skip the scrambled eggs on her plate after the first rubbery bite threatened to send her running outside. Kid noticed her avoidance of the eggs, keeping his comments to himself for now. With the four of them now finished, they paid for their meal and left the hotel, their gear in tow.
Walking down the street to the livery, Lou and Kid walked closely together, watching Jimmy and Buck walking far ahead of them in their eagerness to get home. Leaning over, Kid asked, "Didn't like the eggs this morning?"
"No, I thought I was gonna be sick when I tried to eat them," Lou replied. "Honestly, I'm tired of not being able to eat whatever I want. I can't wait to feel better."
"I'm sure Rachel will make it her mission to get you better again once we get home. She'll probably make something just for you for supper tonight to welcome you home," he said, as they approached the stable.
"I just hope there are mashed potatoes," Lou replied, eager to return home, if only for Rachel's cooking than for any other reason. Beside her, Kid chuckled at her comment.
Once inside the dark, cool barn, Kid set to work saddling Katy, while Lou sat down on a hay bale, their saddlebags and bedroll waiting next to her. Leaning back on the soft hay, she closed her eyes while she waited for Kid to finish with Katy. The next thing she knew, he was gently shaking her awake, their gear already stowed and the mare waiting for her riders. "Lou," he said softly, not wanting to startle her. "It's time to go, sweetheart. Jimmy and Buck just left. You need to wake up now," he said, watching her eyes flutter open. She had slept all night and was falling asleep only two hours after they had risen this morning.
"Sorry, Kid. I didn't mean to fall asleep," she said, yawning as she stretched her arms over her head.
Kid held his hand out to help her up. Placing her hand in his, she felt him half pull her into his arms. Dropping a gentle kiss on her lips, he said, "Let's go home." She smiled, letting him lead her and Katy from the dimly lit barn. Once outside, Lou mounted Katy for the last time with Kid quickly resuming his position behind her. He was quite happy to have her in his arms for the duration of their trip, relishing the feel of her against him as they galloped across the prairie. Turning his mount out of town, Kid and Lou took off for home.