Chapter 15
As Kid rode toward town, he pondered the miracle that had just occurred. Cody had provided him with the perfect solution to his problem, and he couldn't help but think the Lord works in mysterious ways! Now all he to do was convince Louise to cut her hair, dress like a man and ride for the Pony Express, one of the most dangerous jobs he knew.
The thought had him pull Katy to a halt. It was one thing to ride for the Express himself, but quite another to imagine beautiful Louise out on the trails all alone. He knew she could ride (he hadn't forgotten who won the race), and he knew she was strong, independent and determined, all qualities she would need to make it as a rider. He didn't doubt for a second her ability to do the job, but that didn't stop the fear from creeping into his consciousness. Thousands of what-if questions flitted in his brain, and he was about ready to turn his horse around when he remembered where she was right at this moment. A whorehouse. How could riding for the Express be any worse than that? He pictured the sad emptiness in her eyes when he first saw her, and anger and frustration later when she faced the possibility of another abusive customer. Most importantly, though, he remembered her pride. She so desperately wanted to do something she could be proud of, a feeling which he understood to the core of his being. He hadn't felt like much of anything until he became a rider, and if he could give that same feeling to Louise, he knew it was worth the danger. Now I just have to figure out to keep myself from going crazy while she's out on runs.
Kid was about to kick Katy back into a run when he saw another horse headed toward him. He squinted in the fading light of dusk to see if the rider was familiar. Recognizing the long auburn hair whipping behind the rider, he grinned and raced to meet her.
"Kid!" Louise exclaimed as they halted next to one another. "What are you doing?"
"Coming to see you. What are you doing?"
"The same."
He dismounted and offered a hand to help her down. They stood looking at one another before his curiosity got the better of him.
"So why did you come to see me?" he asked.
"Why did you?" Louise replied saucily.
"Asked you first," he answered with a grin. He was once again amazed at how easy it was to talk and laugh with her. I only hope it helps me tell her my plan.
"Okay, you win, this time." She paused. "I heard some of the girls saying the Express was movin' to Rock Creek. Is it true?" She bowed her head, unable to meet his eyes, afraid of the answer.
"Yea, we're leaving the day after tomorrow. Actually, that's why I was comin' to see you. I've been thinkin' all day about what I promised you, that I'd think of something else for you to do, something you could be proud of. Well…I have an idea. I don't know if it's any good or whether you'd want to, but it's all I got. The best part is that we could spend more time together. So what do you think?" Kid finished, aware that he was rambling, but he was so nervous that he couldn't seem to control his tongue.
Louise felt her face flush and her eyes widen as he spoke of an idea to get her out of the saloon. The thought almost made her heart skip a beat, especially the part about spending more time together. Before she jumped for joy, she realized that he hadn't even said what the plan was.
"I'd be happy to tell you what I think if you'd tell me what the idea is."
He grinned self-consciously and squirmed like a little boy caught pulling a prank. "Oh yea," he said sheepishly before continuing, "My idea is…the Pony Express. Before you say it's crazy, hear me out. You're a great rider, Louise, and you can take care of yourself. You're the strongest woman I've ever met; otherwise I wouldn't even suggest it. It's hard work, but it's honest work, and the pay is good. You could get Jeremiah and Teresa out of the orphanage in no time, and we could still see each other. I wish I had something better, but I think you could be proud of it. I know I am." His speech finished, he studied her expression carefully. She appeared to be considering it intently, but he couldn't tell how she felt about it.
A frown suddenly wrinkled her brow. "Don't they have some kind of rule about not hiring women? Just because I could do the job don't mean they'd let me."
Kid smiled again as he remembered that for the second time he had neglected an important detail. Nerves'll do that to a man, I guess. "Actually, Cody gave me the idea. He was talkin' about this play where a lady dressed up like a man, so she could work for some duke. So I thought, why can't Louise do that? It wouldn't be easy, but I know you could do it. You'd have to cut your hair of course, and we'd have to get you some men's clothes. It wouldn't have to be forever, just long enough to save up some money." He paused and took both of her hands into his. Looking into her beautiful face, he regretted asking her to do this, but seeing the pride in her eyes, he knew it was the only way. When her gaze locked with his, he continued.
"Louise, I know you deserve better. You haven't had much chance to be a lady and here I am telling you to act like a man. It ain't fair, but I don't know what else to do. But I just couldn't let you suffer in that damn saloon anymore, and now that I've met you, I can imagine you not being in my life, that is, if you want to. Maybe someday I can give you more, but for now, this is all I can offer you. So…what do you think?"
A full minute passed as she was lost in her thoughts. Just when Kid assumed she was about to say no, she finally spoke.
"When can I start?" she said with a giggle.
"Are you serious? This is wonderful!" he exclaimed. All thoughts of propriety vanished, and he took her in his arms and swung her in a circle. When he finally set her on the ground, he didn't immediately remove his hands from her waist, and their eyes locked in an intense stare. Before either was aware of it, they met in a passionate kiss, their hearts still racing and their breaths short from the twirling. Kid reluctantly broke the kiss, not wanting to lose control of himself in the moment.
"We won't be able to do that all that time, or else the boys will know you're a girl for sure, even Cody," he said with a laugh. Looking at Louise, he saw her smile but could tell something was bothering her. When she broke free of his arms and turned away, he worried that he had crossed the line with the kiss.
"Louise, what's wrong? I didn't mean to push you. I was just so excited about you coming to Rock Creek with us, and you look so beautiful that I couldn't help but kiss you. I'm sorry."
Louise smiled sadly in spite of herself. He always thinks of me first. But will he still feel the same way when I look like a boy? She wanted to remain silent, but she knew it wasn't fair to hide her fears.
"I don't think you'll have a problem holding back when my hair's shorter than yours, and I'm covered in dirt and trail dust," she murmured.
"Is that what you're afraid of, honey? That I won't think you're beautiful once you cut your hair and dress in men's clothes?" he asked. She nodded once demurely and then risked a glance. She saw his caring eyes and could almost tangibly feel his concern for her. He moved to face her and once again reached out to take her hands. He squeezed gently and waited until she looked into his eyes to continue. "Louise, I have never felt this way about anyone before. It's not just the way you look – it's everything about you. I would think you look beautiful even if you were covered in mud and smelled like a pig. I might not want to get too close to you, but you'd still be the prettiest girl in the world in my eyes." Either that joke will either make her laugh, or I'll get a slap in the face.
He was pleased to see the hint of a smile on her face. "Smell like a pig, huh? Well, if I was ever covered in mud and smelled like a pig, you'd best watch out 'cause I'm gonna push you into whatever mud hole I crawled in!" she exclaimed, happy to be joking with him again. She wasn't totally convinced that he would still find her attractive in her manly disguise, but she would gladly trade that for the hellish existence she had at the saloon. As much as she already cared for Kid, she knew she could survive without him, but life as a prostitute would slowly eat away at her until nothing was left. This way we at least have a chance. Who knows? If Cody inspired the solution to our problem, maybe miracles are possible.
They unconsciously started walking toward the way station, hand in hand. "We still have one problem, Kid."
"What's that?"
"I don't trust you to cut my hair, and I ain't brave enough to cut my own hair."
"Now how do you know I have never cut ladies' hair?" he asked jokingly. "But I suppose Rachel would do a better job."
"Rachel? Will she tell anyone about me being a girl?" she asked seriously, not ready to lose the job she just found.
"Naw, I wouldn't worry about it. She likes secrets, and she'll especially like having another woman around the station to talk to. She's so desperate for a friend that I wouldn't be surprised if she started talkin' to the mares."
"I hope she likes me."
"I know she will. And the guys will too. They might tease you some for bein' puny, but they'll respect you once they see you ride. I know I do after our race," he added with a wink. "Now what do you say we let Rachel in on our secret?"
"After you. You'll need the head start!" she exclaimed as they mounted their horses and raced towards the way station.
