Chapter 19

Kid could hardly believe the feeling of excitement bubbling up within him as he awoke the next morning. It took an amazing feat of mental concentration to suppress the laughter that threatened to spill out at any moment. Somehow he managed to get dressed and saddle his horse without letting it out. Now as he galloped toward town, a chuckle escaped his mouth, and soon he was shaking with heaves of laughter. He knew he must look like a lunatic, but it was impossible for him not to feel exhilarated at the thought of being so close to Louise. What had she said last night? Working together, eating together, sleeping together…now there's a nice thought.

Approaching the general store and seeing Louise standing next to Lightening, he quickly banished all such thoughts so that he would be able to manage intelligible speech. As he drew near, he began to study her to see the changes in the woman before him. He first noticed her hair; the long strands of autumn were gone, replaced with a short, blunt cut. Next he saw the men's clothing hanging on her small frame; though they were hardly flattering, he could still make out hints of her womanly curves, especially where the pants hugged her hips. When he dismounted and stood next to her, he looked into her eyes and found the same fiery sweetness within them, marred only slightly by the spectacles that now sat upon her nose. Looking her over, he grieved that she had to give up a part of herself but knew without a doubt that his feelings and desire for her hadn't and wouldn't change.

Seeing the self-deprecating comment form on her lips, he quickly said, "You never cease to amaze me, Louise McCloud. You look amazing in a dress, and you look amazing in men's clothing. And to top it off, you're much faster than I am on a horse. I'm jealous."

"And you're not much of a liar either," she replied.

"I'm not lying," he whispered, moving even closer. "I still mean everything I said last night. You're just as beautiful to me, and I'm having a heck of a time not kissing you right here in the middle of the street."

"In that case, I think we better head out. I wouldn't want to scandalize the good people of Sweetwater."

"It wouldn't hurt them to loosen up a bit, but you're right. We wouldn't want you to be late for your first day. Now let me get the things Rachel needed, and we can be on our way."

Within minutes they were on their way towards a new and brighter future for them both.

Looking at the two earnest and slightly desperate faces in front of him, Teaspoon had to hold back a chuckle. He had been pretty sure Kid would try to convince him to hire his new lady in disguise, and seeing the young "man" in front of him, he was sure of it. There's no way that slip of a thing in front of me is a man, not even a young fellow. I ain't been married six times without learning a thing or two about women. She's a right pretty girl, men's clothing or not. I suppose I won't string them along too much longer…

"Now, just where'd you say you met this guy?" Teaspoon asked.

"In town, near Tompkins's store," replied Kid with a sigh and a quick glance at Louise. He had a feeling Teaspoon was being intentionally difficult, but he wasn't sure why.

"And who says I need another rider?"

"You said yourself that Rock Creek is a bigger town and usually has more mail going through it. It's been hard to keep up with the mail, even with Noah here. So more mail means more rides, and more rides mean we need more riders to make those rides, right?" Kid asked, feeling exasperated as though he was coaxing a stubborn child to do his or her chores.

Poor boy, Teaspoon thought, he looks more uncomfortable than a dog covered in fleas. Aloud, he said, "Alright, Kid, as long as you vouch for him. And you're the one who's gonna have to help him learn the ropes. I'll want him to start pullin' his weight and goin' on rides soon, you hear?"

"Sure thing, Teaspoon," answered Kid. He fought the urge to pick Louise up and swing her around in a circle. Teaspoon may be unobservant, but I think even he'd pick up on that. "Come on Lou, let's go put up your horse."

Fighting a happy giggle, Louise followed Kid into the barn. She couldn't believe that she was now a Pony Express rider.

"I'd like to be the first to welcome you to the Express, Lou. And seeing that the boys are still in the bunkhouse, let's make it a proper welcome," said Kid stalking toward her with a silly grin. He swept her up into his arms, kissing her soundly and twirling her in a circle. Just as he returned her to the ground feeling breathless but exhilarated, they heard the sounds of footsteps. Quickly separating themselves, they pretended to be having an ordinary conversation.

"You two need to work on your innocent faces; you look distinctly guilty. And the barn is not exactly the most private of places to sneak a kiss, especially in the middle of the day," Rachel admonished with a smile. Seeing their flushed faces redden, she knew she had guessed right. "Now come get some breakfast before they start to wonder why it took so long to put up your horses. You two have a big day ahead of you, finishing packing and then hitting the trail for Rock Creek. Best get started with your future." She smiled as she left the two in the barn for a final moment of privacy. She hoped that the move would be a start towards a new future for them both, not just as individuals, but as a couple. And if I'm not helping plan a wedding in the next year, then I'll eat Teaspoon's hat!