Heyes' blood ran cold and he was momentarily speechless as he stood looking down at his partner, finally swallowing and talking to him confidently, at least he hoped he sounded confident.

"Well Kid, when you fell, you landed hard on your back. I'm sure it's only temporary 'til the swellin' goes down."

"What if it ain't? What good am I if I can't walk? I'm useless like this Heyes."

"Calm down Kid, ya just gotta give it a couple days is all."

He watched his friend try to swallow his fear and he sat on the side of the bed, putting his hand on the Kids' shoulder. The Kid turned his head away from him, still taking short quick panicky breaths. Heyes reached out taking hold of his chin forcing him to face him, their eyes meeting.

"I wouldn't lie to you Kid, you're gonna be fine, but ya gotta give yourself time to heal."

"But…"

"No, no buts. We're safe enough here for the time bein'. Rebecca's right nice, you'll like her."

"But what about her husband? How's he gonna feel about us bein' here?"

"He died a couple years back, just her and her son Jacob live here, and we're a long ways from the nearest town."

Kid sighed as Heyes gave his shoulder another squeeze, once again getting to his feet.

"I got some more wood to chop, you get some rest and quit worryin'. Trust me Kid, you're gonna be fine."

"Easy for you to say."

"You're gonna love her cookin'," he added, turning to look at his friend with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes before ducking out the door. He stood for a moment leaning on the door, closing his eyes as he took a deep calming breath then walked slowly to the kitchen where Rebecca was bustling around. She stopped abruptly when she saw him looking down at the floor frowning in concern.

"What's wrong?"

"He can't feel his legs," he answered solemnly lifting his head to look at her.

Her eyes widened in surprise, pausing before speaking.

"I'm sure it's only temporary, you said he had some rather significant swelling on his back."

"That's what I told him. That once that was gone, he'd be fine. I ain't never lied to him before… well, about anything important anyway. Sure hope I ain't lied to him now," he said softly, grabbing his coat and heading back out to the woodpile.

'At the rate he's going I won't have a need to chop wood 'til next winter' she thought with a sigh. Straightening up she steeled herself to face the man lying paralyzed in her sons' room. She opened the door slowly seeing him in bed looking totally lost. She cleared her throat as she stepped in, his head snapping around to look at her.

"Mr. Jones…" she started.

"Thaddeus."

"Thaddeus, I wanted to apologize for you getting hurt…"

"Weren't your fault ma'am," he smiled rather sadly.

"If it hadn't been for Jacob wandering too close to the river you wouldn't have been injured."

"My partner says it's just temporary, says to trust him that it'll take some time."

"Your partner sounds like a smart man."

"He is that ma'am, but don't tell him I said so, his head's swelled enough as it is."

"Your secret's safe with me," she smiled adding," and he's right you know you'll be fine when the swelling recedes."

"I'm tryin' to believe that ma'am, but it's kinda hard right now."

"I can only imagine, and my name's Rebecca. Can I get you anything?"

"No ma'am…Rebecca."

"I've got to get back to the kitchen, but if you need something, just yell, I'm not far away."

"'Preciate that Rebecca thank you."

She opened the door smiling back at him as she stepped out, closing it behind her as he had asked.

He didn't know how long he lay there wondering and worrying as he thought of what his future would be like now. He didn't know if he could handle being paralyzed, needing someone to be there to help him with everyday things that he had always taken for granted. He sure didn't expect Heyes to give up his life to look after an invalid, he couldn't burden him with that… no he knew he wouldn't be able to handle it.

He must have eventually dozed off, because the next thing he knew Heyes was entering the bedroom carefully balancing a supper plate and a cup of coffee, pushing the door closed with his foot as he looked at his partner with a grin.

"Wait 'til you see your supper pal, you're gonna love it," he said cheerfully as he approached the bed.

"Ain't real hungry," he mumbled sullenly.

Heyes set the plate and cup carefully on the chair that was still beside the bed. Straightening up he looked down at his friend with his head cocked off to one side, hands on his hips, looking quizzically at his partner.

"All right, who are you and what have you done with my partner?"

The Kid glanced up at him frowning in confusion. "What are you talkin' about?"

"My partner is always hungry."

The Kid rolled his eyes and turned his head away. "Heyes I ain't in the mood for your jokes."

"Who's jokin'? C'mon ya gotta eat. Look Kid…roasted chicken, potatoes, carrots. Already had mine and believe me that woman is one hell of a cook."

The smell of the food was making his mouth water and his stomach let out a growl that made Heyes snort a laugh.

"Yeah, I can hear ya ain't hungry."

Heyes helped his friend sit up, handed him his supper then sat in the chair talking while the Kid wasted no time in emptying his plate. Sighing contentedly when he had finished, he handed the plate back to Heyes who sat grinning at him as he thought of the surprise he had for him.

"What are you so happy about?"

"She baked a pie Kid…cherry pie… with cherries she put up when they were in season."

Finally he saw a slight smile on his friends' face, just as he knew he would. He could think of only a couple things that made his partner happier than fresh made pie, and cherry was one of his favourites.

"But, if you ain't hungry Kid…" he shrugged ducking his head as he teased.

"I can eat pie," Kid interrupted quickly.

"Thought ya might, be right back," he grinned.

XXXXX

For another day the Kid lay in bed with no feeling in his legs and despite both Heyes and Rebecca trying to convince him that he would get better, his sense of hopelessness and depression deepened. Heyes began to worry when his partner started demanding his gun.

"What d'ya need it for? We're safe enough here, ain't been sign of anybody comin' near."

"Just give me my gun Heyes," he persisted, beginning to get angry.

"Not 'til ya tell me what ya want it for," Heyes said firmly.

"I can see it on the dresser Heyes," he growled through gritted teeth.

"And that's where it's gonna stay until you can walk over and get it for yourself," Heyes responded calmly.

"Dammit Heyes, don't you understand I ain't no good for nothin' and I don't wanna be a burden."

"It's only bin a day and a half, ya gotta give it a bit more time Ki…."

"Just get out, get the hell out and leave me alone," he yelled, his voice cracking and his eyes glistening.

"Fine, I'll go, but I'll be back later," Heyes left his friend, returning to the kitchen table to drink the coffee that was now cold. He sighed burying his face miserably in his hands not noticing when Rebecca sat at the table across from him.

"What's wrong Joshua?"

He lifted his head looking sadly across at her, waiting until he was certain he could talk calmly.

"He's askin' for his gun and gettin' right annoyed with me that I won't give it to him. Got real mad when I told him he could have it when he could walk over and get it himself."

"You don't think he…" she didn't finish her question, but she didn't need to.

"Yeah… says he feels he's useless and would just be a burden. Keep tellin' him he needs to give himself time to mend, but he's gettin' frustrated."

"You think it's safe for us to leave him alone?"

"He can't get to it, it's on the dresser by the door. Hopefully he'll calm down if we let him stew for a bit." He sighed as he stood, "I'd best go out and see to the animals."

Rebecca sat thinking for a few minutes after he went outside, smiling when she came up with an idea.

"Jacob?"

XXXXX

When Heyes returned a couple hours later, he sniffed appreciatively as he shed his coat. There was a rich venison stew bubbling on the stove and she was putting fresh hot cornbread on the table.

"Well that should cheer him up some…darn that smells good."

"Get yourself cleaned up then come eat."

"Where's Jacob?" Heyes asked looking around.

"In with your friend," she smiled.

"He's where?"

"Go take a look."

Heyes walked quietly to the bedroom door but didn't open it, instead he put his ear close listening intently, hearing his partner and the young boy happily chatting away together. Heyes grinned, shaking his head as he turned back to Jacob's mother.

"You are a smart woman."

"Figured he'd keep his temper in check with Jacob, and thought it might help to keep the both of them out of trouble."

Rebecca's plan worked and the Kids' mood did improve somewhat after spending some time drawing and playing games with Jacob. They all gathered in Kid's room to eat supper, thinking that maybe that might help lift his spirits as well. They sat eating and talking until Rebecca noticed Kids' eyes beginning to droop tiredly.

"Time for me to get things cleaned up in the kitchen. Joshua, would you bring a bit more wood in while I do that? C'mon Jacob, you can help with the dishes.

The room cleared out and the Kid was sleeping within minutes.

A little later that evening when Rebecca was putting her son to bed and Heyes was pouring them both a coffee to enjoy now that all the days chores were done, there was the sound of something heavy falling from the Kids' room. Heyes ran for the door with Rebecca right on his heels, both stopping in their tracks when they saw a naked Kid sprawled on the floor his legs tangled in the blanket. Heyes waved her away as he hurried to his side.

"What the hell are ya tryin' to do?" he demanded, picking him up and sitting him on the bed.

"Are ya all right?"

"Yeah…just hurt my knee is all," he answered reaching down to rub his left knee.

Heyes blinked at his partner trying to decide if he had heard what he thought he did.

"What? Hurt your…you can feel it?"

The Kid froze, finally lifting his head to look at his friend, a smile slowly spreading across his face.

"Yeah…I can."

"See, didn't I tell ya? I swear one day you'll learn to believe me when I tell you stuff," he said smiling broadly as he happily pounded his friend on the shoulder. "But maybe we better put your long johns on, might be a little less shockin' for the lady of the house," he teased.

Once the Kid was sitting on the bed in a semi decent state, Heyes sat on the bed beside him throwing one arm around his shoulders and giving him a happy squeeze.

"I knew you'd be all right Kid, I could feel it."

"You were right Heyes…I doubted ya, but you were right."

"But Kid, it's gonna take a couple days at least for ya to get all the feelin' back. Don't be tryin' to do too much too soon, be patient."

"I'll do my best Heyes."

XXXXX

As Heyes had predicted the feeling in his legs came back slowly, but much too slowly for him. He persisted in trying to get up and walk by himself not managing more than a few steps before his legs would give out on him. For almost two days Heyes and Rebecca were kept on their toes as they were hard pressed to convince him to stay in bed unless there was someone there to assist him. The afternoon came when Heyes finally lost his temper with him as he helped his friend up from the floor for the third time that day.

"Dammit Kid, you're gonna end up hurtin' yourself again, and I'm gettin' pretty damn tired of pickin' your sorry ass up off the floor. Honestly, you'd think at your age you'd know better," he huffed as he got his partner situated in bed again.

The Kid, knowing he was right, silently watched through lowered eyes as he continued to rant at him.

"I got chores to get done out in the barn," he stated as he strode angrily to the door, stopping to turn back, jabbing a finger in the Kids' direction. "Keep your stubborn mule headed self in that bed until I come back for ya…I mean it Kid, if I gotta pick your ass up again I swear I'm gonna kick ya in it."

The door opened and Rebecca peeked in with a nervous smile. "Is it safe to come in?"

"Yeah, don't think he'll be tryin' to get up alone again for a bit," he said shooting a stern look in his partners' direction.

She entered handing a small glass out to Heyes.

"What's this?" he asked sniffing the liquid, looking sharply at her when he realized what it was.

"Thought it might help to calm him some, I keep a bottle in the cupboard for medicinal purposes."

"It might be just what he needs," he admitted walking back over to his brooding partner and shoving the glass in his hand.

"Drink up," he ordered. The Kid glanced rather nervously up at him waiting just a heartbeat before tipping the glass and swallowing the whisky in one gulp. Heyes winked at him and taking the glass he stood watching until his partners' eyes started to glaze over and begin to blink sleepily. He reached down covering him with the blanket which Kid awkwardly pushed down baring his chest again.

"No…Hot," he slurred.

Heyes reached out to touch Kids' forehead finding him slightly warm, but not feverish.

"Sleep partner," he said affectionately before walking slowly to the door turning once more in time to see the Kids' head loll to one side in sleep thanks to the healthy dose of laudanum that Rebecca had added to the whisky.

Heyes and Rebecca left him peacefully sleeping, both sighing as they exited the room.

"That should keep him out of trouble for a few hours," she grinned impishly.

"I keep telling you you're a smart woman, now I can add sneaky to that," Heyes chuckled. "At least I can get some work done without worryin' that he's gonna fall and break his fool neck."

"I'll be sure to keep an eye on him while you're outside," she promised.

Rebecca opened the door peeking in on the Kid several times during the few hours his partner was outside, happy to see him still sleeping. With supper cooking, she thought maybe she should check him out a little more closely, hoping she hadn't given him too much laudanum. She entered approaching to sit gingerly on the side of the bed trying not to wake him as she studied him. His breathing was deep and even and with his face still relaxed in sleep he looked so young and vulnerable. She saw that the blanket had been pushed down around his waist and considered pulling it up but changed her mind, instead reaching out to brush the unruly curls from his forehead. Softly she stroked his cheek before letting her hand trail slowly to his bare chest, gasping in surprise when her hand was captured in his. She looked back to his face, his still sleepy blue eyes studying her. She licked her lips nervously as his thumb rubbed gently across her hand before he reached up releasing her hair from its restraints, letting it cascade down over her shoulders. He ran his fingers through the long red tresses, slipping one hand behind her head, guiding her closer, kissing her gently at first then more deeply. She melted against him as he wrapped an arm around her, and she sighed in pleasure, thinking it had been so long since…

"Ma!" she jerked back with a frustrated groan hearing her son calling for her. She met his gaze again seeing the slight smile as he reluctantly released her. He chuckled softly as he watched her stand trying to get herself together.

"You should maybe check on me after ya put Jacob to bed," he said mischievously. "I might have a relapse or somethin'."

"Or somethin'," she grinned shyly.

Taking a deep steadying breath she exited the bedroom quickly, running headlong into Heyes who had finished the chores and was coming to see if his partner had woken from his drugged sleep. He stopped when she ran into him, taking note of the loose hair, flushed cheeks and swollen lips, trying unsuccessfully to hide a smile as he steadied her, which made her blush even further as she scurried away to see what her son wanted. Heyes was still grinning when he went to the Kids' bedside, unable to suppress the throaty chuckle that had his friend looking at him innocently.

"What?"

"Nothin' Kid, nothin' at all. Just come to get ya for supper."

Heyes turned serious as he sat on the bed beside his best friend.

"I reckon, with the way you're healin' we should be able to leave by the end of the week. Snow's gonna be here pretty soon Kid."

"I know Heyes. I'll be ready," he sighed.

"Gonna be hard leavin' ain't it…she's right nice and Jacob is a good boy, smart as a whip too."

"But we can't stay Heyes…could cause a lot o' trouble for them if we're found here. "

"'Fraid so. Now let me help you to the table."

"I wanna try to do it myself today…if you'll walk beside me."

"Wouldn't wanna be anyplace else Kid."

XXXXX

Later, after the household was all bedded down for the night, Heyes lay awake in his makeshift bed beside the fire in the kitchen listening to the hoot of a nearby owl, the howl of a distant coyote, the soft footsteps making their way to his partners' room and smiled to himself. He heard the door open and close almost silently before rolling over, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Rebecca had crept quietly to his room certain that Jacob and Joshua were sleeping. Slowly entering, she closed the door making her way to the bed where she stood silently watching him sleep. Sighing she closed her eyes wondering what she was doing when she felt his hand take hers, gently pulling her down to sit on the bed. He sat up, the blanket falling away to reveal his naked torso as he reached out taking her in his arms, kissing her and she was lost. Her nightdress soon joined his long johns on the floor as he rolled onto his side holding her close in the small bed. He stopped, pulling back to look in her eyes.

"Are you sure?" he whispered.

"Yes," she answered breathlessly, "I'm sure."

XXXXX

Heyes tapped lightly on the bedroom door the next morning before opening it just wide enough to peek in. Kid looked sleepily back at him, his arm around Rebecca who was still asleep her head on his shoulder.

"Sorry, but Jacob's up lookin' for his ma. Dunno how much longer I can keep him busy," Heyes said softly with a smile.

Kid nodded and Heyes backed out, closing the door as he went back to trying to keep the boy occupied until his mother came out.

Kid gave Rebecca a light kiss on her forehead and trailed a finger down the arm that she had across his chest, causing her to sigh and snuggle a little closer.

"C'mon darlin', 'fraid it's time to get up."

She tilted her head back to look at him and he took advantage by giving her another light kiss.

"C"mon, up, Jacob's already lookin' for ya," he teased.

"What? Oh no! It's late, I have to get breakfast ready," she started scrambling to get out of bed and get her nightdress back on. Hearing the Kid chuckling she stopped to glare at him.

"It's not funny Thaddeus whatever will your friend think."

"He doesn't have to think darlin', he knows. How d'ya think I know Jacob is lookin' for ya?" Kid couldn't stop himself from laughing at the horrified look on her face.

"Oh you…you…," she bent throwing his long johns at him, her face flaming.

"Easy darlin', it's all right, ya don't have to worry about Joshua none he's keepin' Jacob entertained.

EPILOGUE

The day came all too soon when it was time for them to leave and it was hard for all of them. Rebecca and the Kid had spent two more nights together with the Kid laughingly saying that was why he had healed up so fast. They all stood in the homey kitchen one last time, none of them knowing quite how to say good bye. Finally Heyes cleared his throat before bending to grab up their saddlebags and bedrolls, turning to Rebecca he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Rebecca thanks again for everything."

"Like I said before Joshua, it was the least I could do."

"Jacob little man, stay away from the river," he smiled and winked at the youngster.

"I will Mr. Smith."

"Thaddeus I'll meet you out at the horses," he said disappearing out the door, giving them some privacy to say goodbye.

"I'm gonna miss you Rebecca."

"I'm gonna miss you too Thaddeus," she said trying to stay strong.

"Ah darlin ," he sighed, reaching out to take her in his arms, kissing her gently.

"Yuck," Jacob made a face, breaking the tension making them both smile.

"Won't be yuck when ya get a little older Jacob," he reached down ruffling his hair, before heading to the door. Pausing as he opened it he turned back to look at them with a sad smile.

"Bye," he choked out.

And with that he walked out the door tears beginning to run down his face as he snatched the reins of his horse from Heyes. He quickly mounted and without a backward glance he spurred his horse into a gallop. Heyes saw the tears and knew his friends' heart was breaking. He paused only long enough to look back at the cabin and lift his hand in farewell before urging his horse on to catch up to his partner.

They were some distance from the cabin when the Kid finally pulled his horse to a halt letting it have a breather. Heyes reined up beside him and leaning on the saddle horn he took a deep breath before looking over at his friend.

"Y'all right?"

Heyes thought he wasn't going to answer as he sat his horse looking off into the distance for quite some time before turning to look at his partner and best friend.

"It's gonna take time Heyes, but I will be…Yeah, I will be."