Chapter 15

Jimmy embraced Buck and Dakota after the ceremony. He patted Buck on the back, happy that the family was there. Later, Lou danced with her husband as the celebration wore on into the night. She looked at his face and shook her head. She started to laugh.

"I know."

"I really ain't surprised."

"I swear trouble seems to follow us."

"Or you seem to follow it."

Jimmy laughed.

"The wedding was beautiful. I can't believe one of our baby girls is married." Lou said.

"Don't start that now. They will be in the yard. You will see her every day."

"I know but what if they move one day."

"Lou, they won't move away. Sides that, I won't let them."

"Jimmy." Lou said laughing.

"I mean, I like Tate and all, but can I really let him out there on his own. I mean, brains only get you so far."

"Jimmy, now stop. You know he has Lori now." Lou said laughing.

"That ain't much better. They'd both be in jail within a week, and I am not going to raise any more children."

"Just stop." Lou laughed harder.

Lori and Tate had danced into the night. After all the town guests finally left, Jimmy, Luke, Teaspoon, and Buck sat at a table while the women put things away. Eli ran around playing with Buck's girls. Lori and Tate had gone to their new home.

"What the hell happened out there?" Teaspoon asked.

"Where do I start." Jimmy groaned.

"Well did you find the girl?"

"We did. The baby is Luke's." Jimmy said glancing over to Rachel who held the sleeping child.

"What did the family say?" Buck asked.

"The girl died giving birth. The father sent the child away." Jimmy said quietly.

"Her mother?" Teaspoon asked.

Luke shook his head. "She lost her mind. She was the one that did this."

"My word."

"Yeah, I will tell Lou later but right now, I want her to enjoy this night." Jimmy said.

"I am going to tell Penny in the morning. Guess we'll see how that goes." Luke mumbled.

"The girl loves you. Ya'll will be just fine." Teaspoon answered as Rachel walked over carrying Garrett.

"Teaspoon, I think I am ready to turn in. I am plum wore out."

"Me too darling."

"Who wants to take over?"

"Me." Luke said.

Rachel turned knowing eyes to Jimmy. She smiled as she placed the sleeping child in his arms. She touched him on his shoulder before walking away. Dakota came and gathered Buck to turn in as well. Jimmy pushed away from the table to walk over to Lou. Penny was putting the last lantern away when she noticed Luke holding the baby. He was staring down into his face. She knew then. He was his. She felt an ache in her chest. She looked down then back up. Luke was staring at her. She smiled. He was Luke's then that meant that he was hers. She put the lantern away and walked over to Lucas. She kissed him and placed her hand on the baby's head. Luke smiled back. Everything was going to be ok.

Jimmy held Lou tight against him as they stared out into the moonlit fields. She sighed and tried to get closer.

"What happened out there, Jimmy?"

"I think I should tell you tomorrow. Let you have tonight."

"I think you should tell me now."

"Lou."

"Now."

"The baby's mother was Jenny Ward."

"Was?"

"She died during birth."

"Oh my."

"Yeah, the mother went mad, and the father sent the child here."

"What happened to you and Lucas?"

"The mother."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, looney doesn't even describe her, but we got away, and we are home now. Everything is fine."

"She isn't going to come murder us all is she?"

"No, Lou."

Lou noticed the change in his voice and could only guess the fate of the mother. She let it go for now. Jimmy watched a few goats milling around in the dark. He looked again.

"The fuck? I swear we didn't have that many when I left."

"Time for bed." Lou said pulling him to the house.