Chapter 9
It had been nearly six months since Lou had arrived back in Rock Creek with her young son. She had still not heard back from the divorce attorney in Lincoln which was starting to make her nervous that he hadn't been able to contact Kid. She had done the best she could to get on with her life. She had started working at the hotel restaurant in town serving customers. She wouldn't say she enjoyed it but it paid alright, and she could work in the evenings so that she always had someone to watch Jamie as Rachel worked at the school during the day.
She had received a letter from her sister, Teresa, last week that she had started courting a nice boy in town. She was 16 now, which was hard for Lou to believe. She had kept in touch with her sister and brother over the years. A part of her had wanted to take them with her and Kid to Virginia after they married, but she knew it probably wouldn't be safe and Kid didn't seem to think it was a good idea either. It hadn't been long after that that her brother Jeremiah left the orphanage. Lou heard from Teresa that he had gotten into some trouble with some other boys, but last she heard he had gotten a job and met a nice girl who straightened him out. Lou wished she could see them again soon.
Today was Jamie's fourth birthday and they were all celebrating with cake and Teaspoon's famous homemade ice cream. It was hard for Lou to believe Jamie was turning four. It seemed like yesterday she was watching him take his first steps. The family was currently gathered outside in the yard playing a game with the birthday boy, when a horse rode in from the edge of town. Lou noticed the man but didn't give much attention to him. They were still in town and people were always coming and going. It wasn't until she heard "Pa!" that she stopped what she was doing to look up at the new arrival. It was almost like seeing a ghost, as the last person she thought she would see in town was now approaching her. "Kid" she said so quietly she didn't think he or anyone else heard her. It didn't take long though before everyone noticed Kid standing in the yard.
"Hey Lou" Kid said softly as he stood not a foot away from her. He didn't look to the others as they approached. He looked healthy, healthier than the last time Lou had laid eyes on him. He had put on a few pounds and shaved the long beard he had been wearing. He looked like the Kid that she knew a long time ago. Him and Lou stood staring at each other for a few moments before Kid finally looked down at Jamie, who was trying to get his father's attention, and said "Hey there cowboy!" which was fitting since Jimmy had just gifted the little boy a cowboy hat for his birthday that was far too big for his little head of curls.
Jamie asked Kid if he was there for his party, but Kid shook his head and asked before thinking "what party's that?" Lou rolled her eyes. Of course he wouldn't remember his own son's birthday. He wasn't there when he was born and was gone for the other two.
"What are you doing here Kid?" Lou asked none too friendly. He didn't answer right away and before he said anything the rest of the family had joined them and was greeting Kid. While they were not pleased by how he had treated Lou, they were genuinely glad to see him alive and well. Whatever had happened between him and Lou, he was still family.
Jimmy who had once considered the man his best friend, stayed back. He was not quite ready to make amends. He was more concerned why The Kid was there and what trouble it would bring Lou.
"It's good to see you son." Teaspoon said. "Wasn't sure I'd ever see you again."
"I know Teaspoon. I was away for far too long."
There was so much that Lou wanted to know but she couldn't draw two words together, which no one seemed to notice. No one except for Jimmy, who couldn't take his eyes off her. He wanted to go to her and wrap his arms around her. She looked broken, like she would shatter at any moment. After what could've been two minutes or twenty she wasn't sure, Kid came over to her and whispered "Lou, can we go somewhere and talk?" She was silent for a moment wondering if she really owed it to him at all, but then spoke. "Not now Kid, it's Jamie's birthday. He's what's important now. We can talk later."
"Oh okay, sure later then." He looked a little sad that she didn't want to talk but didn't want to start any kind of fight either so he let her step away.
She turned away from him and walked back to Jamie and what was left of his party. She wondered where Jimmy had gone to but didn't have to look far because just as soon as she looked up he was just a few feet away looking back. Had he been there the whole time? She realized Jimmy was her lifeline and just making eye contact with him made her feel much better. The party continued. Jamie opened his gifts from his family and played with some kids his age including little Hunter. It wasn't long before it was time to call it a night and put Jamie to bed. Kid had been talking to Cody and Buck and thankfully stayed away from Lou. What she didn't see was when he went to speak to Jimmy.
Jimmy figured it would happen sooner or later, but he was hoping for later as he wasn't quite ready to talk to Kid.
"How you doing Jimmy?" Kid asked as he came up from behind him and patted him on the shoulder.
"Doin' alright," Jimmy said but didn't elaborate.
"Didn't see you earlier when I rode in, but hell I didn't expect to find you still in Rock Creek." Kid said trying to make a joke but Jimmy wasn't in much of a joking mood.
"Well, I guess we're all full of surprises ain't we."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Listen, Kid. I'm happy to see you're alive and well, but watch your step and if you hurt her anymore I'll find you."
"Oh will you Marshal?" Kid asked harshly, and Jimmy realized he must have seen the badge on his chest. Jimmy went to say something else but just smiled, shook his head and walked away.
