Chapter 11
Lou couldn't believe she would have to repeat the words back to him. "The one where you said 'have a good life' and that I was free to go."
"Lou, I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't leave you any letter." Kid got right into her personal space and made Lou have to look up to meet his eyes.
She didn't say anything at first. She looked to the ground. There was too much going on in her head. Did she believe him? Did someone else leave it for her? Who could it have been? There hadn't been anyone else at the cabin, had there been? She drew strength from somewhere deep inside and looked back up to his face. "Kid, who's Annabelle?"
He looked stunned. That look she understood.
"Who?" Kid asked but his voice failed him and came out as a croak. He turned away not able to look her in the eyes any longer.
"Annabelle," She said again. "I believe you know who I'm talking about."
"But how…" he started. Okay at least he wasn't denying it now she thought.
"It doesn't matter how!" She interrupted him. "Is it true? Did you have a relationship with her? Kid didn't say anything which said volumes. "Did you…dance with her?"
"Lou! You don't understand" Kid said as he went to put his hand on her shoulder but she pulled away. She decided it didn't matter who wrote the letter. It wouldn't change anything.
"I understand plenty! You want to take us back to a place that was never my home, away from our family, away from everything just to keep up the semblance of a happy marriage… all while you have another woman on the side. Tell me Kid is she having your child?"
The look on Kid's face was complete shame. "I don't rightly know. Not sure it's mine." He finally said.
"Well that's real nice. I want the divorce Kid. It's the least you could do for me don't you think?" Lou asked hoping that he would just agree.
"I'm sorry Lou." He said finally. "I'm sorry for everything." He started tearing up and sat back down on the fallen tree. "I'll sign the papers. I'll give you whatever you want." He choked out.
"Kid, I accept your apology. I think we both made some mistakes. We were too young to get married and even though you thought it was the right thing to do, I should've stayed here while you went off to fight. We always had our problems Kid, our disagreements, but somehow we thought our love would conquer all, didn't we? I do love you Kid and I think I always will, but I've moved past thinking we should be together and I think deep down you have too. Ending our marriage is best for both of us."
"You're right Lou and I will always love you."
"There's someone else we need to talk about, someone more important than both of us, Jamie." Lou said.
"I don't even know my own son, Lou."
"It's not too late to get to know him, but there's something else you need to know." She said knowing he was not going to like what she had to say. "You see, Jimmy and I have gotten closer and…."
"Is he why you came here?" Kid blurted out, getting upset all over again.
"NO! Remember the letter you, or your girlfriend, gave me? That's why I left and this is where my family is. That's why I'm here!" Lou was well aware that Kid knew there had been a special bond between her and Jimmy from the beginning so she figured that didn't surprise him, but what made him upset now was the thought of Jimmy raising his son.
"Kid, let me get something clear. You will always be a part of this family. You will always have a home here in Rock Creek and Jamie will always be your son. Do you understand?" He seemed somewhat relieved to hear what she said and looked up to her and nodded.
"So you'll sign the papers?" She asked just to make sure they were still in agreement.
"I'll sign the papers." He added
"Will you be staying in Rock Creek or going back to Richmond?" Lou asked not sure which she preferred.
"I'd like to get to know my son and maybe visit with everyone. I think I owe them all an apology too. Then I'll head back to Virginia for now at least."
Lou thought she understood why Kid chose to go back to Virginia. It wasn't that he didn't feel welcome it was just that he couldn't handle seeing Lou and Jimmy together.
"Jamie will be happy to hear you're staying for a while." Lou said as she felt relief for the first time that day.
Kid and Lou rode back towards town together. As they got close, she told him that she was going to pick up Jamie at Buck and Emily's and then go back to Rachel's to fix some lunch. She told him he was welcome to join her if he wanted but Kid declined, saying he needed to go into town for something.
Kid walked into the marshal's office but Jimmy wasn't there so he decided to sit down and wait for him.
"Should I be looking for a new job?" Jimmy said as he walked into his office a few minutes later and noticed Kid sitting in his chair.
"No, your job is secure." Kid said, smiling at the little jab but then turned serious and rose from the chair. "Jimmy, I know you're worried about Lou, but you don't need to, she's fine and we're, well, we're getting a divorce."
"I'm sorry Kid."
"No you're not," he said with some agitation not believing Jimmy's sincerity.
"Actually, I am. I'm sorry that things have been so hard the last few years. I only ever wanted Lou to be safe and happy, that's what I wanted for both of you."
"She told me that you two were getting closer." Kid said, surprising himself that he didn't feel as bad about it as he thought he would but not trusting himself to say anything else.
"Kid, have a seat." Jimmy said as he sat in his chair and pointed to the other side of the desk. Jimmy propped his elbows onto his desk and placed his hands over his face. He wasn't sure he was ready for this conversation. "Kid…I know we've had our…disagreements before when it came to Lou, but I hope we have grown up and can handle this like men."
"Don't worry Jimmy. I didn't come here to start a fight. While I'm a little curious about your intentions with Lou, I know it's no longer my place to interfere. I just wanted you to know that I'll be staying for a while longer to spend some time with Jamie then I'll be on my way."
"Kid, I care deeply about Lou. I think you know that and while I don't know what kind of life I have to offer her, the last thing I want to do is cause her any pain. I can promise you though that I will do whatever it takes to protect her and Jamie the best I know how."
"Thanks Jimmy," Kid said.
