Ch 5

Lou woke up first the next morning sprawled across Jimmy. She ran her hand up his chest. He grunted. She smiled. She eased her way up taking one of the blankets. She dressed and went to answer the call of nature. When she returned, Jimmy was pulling his shirt on. Lou walked over and kissed him again.

"Better stop that. We need to hit the trail fore they send out a search party."

"I know. I'm about ready."

They got their things packed and mounted their horses. Jimmy turned to Louise.

"Lou, what are you going to do?"

"I don't know."

"I ain't the marrying type, Lou. Don't look at me for that. I can't ever have that life."

"I know, you've said it before."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done what I did."

"For what? For that? Don't be. I been wanting it a long time."

"Is that so?"

"It is if you must know, you just wouldn't give me the time of day."

"I'd always give you the time of day, Lou. I just can't give you the life that I know you deserve. That's why we can never be together. Anyway, my life will be over once Kid finds out."

"Who says that he has to know. I sure as hell don't."

"If you say so. I'd rather like to live a little longer."

They rode steady and talked most of the way back home. Kid and Teaspoon were waiting in the yard when they rode in.

"Thank God! I was expecting you yesterday." Said Kid.

"Things happen." Replied Lou leading her horse into the barn with Kid running behind.

Teaspoon walked over to Jimmy.

"Everything ok?"

"Yeah, Lou wanted to have one more night to think."

"I got ya. She has been really tormented about planning this wedding."

"It's a big change. She'll be ok. We talked so I think she has it all worked out now."

"Good to hear."

Jimmy walked into the barn and tied his horse beside Lou's. Kid and Lou were in the corner.

"I was worried Louise! I talked with Teaspoon about you riding. It might be best for you to go ahead and quit."

Jimmy closed his eyes. He tried to hurry with his horse so he could run.

"I'll quit when I'm damn good and ready. I'm so tired of your stupid whining! Don't worry about me, I got this!" Lou yelled.

She pushed past Kid and stormed out the barn to Rachel's house. Jimmy hid behind his horse. Kid took over taking care of Lightning.

"What did I do wrong, Jimmy? Is it wrong to worry over someone that you love?"

"No Kid, it ain't wrong. What is wrong is trying to change the person you love."

"What should I do?"

"Stop nagging her. Give her some room. Encourage her instead of trying to stop her. She'll come around."

"Thanks Jimmy."

"Anytime."

The riders gathered for supper that night. Cody was rambling on about the new school teacher and Buck was telling them of some Indian trouble that he heard about on his run. Everything was fine. Lou was laughing at Cody. She was sitting by Kid. Everyone seemed happy until Kid opened his mouth.

"While you were gone, I spoke with the preacher. He said he could marry us in two weeks at the church."

"What?"

"He said he could do the ceremony in two weeks. You need to go ahead and find you a dress." Smiled Kid.

"Why would you do that?!"

"I thought maybe it was the stress of having to plan everything so I figured I could help you."

Lou slammed her fork on the table causing everyone to jump.

"Ain't that just grand!" She screamed as she went out the door.

Kid went to get up but Teaspoon grabbed him arm.

"Sit down, Kid. Give her a few."

"I thought I was helping."

"You're not helping, you are pushing." Said Jimmy.

"I'm trying not to! I am trying to help!"

"I'm going to talk to her and bring her back in. Be right back."

Jimmy stood and walked out after Lou. He walked over to the barn.

"Lou?"

"Up here."

He climbed up in the hay loft. She was sitting in the dark in the far corner looking out at the night. He sat beside her.

"He was only trying to help." Smiled Jimmy.

"Don't you dare side with him." Lou said hitting his shoulder.

"You need to talk to him."

"I know I do. I just got mad as hell. I'm going to tomorrow."

"Good. Now come on back and eat."

"I ain't ready yet. Don't you start telling me what to do."

"I wouldn't do that."

"I know." Lou turned to look at Jimmy.

She pushed him down on his back in the hay and got on top of him. She kissed him hard. Jimmy pushed her back.

"We can't do this here."

"Yes we can." Lou said as she started undoing his shirt.