Ch 6

Lou talked with Kid over the next few days. He didn't understand why she was so scared of change but to make her happy, he had decided to let her decide on their wedding date. Lou was grooming Lightning along with Ike when Cody came riding in. Noah took the pouch and was off.

"Y'all seen Hickok?"

"He was out back shooting cans. Why?" Answered Buck.

"Why! Because someone told me that he has been sweet talking Miss Lydia, the new school teacher. I saw her first. That's why."

Lou laughed and shook her head.

"You bout to take Hickok on?" Smirked Buck.

"Heck no. I just wanted him to know that I saw her first. I'm gonna win her heart. It's on." Cody said as he swung down.

"Here comes your chance to tell em." Said Lou smiling as Jimmy walked around the corner.

"Go ahead Cody or are ya chicken?" Taunted Buck.

"Watch me." Cody said as he met Hickok half way.

Buck and Lou watched trying not to laugh.

"You're in my way Cody."

"I got a bone to pick with you."

"You do, huh. Well let's hear it."

"Thompkins said you were sweet talkin Lydia. I want you to know that I don't appreciate it one bit."

"Well Thompkins is a liar. I don't even know that girl."

"Why would he lie? You think you can fool me to let my guard down and you win her over. It ain't gonna work."

"Move aside Cody."

"Not til you back off."

"Ain't nothing to back off of, so move."

"You always do this. You get the girl then you throw her down like she don't account for nothing. I ain't gonna let you do it this time!"

Jimmy frowned at Cody's last remark. Buck lost his smile, so did Lou.

"I ain't a heartless bastard if that's what you are trying to say. I ain't talking to that girl and I don't ever plan on it." He shoved Cody down in the dirt and walked away toward the pond.

"Cody, I think Thompkins is wrong. I think you need to stop." Said Buck.

Lou ran off behind Jimmy. Buck watched her go. She had been spending a lot of time with him lately.

Lou came up on Jimmy as he slumped down by the water. She eased up and sat beside him.

"You ain't heartless." She said.

"Maybe I am."

"You're not. You're a good man."

"Look what we have been doing behind Kid's back. I am heartless to do my friend that way."

"If you are heartless then I am too."

Jimmy looked at Lou. She stared back in his eyes. He leaned forward and she met his kiss halfway. She laid on her back as he climbed on top. She moaned as they found each other again by the pond.

Buck thought Lou and Jimmy should have been back by now. He walked down to the pond. He saw Jimmy buttoning his shirt. He blinked his eyes. Lou was straightening her hair. Maybe they had just fell asleep but his fear was realized as Lou wrapped her arms around Jimmy to kiss him. If she loved Jimmy, why was she marrying Kid and how could they do this behind his back? Buck eased his way back toward the station, not saying a word.