Ch 7

Another two months went by. Kid was still patiently waiting on Lou. The riders gathered around the table that night. Buck watched Jimmy as he ate. The secret was slowly killing him. He had seen them slip away on more than one more occasion. It seemed to be a regular thing.

"Boys, the telegraph seems to be making faster head way than we thought. We might not have a job this time next week." Said Teaspoon.

Everyone looked at their plates, hating for this to be over. The fear of their family separating was gnawing at them.

"What are you gonna do Teaspoon?" Asked Cody.

"I'm gonna stay on here as Marshal. Rachel is gonna stay as well."

All eyes fell on Rachel. She smiled as she held her hand up.

"Oh my God! Congrats!" Squealed Lou as she hugged her.

"We are gonna be married next weekend." Smiled Rachel.

"What if we have a double wedding?" Asked Lou quietly.

Everyone including Kid looked at her in shock.

"I mean if you don't want to, that's ok."

"Want to! I'd love that!"

"Then it's settled." Smiled Lou.

Kid hugged her tight. Buck saw her look over at Jimmy. He smiled like nothing was wrong.

After supper, everyone spread out over the station. Kid found Jimmy watching a horse run in the corral.

"Can I talk to you?"

"Yeah, what is it?"

"I just wanted to thank you for making me see the way with Lou and not pushing her."

"I knew it would come with time."

"Thanks for being my friend."

Jimmy nodded and turned back to the corral as Kid walked off. He walked into the barn to check the lanterns before bed when Lou came up behind him.

"Jimmy?"

"Yeah, Lou."

"I need to ask something as well and if you can't do it then I'll understand."

"What is it?"

"Will you give me away at the wedding?"

Jimmy looked down at her and swallowed hard. He took a deep breath.

"Anything for you."

Lou looked up at him with tears in her eyes. He stared back at her.

"Where are you gonna go, once this is over?"

"Teaspoon asked me to stay on as his deputy. Reckon I'll do that for a while til something else comes up."

"Kid has been making payments on a farm this side of Kansas."

"You're moving away?"

"It's only bout a days ride. I have to go with my soon to be husband." She said as a tear fell.

"Don't cry Lou. I told you that I can't give you that life. He can."

"Will I still see you?"

"As often as I can. I can't stay away."

Lou grabbed his hand and led him up to the loft once again. He followed, knowing he would never be able to stop.