Ch 8
The next two weeks seemed to fly by and with it, the end of the express. Cody had enlisted in the army and would be leaving soon after the wedding. Buck and Ike had decided to stay on the station. Teaspoon and Rachel had agreed for them to stay and start raising their own horses. Once they were able, they would buy and move to their own ranch. Noah had started courting the new school teacher that Cody had so desperately pursued much to his dismay. He had decided to take over the blacksmith shop as the old man wanted to retire. Jimmy would stay in the room on the back of the jail.
The day of the wedding had arrived. Kid and Teaspoon stood by the door of the church greeting the townsfolk. Rachel was waiting in a room off to the side with Cody who was walking her down the aisle. Jimmy walked into the room with Lou. She smiled as he walked in.
"I thought you weren't going to show for a minute." Said Lou.
"I wouldn't do you like that. I told you once before that I'd do anything for you even give you away to another man."
"Jimmy if you would say the word, I'd run with you right now."
"I told you, I can't give you that kind of life. I never know how long I'm gonna be here and I could never place that burden on anyone."
"Even though I can't be with you, doesn't mean that I won't worry. I love you Jimmy."
"I can't ever say those words to you. You know that."
"Please don't let this be the end of us."
"I don't think we should keep doing this. You will be married and to a man who considers me a friend. It's probably for the best to end it today."
Lou's eyes teared up. It was her wedding day but she felt like her heart was being ripped out. She walked closer to Jimmy and kissed him.
"If this has to end today, then give me one last happy moment."
"We can't. You have to go out in just a few minutes and we are in the church."
"Jimmy, one last time." Lou whispered.
Jimmy grunted as he pulled her close and kissed her hard. She untucked his shirt and ran her hands up his chest.
"My dress, it's hard to get off." Moaned Lou.
Jimmy looked at the dress. He spun her around and pushed her down on the desk. He threw her skirts over her back. She put her hand over her mouth as she found happiness one last time.
Lou was smoothing out her skirts and helping Jimmy fix his shirt when the door opened. Buck stuck his head in.
"It's time. Y'all ready?"
"Give us just a minute. We'll be right out." Said Lou.
Buck looked at their appearance. He couldn't believe them and in the church on her wedding day. He couldn't tell Kid. He didn't know how.
"We were gettin too bold anyways." Mumbled Jimmy.
"Not bold enough for my taste." Laughed Lou kissing Jimmy one last time.
"It's time to go."
"I know. Please just one more."
Jimmy pulled Lou close and kissed her long. He breathed her in as she did him.
He held out his arm. She took it as they walked out to meet Rachel and Cody at the front of the church. Rachel smiled at Lou but saw the tears in her eyes. The music started and soon they were both married.