Two weeks after the final hearing with Aitken, the Kid was sat in the large front room of what was now just Emily's house, watching his daughter crawl determinedly across the floor. When she stopped and just sat down on her bottom with a big yawn, he bent down and scooped her up into his arms. For a few moment she wriggled in an attempt to free herself, then just relaxed and was soon fast asleep. With a contented sigh, he breathed in her scent and gently ruffled her hair. He settled himself more comfortably and started to doze off. He and Heyes were still settling into being business owners and although they were enjoying the experience, it was definitely tiring. It was good to finally have some time to just sit down and relax.
As Emily entered the room and sat down on the other side of the couch, he pushed himself up, rubbing his eyes and hair as he attempted to look more alert. He could see from her serious expression that she had something important she wanted to say.
She ran a gentle finger down Lizzie's face, before looking at him with her head on one side and her expression intent. "I've been meaning to ask you for a couple of days. I know you must be eager to have Lizzie move in with you and I don't want you hesitating because you think I'm not ready to let her go. She won't be far away and it's only fair you take her home. I know a really good girl who'll be perfect to look after her while you're busy." She smiled genuinely at him, but he could easily see the strain and the slightly sad expression in her eyes, that she was desperately trying to hide from him.
He had been building up to suggest that, more than ready to have Lizzie with him full-time, but as he studied his sleeping daughter and then looked back at Emily, an idea came to him. "I was thinkin' about that. I know it's a lot to ask, but would you mind if Lizzie stayed with you for a little bit longer? Heyes and me were talkin' and we both figure where we are now ain't exactly right for a baby. It shouldn't be for too long. We're hiring a saloon manager and Victoria is gonna help manage the upstairs bit of the business. That's all gonna give me much more time to get everything sorted. 'Specially as folk seem real keen to help out. I'll soon have somewhere suitable built." He knew he was rambling because he hadn't really planned any of this, but Emily didn't seem to mind at all, as she looked at him gratefully.
He and Heyes had indeed talked things over and had agreed that Lizzie moving in with them would be fine. The Kid was pretty certain that Heyes had thought of what he was suggesting already, but hadn't said anything, likely figuring he'd want Lizzie with him as soon as possible. But this way suddenly seemed fairer and more sensible all round. He could hear Heyes now laughing at him as he rolled his eyes. "You always were a sucker for a lovely lady with pretty eyes." But he knew his partner would see his point, it was really the least they could do for her given all she'd done for them.
Emily's smile was wide as she nodded eagerly. "Oh Jed that would be no problem at all. Be a pleasure honestly. She paused a minute and looked to his surprise a little uncomfortable. "Look I'm not sure if this something you'd be interested in and feel free to refuse. But with the house being so big, I feel a bit lonely sometimes, especially in the evening when the servants leave." She stopped again then added more quietly. " Living here was far more James' style than mine. So I was wondering if perhaps when your house is finished, I could move in with you and Lizzie?" The last was said in a rush and at first she couldn't quite meet his eyes. But Curry wasn't really surprised, when after a deep breath, her cheeks slightly pink, she looked at him and held his gaze firmly.
He desperately wanted to say yes, it seemed to be the perfect long term solution. Someone he trusted to look after Lizzie, a way to get Emily out of this big gloomy house and ensure she wasn't left on her own. But what about her reputation? He knew from experience just how judgemental folk could be. "Emily, I don't know. What will people think, not to mention say? I don't want to cause you any trouble. Not after everything you've done for us,"
"Pfft, folk can think what they like, Jed. Its what's best for Lizzie that matters. If it doesn't work out, or we find we're really not comfortable, I can always move out again. It just seems that this could be best for all of us. Besides I'm old enough to be flattered that people might draw that kind of conclusion." She grinned at him then, a slightly wicked glint in her eyes.
The Kid shook his head, feeling a flush on his own cheeks, as a laugh was startled out of him, quickly subdued so as not to wake Lizzie. "If you're sure..."
Emily's grin only widened as she said. "I'm sure."
Early Morning September 3 1890
Jed crept into the small nursery walking quietly over to his daughter's cot and careful not to wake her, leant in as he whispered softly. "Happy Birthday, darlin."
He stood just watching her until light footsteps outside the door caught his attention. He turned as a soft light shone into the early morning gloom of the room. Emily stood at the door smiling at him.
She placed the lamp she was carrying on the small set of drawers by the door and came over to join him. He was a little embarrassed at being found out. But there was no sign of amusement in her look, only a fond understanding which brought a smile to his own face. Meeting her eyes he said quietly. "I've been awake since just after midnight and finally just couldn't wait any longer. Sorry I disturbed you." He returned to look at his daughter, resisting the urge to reach down and smooth out or move the stray curl on her forehead.
Emily chuckled gently. "I understand that feeling well. After Samuel and Lucas died, Lily helped me feel like there was some point to going on. Some nights when she was small, I used to walk into her room when she was sleeping just to watch her." Curry could hear the smile in her voice as she added. " Besides you didn't disturb me. I was on my way to see her too."
Kid Curry reluctantly tore his gaze away from his sleeping daughter as she started to stir slightly, as if their quiet tones were beginning to break into her sleep. "I guess I oughta leave her be so she don't wake up. We don't want her bein' too grumpy on her birthday."
10.00am
The Kid sat on the floor of the sitting area with his back against the wall. He lifted Lizzie up gently with his knees as he singsonged Happy Birthday to her. She giggled and clapped her hands, chattering happy nonsense to herself.
He was so intent on his task that he started when he heard a warm laugh from the doorway. Turning, he met the amused expression of Heyes. "Sure is a good thing none of them ornery gamblers in the saloon can see you now! I ain't sure how they'd react next time they come up against you."
Curry suddenly self-conscious was preparing a sharp retort until he noticed the soft grin and the genuine warmth and affection on his partner's face, so instead simply said dryly. "You never know Heyes it might work in my favor." With that he returned to amusing his daughter.
He wasn't really surprised when Heyes sat down next to him and tickled Lizzie gently under the chin making her giggle even more. "Well, Kid, you could be right, but I'm not sure I'd want to test that notion."
3.00pm
"Well, Lily, our Lizzie turned one today. You oughta see her, she's so big and as quick as a jackrabbit." He laughed softly as he stroked the marble gravestone he was sat next to. "Heyes says I was just as bad, though how he remembers when he weren't much more than three, I ain't sure, but he swears he does. Emily says she'll be walking soon. Likely that might slow her down some, least till she finds her sea legs. I wanted to bring her, but she ain't great at sitting. Soon, I promise." He laughed again. "Maybe when she's sleeping." He paused to clear his suddenly tight throat before continuing ."I wish sometimes there was more of you in her. I sure hope she ain't as good at finding trouble as me and Heyes were." With a heavy sigh he stopped talking and knelt in front of the neatly kept plot before adding softly. "I miss you sweetheart. A lot of days I'd still give just about anything to turn and see you smiling at me."
July 4 1893
"Elizabeth Curry! Now you come back here."
Jed tried to catch his daughter as she moved with surprising speed to look at the "Pretty horse. 'Cos papa isn't going fast enough."
Intent on trying to reach her and not really looking where he was going, he ended up tripping over an uneven patch of grass and fell down onto one knee which meant he lost sight of his daughter in the milling crowd. He stood quickly and his eyes flitted round searching a little frantically. A husky female laugh broke into his panic and he glanced over to the sound. With some relief he saw a pretty curly haired woman looking at him with an armful of squirming child and an amused expression. "Does this little one belong to you?"
He eagerly took the wriggling Lizzie out of her arms as he scolded his daughter "Now what did I say about stayin' close?" Worry made his tone sharper than he'd meant it to be and Lizzie's lower lip quivered as her eyes started to tear up. "Sowwy, papa, does this mean we got to go home now?" She looked so miserable and contrite that Curry sighed. He always struggled to resist that look on his daughter's face and he said more gently. "No sweetie, but don't go running off again."
"I'll be good papa, pwomise." She snuggled into him then, the picture of obedient innocence while the Kid looked back at her rescuer, who was eyeing them both with an amused but sympathetic expression. Balancing Lizzie on one arm he tipped his hat. "Thank-you, miss. Her Aunt usually helps, but she's away visitin'. Heyes, that's my partner, he's busy beatin' all them ranch hands at poker over in the big tent." He laughed as Lizzie started to squirm."I never seem to have enough arms and legs by myself."
The woman looked a little puzzled and Curry waited for the inevitable question about a wife, after three years he had become used to being asked, but he still wasn't entirely comfortable with it. Instead her face cleared after a moment and she smiled. "Oh, I recognise you now. Jed Curry!" She paused again before adding, "and Lizzie yes? You and your partner own the hotel and saloon in town. I'm Kathleen Nielson, my folks and all are just over there." She pointed in the direction of a large cheerful group taking up a sizeable patch of grass. "We'd be happy to help out."
The Kid was very tempted by her offer because two hours of chasing after Lizzie had left him more than a little worn out. He was also worried that when she inevitably ran off again, he'd be unable to catch her in time to prevent her getting hurt. He looked down at his daughter as he placed her gently on the ground to avoid dropping her."Whatcha say Lizzie, you up for meetin' some new folks?"
"Does that mean I get to see the horses? She looked up at Kathleen before turning a slightly accusing gaze on her father. "Papa keeps promising, but I've not seen them yet." Catching Kathleen's eye the Kid shrugged a little helplessly.
Kathleen exchanged a wry glance with Curry then looked down at his daughter. "I think we could probably arrange that. Now lets go say hello shall we?" She held out her hand and Lizzie eagerly took it as she started chattering at her new friend.
2 April 1896
Mr and Mrs Christian Nielson
cordially invite you to join them in
celebrating a joyous occasion.
The marriage of their
daughter
Miss Kathleen Nielson
to
Mr Jedidiah Curry
1 August 1896
Noon
St Michael's Church
1 August 1896
Jed Curry turned to look at the doorway as the first chords of the wedding march broke the expectant silence of the packed church. He smiled as his bride entered, looking beautiful in a simple white dress. She began to walk serenely up the aisle on her father's arm. Her two unmarried sisters with Lizzie between them followed her, all three dressed in pretty cornflower blue dresses. He glanced at Heyes who winked at him, before letting his gaze rest on Emily who sat in the front pew her face wreathed in a huge smile. Heyes' wife Victoria with their new baby fast asleep cradled in her arms was next to her. He didn't think the day could be any better.
When Kathleen came to stand on his right and looked at him happily, a sense of peace that he'd rarely felt settled over him. He held out his hand which she took and together they turned to face the Minister, eagerly awaiting the formal words that would bind their lives together.
The End
