Chapter 7 – Lou's POV
It has been a month since Buck left. I was really starting to worry about him. What if he was hurt? Or in trouble? I was just about ready to set out after him when I just got this feeling that Buck had accomplished what he had set out to do. He had found Red Bear and was coming home to me and our children. Somehow I knew this to be true. I could feel it in my soul. My husband would be back in my arms in about two weeks' time. I just knew it. I felt a real smile come to my face for the first time since Buck left, a whistle to my lips as I looked to the west. I could sense it in my soul, my Buck was coming home to me.
Kid's POV
Over the past month Lou and I had manage to become friends again at least. It wasn't what I wanted but it was a start. I could tell she was worried about Buck. She thought he should be home by now. But then this morning I noticed a change about her. She was smiling and whistling. Whatever has happened it must be a good thing. She looked more like the Lou I had fallen in love with, but there was still something different about her. It wasn't that she was older or that she had more curves since becoming a mother. This was different, this was something deeper.
I watched her as she was staring off into the west with a dreamy look on her face. I knew what was different. Lou was heart and soul in love with Buck. It was almost as if she could sense him coming home to her. Everybody was right, Lou and Buck were truly in love with each other, and they belonged together. As much as I loved her I knew what we had once didn't compare with this. I had to set her free.
I didn't want to mind you, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I would wait until Buck returned and then I would tell them both. Maybe if I'm lucky they will keep me on here. I realize the only thing I missed more than Lou was working with family again. Having a purpose. Having a family. I didn't want to leave here ever again. I went to Teaspoon to tell him my decision.
"Hello Kid, I was just coming to look for you. I've gotten word back on the legal matters of your marriage to Lou." Teaspoon said as I entered his office. 'That's what I was coming to talk to you about. I want to give Lou a divorce so she and Buck can get married legally." I say sitting down across from Teaspoon. He looked shocked, "Well Kid, I'm surprised to hear that, but as it turns out it's not necessary. Since you were declared dead your marriage ended. But since you weren't dead it would normally mean you would still be legally married, however since it's been ten years since you made any contact with Lou by law you abandoned her. So your marriage is null and void." Teaspoon told me as gently as possible.
"So Lou is not my wife?" I ask making sure I understood. "Correct' was all Teaspoon said. "But since I didn't die eight years ago that means she isn't Buck's legal wife either." I said understanding. Lou was free already; she could marry whoever she wanted. "That's correct as well." Teaspoon said pursing his mouth. I give a soft laugh, figures after I decide to be all noble I find out Lou wasn't mine anymore, but she also wasn't Bucks' "Well than I guess once Buck gets back you'll have a wedding to perform." Teaspoon laughed.
"What made you want to give Lou up Kid?' Teaspoon asked a few minutes later, trying to figure it out. I give him a sad smile, "over the past month I've got to know her again. I still love her Teaspoon, I probably always will, but I finally saw how much she loves Buck. She's been sick with worry for him for a week now. But today I saw her whistling and smiling staring off into the west with a dreamy look on her face. It was almost as if she knows Buck is coming home or something. Those two have a connection that Lou and I never did. I messed up; I missed my chance with Lou. She's moved on and I have to let her go. I would appreciate it if you don't say anything yet. When Buck gets back I'll tell them myself."
I get up to leave but Teaspoon stops me. "You know Kid, you may not be married to Lou anymore but you're still a part of this family. I know things have been a little tense around her but we all are glad you're alive and back. This is always your home. After you talk to Buck, maybe something can be worked out to find you a permanent place with the rest of your family." I give him a grateful smile, "You have no idea how much that means to me Teaspoon. I think I have missed working and being with my family more than anything else. I feel like myself again." Teaspoon smiled, "It's good to have you home son." With that he pulled me into a hug, the first one I had gotten since coming home. I really was home.
A/N: I don't know what the law really would have been back then, I tried to find out but could not find anything. I know that was another short chapter but the next should be longer, Buck will return home in that one. This story is almost over, so I hope everybody is enjoying it. Will post next chapter soon. Thanks for reading and reviews are always welcome.