Chapter 41
As days crawled by, Kid began feeling better, and the pain gradually subsided. Staying in bed for days on end was getting on the Southerner's nerves. As soon as his back wasn't bothering him so much and he could move better, he had insisted that he wanted to get up. Lou had fought him stubbornly, and in the end managed to keep him in bed for five whole days. She had had to use all her persuasion to make him submit, and when nothing seemed to stop his continuous moaning and attempts to have his way, Louise simply used her sharp tongue to stop him. A loud reprimand in time always had its desire effect. Kid kept grumbling and groaning to himself, but he never dared to cross her when she was in such a mood.
All in all, Louise found that she was enjoying this time with Kid as they could talk non-stop, enjoyed each other's company and they could sleep together every night. It felt as if they were a married couple, and Lou knew that she wanted this life in her future. Apart from their banter when Kid was being unreasonable about the doctor's instructions, they got on perfectly well. They had good laughs together, and Louise thought that Kid was so cute as he got all shy and embarrassed when she had to feed or help him clean up the first couple of days he couldn't move.
After those five days, Lou finally allowed Kid to leave the confinement of his bed. Doctor Sanders gave his approval and told them that Kid should start exercising his muscles gradually. Of course, she still didn't let him overdo himself, and after walking a short distance with her hands secured around his arm or on his waist, Kid spent the rest of his time sitting on the sofa in the lounge. Lou had to admit that he was getting stronger.
After a week, Lou had to go back to work; she had managed to get a couple of extra days off, but she couldn't delay her return any longer. Mr. Tompkins had been understandable with her situation although he had first grumbled about it not being very decent for a girl to stay in a single man's house. The store owner was the kind of person not to mince words and say exactly what he thought, and at that comment Lou had almost laughed, thinking that she had already done much more than sharing the house with Kid. Despite his initial protest, Mr. Tompkins hadn't said another word, and Lou couldn't thank him enough for his understanding. Yet, she couldn't take any more time off work. The store keeper might run out of patience and decide to let her go. Louise needed this job and thus the following Monday she set off towards the general store. She knew that Buck would keep an eye on Kid till she returned that afternoon, which made her feel a bit more reassured.
In this time Buck had continued working with those two horses, especially with the one that had caused Kid to be in his present state. He wished they could sell the horses soon and lose sight of the black stallion. Kid could well be dead now if things had turned out to be different. As Buck had said, that horse was a bad beast, which nobody could trust. There were animals like that in the same way some people couldn't be trusted. Kid's nasty fall had made Buck bring back to mind a similar episode in those first days of the Pony Express. Ike had been wounded in the head by a mustang they had been working on. Jimmy had been ready to kill the animal, but Ike had begged him not to do it. That horse hadn't been good either, but Ike had finally got to the animal and managed to tame it. Ike had always had a special way with horses. Buck had never known anybody who could understand animals as good as Ike could. Maybe his inability to talk made him have like a sixth sense with animals. Ike would really have liked it here, Buck thought as he looked around the property from his position on the roof of his hut. There was nothing much going on yet, but in good time this place would be bubbling with activity. Buck had no doubt about it whatsoever. Kid was the kind of person to make all this a reality, and he surely knew about horses. Buck was really glad to be part of this wonderful dream and hoped Kid was back to health soon and they could continue with work on the ranch.
His hut was almost finished, and Buck would soon be able to move in. He was now working on the roof, making sure that there were no flaws in it. He wouldn't appreciate having leaks or drafts when the winter rain unmercifully poured over the house. It was going to cost him a bit more, but he was adding some extra wooden planks to the roof to reinforce its effectiveness. Buck couldn't deny that he felt very proud of his little hut, the first place he could truly call his own which he had built with his own hands. As soon as the roof was completed, he'd buy some furniture, not much, just a bed, cupboards, a stove and maybe a table, and then he could move in.
Sleeping in the bunkhouse was becoming harder and harder with each passing day. When at night his body hit his bunk, memories rushed into his mind, leaving a strange longing in his soul. Jimmy had recently moved out of it and had taken an unused room at the back of the marshal's office, so the loneliness in the bunkhouse was even more palpable. Kid had suggested to Buck that he could sleep in one of the bedrooms in the house temporarily, but the Indian had declined. He knew that the offer was genuine, but he didn't want to impose his presence. Kid was in love with Louise, and Buck didn't want to play gooseberry or be in their way when the couple were together.
It was the last hours of the afternoon when from atop the roof Buck saw Louise's wagon approach the property. He waved at her when she was closer and the girl lifted a hand in acknowledgment as she stopped the carriage in front of the unfinished hut.
"How's our patient?" she called, squinting her eyes against the sun shining behind Buck's figure.
The Indian carefully slid off the roof and jumped onto the ground next to the wagon. "I'm afraid I'm a poor substitute for you," he said, leaning his elbow against the hitched horse. He's been sulking for you all day." Lou gave him an amused smile, and then Buck added, "You should marry him. That's what he really needs."
"Shouldn't you be working on that roof of yours?" she asked pointedly, feeling irritated and embarrassed at the same time.
"Actually I'm finished for today," Buck replied, unable to hide his amusement. "But I can unhitch the wagon and see to the horse for you."
Lou didn't even say her thanks and simply jumped off the wagon. Passing the reins to Buck, she let him take her previous position on the wagon seat, and immediately he drove off towards the stables. Louise padded on towards the house, and as she opened the door and saw Kid on the sofa, she cast him a bright smile. "Hey, handsome," Lou exclaimed as she crossed to him. She kissed him lightly on the lips and sat next to him, hooking her arm around his. "How was your day?"
"Very long without you," he replied truthfully. "But you know what? I've managed to stand on my own two feet and walk around the house pretty well and without feeling much pain."
"Really?" she let out with a big smile.
"But I get tired quite easily," Kid muttered with a bitter gesture. He felt stupid as he tried to take a few steps, shambling along as if he were a drunken duck.
"Little by little, Kid. You heard the doctor," Lou reminded him.
"I know."
They remained in silence for a few minutes, and then Louise slapped his thigh playfully as she jumped to her feet. "I'd better fix something to eat tonight," she said and scurried towards the kitchen, but she stopped at the door and turned around towards Kid again. "Is Buck staying for dinner?"
"I don't think so," he replied. "He's going to tonight's social, and even got himself an escort." Kid smiled at the reference. Buck had been babbling on about beautiful Esperanza Montoya, a newcomer to Rock Creek. She was Mexican, and all her family had recently moved to a farm in the vicinity of town. Apparently, the woman had caught Buck's eye and despite his first resistance, he had asked her to accompany him to the dance, and she had accepted. Kid was happy for his friend and hoped that things progressed with this lady. He was still smiling when he looked at Lou and found her strangely morose. "Lou, what's wrong?"
His voice made her react and forcing a smile on her face, she said, "Nothing. I didn't know there was a social. That's all."
Without waiting for his reply, she turned around and slid into the kitchen. His comment had made her remember that fateful day when she had decided to secretly surprise him at the dance. The memory brought a terrible pain to her heart. She had been so excited and looking forward to it, but then everything had ended up in a complete disaster. That night she had cried her eyes out as the idea that Kid was besotted with the new teacher had haunted her mind. And then the following day when she had learned how Kid had got involved in a duel for the same lady, she had believed that she'd go mad from the pain he was causing her. All that was a memory, a faraway memory, but painful anyway, and even though she had tried to put all those moments behind her, it still hurt her to think about it.
Trying to shush those thoughts away, Louise concentrated on fixing tonight's dinner, and started peeling and dicing the vegetables for the stew she was going to prepare. Her movements were neat and strong, and despite her initial intentions she couldn't forget about that social that had caused them to break up the following day. She was so intent on the vegetables as well as overwhelmed by the memories flooding her mind that she almost jumped out of her skin when a couple of arms enfolded her tiny waist. Looking over her shoulder, she found Kid's smiling face watching her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked with a hint of reprimand in her voice.
"I told you I'm feeling better," he said, planting a kiss on her shoulder. "I've been exercising today."
Louise slowly turned around so that they were face to face, and she wrapped her own arms around his waist. She knew that he was getting stronger every day, but she also knew that the injury on his back made him dizzy from time to time, and she feared he might stumble and fall.
"Are you upset we ain't going to that social?" he asked.
"Of course not," Lou replied dismissively. "You know I don't care about those things."
Kid nodded and added, "I promise we'll go next time, all right? And…" he paused briefly to send her a mischievous smile and then continued, "a little bird has told me you have a beautiful dress I never got the chance to see you in."
At the reference Lou tensed and disengaging herself from his hold she moved away from him. "Don't mention that day to me again if you value your life!" she exclaimed in an irritated tone pointing a finger in his direction.
"Lou…" Kid let out with a stunned expression. He was really taken aback by the bitterness he could notice in her voice. Very slowly he hobbled towards her and placing himself in front of her, Kid put a finger under her chin and made her meet his eyes. "Lou. I'm sorry for what happened back then. You know that. I was only asking you about the dress."
"I told you I don't want to talk about that!" she retorted loudly and tossed her head out of his grasp.
"Lou, I thought we were fine with that," Kid insisted stubbornly. He was worried that she couldn't get past that moment in their lives. The girl didn't talk and he added, "Lou, if you keep whatever is eating you inside, it will end up hurting us in the long run. Talk to me, please."
"I'm fine with that, really," Lou said in a soft voice.
"It doesn't look like that to me."
"Kid, I can't help hurting when I think about it."
Kid placed his hands on her shoulders and brought her closer to him. "Lou, nothing happened. I never meant to hurt you. You need to start believing that. We can't change the past, just learn from our mistakes. I never tried anything against you on purpose."
"I know that," she admitted in a soft voice and rested her head in his chest. "I do believe you, honestly. I'm sorry about this. I don't know what came over me." Kid encircled her with his arms, and they stayed in a close hug for a few minutes till Louise mumbled something against his chest.
"What did you say?" Kid asked since he hadn't been able to make out her muffled words.
Lou looked up at him and said, "The dress. I ripped it to shreds." They stared at each other for a few seconds, and then both of them burst out laughing almost at the same time. Strangely Louise started feeling better and somehow liberated from those memories as she was able to laugh at something which had hurt her so much.
"I'll have to buy you a new one since it was my fault," Kid added kissing the top of her head. Lou wanted to protest because she knew that he wasn't the only one to blame for her actions. She had been mad with jealousy, and even though Kid hadn't been very bright in his actions, she couldn't put all the blame on him. Her protests were stopped short as Kid put his finger on her mouth to shush her, and bringing his free hand to circle her waist again, he asked, "And in the meantime … may I have the pleasure of this dance, Ma'am?"
"Kid, you should be resting," Lou reminded him.
"I'm fine," he replied, and before she gave him her consent, he started slowly swaying while humming a tune. Lou found herself moving with him and enjoying this silly dance in the middle of the kitchen.
She even dared to rest her head on his shoulder as they continued slowly swaying, but when he stopped his humming and let out a sigh instead, Louise looked up and noticing his pale face, she said firmly, "Enough is enough. Time for you to rest and for me to make dinner." With a swift movement she turned him round and steered him to the lounge. Once there she helped him onto the sofa and turned to leave. "I'll try to finish in the kitchen soon."
"I've enjoyed our dance," Kid said, grinning happily.
Lou stopped to look at him and smiled. "Me too," she admitted.
"Maybe we could have another dance later … in the bedroom," the young man whispered enticingly.
"Kid!" Louise exclaimed, her eyes as wide as saucers.
"I told you. I already feel stronger," he explained and after pausing briefly, he asked, "So what do you say?"
"I'd better finish that stew," Lou muttered, turning a shade of red, and swirling around she scurried towards the kitchen.
Kid remained looking at her retreating figure with a big smile on his lips. He loved it when she turned all shy and embarrassed. She was simply adorable and it felt so natural to have her here all the time. He came to the realization that he didn't want her to go. When the doctor said he was completely recovered and ready to resume his normal routine, she would naturally want to go back to her lodgings in town. The thought was enough to make his smile disappear. He didn't want her to leave, but live here all the time. If he asked her to marry him, then… No, he knew he couldn't do that without risking scaring her away. It was too soon to ask her to commit herself to him. Lou was starting to trust him after her disastrous experiences with men in her life, so he needed to be patient and walk step by step with her. Yet, he knew that she belonged here with him and wanted to wake up every day with her. All he needed to do was to find the way to make her see that.
They fell into the same routine as days went by. Lou normally got up early and helped Kid to get ready for the day despite his usual protests. After that, they shared breakfast, sometimes Buck joined them as well, and later Lou headed for town and worked in the store till the afternoon. In the meantime, Kid remained on the ranch, not doing much like the doctor had told him, but he could gradually move around the place with more freedom of movement. It was obvious that he'd soon be completely recovered from the accident.
A few days ago Doctor Sanders had removed the wide bandage surrounding his torso, but still advised him to take it easy. The kind physician had predicted that Kid would be well enough to resume his daily activities soon, and today the doctor was coming to the property to check on Kid. Lou knew that this would be his last visit. The thought didn't bring about the expected joyful feelings in her. Of course she was pleased that Kid was fine, but with his recovery she would have to go back to her lonely rooms in town. That was what they had agreed, but she had to admit to herself that she had gotten used to living with Kid.
Louise drove the wagon to the homestead after a really busy day at the store. She instantly spotted Kid and Buck engaging in conversation in the shade of the porch. As soon as the Southerner saw the approaching carriage, he left his position and came to meet her. Kid placed his hands on her hips and kissing her on the cheek, they continued towards where Buck had remained on the porch. When they finally reached him, Louise turned to Kid and sharing a knowing look with the Indian, she remarked, "Your smile tells me that Doctor Sanders has finally lifted your confinement, uh?"
"Everything's fine," Kid replied proudly.
"He almost started bouncing around the whole yard when the doctor told him," Buck added teasingly and coming closer to his friend, he tapped him on the back as he said, "I'm afraid your idle days are over, my friend."
The three laughed at the comment and when they sobered, the Indian said, wiggling his eyebrows mockingly, "I'll go home now and let you have your celebration."
The pair reddened at his words but didn't say a word, and while twittering Buck trolled towards his place. A few days ago he had finally moved to the small hut he had built at the other end of the property. Even though he sometimes joined Kid and Lou at dinner, he preferred to leave the couple alone. Besides, he liked enjoying his own company at this time of the day when he could gather his thoughts and relish the peacefulness of the place. After working for the Express and sharing that bunkhouse with five other men, it now felt like a luxury to have the privacy of his own home.
Kid and Lou remained on the porch watching the retreating figure of Buck, and when he finally entered the hut, the Southerner turned to his girl. He took her hands in his and led her inside the house. Hardly had they crossed the threshold that Kid drew her body towards him and kissed her full on the lips. After breaking off, the Southerner said, his eyes shining with excitement "Come here, Lou. I got something to show you."
Louise threw him a curious look, and without saying a word, she followed him to the lounge. Kid then took a package from the big table and extended it to the girl. "Here. This is for you."
"What's this, Kid?" she asked while sending him a quizzical look.
"Don't ask. Just open it."
Lou gave him a sheepish smile and proceeded to undo the string wrapped around the parcel. When she removed the brown paper, she gasped as her eyes fell on the contents that now lay in her hands. It was a beautiful light teal dress completed with matching gloves, a reticule and a very cute hat. "Kid…" she whispered in awe.
"Do you like it?"
Louise nodded. "It's beautiful but… when did you get all this?"
"Well, Rachel kindly went to the seamstress and chose the best dress for my princess."
Lou giggled and leaving the dress on the table, she said, "You shouldn't have bothered, Kid."
"I promised I'd buy you one, didn't I?" he replied and encircling his arms around her waist, he brought her body against his. "Next Saturday I'm gonna be the envy of Rock Creek at the social."
Louise gave him a flirtatious look and resting her forehead against his, she said in a soft voice, "Are you fully recovered then?" Kid nodded, and Louise added with a pinch of sadness in her voice, "So you don't need me anymore."
"You know I always need you and always will," Kid whispered brushing his cheek against hers. "But you got to go back to your place?"
Louise closed her eyes at the sensations the contact with his skin made her feel. "I'm afraid so," she replied in a soft voice, trying to drown a moan which threatened to escape.
"You know, there ain't much difference from my condition yesterday and today, and you stayed yesterday," he started, running his hands along her back.
"Yeah…" Lou replied, suddenly opening her eyes, unsure of what he was up to.
"And Lightning really likes it here," Kid continued, putting great emphasis in his comment.
"Does she?" the girl let out with a smile, and the Southerner nodded vigorously.
"Animals should be able to be in the open, and she can exercise here more often than in the stables in town. You've been doing it every day, you know," Kid continued, trying to sound convinced of his arguments and persuasive enough for her.
"Are you trying to convince me to leave my horse behind and let her stay here with you?" Louise asked with a frown, surprised that Kid sounded so fond of Lightning all of the sudden. Of course he liked all horses, even that one who had knocked him off to the ground, but she knew what the reasons for his sudden interest were. If her horse was to stay on the ranch, she'd have to come here to see her. The notion that he'd have to make use of these silly antics was simply ridiculous. She'd come to the ranch to see him. Didn't he know that?
"No, I'm trying to convince you to stay," Kid blurted out, and Lou's eyes widened in surprise. "Please Lou, don't go. This place… It won't be the same without you."
Louise wanted to shout yes, but a little voice in her head prevented her from doing so. She didn't want to leave his side either, but the idea that things were going too fast scared her. To stay with Kid while he had been sick was fine by her, but to decide to move in and live with him permanently as if they were husband and wife was something too big to digest so suddenly. Besides, he hadn't mentioned anything about marriage, and although that word scared her even more, she felt a bit hurt and disappointed in that sense. "Kid, I don't know," Louise finally said. "It ain't very proper."
"Lou, you're always saying that you don't care about what is proper," Kid insisted. "I love you and you love me. That's all that matters, ain't it?"
"I know, but I don't want us to make a mistake for rushing into something we might not be ready for," Louise explained faintly.
"I'm sure it ain't a mistake," the young man continued stubbornly. Louise looked at him doubtfully, and when it was clear she didn't intend to speak, Kid urged her. "Come on, Lou. What do you say?"
"Well," she replied slowly, "how about we take one day at a time? I'll stay on tonight, and we'll see what tomorrow will bring. How does that sound?"
"It sounds perfect," Kid replied with a smile. He really couldn't ask for much more right now. He knew his proposition had scared Louise, but at least she had accepted in her own way. As a matter of fact, Kid hadn't planned to ask her to stay, but when she mentioned she was leaving, something had been triggered in his mind. He felt he couldn't be content with seeing her briefly every day. His house would feel too big and lonely without her. Kid hoped that one day he could ask her to marry him. They belonged together; he didn't have a single doubt about it, but he knew Lou needed time and space. She was right, it wasn't very proper to share a bed out of wedlock, but he didn't care any longer. His love and desire for Lou were stronger than any sense of propriety he had.