Chapter 48

It was late in the afternoon when they made it to Rock Creek. They had spent the previous night in the open on the outskirts of Blue Creek. Lou would have preferred to spend the night in the local hotel as nights were getting very cold, and she had feared the children might catch a chill. Yet, the hotel was packed since there was a carnival in town, so they hadn't had any other option than to sleep in the open. The couple had prepared the back of the buckboard with enough warm blankets so that the two siblings didn't have to sleep on the cold and hard ground. Jeremiah had grouched, saying that he wasn't a little girl like Theresa and wanted to be a man like Kid was and sleep on the ground, but Lou had stood firm and made him stop his flow of protests. Even though the young man had tried to convince her to bed down with her siblings on the back of the wagon, Louise had refused his suggestion flatly. It wouldn't harm her or the baby if she slept on the ground. Besides, she didn't want to pass the opportunity to spend the night between Kid's arms. It would be their last chance to sleep together before the wedding; they had decided to live apart while they weren't husband and wife. Therefore, Louise wanted to cherish this last night and have it as a memory to turn to in those lonely ones that were to follow.

The ranch came into sight and with a big smile Kid said, "Welcome home, children."

"Is this it?" Jeremiah asked, rising to his feet on the rear of the wagon to get a better view of the place.

"Yeah. Do you like it?" Lou questioned, turning her head back to her siblings.

"Sure I do!" Jeremiah exclaimed, taking every single detail in as they made their way into the property.

"I like it too!" Theresa nodded enthusiastically next to her brother.

"Glad to hear that," Kid replied, relieved that the first impression they had was a good one. It worried him that Jeremiah and Theresa wouldn't feel happy living with them. He didn't want them to think that he was trying to steal their sister's affection from them or that he resented their presence. During the whole ride to Rock Creek Kid had done his best to reassure them and kept telling them that they were part of this family and that he had always counted on them living on the ranch.

Kid wanted to make them feel welcome and at ease, and since the moment they had left Saint Joseph, he continually told them everything about the ranch, how they were going to have their own room each, even their own horse. Sharp as Louise was, she had noticed his eagerness to please the two children and had instantly asked him to take it easy and not to worry. She assured him that the children would be fine and love the life they were ready to offer them. Yet, Kid couldn't help but feel a bit concerned and he wouldn't feel relieved till he could see with his own eyes that the siblings were fine with their new situation.

"Seems you got visitors," Lou's voice snapped him out of his reverie.

Squinting his eyes he saw the boys, Teaspoon and Rachel standing next to his corral and were waving at them since they must already have noticed them coming. Kid stopped the wagon next to the group while Buck said, "Welcome home!"

The couple greeted everybody, and Kid handed the reins to Jimmy. Jumping onto the ground, the Southerner rounded the carriage to help Lou get off. "You've come a bit late, Kid," Cody said, getting close to them.

"Yeah, we had to take a detour. The pass at Eagle Canyon was blocked," Kid explained while he gave a hand to the children and when he turned back to Lou, he noticed that she was sending him a strange look. "Uh… I sent them a telegram requesting them to wait for us today at the ranch. There's something we got to tell them, ain't there?"

Louise smiled sheepishly. She now understood where Kid had sneaked off to when they had stopped to buy some victuals in Cottonwood. He had excused himself while she and the children had gone to the general store, and the mystery was that he had gone to the telegraph office.

"And here we are!" Teaspoon announced cheerfully.

"This better be good, Kid," Jimmy added behind them. "Today is my day off, and I was supposed to be having my afternoon nap at this very moment."

"Son, I already told ya. You sleep too much," the marshal remarked. "Can't be that healthy if it prevents you from livin' life."

Louise and Kid exchanged coy smiles while the bickering continued between their friends who were helping to unload their luggage from the wagon. The two children looked at the four men and the blonde lady with big eyes. Neither said a word and Jeremiah seemed to be the one who was more taken by the group of people that his sister and Kid were friends with. The first one he noticed was the marshal, whose badge brightly shone on his chest under the afternoon sun. Everybody knew that lawmen were the real heroes here in the west, and even though Marshal Hunter didn't really match the image he had of those heroes, he was thrilled to make his acquaintance nevertheless.

The long-haired fella the marshal was squabbling with looked a bit severe, and despite the guns hanging low at each side of his hips, nobody seemed to mind it. He surely was one of those gunslingers that Jeremiah had read so many stories about, and the boy just couldn't stop staring at his gleaming revolvers. Jeremiah swore to himself that someday he'd be able to shoot as straight as the best. Of course he was sure Louise wouldn't let him come near a gun, but secretly the boy hoped he could convince Kid to teach him. Jeremiah knew that he would never get his sister to change her mind about that point and only Kid would be able to shift her position.

The blonde man who was now talking to Kid also wore a revolver in his holster. Jeremiah could guess that he was a soldier since he was wearing one of those blue uniforms army officers had. Sister Amelia had told them about the war ravaging in the east, and the men from both sides who had joined the conflict. Every day at school and at mealtimes they had prayed for those men in the middle of battlefields and their families. Jeremiah wondered why this one was here, instead of fighting the war. He looked like a funny and interesting fella.

The last man in the group impressed Jeremiah the most. He was a real Indian. Jeremiah had heard many stories about Indians all his life, but he had never seen one for real. People told the most terrible stories about them, but this one didn't look very frightening or fierce. On the contrary, he seemed quite affable and was having a relaxed and amicable conversation with Louise.

Lou introduced each of the men to the two children. Jeremiah was clearly thrilled to say the least. He didn't know that his big sister had such interesting friends and suddenly, she appeared like a new person in his eyes. Apart from her bonds to Kid, Jeremiah hadn't known much about her life in Rock Creek and had thought that she was just his boring elder sister, but suddenly, she wasn't so uninteresting anymore. After the men, Lou introduced the children to the blonde woman and when she mentioned that Mrs. Dunne was one of the ladies running the school, Jeremiah definitely knew that he was going to like it here so much better than at the orphanage. Mrs. Dunne was the most beautiful woman Jeremiah had set eyes on, so different from Sister Genevieve, his all-time teacher. He knew that he'd enjoy going to school much more knowing that he would be taught by such a lovely lady.

The group of adults and children headed for the house while making small talk. Like usual Cody filled them in with the last report of the doctor concerning the wound on his knee. He still had a slight limp, but he boasted that he'd soon be back to good health and ready to fight. They all filed into the house and as they settled in the lounge, Jimmy couldn't hold his curiosity any longer and said, "Come on, Kid. Tell us your big news. Don't keep us guessing."

"Yeah, what is it?" Buck added. They all had a pretty fair idea of what Kid wanted to tell them, especially when the couple had shown up with Lou's two siblings in tow.

Kid sent Lou a knowing look and passing an arm over her shoulders he ran his eyes between their friends, who stared back at him with expecting faces. He cleared his throat nervously and after a beat he said, "Lou and I … well … we're getting married."

His shy announcement was followed by a myriad of cheers and congratulations. They all came to hug the couple while the two children laughed and clapped their hands cheerfully. "It's about high time!" Buck exclaimed, patting his friend on the back. The group gathered around the couple just in front of the fireplace.

"So when's the wedding?" Rachel asked.

"We would like it to take place three weeks from now," Lou replied with a big smile.

"Three weeks?" the blonde woman exclaimed as if she had been hit on the head. "But, Louise, there's so much to prepare and we won't have enough time to …"

"Rachel, we don't care for nothing too fanciful, just a nice, little wedding," Lou explained.

"We don't want to wait," Kid added while he mentally said 'actually we can't wait'. Turning his attention to the marshal he continued, "We thought you could marry us, Teaspoon. We couldn't think of anybody better."

"And I'm honored to do so," Teaspoon replied with an ample smile. Nobody could deny that Kid was beyond happy and the marshal was glad that after their share of bad luck with women, one of his boys had finally found a good girl to settle down with.

"It's gonna be the greatest wedding that Rock Creek has ever seen," Jimmy remarked gaily.

"And we should start making arrangements as soon as possible," Rachel added, still worried that they didn't have enough time for all that. The comments of all of them succeeded when suddenly silence ensued as steps resounded in the lounge. The couple turned to see Doritha walk in with a dignified pose.

"Kid…" she greeted curtly, tipping her head politely and ignoring Louise purposefully. "Seems congratulations are in order, aren't they?"

"Uh… thank you," he replied awkwardly, rubbing his neck as he did when he didn't feel at ease. "Uh… we're having a little dinner here to celebrate. Will you care to join us?"

Doritha lifted her chin in a proud stance and replied with a stilted demure, "Yes. Why not? Unluckily I don't have many other options."

After that comment, Doritha left the lounge without sparking a look at anybody. Rachel and Louise exchanged a glance that spoke louder than words. With the excitement of the last days and all the changes coming their way, Louise and Kid hadn't talked about Doritha and how unsuitably her presence fit in their relationship. Lou didn't want to push him and make him feel cornered with her insecurities. She just hoped that realization dawned on him, and he did something to save them from putting up with that nasty woman. Louise felt very uncomfortable knowing that Doritha was sleeping under the same roof as her future husband. Kid had told her how Doritha had made passes at him the same night Lou had left the house. He had assured her that he had stopped things then and there, but Louise still thought that the sooner Doritha was out of the house, the better.

Doritha's cold presence didn't manage to dampen the jolly atmosphere in the dining room. Lou felt so excited and elated that she didn't pay any heed to the woman sitting with a solemn air at the table where they were all celebrating their engagement. Rachel had taken the trouble of coming to the ranch earlier and fixing dinner for when they arrived from Saint Joseph. They all enjoyed a lovely evening, and after the beautiful meal her friend had prepared, Lou volunteered to make some coffee when the men moved to the lounge. As she was filling the pot with water, Rachel walked into the kitchen after her. The lady squeezed her shoulder affectionately and both women exchanged smiles.

Lou started to brew the coffee on the stove while Rachel placed some cups and saucers on a tray. The woman cleared her throat to draw her friend's attention and when she did, she didn't beat around the bush any longer. "So, Louise, did you go and see a doctor in St. Joseph?" The girl simply nodded and Rachel insisted, "And?"

"Come June I'm gonna have a baby," Lou stated and couldn't help but to let out a giggle.

"I gather you're happy about it." Louise answered by smiling brightly, and Rachel threw her arms around her in a hug. "Congratulations honey. I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you," Louise replied as they pulled away, unable to erase the smile that had settled on her lips since the moment Kid had proposed to her.

"Does Kid know he's gonna be a daddy?" Rachel asked even though she could guess the answer.

"Yeah, of course he does, and I don't know who's more excited at the prospect, him or me," Lou replied.

"I could imagine so. It's nice to have such good news for a change." The comment stirred bitter-sweet feelings in the girl, which plainly appeared on her so-far beaming face. Rachel noticed the change in her friend straightaway and asked, "Something wrong, Lou?"

"No… not really," Louise admitted with a sigh. "It's just … Ain't it too much too quickly? Actually, it kind of scares me. I'm afraid that all this ain't real and something really bad is lurking, waiting to hit us unexpectedly."

"Louise…" Rachel let out with a smile. "Stop worrying for nothing and enjoy what life has granted you both. Kid and you are two good and honest people, and you deserve that much happiness. You have nothing to fear."

"I know … it's silly, but this odd sensation keeps nagging me all the time."

"Forget it then, Louise. It's just the nerves talking," Rachel continued. She could understand where her friend's fears came from. For someone like Louise, who had to face a hard reality since very young, it was kind of difficult to accept that life was being generous to her and gave her a truce. "Just focus on the good things … your siblings, your fiancé and … of course the baby."

Louise nodded with a smile while she caressed her still flat stomach and added, "And Rachel … about the baby. Kid and I haven't told anyone yet, not even my siblings. We'd prefer to do it after the wedding."

"You know nobody's gonna judge you, honey," Rachel replied.

"Yes, but …"

"It's fine. You don't have to explain yourself," the blonde lady cut her off in mid sentence. "Your sweet secret is safe with me." Louise smiled her thanks and the woman added, "And now let's take this coffee to those men before there is a riot in your lounge." Louise laughed at the comment and without further delay they filed out of the kitchen, ignorant that while they had been sharing confidences a pair of eager blue eyes and sharp ears hadn't lost a single detail of the conversation between the two friends.

"I'm not sure if I'm gonna be able to wait three whole weeks to have you back here with me," Kid said as his arms encircled Lou's tiny waist. It was the end of the day, and they stood on the porch as Lou was about to leave for town. Theresa would stay in her rooms with her while Jeremiah would start living on the ranch from today on.

"I know what you mean," Louise replied, fully aware that she was going to miss Kid terribly. At least she'd have Theresa to keep her company and the notion that Jeremiah would be at the ranch, preventing that woman from being alone with Kid filled her with utter relief.

"Maybe we can push the wedding a bit forward," Kid offered, brushing his cheek against hers.

"And then Rachel will kill us for sure," Lou exclaimed among giggles. "Let's just leave things as they are."

The young man groaned unhappily and was about to protest when a shout interrupted his intentions. "Louise!" The couple turned their heads to see Theresa in the middle of the yard, her hands resting on her hips and her face showing that she was running out of patience. "When are we going? I'm tired," she let out in a whining tone.

"In a minute, honey," Lou replied and turning her attention back to Kid she said, "I gotta go now."

Kid nodded and after kissing her lips lightly he added in a whisper, "You take good care of yourself and … our baby."

Lou smiled coyly, amused at his overprotectiveness. He sounded as if she was about to set off on a trip to the end of the world. They started walking towards the wagon hand in hand. Kid helped the two girls onto the carriage and then handed the reins to Lou.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she said and spurred the horse into motion. When the wagon disappeared into the distance, Kid padded back into the house. He found Jeremiah in the lounge, sprawled on the sofa and nodding off. Kid shook him awake and urged him to go to bed. It was natural that the boy was exhausted after the long trip from St. Joseph. Jeremiah mumbled an almost incoherent good night and shuffled up the stairs towards his bedroom.

Kid decided to stay in the lounge for a bit and thus enjoy the quietness of the night. He felt like pondering about the happy events of the last few days; he hadn't really had the chance to quietly think about everything that lay before him. Lou was finally going to become his wife, and he just couldn't wait for that to happen. He hoped he could be a good husband to her. He'd do his best to treat her the way she deserved. These three weeks were going to be endless; actually if he could, he would marry her tomorrow, but Kid knew she'd want to have a proper wedding. They talked about having it simple, but still Lou would enjoy a few trimmings like a nice dress and a little reception, which they'd have at the ranch.

And they were going to have a baby! Since Lou had told him, Kid hadn't been able to think of anything else. He had always dreamt of having a real family and Lou was the only woman he wanted as the mother of his children. Naturally, her untimely pregnancy had caught him by surprise, but he already loved that baby with all his heart. Kid swore to himself that he'd fight for their baby not to have the kind of childhood he and Lou had to suffer.

Steps resounded in the stillness of the room snapped him out of his daydreaming as he saw Doritha step into the room. Just after the dinner they had shared with all his friends, Doritha had scurried to her bedroom and Kid hadn't seen her since.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" the woman asked.

"Please be my guest," Kid replied, beckoning her to sit on the armchair opposite him.

Doritha took the seat and they remained quiet for a few minutes. It was Doritha who broke the ice when she asked, "Are you really getting married, Kid?"

"Yes, I am."

"I see," the woman replied in a stiff tone.

They relapsed into silence once again and in those minutes Kid debated with himself how to say what he needed to tell her. He knew that whichever way he chose to do it, she wouldn't like it, so he decided to tackle the matter without more delay. "Doritha, there's something I need to tell you." The woman sent him a questioning look and Kid continued. "When Lou and I get married… we … uh … well, you must admit that it's understandable that we want to have some … you know … privacy."

"Are you kicking me out?" Doritha shrieked, her eyes as big as saucers and her face as red as a beetroot.

"It ain't like that!" Kid defended himself in the same loud tone. She should understand that he and Lou had been too soft and lenient with her, letting her stay after the stunt she had played on him a few days ago. "Marriage ain't a light matter and we'll need the time and space to adapt ourselves to the pace of married life."

"And what about those two brats?" Doritha insisted, not caring that she sounded like a spoiled brat herself.

Kid had to bite his tongue to repress the lashing ready to leave his lips on hearing the despicable way Doritha used to refer to Lou's siblings. "The children are part of our family," he stated firmly instead.

"Don't strain yourself, Kid, making up more poor excuses," Doritha replied scornfully. "You know, I wouldn't stay in this hole of yours even though you begged me on your knees. I don't need you. I have plenty of friends to turn to, but I thought you were special to me. That's why I came here. Seems I was wrong." Kid remained in silence, stoically enduring all the spiteful remarks Doritha was throwing his way. "As a matter of fact, I recently got a letter from the governor's niece in which she invites me to her place, and I'm more than willing to take up her offer."

"Good for you then," Kid replied through gritted teeth, trying not to feel affected by her words.

"All I'm sorry about is that a good man like you ends up with the likes of her."

"Doritha, please, will you lay off? I love Lou, which is more than you can say about Garth." Kid retorted as he rose to his feet, unable to stand still any longer.

"Seems I underestimated her and she's really a little sly bitch," the woman continued regardless of his words.

"Don't you dare insult her!" Kid barked pointing a finger at her, his face so hot that it looked as if it were about to burst.

Doritha didn't seem to hear anything he was saying and carried on with her tirade. "She's been very clever. Very clever indeed. An old trick but effective anyway, isn't it, Kid?" The young man sent her a confused look and she continued, "I heard her and Rachel talk. So she got herself pregnant and is forcing you into doing the right thing, isn't she?"

"Nobody's forcing me!" Kid barked angrily, looking daggers in her direction. "I told you, I love Lou and I want to marry her no matter the circumstances!"

Doritha guffawed and retorted in a sarcastic tone, "Please get a grip of yourself, man. It's not me who you have to convince. I just hope that you never regret your silliness." She paused briefly and ignoring his glares she added, "You'll have to excuse me for not staying for your dumb wedding. I'll leave on the stage the day after tomorrow."

"As you wish then," Kid snapped through clenched teeth and shooting her a glacial stare he didn't bother to say one more word and left the lounge like a bat out of hell, seething with sheer anger. He was so mad at himself for letting Doritha get to him and spoil the end of a wonderful day. He just had to focus on Lou, their wedding and the baby, and the rest could well go to hell. He wouldn't let Doritha play any more havoc in his life. No more.