Chapter 48
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - September 1874
Kid stirred awake at the creak of a floorboard, peeking open one eye to see who dared disrupt his afternoon nap. A grin spread across his face as he spotted two small feet tapping impatiently. His eyes moved up the tapered trousers and shapely legs, noticing the pistol hung around the narrow waist and hands on hips, an all too familiar stance.
"Well I see you are hard at work Sheriff." Louise teased, raising an eyebrow as she tipped his hat back to reveal his face.
Kid chuckled broadly and rose to meet her. "If someone has to interrupt my nap," he drawled, pulling her close for a kiss, "I'm glad it's you."
"Mmm, flattery will get you everywhere," Louise replied with a playful giggle, returning the kiss.
"It's a good thing you didn't wear those pants when we rode for the express." He spun her around, enjoying the tightly fitted seat of her pants.
"Kid!" Louise feigned surprise, though a smile betrayed her amusement. "Are you blushing?"
"Maybe just a touch," he admitted, wrapping her in a hug and planting another kiss on her cheek.
"What's got you all riled up today." She laughed.
"Truth is, you get me riled up every day," Kid confessed. "Just have to be careful with Jeremiah and Teresa around."
"So, a hotel room getaway sometime?" Louise suggested with a mischievous glint in her eye.
Kid let out a hearty laugh. "When are those two moving out again?"
"Speaking of family," Louise continued, "haven't we talked about having some of our own someday?"
"Well," Kid scratched his head jokingly, "how can we work on that with them taking up all the space?"
"The bedroom does have a door," Louise pointed out with a playful nudge.
"Sorry to interrupt, boss," the deputy said hesitantly. "Anything I need to take care of?"
"Not at all, Douglas," Kid replied, placing a hand on Louise's shoulder. "We're just heading out for a walk around town."
"Any word from Buck yet?" Louise asked, letting Kid take her hand as they strolled down the boardwalk.
"Nope," Kid replied.
"Vee's getting restless," Louise said with a sigh. "She's climbing the walls."
"Well, that might be better than her kissin' Jeremiah in the barn again." Kid chuckled.
"Oh, Kid," Louise nudged him playfully. "Remember how we were back then?"
"Honestly, honey," Kid said with a wink, "I can't remember life before you."
"You charmer," Louise replied, squeezing his hand.
"Seriously though," Kid continued, a touch of concern in his voice, "I'm worried about Jeremiah and Violette. She's young and sheltered, and Jeremiah hasn't seen much of the world either."
"True," Louise agreed.
"They are moving too fast," Kid said, worried about the potential consequences.
"I spoke to Jeremiah," Louise said. "But I don't think it's my place to talk to Violette."
"Hopefully Buck bringing her sister back will cool things down," Kid said with a sigh.
"Actually," Louise began, "I overheard their conversation the other day."
"What did they say?" Kid asked, eyebrows raised.
"Violette mentioned wanting to stay here," Louise explained. "She wants to get to know Buck beter."
"And Jeremiah, I presume?" Kid added with a knowing look.
"Maybe we need to sit down with the both of them and establish courting rules." Louise conceded.
Kid nodded in agreement. "Think we would have listened when we were young?" he asked with a laugh.
"We were older and had more experience," Louise pointed out. "Jeremiah's barely lived outside the orphanage, and Violette seems very sheltered too."
"I don't think that girl has ever seen the outside of her house."
"She is a sweet girl." Louise shook her head.
"I ain't saying she ain't." Kid nodded. "She's a pretty girl too, but she's a little strange is all."
"Strange?" Louise looked up at him curriously. "How so?"
"I'm just sayin', she don't know how to wash dishes, cook, clean."
"You sayin' that's all a woman is good for?" She arched an eyebrow at him.
"Louise, don't you put words in my mouth." He sighed. "It's just she don't seem to know much other than what she's read in a book."
"Give her a chance Kid." Louise pulled him to a stop and kissed his cheek. "I gotta get dinner started. Maybe I'll teach Vee and let her cook dinner!"
"Please, Lou no!" Kid called out and laughed. "It took you a year to stop burning the biscuits."
"I'll remember that Kid!" She waved goodbye as she hurried off towards home.