Chapter 50

Butte Meadows, Nebraska - September 1874

Teresa shoved a large bite of chocolate cake into her mouth, washing it down with milk. "I don't see why I couldn't stay for the talk," she mumbled through a mouthful of cake.

Kid smiled and reached back, smoothing Teresa's hair down her back. "You'll be getting the talk soon enough, honey."

"Not if I don't want to get married," she rolled her eyes, finally swallowing the cake.

"Someday you might change your mind about boys," Louise teased, her voice laced with amusement.

Teresa shook her head dramatically. "Not if all boys' feet smell like Jeremiah's."

"Hey!" Kid feigned offense. "My feet don't smell like Jeremiah's."

Louise burst out laughing. "No, they're worse!"

Teresa stuck her tongue out at Kid. "No one's feet are worse than Jeremiah's."

Kid ruffled her hair playfully. "Well, thanks a lot, Tea."

"Alright," Louise said, taking charge. "Finish your cake, then put your plate on the counter. Wash your teeth and face before bed."

Teresa looked hopeful. "Can I stay up and read if I'm in my room?"

"Sure, honey." Louise opened the front door for Jeremiah, who lingered awkwardly standing next to Violette. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a butter knife.

"What's going on?" Jeremiah finally blurted, his gaze darting between his sister and Kid.

Kid offered a reassuring smile. "Have a seat, Jeremiah." He gestured towards the empty chair across from him.

Louise echoed his sentiment, beckoning Violette to join them. "Violette, why don't you take a seat too, honey."

Jeremiah settled into the chair, a frown creasing his forehead. "Why do I feel like we're in trouble and we ain't done nothin'?" He mumbled, suspicion lacing his voice.

Chuckling softly, Kid dispelled his worries. "You ain't in trouble."

"We just want to talk to both of you, together," Louise explained, her voice calm and measured. After placing a slice of chocolate cake in front of each of them, she settled beside her husband. "Vee, since your sister ain't here, we felt it's our responsibility to step in and offer some guidance while she's gone."

Violette's eyes widened in alarm. "Is something wrong with Gabrielle?" She gasped, her voice trembling slightly. "Did you hear from Buck? Is that why they're late?"

"No, sweetie, nothing like that," Louise reassured her, squeezing Violette's hand gently.

"We know you want to stay here in Butte Meadows after your sister goes home," Louise began, her voice taking on a more serious tone.

Kid interjected, placing a hand on Louise's arm. "If your sister allows it, of course."

Louise nodded in agreement. "Right, if you stay, and considering you and Jeremiah seem quite fond of each other, we feel we should set some ground rules for your courtship."