Dance

by SaddleSmith

It has been three years since the Express dissolved and war divided the riders, sending them on different paths. In that time, Jimmy has struggled to come to terms with what happened to his family and the way he left things with the two most important people in his life. Will he finally have a chance to heal the breach and shake the weight of his regret? He's determined to try.

13. Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen:

A few days later, Jimmy found Lou sitting on a haybale in the barn, staring off into another time or place. He sat down beside her but didn't speak. They hadn't spoken of anything of consequence since that night in the bunkhouse. He wasn't sure how long they both sat there, each lost in their own thoughts and memories of a time gone by. Eventually, it was Lou who broke the silence that passed between them.

"Remember that run we took to Willow Springs?"

"You mean the one where I almost got you killed?"

She smacked him playfully on the chest. "No! The one where you took me out for dinner, and we waltzed together in the street."

"I think I recall."

"I'm not sure I ever thanked you for that night. Dancing with you under those stars reminded me what it felt like to be a woman. Reminded me what it felt like to be with someone who made me feel special. Reminded me of my own worth. Kid and I had gotten off track because I had forgotten all those things. Maybe both of us had. We found our way back to each other because you helped me remember."

"I was happy to oblige." He spoke the words without irony but with perhaps a twinge of regret.

"I'm always going to love him, you know. He'll always be a part of me."

"I know. He's a part of me, too."

They sat in silence for a moment.

"You promised him you'd let me love you. Do you think you can do that, Lou? When the time is right? Can you let me love you like I always wanted to? Like I always have, really. I've spent too many years fightin' it, but I don't want to have to fight it anymore."

Jimmy stood and reached for her hand. She went to him willingly, accepting his embrace.

"We both know I've never been very good at followin' orders, but I think I can try." He could hear the smile in her voice as she spoke against his chest. He chuckled softly, and they swayed together gently in the soft light filtering in from the hayloft above.

"So, what do we do now?" Lou asked tentatively.

Jimmy pulled her closer and the edge of his mouth turned up in just the hint of a grin.

"I guess we dance."