Alter Ego

by C.C.

Chapter 14

They gathered together behind the livery. Knowing the only way to prove Kid’s innocence was to find Joe and bring him back. Buck, Noah and Cody decided to try and track him, how they didn’t quite know. They’d need to talk to Kid if they could, maybe Joe mentioned his plans.

Fear threatening to overcome Lou she held on to Jimmy, needing the strength from him. He held her and tried to soothe her “come on Lou....we gotta think straight if we’re gonna help him. Now one of us needs to get in there and see if Kid can tell us where Joe was headin’.... come on what.....”his words cut short by
her interuption.

“I think I might know somethin’ that might work” she eyed each of them shyly, not really sure she had the strength to go through with it.

After hearing her plan Jimmy began to protest, remembering what happened last time she posed as a saloon girl to get the Sheriff’s attention off of Kid and on to her.

“Come on Jimmy, if I can get inside I can use some of the indian sign, it’s been a while since we’ve used it with Ike gone, but I’m sure it’ll work. If I can pull it off and Kid knows where Joe might be headed, then we’ll have a much better chance of getting him, you know yourself they’d spend too much time if they don’t even have a clue in which direction he was headed....and if we just ask Kid, that Sheriff will try and stop us, he already thinks we’re trouble.”

Much to his disagreement, the others all agreed it was probably the only way. He shook his head as he began to understand why the Kid had worried so much about her, he felt the need to care for her now, now that the Kid wasn’t in any place to be doing it.

She quickly purchased a dress and sweet-talked one of the saloon girls into helping her make herself up. It only took a few moments and she had quickly conformed into a rather beautiful saloon girl. Wearily Jimmy walked a little of the way to the jail, reluctantly letting her continue alone when they got close enough
to the office. “Kid’s gonna kill me if he’ get’s outta this alive” he muttered as he turned to take his seat to await her.

She gathered her courage and without a second thought swung the door open. “Howdy!” she exaggerated her voice.

Kid immediately turned as he heard her enter. Sitting on the edge of the cot he suddenly remembered the time not too long ago she had played this same role to save his butt. He shuttered remembering what Lambert had done to her, he’d kill Jimmy if he ever got out of this for letting her do it again.

“Well hello” Sheriff Wood smiled broadly as he watched the saloon girl he didn’t recognize approach him. She perched herself on his lap “I’m new in town....some of the girls told me I might want to introduce myself to ya....you know ‘protection’ they say....” she laughed.

Bewildered he shifted to make more room for her, his deputies smiling lustily at the saloon girl. His mind filling with thoughts, this was the kind of girl Joe should have killed. Not his daughter, she certainly didn’t deserve the kind of death she suffered. It was this kind of girl that deserved that. Maybe he’d show her....... he tried to kiss her.

“No, no...now I don’t have but a few minutes, I’m only on a break.... I just wanted to drop by. My name’s Tess and I hope to be seein’ you around” she stood,
much to the Sheriff disappointment.

“Who’s your prisoner?” she asked innocently, eyeing the Kid...signing her question, hoping he understood. Kid watched her closely, trying to calm his nerves and
the anger he was feeling toward her right now for taking chances.

“Don’t you worry about him.....he’ll be taken care of soon enough” the Sheriff continued to grin maliciously, trying to grab her waist to bring her back to his lap. She playfully slapped at his shoulder “now, now....I told you....I’ve gotta get back to work, but I’m sure I’ll be seeing you real soon.....”

She casually brushed by the jail cell and had to give the Kid a second look wondering if he really signed Sweetwater. She sauntered out of the office. Sheriff Wood smiling at the deputies, he’d surely get to know that little saloon girl.

Kid was silently grateful that Joe was such a talker. He guessed that he must have felt no threat from Kid, filling him in on his plans. Figuring he’d be dead, and even if he did blab no one would believe him anyway.

He realized that the boys were going to try and find Joe.....he knew this was his only chance, he understood no judge or jury would believe his unbelievable tale.

With her new found information she rushed to meet the other’s behind the livery where Buck, Noah and Cody hurriedly mounted and headed back to Sweetwater. They decided that Joe probably waited to be sure that Kid had been found, then since they didn’t pass him on their way into town he was staying off the regular trail. Well they knew all the shortcuts, they’d beat him there...or they hoped they would.

Jimmy and Lou spent the rest of the day staying clear of the jail. They heard the town gossip though. The Sheriff had sent for the circuit judge, requesting expedition due to the seriousness of Joe’s crimes. The judge sent word back that he would leave right away, considering Joe was being tried for the murder and rape of the Sheriff’s own daughter and the judge and Sheriff were old time friends.

Cringing as she heard the talk Lou knew the oly chance the Kid had was if the others found Joe and could get him back to Danton by tomorrow noon. An image of Kid swinging from the end of a rope crept into her mind. Jimmy sensing her uneasiness led her out of the restaurant where they were trying to eat...they retrieved their horses and headed out of town, just to get away from the gossip.

Lou was quiet and Jimmy gave her the distance she needed. He couldn’t really think of anything to say to ease her fears anyway. He wished he had some master plan. He did know one thing though, as long as he was alive the Kid would not hang, he may get killed himself trying to save him, but he’d be damned if he’d just sit back and watch his best friend die for somebody elses crimes. He knew all too well what it felt like to have people think you’re something you’re not. No, he couldn’t let it happen.

Cody, Noah and Buck made record time getting back to Sweetwater. After filling Rachel and Teaspoon in on the happenings they decided to try and make things
look as normal as possible. None of them knew why Joe would come back to the station, now that he was seemingly free, but that’s what Kid had said and that
was really all they had to go on. They could only hope that Joe would walk right into their hands.

Chapter 15

Joe had gotten lost a few times riding back to Sweetwater, not used to the back trails he was trying to stay on. He finally decided just to find the express trail and use it. He was ready to finish his business at Sweetwater and get on with his new found life. He’d find Louise, apologize for his behavior yesterday and get her alone again. He’d have the few things of Kid’s he planned to take with him packed so he could leave as soon as he was through with her. His excitement level was growing, his life as John Jacobs almost tangible now.

It was late as he entered the outskirts of Sweetwater. He decided to stop at the hotel to pick up the few things he had left behind. He just couldn’t resist the temptation stay at the saloon for a few drinks. Surely this town understood a man getting ready to be married needing a few drinks.

It was getting very late and those left at the station began to worry that Joe was not coming back. Maybe he was smarter than they thought. Trying to decide what
their next step would be they heard the sound of an approaching horse. Not wanting to raise any suspicions Rachel met him outside; noticing his state she reprimanded him just like she would have the Kid. He wanted to tell her to shut the hell up, but he bit his tongue. “Where’s Lou” he questioned with a slight slur.

“In her room.... I think she’s still pretty mad at you. Don’t know what you did this time Kid...but I suggest you get yourself in here and make up....I’ve not seen her this upset before” she lied.

Joe immediately entered the house and knocked on Louise’s door. Not hearing a response he looked at Rachel questioningly. “Go on in Kid...she’s just mad”
she stated compassionately.

He took a deep breath, ready to grovel to convince her it was okay to be alone with him. Slowly he opened the door seeing the lit lantern but Lou was nowhere in
sight. He walked all the way into the room when suddenly the door slammed behind him and three guns were pointed at his face. Shuttering he tried to fool the boys.

“What......what are ya’ll doin’?” he tried to joke. “She didn’t call ya’ll for protection did she?” He grew more and more nervous as no one would answer him.

“Come on Cody....what...what are ya’ll up to?” he stuttered as his world began to collapse around him. He lunged for Noah who was the closest to him. Cody
immediately hit him on the head with the butt of his gun, rendering him unconscious. They called for Rachel and Teaspoon who came in with ropes and a gag.
Rolling him over they all marveled at how much he looked like the Kid, it was kind of spooky, Rachel shivered.

In just a few minutes they were ready to ride again, it would take longer traveling at night but it was better than waiting until dawn The moon had decided to stay hidden tonight, making it even harder to travel. They knew if they could get half of it done by dawn they could easily be in Danton by noon. They’d miss the trial, but not the hanging that they all knew was going to happen.

Joe remained unconscious as they heaved him over the back of a new horse, giving Katy a well deserved rest.

Rachel and Teaspoon stood on the porch as they headed out. “Ride safe boys” she whispered. “And bring Kid home safe and sound” Teaspoon added. In the morning he’d wire the Sheriff of Danton and try to explain and vouch for Lou and the boys.

Rachel sighed and relaxed into Teaspoon’s reassuring embrace. “If anybody can do it ... our boys can” he told her.

She smiled at him gratefully, knowing the truth lay behind his words.

The sun rose that morning regardless of Lou’s endless pleading with the night not to end, not until the boys returned with Joe. But the cruel morning did not heed
her request, the sky lightening and no signs of Cody, Noah and Buck caused her insides to ache. The pain so physical she thought she’d be sick.

She watched from across the street as the Sheriff and a deputy entered the jail to only emerge a few moments later with Kid, in handcuffs, being pushed ahead of
them. She had to fight the urge to run to him, she’d not do anything until they tried to hang him. She’d probably be killed herself trying to be sure he wouldn’t hang, but she had decided in the late evening hours last night that life without him meant nothing. She didn’t care if she died, she just didn’t want him to swing from the end of a rope. It was a drastic step but she had decided that before the hangman had a chance she’d take aim for his heart. She’d be sure he died instantly, she knew this would surely get her killed. She was sorry that her family would grieve for them, but she also knew they’d go on and eventually get over their loss. She’d never get over losing him, she prayed that just on the other side of this life they’d meet each other and their souls would be joined eternally.

Kid was given an opportunity to speak at his trial but it was almost as useless as not speaking at all. The towns folk laughing aloud at his story. Jimmy and Lou
stayed in the background trying to catch his attention without letting the Sheriff see them. Lou couldn’t begin to imagine how alone he must feel right now. Thinking they had all abandoned him, she wanted to rush to him and hold him. But she knew it was best if they kept their presence low until the others returned. And they would, she had to believe they would.

It only took a few moments for the judge to pronounce Kid guilty of all charges. “You are sentenced to hang at noon today for the crimes you have committed” he
spoke solemnly.

Kid was not surprised by the verdict or the sentence, but hearing it, sitting here with all of these people he didn’t know jeering him and applauding the judges sentencing made him have to fight the bile which was rising in his throat. He had a little over five hours to live. He just couldn’t really believe it. Yes, he knew for sure that it would happen, but he was feeling almost like this was happening to somebody else, not him. His mind beginning to numb he felt himself pulled and pushed out of the town hall. Just as he was about to be pushed through the door he spied Lou. She was sitting next to Jimmy, his arms around her and she was openly weeping. Not caring who saw her, her heart was breaking and his too felt like it was being ripped apart.

He was terrified of what he was facing, but seeing her crumbling in Jimmy’s arms was almost as horrible. His arms ached to hold her one last time, tell her how
much he loved and needed her. He would love to have a chance to tell her to go on with her life, to meet someone and have the life they had dreamed of. But he
knew he wouldn’t get that chance.

He couldn’t really blame the Sheriff for hating him. Joe did rape and kill his daughter. Kid was sure that if he had lived and he and Lou had a daughter he would
have killed her attacker with his bare hands. No, the Sheriff was only acting like any father would. He’d make his peace with God and be ready, he only hoped
Lou wouldn’t stay around to watch. Surely Jimmy knew enough to get her out of town before noon.

As soon as the sun had risen the riders increased their pace. Joe began to stir and tried to slow them by falling off his horse. Stopping quickly they hauled him back into the saddle and tied him in place, they didn’t have time to mess with and they’d not let Kid or Lou down.

Jimmy and Lou paced nervously, just out of the town limits. Jimmy checking his pocket watch every few minutes. As the time quickly ticked by and noon got closer and closer they spoke less and less. Each going over their own plans to free the Kid, or at least spare him from the rope. At quarter to noon Jimmy sighed dejectedly and tenderly took Lou’s hand. “You stay here Lou, I don’t want you......”

“No way Jimmy....don’t even try it” she warned him. “Let’s go.” She felt her courage strengthening. Yes, she was ready for this now. She said a silent goodbye
to her family and hoped they understood her need to handle things this way.

The crowd had gathered around the newly erected gallows. Lou didn’t understand people’s fascination with it. Mothers, children, old people, why would anyone want to willingly watch anybody hang, she thought. She had to fight the feelings of hate building up inside of her toward the onlookers.

She and Jimmy found a place with a clear view (or shot they both thought unbeknownst to the other) and watched silently as the Sheriff and judge led Kid out
of the office to the gallows.

Lou noted that he looked prepared for this, her heart aching realizing he had spent the last five hours preparing himself to die alone. She watched him as he climb the steps of the platform and as the hooded hangman placed the rope over his head and tightened it around his neck. Her heart racing, she’d have to have perfect time and aim to assure he didn’t suffer.

He spotted her and their eyes locked, speaking to each other through only a look. She read his peace and he seemed to understand too that she had come to some sort of peace. He smiled at her, letting her know how much she meant to him and how thankful he was that she had been a part of his life.

Asked by the Reverend if he had any last words Kid merely shook his head. What he would say to these people meant nothing, they’d not believe anything.

The Reverend, Sheriff and judge stepped back to indicate to the hangman to proceed. Lou and Jimmy simultaneously drew and aimed their guns. “Forgive me
Kid” she whispered.

Chapter 16

They were so intent on making the shot, Jimmy aiming at the rope and Lou taking aim directly at Kid’s heart that they barely heard the hollering and shooting that
had erupted. As the noise got louder and louder Jimmy and Lou along with the crowd turned to focus on the group of riders fast approaching the gallows.

What happened in the next few seconds wasn’t clear to Lou, she heard chaos and shouting and suddenly without thinking she ran blindly toward the platform and up the steps, flinging herself at the Kid. Embracing him, kissing him, thanking God for the miracle she quickly loosened the noose and removed it from his neck.

But almost as quickly as she had embraced him, she was pulled from him. “Just a damn minute...” the Sheriff bellowed trying to get control of the crowd. Noah and Cody had pushed the resisting real Joe toward to platform, the crowd gasping as they saw his face. The Sheriff was frazzled, not believing what he was seeing.

The riders all tried to speak at once and the Sheriff was only getting more and more angry at his loss of control. By now Joe should be dangling from the end of a rope and instead of justice he was looking dead at two Joe Jacobs! He needed some time to sort through this mess.

“Now hold on....everyone just hold on!” he was yelling at the riders and the crowd. “I don’t know what the hell’s goin’ on or what kind of trick this is.....” He
paused, glaring at Kid and Joe. “But I intend to get to the bottom of it...now ya’ll go back to your homes, I’ll make sure you know before we hang somebody!”

He waited while the mumbling crowd dispersed, only to be left facing the two identical men and the five others who had pestered him since yesterday morning.

As they each began to speak again he once again shut them up. “Now I’m just gonna take ‘em both back to jail while I sort through this mess” he waved his
hands to indicate he was through listening to them. As they all continued to try and protest the Sheriff pushed Kid back toward the stairs as one of his deputies took Joe from Noah and Cody’s hold.

“Kid” Lou yelled and both men turned to look at her. Joe realized the only chance he had was to make the Sheriff think he was the Kid.

“I’m tellin’ you boys.....and girl” he finally recognized Lou as a girl, “to leave me the hell alone!” Trudging toward the jail the Sheriff was trying to make sense of the situation. Maybe these friends were just trying to get Joe free...maybe he had the right man all along. How would he ever know which was the real Joe Jacobs, he couldn’t trust this bunch of boys and a love-struck girl to tell him the truth.

He threw both men in separate jail cells. Joe maintaining his innocence, telling the Sheriff how he’d been framed by his outlaw twin brother. Kid remained quiet, hoping the Sheriff was as wise as Solomon. He laughed solemnly to himself, he hadn’t thought about that old bible story in years.

Under great protest he escorted everybody but his deputies out of his office. “Now...I need to think, ya’ll just go on...get away from here” he grunted, rubbing his forehead worriedly. How the hell was he gonna be sure he had gotten the right man?

He began to question the men. Who was the girl? Who were the other riders? Where was he from? Joe and Kid answering almost simultaneously.The door to the office opened and the Sheriff looked up to see the clerk at the telegraph office. “Sorry to interrupt sir...” he stuttered, clearly intimidated by the Sheriff, “but this just came for you....says it’s high priority.”

The Sheriff read the telegram and sat back with his eyes closed. Kid and Joe both watching him closely. What was the telegram and who was it from?

He called his deputy over and after a few whispered words the deputy walked to Kid’s cell and opened the door. Almost beside himself with joy he was quickly
reminded that he was still a prisoner. The Sheriff wanted to ask him a few things in private.

After a few questions the Sheriff nodded and the deputy then released Joe who was grinning like a Cheshire cat. He thought he was home free as he watched the deputy place Kid in the cell Joe had just left.

After a few brief questions Joe was returned to the cell Kid had been in.

“Somebody go get those boys and bring ‘em here for a minute, will ya?” he ordered his deputies.

No sooner had he issued the order when they all appeared in his doorway. Shaking his head and eyeing the two prisoners he sighed “which ever one of you is
the Kid.....or John Jacobs.... you sure have some devoted family.” However he watched the girl closely, he’d have to fully rely on her without her knowledge
to make sure he had the right man.

Lou immediately approached the jail cell which Kid had been placed in before they were made to leave. Placing her hands on the bars Joe approached her
smiling. Willing himself to look at her the way Kid did. He placed his hands on hers and in a low, husky voice spoke her name. “Lou.”

She looked up into the eyes, the eyes she had searched days before. Looking for her Kid, her lover. Once again she saw only despair and hopelessness. She
gasped as she quickly freed herself from his grasp. “What the hell’s...going....on” she stuttered.

She turned to the next jail cell. There he was, there was Kid. She felt a slight sob escape her as she grabbed the bars of his jail cell. “Kid” she whispered.

He looked at her, his eyes telling her everything. This was him, the man she loved, the man that loved her. She kissed him through the bars. “Lou, I...I “ was all he could say before the Sheriff approached the entranced couple.

“You’re free to go” he announced as he unlocked the jail cell. Unsure he heard the Sheriff correctly Kid didn’t move at first. Lou was just as shocked and also stood motionless.

“Well, go on you two....according to my old friend Teaspoon Hunter, ya’ll have a wedding comin’ up, don’t ya?” He grinned at the couple as he handed them the
telegram.

Teaspoon had described the riders and vouched for them, explaining the situation. The Sheriff knew Teaspoon from the good ole’ days as he put it, and knew he could trust him. He had no choice but to leave picking the real Kid up to his wife to be.

“Sorry Kid” he shook his head as he spoke.

“Can’t say I blame ya....it still sounds too crazy to believe.” He shook the Sheriff’s hand and quickly embraced Lou. The feel of her in his arms more soothing and comforting then the dreams he had had the last few days, never really believing it would happen. She cried happy tears.

Glancing at Joe, she spoke through her tears “I knew you know.... I didn’t quite know exactly who you were, but I knew you weren’t my Kid. Kid’s a good
man....you...you are pure evil.” She quickly turned from him, never wanting to lay eyes on him again.

They all turned to go listening to Joe’s protests. Yelling that he was the real John Jacobs and was being framed. The Sheriff stuffed a kerchief in his mouth and told his deputies to alert the town, they’d have a hanging’ after all!

Chapter 17

They left the Sheriff’s office and headed to their horses, anxious to begin the journey home. Kid was reluctant to let go of Louise, vowing to himself that he’d never take her for granted or forget what it felt like not to have her.

Smiling her special smile for him she carefully detached herself from him, not really wanting to but knowing they had to get home. Then she had to tell him, tell him what she had thought. How she doubted him. She prayed he could find a way to forgive her.

He watched her as her face revealed the worry that was flowing through her. Dipping his head low, to look up into her eyes he assured her “Everything will be fine
now Lou.... I promise.” She tried to let his assurances comfort her, but she felt too much guilt over doubting him so easily, never questioning, just assuming he had changed so much.

“So Kid you didn’t tell us you had a twin brother.....any other family members you’re hidin’ from us?” Jimmy questioned. Trying to lighten the mood, noticing the tension that had quickly mounted.

“Very funny Jimmy” Kid replied dryly. He thought for a moment about how sad it truly was that he had already lost one brother and now, a twin brother would
be gone too. He watched Louise’s back as she rode a few paces in front of him. Sighing he realized that she was his family, the only family that mattered. He
decided that when they got back home he’d ask her to marry him, tomorrow. They didn’t need all the fancy stuff. All he cared about was that she became his
wife and he didn’t even want to wait for even a few more days.

The ride home ended up being a quiet one. Everybody assuming the events of the last few days had finally taken their toll.

Rachel ran from the porch as she saw the group approaching. Her heart skipping a beat when she saw the Kid riding next to Louise. “Thank you God” she whispered her gratefulness for His answer to her prayers. She could tell by their looks that although they were happy, they were exhausted. They needed a
hot meal and a good nights rest. She’d let the replacements they were using run the mail another day or two, giving these boys their much needed rest.

She ran and hugged Kid first, telling him how glad she was to have him home. She gave each of the boys the same treatment and after welcoming Louise home ushered them all into the bunkhouse to get them something to eat.

The table was bustling as they began to discuss their own opinions and versions of the story with Rachel.

Lou gently touched Kid’s arm. “Can we walk?” she whispered. Knowing she’d have to tell him now. Iif she waited she’d ignore her need to tell him the truth. And she was afraid that would haunt her, haunt their life together. She had to be honest with him.

His eyes shining, he smiled at her, causing butterflies to flutter in her stomach. If he didn’t understand or couldn’t find a way to overcome her doubts of him she didn’t know how she’d be able to handle not having those eyes look at her like they did causing her knees to weaken and the stirring of so many emotions in her. The foremost being passion. When he gave her that look, his eyes unwavering and intense as the summer sky, his smile so sensuous it took all she had not to launch herself onto him and beg him to take her.

She shook her head slightly, trying to release the images of them making love from her mind. She needed to be thinking straight, not lingering on her own lust for him.

“Sure sweetheart” he grabbed her hand and they excused themselves. They tried to ignore the snickering they heard. The boys thought they knew why Kid and Lou were excusing themselves. If each of them had thought about it they would have to admit they were only jealous of what Kid and Lou had, each wondering if
that kind of love waited for them sometime in their futures.

Kid took her hand as they began to walk in the moonlight. Her silence unnerving him a little. He still wasn’t sure what had happened between her and Joe and wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

“Lou” he began as they got to the corral fence. The few horsed left grazing illuminated by the moon’s pale light. She looked up at him, her eyes holding a certain sadness he didn’t understand. But he’d take that sadness away, he was determined. “Lou, I’ve done a lot of thinking over the past few days...... and even more on the way home” he paused, trying to be sure that he said what he meant.

His pause scared her. Maybe he had been thinking over the few days that life was too short to waste it away on her. What was she anyway? Just an orphan who
didn’t even have enough faith in the man she loved to know he’d never hurt her. Just saddle trash that certainly didn’t deserve someone so full of goodness.

Sighing she readied herself for his let down. Of course this is what he would want. Seeing his life pass before his eyes she was sure he had decided to head out on some adventure, enjoy life to it’s fullest.

As they leaned against the corral fence she watched with fascination as Kid once again knelt in front of her. His eyes never leaving hers. Her heart beat rapidly as he cleared his throat “Lou....ah....Louise....if there is one thing I’ve come to realize it’s that I want you to be my wife more than anything in the world. And I....I don’t want to wait” he tried to read her face..... “let’s go to the church tomorrow, just you and me” his voice trailed off as she detangled his hand from hers and
turned her back on him.

Bewildered for a moment he gently turned her back to face him. The tears brimming in her eyes, threatening to overflow caused his heart to ache.

He wiped them as they spilled and she nuzzled her cheek into his hand. “Oh Kid, I’m not so sure you’ll still want to marry me...... I have to tell you something” she allowed him to hold her hands in his, afraid this may be the last time he’d want to.

Kid couldn’t possibly imagine what when was going to say. Suddenly images of her with Joe threatened to envelope him. Maybe she did give in and made love to
him. Maybe that’s why she’s not hurt, he didn’t have to hurt her. No! Stop it Kid, he reprimanded himself. I don’t care what she says, he assured himself. I love her with all my heart and nothing will change the way I feel he decided resolutely.

He led her over to the bale of hay a few yards away and they sat. He was silent, worried about what she had to say, but sure of his feelings.

Eyeing the ground she began her confession. “The first time he came back after he must have kidnaped you I knew something wasn’t right. He didn’t treat me like you do” she hesitated. He didn’t interrupt her, wanting her to finish. “Oh Kid, we went to our cove..... I felt so uncomfortable.....like I hardly knew you, er.....him, anyway I wasn’t going to give in....you know you and I talked about waiting.”

Again he had to fight the images pervading his mind. She must have given in he thought, if she hadn’t he would have killed her.

“Lou did he...... did you?” he questioned hesitantly.

Shaking her head warily she continued to stare at the ground, unable to look at him. “No Kid...he didn’t get the chance. I got away, I ran as fast and as hard
as I could. I was so scared and so confused. Kid” she looked directly into his eyes “I cursed you, I cursed the day you were born, I vowed to never marry you.....I was so afraid of you and if I ......” her words mixed with tears now. “If I was truly worthy of you I never...I never would have doubted you....I never would have been fooled” she again hung her head.

He had to suppress a smile. He knew she was hurting and the feelings she was experiencing were real, but he couldn’t believe that she actually thought he’d blame her for not figuring the whole thing out. He was just so relieved that she had gotten away from him. Knowing what Joe had done and what he was capable of made him shudder.

“Lou....honey” his voice a soothing hum “come here” he pulled her into his embrace holding her tightly. “Lou...look at me” he paused until she slowly lifted
her eyes to meet his. The depth of love she saw astounded her. He didn’t judge her or hate her. The relief she felt at that moment not comparable to anything she had felt except when he was finally set free.

“There is no way you could have known. Hell...I didn’t even believe it myself at first. You will never...... do you hear me....you will never tell me again you are unworthy, do you understand!? His words so adamant it startled her. “You Louise McCloud are so perfect. It’s me that doesn’t deserve you.” He leaned his head in closer “and I’m not gonna question it or try and figure out why, I’m just gonna accept the fact that you love me and be thankful.” He kissed her tenderly on the nose.

“Oh Kid....what have I done to deserve you” she giggled, the weight of her burden lifted. She felt like a child on Christmas morning.

“I love you so much” she hugged him, breathing him in, vowing she would imprint his scent into her being forever.

After a few moments Kid pulled away and looked at her expectantly, his eyes glittering. “Well......” he waited.

She laughed, realizing she held the answer he was looking for.

“Of course Kid....tomorrow. Rachel will kill us.....but I don’t care!” she felt like she was in a fairy tale.

He kissed her deeply. “Do you know when I first knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you?” he asked as she snuggled into his warm embrace.Thinking she had an idea of the moment he meant she wasn’t about to tell him. She wanted to hear it from him. “When” she replied innocently.

“The very first time you kissed me” he grinned at the memory. He was standing with Katy, the sun was setting and the sky was a beautiful mix of purple and pink. She had quietly walked to the wood pile next to the corral fence, nervously playing with a wood chip. He smiled remembering her thanking him for keeping her
secret. Promising her he’d keep her true identity to himself. She had glanced around to make sure they were alone and then kissed him on the cheek, lingering
there for an extra moment or two. He turned his head to capture her lips. Though it was a brief kiss, it was still electric and he could still remember the feel of the impulses that shot through his body as their lips met. After they parted and she walked away he knew she was the girl for him, made especially for him.

She laughed at him. “Kid...I think you took advantage of me that day!....... I was only trying to politely thank you... and you took advantage of my kindness” she teased.

He looked at her in disbelief . “Don’t try it Lou” he warned.

“Well I didn’t say I didn’t enjoy it” she reached up to kiss him again, much the same way she had over a year ago.

This time he did not hesitate as he turned his head to meet her lips with his. This kiss much more passionate and intense then the first they had shared.

Lou remembered Joe’s attempts at kissing and was extremely happy to be in Kid’s arms. His kiss, expertly arousing and soothing and touching her core. Assuring her of his love for her.

After a few more intimate moments they walked arm in arm back into the rowdy bunkhouse to fill their family in on their change of plans.

Epilogue

Jimmy watched as the happy couple walked down the street toward the hotel. It had been a simple ceremony. Only Teaspoon, Rachel, the boys and Thompkins from the store present. But Jimmy knew that neither Kid or Lou cared if anybody else was there, the looks that passed between the couple excluding everyone else but them.

The events of the past few days ignited a desire in them to never be apart, they had both learned that it was okay to need someone. If you were blessed enough to find someone who needed you too you had to take advangage of it. Jimmy was glad these two understood that and silently hoped he’d find it someday.

It was a melancholy crowd that left the small church that day. Change was in the air. Though they would always be family, they knew Kid and Lou’s marriage was
only the beginning of many changes coming in their lives.

Rachel watched the lovely couple as Kid swept Lou up and carried her through the hotel doors. Her heart swelling with happiness for the two. She knew they’d
be okay. Hate and greed tried to ruin their future, but eventually their true love had won. They’d be just fine. She sighed as Teaspoon placed his arm around her and smiled at her. Seeing that special twinkle in his eye caused her heart to flutter. She looked at him more closely, what made him different to her, she wondered..............

The End

Author’s Note:

A great big thank you to Raye for her help. She is a fantastic beta-reader and an even better writer. Thanks Raye! Connie