Soon after the end of the Civil War
Kid was sitting at the kitchen table, talking to Teaspoon and Rachel. Jimmy
and Lou were surprised when Kid offered them a stoic smile as they walked into
the room.
Teaspoon stood, squeezing Jimmy on the shoulder. "Sit down; we have a lot
to talk about," he instructed.
Jimmy and Lou sat across the table from the other three. Jimmy draped an arm
around Lou's waist, low enough that Kid couldn't see; Kid had been hurt badly
enough and Jimmy wasn't going to rub salt on the wound, but at the same time
Jimmy wanted Lou to feel his support.
"I took care of some business in town this afternoon," began Kid as
Jimmy and Lou listened, waiting on the rest.
Kid continued. "I put aside almost everything I made while working for
Davis. I put it in the bank today, as a trust for Emma and Annabelle. You two
are on the note as well, so if I don't make visits often enough, you can always
get to it."
Lou gasped in shock and Jimmy realized with pride what a noble action Kid had
taken.
Kid cleared his throat before anyone could speak. "I'd like to be able
to stop and visit sometimes, and see the girls, especially Emma."
"That's understandable," agreed Lou. Jimmy nodded.
"I have one big request," Kid asserted. "I'd like Emma told when
she's older. I want her told that I'm her blood father, what happened and why
I'm not around."
Jimmy took in a deep breath and looked at Lou. She put a hand on her cheek,
thinking as her eyes turned to Jimmy. The both nodded simultaneously. "That's
only fair," Jimmy said, looking back at Kid.
Relief appeared on Kid's face. "I thank you for that."
"I don't want to live in Sweetwater, it'd be too hard," Kid paused,
trying to hold the pain in check. "But I would like to drop by on occasion
- see all of you, and see the girls, how they're growing. I'll send letters
too."
"You are welcome here anytime," Lou spoke up.
Teaspoon and Rachel exchanged smiles. Their kids had grown up.
"Where are you going?" inquired Jimmy.
"Don't rightly know," shrugged Kid. "Thought I might see California,
maybe Texas."
"Drifting gets lonely," Jimmy said, knowingly.
"Maybe, but I'm not ready to settle down anywhere now," Kid said.
He left off the rest of his thoughts, 'not without Lou.'
Jimmy echoed his wife's words. "Don't forget, you are welcome here."
"Thanks Jimmy," Kid said sincerely. "One more thing," Kid
cleared his throat. "I saw the lawyer in town when I left the bank. Lou,
you'll get divorce papers soon - just sign them and we have no legal ties."
Kid was unable to keep the pain from his voice with that last statement.
Tears filled Lou's eyes and she bit her lip to not cry out. She didn't regret
choosing Jimmy, but hated seeing Kid hurt like this. Jimmy's arm tightened around
her.
Kid stood abruptly. "I told the girls goodbye already. I'll come back,
when I can, to get to know them better. I just," Kid paused, "can't
right now."
Jimmy stood as well, moving beside him. Kid was unable to say anything more
and Jimmy embraced his friend in a hug. Teaspoon and Rachel moved to join them.
Lou sat, hands folded in her lap. She knew Kid would not want a hug from her
right now.
"Well bye," Kid's half-hearted smile was poignant. "Teaspoon,
walk me out?"
Jimmy returned to his wife's side and Rachel kissed Kid's cheek in farewell.
Walking onto the porch, Teaspoon cocked an eyebrow at Kid. "I'm right proud
of you did back there son. You've grown up a lot."
Kid nodded solemnly. "A war does that to you."
"That it does," Teaspoon agreed.
"Teaspoon, not that I wish him ill, but if anything happens to Jimmy, let
me know," Kid asked his older friend.
"Now Kid, you can't live the rest of your life waiting on Lou to be free
again."
"I don't plan to Teaspoon, but I know I'll never find another woman, not
like Lou."
"Maybe you can find someone completely different," Teaspoon offered.
Kid just shook his head ruefully. "I can't imagine loving anyone else,"
Kid's voice cracked as he mounted his horse.
Teaspoon watched as Kid gave a final salute and rode away. 'Ride safe Kid,'
echoed in Teaspoon's mind. 'Ride safe.'