The Dance of Life

By Kelly © 2002

The saloon girl set down Jimmy’s second drink on the table as he pulled her into his lap.

"What’s a sweet young thing like you doin’ in a place like this?" His question obviously took the girl by surprise, as she didn’t know what to say. "Do you dance as good as you look? Huh?" He continued with a glint in his eye.

"I’m sorry sir, I don’t understand what you’re gettin’ at." She answered, looking at the man at the piano to keep from making eye contact. The saloon music kept playing but didn’t distract her from noticing how attractive the cowboy was. With his brown eyes, brown hair, and somewhat mysterious air about him, she found him quite intriguing.

"What I’m tryin’ to get at is you, sweetie." He answered, with a grin that slowly spread across his face. She could tell that he was quite drunk.

Buck rushed up to Jimmy’s table at that moment, saving the saloon girl from having to answer.

"Jimmy, you know you ain’t supposed to be drinkin’- you’ll get fired if the company finds out." He raged, not paying attention to the girl who had jumped up as he had rushed in. Jimmy stood up and began to slowly saunter towards the door. Buck turned to the girl, seeing her for the first time, taking in her surprising beauty.

"Sorry if my friend said anything offensive to you."

"No need to apologize- he’s only one in a million customers." She answered. Buck tipped his hat and followed the way Jimmy had taken out.

"’Scuse me, sir, are you Marshal Hunter?" Teaspoon looked up to see a very attractive young woman standing in front of his desk. Her tall, slim frame and dark hair quickly caught Teaspoon’s interest.

"Yes ma’am, I just so happen to be him. What can I do for you?" He questioned, sitting up straighter than normal, looking into her sharp green eyes.

"I heard that you manage the waystation for the Pony Express." The girl said.

"You heard correct, ma’am." Teaspoon answered, smiling sweetly.

"Are you hirin’? I need work." She questioned, looking from the marshal to the other young woman who was in his office.

"Well, what kind of work are you lookin’ to do?" He asked, raising his eyebrows and glancing over at Lou.

"I can do anything you need me to do. I can ride an’ shoot real good, an’ I can cook an’ clean."

"Hmmm, I’m not sure if we need the help right now, but why don’t you come back tomorrow, uh, what’s yer name?" Teaspoon asked.

"Kate... Kate Dawson. What time’d you like me to come back?" Kate questioned hopefully.

"Why don’t ya come around nine or so tomorrow mornin’, Kate."

"Thank you, Marshal Hunter. I’ll be back tomorrow." And with that, Kate left and wandered the streets of Rock Creek.

"Well, Lou, whaddya think?" Teaspoon asked, looking over at Lou.

"I don’t know... it might be kinda nice to have another rider- not to mention another girl around. She don’t seem that bad."

"Whaddya say we give her a little test tomorrow and see if she has as many skills as she thinks?"

"I think that’s fair."

"Mornin’ Kate, good of you to show." Teaspoon said.

"Mornin’ Marshal."

"Kate, we could use another rider, what with the war comin’ an’ all. But, it ain’t that easy. First we gotta see what yer made of."

So Teaspoon took Kate over to the waystation where she could prove herself. When they got there, everyone was out on the porch waiting for them. They dismounted and Kid took their horses to tie them up.

"That’s a mighty fine animal you got there." Kid commented, carefully inspecting her dark bay quarterhorse. "Whaddya call her?"

"Thank you- I tend to think so too." Kate answered, "Call her Walela. It means-"

"Hummingbird," Buck finished, surprised that she had used an Indian word.

"All right boys, Lou, Rachel, this is Kate Dawson. Kate, this here’s Noah, Ike, Buck, Kid, Lou, Cody, Jimmy, Jesse, an’ Rachel." Teaspoon ran through his introduction and then got down to business. He ran through the pass-off of the mochila, being agile on horseback, and shooting. Kate’s performance impressed everyone, including Teaspoon.

"Well, uh, Kate, the Pony Express don’t usually hire women riders, but, like Lou, you got the skills. Welcome to the Rock Creek Waystation."

That evening as Kate settled her stuff on her bunk, her intense green eyes kept wandering to Jimmy laying on his bunk. She knew him from somewhere, but she couldn’t think of where at the moment. Her thoughts were interrupted by Teaspoon barging into the bunkhouse.

"Kate, Jimmy’s got a ride tomorrow, an’ I want you to go along. He could probably use the comp’ny an’ it’d be good for you to go with someone for a first run." When Kate didn’t argue, Teaspoon nodded and walked back out. Kate continued to put her things away when Jesse came up and started firing questions at her.

"Kate, how old are you? Where’d you come from? Ever killed anybody? How-" He was cut short by Jimmy.

"If you don’t stop askin’ questions I’m gonna kick you outta here so hard you’ll end up in Ft. Laramie!" He yelled at Jesse, throwing his hat at Jesse, accidentally hitting Kate. "Sorry Kate- didn’t mean to hit you."

"It’s all right. You may be good with a gun, but your aim for throwing suffers." Kate laughed, causing Jimmy to blush slightly. "And Jesse- I came from Ft. Kearny, and that’s all you need to know. I don’t even think you need to know that, but I’m feeling nice tonight." Kate smiled slyly at him, causing Jesse to look puzzled. Jimmy just lay on his bunk and laughed.

Kate awoke to someone gently pushing her.

"Wha-?" She questioned as she rubbed her eyes to see Jimmy standing over her.

"Get dressed. I got your horse ready to go- we got a long ride ahead of us."

It took no more than that for her to get up and begin to dress. Kate rolled up her bed and went outside to mount up. They rode in silence for what seemed the longest time, until Kate broke it with small talk.

"Jimmy... you seem so familiar. I can’t think why, though." She wandered off into thought when it suddenly came to her. "Wait! I know what it is! Were you in Ft. Kearny last April?"

"I think so... me an’ Buck had a ride there."

I knew Buck looked familiar! I was the girl in the saloon who served you your drinks... that ‘sweet young thing’ as you put it." Kate smartly said. She looked over at Jimmy and noticed how his face twitched slightly. Kate knew she’d hit a nerve. "Sorry, didn’t mean to bring that back."

"Ah, it’s all right- just feel stupid ‘bout how I acted."
"Don’t worry about it- you’re just like all the other men who walked in there and pawed at me." After that comment, the two of them rode on quietly once more.

Jimmy slowed his horse as sunset neared, and Kate followed suit. They dismounted and began setting up camp. Kate wandered off to gather some wood for the fire and soon returned with an armful.

As they finished up their meager meals, Kate couldn’t stand the silence any longer.

"So... I guess you guys are all pretty close, kinda like family." She stated simply.

"Yeah, you could say that. We all look out for each other and are real close-only family we got’s each other. Did you have any family where you came from?"

Kate hesitated and searched the fire’s flames for answers. "No, my family’s all dead."

"Sorry to hear it. How’d it happen?"

"If you don’t mind, I’d rather not talk about it."
"All right. Well, rest up, ‘cause we got another long ride ahead of us tomorrow. ‘Night."

"’Night." And with that, the sounds of night came over the two of them, covering them like a blanket.

Just outside of town, the two halted their horses.

"Here, put your hair up in your hat and put these glasses on; gotta make you look a little more like a boy." Jimmy handed Kate a pair of glasses after she had piled her dark hair up in her hat.

"That better?"

"Yeah- you got enough dirt to be convincing." Hickok laughed, and began riding into town again. Kate followed at a lope, staring vengefully at Hickok’s back. They reached the waystation and passed the mochilas.

A short, stocky man ambled out of the bunkhouse and shook hands with Jimmy.

"Hey Frank. We’re just gonna get some lunch and rest up a bit. Then we’ll be off," Jimmy said.

"Who’s this kid?" The man asked, pointing at Kate.

"Uh, this here’s Dawson- he’s the new boy in Rock Creek. Dawson, this is Frank, he’s station manager."

Kate put out her hand and shook Frank’s as hard as she could. Frank studied her for a minute.

"You got some small hands there, boy." Frank said, causing Kate to shove her hands in her pockets.

"We’ll be back in a little bit," Jimmy cut in before anymore could be said. The two riders walked into town, leaving Frank in his thoughts.

"Thanks for coverin’ for me, Jimmy," Kate said when they were out of earshot. Jimmy simply shrugged off her thanks and walked into the saloon. She cautiously followed him in and sat down, hesitating before removing her hat.

"Might wanna leave that on, in case Frank comes in here." Hickok said quickly. Kate piled her hair back up and shoved her black hat back on her head. She and Hickok ate silently until a fight broke out at the poker table behind them. Kate jumped up as a man was slammed into her chair. Before she knew it, she was in the middle of the fight, swinging punches left and right. All of a sudden, she caught a fist square in her jaw and felt herself being pulled backwards by her jacket.

"Wha-?!" Kate screamed angrily, twisting to see who had pulled her out. She turned to face Jimmy. Kate shot him an angry look and left the saloon, rubbing her jaw.

No words were exchanged as they rode back to the Rock Creek waystation. Kate was still full of steam and clanked things around as she put her horse, Walela, away.

"Would ya stop throwin’ stuff around!" Jimmy yelled, looking up from brushing Sundance. Kate’s face became cloudy once more.

"Why’d you stop me? I was doin’ all right for myself back in that saloon."

"It was for your own good. Don’t need them knowin’ you’re a girl if you want your job. An’ it don’t look good for me it I bring ya back from your first ride all beat up."

"For your information, I can do just fine by myself- if I get beat up, it’s my fault, not yours. But you don’t gotta worry ‘bout that, cause ain’t nothin’ gonna happen to me." With that, Kate stalked out of the barn, leaving Hickok to care for his horse.

Cody was sitting at the table as Kate stormed in.

"Ah! No further, Kate. Guns and hat off, now!" Rachel said from the sink, where she was washing and peeling potatoes for dinner.

"Anything else?" Kate asked sharply.

"Well...." Cody began.

"I ain’t askin’ you, Cody!" Kate shouted, causing Rachel to turn quickly from her spot in the kitchen.

"Kate! What’s wrong with you?" Rachel asked, a shocked look on her face.

"I’m sorry Rachel- sorry Cody." Kate said, a look of shame evident on her face. She went out the door and sat on the porch until dinner was ready.

Kate awoke early the next morning and decided to go out to the barn to do some work.

"Hey Kate," Kate looked up from the saddle she was cleaning to see Jesse standing in the barn doorway.

"Mornin’ Jesse- why’re you up so early?"

"Heard you movin’ ‘round- thought maybe you could use some help."

"Thanks Jess, but I think I can handle it- I’m quite capable."

"All right, well, if you need me, I’ll be in the bunkhouse."

"She listened to Jesse’s retreating footsteps. A few minutes later, footsteps were coming towards Kate once more.

"Jesse, I still don’t need you hel-" Kate said before she looked up, "Oh, sorry Hickok. Thought you were someone else."

"That’s quite a welcome you got there, Kate."

"Yeah, well, I’m glad you like it ‘cause I’ve been workin’ on it all morning."

"Listen, I know we didn’t get off real well yesterday. I wanna start over, if I can. You know, there’s a dance this Saturday..."

"I do... and?" Kate asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Well, I was just kinda wonderin’ if maybe you’d wanna go with me- since Kid’s goin’ with Lou an’ all the other guys are prob’ly goin’ with someone..."

"How do you know I’m available?"

"I don’t, but, uh, that’s why I was askin’."

"Well, I don’t see any reason not to go- an’ I’m glad it’s you who asked me to go," Kate answered with a sweet smile, "so I can get to know you better." She added quickly. Hickok grinned and wandered back out of the barn.

The dance was the first one Kate had been to, and she felt very comfortable in Hickok’s arms. They dance ‘til the end and returned to the bunkhouse quite worn out.

In between rides and work at the waystation, Kate and Jimmy became closer and closer. It was Sunday, and things were moving slowly on that hot July day, so Hickok and Kate went out to the pond for the afternoon.

"Sure is a nice day... wish it wasn’t so hot out," Kate commented.

"Yeah. Whaddya say we go for a swim?" Kate shot him a questioning, shocked look. "What? You said it was hot, and water’s cold, so I just thought you might wanna swim."

"I was thinkin’ of doin’ something else first..." Kate’s lips were sealed as his lips met hers. No more words were needed to express their feelings.

When the sun was beginning to set, the two lovers decided to pack up and head back to the waystation. They rode back double on Hickok’s horse, still lost in the long moment until Jimmy broke the silence.

"I’ve been thinkin’ of changin’ my name," Jimmy said, looking back at Kate, who was thoroughly confused by this. "I wanna change it to God since you seem to enjoy callin’ me that." Jimmy said, turning his head slightly and giving Kate a sweet mocking smile. Kate hit his arm in feigned anger, but that set them both off laughing hysterically.

When they returned, the other riders were sitting casually on the bunkhouse porch. Kid and Lou looked at the two riders and exchanged knowing glances.

"So Hickok... did ya do a little dancin’ today?" Cody’s big mouth questioned.

"Shut up, Cody." Cody turned to the other riders, and they all paid up their bets and went inside one by one. Jimmy started towards Cody, but Kate laid her hand on his arm and he stayed there. Kate took hold of both of their horse’s reins and led them into the barn to be taken care of.

"She’s you in female form, Hickok... and I must say-- you picked a GREAT one!" Cody said, standing on the porch with a goofy grin plastered on his face. Jimmy knocked Cody’s hat off and joined the others inside.

The Sunday journey out to the pond became a regular event. Kate and Jimmy enjoyed each other’s company and knew that words weren’t always necessary.

"Jimmy?"

"Yeah Kate?" Hickok answered, taking off his hat to look at Kate, who was sitting cross-legged on the ground, pulling at the grass. He noticed for the first time how young and innocent she looked.

"I feel like I need to tell you about me, ‘specially since I feel so close to you."

"What’s there to know?"

"Jimmy, I haven’t been totally honest with you..." At this, Jimmy sat up to watch Kate better. "My family isn’t dead... they’re very much alive. I left home four years ago to get away from them, and my life changed for the better."

"Why’d you want to get away from your family?" Jimmy asked. Kate’s face took on an ashamed look, and she stared at the ground.

"Well... I needed to get away from my step-father..." Kate’s voice became very quiet, "When I was eleven, he started coming into my room at night and he was always drunk. He would come into my room, and... he would take advantage of me." By now, Kate was crying softly. "After two years, I couldn’t take it anymore, so I packed up one night and left." Jimmy sat in silence, not knowing whether to be happy that Kate was safe or if he should be angry for what that man did to her.

"Jimmy... I’m only seventeen. You probably think of me as a child, don’t you?"

"You’re still Kate to me- age don’t make a difference." And with that, Jimmy pulled Kate to him and they remained like that until the sun had begun to set.

Word got around quickly in the bunkhouse as of Kate’s age; no one seemed effected except for Jesse.

"Hey Kate?"

"Yeah Jesse?"

"Whatcha doin’?"

"I’m gettin’ ready for a ride, what’s it look like I’m doin’?" Jesse walked closer to Kate and sat down on her bunk, staring at her with his bright blue eyes.

"Whaddya want, Jesse?"

"Well, Lou once told me that when a person likes someone, they should tell ‘em. An’ well, I like you, Kate." Jesse stated, picking at her bunk. Kate stopped tying up her bedroll and looked at Jesse.

"That’s sweet, Jesse, but I can only like you as a brother and valued friend." Kate put her hand on Jesse’s, trying to let him down gently.

"Don’t treat me like a kid," Jesse pulled his hand away, "you’re only two years older than me; I’m man enough to not be treated like a kid!" Jesse then stormed out of the bunkhouse as a confused-looking Jimmy walked in. He turned and looked at the door and then back to Kate.

"What was that all about?"

"Oh nothing. I gotta get out there, Kid should be here soon."

"I got your horse all ready."

"Thanks, you’re sweet," Kate kissed Jimmy’s cheek as she hurried out of the bunkhouse door.

Lou walked into the bunkhouse after Kate left to see Jimmy sitting on Kate’s bunk. She sat down on her own bunk and looked at the young man who was deep in thought.

"It’s good to see you give a woman the time of day, Jimmy. It’s better to listen to your heart ‘stead of thinkin’ ‘bout trouble."

"She’s different, Lou. She ain’t like most girls I’ve met. She makes me feel good, ‘steada thinkin’ the only way to live is with a gun in my hand."

"Is this Wild Bill Hickok I’m talkin’ to? You ain’t gettin’ soft on us now, are ya?" Lou laughed as Hickok just shook his head.

"Lou, don’t tell anyone, but I’m kinda scared... I feel so much for Kate, but if we get real committed, I’m scared she might get hurt by people who intend to hurt me. An’ I don’t want that. Maybe she an’ I should just cool it a little..."

"Well, that wouldn’t be my advice, but hey, whatever you want. Just keep both of your hearts in mind. She won’t be back for a little while, so ya got some time to think ‘bout it."

When Kate rode up, she could tell something was wrong with Jimmy. She slowed Lela to a trot after passing off the mochila and dismounted.

"What’s wrong, Jimmy? Has something happened?"

"No... nothin’s happened. I need to talk to you, Kate."

"Those words never bring good news." Kate turned away from Hickok and began leading Walela into the barn. Jimmy followed slowly, trying to organize his thoughts.

"So? What is it you need to talk to me about?" Kate asked, turning reluctantly from Lela to face Jimmy.

"Kate, I’ve been havin’ feelings for you that I’ve never had for anyone before. I’ve never thought of settlin’ down-- not with the way trouble follows me- wouldn’t wanna put anyone in danger. Anyways, I think that we should cool it for a while; the last thing I want is you gettin’ hurt."

"So coolin’ it doesn’t hurt me? Are you sayin’ you feel like you have to take care of me? that I can’t fend for myself? Well, I’ve got news for you, Mr. Hickok, I don’t need you. I can take care of myself just fine."

"I never said you couldn’t. It’s just that-" Jimmy’s words had fallen on deaf ears as Kate put Lela in her stall and left the barn. He watched as she mounted up on Lightning, taking Lou’s ride. Lou made no objections, being that she had heard bits of their yelling and knew how Kate was feeling. She just stood there on the porch with her arms folded across her chest as Kate galloped away.

"Went well, huh?" Lou joked as Hickok slowly climbed the bunkhouse steps. He simply glared at her and continued into the bunkhouse.

Kate arrived in Blue Creek the fastest she ever had. She took Lightning and put her in the livery and then headed for the hotel.

"I’d like one room, please."

"Yes, sir, if you’d just sign right here." Kate paid her dollar and simply scrolled "Dawson."

A nice hot bath relaxed every muscle in her body, releasing thoughts of her earlier conversation with Jimmy. Did he really what he had said? Was it over between them? Kate finished her bath and turned her thoughts to a nice warm bed. She sank under the blankets and was asleep in no time. Kate had the best sleep that she’d had in a long time, and woke up with the sun shining brightly in her room.

During a nice breakfast in the hotel restaurant, Kate’s mind switched to Jimmy, and she felt a sharp pain in her heart. Kate dreaded returning to the waystation, not wanting to face reality. When she had finished breakfast, Kate grabbed her things out of her room and went to get Lightning from the livery.

Kate had Lightning going along at a nice pace a ways out of Blue Creek when she saw a group of riders approaching in the distance ahead.

"Afternoon, ma’am," The lead rider addressed Kate, tipping his hat.

"Afternoon," Kate answered simply.

"Where you headed today?"

"Rock Creek. Why d’you ask?" Kate questioned, glancing nervously at the four riders behind him.

"You sure ‘bout that?"

"Why wouldn’t I be?" Kate unintentionally sassed.

"Ooo, we got us a feisty one, boys!" The man exclaimed, turning to his riders and laughing.

Kate kicked Lightning into motion, out of the way of the men. The two of them almost became one as Kate held tight to Lightning’s mane as the mare raced in the desert dust. Kate looked over her shoulder to see the men closing in on her; she urged Lightning forward but knew it was hopeless.

After minutes of hard riding, the lead rider caught up and grabbed Lightning’s reins and slowed the horse.

"Thought you’d get away, did ya?" He questioned. The leader turned to the to his left, "Jack, get the rope out. It’s time to teach her a little lesson."

Another man jerked Kate down roughly from the saddle and held her down while Jack tied her hands behind her. The leader walked up to Kate and slapped his hand roughly across her face.

"Remember me, Kate? Remember the money you stole from me?" Kate’s eyes widened suddenly as she recognized the man- he was Jeremy, the owner of the saloon she had worked at. "Well, I’m gonna give you a chance to earn that money. I always liked you, Kate. You were always the innocent, pretty one at the saloon. Why’d you leave?" When Kate didn’t answer, his hand came hard across her face once again. "Did you really think you’d get away with my money? That would be a dumb though, you stupid whore." Jeremy grabbed Kate’s jaw and forced her to look into his eyes. "I always get what I want, Kate- always."

"Don’t touch me, you bastard!" Kate growled, whipping her head from his hand. "I didn’t take your damn money."

Jeremy stood up and kicked Kate, leaving her laying in the dirt.

"Well boys, this is gonna take longer than I thought." He said, and went and sat by the fire with the rest of his posse.

As the sun began setting, one of the younger men came up to a weary Kate and gave her some water.

"I’m not gonna hurt you, ma’am. Just wanna help you."

"If you really wanna help, you can untie me and give me my gun and horse."

"I’m not so sure I can do that, but I’ll do my best. My name’s Daniel, by the way." He said, getting up to go.

"Thank you, Daniel." Kate said, looking into his innocent blue eyes, momentarily reminding her of Jesse, before he left.

Shortly after, Jeremy came back to Kate smelling sickeningly of whiskey. He grabbed her face and began kissing her as she struggled to break free. After several attempts of taking advantage of her, Jeremy gave up.

"I’ll break you tomorrow, whore, so rest up." He grinned drunkenly and stumbled back to the fire. "Boy, you take the watch tonight."

"All right, sir." Daniel said, and glanced at Kate, clearly expressing his intentions with his eyes. Kate felt very relieved that Daniel had the watch. With that comforting thought, she attempted to sleep for a little bit.

After what seemed only minutes, Kate awoke to someone poking her. "Jimmy?" She questioned, then, remembering where she was, she sat up quickly. Daniel untied her hands and gave her back her gun. Kate thanked him with a quick kiss on the cheek and was gone within minutes into the dark night. She figured she had a few hours before dawn, before they would begin to look for her.

Lightning carried Kate quickly through the breaking dawn. They had been on the move for two hours now, and stopped at a small creek so they could get water. Their stop was brief and they were once again on their way back to Rock Creek.

The bunkhouse was woken early by Jimmy pacing over the floor.

"Teaspoon, she shoulda been back yesterday afternoon! Why ain’t she back yet?"

"Jimmy, you’re turnin’ into Kid." Lou said.

"She prob’ly got held back at Blue Creek."

"That’s what I’m afraid of," Jimmy said, making a move towards the door."

"An’ even if she had trouble, she’s tough; she can take care of herself, son. Don’t worry ‘bout her." Teaspoon shouted at Hickok’s retreating form.

"I’m sure Kate won’t be too pleased ‘bout that," Lou commented as she and Teaspoon watched Jimmy ride away.

Jimmy had only been riding for a few minutes when he saw a rider in the distance. He urged Sundance forward and was in sight of Kate within minutes.

Kate’s became more irritated as she saw Jimmy riding towards her in the distance. She slowed Lightning as Jimmy rode up and pulled his horse around so he was beside Kate.

"Why didn’t you come back yesterday? You had me worried." Jimmy said, searching her eyes, noticing for the first time the purple welts on her face. "God, what happened to you? Who did this?" He asked, his temper beginning to flare as his hand brushed her cheek.

"Nothing happened... I just fell off Lightning and needed an extra day’s rest." Kate said, her mind racing for excuses that sounded legitimate.

"Ya don’t get bruises from fallin’ off a horse, Kate. What happened?"

"I told you! I fell off Lightning! Thought you were done worryin’ ‘bout me!" Kate said sharply as she moved Lightning away from Jimmy, leaving him in her dust.

Kate returned to Rock Creek with Jimmy trailing quite a distance behind her. Inside the bunkhouse, Cody watched them approach.

"If it ain’t Kid an’ Lou, it’s Jimmy an’ Kate." His comment got laughter from Jesse, Ike, and Buck, and a teasing scowl from Lou. Jesse hurried out of the bunkhouse as Kate came closer and dismounted. He took Lightning and began leading her into the barn.

"Thanks, Jesse." A weary Kate said as she headed to wash up.

The next few weeks were rough to be around the waystation. It was almost as if Kid and Lou were going at it, but ten times worse with the two hotheads. Every little thing seemed to make them blow up at each other. Their fighting finally died down a little and they avoided each other as much as possible.

"Now, I hate to say this, but the two of you are actin’ like kids. If you can’t apologize an’ start talkin’ to each other, the two of you’ll be outta jobs." Teaspoon said, crossing his arms and glancing from one to the other. "Well?"

Kate and Hickok looked at each other for a minute before they shook hands.

"Now that’s better," Teaspoon said as he clapped them both on the shoulder. "Whaddya say we go in an’ eat? I’m starved."

Later that night, Kate went out for a short ride and ended up at her and Jimmy’s spot by the pond. She lay by the huge oak tree and stared up at the stars. Kate felt an emptiness and loneliness deep inside of her as she lay there all alone.

"Kate?" The voice in the darkness startled her, waking her from a light sleep. She looked up and saw Jesse standing over her.

"What’re you doing here, Jesse?" Kate asked, now remembering where she was.

"I came lookin’ for you when you didn’t come back." Silence followed and Jesse sat down next to Kate. "Kate, I was wonderin’... would you wanna go to the dance with me tomorrow night?"

Kate thought for a minute and then replied, "I’d love to, Jess."

Jesse smiled and stood up once more and offered his hand to help Kate up. "We should probably be gettin’ back."

"Yeah. Thanks, Jesse."

The two of them rode back in silence. They dismounted at the waystation and Kate turned to face Jesse. "Thanks for comin’ an’ gettin’ me, Jesse. Least someone cares." Kate said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. Kate took care of Lela and headed into the bunkhouse while Jesse mounted up and continued on to Teaspoon’s.

Before the dance, Rachel, Lou, and Kate got ready in Rachel’s house, doing each other’s hair and adding finishing touches. Their escorts, Kid, Teaspoon, and Jesse sat out on the porch until the three women accompanied them. Jesse stood speechless as Kate came out of the house. She looked absolutely beautiful in a dark green dress and her dark hair swept back and pinned on her head. Lou nudged Jesse to wake him from his stupor. He then took Kate’s arm and the six of them walked to the dance.

Kate could feel that she was being watched closely as she and Jesse danced, but she didn’t want to look because she knew Jimmy was staring at her. Being in Jesse’s arms just wasn’t the same as being in Hickok’s; she missed his strong, loving arms. Halfway through the dance, she couldn’t stand being watched by Jimmy any longer.

"Jesse, I need some fresh air- it’s getting stuffy in here. I’ll be back in a few minutes."

"Want me to go with you?"

"No, thanks, I’ll be fine." With a reassuring smile, Kate left the dance floor and went outside. It had gotten dark since the moon’s cycle was almost through with.

Kate walked up the street slowly, studying the stores. On her way back to the dance, Kate heard someone call her name.

"Kate-- over here! Quick!" The voice was coming from her right in the alley. She cautiously began walking towards where she thought the voice had been. She didn’t get far before she felt herself knocked down from behind.

"We meet again, dear girl. I told you before that I always get what I want. And I’m not intending for this to be an exception." Jeremy had Kate pinned down underneath him and gagged her to keep her from screaming. His breath wreaked of whiskey that filled Kate’s nostrils every time he breathed in her face. His hands began to wander, and she began cursing herself for not having carried her small pistol. Kate fought as best she could, but Jeremy was too strong. Hot tears rolled down her face as he violated her body. She closed her eyes until it was over and he pushed down hard on her stomach to get up and leave. Kate lay there for a few minutes before she got up slowly and walked back to the waystation. She slipped into the barn and drifted into a fitful sleep in the loft.

Morning came after a very long night. Kate climbed down the ladder and went into Rachel’s house to sleep in her extra bed, not wanting to bother with the other riders. Kate undressed and slipped under the big quilt and drifted once more into a fitful sleep. Kate awoke sometime later screaming, causing Rachel to rush in.

"Kate! Where’ve you been? We’ve been worried sick about you!"

"I... was here all night." Kate said, leaning back on the pillows.

"Why aren’t you in the bunkhouse?"
Kate’s only response was another round of hot tears stinging her eyes. Rachel rushed to Kate’s side and put her arms around her.

"Kate, what happened?"

The previous night’s events were slowly retold by Kate who was a wreck at that point, crying and shaking in Rachel’s arms.

"What did this man want from you? How did he know you?" Rachel asked, smoothing Kate’s hair as she rocked Kate to calm her.

"He was the owner at the saloon where I worked. He thinks I stole some money from him before I left, but I didn’t, honest." Kate answered, finally calming down a bit.

Both Rachel and Kate heard the knock on the door and then Lou’s voice: "Rachel? We still haven’t found Kate. A few of us are going to-" Lou stopped when she saw the sight of Kate’s tear-stained face. "I’ll go tell the others you’re here."

Lou returned a minute later with a very concerned look on her face. "What’s goin’ on?"

Rachel retold Kate’s story and watched the change in Lou’s expressions. When Rachel was through, Lou sat on the other side of Kate, looking very pale.

"I know exactly what you’re goin’ through, Kate." And in an attempt to comfort her, Lou told Kate about Wickes. Kate’s tears finally stopped, and she asked for privacy so she could bathe and change. Her two friends left her in silence, and Rachel went to fix Kate some breakfast.

When Kate had finished her meal, she went out and sat on the porch swing. She was still in a bit of a daze when Jimmy came and sat down next to her. He reached for her hand but she moved it away. Hickok was puzzled about this action and just studied Kate.

"Where’d you go last night, Kate"

"Why does everyone ask me that?" Kate asked more angrily than she intended to. Her attitude set Hickok off. He stood up and leaned against the post with his arms crossed.

"Well, believe it or not, Kate, it’s ‘cause we care about you." He looked at Kate once more and walked off the porch and headed towards the barn. After a moment’s hesitation, Kate got up and trailed Hickok.

"Jimmy--"

"What is it, Kate?" He said with a harsh edge to his voice. Jimmy instantly felt bad when he turned and saw that Kate was crying. What had upset this girl so much as to break through the steel wall around her emotions? He took Kate in his arms and held her close. When they separated, Jimmy wiped a tear from Kate’s cheek and held her face in his hands.

"What happened, Kate?" The two continued into the barn and that’s where Kate told him of the previous night’s events. Jimmy’s face had drained of color by the time Kate had finished. "Kate, you gotta tell me who did this."

"Jimmy, I can’t. He said if I told anyone, he would kill me." Kate said, a frightened look in her eyes. Hickok took Kate in his arms once more.

"Not if I kill him first." He vowed quietly, kissing the top of Kate’s head.

Kate lay low for the next week in fear of Jeremy still being in town. Although she’d only been inside for a few long days, Kate was getting restless.

"You’re gonna wear out these boards if you don’t stop pacin’." Buck said as he looked up from his card game.

"Sorry... I can’t stand bein’ inside any longer." With that said, Kate grabbed her coat and gun and walked outside to the barn.

"It’s about time she got outside. She was startin’ to drive me nuts." Cody stated, shaking his head.

<Same here> Ike signed, placing down his winning hand and grinning.

"Well, that’s about all the money I can afford to lose," Buck said as he placed his cards down and got up from the table.

Kate rode out to her a Jimmy’s place by the pond and found Jesse sitting cross-legged on the ground picking at the grass.

"What’re you doin’ out here, Jess?"

"Just sittin’ an’ thinkin’." He replied simply.

"If you don’t mind my askin’, what’re you thinkin’ about?"

Jesse looked down at the ground and said, "I’m thinkin’ about how I’m responsible for what happened to you."

"Why would you think somethin’ crazy like that? Everything that happened was a result of my doings. Please don’t blame yourself." Kate said, sitting next to Jesse and putting her arm around his shoulders.

Back at the bunkhouse, the boys got a very surprising visitor. The late Isaiah Burke’s wife, Rosemary, had come to the station to see Jimmy.

"It’s so good to see you, James," She said, placing her hands on his chest and looking up into his eyes.

"You must be tired," Jimmy said, moving away from her and towards her bags. "Let me take these to the hotel for you."

"But James, I’ve been to the hotel and they have no rooms available. I was hoping I could stay with you for a bit." She said, moving closer to Hickok once more. Buck sensed that Jimmy was feeling uncomfortable and took the bags.

"Ma’am, you can stay in Rachel’s guest room. Follow me," Buck said as he glanced at Jimmy before leading her to Rachel’s house. When they got inside, she turned to Buck.

"Is there something wrong with James?"

"Well, not exactly, it’s just that he’s, uh, spoken for."

"Oh, I see. I’ll have to be more careful then." Buck simply nodded and went back outside to join the others. He returned just as Kate and Jesse came riding up. Lou stepped up and took Jesse’s horse, and she and Kate lead the horses into the barn.

"Whaddya need to talk about, Lou?" Kate asked when they were inside the barn.

"Well, Kate, before you came, Jimmy was acquainted with a woman who took a liking to him. She’s come back to see him for a few days. Just thought I should give you a little warning."

"Thanks, Lou. You’ve been real helpful since I’ve been here, you’ve been like a sister to me. I feel like I need to do something in return." Kate said, finishing brushing Lela and leading her out to the corral.

"It’s nice just to have another girl my age to talk to. But if you wanna do somethin’, how ‘bout lettin’ me go with Kid on that ride to Willow Creek tomorrow?" Lou asked with a mysterious glint in her eyes.

"Gladly. Don’t ride too hard," Kate answered, looking at Lou. The two of them broke up laughing and then tried to control themselves as they joined the others outside.

Kate began studying Jimmy right away and found him to be quite nervous. She went over and stood next to him and lightly whispered, "Why so nervous? Didn’t think I made you that nervous." Kate said as if she had no idea who was there, "Do we need to take a ride out to the pond to get rid of those nerves?" Kate asked mischievously. Jimmy smiled down at her in answer. The two of them walked off of the bunkhouse porch and tried not to run into the barn. They rode Hickok’s horse double since Lela’d already taken the trip today- plus they enjoyed the company and feel of each other’s body. Jimmy and Kate arrived at the pond the quickest they ever had. They got down from Sundance and walked over to the huge oak tree. Hickok took her face in his hands and they kissed gently, savoring each other’s tastes. Kate unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off of him as their lips were sealed in a sweet kiss. Jimmy fumbled with the buttons on her shirt but eventually undid them, slipping her ! shirt off and letting his hands roam all over her soft body.

"I love you so much, Kate," Jimmy whispered, kissing her softly.

"I love you, too, Jimmy." Kate answered, returning his kisses. They then made love as if it was the first time, exploring and memorizing the other, not wanting to miss any detail.

Kate rested her head on Jimmy’s back as they rode back to the waystation. As they neared Rock Creek, Kate felt Jimmy tense up.

"Jimmy, what’s wrong?"

"Nothin’, why d’you ask?"

"You’ve gotten really tense since we’ve gotten closer to home. Are you worried about that woman?"

"Yeah..." Jimmy answered slowly.

"Do you still like her?" Kate ventured. Jimmy stopped Sundance and turned so he could see Kate.

"Kate, you don’t need to worry ‘bout her. She’s a ghost of the past. You’re the only one I love, Kate," Jimmy paused, "I never thought I could love a woman as much as I love you. I still worry about trouble that comes, though."

"Jimmy, you should know that trouble follows me, too."
"I know, but I don’t want you gettin’ hurt."

"Jimmy, as long as I’m with you, I can’t get hurt," Kate said, kissing Hickok’s cheek. She urged Sundance on, "Let’s get back-- I’m curious to meet this woman of your past." She joked.

The introductions went smoothly, and Jimmy began to relax. Rachel had a big meal on the table so everyone sat down; Ms. Burke was placed far away from Hickok on purpose at his earlier request. Dinner passed along as smoothly as introductions had, and the riders and Rosemary moved out to the porch to enjoy the clear night.

"Sure is a beautiful night," Rosemary commented.

"Not as beautiful as you," Cody smiled sweetly, moving in on his next victim to charm.

"Thank you, Mr. Cody," Rosemary answered, returning his smile. The rest of the riders just rolled their eyes.

"So, Rosemary, how long are you going to be staying here?" Kate asked.

"Well, I’ve found that there’s nothing here for me," She paused and glanced at Jimmy, "so I’ll be leaving tomorrow." Kate nodded her approval and moved closer to Hickok.

Rosemary was gone shortly after breakfast and once she had left, Kid and Lou headed out on their ride to Willow Creek. When they were all gone, Kate walked over to Teaspoon’s office to see if he was in. She rarely went to see Teaspoon at his office, so Jimmy watched her curiously as she walked out of sight into his office.

Kate was silent as she walked in, gathering her thoughts before she spoke.

"Teaspoon?" Kate finally said, startling Teaspoon from his nap. When he saw Kate, he took his feet off of his desk and sat attentively.

"Yes, Kate?"

"Teaspoon, I was wonderin’ if I could get some time off."

"Things’ll be slowin’ down here, so I don’t see why not," He answered after a moment’s thought, "How much time d’ you want?"

"Well, I was thinkin’ maybe two weeks." Kate answered.

"That’s a lotta time, Kate. What’re you gonna do with that much time?"

"I’ve been plannin’ on goin’ to St. Joe to visit some old friends." Kate lied quickly, trying her best to keep steady eye contact.

"Well, I guess you can go. Why don’t I send Hickok with ya to keep ya company." He suggested, grinning foolishly. Kate took a minute to think about it and finally spoke.

"All right. Hickok can go along. Can we leave once Kid an’ Lou get back tomorrow?"

"Yep." Teaspoon answered simply.

"Thanks, Teaspoon," Kate said, kissing Teaspoon on the cheek. He just sat there and grinned while Kate walked back out the door.

Jimmy watched as Kate walked out and began walking towards him. He attempted to act oblivious and began chopping wood once more. Kate stood for a minute watching Hickok, admiring his half-naked muscular body gleaming with sweat.

"Jimmy?" Kate continued once he looked at her, "I got some time off and Teaspoon said for you to come with me."

"Where’re we goin’ to?" Hickok asked, wiping his forehead.

"Somewhere special," Kate answered slyly, grinning secretively. Jimmy just smiled back at her, knowing she wouldn’t tell. Kate waited a moment and then walked back to the bunkhouse, the wheels turning in her head. Jimmy followed her with his eyes until she disappeared, and then he got back to chopping wood.

Kate eagerly awaited the return of Kid and Lou; she was so eager that she was pacing on the porch. Jimmy came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

"You intendin’ to wear out these boards?" Hickok smiled.

"No... I just want to get going," Kate smiled back.

"Sounds like someone can’t wait to do a little dancin’," was the remark that came from behind them. The two turned to see Cody resting in the doorway. He had the stupidest grin on his face and quickly left as Jimmy shot him an "I’m going to kill you" look. Kid and Lou returned shortly after, and Jimmy and Kate were on their way.

"So are you ever gonna tell me where we’re goin’?" Jimmy asked after they’d been riding for a while. Kate glanced at him quickly and then looked away, scanning the horizon.

"I told Teaspoon we were headed to St. Joe- but we ain’t goin’ there," Kate paused, looking at Jimmy. This time she kept eye contact, "We’re actually going to visit my father." She said, watching and waiting for Hickok’s reaction.

"An explanation would be nice right about now. Why don’t we let the horses rest?" He said, stopping Sundance next to a creek and dismounting. Kate followed and collapsed on the ground, stretching out.

"My real father lives in an Indian village a ways from here. My father is half-Indian and my mother is white. She left the village with me and my brothers when I was eight and married that horrible man. My father refused to leave the village, and so my oldest brother stayed with him, eventually marrying. I try to visit every few months to check up on my family." Jimmy sat in thought as Kate finished.

"So that would make you a quarter-breed." Jimmy stated.

"If you want to put it that way, yes."

"That sure explains a lot. I seem to learn more about you every ride we have together," Jimmy said, stretching out on the ground next to Kate.

"Are you mad at me for not telling you?" Kate asked in a voice that brought out the fact that she was younger than she seems.

"Nah, some things just take time to be told."

"So where were Jimmy an’ Kate headed to?" Buck asked Teaspoon at the dinner table.

"They have a little vacation time... Kate wanted to go to St. Joe fer two weeks." Teaspoon said, reaching for another biscuit. The other riders just looked around at each other and grinned.

The sun began setting on the first day of travel and they set up camp.

"If my timing’s right, then we should ride in sometime in the early afternoon." Kate said once they’d gotten things set. "Nervous, Jimmy?" Kate asked, studying his face.

"Nah, remember who I- Wild Bill Hickok... ain’t scared of nothin’!" Jimmy joked. An awkward silence fell over the two of them as they slipped into thought. Jimmy settled in early, but Kate stayed up and stared at the flames. She wasn’t sure about what tomorrow would bring.

Finally, she decided that it was time to sleep and moved her bedroll closer to Jimmy. Kate didn’t realize he had been watching her but knew he was awake when she felt his arms encircle her body. The two fell asleep in that position, safe in the presence of each other.

Morning came quickly, and Kate and Jimmy were on their way once more. Just as Kate had predicted, they saw smoke rising from the village in the early afternoon. When they neared the village, armed warriors rode out to greet them to see what the two unexpected riders were there for.
The warriors stopped a few yards away from them and one warrior spoke to them in Indian. Much to Jimmy’s surprise, Kate answered the warrior back in this tongue and presented him with a pipe her father had given her the last time he had seen her. Once the warrior had studied the peace pipe, he returned it and turned his horse and said something once more. Kate turned to Jimmy to explain.

"He’s going to take us to the village to see my father."

"Where did you learn to speak like that?" Jimmy questioned as they continued towards the village.

"I forgot to mention that I lived here for a year before I started working at the saloon. Said they wouldn’t hire me ‘til I was fourteen, so I waited here a year an’ went back."

Curious faces popped out from behind the legs of parents as the small group proceeded into the village Kate had once called home. In the middle of the teepees, the lead warrior got off of his horse and signaled for the others to dismount. He led them into a teepee covered with tanned animal hides.

"Kate! It is so good to see you!" An Indian man who looked to be a half-breed stood up and hugged Kate.

"I promised I’d visit. Father, this is James Hickok; I work with him as an Express rider." The man proceeded to shake Jimmy’s hand. "Jimmy, this is my father."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you sir," Hickok said.

"So are you taking care of my only girl?" Kate’s father asked, smiling. Jimmy blushed a little and grinned.

"Yes sir, I am. ‘Cept she’s shown she can fend for herself." Kate’s fathered motioned them to sit on the buffalo skins on the floor of the teepee.

"She takes after her mother in that way; the strong, independent type. Quite a challenge for a man, but you look like you can handle it." He paused and grinned, "Kate, where has that spirit of yours led you in the past three years?" He asked, focusing now on his daughter.

Kate told her father in sparse detail her job in the saloon but added more as she got into the Pony Express. She caught him up on her life of the past three years in a single afternoon.

"It sounds as if you’re been quite busy. You have not overlooked your eighteenth birthday, though, have you?" Her father asked, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

"No, I have not, father." Kate replied, sighing.

"Good. Then I suppose that you have not forgotten your promise of marriage?" With mention of such a subject, Jimmy looked up at Kate’s father.

"No, father, I remember my promise. But life changes in a mere three years, and new people are met," Kate hinted, glancing in Jimmy’s direction.

"My daughter, I have promised you to Red Eagle when you returned, but-" He turned to Jimmy, "if other arrangements would please you more, then the promise can be rearranged," He said, giving Kate a wink. She hugged her father gratefully.

"Thank you, father," She whispered.

The three of them ate their meals of stew around the fire in Kate’s father’s teepee. They ate silently until her father spoke.

"Jimmy, are you interested in marrying my daughter?" He asked seriously.

"Well, sir, the thought’s crossed my mind more than a few times- an’ I ain’t someone who’s ever thoughta settlin’ down."

"Kate’s a real special one, she is. Any man she takes a likin’ to, it’s hard not to accept him." He spoke as if Kate wasn’t even in the same teepee as them. "It’s shocking how similar the two of you are, and how lucky you are to have come together."

No one was quit sure of what to say after that, so they continued with their meals in a peaceful silence. Night soon came and Kate’s father offered for them to sleep in his teepee. They both declined politely and laid out their bedrolls under the stars. After they’d been laying there a few minutes, Kate rolled onto her side and looked at Jimmy.

"What did you think of my father? I hope he didn’t scare you with how straightforward he is." Kate said genuinely.

"I like him- he speaks honestly and doesn’t hold much back. He’s the good kind to have as a father-in-law," Jimmy said, reaching for Kate’s hand.

"Why, Wild Bill Hickok, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were hinting at something!" Kate exclaimed, rolling on her bed in laughter. She stopped when she saw the hurt in his eyes. Kate moved towards Jimmy again and kissed him softly. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-" He broke off her words with a kiss full of passion.

"Kate, nothing would make me happier than to have you be my wife," He said, his voice the softest and most serious Kate had ever heard from him. From their position on the ground, Kate managed to throw her arms around him and whisper softly in his ear:

"And nothing would make me happier than to have you as my husband.

The next week and a half passed quickly. Before they knew it, Jimmy and Kate were back in the saddle and on their return trip to the waystation. They took the trip slowly, enjoying each other’s presence. Kate had noticed earlier that instead of the usual one navy colt hanging on his hips, Hickok had now put two on.

"Expectin’ trouble?" Kate motioned to the guns.

"No," Jimmy pulled Sundance in closer to Kate and began taking off one of the colts, "I don’t have a proper ring for you right now, but I want you to have this." He said, handing her the gun which she took. Kate looked it over for a few seconds, tracing the designs on the handle gently with her fingertips.

"Thank you, Jimmy." Kate grinned as she strapped the navy colt of Jimmy’s matched pair around her hips and continued with the ride home. Their ride was filled with small talk until Kate brought up a bigger subject.

"Jimmy, where’re we gonna live? I mean, we can’t live in the bunkhouse forever."

"I reckon we can build a house in Rock Creek." Jimmy answered after a moment’s thought. His answer seemed to satisfy Kate, and the small talk began once more.

Jesse was the first to notice the riders approaching the waystation from the distance.

"Riders comin’!" He shouted, jumping off the porch to meet Kate and Jimmy. The others came out of the bunkhouse and stood behind Jesse until the two riders got to the waystation and dismounted. Lou noticed in her quick inspection that the two of them looked very happy and quite refreshed. She also noticed that hanging on Kate’s hip was a navy colt, exactly like the one that hung on Jimmy’s hip. Her eyes showed a knowing twinkle when she caught Kate’s eyes. Kate smiled at her and Lou grinned back.

"Thought you guys went to St. Joe," Cody said after a moment’s thought. "St. Joe’s the other way." Cody had caught Kate and Jimmy offguard and left them at a loss for words.

"There’s nothin’ that way except a Kiowa village about a day an’ a half’s ride away," Buck said, scanning the direction from which they had come and then moving his gaze to Kate and Jimmy.

"If you must know, we went to go visit my father in the village. I’m a quarter Kiowa; my father’s a half-breed and my mother’s white. Are you happy now?" She asked, turning to Cody.

"That explains how you got ‘Walela,’" Buck said.

Kate nodded and walked Lela into the barn. Jimmy’s gaze followed her then returned to his fellow riders. With a quick shrug, he followed to take care of Sundance.

In the barn, he found Kate silently brushing Walela. Jimmy tied Sundance up and walked up behind Kate. He put his arms around her and kissed her cheek; she sank backwards into his arms suddenly, limp as a rag doll.

"Kate?!" Jimmy half shouted, surprise and fear flooding his voice. he gathered her in his arms and rushed Kate into the bunkhouse. "Somebody get the doctor!"

Jesse ran immediately to the doctor, bringing him back within minutes. Everyone cleared out at the doctor’s orders except for Jimmy. Lou gently touched his arm and led him out of the bunkhouse to leave the doctor to his work.

The doctor emerged from the bunkhouse a little while later. A puzzled look was on his face as he turned to the eager riders gathered on the porch.

"Well, she’s gonna be fine, just needs some rest and good food. Don’t worry too much about her, just a little bug she picked up somewhere. There’s somethin’ else, but I think she should tell you if she wants." And with that, he put on his hat and walked back to his office.

Jesse was the first to move towards the door. Lou stopped him and looked at Jimmy. Hickok nodded solemnly and walked in, closing the door behind him. He pulled a chair up to her bunk and sat and stared at her, brushing the hair from her face. Kate’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled weakly, moving her hand to his.

"Hey daddy," She whispered, her green eyes sparkling brightly. Jimmy was quite confused by what she had said.

"How’re you feelin’?" He asked, blowing off her greeting as fever-related.

"Never been better," Kate said. Jimmy wasn’t so sure about that, but he went to get the others who were waiting to see Kate.

Late that evening while Kate was resting, Lou asked Jimmy to go out to the barn to talk.

"You wanna talk, Lou?" Jimmy said, walking through the barn doors. Lou was pitching fresh hay into the stall but stopped to talk to Hickok.

"It’s about Kate, Jimmy."

"What about her?"

"She’s the best thing that’s happened to you; she’s the one woman who can tame your wild spirit." When Jimmy’s face remained unchanging, Lou continued, "Jimmy, I’m glad that you can commit yourself to someone- she’s the one."

"Just between you an’ me, we already got plans to get married next month." Jimmy grinned as he watched Lou’s face light up. "Don’t go tellin’ everyone, though. She’s changed me so much, but I like it, an’ I don’t think I’d wanna live without havin’ her in my life," Jimmy admitted.

"Never thought I’d see the day Wild Bill Hickok would actually settle down." Lou joked.

"Who said anything about settlin’ down? We’re still gonna be workin’ here, hopefully."

Kate returned to health after a few days’ rest and was back in the saddle. On a mild September afternoon, Kate and Jimmy rode out to their spot and sat down, Jimmy’s arms encircling her body. He kissed her neck softly, continuing up to her lips. They shared a sweet kiss, drinking the love of each other. His wandering hands told Kate exactly what he wanted, and she suddenly got scared and unwrapped herself from him.

"What’s the matter, Kate? Figured you’d be in the mood." Jimmy said, his eyes twinkling. Kate frowned and Jimmy’s twinkle soon disappeared.

"Jimmy, there’s somethin’ I gotta tell you."

"Now, when I told you that, it wasn’t good news."

"But this is good. Our wedding’s next month, right?"

"Yeah... what’s that got t’ do with dancin’?" Jimmy asked, feeling somewhat confused.

"Are we gonna have a house to put our family in?"
"Whoa... we ain’t talked about a family yet. We ain’t even married yet... how can you think about a family?"

"Well, it’s kinda hard not to think about it," Kate said, looking directly into Jimmy’s eyes and raised an eyebrow. A smile spread across her face as she watched Jimmy in his confused state. A light suddenly turned on in his mind and a shocked expression came over his face.

"You’re..." Was all that he could choke out as Kate nodded eagerly.

"But... how? When?"

"I found out when the doctor came to see me. As far as he could tell, I was two months along." Jimmy leaned his head back on the tree as the news washed over him. Finally he looked at her, his face drawn and pale.

"We should go." Jimmy whispered. Kate’s heart plummeted as Jimmy rode off without her. She wondered if this was a bad sign of her future- Jimmy turning his back on her while she took care of his baby.

Kate took her time getting back to the waystation, not sure if she wanted to face everyone. She returned to a quiet waystation but found Lou in the barn with Lightning.

"Where is everyone?" Kate asked.

"They went to town. Where’s Hickok? I thought you two went for a little ride." Lou smiled, knowing all too well that a different kind of riding occurs when the two of them leave.

"I don’t know, and right now I’m glad he ain’t here." Kate answered with a harshness in her voice that Lou had never heard before.

"What’s the matter, Kate?" Lou asked, her voice filled with concern for her best friend. She gave Kate a big hug when the tears started falling. "What is it?" Lou asked again, looking Kate in the eyes.

"I don’t think he loves me anymore."

"What?! Kate, that’s crazy! He’s head-over-heels for you! You’ve been the only woman who’s been able to calm him down- he hasn’t pulled a gun on anyone for weeks now! Just look at the way he looks at you, Kate! You gotta be blind not to see the love in his eyes."

"But I--I mean, we scared him today." Kate answered.

"Whaddya mean ‘we’?" Lou asked, thoroughly confused.

"Lou, I’m pregnant." She simply said, giving the smallest hint of a smile. Lou’s mouth dropped open but shut when she grinned widely and hugged Kate excitedly.

"A baby... wow." Was all she could say, momentarily forgetting the problem Kate had with Jimmy. "Kate, I’d love to stay and hear more about this, but I got a ride. Promise you’ll tell me all about it?" Lou asked eagerly.

"Sure." Kate said, watching her friend leave and then tending to Lela. From the noise outside of the barn, Kate could tell everyone was back, including Jimmy.

"So, Jimmy, how was the ride?" She heard Cody ask.

"Shut up, Cody." Came his angry reply. Kate climbed up into the hayloft, not wanting to face Jimmy. She heard him come into the barn and saw Jesse followin’ him.

"What’s eatin’ you?" Jesse asked.

"Nothin’," Jimmy angrily replied.

"Kate problems?"

"Don’t you got somethin’ t’ do?" Jimmy asked, turning towards Jesse, obviously annoyed. Jesse seemed unaffected by the look that was cast upon him.

"Nope." Was all he answered. "So what’s wrong with you an’ Kate? Still gettin’ married?"

"I don’t know, Jesse." Hickok spat out. Kate sat in the hay loft, her heart breaking into pieces. She slowly moved towards the ladder and climbed down, turning to face Hickok and Jesse. She fought hard to keep the tears back and cleared her throat to get their attention. When Jimmy looked at her, he saw the pain all over her face and knew that she had overheard their conversation.

"Kate, I-"

"Don’t, Jimmy. Now I see that you don’t love me anymore. I’m going to go back to the village and raise the baby there." Kate said, with a spur of the moment excuse.

"Baby?" Jesse asked, surprised. "You’re breakin’ her heart ‘cause she’s gonna have a baby? You ain’t much of a man!" Jesse yelled, his mood quickly changing to anger.

"Stay outta this, Jesse. You ain’t the one who’s gonna be a daddy!" All of their shouting had roused everyone’s interest and soon they were all in the barn.

"How d’ you know? Maybe I am!" He shot back. Kid, Buck, Ike, and Cody jumped in just in time to keep Jimmy from killing Jesse. In all the confusion and commotion, no one had noticed Kate leave on Lela. When they settled down, Teaspoon attempted to find out what was going on.

"No what’s goin’ on here, boys?" He asked, placing his hands on his hips and staring down Jimmy and Jesse. When no one spoke, Teaspoon crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows expectantly, "Well?" He asked.

"Jimmy ain’t gonna marry Kate anymore ‘cause she’s pregnant." This statement from Jesse left everyone speechless for a moment. The riders all looked at each other and finally shifted their gaze to Jimmy.

"Is this true, Hickok?"

"I didn’t say that- I just said I wasn’t so sure ‘bout the weddin’ anymore. Jesse found out ‘bout it and said I ain’t much of a man. The kid deserved it."

"Well, let’s get Kate in on this, since she’s part of the problem." Teaspoon said.

"She left- saw her ride off a bit ago." Rachel said, standing in the barn doorway. "Jimmy, you’ve put that poor girl through more than she deserves. No matter what you did she was hangin’ on, fightin’ for ya. Why’re you lettin’ go so easily? You’ve always been the strongest rider here, I hate to see you give up with such a small, wonderful thing as a baby." Rachel said softly to Jimmy. He needed no more urging- he mounted Sundance and bolted out of the barn in search of Kate. The others stood at the barn entrance and watched as Jimmy disappeared on the horizon.

"Kid, you an’ Lou are calm compared to those two," Buck said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Well, we still got runs to make an’ a schedule t’ keep. Just cover fer those two ‘til they come back. Can’t say how long it’ll be, but ‘til then, ya got double rides." Big groans were the only answer to Teaspoon’s statement, "An’ I don’t wanna hear no complainin’."

Jimmy’s sights were set on one place- the Kiowa village. Kate had said she was going to the village to raise the baby, so that was where she would most likely be. He cursed himself for getting into this mess. How can something as small as a baby scare me so much? Jimmy thought. A movement to his right brought his mind back to his search. He turned Sundance in the direction of the movement and slowed a little. Jimmy brought his mount to a dead stop when he heard the whoops of an oncoming Indian party. He quickly turned once again and rode as fast as he could back to town.

Much to his surprise, Lela was in her stall munching happily on hay. Jimmy quickly took care of Sundance and headed towards the bunkhouse. When he entered, Kate was sitting at the table and was playing cards with Noah, Ike, Buck, and Cody.

"Kate?" Jimmy said, standing in the doorway.

"Yeah?" She answered, turning to face Hickok. Her face showed no emotion- it was as if nothing had happened.

"Can I talk to you- in the barn?" He asked, glancing over Kate to the other riders.

"Sure," Kate said, turning to the others, "Sorry boys, I need to stop beatin’ you for a bit." And with that said, and a wide grin, Kate followed Jimmy outside into the barn. He turned towards her and took a deep breath before he spoke.

"Kate, I-"

"Jimmy, let me talk first." Kate abruptly cut him off, "I’ve realized that it was wrong of me to expect you to be excited and happy about me havin’ a baby. I know that I should have eased you into the idea a little slower, but it came as such a surprise to me. I’ll be goin’ to the village in a week or so."

"Kate, you don’t have to go to the village. I-"

"But-" Jimmy grabbed her arms quickly to silence her.

"Let me talk. This is real important. I’ve also been thinkin’, an’ I’m ready to make a commitment to you an’ help you raise our baby." Tears filled Kate’s eyes, and Jimmy wrapped his arms around her. They stood there like that for what seemed like forever until Lou walked in with Lightning.

"Uh, sorry. I’ll just go back out." Before Lou went out, she caught Kate’s eye and smiled real wide.

"Did ya go to the barn, Lou?" Cody asked when Lou entered the bunkhouse.

"Yeah, why?"

"Just wondered if Jimmy ‘n Kate’ve killed each other yet." He commented, smirking.

"Well, Cody, both of them are quite a live and quite happy." Lou informed him, trying not to show her excitement.

The next few weeks flew by with planning, rides, and preparation. Before they knew it, the big day was almost upon them. Both Kate and Jimmy were nervous about the commitment, but neither would admit it. The night before the wedding, everyone was sitting around the table for one last time. Everyone’s excitement could be felt in the atmosphere.

"Never thought I’d see the day James Butler Hickok’d get married," Buck said, looking from Jimmy to Kate. Hickok looked at his wife-to-be and then looked down at his plate smiling.

"Always thought Kid ‘n Lou would be the ones to leave us first," Teaspoon commented. Kid blushed slightly at this.

"We ain’t leavin’, we’ll just be outta the bunkhouse," Jimmy answered.

Dinner was finished and chores were tended to. Everyone bunked down early in anticipation of the next day. Kate and Lou took their belongings over to Rachel’s house to stay the night. They talked excitedly of the wedding and their relationships most of the night.

Morning came bright and early, catching Kate offguard. She opened her eyes to the last morning that she would be waking up alone. Kate smiled at the thought of waking up next to Jimmy every morning. The wedding wasn’t until the afternoon, but there was still so much to do. Her father would be riding in sometime in the late morning, and Kate awaited his arrival eagerly.

Kate and Lou remained in Rachel’s house working on Kate’s hair and then cleaning up the house for later that night. Rachel offered her house for the reception and also for Kate and Jimmy to live in until their house was complete. Kate was wiping off the table when she doubled over in pain and groaned. She stayed on her knees until the pain subsided and slowly stood up. Lou poked her head in and looked at her friend concernedly.

"You okay, Kate? You don’t look so good." She said, putting a hand on Kate’s shoulder. Kate turned her pale face to Lou and smiled weakly.

"Yeah, I’m fine, thanks. Probably just nerves. I only got a little cleaning left, then I’ll soak in the bath."

"All right. Rachel’s got some nice smellin’ rose soap if you wanna use that," Lou suggested.

"Thanks Lou. I’ll just finish this up an’ then I’ll clean myself up." Lou studied her friend for another second and then went back to the dishes she’d been tending to.

Jimmy’d never been so nervous in his life- compared to this, gun fights were child’s play. He paced around the bunkhouse, periodically looking out the window to Rachel’s and then in the direction Kate’s father would be coming from. Kid finally pulled Jimmy away from the window and sat him in a chair.

"You’re startin’ to drive me a little nuts with all that pacin’," Kid admitted, "I know it’s a big day an’ all, but ya gotta calm down."

"I know... but this is it, Kid. This is the real thing; never thought I’d ever be gettin’ married. If anything I thought you an’ Lou’d be doin’ this, not me."

The rest of the morning flew by in a whirlwind. Kate’s father arrived as people started heading into the church. After he got down from his horse, Jimmy led him into the bunkhouse so he could rest a bit.

"This here’s White Hawk, Kate’s father. This here’s Cody, Kid, Ike, Noah, Jesse, an’-"

"Running Buck," Kate’s father finished, nodding his greeting. "It’s nice to meet all of you who have taken such good care of my daughter. Now, where is my little girl?" White Hawk asked, getting up from the table.

"She’s over at Rachel’s," Buck said, pointing to the house across the way. "We should probably get over to the church now." The riders and White Hawk walked over to the church, all in their Sunday best.

Rachel, Lou, and Kate stood outside of the church entry, Rachel and Lou fixing Kate’s curls and dress so that they were just right. They each took a turn hugging Kate a few minutes before they were to enter.

"You look so beautiful!" Rachel said, smiling with tears in her eyes. White Hawk joined the women and offered his arm to his daughter. Rachel was the leader of the procession and walked through the church doors as the music began playing. Lou followed further behind, and finally came Kate and White Hawk. Kate’s eyes were locked with Jimmy’s as she walked down the aisle, trying hard to keep from running the rest of the way. Jimmy didn’t realize he had been holding his breath ever since Kate had walked through the doors on the arm of her father. She looked absolutely beautiful; her dark hair was pulled back with softly curled tendrils tumbling down. Kate’s green eyes sparkled brightly as her father kissed her cheek and sat down. Kate’s dress was somewhat plain, but in Jimmy’s mind, it suited her. The white of her dress made her look like even more of an angel.

The love they felt for each other filled the small church as the wedding continued. Before Kate knew it, she was the wife of James Butler Hickok. The wedding reception that followed was filled with joy and dancing.

The first dance the two shared as husband and wife was one they will always remember. The way that Kate fit into Jimmy’s arms was a true sign that they were meant to be together forever.

"Ain’t this nice, Lou? The whole weddin’ ‘n all?" Kid asked.

"Yeah, it’s real nice. But Kid, if you’re thinkin’ about proposin’ again, wait ‘til another time- tonight’s their night." Lou answered, looking away from Kid to Kate and Jimmy dancing, looking so in love.

Jimmy and Kate spent their wedding night in Rachel’s guest room, alone and happy. Kate turned the lamp down low and went to change. Jimmy began undressing and was standing by the bed when Kate returned in a white nightgown. She walked over to Jimmy and kissed his lips hungrily. He wrapped his arms around her as he lowered her to the bed.

Between kisses, Jimmy said, "Are you sure we should do this? What about the baby?"

"It’s fine- I asked Doc." Kate answered, pulling Jimmy’s face to hers, her passion for him pouring out.

They made love for what seemed like hours, never seeming to get enough of each other. Jimmy woke up at midmorning with Kate in his arms, her head on his chest. He lay there looking at her until she woke and greeted him with a smile.

"Mornin’ beautiful," Jimmy said, stroking her hair.

"Morning ‘God’," She answered with a sleepy laugh. Shortly after that, they got up and got dressed. Kate was dressed first and headed to the kitchen to make them some breakfast. As Kate was cooking the bacon and eggs, Jimmy came behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck.

"Smells good in here."

"Thank you," Kate said, turning and kissing him fully on the mouth, "Now go sit down, it’s almost ready." He kissed her once more and reluctantly sat down. Shortly after, Kate placed a steaming plate of bacon, eggs, and biscuits in front of Jimmy and sat across from him to eat hers.

When they finished, Jimmy and Kate went outside to see what everyone was doing. Once they determined that nothing exciting was going on, the two of them saddled up their horses and went for a ride out to the pond.

Jimmy was sitting against the old tree with Kate’s head in his lap when he saw tears welling up in her eyes. She pressed her hands into her abdomen and let out a low moan.

"Kate? What’s wrong?" Jimmy asked, not knowing what was causing her pain. He watched speechless as Kate ran into the woods and let out a bloodcurdling scream. Hickok became worried as time passed, not knowing what to do. Finally Kate emerged from the woods, her face red and stained from tears. Jimmy ran to her and took Kate in his arms, hugging her tightly.

"Honey, can we go now? I think I need to see a doctor." Kate whispered, looking up into her husband’s worried face.

A tired-looking Kate came out of the doctor’s and faced her worried friends and husband. Everyone waited to hear the news she had. She began to speak, but stopped as the tears started falling from her green eyes. Jimmy had never seen Kate so emotional before and was feeling a mixture of concern and fear, something he rarely felt.

"I lost the baby," Kate whispered, going over to Jimmy, who held his wife tightly to him

"I’m so sorry," He whispered softly, kissing her ear. Jimmy took Kate back to Rachel’s house and put her on the bed to rest. He kissed her softly on the cheek and left the room.

"Is she gonna be all right?" Jesse asked after Kate had laid in bed for an entire week.

"Yeah, she’ll be all right- she’ll be back to normal soon." Jimmy answered, not fully believing it himself.

"Lemme go talk to her." Lou said to Jimmy, who watched her as she walked into the house and into where Kate lay. Lou sat down on the bed and touched Kate’s shoulder. "Kate? We’re all real worried about you. What’s the matter?"

Kate rolled to look at her friend and slowly sat up.

"Lou, I feel so empty. I-I can’t explain it, but it makes me so sad."

"Kate, you can have more babies- Lord, you’re only eighteen! I know you’ve been hurting, but you gotta think about Jimmy- it’s been killin’ him. You haven’t moved or spoken or even looked at your own husband for an entire week!" Lou watched as the expressions changed on her friend’s face, feeling bad about what she had said but knowing it was the truth.

"What’ve I done, Lou? I feel horrible- he must hate me." Kate said, her eyes welling up with tears. Lou hugged Kate tightly and walked her to the bedroom door.

"No more tears, Kate. He ain’t mad, just hurt. Why don’t you take a ride to your village and tell your father. That’ll give you an’ Jimmy lots of time together." Lou said with a look in her eyes that Kate easily read. Kate smiled and nodded, thanking her friend for returning her to the present world. After Lou left, Kate took a hot bath and changed her clothes, leaving her dark hair dancing down her shoulder blades.

Kate walked out of the guest bedroom to find Jimmy sitting in a chair, deep in thought. He was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice her until she came and sat on his lap. He folded her in his arms and held her tight.

"I’m so sorry, Jimmy." Kate whispered, hugging him tightly.

"Don’t worry ‘bout it. I’m just glad you’re back." He smiled, hugging her back. "Don’t worry ‘bout havin’ a baby right away, either; we got plenty of time for dancin’."

THE END

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