Chapter 15

Teaspoon tried to keep his mind on the task at hand, going through the envelopes that just arrived on the stage that afternoon.  But try as he might, his eyes kept darting to the folded piece of paper that lay on his desk.  It had been brought several hours ago from the telegraph office and he must have picked it up and put it back down a couple dozen times.  He wanted so bad to see what the ink spelled out but wasn't about to go against everything he knew to be right.

How bad could it be anyway?  Just because it was delivered in care of the marshal's office but was addressed to James Hickok didn't mean anything bad, right?  Jimmy was working for Sam - maybe he had some business to check up on in the area.  Of course, Teaspoon usually got wind of when something bad was going on in the area.  He'd just heard about the Flemington gang robbing the bank and killing an employee in Lincoln.  But that was no where near here.

Still, Teaspoon was wary of Jimmy returning.  Hell, he missed the boy something fierce and wanted to see him real bad but it was the reaction of the new groom in the family that had him worried.  The two best friends or former best friends as it seemed at the moment, parted ways on bad terms.  Though he hadn't been privy to all the details, Teaspoon did know there had been a heated argument between the two stubborn mules and as a result,  trust had been broken and feelings hurt - was it too late to mend the broken fences?  Let's hope it can be done, Teaspoon thought as he picked up the telegram and turned it over in his hand repeatedly.

"I hope it's not as serious as you make it seem."

Startled by the feminine voice breaking through his thoughts, Teaspoon turned toward the door to see the newlyweds standing there watching him.  "Nah,"  he answered, tossing the paper on the desk in a carefree manner.  "Just frettin' over nothin' I'm sure." 

"Well that's good to know,"  Kid told him as they came into the office to stand by his desk.

"So what are you two doin' in town at this hour?"  Teaspoon asked as he got up and headed toward the coffeepot.  "Wait, let me guess - a romantic dinner at our new fine restaurant to celebrate the Kid's last ride?"

Kid and Lou looked at each other and smiled.

"Not exactly,"  Kid answered.

"Actually we haven't even had dinner yet,"  Lou told him.  "We've been so busy, we lost track of time."

Teaspoon noticed the happy expressions.  "What is going on with you two?  Kid just got back.  What could have you so busy right away?"

"We were figurin' out what needed to be done so our new house would be ready to be lived in,"  Lou answered, all the while smiling and thanking Kid with her eyes.

"New house, eh?  So you finally got it taken care of, huh, Kid?"

Kid nodded.  "The papers were waiting for my signature as soon as I got back.  I surprised Lou with the news this afternoon."

"Well I am right happy for you both,"  their former boss told them as he returned to his desk.  "This will be real good for you, a newly married couple such as yourselves deserves some privacy."

"Ain't that the truth,"  Lou muttered, only to be shushed by Kid.  She rolled her eyes at him then turned her attention back to the elder man.  "Anyway, the reason we are here is that I wanted to thank you for letting Kid know about that place. You found the perfect home for us and I'll always be grateful."  She went to him and planted a kiss on his cheek.

He waved the praise aside.  "Just lookin' out for my own, as always."  His eyes found Jimmy's telegram again and his voice took on a melancholy tone as he continued.  "Though it might have been a little selfishness on my part."

Kid glanced at Lou, noticing the change in behavior.  "Why do you say that?"

"Huh?"  Teaspoon asked, coming out of the trance the note seemed to put him in.  "Oh, it's just that this family's seen enough members leave it lately.  Figured I'd try to keep those remaining close by if I could."

Lou glanced at Kid and smiled then put her hand on Teaspoon's shoulder.  "Well then you'll be happy to know this family's gonna be gettin' a new addition." 

"Now how is that possible?  Someone gettin' hitched I don't know about?"  he looked from one grinning face to another.  It felt like it did way back when those two first fell in love and couldn't take their eyes off one another.  He should have recognized the meaning of the looks sooner then he would have noticed right away that the smaller rider was indeed a young woman.  He'd been getting more nervous with each passing day that two of his boys were developing a fancy toward the other.  He was never more relieved to find out the truth.

"Nothin' like that,"  Lou said, shaking her head.  "The addition I'm talkin' about isn’t even here yet but will be before we know it.”  She paused and smiled Kid’s way before turning back to the man they thought of as a father.  “How would you feel about having a little one around to spoil?”  She watched him closely to see his reaction. 

“Now where are we gonna get a lit … “  Teaspoon’s voice trailed off as he pondered the words she'd just said.  He suddenly leaned back in his chair to get a better look at the woman standing next to him who couldn’t take her eyes off her new husband.  She was positively glowing.

"Well glory be, you're with child!"

"That's what they call it,"  Lou replied, feeling like she was about to burst with excitement.

"Well, if that ain't the best dang news I've heard in a long time.  I think this calls for a hug for the mama-to-be!"  Teaspoon declared as he stood and gathered the small woman in his arms.  He held out a hand to the proud expectant father.  "Congratulations, Kid.  Looks like everything's fallin' right into place."

"It sure feels that way,"  Kid agreed, smiling, as he shook the man's hand.  He laughed as Teaspoon planted a kiss on Lou's forehead and kept her in the tight bear hug until she had to squirm her way out to breathe.  "Well, I think it's high time I got my wife home.  She needs her rest."  He held out his hand and she willingly took it.

Lou let Kid lead her toward the door.  “And I used to think he was overprotective before,”  she teased.  She laughed as he pulled her to him and planted a quick kiss on her lips.  She playfully smacked him in the chest then turned back into the room.  "We just wanted to let you know the news.  Good night, Grandpa!"  she called over her shoulder as they left.

Grandpa.  Teaspoon stood beaming at the sound of the word.  Grandpa.  It suited him just fine and he would be the best damn grandfather any child could hope for.  Damn - he chided himself for using that word.  He had until the baby was born to curb the cursing to a minimum or at least leave it at the office.  But it would be worth it.  Grandpa.  Yep, it sure did suit him.