By Lisa R.
Chapter V
Lou stood in the barn saddling Lightning for her run to Pacific Springs. She would be back tomorrow and so would the Kid. All of the stressing over his potential plans had given her a nasty headache. Today she was the first ride out and she was thankful for the quiet. She led her beloved horse out into the yard and just looked around at her surroundings.
The bunkhouse was quiet without Kid and Jimmy, but still filled with men she loved as brothers. Rachel, a woman who possesses the qualities of the elder sister she'd never had and the mother she lost too long ago, was still asleep in the main house and Teaspoon, a man she would be proud to call father, had stayed in town with his prisoners. She was in a good place in her life now and felt she was really lucky to be surrounded by her "family" in a home that she loved. She felt a pang of regret and sadness when she thought of this family, missing her sister and brother. "One day they'll be with me," she spoke to her horse. "I'll take real good care of them and we'll be together."
The sun was rising to the east with a majestic presence as Lou mounted up and readied for the exchange. It would be a crisp beautiful day, perfect for this easy ride. Maybe this birthday wouldn't be so bad after all, she thought as she headed west.
Lou wasn't gone long before the Sweetwater Station sprang to life. As the riders assembled at the bunkhouse table for the morning meal, they began to formulate the final plans for the next day's party.
"Waychel, ut ime is Woo spetted bok?"
"Cody, was that English you're speakin'?" Rachel just shook her head and finished dishing up the eggs and bacon. "If you don't learn to chew before speaking, I'm gonna have to stop feedin' you."
"Sorry Rachel. Don't stop feeding me, please. I was just too hungry. I wanted to know what time Lou was due back?"
"Just in time for supper tomorrow. Teaspoon has her makin' a quick stop at Split Rock on her return that should slow her up just enough. Kid and Jimmy are due back by lunch and I got good news yesterday. Emma and Sam will make it in time too."
Ike's smile lit his face at the good news. He, like the others missed their friends dearly and knew it would be a real treat to be all together again. >>This really will be a party.<<
"Ike's right," chimed in Buck, "but where will we put everyone?"
"Sam and Emma will stay in with me of course. Now that Emma's in a family way, we can't have her uncomfortable and Teresa can stay with me in my room. I figure Jeremiah can bunk with you boys."
"So the plan is to not let Lou in the bunkhouse when she gets back," questioned Noah. "I hope you have a good story, cause Lou ain't gonna accept us just tellin' her no."
"Well, Kid already said he wanted to take her someplace special tomorrow so I'll wait until she rides in and have her come right to the house. I'll get her a bath and give her the new dress to put on. I'll tell her it's from me, but I won't let on where she's goin'."
>>Where do we go?<<
"Well, Ike, I'll need all of you to be in the bunkhouse with Sam, Emma and the children when she gets here. I don't want her to see y'all in your party clothes. That will give it away."
"Party clothes, Rachel?" Cody's voice was turning into a whine "Why do we have to get all dressed up, it's not like we're going to the church social or nothin'. Lou knows what we wear when we're at home."
"Cody, you're the one who always says you have to take pride in the way you look, well this is an important party so you'll do as I asked. Besides, we're having company. You have to dress for company." Cody looked down at his plate. Rachel continued, "Kid will come and pick her up at the house to escort her to dinner, but since we don't want her to know where she is really going, he's going to blind fold her and take her on a little ride around to nowhere on the buckboard."
"Lou's gonna figure it out Rachel, she's a good enough rider to know when she's being taken in circles."
"I know that Buck, but we're counting on her bein' preoccupied with other thoughts."
All of the riders just smiled. They knew the smoky look Lou's chocolate brown eyes took on when she was with the Kid lately and they were going to use it to their advantage.
"When Kid takes Louise off, I'll bring over the rest of the dinner stuffs and the cake. We'll put the presents out and wait for Kid to bring her back and take the blindfold off her. Won't she just be shocked to see everyone!"
"Hopefully not too shocked, I don't want another cake in my face!"
"Young man, I've slaved over this for days, there will be no throwing of this cake."
"Tell that to Lou," responded Noah.
"If she even raises her hand an inch to throw my cake, she'll be wearin' it."
After the early morning drama, they two express riders and the two children had settled into quiet truce and they continued home at an easy pace. They were making good time and would make it home in enough time to rest and clean up for the party.
Jeremiah and Kid were more at ease with each other and Kid had even given Jeremiah the responsibility of driving the buckboard while he rode Katy. He much preferred the saddle to the bench. Jimmy and Kid followed behind the children and Teresa kept up a continuous chorus of songs she had learned in school.
"Kid, that girl is gonna get along just fine with Cody. I'm not sure who sings worse."
"I know what you mean, but I ain't gonna tell her. She's too happy today and if this calm is the price we pay, then so be it."
"Lou don't sing like that does she?"
"She's never been a singer as far as I know, at least not around me. I guess one per family is enough for anybody."
"I envy you Kid."
Kid turned to look at the man who was his closest friend in the world. A deeply soulful man, but one who rarely showed any emotion, Jimmy Hickok was opening up to him. "What brought this on Jimmy. You're not one to talk feelings."
"I just wanted you to know that you got something special, you know with Lou and with your future." He pointed to the children ahead. "I wish I knew what was ahead for me like you do, other than trouble of course. I know you two will make a good family. I'm proud to be around to be a part of all this."
All Kid could think of to say was "Thank you".
Teresa turned in her seat and saw the two men staring ahead, concentrating very hard. "What'cha lookin' at?"
"Nothing sweetie, you need something?" After their dip in the water yesterday, Kid felt very protective of the little girl.
Teresa didn't know how to ask. Jeremiah nudged her with his elbow to encourage her. "I, we, need to ask a favor."
Kid and Jimmy just looked at each other. This could mean trouble.
"Well, Miah and I been talkin' and we don't have presents for Louise."
Kid smiled and Jimmy let out his breath. "You're presents enough. She'll just be so happy to see you."
"You keep saying that, but we don't feel right. We know we can't stay with you forever on this visit so we want to give Louise presents that she can have to remember us by while we're gone. You know, mo...mo...momentas."
"Tessie, " whispered Jeremiah. "It's momentos."
"Oh! I mean momentos."
Jimmy looked at Teresa still bundled into his oversized coat and leaned into Kid. "How can we resist that face. If you can, I'll take 'em to get something. I can't. She's just a darlin'."
"Jimmy, she's got you wrapped around her finger and you ain't even kin yet." Kid knew he would be out voted and he didn't want to upset the progress he had made with the children. "Well, Teresa, Uncle Jimmy here says we can stop. We'll have supper and spend the night in Fort Laramie and you can get something there. That Ok with you?
Teresa sent them a wide grin and even Jeremiah looked over his shoulder with a glimpse of a smile.
"And you thought this would be hard, Jimmy."
Jimmy couldn't help but shake his head at Kid, but he did have to admit, they were getting good at handling the children, or at least getting good at letting the children think they were handling them.
The sun stood high in the afternoon sky warming the wintry January day when Kid, Jimmy, Teresa and Jeremiah rode into the station yard from the east. At the exact same moment, Sam and Emma Cain rolled in from the west.
"Emma! Sam! What are y'all doin' here?" Jimmy's grin spread across his face as he rode Sundancer right up to their wagon. "I'd thought you'd be restin' close to home these days Emma."
Emma's hand went unconsciously to her slightly rounded belly. "Jimmy, you always were trying to take care of me, but with worry wart Sam here, I'm getting' enough of that. This baby's not due for months and I was beginnin' to get cabin fever. Besides, I couldn't miss Loullabelle's birthday. It sounds to be quite an event." Emma smiled at Kid and the small guests now standing beside her wagon.
Teresa looked in awe as Sam helped Emma down from the wagon. This was the woman Louise had written her about. The woman who Louise said kept her secret so she wouldn't get fired and who treated her like a mama treated a daughter.
Emma caught the young girl staring and opened her arms to hug her. "Welcome Teresa. I've heard so much about you, it's like I know you already." Emma could see the resemblance between the McCloud sisters easily and knew this was what Louise had looked like many years ago. The thought warmed her heart and her hand went back to her belly.
Holding Teresa to her side is a warm, motherly embrace, Emma watched her husband shake hands with Jeremiah McCloud. Sam had a way with children and it made her smile to see him act so kind to the boy.
Sam played rough with Jeremiah for a second and settled his hand onto the boy's shoulder. "I see your growin' into a fine young man, Jeremiah. I may have to deputize you some day soon and have you workin' for me."
Jeremiah felt as if he would bust. A famous lawman like Sam Cain thought he could one-day work for him! "I would like that, sir."
"And you, young man, come here." Emma pointed at the Kid, calling him to her side. She tried to keep a stern look set on her face, but couldn't hide the smile for the once boy, now man, standing before her. "I'm so proud of you."
"I didn't do nothin' Emma."
"I'm prouder of you for not knowin' you done something good here Kid. You doin' what you are for Louise, making this a happy day in spite of last years disaster, it shows what a good, kind man you've grown into."
Kid hugged the former station mistress and spoke quietly into her ear. "How could I not Emma? I love her. She means everything to me."
Emma squeezed him back. "I know Kid, I've always known."
"Kid! Unhand that woman and let me get a turn huggin' on the prettiest mama to be in all the Nebraska Territory!" Kid separated himself from Emma's embrace to see Teaspoon and the other riders barreling out of the bunkhouse. They rushed into the station yard to join their fellow riders and greet their friends, old and new, big and small.
It took Rachel a while to get everyone settled, but with much pushing, pulling and soft kicks in the seats of certain young men's pants, the current station mistress had the party plans back on track. She had the men in the bunkhouse decorating while Emma sat and supervised. The children were wrapping the presents and she started the preparations in the main house.
As the sun began to set, a rider appeared on the horizon, surrounded by a cloud of dust. From her watch post on the porch of the main house, Rachel looked over to the well-dressed group waiting on the bunkhouse steps and waved them inside. Only Buck remained outside in his regular clothes. He would change for the party after his task completed. Buck would take Lightning from Lou and give her the message to see Rachel immediately. Rachel chose her most serious rider in hopes he would give nothing of their plan away.
To be continued...The Last Chapter!
Copyright 1998-This work is not to be reproduced without the permission of the author
The Way Station
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