An hour later, Rachel Dunn and Teaspoon Hunter stood in the parlor of Rachel's home watching a blizzard develop. Rachel voiced the fear that one or more of the Express Riders could be caught in the storm. Teaspoon placed an arm around her shoulder.

"Rachel honey relax. Lou and the boys will be Ok. They are all experienced and pretty wise about weather like this. Besides I have heard from everyone. Michael said Noah and Cody are staying in Henderson. Buck, Jimmy, Kid and Lou are in Redford. Buck's homing pigeon flew in with a note about an hour ago. They intend to stay until at least Sunday. and so do Noah and Cody. You probably couldn't drag Noah away from Cassie. Cody, Buck and Jimmy will be fine as long as they are warm and full. For once some one else can deal with Lou and the Kid. Hopefully, Buck and Jimmy will keep them from killing each other."

Rachel laughed "Don't count on it. You better be prepared to ride out and get them out of jail."

"Oh no not in this storm” responded Teaspoon. “They'll stay put until it lets up and then I will kill them, if I have to bail them out."

Two miles outside of Redford Buck Cross hailed Kid, another express rider. Though they were in a driving snow storm Buck easily recognized Kid's Palomino, Katy. Kid spotted the bright scarf Buck wore.

"Kid, Dawn and Lou are already in our respective suites. Jimmy rode in an hour ago and he's joining us for dinner. I ordered dinner to be bought to your suite "

"Good enough Buck. Let's ride and get the heck in out of this before I catch pneumonia."

"Lou would be so worried she might forget to kill you" replied Buck as they spurred their mounts toward Redford.

"Ha, Ha Real funny" groused Kid

Within half an hour they reached the hotel stable in Redford. Both men groomed their horses, fed them and gave them extra blankets. They closed the stable doors securely and entered the hotel. Both men stopped at the front desk for their keys. They heard a familiar voice as they started up the steps.

"I see you two are looking for trouble. Hope you can handle it, especially you Kid."

"Jimmy" retorted Kid and Buck in unison.

"I'm sure you'll get in enough trouble for both of us, responded Buck. You usually do."

"Really”, replied Kid, “seems you are usually the one we bail out or find sleeping in our rooms. Besides with this storm it's too violent outside to get in trouble inside."

As Kid put his key. in the lock Jimmy responded "Please you and Lou will match the storm. You two are a peck of trouble these days."

Lou yanked the door open "I heard that Jimmy and it just isn't true."

"Lou you two are trying to work your way back together, but, you still have the worst shouting matches I have ever seen."

"Jimmy, that's just plain mean. What's wrong with you?” inquired Lou.

"Well, replied Jimmy, I'm tired and hungry."

"Ok you grouchy bear, go wash and by the time you get back dinner will be here, replied Lou. Kid you and Buck go wash and put on dry clothes."

Buck smiled and winked at Dawn who witnessed the display.

Kid and Buck headed out the door to the privy down the hall. Jimmy retorted over his shoulder as he followed them "Anything you say little general."

"Dawn, do you see why I say they drive me crazy?"

Dawn merely smiled. “Lou, you know your life wouldn't be the same without them. You would be lost without the boys."

Lou smiled "I guess I would. I see why Buck is crazy about you. You're fun, wise and pretty. "

”Well thanks, so are you. Why don't you try a second chance with Kid? "

"Believe me I am. He and I need to talk, but I know we can work things out if we try."

In the privy they shared, Kid asked Jimmy why he was arguing with Lou.

"Simple”, replied Jimmy. “If she's fighting with me, she's not fighting with you. I have the haven of my room to go to later you might not be so fortunate. I know the suite has two rooms, but you two are going to be hell to live with if you don't work things out. This way at least you start out on speaking terms.. The rest is up to the two of you."

Buck chuckled "Sometimes I don't understand any of you. Jimmy, Lou is going to kill you unless you quit irritating her. Kid you and Lou belong together. The problem is you are the only two people who can't seem to see that. It's driving you two and everyone around you crazy."

" I know” replied Kid “and we have to work that out after dinner. Speaking of dinner I am starved . Lets go and eat."

The food was arriving as they re entered the room. Buck promptly requested that everyone have a peaceful meal without incident. Dawn gave him a quizzical look and giggled.

"We'll try”, responded Jimmy, “but with this group, you know that's a lot to ask."

At that moment a saucy, young woman entered the room carrying a pitcher and several glasses. Suddenly she looked at Jimmy . "Is that you James Hickock" she inquired in a coy voice.

"Oh no" groaned Kid, Lou, and Buck in unison.

Sensing a chance to turn the tables on him, Lou asked "what have you done now Jimmy?" Before he could answer, the young woman put her arms around him and kissed him. He smiled and caressed her neck and back. She whispered in Jimmy's ear "will I see you later sugar?"

"Will you ever," he whispered back.

Kid cleared his throat loudly "Jimmy, Louise was talking to you."

"Huh. Oh we are old friends."

"I think we figured that out " replied Buck. The others howled with laughter.

The young lady said "My name is Lyne. You could say Jimmy saved my life about six months ago and we have been friends ever since. He always stops to visit when he is in the area."

"I will be here until at least Sunday afternoon, Jimmy indicated ."

Lyne informed Jimmy she got of at eight. "Meet me in the Salon at nine and we can get reacquainted" she replied as she sauntered out of the room.

The others burst out laughing again as Jimmy blushed while she was closing the door.

"Ok get it of your chests now replied Jimmy as he cut his steak. I know you all have something to say."

"Well, I can sure see why your runs from this direction take longer than they used to" replied Kid.

"It also explains why you come in and snore the roof off the bunkhouse,” smiled Lou. “Must have something to do with being tired after dancing."

"Lou" cried Kid and Buck in unison. Buck had to smack Jimmy on the back as he nearly choked on a fork full of potatoes.

"At least she kissed you instead of slapping you,” interjected Buck.. “Although since we will be here until Sunday, maybe I shouldn't rule that out yet."

"Are you all through?” asked Jimmy. “God you people are relentless. I swear I will kill anyone that breathes a word of this to Cody."

Everyone laughed uproariously until tears ran down their faces.

"Jimmy we won't tell if you explain how you met Lyne" responded Lou.

"Fine, I'll tell my story, if Kid and Buck tell theirs,” inserted Jimmy. “Seem's we have done a lot of good deeds here in Redford. I stopped two guys from harassing Lyne in the diningroom. A third guy was holding a gun on the owner. I waylaid two of them and then Lyne and I took out the one holding the owner hostage. After that I was offered a room here at no charge or a suite at a reduced rate. I always stop for a good meal and a comfortable bed. Now Kid and Buck, lets hear your story."

Kid noticed Lou was drinking tea instead of coffee and asked if she was Ok. She indicated she was and had decided to try a tea Dawn recommended. Since he was satisfied with her answer, Kid began to speak. "About two months ago Buck and I passed through here on a run. In Preston we had been told the Howard brothers were on the loose causing trouble. We were keeping our eyes open for them. We decided to stop here to rest the horses and get a decent meal. In the livery stable we overheard the Howard brothers planning to knock over the Hotel and the Bank."

Buck picked up the tale. "We furtively followed them with the intent of foiling their plans. They stepped up to the Hotel desk and demanded the contents of the safe. Kid and I put our guns in our pockets and then stuck them in the backs of the Howard brothers. Needless to say, we had the drop on them. We quietly held them until the Sheriff and his Deputies arrived. As a reward we were also offered free rooms and discounted suites whenever we visit."

”You all certainly find plenty of mischief to get into,” commented Dawn. “But I'm sure this hotel owner and the Sheriff are glad to see you guys come into town."

"They are” replied Jimmy. “I just hope we can stay out of trouble during this visit. On that note, I'm going to bid you all good night. I have an appointment to keep"

"Have fun called Lou as he left the room"

"I intend to", replied Jimmy as he closed the door.

Buck took Dawn's hand "We are retiring too. I hear them filing a tub for Dawn. “I'm sure she wants a hot bath."

"I sure do,” she replied.

"They will fill your tub next Lou,” indicated Buck.

"Goodnight", chorused Buck and Dawn.

"Night" replied Kid.

"Goodnight, See you tomorrow for lunch," responded Lou .

They closed the door and stepped across the hall to their suite.

Kid and Lou sat in comfortable chairs next to each other and rested their feet on a footstool. Kid reached out to touch Lou's hand as he began to speak. "Lou, Redford brings back wonderful memories of our fist trip here"

"It sure does" she replied.

"Louise, I really owe you an apology for acting so foolish. I was absolutely miserable without you. Those other girls didn't mean a thing to me, especially Samantha. I was running from my feelings for you I never stopped loving you, because, it simply wasn't possible I guess I thought I could get you out of my system by dating someone who was your opposite."

"Was I that embarrassing and head strong?" inquired Lou.

"Oh no. You are that intoxicating and unforgettable. Dating your opposite only made matters worse. My dreams were and are constantly filled with beautiful visions of you. That was enough to get me to realize no one could replace you. I love you Louise and I always will. I am so sorry that I hurt you."

"Kid I forgive you. I owe you an apology too. I behaved pretty badly too. I know you are aware that Jimmy and I shared a kiss. But it merely proved that there is no one else who affects me like you do. It wasn't right and never could be." She gently caressed his hand.

"I need to share something else with you Lou. I hope this comes out the right way."

At that moment the hotel staff knocked at the door with a tub and buckets of water for Lou.

"Lets sit on the sofa where we won't be overheard" encouraged Kid. After they were seated he pulled Lou close and held her in his arms. He blushed as he began to speak softly. "Lou I never danced with any of those other girls. Let me explain before you get angry. I don't think you are less of a lady than they are. The problem was they were not the lady you are. I couldn't dance with them, because I knew I would come up empty. They were nice but they didn't touch my heart and soul. You absolutely fill my heart and soul."

Lou had tears in her eyes as she gave him a tender kiss. "Kid, that came out perfectly. You fill my heart and soul too. I was also miserable when we were apart. I didn't even consider dancing with anyone else. I love you and I promise not to leave you again. I'm sure we will still fight, but I won't leave."

"Neither will I,” indicated Kid. “We will just have to find a way to resolve our differences. Are we back together," inquired Kid.

"You bet we are" responded a breathless Lou.

At that moment the hotel staff interrupted them and informed them the bath was ready. They indicated they would remove the tub in the morning when they furnished clean towels and water for washing. They left the room and closed the door behind them.

Kid left the sofa to lock the door. Lou smiled as she watched him walk across the room. She enjoyed watching Kid move. His swift precise movements always excited and enticed her.

Lou stepped behind the screen and began to disrobe. She moved it slightly so she could see Kid from the tub. She stepped into the water and sighed. "Kid share my bath with me, please."

"Are you certain you want to take this step Lou? We don't have to rush things."

"I've never been more sure of anything. I want you in my tub and my bed. I have even tried Dawn's herb tea, because, it may help keep me from having to worry about little ones before we are ready."

"Why Louise, you had this planned ahead of time, didn't you."

"Yes I did. I'm guilty of wanting you,” she purred. “Come on in the water is great."

"When you put it like that. Why not." Lou watched as Kid took off his clothes First he removed his shirt and shrugged out of the top of his long johns and then he removed his socks. They were immediately followed by his pants and his long underwear. Lou licked her lips and smiled as she looked at Kid standing naked before her. He leisurely crossed the room and stepped into the tub with her. "Oh boy. I'm glad Cody's not here. He would tease me for days about smelling like lavender."

"Well I won't tease you about that,” responded Lou. “But I may tease you about the reason you smell like it."

"Better be careful before I hide your bath salts,” teased Kid.

"I would torture you until you gave them back” replied Lou as she leaned over to stroke his manhood.

He gulped "that's definitely not the way to get it back" responded Kid. He reached out to run his fingers down her thighs and slip them between Lou's legs to touch her most vulnerable and delicate area.

Lou squealed "Kid" and shifted in the tub. She picked up the soap and a cloth and methodically washed his body. She even shampooed his hair. He kissed Lou and removed the cloth and soap from her hands. Kid began to cleanse Lou's body, letting his hands rove as he worked . He kissed her passionately as the continued investigating each other’s body. Lou gently caressed Kid's body as he tenderly explored hers. Lou's fingers remained on his penis, delivering tender strokes. His fingers continuously worked on the little button between her legs. Lou cried Kid's name and clung to his shoulders as she shuddered in climax. He held her close until her heart rate and breathing returned to normal. He quietly stepped out of the tub and leered at her. "Don't leave me alone,” whispered Lou. Kid dried his hair and wrapped a towel around his waist. “I'm not Leaving’ he replied. “I have to stoke the fire in the bedroom so we won't catch cold.

"Kid, I need you to stroke another fire", implored Lou.

"Be patient honey. I'll tend that fire too. I'll be right back. Just relax and soak a few minutes. Lou slid back down to soak in the tub. Ten minutes later Kid returned to the room. He picked up a towel and approached the tub. He gently lifted Lou from the tub and wrapped her in the towel. He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom and stood her near the fireplace. She sighed and placed her arms around Kid's waist. He pulled her close for a passionate kiss. He insisted on drying Louise before she caught a cold. Upon drying her, he gently lay her naked upon the bed. He blew out the lamp, lit two candles and joined her upon the bed.

"Now to take up where we left off. Louise I want you. Do you want me to tend your fire?"

Lou answered his question by leaning over his body to kiss him and grasping his manhood in her hand.

"Well I would say yes!" Kid leaned up to take Lou's nipple in his mouth to suck upon it. Then he did the same with the other, while caressing her bottom Kid continued to reacquaint himself with Lou's body. He continued his investigation at a leisurely pace, driving Lou to the edge several times.

She eventually cried out "Kid, I need you inside me. NOW!"

He knew that was more of a command than a request and he knew she would not last much longer. Her turned her so that she lay beneath him and entered her in a single stroke. Lou cried out and scratched his back and shoulders as he began to move in and out at his own pace. She could not contain herself. As he increased his pace she experience a crashing climax. She began to move at a frantic pace, which caused Kid to join her in order to keep up. He let out a low growl as she cried out his name once more. They climaxed and reached the stars together. Lou sighed and passed out in his arms. Kid was temporarily unable to move. When he could he rolled onto his side and began to rub Lou's cheek. Slowly she regained consciousness and began to cry. Kid held her tight and kissed her once again.

Kid asked "Are you alright Lou? Did I hurt you?"

"Oh no Kid. You didn't hurt me. In fact it never felt quite so good before. I almost feel ashamed. I'm fairly certain I should not feel this good."

Kid sat against the headboard and pulled Lou into his arms. "You have nothing to be ashamed of and neither do I. Sweetheart our bodies merely answered each other in a dance as old as life itself."

"Kid you certainly changed you tune."

"Ike taught me not to waste time and life. I've come to realize life is to short not to enjoy it to the fullest. Loving you and dancing with you is a treat I refuse to miss." He leaned in for another kiss. Lou ran her hands along his thighs as she stroked his manhood and nibbled on his nipples. She was surprised he immediately began to react to her ministrations. "Oh Lou where did you learn this.?"

"Uh, I borrowed Cody's book."

"Guess who else has a copy of that book? I'll share it with you tomorrow."

Lou giggled, “Teaspoon and Rachel would have a fit if they knew we indulged in such reading."

"So we won't tell them" replied Kid with a passionate kiss. He began to trail his fingers between Lou's legs. He began to stoke her fire again as she stroked his. Kid moved between Lou's legs and let his tongue blaze the trail his fingers had traveled until his tongue began to touch her most sensitive spot. Lou responded by; taking him in her mouth and sucking upon his member. Very soon he turned her on her side to face him and Kid entered her again. They made pleasant and leisurely love and once again reached new heights. Once they began to cool down Lou reached out and pulled the covers over their sated and exhausted bodies.

"Now that was back together" she murmured as she began to drift of to sleep in Kid's arms.

"Umhum" Kid sighed as he drifted off to sleep

Kid was awakened the next morning by knocking on the door. He answered the door for a maid who carried their breakfast and two porters prepared to empty and refill the tub.

Lyne entered carrying fresh towels. "Jimmy asked me to give you and Buck a message He fed and watered the horses so you don't have to. He ate a huge breakfast and said he's going back to bed until dinnertime. Buck said he and Dawn will have lunch with you in the diningroom. He also said he and Dawn will host dinner this evening. Jimmy and I will join you for dinner."

"Thank's Lyne" replied Kid.

Kid carried breakfast into the bedroom. Lou awakened the minute she smelled the food. "Boy, am I hungry, she declared."

"So am I responded Kid with a leer."

"Kid we need to eat to keep our strength. They will tease us forever if we both get home sick." Lou got up and put on Kid's shirt and then got back in bed to eat.

"Yeah but curing each other sure would be fun" he teased.

"Kid what on earth am I going to do with you?"

"Well let me eat before you ravish me again for starters."

"You are impossible" giggled Lou .

After breakfast Lou went into the next room to bathe. Kid washed her body and shampooed her hair after he finished eating. “I've got to go down the hall a minute. I'll be right back,” replied Kid.

“Take a bath yourself when you get back" replied Lou.

"Ok little general,” replied Kid as he closed the door. The door to the privy was locked so Kid knocked.

"I'll be out in a minute called a familiar voice."

"Buck, Its Kid."

Buck unlocked the door and called out "Come in. Man you look like I feel. Dawn wore me out."

"Well Lou wore me out too and I don't mean we were arguing either."

"Ah,” replied Buck, “let me make a suggestion. I have a tea you should drink. It will restore some of your energy. Personally, I intend to have seconds and take a nap."

"Me too,” replied Kid. “Um Buck, I don't think we should share this conversation with the ladies."

"Are you kidding, I want to love Dawn not fight with her. No way am I sharing this conversation brother."

They left the privy and walked down the hall. Buck entered his suite and returned to hand Kid a small package. "See you later" replied Buck as he and Kid entered their respective suites.

Lou called Kid from the bedroom. "It's your turn to get a bath. I already had one."

Kid grabbed his cup of tea, undressed and stepped into the tub. Lou stood watching quietly from her vantage point in the other room. She did not know Kid realized she was peeking. He decided to give her an unexpected show and driver her nuts . ‘I'll teach her to watch me bathe. I'll give her a real eyeful' he thought. He slowly and methodically bathed making sure to flex and clench certain muscles he knew she could not resist viewing. He stepped from the tub to towel off and pulled on clean pants before entering the bedroom. By then Lou was sitting in a chair reading his book, wearing her new gown and matching robe. She looked up and gave him a salacious smile "Did you have a good bath?"

"I sure did he returned with a leer. I see you found the book. Did you see anything interesting?"

"Well maybe" replied Lou.

"I mean in the book Lou.. I knew you were watching me."

She blushed from head to foot and stuttered "I just couldn't resist."

"Hey, it's Ok. You can repay me later." He lifted her from the chair and took the seat and settled her in his lap. Kid admired Lou's gown and his hands began a very familiar tour. "Come on and share," demanded Kid.

Lou immediately blushed as she turned to the page which interested her. Kid viewed it with a huge smile as he leaned in to kiss Lou passionately. He said “You know we are in trouble don't you?"

"This is trouble I like,” she replied. He lifted her from the chair to carry her to the. bed . He placed her on her knees and removed his pants. He pushed her nightgown up to her shoulders and gently entered her from behind to begin the dance as old as time. Lou cried out his name as he pumped in and out. The made love at a fevered pitch and reached a climax together.

Afterward Kid added wood to the fire and returned the book to his saddlebag. " Don't want the hotel staff to find it" he admitted with a blush. He crawled into the bed next to Lou. "Louise, I like your night gown, Is it new?"

She blushed, " yes it is" she replied .

" You certainly make it look beautiful."

"Uh Kid , I think you mixed that up a little".

”No I didn't. I said what I meant. The gown is pretty because you're in it."

"Oh Kid" Lou gushed.

Kid merely pulled her into his arms and lay back on the pillows and looked out the window at the falling snow. "What a way to be snowed in, he noted. In bed with the perfect woman." Both were smiling as they drifted off to sleep.

They awakened from their nap just in time to meet Dawn and Buck for lunch in the dining room. The men left to check the horses while the ladies waited for the meal to be delivered.

"Lou, did you and Kid have your talk? "

"We certainly did and it cleared up a lot of differences."

Dawn smiled "Here is water for tea,” indicated Dawn.

Lou just giggled "I definitely need a cup."

Dawn giggled and indicated "So do I. We better order more water for Buck and Kid. Somehow I think they will want tea also. Buck likes an herb tea which revives his strength."

"Kid drank tea this morning too. That explains a lot."

Meanwhile the men were in the barn watering and checking the horses. Kid had to battle to get Katy's attention away from Lightening.

"Don't get too upset" teased Buck "They are just like their owners. They are engrossed with one another."

"You should talk. You and Dawn are no better", indicated Kid.

"I know it man. This is the first time I've ever hoped a blizzard would grow worse. It's great being here with Dawn. Heals the heart a little you know."

Kid gave Buck a pat on the shoulder. He knew Buck referred to Ike's recent death. "Well I have to admit, I am enjoying this blizzard too,” responded Kid. “Feels like it's snowing peace and healing my heart too."

"You and Lou made peace?" inquired Buck.

"Oh yeah. I meant to ask how often should I drink that tea?"

"Have another cup at lunch if you want. Dawn probably has hot water for it waiting on the table. She appreciates that particular habit."

"Let's go eat,” said Kid. “I'm cold and starved for all types of things."

They returned to the ladies to enjoy their meals and a host of weekend delights. Jimmy joined them occasionally for meals at which they drank more herb tea than coffee Sunday afternoon Buck, Dawn, Lou and Kid rode out two hours ahead of Jimmy. "I want a little more time with Lyne. I'll meet you all at the cave in four hours"

"Keep you word Jimmy,” replied Lou. “It's going to get dark and I for one don't want to spend the night in the cave. "

"Neither do I,” replied Kid and Buck in unison."

Kid and Lou found themselves alone in the cave half an hours ride from the station. Buck had gone to take Dawn back to camp. Jimmy was on his way there, true to his word. Lou and Kid sat huddled together under a blanket in front of a small fire. They immediately drew their weapons when they heard footsteps.

"Kid and Lou it us, Noah and Cody,” called out a familiar voice. “We saw the horses and figured we take a rest" indicated Cody as he took a seat.

"Excuse us,” said Noah with a pointed look at Cody. “We are obviously intruding on a private moment."

"Oh, that's Ok" said a sleepy Lou as she rested her head on Kid's shoulder.

"Wait a minute,” said Cody. “Something is different. I know what it is. You two are holding each other and you aren't fighting "

"Cody,” indicated an exasperated Kid, “one of these days your mouth will get you killed. For a smart man you say the worst things. What does it take a brick to fall on your head?"

Lou just chuckled. and hugged Kid a little closer. At that moment Jimmy called out "Guy's Buck is waiting at the bottom of the hill. Lets go home."

They arrived at the station just in time for dinner. The snow started again. At dinner Teaspoon noted everyone was rather quiet. He asked " Did you boys and girl ask for all this snow to get a break from work?"

Buck and Kid exchanged a smile and said "Maybe" simultaneously. Cody, Noah and Jimmy just laughed. Lou just smiled and ate another spoon full of stew.

As soon as the dishes were cleared everyone in the Bunkhouse went to sleep. Teaspoon and Rachel went in briefly to tend the fires and lock the shutters "Rachel will you listen to this they must be tired. Kid's growling and Lou is sighing in her sleep."

"Look a little closer,” said Rachel. “Her hat is on his post and his hat is next to her pillow. They are back together. That explains them but what about the rest of the boys? Cody and Jimmy are snoring to wake the dead, but no one's complaining. Noah's growling like bear and I swear Buck howled like a wolf."

The room smelled like a flower garden and Teaspoon knew exactly how the riders spent the blizzard. "Uh, Rachel they're all growing up. I think they have all been kinda busy and they are exhausted."

"Well at least they are all home safe."

Lou and Kid shifted in their sleep as they dreamed of being back together and staying that way.