The man stepped down from the train and looked around the snow-covered ground around the bustling town and pulled his coat around him more closely. After weeks of searching, his leads finally led him to the small, but prosperous town in the middle of nowhere. It’d been a long and arduous trek, but something told him it was worth it. He’d made a promise to his wife afterall, and he knew he had to keep it.
His numb hands picked up the small case he was carrying and he crossed the street to the modest hotel, rubbing his hands together once he was inside the warm lobby. He gained more than a few curious gazes as he walked to the desk clerk and smiled.
“Good evenin’ sir, what can I do for you?” “I’d like a room.” “Sure, if you’ll just sign here...” The young man said as he turned to grab a key from the wall. “Room 102, right down the hall.” “Thankyou.” was all the mysterious man said as he made his way down the narrow passage to his room. ****
“You are gonna pay for that one Louise.” Jeremiah screamed from across the yard. “You have to have better aim for that!” Lou returned as she laughed. Before she knew what was happening, strong arms encircled her torso, pinning her arms against her sides. “Come on Jeremiah, make it count.” Kid called as his petite wife squirmed in his arms. “Kid... no fair!” Lou yelled as Jeremiah began to launch snowballs at her. “Oh come on Jeremiah, I’m holding her for you. You can do better than that.” Suddenly, Lou pitched herself forward as a snowball headed right for her. It missed it’s target and instead caught Kid in the face. Lou let out a peal of laughter and Kid looked at her in disgust.
“You know, his aim is like yours.” Kid said. “I think you’re right.” Lou returned as she began to barrage him with the cold projectiles. Kid started running towards her, and she abandoned her arsenal, running towards the house. She tripped on her skirt however and fell to the ground, scrambling to get up, even as Kid pinned her to the ground.
“Oh that was real funny Lou.” Kid said as he began to tickle her. Two pairs of small arms enclosed around his neck , trying to pull him away from Lou. He grinned as he turned to wrestle with his two young sons. Lou, still breathless from her previous sprint across the yard, joined the boys as they tackled Kid to the ground. His blue eyes twinkled as Lou sat on top of him and grinned at him wickedly.
“Have you had enough yet?” she asked. Kid paused for a moment as if to reflect, but it wasn’t long before he sat up, causing her to topple to the ground. He again gained the upper hand and smiled at her sweetly.
“I believe I should be askin’ you that.” Before she could respond, the sound of pounding hoove beats interrupted her. Kid looked into the horizon, confused. They weren’t expecting anyone. He slowly stood up, brushing the snow off his pants, and helped Lou to her feet. They walked to the edge of the yard as two horses came barreling towards them.
Lou was about to ask Kid who it was, when she noticed that one of the horses was very familiar. “Jimmy!” Lou exclaimed as she smiled at her husband. It had been almost five years since she’d last seen him, but she’d recognize his golden horse anywhere. She remembered how he and the Kid had exchanged bitter words before his departure, and she knew that Kid had always regretted the fact that they hadn’t been able to mend their friendship before they parted.
The two riders slowly dismounted their horses as Kid and Lou approached. Lou threw herself into Jimmy’s arms and hugged him tightly. She hadn’t known whether he was alive or dead since he never answered any of her letters. She pulled back and beamed as she looked him over. He hadn’t changed too much, though his eyes seemed harder, as if he’d seen too much.
“Jimmy... is it really you? I can’t believe you’re here!” She said as she hugged him again. Before Jimmy could respond, Kid stood beside them, his blue eyes uncertain. Jimmy smiled though and extended his hand to his best friend. Kid took it firmly and pulled Jimmy into an embrace. Lou looked on with tears in her eyes as the two men forgave eachother without exchanging words. When the two men finally pulled apart, Jimmy looked at the two ruefully.
“I hope you don’t mind that I brought company.” Lou’s eyes flew to the rider who’d been standing aside, almost awkwardly, watching the exchange. Although his hat was pulled low over his face, Lou met his black eyes, and took a step back, bringing her hand to cover her mouth as she gasped in surprise.
“It can’t be... the army told us you were dead.” Lou whispered as she approached her old friend, who removed his hat to reveal his still-handsome features. Tears burst from Lou’s eyes as she ran to Buck and wrapped him in her arms, still not quite believing he was standing in front of her. Buck laughed and tried to hide the tears that ran down his face as well. Jimmy and Kid approached the duo, and it wasn’t long before Kid was hugging Buck as well.
“I... I don’t understand. How..?” Lou stammered. “If you offer me a cup of coffee, I’ll tell you the whole story.” Buck said quietly. ******
Buck looked at Lou in not a little surprise. She looked so different from what he remembered. Of course that had been a little under five years ago. Her once-short hair now fell in a long cascade down her back. Although Buck had always thought Lou was attractive, she was beautiful now.
He smiled now as he saw her bring two little boys by the hand to stand before him and Jimmy. He saw that the two boys were twins, who looked exactly like their father, blue eyes and all. They looked at Buck and Jimmy shyly now, their young faces tinged with curiosity.
“This is Adrian and this is James. Boys, this is your uncle Buck and uncle Jimmy. Can you say hi?” Both Jimmy and Buck exchanged smiles as the boys mumbled out a greeting. Lou smiled at her two friends and released the boys, who ran back outside to help their father with the strangers’ horses. Lou rolled her eyes and placed two steaming mugs before the men.
“Looks like you been busy.” Jimmy said, referring not only to her sons, but also to the successful horse ranch they were running. “A lot can happen in a few years.” Lou returned as she sat down beside Buck, grabbing his hand as if she were afraid he’d disappear. “But right now, I want to know is why the army told us you were dead.” She continued, looking at Buck. Just before Buck was about to respond, Kid walked into the house, stamping his snow-covered feet on the well-worn mat. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat across from his wife at the table and looked expectantly at his old friend.
“Well, they thought I was dead.” Buck began after he swallowed. “You know that I was a tracker for the army and one day, I led us right into a heavily-armed confederate camp. It was awful.” Buck said as he closed his eyes, trying to erase the memory of a blood stained field from his mind. Lou squeezed his hand encouragingly, sensing his anguish. “I was shot in the chest... the rebels thought I was dead and just left me there, for the vultures. They didn’t even have the decency to bury the dead.” Buck said bitterly. “Anyway, I don’t know how much longer, maybe a day maybe two, a group of fugitive slaves stumbled upon me. They cared for me...if it weren’t for them, I would be dead. They saved my life.” “How long ago was that?” Kid asked. “Must’ve been about two years ago.” “Well, what were you doin’ in all that time?” Lou inquired, a little angry that Buck had waited so long to visit them. “I’m sorry Lou... I know I should have come to see you and tell you I was all right, but I got so involved in helping the Underground Railroad that it just didn’t seem important enough.” “Well, I’m glad you’ve come home for Christmas... this is the best present we could have gotten.” Lou said emotionally, wiping at her eyes. “Don’t tell me you’ve gotten soft Lou.” Jimmy said smiling. Lou kicked him from under the table and laughed as he yelped in pain. “So, how did you and Jimmy meet up?” “We met up in Benton yesterday. I saw his horse in the livery and knew he was there, so I went to the first saloon I saw, and there he was, and he wasn’t drinking sarsaparilla either.” Buck teased. Lou merely lifted her eyebrows while Kid laughed and slapped Jimmy on the back. “It sure is good to see you two. Any word from Cody?” “Nope... how about Rachel and Teaspoon?” Lou and Kid smiled at eachother from across the table, causing Buck and Jimmy to glance at eachother in confusion. “Mr. and Mrs. Teaspoon Hunter are livin’ in Texas now.” Kid said. “What?? Rachel and Teaspoon? Never in a million years would I have thought those two would get hitched.” Jimmy laughed. “They were supposed to come for Christmas...but Rachel’s in no condition to be travelin’.” Lou smiled. “You don’t mean... this just gets better and better.” “What about you Jimmy, what have you been doin’? We haven’t heard from you since... you left.” Kid asked, bringing up the subject that had almost destroyed their friendship. “Nothin’ much.” Jimmy said. Lou and Kid caught the tone in his voice and knew he didn’t want to discuss whatever he’d been involved in. They respected his silent request, content just to have him back. “Well, you boys must be tired, I’ll got set up your rooms.” Lou said as she stood up. “If it’s too much trouble, we’ll just stay in town Lou. Don’t go to any trouble for us.” Buck said quietly. “Don’t be silly. You’re family, and you’re goin’ to stay with us.” Lou said, smiling brilliantly as she happily went about her task. After she left the room, Jimmy turned to Kid. “Where’s Theresa? I saw Jeremiah in the yard, but--” He let his question drop as Kid’s face fell. “She... she died before she even came to live with us. St Jo had a typhoid epidemic and she just wasn’t strong enough to fight it. Lou still blames herself... it’s hard for her, especially around this time of year. Please, don’t say anything to her about it.” Jimmy nodded, well aware of how guilt could overwhelm a person. Just then, Jeremiah burst through the house, Adrian and James hot on his trail. The three men laughed at the scene, but stopped abruptly as they heard a loud thump in the hallway. They arose and walked further into the house to find Lou lying on the floor, entangled with Jeremiah, while her two sons looked on worried in anticipation of their mother’s response.
Kid walked over and helped Jeremiah to his feet, trying to keep the smirk off his face. Lou started laughing, much to everyone’s relief as she grabbed Kid’s hand and hauled herself up.
“Uh...sorry Louise.” Jeremiah smiled. “Yep, you are sorry.” Lou returned. “Now, why don’t you go and change out of those wet clothes and help the boys. I’ll make you somethin’ hot to eat.” “Um...I really don’t feel like goin’ to the doc today.” Jeremiah returned as he ran off, trying to avoid Lou’s wrath. Kid and the others burst out laughing at Lou’s expense, until she turned her glare on them. The immediately straightened up and tried to cover their smiles. Lou lightly punched Kid in the ribs and smiled mischievously.
“If my cookin’ is so bad, then you can just make your own supper tonight.” She said as she turned to walk away, satisfied. “Probably safer that way.” Kid returned, running out the door as Lou turned to give chase. “I see things haven’t changed.” Buck smiled as he walked out of the door to join his friends. “Nope.” Jimmy agreed as he followed Buck. ******
Lou looked up from the fire as Kid entered the living room, rubbing his tired eyes. He smiled tiredly as he sat beside her on the floor, their backs leaning against the couch. Lou leaned her head on his broad shoulder and sighed.
“They finally asleep?” she asked drowsily. “Yep, they wouldn’t agree to close their eyes until I told ‘em some stories about Buck and Jimmy.” “It sure feels good to have them back.” she said as she stole her hand into Kid’s. “Where are they now?” “They were tired so they decided to turn in early.” “They must be gettin’ old.” Kid laughed. “That means we’re gettin’ old too.” Lou returned, looking into his face. Kid laughed and planted a gentle kiss on his wife’s forehead. “I guess you’re right.” The young couple sat in silence for a few moments, watching as the flames from the fire danced on the crackling logs. The snow was falling steadily outside, creating a beautiful picture. Kid stood up and extended his hand to Lou.
“We better be goin’ to bed ourselves. I’m takin’ the boys to pick out a tree tomorrow.” Lou nodded and smiled, taking her husband’s hand as he led her up the stairs. Every Christmas since they had been married, Kid had made a point of trudging out into the early morning, hoping to bring home the perfect tree. When the boys were old enough, they joined their father in the tradition. Although there were no pine trees in Rock Creek, Kid always managed to bring home a substitute that they’d decorate with bright ribbons and pieces of paper. When Christmas was over, Kid would take the tree into the yard and replant it.
Lou snuggled into Kid’s side and laid her head on his chest. He tightened his arms around her and rested his chin on the top of her head. She still couldn’t believe that Buck and Jimmy were finally home. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, a small smile lifting the corners of her mouth. **********
Lou awoke with a start, the sound of an approaching wagon dragging her from her peaceful sleep. She sat up and saw that her husband was doing the same. Dawn had not yet broken, but Lou pulled her robe on and followed Kid down the stairs. The cold air hit her immediately and she pulled the thin robe around her slight form more tightly, squinting in the distance.
The wagon pulled to a stop a few feet from the house and Kid’s face split into a grin as he recognized the two figures sitting cozily in the seat. He turned to glance at his wife, but she was already running toward the new arrivals, oblivious to the snow against her bare feet.
“Rachel, Teaspoon, what are you doin’ here?” Lou exclaimed as she ran into Teaspoon’s arms. “I thought --” “Rachel’s just as stubborn as you Lou, I can’t tell her nothin’.” Teaspoon smiled as he let her go. Lou then embraced the heavily-pregnant woman and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re here.” she said simply. “It feels good to be home Louise.” Rachel returned as she kissed Kid’s cheek. “You two have really turned this place around.” “Why don’t we go inside, it’s mighty cold out here.” Kid suggested. While Lou and Rachel walked arm-in-arm into the house, Kid and Teaspoon unloaded the wagon, smiling at the two women. Once inside, Lou smiled at Rachel mischievously. Dawn was just beginning to break and Rachel was able to observe her younger friend in the light. Her long brown hair was disheveled, but didn’t diminish her beauty in any way. Rachel saw how much fuller her face looked, no doubt a result of childbirth and maturity. Her large brown eyes seem to shine with joy, and Rachel guessed it had not only to do with her arrival, but also her new life.
“I have a surprise for you Rachel.” Lou said impishly as Rachel sat down at the table. “You wait here, and I’ll bring them out.” Lou said mysteriously as she walked out of the kitchen, leaving Rachel alone. *****
“Jimmy, wake up.” Lou whispered as she vigorously shook his shoulder. The man didn’t even move. Lou looked at Buck, who she’d already awaken and smiled. Without further ado, she snatched the pillow from beneath his head and began to pound him with it. He immediately spurred to action and snatched the pillow away from her and launched it at Buck who stood laughing by her side.
“Come on Jimmy, get up, I have a surprise for you.” “Lou, it ain’t even hardly light out yet.” Jimmy complained as he stood up and followed her obediently out of his room and into the kitchen. Buck and Jimmy stopped in the doorway when they saw spotted a golden-haired woman standing in front of the window, looking outside. She turned at the approaching footsteps and smiled beatifically as she met Jimmy’s eyes. She faltered a bit when her eyes traveled to Buck, but soon she was pulling both men into a hug, which was quite difficult, given her size.
“Buck... we thought you were--” “I know.” Buck said quietly, gazing into her face. Just then Kid and Teaspoon entered the warm house. Kid was in the middle of telling Teaspoon of the renovations they’d made when he stopped abruptly, smiling at Jimmy and Buck. Teaspoon looked up and smiled broadly before walking over to give his former charges a bear hug.
“Well, I’ll be...” teaspoon said through an emotion-filled voice. Lou walked over to Kid, who wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and smiled. They watched the reunion through tear-glazed eyes, holding eachother tightly. Lou stood up on tip-toe and placed a gentle kiss on Kid’s cheek. She had a feeling this was going to be the best Christmas ever. *****
Rachel leaned her head back on the rocking chair and rubbed her hand over her distended abdomen. The house was empty and she was enjoying the peace and quiet. All the boys had gone out searching for a tree and Lou was in town, picking up a few groceries for the feast she had planned.
Rachel was about to drift off to sleep when a soft knock on the door aroused her. She stood up and walked into the kitchen. Upon opening the door, she found a short, well-dressed older gentleman with his hat in his hand. His face was clean shaven and his eyes and mouth were surrounded by small lines. He had the most gentle brown eyes she had ever seen and she immediately liked him.
“I’m sorry to disturb you Miss, but I’m looking for a Miss Louise McCloud. the hotel clerk told me she lived out here.” He said in a soft accented voice. “Yes, she does, but right now she’s in town.” “Oh, I see.” The man said disappointedly. “But you’re welcome to come in and wait for her. She shouldn’t be too long.” Rachel said as she opened the door to admit the man. “Thank you kindly Miss...?” “Rachel Hunter.” she supplied as she closed the door behind him. “Thank you Mrs. Hunter.” “So, are you an old friend of Louise’s Mister...?” “Riley, Daniel Riley. Louise doesn’t know who I am... it’s a bit difficult to explain.” “What do you mean?” Rachel asked suspiciously. Daniel was spared from having to answer when Lou burst through the door, carrying a brown sack over her shoulder. She smiled at Rachel, but her brow knit in confusion as she registered Daniel’s presence.
“Oh my God... you look just like her.” Daniel breathed as he stood up to face her, which caused Lou to become even more confused than she already was. “Who are you?” Lou asked suspiciously, internal alarms going off. Daniel seemed prepared for the question because he didn’t flinch at the harshness of her tone. He looked at Rachel, who was eyeing him warily now and took a deep breath. He moved his gaze back to Lou and smiled softly.
“I’m your father.” Rachel drew in a breath sharply and looked at Lou. She was surprised to se how calm and cool Louise stood, no emotion playing on her face. Lou unceremoniously dropped her bag on the floor and met Daniel’s gaze.
“I’m afraid you’re mistaken. My father is dead.” “The man you thought was your father wasn’t.” “You expect me to believe that? Look, what is it you want?” “Your mother’s name was Mary Louise McCloud.” “You’re goin’ to have to do a lot better than that if you expect me to believe you.” “How about this?” Daniel said as he pulled a necklace from his coat pocket. Lou took it and looked it over. She ran her finger over the silver heart-shaped locket and looked up to Daniel. “What does this prove?” “Open it.” She did so and gasped as she recognized a younger version of her mother, smiling beside a young man, who Lou knew was the man before her. She sat down heavily, a thousand thoughts flying through her mind as she gazed at the old picture. She finally regained her senses and looked up at Daniel.
“So, you knew my mother...doesn’t mean you’re my father.” “I met your mother in St. Louis. I had just arrived from Boston, full of hopes and dreams. She was a maid at one of the fancy hotels in town, and I was wroking at the bank for a powerful man who owned half the town. I fell in love with your mother the moment I laid eyes on her. She was so beautiful and she had real spirit...” “We started courting and I knew she was the woman I wanted to marry. I kept putting of the wedding because I wanted to have a more secure position at the bank. I didn’t think it would take that long because the owner took a shining to me, treated me as if I were his own son. He had a daughter, just a little younger than I was, and she fell in love with me.” “Mary used to tease me about it all the time; we used to laugh about it all the time. Then one day, I was taken aside and the owner made a deal I couldn’t refuse. He said he wanted me to marry his daughter and become a part of his family. He said I had an eye for the business and that he wouldn’t trust anyone else with it. What else could I do?” “Our engagement was announced to the whole city and I’ll never forget the look of betrayal on Mary’s face when she found out. I was too much of a coward to tell her face-to-face, so she found out along with everyone else. She went to the big house a few days before my wedding and told me she was with child.” “My future father-in-law offered her money to leave town, but she wouldn’t take it. He told her that he’d take her job away, because he owned the hotel as well. She kept looking at me, waiting for me to come to her defense, but I wasn’t brave enough. She left then and the last time I saw her was at my wedding. I later heard she left town with a man named Boggs who’d been pursuing her for a while.” “You just abandoned her? How could you do that? Do you know what kind of man Boggs was?” Lou was yelling, her voice clogged with emotion. “I... I know that--” “Get out.” Lou shrieked as she stood up and opened the door. “But--” “I said get out.” Lou threw the precious necklace into the snow and glared at Daniel. “I understand how you feel.” “You have no idea how I feel. You make my stomach turn. You’re a coward and I have no father, do you understand me?” Daniel looked like he was about to respond, but decided against it. He looked at Lou and Rachel sadly before walking out the door. Rachel’s heart almost broke as he stooped down to pick up the small trinket. Lou slammed the door and picked up the sack and began unloading the contents.
“Lou--” “Rachel, I won’t talk about this. Just forget it, all right? Everything’s fine.” Rachel had never heard such anger in the young woman’s voice before and it scared her. She looked out the window and hoped the men would return soon. She knew that Kid was the only one who could get through to the stubborn woman. ****
Lou angrily tossed hay into one of the empty stalls. She’d come out to the stable more than an hour ago after the sympathetic looks from Rachel had become too much to bear. Lou knew she meant well, but this was something she had to deal with herself.
Unbidden thoughts came to her mind as she leaned against the pitchfork. Her mind was flooded with memories of her childhood, ones she thought she’d suppressed until now. Her father, or the man she thought had been her father, had an amazing capacity for cruelty. She remembered all beatings her mother had received at his hands, almost as if she’d received them as well. Her eyes welled with tears as a small voice in the back of head kept repeating that it was her fault. if her mother hadn’t been pregnant with her, then she never would have married Boggs. She shut her eyes tightly, willing the voice to go away.
Suddenly, the door opened and Kid approached her cautiously. She started pitching hay again, trying to ignore him. However, Kid walked closer and tried to wrap her in an embrace. She shook off his arms and backed off.
“Please don’t touch me Kid. I’m fine, really.” “Then why are you cryin’?” “Look, I don’t want to talk about it, O.K.?” “Lou--” “Kid, please.” Kid looked at his wife for a long moment before sighing in frustration. her stubbornness could be infuriating at times. if she didn’t want to talk, then she wouldn’t. There was no forcing information out of her.
“Did you get a tree?” she asked. “Don’t do that Lou.” Kid said angrily. “Do what?” she returned heatedly. “Act like nothing happened.” “As far as I’m concerned, nothing did happen.” “Like it or not, that man is your father--” “Don’t you dare say that. He is not my father, do you understand that?” Lou hollered. “No, I don’t.” Kid said sadly as he left the stable before he would say something he’d regret later. Rachel had told him what happened the minute he walked in the door. his heart ached for Lou, but she wouldn’t let him in to help ease the pain. He decided then and there that he was going to talk to the man. Rachel said he was staying at the hotel in town. With a purposeful stride he walked towards town, wanting to talk to the man who’d hurt Lou so badly. *****
When the door opened, Kid didn’t see what he expected too. Kid had been ready to hurl accusations and insults at the man, but upon glancing into his eyes, Lou’s eyes, his resolve vanished.
“Mister Riley?” Kid asked “Yes, you are?” “I’m Kid... Louise’s husband.” “Oh... come in.” Daniel said as he opened the door to his room wider. “I want you to know that I never meant to upset her the way I did...” “Why’d you come back?” Kid asked frankly. “I made a promise to my wife.” “Your wife? but I thought--” “Sarah wasn’t a bad woman Kid. She was just insecure, and she had the right to be. She knew I was in love with Mary. She made me promise never to look for Mary and I did. I didn’t want to hurt her like that. The years wore on and we never had any children of our own. Sarah was so heartbroken, she felt inadequate. She fell ill a few months ago, and on her deathbed she made me promise that I would search for Mary and my child.” “Why?” “Like I said, she wasn’t a bad woman. She didn’t want me to live the rest of my life a lonely old man. I’ve been searching for weeks now, and I can tell you, I’ve spent a lot of money... when I found out that Mary had died, I almost gave up searching for Louise... but I couldn’t. I knew I owed it to Mary.” “I know I’m the biggest coward that ever lived, and that I have no right to even ask to be let into my daughter’s life, but I just wanted to see her. She’s so beautiful.” “Yes, she is.” “And she has her mother’s spirit... I could see it in her eyes.” Kid smiled as he thought of all the fights Lou’s “spirit” had caused. “She’s the bravest woman I know.” Kid said simply. “You really love her, don’t you?” “I couldn’t imagine life without her.” Kid answered truthfully. “I know I have no right to ask, but could you tell me about her?” Kid smiled and sat down in one of the empty chairs. He didn’t know what it was about the man that made him trust him, but he found himself liking the small man before him. Although his conscience told him Lou would see this discussion as a betrayal, Kid couldn’t help but tell the man everything he knew about his beloved. *****
Kid walked back to the ranch reluctantly. he didn’t really want to face Lou right now. His wife was an intelligent woman and knew how to read him. he was positive that guilt was written all over his face and it wouldn’t be long before she discovered he’d been to see her father.
He opened the door and found Teaspoon and Buck sitting at the table, both nursing mugs of coffee. They looked at him curiously, but said nothing. he hung his coat up on a peg and walked into the living room. Lou was sitting on the floor with Adrian, James, and Jeremiah, dutifully admiring the pieces of paper they were decorating to put on the tree, which sat in the corner. Rachel sat on the couch beside Jimmy, engaged in conversation.
Lou looked up and smiled at him. There was an unspoken apology in her eyes. Kid sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her cheek and smiled as she grabbed his hand, squeezing it gently. There was no suspicion in her eyes and Kid knew that she wouldn’t ask him any questions. She seemed so peaceful that Kid almost regretted inviting Daniel over for dinner the next evening. Almost. *****
“Momma, when are we goin’ to decorate the tree?” James asked impatiently as he tugged on her skirt. “I told you, after supper. Speakin’ of which, have you washed up yet?” “No.” “Well, go get daddy to help you. Supper’ll be on the table soon.” James rushed off through the house in search of his father. Lou shook her head and smiled at Rachel, who was carrying a basket of rolls to the nicely set table. Lou was carrying the roast to the table when there was a knock on the door. Rachel opened it and looked at Lou worriedly.
“Who is it Rachel?” Lou asked as she turned around. Her face hardened as the visitor walked through the threshold. “What are you doin’ here?” Lou asked rudely. “I invited him.” kid explained as he walked into the kitchen. “You what? I told you how I felt about this.” “You have to deal with this Lou.” “No I don’t. I can’t believe you went behind my back.” Lou said as she walked out the door, slamming it behind her. “Maybe I should go--” “No. You’re family. I’ll go talk to her.” “Kid, why don’t you give her a little time.” Rachel asked. Kid nodded and took the older man’s hat and coat. “Do you want to meet your grandsons?” “I--I don’t know.” “Come on.” Kid said as he grabbed the man’s arm and pulled him into the living room. *****
Lou sat on the log, sobbing uncontrollably. Never in her life had she felt so betrayed. It was bad enough to learn that her father wasn’t dead, but Kid’s blatant disregard for her feelings was too much to bear. She sat in the cold air freezing, but refusing to go back.
“Lou, you out here?” “Go away Kid, I got nothin’ to say to you.” She said as she stood, prepared to leave if he didn’t. “Please Lou, listen to me. I didn’t invite him to hurt you, I could never hurt you deliberately. I only wanted to... I don’t know help you.” “Help me?? How is inviting that man helping me?” Lou asked. “Why are you so angry Lou?” “Don’t avoid the question Kid.” “I’m not tryin’ to Lou, but you’re hurtin’ and I don’t know how to help.” “Goin’ behind my back ain’t helpin.” Kid walked closer and saw that she was shivering. He immediately took off his coat and tried to place it around her shoulders, but she wouldn’t let him. Her eyes were red and swollen from her tears and the end of her nose was bright red. It killed him to think that he was the cause of her pain, but instinctively he knew she was in such pain because of something else.
“Lou, please tell me why you’re so angry...” Kid pleaded. Lou looked into his blue eyes and saw the naked concern. Deep down she knew was only trying to help, but she was so angry at him. She turned to walk away, but Kid grabbed her arm, preventing her departure. She turned around and suddenly all the pent-up emotions she’d been holding came bubbling over.
“I never should have been born.” Lou yelled. “What...?? Lou what are you talkin’ about?” “God, you don’t understand, do you? Living with Boggs was hell. Do you know it’s like to see your mother beaten senseless just because the coffee wasn’t the right temperature? He used to beat on me pretty bad too. Now that I think about it, it must’ve been because I wasn’t his child. He never hit Jeremiah, and Theresa was just a baby when my mother left him.” “If she hadn’t been pregnant with me... her life would have been so much easier. I bet she used to wish I’d never been born...” “Lou, don’t say that...” “If that coward had been man enough to marry her, then life would have been different.” “You’re right, life would have been different. You never would have met me, or the others and you wouldn’t have James or Adrian either.” Kid reminded her. “Kid, you know I love you and our sons, but--” “But nothin’ Lou. Yes your mother’s life was hard, and so was yours... but you have to get past it. You are who you are because your life was hard Lou, and you don’t know how much I admire you. Everyone deserves a second chance Lou. Daniel knows he was wrong, and he’s tryin’ to make that up to you now... if you’d just give him half a chance.” “I don’t know if I can Kid.” Lou answered honestly in a small voice. Kid pulled her into his arms, and this time she didn’t resist. “Why don’t you give it a try Lou. He’s the only grandfather our children will have. Don’t you think you could try, for them?” She looked up and smiled weakly. “I’ll try Kid, I promise.” “Good, now let’s get back to the house, you’re freezin’.” Kid replied as he began to rub her arms with his hands. Lou nodded and walked back to the house, her fingers intertwined with his. As soon as they entered the house, they heard joyful voices in the living room. they walked further into the house and stood in the doorway of the living room, surveying the scene before them.
Rachel was sitting on Teaspoon’s lap on a chair near the fire, talking quietly with her husband. Lou couldn’t remember either of them ever looking so happy. Buck sat on the floor, trying to teach Jeremiah Indian sign language, and being fairly successful. Jimmy and his namesake were wrestling in the corner, laughing wildly. However, the sight that most pulled at her heart was Daniel sitting on the couch, Adrian in his lap, telling the young lad a story.
“Momma, you’re back. We didn’t decorate the tree yet, we waited just for you!” Adrian exclaimed as he clamored out of Daniel’s lap and ran to Lou. She hefted him up on her hip and kissed him. Daniel stood up and approached her. “I... I can leave--” “No, stay. I mean it.” Lou said staring into his eyes. “Who is he momma?” Adrian asked, almost shyly. Lou paused a moment before answering. “This is your grandfather.” James was suddenly at her side and Kid lifted him up. “Now can we decorate the tree?” “Sounds good to me.” Lou said as she set Adrian down. The boys began to talk excitedly and drew everyone around the table where the decorations they’d so painstakingly created the night before. No one could resist their enthusiasm, and soon everyone was taking part in the decorating. When they were finished, they stood back to admire their work and were satisfied. Lou found herself standing next to Daniel, although she tried to avoid eye contact.
“Now, it’s time for bed boys. Santa won’t come tonight unless you’re in bed, asleep.” Lou said gently. “We can’t go to bed yet, we haven’t sung any Christmas carols yet.” James complained. “All right, you have time for one, then it’s bed time, deal?” “Aw...okay.” Adrian and James whispered amongst themselves before suddenly breaking out in song. “Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.” It wasn’t long before the other’s joined in with the childish voices of the pair. Lou looked at Kid and smiled happily. Before she knew what she was doing, she reached out for Daniel’s hand and squeezed. He looked at her in surprise and Lou saw the tears glistening in his large eyes.
She looked around at the rest of her family and felt a joy she had never know surge inside her chest. She was certain at that moment that she didn’t regret anything that had happened in her life, because it all led her to the people she most loved and cherished. A feeling of tranquillity settled over her and she knew everything was going to be all right. It wasn’t going to be easy forging a relationship with her father, but she was determined to make it work. Afterall, family was the most important gift of all.
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