Things had been souring between Kid and Lou for sometime, ever since she overheard Kid joking about what they had meant to each other. Even though thing's hadn't worked out with Samantha, Lou was not eager to pick up where she left off with Kid. She was still having trouble reconciling the Kid she fell in love with and the man who had made light of their relationship.

Last night, dinner had been hell...none of riders mentioned the fact that Kid spent the entire meal sulking at the end of the table. He spent the entire time pushing his food back and forth across his plate like he was parting the Red Sea.

Lou had tried to keep the conversation light, but everyone knew that everything she did was under the watch of Kid's glowering gaze.

This morning, Kid had volunteered to take Ike's run to Ft. Laramie. Everyone breathed a silent sigh of relief. As much as they cared for Kid, he had made a complete ass of himself lately, and no one was particularly sad to see him go.

"Rider Comin'!"

Jimmy rode in that evening and slowed his horse as Kid took the hand-off. Neither one looked at the other and Kid took off as Jimmy called out, "Ride Safe, Kid!"

When Jimmy turned Kid was already gone in a cloud of dust, Katy tearing up the ground beneath her hooves.

Jimmy guided his beautiful palomino over to the rail, and Ike moved in to take the reins from him. Sliding down, Jimmy gingerly lowered himself to the ground. He winced as his foot touched the ground, his muscles crying out.

"Well there Jimmy, " called Teaspoon from the porch, "What's with the 'tender foot?'"

Jimmy took off his hat and brushed it against his leg, sending dust flying. "Twisted it when Sundance got mired up in a mud pit just past the creek. All that rain we've been gettin' has messed up a few of the trails and it looks like we might get some more tonight."

"Doubt it!" Teaspoon clasped Jimmy around the shoulders, "Best get cleaned up, the social begins in an hour."

Rachel shook her head, "I think not! He'll be staying here, resting his ankle." Rachel turned to the others... "and before we leave, I want everyone to help me take the laundry in the house... if it rains I don't want a bunch of sopping laundry hangin from the lines!"

Jimmy nodded a greeting to Jesse as he headed into the bunkhouse,"Ain't no one from town I want to see at the social anyway. It might be nice to spend some time alone."

"Alone?" Teaspoon chuckled, "No one said anythin' 'bout time alone."

Jesse bounded the wagon behind Rachel and Teaspoon. Jimmy held the doorframe and felt his shoulder's tighten, "Just tell me it ain't Cody and I'll be happy."

Teaspoon started the team with a snap of the reins, "Nope, not Cody. You're stuck with Lou."

Jimmy called out after the wagon, "Then I hope Rachel left us some dinner!"

It took Jimmy a good half hour to clean up. Between his bum ankle and the dust caked into his hair he had a hard time of it. He put on a clean shirt and a pair of pants and headed into Rachel's.

He opened the door and stopped to watch for a moment. Lou was humming to herself as she set the table for two.

"Hey Jimmy."

"Hey there Lou."

"Rachel left us some stew and biscuits... I didn't think you would want me to make somethin'."

"You heard me?"

She shook her head, "Nope, but I figured you'd actually want something edible."

Jimmy sat down across from her and smiled. "Where's your glasses?"

Lou touched her face and laughed. "Guess I left them in the bunkhouse. Doesn't matter... they're only for show anyway."

Peaceful, that's the way that Jimmy would have described the meal. They traded stories and jokes... Cody seemed to be a favorite target for jokes. Buck had come up with a few while Jimmy was on a run and Lou retold each one with a devilish twinkle in her eye.

Lou had found two pieces of pie, amazing as that is with Cody around. When they were nearly done Lou cleared her throat, "I wanted to thank you again for everything you've done lately, especially that night we had in Willow Springs. I haven't felt that good since.....I don't think I've felt that good in quite a while." She put her fork down and looked at Jimmy across the table. "I hope we'll get the chance to do it again, soon."

Jimmy stared down at his plate... he could still remember the sight of her with her neck inside a noose, all because of him.

Lou cleared her throat and stood up quickly, almost tipping her chair over. She was sure she had crossed some line that Jimmy wasn't comfortable with. Lou instantly wished she could take it back. She cared about Jimmy too much to ruin their relationship.

Wordlessly she started clearing the dishes.. scraping and stacking them in the sink for later. Her heart beat quietly in her chest and she felt color rising in her cheeks. She avoided looking at him and had just gripped the edge of his plate when his hand closed around hers.

"Lou," his voice was almost too soft to hear. She tried to take the plate a second time but his hand held on to her. "Lou." He wanted her attention, and he got it.

She dragged her eyes up to meet his. Unsure of what to say Lou only managed a simple and obligatory, "Yes Jimmy."

"Come 'ere Lou." She let go of the plate as Jimmy drew her around the table to stand in front of him. She looked like she was ready to bolt, but Jimmy had other plans.

His left leg propped up on an empty chair blocked he escape in one direction, "Jimmy, it's okay," she blushed, "you don't have to say anything."

"I want to," he answered, and before she could argue he placed both hands on her waist, anchoring her to the spot, "and you are going to listen."

On to Parts 3 and 4!