Lou was waiting on the front porch of the bunkhouse when she saw Kid approaching from a distance. It was late afternoon and Lou was in a much better mood after finding out the girl looking for Kid was just a cousin. The sight of Kid made her spirits rise even more. Days apart were to be expected because of their job, but Lou still hated to be away from him.

"Rider coming!" she hollered. Buck ran out and jumped onto his waiting pony just as Kid rode up. Kid threw Buck the mail pouch and climbed down from his horse, Katy. Lou took Katy's reigns from him and they both watched Buck's departure. "Ride safe, Buck!" Lou called after him.

Looking around to be sure they were alone, Kid ducked his head for a quick kiss. "Hi."

"Hi, yourself." Lou grinned. They began to walk towards the barn to stable Katy. "Did you have a good ride?"

"Not bad." Kid could hardly take his eyes away from Lou. "I missed you, though."

As always, Lou could feel a blush begin to creep over her face. "Well, I missed you, too, Kid."

Kid leaned closer for another kiss, this one more lingering. Lou was so happy for a minute she forgot about Kid's cousin.

"Come on, I got a surprise for you." Lou said when Katy had been fed and brushed. She grabbed Kid's hand and began pulling him toward the house.

"What is it?" Kid asked, not really caring. He would have followed Lou anywhere. Kid thought maybe Lou had planned a private dinner at the house to get some time alone. He soon decided he was wrong when they walked into the house and saw everyone standing around.

"What's going on?" Kid mumbled to Lou as he glanced around nervously.

Lou smile became even wider. "You'll see."

Just then a girl slowly began to descend the staircase. She was dressed in a simple blue dress sprinkled with tiny purple and pink flowers. Her hair was a dark blonde and swept up in a bun. She walked tensely towards him a small smile playing upon her face. He noticed the way her nose crinkled up when she smiled. He glanced around at the others. Was this girl his surprise?

"Don't you recognize me, Kid?" She asked softly.

Kid started to say no, but then he noticed her eyes. They were wide and blue and so much like his mama's he wanted to cry. "Christy?"

Tears filled her eyes as she nodded and for a minute neither could speak. They embraced tightly as memories of Virginia and Jed and Kid's mama swelled between them both. Kid quickly held her back at arm's length to be sure it was really Christy.

"Lordy, what are you doin' here?" He felt like he would never stop grinning.

"I've been looking for you, Kid." Christy searched his eyes, which were the same blue as her own. "I never gave up trying to find you, just like Aunt Martha told me."

Rachel noticed the strong need to be alone between Kid and Christy and quickly ushered out the others. "Come on, ya'll. I need some help down at the barn."

"Aw, Rachel." Cody complained.

When everyone was gone, Kid simply stood and stared at Christy. She really hadn't changed much in the five years since he last saw her. She had filled out a little and the haunted sadness in her eyes had faded some. To Christy, Kid hadn't changed a bit. He grinned at her shyly, and for a minute, neither knew what to say.

"How did you find me?" He finally asked.

"It took awhile," she admitted. "I heard word in St. Joe that you had gotten a job with the Pony Express. I can't believe I finally found you. I was on my way here when two men attacked me and stole my horse. Your friends Jimmy and Cody found me and brought me here."

"Are you alright?" His concern showed as he gently touched the fading bruise on her forehead.

"I am now." She said simply.

"Where have you been?" Kid led her to the couch and they sat down to talk.

She sighed. "Everywhere, it seems. Arkansas some, then I ended up in St. Joe. Things got pretty hard after we got--separated, and a man took me in. I stayed with him until he got killed a month ago."

"Were you married to him?" Kid looked confused.

"No, no!" Christy chuckled. "He was much older than me, and more like a father. I was very happy there."

Kid looked at her somberly. "Then you were better off than when you were with us."

Christy was quiet as she remembered her shared past with her cousin. "So, what about you? How have you been?"

"Good." Kid nodded. "I've got a good job here."

"What about Jed?" She asked. "Do you know where he is?"

"Uh-- yeah." Kid paused. "He's dead, Christy."

Her eyes widened in shock. "Dead! Kid, no!"

He swallowed hard before he went on. "He showed up here about a year ago. He told me he was working for the Army. I should have known better; Jed ain't never had much respect for any kind of discipline. Turns out he was here to steal a gold shipment for the South."

"Jed was always wild, but I never would have thought he'd become an outlaw." Christy said sadly.

"He wanted me to join him." Kid continued. "I couldn't, though. Maybe if I had, I could have saved him. I tried to stop him and he shot me. Jimmy shot him before he could kill me."

Tears welled in Christy's eyes. "You couldn't have saved him, then. If Jed tried to kill you, even if you had went with him, you wouldn't have changed him."

Kid didn't answer. He stared darkly at the wall, lost in the past. Christy let him be. It was hard to believe Jed would have shot his own brother. She still remembered him bringing her candy from town and wrestling with Kid. . She wondered how much their shared past had to do with the way Jed turned out.

Kid shook his head, as if to lose the bad memories, and stood up. "Come on, Rachel probably has supper ready."

Christy stood and hugged her cousin tightly to her. "It's good to see you again, Kid"

Kid smoothed her hair with his hands and smiled. "You too."

She took his hand and let him lead her to the bunkhouse. Everyone was already gathered there and looked at the two of them expectantly. Cody scooted over to make room for them at the table.

"Well, did you two have a nice visit?" Rachel asked as she sat two more plates on the worn wooden table.

"Yes, thanks." Christy grinned shyly. "We've still got a lot of catching up to do."

Teaspoon raised his glass to them. "Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again: To family; no love as strong; no bond as sacred."

"Here, here." They all said in unison and settled in for supper.

Chapter Four

For two days everyone stayed away from Kid and Christy to let them catch up. Finally Cody could take it no longer. It was early evening and Christy had settled on the porch to watch the sun's last rays against the Nebraska plains. Kid had ridden into town earlier with Noah to pick up some supplies and Cody figured now was his chance.

"Good evenin', Miss Tunstall." Cody tipped his hat and grinned at her.

Christy couldn't help but smile at the handsome young rider. Already his charming nature had won her over, although not in the way Cody hoped. His flirtatious nature was not lost on Christy, but she chose to ignore it. She was so happy to be near Kid again, Christy didn't want to give up any time with him for anyone else.

"Hello, Mr. Cody." She scooted over on the porch swing to make room for him.

He flopped into the swing, his long legs dangling in front of him. "Billy, if you like." He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"Fine." She agreed. "Billy it is, but only if you call me Christy."

"Did you know that happens to be one of my favorite names?" He casually leaned an arm behind her.

"Why thank you, Billy. I bet you say that to all the girls, though." She tried to hide her laughter.

Cody pretended to look wounded. "Why, no, I don't. I guess Kid's been spreadin' rumors about me."

Christy's laughter spilled out. "No, he hasn't, honest! Kid has nothing but the highest regard for you."

"Um-hmm, I bet." Cody rolled his eyes. "Well, since you brought up the Kid…"

"But I didn't, Billy; you did." Christy said matter of factly.

He looked surprised. "Huh? I guess you're right. I did. Anyway, since the subject of Kid has been brought up, there's something I'd be much obliged if you'd tell me."

"What?" She asked suspiciously.

"Well…." Cody hedged. "It's the whole Kid thing. I dare say his mama didn't name him Kid, and I was kind of wonderin' if maybe you might know his real name."

Amused, she watched Cody lean toward her hopefully. "Yes, actually, I do know the Kid's real name."

Cody waited impatiently. "Well, what is it?"

"Now, Billy, I can't do that! Kid would strangle me!" She exclaimed.

"No, he won't! I won't tell another soul, I swear!" Cody could hardly contain his excitement.

"Leave her be, why don't you, Cody." Cody jerked around to find Jimmy Hickok standing at the bottom of the steps with his hands on his hips.

"Aw, Jimmy," Cody looked very much annoyed. "Why don't you mind your own business. Can't you see I'm having a private conversation with the young lady."

Instead of leaving, Jimmy began walking up the steps to join them. "All's I see is you meddlin' in somethin' that don't concern you."

"Come on, Jimmy! You want to know Kid's name the same as the rest of us." Cody whined.

"Maybe, maybe not." Jimmy leaned against a post, his eyes on Christy. "But I don't intend to harass folks to find out."

"I wasn't harrassin', was I?" He turned to Christy.

"Well, I-" She began.

"See there, Hickok." Cody said triumphantly. "Now, don't you have anything better to do?"

"Nope." Jimmy looked amused. "But you do. Rachel's lookin' for you to bring her some more wood, like you promised. She sent me to find you."

For once, Cody was at a loss for words. "Fine." He finally spit at Jimmy. He then turned to Christy. "I'm sorry we got interrupted. I look forward to talking to you again."

Grinning, Christy watched Cody make his way towards the bunkhouse, still grumbling. When he was out of sight, she turned her eyes to Jimmy. "Would you like to have a seat, Mr. Hickok?"

"Call me Jimmy." He insisted as he lowered himself into the swing.

"Alright." She agreed. "I'm glad you're here, Jimmy. I never got a chance to thank you and Mr. Cody for rescuing me."

Jimmy shrugged. "Tweren't nothin'."

"On the contrary; it was everything!" She smiled happily. "I must be the luckiest girl in the world; not only did I get rescued by two of the nicest strangers in the territory, but they brought me to my cousin, too."

Jimmy shifted uncomfortably. "I'm just glad I could help out, is all."

Christy studied Jimmy for a minute. He was quite handsome, and really, he appealed to her more than Cody did. Maybe it was those dark, intense eyes of his. They reminded her strongly of Harry, who despite her happiness at seeing Kid, still lingered in her mind.

"So you and the Kid grew up together in Virginia?" Jimmy was asking.

She hesitated. Christy wasn't exactly sure what all Kid had told the other riders about his past and she didn't want to be the one to blab all his secrets. Kid had always been the strong, silent type. He never cried out when Uncle Thomas beat him, never admitted to Christy or his mother how bad his father had hurt him, both physically and mentally.

"Yes," she finally said. "My parents died from scarlet fever when I was very young. I got it, too, but somehow I survived. Kid's mother was my aunt, so I went to stay with her. Kid and Jed were always like brothers to me."

At the mention of Jed, Jimmy dropped his steady gaze. " I guess Kid has already told you what happened to Jed."

Christy touched his hand. "Yes, but don't let it worry you. Jed always had a wild side, at least we know what happened to him, instead of him just disappearing forever. I can't believe he would try to hurt Kid, though."

While trying to think of a way to change the subject, Jimmy unthinkingly reached over and gently ran his finger across the cut on her forehead. Christy drew in a sharp breath and he jerked his hand back as if burned.

"S-sorry," he stammered. "That, um, that looks like it's getting better."

Christy lightly rubbed the spot where his finger had been. "Yeah, I think so."

There was an uncomfortable silence for a minute before Jimmy stood. "Well, I better go see what kind of mess Cody has made. Goodnight."

Christy smiled to herself as she watched him go. "Goodnight, Jimmy."

Christy was still sitting on the porch when Kid and Noah came home. She watched for a minute as Noah gathered some supplies and headed into the bunkhouse, then she ran to the stables where Kid was unsaddling Katy.

Upon entering the barn, Christy jumped back with surprise. She had just walked in on Kid and Lou engaged in a sweet kiss. She tried to back out of the barn without making any noise, but she accidentally stepped on a rake leaning against the wall. It tumbled to the floor and she stumbled against the wall to keep from falling. Kid and Lou jumped apart instantly.

"Sorry, sorry." She exclaimed. "I'll just go-"

"Christy, wait!" Lou called, trying to suppress a giggle.

"No, really, I don't want to intrude." Christy felt herself turning red.

Kid came to her and took her hand. "You're not intruding. Actually, I've been trying to think of someway to tell you about this."

"So, you and Lou are-?" Christy looked back and forth between the two.

"Louise is a girl, Christy." Kid had to laugh at his cousin's stunned expression.

"A-a girl?" She asked hesitantly.

Lou took a step closer to Christy. "I'm sorry, Christy. I should of told you, but we ain't had much time to get acquainted. I have to pretend to be a boy to keep my job. You won't say nothin', will ya?"

Christy chuckled with relief. "A girl! I should have known, really, if I would have looked closer. But do you mean none of the others know?

"No, no, everyone here knows, but I have to keep up my act in town so Russell, Majors, and Waddell don't find out." Lou explained.

"Well, you're secret is safe with me." Christy assured. "Kid, you've been holding out on me!"

Kid grinned and put his arm around Lou. "I guess I have."

"I better get in here and help Noah put up these supplies." Lou excused herself to give the two cousins some time alone.

"Would you like to go for a walk?" Kid asked.

Christy took his arm and they walked together towards the field behind the barn and past the corral. The evening was still warm, but a soft breeze gently blew. Christy stretched her head far back to look at the millions of stars above them in the black sky.

"I never knew there were so many stars!" She exclaimed in amazement.

Kid glanced up. "Yeah, I guess I never really paid any attention to them."

"So how long have you and Lou-you know…" Her voice trailed off.

Kid looked shy and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Pretty much ever since I found out she was a girl."

"She seems very nice." Christy offered.

"Yep, she is."

Christy could tell this was going to be like pulling teeth. "Are you very serious?"

"Well," Kid hedged. "Truth is, I don't know. Sometimes it seems like we can't get enough of each other, and other times…"

"But you love her?" She persisted.

"I don't know, but yes, I think so." He said quietly. "Here lately, I've been thinking all kinds of crazy things."

Christy took his arm again. "Such as?"

He avoided her eyes. "Such as marriage, maybe."

"Kid!" She hugged him tightly. "That's wonderful!"

"I guess. I don't know what she thinks, though." Kid's face was downcast.

"Why don't you ask her how she feels?" Christy demanded.

He sighed. "It's not that easy, Christy. Every time I try to tell her how I feel, it's like I get all choked up inside. I just can't get the words out."

She snorted. "No, it never has been easy for you to say what you're feeling. Have you told her about-our past?"

"No, I don't intend to." Kid said quickly.

Christy stopped to look at him. "It's not a crime, you know. You didn't do anything wrong, Kid. It's not your fault Uncle Thomas beat us, beat Aunt Martha. And it's not your fault Aunt Martha died."

Kid began to walk away. "I don't want to talk about it. It's in the past, and it's best left there."

"But it's not in the past, is it, Kid?" Christy hurried to catch up with him. "It's eating you alive, because you can't forgive yourself for being a little boy!"

He turned to her with fury in his eyes. "I wasn't so little I didn't know what was going on. I could have stopped him from- I could have stopped him!"

Christy touched his face gently. "Don't you think I've thought the very same thing? He always hated having to support me; maybe if I hadn't come, he would have left her alone some."

"That's crazy!" Kid cried. "That was going on before you showed up."

"And don't you think it was going on before you came along?" She asked softly. "Aunt Martha chose to stay with him, and it ended up costing her dearly."

"It wasn't Mama's fault!" He said vehemently.

"I don't mean that, Kid. All I'm saying is it started before you came along, so you're not to blame for it." She shook his arm to make her point stronger.

As they talked they had gradually made a big loop in the pasture and were now nearing the bunkhouse. Both were silent as they thought about a past that was never far from their minds. Christy studied Kid's handsome face, which was drawn into a frown. She hated to see him look so sad. Poor Kid, he had always carried the weight of the world with him. Even when Uncle Thomas was at his meanest, Kid would always be one to try and restore the peace to their unhappy little family. Jed would leave to go on one of his many drinking binges and she would usually hide in the barn for a day or two, but Kid always stayed right with his mother. Kid withstood the pain silently, and now all these years later, he was the one who was still hurting the most. Jed and Aunt Martha were dead, and time had healed some of Christy's wounds thanks to Charles Tunstall, but Kid still tormented himself as much as did back then.

"I'm sorry, Kid. I didn't mean to upset you." Christy said quietly.

"It's not you. Jed and I had the same argument not long before he died." Kid sighed. "I just wish I could forget it all."

"I guess me being here doesn't help any." Christy looked at the ground.

"Don't say that!" He gently lifted her face with his hand. "Look at me. I'm glad you're here."

"Really?" She asked fearfully.

Kid smiled down at her. "Really. It's kind of nice to have somebody around who knows where I come from. Plus, you don't ask me what my real name is a hundred times a day like Cody does."

Christy laughed. "Goodnight, Kid."

He kissed the tip of her nose. "Goodnight."

On to Chapter 5!

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