The silhouettes of the two figures, amongst the background of the setting sun, walked hand in hand with no particular destination. The evening had almost been like a dream; dinner, and an evening stroll. They both wished this moment would never end. It was too wonderful to be real. How could I have ever doubted, or how could I have ever wondered how it was meant to be? The woman asked looking into the eyes of the man she so loved.

What was I thinking to even dream of letting her go? The handsome man beside her wondered as he returned his gaze from the painted sky to her fair complexion.

"Lou?" He asked staring down at her. Stopping and turning to face her, he gently tucked a lock of her brown hair behind her ear.

"Yes, Kid?" She responded with equal affection. She took his hand as he lowered it from her face.

He stood staring at her before replying. Louise was so beautiful in the dusk of the day. The fading sunlight glistened in her hair, bringing out the red tints that highlighted it. "Why didn't we do this sooner?" He asked her tenderly.

Lou played innocent, as she loved to see his reactions. "Do what?"

Kid smiled. He knew how she always did this to him whenever he had an important question. It never bothered him, because her brown eyes would always become sparkled when she did. And it only made her that much more beautiful. "Get back together and promise to stay that way."

A smirk formed at the corners of her mouth. "Who said we promised?"

"Lou." His tone was a soft reprimand. It was quickly taken back when she rose on her toes and kissed him gently. She pushed herself back. "But then again, who said we didn't?"

His smile was worth more than a single word could ever express. Lou wished that she could etch it in her memories forever. The way his lustrous blue eyes radiated the happiness that she knew filled his heart. This is how it was meant to be. She whispered to herself.

"Lou, if we don't get back soon, we're never going to be able to get up in the morning. I've got my early ride." He held her closely, his arms gently around her waist. He wished that this moment would never end, but he knew that he did have duties and responsibilities to his job as well.

She stood there staring up at him. "I know, I just wish we could stay like this for a while."

Kid held her for a few moments longer as they both gazed at the sky which was now barely lit by the setting sun on the horizon. He took a deep breath and gently released her from his embrace. Taking her hand they walked in silence back towards the bunkhouse.

Several of the riders had already gone to bed, leaving only a dim glowing light on from the lantern. They stood once again facing each other. "Good night, Kid. Thank you for a wonderful evening."

He bent down and kissed her. "I love you, Lou."

"I love you too."

Lou woke up with her face towards the window. The sun was shining directly on her face and she rolled over with a groan covering her head. As she turned she heard a crinkle sound, like that of a piece of paper. Feeling around her bed, her hand came upon something under her pillow. She pulled it out carefully and opened her eyes. It was a folded note. Immediately she recognized the handwriting as Kid's. Lou glanced around and noticed that all of the riders were still fast asleep. She sat up quietly so as not to wake them. Opening the note, she read the short message carefully written.

Smiling as she read how it was signed at the bottom; Love, Kid, she carefully tucked it into her diary of most treasured letters and the few photographs that she owned. It was probably close to time for the others to get up, but instead of waking them, she noiselessly rose to put on her clothes and headed outside to meet Rachel.

All through breakfast Lou picked at her biscuit and was oblivious to the many questions and discussions that were passed around the table. She cleared her seat and helped to clean up the mess that was left from the boys as they rushed outside to see who would get to the 'better' chores of the day first. The two girls laughed as they stampeded out of the doorway.

"So, do you have plans for this day off?" Rachel asked.

Lou stared out the window and dried the plates as they were handed to her. "No, not really. I think I'm just going to walk around town for a bit. Maybe I'll ride over to Blue Creek. Actually wear a dress and shop like a real woman." She added with a laugh.

Rachel nodded and added sincerely. "That sounds like fun. Just take some time to relax, you've been working awfully hard."

"This town never changes." Lou said to herself as she walked down the streets lifting the edges of her skirt to keep them out of the mud. She stopped to stare in the window of one of the dress shops. There were times when working for the Express brought her down. She missed some of the things that other women got to do. Especially how gentlemen would tip their hats as she approached!

Gracefully wheeling around to cross the street once more, she wheeled around quickly and ran into a young man. There was something about him that seemed vaguely familiar, but she ignored the feeling and excused herself.

"Wait, miss." He called out as she stepped away.

She paused and looked back. Where have I seen that black hair and green eyes before? "Yes?"

He stopped for a moment, almost afraid to continue. "Well, I know this may sound strange, but you look so familiar to me."

She slowly stepped forward. "I was thinking the same thing about you."

He extended his hand. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Robert Matterson."

Her mouth dropped and she quickly tried to regain her posture. "Bobby!" She exclaimed and then covered her mouth. A few people stopped and stared, but then went about their own business. "It's me, Louise, Louise McCloud!"

Bobby's face lit up with excitement. "I don't believe it! What has it been, five years!?"