Hours later, the Kid still hadn't returned and Lou was getting worried. She had been laying in their bed, tossing and turning. She finally decided to get up and take a short stroll in the yard. She pulled on her robe and soft slippers and headed downstairs.

   The air was cold and crisp, and she shivered as she pulled her robe tightly around her. She walked over to the corral and leaned on the wooden post, looking in the distance for any sign of her husband. She heard footsteps behind her and whirled around.

   "I saw you walkin' out here, thought you might like some company." Rosemary said as she stood beside Lou.

   Lou just nodded and turned her attention back to the dark horizon. The two woman stood beside eachother, content in the companionable silence. Suddenly, they heard a ruckus from the barn. Horses were stomping their hooves loudly and were neighing in panic. Lou instinctively ran towards the wooden building, fear pumping wildly in her heart.

   She opened the door and was surprised as smoke greeted her from within. She could make out the dangerous orange flames that danced perilously close to her now. She turned back to Rosemary, and began to take her robe off.

   "Go get the others, tell them to ring the bell."

   "Wait...what are you doing?"

   "I'm goin' to try and save those horses." Lou replied, dashing into the blazing inferno before Rosemary could protest.

   Tears stung Lou's eyes as she made her way further into the burning stable. Wood was crackling under the heat, and Lou could see that the back door was completely blocked by a large support beam that had fallen from the ceiling. She knew she had no time to waste, so she ran to each of the stalls, opening the latches and ushering the frightened animals into the center.

   A strong hand gripped her shoulder and she turned to see Kid. She sighed in relief and even offered a small smile.

   "Kid, you have to start leading the horses out now...they're panicking. The back door is blocked."

   Kid looked like he wanted to protest, but knew they had no time to waste. he carefully made his way to the entrance, deftly avoiding the violent flames that leapt at him from every side. When most of the horses were free, he turned back and found Lou desperately trying to combat the flames with her flimsy robe.

   "Lou..come on, we gotta get out of here. We can't save this place."

   He took a step towards her, but leapt back as some burning debris fell from the ceiling, effectively blocking her of from the only exit. She looked at Kid in despair, and started coughing uncontrollably as the smoke finally took it's toll. She sank down on one knee, trying to stabilize her breathing, but she wasn't having much success. When she saw Kid take a step closer, she waved him off with her hand.

   "Get out of here Kid. There's nothing you can do." she yelled over the roaring flames.

   "I ain't leavin' you here." he screamed.

   Don't be stupid Kid... get out of here while you still got the chance."

   "I said I ain't leavin' you." He returned, looking around him for some possible means of rescue.

   "I'd leave you." she lied.

   Well, good thing I ain't in your place." Kid returned evenly, knowing very well that she was only trying to get him to leave.

   He suddenly spotted several thick blankets in the corner of the stable and picked them up, walking over to the fire in front of Lou. He began beating at it mercilessly, but it still returned, almost as if strengthened with every blow. Kid was so focused in his task that he didn't notice as Lou sank to the ground unconscious.

   Kid finally looked up, apology in his eyes. The sight of Lou lying prostrate on the ground as flames closed in on her, was enough to make Kid insane. Without thinking, he leapt into the center, ignoring the pain that seemed to eat his skin. He gathered Lou in his arms, wrapping one of the blankets around her for protection against the searing flames and dashed once more through the fire. When they were safely on the other side, Kid carried Lou out of the now-crumbling barn.

   Several townspeople had come to help, but upon seeing the state of the structure, had just watched helplessly as it had succumbed to the blaze. Jimmy and the others, who had been gathering the escaped horses, caught sight of the pair and ran towards them. Kid crashed down to his knees and looked at the seemingly-lifeless Lou. He started to shake her, but couldn't arouse her.

   "Dammit Lou, wake up." He exclaimed as he shook her violently.

   Jimmy pulled Kid away from Lou, while the doctor stepped forward. "Can one of you boys take her into the house, I'm gonna need to examine her more closely."

   Kid quietly collected his precious burden in his arms, while the rest of the ton looked solemnly at the fire that was lit up to the sky. Several were worried that the inferno would spread, but their fears were put to rest as it began to settle, occasionally emitting a loud pop or crackle.

   Rachel approached Rosemary, who stood apart from the others and placed her arm around her. "Lou's gonna be fine... she's a fighter."

   "I know. But is she strong enough to survive this? She was in there for a mighty long time Rachel..."

   Rachel sighed and looked towards the house where Kid was making his way up the stairs, Lou in his arms, and Jimmy and the doctor on his trail. Lou had looked awful, but Rachel knew she was going to pull through. She had to. Lou was the one force holding this disintegrating family together. If they lost her now, she didn't know what would happen to the rest of them.

   "Well, she's gonna be just fine. She inhaled a lot of smoke, so her breathing won't return to normal for a few days." The doctor said as he looked at Rachel, Kid and Jimmy.

   "What about the baby?" Kid asked quietly.

   "The baby's just fine Kid... now let me take a look at those burns on your arm."

   "I'll be fine... I ain't leavin' here."

   "It'll only be take a few moments. Besides, Lou will kill me if I let those get infected."

   Kid looked at Lou for a moment. The color was slowly returning to her face, and she did seem to be breathing better, though not as well as he wanted. She seemed to be struggling with each intake. He smoothed her hair and stood up to follow the doctor out the door.

   Meanwhile his companions were reacting to the news. Jimmy walked closer and gazed at Lou longingly. Rachel followed him and placed a hand on his arm. Jimmy looked at her and smiled.

   "Did...did he say baby?" Jimmy asked disbelief.

   "Mmm hmm." Rachel beamed as she placed a kiss on Lou's forehead. "C'mon, she needs some rest. And we need to find out who did this." Rachel whispered as she led him out of the room.

   "I already know who did this." Jimmy returned, his tone steely.

   "They're have to pay Teaspoon." Kid nearly yelled as he sat down heavily at the table.

   "Son, what do expect me to do? Haul 'em in with no evidence? That's not the way the system works. We ain't got no proof."

   "C'mon Teaspoon, who else would set the stable on fire?" Jimmy asked angrily.

   "You boys are too angry to talk sense into, so if you'll excuse me, I have some business matters to attend to." Teaspoon said as he walked out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

   "He's right. We ain't got no evidence." Rachel sighed heavily as she sat down next to Kid.

   Kid suddenly turned his fury on Rosemary, who was sitting in the corner, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. He stood up and pointed his finger at her. "This is all your fault."

   Rosemary didn't say anything. She transferred her gaze to the floor, trying not to let the tears break free from her eyes. Before she knew what was happening, Jimmy had crossed the room with a speed she'd never seen and punched Kid in the mouth. Kid, who'd been holding back frustration and anger for weeks, finally vented his feelings.

   Rosemary and Rachel had moved to the side of the room while the boys wrestled, knowing that it had been coming for weeks. That didn't exactly make Rachel feel better as her plates and glasses shattered on the floor. Kid definitely had the upper-hand and he didn't look like he would tire any time soon.

   "STOP IT!"

   All occupants in the room looked up as Lou shakily descended the stairs, gripping the railing so tight her knuckles were white. She crossed to where Kid and Jimmy were no standing, their fists clenched. She leaned on the table for support.

   "What's happening to you two? You're supposed to be best friends."

   The men just glared at eachother, their chests heaving. They avoided Lou's searching gaze. She walked unsteadily towards them, and came between them, holding both their arms for in emphasis.

   "If you want to get these men, you have to put aside whatever differences you have."

   Both men had the grace to look ashamed. They avoided eachother's gaze and Jimmy turned around. He nodded to Rosemary and she followed him out of the disheveled house. Rachel, knowing that the young couple needed time alone, went into the back room.

   Lou brought her hand up to lightly touch Kid's bruised cheek. He winced slightly, but brought his hand to cover hers. She walked closer and leaned her head on his chest as he wrapped her tightly in his arms. Kid finally broke the silence and looked down at Lou.

   "C'mon... you need to rest."

   Before she could protest, he cradled her in his arms and carried her carefully up the stairs to the room. He gently placed her on the bed and pulled the comforter around her. She grabbed his hand and forced him to sit beside her on the bed.

   "Kid... what's goin' on with you?"

   "What are you talkin' about?"

   "You're so angry Kid, you've been like this for a while now, lashin' out at everyone. I love you... but you have to tell me what's wrong so I can help."

   "I... I don't know what's wrong with me Lou. Ever since Noah's death...I'm just confused. I was so sure that I wanted to fight for Virginia, but now I ain't so sure. You're goin' to have a baby and we don't know what we're goin' to do. Teaspoon talked to me a few days ago and told me that by the end of next week, I'll be out of a job. We still have to get your brother and sister --"

   Lou pulled Kid down, so his head rested on her bosom. He put his arms around her and was calmed by her sweet scent. She ran her fingers through his hair and kissed him gently.

   "Kid... these are things you need to share with me. I'm your wife now... you can't keep things like this in... or you'll explode."

   "I... I just didn't want to worry you."

   "Kid, your behavior has worried me more than anything you could have shared with me." Lou smiled as she cupped his face in her hands. He smiled back and kissed her deeply.

   "Kid...I want you to know that whatever happens, we'll be fine. Whether you decide to fight, or not. We'll make it."

   "You believe that?"

   "I know it."

   Her blind faith tugged at his heart. He'd been such a fool. He'd been acting like such a child. He wasn't really mad at Rosemary. It wasn't her fault that Noah died, and it wasn't her fault that Lou had almost died. The woman just had bad luck, and making her feel more guilty than she already did was plain cruel. he knew he needed to apologize, not only to her, but also to Jimmy.

   He placed a soft kiss on Lou's cheek and stood up. "Where are you goin'?" Lou asked.

   "You need some rest, and I guess I need to go see some people." he said ruefully.

   As she closed her eyes, he kissed each eyelid and gave her small hand a squeeze. He took a deep breath and headed down the stairs, trying to think of what he was going to say.

   Jimmy looked up in surprise as the bunkhouse door opened and Kid walked in. He prepared himself for another onslaught of attacks, but from the expression on his face, he could tell that Kid had come to apologize. Kid removed his hat and cleared his throat.

   "Um...Rosemary, I'm really sorry about the way I've been treating you. I know that nothing that's happened has been your fault. I... I guess I just needed someone to blame, and you... well you were the easiest target."

   Rosemary was genuinely surprised by the sincere look in his blue eyes and the earnestness of his tone. She looked to Jimmy, for confirmation, and he smiled at her.

   "I don't expect you to forgive me... but I just wanted you to know that I know I've been actin' like an ass."

   "Don't worry about it Kid. I've already forgotten it." she replied amicably.

   He smiled in relief, and then turned his gaze to Jimmy, his face becoming serious again. Jimmy debated whether he should torture Kid, but he decided against it, and instead held his hand up.

   "Kid, I understand. Let's just forget about it, all right?"

   Kid smiled and walked over to Jimmy where they hugged eachother tightly. Jimmy backed up and looked at Kid mischievously. "So, exactly how far along is Lou?"

   Before Kid could respond, the door burst open and three men, whom Jimmy recognized from the night before, walked in, their guns trained on the trio. Kid looked at them in surprise, but quickly ascertained that these were the men he'd been told about, the Smith brothers.

   "All right you two... put your guns down nice and slow, and maybe we won't kill you." The blonde said.

   Kid and Jimmy complied, and Rosemary took an unconscious step back. The three men came further into the room, and all smiled maliciously.

   "You don't look so tough now that you don't got your guns."

   "What do you want?" Rosemary said boldly.

   "You. We're gonna make you pay... but not here. We have to make sure that your friends here don't follow though."

   "They won't..." Rosemary said convincingly. "Just don't hurt them, please."

   "I'd love to oblige you, but it's not in my nature..." the leader said as he clicked the gun hammer back and raised it at Kid.

   "Drop them right now..."

   Everyone looked to see as Teaspoon and Barnett stood in the doorway, their guns aimed at the assailants. The two others acquiesced, but the leader wasn't as smart. He lowered his gun, but before anyone knew what was happening, he raised it again, and shot at Kid. Rosemary, whose instinct told her not to trust the man, leapt in front of Kid, knocking him to the ground.

   Teaspoon quickly squeezed off a few shots, effectively killing the man. Kid sat up dazed, but quickly figured out what happened. He rushed over to Rosemary, whose head was cradled in Jimmy's lap. Her chest was gaping open, and blood pooled in a large circle. He knew she wasn't going to make it. She gripped his hand tightly, and looked at him. She tried to speak, but couldn't seem to form any words.

   Kid gently pushed several strands of hair from her face. She looked at Jimmy and smiled, and then closed her eyes forever. Jimmy began to shake with sobs, and Teaspoon ushered the criminals and his deputy out of the bunkhouse so Jimmy could have some privacy. Kid stood up as well, not knowing what to say. He felt so guilty...she saved his life.

   "Kid...? You okay?" Lou asked as she stood beside her husband, looking down at Rosemary's grave.

   "Yeah... I'm fine."

   Lou looked at him for a long time, and then placed her small hand in his. He looked down at her, and she could see the tears glistening in his eyes. She wrapped her arms around him tightly and tried to comfort him.

   "I treated her so bad Lou... and she died to save my life."

   "Kid... she understood."

   "I don't know Lou, I just don't know."

   "Her life was full of so much sorrow Kid... she's in a better place now."

   "What about Jimmy?"

   "You know him... he won't admit to how he's feeling."

   "He blames me..."

   "No, he doesn't."

   "How do you know?"

   "Because he told me."

   "He did?"

   "Right after the funeral. He knew how you were feeling Kid, and he didn't want you to worry..."

   "I acted like such a fool..."

   "Shh... Kid, that's all in the past now. We have to look in the future now..."

   Kid looked at her, and smiled as he placed his hands protectively on her stomach. She stood on her toes and placed a small kiss on his cheek before stepping back and covering his hands with her own. She didn't know where they were going when the Express was fully disbanded, but somehow, looking into his eyes, she knew that everything was going to be fine.

   "C'mon, let's go home."