Stacy had been persuaded to stay with the riders for a few weeks at least. Teaspoon had to admit that this woman had about as much spunk as their beloved Louise, and he was proud that his 'boys' had managed to accomplish such a feat as saving 'Mr. Lincoln.'
Upon their arrival, Rachel had been kind enough to fix a large meal for her family, and decided that it would be in their best interests if she fed Cody first.......that way she could fix a whole other meal for the others. Stacy couldn't remember when she had been so relaxed. The torment was over, and she now knew that her brother's death hadn't been in vain. He had died stealing the documents in effort to try and save the President of these United States. Had those papers fallen back into the wrong hands, there would have been a devastating effect on their country. She tuned out the laughter at the table and prayed silently, thanking God that she could now live in peace, the peace of knowing that Joey died for more than selfishness and greed. She could go on with her life.
After dinner, Kid had asked if Lou would go out with him for a while. The worry had weighed him down, and just knowing that she was finally safe made him want to draw closer to her. Stacy heard their plans and quickly interjected. "Kid, before you steal Louise away from me, can we have a quick talk?"
He looked at her nervously. "Sure, Stacy. Why don't we step outside?" She followed turning to see Lou behind her. "I won't keep him long." She promised her.
Kid waited for her on the porch. She wasn't sure how to start this, but it had been her experience that when one wasn't sure where to start, usually the beginning was the best solution! "Kid, I'm sorry for what happened." He opened his mouth to reply, and she silenced him by raising her hand. "If I could have left Louise out of this I would have. But forgive me for saying this, Kid, I don't think I could have made it without her." She waited to see what his reaction would be.
Stacy was pleased when she saw a tender smile forming on his face. "It's okay, Stacy. I knew that you had something that you needed help with, and Lou's your best friend." He paused and cleared his throat. "And any friend of Lou's is a friend of mine." Stacy was grateful for his understanding and reached out to hug him. "Thank you." She whispered in his ear, and then planted a kiss on his cheek. "Now, you get that woman out here. You two need some time together." She ordered. He nodded in agreement. "I'll go get her." Stacy added as she stepped back inside.
"Louise, get out there." Stacy barked in a commanding tone, before playfully pushing her towards the door.
Lou smiled at her. "Normally I wouldn't take orders from you, but seeing as who's waiting, I don't think I'll resist." She said with a chuckle. Then, she swiftly stepped outside and Stacy watched as Kid and Louise walked hand in hand towards the open prairie.
Just then Stacy felt an arm on her shoulder. "It's a beautiful night." The voice said. She turned around and saw Jimmy standing somewhat awkwardly, holding his hat.
"Yes it is." She replied.
Jimmy took a step forward and reached for her hand. "Would you care to take a walk with me, Miss Stacy?" He inquired, a smile illuminating his face.
She contemplated for a moment. Would Joey approve of my choice? She asked herself. Slipping her hand into his she turned towards the door. I think he would. "I would love that, Mr. Hickok."
The two stepped out walking hand in hand. There was no need to create some topic of conversation, because it just seemed to flow naturally as they walked. Stacy loved the laugh that he had, and in turn Jimmy loved seeing her eyes sparkle with joy.
Sure, Stacy wasn't sure what she was going to do now that all of this had been resolved in her life, but frankly at this moment in time she didn't care. She was with a charming man, and amongst friends. Stacy knew that it was time to create and start a new life for herself, and for the moment she thought she would take Rachel and Teaspoon up on their offer to stick around for a while. Who knows what I might find here. She thought to herself, and then her lips formed into a smile as she turned to see the man beside her. I do know that what I've found standing beside me isn't all half-bad. He looked into her eyes. "You know what, Stacy?" He asked her softly. "What?" She asked in an equal tone.
"All documents and kidnappings aside, you and Lou have got something really special about you."
"We do? And what's that?" Stacy asked, her curiosity growing with each moment. What would the famous 'Wild Bill' find to say to her?
Jimmy wiped the grin of off his lips. "You two have an uncanny ability to bring in trouble." She laughed and he squeezed her hand.
"You haven't seen the half of it."
He stopped their even-paced walk and turned to her, gently brushing some stray hair from her face. "Yeah? Well, stick around for a while, and I might just be interested in seeing that other half."