By C.C.
Copyright 2000
They talked over dinner, Kid finding out that Lou wanted lots of children, relieved since they hadn’t really talked about that. He had always wanted to be a father and the idea of a lot of children excited him. He spoke about his dream of being a horse rancher. Lou could almost see the images of the land, the corrals filled with horses, the pastures that played in his mind as he spoke. She loved watching the excitement in his eyes as he spoke of his life’s dream. She knew inwardly that with her inheritance they’d be able to have it all, but she also knew that that was not the way he’d want to attain his goal, it would be through hard work and determination. That was fine with her, she’d be there right beside him every step of the way. She knew that one day their ranch would be famous for the horses they provided.
Before they realized it dinner and dessert were finished. It was time to head up to their room. Both apprehensive but anxious. Kid felt like a school boy, he’d not been so uncertain around a woman for a long time. Come on Kid, she’s relyin’ on you, take the lead he told himself sternly.
“Lou why don’t you go to the room, I’ll have the clerk set you up a bath, I’m sure after the long run today it’ll be just what you need.” she smiled at his courtesy. “I’ll check on the horses and be up shortly.”
She agreed and started towards their room, the look she gave him sending shivers through his body. He watched her intensely until she got out of sight, he breathed a sigh at the jumble of emotions he was feeling.
Kid quickly headed to the laundry, knowing he could take a bath there. He wanted to sure everything was perfect. After his bath, he dressed in the clean clothes he had stored in Katy’s saddle bag. He stopped by the general store and bought a bouquet of daisies. He hoped she liked daisies.
Inwardly he wondered whether he had given her enough time to bathe, he realized that there was plenty of things about women he didn’t know. He knock apprehensively.
“You don’t need to knock Kid” she spoke softly.
He entered the room, his hair damp from his bath. She gasped quietly at the look her gave her. A look full of need and wanting, she’d never seen this look before, it made her insides quiver.
He saw her standing by the window, the faint glow from the fire revealing the white sleeveless cotton gown she purchased, revealing her arms and neck. Ahh the brown paper package, he grinned. He took a deep breath, hoping to find his voice.
“Damn Lou...you....you’re gorgeous” his voice deep and husky.
Remembering the flowers he handed them to her, she smiled sweetly “daisies” sighing “their my favorite, how did you know?”
He shook his head, he didn’t know they were her favorite but was extremely glad they were.
He took her into his arms and stared deeply into her eyes, eyes that revealed her deep love for him, the same eyes he had noticed the day she got off the stage. “You are my world Louise” he spoke softly and brushed his soft lips against her. All of her fears and apprehensions disappeared at that moment.
“Kid” she whispered “please show me what I need to do....” her voice cracking as his lips traveled down her jaw line to her collarbone. He pulled her into a tighter embrace, pressing his body against her. She was surprised at feeling his hardness next to her, but it didn’t frighten her, she began to let go of herself, to give him complete control, trusting that he would lead her, teach her how to please him.
She felt herself being lifted into his arms and carried toward the bed. She was so ready for this. Briefly she thought that this moment could have been a horrible memory if she had married Stephen, but now, now it would be her most cherished memory. She kissed him deeply with a desire she didn’t even realize she was capable of, she wanted him, she wanted to be everything that he needed.
Kid was slow and cautious with her, giving her time, slowly guiding her, slowly arousing her. He couldn’t believe how powerful his desire for her was. He had never felt this way, never been so completely overcome with the need to please a women. The only thing that mattered was her and her pleasure.
He slowly and patiently brought her to heights she hadn’t known existed, her heart racing, his breathing erratic he finally entered her slowly, not wanting to cause her pain. She moaned softly, delighting in the feeling of his closeness, feeling they could not possibly get any closer than they were. After she adjusted to him he was able to fill her once again with the unleashing of emotions and feelings she had never known possible. When he could take it no longer he finally allowed himself to tumble into the tumultuous abyss of pure pleasure, never having felt the magnitude of emotions coursing through his entire body. He held her tightly moaning her name over and over again. She too finding herself mumbling almost incoherently.
Breathless and speechless they held each other tightly, neither ever wanting to let go, afraid that this had only been a dream. As Kid’s heart rate returned to normal and his breathing more even he found his voice, raw with emotion “Lou” he whispered.
She looked at him, tears running freely down her cheeks.
“What’s wrong” shock evident, thinking he must have hurt her. “Oh god, Lou did I....”
She realized what he was thinking. “Oh no Kid” caressing his cheek with her hand “you didn’t hurt me, I... I just... I never....”
“What” he encouraged her to continue, lovingly watching her.
“I just ..never.. I never thought that it would be like that....” she gazed almost shyly at him.
He smiled and kissed her tears away. “Oh Lou, when two people are made for each other, I’ve got to believe that’s what it’s like. I’ve never felt anything like that before. You are the reason I exist” his eyes revealing the truth behind his statement.
She hugged him close to her “Kid, I’ve been afraid of making love my whole life, in fact the thought of being with Stephen always made me feel sick, but...” directing her attention to his deep blue eyes, “I actually had to yell at myself today, more that a few times., I was so anxious, I knew you’d teach me, I knew things would be so perfect.”
He smiled and she felt his chuckle as he realized she had been desiring him the whole day as much as he had desired her.
They lay entwined breathing the scent of each other. Nothing but their happiness existing tonight, they’d let their worries invade them later, right now they’d revel in each other’s love. They slept the contented sleep of two very happy satisfied lovers.
Kid stirred in his sleep, awakened by her soft steady breathing. He watched her as she slept. His heart swelling with the love he felt for her. He took time to study her body, it was as close to perfect as he believed possible. As his eyes lingered on her he felt his desire for her return. He began to gently kiss her neck, her shoulders.....
Louise stirred to the feeling of his lips and tongue caressing her skin. The deep desires she had experienced for the first time just a few short hours ago again surfacing. She watched him as he traveled further down her body, kissing and caressing each and every inch of her. She wanted him so badly, she was aching to have him.
She moaned and he realized she was awake. He looked up at her and she smiled seductively.
“Sorry” sheepishly grinning “I couldn’t help myself.”
She scooted herself down the bed to bring her face to his “That’s okay Kid, it’s a nice way to wake up.” And they again headed into the exquisite bliss they were anxious to experience again.
“Kid” Lou spoke with her mouth pressed against his neck, kissing him in between words.
“Umh” he moaned at her touch.
“I like these lessons” she teased, “there much more fun than the riding lessons” she giggled. “Oh yeah?” he laughed at her “These just take a little more outta ya” chuckling he gathered her back into his embrace, they slept again, peaceful and content.
Chapter 16
Again Warning - contains sexual situations and mild adult language
The sun crept through the thin curtains of the hotel room waking the newlyweds. Whispering a silent prayer and thanking God for His gift to him he kissed Louise on the forehead. “Come on sleepyhead, let’s get some breakfast, I’m starved!” he smacked her playfully of the backside.
Louise realized that this was the first time she had ever been naked in front of a man, it was funny but she felt completely at ease. It felt so natural, she thought.
She watched Kid as he stood to dress, this was also the first time she had ever seen a man naked. She allowed her eyes to wander. He was perfect, she thought. Such a strong muscular chest, his stomach perfectly flat, his chest and tummy covered with a soft thin layer of curly hair.
He noticed her watching him, he liked the warmth that filled him as he saw the appreciation for his body in her eyes.
“Come on Lou” he startled her, not realizing she had been staring for so long. She blushed slightly at being caught in her admiration of him. He just smiled and she stifled a giggle and proceeded to get dressed.
She sat at the vanity and began to brush her long hair, it was a tangled mess from the night’s activities. Kid watched her, loving the scene; wanting to be a part of it. “Can I brush your hair Lou?” he questioned hesitantly.
Surprised she looked up at him and handed him the brush then turned back to face the mirror. She watched him as he carefully picked his way through the tangles. Feeling relaxed she closed her eyes and enjoyed the caressing of the brush.
He watched her in the mirror, completely relaxed and enjoying this act of love. He became aware of the intimacy of this moment. He realized, among other things they had done lately, this too, brushing her hair, was also a special time reserved for a husband and a wife.
She was disappointed when she felt the brush stop and opened her eyes. She saw him staring at her reflection in the mirror. His blue eyes dark with desire, the need she saw there had her body shiver. He knelt behind her and kissed her neck softly. “Oh Louise, you are so beautiful” he whispered, telling her again what she meant to him.
She turned on the bench to face him and again he kissed her deeply and passionately. Their passion uncontrollable, they made love on the floor, neither of them even noticing the hard boards under them, aware only of their intense need for one another.
As they lay breathing heavy, clothes half on, half off, Louise laughed; “lesson number three I suppose?!”
He chuckled and buried his face in her yet again tangled hair, “you’re gonna lose count pretty soon honey!”
“I sure hope so” she placed a kiss on his lips and struggled to sit up. “Let’s get out of here before we kill each other” she teased. She began to dress for the second time this morning. “Think I’ll brush my own hair this time” she smiled wryly. Sighing with contentment she told herself that she wasn’t going to think about anything but Kid today. Tomorrow....tomorrow we’ll talk about..... okay Louise that’s the last time you’ll think about Stephen today, you will not give him another thought today. You are Mrs......... her thoughts abruptly stopped. You don’t even know your own name you fool! She laughed out loud.
He looked at her curiously, wondering what was so funny.
“Hey Kid” she approached him boldly, her face inches from his “How long were you planning on keeping me guessing?” she tried to speak harshly, but just couldn’t.
“What do you mean Louise?” he responded, loving her closeness.
“Well, it’s just not proper you know” she eyed him “I don’t even know my own name” her eyes bright with amusement.
He laughed and wrapped his arms around her, “Kinda wondered how long it was gonna take ya to figure it out” he snickered.
She laughed at her inattention to this one rather important detail.
He released her from his embrace and took her hand. “Let’s get going Mrs. Jacobs” he replied, his eyebrows raised, watching her reaction.
“Louise Jacobs” she spoke softly “it’ll do” she nodded her head resolutely. “Now what do we call you?” It was one thing not knowing her husbands last name, she didn’t know his first name either. “When are you gonna spill the beans about your christian name Kid?”
He tried to ignore her, but she playfully pinched his side.
“Now, now a husband’s gotta have some secrets, keep ya guessin’!”
They teased each other relentlessly. “Okay Kid, for now anyhow. It doesn’t matter, you’ll always be Kid to me anyway, just like to know what to call you when I’m mad!”
“Oh you plannin’ on being mad at me, huh?” he replied archly.
They spent the day, each feeling like they had been given a glimpse of heaven. They had successfully avoided allowing the worries and uncertainties of the immediate future to creep in and ruin their day. They spoke of their long-term goals and talked more about their pasts. Each wanting to know everything about the other.
The day passed quickly, much too quickly.
The second night of their make-shift honeymoon filled with as much passionate love making as their wedding night. Leaving the two lovers exhausted but satiated.
Wednesday morning brought with it the sense of dread that they had expected. Realizing they would face some decisions and issues today, today would not be the carefree, blissful day yesterday was.
After breakfast they walked to the livery and saddled the horses. They rode most of the morning and found a quiet secluded stream side nook for a picnic. Though the discussion wasn’t pleasant, the beauty helped to ease their discomfort with the upcoming confrontation. Knowing they only had a little over a week to get through before they could be the married couple in Sweetwater like they had been here made them breath a little easier. They could handle a week, they assured each other.
When they returned to town, Kid offered to tend to the horses while Lou went to their room. She would meet him for dinner after she freshened up.
He was leaving the livery when he ran in Jimmy.
“Kid, what the hell are you doin’ here?” Teaspoon had told the other boys Kid was taking a few days off, but that was all they knew.
Kid jumped about 10 feet at Jimmy’s voice and scrambled for an excuse. But before he could come up with anything Louise had begun making her way out of the hotel towards them, Jimmy’s back to her, she could only see Kid.
Jimmy watched as Kid peered over his shoulder, noticing a look of fear. He turned quickly to see Louise McCloud approaching them. “What the hell’s goin’ on Kid” he asked suspiciously, eyeing Louise. “What’s she doing her Kid?” shaking his head “she’s trouble Kid.... and you know it!”
Kid watched her approach cautiously now, now that she had seen Jimmy. He decided to tell Jimmy the truth.
“Don’t I know it” he grinned.
Jimmy was confused at his reaction. What the hell is he so happy about, he thought wryly.
“Kid don’t get yourself involved, you’ll end up.....” he was cut off by Kid’s voice.
“Too late Jimmy, I married her” he stated bluntly.
He was amused at the bewilderment on Jimmy’s face. Jimmy felt like he had just been hit by a train. “What......” was all he could say.
Louise had reached the pair and looked apprehensively at Kid. Unsure of what Jimmy knew, or what Kid wanted Jimmy to know. She could almost guess that Kid must have told him, the look on his face speaking volumes, but she wasn’t sure.
“Jimmy, let us explain” he spoke calmly, taking Louise’s hand. “It’s okay Lou, I told him” he reassured her, realizing she was unsure of what to do or say.
“Oh” she looked at Jimmy shyly.
“What the hell are you talking about” he yelled at them. He glared at Louise wondering what she’d done to make his usually level-headed friend lose his mind.
She had to break away from his intense gaze, hating the feeling it gave her. She could sense his dislike and mistrust of her emitting from him. She prayed that after they explained he’d support Kid, knowing they were best friends. She didn’t want to come between them.
Sighing Kid continued “When do you gotta head back?” he questioned Jimmy.
Jimmy finally turned his glare from Louise to Kid. Kid was trying to put himself in Jimmy’s place, he understood his shock and anger, but he didn’t like him looking at Louise with contempt. He would force himself to remain calm, explain things.
Jimmy’s face still contorted with anger he answered him. “Bank notes ain’t ready yet, gotta few hours” his voice low and monotone.
“Come on then, let’s walk” Kid squeezed Lou’s hand, supporting her with his actions. She already felt her fears and trepidation easing at his touch.
They patiently explained the circumstances to Jimmy. He shook his head a lot during the long story. “I can’t believe you Kid, this is not like you.... more like somethin’ Cody would do ya know” trying to understand his friends actions.
“Jimmy, I love her more than anything” he wrapped his arm lovingly around her shoulder pulling her to him. “Now I understand your shock, but I’ve never made a better decision in my life” he looked at Louise, his eyes shining and grinned.
Jimmy still didn’t understand, but he was not blind and could see from the way Kid and Louise looked at each other they were in love.
He let out a slow even breath. “So what are you gonna do” he questioned the couple. His eyes softening as he looked at Louise. He didn’t glare accusingly at her anymore, easing her discomfort and making Kid grateful that he wasn’t going to have to punch his best friend out.
There were a lot on unanswered question, but Kid and Jimmy both agreed that if anyone had the answers or could come up with a plan it was Teaspoon. Jimmy would tell Teaspoon to bring Louise out to the station Friday morning, not revealing the news yet. Realizing that it should come from Kid. Jimmy was grateful for that part of the plan, he didn’t look forward to Teaspoon’s reaction to Kid’s news.
Jimmy apologized to Louise for his earlier behavior. Excusing his attitude toward her earlier she wanted him to know that she would never hurt Kid.
“Jimmy, I know you’re probably still skeptical, and I don’t blame you for worrying about your friend, but I swear to you, on my life that I will never hurt him” she stated honestly. “We’ve both come to realize that though this marriage was rushed and not well thought out doesn’t mean it’s not real. We love each other Jimmy, I hope you’ll come to accept that, I don’t want to change him, or change things between you two.”
Jimmy was beginning to see why Kid loved her. Try as he might he couldn’t find those earlier feelings of distrust. He knew she was being truthful. Who was he to judge, Kid was a grown man. He indicated to her that he trusted her, she hugged him tentatively and felt relief as he returned her friendly embrace.
Kid smiled at the unlikely pair, glad they were seeing eye to eye.
“Alright then, see you two in the morning. I’m gonna find myself a good hidin’ place, because after Teaspoon finds out.....” he joked as he mounted his horse. After picking up the bank notes he headed out of town.
“Ride safe Jimmy” Kid called after him. Standing arm in arm Kid and Louise watched until his golden palomino disappeared, placing their fears into his hands for now, he’d get Teaspoon to the station and he’d know what to do.
“One more day” Lou sighed and looked up into Kid’s eyes. “Let’s make the best of it, what do you say?” She grinned sensuously, he smiled realizing what she had in mind, enjoying her assertiveness.
Chapter 17
Thursday Morning
Morning came much too soon and brought with it the feeling of dread again threatening to ruin their happiness. Not too much was communicated between the two. Each trying to keep their own fears and emotions in check.
They left Wesley, Lou looking back at the hotel silently storing the memories of the last three nights in her heart. She smiled as she replayed some of the images in her mind. Louise Jacobs, she had to laugh at herself, who'd have believed that you'd end up married to a cowboy! She watched Kid who was a few feet in front of her, and loving every minute of it, she smiled.
It was a few hours later as they neared their destination. As they got to the outskirts of Sweetwater they met Stan and Bob as Kid had arranged the previous Sunday night, which now seemed a life time ago. They reluctantly parted, not much said between them; wary of Stan's and Bob’s ears. Kid headed back to the station with Lightening in tow. Louise had piled her purchases into the buckboard and after Kid helped her up watched him as he mounted Katy and took Lightening's reins to head back to the station. She told herself she could handle this. Come on Louise dig deep, it's there, you know you can find the courage.
As she saw his image disappear over the horizon she found it , for him, she thought, I'd do anything. She unloaded her purchases and thanked the two men, grateful that they didn’’t ask questions or pry. She rushed to the room to change out of her riding clothes. Reluctantly she dressed in one of her eastern style dresses and headed toward the bank. She felt awkward in her layers, she smiled at the irony.
She realized she needed to see Stephen soon to calm her nerves, she needed to be sure that she didn't have "I just married Kid Jacobs" painted on her forehead. Not really sure how blind Stephen would have to be not to notice her happiness, happiness that had nothing to do with him. She prayed that she'd have the strength to pull off one more act, one more role she'd have to play. And after that she thought with contentment, after that no more acts ever again. Just Louise..... Lou, she thought of Kid's pet name for her; just Lou Jacobs, she sighed. If I can just pull this off, she reminded herself.
Stephen pretended to have missed her greatly. She could see right through him, he however was not gifted with the same insight and didn’’t notice anything different about her. She was grateful for his non-recognition, realizing that it had much more to do with his own selfishness then in her acting abilities. The reunion only lasted a few moments, much to Louise's relief. Stephen had to get back to work, she was tired and only wanted to get back to the room. She agreed to meet him in the hotel lobby for supper. For now, she'd go back to her room and nap, dream and reminisce over the past few days.
Dinner that night was an uneventful affair. Stephen questioning her regarding her trip, but not really listening to the lies she replied with. His mind was on the Saturday, then finally the next Saturday when he would be an even richer man. He made an effort to look like he had been listening to her, but Louise could tell what his mind was on. She didn't really care, she jabbered on, the lies becoming more and more elaborate.
Immediately after dinner she excused herself saying she was tired from the traveling and headed to her room. Not looking forward to the evening alone. Funny she thought, I feel like he's been by my side when I wake up my whole life, she sighed as she looked at the lonely bed.
Kid returned to the station, the boys relentless in their badgering him regarding his whereabouts over the last few days. None of them really surprised by his quietness on the subject. They were all used to his protectiveness regarding his private life. When they all first got to know each other most of them originally mistook him as aloof, but quickly realized he was fearlessly protective of his personal life. So other than ribbing him, just trying to rile him up they didn't really expect him to tell them.
Jimmy however was quiet, this peaked Rachel's interest. He was usually the one giving the Kid the hardest time. She watched the two riders closely, trying to figure them out. She sighed to herself, Kid would come to her if and when he needed her advice. She didn't make a habit of butting into their business. She watched with amusement as Kid calmly and patiently took their ribbings. He politely excused himself after the meal and approached Rachel when the others were out of earshot.
"Rachel" he addressed her quietly "please trust me, tomorrow you'll know everything, but... tonight.... well I'll be stayin' in town tonight, be back before the sun's up, I promise. I won't neglect my chores" he addressed her worried look without her having to say anything.
"Okay Kid, I have to trust you know what you’’re doin', just hope you ain't in any trouble," her voice telling him she was there for him if he needed her.
"I appreciate it Rachel. It ain't nothin' I can't handle," and smiled at her.
Damn, I'd love to know what that boy's up to, she thought, her brow furrowing as he left the bunkhouse.
Kid had not planned to go into town tonight, he thought he'd be able to sleep in the bunkhouse as he had forever before the past Monday, but since he left her earlier today and after enduring the punishment from the other riders, he needed her, just to see her. To feel the comfort her presence brought to him.
She was surprised by the knock, Stephen had just completed his nightly ritual and beggin' and being abruptly sent away. She was exasperated at his second attempt. "What is it now!?" she answered the knock rudely.
"Is that anyway to speak to your adoring husband?" Kid whispered close to the door, realizing she thought he was Stephen.
She immediately swung the door open, flooded with relief. She hadn't been entirely sure how she'd get through the night alone. He quickly shut the door behind him and was almost knocked off his feet as she threw herself into his arms.
"Oh Kid, I'm so glad to see you," she gushed.
Apologetically he looked at her "I tried Lou, I really did, but I just couldn't stay at the station." He hugged her tightly. "I'll leave even before it gets light, I just needed you."
She smiled and wriggled from his embrace to look up at him. "Oh I'm so glad you came, I was feeling so lonely," she sighed. "Stephen's been an absolute pest, doesn't pay me a bit of attention, thankfully (she added to be certain Kid knew she didn't care about that). But then as soon as I get up here, he comes knocking and begging. Honestly, men...." she looked at him teasingly.
"Oh no you don't, you'd better not try and put me in the same category as that weasel" he bent low and kissed her neck. "Now Mrs. Jacobs, where was that we left off last night?" his voice sending shivers down her spine.
She giggled with delight, ready to take up right where they and ended last night.
Kid kissed her tenderly before leaving just before dawn. "I'll see you in a few hours, trust me," his eyes twinkling. "Teaspoon and Rachel will help us figure out the right thing to do. We can handle this, I love you." And he was gone before nosy eyes had time to wake.
