By C.C.
Copyright 2000
Chapter 18
Friday Morning
Teaspoon waited for Louise, he wasn’t sure what to think about Jimmy’s instructions. He was sure that it was trouble, he just wasn’t sure what kind of trouble. He prayed earnestly that it wasn’t anything more than they’d been through on numerous occasions. But why would Louise McCloud be involved he wondered. Frustrated at his lack of understanding he chewed on a piece of straw, waiting.
Kid got back to the station before anyone else was awake, he mucked the stables, fed and watered the horses and began to look for the next chore as he noticed Jimmy emerge from the bunkhouse.
“Nice night Kid?” Jimmy smirked.
A little embarrassed by his accusation he replied “come on Jimmy, give me a break will ya?”
Jimmy took pity on him, realizing that Kid was dealing with stuff he only hoped he’d never have to deal with. He didn’t think he’d ever find someone to love, or someone that would love him, certainly not some prim and proper girl from the east!
They both heard the buckboard and watched as Teaspoon and Louise approached the station. Jimmy watched Kid as he caught Louise’s eyes, he laughed as he saw the same love and adoration pass between them he had seen in Wesley.
“Teaspoon” Kid addressed him politely, but didn’t take his eyes off of his bride, the look they gave each other not unnoticed by Teaspoon either.
“Kid” he answered, eyeing the two. “Okay, all small talk aside, what’s this all about?” he questioned, never one for suspense.
Kid told Teaspoon that they should probably include Rachel and the boys in the discussion then approached Louise and took her by the hand, only increasing Teaspoon’s curiosity.
With Teaspoon, Rachel and the rider’s sitting around the table in the bunkhouse Kid informed them of Louise’s situation regarding her father’s inheritance and finding out about Stephen only marrying her to get his hands on the money.
“Whoa Kid” Teaspoon interrupted, “that don’t rightly explain your involvement, now does it?” eyeing them, realizing the looks that passed between them already told the story, but he was going to make them explain.
“Well you see” he looked nervously from Rachel to Teaspoon, avoiding eye contact with the other riders, his eyes finally resting on Louise, finding the courage to complete his sentence, “we...uhm.... we got ....married.”
You could have heard a pin drop, the silence overwhelming. Lou reached under the table and grabbed Kid’s hand, feeling very much like an outsider, knowing this family of Kid’s was trying to digest the shock they had just been fed. She was afraid that they would have the same attitude toward her that Jimmy had originally. She looked over to him, Jimmy smiled reassuringly which made her breath a little easier, at least she had two adversaries.
Teaspoon was the first to speak, it had taken a few minutes for him to be able to get a handle on his urge to yell. He told himself that yelling wouldn’t help the matters. He had watched Kid and Louise closely, he watched as they spoke to each other through eye contact. He knew that the way they were communicating was special, reserved for lovers. They really loved each other, but why, he thought, why a spur of the moment wedding.
He let out a slow, long breath. “Okay Kid, tell us why’d you hafta get married?”
Kid looked around the room realizing that just a short while ago there wouldn’t have been any reason for him to explain himself or try to find approval for his actions. But as he looked at the faces of Teaspoon, Rachel and the other boys he was grateful for the make-shift family he had found here at the Express, he just hoped they’d support him and Louise. Because no matter what happened he was going to be there for her, he’d always put her first.
“Well” he began “we were trying to figure a way for Lou to be able to get her father’s inheritance without marrying Stephen, and” he looked adoringly at Lou “it just hit me - she can’t marry Stephen if she’s already married.” She smiled at him his eyes revealing his true feelings for her. Teaspoon felt for the couple sitting before him, relying on him for the advice to answer all their questions. His mind scrambled for the right advice.
Teaspoon look at Louise, “So Louise, tell us, what do you think Stephen’s capable of? You know he can’t marry you if you’re married...” he hesitated “but he can marry a widow” he glared at Kid, bewildered that Kid hadn’t even thought of his own life.
She wasn’t sure she’d find her voice, nervously she began “I’m not...” thankful that she had been able to make a sound “...really sure, I don’t think he’d kill anyone” looking at Kid she continued “but I’m not sure, he already hates Kid” her voice quiet, the others almost having to strain to hear her. “He might I guess, or hire someone” her voice trailing, trying not to imagine her life without Kid in it.
Teaspoon’s mind wandered back to when his deputy, Barnette, had married a women only to find out that she had already been married, several times as a matter of fact. All of the marriages after her first were nullified when it had been revealed. He had an idea, arching his eyebrows and grinning he explained.
After he finished Louise asked sheepishly, “isn’t that against the law? Wouldn’t I have....?” she was interrupted by Teaspoon.
“Yeah, it is breakin’ the law, but” he was hit by another sudden idea. Damn Teaspoon you are so good he thought to himself. “But if the preacher ain’t exactly a man of the cloth” eyes wide with amusement he continued. “I gotta friend.... I’ll make some arrangements.”
Kid was shifting uncomfortably and nervously wringing his hands. “Teaspoon, that means she’d have to pretend to be his wife for a whole week” he looked defeated.
Louise noticing his discomfort and realizing what he meant found her courage “No Teaspoon, I couldn’t, I won’t......”
Teaspoon understanding the couples struggle was thankful for the thought that entered his mind “Well, let’s see... Louise, how much of an actress do you consider yourself to be?”
She almost laughed at his question and threw Kid a knowing look. “Well Teaspoon, I’ve been playing a role my entire life, I’d say I’m pretty good at it!” she was feeling courageous now.
The group huddled as they made their plans. Each of them had a role and they were convinced that finding a way to get this couple out of the trouble they seemed to be in was their most important chore.
The riders and Teaspoon left after the plans had been firmed up. Leaving Rachel, Kid and Louise. In a motherly way Rachel approached the couple. “You know you two, I knew from that first time you came to the station Louise, I knew that you two were destined to be together” she shook her head “Louise, I hope you realized how blessed you are; this boy..ehm..” correcting herself “this man.... he’s pretty special” she looked at Kid lovingly.
He blushed at her compliment and Louise placed her arm around Kid and he looked at her. “I can promise you Rachel” her eyes not leaving Kid’s “I have thanked God everyday for him, I realize it may be an effort for us to get there, but” she squeezed him tightly “we’ll get there and when we do, it’ll be the best marriage ever!” Kid kissed her lips quickly.
Rachel envied the couple in front of her. Yes, they had some obstacles in their way, but they had something stronger than greed going for them, they had true love. And true love would always win when it came to greed, she had to believe.
Teaspoon and Louise headed back into town, regretfully. One more night, then she’d be forced to act the role of a life-time.
Warning: Sexual Situations
Later Friday Afternoon
Rachel told Buck she need some supplies from town, Kid overheard. “I’ll go Rachel” he excitedly volunteered. Rachel agreed, realizing just getting a glimpse of her would ease his frayed nerves. She sent a silent prayer, asking that God find a way to allow them to have all that life could hold for them.
Kid had finished picking up Rachel’s supplies and was getting ready to climb aboard the buckboard, disappointed that he hadn’t seen Louise. Before he could climb aboard Hannah Jenkins approached him, smiling and waving.
“Hello Kid” she gushed and he turned to her.
“Oh ...hello....” he stumbled, caught off guard. “Hannah.... how are you?” nervously he glanced around.
“I’m find thank you, I just wanted to thank you for last Saturday, I really had a nice time” she looked at him expectantly, hoping for another invitation he could tell.
“Hannah, I......” he was scrambling when they both were greeted by Stephen. Kid spun around to his greeting.
“Well, Kid, it is Kid isn’t it” his tone indicating his dislike.
Kid nodded “Yes, and I believe you’re Stephen, am I right” he questioned detestedly.
Louise was not far behind Stephen, she was shocked as she noticed who he was talking to. Too late to turn she nervously approached the three.
“Hello Kid, Hannah” she acknowledged them, trying to sound friendly and not shocked.
“Louise” they replied simultaneously.
Stephen meantime eyed Kid and Louise closely. Realizing that after tomorrow he didn’t have anything to worry about, he thought how much he’d like to see them squirm, he decided to put Kid on the spot.
“Well Kid” Stephen took Louise by the elbow “Louise and I would be honored if you and your friend here” indicating Hannah “would join us for supper tonight.... I think we should try to get to know the people in this town better, considering it’s our home, how about it?” he looked triumphantly at Louise.
Louise was mortified, what the hell was he doing, she couldn’t figure out what he was trying to accomplish. Trying to figure a way out of it she watched Kid’s face, as it revealed to her the same mortified look she was sure she was showing. Praying it was not noticeable by Hannah or Stephen.
Hannah broke the stunned silence, “Oh Kid, can we..... I’d love to” she replied giddily.
Kid was caught, he tried to think of something...anything, but Hannah was pleading and Stephen was insisting, he couldn’t think of a way out.
“I reckon Stephen” reluctantly accepting the invitation.
Louise didn’t say a word, if she could have killed Stephen with her bare hands, she felt fairly certain he’d be laying at her feet at this moment. All she could do was spin quickly and walk away.
Kid cringed, how in the hell would they get through this?
Stephen told them when and where to meet them. Hannah acted like a little girl on Christmas morning. Kid wondered if she’d ever been to a restaurant, he looked at her and tried to find the reason he had asked her out in the first place. Right now he just couldn’t find it. He sighed as he agreed to pick her up and escort her to the restaurant.
He cursed himself on the way back to the station. Why hadn’t he just let Buck go to town like Rachel had asked. Damn, the thought of having to endure a few hours with Stephen was sickening to him. But he’d have to find a way, he couldn’t do anything to make Stephen suspicious. He knew Stephen knew he had feelings for Louise; he wondered if he knew just how deep they were and that they were reciprocated by Louise.
Louise was furious with Stephen, she wouldn’t even look at him. He tried to talk to her and tell her was only being friendly. His lies were about to get the better of her, she had to bite her tongue not to reveal to him that she knew the truth. She spent the remainder of the afternoon in her room.
Stephen smiled maliciously to himself, ready for the enjoyment he’d get from tonight.
Louise dressed in her frilliest, most elaborate dress, wanting to make it easier on Kid. Realizing he hated those kinds of dresses. She pulled her hair back tightly, knowing he loved it hanging freely around her waist. Stephen however was pleased with the way she looked. How ironic she thought, she was trying to dress down for Kid and for probably the first time Stephen actually complimented her.
They were met by Kid and Hannah outside the hotel. Louise had decided that she wasn’t going to say anything tonight, she would be polite but not participate in the conversation. She wouldn’t even look at Kid. She prayed silently for a quick end to tonight.
The first part of dinner went okay, the pleasantries complete Stephen turned his attention to Louise. He talked openly and loudly about how he loved her, how beautiful she was and how he had waited so long and patiently for her to be his.
She squirmed, realizing he was using her to make Kid jealous. She began to feel sick to her stomach. He put his arm around her, leaned close to her ear, whispering loudly how he couldn’t wait for tomorrow night. She would not look at Kid, she could feel his tenseness from across the table. She only hoped that he would be able to control his temper.
Hannah smiled sweetly at the couple and turned to Kid, she noticed his glare and wondered why he was staring at them like that. She placed her hand on his forearm. Startled, he broke his gaze and turned to her, “You okay” she questioned innocently.
Realizing he was showing his emotions, he quickly softened toward her, “Oh yeah, I’m fine” he tried to keep his eyes from wandering back to Stephen and Louise.
Stephen’s relentless doting was only serving to infuriate her. He could tell she was tensing under his touch and that she was hating him more and more. But he didn’t care. He could tell he was accomplishing exactly what he set out to do.
Dessert was finally complete and Louise knew that she couldn’t take one more minute of the little scene Stephen had orchestrated. “Well, if you all will please excuse me, I’ve had a very exhausting couple of days and tomorrow, I’m sure won’t be any easier” she glared at Stephen.
Hannah found the whole situation very confusing. Louise and Kid both staring daggers at Stephen. It seemed to her all he was doing was showing his fiance’ his admiration. She just didn’t understand.
Kid stood quickly as Louise rose from her chair, he noticed her glance quickly at him to assure him she’d be fine and left abruptly.
Stephen did not act like he planned to be going anywhere soon but Kid knew he would not sit at the table with him for another moment.
He stood and offered his arm to Hannah, “Stephen, I will pay this check on my out... consider it your wedding gift” and he walked away.
Stephen laughed out loud, clearly amused that he had successfully ruined both Kid and Louise’s night. He watched Kid intensely as he payed the clerk and exited the restaurant - “oh yes Kid, you’ll see, I’ll have her tomorrow night, his filthy mind wandering, until she’s 18, then I don’t give a damn - but you won’t have her first, I’ll see to that” he assured himself. “I’ve been to damn patient with that little priss - she’ll see, bet she’ll wonder why she ever made me wait” he smiled ruefully. He stood to head to the saloon “might as well make a big night out of my last night of freedom” he told no one in particular. A few curious customers turned toward him as he spoke out loud.
Kid dropped Hannah off quickly without any excuses or explanations. He would not be going back to the way station tonight, he had to see Louise, that’s all he cared about right now.
She opened the door after she realized it was Kid and not Stephen. She wrapped her arms around him, thankful for his presence. He guided her to the bed, needing her now. Kid gently sat her on the bed and bent to unlace her boots. She allowed him to gently remove her burdensome petticoats and stood so he could have access to the buttons that ran down the back of her dress.
He expertly freed her from the frills they both hated and she stood there before him, completely naked. His eyes longing for her and sending her into a shivering fit of need. She loved the way she felt as she watched him look at her, making love to her with his eyes, not even needing to touch her.
Emboldened by his desire, she approached him, but did not allow him to touch her yet, she sat him on the bed as she undressed him in much the same way as he had undressed her. As they stood, completely naked only inches apart Louise’s breathing becoming shallow at the anticipation. No longer able to stand the inch of space separating them she moved into his strong embrace, excitement at the feel of his arousal pressed firmly against her replaced the surprise she had felt the first time he held her like this, his hands firmly holding her soft buttocks against him. He whispered his love for her, his low sensuous voice succeeding in almost throwing her over the edge of bliss. She steadied herself, not wanting to rush the moment, pulling back from him she looked deeply, piercing his heart. “I’m so happy Kid, you make me happy...... I’d do anything for you” she kissed him passionately.
He didn’t have to speak his love, he showed her again proving to her that there was yet again feelings she hadn’t known were even possible. She silently marveled at his abilities to cause her body to reach the heights of pleasure that made her forget that anything but her and Kid existed. She wished that they could just stay here in this exact moment for the rest of their lives.
She wanted to learn how to please him more, when she had caught her breath from her last eruption, she stopped him and took his face in her hands. “Kid, I want to know more about pleasing you... you are doing all the work” she teased, but quickly became serious “tell me what to do for you” she pleaded.
He hesitated, not sure exactly what to tell her. But the look she gave told him that it was important to her to be able to control their lovemaking. So he showed her ways she could be in control, she was bewildered at his responses to her touch. She liked the feeling of pleasing him, his loss of control giving her courage to continue. When she couldn’t take it anymore and knew he was so close she allowed him again to take over, becoming passive to his aggressiveness, not scary aggressiveness, more possessiveness, possessiveness that she enjoyed. She wanted to be his and she let him know through her actions and mumblings.
Panting and sweating they embraced and laughed at the intensity of their lovemaking. “Kid, I don’t know how we’ll live very long if we keep this up!” He held her tightly, chuckling.
Stephen apparently found a place to stay that night, he did not disturb the two young lovers with his nightly knock, much to their relief.
Chapter 20
Kid got back to the station before sunrise as he did the day before. Today he was feeling more than the anxiety he felt yesterday.
Today he felt hollow and empty. He wanted to be there for her, to give her strength. But he knew he couldn’t. She’d have to do this on her own, he knew she could and would handle it perfectly, he just wanted to make it easier for her, but he’d have to be patient and wait. He figured he’d get a lot of wood chopped this morning. He couldn’t wait until this afternoon, if all went well he and Louise would meet in Doc Wells’ office.
Ike returned with Ben Harris, Teaspoon’s old friend. He had brought with him his disguise they had used on more that one occasion to catch a criminal or get out of a scrap.
“Well Ben Harris, you old dog!” Teaspoon approached the riders.
“Teaspoon, what’s so all fired important that you’re gonna have me dressin’ as a man of the cloth again?” he asked curiously.
“Come on in, get you some water and I’ll explain it to you, how’ve ya been?”
Kid noticed the three men heading into the bunkhouse, he put the axe down and he too entered to find Teaspoon explaining the situation to his friend. Teaspoon looked up as Kid entered.
“Ah, well speak of the devil , here’s the newlywed himself. Ben Harris, this here is Kid, Kid; Ben Harris.... Ah that’s Reverend Harris, I mean” laughing he introduced the pair.
Ben Harris smiled at Kid and held his hand out “Congratulations... I think” he snickered, Teaspoon always found his way into the strangest circumstances, he thought.
After ironing out their plans for Ben to replace the real reverend Teaspoon headed into town. He asked the Lord to forgive him, but he was getting ready to lie to the good reverend. After explaining that Ben was a minister that Louise knew and would prefer that he preside over the ceremony, Reverend Jones was more than understanding and happy to oblige.
Then Teaspoon found Stephen and his mother, explained that Reverend Jones was ill, but luckily a friend of his, Ben Harris, from the next town over happened to be in Sweetwater and had easily agreed to perform the ceremony. Neither Stephen or his mother cared who performed the ceremony, as long as someone did.
Almost all of the plans had been set in motion. One more visit to Doc Wells. Had he come up with a good story?
The doctor assured Teaspoon he felt he could keep Louise away from Stephen with an elaborate disease, he’d use enough medical talk to keep them confused. Doc Wells reasoned with himself, he didn’t think anything he was doing went against the oath he had taken, he was after all helping the girl out.
The rest was up to Louise. She paced nervously, wishing with all her might that Kid could be here right now. She couldn’t wait until next Saturday, she promised God that if He’d just get them there, she’d live her life the way He would want her to. She’d use her father’s money in anyway He’d lead her. If He would just get them there, she sighed.
Rachel watched Kid all morning. At the rate he was going the rest of the boys would have two chore-free weeks. She didn’t try and stop him though, realizing this is what was keeping him from going mad. Though she didn’t think it was in anyway funny, she did find the whole situation a little amusing. If anything normal happened to her boys it would be a surprise to her. She loved the young man that she watched as he busied himself, like he was her son. Though she probably wasn’t old enough to really be his mother, she had quickly become accustomed to mothering this group of rag-tag orphans and loved it.
It was almost time, Louise began to dress in the gown she had brought with her from Boston. She thought that it was funny that she liked it when she first picked it out, now it wasn’t anything that she would have ever thought about wearing, if she and Kid had a real wedding she was quite certain her gown wouldn’t have been anything like this one. Feeling a little nauseous she slipped it on. Mrs. Richardson had been by a few minutes earlier and offered her help, Louise knew it was not genuine, just wants to be sure I show up she thought snidely. Louise declined her offer and promised she’d be on time.
Awkwardly she left the hotel and headed to the small church. As she walked down the aisle of the church, there were a few people scattered in the pews. Her eyes rested on Teaspoon, the only familiar face to her other than Stephen and his parents. She smiled at him and found comfort in his reassuring grin. Her stomach churning she realized she was probably not going to have to fake a fainting spell.
The fake ceremony proceeded. Both Stephen and Louise uttering their untrue vows. As Stephen was given permission to kiss her Louise promptly fainted, laying in a white heap on the hard floor of the church.
Teaspoon was impressed with her acting, but quickly ran to the scene, yelling for everyone to stand back. He felt her forehead, “she’s burning up, somebody get the doctor!!” he bellowed.
It only took a minute for Doc Wells to appear. He quickly examined Louise. “We’d better get her to the surgery, I need to have a closer look at her” and he picked her up. Stephen and his mother and father stood in shock, everything happening so fast. Ben put his hand on Stephen’s shoulder and tried to reassure him. Laughing to himself, he told him he hoped she’d be alright.
Doc carried the tiny bride into his surgery where Kid was pacing, waiting for her. He left quickly to give them some privacy “just a few minutes” he informed the couple, “I’m sure they’ll be here soon and I want them to be able to see that she’s still unconscious.”
“Oh Kid” she hugged him “it was so...so awful, I felt.... I.....” she didn’t finish her thought, not able to explain the emptiness that had overcome her as she walked the aisle toward Stephen.
“Shhhh” he comforted her “it’s okay honey, Doc will handle it now, he’s got some terrible disease you have all worked out, he’s gonna put you in quarantine” he pulled back and grinned. She turned her face up to look at him “good thing about this quarantine” he continued “is that I’m quarantined with ya!” he smiled at her, filling her void with his love.
The doctor knocked lightly and returned, Kid exited through the back door to wait until the family saw her and the doctor explained his worries.
Stephen was much more angry then worried right now. He wasn’t thinking much about Louise, he was more worried about tonight, would this stop him for having her, he wondered.
Doc Wells tried to explain calmly to the family that he wasn’t sure what was the matter with Louise. He wanted to run some tests and he needed to do a little research. She was still unconscious which worried him greatly.
Stephen insisted angrily that he be allowed to see her. The doctor prayed that she could hear their conversation and would know what to do. He made a lot of noise; opening the door slowly.
Stephen and his parents approached the bed in the outer room in which she laid. She was lying perfectly still, but Stephen didn’t think that she looked like there was anything wrong with her. He eyed the doctor suspiciously, “looks likes she’s asleep” he spoke menacingly.
“I assure you Mr. Richardson, she is more than asleep. Smelling salts won’t even wake her, I’ve tried” he calmly replied. “Now I will have to ask you all to please step out, I will take some blood samples and my nurse will be glad to help her out of that gown if you’d bring a change of clothes, something comfortable, please” he ushered the confused family out of the office.
Louise breathed a heavy sigh of relief when she heard the door shut. She wasn’t quite sure that they could pull this off. Stephen wouldn’t be fooled for long...she wasn’t running a fever and she knew she didn’t look sick.
The doctor’s nurse showed up shortly after the Richardson’s had left after bringing her a simple skirt and blouse. She quickly changed clothing, relieved to be free of the hot, burdensome wedding gown. The nurse explained to Lou that Doc Wells placated the family for now, assuring them there was nothing they could do. He’d run the tests and read to see if he could get an idea of the problem. He’d find them when he had some information; the family was not happy but willing to give him. Stephen had stomped off like a little boy, the nurse laughed. She too was fully aware of the situation Louise was in and wanted to help anyway she could.
Kid returned through the back door and was relieved to see her out of the gown, which lay in a white heap on the floor. “Well guess all we do now is sit and wait for Saturday” he sighed.
"Come on Kid, you don’t really think Stephen’s going to buy me being unconscious for a week without the doctor doing something about it do you” she questioned doubtfully.
Kid explained the whole story that Teaspoon had only filled him in on while Louise was ‘marrying’ Stephen. She still wasn’t sure that it would work, but she’d have to trust them all, after all what other options did she have. She hadn’t even thought that she was putting Kid’s life in danger when she married him, yes, she thought now Stephen would be capable of at least paying someone to kill Kid. The thought made her shudder.
They lazed away the afternoon, talking and loving. Louise spending the first night of her second marriage with her first husband, she laughed out loud at the thought of it.
Kid had dozed off after their lovemaking, and she lay there for what seemed forever watching him. He was everything she could ever want, she couldn’t begin to imagine life married to Stephen, the thought creeping into her; threatening her contentment she quickly shunned it away and lay her head on Kid’s bare chest, the gentle rising and falling along with his soft rhythmic breathing lulling her into a contented sleep.
It was very early the next morning when Kid kissed her gently. “Gotta go baby, the doctor will be here shortly, get dressed. Today’s day number two, even a bigger act to play....but I’ve got confidence in ya” his eyes assuring her he believed in her.
She moaned and sat up, wishing with all her heart that it was already Saturday, knowing deep down that it wasn’t even close. She dressed and lay back on the bed in the outer room, careful to remember her positioning from yesterday.
