Never Should Have Let You Go

Kid could hear Lou arguing with the doctor before he even got in the door. He couldn't help but smile to himself. "At least she's becoming her old self again", he muttered to himself as he walked into her room. Doctor Kincaid looked close to being at his wits end with his recovering patient. "Now, Lou, why are you giving the good doctor such a hard time?", Kid asked while trying to hide his amusement. "I ain't tellin' because you'll probably just agree with him", Lou pouted. "Your lady here doesn't want to listen to reason", Doctor Kincaid said on an exasperated sigh. "And just what reason is she not listening to this time?", Kid asked. "Kid, he's saying that I should stay in bed forever", Lou whined. "Not forever, Louise", the doctor interjected. "Just until you're fully recovered from your traumas", he concluded. "Just how long are we talking, doc?", Kid asked. "Well, a few days should help heal her new injuries, but to be honest, I have to recommend that she take it pretty easy for the rest of this pregnancy just to be on the safe side", the doctor answered. "See, Kid. Forever", Lou said angrily. "Doctor Kincaid, can I talk with you?", Kid asked quietly. "Sure, Kid", he replied cautiously. "What do you think you're doing, Kid?", Lou asked in surprise. "You can't just go and have a conversation about me without me being able to have a say", she said angrily. "Of course I can, Lou. I do it all the time", Kid said with a smile. He then carried the almost forgotten breakfast over to her. "Now you go ahead and eat before it gets any colder and I'll be back in a minute", Kid said as he bent to place a kiss on the top of her angry head. He then turned to meet up with Doctor Kincaid in the hall outside of Lou's door. "I'm counting down this minute, Kid, and when I get to sixty seconds I'm coming to either get ya or join ya", Lou shouted stubbornly at his back. Kid simply turned and blew her a kiss before he left and shut the door behind him. "What is it, Kid?", the doctor asked with concern as Kid made sure the door shut firmly behind him. "You tell me, doc", Kid answered. Confusion shown clearly on the doctor's face as he said, "I don't know what you mean". Kid gently took the doctor by the arm and moved further down the hall, away from Lou's door before he asked, "Is there something wrong with Lou or the baby that you're not saying?", he asked worriedly. "Heaven's no! Why would you think that?", the doctor asked in shock. "Because you keep saying that Lou needs to stay here and that just makes me wonder", Kid said unable to keep the doubt or hope from his voice. Doctor Kincaid let a smile take over his face as he said, "Kid, I never said she had to stay here. I just said she needed to rest". He could tell the exact moment that Kid picked up on his words' meaning. Kid's smile threatened to split his face. "You mean I can take her home?", he asked wanting to make sure. "You sure can as long as you promise to take good care of her", the doctor answered happily. "Oh, you bet I will. I'll take the best care of her. I swear", the Kid said excitedly. "So I take it that the two of you will be leaving us soon", Doctor Kincaid asked. "As soon as possible, no offense or anything", Kid said politely. "None taken", the doctor laughed. "Maybe you should go break the news to Louise. That may sweeten her disposition", he added with a rueful shake of the head. Kid could only laugh as they walked back toward Lou's room. "I'll be in to do a final check in a little while", Doctor Kincaid said as he went to see to his other patients. "I have a new respect for that boy for taking on such a handful", he muttered to himself as he walked away. Kid let out a chuckle as he opened the door to Lou's room. "What's so funny?", Lou asked belligerently. "Let's just say, you've made quite a lasting impression on the good doctor", Kid said with a smile. Lou simply gave him a dirty look before asking, "What did ya'll talk about out there?". "Finish your breakfast and I'll tell you", Kid said sweetly. "I don't want anymore", Lou whined. "Well, too bad, Lou. You gotta eat it", Kid said patiently but firmly. He was rewarded with another dirty look as he reached for his cold breakfast. "See, Lou, I'm gonna eat mine", he said. "Well pin a rose on your nose", Lou muttered as she continued to eat. Kid simply laughed and then they ate together in a companionable silence. The meal was declared over only when both plates were clean. "That wasn't so bad was it?", Kid asked as he cleared away the dishes. Lou completely ignored his question and asked her own. "So what did you talk about out there?". "We talked about you of course", Kid said matter of factly. Lou knew he was being intentionally vague and was not in the mood. "Kid", she warned. "Alright. We talked about you coming home", Kid said simply. "And when will that be, Kid? When I'm old and gray?", Lou pouted. "How about tomorrow?", Kid asked. Kid knew the exact moment that Lou understood what he said. Her eyes lit up in excitement and disbelief and her mouth opened and closed rapidly for a few seconds. "So, are you just gonna sit there making fish faces at me or are you gonna come and give me hug?", Kid asked on a laugh. Lou was in his arms seconds later and began placing kisses all over his face. "Do you mean it, Kid", Lou asked in between kisses. "Yeah I mean it and I'd have told ya sooner if I'd known I'd get this kind of reaction from you", he said with a smile. Lou gave him a playful punch in the arm as she sat back in bed. Kid moved to lie beside her and took her in his arms. "Seeing as how we have a trip to make tomorrow, I don't think it'd be too much to ask that you take it easy for the rest of the day", Kid dared to mention. Lou gave a small smile and said, "Kid, I promise that I'll be on my very best behavior if it means that I get to go home with you tomorrow". Kid smiled and placed a kiss in her hair. He then rubbed her softly until she fell asleep. Kid waited until he was sure that she wouldn't wake and then he left to find Jimmy and Buck so that they could get everything set to leave in the morning. *Chapter Twenty-eight* Kid stopped by the hotel to check out of his room. After he had taken care of the bill, he went upstairs to find Jimmy and Buck. He found them in Jimmy's room. Jimmy was packing up his things while Buck appeared to be doing his best to drive him crazy. "I wouldn't back my dirty clothes with my clean clothes", Buck said. "Well, I didn't ask what you would do, now did I? I am a grown man, Buck. I know how to pack my own stuff", Jimmy said with more than a little annoyance in his tone. Kid couldn't help but smile. "I think you've been playing this game for a while now", he said as he entered the room. Jimmy and Buck turned and returned his smile. "Kid, thank God. Five more minutes and I would have forgotten that Buck's my friend and killed him", Jimmy said as he walked over and grabbed the Kid's arm and all but dragged him into the room. "Now, Jimmy, don't say that", Kid laughed. "See, you done gone and hurt his feelings", Kid said looking at Buck who was doing his best impression of a pouting child. "All I was trying to do was be helpful and this is how he treats me", Buck whined then placed his head in his hands and pretended to cry. This started Kid laughing and his laughter quickly spread to Buck. Jimmy tried his best to keep a straight face, but soon found himself doubled over in laughter as well. After the laughter ended, the three friends remained silent for a while, each lost in his thoughts. Buck was the first to speak. "It sure feels nice to have good laugh", he said quietly. "I'll second that", Jimmy said as he added the last of his clothes to his sack. "How's Lou?", Jimmy asked as he sat on the edge of his bed. "I think she's about ready to explode. She's knows that we're going home tomorrow and she's like a kid on Christmas Eve", Kid said with a smile. "Can't say that I blame her on that one", Buck chuckled. "Well, I'm going to go and make sure that she hasn't tried to make a run for it. I'll be back later to get us some dinner", Kid said as he stood to leave. "Buck and I will go over to Lou's apartment and collect her things", Jimmy said as he walked the Kid to the door. "In case I didn't say it before, thank you both for all you've done for me and Lou", Kid said with a voice filled with emotion. "Hey, you guys are family", Buck said simply as he joined Jimmy and Kid at the door. Jimmy nodded in agreement. Kid couldn't keep the secret anymore. With a sly smile, he said, "Our family is going to be getting bigger soon". Jimmy's faced creased in confusion while Buck's face lit up in understanding. "Congratulations, Kid!", he said as he took Kid into a huge bear hug and gave him a few quick pats on the back. "Would someone please tell me what the hell is going on?", Jimmy said in frustration. "Kid's going to be a daddy", Buck grinned. Jimmy's jaw dropped and he stared without blinking for almost a full minute. Then suddenly he let out a yell and picked the Kid up and spun him around in a circle. He put him down and then placed his hands on the Kid's shoulder. He gave Kid a shake and then turned to Buck and said with a huge smile, "I'm gonna be an uncle". "So am I", Buck said returning the smile. "I'm gonna be a daddy," Kid said almost feeling left out. "Yeah, you are and our Lou is gonna be a momma", Jimmy said as he gave Kid's shoulders another shake before dropping his hands to his hips to chuckle and shake his head. "I gotta head back. I just wanted you guys to know that you did more for me than you thought. You helped me save my family and I'll always be in debt to you", Kid said seriously before turning and walking away. Jimmy and Buck just stood staring at each other for a few more seconds before Buck said "If it's a boy, they should name him Buck", with a grin. "The hell they will. There will be another Jimmy in the house if I have any say in the matter", Jimmy shot back. Then the two fell into there favorite past time, arguing. *Chapter Twenty-nine* Lou had woken up alone a few hours after Kid left. For a few seconds, she feared that she had dreamed up Kid's promise to take her home. Then she'd turned her head and saw the note lying on the pillow where Kid's head once rested. She would recognize his handwriting anywhere. It simply said, "Rest well, Angel. Tomorrow is the official beginning of our lives together. I'll be back soon. Until then, remember your promise and be good. All my love, Kid". Lou folded the letter and placed it in the pocket of the dress she planned to wear the next day. When she got home, she would place it with all of her letters from Kid and all the other things she held dearest to her. She made a quick trip to the outhouse before returning to bed. She was too excited to sleep but there really wasn't much else to do. She knew that she wouldn't be able to keep her cool all day without something to occupy her time. Just when she thought she was going to pull her hair out from boredom, she heard a knock at the door. "Come in", she called. The door opened and in walked Doctor Kincaid and a very excited Mrs. Lilian. "I figured you would want company right about now", the doctor said with a smile. "You know me too well", Lou said. "Well, I'll leave you two alone", Dr. Kincaid said as he turned to leave. "Doctor", Lou called. "Yes", he asked quizzically. "I am sorry for the way I acted earlier. You've been nothing but kind and I shouldn't have been so mean to ya", Lou said sheepishly. The doctor came and stood by her bed. He grabbed her hands and gave them a gentle pat as he said "It's all been forgiven and forgotten". He then gave her hands a quick squeeze before turning to walk away. "I'll be back to check on you later", he said before closing the door. "Well, I must say you do look wonderful, Ms. Louise", Ms Lilian said as she came to take a seat by Lou's bed. "I know I look a mess, but I do appreciate you being kind enough to overlook that", Lou said with a smile. "Now, Ms. Louise, have I ever lied to you before?", Ms Lilian asked seriously. "Well, no", Lou stuttered. "Then trust me. You look lovely. I think being in love suits you", Ms Lilian said with a wink. They both began to laugh. After a while Lou told Ms Lilian of her plans to leave the next day. "Well, I'm glad that you will be going home because I know how happy that would make you. But that doesn't mean that I won't miss you like crazy", the older woman said sadly as she moved to sit on the edge of the bed. "Oh, I'll miss you too", Lou said. "But I'll be back to visit just as soon as I can", she finished. "I'm gonna hold you to that", Ms Lilian said as she gave Lou a hug. At that moment, Kid walked in. "Hey, save some for me", he pouted. Lou and Ms Lilian turned and laughed. "I hope you young ladies have been behaving yourselves", he joked. "Yes, just like I promised", Lou said proudly. "Good. I think that deserves a kiss", he said as he placed a kiss on Lou's up turned face. "Don't think I've forgotten about you, Ms Lilian", Kid said before he placed a kiss on the older woman's cheek. "Oh my", Ms Lilian said as she blushed five shades of red. "Lou, I think you have yourself quite the charmer", she said as she stood to leave. "Don't I know it", Lou said as she took hold of Kid's hand. "I must be getting back to the shop. Don't you dare leave without saying goodbye", Ms Lilian said as she reached the door. "We wouldn't dream of it", Kid said. Ms Lilian just smiled fondly at the couple before leaving. "Did you have a good visit", Kid asked as he climbed in to the bed to lie beside Lou. "Yeah, she was always so kind to me and I'm going to miss her", Lou said sadly. Kid gathered Lou closer in his arms and placed a kiss in her hair before saying, "Don't worry, Angel. We'll come back to visit just as soon as the baby's born. And you could always write to her. I do know a couple of people who just so happen to work for the Pony Express". Lou couldn't help but smile. They just lay together for the longest time. Talking about anything and nothing at all, just happy to be happy together. After a while, Dr Kincaid came in to check on Lou. Kid stayed while Lou was examined and then went to get dinner for them. *Chapter Thirty* Once dinner was eaten, the night seemed to fly by. Lou didn't even remember falling asleep but before she knew it, Kid was kissing her awake. Her eyes opened sleepily and when they focused, she saw a sight that she knew she wanted to see every morning for the rest of her life, Kid smiling down at her. "Rise and shine", he whispered as he brushed a few strands of hair from her face. "What time is it?", Lou asked with a sleep heavy voice. "It's time to go home", Kid said as he leaned over to place a kiss on her forehead. Lou couldn't help but smile at the thought and she buried her face deep into the Kid's chest. He wrapped his arms around her and just held her for a while. But when he felt Lou's hands move under his shirt and her fingers slide against his stomach and up to his chest, he murmured into her hair, "If you want to leave any time soon, then you may want to stop what you are doing because in a few more seconds I won't be responsible for my actions". Lou looked up at him with a coy smile. "What ever do you mean?", she asked innocently as her mischievous hands continued their travels until she reached his nipples. Lou smiled as she heard Kid's breath catch. "Lou", Kid groaned. "Alright", Lou said with wicked grin and then rolled away from him and climbed out of bed. Kid continued to lie there for a few more minutes trying to regain his composure. When he thought he could speak without begging her to come back to bed, he too got up. He walked up behind her, placed a kiss on the back of her neck, and wrapped his arms around her waist. Lou leaned back into his embrace. "We're going to finish what you started just as soon as I get you alone again", Kid whispered in her ear while his hands traveled up from her to waist until they reached her breasts. Now it was the Kid's turn to smile as Lou inhaled deeply and moaned from deep in her throat. Kid then placed a kiss on her temple and released her. It took Lou a moment to snap out of her daze and then her eyes snapped open. She caught his reflection in the mirror and stuck out her tongue at him. He gave her backside a playful snap before turning to make up the bed. Lou took that time to wash up and get dressed. When she was done, Kid took his turn at the basin and got dressed. Lou had just finished combing her hair when Kid entered the room. "You look beautiful", he said as he took her in his arms. Lou blushed and hid her face in his chest. Kid stepped back slightly so that Lou had no choice but to show her face. Kid's gaze swept over her. He took in her dress, which was a pale shade of pink with lace trimming. The neckline swooped slightly and revealed just a hint of cleavage. She'd pinned her hair back from her face but a few tendrils had escaped and now framed her face. Kid took her face in his hands, and said, "Louise McCloud, you are beautiful". And for one of the few times in her life, she felt beautiful. She placed a hand on his chest and looked up with a hint of mischief and said. "Why, Kid, if I didn't know better I'd think you were trying to seduce me". Kid laughed softly before pulling her into an embrace. "The seduction, my love, will begin later", he whispered before he kissed her deeply. And that is how Dr. Kincaid and his wife found them. "I do hate to interrupt, but your friends are waiting outside", he said with a knowing smile. Lou and Kid broke apart and they both looked at the floor to try and hide their embarrassment. "I also wanted to say goodbye to my favorite patient", he said as he reached out to grab her hands in his. "It has been a pleasure, my dear", he said fondly. Lou dropped his hands and gave him a big hug. "Thank you so much for everything you've done for us", Lou said with tear filled eyes. She released him to give Mrs. Kincaid a hug as well. "Thank you both", Kid said as he shook the good doctor's hand. "You two make sure to come back and visit real soon", Mrs. Kincaid said as she wiped tears from her eyes. "You bet we will", Kid said as he placed a kiss on her cheek. The group left to join Jimmy and Buck in the waiting area. It took another hour to load the buckboard. Lou took that time to go and say goodbye to Mrs. Lilian and her husband. When everything was ready, Buck, Jimmy, and the Kid went to the dress shop to get Lou. There was another round of goodbyes said and Mrs. Lilian and Lou embraced one final time amid tears and promises of frequent letters and trips. Kid placed an arm around Lou's shoulders as he walked her to the buckboard. She leaned into him and accepted the comfort he was always so willing to provide. Mrs. Lilian and her husband stood at the doorway and watched them prepare to leave. Kid made sure that Lou was seated safely and as comfortably as possible. He had purchased some extra pillows to try and provide more cushion for her. Kid slid in beside her and took the reigns. They turned a waved farewell one final time and then headed out of town. *Chapter Thirty-one* The ride home began in silence. Each rider was reflecting on the time spent away from home and how their lives had changed in the span of a few weeks. Lou broke the silence with a sigh. Kid turned to look at her and asked, "You alright, Lou". Lou didn't respond. Kid reached over and placed one of his hands on hers. Lou snapped back from her reverie and gave Kid's hand a squeeze. "What? Oh, yes, I'm fine, Kid. I'm just thinking", she reassured him. He took his arm and placed it around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. He placed a quick kiss to her temple before asking, "All good thoughts I hope?". "Only the best", Lou said with a smile. "I was thinking about being home again. I missed everybody so much while I was away. I can't wait to have some of Rachel's cooking and Teaspoon's advice. I could even go for one of Cody's stories", Lou said wistfully. Kid laughed softly. "I think you must have forgotten what one of Cody's stories can be like", Kid said with a shake of his head. They both laughed quietly for a few moments before settling back into a companionable silence. They rode for most of the day, taking only necessary breaks. When the sun started to disappear behind the horizon, the travelers decided to make camp for the night. "We are making pretty good time", Buck said as he began to unpack the horses. "Yeah, we should reach Sweetwater in the next two days", Jimmy agreed. "I can hardly wait", Lou said excitedly as she came over to give Kid a big hug. Like they would for the rest of their lives, his arms were ready and waiting to receive her. They made camp in record time. Lou fixed up the bed rolls. Jimmy and the Kid got wood for a fire and Buck went and got fresh water. A while later, they rested around the fire that Jimmy started. They laughed and talked about old times while the sky went from a purplish orange to pitch black. Lou's stomach reminded her of the later hour when it grumbled noisily prompting her to ask, "So what's for dinner?". Buck and Jimmy looked at each other before groaning simultaneously, "Beans!". The guys all broke out into a fit of laughter. "What's so funny?", she asked in confusion. "We have about two more days left on this trip. Believe me, Lou. You'll find out", Buck said with sad shake of his head. "Hey, my cooking is not that bad", Kid pouted. "I'm sure it's not", Lou said sweetly as she placed a kiss on his cheek. Buck and Jimmy just rolled their eyes. Kid did make dinner and as they sat around the fire and ate, Jimmy and Buck sent Lou a knowing look as she made a face at the first bite. She managed to get a good bit of it down before placing her plate on the ground. She turned to Kid and took his fork and plate and put them on the ground next to hers. She then took both of his hands in hers and said, "Kid, you know I love you, right? ". "Yeah, Lou, I know you love me", Kid answered. "Do you trust me, Kid?", Lou asked. "Yeah, Lou, I trust you", he answered. "What's this all about?", he asked worriedly. "Kid", Lou began, "You can't cook". They sat there staring at each other for a long while. Jimmy and Buck began to shift uncomfortably. Then suddenly, Kid burst out in laughter. Lou soon followed suit. Jimmy and Buck laughed in relief. "Thanks, Lou. He never believed us when we told him", Jimmy said before scraping the rest of his beans in the bushes. Buck took Jimmy's lead and did away with the rest of his dinner as well. "Well, it looks like majority rules here", Kid said and then took his and Lou's plates and threw away the remainder of the meal. They all continued to laugh about it throughout the night as they ate some hardtack that Jimmy had the foresight to buy before they left town. The rest of the trip went by in a blur of stories and laughter. Before they knew it, they could see the waystation come into view with the midday sun as a backdrop. Lou's heart skipped a beat at the familiar sight. Sensing her emotions, Kid grabbed one of her hands and raised it to his lips for a kiss. "They've all missed you, too, Lou. And they are going to be so glad you're back", Kid assured her. Lou simply nodded her head and chewed her bottom lip nervously. Jimmy and Buck rode ahead to let the others know the good news, so by the time Kid and Lou arrived, they had a real welcome party. Ike ran up to the buckboard and helped Lou down. He barely allowed time for her feet to reach the ground before sweeping her up again in a giant hug and when was done, Cody was right there to pick up where he left off. Lou was passed down a line of friends eager to welcome her home. By the time she reached Rachel, she was almost dizzy. "Oh, Louise", Rachel wept and she gathered Lou into a motherly embrace. "I missed you, too", Lou said as she hugged her dearest friend as tightly as she could. "Save some for me", Teaspoon complained. Lou giggled as she went to the only real father figure she'd ever known and allowed him to envelop her in a bear hug so tight it threatened her already damaged ribs. "Teaspoon, I can't breathe", Lou managed to say before Kid came to her rescue. "May I?", Kid asked as he pulled Lou into his arms. "Of course", Teaspoon said with a grin. "Now this is cause for a celebration", Cody grinned. "For once I agree with Cody", Noah said with shake of the head. A "Welcome Home Party" was quickly put together. The group stayed up late into the night telling the story of how the found Lou and everything that happened after that. The emotions in the room ran from joy to fear to anger and back to joy as the story unfolded and concluded. "Louise, I'm so glad you're home and safe. I'm glad all of you alright", Rachel said as she brought another round of coffee and cake to the table. "I'm so glad to be home", Lou assured. "And I never plan to let you go again", Kid whispered to her as he grabbed her hand and held it in his under the table. Lou blushed and laid her head briefly on his shoulder. "So, is there anything you guys are leaving out?", Teaspoon asked from his place at the head of table. Kid and Lou's gazes shot straight to Teaspoon and were caught in his all-knowing stare. Their faces turned brilliant shades of reds but Kid stood and pulled Lou up to stand beside him. He placed his arm around her shoulders and a kiss in her hair. "Lou and I are going to have a baby", Kid said proudly. The room fell silent and Jimmy and Buck could not hide their smiles. "Well, I'll be", Teaspoon grinned. Soon the room exploded in cheers and applause and it was time for another round of hugs and pats on the back. Teaspoon stood from his chair and looked at the scene in front of him. It soon became blurry from the moisture building in his eyes. "Why, Teaspoon Hunter! Are those tears", Rachel asked in disbelief. "I was just remembering an onion I ate once", Teaspoon muttered sheepishly, knowing he'd been caught. Rachel gave his arm a playful slap before saying, "You're going to be a grandpa". The thought brought out a smile that threatened to split his face. "I'm gonna be a grandpa", he said to himself. "And that would make you a grandma", he said to Rachel with a wink. The two stared at each other for a brief second before laughter overtook them. Teaspoon placed an arm around Rachel's shoulders as they stood and took in the sight before them. It was a scene of joy and celebration and love, a true family portrait. They all celebrated well into the night. They knew that there would be times when memories such as these would be all they had to get them through. They also knew that no matter where they went or what they did, the people in this very room would always be there for one another. None of them would ever let go. *Epilogue* The Kid and Lou were married a short time after their return. Teaspoon presided over the quaint ceremony that included only family and friends. Lou wore a simple white, lace dress and flowers in her hair. Kid wore his best suit and even got a haircut. Jimmy stood as the Kid's best man and Rachel as the maid of honor. Everyone waited patiently for the moment when Kid would have to reveal the long held secret of his given name. The moment arrived and everyone sat at the edge of his or her seats. Kid shifted his feet nervously, but just when it looked as though Kid was finally going to give in, Lou reached up and placed her fingers to his lips. "It doesn't matter what name you were given. You will always be 'Kid' to me. And I could never love anyone more", Lou said simply and quietly. That seemed to be a good enough reason for everyone else as well and the ceremony continued without a hitch. The two spent their honeymoon with Lou's little sister and brother and when they returned, they began work on a small home not far from the waystation. They wanted to have it built and moved into before Lou got too far along. All the riders knew that time of the pony express was drawing to a close and everyone was making other plans. Kid and Buck decided to start a horse ranch. Jimmy became a full time deputy. Noah helped out the town blacksmith when he wasn't working with Jimmy and Teaspoon. Ike helped Kid and Buck with the horses. Cody did some scouting for the army when the need arose. And Rachel became the town's new school teacher. They didn't see each other every day but they made time to all get together at least once a week. Things were different but some things never changed. Family stayed family and the love between family is forever. Back to the Library Drop Cletus a note!