For Better Or For Worse
a story by Dana
© Dana 2000
Chapter 11
Four Weeks Later
Louise sat on the corral fence, blankly staring at the horizon. She couldn't be in the house with Emily and Baby Ike. She bore them no ill feelings, she just couldn't control the pain she felt when she saw them, happy and excited, together. Emily understood, knowing Louise needed time to heal. Consequently, as soon as she'd been able to leave her bed, she'd spent most of her time outside, cleaning Katy and Lightning's stalls, sweeping the porch, helping Buck and Kid finish fixing the roof of the bunkhouse, and making lists of supplies they'd need for their move to Sweetwater.
She and Kid spoke little of the accident, but there was no need. Each understood the other's pain and knew only time would heal the wounds. A fresh start would be the first step. Both had come to view Rock Creek as a town filled with bad luck - Noah and Ike had suffered untimely deaths there, it had been the end of the Express, its talk of war had literally torn apart their Express family, and now it had taken their first child.
Once Kid felt he could leave Lou's side, he decided he and Buck should head to Sweetwater to find a place they could build into the ranch of their dreams. He'd badgered both Rachel and Teaspoon to death, making them each promise at least ten times each to look after Louise. Lou had stood in the yard as they rode away when Kid turned Katy around unexpectedly and rode towards his frail young bride. He'd leaned down and she wrapped her arms around his neck and he kissed her farewell, lifting her off the ground, her skirts billowing in the breeze. "I'll be back soon," he'd promised. He'd easily found a place and come home filled with plans and excitement for their new home.
Kid's excitement was rubbing off on Lou. He even thought he'd seen a twinkle in her eye the last time they spoke of their plans. Lou had even christened the ranch the KL&E - Kid, Louise, and Emily. "We'll have people comin' from across the territory to buy the best horses anywhere from KL&E!" he'd exclaimed.
Buck had decided to stay on in Rock Creek for the time being, but promised to visit as often as he could. He'd taken quite a shine to Baby Ike and had agreed to escort Jeremiah and Theresa to Sweetwater from St. Jo when the time came. Buck had presented Emily with a precious gift, Ike's mother's wedding ring. He'd found it among Ike's possessions but hadn't revealed it to any of the riders. Emily had been overwhelmed and was speechless. To her, it was like having another part of Ike with her and it made her more comfortable to wear the band and call herself "Mrs. McSwain."
They'd be heading out tomorrow morning at first light - Kid, Louise, Emily, and Baby Ike. They'd made Rachel promise to let Jimmy and Cody know where they were if she ever heard from them, on the off chance either one ever ended up near Sweetwater. Louise dreaded the good-byes - leaving Rachel and Teaspoon would be torture, but she was looking forward to the fresh start in Sweetwater. The time had come.
THE END
· Chapter 1 · Chapter 2 · Chapter 3 · Chapter 4 · Chapter 5 · Chapter 6 · Chapter 7 · Chapter 8 · Chapter 9 · Chapter 10 · Chapter 11 ·
