Times Of Trouble -
© 2000
Author's Note: Contains some mild violence.
~ Chapter 2 ~
Louise lazily soaked in the hot bubbles of her bath. She wished she could stay in the tub forever. She had absolutely no desire to attend a silly town dance. She wanted to spend the evening with Kid, considering he'd be gone for so long. They hadn't been separated for that length of time since their wedding. Lou was missing her husband already, and he hadn't even left. She ducked underwater, and when she came up for air, she was surprised to see Kid kneeling next to her, looking as excited as a child on Christmas morning.
"What're you hidin'?" Lou asked. Kid was doing his best to keep whatever it was behind his back, but a tiny yelp gave him away. As Lou stepped out of the bath and grabbed her robe, Kid showed her the most precious puppy she'd ever seen. He was black with tan markings on his legs and face, and from his squirming, she could tell was full of energy.
"He's yours," Kid said, beaming. "I thought you could use a dog around, for protection and all. Plus he was just so cute, I couldn't resist. What'd ya think?"
Louise smiled. Kid always thought she needed protection, even though she could beat most men in a shoot out. But his gift was sweet, and she reached for the puppy and took it from his arms. The puppy immediately stopped squirming and began licking her face. Lou fell on the bed, laughing hysterically.
Kid laid down next to her. "So you like him?" he asked, already knowing what her answer would be.
"Well, Emily won't be needin' to wipe Baby Ike's face off so much anymore," she joked, looking tenderly at her husband. "Do you really have to leave?"
"Lou, you know we gotta get some stock here so we can start breedin'," her husband replied. "I don't like leavin' anymore than you like stayin', but no stock, no ranch." He folded his strong arms around his wet wife as they lay on the bed.
Placing the puppy on the floor, Louise asked softly, "Can't we just stay like this tonight?"
"Lou, it'll be good for you and Emily to get outta the house. You two need to meet some of the ladies from town and make some new friends," Kid encouraged.
"We're perfectly happy with each other's company," Lou complained. "I ain't goin' to no 'teas,' Kid. I already told you that."
"I didn't expect that, least of all from you," he responded. "But you still gotta meet folks. Think of it as helpin' build the ranch. People will be so captivated by us, the charming, hard-working young couple, that they'll tell all their friends and neighbors, and pretty soon, folks'll be beating down our door to get horses from KL&E!" Looking down at the puppy, who was busy investigating the room, Kid asked, "What're you gonna name him?"
"Rider," Louise proclaimed.
"As in...?" Kid questioned.
"That's right," she grinned. "As in Pony Express rider."
