Just Have a Little Faith
Image Courtesy
of The Writers Ranch
Sam entered the house later than usual for his lunch break. But today he had a letter from Lou in his pocket and a smile on his face. He already knew what the letter said, because when Kid burst into Sam's office, his first words were "Lou and I are getting married!"
Sam insisted that Kid come out to the house for lunch to deliver the news to Emma in person, but he was in a hurry on his way to Fort Laramie on a special run.
Emma walked out of the kitchen and placed the last of the meals preparations on the table. "Emma, you should've waited for me to do that," he said as he wrapped his arms around her expanded stomach and kissed her neck.
"Well if you had been here on time," she said pulling awkwardly away and facing him. She noticed the expression he wore and wondered what he was up to. "What are you up to Sam Cain? You look like the cat that ate the canary."
They sat at the table and said thanks before starting to eat. After a few moments Emma spoke again. "Well, are you going to tell me or not?"
Sam smiled and reached for the letter. "Kid stopped by the office today and brought this for you. Now before you ask, I did invite him to lunch, but he was in a hurry to get to Fort Laramie."
Emma playfully swatted at her husband with her napkin. "You already know what's in that letter don't you?" Sam nodded. "So are you gonna tell me or what?"
"Well Kid made me promise not to. He told me as soon as he entered the office." Sam held the letter out and teased her with it. "He also made me promise to give you a hug from everyone first..."
Emma stood and reached across the table to grab the letter. She immediately opened it. "It's from Lou, and oh my goodness!" Emma's squeal of delight made Sam flinch. "She and Kid are getting married. Oh that's wonderful."
"Kid said he'd stop by some time tomorrow on his way back for the reply."
"Oh Sam, I wish we could go... I'm going to write Lou back right now. If I know Kid, he'll be ridin' harder than usual to get back to Lou. And for once, you can do the dishes."
Sam groaned as Emma stood and headed towards the back bedroom. Sam had set it up as a temporary office when they first moved in, and now she sat at the desk to write.
October 12, 1861
My Dearest Loulabelle,
Sam and I were thrilled when we received your letter today. I am so happy that you and Kid have worked things out, and now you're getting married!
Sam and I wish more than anything that we could be there to share in your special day, but we have a little surprise for you as well. It should be arriving about the same time as your wedding, and Sam being the nervous father-to-be, he thinks it's best not to travel so far, so close to my due date.
I know you're worried about the future, that's to be expected. When Sam and I ran off to get married, we had no idea where we would live or what we would do until he got the job as Territorial Marshal. You and Kid are facing a similar situation; will he go back and fight for Virginia or will he allow you to continue to ride with the Express?
You both have gone through so much in your short lives. But because of that you both have grown into fine adults. Sam and I are proud of you both for how far you've come. And you've come this far because you both love each other and put each other's needs above your own.
You once wrote saying you don't want things to change, but they will. You won't always think it's for the best and you won't always like it, but just have a little faith and you'll see that in the end, it will be worth it.
Again, I wish Sam & I could be there, but once the baby is born and you and Kid have settled as husband and wife, we'll get together; maybe for the holidays? Give our love to everyone, we both miss you all.
Sincerely,
Emma & Sam Cain