Love on the Run
Part 9
The next couple of months were busy around the station. The runs eventually slowed down and the riders began looking for other work or making plans for the future. Cody was planning on joining the army as a scout, Jimmy planned on working for Teaspoon as a deputy, Noah had decided to go back to buying and freeing slaves, and Kid and Lou spent the time planning their wedding. Even Charlotte had decided on staying in Sweetwater after meeting a nice man who didn't care about her past. She and Lou planned on opening a dress shop in town once the couple returned from their brief honeymoon.
The day of the wedding Kid and Lou both woke nervous wrecks. Jed was teething and had kept Lou up most of the night. Teaspoon finally took him into the tack room with him so the bride could get a few hours of sleep before her big day and Kid had spent the night tossing and turning in his bunk, keeping the others awake.
Lou and Charlotte left for the church early so Lou could get ready while Kid paced the bunkhouse nervously. He'd been ready almost since he woke up and as much as he was looking forward to having Lou as his wife, he was ready for the day to be over.
"Ya nervous Kid?" Jimmy asked trying to straighten his tie.
"A little. Jimmy, I wanna thank you for givin' Lou away. It means a lot to us."
"I'm honored you two asked. I'd been wonderin' if there was somethin' going on between the two of you." Jimmy laughed at the look Kid gave him. "All them nights you snuck out... Kid I know you love your horse, but I figured there was someone you loved more. Now come on, let's get you married!"
~~ ** ~~
Kid stood on the steps of the church fidgeting while he greeted the guests. His Express family standing beside him, mainly making sure he didn't run. This was one bet everyone agreed on; Kid was going to get married today and they were going to make sure of it.
Teaspoon noticed Kid's behavior and looked at his watch "Gettin' impatient, Kid?"
Kid looked at Teaspoon's watch and nodded. "Let's get goin'. I think it's time to get married."
The riders entered the church and took their seats. Kid started to sit with them, but Teaspoon ushered him to the front of the church. He nodded to the musician to start the music and then motioned for the guests to stand. As the doors opened and Lou entered, Teaspoon had to turn Kid around to face his bride.
Kid stood there breathless. Lou had never looked as beautiful as she did in her simple white gown. She saw him watching her and blushed. When she finally reached him, she smiled and whispered that she loved him. Kid nodded, too stunned to even move. Again, Teaspoon had to turn Kid around so they could start.
"Alright, let's see now," Teaspoon started, flipping through his bible. "Oh yeah... Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the face of this company to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Marriage is the most serious commitment one can make, but if two people are more suited for each other to get hitched, then I haven't met them. Take my word for it; nobody knows more about marriage then me."
Everyone laughed and grew anxious knowing what was coming.
"Now the moment we've all been waiting for. Louise, do you promise to take... Time to fess up, Kid."
Kid groaned and then whispered something in Teaspoon's ear. Lou had already accepted the fact that she would never know his true name, but the look on Teaspoon's face made her curious. When he cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow, she really wanted to know.
"Louise, do you promise to take... Kid," everyone in the church groaned. Lou chuckled. "Do you take Kid to be your lawful wedded husband? To love and cherish, to honor and obey, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?
Lou smiled. "I do."
"Kid, do you promise to take Louise to be your lawful wedded wife? To love and cherish, to honor and obey, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
Kid had never wanted anything more, and his eyes showed it as he looked at her. "I do."
"You may now exchange the rings."
Kid began searching his suit for the ring to give Lou. He groaned when he couldn't remember bringing it with him. He saw Lou fidgeting and smiled when she pulled it from her bouquet and kissed it before giving it to him.
Kid placed the ring on her finger and was so choked with emotion, could barely say, "With this ring, I do thee wed."
Lou took another ring from her bouquet and placed it on his finger. "And with this ring, I do thee wed."
"By the powers vested to me by the Territorial Governor, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Kid could hardly believe they were now joined as husband and wife. He'd waited for this day for so long and now it was here.
"Kid," Teaspoon prompted. "Kiss her."
Lou started to laugh and Kid silenced her with a kiss. When Lou heard their guests oohing and ahhing, she chuckled, breaking the kiss.
~~ ** ~~
After the wedding, the couple and their invited guests went to the town hall for the reception. Kid and Lou danced as they had the first time, lost in each other's love, with no sense of time and those around them. They broke apart only when someone asked to cut in, but both remained anxious to stay together.
As it was getting near to the time they were to leave, Kid looked at his wife and smiled. "I love you, Lou. I can't imagine spendin' the rest of my life without you and Jedidiah in it."
Lou looked up with a saucy grin. "How would you feel about him havin' a little brother or sister added to the family?"
Kid took a step back and looked at Lou with surprise. "You mean?"
Lou giggled and nodded. "But this time, we'll go through it," she whispered in his ear, "together."