DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.
Six Weeks Later
Buck stood on the porch of the bunkhouse, the tiny blond enchantress who was to be his wife cradled gently in his arms. Both had recovered from their injuries, though Buck still walked with a slight limp and probably always would. They looked across the way to where Lou sat on the porch swing wrapped in a patchwork quilt folded in her loving husband's embrace watching the sun sink behind the distant mountains. 'I can't help but think it was my fault.' Jenny spoke softly tears in her eyes as she recalled the day three weeks ago that Lou had fallen down the bunkhouse steps and ultimately lost her baby.
'You know that's not so sweetheart. It was just one of those things.' Buck assured her 'I feel really bad expecting her to be part of our joy and happiness when she is so upset.' She looked up into his face.
'She would hate it if you didn't ask her, the wedding may be what she needs to draw her back.
Jenny was silent for a few more minutes and then spoke softly, 'Do you ever wonder what might have been?'
'What do you mean?' he frowned puzzled.
'We might never have found each other again, and spent the rest of our lives incomplete, searching for each other. If you hadn't have found that Lakota camp we may never have met at all. What would our lives have been like?'
He turned her to face him, cradling her face in both of his hands. 'But I did find you, our destinies changed that day and our lives have been entwined ever since. Things may have been different if I had have woken up to myself and never let you return to the East but they weren't. Now we have found each other and nobody can do anything to separate us.' He kissed the tip of her nose and released her with a smile.
'It's time for you to go home honey, your father will have my head if you aren't home in time for supper.' He spoke as he walked her down the steps. and the short distance into town. 'He's not that fond of me yet' He laughed.
'He want's you to come for dinner one night.' She spoke.
'You know I've been spending my nights trying to finish the house, so that it's ready for when we are married?' He asked.
'You won't be able to escape him when we are married.' She smiled realising that Buck had once again avoided her father.
He strolled back toward the house, wanting to give Kid and Lou as much time alone together as he could. Sadness filled him as he walked back, his wedding was to be this coming weekend and after that his family would slowly begin to disintegrate. Cody was leaving to join his army regiment straight after the wedding. Sam and Emma, had almost finished their house but they had already sold it to he and Jenny and were already returning to their home just outside of Willow Springs.
Teaspoon was staying on as the Marshall of Rock Creek until he could find a replacement he could trust. The Pony Express had finally wound down almost to a close, only about one run a week was required at the moment, the only rider who was able to take the mochilla was Jimmy who was quite happy with one run a week. He too, as they all were, worried about Miss Louise. She had fallen into a severe depression, they rarely ever saw her smile or even speak anymore.
As he had been walking, he had unconsciously walked to his best friends grave. Standing at Ike's headstone, he spoke to his best friend telling him of all the occurrences within the township since he last spoke to him. Pouring out his heart and soul to his best friend, he was startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he saw a pale Lou standing just behind him.
'I didn't know that you come out here?' Lou spoke softly.
'I don't much, but I needed someone to talk to.' Buck answered her softly.
'I'm sorry Buck, This is such a happy time for you and I'm spoiling it I know.' She apologised.
He enfolded Lou into his arms and squeezed her tight against him, 'There will be other babies Lou.'
'I know that Buck, I just wish I had told Kid before my fall.' She paused her throat clogged with tears. 'In the space of one night he was becoming a Daddy and then had it snatched away from him. It's hurt him badly.' She spoke trying to explain both hers and Kids actions of the past weeks.
'He'll get over it Lou, he's just worried for you.' Buck spoke against her hair.
'Between him and Jimmy I think I've been wrapped in cotton wool.' She laughed
'They mean well Lou.' He laughed as well understanding exactly what she meant.
They walked in silence towards their houses for a few moments 'Have you asked anyone to be your best man yet?' She asked changing the subject.
'I thought I might ask Kid, but he has been grieving, I didn't want to upset him.' He spoke softly.
'Ask him,' she smiled at her longtime friend, 'He'll be humbled that you would want him.'
Buck left her at the foot of her stairs and waited behind her until she was on her porch and opening her door before he walked back to the bunkhouse, startled to find Kid sitting on the porch in the darkness.
'I don't know how to help her Buck.' He spoke.
'Just give her some time Kid, she'll be fine, she's worried about you.' Buck answered truthfully.
'She wants a family so badly.' Kid's blue eyes glazed thinking of his wife's torment.
'You'll have one.' Buck paused, 'I have a question for you.' He asked softly.
'Shoot.' Kid spoke looking into Buck's face.
'I would be honoured if you would be my best man.' He asked solemnly.
'I would love to Buck.' He answered swiftly and firmly knowing that they would all get over this grief and their friendship would only deepen as they grew older.
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