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.
'Buck, say something, it's not every day that a girl proposes.' She laughed nervously.
'Jenny, you hardly even know me.' He spoke, his mind whirling, of all the things he had expected her to say to him, that was nothing like any of it.
'That's not true, I now that you are good and kind and caring.' she slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. I know that you have the soul of an angel, the wisdom of the heavens, the courage of the bravest warrior, a pure heart.' she looked up into his stunned face. 'I know that we could have a good life together' she hugged him.
'Jenny we,' He stopped pushing her arms from him and walking a short distance trying to clear his thoughts.
'Buck I came back here for you.' She spoke.
'Jenny I hardly know you, I have thought about you a lot, but I think we should court for a little while. Don't you?' he reasoned with her. He watched her head drop and her bottom lip quiver.
'Of all the people in this town I thought you would understand.' she almost sobbed. 'Understand what Jenny? You are the most beautiful person I have ever met' Raising his hands when she tried to interupt 'both spiritually and physically. That's why I can't let you marry me. A half breed who can't even find his own place in society.' he turned his back on her, stuggling with his own emotions.
Jenny realised then what this noble warrior was trying to do. She closed the gap between them and placed her arms around his waist.
'Don't you see Buck, we are the same. My blood might not be mixed, but my heart is. I don't fit in with my white family. I dare say, I wouldn't fit in if I went back to my tribe and my brother. The only place I have found acceptance since I returned is with Lou and Kid and the other riders. Just as I know the only man I could ever marry is you.' Buck turned and took her into his arms. Resting his head on the top of hers for a short time, simply saoking up the affection she offered. After a short time he pulled from her embrace and held her by the shoulders.
'You know that the townsfolk will treat you badly if we court' he spoke seriously.
'You mean things could get worse then the whispers I already hear behind my back as I walk through town. Worse then the people who are supposedly my father's friends staring and pointing. Worse then my own father not wanting to touch me to hug or kiss me the way he does his other child because I am dirty or tainted in some way.' she explained her eyes full of tears. Buck watched her fo a moment, then lifted his thumb to collect the one fat tear that had overflowed. Then he sank to one knee in front of her, looking up at her expectantly 'Miss Jenny, would you do the honour of courting with me, and think about becoming my wife.'
'Mr. Cross, nothing would please me more' she sank to her knees in front of him and hugged hime tightly. He turned her face to his and kissed her gently.
'Would you like to dance?' he asked as he stood and helped her back to her feet'I would love to. But first we have to go and find Lou' she smiled.
'Why?' he frowned.
'I have become good friends with her since I returned. I want her to be the first to know.' Jenny answered, Buck was sure he had been tricked in some way, but he could not complain about the outcome, so he didn't mind in the least.
He offered her his arm and she looped hers through his, both content to walk slowly back to the party. It didn't take them long to find Lou who was dancing with Kid. They waited for the dance to finish before catching Lou's eye and gesturing for her to come to them. Lou smiled and grabbing Kid by the hand dragged him from the makeshift dance floor. The four of them wlaked into the barn to talk in peace.
'What is it?' Lou asked gently, Kid smiled crookedly almost certain he knew what the announcement would be.
'I wanted you two to be the first to know' Buck answered her seriously.
'Buck' Lou hit him playfully, Kid pulled her back into his embrace to try to stifle her impatience.
'Miss Jenny has agreed for me to court her, and eventually marry her.' he put his arm around her shoulder as he spoke drawing her deeper into his affection. 'Buck I'm so happy for the two of you.' Lou almost squealed, breaking free of her husband's embrace she almost knocked Buck over as she threw herself into his embrace to congratulate him. Disentangling herself from Buck, she hugged her good friend Jenny. Kid shook Buck's hand and drew him into an embrace, before embracing Jenny and kissing her gently on the cheek. When the congratulations were complete Kid spoke seriously
'Have you given any thought to where you will live?' he watched their faces carefully.
'We've only just decided to court!' Buck spoke incredulously.
'Lou and I are purchasing the Rock Creek Way Station from Russell, Majors and Waddell when the Express winds down. There is a sizable chunk of land that goes with it. We would be honoured if you would like to share the property with us, and we'll help you build a house near ours.' he explained
Buck and Jenny both looked at each other smiling, before Buck spoke 'I couldn't think of aywhere we would rather live' he answered truthfully.
'What do you say that we get back to the party?' Kid spoke softly, contented to be gathering his family back around him once more. finding the Pony Express had been the best thing he had ever done, it had provided him not only with a job, but a roof over his head, the love of his life and a family he would do anything for.
They returned to the party, for the first time he could remember Buck actually enjoyed himself socialising. He and Jenny became inseperable, dancing every dance together. As it grew later, and they grew tired he drew her into the shadows of the bunkhouse, content to embrace each other and sway in time to the music.
'Get your hands off her you filthy Injun.' Thompkins bellowed as he found them there.
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