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 and Jenny were married the following Saturday. Jenny wore her mother's wedding dress that her father had saved for her. Bill Thomkins couldn't have been prouder of his beautiful daughter or his new son in law. Tears filled his eyes as he gave his daughter away, but he shook Buck's hand firmly at the conclusion of the ceremony. Lou and Rachel both sobbed their way through the beautiful ceremony, happy for their new friends.
When the happy couple walked back to the front of the church and had finally gotten through thanking their guests, they were surprised to find two wagons waiting for them to climb aboard. A smiling Kid sitting holding the reins of one, Thomkins the other.
Puzzled and curious, the new Mr. and Mrs. Cross and the other riders climbed into the wagons and travelled by covered wagon for about a mile. As they climbed out of the wagon Buck was surprised to see they had arrived in the centre of a small Indian camp. Turning at the sound of a familiar voice, he smiled.
'Red Bear.' He greeted him and hugged his older brother tight. Releasing him, he pulled a bemused Jenny still in her wedding dress to his side.
'I would like you to meet Eagle Feather, my wife.' He introduced her to his only blood family.
'Welcome Eagle Feather.' Red Bear embraced her with the same affection he had his brother. 'We have honoured guests who would like to meet you.' Red Bear stepped aside and for the first time Jenny saw the guests he spoke of. Standing a little apart from the other Indians were Running Bear and his son Two Ponies. Jenny's adopted Indian father and her half brother.
'We have a surprise for you Buck.' Kid spoke from behind them, a smiling Lou curled into his embrace.
'We know how you both are the children of two cultures.......' Jimmy started.
'We didn't think it was fair that you should only have a Christian wedding ceremony.' Lou finished for him.
'Kid rode out to find your brother for you.' Cody continued.
'Red Bear managed to track down Running Bear and Two Ponies for us.' Teaspoon Rachel stepped from the back of the wagon with a pile of white buckskin adorned with quills and turquoise beads.
'Lou and I made this for you to wear with Red Bear's help of course.' Rachel spoke as she smiled at the man who despite being a Kiowa war chief shared the same gentle caring nature that made Buck who he was and handed the clothing to Buck. Running Bear stepped forward accepting a pile of similar clothing from a smiling Indian maiden,
'Shining Eyes wore this when we were married, she always wanted it saved for you. I have kept my promise to her.' Tears filled his eyes as he spoke of his wife.
'Thank you father.' She accepted it from him. Her eyes flying to her blood father, seeing no animosity in his gaze she was thankful.
They were both taken to different teepees and were helped to dress in the soft Indian clothing. Bucks white friends were surprised when they saw him emerge from his teepee.
Dressed in white buckskin intricately adorned with porcupine quills, silver and turquoise beads and tiny seashells, moccasins and a delicate beaded headband, which secured several feathers at the back of his head. Never had he looked more like a full blood Indian warrior. He stood beside his brother outside the betrothal teepee waiting for his bride.
She emerged from her teepee dressed in similar white decorated buckskin and knee high white moccasins. Her shining blond hair secured from her face by a beaded headband. Her eyes were glazed with tears of happiness. Buck knew then that they were going to have a long and happy life together.
The Indian ceremony, conducted by Red Bear, was short and emotional. At its conclusion, the visitors were all invited to stay for the wedding feast, which lasted until the late afternoon, everyone having a wonderful time. However, all good things much come to an end and it was decided that the wagons would return to town. As they were preparing to leave Buck took Kid and Lou aside to speak to them.
'Thank you for doing this for us.' He thanked earnestly.
'You would have done the same thing for us.' Kid stated.
'You will come back won't you.' Lou spoke for the first time understanding life in an Indian camp.
'We will stay with Red Bear and Running Bear for a short honeymoon, but we have work to do, we will be back soon.' He hugged Lou and kissed her softly on the forehead He shook Kid's hand but was quickly pulled into a tight bearhug. Releasing his friend he watched them all climb into the wagons. Turning to Jenny's father he was unsure what to say he had been watching Thomkins throughout the afternoon, and while he had shown any animosity he had not seemed completely comfortable either.
'Thank you for joining us Mr Thomkins.' Buck spoke as he extended his hand.
'I think under the circumstances Buck you should call me Bill. And it was my pleasure.' He took Bucks extended hand and shook it firmly.
'I realise that this was important to Jenny and I wanted her to know that she has my support.' He spoke as he watched his daughter walk towards him.
'Father thank you for coming. I know how hard this must have been for you.' She spoke as she walked into his open arms.
'Actually it was surprisingly easy.' Thomkins laughed with his daughter. Releasing her he shook Buck's hand again and then climbed into the wagon.
Embracing his wife, they watched as the wagons rolled out of the camp, their friends waving happily. Watching until they were out of sight, Buck turned to Jenny, the setting sun making her blond hair glow like a shining golden halo he framed her face with his hands and kissed her tenderly. Resting his forehead against hers for a short time, they just soaked in the silence and harmony of the sunset and their surroundings, before turning and walking into their betrothal teepee to start their life together.
The End
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