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 lay watching Bernie sleep his hand resting lightly over the active little being their love had created completely unaware that the sun was rising higher in the sky until a gentle knock sounded on the door and roused him from the dreams of a happy family that he was living in his mind.
“Buck” Rachel spoke softly from the doorway “Teaspoon said it is time” her eyes full of sorrow, knowing what was about to happen and not liking it anymore than Buck did.
He slowly nodded his acknowledgement and Rachel closed the door behind her and left them to have a last moment of privacy before they baited the trap for Eccles with Bernie.
Buck leaned forward and placed gentle kisses all over her face, tenderly brushing her tousled ringlets back from her face kissing the porcelain skin he revealed. He knew the moment that his love woke, she grew tense in his arms, and turning into his embrace, her belly and their child nestled against him she looked up into his face and then she saw the dark shadows under his eyes and knew that he had not slept.
“I’m so sorry Buck” she spoke tears welling in her eyes knowing that she was the reason for his torment.
“My darling you have nothing to be sorry for” he spoke placing gentle kisses on her lips as he spoke “I want you to promise me that you will be careful today Bernie” he stated without preamble “I want to be able to come home to you and my child Bernie”
Tears overflowed from Bernie’s eyes and trickled down her cheeks, I have lost you once before I don’t think that I can do it again.” His tears beginning to overflow, showing her more than his words ever could just how much she had hurt him when she had left and how much he did mean to her.
“I was a fool to ever leave you Buck” she murmured a wide smile breaking her face as she grabbed his hand and placed it across her taut belly, allowing him to feel his child moving strongly within her, blissfully unaware of the fact that Buck’s gentle hand had lain over their child while it had already performed its morning acrobatics..
“we will be waiting here for you my darling” she murmured as a knock sounded on the door
“Buck” Teaspoon’s voice sounded at the door “Its time” he spoke Buck looked deep into Bernie’s eyes and spoke words that sounded like a vow to her ears.
“I won’t let anything happen to you my darling I promise you that” he spoke before placing a kiss on her forehead and climbing from the bed. He stood at the bedside and took both of her hands in his and helped her to her feet. He tenderly helped her to dress and knelt at her feet and laced her boots for her, as she sat in the rocking chair beneath the window and watched him perform these simple loving tasks for her. Berating herself for ever leaving his side. Words during this time were unnecessary. The love and tenderness in their every touch said all that could be said. Both of them knew that this could be the last time they had together and neither wanted to spoil it with words. Bucks every movement conveyed his undying love to her more clearly then a thousand sonnets could ever tell her. Bernie’s gentle quaking hands and silent tears as she buttoned his shirt conveyed her sorrow at earlier choices more than he could understand with her apologies.
Finally dressed he knelt at her feet and rested his head against her knees, unwilling for this time to end. It was as if they were locked in a dream world and no one around them existed. If only that were true, he looked up into her liquid eyes, seeing her pain, feeling it himself but unable to do a thing to stop this whirlwind that was enveloping them. flicking his hair out of the way he lifted the thong that kept his medicine pouch around his neck. Lifting it he took it from his neck and looped it around hers.
“Buck, no that is sacred to you” she murmured in awe of what he was doing for her
‘No more so then you my darling” he spoke as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips
“I will get it back when you are safe darling” he spoke while you wear that remember” he spoke softly “I am always with you, if you need me I will be there my darling” he kissed her deeply once more and then pulled her into a tight embrace, before taking her by the hand and leading her from the room to face whatever fate the gods had in store for them..
To Be Continued
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