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 laid beside her and held her in his arms, sinking into the deepest sleep he had had since Bernie had left him. As he slept he cradled her protectively against his body, even unconsciously trying to protect the beautiful young girl in his arms. In sleep they could release the tight hold they kept on their emotions and mold themselves to their soul mate. Bernie slept better than she had done since the night they had shared. She sank unconsciously into his embrace, allowing herself to completely relax for the first time in months, melting into the strong embrace of her gentle lover.
Several of their friends, entered the room briefly to check on them, worried about the both of them. Lou poked her head into the room, smiling as she saw Bernie cradled against his side, knowing that no matter what had happened nothing had changed their love. Isabelle walked into the room and pulled a blanket over the entwined couple, a smile crossing her beautiful face at the fact she was able to help the course of true love run smoother. Ettienne came to the door of the room, standing just inside the door his face a mask of pain as he gazed at the woman he loved cradled in the arms of the man she loved. His heart breaking he turned and left the room, knowing that her happiness was all that mattered to him. One day he would get over her but she should be with the father of her child.
When Buck awoke it was to a darkened room, someone had been in to light a lamp to cast a gentle light across the room, leaning back he looked at the face of his beloved, relaxed in sleep. He traced a shaking finger across the yellowing bruises on the side of her face and the small scars at her hairline. Tears welled in his eyes as he realised that she had endured such hardship and pain, he should have been there to help her. Castigating himself, he blamed himself for her pain, if he hadn’t been sending her away she would never have gone home to her grandfather. Placing a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose he vowed that he would keep her safe for the rest of her days.
Running his hand down her body, he allowed his hand to caress her rounded belly, resting against the new life he knew was within. His eyes misting over as he allowed himself to consider the possibility that they had created another life in their one night of precious love. His hand spread around her belly, his fingers splayed across her, his actions showing what his words couldnt, the depth of his emotions was immeasurable.
“This is our baby Buck” she murmured. His gentle caresses had pulled her from the depths of her sleep. she had felt the touch of his hand on her skin to her very soul, and knew that the bond that they shared could not be broken by any other, she only hoped that he understood what she had been through and could forgive her for the choices that had been made for her. Unable to speak Buck simply nodded his head and pulled her closer into his arms, uncomfortable with the turn of conversation..
“I know you probably don’t beleive me Buck” she murmured turning in his arms and placing gentle fingers on his lips as he would have protested. “I was pregnant when my grandfather sold me to Jefferson Eccles” her voice grew cold and distant
“Bernie I know that it hurts you to think of it but can you tell me what has happened to you since you left here”
“We went by Stage home, I knew that I was carrying our child by the time I got to our Grandfathers home.’ she spoke softly
“Why didn’t you come back here?” he murmured against the top of her head
“You were going to send me away, I thought that you didn’t want me here” she spoke “I thought you didn’t love me. I didn’t think that you would want to know about your child”
‘the morning that you left I was going to ask you to marry me Bernie, I couldn’t bear to think of life without you.’ he paused “but you were gone before I woke”
“I’m sorry Buck” she apologised “I didn’t think I had the strength to leave you while you were awake, I had to be a coward and leave in the darkness of the night”
“You’re back now” he smiled “That’s all that matters” he placed a kiss on her forehead
“When my Grandfather found out about my baby” she covered his and that still lay against her belly “He sold me to Jefferson to protect the families reputation” she spoke her voice distant as she remembered the words he had spoken on her wedding day.
“Buck, he said if I ever see you again he will kill you and the baby” she spoke her eyes wide with fear her mind travelling back to the day when her father held them captive and almost killed the both of them.
“Now Bernie, I’m not going to let him touch you or the baby and you know that I can look after myself” he swung his legs from the bed and stood. Moving around to her side of the bed he slipped one arm behind her shoulders and one under her knees and lifted her from the bed.
“C’mon I’m taking you home where you belong” he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead
“Buck If I go back to Grandfathers he will just send me back to Jefferseon” she strugggled agaisnt him
“I never said anything about your grandfather. We;re going to the waystation” he spoke his voice full of authority
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