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.
Bernie walked out of the bunkhouse at that moment, her pretty face creased in a deep frown. She had obviously heard Teaspoon's last words and they were apparently distressing her.
'If someone will take us into town tommorrow morning, we will buy some supplies and start on our way' she spoke quietly looking into the faces of all her new friends, but pointedly avoiding Buck's eyes.
'What brought this on?' Teaspoon asked quietly
'You have all been so kind to us. I don't want to put you in any danger. I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to any of you' she stted firmly her eyes liquid
'That's nonsense Bernie' he spoke calmly 'we want to help you' Teaspoon finished
Buck looked at the others and realised that if any of them could talk her into staying it would be him, he walked over and embraced her loosely, offering her the support she needed.
'Wanna come for a ride?' he asked quietly against the top of her head she nodded against his chest and he walked her down to where he had wrapped his horses reins around the hitching rail. He lifted her onto the horses back and swung up into the saddle behind her. The others watched as they rode off content that Buck would convince their young friend to stay within their family circle, at least until the danger had passed.
They rode in silence for some time, Bernie content to lean back against Buck's chest feeling safe and secure in the circle of his strong arms, Buck content to ride with her, not needing conversation and worry to spoil this time away from her concerns.
'Buck, I want you to let us go on our way' Bernie spoke softly turning her face up to his
'You have a home with us now Bernie.' he paused not wanting to sound too eager 'If you want it of course'
'I would like nothing better than to stay here forever.' she murmured mesmerised by his words
'Why do I hear a but in there somewhere?' he frowned
'I don't want any of you to get hurt' she spoke a tear in her eye 'You are all such special people, I couldn't live with myself if anything was to happen to anybody' she spoke 'especially you.' she blushed becomingly 'You have been a life saver for me'. Turning away from him in her charming embarrasment she missed the sheen of moisture that crossed his own eyes.
Buck embarrassed by his own tentative feelings for the young girl in his arms fell silent not quite knowing what to say to her.
'Will you stay with us Bernie?' he asked gently 'Please?' completely unaware of the desperate pleading in his voice
'For a little while, I don't want to leave any of you but I can't stay here and watch you hurt' she spoke softly sinking back against his chest
'Bernie we can look after ourselves you know, most ofus have been for years, besides Teaspoon wants to catch the man that killed your mama' he spoke knowing that the mention of her mother would invoke sad memories for the young girl.
She turned her face back to Buck's 'Nobody wants that more than me Buck, but not at your expense' she reached up and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.
'You are all such good kind people, you would help me without any thought of yourselves and I can't allow that. Mama wouldn't want anyone else hurt'
'Good. So you're staying' she felt his smile against her hair and smiled herself
'Pretty pleased with yourself aren't you' she turned back to him a happy light in her eyes. Before he had given a thought to what he was doing he leaned down and placed a gentle caring kiss on her upturned lips.
Embarassed by his own sudden display of affection, he pulled away from her and straightened in the saddle, but his actions belying his thoughts he pulled her tighter into his embrace. Bernie was confused by her feelings for the proud noble man who held her so tenderly. She had never before had the feelings that were confusing her so, tears trickled down her cheeks as she realised that now more than ever she wished her mother was with her. Her mother would be able to explain to her what these strange feelings meant, and she knew that Rachel or Lou would be more than happy to talk to her about anything she needed to know, but somehow she didn't feel right talking about such personal things to two people she barely knew. She knew that it wasn't right both women treated her as if she was family, but she knew that she would be embarrassed to go to them with her confusion, so ultimately she knew that she would try to struggle through her thoughts on her own.
Buck felt her tears as they trickled from her cheeks and splashed on his arm, mistakenly thinking that he had upset her, that his kiss had frightened her. Turning her face towards him he spoke to her softly.
'Bernie I didn't mean to upset you. I...' he paused looking deeply into her eyes
'Buck don't apologise' she murmured 'It's not your fault' she paused as they noticed a horse approaching. "I miss my mama' she spoke softly as Buck pulled her more tightly into his embrace, his other hand moving to rest upon his gun.
Cody reined in his horse beside Buck's, easing Buck's mind and still the frantic nervous beating of his heart. Cody looked at the two of them a knowing smile on his face 'We just got a letter at the station, Teaspoon thought Bernie should know, her father is arriving tommorow'
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