To Save A Life
WARNING This story contains sensitive subject matter and violence. Please be advised.
Prologue
Charlottesville, Virginia June 1863
Louise sat down as she read the words on the piece of paper over again for what seemed like the hundredth time. Kid was dead. He was killed in battle. His belongings sat beside her in a box. She didn't have the heart to go through them yet. Louise knew one thing; she couldn't stay in Virginia anymore. She had to go where her only family was. She had to go to Rock Creek as soon as possible.
She had been staying in a room in a boarding house on the outskirts Charlottesville, Virginia and she had no reason to be there anymore. She knew that Teaspoon and Rachel had married and that Buck had started a ranch with Teaspoon as his partner. She hoped they would be happy to see her. She made the arrangements to get to Rock Creek then went back to the boarding house to pack her things and leave that war, ravaged place and return to the only home she could remember being happy.
She had been staying in a room in a boarding house on the outskirts Charlottesville, Virginia and she had no reason to be there anymore. She knew that Teaspoon and Rachel had married and that Buck had started a ranch with Teaspoon as his partner. She hoped they would be happy to see her. She made the arrangements to get to Rock Creek then went back to the boarding house to pack her things and leave that war, ravaged place and return to the only home she could remember being happy.
Chapter One
It had taken days to get out of the warring part of the country. Now she was on her way west. She hadn't let any of her express family know she was coming. She thought it was better that way in case something happened on the way there. She couldn't wait to see her family. She had missed them so much these last three years and wondered if they had missed her. She would soon find out one way or the other.
The stage arrived in Rock Creek and Louise noticed how much it had changed from when she and Kid had left. Louise stepped off the stage and looked around. She thought she spotted Buck down by the general store. She picked up her bags and started to walk toward the store. Now she knew it was Buck loading a wagon in front of the store. She walked faster and faster the closer she got to him. She couldn't believe she was home.
Buck felt the hairs on the back of his neck go up. He knew someone was watching him. He turned around to see a woman coming toward him. Then he realized he knew the woman. It was Lou. He had to blink a couple times to see if she was real. They both locked eyes and smiled at the same time. Buck started walking to her. Louise started to run to him.
Louise dropped her bags and ran into Buck's open arms sobbing into his chest. Buck stroked her back and found he was crying too. Buck wiped his eyes and looked at Louise. She looked exhausted and troubled. He could always read Lou well.
"Lou, what are you doing here? Where's Kid? Is everything alright? Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" Buck asked as he pulled back from Louise to really look at her.
Louise wiped her tears and got a hold on her emotions. "Kid was killed in battle 3 months ago. I only learned that he was gone a few weeks ago. That's when I decided to come back to the only place I know as home. Is it alright that I'm here? I can leave if you don't think it's right, I'm here."
"Louise, I'm so sorry about Kid. Of, course it's alright that you're here. You belong here. Let's get your bags and go to see Teaspoon, Rachel and Little Holly. They will be so happy to see you," Buck said solemnly as he picked up Louise's bags and put them in the wagon and helped Louise up onto the seat. Buck then untied the horse jumped up on the seat and took off for Teaspoon and Rachel's house on the land where Buck and Teaspoon's ranch was.
"Who's Holly?" Louise asked as they drove down the street.
"Oh, I forgot you don't know. Holly is Teaspoon and Rachel's one, year old daughter she was born on Christmas Eve. That's why they named her Holly. She's a spitfire. She looks like Rachel and acts like Teaspoon. I've never seen a baby have her father so wrapped around her finger as Holly has Teaspoon. He brings her everywhere," Buck said knowing he would never have a child of his own but wanting one just the same. He loved Little Holly though. Buck wouldn't admit it, but Holly had him wrapped around her finger too.
Louise dropped her bags and ran into Buck's open arms sobbing into his chest. Buck stroked her back and found he was crying too. Buck wiped his eyes and looked at Louise. She looked exhausted and troubled. He could always read Lou well.
"Lou, what are you doing here? Where's Kid? Is everything alright? Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" Buck asked as he pulled back from Louise to really look at her.
Louise wiped her tears and got a hold on her emotions. "Kid was killed in battle 3 months ago. I only learned that he was gone a few weeks ago. That's when I decided to come back to the only place I know as home. Is it alright that I'm here? I can leave if you don't think it's right, I'm here."
"Louise, I'm so sorry about Kid. Of, course it's alright that you're here. You belong here. Let's get your bags and go to see Teaspoon, Rachel and Little Holly. They will be so happy to see you," Buck said solemnly as he picked up Louise's bags and put them in the wagon and helped Louise up onto the seat. Buck then untied the horse jumped up on the seat and took off for Teaspoon and Rachel's house on the land where Buck and Teaspoon's ranch was.
"Who's Holly?" Louise asked as they drove down the street.
"Oh, I forgot you don't know. Holly is Teaspoon and Rachel's one, year old daughter she was born on Christmas Eve. That's why they named her Holly. She's a spitfire. She looks like Rachel and acts like Teaspoon. I've never seen a baby have her father so wrapped around her finger as Holly has Teaspoon. He brings her everywhere," Buck said knowing he would never have a child of his own but wanting one just the same. He loved Little Holly though. Buck wouldn't admit it, but Holly had him wrapped around her finger too.
Chapter Two
Buck went onto a small dirt road. He looked up and pointed to the sign coming up ahead. It read 'The Cross T Ranch' Lou read it and smiled "I love the name. Using your last name and the T from Teaspoon is very original. I can't wait to see Teaspoon and Rachel and to meet Holly. I missed you all so much," Louise said as she began to cry. Buck put his arm around her and held her close.
"You're home now, Louise. You have family here. You're safe. I'll be here for you as long as you need me," Pulling out his kerchief Buck handed it to Louise. "Here. It's clean. I'm glad you're home, Louise. You were the heart of our little family and now there's not many of us left. I want you to come to me if you need anything or need to talk about anything, okay? I mean it if you have a problem or just want to talk. You are welcome at my home whenever you want."
"Thank you, Buck. I know I can always count on you. I'll be alright. I'm so happy to see you again," Louise said as they came up on a small house on the edge of the property.
"You're welcome, Louise. It looks like Teaspoon's home already. Are you ready to see them again? We can wait if you're not ready. I know they will be so happy to see you. You just have to meet Holly," Buck stated encouragingly.
"I'm as ready as I'm going to be. I hope your right. Let's go in," Louise said as Buck helped her down from the buckboard.
Buck put Louise behind him blocking her from view; he wanted to surprise Teaspoon and Rachel. They had told Buck that they wished Louise and Kid would come back someday. Buck was about to give them half of what they wished for. He just hoped the news of Kid's death wouldn't be too much for them. Buck told Lou not to move as he knocked on the door.
Teaspoon heard the knock at the door. "I wonder who that could be so close to supper. You want to go see, Holly Honey?" Teaspoon said as he picked up Holly and went to open the door.
Teaspoon opened the door and said, "Buck? You here for supper and some apple pie? Come on in."
The minute Holly saw Buck she yelled out his name. Well her version of it. "Uck! Uck!" The baby reached out for Buck and Teaspoon got a peek of someone standing behind Buck. Buck took Holly in his arms and gave her kisses and hugs. The baby squealed as he tickled her. Then Buck put her down and Holly ran into the kitchen to get her mama.
"Buck who is that behind your back?" Teaspoon asked as Rachel and Holly came into the foyer.
Buck moved to the side and Louise smiled a small smile at Teaspoon and Rachel. Rachel let out a squeal that had Holly jumping up and down. "Louise! Oh, Sweetheart you're, home," Rachel said in delight as she went to hug Louise. Louise started to cry again.
"Well looky here we have our wayward daughter home. Rachel, Darlin' move out of the way. I have a daughter to welcome. Welcome home, Louise. Come on in." Teaspoon said as he took Louise into a bear hug. "Lou, where's Kid?"
Lou didn't know where to start. She just looked at Buck who knew what Louise was thinking. "Teaspoon, Rachel can we all sit down for a minute. Louise has some news."
They all moved into the sitting room. Holly sat on Buck's lap looking at Louise. "I wanted to be the one to tell you. Kid was killed in battle three months ago. I didn't know what to do. I thought maybe I'd be welcome back in Rock Creek," Louise said smiling with tears streaming down her face.
"Oh, Louise, Darlin' we are so sorry. I know it must have been hard to go through that alone. You still have us. Of, course you're welcome here. You're like a daughter to me and Rachel. You can stay here as long as you want," Teaspoon said solemnly
"Oh, Louise, I'm sorry about Kid. Teaspoon is right about you being a daughter to us. You just consider yourself home for good," Rachel said. The emotion in the room became too much for Rachel who ran from the room dropping a kitchen towel as she left.
Holly got off Buck's lap, went over to the towel, picked it up and started to wipe away Louise's tears. This was the first chance Louise had to really look at Holly. She had blonde curls down to her shoulders and had bluish green eyes. She was the most beautiful baby she had ever seen.
Louise stopped crying and said, "Thank you, Holly. You are such a good girl. You made my tears go away."
When Louise said this Holly put both her hands out, palms up and said in the cutest voice, "All dun." That broke the tension in the room and they all laughed.
"Holly, this is Lou. Can you say Lou?" Teaspoon asked his baby girl. "I think Lou would be easier for her to say than Louise at this point in time."
"Come on, Holly, can you say Lou for Buck?" Buck asked the little girl who had made it so easy for Louise to feel like she was really home.
"Ou," Holly said loudly as she crawled up into Louise's lap stuck her thumb in her mouth and settled in for a cuddle.
"That's great, Holly," Buck praised the one year old. "I guess if I'm Uck you're going to have to be Ou." Buck said laughing. The laughter was contagious.
They got so loud that Rachel came out of the kitchen. What she saw warmed her heart. Holly sat on Ou's lap as she held Uck's hand. Rachel could do nothing but smile. Louise was home and safe. They would get through Kid's death together.
"Well supper's ready. Is anybody hungry?" Rachel asked.
"Well I know Uck is. How about you, Ou?" Buck couldn't help but make the joke. He saw how the life went back into Louise's face as she sat with their family.
Lou couldn't help but tease back. "Uck, our hands are yucky let's go wash them. Then we can go and have supper."
"Okay after you Ou, Buck said she he escorted Louise over to the kitchen sink.
Lou gave Buck a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Buck, for helping me. I really missed all of you. Okay, Uck, let's eat." Louise splashed some water at Buck and ran out of the kitchen. Buck was very happy Louise was home. Part of his heart broke when Kid and Lou left for Virginia. Now he felt it being put back together.
"You're home now, Louise. You have family here. You're safe. I'll be here for you as long as you need me," Pulling out his kerchief Buck handed it to Louise. "Here. It's clean. I'm glad you're home, Louise. You were the heart of our little family and now there's not many of us left. I want you to come to me if you need anything or need to talk about anything, okay? I mean it if you have a problem or just want to talk. You are welcome at my home whenever you want."
"Thank you, Buck. I know I can always count on you. I'll be alright. I'm so happy to see you again," Louise said as they came up on a small house on the edge of the property.
"You're welcome, Louise. It looks like Teaspoon's home already. Are you ready to see them again? We can wait if you're not ready. I know they will be so happy to see you. You just have to meet Holly," Buck stated encouragingly.
"I'm as ready as I'm going to be. I hope your right. Let's go in," Louise said as Buck helped her down from the buckboard.
Buck put Louise behind him blocking her from view; he wanted to surprise Teaspoon and Rachel. They had told Buck that they wished Louise and Kid would come back someday. Buck was about to give them half of what they wished for. He just hoped the news of Kid's death wouldn't be too much for them. Buck told Lou not to move as he knocked on the door.
Teaspoon heard the knock at the door. "I wonder who that could be so close to supper. You want to go see, Holly Honey?" Teaspoon said as he picked up Holly and went to open the door.
Teaspoon opened the door and said, "Buck? You here for supper and some apple pie? Come on in."
The minute Holly saw Buck she yelled out his name. Well her version of it. "Uck! Uck!" The baby reached out for Buck and Teaspoon got a peek of someone standing behind Buck. Buck took Holly in his arms and gave her kisses and hugs. The baby squealed as he tickled her. Then Buck put her down and Holly ran into the kitchen to get her mama.
"Buck who is that behind your back?" Teaspoon asked as Rachel and Holly came into the foyer.
Buck moved to the side and Louise smiled a small smile at Teaspoon and Rachel. Rachel let out a squeal that had Holly jumping up and down. "Louise! Oh, Sweetheart you're, home," Rachel said in delight as she went to hug Louise. Louise started to cry again.
"Well looky here we have our wayward daughter home. Rachel, Darlin' move out of the way. I have a daughter to welcome. Welcome home, Louise. Come on in." Teaspoon said as he took Louise into a bear hug. "Lou, where's Kid?"
Lou didn't know where to start. She just looked at Buck who knew what Louise was thinking. "Teaspoon, Rachel can we all sit down for a minute. Louise has some news."
They all moved into the sitting room. Holly sat on Buck's lap looking at Louise. "I wanted to be the one to tell you. Kid was killed in battle three months ago. I didn't know what to do. I thought maybe I'd be welcome back in Rock Creek," Louise said smiling with tears streaming down her face.
"Oh, Louise, Darlin' we are so sorry. I know it must have been hard to go through that alone. You still have us. Of, course you're welcome here. You're like a daughter to me and Rachel. You can stay here as long as you want," Teaspoon said solemnly
"Oh, Louise, I'm sorry about Kid. Teaspoon is right about you being a daughter to us. You just consider yourself home for good," Rachel said. The emotion in the room became too much for Rachel who ran from the room dropping a kitchen towel as she left.
Holly got off Buck's lap, went over to the towel, picked it up and started to wipe away Louise's tears. This was the first chance Louise had to really look at Holly. She had blonde curls down to her shoulders and had bluish green eyes. She was the most beautiful baby she had ever seen.
Louise stopped crying and said, "Thank you, Holly. You are such a good girl. You made my tears go away."
When Louise said this Holly put both her hands out, palms up and said in the cutest voice, "All dun." That broke the tension in the room and they all laughed.
"Holly, this is Lou. Can you say Lou?" Teaspoon asked his baby girl. "I think Lou would be easier for her to say than Louise at this point in time."
"Come on, Holly, can you say Lou for Buck?" Buck asked the little girl who had made it so easy for Louise to feel like she was really home.
"Ou," Holly said loudly as she crawled up into Louise's lap stuck her thumb in her mouth and settled in for a cuddle.
"That's great, Holly," Buck praised the one year old. "I guess if I'm Uck you're going to have to be Ou." Buck said laughing. The laughter was contagious.
They got so loud that Rachel came out of the kitchen. What she saw warmed her heart. Holly sat on Ou's lap as she held Uck's hand. Rachel could do nothing but smile. Louise was home and safe. They would get through Kid's death together.
"Well supper's ready. Is anybody hungry?" Rachel asked.
"Well I know Uck is. How about you, Ou?" Buck couldn't help but make the joke. He saw how the life went back into Louise's face as she sat with their family.
Lou couldn't help but tease back. "Uck, our hands are yucky let's go wash them. Then we can go and have supper."
"Okay after you Ou, Buck said she he escorted Louise over to the kitchen sink.
Lou gave Buck a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Buck, for helping me. I really missed all of you. Okay, Uck, let's eat." Louise splashed some water at Buck and ran out of the kitchen. Buck was very happy Louise was home. Part of his heart broke when Kid and Lou left for Virginia. Now he felt it being put back together.
Chapter Three
Louise fell into step helping Buck with the chores and she was so surprised to see Lightning in the stall next to Buck's horse, Warrior. Kid had only taken Katy when they left. Louise wondered what had happened to her favorite horse in the world.
Buck and Louise grew close again. It was like they had never been apart. They spent many hours talking about everything under the sun. They were each other's best friend. Buck knew there were men just waiting to court Louise after her mourning period was over. Buck was not looking forward to being lonely again, but he would do anything to make Louise happy, and if it meant giving up his time with her, he would do it.
Buck and Louise grew close again. It was like they had never been apart. They spent many hours talking about everything under the sun. They were each other's best friend. Buck knew there were men just waiting to court Louise after her mourning period was over. Buck was not looking forward to being lonely again, but he would do anything to make Louise happy, and if it meant giving up his time with her, he would do it.
One day in the spring the stage rolled into Rock Creek carrying a very wealthy man named Dalton Biggs. He liked to travel and thought that Rock Creek was a town just waiting to be made into a booming metropolis. At least that's what Dalton Biggs wanted. He had other plans too, but he wasn't going to mention them to anybody just yet.
Louise was walking down the board walk that day, looking through her purse for her shopping list when she bumped into a very tall, very handsome, blonde man. The man caught Louise before she fell into the street.
"Oh, my excuse me, sir. I wasn't watching where I was going. Thank you for catching me. That mud does not look very inviting," Louise joked trying not to make the man angry.
"Oh please, ma'am; it was my fault. I am very sorry. My name is Dalton Biggs. I'm new in town and you are?" the man asked Louise.
"Oh, where are my manners? I'm Louise McCloud. I just moved back to Rock Creek last summer. What brings you to our town, Mr. Biggs?" Louise said to the handsome man before her.
"Well, Miss McCloud, I am looking into a number of business ventures and I am also looking for company for a late lunch. Would you do me the honor of having lunch with me to offer my forgiveness almost running you down on the boardwalk?" Biggs said gallantly.
"Oh, I think I can take you up on that offer, Mr. Biggs. Thank you for offering."
"Please call me Dalton."
"If I call you Dalton, you must call me Louise."
"But of course, Louise. Shall we go to lunch?" Biggs said as he offered Louise his arm and they walked to the restaurant together.
Louise was walking down the board walk that day, looking through her purse for her shopping list when she bumped into a very tall, very handsome, blonde man. The man caught Louise before she fell into the street.
"Oh, my excuse me, sir. I wasn't watching where I was going. Thank you for catching me. That mud does not look very inviting," Louise joked trying not to make the man angry.
"Oh please, ma'am; it was my fault. I am very sorry. My name is Dalton Biggs. I'm new in town and you are?" the man asked Louise.
"Oh, where are my manners? I'm Louise McCloud. I just moved back to Rock Creek last summer. What brings you to our town, Mr. Biggs?" Louise said to the handsome man before her.
"Well, Miss McCloud, I am looking into a number of business ventures and I am also looking for company for a late lunch. Would you do me the honor of having lunch with me to offer my forgiveness almost running you down on the boardwalk?" Biggs said gallantly.
"Oh, I think I can take you up on that offer, Mr. Biggs. Thank you for offering."
"Please call me Dalton."
"If I call you Dalton, you must call me Louise."
"But of course, Louise. Shall we go to lunch?" Biggs said as he offered Louise his arm and they walked to the restaurant together.
Chapter Four
Louise saw Dalton Biggs almost every day after that for a month. Buck had a bad feeling about him, but Teaspoon and Rachel seemed to like him well enough. Louise was head over heels over their whirlwind courtship. She had never felt like such a lady before.
One day, a month and a half after Louise met Dalton, he got down on one knee in front of Buck, Teaspoon and Rachel and proposed to Louise with a two, karat genuine diamond ring. Louise was overjoyed and said yes to Dalton on the spot. Buck silently made his way out the side door and went back to his house on the ranch. He was not pleased by this and felt he couldn't be near the newly engaged couple right at that moment without saying the wrong thing.
Dalton insisted on a very short engagement. One day, soon after proposing Dalton turned up at the Hunter's door asking Louise to elope with him because he couldn't wait for her to be his wife. Louise said yes thinking her family wouldn't like what she was doing, but she thought she was a big girl and could make her own choices. Dalton and Louise went to St. Joe and were married by a Justice of the Peace. They spent their first night together as husband and wife in the most expensive hotel in the city. Louise had left her family a note before she left so they wouldn't worry.
Dalton had purchased a house far outside of town and had Lightning kept at the livery in town. Louise didn't understand why she couldn't have her horse and asked Dalton about it. The slap she got was unexpected. Then he brought Louise upstairs and forced himself on her. When she screamed, he would hit her so hard her ears would ring.
Finally, Louise stopped struggling and let him do what he wanted. When he was done, he told her if she told anyone of this, he would have her misfit family killed and it would not be quick. Louise had no way out of this nightmare. She lay in bed with her ripped clothing barely covering her and cried. How could this have happened?
Finally, Louise stopped struggling and let him do what he wanted. When he was done, he told her if she told anyone of this, he would have her misfit family killed and it would not be quick. Louise had no way out of this nightmare. She lay in bed with her ripped clothing barely covering her and cried. How could this have happened?
Dalton kept Louise's family away stating they wanted to be alone as a married couple for now. Buck didn't like it.
Dalton forced himself on Louise every day and night. He would beat her if there was a small wrinkle in his dress shirt. Louise lived in fear. Anything could set him off. Louise started getting sick and had missed her monthly for two months. She expected that she was carrying Dalton's baby. She would keep it secret until the right time to tell him came.
In this time Buck had been trying to see Louise with no luck. Dalton was there all the time. Buck sensed something was wrong. He had to see Louise.
Dalton forced himself on Louise every day and night. He would beat her if there was a small wrinkle in his dress shirt. Louise lived in fear. Anything could set him off. Louise started getting sick and had missed her monthly for two months. She expected that she was carrying Dalton's baby. She would keep it secret until the right time to tell him came.
In this time Buck had been trying to see Louise with no luck. Dalton was there all the time. Buck sensed something was wrong. He had to see Louise.
Chapter Five
Louise decided that is was time to tell Dalton that she was pregnant. She was sure of it now after not getting her monthly for three months. Louise made a special dinner and wore her prettiest dress.
Louise heard the front door that was usually locked from the outside while she was home alone.
"Louise, I'm home! I want dinner!" Dalton yelled into the kitchen. Louise came out of the kitchen with a smile on her bruised face.
"Dalton, I have some news I want to share with you. Please sit down for a minute," Louise said as obediently as she could muster.
"What is it?! I'm hungry!" Dalton growled.
"It will just take a minute. Please listen," Louise said.
"Okay make it quick," Dalton said as he sat down in his arm chair.
"Dalton, I have great news. We're going to have a baby. Isn't that wonderful?" Louise said cheerfully. She had always dreamed of being a mother.
"A BABY! Why in hell is that wonderful news! You rid yourself of that thing or I'll beat it out of you!" Dalton screamed at Louise.
"No, Dalton! Please! I want this baby. Please don't hurt us," Louise cried. This set Dalton off.
He stood up so quickly Louise didn't see the punch coming. Dalton punched her in the abdomen. Louise grabbed her stomach and leaned forward trying to protect her baby. The next blow came down onto her back making her fall to the ground. Dalton started to kick Louise in the stomach and back. Louise passed out after the second kick. Dalton heard a horse approaching and didn't want to be found out. He ran out the back way, out to his horse and rode off.
The person on horseback coming to the house was Buck. He saw Dalton riding off. Buck was off Warrior and on the porch in seconds. He looked in the window and saw Louise lying on the floor in a pool of blood and beaten badly.
"LOUISE! LOUISE!" Buck yelled. He tried the door and found it was locked from the inside. Buck had to get to Louise. He took a wooden chair from the porch broke a window in the sitting room with it. He then cleared the glass from the frame, climbed through the window and was at Louise's side in an instant.
"Oh, Louise, what did that bastard do to you?" Buck said as he touched Louise to see if she was breathing. She was breathing, but shallowly. Buck got a quilt off the rocking chair and wrapped Louise in it. He cradled her gently to his body, opened the door and somehow mounted Warrior without dropping her. He knew that town was too far and decided that his ranch house was the closest place that would be safe for her. Buck then started for his home with Louise cradled to his body as he cried.
Buck made it there in ten minutes and immediately called for the ranch hands. They saw Buck holding Louise in a bloodied quilt; one ranch hand went for the doctor and Teaspoon. The others helped Buck carry Louise into the house up to the guest bedroom. Another ranch hand got a bowl of water and a cloth and gave it to Buck to wash Louise's face.
Louise heard the front door that was usually locked from the outside while she was home alone.
"Louise, I'm home! I want dinner!" Dalton yelled into the kitchen. Louise came out of the kitchen with a smile on her bruised face.
"Dalton, I have some news I want to share with you. Please sit down for a minute," Louise said as obediently as she could muster.
"What is it?! I'm hungry!" Dalton growled.
"It will just take a minute. Please listen," Louise said.
"Okay make it quick," Dalton said as he sat down in his arm chair.
"Dalton, I have great news. We're going to have a baby. Isn't that wonderful?" Louise said cheerfully. She had always dreamed of being a mother.
"A BABY! Why in hell is that wonderful news! You rid yourself of that thing or I'll beat it out of you!" Dalton screamed at Louise.
"No, Dalton! Please! I want this baby. Please don't hurt us," Louise cried. This set Dalton off.
He stood up so quickly Louise didn't see the punch coming. Dalton punched her in the abdomen. Louise grabbed her stomach and leaned forward trying to protect her baby. The next blow came down onto her back making her fall to the ground. Dalton started to kick Louise in the stomach and back. Louise passed out after the second kick. Dalton heard a horse approaching and didn't want to be found out. He ran out the back way, out to his horse and rode off.
The person on horseback coming to the house was Buck. He saw Dalton riding off. Buck was off Warrior and on the porch in seconds. He looked in the window and saw Louise lying on the floor in a pool of blood and beaten badly.
"LOUISE! LOUISE!" Buck yelled. He tried the door and found it was locked from the inside. Buck had to get to Louise. He took a wooden chair from the porch broke a window in the sitting room with it. He then cleared the glass from the frame, climbed through the window and was at Louise's side in an instant.
"Oh, Louise, what did that bastard do to you?" Buck said as he touched Louise to see if she was breathing. She was breathing, but shallowly. Buck got a quilt off the rocking chair and wrapped Louise in it. He cradled her gently to his body, opened the door and somehow mounted Warrior without dropping her. He knew that town was too far and decided that his ranch house was the closest place that would be safe for her. Buck then started for his home with Louise cradled to his body as he cried.
Buck made it there in ten minutes and immediately called for the ranch hands. They saw Buck holding Louise in a bloodied quilt; one ranch hand went for the doctor and Teaspoon. The others helped Buck carry Louise into the house up to the guest bedroom. Another ranch hand got a bowl of water and a cloth and gave it to Buck to wash Louise's face.
Chapter Six
Buck gently washed Louise previously bruised face as he cried for his friend. Right there and then he vowed he would find a way to get Louise out of her marriage and keep her safe even if it cost him his life. He realized he had fallen in love with his best friend after she came back to Rock Creek. He couldn't deny it anymore. He'd loved her for months and he had never told her. Buck began to talk to Louise.
He said, "Louise, Please, don't leave me. I need you to be here with me. I love you so much. My love is so much more than a best friend's love. It's a man's love for a woman he wants to be his wife. Please, Louise, let me show you that love. Don't leave me."
Just then the doctor entered the guest bedroom. "What happened, Buck?" Doc Turner asked Buck as he started to examine Louise.
"Her husband beat her really badly. There was a pool of blood on the floor under her. She has bruises on her face from earlier beatings. Doc, you've got to save her. I can't lose her," Buck said desperately.
"I'll do my best, Buck. She's young and strong. If I remember anything about Louise it was how she kept up with you boys while riding for the express. She's a fighter. Now leave so I can examine her properly," Doc Turner said to Buck hoping it would put him at ease.
Buck left his guest bedroom and walked down the stairs numb. He couldn't lose Louise. Not again. He lost her once to that bastard of a husband of hers and now he could lose her to her damned husband's beating. 'Why didn't I discourage their relationship when I had the chance?' Buck thought to himself. He could kick himself for being so passive and letting Louise slip through his fingers.
Buck found Teaspoon and two of his deputies waiting in his sitting room. Teaspoon saw the look on Buck's face and knew things were not good. Buck looked like he was about to cry. Teaspoon got up, walked over to Buck and gave him a hug. Buck practically collapsed in Teaspoon's arms. When Buck straightened up again, he walked to his favorite chair and sat down putting his head in his hands.
"Buck what happened? Why did he do this?" Teaspoon asked him.
Buck sat up he looked ten years older than he was he said, "I figured something was wrong when he wouldn't let us see Louise. Then after a while I would drop by, but he always had an excuse as to why Louise couldn't see me. He gave lame excuses, but I didn't want to push things with him." Buck let out a big sigh. "He must have heard me ride up today because when I reached the house, I saw him ride off on horseback. Buck got up and walked to the window. "She had bruises on her face that where not from this beating. They were old bruises. He's been beating her this whole time and keeping everyone away so no one would find out." Buck growled. "Teaspoon I can't lose her again. I lost her to Biggs once. Now if she lives, I'm going to protect her with my life. I'm going to get her marriage dissolved somehow and keep her safe. I love her, Teaspoon. I should have told her before Biggs started courting, her, but I was scared she wouldn't feel the same way about me. I messed up and I could lose the one woman I've ever really loved because of it," Buck said as he looked up at the ceiling trying to keep the tears at bay.
"Buck, me and my deputies have a posse ready to go. We could use your tracking skills but Jon McGreagor grew up around Indians. He can track almost as good as you and offered to do it so you could stay here with Louise. We're going after Biggs in ten minutes. Everyone is going to meet here and then we start at Biggs' house. We'll find him, Buck. You keep Louise safe. I know you will protect her with your life. We'll be heading out now. We'll all say a prayer for Louise. I've already sent up a mess of them myself," Teaspoon told Buck as he got up to leave.
Buck shook the deputies' hands, then hugged Teaspoon and sat down to wait for the doctor to tell him if Louise would live. He sent up a prayer every minute he waited to all the gods he could think of. 'She can't die. Not now. I love her'. Buck thought to himself.
He said, "Louise, Please, don't leave me. I need you to be here with me. I love you so much. My love is so much more than a best friend's love. It's a man's love for a woman he wants to be his wife. Please, Louise, let me show you that love. Don't leave me."
Just then the doctor entered the guest bedroom. "What happened, Buck?" Doc Turner asked Buck as he started to examine Louise.
"Her husband beat her really badly. There was a pool of blood on the floor under her. She has bruises on her face from earlier beatings. Doc, you've got to save her. I can't lose her," Buck said desperately.
"I'll do my best, Buck. She's young and strong. If I remember anything about Louise it was how she kept up with you boys while riding for the express. She's a fighter. Now leave so I can examine her properly," Doc Turner said to Buck hoping it would put him at ease.
Buck left his guest bedroom and walked down the stairs numb. He couldn't lose Louise. Not again. He lost her once to that bastard of a husband of hers and now he could lose her to her damned husband's beating. 'Why didn't I discourage their relationship when I had the chance?' Buck thought to himself. He could kick himself for being so passive and letting Louise slip through his fingers.
Buck found Teaspoon and two of his deputies waiting in his sitting room. Teaspoon saw the look on Buck's face and knew things were not good. Buck looked like he was about to cry. Teaspoon got up, walked over to Buck and gave him a hug. Buck practically collapsed in Teaspoon's arms. When Buck straightened up again, he walked to his favorite chair and sat down putting his head in his hands.
"Buck what happened? Why did he do this?" Teaspoon asked him.
Buck sat up he looked ten years older than he was he said, "I figured something was wrong when he wouldn't let us see Louise. Then after a while I would drop by, but he always had an excuse as to why Louise couldn't see me. He gave lame excuses, but I didn't want to push things with him." Buck let out a big sigh. "He must have heard me ride up today because when I reached the house, I saw him ride off on horseback. Buck got up and walked to the window. "She had bruises on her face that where not from this beating. They were old bruises. He's been beating her this whole time and keeping everyone away so no one would find out." Buck growled. "Teaspoon I can't lose her again. I lost her to Biggs once. Now if she lives, I'm going to protect her with my life. I'm going to get her marriage dissolved somehow and keep her safe. I love her, Teaspoon. I should have told her before Biggs started courting, her, but I was scared she wouldn't feel the same way about me. I messed up and I could lose the one woman I've ever really loved because of it," Buck said as he looked up at the ceiling trying to keep the tears at bay.
"Buck, me and my deputies have a posse ready to go. We could use your tracking skills but Jon McGreagor grew up around Indians. He can track almost as good as you and offered to do it so you could stay here with Louise. We're going after Biggs in ten minutes. Everyone is going to meet here and then we start at Biggs' house. We'll find him, Buck. You keep Louise safe. I know you will protect her with your life. We'll be heading out now. We'll all say a prayer for Louise. I've already sent up a mess of them myself," Teaspoon told Buck as he got up to leave.
Buck shook the deputies' hands, then hugged Teaspoon and sat down to wait for the doctor to tell him if Louise would live. He sent up a prayer every minute he waited to all the gods he could think of. 'She can't die. Not now. I love her'. Buck thought to himself.
Chapter Seven
Doc Turner came down the stairs his shirt covered in blood. Buck stood and walked over to him. "Doc, how is she? Will she be alright? Can I see her?" Buck asked in a rush of words.
"Buck, she's holding her own. I have some news and it's not a happy thing. Louise was pregnant and had a miscarriage from the beating. She's lost an awful lot of blood and she has five broken ribs. I managed to stop the bleeding from the miscarriage and wrapped her ribs as tightly as I dare. If she wakes up in the next two days, I'll say she's on the way to recovery. If not, there's nothing more I can do. You may want to get Rachel over here to spell you once every few hours. My daughter would be happy to watch Holly. She loves watching her. My grandson and her play so nicely together. I'm sure it would be no trouble. I'll tell Rachel on my way off the ranch. I want one of your ranch hands to come get me if Louise wakes up. I need to examine her again while she's conscious. I'll find my own way out. You stay strong, Buck. Louise is a fighter." Doc Turner told Buck.
The minute the doctor had left Buck ran up the stairs taking three at a time and was at Louise's side in seconds. He looked at her battered face and Buck had to bite his lip to keep from crying. She looked so little in the bed. Buck sat down in the chair the doctor just vacated, took her hand and held it stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.
"Please, Louise, come back to me. I'll protect you for the rest of my life. I love you, Louise. I'm so sorry I didn't get to you earlier when he started beating you. He wouldn't have laid another hand on you. I'm so sorry for not being there after I told you I would be for as long as you needed. Please forgive me, Louise. I can't live without you. Please wake up." Buck was in tears. He put his head down on the bed still holding Louise's hand. That's where Rachel found him an hour later asleep with tears running down his face.
"Buck, wake up. It's time for you to go and rest. I'll watch Louise for a while," Rachel said as Buck jerked awake at the sound of his name. He sat up and looked at Louise. She looked the same.
"I'm going to stay with her a while longer. I want to be here if she wakes up. I have to do this, Rachel. I owe it to Louise. Please let me stay with her," Buck said to Rachel looking heartbroken.
"Okay, I'll go make something to eat. You're going to need your strength to get through this if you insist on being with her most of the time," Rachel said hoping Louise would wake up.
"Did Doc tell you about the baby? When she wakes up, she's going to be heartsick. I want to be the one to tell her, okay? I want to be there for her when she finds out," Buck said as he took Louise's hand again and stroked it with his thumb. Buck brushed a piece of hair off Louise's face and then kissed her hand. "I love you, Louise. I always will."
Rachel knew that Buck had feelings for Louise for some time. She wasn't surprised to hear loving words come out of Buck's mouth. Rachel went downstairs and started a stew. She prayed they wouldn't lose another member of their family.
"Buck, she's holding her own. I have some news and it's not a happy thing. Louise was pregnant and had a miscarriage from the beating. She's lost an awful lot of blood and she has five broken ribs. I managed to stop the bleeding from the miscarriage and wrapped her ribs as tightly as I dare. If she wakes up in the next two days, I'll say she's on the way to recovery. If not, there's nothing more I can do. You may want to get Rachel over here to spell you once every few hours. My daughter would be happy to watch Holly. She loves watching her. My grandson and her play so nicely together. I'm sure it would be no trouble. I'll tell Rachel on my way off the ranch. I want one of your ranch hands to come get me if Louise wakes up. I need to examine her again while she's conscious. I'll find my own way out. You stay strong, Buck. Louise is a fighter." Doc Turner told Buck.
The minute the doctor had left Buck ran up the stairs taking three at a time and was at Louise's side in seconds. He looked at her battered face and Buck had to bite his lip to keep from crying. She looked so little in the bed. Buck sat down in the chair the doctor just vacated, took her hand and held it stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.
"Please, Louise, come back to me. I'll protect you for the rest of my life. I love you, Louise. I'm so sorry I didn't get to you earlier when he started beating you. He wouldn't have laid another hand on you. I'm so sorry for not being there after I told you I would be for as long as you needed. Please forgive me, Louise. I can't live without you. Please wake up." Buck was in tears. He put his head down on the bed still holding Louise's hand. That's where Rachel found him an hour later asleep with tears running down his face.
"Buck, wake up. It's time for you to go and rest. I'll watch Louise for a while," Rachel said as Buck jerked awake at the sound of his name. He sat up and looked at Louise. She looked the same.
"I'm going to stay with her a while longer. I want to be here if she wakes up. I have to do this, Rachel. I owe it to Louise. Please let me stay with her," Buck said to Rachel looking heartbroken.
"Okay, I'll go make something to eat. You're going to need your strength to get through this if you insist on being with her most of the time," Rachel said hoping Louise would wake up.
"Did Doc tell you about the baby? When she wakes up, she's going to be heartsick. I want to be the one to tell her, okay? I want to be there for her when she finds out," Buck said as he took Louise's hand again and stroked it with his thumb. Buck brushed a piece of hair off Louise's face and then kissed her hand. "I love you, Louise. I always will."
Rachel knew that Buck had feelings for Louise for some time. She wasn't surprised to hear loving words come out of Buck's mouth. Rachel went downstairs and started a stew. She prayed they wouldn't lose another member of their family.
Chapter Eight
Twenty-four hours went by and Louise still hadn't woken up. Buck was with her the whole time. He slept with his head on the bed holding Louise's hand. When he wasn't sleeping, he talked to her and told her what a wonderful life they could have together. He would tell her how much he loved her and how much he needed her to wake up. Buck would chant Kiowa healing prayers over Louise and burn sage the way he had seen it done when he lived with the Kiowa. He even prayed to Louise's white God remembering the words he learned at the mission school.
In the early hours of the second day Buck heard Louise moan. He put his head up and saw that Louise's eyes were opened. He felt her squeeze his hand. Buck was so relieved that she was awake.
"Louise? Can you hear me?" Buck asked
"B… Buck? How did I get here? What happened?" Louise asked. Louise tried to move and pain surged through her body. She groaned.
"Try not to move too much. You've been beaten pretty bad. I found you and brought you here. Louise, do you remember anything?" Buck said. He was so happy Louise was awake.
"Louise? Can you hear me?" Buck asked
"B… Buck? How did I get here? What happened?" Louise asked. Louise tried to move and pain surged through her body. She groaned.
"Try not to move too much. You've been beaten pretty bad. I found you and brought you here. Louise, do you remember anything?" Buck said. He was so happy Louise was awake.
"I…I remember... Oh my God! My baby! Is my baby alright? Buck, tell me. Is my baby alright?" Louise said in a panic. She started to cry instantly.
"Louise, I'm so sorry. You lost your baby. The doctor said you were beaten so badly he didn't know if you would even survive. It's a miracle you woke up after what that pig did to you. I'm so sorry," Buck said kissing Louise's knuckles and caressing her forehead. It was the only place on her face that wasn't bruised.
Louise cried as Buck held her hand and touched her head lovingly. Every tear she shed Buck also shed one for her and her baby.
Louise turned her head and looked at Buck. "Thank you for saving me. I would have died if you didn't find me," Louise said as her bottom lip trembled.
"I'd move mountains for you, Louise. I won't let you be hurt again. Let me yell down to Rachel to tell her you're awake and to tell her to tell my foreman Kyle to send someone to get the doc. I'll be right back," Buck said as he stood up, kissed Louise's forehead and went to the top of the stairs.
"Louise, I'm so sorry. You lost your baby. The doctor said you were beaten so badly he didn't know if you would even survive. It's a miracle you woke up after what that pig did to you. I'm so sorry," Buck said kissing Louise's knuckles and caressing her forehead. It was the only place on her face that wasn't bruised.
Louise cried as Buck held her hand and touched her head lovingly. Every tear she shed Buck also shed one for her and her baby.
Louise turned her head and looked at Buck. "Thank you for saving me. I would have died if you didn't find me," Louise said as her bottom lip trembled.
"I'd move mountains for you, Louise. I won't let you be hurt again. Let me yell down to Rachel to tell her you're awake and to tell her to tell my foreman Kyle to send someone to get the doc. I'll be right back," Buck said as he stood up, kissed Louise's forehead and went to the top of the stairs.
Chapter Nine
Doc Turner came downstairs after examining Louise. He had a look of amazement on his face.
"What is it Doc? Is she alright? Is she going to be okay?" Buck asked scared that Louise wouldn't make it.
"It's a miracle she even woke up, but she can move all her limbs and is aware of her surroundings. She's a strong young woman. I can say that I think she will make a full recovery given it will take six weeks in bed on total bed rest. The only time she can get out of bed is if Buck is carrying her so someone can change the bed linens. I mean it if she gets out of bed on her own too soon, she could relapse. I told her this and she agreed to stick to my orders. I'm so happy everything worked out for the best. Louise is a very special person. She needs love and support right now and I think she'll make it through this fine," Doc Turner said to Buck and Rachel.
"You're right, Doc, Louise is a very special person and she will get the best care here with the love and support she needs. I guarantee it. I'm going to go see Louise now. Have a nice day," Buck said with a sureness he hadn't had in a while.
Buck went up the stairs to Louise's room and saw she was sitting up some. Rachel had brought over a nightgown for her to sleep in; her hair was in a braid that was up on the pillows. Buck, seeing beyond the bruises, thought she looked beautiful.
"Hi, you up for some company? I wanted to ask you some things," Buck said smiling at Louise who smiled back when she saw him.
"Sure, I'd like some company. What did you want to ask me?"
"Louise, I wanted to ask you about the beatings and why you didn't come to us when they started." Buck asked with concern marring his face.
"The beatings started the day we got back to Rock Creek. I asked him why Lightning couldn't be there with his horse. He back handed me so hard my head snapped back. Then he picked me up brought me to the bedroom we shared and forced himself on me. When I would scream, he would hit me so hard my ears would ring. It really hurt what he was doing. I stopped struggling and the pain got better, but it still hurt. He had ripped all my clothes off and pinned me to the bed with his body. When he was finished, he got up and left me there. I cried and then put on my nightgown and went to sleep," Louise said as a tear ran down her face.
"Anything could make him beat me and every time after he beat me, he would force himself on me. Multiple times most days. He began locking me in the house from the outside and he nailed all the windows shut. He kept a lock on the back door too. He wouldn't even let me use the outhouse. I had to use a chamber pot," Louise began to cry in earnest.
Buck was so angry he wanted to kill that bastard of a husband, then revive him and kill him again. He wanted to castrate him. Doing it slowly so he would feel every inch of pain he had caused Louise.
Louise went on, "I got pregnant and I told him I was three months along. He said either I get rid of my baby or he'd beat me until I lost it. I guess he succeeded. Buck, I'm so scared; what if he comes after me? I'm married to him. I'm his. He owns me. He can do whatever he wants to me. He said if I told anyone that he would kill you, Teaspoon, Rachel and Holly. I couldn't go anywhere or tell anyone. I felt like my life was over until I was with child. I can't go back. What do I do?" Louise sobbed.
Buck sat on the side of the bed taking Louise into his arms and gently hugging her. "Louise, Teaspoon is riding in a posse trying to find him. I'm going to try and dissolve your marriage I've already sent a telegram to the Hall of Records in St. Joe to get your Marriage Certificate. I plan on hiring a lawyer to help with the case against him when he's caught. I'm going to protect you, Louise, with my life. I won't let anyone hurt you again. Ever."
"Thank you, Buck. I should have known you would have something up your sleeve to help me. I'm tired now. I'm going to go to sleep for a while. Thank you again," Louise said stifling a yawn.
"You rest now. I'll see you when you wake up. Try to have pleasant dreams," Buck told Louise as he slipped out the door and went downstairs.
"What is it Doc? Is she alright? Is she going to be okay?" Buck asked scared that Louise wouldn't make it.
"It's a miracle she even woke up, but she can move all her limbs and is aware of her surroundings. She's a strong young woman. I can say that I think she will make a full recovery given it will take six weeks in bed on total bed rest. The only time she can get out of bed is if Buck is carrying her so someone can change the bed linens. I mean it if she gets out of bed on her own too soon, she could relapse. I told her this and she agreed to stick to my orders. I'm so happy everything worked out for the best. Louise is a very special person. She needs love and support right now and I think she'll make it through this fine," Doc Turner said to Buck and Rachel.
"You're right, Doc, Louise is a very special person and she will get the best care here with the love and support she needs. I guarantee it. I'm going to go see Louise now. Have a nice day," Buck said with a sureness he hadn't had in a while.
Buck went up the stairs to Louise's room and saw she was sitting up some. Rachel had brought over a nightgown for her to sleep in; her hair was in a braid that was up on the pillows. Buck, seeing beyond the bruises, thought she looked beautiful.
"Hi, you up for some company? I wanted to ask you some things," Buck said smiling at Louise who smiled back when she saw him.
"Sure, I'd like some company. What did you want to ask me?"
"Louise, I wanted to ask you about the beatings and why you didn't come to us when they started." Buck asked with concern marring his face.
"The beatings started the day we got back to Rock Creek. I asked him why Lightning couldn't be there with his horse. He back handed me so hard my head snapped back. Then he picked me up brought me to the bedroom we shared and forced himself on me. When I would scream, he would hit me so hard my ears would ring. It really hurt what he was doing. I stopped struggling and the pain got better, but it still hurt. He had ripped all my clothes off and pinned me to the bed with his body. When he was finished, he got up and left me there. I cried and then put on my nightgown and went to sleep," Louise said as a tear ran down her face.
"Anything could make him beat me and every time after he beat me, he would force himself on me. Multiple times most days. He began locking me in the house from the outside and he nailed all the windows shut. He kept a lock on the back door too. He wouldn't even let me use the outhouse. I had to use a chamber pot," Louise began to cry in earnest.
Buck was so angry he wanted to kill that bastard of a husband, then revive him and kill him again. He wanted to castrate him. Doing it slowly so he would feel every inch of pain he had caused Louise.
Louise went on, "I got pregnant and I told him I was three months along. He said either I get rid of my baby or he'd beat me until I lost it. I guess he succeeded. Buck, I'm so scared; what if he comes after me? I'm married to him. I'm his. He owns me. He can do whatever he wants to me. He said if I told anyone that he would kill you, Teaspoon, Rachel and Holly. I couldn't go anywhere or tell anyone. I felt like my life was over until I was with child. I can't go back. What do I do?" Louise sobbed.
Buck sat on the side of the bed taking Louise into his arms and gently hugging her. "Louise, Teaspoon is riding in a posse trying to find him. I'm going to try and dissolve your marriage I've already sent a telegram to the Hall of Records in St. Joe to get your Marriage Certificate. I plan on hiring a lawyer to help with the case against him when he's caught. I'm going to protect you, Louise, with my life. I won't let anyone hurt you again. Ever."
"Thank you, Buck. I should have known you would have something up your sleeve to help me. I'm tired now. I'm going to go to sleep for a while. Thank you again," Louise said stifling a yawn.
"You rest now. I'll see you when you wake up. Try to have pleasant dreams," Buck told Louise as he slipped out the door and went downstairs.
Chapter Ten
Buck and Rachel were having a cup of coffee while Holly and Louise were taking naps when there was a knock at the door. Buck answered it and saw it was the boy who delivers telegrams for the telegram office. The boy gave Buck the telegram then asked how Miss Louise was. Buck told him she was on the mend and gave him five cents. Buck closed the door and opened the telegram. Buck couldn't believe what he was reading. He read it again to make sure he read it correctly. Buck walked into the kitchen with a look of pure astonishment on his face.
"Buck what's wrong? Is it, bad news?" Rachel asked.
"Not exactly. It's unusual news. You read it and make sure I'm reading it correctly," Buck said handing Rachel the telegram.
"My word, could this be true?" Rachel asked Buck with a look of utter disbelief.
"If this is true, I have a way to protect Louise from that pig. I just hope she'll go along with it. I'll talk to Louise when she wakes up and see if she agrees with my plan," Buck said with the first glimmer of hope coming into his eyes.
"Buck what's wrong? Is it, bad news?" Rachel asked.
"Not exactly. It's unusual news. You read it and make sure I'm reading it correctly," Buck said handing Rachel the telegram.
"My word, could this be true?" Rachel asked Buck with a look of utter disbelief.
"If this is true, I have a way to protect Louise from that pig. I just hope she'll go along with it. I'll talk to Louise when she wakes up and see if she agrees with my plan," Buck said with the first glimmer of hope coming into his eyes.
Buck sat with Lou after he told her what the telegram said. She looked like she was in pure disbelief. "You mean to tell me that my marriage to Dalton Biggs wasn't real. He staged it to look like a Justice of the Peace married us but, the man who supposedly married us isn't listed anywhere in the state of Missouri as any public official? You mean I'm not married to that monster? I'm free from him?" Lou asked looking as relieved as Buck felt.
"Louise, there's only one way, if Teaspoon can't catch him, to keep you safe; where if he ever laid a hand on you again, he would be carted off to jail for a good long time. I know you may not like this, but it's the only way I can keep you safe."
"What is it Buck? What would I have to do?" Louise asked wondering what Buck could do to help her.
"Well, you'd have to marry me. If he lays one hand on you, I can press charges, and he will be taken to jail. I can also have him charged with attempted murder for the beating you just had to endure. I know you probably don't want to do it. It would be a marriage in name only. You wouldn't have to sleep in my bed or do your wifely duties. We would be two best friends living together. If you wanted to marry another man after Biggs is taken care of, we could have the marriage annulled. Then you'd be free to marry a man you loved. What do you think?" Buck said as quickly as he could before he lost his nerve.
"Well, I think it's a good plan. It wouldn't be hard being married to you and living here. We did it once before, not the married part, but we did live together for almost 2 years, and we've seen each other in long johns, and I've seen you with your shirt off. So, if we accidentally see the other in our, under clothes I don't think it will be a problem. I'm a pretty good cook now, and I can help with the chores once I get well again. I think that this would be a great partnership," Louise said, but in the back of her mind she was thinking. 'I want this to be a real marriage. I want to be
Buck's wife in every way. He's the best man I know. He saved me from that monster and wants to keep me safe. I truly love him. Since I came back home, we've been best friends, but I want more.'
"You do? You'd marry me and not mind it?" Buck said with a surprised look on his face. He thought to himself 'I really can't believe this. I know we'll never be a real husband and wife in the bedroom, but I will love Louise living with me. Just having her around makes me happy. I love her so much. I wouldn't be alone for a while until she found someone else. This could work.'
"Why would I mind, Buck? We're best friends. I want to be with you as much as possible. Being around you make me happy. Of, course I'll marry you. Um, when would we have the wedding? I can't get out of bed for 6 weeks. I'm sure you would want to be married to make sure I was safe as soon as possible. So, what do we do?" Lou said to Buck with a big smile on her face.
"I was thinking that Teaspoon could marry us right here with Rachel and Doc Turner as the witnesses. Holly could be here too. She could be the flower girl. Do you mind that? I mean we would be married in a few days. I have feeling Teaspoon hasn't found him yet because they've been out there for a few days. I would think that the posse is on its way back. Do you mind being married in your sickbed?" Buck said to Louise.
"That's fine with me. Maybe Rachel can find me a prettier nightgown for the ceremony. Maybe she could put flowers in my hair. What do you think? Should I ask Rachel to do that for me?" Louise asked looking at Buck and thinking 'how handsome he looks sitting there just talking to me. Oh, how handsome he looks in a suit. I hope he wears a suit for the ceremony.'
"I think you would look beautiful in a new nightgown and with flowers in your hair. I say ask Rachel," Buck commented really thinking "I think you look beautiful now even with the bruises. You'd look beautiful in a potato sack.'
"Can you send Rachel and Holly up I have a wedding to plan from my bed. I need some help I think though," Louise said laughing at the look on Buck's face.
"Okay I'll send them up right away. I'll talk with you later," Buck said thinking he had to get his suit ready and his dress shoes shined.
"Louise, there's only one way, if Teaspoon can't catch him, to keep you safe; where if he ever laid a hand on you again, he would be carted off to jail for a good long time. I know you may not like this, but it's the only way I can keep you safe."
"What is it Buck? What would I have to do?" Louise asked wondering what Buck could do to help her.
"Well, you'd have to marry me. If he lays one hand on you, I can press charges, and he will be taken to jail. I can also have him charged with attempted murder for the beating you just had to endure. I know you probably don't want to do it. It would be a marriage in name only. You wouldn't have to sleep in my bed or do your wifely duties. We would be two best friends living together. If you wanted to marry another man after Biggs is taken care of, we could have the marriage annulled. Then you'd be free to marry a man you loved. What do you think?" Buck said as quickly as he could before he lost his nerve.
"Well, I think it's a good plan. It wouldn't be hard being married to you and living here. We did it once before, not the married part, but we did live together for almost 2 years, and we've seen each other in long johns, and I've seen you with your shirt off. So, if we accidentally see the other in our, under clothes I don't think it will be a problem. I'm a pretty good cook now, and I can help with the chores once I get well again. I think that this would be a great partnership," Louise said, but in the back of her mind she was thinking. 'I want this to be a real marriage. I want to be
Buck's wife in every way. He's the best man I know. He saved me from that monster and wants to keep me safe. I truly love him. Since I came back home, we've been best friends, but I want more.'
"You do? You'd marry me and not mind it?" Buck said with a surprised look on his face. He thought to himself 'I really can't believe this. I know we'll never be a real husband and wife in the bedroom, but I will love Louise living with me. Just having her around makes me happy. I love her so much. I wouldn't be alone for a while until she found someone else. This could work.'
"Why would I mind, Buck? We're best friends. I want to be with you as much as possible. Being around you make me happy. Of, course I'll marry you. Um, when would we have the wedding? I can't get out of bed for 6 weeks. I'm sure you would want to be married to make sure I was safe as soon as possible. So, what do we do?" Lou said to Buck with a big smile on her face.
"I was thinking that Teaspoon could marry us right here with Rachel and Doc Turner as the witnesses. Holly could be here too. She could be the flower girl. Do you mind that? I mean we would be married in a few days. I have feeling Teaspoon hasn't found him yet because they've been out there for a few days. I would think that the posse is on its way back. Do you mind being married in your sickbed?" Buck said to Louise.
"That's fine with me. Maybe Rachel can find me a prettier nightgown for the ceremony. Maybe she could put flowers in my hair. What do you think? Should I ask Rachel to do that for me?" Louise asked looking at Buck and thinking 'how handsome he looks sitting there just talking to me. Oh, how handsome he looks in a suit. I hope he wears a suit for the ceremony.'
"I think you would look beautiful in a new nightgown and with flowers in your hair. I say ask Rachel," Buck commented really thinking "I think you look beautiful now even with the bruises. You'd look beautiful in a potato sack.'
"Can you send Rachel and Holly up I have a wedding to plan from my bed. I need some help I think though," Louise said laughing at the look on Buck's face.
"Okay I'll send them up right away. I'll talk with you later," Buck said thinking he had to get his suit ready and his dress shoes shined.
Chapter Eleven
Teaspoon and the posse came back several days later without Dalton Biggs. They had been on his trail, but he went over an expanse of rocky land and Jon McGreagor lost the trail. Teaspoon knew the young man really liked Louise and wanted to find her husband so he could pay for his crimes. Teaspoon told Jon that even Buck couldn't have followed Biggs across that rocky terrain, but Teaspoon knew that Buck would have found the trail again on the other side of the rocks. Teaspoon paid all the men for their time and effort. They all said they hoped Louise was alright and they would go out again if Biggs showed up. The men left feeling they had let this little spitfire of a woman down. The woman a while back they thought was a scrawny Pony Express Rider who turned into a beautiful lady. They all hated Dalton Biggs for what he had done. They hoped he got what he deserved.
Teaspoon rode onto the ranch praying Louise was alright. He knew to bypass his home and go straight to Buck's. He left his horse with one of the ranch hands and went into Buck's house to find it lit brightly and little Holly dancing around. Rachel was baking and Buck was sitting on the settee writing something down on a pad of paper. Then he heard from upstairs Louise calling for Buck. He couldn't believe his ears. Buck got up and ran upstairs. Holly was the first one to see him.
"Daddy, Daddy! You back. Uck and Ou upstairs. They get'n married. I be fower gurl. I ave a new dress. I gad you home," Holly said all at once as she ran to her Daddy.
Teaspoon was dumbfounded picking up Holly, looking at his beautiful daughter and said, "You don't say? Rachel honey I'm home and very confused. I think I could use a cup of coffee and some answers."
Rachel stuck her head out of the kitchen and saw Teaspoon. She put down the bowl she had been holding and ran to her husband and threw her arms around him and their daughter. "Teaspoon I'm so glad you're home. Did you find Biggs? If you didn't, we have news for you. Things have been a changing around here. I think for the better," Rachel said giving Teaspoon a big kiss. "You want some coffee and stew. You must be starved. Come on, Holly, honey, let's let daddy get his coat and boots off. I need help mixing some cake batter do you want to help?" Holly nodded as Rachel took her out of Teaspoon's arms and went back into the kitchen.
After Teaspoon had had his supper, he went upstairs to find Buck sitting next to Louise's bed, and Louise sitting up looking much better than she did when he had left several days before. "Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise. Louise you sitting up in bed and looking as well as you do is a thing to celebrate. How are you doing darlin'?
Lou turned to see Teaspoon standing in the doorway of her room looking a little perplexed. "Teaspoon, I'm glad you're back. I'm feeling better. Not a hundred percent, but better. Did you find that monster?" Louise said her eyes narrowing at her last statement.
"I'm afraid not. Why do I have a feeling you two are up to something?"
"Come and sit down and we'll tell you everything. You'd be amazed what we found out," Buck said speaking for the first time since Teaspoon had appeared at the doorway.
"Daddy, Daddy! You back. Uck and Ou upstairs. They get'n married. I be fower gurl. I ave a new dress. I gad you home," Holly said all at once as she ran to her Daddy.
Teaspoon was dumbfounded picking up Holly, looking at his beautiful daughter and said, "You don't say? Rachel honey I'm home and very confused. I think I could use a cup of coffee and some answers."
Rachel stuck her head out of the kitchen and saw Teaspoon. She put down the bowl she had been holding and ran to her husband and threw her arms around him and their daughter. "Teaspoon I'm so glad you're home. Did you find Biggs? If you didn't, we have news for you. Things have been a changing around here. I think for the better," Rachel said giving Teaspoon a big kiss. "You want some coffee and stew. You must be starved. Come on, Holly, honey, let's let daddy get his coat and boots off. I need help mixing some cake batter do you want to help?" Holly nodded as Rachel took her out of Teaspoon's arms and went back into the kitchen.
After Teaspoon had had his supper, he went upstairs to find Buck sitting next to Louise's bed, and Louise sitting up looking much better than she did when he had left several days before. "Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise. Louise you sitting up in bed and looking as well as you do is a thing to celebrate. How are you doing darlin'?
Lou turned to see Teaspoon standing in the doorway of her room looking a little perplexed. "Teaspoon, I'm glad you're back. I'm feeling better. Not a hundred percent, but better. Did you find that monster?" Louise said her eyes narrowing at her last statement.
"I'm afraid not. Why do I have a feeling you two are up to something?"
"Come and sit down and we'll tell you everything. You'd be amazed what we found out," Buck said speaking for the first time since Teaspoon had appeared at the doorway.
Chapter Twelve
Ten minutes later Teaspoon sat there looking completely confused. Buck and Lou had told him the whole story. "Why would Biggs falsely marry Louise? I don't get it," Teaspoon asked.
"I think it was for far more devious plans than he got to put into motion. Or maybe he did, and I stopped him from carrying them out any further. I know that man is dangerous and should not be taken lightly. Well, he made it so I can protect Louise and keep her close. That was the flaw in his plan. Had he married Louise in a real civil service I would have to have gone through a number of people to get their marriage dissolved. He made it easy for us. He's not as smart as we thought," Buck said as he wiggled his eyebrows at Louise getting a laugh out of her.
"Buck, I'm so glad you sent that telegram, or we wouldn't know the truth. Now what's this about a wedding happening tomorrow? Do I need to wear my fancy duds?" Teaspoon said putting his thumbs under his suspenders. "I'm glad I get to marry you two tomorrow. It's going to be my pleasure. Now it's getting late, and I want to put my little girl to bed and sit a spell with my wife. If you will excuse me. Good night to both of you."
"Good night, Teaspoon. It's good to have you back," Buck said thinking 'I can't wait for tomorrow when Louise will be my wife and I can keep her safe.’
“Thank you for going out looking for that monster, Teaspoon. I love you. Good night," Louise said to her surrogate father. Her stomach was flip flopping with the thought of being married to Buck. She thought 'Maybe someday we'll have a real marriage. I feel so much for Buck. He must feel something for me.’
When Teaspoon left Buck got Louise’s attention “Louise, I have something I wanted to give to you. You don’t have to accept it if you feel uncomfortable doing so. I just thought it was right to get it,” Buck said nervously.
“What is it? I would accept anything you gave me, Buck,” Louise said looking into Buck chocolate brown eyes. Louise could get lost in those eyes.
“Um, I got this the other day after you agreed to marry me. I thought it was pretty,” Buck said as he pulled out a small box and opened it. Inside was a thin gold band with an opal set into it to make a perfect engagement ring. Buck held it out to Louise.
Louise gasped as tears came to her eyes. “Oh, Buck, it’s beautiful. I love it.”
Buck got up from his chair and bent down on one knee and took Louise’s hands in his. “Louise, I know this is a marriage that will only be between two best friends and nothing more. I didn’t do this the right way when I asked you before so I’m going to do it the right way tonight. Louise Mary McCloud, would you be my wife? I will cherish you and keep you safe for as long as I live.”
“Yes, Buck Cross, I will marry you. I will cherish you always.”
Then Louise did something that surprised both of them. She reached over and kissed Buck squarely on the mouth. Buck was taken aback for a moment then he gave into the kiss. It was a sweet and tender one, but they both could feel the passion under the surface. They both pulled back at the same time trying to catch their breath. They looked at each other with embarrassed looks on their faces. Louise looked away to look at her ring. It was so much more beautiful than the one she was given by Dalton Biggs. It was the perfect fit and it was given with love. She would wear it forever.
Buck said goodnight to Louise a few minutes later and went to get ready for bed. He was so nervous he accidentally took all his clothes off when he meant to leave his long john bottoms on. He quickly corrected his mistake. Buck lay in his bed thinking how much he loved Louise. If he was honest, he would have to say he fell in love with her the day they found out she was a girl. There had always been something different about her before all the boys knew. He's loved this woman for six years and never told her. He would think of a way to tell Louise he loved her. If that kiss was any indication of how Louise felt he would tell her soon. He didn't think he could keep it in for much longer. Buck fell asleep with dreams of him and Louise doing the day to day things married couples do. He slept soundly that night for the first time in a long time.
"I think it was for far more devious plans than he got to put into motion. Or maybe he did, and I stopped him from carrying them out any further. I know that man is dangerous and should not be taken lightly. Well, he made it so I can protect Louise and keep her close. That was the flaw in his plan. Had he married Louise in a real civil service I would have to have gone through a number of people to get their marriage dissolved. He made it easy for us. He's not as smart as we thought," Buck said as he wiggled his eyebrows at Louise getting a laugh out of her.
"Buck, I'm so glad you sent that telegram, or we wouldn't know the truth. Now what's this about a wedding happening tomorrow? Do I need to wear my fancy duds?" Teaspoon said putting his thumbs under his suspenders. "I'm glad I get to marry you two tomorrow. It's going to be my pleasure. Now it's getting late, and I want to put my little girl to bed and sit a spell with my wife. If you will excuse me. Good night to both of you."
"Good night, Teaspoon. It's good to have you back," Buck said thinking 'I can't wait for tomorrow when Louise will be my wife and I can keep her safe.’
“Thank you for going out looking for that monster, Teaspoon. I love you. Good night," Louise said to her surrogate father. Her stomach was flip flopping with the thought of being married to Buck. She thought 'Maybe someday we'll have a real marriage. I feel so much for Buck. He must feel something for me.’
When Teaspoon left Buck got Louise’s attention “Louise, I have something I wanted to give to you. You don’t have to accept it if you feel uncomfortable doing so. I just thought it was right to get it,” Buck said nervously.
“What is it? I would accept anything you gave me, Buck,” Louise said looking into Buck chocolate brown eyes. Louise could get lost in those eyes.
“Um, I got this the other day after you agreed to marry me. I thought it was pretty,” Buck said as he pulled out a small box and opened it. Inside was a thin gold band with an opal set into it to make a perfect engagement ring. Buck held it out to Louise.
Louise gasped as tears came to her eyes. “Oh, Buck, it’s beautiful. I love it.”
Buck got up from his chair and bent down on one knee and took Louise’s hands in his. “Louise, I know this is a marriage that will only be between two best friends and nothing more. I didn’t do this the right way when I asked you before so I’m going to do it the right way tonight. Louise Mary McCloud, would you be my wife? I will cherish you and keep you safe for as long as I live.”
“Yes, Buck Cross, I will marry you. I will cherish you always.”
Then Louise did something that surprised both of them. She reached over and kissed Buck squarely on the mouth. Buck was taken aback for a moment then he gave into the kiss. It was a sweet and tender one, but they both could feel the passion under the surface. They both pulled back at the same time trying to catch their breath. They looked at each other with embarrassed looks on their faces. Louise looked away to look at her ring. It was so much more beautiful than the one she was given by Dalton Biggs. It was the perfect fit and it was given with love. She would wear it forever.
Buck said goodnight to Louise a few minutes later and went to get ready for bed. He was so nervous he accidentally took all his clothes off when he meant to leave his long john bottoms on. He quickly corrected his mistake. Buck lay in his bed thinking how much he loved Louise. If he was honest, he would have to say he fell in love with her the day they found out she was a girl. There had always been something different about her before all the boys knew. He's loved this woman for six years and never told her. He would think of a way to tell Louise he loved her. If that kiss was any indication of how Louise felt he would tell her soon. He didn't think he could keep it in for much longer. Buck fell asleep with dreams of him and Louise doing the day to day things married couples do. He slept soundly that night for the first time in a long time.
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning was busy with last minute wedding arrangement. Buck rode out to a farm that had a greenhouse that grew roses. He had a nosegay made for Louise and Rachel, a small basket of flowers for Holly and three floral wreaths made for Louise, Rachel and Holly to be worn on their heads. Buck also had three boutonnieres made for Teaspoon, Doc Turner and himself. Buck rode in to the yard running late. He thought to himself ‘I never run late. I’m always early. I have to get a hold of myself.’
When Buck walked in, Rachel was icing the wedding cake that she had made. They had Louise’s room set up for cake and coffee afterward. There was a beautiful new wedding ring quilt on Louise’s bed and vases of wild flowers set about the room. Rachel had purchased a frilly white nightgown for Louise, and she would wear the cameo earrings that she had given her for her wedding to Kid. Buck had purchased two wedding bands that were gold and silver intertwined. He was going to surprise Louise at the ceremony.
When Rachel saw Buck standing there with a big basket full of the flowers he had bought, she smiled. Then she took the basket and told Buck to go to the mudroom and take a bath; she would have his suit, shirt, tie, socks and dress shoes waiting for him when he got out of the tub.
Buck rushed through his bath. He quickly washed his hair and pulled it back in a neat ponytail. He called to Rachel, and she handed him his clothing through the small opening in the door that Buck had opened just enough so Rachel couldn’t see him. Buck got dressed and walked out of the mudroom to find no one there. He walked into his sitting room to find Teaspoon and Doc Turner sitting in the two wing chairs he had in the room.
Teaspoon turned to look at Buck and said, “You clean up real, good, Buck. Oh, I almost forgot; I’ve got this flower thingy to pin on you. Rachel says it goes on the left side. How she knows that I don’t know, but she does. Stand still now I don’t want neither of us bleeding on our suits. I don’t think the women would like that.”
Buck stood as still as he could as Teaspoon pinned on the flower. “How do I look? Do you think Louise will be happy with the way I look?” Buck asked nervously.
“Buck, you look dashing. I’m sure Louise will be very happy with the way you look. The roses you got are magnificent. My wife used to grow roses when she was alive, God rest her soul. The ones you selected were just perfect for this day. I thank you for asking me to be your witness. I am very glad Louise has someone to keep her safe, and if I’m correct love her. I am right in saying you are in love with my patient.” Doc Turner said cheerfully.
“Uhh” Buck pulled at his collar. “Yes, you are correct. I am in love with Louise. I think she may feel the same way about me too. I gave her her engagement ring last night and she kissed me. It was a real kiss not a friend kissing a friend. I think we may be happy together after all,” Buck said letting out a big sigh. “When will they be ready? I think we should get this done before I sweat through my suit.
“Don’t worry, Buck, it will only be a few more minutes; before you came out Rachel yelled down, they’d be ready soon. Take a deep breath Son. You look a mite green,” Teaspoon said to Buck who was hoping it was a fast ceremony.
Buck was so scared he was afraid he would faint right there. He had never been afraid when being in a gun battle. Why was this so different? It was different because he was marrying the love of his life. That made it very different.
Rachel called down and said they were ready. Doc Turner stood up and made his way upstairs as Teaspoon led Buck who was looking like he was not half Kiowa his face was so pale at that moment.
Buck made it up the stairs without stumbling. He turned to walk into Louise's room and stopped for a minute. He motioned for Teaspoon to go in ahead of him. Buck said to himself quietly. "I love her and want to keep her safe. The rest will probably come in time, and we have plenty of time. Okay. I'm ready for this. Get going. I am going to marry the only woman I've ever loved."
With that said Buck walked into Louise's room and saw Louise in a beautiful white, ruffled, lacy nightgown her hair was done in a bun and she had on the wreath of flowers on her head. She also held the nosegay of roses Buck had gotten her. It looked like Rachel had covered her healing bruises with cosmetics. She looked gorgeous. Buck smiled the biggest smile he had ever smiled at Louise. She returned his smile and patted the bed beside her. Buck sat down, kissed her on the cheek and said quietly, "You look beautiful. I'm a very lucky man."
Louise ducked her head and whispered back, "Thank you for the roses. You look very handsome. It's me who's the lucky one."
Teaspoon cleared his throat getting Buck and Louise's attention. They both looked up like children that had been caught talking during class. Teaspoon started the ceremony. They both said I do and when it came time to exchange rings Buck pulled out of his coat pocket the matching wedding rings. Lou was so surprised she made a little squeaking sound. Buck handed his to her. They pledged themselves to each other placing the rings on the others left ring finger. They were so caught up in each other that they didn't hear Teaspoon say, "You may kiss the bride." Teaspoon said it again and that time they heard him. Buck intended to make is a small chaste kiss. Not wanting to make Louise do anything she didn't want to do. When Buck leaned his mouth down to Louise's lips, she took his head in her hands and made it a real kiss. The kiss lasted for about a minute. Teaspoon cleared his throat again. Both Buck and Louise broke apart breathless. The room erupted in applause and congratulations. Buck stood up to receive the good wishes from everybody and then sat back down on the bed beside Louise. He took her hand in his and kissed it. They were both so happy. Now if only they could declare their love for each other their life would be perfect.
Rachel had made a small wedding cake that she set on a tray and brought over to Buck and Louise to cut. They cut the cake and fed some to the other. This time the kiss was a small, but nice one. Everyone sat and talked about whatever was on their mind. Louise yawned and Doc Turner said it was time to let Louise get some rest. He said Buck was the only one who could stay. He knew Buck was a trustworthy man and would let Louise rest. Doc knew Buck wouldn't make Louise do anything she wasn't physically or emotionally ready for. He knew that the young man cared a great deal for his new wife.
When Buck walked in, Rachel was icing the wedding cake that she had made. They had Louise’s room set up for cake and coffee afterward. There was a beautiful new wedding ring quilt on Louise’s bed and vases of wild flowers set about the room. Rachel had purchased a frilly white nightgown for Louise, and she would wear the cameo earrings that she had given her for her wedding to Kid. Buck had purchased two wedding bands that were gold and silver intertwined. He was going to surprise Louise at the ceremony.
When Rachel saw Buck standing there with a big basket full of the flowers he had bought, she smiled. Then she took the basket and told Buck to go to the mudroom and take a bath; she would have his suit, shirt, tie, socks and dress shoes waiting for him when he got out of the tub.
Buck rushed through his bath. He quickly washed his hair and pulled it back in a neat ponytail. He called to Rachel, and she handed him his clothing through the small opening in the door that Buck had opened just enough so Rachel couldn’t see him. Buck got dressed and walked out of the mudroom to find no one there. He walked into his sitting room to find Teaspoon and Doc Turner sitting in the two wing chairs he had in the room.
Teaspoon turned to look at Buck and said, “You clean up real, good, Buck. Oh, I almost forgot; I’ve got this flower thingy to pin on you. Rachel says it goes on the left side. How she knows that I don’t know, but she does. Stand still now I don’t want neither of us bleeding on our suits. I don’t think the women would like that.”
Buck stood as still as he could as Teaspoon pinned on the flower. “How do I look? Do you think Louise will be happy with the way I look?” Buck asked nervously.
“Buck, you look dashing. I’m sure Louise will be very happy with the way you look. The roses you got are magnificent. My wife used to grow roses when she was alive, God rest her soul. The ones you selected were just perfect for this day. I thank you for asking me to be your witness. I am very glad Louise has someone to keep her safe, and if I’m correct love her. I am right in saying you are in love with my patient.” Doc Turner said cheerfully.
“Uhh” Buck pulled at his collar. “Yes, you are correct. I am in love with Louise. I think she may feel the same way about me too. I gave her her engagement ring last night and she kissed me. It was a real kiss not a friend kissing a friend. I think we may be happy together after all,” Buck said letting out a big sigh. “When will they be ready? I think we should get this done before I sweat through my suit.
“Don’t worry, Buck, it will only be a few more minutes; before you came out Rachel yelled down, they’d be ready soon. Take a deep breath Son. You look a mite green,” Teaspoon said to Buck who was hoping it was a fast ceremony.
Buck was so scared he was afraid he would faint right there. He had never been afraid when being in a gun battle. Why was this so different? It was different because he was marrying the love of his life. That made it very different.
Rachel called down and said they were ready. Doc Turner stood up and made his way upstairs as Teaspoon led Buck who was looking like he was not half Kiowa his face was so pale at that moment.
Buck made it up the stairs without stumbling. He turned to walk into Louise's room and stopped for a minute. He motioned for Teaspoon to go in ahead of him. Buck said to himself quietly. "I love her and want to keep her safe. The rest will probably come in time, and we have plenty of time. Okay. I'm ready for this. Get going. I am going to marry the only woman I've ever loved."
With that said Buck walked into Louise's room and saw Louise in a beautiful white, ruffled, lacy nightgown her hair was done in a bun and she had on the wreath of flowers on her head. She also held the nosegay of roses Buck had gotten her. It looked like Rachel had covered her healing bruises with cosmetics. She looked gorgeous. Buck smiled the biggest smile he had ever smiled at Louise. She returned his smile and patted the bed beside her. Buck sat down, kissed her on the cheek and said quietly, "You look beautiful. I'm a very lucky man."
Louise ducked her head and whispered back, "Thank you for the roses. You look very handsome. It's me who's the lucky one."
Teaspoon cleared his throat getting Buck and Louise's attention. They both looked up like children that had been caught talking during class. Teaspoon started the ceremony. They both said I do and when it came time to exchange rings Buck pulled out of his coat pocket the matching wedding rings. Lou was so surprised she made a little squeaking sound. Buck handed his to her. They pledged themselves to each other placing the rings on the others left ring finger. They were so caught up in each other that they didn't hear Teaspoon say, "You may kiss the bride." Teaspoon said it again and that time they heard him. Buck intended to make is a small chaste kiss. Not wanting to make Louise do anything she didn't want to do. When Buck leaned his mouth down to Louise's lips, she took his head in her hands and made it a real kiss. The kiss lasted for about a minute. Teaspoon cleared his throat again. Both Buck and Louise broke apart breathless. The room erupted in applause and congratulations. Buck stood up to receive the good wishes from everybody and then sat back down on the bed beside Louise. He took her hand in his and kissed it. They were both so happy. Now if only they could declare their love for each other their life would be perfect.
Rachel had made a small wedding cake that she set on a tray and brought over to Buck and Louise to cut. They cut the cake and fed some to the other. This time the kiss was a small, but nice one. Everyone sat and talked about whatever was on their mind. Louise yawned and Doc Turner said it was time to let Louise get some rest. He said Buck was the only one who could stay. He knew Buck was a trustworthy man and would let Louise rest. Doc knew Buck wouldn't make Louise do anything she wasn't physically or emotionally ready for. He knew that the young man cared a great deal for his new wife.
Chapter Fourteen
When everyone was gone, Buck took off his suit jacket, tie and his dress shoes. Louise had moved over to make room for Buck to put his feet up on the bed while he held her. Louise took her flower wreath off and placed it on the nightstand she looked at her engagement and wedding rings on her finger and sighed. She wished she were well enough and ready enough to be with Buck as a newlywed couple should be, but she knew that would take some time. Buck put his arm around Louise, and she laid her head on his chest with her hand in his. They were quiet for a time when Louise looked up at Buck and said, "Thank you for this, Buck. You don't know how much this means to me. The rings are beautiful and the flowers were lovely, but the best thing is I'm married to you. I meant it when I said I was the lucky one. You saved me from a nightmare I couldn't wake up from. You know I'm not ready to be a wife to you as a wife should and you're not angry with me. I'll let you know when I'm ready to be your wife in every way..."
"Louise, I don't expect those things from you. You aren't obligated to be my wife in that way. The gods know I love you so much, but if we are never able to be together that way, I would never be angry with you about it. I just want you to feel safe..." Buck interrupted what Louise was saying.
Now it was Louise's turn to interrupt. "Did you say you love me? More than just best friends?"
"Yes, I did, and I'll say it again. I love you, Louise; I realized it when I brought you here. I have loved you since I found out you were a girl, but it really rung true when we became so close again after you came back to Rock Creek. I should have told you, but I was afraid you wouldn't return my feelings so I buried them. I'm sorry I let you down, Louise. I let that bastard hurt you because I was too scared to tell you what I felt for you."
Louise, put her fingers on Buck's lips to stop him from saying anything else. "Buck, I love you too. I have ever since we became so close again. I let a man who swept me off my feet make those feeling go deep inside me. I shouldn't have let that monster make me change my feelings so quickly. It was me who let him talk me into eloping. I could have stopped him then. I made the wrong decision. I should have told you I love you. What that pig did wasn't my fault, but I don't think it could have been avoided. He was determined to lie to me and hurt me. I'm afraid what he would have done if you had intervened before you did. He might have killed us both. You're the one who found out I wasn't really married to him. You married me to protect me. I will be forever grateful to you. I love you more and more every day, Buck Cross. You are a wonderful man." After saying what she had to say Louise reached up and pulled Buck's face down and kissed him lovingly and longingly.
"Like I said, I will let you know when I'm ready. You will definitely be the first to know. Well, after me that is."
Buck was so shocked that Louise loved him and someday wanted to be his wife in every way. He was quiet for a minute. Then he said, "Not a moment before you're ready. If you want to stay in here for a while, until you feel comfortable with me holding you. I understand. You have to heal too. I don't want to rush you on this. So, let's just say for now 'when you're ready'. We have a whole lifetime together. I can wait as long as you need."
"I think that would be best for now. At least until I'm fully healed," Louise said stifling a yawn.
"I think it's time for my wife to get some much, needed sleep. I'll be back in the morning. I love you, Louise, with all my heart."
"I love you too, Buck. More than you know. I'll see you in the morning. I loved this day."
Buck kissed Louise on the head, covered her with the blanket, and watched her fall asleep. He then went to his room and got undressed and relived the whole day as he fell asleep.
"Louise, I don't expect those things from you. You aren't obligated to be my wife in that way. The gods know I love you so much, but if we are never able to be together that way, I would never be angry with you about it. I just want you to feel safe..." Buck interrupted what Louise was saying.
Now it was Louise's turn to interrupt. "Did you say you love me? More than just best friends?"
"Yes, I did, and I'll say it again. I love you, Louise; I realized it when I brought you here. I have loved you since I found out you were a girl, but it really rung true when we became so close again after you came back to Rock Creek. I should have told you, but I was afraid you wouldn't return my feelings so I buried them. I'm sorry I let you down, Louise. I let that bastard hurt you because I was too scared to tell you what I felt for you."
Louise, put her fingers on Buck's lips to stop him from saying anything else. "Buck, I love you too. I have ever since we became so close again. I let a man who swept me off my feet make those feeling go deep inside me. I shouldn't have let that monster make me change my feelings so quickly. It was me who let him talk me into eloping. I could have stopped him then. I made the wrong decision. I should have told you I love you. What that pig did wasn't my fault, but I don't think it could have been avoided. He was determined to lie to me and hurt me. I'm afraid what he would have done if you had intervened before you did. He might have killed us both. You're the one who found out I wasn't really married to him. You married me to protect me. I will be forever grateful to you. I love you more and more every day, Buck Cross. You are a wonderful man." After saying what she had to say Louise reached up and pulled Buck's face down and kissed him lovingly and longingly.
"Like I said, I will let you know when I'm ready. You will definitely be the first to know. Well, after me that is."
Buck was so shocked that Louise loved him and someday wanted to be his wife in every way. He was quiet for a minute. Then he said, "Not a moment before you're ready. If you want to stay in here for a while, until you feel comfortable with me holding you. I understand. You have to heal too. I don't want to rush you on this. So, let's just say for now 'when you're ready'. We have a whole lifetime together. I can wait as long as you need."
"I think that would be best for now. At least until I'm fully healed," Louise said stifling a yawn.
"I think it's time for my wife to get some much, needed sleep. I'll be back in the morning. I love you, Louise, with all my heart."
"I love you too, Buck. More than you know. I'll see you in the morning. I loved this day."
Buck kissed Louise on the head, covered her with the blanket, and watched her fall asleep. He then went to his room and got undressed and relived the whole day as he fell asleep.
Chapter Fifteen
The weeks went by and Louise healed physically, emotionally and mentally from her beatings and rapes at the hands of Dalton Biggs. He had not been seen in the area or surrounding towns since the day Buck had chased him away day. Buck was certain that Biggs would show up someday.
Louise was now able to get out of bed, move around the house and go outside to the barn to visit Lightning.
Doc Turner gave Louise disappointing news. He told her that there was only a very small chance if any she could ever conceive a baby. Louise cried when she told Buck as he held her. He told her they could always adopt. He said there were a lot of babies that needed homes. Maybe even a half Indian half white baby that would feel loved by them.
Louise was still very sad about this, but she thought if God decided to bless them with a child then it would happen; if not they would adopt. This thought made Louise think of her brother and sister. They had been adopted into a loving home while she was in Virginia. They had moved further west and she would write them and get letters from them occasionally.
As the healing was happening, Buck and Louise were getting closer. They would spend the evenings together in front of the fireplace just talking and teasing each other about the names Holly had picked for them and was most likely to use for a long while. There were a few kisses here and there during the day. Mostly hello and good-bye kisses. Then there were the goodnight kisses that happened at the door to Louise's bedroom. They were somewhat heated and certainly not chaste, but they both would hold back knowing that neither one of them wanted to rush the situation. Louise would let Buck know when she was ready to be with him as his wife.
The weather was getting colder as late fall set in. Buck spent more and more time indoors with Louise. Louise was starting to have nightmares about her ordeals with Biggs. They were told it was a delayed reaction to what had happened. Buck would be woken many a night to Louise screaming for Biggs to stop that he was hurting her. Buck always jumped up and was at Louise's side in seconds trying to wake her from the terror in her mind. When Louise would wake, she would cry into Buck's chest and say she was sorry that she should be through this by now. Buck would tell her it was to be expected and there was nothing to be sorry for. He would tell her he loved her and how special she was to him. Louise would fall back to sleep while Buck rubbed her back; then Buck would go back to his bed hoping this would pass soon. He hated to see Louise so upset.
Louise was now able to get out of bed, move around the house and go outside to the barn to visit Lightning.
Doc Turner gave Louise disappointing news. He told her that there was only a very small chance if any she could ever conceive a baby. Louise cried when she told Buck as he held her. He told her they could always adopt. He said there were a lot of babies that needed homes. Maybe even a half Indian half white baby that would feel loved by them.
Louise was still very sad about this, but she thought if God decided to bless them with a child then it would happen; if not they would adopt. This thought made Louise think of her brother and sister. They had been adopted into a loving home while she was in Virginia. They had moved further west and she would write them and get letters from them occasionally.
As the healing was happening, Buck and Louise were getting closer. They would spend the evenings together in front of the fireplace just talking and teasing each other about the names Holly had picked for them and was most likely to use for a long while. There were a few kisses here and there during the day. Mostly hello and good-bye kisses. Then there were the goodnight kisses that happened at the door to Louise's bedroom. They were somewhat heated and certainly not chaste, but they both would hold back knowing that neither one of them wanted to rush the situation. Louise would let Buck know when she was ready to be with him as his wife.
The weather was getting colder as late fall set in. Buck spent more and more time indoors with Louise. Louise was starting to have nightmares about her ordeals with Biggs. They were told it was a delayed reaction to what had happened. Buck would be woken many a night to Louise screaming for Biggs to stop that he was hurting her. Buck always jumped up and was at Louise's side in seconds trying to wake her from the terror in her mind. When Louise would wake, she would cry into Buck's chest and say she was sorry that she should be through this by now. Buck would tell her it was to be expected and there was nothing to be sorry for. He would tell her he loved her and how special she was to him. Louise would fall back to sleep while Buck rubbed her back; then Buck would go back to his bed hoping this would pass soon. He hated to see Louise so upset.
One night after a blustery November's day, Buck awoke to the sounds of Louise having another nightmare; however, this one was different. Louise was yelling for Buck to save her not for Biggs to stop. Buck came running through the door of Louise's bedroom, and he gently woke Louise up. Louise took one look at him and wrapped her arms around him and thanked him for saving her.
"Oh, Buck, thank you. I always knew you wouldn't give up, and someday you would come to take me away from the pain. I love you so much," Louise said as she held Buck tightly. Buck thought Louise was still half asleep, but when he looked at her with the moonlight streaming in through the window onto her face. He saw that she was very much awake.
"I love you too, Louise. I tried so many times to get him to let me see you, but he would never let me in. If I hadn't gone over that day, you would have died. I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you, Louise," Buck said with so much emotion in his voice he sounded hoarse.
"Buck? I'm ready," Louise spoke quietly.
"What? Are you saying wha...?" Buck only got out half his sentence when Louise kissed him passionately on the lips. Buck was surprised for a moment then went with the kiss. They pulled apart their breathing ragged.
"Buck, I want to be with you like a wife should be. Please make love to me," Louise said her voice husky.
"You're sure? Beyond any doubt you want to be with me? To make love?" Buck asked Louise hoping she would say yes.
Louise looked into Buck's eyes and nodded not able to use her voice at that moment. Buck then picked Louise up in his arms and cradled her against his strong chest. Louise put her arms around his neck and put her head on his shoulder. Buck walked into his bedroom and closed the door. He laid Louise on the bed taking in her beauty. She pulled him down for a kiss. They became one that night in November. It was the most amazing and special time for both of them. They fell asleep in each other’s arms knowing that this was only the beginning for them.
"Oh, Buck, thank you. I always knew you wouldn't give up, and someday you would come to take me away from the pain. I love you so much," Louise said as she held Buck tightly. Buck thought Louise was still half asleep, but when he looked at her with the moonlight streaming in through the window onto her face. He saw that she was very much awake.
"I love you too, Louise. I tried so many times to get him to let me see you, but he would never let me in. If I hadn't gone over that day, you would have died. I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you, Louise," Buck said with so much emotion in his voice he sounded hoarse.
"Buck? I'm ready," Louise spoke quietly.
"What? Are you saying wha...?" Buck only got out half his sentence when Louise kissed him passionately on the lips. Buck was surprised for a moment then went with the kiss. They pulled apart their breathing ragged.
"Buck, I want to be with you like a wife should be. Please make love to me," Louise said her voice husky.
"You're sure? Beyond any doubt you want to be with me? To make love?" Buck asked Louise hoping she would say yes.
Louise looked into Buck's eyes and nodded not able to use her voice at that moment. Buck then picked Louise up in his arms and cradled her against his strong chest. Louise put her arms around his neck and put her head on his shoulder. Buck walked into his bedroom and closed the door. He laid Louise on the bed taking in her beauty. She pulled him down for a kiss. They became one that night in November. It was the most amazing and special time for both of them. They fell asleep in each other’s arms knowing that this was only the beginning for them.
Chapter Sixteen
After that night Buck and Louise slept in the same bed and enjoyed each other thoroughly while in that bed. Louise was finally happy after having lost a husband and then the whole Dalton Biggs ordeal. She was truly filled with joy with her marriage to Buck.
February was the time where Louise would see Doc Turner again to see how she was doing mentally and physically. The doctor truly cared about Louise; he wanted her to be happy as she could be with Buck.
Louise came into town with Buck for her appointment with the doctor. Buck waited in the waiting room while Doc Turner examined Louise. When the doctor called Buck into his office Doc had a funny look on his face making Buck
nervous about what he was going to tell him.
Buck came into the room and sat down next to Louise who looked perplexed. Finally, the doctor looked up from his paperwork and looked at the couple.
"Buck, Louise how are things going? Louise has told me you two are together now in every way. I must say I'm happy to hear this. I could see that the two of you loved each other immensely and wanted to be with one another. Now you are complete, almost." Doc Turner said cryptically.
"Doc, is the something wrong we should now about? Is Louise sick?" Buck said as he pulled Louise closer to him pulling her chair across the floor while doing so. Louise just looked concerned and held onto Buck like he was her life line.
"No, No, Louise is fine. I do have some news that might be a bit jarring at first, and then we'll see how you feel," the doctor said with a twinkle in his eye that neither of them, saw.
"What is it? Please tell us," Louise implored worried something was wrong with her and the doctor was just sugar coating it.
"Well, Buck and Louise, I am happy to inform you that you are expecting a little miracle sometime in early August. Congratulations," Doc Turner said "I think I'll give you some time alone with your news." Seeing their shocked faces, he left the room quickly to give them privacy.
Buck looked at Louise and said, "Did he say a baby? As in a little one all our own? Oh, Louise, this is wonderful!"
"No wonder I've been feeling queasy in the mornings. I thought I had a bug," Louise looked at Buck's face, and it all finally sunk in. She was having Buck's baby and he couldn't be happier. "Oh my God. I'm pregnant! I'm really going to have a baby! Your baby! I'm so happy I could burst. I've always wanted to be a mother. Even when riding with the Express I wondered if one day I would be as lucky as the women in town who were expecting or had children. You don't know how much I prayed that we would have a baby of our own," Louise said with tears running down her face.
Buck got up off his chair and held open his arms to Louise. "Come here, Mama. I need to hug the mother of my child. I can't wait to be called Papa," Buck embraced Louise. They stood there in the middle of the room holding each other crying tears of joy.
Doc Turner knocked on the door and they broke apart with big smiles on their faces. "I take it you both are very happy about my prognosis. I thought you would be. I guess that little one wants into your family so much that he or she defied the odds and is on his or her merry way to being born. I couldn't be happier for you. Now, Louise, I want you to take it easy and not overdo. I want you to get plenty of rest and eat good nourishing food. We want that baby to be big and strong come August. I want to see you once a month until the day the baby is born and then we'll have regularly monthly check up for you and the baby. No horseback riding. I know what you two are thinking. Yes, you can still be together as husband and wife and not hurt the baby. You should be able to be together until it gets uncomfortable for Louise or if it causes pain. If it does cause pain, I want to see you right away. Do you want a list or will you both remember this?" Doc asked with a chuckle.
"No list, Doc, I know we'll remember. Thank you so much for all you've done. We are so happy," Buck said shaking the doctor's hand. Louise gave him a hug and a big smile. The put on their coats and walked out of the clinic. The got on the buckboard and immediately went to see Teaspoon, Rachel and Holly. They had big news to give.
February was the time where Louise would see Doc Turner again to see how she was doing mentally and physically. The doctor truly cared about Louise; he wanted her to be happy as she could be with Buck.
Louise came into town with Buck for her appointment with the doctor. Buck waited in the waiting room while Doc Turner examined Louise. When the doctor called Buck into his office Doc had a funny look on his face making Buck
nervous about what he was going to tell him.
Buck came into the room and sat down next to Louise who looked perplexed. Finally, the doctor looked up from his paperwork and looked at the couple.
"Buck, Louise how are things going? Louise has told me you two are together now in every way. I must say I'm happy to hear this. I could see that the two of you loved each other immensely and wanted to be with one another. Now you are complete, almost." Doc Turner said cryptically.
"Doc, is the something wrong we should now about? Is Louise sick?" Buck said as he pulled Louise closer to him pulling her chair across the floor while doing so. Louise just looked concerned and held onto Buck like he was her life line.
"No, No, Louise is fine. I do have some news that might be a bit jarring at first, and then we'll see how you feel," the doctor said with a twinkle in his eye that neither of them, saw.
"What is it? Please tell us," Louise implored worried something was wrong with her and the doctor was just sugar coating it.
"Well, Buck and Louise, I am happy to inform you that you are expecting a little miracle sometime in early August. Congratulations," Doc Turner said "I think I'll give you some time alone with your news." Seeing their shocked faces, he left the room quickly to give them privacy.
Buck looked at Louise and said, "Did he say a baby? As in a little one all our own? Oh, Louise, this is wonderful!"
"No wonder I've been feeling queasy in the mornings. I thought I had a bug," Louise looked at Buck's face, and it all finally sunk in. She was having Buck's baby and he couldn't be happier. "Oh my God. I'm pregnant! I'm really going to have a baby! Your baby! I'm so happy I could burst. I've always wanted to be a mother. Even when riding with the Express I wondered if one day I would be as lucky as the women in town who were expecting or had children. You don't know how much I prayed that we would have a baby of our own," Louise said with tears running down her face.
Buck got up off his chair and held open his arms to Louise. "Come here, Mama. I need to hug the mother of my child. I can't wait to be called Papa," Buck embraced Louise. They stood there in the middle of the room holding each other crying tears of joy.
Doc Turner knocked on the door and they broke apart with big smiles on their faces. "I take it you both are very happy about my prognosis. I thought you would be. I guess that little one wants into your family so much that he or she defied the odds and is on his or her merry way to being born. I couldn't be happier for you. Now, Louise, I want you to take it easy and not overdo. I want you to get plenty of rest and eat good nourishing food. We want that baby to be big and strong come August. I want to see you once a month until the day the baby is born and then we'll have regularly monthly check up for you and the baby. No horseback riding. I know what you two are thinking. Yes, you can still be together as husband and wife and not hurt the baby. You should be able to be together until it gets uncomfortable for Louise or if it causes pain. If it does cause pain, I want to see you right away. Do you want a list or will you both remember this?" Doc asked with a chuckle.
"No list, Doc, I know we'll remember. Thank you so much for all you've done. We are so happy," Buck said shaking the doctor's hand. Louise gave him a hug and a big smile. The put on their coats and walked out of the clinic. The got on the buckboard and immediately went to see Teaspoon, Rachel and Holly. They had big news to give.
Chapter Seventeen
Buck and Louise rode over to the Hunter's house and knocked on the door. Rachel answered. "Well come on in its freezing out there. Were you two in town?" Rachel asked the couple who just nodded their heads as they took off their coats.
"Is Teaspoon home? I want him to be here for what we have to say," Buck stated as he sat down in the sitting room with Louise tucked into his side on the settee. Buck gave Louise a kiss on the forehead.
"Yes, he's home. He's upstairs getting a book with Holly. What's so important?" Rachel questioned the couple.
"Just get Teaspoon and Holly and we'll explain all of it to you," Buck said right before Rachel went to call upstairs to Teaspoon.
Teaspoon came down right away carrying Holly who had her book. Teaspoon and Rachel sat down as Holly climbed up on Louise's lap. Then Holly snuggled in with her book.
"Now what is it? Is there something wrong? Did Biggs come back?" Teaspoon asked the couple who were looking very strange. Buck and Louise were trying to keep the smiles off their faces, but it proved to be harder than they thought.
"No, nothing's wrong, and no, Biggs didn't come back. We have some news we wanted to share with you. We just came from Doc Turner's; he told us something we thought you should know," Buck said the anticipation growing in the air.
"Well, what is it? Spit it out," Teaspoon said getting very curious as to what they had to say.
"Well, Doc Turner said that come early August there's going to be someone new in our lives. We're having a baby. I know Doc said that there was a small to no chance I could conceive but this little one just wanted to be a part of our family so much he or she defied the odds. We are so blessed," Louise told her family as Buck looked on lovingly.
As the words set in Teaspoon let out a whoop, picked up Holly and danced around with her to the toddler's delight. Then he came back and sat back down.
"This is wonderful. I'm going to be a Grampy. Buck, Louise I am so happy for you. You two couldn't be a more deserving couple. Holly, Honey, you're going to have a playmate soon." Teaspoon said happily as he gave Louise a kiss and a hug and Buck a handshake and hug.
Rachel sat there with tears streaming down her face. She had thought that Buck and Louise would never have a child of their own. She had thought the same about her and Teaspoon, but she was wrong then too. Rachel got up and took both Buck and Louise in an embrace.
"I am so overjoyed that you're having a baby; Louise, I will help with everything. I'll tell you what to expect in your pregnancy and help with all the knitting and sewing for the baby. Oh, you have to plan the nursery. I will be there when you give birth too. I won't let you do it without support from Gramma. There's so much to plan. Let's go make a list," Rachel said as she and Louise went into the kitchen to start a list to prepare for the new addition.
"Is Teaspoon home? I want him to be here for what we have to say," Buck stated as he sat down in the sitting room with Louise tucked into his side on the settee. Buck gave Louise a kiss on the forehead.
"Yes, he's home. He's upstairs getting a book with Holly. What's so important?" Rachel questioned the couple.
"Just get Teaspoon and Holly and we'll explain all of it to you," Buck said right before Rachel went to call upstairs to Teaspoon.
Teaspoon came down right away carrying Holly who had her book. Teaspoon and Rachel sat down as Holly climbed up on Louise's lap. Then Holly snuggled in with her book.
"Now what is it? Is there something wrong? Did Biggs come back?" Teaspoon asked the couple who were looking very strange. Buck and Louise were trying to keep the smiles off their faces, but it proved to be harder than they thought.
"No, nothing's wrong, and no, Biggs didn't come back. We have some news we wanted to share with you. We just came from Doc Turner's; he told us something we thought you should know," Buck said the anticipation growing in the air.
"Well, what is it? Spit it out," Teaspoon said getting very curious as to what they had to say.
"Well, Doc Turner said that come early August there's going to be someone new in our lives. We're having a baby. I know Doc said that there was a small to no chance I could conceive but this little one just wanted to be a part of our family so much he or she defied the odds. We are so blessed," Louise told her family as Buck looked on lovingly.
As the words set in Teaspoon let out a whoop, picked up Holly and danced around with her to the toddler's delight. Then he came back and sat back down.
"This is wonderful. I'm going to be a Grampy. Buck, Louise I am so happy for you. You two couldn't be a more deserving couple. Holly, Honey, you're going to have a playmate soon." Teaspoon said happily as he gave Louise a kiss and a hug and Buck a handshake and hug.
Rachel sat there with tears streaming down her face. She had thought that Buck and Louise would never have a child of their own. She had thought the same about her and Teaspoon, but she was wrong then too. Rachel got up and took both Buck and Louise in an embrace.
"I am so overjoyed that you're having a baby; Louise, I will help with everything. I'll tell you what to expect in your pregnancy and help with all the knitting and sewing for the baby. Oh, you have to plan the nursery. I will be there when you give birth too. I won't let you do it without support from Gramma. There's so much to plan. Let's go make a list," Rachel said as she and Louise went into the kitchen to start a list to prepare for the new addition.
Buck and Louise had dinner at Teaspoon and Rachel's. After dinner they made their way home. Buck handed over the buckboard and horse to a ranch hand and went into the house with Louise. When they got their coats off Buck scooped up Louise in his arms, climbed the stairs, and went into their room. Louise giggled as Buck set her down on the bed. Buck immediately started undressing. Louise got the idea and started undressing too. Buck in his long john bottoms went to put a fire in the fireplace downstairs. When he came back Louise was standing in front of the mirror naked and looking at her stomach. Buck slipped off his long john bottoms and stood behind Louise, and put his arms around her. Buck put his hands on the small bulge of Louise's abdomen. She turned her head and looked at him with love in her eyes.
"Buck, you don't mind that I'm going to get fat and waddle, around do you? I won't be very pleasing to look at," Louise said as she put her hands over Buck's on her belly.
Buck turned Louise around and put his fingers on her lips to quiet her "Louise, you will never look unpleasing to me. I'm sure as you grow with our child in your womb you will only look more and more beautiful to me. You are giving me something I thought I'd never have. Not because there was a big possibility that you wouldn't be able to conceive, but because I thought no woman would ever want to marry me and have a child with me adopted or our own. You have fulfilled my dreams so many times in the months we've been here together. You agreed to marry me, we told each other we love one another, After all you went through with that monster you still wanted to be with me, you wanted to make love with me. Now you are giving me a child. You will look more a more beautiful everyday our child is inside you. You will look perfect when you are giving birth, and you will look gorgeous after when you hold our baby for the first time. You grow more and more appealing to me every day we are together. When we're old and gray, you will still be my beautiful Louise. I will always want to make love to you and sleep with you in my arms. Until the day I die, I will always admire your beauty inside and out. Your strength is amazing to me. I will always want to be the receiver of your passion and love. You are my everything, Louise. I love you, my wife and mother of my child. Always know that. Now, I think we're both cold standing here stark naked and need to get into bed so I can make love to you over and over again.
"Well, I guess that answers my question. I will always look beautiful to you because you love me. You will always be my love, my protector, my husband and the father of our children."
Buck looked at Louise with his eyebrows raised. "Yes, I want to have more children if it's possible. I want them all to have your fine features, gorgeous hair and beautiful skin tone. I want them to be like their father. Be true to who they are, love openly, be gentle but strong, respect people, and be caring, giving and kind," Louise said as they both got into bed.
"Louise, I'm not like that. I have a temper, and Teaspoon always said I was moody, and that I brooded too much. I have a lot of flaws...," Buck said, but Louise would have none of that, and kissed him on the lips quieting him.
"You are all those things I said and many more wonderful qualities. So, hush up now and make love to me before I get up and go get a snack. Now, where were we?" Louise replied as she kissed Buck again this time filled with passion. Buck kissed Louise back and they became one many, times that night and into the morning hours. Both of them couldn't be happier.
"Buck, you don't mind that I'm going to get fat and waddle, around do you? I won't be very pleasing to look at," Louise said as she put her hands over Buck's on her belly.
Buck turned Louise around and put his fingers on her lips to quiet her "Louise, you will never look unpleasing to me. I'm sure as you grow with our child in your womb you will only look more and more beautiful to me. You are giving me something I thought I'd never have. Not because there was a big possibility that you wouldn't be able to conceive, but because I thought no woman would ever want to marry me and have a child with me adopted or our own. You have fulfilled my dreams so many times in the months we've been here together. You agreed to marry me, we told each other we love one another, After all you went through with that monster you still wanted to be with me, you wanted to make love with me. Now you are giving me a child. You will look more a more beautiful everyday our child is inside you. You will look perfect when you are giving birth, and you will look gorgeous after when you hold our baby for the first time. You grow more and more appealing to me every day we are together. When we're old and gray, you will still be my beautiful Louise. I will always want to make love to you and sleep with you in my arms. Until the day I die, I will always admire your beauty inside and out. Your strength is amazing to me. I will always want to be the receiver of your passion and love. You are my everything, Louise. I love you, my wife and mother of my child. Always know that. Now, I think we're both cold standing here stark naked and need to get into bed so I can make love to you over and over again.
"Well, I guess that answers my question. I will always look beautiful to you because you love me. You will always be my love, my protector, my husband and the father of our children."
Buck looked at Louise with his eyebrows raised. "Yes, I want to have more children if it's possible. I want them all to have your fine features, gorgeous hair and beautiful skin tone. I want them to be like their father. Be true to who they are, love openly, be gentle but strong, respect people, and be caring, giving and kind," Louise said as they both got into bed.
"Louise, I'm not like that. I have a temper, and Teaspoon always said I was moody, and that I brooded too much. I have a lot of flaws...," Buck said, but Louise would have none of that, and kissed him on the lips quieting him.
"You are all those things I said and many more wonderful qualities. So, hush up now and make love to me before I get up and go get a snack. Now, where were we?" Louise replied as she kissed Buck again this time filled with passion. Buck kissed Louise back and they became one many, times that night and into the morning hours. Both of them couldn't be happier.
Chapter Eighteen
As the weeks passed, Louise grew bigger, and she and Buck grew happier. Buck had made a cradle and bassinet for the baby. He also made dream catchers to hang over the cradle and bassinet to ward off bad dreams and to let good dreams come down from the heavens. Buck also made several carved wood animals for the baby's room. He painted it a butter yellow with light green accents at Louise's request.
Louise and Rachel made a padded quilt for the bottom of the cradle with matching quilt for the top in the colors of the room. For the bassinet they had put eyelet lace all around the outside. They made a padded quilt for the bottom of it like the one for the cradle and an eyelet lace quilt to cover the baby. Both Louise and Rachel made an afghan for the baby; one was in pink and the other was in blue. They sewed baby clothes for the new addition and made diapers. They knitted booties and sweaters for the fall and winter.
The winter came and went. The spring went by in a flash and soon it was summer. Louise was in the last months of her pregnancy, and she was miserable. It was a hot day in early August close to Louise's due date when Buck made his way into the house for supper and found there was no supper. Buck had worked hard all day and was very hungry. He looked around the downstairs of the house, but there was no Louise. Buck began to get anxious not knowing where Louise was. He headed upstairs and went to their room. What he found was very unexpected and a pretty odd picture.
Louise lay on the bed naked her arms and legs splayed. Her distended belly kept her head out of view. The windows were wide open and a warm breeze was blowing in through the windows. To say Buck was caught off guard and a bit shocked was an understatement. He looked at her and started laughing. At first it was a small chuckle then it turned into a very raucous laughter. Buck was bent over holding his belly. That's when Louise heard him and he knew there would be hell to pay.
"BUCK! THAT BETTER BE YOU!! DON'T YOU LAUGH AT ME! THIS IS YOUR FAULT! I'M PREGNANT BECAUSE OF YOUR SEXUAL APPETITES!" Louise yelled as she tried to get up. When she realized she couldn't get up she started to cry. That's when Buck stopped laughing and went to aid her in the bed.
"B…uuuu...cckkk I can't get uuuuuup!" Louise sobbed to her husband. Buck got to the bed and helped her roll on her side then he helped her sit up. Louise hid her head in her hands. She cried for about 5 minutes while Buck rubbed her back and stomach at the same time.
"Do you feel any better? I only laughed because I was caught off guard. What I saw looked very inviting. You should lie like that more often. If you weren't as far along as you are, I'd like to think we be making love right now. I'm getting hot just thinking about it." Buck hoped he said the right thing. He didn't want to anger Louise too much. He'd been on the receiving end of that anger and it wasn't pretty. Also, with it being so close to her due date, he didn't want her riled up.
Louise looked at Buck and saw the sincerity on his face and she calmed down. "You really like how I looked just a minute ago?"
"Yes, I want you so much. You look very sexy," Buck said as he arched his eyebrow.
"You think I look sexy? You sure do know the right thing to say. If I wasn't as big as a barn, I'd take you up on that offer. Now help me get dressed so we can have something to eat. I'm starving," Louise said as her stomach growled.
Buck got Louise into a cool sleeveless night gown and helped her downstairs. Buck found some left over fried chicken and some biscuits. He warmed the biscuits, got down the honey from the cupboard to dip them in and put them on a plate with the chicken. Buck then went to the root cellar and got some jarred peaches and some apple cider. He then presented the meal to Louise who was surprised her husband could make such an appetizing meal.
Louise and Rachel made a padded quilt for the bottom of the cradle with matching quilt for the top in the colors of the room. For the bassinet they had put eyelet lace all around the outside. They made a padded quilt for the bottom of it like the one for the cradle and an eyelet lace quilt to cover the baby. Both Louise and Rachel made an afghan for the baby; one was in pink and the other was in blue. They sewed baby clothes for the new addition and made diapers. They knitted booties and sweaters for the fall and winter.
The winter came and went. The spring went by in a flash and soon it was summer. Louise was in the last months of her pregnancy, and she was miserable. It was a hot day in early August close to Louise's due date when Buck made his way into the house for supper and found there was no supper. Buck had worked hard all day and was very hungry. He looked around the downstairs of the house, but there was no Louise. Buck began to get anxious not knowing where Louise was. He headed upstairs and went to their room. What he found was very unexpected and a pretty odd picture.
Louise lay on the bed naked her arms and legs splayed. Her distended belly kept her head out of view. The windows were wide open and a warm breeze was blowing in through the windows. To say Buck was caught off guard and a bit shocked was an understatement. He looked at her and started laughing. At first it was a small chuckle then it turned into a very raucous laughter. Buck was bent over holding his belly. That's when Louise heard him and he knew there would be hell to pay.
"BUCK! THAT BETTER BE YOU!! DON'T YOU LAUGH AT ME! THIS IS YOUR FAULT! I'M PREGNANT BECAUSE OF YOUR SEXUAL APPETITES!" Louise yelled as she tried to get up. When she realized she couldn't get up she started to cry. That's when Buck stopped laughing and went to aid her in the bed.
"B…uuuu...cckkk I can't get uuuuuup!" Louise sobbed to her husband. Buck got to the bed and helped her roll on her side then he helped her sit up. Louise hid her head in her hands. She cried for about 5 minutes while Buck rubbed her back and stomach at the same time.
"Do you feel any better? I only laughed because I was caught off guard. What I saw looked very inviting. You should lie like that more often. If you weren't as far along as you are, I'd like to think we be making love right now. I'm getting hot just thinking about it." Buck hoped he said the right thing. He didn't want to anger Louise too much. He'd been on the receiving end of that anger and it wasn't pretty. Also, with it being so close to her due date, he didn't want her riled up.
Louise looked at Buck and saw the sincerity on his face and she calmed down. "You really like how I looked just a minute ago?"
"Yes, I want you so much. You look very sexy," Buck said as he arched his eyebrow.
"You think I look sexy? You sure do know the right thing to say. If I wasn't as big as a barn, I'd take you up on that offer. Now help me get dressed so we can have something to eat. I'm starving," Louise said as her stomach growled.
Buck got Louise into a cool sleeveless night gown and helped her downstairs. Buck found some left over fried chicken and some biscuits. He warmed the biscuits, got down the honey from the cupboard to dip them in and put them on a plate with the chicken. Buck then went to the root cellar and got some jarred peaches and some apple cider. He then presented the meal to Louise who was surprised her husband could make such an appetizing meal.
Chapter Nineteen
Late that same night, as the clock struck eleven, an intruder walked quietly up the stairs to the guest bedroom. He walked up to the bed and pulled out a knife. The intruder raised his arm and thrust the knife down into the shape in the bed. He stabbed the shape several times. Happy with what he did he turned to leave the house, but was stopped when he saw the Indian standing in the doorway wearing only a pair of trousers. He didn't look surprised to see the man in front of him. He looked more relieved than anything else.
"I knew you'd come back someday. You think you've just stabbed Louise to death, don't you? Well you're wrong Louise doesn't sleep there anymore. Guess where she is. Go on I dare you," Buck said in a cold satisfied voice.
"Where is that whore of a wife of mine? Did she end up dying after I beat her to losing that thing inside her? She wasn't a strong person if you asked me. She probably died the first night. She had no gumption. I had fun with her while it lasted," Dalton Biggs said to Buck as Buck walked into the room blocking the doorway.
"Louise, is no whore, and she isn't your wife you, phony. You never really married her. That was the flaw in your plan. She's my wife not yours. We love each other. We're having a child together. So, tell me, Biggs, why didn't you marry Louise? There has to be a reason." Buck said chuckling when he saw Biggs stand up straighter when Buck said Louise was his wife.
"The reason is a simple one. I wanted to have her at my beckon call. I could take her anytime in the day or night. Have three good meals cooked for me daily, clean my house, do my laundry, and I wouldn't have to pay a cook and housekeeper or go with saloon girls. They have diseases you know. I knew Louise was clean because she was married once before and never got anything. She loved every minute of it. I can tell you that she waited for me to take her by force and wanted it as bad as any whore would have," Biggs finally let the truth out.
"You bastard! You will pay for what you did to Louise. She told me she loved me for a long time before you came. It was only your whirlwind romance that made her forget temporarily. She said she prayed I would come and save her and take her away from the monster you are. I was the one she called for when she first woke up. I'm the one who comforted her when she had nightmares for months afterward. I'm the one she married and is having a baby with. She said if you had never come to Rock Creek, she would have told me she loved me and I would have married her and saved her the pain you caused her. You're nothing to her. You're a worthless pig," Buck said more anger than he'd ever felt running though his veins.
"You're wrong, half breed, I know Louise will come back with me if I asked her. She had the finest things and a beautiful house," Biggs said almost crazed with anger.
"You locked her in that house, and you raped her every chance you got. She would never go back with you," Buck said as he got closer to Biggs.
"DIE YOU HALF-BREED FILTH!" Biggs screamed as he raised the knife and went charging at Buck.
Buck grabbed Biggs' hands as he ran toward him. Biggs was a strong and tall man but he was not skilled at hand to hand fighting Buck had learned when he was with the Kiowa. Biggs got the knife going toward Buck's gut when Louise appeared in the doorway. Buck had heard her coming and knew she was there. When Louise saw Biggs, she screamed. "Buck! Noooooo!" That was all the time Buck needed to get the knife going in his favor there was a thrust of the knife. Louise didn't know who it had plunged into because both men fell to the floor. There was a pool of blood covering the floor. Then there was movement. She saw Buck push Biggs off him, get up and walk over to her. At that moment all the ranch hands came running in; they had heard Louise scream. That's when they saw the dead man on the floor
Kyle, Buck's foreman and good friend, took over the situation. He told one hand to get Teaspoon.
"I knew you'd come back someday. You think you've just stabbed Louise to death, don't you? Well you're wrong Louise doesn't sleep there anymore. Guess where she is. Go on I dare you," Buck said in a cold satisfied voice.
"Where is that whore of a wife of mine? Did she end up dying after I beat her to losing that thing inside her? She wasn't a strong person if you asked me. She probably died the first night. She had no gumption. I had fun with her while it lasted," Dalton Biggs said to Buck as Buck walked into the room blocking the doorway.
"Louise, is no whore, and she isn't your wife you, phony. You never really married her. That was the flaw in your plan. She's my wife not yours. We love each other. We're having a child together. So, tell me, Biggs, why didn't you marry Louise? There has to be a reason." Buck said chuckling when he saw Biggs stand up straighter when Buck said Louise was his wife.
"The reason is a simple one. I wanted to have her at my beckon call. I could take her anytime in the day or night. Have three good meals cooked for me daily, clean my house, do my laundry, and I wouldn't have to pay a cook and housekeeper or go with saloon girls. They have diseases you know. I knew Louise was clean because she was married once before and never got anything. She loved every minute of it. I can tell you that she waited for me to take her by force and wanted it as bad as any whore would have," Biggs finally let the truth out.
"You bastard! You will pay for what you did to Louise. She told me she loved me for a long time before you came. It was only your whirlwind romance that made her forget temporarily. She said she prayed I would come and save her and take her away from the monster you are. I was the one she called for when she first woke up. I'm the one who comforted her when she had nightmares for months afterward. I'm the one she married and is having a baby with. She said if you had never come to Rock Creek, she would have told me she loved me and I would have married her and saved her the pain you caused her. You're nothing to her. You're a worthless pig," Buck said more anger than he'd ever felt running though his veins.
"You're wrong, half breed, I know Louise will come back with me if I asked her. She had the finest things and a beautiful house," Biggs said almost crazed with anger.
"You locked her in that house, and you raped her every chance you got. She would never go back with you," Buck said as he got closer to Biggs.
"DIE YOU HALF-BREED FILTH!" Biggs screamed as he raised the knife and went charging at Buck.
Buck grabbed Biggs' hands as he ran toward him. Biggs was a strong and tall man but he was not skilled at hand to hand fighting Buck had learned when he was with the Kiowa. Biggs got the knife going toward Buck's gut when Louise appeared in the doorway. Buck had heard her coming and knew she was there. When Louise saw Biggs, she screamed. "Buck! Noooooo!" That was all the time Buck needed to get the knife going in his favor there was a thrust of the knife. Louise didn't know who it had plunged into because both men fell to the floor. There was a pool of blood covering the floor. Then there was movement. She saw Buck push Biggs off him, get up and walk over to her. At that moment all the ranch hands came running in; they had heard Louise scream. That's when they saw the dead man on the floor
Kyle, Buck's foreman and good friend, took over the situation. He told one hand to get Teaspoon.
Chapter Twenty
At that moment Louise doubled over and groaned. Then Buck felt something warm and wet on his feet. He looked at Louise and turned white.
"Buck, my water just broke; I'm going to have the baby real soon," Louise said in a low guttural voice. Kyle heard this and yelled to his men to get Doc Turner and Rachel because Mrs. Louise is having the baby.
Buck came to his senses and picked up Louise, carried her to their bedroom, and settled her in their bed. Buck was about to kiss Louise when she had a very hard contraction. She pulled Buck down to her level by his hair, not 2 inches from his face.
"You ever touch me again you'll be wishing that Biggs had stabbed you. I don't want to see you without pants buttoned up tight. A shirt buttoned up to your neck and tucked in tight to your pants and a winter coat over that at all times. You will wear this for the rest of our marriage. You will not touch me without mittens on and you will not kiss me without a muffler around your mouth. I don't care if you're hot or scratchy. It's your just due after making me pregnant and the pain I'm going through right now," Louise said then the contraction passed and she let Buck up.
Buck knew she wouldn't carry through on that dress code, but he didn't want to chance making her madder than she was at that moment. He just nodded as the doctor and Rachel came in.
"Okay, Buck, out you go. We'll take care of Louise," Rachel said as she busied herself preparing for the baby.
"Buck, I want to give you a kiss goodbye," Louise said as bright as day.
Buck knew that if a contraction came on while he was kissing Louise, he could lose his lips. He decided to chance it and went over to Louise.
"You're going to do great, Mama," Buck said as he placed a kiss on her lips.
Then a contraction hit, and Louise grabbed his hair again. "You dare come near me when I could kill you for doing this to me." Louise had a tight grip on Buck's hair so much so that he yelled for Rachel.
"Louise, let go of Buck's hair right now. You love him remember?" Rachel said a she pried Louise's fingers off Buck's hair.
"That's debatable," Louise said then the contraction stopped, and she let go of Buck's hair and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll see you soon, Papa. I love you."
Buck looked at Louise like she was deranged and ran out of the room.
"Now, Louise, I think you may have scared him a bit. Did you really threaten to make him wear winter coat, mittens and a muffler all through the year?" Rachel asked as Louise got a shocked look on her face.
"How did you find that out?" Louise asked feeling like a heel.
"The ranch hand that came to get me said he heard you yelling it as he drove off to get me. You had him by the hair, didn't you?" Rachel said looking amused at the thought. Rachel began to laugh.
"Oh, Rachel, I said the most horrible things to him, and he was wonderful," Louise said as a contraction hit again.
"That's why he's considered a catch, Mrs. Cross," Rachel said as she smiled at Lou and held her hand.
"Buck, my water just broke; I'm going to have the baby real soon," Louise said in a low guttural voice. Kyle heard this and yelled to his men to get Doc Turner and Rachel because Mrs. Louise is having the baby.
Buck came to his senses and picked up Louise, carried her to their bedroom, and settled her in their bed. Buck was about to kiss Louise when she had a very hard contraction. She pulled Buck down to her level by his hair, not 2 inches from his face.
"You ever touch me again you'll be wishing that Biggs had stabbed you. I don't want to see you without pants buttoned up tight. A shirt buttoned up to your neck and tucked in tight to your pants and a winter coat over that at all times. You will wear this for the rest of our marriage. You will not touch me without mittens on and you will not kiss me without a muffler around your mouth. I don't care if you're hot or scratchy. It's your just due after making me pregnant and the pain I'm going through right now," Louise said then the contraction passed and she let Buck up.
Buck knew she wouldn't carry through on that dress code, but he didn't want to chance making her madder than she was at that moment. He just nodded as the doctor and Rachel came in.
"Okay, Buck, out you go. We'll take care of Louise," Rachel said as she busied herself preparing for the baby.
"Buck, I want to give you a kiss goodbye," Louise said as bright as day.
Buck knew that if a contraction came on while he was kissing Louise, he could lose his lips. He decided to chance it and went over to Louise.
"You're going to do great, Mama," Buck said as he placed a kiss on her lips.
Then a contraction hit, and Louise grabbed his hair again. "You dare come near me when I could kill you for doing this to me." Louise had a tight grip on Buck's hair so much so that he yelled for Rachel.
"Louise, let go of Buck's hair right now. You love him remember?" Rachel said a she pried Louise's fingers off Buck's hair.
"That's debatable," Louise said then the contraction stopped, and she let go of Buck's hair and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll see you soon, Papa. I love you."
Buck looked at Louise like she was deranged and ran out of the room.
"Now, Louise, I think you may have scared him a bit. Did you really threaten to make him wear winter coat, mittens and a muffler all through the year?" Rachel asked as Louise got a shocked look on her face.
"How did you find that out?" Louise asked feeling like a heel.
"The ranch hand that came to get me said he heard you yelling it as he drove off to get me. You had him by the hair, didn't you?" Rachel said looking amused at the thought. Rachel began to laugh.
"Oh, Rachel, I said the most horrible things to him, and he was wonderful," Louise said as a contraction hit again.
"That's why he's considered a catch, Mrs. Cross," Rachel said as she smiled at Lou and held her hand.
Buck and Teaspoon sat in the sitting room as they heard Louise scream through the delivery of her and Buck's baby. Buck would jump up and go to the bottom of the stairs when Louise would scream really loud. He was a nervous wreck. Teaspoon watched as he saw his boy become a man in those early morning hours.
Morning came, and Louise was still giving birth. Buck checked the clock. It was almost a quarter to eleven; Louise had been at this for almost 12 hours. Just before the clock minute hand touched the nine. He heard a final scream from Louise, and a baby wailing.
Buck looked at Teaspoon, smiled, and then passed out cold on the floor. Teaspoon was at his side in a second. He revived Buck and got him standing upright. Then Rachel came downstairs, and told Buck he could come up to see his family. A lot like Buck and Louise's wedding day Teaspoon got Buck up the stairs without, tripping.
Buck entered the room and saw a very tired Louise and a little bundle in her arms. Louise looked up at Buck and smiled.
"Well come on in, Papa. You have someone to meet," Louise said with tears in her eyes.
"Hello, Mama. Who do we have here? My son or daughter?" Buck asked as he sat on the bed next to Louise.
"This, my husband, is your daughter. I was thinking we could call her Rose after a dear friend of mine in Virginia who was always there for me and Elizabeth after my mother's mother. What do think, Papa?" Louise said as she handed the baby over to her father.
"I like it. Rose Elizabeth Cross. I think it suits her. She's beautiful, Louise. You did an outstanding job. I love you both so much," Buck said as he kissed Louise, and then little Rose on the head. Buck looked at his daughter and saw she had a golden, brown skin tone, a lot of dark brown hair and big brown eyes like Louise. He noticed she had Louise's nose and his mouth. She was truly a mixture of both of them.
They heard a knock at the door and Teaspoon head popped in the room. "Is it safe for Grampy’s and Grandma’s to come in?"
"Yes, Teaspoon, it's safe to come in," Louise said with a giggle.
"Good to see you're staying upright, Son. He had a small fainting spell when he heard you yell that last time and the baby cry for the first time," Teaspoon said jovially.
"Oh, Buck, Honey, are you okay?" Louise asked concerned for Buck.
"I'm fine. So, do you want to meet your granddaughter Rose Elizabeth Cross?" Buck asked Teaspoon as he gave him a look that said 'Did you have to tell them I fainted.’
"Well, looky here. We've got us another little girl. Hello, sweetheart. You are very special to have two wonderful people as your parents. I know you will be a happy child and grow up and make us proud in whatever you do. You are just the prettiest thing," Teaspoon said as Louise let out a yawn.
"I think it's time this little family got some rest. Have a nice rest we'll be here when you wake up," Rachel said as she gave a kiss to each of the Crosses.
"Oh, Buck, that other matter last night. It's been dealt with; no charges will be filed. You just enjoy your wife and baby. We'll see you later," Teaspoon informed Buck.
Buck, Louise and Little Rose nestled in for a nap; as they did, they said "I love you" to each other along with exchanging a couple of kisses. Then they were asleep. They truly were blessed
Morning came, and Louise was still giving birth. Buck checked the clock. It was almost a quarter to eleven; Louise had been at this for almost 12 hours. Just before the clock minute hand touched the nine. He heard a final scream from Louise, and a baby wailing.
Buck looked at Teaspoon, smiled, and then passed out cold on the floor. Teaspoon was at his side in a second. He revived Buck and got him standing upright. Then Rachel came downstairs, and told Buck he could come up to see his family. A lot like Buck and Louise's wedding day Teaspoon got Buck up the stairs without, tripping.
Buck entered the room and saw a very tired Louise and a little bundle in her arms. Louise looked up at Buck and smiled.
"Well come on in, Papa. You have someone to meet," Louise said with tears in her eyes.
"Hello, Mama. Who do we have here? My son or daughter?" Buck asked as he sat on the bed next to Louise.
"This, my husband, is your daughter. I was thinking we could call her Rose after a dear friend of mine in Virginia who was always there for me and Elizabeth after my mother's mother. What do think, Papa?" Louise said as she handed the baby over to her father.
"I like it. Rose Elizabeth Cross. I think it suits her. She's beautiful, Louise. You did an outstanding job. I love you both so much," Buck said as he kissed Louise, and then little Rose on the head. Buck looked at his daughter and saw she had a golden, brown skin tone, a lot of dark brown hair and big brown eyes like Louise. He noticed she had Louise's nose and his mouth. She was truly a mixture of both of them.
They heard a knock at the door and Teaspoon head popped in the room. "Is it safe for Grampy’s and Grandma’s to come in?"
"Yes, Teaspoon, it's safe to come in," Louise said with a giggle.
"Good to see you're staying upright, Son. He had a small fainting spell when he heard you yell that last time and the baby cry for the first time," Teaspoon said jovially.
"Oh, Buck, Honey, are you okay?" Louise asked concerned for Buck.
"I'm fine. So, do you want to meet your granddaughter Rose Elizabeth Cross?" Buck asked Teaspoon as he gave him a look that said 'Did you have to tell them I fainted.’
"Well, looky here. We've got us another little girl. Hello, sweetheart. You are very special to have two wonderful people as your parents. I know you will be a happy child and grow up and make us proud in whatever you do. You are just the prettiest thing," Teaspoon said as Louise let out a yawn.
"I think it's time this little family got some rest. Have a nice rest we'll be here when you wake up," Rachel said as she gave a kiss to each of the Crosses.
"Oh, Buck, that other matter last night. It's been dealt with; no charges will be filed. You just enjoy your wife and baby. We'll see you later," Teaspoon informed Buck.
Buck, Louise and Little Rose nestled in for a nap; as they did, they said "I love you" to each other along with exchanging a couple of kisses. Then they were asleep. They truly were blessed