Prologue
Shifting uncomfortably within the confines of his suit Buck stared at the double doors of the church. In a few moments he knew his wife to be would be walking through them. Smiling slightly at the thought of Laura, a woman who'd given him so much he tried to stem the tremble in his body.
A firm hand on his shoulder had him glancing to his right where Jimmy stood with a hint of a smile. Both men grinned as they realized not that long before they'd done this. Both had watched the usually unflappable Kid fidget and twitch nervously as he waited for Lou to come to him.
"You can do this," Jimmy whispered softly. "Ike would be proud of you."
Nodding sadly Buck glanced heavenward. Please Ike, wherever you are I hope you're proud of me, he thought. Hearing the familiar sound of the doors opening he smiled as his nerves settled and he watched Kid step through the doors.
Dressed in flowing white with her long hair piled atop her head was the most beautiful woman in the world. A warm, although slightly nervous smile crossed her face as she walked with her escort up the aisle.
A grateful look at Kid and Buck took Laura's hand. Squeezing it when he felt the chill clinging to it he pulled her toward him with a gentle tug. Getting a tightening of her grip he pushed aside his unease, his nervousness, and faced Teaspoon easily. They could do this.
"Dearly beloved, we're gathered here…" Teaspoon's voice faded out as Buck stared at Laura who stood serenely next to him.
It didn't seem so long ago that they were strangers, forced into a situation that neither had really wanted. Now he couldn't imagine his life without her. They'd made so many plans for their future. Even with the threat of war they'd kept right on dreaming and Buck knew Laura would be there for him forever.
Running his thumb over her knuckles in an unconscious caress, Buck inhaled slowly and glanced at Teaspoon who smirked at him.
"What?"
"Do you Buck take Laura…"
"I do," Buck stated calmly.
"Do you Laura Greye take Buck Cross as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do," Laura replied softly, firmly.
"By the power vested in me by the Territorial…" Teaspoon's voice faded out again as Buck smiled at his wife. He had no doubt that they'd make it. Feeling the soft warmth of her hand he sighed, Ike would have loved her.
Chapter One
"I wish we could have stayed longer," Laura said as she tucked the last of her clothes into the valise and waited for Buck.
"I know, but we couldn't. I've got to get back to work and Rachel said we can still live at the station. She's made up a room for us."
"What about Lou and Kid?"
"They're there as well," Buck picked up her wrap and draped it over her shoulders. "I know it's not the best thing in the world but for right now it'll do. I've got some money saved up and maybe by the fall we'll have enough to buy a place."
"Buck you know that isn't what I mean. Its just been nice to be able to spend some time with you without worrying about the boys stumblin' in on us, or you having to go on a run," Laura giggled as she snuggled into his arms. "It's been nice to be able to wrap you in my arms and not have to worry is all."
"Glad to hear it," Buck whispered in her ear kissing her gently. "I love you Laura."
"I love you to."
Glancing behind him Buck checked the room carefully before picking up the valise and wrapping an arm around Laura's waist. Leading her down the stairs he nodded a greeting at Wally behind the counter on their way out.
Stepping out into the sunshine he felt Laura step closer to him, her face tilted up slightly to the warmth before they headed back for the station. Holding hands they walked slowly, casually. Neither felt the need for words, instead they were thinking of where they'd come from, what they'd had to handle to be together.
"Well it's about time," Cody's voice broke the idyllic silence as they walked into the station's yard.
Groaning Buck felt his shoulders drop. Why did the first person they came across have to be Cody? Why couldn't it have been Lou? Or Jimmy? Or even Rachel. Instead they were stuck with the biggest mouth in town.
"Hi Cody." Laura giggled. "You uh workin' hard?"
"Hardly workin' is more like it," Buck muttered under his breath and nudged her toward the house. "Where is everyone?"
"Down at the swimming hole. Well except for Kid and Lou, they're somewhere around here."
"Hmm could it be that having a few moments of privacy together they're in hiding? After all it's not like you keep your mouth shut!" Buck snapped as Cody followed them up the stairs.
"Come on Buck. It ain't like I'm saying anything that ain't bein' thought."
"Then let 'em think it. Nobody wants to hear their own thoughts, especially when it's something private. What a man and wife do together behind closed doors is not up for public conversation!"
"But Buck it's not like we got anything better to talk about!"
"What about your work? What about those horses that came in? Or here's an idea, you could talk about what you're doing." Laura declared opening the door. "Now I'm tired, I'm thirsty and I'm cranky. If you'll excuse me."
"Buck you really should let her get some sleep," Cody offered sagely, "You're gonna wear her out before you're married a month!"
"CODY!" Buck all but shouted as the door slammed on the other man's face. Cursing under his breath, Buck turned and followed Laura into the kitchen. "I swear someday someone is gonna kill him."
Laura laughed softly, "Naw, someday someone's gonna have to pull the foot out of his mouth before he chokes on it!"
"Well it should be soon," Buck reached for the plate of sandwiches. "You want a sandwich?"
"No, not really. I think I'm just gonna put this stuff away and get ready for supper."
"Supper ain't until this evening."
"I know," Laura stood on tip toes and leaned against him, "Which means we have some time for a 'nap'."
Dropping the sandwich Buck scooped her into his arms, "Now there's a plan I can really get into."
Laughing as he carried her through the house and up the stairs Laura felt her heart pounding. Her limitations were none, she was surrounded by warmth and love and support. What more could a woman ask for?
Chapter Two
Stumbling into the bunkhouse that night Buck tried not to look too guilty as he helped Laura into a seat.
"How was the honeymoon?" Jimmy asked quickly.
"Great," Buck replied quickly.
"Now you're stuck back here with Cody," Lou teased affectionately. "Who we all know can't keep his foot out of his mouth to save his hide."
"But I'm only tellin' it like it is."
"Cody shut up," Kid smacked him in the back of the head. "So you two figure out what you're gonna do?"
"Yeah," Laura shrugged, "Since Buck's still taking runs and such we figured we'd stay here. His work is here, his friends, his family see no reason to move on."
"That's good to hear. I mean when the express ends," Kid stated softly. "With war so close and them stringing telegraph lines it doesn't look good for us."
"We haven't really thought about it," Buck acknowledged. "What about you? Aren't you going back to Virginia?"
Glancing at Lou then Kid everyone focused on their plates at Kid's stubborn, proud expression. They were all familiar with Kid's stand on the war but would things be different now that he was married?
"Why would I go back?"
"Just remember you saying..."
Lou shifted uneasily and glanced at Kid who remained stoically still. "It's up to Kid. Virginia was his home."
"Was being the right word," Kid stated calmly. "I'm gonna stay here with my family. With my wife," he squeezed her hand and offered a slight smile. "If the express closes than we'll think of what to do then."
"Makes sense," Buck stated. "I know I'd like to start a farm someday. I'm good with horses; know what I'm looking for in 'em and can make some good money."
"Would you be willing to go partners?" Kid asked seriously.
"Sure," Buck grinned, "With two of us doing the work it means we'll get twice as much done. Also means we're gonna have to find a place."
"What about the old Sweetwater Station?" Jimmy asked. "I'm sure Sam and Emma would sell it to you."
Buck glanced at him and shrugged, "Like I said it's not something I can do right now. Something to look forward to. Plan for. We'll see how things go by this fall."
Jimmy nodded and passed the plate of rolls around, "What about kids? You planning on 'em?"
Laura flushed brightly and Buck choked on his sip of coffee, "Kids?" he squeaked.
"Yeah you know the little people that run around your feet. You two would have the most adorable little kids I think," Rachel stated.
"Uh what about Kid and Lou? Maybe they're thinking of 'em?" Laura suggested quickly.
Lou merely shrugged and laughed, "You're telling me you could see me being a mom? I'd kill the poor thing in very short order. I didn't spend a whole lotta time learning how to be a girl and do girl things."
Laura chuckled, "See that would be another benefit to you and Kid being partners with us. I'll teach you how to cook."
"Uh let's leave the cooking lessons to someone who knows what they're doing," Buck suggested painfully. "Rachel's still finding flour and stuff in odd places in the house."
"That wasn't my fault!" Laura protested amid laughter at the reminder of the last mutual cooking experience Lou and she had been allowed to be involved in.
"What about the rest of you?" Buck asked, "I mean with war coming are you planning on sticking around or what?"
"I will be," Noah stated calmly, distantly. "Even if I wanted to join they won't let me."
"Hard to say," Jimmy shrugged, "Might go help out with the abolitionists. Hard to stay put you know, there's always someone tryin' to make a name for themselves."
Buck nodded at the subtle reminder of the dime novel that had sealed Jimmy's fate. "What about you Cody?"
"Its good money workin' for the army," Cody shrugged and glanced at the others. "Might take it up when things slow down like I'm sure they will."
Nodding Buck glanced at Laura and hid a smile. He would remain here with her, regardless of what came. "Well it is still pretty early to be speculating about what the future might hold. Never know the war might not last."
"Let's hope." Rachel declared rising to grab the large, delicious smelling cake that sat on the counter. "Lou would you get the coffee?"
"Sure," Lou rose and began pouring coffee for everyone.
"Buck you ready for the run tomorrow?" Teaspoon asked swiftly steering the conversation away from the hostilities, from the war and onto more mundane topics.
"As I'll ever be. Where's it going again?"
"Richters City. It won't be a long run; you'll be doing a fast turn around. Should be home day after tomorrow."
"Will you have a long wait with a turn around?" Laura asked softly.
"Ten minutes at most," Buck said. "Why?"
"Just curious."
"If I have to wait a while it'll make me a bit later but I shouldn't be too long. Two days at the most."
Laura nodded and smiled, "I suppose I can live with that."
"Good. I'll rearrange things in our room. Try to make a bit more room."
"Sounds good," Buck said. "Since it is gonna be an early morning for me, I'll excuse myself. Night everyone."
"Night Buck," the chorus of well wishes had him grinning.
"I'll be over shortly," Laura stated with a soft smile, "I'm gonna talk to Lou for a bit."
"Okay," Buck smiled down at her. "Night, love you."
"Night dear," Laura said as he left, closing the door softly behind him.
Chapter Three
Smoothing the blanket out over the end of the bed Laura straightened. After two months of marriage she had to admit things hadn't changed that much. The riders still kept up their chores, the runs, with the exception of Cody.
Laura frowned slightly at the thought of the blonde rider. Cody'd left a little over a week before with the army leaving behind the express family. She knew it had hurt Buck on so many levels but he'd accepted the other man's decision. You couldn't live someone else's life for them after all.
A sharp slam of a door drew Laura's attention from her musings and she stepped out into the hallway. The familiar sound of angry steps had her hiding a grin. "Good morning Lou."
"Mornin' Laura. How are you?"
"Lonely, Buck's still gone."
"I know. Wish Kid were home. Course what he's gonna do I haven't got a clue."
"What do you mean?"
"Teaspoon just got a letter. Apparently Russell, Major, and Waddell is closing the express. They have no more need for Rock Creek Station."
"What? When?"
"Effective immediately. This is the boys last run."
Slumping against the wall Laura felt the shock all the way to her soul. "Buck will be devastated. He's been counting on this job to be able to have enough money to buy our own place. Without it what'll we do?"
"Same thing as Kid and I. With the loss of his job Kid's gonna be rethinking his stance on staying with me. The army's paying pretty good and…"
"Kid's from Virginia. Is the southern army paying as well as the Union?"
Lou shuddered she didn't know and she didn't want to find out. She wanted to stay with Kid, wanted to have a life with him. The one thing in this world she didn't want was to have to learn to be a widow long before she'd learned to be a wife.
"I don't know," she whispered shakily. "I uh better go finish up my cleaning."
"Lou," Laura stopped her with a hand on her arm, "Don't worry. We'll think of something."
"That's just it. Without money how do we keep a dream alive?"
Listening to Lou walk away Laura sighed. There had to be something the boys would be willing to do. If not she'd find work herself. She could sew, or even teach! Yes, yes she'd go back to teaching. They would have their dream.
With a hard downward motion Buck knocked the layer of dust off his coat. A glance up revealed Teaspoon walking toward him a concerned look upon his face.
"Hey Teaspoon. There was no mochilla for back this way…"
"I know son. Look why don't you get cleaned up, Kid should be in shortly and then both of you come to my office. We've got some talkin' to do."
"What's wrong?"
"Just come to my office when Kid gets back."
Unease settled deep within Buck as he watched his friend and 'father' walk away. The older man's shoulders were hunched, his body tense as though he was expecting a blow. Whatever had happened wasn't good. Jerking around Buck stared at the house had something happened to Laura or Lou? No, he didn't think so. Teaspoon wouldn't have asked for them to come to the office if that were the case.
He'd wait and see what the issue was. Until then there was no point in borrowing trouble. After all that was Jimmy's deal.
An hour later Buck sat next to Kid across from Teaspoon who was looking rather green. "What's going on Teaspoon?"
"Got a letter today. Jimmy brought it in."
"Where is Jimmy?" Kid asked suddenly glancing around. "I didn't see Sundance in the barn."
"Jimmy rode out to meet up with a group of abolitionists." Teaspoon explained. "He's decided that he'll do more good there than here."
"Why? So does that mean Kid and I have to carry his weight on the runs as well?"
Teaspoon shook his head, "No son. Apparently the company has decided that it can no longer offer the mail service. It's not something they can keep doing with the war and such. Effective immediately they've closed down Rock Creek Station."
"What?" Kid paled and glanced at Buck who looked just as shocked. "So where does that leave us?"
"Outta work," Buck rose to stare out the window. He could feel his dreams collapsing around him. Without a steady income the possibility of having a farm of their own had shrunk.
"I know." Teaspoon glanced between the pair. "Which brings me to my offer."
"Offer?"
"Yes. With so many strangers coming and going and being so close to the border I need all the help I can get. I know both of you have new families and all but I could sure use your help."
"Our help? You mean as in being your deputies?"
"Yes. I'd like you two to sign on as my deputies. Before you refuse this job think about it. The money is good, and both of you would have a free place to live."
"Free place to live?"
"The town's prepared to offer you both small apartments. Granted they ain't as big as the house but they ain't as small as your bedrooms."
Sharing a glance Kid and Buck shrugged, "Did you mention this to Lou or Laura?"
"No. I figured you two can work that out."
"I ain't gonna say yes or no until I've talked to my wife." Kid said. "I don't relish the idea of sleeping on that short couch in the parlor."
Chuckling Teaspoon leaned back, "Let me know tomorrow."
Walking with Buck toward the house Kid didn't like the idea of tellin' Lou he was going to take the job. He hated when she got mad at him.
"You gonna take it?"
"Don't see nothing else do you? I ain't about to enlist, Lou would shoot me just on principal. And we both know the stockyard is hiring but its less than we'd make working for Teaspoon. And we'd have to find out own places."
"Still it's healthy work. And we both know we'd be home at the end of the day."
"It would be as boring as hell," Kid chuckled at the thought. "Still I guess it would be safer than pinning a star to my chest."
"I'm thinking of taking Teaspoon's offer. It makes more sense than just working for a few pennies a week. Besides everyone knows us, knows we can do the job."
"I wish Jimmy had stayed. Wish he'd at least said goodbye."
"Oh he'll be home sooner or later. Man needs his family."
"I know." Opening the door to the main house Kid stepped inside, allowing Buck to close it behind them. "Lou!"
"Hey," Lou appeared in the kitchen doorway with a smile on her face. The smile faded slowly at the look on their faces. "What's wrong?"
"We got offered a new job," Kid started as Laura appeared.
"And?"
"Working for Teaspoon. The money's good, we get our own place, and we'd be home most of the time."
"You mean as deputies?" Laura asked softly.
"Well yes. Don't get…"
Glancing at Laura who looked accepting Lou sighed, "I was scared of that. Do you want to do it?"
"Yes." Kid replied. "If we're gonna make this work, if we're gonna be able to survive we need to have good jobs. Granted things aren't going to be the same…"
"Same as what?" Laura asked. "You've both done the work before. You're good at it."
"Yes but…"
With a sad shake of her head Laura moved closer to them. "But nothing. You had your mind set on this before you walked up the steps. We all know that the new owner of the stockyard won't hire Buck because he's an Indian. You can't get a job that pays as well anywhere else because you're from the south! This makes sense."
"You're being awfully accepting of this." Buck hesitated, "Why?"
Laura grinned. "I fully expect you to convince me that this is a good idea. I won't be a widow before I'm a mother Buck Cross and I am not a mother yet."
Hiding a grin Buck nodded. "I'll do my best."
"You two can wash up. Dinner'll be ready soon," Lou said and disappeared back into the kitchen.
"She's gonna kill me." Kid muttered.
"No she won't. She loves you Kid, she just needs a little convincing." Laura smiled softly. "Now then you both stink so go wash. Lou and I worked hard on this dinner."
"You cooked?" Buck squeaked out a pained look on his face.
"Yes we cooked and you're gonna eat it to. Or you both can sleep in the barn for a week!"
With a quick nod the men filed back outside to wash up. The thought of sleeping in the barn not a pleasant one - especially without their wife.
Chapter Four
"You know I'm beginning to think the Stockyard would have been more exciting," Kid groaned as he sat behind his desk.
"I think they're still hiring," Buck chuckled.
"Shut up."
"Wonder how Cody's doing? And Jimmy?"
"Probably knee deep in the effort," Kid stated turning his attention to the never ending stream of paperwork.
"Do you miss it?"
"No." Kid glanced up from his work. "I have the most beautiful woman waiting for me at home. A nice warm bed and a wife with whom I can spend hours in it. Why would I miss being out on the trail getting shot at?"
"Makes sense I guess."
"Oh don't tell me you like getting home after Laura's gone to bed. I heard you two going on the other night."
"Hey I don't listen in on you and Lou do I?" Buck looked shocked.
Laughing Kid shook his head, "Nope. Good thing to. If you did then Lou would have to kill you."
Laughing Buck glanced out the window in time to see both women walking toward them. From the way they were giggling he knew something was up. "Uh Kid? Looks like we're in for something."
"Good or bad?"
"Uh I'm not sure. Your wife has a goofy look on her face!"
Kid glanced up sharply and realized that Buck was right. Sitting uneasily in the chair as the two women moved into the office and smiled at them he felt a bolt of fear go through him.
"Hi." Kid pulled Lou in close for a hug. "What are you two up to?"
"Oh we just came to visit," Laura giggled and nudged Lou. "Didn't we?"
"Oh yes." Lou smiled sweetly at Kid who paled and backed up a step. "Just to visit."
"Sure Lou."
"Have you two eaten yet?" Laura asked.
"Uh no," Buck replied.
"Good. Come on we're taking you to lunch."
Sharing an uneasy, fearful look Kid and Buck followed the girls out of the jail and over to the hotel. Settling at a table near the window just so they could keep a look out both men couldn't bring themselves to relax.
"So what's the occasion?" Buck asked softly as he watched the waitress walk away with their order. That uneasy feeling had blossomed into an all out fear and he wasn't too sure he'd survive this.
"No occasion. Can't a wife take her husband out for lunch?"
"Of course you can. It just seems you're in such a good mood Lou," Kid shifted, "too good of a mood."
Sharing a snicker the two women daintily sipped their glasses of lemonade.
With a bite of his lunch in his mouth Kid watched Buck who was trying to assess the women. He'd been trying for the past ten minutes with no luck; maybe his friend would have some.
"So I ordered that new dress," Laura was saying. "And I absolutely insisted Lou get one. I mean it's great that you gave us those few dollars. I have missed having something new for a while now."
"You have a brand new wardrobe," Buck said.
"I know but not like this," Laura patted his hand.
Rolling his eyes Buck hunched down further in his chair. "So you've been shopping. Did you get anything for me?"
"Of course." Laura giggled. "A couple of shirts. You know to replace that one you tore the other day."
"Why not just mend it?"
"Because he ripped the entire left side out," Laura explained haughtily.
"So Lou what did you buy?"
"Some cute boots along with a couple of new blankets." Lou simpered.
"We have footwear and blankets at home."
"Oh I know but not like this." Lou said lifting her purse out of her lap. "We saw them and absolutely had to buy both pairs."
"Both pairs?" Kid's voice was strangled. "You remember we're trying to save money for a farm or ranch of our own … right?"
Giggling the girls nodded and dug in their purses. "These hardly cost anything." Laura said setting the items on the table. "And they'll keep for a few months."
Seeing what she'd set on the table Buck choked on his coffee. "What are you doing with doll clothes?" he wheezed.
"Doll clothes?" Lou glanced at Laura then back at Kid and Buck who looked only slightly less upset then she was when she'd gone to the doctor that morning. "Who said anything about doll clothes? These are baby booties."
"Baby booties?" Buck whimpered.
"Of course. You don't expect us to leave our babies without footwear do you?" Laura asked.
"Baby booties?" Kid swallowed. "Who said anything about a baby?"
"Oh no, not a baby. Two babies!" Lou giggled and patted his hand. "Both of us are expecting a baby."
"Two babies?" Buck squeaked out. "Where did you get them from?"
Laughing at them, Lou struggled to keep a straight face. "Well see Buck it's like this. When a man and woman dance…"
"That ain't what I meant?" Buck whimpered. "I mean when did you find out?"
"Just this morning. We just came from the Doctor's office. He was quite shocked that both of came at the same time."
"Not as much as we are," Kid muttered under his breath still in shock. He was expecting a baby. He'd be a father… glancing fearfully at Buck who looked just as shocked and scared as he was Kid knew they'd have to talk this out.
"Uh we have to get back to work," Buck hoped that they'd buy that excuse. He needed time to think, to plan. He just needed some room to breath.
"Of course you do. Now then we've got to get back. We're cleaning out the spare rooms in our apartments. They'd be perfect for nurseries."
"Don't over do it." Kid snapped. "If you need help just come and get either one of us."
"Yes dear," Lou kissed him gently on the cheek. "I'll see you at home."
As soon as the two women had vanished out into the sunlight Kid leaned in closer to Buck. "This didn't just happen."
Buck shook his head, "No. No of course it didn't. Uh let's get back to work. With any luck this will have settled by the time we get home!"
"You're right." Kid agreed. Things would look much better later on.
Chapter Five
"Morning boys."
Teaspoon's annoying cheerfulness drew a groan as Buck slouched deeper into his chair. The steaming cup of coffee in front of him clutched tightly.
"You look like hell." Teaspoon declared glancing at both of his deputies. "What's gotten into you?"
"Nothing." Kid grumbled smothering a yawn. "Absolutely nothing."
"Well perk up boys. If you weren't up all night dancing with your wives you'd be more rested."
"I'll have you know I spent the night trying to avoid having to even look at my wife." Kid snapped. "It was supposed to settle down. But noo, its been two weeks and she's even crazier than before."
"What was supposed to settle down?" Teaspoon glanced between them in confusion.
"Shopping for all sorts of things that we don't even need yet. I mean just how many clothes does she figure it's gonna need?"
"Buck would one of you tell me what the heck you're complainin' about?"
"Our delightful wives have informed us that we're expecting babies. Not a baby. Not the idea of having one. Nope we're expecting babies. If they aren't discussing booties and diapers then they're pickin' out names."
"That's what usually happens when you're expectin'."
"But it's too soon!" Buck shuffled to the coffee pot. "They ain't due for another six months! We should have some time to get used to the idea! Instead she's got me painting the nursery at all hours of the night."
"That's just cause you ain't home during the day."
"If it ain't that it's Buck dear I need you to grab me some more water. I'm tired. I'm sick. I'm…" he paused and flushed. "The point is I work all day and then I go home and try desperately to sleep only to get blindsided by my own wife! I haven't slept in two days and I need my rest."
"Tell me about it. Just yesterday Lou asks me to come home. I figure she needs help moving the bed or something since she's been rearranging things. Oooh no. I no more than get through the door and she's got me half undressed! For crying out loud I had work to do and she's ambushing me with her wiles!"
Teaspoon chuckled as the boys complained. "Well you could always have it worse."
"How so?"
"I member someone tellin' me about how his wife was so cantankerous during her pregnancy that he spent more than a fair part of it sleepin' in the barn with the stock. Said she took to burning the meals, finding fault in everything he did, and just plain made him miserable. Damn fool went through that six times!"
Kid paled as Teaspoon continued. He knew Lou's temper firsthand and he had no desire to tempt fate by complaining too loudly about her wanting to dance at odd hours of the day or night.
"There you are!" Lou's happy voice had the trio turning to the door. "I've been looking all over for you Kid."
"What do you need darlin'?"
"Tompkins said that the cradle's in. Could you help carry it home?"
"How 'bout I just carry it? Don't need to help you break your fool neck or something going up the steps."
Buck moved back slightly from Kid and stared at Lou.
"Oh that would be perfect. I just got back from Doc's office to. He says that things are going real well with this pregnancy. Said the baby seems healthy if the heartbeat is anything to go buy."
"That's nice. What else did he say?" Kid asked pulling his hat down over his eyes and following Lou out the door tiredly.
"I asked him about our dancin' and he said it wouldn't hurt the baby at all. It might actually help the baby develop a little faster. Course how much of that is true I don't know. I feel great though…" Lou's voice faded away and Buck breathed a sigh of relief.
"What's got you so jumpy?" Teaspoon settled at his desk.
"It's Laura. She's twice as bad as Lou. Just last night she asked me such a damn fool question I nearly laughed. Tell me something Teaspoon, does this get any easier?"
"With time son. With time. Now why don't you go home? You ain't doing me much good sitting there fallin' asleep at your desk like that. You can take the nightshift."
Teaspoon laughed at the look of utter relief on Buck's face as he hurried out of the office. Those boys had no idea what they were in for. Leaning back in his chair Teaspoon glanced out the window.
He'd have to send word to both Cody and Jimmy when the girls were a little closer to their due dates. It would be fun to watch Kid and Buck as they struggled with that portion of life.
Stepping into the cool interior of the small two room apartment he shared with his wife Buck breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't appear to be home. Stripping down to nothing he crawled into bed and pulled the blankets up. A few hours of uninterrupted sleep and he'd be as good as new.
Chapter Six
"Honey?" Laura's soft whisper had Buck groaning. "Honey I need you."
"Sleeping." Buck grunted.
"Please. I need some help."
"With what?" Buck blinked sleepily.
"Um do you think you can find me some of that frozen treat we had at supper?" Laura beseeched. "And some chocolate."
Eying his wife with barely contained disbelief Buck shuffled out of bed and pulled his trousers on. Stomping into his boots he smiled evilly. Perhaps it would be enough to wake Kid who occupied the apartment next to them.
Buck grumbled about pregnant women and cravings as he jerked open the front door and froze. "What in the world are you doing here?"
"I couldn't sleep." Lou smiled serenely. "Kid's out like a light and I heard you get up so I came to see if…
"Honey who is it?" Laura called.
"Hi Laura."
"Louise! Come in. I'll make a pot of tea. Couldn't sleep?"
"No the baby's moving a lot more these days and I just couldn't stand the thought of waking Kid up."
"Lucky Kid." Still grumbling Buck headed downstairs. With any luck Teaspoon hadn't eaten his dinner and he could take the ice cream back. If not he was going to have to make some and he didn't feel like it.
"Evening son. You think you should be up this late?" Teaspoon asked licking the last spoonful of ice cream out of his bowl.
"Nooo," Buck whined. "Did you have to eat it? Do you have any idea how hard it is going to be to find more? To make it will take hours."
"What are you going on about son?"
"I sure as hell wish she'd have this baby. Maybe then I'd get a night's sleep!"
Teaspoon laughed at Buck's mutterings as the young man turned to walk out of his office with a decidedly dejected air about him. Rising he slapped Buck on the shoulder, "Son you're gonna be losing even more sleep after this baby's born. Midnight feedings, diapering the baby, listening to him or her cry at all hours, all go along with being a father."
"I hate my life."
"Come on I think Rachel's still got some of that ice cream left along with a few cookies and some milk."
"I need chocolate. She wants chocolate!"
"We'll get it."
Half an hour later Buck plunked the bowl of ice cream on the table, along with a few clothe wrapped chocolate cookies, a pint of milk, and a small bag of something or other the two women didn't know.
"Cookies, milk, ice cream, and the last of the jerky. Enjoy."
The closing of the front door had both women snickering. "Wonder what's gotten into him."
"I don't know."
"So did you go to see Doc Harper? I mean if you're saying that things aren't right it could be something big."
"Oh it is." Laura leaned forward and giggled. "He said he wasn't too sure but he had an idea of what the problem might be."
"Ooh do tell."
"Well I told him about getting so big so fast and how I'm always feeling like the baby's moving. He asked me if I was having problems eating, sleeping that sort of thing and I of course said no. I mean unless I get a craving. He asked if Buck and I were enjoying our marital bed so to speak and I told him often. Poor man blushed brighter than Polly's rose bushes. And then he says to me that he wants to do a test or two. So I say go for it as long as it doesn't hurt."
"And what did he do?"
"Well he listened to the baby's heart and said it sounded a little fast. I asked him what that meant. If the baby would be okay and he told me that the last time he'd heard such a rapid heart beat, almost like an echo Mrs. Peterson had twins."
"NO!" Lou gasped.
"So he thinks I may be carrying twins but I haven't told Buck."
"Why on earth not?"
"Poor dear is so emotional these days. Just this morning he was complaining about swollen ankles. I don't know what I'd do if he learned we were having two babies instead of one."
"Oh no you can't tell him. I still haven't told Kid and I knew a week ago."
"So how are we going to get prepared for this? If we're both blessed with twins we're gonna need twice as much stuff."
"Well just have to knuckle under and do it. They men will understand…someday."
With their heads together they giggled at the thought of the surprise waiting for their husbands.
Buck shuffled through the open door into Kid and Lou's apartment with a yawn. Moving through the darkness he opened the master bedroom door and walked over to where Kid lay stretched out snoring.
"Hey!" he poked the other man. "Your wife is at my kitchen table You wanna go get her?"
"Huh? What?"
"Your wife is at my kitchen…"
"Then shut the hell up and go to sleep," Kid ground out pulling a pillow out from under his head. "Where ever you fall is okay."
With a sad shake of his head Buck flopped down on the bed. "I'm too tired to fall."
"Only a couple more months." Kid promised.
"Not according to Teaspoon."
"Then pray that he's wrong." Kid yawned and slid back into sleep.
Lou leaned against the door jamb and watched the two fully grown men hogging her bed. Rubbing a hand over the swell of her stomach she giggled softly. Kid slept on his stomach, the blankets tangled around his body as they usually were. Buck slept on his side, his back to Kid, a pillow clutched in his arms, his head resting on the mattress.
Both were so deeply asleep they didn't even notice when she snickered. Closing the door she went to find Teaspoon to tell him that his deputies were going to be rather late for work.
Chapter Seven
From where he sat on the porch Kid watched Cody and Jimmy riding toward him with mixed emotions. On one hand he was glad to see his friends, and on the other hand he really didn't want to be around to witness the emotional turmoil his wife was going to throw them all in.
"You don't have to look so bloody happy to see us." Jimmy grumbled dismounting in front of the jail.
"You have no idea." Kid drawled rising to his feet. "How long you in town for?"
"Well we were thinking of sticking around a few days but the way…"
"I'm glad to see you, not so glad to have to deal with the emotions of a woman in the later stages of pregnancy."
"So whose havin' a baby first you or Buck?" Cody chuckled.
"We're due within a week of each other. And we're both having…" Kid paled and paused to collect himself.
"Having?" Jimmy prompted.
"Twins." Kid groaned. "Lou and Laura are currently napping. Buck's hiding in a jail cell trying to catch a couple hours of sleep and I'm waiting for my wife to wake up and finish driving me insane."
"Why is Lou driving you insane?" Cody asked.
"Oh my God! You're here! Oh I missed you both so much. Have you eaten? Are you tired? Kid they're exhausted take care of their horses for them!" Lou's voice had Kid tensing and inching toward the doorway.
"Love to Lou but I uh I think Buck's calling me. You're on your own!" he whispered pointing at Jimmy and Cody who looked shocked.
In a flurry of perfume, cotton, and gingham Jimmy and Cody found themselves being ushered up the stairs and into what looked like a living area.
"I told Kid you'd stop by. You're just in time I was about to make lunch I hope you're hungry Jimmy. I know Cody's appetite has never been an issue so I'll make extra. I can't believe you're here. It's going to be so great having you here for a while. I hope you're staying for a bit…I don't think it would be fair to leave so soon after you've arrive." The sound of Lou's voice faded from Kid's hearing as he sank into his chair behind his desk and leaned back.
The boys upstairs didn't know it but they'd just bought him some rest and he was going to make the most of it.
"Jimmy and Cody back?"
"For a while. Lou kidnapped them." Kid chuckled and glanced at the cell where Buck lay with his hat pulled down over his face.
"Good. Better get some sleep. Lou'll be by soon enough."
Chuckling Kid nodded and tipped his hat forward, down over his eyes and settled back into his seat. An early afternoon nap sounded perfect.
Chapter Eight
"Buck. Buck wake up." Laura hissed angrily. "Would you quit it? Something's wrong."
"What?" Buck rolled into a standing position easily, fully awake and staring at his wife. "What's wrong? I locked the door. I know I did…"
Laura sighed and stared at her husband for a moment. "Would you please just go ask Lou to come up here?"
"Honey it's two in the morning."
"I know." Laura pouted softly. "But I've got this terrible backache and my stomach…"
"Laura, honey," Buck smiled softly as he sat down against her leg. "When are you due again?"
"Next few days." Laura explained.
"Exactly. Now then is it a steady backache or does it come and go?"
"It comes and goes to some degree. And there's this really heavy, almost physical weight on my…" Laura paused, flushing bright red in the lamp light. "Um maybe you should just go get…"
"Laura you're in labor."
"I can't be." Laura hissed. "I'm not due tonight!"
"Babies don't wait. Now you want me to help you or you want me to leave?"
"Well with that attitude…" Laura gasped clinging to his hand as another wave of pain rolled over her. "Stay please. Don't leave me alone."
Shaking his head slowly Buck glanced upwards. *Why me?* "Okay here's what we're going to do. You and I are going to get up and go for a walk."
"A WALK! Are you insane?"
"No. It's the way they've been having babies in my village for hundreds of years. Now you can either lay there swamped with pain or you can get up and walk and have our babies much sooner."
"I hate you. I really really hate you right now Buck Cross."
"I love you to." Buck replied half leading, half dragging his wife around their apartment. He'd go for the doctor soon but he wanted Laura to feel better about the upcoming births, feel more in control of the situation than she was.
A loud pounding at the door had both of them groaning. "Yes?"
"Uh Buck I uh could…" Jimmy's panicked voice drifted through the wood.
"Key's in the alcove by the lamp." Buck replied. "Come on in."
Jimmy darted through the door a harried, disheveled mess of hair, clothes, and man. "Uh hi Laura. Buck you gotta do something. Lou's lost it."
"What has she lost?" Laura asked quickly.
"IT! Whatever it is that made her so…"
Buck sighed and looked from his wife to his friend standing in the open doorway of their home. "Jimmy calm down for crying out loud. Where is Lou now?"
"Downstairs. Sobbing about how much she loves Kid. She was screaming at him that he was never touching her again and now she's gone the other direction. Poor Kid don't know where to turn. He can't even move without her crying harder. She's got Cody awake and he's looking like he wants to bolt but he can't. I really, really don't want to know about their dancing." Jimmy rushed through the words, making little or no sense at times.
"Go wake up Doc. Harper." Buck said resignedly. "Sounds like Lou's in labor. Come on Laura. Better go see…"
"What about me?" Laura panted clinging to his arm with bruising strength.
"You wanted Lou to help you now you get her help. Besides, you hate me remember."
"But I don't!" Laura wailed as Jimmy ran from the room. "I don't hate you Buck I love you and I don't want to go down there! I want to stay here in my nice safe house and have our babies with just you and I! Please!"
Groaning in agony Buck felt his shoulders sag. If he never had another child it wouldn't bother him. After months of no sleep, way too much dancing - and how was it that he was thinking it was too much anyway - odd cravings at all hours of the day and night, and the wild ride of his wife's emotions he was ready to just crawl into a hole and disappear for a while.
The sobbing of his wife beside him had him glancing upwards, *Ike you lucky SOB why aren't you suffering this fate with us?*
"Please Buck I didn't mean it. I'm so sorry!"
"I know darling," Buck patted her shoulder. "I know."
"Oh no!" The pained whimper from the doorway had him glancing past his wife to the man standing staring at him.
"What do you want Cody?"
"Lou wants Laura. Something about a woman understands these things."
"Laura's a little busy."
Cody nodded, pale and shaken. "Buck?"
"What?"
"Remind me to never get married."
"Cody?"
"Yeah?"
"Shut up!"
Still whimpering her apologies Buck ushered Laura downstairs and into Kid and Lou's place. Catching Kid's eye he nodded his agreement of the sentiment to never get his wife pregnant again.
Two hours later both men sat on the couch exhausted. They could hear Lou's sharp tongue giving hell to the doctor and Laura trying to sooth her but it wasn't working. It appeared that the two women were sharing the whole pregnancy thing a little too much.
"Remind me again why we're suffering like this?" Kid whispered.
"Because we love them." Buck replied sipping on his coffee. "Because they want us."
Kid nodded slowly his blue eyes on the door to the bedroom. "I sure hope everything's okay. I mean Lou's pretty small what if…."
"Don't. You're borrowing trouble."
"Yeah Kid this is Lou we're talking about. She might be small but she's tough."
"But…"
"Trust us Kid." Cody put in. "Lou'll be okay. Besides, she's not about to leave you to your own devices. Look what happens when she does? She winds up in labor for hours on end."
"Cody?" Kid growled. "Shut the heck up before I put something else in your mouth besides your foot."
Buck chuckled weakly and stared at the bedroom door. He didn't know what he'd do if he lost Laura. Yes he'd love the children but to lose her, to lose the warmth and acceptance that came with her love? He didn't know what he'd do without it.
The creak of hinges a moment later had all four men staring hard at the doctor who looked harassed and uncomfortable. "Both women are doing remarkably well consider."
"Considering?" Buck demanded.
"It is a labor and delivery Buck. Laura's resting comfortably with your son and daughter. Lou on the other hand is trying to kill me."
"Laura had the babies?" Buck rose and rushed toward the door only to be halted by the doctor.
"Lou isn't really in the mood to see someone."
"I want to see my wife!" Buck protested.
"You Express boys still haven't figured out yet that I like having no work for a while. You haven't changed at all. If it isn't the bullet holes and broken bones its babies. I need a holiday of some sort. Something that gets me away from town for a couple of weeks." Doc Harper mumbled as Buck slipped past him. With an apologetic look at Kid who sat in stunned silence he stepped back into the room and watched Lou glaring at him. *I don't get paid enough to deal with this.*
A glance across the room showed Buck wrapped up in his family, his back to Lou. Perhaps that was best. No telling what Lou would do with him sitting there watching her. No telling at all.
Chapter 10
Rachel watched Kid and Buck as they attempted to fix the wagon wheel she'd asked their help with. Both men looked exhausted, but there was a swagger in their steps, and an ever present smile on their faces.
"You're cruel." Lou commented walking up to Rachel and watching her husband and their best friend fixing a broken wheel. "Makin' 'em do that."
"I'm cruel?" Rachel laughed softly. "What about you? You've got Kid running in circles to get things for you and the babies, Laura's just as bad with Buck and both men look like they need a full night's sleep."
Lou flushed prettily and shrugged, "What can I say? With Emma, Sam, Ike, and James sleeping we like to get a little down time with our husbands… not all together." She stated quickly.
Rachel laughed. "I kinda figured that. How goes the planning for the farm?"
"Got a letter back from Sam and Emma, they said that they'd be more than happy to sell the Sweetwater Station to us. Even gave us a good price." Lou shrugged, a touch of sadness in her eyes, "But it's gonna wipe us out. We'll have the land, and our horses but that's all. Kid doesn't want to go to the bank to get a loan so we'll have to figure out a way of getting more horses without going into debt."
"Well you do have all that extra supplies you've been hording. What if you trade with the local tribe for horses?"
Lou stared at Rachel for a moment, "You're a genius!" She hugged her tightly before hurrying toward the men who were standing back from the wagon, wiping the sweat from their faces.
"Uh oh." Buck muttered catching sight of Lou hurrying toward them with a huge grin on her face. "You might want to run."
Kid whipped around to stare at his wife, his eyes widening comically. "Oh sh…"
"Kid!" Lou threw her arms around him, pressing herself against his hard, sweaty body and smirking. "You're still the best looking man I've ever seen. Sweaty skin never looked so good."
"Uh, I'm gonna go see about lunch." Buck started.
"Oh no, I wanted to talk to both of you." Lou stopped him with a hand on his arm, her face wreathed in smiles. "Emma said she'd sell us the Sweetwater place, even gave us a good deal. But it means we're not gonna have any money for more horses…"
"We knew that." Buck started unhappily.
"So, since you know the local tribe and Kid is a blood brother to Curly, maybe you could use the extra supplies that we've been hording to trade for some horses. It would solve two problems. We wouldn't have to worry about the flour getting full of worms and we'd get some stock to build on."
"And?" Buck drawled.
"It would also mean that you'd be home more often. You wouldn't have to be on the trail looking for horses all the time."
"Sounds good." Kid nodded, "We could do that. It would mean we could actually get started before next year."
"I'll see what Laura says, it would be nice to get a start on things."
"We'll have to make a decision right away. If we want to get things on the move, and get there before winter sets in we should leave within the next few weeks." Kid said practically.
"We could do that. I'll go talk to Laura now," Buck smirked at Lou. "I'm sure you've got something to talk to Kid about."
"Yeah, well just wait…" Kid muttered darkly under his breath.
"Oh I'm sure I could find something." Lou chuckled warmly and hugged Kid again. "Have I told you today how much I love you?"
"Mmmm, no." Kid replied dropping a quick kiss on her forehead. "But I'm willin' to listen if you'd like to."
Stepping over the barricade Laura had insisted be put up, Buck glanced around. He could hear the faint but distinctly melodic sounds of someone humming. With a grin he headed for the bedroom, sounded like Laura was putting the babies to sleep.
"Ike and Emma are asleep." Buck whispered kissing Laura on the cheek and lifting his son from her arms. "Come on, into your own bed woman if you're tired."
"Mmm, I was snuggling." Laura whispered sleepily.
"I know." Buck ushered her into their room and coaxed her onto the bed. Pulling the blanket up over her tired body he sat on the edge of the bed. "Lou's got a plan…"
"I know." Laura smothered a yawn. "We talked it out last night."
"We?"
"Rachel and I. I know you want your dream and you should have it. Besides, Rachel's getting tired of tripping over Lou and I."
"Means we're gonna be hard pressed for the winter. Those extra supplies will buy horses but what bout our needs? How we gonna make it all winter on…"
Laura sat up and grasped his arm. "You and Kid have way too much pride. Do you think that Lou and I have nothing to contribute? That we would forget about what this means to us? Those extra supplies are replaceable; they're not the end of all things. Besides, Lou and I have been saving money from our sewing and such and have nearly sixty-five dollars saved. That ought to buy a few bags of flour and sugar. Meat is easy to come by; all you have to do is go hunt it."
"What about the shop? I know you've been workin' hard there to build it up for Mrs. Ferguson, you willing to leave it all behind?"
"There's got to be a dress shop in Sweetwater, and even if there ain't, I can always start one. Buck, trust us, we're not going to just vanish."
Buck swallowed uneasily, the statement a little too close to comfort for him. He'd often spent time wondering if Ike would have made it, what Ike could have done and he had no idea that Laura had realized it.
"Can I have a nap now? Or would you like to talk it through a bit more?"
"Get some sleep, I'll let Kid know. We'll get the wagon ready and be set to go as soon as possible."
"Next week. That way we'll have time to get settled before winter sets in."
Buck tucked her in and stood. He watched the easy way she slid into sleep and smiled before turning and walking out the door. He had his family, his children, his wife, and now he'd have his dream. Buck stopped in the doorway and glanced up the street to the Marshall's office, would Lou have turned lose of the Kid yet?
With a shake of his head, he headed for work, he'd tell Teaspoon before going any further. The old man had always been prone to good advice, and maybe just maybe Teaspoon would have some thoughts on this.
Teaspoon watched Kid tightening the cinch on Katy's saddle with a pained expression. The boys had come to a decision and it meant leaving the safety and familiarity of their lives here in Rock Creek and heading back to Sweetwater.
In silence he watched as Buck helped the women folk into the wagon before handing up the babies in their cradleboards. Something about keeping them safe when traveling, but Teaspoon knew exactly why he'd insisted. It meant that the women could ride if they had to abandon the wagon.
"I hate to see them go." Rachel's voice at his elbow startled him and he exhaled sharply to cover it.
"I know. I hate that we're losing the last of our family."
"We'll see 'em again. I'm sure of it." Rachel whispered and nudged Teaspoon. "One of these days that girl's gonna get him in trouble."
Turning to the small group, Teaspoon had to crack a smile as he watched Lou tugging on her skirt even as Kid was trying to loosen it from the nail it had caught on. The faint but distinct mutterings from the young woman drew a chuckle he tried to cover with a cough.
"Come on, maybe we should go rescue him before she kills him."
"She's a fireband that one." Rachel muttered under her breath as they approached the wagons. Loud enough to be heard she greeted the small group. "Now are you sure you've got everything you'll need?"
"Yes, Mother." Lou giggled softly. "We're loaded with supplies, with blankets, and everything that we'll need. I imagine it's gonna be a bit of a task getting things organized but at least we've got enough to start."
"You wire as soon as you get there. I ain't in the mood to worry myself into an early grave," Teaspoon ordered sternly. "If I hear from the others I'll send word to you."
"We'll be okay." Kid said with a grin at his wife. "You forgetting who we are?"
"No, just remembering all the trouble you got into since I met ya." Teaspoon shot back as Kid swung into the saddle and Buck climbed onto the wagon seat. "Remember what I taught ya. Don't be going and doing something foolish, if I ain't heard from you in a month I'll come looking."
Kid and Buck shared a glance, before they turned back to Teaspoon. "We'll wire as soon as we get to town. You think you'll be okay here? I realize…"
"Son, I'll be fine. I got Rachel to help me if I need it. Now go on with you. Ride safe!" Teaspoon called as the wagon rolled out of the yard, heading north toward the old station. He stood and watched as the wagon rolled along, growing more and more distant until it had vanished into the landscape.