"Papa tell me a story."
Buck looked down at his twelve year old son, the boy was snuggled warmly in a small bedstead made by his father's hand. Buck smiled. "Sure buddy what kind of story would you like to hear?" Buck asked as he sat on the side of the bed and wrapped a protective arm around his son.
The child looked at his father thoughtfully. "A Kiowa story the boy said with pride in his voice. Tell me more about your tribe's traditions.
Buck smiled as his liquid black eyes filled with pride. "Hmm," Buck sighed thoughtfully. "What haven't I told you about?" He questioned his own memory.
As if reading his father's thoughts the boy spoke up. "You haven't told me about your medicine pouch." Jeremy informed his father, as he reached up and grasped the small black bag that always hung around the man's neck.
"Well, alright I guess you're old enough." Buck stated dramatically gaining the desired result of a lopsided grin from his son.
Jeremy looked at his father excitement brimming in his eyes. The small bundle was still held in his tiny hand. Buck settled himself more comfortably beside his child and began to tell the story that was behind his sacred medicine pouch.
*~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~*
"Normally a young man is given a medicine pouch by his father or oldest living male family member when his thirteenth summer is celebrated."
Jeremiah smiled at this for soon he would be thirteen and he knew his father would follow the Kiowa traditions with him, just as he always had.
"The pouch contains various herbs and other sacred items which help to keep its wearer healthy and safe from harm. The wearer can also add his own special things to it if he so chooses. However the story of how I got mine is quite different" Buck sighed heavily as he began to let the memories of so long ago surface from deep within a locked part of his heart.
**FLASHBACK**
It was with great fear in his heart that he went for water as the first rays of sun kissed the sky each day, for Running Buck knew what was awaiting him. As he approached the stream a single arrow sailed through the air missing his shoulder by only inches.
Instantly he was surrounded by a good number of the young braves from camp, each ranging from his own age of twelve summers to slightly older.
"White Face!"
"Half breed!"
"Savage!"
The words of the other boys stung him like a cut from a knife but he refused to let them see that. He tried his best to ignore their hateful words He just wanted to get the morning water and for once get back to camp without the feel of his own blood stinging his eyes.
Sadly that was not meant be for as Running Buck reached the edge of the water one of the older boys stepped up to him and shoved him into the shallowness of the small stream at his back
"Your mother chose to lie with a white man she was not forced and because of her our people have been disgraced with a white face like you."
These hate filled words against his mother were the last straw for Running Buck. He jumped to feet not letting the icy feeling of the water on his bare skin slow him for and instant. Without a second thought he threw himself on the eldest and biggest of his attackers, but no matter how hard he fought, he was eventually beaten severely and left for dead.
The only reason the other boys had left unsure of Running Buck's death was the sound of heavy footfalls in the brush by the stream.The injured young brave thought he heard them too and whispered softly to the shadow that hovered over him. "Father the other's tried to kill me," Running Buck whispered just before he fell into the welcome blackness that was once again calling out to him.
"I know my son, I will not allow this to happen again." Bear claw whispered in a shaky voice as he looked at the child in his arms.
The next thing the young brave was aware of was the presence of his father's strong arms as the older man lifted his bloodied son into them and walked away from the water. Sometime later, Running Buck's eyes fluttered open as much as his pain would allow and he realized that he was in the tipi of Stone Feather, the Kiowa medicine man. Stone Feather along with the boy's father were performing the medicine pouch ceremony.
Running Buck inhaled deeply as the overwhelming scents of the fresh herbs surrounded him, almost instantly drawing his attention away from the terrible pain he was in. The young boy was surprised to see sadness in his father's eyes as the pouch was gently placed around his neck.
It was with a solemn tone that Bear claw spoke to his son, "I am so sorry Running Buck sorry that you had to receive your medicine pouch under these circumstances. I had planned as tradition states to give you the pouch on the day we celebrate your thirteenth summer, but when I found you by the steam this morning I knew you must have the pouch now. I'm sorry my son. I wish things good have been different for you." Then he smiled.
**PRESENT**
Buck released a heavy sigh. "And that's how I got my medicine pouch." He looked down to see his son's reaction to the story he had just told him. Buck smiled slightly when he found that Jeremy had fallen into a sound sleep and that his medicine pouch was still held tightly in his son's tiny hand. He carefully removed the pouch from Jeremy's hand and quietly left the room closing the door behind him.
As Buck entered the bedroom he shared with his wife he found Kaylee sitting at her vanity brushing her raven colored hair with a small smile speeding across her heart shaped mouth. Kaylee's smile fell quickly as her husband stepped up behind her and she noticed a sadness in his usually smiling liquid black eyes. "Buck what's wrong?" Kaylee asked as she turned to face him. Her stunning gray eyes pleading with him to tell her what had hurt him so badly.
Buck made no attempt to respond instead he gently picked up Kaylee's hairbrush which had fallen to rest in her lap when she saw her husband's saddened face. Kaylee simply complied with Buck's unspoken wish and turned her back to him to allow him to brush her hair as he liked to do when his heart was troubled.
Kaylee let go a contented sigh at feeling the simple yet intimate closeness of her husband as he slowly and silently brushed her hair. She smiled slightly giving Buck her unspoken support as she watched the play of emotions cross his face in the mirror in front of her. Kaylee knew he would talk to her only when he was ready.
Buck drew a deep breath allowing the sweet scents of rose water and what could only be described as Kaylee surround him in attempt to wash away the pain of his recently relived memories. Buck placed the brush back in it's place on the small vanity. He stepped away from his wife and Kaylee turned around to see Buck standing with his arms held out to her, his eyes pleading to be held in her soft embrace.
Kaylee was in his arms instantly and he held to her as if he fought for his very being. Kaylee felt Buck shudder slightly against her tiny frame and she tried to pull away so that she could see his face. He responded by holding her more tightly to him "No please, please just just hold me." He murmured into her silky hair.
Kaylee in turn pulled Buck's body closer to her own and brought her hands up and stroked his shoulder length hair in an attempt to calm him. She closed her eyes as she continued to soothe her husband and she suddenly became very worried about him she hated his retreat into utter silence.
Kaylee was pulled from her thoughts by the sensation of Buck's gentle hand caressing her cheek her eyes fluttered open and she realized that Buck was staring at her. His eyes had become darkened with need and they showed the slightest trace of unshed tears. Buck still had not spoken a word but Kaylee could almost feel his need to be with her. In response she gently raised to the tips of her toes and kissed him deeply.
In a single but gentle movement Buck had Kaylee in his arms and placed her gently on their bed. As they became one Buck looked into the loving face of his wife. Still not speaking his eyes pleaded with her soul to understand that at this very moment he needed nothing more then her love.
Sometime later silent and content Kaylee rested her head on Buck's chest listening to the steady beating of his heart. As he drew a deep breath she felt him tremble and she looked up to see him watching her with tears in his eyes. She gently brushed away a tear with her thumb as it slid down his cheek.
Buck spoke softly. "Thank you for loving me." Kaylee smiled in reply and waited for him to continue. "Jeremiah asked to hear the story of how I got my medicine pouch and I told him everything."
Kaylee shook slightly she knew the story and as she remembered the things her husband went through as a young man she found herself fighting the urge to wretch. "I'm so sorry Buck." She said softly.
"I know." He drew a deep breath. "I guess it was a lot harder for me to tell then I thought and when I looked down at Jeremy I found him sound asleep. I don't know how much he heard but his poor stuffed bear had to hear the whole dreadful thing." Buck smiled slightly at his own last words as he leaned down and placed a tender kiss on Kaylee's lips.
"I'm so sorry Kaylee."
"For?"
"Being weak and silent and for crying, but most of all for making you worry."
"It's all right my love that's what I'm here for - - -"
"But," He interrupted not letting her finish. "I don't want you to I'm weak and the same goes for Jeremiah It's enough pain for him to know I'm really not his father." Buck closed his eyes and was silent once more
"And I'm not really his mother." Kaylee whispered trying to keep the sadness out of her voice. "Do you honestly think it matters to Jeremy that neither one of our blood runs through him? Buck you are his father it doesn't matter who you are nor that you have mixed blood, he loves you and has ever since the spirits gifted us with him.
"You are his mother Kaylee and he loves you too" As his words trailed off Buck pulled his wife into his arms and held her tenderly.
"What can I do for you?" Kaylee asked still sensing that Buck was not totally at peace.
"Love me and let me love you back."
"Always" Kaylee whispered her voice thick with desire.
Afterward the couple lay in each others arms, both completely content they drifted off to sleep.
*~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~*
"Buck!!!" Kaylee ran out of the house screaming his name, she finally found him in the small tack room behind the barn talking with his ranch foreman Michael (Smiley) White. "Thanks Smiley, take Josh and go fix the - - -" Buck stopped in mid sentence when Kaylee skidded to a stop next to him. Turning to her what he saw shocked him she was white as a ghost her breathing was labored and coming in quick gasps and she was holding her stomach as if it hurt.
"Kaylee what's wrong, what happened?" Buck asked trying to keep the fear that had welled up inside him out of his voice.
"I - - - I can't find Jeremy" She stammered just before her world went black and the only thing that stopped her from hitting the ground was the the quick action of her husband. The next thing Kaylee knew she was being held in Buck's protective arms. She looked around and realized she had been lowered to the ground her head still spinning but rested safely in the crook of Buck's arm.
He was speaking to her "Kaylee sweetheart can you hear me? What about Jeremiah?" His voice was calm but his beautiful dark eyes were overflowing with fear.
As a sick feeling invaded her middle, it took more strength then Kaylee thought she possessed to answer "I can't find him I went to his room to wake him and he was gone." I searched the house twice and as much of the ranch as I could before I came looking for you."
"Damn!" Buck softly cursed himself for not waking his son as he usually did before he headed out on the ranch each morning. He checked on him at sunrise before heading to the barn. He looked so peaceful almost angelic that Buck didn't have the heart to wake him. He only wanted to ride the perimeter early because the Walker boys had been breaking up fences and such around the property lately.
"Maybe he's watching the new Colt?" Buck said in an attempt to set his and Kaylee's mind at ease.
"I looked there Buck." Kaylee whispered as she felt her heart drop a little further.
"It's ok sweetheart we'll find him, I promise." Silently Buck prayed with all his heart that he would be able to keep his promise. Drawing a deep breath to try and steady his racing heart Buck looked down at the woman he loved with every once of his being.
"Sweetheart Smiley and I will start looking for him in the north pasture, you should go back up the - - "
Kaylee glared her husband; a look that shot daggers right at him. "Buck Cross, don't you dare tell me to go to the house and wait like some ... some woman! Kaylee spat. Her words were full of fear mixed with a healthy shot of venom. "My son is out there somewhere I am not going to sit back and wait while you find him. I can ride just as well as any man here, Let Josh wait at the house. I'm going." Kaylee turned on her heel and stalked off toward the barn.
"Oooh boy that gal's got a fire in 'er boss." Smiley stated matter of factly.
Buck simply smiled at his friend. "That's one of the things I love about her." Buck replied and then quickly headed to the barn.
*~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~*
Just over two hours later the trio had searched the entire ranch and had been back to the house and they were preparing to search the walker boys small plot of land. Buck was becoming more worried with each minute that passed. The skies looked as if they would open at any minute and spill out a flood of ice cold water. To make matters worse Kaylee looked like hell, she was white as a sheet her eyes were blood shot from crying she was shivering from the cold wind and she looked as if she might pass out at any given second.
Just as the trio approached the small shed at the back of the Walker's property, Buck decided he could not bare it any longer he was worried sick about Jeremy and now when he looked at Kaylee his heart broke for her, she looked small and frail setting atop the horse Buck had given her for her birthday He wished she would just go up to the house and try to rest Pulling Warrior to a walk beside his wife's horse which they had named Buttercup because of its golden color, Buck gave Kaylee's hand a small squeeze and spoke gently to her.
"Kaylee sweetheart, please listen to me?" Buck's voice begged, you look so tired and I know you're freezing out here. Won't you please head back up to the house? I promise we will bring Jeremiah to you as soon as we find him."
Kaylee smiled weakly at her husband, "Promise?"
"Always"
"All right I'll go." Saying nothing more Kaylee turned her beloved Buttercup around and headed back toward the ranch.
"Kaylee wait!!" Buck yelled from behind her. "We found him."
Kaylee dismounted her horse instantly and turning back toward Buck she saw that he was on his knees holding their son in his arms. She broke into a run and in only a second she too fell to her knees beside her husband and child.
Kaylee's gaze instantly fell upon her child, he was bruised terribly and blood ran from his tiny nose.
"Oh my God," she gasped. "What happened to him? Who did this?"
"I don't know for sure, but I have a pretty good idea who might have." Buck whispered softly as looked from his son to his wife who had turned green around the edges.
"Kaylee?" Buck's unfinished question received no response and he simply blinked in surprise as she stood and headed for the nearest bush. Buck gently placed his son back on the ground and looked to his friend.
"Smiley" was all Buck said and the other man nodded in response as Buck followed his wife over to the bushes. Not sure what else to do he stood behind her as she leaned into the bush in front of her, he simply rubbed the small of her back and silently waited for her body shaking wretching to subside.
When Kaylee turned her face to Buck she was obviously flushed and her cheeks were red with heat despite the chill of the wind. "Storm's comin'" she mumbled softly as she looked at the rapidly graying sky then smiled weakly at Buck.
"Here drink this," He said as he handed her his canteen then gave a small smile and nodded his agreement about the coming storm. "Better darlin?" He questioned as he took the canteen from her shaking hands. Buck then proceeded to remove Ike's red bandanna from around his neck .He wet it with water from the canteen and stepped forward and began to gently brush the damp cloth over his wife's pink tinted face.
"Mmmm" Kaylee sighed in reply as she drew a deep breath and allowed Buck's gentle caress to soothe her to her very soul.
Several seconds passed and Buck tied the bandanna back around his neck and encircled his wife in his arms.
"I'm scared for Jeremy he looks so bad." Kaylee murmured into Buck's chest.
"Me too" Buck whispered against her hair. "But he'll be all right, now lets go take care of our son." With that Buck placed his arm around her waist and the pair walked back to check on their son.
Still no change boss, sorry ma'am," Smiley said sadly.
Buck tried but he could not hide the frown that crept into his features. "Let's get him home," he said with a heavy sigh.
*~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~*
Back at the ranch Kaylee cleaned Jeremy up as best she could and he was resting in his bed and his eyes opened when he heard his father enter the room "Pa?"
Buck was at the boy's side instantly causing Kaylee to smile for the first time that whole terrible day.
"I'm here J." Buck smiled as he rustled his child's hair.
"Papa What's a half breed?" Jeremy asked quietly. He had heard the words before and seen the fury in his father's eyes that they caused so he had never asked their meaning until now.
Both mother and father's hearts broke as they finally heard the only question they truly dreaded explaining. Both fought hard to conceal the distress that crossed their faces it was Buck who spoke first. "Jeremy where did you hear that word?"
"The walker boys Pa, what is it?" Jeremy asked again.
"Jeremy tell me exactly what happened and what they said to you." Buck said keeping a tight reign on the sudden anger that burned like fire in his gut.
Jeremy drew a deep breath and winced at the at the pain it caused.
"Jeremy?" Both Kaylee and Buck said at the same time concern etched on both of their faces.
"I'm ok," the small boy responded in a shaky voice. "My side just hurts a little."
I wish Doc Taylor would hurry." Buck said under his breath, Kaylee nodded in agreement.
The small boy drew a more shallow breathe and told his father everything that had happened with the Walker boys.
"I woke up this mornin' and you were already gone and I didn't want to wake ma' " Jeremy gave his mother a small smile and continued. "So I went outside and I was watchin' the new colt, cause I knew that you would check on her and find me. But before you came someone snuck up behind me they hit me on the back of my head and the next thing I know I'm in their shed. they were beatin' me up. They were sayin' that no dirty half breed was good enough to be a rancher and one sure as h - - -" Jeremy stopped deciding it was best not to use the curse word.
"Heck" he said gaining a grin of approval from each of his parents. "Don't deserve no son. I must have passed out after that 'cause the next thing I know I looked up and saw you holdin' me. That's it" Jeremy stated with finality.
Buck was left completely speechless and lost in thought.
Kaylee's gentle voice pulled Buck from somewhere inside his mind. "Buck you better go on and explain it to him he's gonna find out sooner or later. It would be best if he learned from you." As she finished Kaylee squeezed Buck's hand offering him her quiet strength and support. Then she stood and headed toward the door to give father and son a few minutes alone.
"No don't go," Buck's words were so soft spoken Kaylee wasn't sure she had heard him right so she turned and looked at him. "Please stay with me," He whispered again.
Kaylee nodded and walked back over and sat on the floor beside her husband placing her left hand gently on his knee she smiled up at him her eyes telling him that Jeremy would understand. Buck simply sighed accepting her support but not quite knowing if Jeremy would understand what a half breed was and the pain those two simple words could cause.
"Pa" Jeremy spoke again not needing to repeat the rest of his question.
"I am." Buck replied unable to keep the flatness out of his voice. Buck's curt reply earned him an expectant glance from both his wife and child. Drawing a deep steady breath to try and soothe his spinning head he tried again to answer his son's question. "A half breed is an Indian with mixed blood like me I have the blood of my Kiowa family and the blood of the white man inside me."
"Oh," was Jeremy's simple but understanding reply. "But you not bad or dirty Pa so why did they say half breed like it was a bad word?"
Buck sighed softly. "Well buddy some people just don't like people that are different from what they consider normal and they think everyone should agree with the way they feel."
"Well I love you Pa no matter what anyone else thinks."
"I love you too Jeremy." Buck said as a smile spread across his darkened features.
Just then there was a knock on the bedroom door as kaylee opened the door she was met by Teaspoon's crooked grin. "Evenin' Miss Kaylee" Teaspoon said a hint of his Texan accent slipping through his words. He tapped his hat and smiled at her as he entered the room, promptly followed by Rachel who went directly to Kaylee's side in the far corner of the room, and Doctor Matthew Taylor.
"Buck." Teaspoon nodded to the man he considered a son. "Jeremy how are ya son?" He asked the obviously exhausted child lying in the bed
"Fine, thank you sir." Jeremy replied weakly.
Doc Taylor who had remained at the back of the room while hello's were exchanged stepped forward now
"Mr. and Mrs. Cross, young man I came as soon as I could now lets see what we can do for you." He said directing his attention to Jeremy.
As if on cue mother father and honorary grandparents left the room and waited in the hall. "Buck What happened to him?" Teaspoon asked in a low tone as the bedroom door slipped shut behind him.
"The Walker boys took him from the ranch this mornin' and beat em up. He was out cold when he found him out back of their shed earlier."
Rachel shook her head and sighed loudly, Why?"
"Because of me because I'm a half breed." Buck spat the words out quickly as if they tasted bitter in his mouth.
"Lordy Lordy, when will folks ever learn?" Teaspoon asked frustration lacing his voice, as if he had spoken those same words one time to many.
Before anyone could make a reply the doctor stepped into the hallway. Kaylee who had remained silent since leaving her son's bedroom was instantly on her feet standing directly in front of him. Buck was standing to her left and he held her tiny hand in his own. "Doctor?" Kaylee spoke in a trembling voice thankful that the rest of her question spoke for itself.
Doc Taylor had never been one to beat around the bush when speaking of his patients and got right to the point. "Mr. and Mrs. Cross, Jeremy took quite a thrashing today. However, thankfully his injuries are not as bad as they could have been . Jeremiah has three broken ribs a broken nose, various lacerations and a good amount of bruising as well as a possible concussion. Watch him closely don't let him sleep for anymore then two hours at a time keep his cuts clean. I have left some laudanum it will help with the pain. Send for me if there is any change otherwise I'll stop in and check on him in the morning. Oh yes and be sure he stays in bed for an few days, rest is the best medicine."
With that Doctor Taylor tapped his hat, "good evening ladies, Teaspoon, Buck."
"Doc" Teaspoon said nodding to the older man.
Buck simply offered Matthew Taylor his hand which the man shook firmly, then said "I'll let myself out." With that he left.
Shortly afterward the the remaining foursome returned to Jeremy's bedroom and found the child to be sleeping peacefully The adults remained at the door a moment before Teaspoon whispered getting both Buck and Kaylee's attention. "Well Buck Miss Kaylee, it's getin' to be a might late and I best get Rachel home safe 'n sound before the storm that's been teasein' us all day finally decides to hit."
"We'll stop by and check on you all tomorrow," Rachel chimed in as she gave Kaylee a comforting hug. With that Rachel and Teaspoon made their way down the stairs and left.
Meanwhile back upstairs Kaylee and Buck were back in Jeremy's room checking one him once more. While Kaylee kissed Jeremy's cheek Buck lightly rustled his short brown hair and pulled the blankets more snugly around him. And looking up a Kaylee Buck asked, "tired?"
"Yeah." Kaylee whispered her reply so as not to wake her son.
Not waiting for her to say anymore Buck walked around the small bed and placed a supportive arm around his wife's tiny waist and he led her from the room, letting the door shut softly behind them Buck led her to their own bedroom. as The pair crawled into their warm bed, Buck gently pulled Kaylee into his arms feeling her body tighten against him slightly He asked, Hey sweetie you ok?"
"Ah yeah," Kaylee mumbled softly trying to control the sick feeling that suddenly welled up in her middle.
"You sure?" Buck asked gently not quite sure if he believed her.
"Yeah I'm fine," Kaylee said as she looked into her husband dark eyes and forced a smile and prayed that it was enough to convince him
"Ok," Buck whispered as he leaned his head down to her a placed and gentle kiss on her lips.
Kaylee felt a sudden overwhelming need to be with Buck and she deepened the kiss quickly and allowed her hands to fist in the silky blackness of his hair, Causing a muffled gasp to escape Buck's mouth. Slightly taken aback by the sudden change in his wife Buck released her mouth a drew back to stare into her mysterious gray eyes. He knew instantly that the desire he saw there was mirrored in his own eyes. Without speaking another word but instead letting their hearts say all that need be said Buck slowly and gently made love to his wife.
Sometime later Buck was still awake he was propped up by his pillows laying on his side just Watching Kaylee sleep and listening to the raging storm as it played it's sweet music outside the window. He looked again at his wife and let a smile spread across his face. She looked so peaceful, her ebony colored hair spilling over the pillow. He reached up and pushed a stray hair from her face as she drew a breath. Buck was amazed at the feelings something as simple as her warm breath on his skin could cause inside him.
Not wanting to wake her Buck slipped quietly from their bed and went to check on Jeremy, seeing he was fine Buck slowly headed back to his own bed.
As he walked down the hall he took a deep breath and allowed the slight chill in the air to attempt to clear his mind of the days events. He remembered he was plain scared to death when he found his child his only son beaten and bloodied earlier in the day, and all because of a white man's prejudices.
"Now Kaylee," he thought "she was acting just a little strange? Not not strange she just didn't look well at all. When she passed out in his arms this morning, at first he told himself it was caused by sheer panic of not being able to find Jeremy. But then just a while ago in the bedroom she looked as if she might have pass out again. "She probably would have if she hadn't been laying down." Buck's mind not so quietly informed him.
A loud clap of thunder followed by Kaylee's shrill scream brought Buck instantly from his late night musing and he ran the rest of the way back to his room. When he entered he found Kaylee sitting up in bed, her knees drawn up to her chest and she was shaking terribily. Before Buck could even think he had her in his arms rocking her gently.
"J - - Jeremy?" Kaylee looked at Buck her eyes begging for answers.
"Shhh, Jeremy's fine. He's in his bed sound asleep."
Kaylee's breathing began to slow a bit and she leaned into the warmth of Buck's chest, letting the steady beat of his heart relax her. It was short lived however as she jumped when she heard another crash of thunder.
"It's ok It's ok" he murmured as he brought her head to rest on her pillow once more. He face remained only inches from her as he continued speaking softly. "Listen the skies are crying for you." He whispered as he brushed the tears from her face with his thumbs. Kaylee's eyes closed and she gripped his hand and listened to the crying skies mixed with Buck's gentle words as he spoke to her in Kiowa.
Kaylee drifted off thinking even though she didn't understand all of his native words the tenderness of them calmed even her most frayed nerves.
*~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~*
The Next morning after checking on Jeremy Kaylee and Buck were in the kitchen Buck watched Kaylee intently for a few moments "She still doesn't look well," he muttered under his breath. Feeling like he had to do something for her he spoke.
"Kaylee?"
She turned from the sink it was obvious to Buck that she was sick to her stomach seeing as how her hand instantly went to her middle in a futile attempt to stop the churning. Unable to manage a smile she simply said "yes?"
"Come sit down," he said firmly not masking the concern he felt.
Kaylee simply did as she was told and Buck stood and went to the stove poured some hot water into a coffee cup and mixed in a variety of herbs he kept in a cupboard. Going back to the table he placed the cup of steaming liquid in front of Kaylee. She looked at him questioningly.
"Drink it" Buck said nodding toward the cup. "It will help your stomach."
Kaylee picked up the cup and sniffed it's contents the sweet smell surprised her and she placed the cup to her lips.
"Slowly." Buck told her with a smile at her reaction to his offered remedy
She sipped slowly and let sent of the warm liquid invade her senses and settle her churning stomach. She pulled the cup away and smiled at her husband. "What is it?"
"It's just a tea, my mother used to make it for me when I was a boy. It always made me feel better."
"I can see why." Kaylee said softly as she took another sip and let the warmth slide down her throat. She closed her eyes and awaited the relief she knew was coming..
"Kaylee what's wrong?" Buck asked worry thick in his tone. "You have been sick like this for a week now."
Kaylee couldn't hide the shock that crossed her face. She thought she had hidden it well at least up until yesterday when she couldn't find Jeremy. "I don't know." She admitted honestly. "I just don't feel right, I've been sick every morning for a while now. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to to worry you. You have enough on your plate right now as is with the new colt then Jeremy I just didn't wanna add to the mess."
"Kaylee I love you if something is wrong you tell me there is nothing more important to me then you and Jeremy. The two of you come first last and always in my heart understand?"
She nodded and smiled in reply
"Good now I want you to make an appointment to see Doc Taylor."
"Buck," she said drawing out his name in protest to his request.
"Kaylee" he said returning the effect "You do it or I will." He said matter of factly.
Defeated she said "all right I will."
Satisfied he said, "that's my girl. Now I need to talk to you about something."
Kaylee shot Buck a curious glance "Yes?"
Buck placed his coffee back on the table. "I think I need to take Jeremy to the Kiowa camp. I want to give him his medicine pouch now. I think he's ready ."
Kaylee never argued when it came to Buck's Kiowa traditions. "When do you leave?" She asked as she reached across the table and took Buck's hand in hers.
"As soon as Doc says he can travel. Don't tell him I want to surprise him."
She nodded and walked around the table to give Buck a very welcomed hug. "I love you, Running Buck" she said softly as she traced the line of his jaw with her finger.
" I love you my Fragile Fawn" Buck replied huskily as he kissed her with a passion that burned to their very souls.
*~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~*
Several days later Jeremy had recovered well enough that the trip to the Kiowa camp could be made. Standing outside Kaylee hugged father and son. "Ride safe, I'll let you know what Doctor Taylor said when you get back."
Buck looked at her from atop Warrior. You see him today? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I know what this trip means to you. I didn't want you to put it off any longer then you had to."
But Kaylee - - -"
His attempt at a protest was cut short "No buts you go." Kaylee said in mock sternness."I'll be fine, Rachel said she would come with me.
Knowing any further protest would fall on deaf ears Buck sighed as he reached down a squeezed Kaylee's hand and gave her a heart stopping smile. Then placing a protective arm around his son he spurred Warrior into a slow trot and rode away.
Later that afternoon Kaylee hugged Rachel as tears of joy flowed freely from her eyes. Arm in arm the two ladies left the Doctor's office. Kaylee wishing now more then ever Buck were there with her. "He'll be back in a few days it can wait till then." She told herself.
The next few days passed in a bliss for Kaylee. Finally seeing warrior in the yard it took all of Kaylee's will not to run out of the house and simply jump into Buck's arms.
Once father and son were in the house Jeremy was no stop chatter showing his mother his medicine pouch. "Momma Momma look it's just like pa's I met uncle Red Bear and the medicine man. Now I'm just like pa."
The pride that shown in both Buck and Jeremy's eyes as the two men smiled brought Kaylee to tears.
Buck suddenly remembered she had been to the doctor while he was away and as he held her he asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing" she said smiling at the concern in her lover's eyes. "I'm just happy."
Buck gave her a puzzled look "What did the doctor say?"
"Later" she whispered against his ear.
As the night pressed on Kaylee it seemed to Buck was a mass of tears every time he asked what it was she simply said she was happy. When he asked again about the Doctor she said "later" and hugged him tightly.
Several hours later Jeremy had finally fallen to sleep and Buck once again found himself brushing Kaylee silky black hair in a silence Buck was sure would drive him crazy. Sensing Buck's eagerness to know her well guarded secret she reached up and took his hand stopping it in mid stroke letting the brush clatter to the floor. Buck simply looked at his wife a stunned expression on his face. The only word he could force from his mouth was a whispered "What?'
Kaylee smiled but made no attempt to speak instead she took Buck's hand and lead him to the bed. As she pushed him to a sitting position on its edge Buck couldn't stop the gasp of utter shock that escaped his lips.
Unable to stand her playful little game without fear of taking her right were she stood Buck tried again. "Kaylee Wh- - - "
She stepped forward and placed a finger against the softness of his lips silencing him instantly
She gave a bright smile and whispered "we're gonna have a baby." She caressed her belly to make her point more clear.
"A ba - - A baby?" Buck stammered in shock as tears filled the darkness of his eyes.
"Yes Buck a baby, our baby." Kaylee whispered as her own tear spilled down her cheeks.
"Our baby" Buck mumbled as he stood and gently pulled his wife into his arms and as the sweet sent of her body filled his
senses. He made no attempt to stop his own tears as they spilled from his eyes and into the softness of her hair. Later as Buck and Kaylee lay in their bed Buck gently caressed his wife stomach and again spoke in Kiowa but this time to his unborn child.
Kaylee released a contented sigh and waited for Buck to finish his words. When her looked up at her she asked, What did you say?"
I told Little Fawn that we were waiting for her, that we loved her and I promised her everything would be all right."
"Little Fawn? Her?" Kaylee gave Buck a sideways look..
"Yes." Buck smiled and brushed a chased kiss across Kaylee's lips.
Kaylee smiled in return and placed her hand over Bucks which still lay gently laid atop her belly as if protecting their child. For the first time in Weeks Kaylee and Buck Cross drifted off to a peaceful sleep held tightly in each others arms. Each knowing that because of the other things really would be all right
*~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~* *~*
Nine months later Hannah "Little Fawn" Cross was welcomed into the world Surrounded and loved by her Mother her Father big brother Jeremy Grandpa Teaspoon and Grandma Rachel. Buck leaned down a kissed his child's tiny head and ran a finger over the tiny mass of black silk that was her hair.Then he whispered against Kaylee's sweat dampened cheek "See just like I promised everything is all right."
Kaylee smiled a tired smile, and with her child in one arm Buck's hand tightly held in her own and Jeremy close by smiling happily she drifted off to sleep.
Author's Notes: Any Kiowa Traditins you read about in this story are solely from the creative mind of the author.
Thanks again to Lisa and Tina fir seeing me through this story. Buck's horse Warrior was orignally named by Lisa. Thanks for letting me use it for my stories.