Disclaimer: I do not own The Young Riders or any of the characters. Though I wish I owned Buck. Just taking them for a ride for my enjoyment.
A/N: I hope you enjoy this story. Reviews are welcome. The story is going to be told mainly from Lou's POV, but some times will be from another characters. At those times I will let you know before hand. Enjoy!
It's been two years since I've seen the town of Rock Creek and the only family I have left. Kid and I left shortly after Noah's funeral to return to Virginia, Kid wanted to serve in the confederate army and against my better judgment I went along with him. Not even a year after we arrive, I received news that my brother and sister had been killed when the mission they were living in was burned down. There I was living in a strange place all alone, Kid had left as soon as we arrived in Virginia. I wrote 'home' to my 'family' to tell them my sad news. Buck wrote back and offered to come stay with me if I needed him. That touched me more than I can say. I had to decline, it wasn't safe for Buck here, and I didn't want to lose any more of my family than I already had. Looking back now I wish I had accepted; I've just received word that my husband Kid has been killed in action. I really am all alone now. There is only one thing I can do, I'm not staying here, I'm going to return to the one place I still have family. I just hope they don't turn me away. I don't write ahead, I just pack my bags and go.
Teaspoon Hunter and his young deputy Buck Cross are eating the lunch that Teaspoon's wife, Rachel, had prepared for them when the stage coach came into town. "Stage is here." Buck said getting up to go outside, followed by Teaspoon. They always liked watching people get off, wondering who has come to their town. The first to step out of the coach was an older gentleman, who turned to assist an older woman she must have been his wife. Teaspoon and Buck didn't pay them much mind; it was the young woman that stepped out next that caught their eye.
Stepping lightly from the coach, l looked up to see Buck and Teaspoon standing there. The looks on their faces was priceless when they saw me. I beamed at them as I rushed to hug first Teaspoon and then Buck. "Teaspoon! Buck! Oh you have no idea how happy I am to see you two!" I cried as I hugged them. Teaspoon hugged me back quickly in shock. Buck hugged me but didn't let go. "Lou? What on earth are you doing here?" he asked looking into my face. I was slightly hurt; did he not want me here? "I have nowhere else to go." I said quietly. "Come on inside so we can talk," Buck said as he and Teaspoon led me into Teaspoon's office.
After they had me comfortably seated the questions began. Buck had still not let go of me. I think he could tell something was wrong and was giving me the only comfort he could think of. "What's wrong Louise?" Teaspoon asked. "Kid's dead. He was killed in the war. I couldn't stay there anymore. I had to come home Teaspoon, to the only place I still have family." I say softly the tears rolling down my face. Buck wrapped his arms around me holding me as I cried. Teaspoon stood up and came closer so he could place his hand on my knee in a comforting gesture. "I'm glad you came home Lou, you know you are always welcome here, this is your home. Rachel is going to be glad you're back" Teaspoon said to me. "Come on let's get you home," Buck said as he pulled me to my feet. Keeping his arm around my shoulder Buck led me out of the jail, Teaspoon carrying my bag we went to the old Pony Express station. After the Pony express went bust, Teaspoon and Rachel had purchased the land at a cheap price from Russell, Majors, and Waddell. They married shortly after the Kid and I did. I was glad they had found happiness together.
Rachel Hunter was sitting on the front porch shelling peas when she saw her husband and 'son' Buck coming. She wondered what they were coming home for at this time of day, but then she saw the young woman Buck had his arm around. Dropping the bowl of peas she just shelled, Rachel rushed down the steps and ran to her 'daughter' Lou.
When I saw Rachel running towards me, I rushed away from Buck and Teaspoon and met Rachel halfway, throwing my arms around her in a fierce hug. I broke down and sobbed into the arms of the woman who was like a mother to me. After I got control of my emotions I pulled away slightly, looking down I saw the tall tell baby bump. "You're pregnant! Oh how wonderful!" I cried hugging her again. "Oh Lou, it is so good to see you. Whatever brings you home sweetheart, not that I'm complaining." Rachel said as she hugged me tightly. "I've come home to stay with the only family I have left," I say as the tears start falling again. "Kid?" Rachel asked already knowing the answer. I could only nod. Together we went into the house that had been the only home I really remembered as Teaspoon and Buck followed.