Disclaimer: I do not own the Young Riders. I do however own Amanda Jackson, Lily McKenna, Lucinda, Nathan and Kiley Ann Callahan, Father Dominique and the story line.
Rock Creek Weigh Station…
Rachel: welcome back
Amanda: could you look after Lily we have something to do in town and she could do with a nap
Rachel: sure
Jimmy takes Lily into the house
Rachel: what are you doing in town?
Amanda: making wedding arrangements the end of the month comes quickly
Rachel: so you've set a date?
Amanda: yeah
Jimmy comes out of the house
Jimmy: you ready beautiful?
Amanda: yeah
Rachel: see you both later
Amanda mounts up and takes off toward town before Jimmy can even mount up
In Town…
Jimmy: would you wait up?
Amanda: nope your to slow!
She stops in front of the church and she dismounts. Jimmy is now able to catch up to her and he gets off of Sundance
Jimmy: you need to wait a second
Amanda stops short and Jimmy walks right into her
Amanda: try and watch where your going
Jimmy grabs her around the waist and they both crack up laughing. Father Dominique comes out of the church
Father Dominique: may I help you?
Amanda: oops sorry Father, we came to talk to you about performing our wedding ceremony
Father: when are you getting married?
Jimmy: end of the month and we were wondering if you could perform it at Medicine Rock?
Father: I am sorry but it must be in the church
Amanda: forgive me father but that would be a hell no, but thank you for your time
She walks away and mounts up and rides back to the weigh station
Jimmy: she has issues with churches excuse me
He gets his horse and follows his bride to be back home
At the Weigh Station…
Amanda comes riding in like a bat out of hell pissed off and angry as hell
Noah: what's wrong Amanda?
Amanda: just because I hate churches
Buck: huh?
Amanda: I just told by Father Dominique that there was no in hell that I was getting married in a church
She goes up and into the house when Jimmy comes riding up
Jimmy: where's she at?
Buck: in the house
Jimmy goes into the house
Inside the House…
Jimmy: baby it's ok, I had a feeling something like this may happen so I sent a letter to my sister and her husband. They'll be on the stage tomorrow.
Amanda: I can ask grandpa to perform the ceremony? But who's going to give me away? I am gonna burn in hell because I can't and won't get married in a church
Amanda starts crying when Teaspoon comes into the house
Teaspoon: honey what's wrong?
Amanda: I want my ma and pa back
She gets up and grabs the bucket and begins violently throwing up
Jimmy: baby I'll be right back. Teaspoon can I talk to you outside for a moment?
Teaspoon: sure
They go outside and on the porch
Outside the House…
Teaspoon: what's going on?
Jimmy: we have no one to perform the ceremony. Would you do it please?
Teaspoon: of course but who is going to give her away?
Jimmy: I've already asked Nathan if he could. He's coming on the stage tomorrow with Lucinda
Teaspoon: where?
Jimmy: Medicine Rock and it's just the family here at the station and of course my sister and Nathan
Teaspoon: it's done
Jimmy: I have some adoption papers can you look them over and witness them
Teaspoon: of course let's see them
Jimmy hands him the papers
Inside the House…
Rachel: Amanda honey are you alright?
Amanda: I am a train wreck, this is all going to hell and I am going with it
She throws up again. Jimmy comes back into the house
Jimmy: baby could you sign this please
He hands her the adoption papers and she manages to sign in between throwing up. Jimmy goes outside and gives the adoption papers to Teaspoon to take care of
Amanda: I gonna go and lie down
She gets up and once again her legs give out and she hit's the floor with a thud. Jimmy storms back into the house
Jimmy: oh Amanda, come on let's get you up to bed
He picks Amanda up and takes her upstairs to her room
Rachel goes outside to see Teaspoon
Outside the House…
Rachel: what happened in town?
Teaspoon: don't you mean what didn't happen
Rachel: are you performing their ceremony?
Teaspoon: yes and it's going to be held at Medicine Rock
Rachel: what a beautiful place it's perfect
Jimmy comes downstairs and steps out onto the porch
Jimmy: what a mess this has all turned out to be
Rachel: you'll both be fine
Jimmy: I hope so
Teaspoon: wedding jitters, they'll pass
Jimmy: I am gonna go sit with her I will see you both later
He goes back inside and upstairs to Amanda's room
Rachel: he said something about the stage?
Teaspoon: yeah his sister and her husband are coming tomorrow. I've got to get these papers to Kansas City excuse me
He goes down to the bunkhouse to talk to the boys
At the Bunkhouse…
Noah: I hope everything is ok?
Buck: well let's find out, here comes Teaspoon
Teaspoon: I need one of you to make a special run for me, who wants it?
Cody: what is it?
Teaspoon: it's very important that this gets to Kansas City
Cody: I'll go
Teaspoon hands Cody the envelope
Teaspoon: don't come back until it's been approved. Do you understand?
Cody: of course I'll leave tomorrow morning
Teaspoon: thanks Cody
Buck: What is it?
Teaspoon: adoption paper for Lily
Buck: that's wonderful
Kid and Lou return from their honeymoon in Salt Lake City
Cody: your both back just in time
Kid: why?
Teaspoon: Lou you should go in and see Rachel
Lou: what's going on?
Buck: long story but your back in time for another wedding
Kid: Jimmy's and Amanda's?
Teaspoon: end of the month at Medicine Rock
Lou: that's great news
She goes up to the house while the others talk outside
Inside the House…
Rachel: Lou your back, how was your honeymoon?
Lou: great how are things going here?
Rachel: not good
Jimmy comes down the stairs and into the parlor
Jimmy: Lou welcome back
He gives her a hug and kiss
Lou: want to explain to what has been going on?
Jimmy: while Amanda is a mess, she broke her hand, she thinks she is going to hell because she can't get married in a church
Lou: that's horrible is she awake?
Jimmy: yeah go on up
Lou goes upstairs to see Amanda
The Next Day…
Cody makes his special run to Kansas City. Buck and Noah are off on their runs. Lou is helping Amanda with her wedding plans. Jimmy and Kid are going into town to meet the stage
At the Bunkhouse…
Amanda: Lou would you be my maid of honor?
Lou: of course I would love too, thank you so much for asking
Amanda: not a problem we need to go to town and get you measured for a dress
Lou: I am all yours today
Amanda: goodie let's go
They mount up and head into town
In Town…
Jimmy: I can't wait to see my niece
Kid: it's been too long since I've seen them. This should be fun
Station Master: the stage is on time
Amanda, Lou and Lily come riding into town
Jimmy: what are you ladies doing here?
Amanda: well we're looking for Rachel and when Lucinda arrives we're snatching her away for a while
Jimmy: Rachel is with your grandpa at the station and the stage is on it's way
Lou: going to get a prutty dress made
Kid: good
The stage drives up and stops in front of the station
Driver: ladies and gentleman welcome to Rock Creek, Nebraska
Jimmy opens the door, Lucinda and Nathan get out with Kiley Ann in her arms
Lucinda: Jimmy
She gives her brother a big hug and the baby starts fussing
Nathan: hello everyone
Kid: Nathan and Lucinda it's great to see you both again
Nathan: you too Kid
Amanda: Lucinda I was wondering if you would like to be one of my bridesmaids?
Lucinda: I would be honored to
Lou: one more to go
Amanda: excuse me a moment please
She dismounts and goes over to the marshal station to get Rachel and her grandpa
Jimmy: Nathan, Lucinda and little Kiley Ann I would like you all to meet Kid's wife Louise McCloud
Nathan: nice to meet you
Lucinda: hello
Lou: it's a pleasure to meet you all as well
Amanda, Rachel and Teaspoon walk up
Jimmy: Rachel and Marshal Teaspoon Hunter my sister Lucinda and her husband and their daughter Kiley Ann
Rachel: hello
Teaspoon: it's nice to meet you all
Rachel: Amanda tells me we need to be fitted for our dresses
Amanda: yes
Jimmy: how about I take Kiley Ann and you ladies can meet us later at the hotel for lunch
Lucinda: that sounds like a lovely idea
Amanda: we'll be there
Amanda, Lou, Rachel, Lucinda and Lily head over to the dress shop. While the men take Kiley Ann and they head over to the Marshal's station
At the Dress Shop…
Clerk: your back how may I help you?
Amanda: these three ladies need dresses as well. The same as Lily's
Clerk: alright ladies we need to take some measurements
They get their measurements taken
Clerk: 2 weeks for a fitting
Amanda: thank you
Lucinda: what is Jimmy wearing?
Amanda: the same pattern and material in a vest. A long jacket and his pants are both solid black
Rachel: he's going to look very handsome
Lucinda: Amanda honey what happened to your hand?
Amanda: your brother and I were horsing around and he fell on it and broke it
Lucinda: ouch
Amanda: that's what I said
The leave the dress shop and go over to the hotel tom meet the others for lunch
The end of the month has arrived. Jimmy and Amanda are getting married in two days. Her dress is finished along with her bridesmaids gowns and Lou's maid of honor dress. They all are headed into town to pick up their attire for the wedding at Medicine Rock.
Dress Shop…
Clerk: finally here your dress is absolutely gorgeous
Amanda: I love it thank you
The clerk hands her all the dresses and she takes them back to everyone at the weigh station
Weigh Station…
Teaspoon: in a couple of days son your life is going to change
Jimmy: I am excited ad nervous all at the same time
Teaspoon takes out the adoption papers that were approved and hands them over to Jimmy
Jimmy: are you serious?
Teaspoon: yeah it's official. You and Amanda are now Lily's parents
Jimmy runs over to Amanda who just came back from town
Amanda: your unusually happy
Jimmy: we're officially Lily's parents
Amanda: what?
He shows her the papers she gets out of the buckboard and jumps into Jimmy's arms
Jimmy: Teaspoon did it
Amanda: that's great where is Lily?
Jimmy: inside with Rachel, Lou and Lucinda
Amanda: alright wait here
She goes inside the house and drops off the dresses
Teaspoon: your leaving us after you get married?
Jimmy: afraid so, we want to start fresh away from all that has happened to us and here as well
Teaspoon: where will you go?
Amanda and Lily come out of the house
Lily: papa
She runs into Jimmy's arms
Jimmy: yes my daughter
Amanda: our daughter
Jimmy gives Amanda a hug and kiss as well
Jimmy: Teaspoon the answer to your question is we're not sure. But after the wedding we're leaving and we're not coming back
Amanda: we will send a letter once we get to where were going and we will visit soon
Teaspoon: sure gonna miss you all
Amanda: gonna miss you too
Teaspoon: do the others know?
Jimmy: not sure but we're going to tell everyone tonight at dinner
Lily: ma lookie what miss Rachel bought me?
She shows Amanda her wooden train
Amanda: that's really pretty did you thank her?
Lily: yes I did
Rachel: dinners almost ready everyone
Teaspoon: remember what you both told me and Jimmy you had better take real good care of my girls
Jimmy: I will and I remember quite well
Amanda: yes as do I and we will only use them to protect our family
Teaspoon: alright
They head inside the bunkhouse for dinner and to let everyone know of their plans
Inside the Bunkhouse…
Amanda: Jimmy and I have an announcement to make. After our wedding we will be leaving Rock Creek
Buck: your not coming back are you?
Jimmy: no we're gonna go and start over some place new
Noah: well you will be missed
Amanda: are you going to train new riders?
Cody: yeah since Lou and Kid aren't riding with us anymore
Teaspoon: but they will still be around. These three here are moving away
The eat their supper and continue to talk around the table
2 hours later…
Everyone is off to bed except for the two love birds who have snuck off to the pond
At the Pond…
Amanda: everything is finally coming together
Jimmy: that it is, have you given any thought as to where you want to live?
Amanda passionately kisses Jimmy and they sit by the pond until the sun comes up.
Two days later the big day has arrived for Amanda and Jimmy. At the house the ladies are getting ready while the men are getting ready in the bunkhouse.
Inside the house…
Rachel: you look beautiful
Amanda: thank you, Lily honey stop fidgeting please
Lily: sorry ma
Amanda: it's ok honey
Lucinda: your ma and pa would be so proud of the young lady that you have become
Amanda: I hope so
There's a knock at the door it's Nathan
Rachel: one moment… all right come in
Nathan: the guy are riding out now and when your ready we can head out as well
Amanda: we'll be ready shortly
Nathan: how many horses?
Amanda: 4 Merlin, Shadow Walker, Calico and one more
Nathan: alright I'll have them waiting
He goes out to saddle up the horses and to the buckboard ready
Lou: we'll meet you outside
Lucinda and Lou go outside
Rachel: are you ready?
Amanda: as I'll ever be yes
Lily: where's papa?
Amanda: were going to see him now honey
They go outside and they mount up and they head out to Medicine Rock
At Medicine Rock…
Amanda and her bridal party ride up and they dismount. Lucinda, Lou and Rachel walk up to where Teaspoon is standing with the boys and they stand across from them. Lily walks down the aisle and drops flower petals along the way. Amanda takes Nathan's arm and they walk down the aisle towards Jimmy and the others.
Teaspoon: are you ready?
Amanda: yes
Jimmy: uh huh
Teaspoon: dearly beloved we are gathered here together to join this man and this woman in marriage. Who gives this woman to this man?
Nathan: I do
Teaspoon: do you Amanda Marie Jackson take James Butler Hickock to be you husband to have and to hold until death do you part?
Amanda: I do
Jimmy puts the ring on Amanda's finger
Teaspoon: do you James Butler Hickock take Amanda Marie Jackson to be your wife to have and to hold until death do you part?
Jimmy: I do
Amanda puts the ring on Jimmy's finger
Teaspoon: I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride
Jimmy passionately kisses Amanda and everyone claps and cheers
Teaspoon: may I present to you Mr. and Mrs. James Butler Hickock
Noah: congratulations
Jimmy: thank you everyone for being here on this very special day
Rachel: you take care all of you will be missed
Amanda: thank you all for everything we will never forget any of you
Teaspoon: remember you always have family here in Rock Creek
Jimmy: goodbye everyone we love all of you
Amanda. Lily and Jimmy say their final goodbye to their friends and loved one. They mount up and head off into the unknown territory….
The End
Epilogue
After the wedding of Amanda and Jimmy. Teaspoon Hunter retired as a U.S. Marshal and now lives in Walnut Creek.
William F. Cody was shot and killed when he was robbed for the mail he was carring.
Buck Cross took over managing the Rock Creek Weigh Station and the Pony Express Riders
Rachel Dunne is still the cook and mother figure at the weigh station
Kid and Louise had one daughter Emma. Kid was killed by renegade Indians making his way home from Roberts Creek
And a very special thanks goes out to those who have been with The Life of Hard Knocks since the beginning. I could not have finished without your support and encouragement. Those people are: AA-MamaBirdCat, brankel1, CindyPio, and SeGate. Thank you all again.
Look for a sequel coming to a computer screen near you. That story will be a crossover with the Young Riders and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.