I do not own the Young Riders.
Hi guys, I am so sorry. I feel as if I have been gone for a whole life time and am ashamed to say I even had to read through this story to see where I was at.
I hate that I have taken so long to update.
2013 was one cruel bitch and I really wasn't coping with a hell of a lot. And at this stage 2014 isn't looking much better. But I have started writing again and will slowly but surely get all my stories updated and finished.
I have a new story that I started to write last year, that I really want to post as well, so look out for that.
To my lovely ladies on G+ I miss you all and promise to get in touch soon xx
I hope this reads alright.
Jenny lay awake in her bed waiting for the right time to make her move.
She listened intently and she waited patiently until the rattling snores of her father sounded through the thin walls of their little loft.
Jenny knew if she was going to do this she needed to do it now, because if her father is snoring then he was well and truly fast asleep.
Lacing her boots as quickly as she could, Jenny ran from the small loft above the store, she grabbed the small bag from behind the counter and headed for Buck.
Jenny had been out to the new property many of times that her horse seemed to know the way all on its own.
As she neared the property she could hear voices talking. Jenny closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing as she continued to ride up to the bunkhouse.
Jimmy and Buck both jumped from their spots on the steps, Jimmy's hand going straight to his gun, but Buck was just as quick to place a hand on Jimmy's arm to stop him.
"It's Jenny," Buck whispered to Jimmy, thinking his friend had not seen who it was.
Jimmy dropped his hand away from his gun but his eyes narrowed at the girl in front of them.
Buck could see that Jimmy was about to say something, he knew it wasn't going to be good so Buck jumped in before Jimmy could.
"I got this Jimmy," Buck told him hoping that Jimmy would walk away, and trust that there was no way he would put Lily and Lou in harm's way, even with the woman he loves. But nothing was that easy with Jimmy.
"You and your father hurt her today." Jimmy stated. His eyes still narrowed in on the girl he thought he knew.
Jenny nodded her head sadly. She knew what she had done. She put her hand in her pocket and pulled the bag of sweets she had grabbed from the counter before she had rode off.
"Please…can you give this to Lily?" She handed the bag to Jimmy, who was hesitant to take it at first but then snatched it out of her grasp before disappearing inside the bunkhouse allowing Buck and Jenny talk.
Jenny dismounted her horse and walked him over to the hitching post.
"I wouldn't presume you're staying long enough to be doing that." Jenny was shocked at the way Buck talked to her, but she knew she deserved it.
Not listening to what he had said she tied her horse off anyway.
Straightening her dress she looked up to see Buck was standing there waiting. His face showed no expression as he waited for her to speak.
"I will never be able to apologise to you and Lou enough. You have no idea how much it hurt to turn away from you both without an explanation as to why." Jenny looked over to Cody and Tiffany's cottage, swallowing hard as she thought about the friendships she may have lost.
"I hope you know me well enough that you know I would never deliberately hurt you or your family. I hope you have enough forgiveness in your heart to forgive me and to know that I would not act like this if I had another choice."
"Make me understand Jenny. Because I believe that there is always a choice, so I would love to hear the options you were given."
Steadying herself Jenny told him what she knew. "I heard you went to see Betsy to?" Buck nodded, "And I overheard that you have had trouble finding Cattle." It wasn't a question more of a statement.
Buck frowned, he wouldn't say they had trouble, Cody and Jimmy had been to see only two ranchers so far, neither one of them said they couldn't secure any cattle just because they didn't want to do business with the family.
Jenny, seeing that Buck wasn't sure, continued anyway. "Three days ago my father was closing the store when two men came in. They sat my father and me down and told us that we had two options. The first was to keep our business with your family going, as we have done for years now." Jenny paused to take a breath,
"But if we went that path then it would be only your business we would receive." Buck was confused more now than ever. "The second option was to cut you all off and carry on as usual." Jenny sighed, "Please you have to see that we had no other option. My father stressed himself sick thinking about it. But what it came down to is that we have to be able to survive too." Jenny began to cry.
"We had to be selfish and think of the two of us first…"
"Jenny I understand, I do." Buck cut her off, shaking his head, "I'm guessing that the other businesses in town have been given the same two options as well."
Jenny nodded her head yes as she continued to cry.
"And its public knowledge that we can't secure cattle," Again Jenny nodded her head. "I can only think of one family that has enough pull and enough reason to want to do this to us."
Jenny turned her head towards Tiffany and Cody's cottage before turning back to Buck. "This will hurt her." She stated. Tiffany and Jenny came two very different back grounds and would seem unlikely friends, but the two girls and Lou had all become close and Jenny knew that if Tiffany found out what her family were doing it would hurt her deeply.
"It will." Buck agreed. "Family is everything to Tiffany. She struggles with the knowledge that they are nothing like she was raised to believe." Buck knew he had to be careful with this information. He could not just storm over there and announce what he now knew. He would talk with Cody and Teaspoon first before the others were told.
"Wait there, I'll get my horse and ride back to town with you." Jenny liked the sound of that but she didn't know if it was such a good idea in case they were seen.
Buck, seeing that Jenny looked slightly panicked, added, "Just as far as the out skirts of town," he promised to which she agreed.
.
.
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Inside the bunkhouse Jimmy discarded his clothes. It was stinking hot out and he was not going be sleeping with any long johns on.
The thing was though, Lou was asleep in his bed, and he did not want her to think he wanted more than to just sleep, even if he was butt naked.
Thinking it was best to sleep in Lou's bed so he didn't scare her, he climbed in only draping the soft linen over his manhood. He placed his arm over his eyes willing his eyes shut and tried to not think of all that had been said tonight.
But his mind went to Lou and what she had suffered that night at the hands of Andrew. He could not believe how incredibly strong she is.
Of course hearing about what the monster said and made her feel destroyed him. He couldn't get his head around it all.
In some ways he wanted to believe that it was all a lie or a bad dream that Lou had mistaken for the truth, because the reality was too much for him to bare. He could not believe, or did not believe that someone he cared for so deeply had suffered so much.
When did life become that cruel?
"Jimmy," Lou whispered,
"I'm over here Lou," Jimmy's voice sounded off, even to his own ears. "In your bed." He clarified.
Lou sat up and looked his way, not able to see a thing in the darkness. Why was he in there? She asked herself.
Thinking the worst, she began to cry quietly. "I'm sorry," she whimpered. "I shouldn't have told you all of that." Lou could only imagine what Jimmy thought of her now after hearing a snippet of what Andrew had done to her. He was most likely disgusted.
"Lou, that ain't why I'm over here," He stressed, hearing the sadness in her voice. "It's hot out…I ain't got anything on. Didn't want to scare you is all."
Lou's quiet sob turned into a small smile. Jimmy sounded so embarrassed. And as much as the thought of being next to a man in that state of undress, scared her, this was Jimmy her Jimmy.
So she slipped out of the bed she was in and carefully made her way over to him.
"Can you still hold me?" She asked unsure if he would want to take it further than that.
"Lou I'm not joking here, I'm naked."
"I believe you, but I still need to be beside you…please."
"Lou," Jimmy swallowed thickly. He was unsure of any of this.
Lou slipped on the bed beside him, waiting for him to shift over. When he did she snuggled up beside him, laying her head on his bare chest and draping her arm over the rest of him.
She loved the feel of his skin against hers; it made her smile knowing that she was not completely messed up by her past.
Jimmy kissed the top of her head, before relaxing into the mattress, "I love you Lou," he whispered into the night.
"I love you to," She whispered back as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
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.
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The next morning Lou awoke to Jimmy and Buck already gone. She knew that Jimmy along with Cody had a long way to travel today, and prayed that they finally came home with cattle to fill their yards.
After some breakfast Rachel took Lily for a walk along the creek before it got too hot, while Lou got to her chores. It seemed that the older Lily was getting the more mess she was creating.
She smiled to herself as she hung Lily's dresses on the line. Lou knew that she couldn't complain because the messier her daughter got, the more fun she knew she'd had.
"Lou," Tiffany's voice greeted quietly.
"Morning Tiffany," Lou greeted back, but not turning around to face her friend.
"I wanted to talk through what was said last night. I shouldn't have said what I did. I just…I mean…" Tiffany walked around Lou so they were face to face. "I love you and I love Lily, but I also love my family; that does not include my brother. I promise you that I will never forgive him for what he did, and no I don't believe he is Lily's father," Tiffany begun to cry, "I had my mother in my ear about it and I don't know why, but I had to ask. I'm so sorry." She whispered.
"But please don't let my brother's behaviour be tied to my parents. I cannot choose between the two of you." Tiffany continued to cry.
"Tiffany I don't want to make you choose between Lily and I or your family so I won't ever make you do so, but I can in all honestly tell you, that I will never be in their presence again nor will I allow Lily to know them any more than she already does."
"Lou that's a little harsh, I mean When Cody and I have our own children then I will want them to know their Grandparents. I will not take something so precious, as grandchildren, away from them."
"And you shouldn't. But that has nothing to do with Lily and me." Lou stressed.
"But you are Cody's family, and hopefully mine. There will be times that we would want you all with us at different times throughout their childhood."
"Why are we even discussing this? You and Cody don't have any children so we are a long way…" Lou looked at Tiffany in shock, happiness and yet in sadness. For she knew in that moment Tiffany was with child and things were about to change.
"When did you find out?" Lou asked, trying to keep a neutral tone in her voice. After all she was happy for the both of them. A child is a blessing that every couple should have.
"I figured it out yesterday, told Cody this morning."
"Congratulations Tiffany, I really am happy for you." And she was.
Tiffany beamed brightly at Lou. "Thank you. Cody and I are so happy. I know that this baby will change everything."
Lou breathed in deeply and bit her lip so she didn't say anything that would hurt her relationship with Tiffany. But then she reminded herself that she didn't owe anyone anything, except Lily.
"Tiffany you have no idea how happy I am for you and Cody. I mean I believe that you will both be amazing parents. I will love your child like a proud Aunt, but it will not change anything in regards of your family. I will not, nor will Lily have anything to do with them. I respect you enough to not speak badly of them from this moment on, so please show me the same respect by not asking or assuming that my mind will change on this fact."
Lou hated the look Tiffany's face held; she had hurt her friend.
.
.
.
Lou busied herself most of the day, but her mind replayed the conversation with Tiffany over and over in her mind.
Lou hated that things weren't right between them, she hated that she herself didn't apologise for the way she spoke to Tiffany last night. Because as she wanted to hate everything and everyone tied to Andrew, she couldn't.
Lou was beginning to think that it was her that was causing the problems. She was able to be near Tiffany, she even loved Tiffany. So could she not find room in her heart to love Tiffany's parents as well? After all they were now forever tied to Lou's family.
"I don't know what to do." Lou sighed out loud.
"You don't know what to do about what?" Jimmy asked somewhat amused that Lou was talking to herself.
He smiled at her as she perched herself on the top step. Jimmy sat on the one down from her as bent down to unlace his boots.
"I hurt her." Lou said sadly, causing Jimmy to look around in alarm.
"You hurt Lily?" He asked unbelievably.
"No, Tiffany."
Jimmy hummed in understanding. He knew that if the two girls were having a disagreement it had to be about Tiffany and her family.
And if this conversation was taking place yesterday then he wouldn't have understood why Tiffany was suddenly having a change of heart where her family was concerned.
"It's great news about the baby," Jimmy said softly, slightly afraid of what Lou's reaction would be.
"It truly is Jimmy," Lou beamed, "I am so happy for them both, I really am." Sighing loudly Lou got up from the step and walked up to the small window of the bunkhouse. Peering inside she could just make out Lily's small head poking out the top of the blankets, she was still sleeping soundly.
"What if he comes back?" Lou asked shaking slightly as fear rippled through her body. "What if he wants to know his niece or nephew?"
"You think Cody will allow him to come here?" Jimmy asked lightly, scared of saying the wrong thing.
Lou stayed silent as she continued to think. How can one man ruin so many people's lives?
"Yeah, you're right." Lou smiled down at Jimmy, but he could see that it didn't reach her eyes. She was still worried.
He stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing the back of her head softly. "I'm right Lou. There is no way that monster will ever…" Jimmy let her go and turned her body to him so he was staring into her eyes. "Ever set foot on this property." The back of his hand grazed her soft cheek, "You know that I lo…."
"Lou," Cody yelled out from across the yard, interrupting Jimmy.
Both Lou and Jimmy looked over to Cody, seeing him storming from the cottage and making his way to the bunkhouse.
Jimmy could see by the look on Cody's face that he was angry, and he wasn't the only one.
"Cody I'm sorry. I promise I didn't mean to hurt her. I just don't…" Lou looked up to see a crying Tiffany following Cody. The sight caused Lou's heart to clench painfully in her chest.
"Enough is enough." He yelled looking between Lou and Tiffany. "You two are friends, I thought close ones." He sighed, "I have just told Tiffany that her family are welcome here anytime, but with warning. Lou, if Tiffany's family are planning a visit they are to send notice at least a day in advance. That way you and Lily can leave. I will never…" Cody looked to Tiffany, "Tiffany and I will never ask or expect you to spend any time with them."
Tiffany started sobbing as she turned and ran back towards the cottage. "And as for her brother, he will never set foot on this property, and if he does he won't be walking away."
"Oh Cody, I'm so sorry." Lou cried as she flung herself at him. "Please tell Tiffany I was wrong. Of course her parents are welcome here. Don't take that away from her because of me."
"Lou?" He questioned.
"I've been thinking and I have come to the conclusion that Tiffany is of same blood as that monster and I love her despite of it. Maybe over time I can feel the same way about her parents. Please tell her that I will not stand in the way of them being here for her or your child." Lou smiled brightly at Cody. "Congratulations daddy."
Cody wrapped his arms around Lou tightly and swung her around. "I'm so proud of you Lou. You truly are an amazing woman." He kissed the side of her head. "And thank you."
Cody glanced at Jimmy over Lou's shoulder. He could see his old friend did not agree with Lou's new change of heart. But Cody would never call him out on it.
It was Jimmy's job to look out for her and Cody was only happy to see he was doing just that.
"Right well I better go and talk with Tiff. I will see you both at supper."
Lou said her goodbyes and walked back over to Jimmy placing her arms back around him and squeezing him tight. "I can see you're not happy, but I promise that I am fine with this."
"I believe you. Well I believe that you want to be."
Lou hummed, as he was right, she really wanted to be.
The sound of racing hooves had both Lou and Jimmy twisting in that direction. They saw it was Teaspoon and Buck, both not looking to happy.
"What now?" Lou asked dreading she won't like what they have to say.
"Mamma," A soft little voice called out from the bunkhouse.
Lou kissed Jimmy on his jaw and ran inside to see to Lily.
"How did you and Cody get on this morning?" Teaspoon hollered out to Jimmy as he got off his horse. But it was a pointless question as Teaspoon already knew the answer he was going to get.
"No good. Why do I get the feeling that you know that already?" Jimmy enquired as he walked over to join Teaspoon and Buck.
"Buck, do you want to get Cody and meet in the barn. I think we need to talk about this first before we bring the ladies in on it."
Buck dismounted his horse handing the reins to Jimmy before running over to the cottage to grab Cody.
"Please tell me this isn't bad news."
"Wish I could son. I wish I could." Teaspoon put his horse away and Jimmy did Bucks while they waited for Cody and Buck.
"Teaspoon," Cody started with a big dopey grin on his face, "I'm going to be a Pa," He announced proudly, after just sharing the news with Buck.
Teaspoon raised his eyebrows and smiled a genuine smile. "That's mighty fine news Cody. Congratulations." Teaspoon was over the moon for the boy and for Tiffany, he was not happy that what he and Buck were about to share.
"So what is going on?"
"You know Jenny came to me last night," Buck started. Jimmy nodded in confirmation. "She gave me some insight on why the town folk, especially business owners are treating us the way they are."
"And why we can't secure cattle." Teaspoon added.
Both he and Buck looked to Cody knowing that he was going to be most affected by this news.
"Meredith and Emmett?" Cody guessed, hoping like hell that he was wrong.
"It seems to be that by making our life harder, including Tiffany's, it may force her hand and make her go home to them. If we can't make a living or survive without supplies they are hoping that she will see that we are no good."
"Including me?" Cody asked, feeling sick to his gut.
"I'm afraid so son,"
"Son of a bitch!" Cody yelled as he kicked a pail into the side of the barn.
"So how do we beat them?" Jimmy enquired, "We will prove to them and this town that we don't need them."
"We could go further for cattle or find someone who despises the Harrington's as much as us."
"It will have to be further, because even those who hate the Harrington's still need supplies. If anyone is found helping us, they too will be made out casts."
"That's gives us only one option, go abroad."
"I don't like it." Jimmy added. "A, cattle drive could take days, weeks, how is that going to work with the girls?"
"Jimmy's right. They can't come with us it would be too much for Lily and Tiffany. We need at least all our hands on the job."
"This all seems a little too convenient or planned." Cody muttered under his breath, hoping like hell his suspicions were wrong. Though when it came to Tiffany's family nothing surprised him nor shocked him. He just couldn't understand how his Tiff turned out the way she did.
"Explain," Teaspoon demanded of Cody.
"They would have to know that we would be pushed to do this. Sooner or later they had to know that someone would tell us what was going on. They would know we had to travel afar and they knew that the girls were not coming with us."
"You think they're counting on it? But wwwhhhyyy?" Jimmy asked, but as soon as the question came out of his mouth he had the answer. "So Andrew can come and claim what they believe to be his. GOD DAMN IT!"
"Cody, what's wrong?" Tiffany's sweet voice asked from the entrance from the barn.
Cody nearly jumped out of his skin at hearing her voice. He looked at his glowing wife scared of how she was going to take this betrayal from her family.
He didn't have any option but to tell her.
"We are just discussing a cattle drive. Looks like we may have to travel a fair way and we're not too happy about it." Was all he gave her for now. He would tell her everything when they were alone.
"It's really going that bad?" She asked in disbelief. "Maybe I can get my father…"
"NO!" was yelled out by all four men, making Tiffany jump in shock. She looked to each of their faces wondering what the hell was wrong with her family helping.
"You guys are really making it hard for me. I truly don't know how much more I can do to make you see that my parents are not my brother." Tiffany began to cry, "Please…please can you give them a chance." She pleaded softly.
Cody walked up to her and placed his hands on her upper arms slightly squeezing them as he looked down into her sad eyes.
"I love you." He kissed her, "This family loves you," He smiled, "More than you will ever know." Tiffany's body shook with sobs, "The last thing we ever want is for you to be hurt, but sweetheart your family, your parents, have asked the town folk to turn their backs on us." He said slowly, "On you."
Tiffany let a wail of a cry shaking her head in protest.
"That is why Tompkins won't allow our business, why Betsy refused Rachel, why we have yet to come back with cattle."
"I-I-don't …" Tiffany begun but she couldn't continue. Cody wrapped his arms securely around her before picking her up and carrying her back to the cottage.
The whole way he whispered in her ear how much she was loved how much he loved her and their child. He begged her to be strong and pleaded with her to trust him, to trust that he had her and their child's best interest at hear. And then he cried with her when she fell to pieces.
Cody placed her on their bed before he unlaced her boots and pulling them from her feet. He then stripped her of her skirt and blouse, leaving her in her chemise only, and then undressing himself he slipped in behind her and held her tight until she cried herself to sleep.
He was concerned that she would choose her parents over him, but he was more scared about what this stress was doing on her body and the baby.
He lay awake for the rest of the evening, listening to her soft snores, and occasional whimpers. His mind racing from one idea to another but one thing was clear.
If Meredith and Emmett wanted a fight they would get one. He will not sit back and watch them snatch Tiff, and their baby, out from under their nose. He will fight tooth and nail to keep that from happening.
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As the morning sun shone through their room Tiffany awoke with the loud and somewhat painful tummy rumble.
She was starving; after all she had missed both lunch and supper yesterday.
She smiled softly when she heard her husband's stomach making the same noise from behind her. If she was starving she would hate to think what Cody was feeling.
Slipping out of their bed Tiffany started to get herself straightened up for the day.
Her head was feeling sore and weighed down as she slowly started remembering what happened the day before.
After she had cleaned herself up she made a small breakfast for Cody and herself. But by the time Cody jumped out of bed he was out the door just as quick.
She had hoped he would stick around today, but she understood that there was so much to be done, so she didn't make a fuss.
Tiffany found herself doing small unnecessary jobs around the house instead of going outside and facing everyone else.
She had this dread in her stomach that what her parents had done finally pushed Cody's family over the edge. Would they all tell him that she wasn't worth the trouble?
Deep down in her heart she knew that this was not the case. But it didn't stop her mind playing tricks on her.
"Come on Tiffany, you have to face them at some stage." She told herself as she danced around the front door of the cottage.
Hearing Cody yelling out to one of the other boys, from outside, made Tiffany's heart skip a beat. He was still here.
Bravely she pulled open the cottage door and faced whatever was coming her way.
"Good morning sweetheart." Teaspoon smiled up at her.
Tiffany smiled back as she gingerly made her way from the front porch.
"Morning Teaspoon."
Teaspoon walked to meet her, holding his arms out for her to step into. Which she did.
"I'm so sorry honey." He said into her hair, "Please don't stress yourself out over this. We need you to take care of the soon to be new addition." He smiled, pulling away from her.
"It is such wonderful news. Rachel wanted to see you before she left,"
"Left?" Tiffany questioned. "Where has she gone?" Tiffany asked, her eyes scanning the yard not seeing anyone. She was sure she had heard Cody a minute ago.
"Lou, Lily and Rachel have gone to meet Jenny."
"They've gone into town?"
"No. Jenny and Tompkins are going to sneak us supplies to see us through."
"I'm really sorry for all this trouble. I didn't think my parents would try and hurt me so deeply."
"I don't think it was you in particular they were trying to hurt. They are your parents and have loved you since the day you were born. In their eyes I think that they think they're trying to help you."
"But you are all family too. If you hurt I hurt. Surely they can see that."
"I wish they did honey." Teaspoon kissed Tiffany on the forehead. "I meant what I said before. I don't want you worrying about this. You need to take care of this one." Teaspoon placed a hand on Tiffany's stomach. "It's wonderful news."
"Thank you Teaspoon."
Tiffany found herself watching the road that lead away from their farm, waiting for Louise and Rachel to return home. She had not asked if the boys had filled the other two ladies in on what they had found out about her parents but she was feeling anxious all the same.
Louise had every right to say 'I told you so' but Tiffany knew that she was not that kind of girl. She just felt foolish and embarrassed about the whole thing.
"Tiff sweetheart," Cody yelled out from the front door of the barn.
He was in a hurry but wanted to say goodbye to his wife first.
"What is it Cody?" She replied walking over to greet him.
"Jimmy, Teaspoon and I are heading out to another ranch. Need to make it look as if we are still in the dark." Tiffany's heart clenched in anguish at the small reminder what they were all facing at the hands of her parents. "Buck is still here, doing some jobs around the place." He said softly, letting her know she was not alone. Tiffany looked to the ground, "Hey," Cody raised Tiffany's head to look at him. "Remember, I love you. We love you. Hold on to that."
Tiffany smiled sadly and leaned in to kiss her husband goodbye, wishing him luck.
.
.
.
Rachel and Lou had been gone most of the day both had wanted to make the most of the time they had with Jenny.
Rachel had shared Tiffany and Cody's news but asked her to keep it a secret as she wasn't sure if Tiffany's parents knew.
Rachel's insides were on fire with rage when she thought of Emmett and Meredith Harrington.
She was so angered by the way they held the whole town captive. She would have hoped that after all these years she, Teaspoon and the boys had made a place for themselves with the small town.
First with the Express, then the Teaspoon being the Marshall and even with her teaching the children, and yet she had never felt so shunned as much as she did now.
Nearing the farm she tried to reign it all in. She and Lou were planning a celebration dinner for Cody and Tiffany and she really needed to have her head in the right place.
"Rachel," Lou whispered as her widened eyes stared at the people standing in the middle of their yard.
"I am not going with you." Tiffany cried out. Her father had her by the tops of her arms and seemed to be dragging her towards his buggy.
Rachel pulled their buckboard to a stop, looking around for any sign of the boys, but coming up empty.
"Lou, take Lily and go to the bunkhouse." Rachel ordered thinking that it was better Lily was nowhere in hearing range for what Rachel wanted to say to these people.
Lou didn't need to be told twice. She gathered her dress and jumped from the buckboard before holding her arms out to Lily.
"Come now Lily," Lou's voice shook, scared of these people that were now in her space. Scared they were so close to Lily.
"Momma," Lily began to whine, refusing to go with Louise.
"Please Lily," Lou began to cry. The past few days catching up to her, "Jenny bought you some sweets, be a good girl and you can have one." Lou bribed swiping at her eyes.
Lily liking the sound of her mother's suggestion flung herself into Lou's awaiting arms.
Rachel felt useless as she watched her young friend suffering with distress.
"Louise you are fine. I won't let anyone hurt you." Rachel promised as she continued to stare at Lou with concern. "Or Tiffany,"
Lou nodded her head, but she did not feel safe. She wanted Jimmy here, where was he?
She rushed towards the bunkhouse with Lily tight in her arms.
"I want to see my Grandchild." Meredith yelled out, "You cannot keep her from us."
"Mother!" Tiffany yelled.
"Hush your mouth Tiffany. We are that child's family. We have rights, Andrew has…"
"Andrew has no rights. The only thing he deserves is a noose around his neck." Tiffany spat.
"Tiffany I never…"
"No Mother, Father, you are wrong. Andrew is a monster, I saw first-hand how he treated Louise and Lily. He does not have any tie to that child."
"I saw it too." Rachel added as she came to stand next to Tiffany placing an arm around her for support. "And I can see where he may have got it from." Rachel narrowed her eyes on Emmett's strong grip on his daughter. "You have two minutes to remove your hands from your daughter and then yourselves from this property." Rachel ordered before Bucks voice intervened.
"Make it one." He slung his riffle on to his shoulder as he made his way over to where Rachel and Tiffany stood.
"If we're leaving Tiffany is to come with us." Emmett yelled as he yanked Tiffany closer to the buggy.
"Like hell." Tiffany roared shocking herself and her parents. "Cody is my husband, I'm carrying his child, you have no claim on anything that is regarding me." Tiffany placed her small hand over her abdomen.
"Tiffany dear we are your family. You will come with us and have that child bought up in a secure, clean home." Meredith hissed feeling annoyed that her daughter was putting up such a fuss.
Buck quietly walked up behind Emmett and placed the barrel of the gun hard up against the back of his head.
"A minute is up. Take your hands off of Tiffany before I shoot you where you stand."
"Savage," Meredith spat.
Emmett how ever felt like he was in no position to argue. He let his daughters arm go and placed his arms in the air.
"Meredith my dear, get in the buggy."
"Emmett…."
"Just do as you're told."
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Lou slammed the door shut, blocking out most of what Meredith was saying. Did the woman really believe what her son was saying?
"Momma cans I have dis many?" Lou looked down at Lily who had already found the small bag of sweets that Jenny had given Jimmy last night. She was holding the bag in one hand, and had three podgy little fingers up on the other hand.
Her wee face was hopeful, and the innocence of it all melted Lou's heart.
"Yes you can have three," Lou smiled as she tickled Lily's tummy.
"Momma," Lily giggled trying to push Lou's had away.
Lou picked her up and carried her over to Jimmy's bed, which was away from the window. She pulled out three sweets out for Lily. "Eat one at a time Lily. Just one."
"My have dis many." Lily held two fingers up.
Lou shook her head no and gently pushed one of her little fingers back down so she only had the one still up.
"This many."
"Ok Momma." Lou kissed her head happy that she was none the wiser about what was happening outside.
The sound of a buggy and horses had Lou rushing to the window to see Meredith and Emmett riding away.
She looked over to where her family stood. Buck was standing there with a gun pointed at the buggy, while Rachel held a sobbing Tiffany.
When would happiness come to them all?