Chapter 14
Melissa moved slowly to Noah's arm and when he handed it to Buck, she saw that his eyes were bright.
He said to her: "You are my angel" and she smiled. She could not utter a word of emotion.
Everyone took their seats and Teaspoon began the ceremony: "We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage between this man and this woman. You have gone through some tough trials, but in the end you have found yourselves and now here we are all together celebrating this union. Who brings this woman to the altar? ".
"Me", Noah said.
"Good. Now. If there is someone who has something to say why this marriage should not be celebrated, speak now or be silent forever ".
Buck was very tense, it was the moment he feared the most.
Suddenly they heard the doors open and someone shouting: "We".
Buck jumped and Melissa felt her legs give out. Everyone turned and saw Sam and Emma enter, the latter with a nice belly. In the confusion and turmoil, no one had noticed that they had not yet shown up.
"You don't want to get married without us, do you?" Sam said.
Everyone heaved a deep sigh of relief, especially Buck who had turned pale.
Emma and Sam positioned themselves next to Lou and the others and Teaspoon resumed: "Well, now that we are all here, I will rephrase the same question again and I hope that this time no one will intervene anymore because, if not, instead of one wedding we will have to celebrate two funeral, these two boys literally turned pale at the interruption, even if well justified "and Teaspoon smiled at the two arrivals.
"If there is anyone who has something to say that this marriage should not be celebrated, speak now or be silent forever"
There was silence and Buck and Melissa relaxed.
"Buck, do you want to take this woman as your wife?"
"I do"
"Melissa, do you want to take this man as your husband?"
"I do"
"The rings please".
Jimmy brought the rings Buck had given him.
"Now is the time for promises: Buck"
Buck took a few seconds, then said: "Melissa, today I officially welcome you as my bride. I promise to always be faithful to you, in every moment of our life, both in the beautiful and in the most difficult ones, and to never leave you alone again until death separates us "and he slipped the ring on her.
Melissa, with tears in her eyes, replied: "Buck, I welcome you as my husband and I promise to always be faithful to you, to love you, to respect you and your traditions, even if they are partly different from mine. I promise to share with you everything that will happen to us, the beautiful and the less beautiful and to be one with you until the end of our days "and slipped the ring.
No one was dry-eyed after hearing this exchange of promises, not even Teaspoon who continued: "Well, now, with the power conferred on me by the United States of America, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Buck, you can kiss the bride ".
Buck did not have it repeated twice, he overcame his usual shyness, and to the applause of those present he kissed his bride passionately.
Everyone left the church and congratulated the couple. When it was Sam and Emma's turn, Buck said to them: "You gave us a good scare, but it was worth it I see, when's the happy event?"
"In 5 months", Emma replied. Melissa hugged her and the two women wept for joy.
Everyone went to the reception venue and Rachel introduced herself to Sam and Emma. The two women immediately got in tune and Rachel updated Emma on her boys who in the meantime did not stop congratulating the couple on the future birth.
Buck and Melissa enjoyed their party. They conceded dances to all the guests, but as soon as they could they danced among themselves.
"It looks like we did it", he told her.
"Yes, even if for a moment I feared that someone would stop us"
"Oh don't tell me, I don't know how I managed to stand up when I heard that 'We' say. In all the confusion we didn't even realize that those two were late "
"Already. It was a beautiful ceremony that I will remember for a lifetime "
"And that's just the beginning Mrs. Cross"
"Mrs. Cross ... it sounds really good" and they kissed.
The party lasted until evening, then Buck and Melissa finally retired to their home.
When they reached the door, he picked her up and let her in. He put her down as soon as he entered the entrance and the two kissed passionately. Melissa turned the key in the lock and turned to her husband: "And now let's start our life together."
Buck picked her up again, causing her to let out a little cry of surprise, and carried her to their bedroom. They slowly undressed, savoring every moment of their first night as husband and wife. They explored every inch of their bodies and made love as if it were the first time. They spent the whole night enjoying each other and in the morning they fell asleep embraced.
Buck woke up first and watched his bride rest peacefully and once again thanked all the gods for the joy he was feeling. He could never have hoped for better. He decided to surprise her and went naked into the kitchen to prepare a hearty breakfast, trying to make as little noise as possible so as not to wake her up and hoping that she would not wake up before he went back to the room. Luck turned his way because when he came back she was still asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he crawled back into bed and stood looking at her. Only a few minutes passed and then she opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was her husband's dark eyes full of love looking at her. Stretching, she said: "Good morning, my hubby" and kissed him.
"Good morning Mrs. Cross, well awake. Would you like a hearty breakfast? "
Melissa rolled her eyes and saw the tray full of every delicacy and kissed him.
"Attention, I could get used to this service ..."
"I'm here on purpose and I'll do it whenever I can."
Then he got up and started serving her breakfast.
She smiled mischievously and said to him: "And do you also promise me that you will always serve me in all your splendor?" and looked at his manhood.
Buck blushed, especially when he realized that his private parts were reacting to his desire.
Melissa dragged him to bed and when he said to her: "Everything will get cold", she replied: "What do you think ovens are for? To keep the food warm while we make love "and pulled Buck to her who did not ask at all.
It was then Melissa who went downstairs to heat the food and coffee, wearing only Buck's shirt who appreciated his wife's improvised clothing.
They spent the whole morning in bed and in the afternoon they went to the station to be with the others and say goodbye properly to Sam and Emma.
They were greeted by a big round of applause and they all hugged. Rachel had prepared the tea, preventing Emma from helping her so as not to tire her. While everyone was chatting peacefully, Kid spoke up.
"Sorry if I interrupt this happy moment, but I hope to make this day even more joyful with the announcement I have to make".
Everyone turned their attention to him. Lou stood next to him and Kid announced: "Last night while you were celebrating, I asked Lou to be my wife and she agreed." Lou blushed.
Rachel and Melissa shouted "Hallelujah" together and everyone congratulated the couple.
Kid said they were getting married in October, because they wanted to build a house near the station and Buck and Melissa's and so Lou would have plenty of time to let the community know she was a woman and would also have the opportunity to find a job.
"Kid knows that I will certainly not be at home knitting, so I want to take some time to organize myself and do things gradually. In addition, it will also be necessary to find a rider to replace me and this will also take time. "
Kid then asked Buck if he was interested in expanding his ranch so that he could manage one in partnership together and Buck said he was enthusiastic about the proposal.
In the evening they dined together and took the opportunity to say goodbye to Buck and Melissa who would go to the Red Bear camp the next day.
The two newlyweds said goodbye to Emma and Sam and promised them that they would visit them when the baby was born and then returned home.
The next morning, they took their travel gear and left.
They stopped along the river for a picnic and even allowed themselves a refreshing bath, during which they did not miss the opportunity to make love. They arrived at the camp in the evening and were greeted with affection by everyone. Red Bear led them to their tepee to settle down and then they dined together partying late into the night.
When they retired, Buck explained to Melissa how things worked for couples in the camp and Melissa listened attentively. She wanted to try as hard as she could to make him happy.
They spent a wonderful night and the next morning they woke up in each other's arms. Buck went hunting with the men while Melissa stayed with the women who taught her to sew and embellish hides with beads. Over the next few days, the two acted as if they were part of the camp and Melissa sewed gifts for her entire family and a new knife sheath for Buck. The week passed quickly and the last night in their tepee, Melissa gave Buck her present. He was moved and thanked her heartily. He too had a present for her. He had asked the women to pack a medicine bag for her with their names embroidered and had the medicine man put the herbs necessary to protect them inside.
Melissa was happy and they spent the last night without sleep, making love and cuddling.
The next morning, they said goodbye to Red Bear: "Brother, I would be happy if you came to visit us sometime, especially when we have started our ranch. With the war just around the corner, Kid and I decided to start a parallel business to the Pony Express, which could be useful if a conflict really breaks out "
"I'll do my brother and remember that you will always be welcome here"
Melissa hugged him and then they left. They walked the route very slowly. Melissa mounted Buck's horse, who held her tight throughout the journey. They chatted about their experience and made future plans.
They returned to the station the next morning, they preferred to camp for the night and remain a little alone in contact with nature.
They found themselves at the bunkhouse and delivered the gifts that Melissa had sewn.
"Did you really make them?" Asked Cody in amazement.
"Of course, I told you that I would do everything to integrate, you of little faith", she joked.
Everyone complimented her.
Melissa inquired with Lou about how the preparations were progressing and she told her that the following Saturday she would reveal her true identity to everyone at the town ball. She was very tense but it was time to turn her life around. Work on the house had begun and Buck assured them that he would make his contribution from the next day.
Life went by serene and peaceful. The following Saturday, at the prom, Lou arrived in a beautiful blue dress and Teaspoon at one point took the floor to announce that Kid and Lou were soon getting married. Many citizens, including Thompkins, said they realized Lou was a woman, others were amazed.
The evening was very pleasant and also productive for Lou, who found a job in the city bookshop. It certainly wasn't like running for the Pony Express but it would give her some independence. Kid wasn't entirely thrilled with Lou working, but for her sake he had to accept it.
The wedding day approached, the house was almost finished and Rachel and Melissa accompanied the future bride to buy the dress.
That day, Melissa was feeling a bit strange: she was particularly emotional, she had tears constantly in her eyes from emotion and she didn't feel much appetite, on the contrary, she almost felt a feeling of nausea but she said nothing so as not to ruin the day for her friend.
The next morning, taking advantage of the fact that Buck was out for a run, she decided to go for a checkup at the doctor. She did not want to alarm her husband and had thought not to tell him anything about her discomfort until she had been examined.
After checking her, the doctor told her: "Mrs. Cross, there is nothing wrong with you, on the contrary, you are in excellent health. But in the next few months you will gain a few kilos "
"Few kilos? What do you mean ... oh my God, am I pregnant? "
"Yes, congratulations, you are two months pregnant"
"Oh thank you doctor, I'm so happy!"
She came out thinking she was walking on clouds. She and Buck had talked about children but never really started looking for them. She couldn't wait to tell him.
She quickly did the math and realized that they must have conceived him on their honeymoon.
When Buck got home in the evening, he noticed a strange light in her eyes.
"What's going on honey? You are radiant ".
She took his hands and said: "I have a present for you"
"A gift for me? How come?"
"Because I love you to death and you made me the happiest woman in the world"
Buck smiled and kissed her. Intrigued, he then asked her: "So, where is this gift?"
Melissa took his right hand, placed it on her belly and said: "Here".
Buck was speechless for a moment, then realized and replied: Do you mean that ...? "
She nodded and he relieved her of joy.
"Slowly, slowly, you have a pregnant woman in front of you!" and smiled at his enthusiasm.
"Oh sorry, I'm so happy! How long are you? "
"Two months. I think we conceived him on our honeymoon "
Buck kissed her and hugged her. They had dinner and then went to the bedroom where they made love and spent the whole night fantasizing about their baby.
They decided they would break the news to the others the day before Kid and Lou's wedding.
That day they gathered for lunch to work out the final details and as they were enjoying Rachel's cake, Buck said: "So, uncles, is everything ready for tomorrow?"
"Uncle ?", they all said in chorus.
Buck and Melissa looked at each other and Melissa announced: "Yes, you are about to become uncles and Teaspoon a very sweet grandpa!"
"Oh my God congratulations! When will he be born? "Lou asked excitedly.
"In May", Buck replied.
There was a great applause and everyone hugged Melissa, delighted for the further reason for joy.
The next morning, the women met at Rachel's house to get Lou ready, while the men tried to calm Kid down.
To play it down, Buck said to him: "Do you remember how you made fun of me on my wedding day? Now see what it feels like "
"Damn, Buck, you're absolutely right!" and everyone laughed.
Lou had chosen to be accompanied to the altar by Jimmy, Melissa and Rachel would be the bridesmaids and Buck and Noah the witnesses. Cody would arrive later because he had asked to join the army given the impending war. The boys and Teaspoon hadn't taken the news well but Cody hadn't wanted to hear reasons.
Sam and Emma sent a telegram but they would not attend because Emma was well over with her pregnancy and did not feel like making the journey.
The ceremony was very beautiful and moving and Buck and Melissa couldn't help but remember theirs with emotion.
Everyone had fun at the reception and they were happy when Cody also joined who, however, communicated to Teaspoon that unfortunately the war was underway and soon would also touch the Pony Express. The telegraph was gaining momentum and he had learned that the company was intent on closing the mail service.
Teaspoon had expected it, though not so soon.
"Son, I'm just asking you not to break this news today. In the next few days we will have a family reunion and we will say it, but today we have to celebrate Lou and Kid and the baby of Buck and Melissa "
"Sure Teaspoon, it seems right to me"
Lou and Kid hadn't planned a honeymoon because they had invested all their resources in building the house.
A few days later, Teaspoon called a family reunion and announced what he had learned from Cody.
"Guys, I've gathered you all here because Cody had some important information and it's only fair that you all know that. Son, do you want to communicate it? "
"Yes Teaspoo, thank you. Unfortunately, the war has also arrived here and soon the company will close the Pony Express service to make room for the telegraph, faster and more effective. Soon we will all be out of work "
The boys were baffled. The first to react was Buck: "I was expecting this decision and that is why when Melissa and I bought the house I laid the foundations for a ranch that the Kid and I later enlarged. We could all enter society, enlarge it and live on that. The soldiers will need many horses and thanks to my contacts with my brother and the other Indian tribes we may have good specimens. What do you think?"
Jimmy was the first to reply: "I'm sorry guys, but I think I'll follow Cody's example and enlist. I wouldn't be able to stay here breeding horses knowing that many men are out there fighting "
"Oh Jimmy!" Rachel exclaimed, "are you sure?"
"Yes Rachel, I'm sorry, I've been thinking about it for a while"
"Oh Lord", Teaspoon said in turn.
"I gladly accept Buck. I'd like to join the army, but I don't think whites are ready to welcome black men into their ranks ", Noah argued.
"We are happy Noah that at least you will join us"
"Sorry, but if the war has really reached its climax, I feel compelled to fight for my land", Kid said surprising everyone.
"Kid!" Lou yelled in horror.
"I know Lou we just got married and built our house here, but now things have changed and I have to fight for Virginia, my land"
"But now this is your land, this is your family, I'm here", Lou yelled again and then ran away.
Melissa and Rachel followed her trying to console her.
"Boy, maybe you should have talked to her first", Teaspoon pointed out.
"It's true", said Kid, "but that's what I think and I don't want to hide anything from anyone".
Kid then went out to join Lou. Rachel and Melissa went back inside. Lou had her back to him.
"Honey, I know I upset you with my speech, but I wouldn't feel like a man if I didn't go to the front like Jimmy and Cody"
"Instead you feel like a man to abandon your wife and your family. Kid know that if you decide to leave, I will not go with you. My home is here, my family is here and in addition I have sent to tell the orphanage where Teresa and Jeremia are staying to let them come to us. What should I do? Send them back when they arrive? I told you about it, remember? "
"They could come with us to Virginia"
"No Kid, you will go to Virginia, I will stay here. Either me or the war "and Lou was adamant.
Over the next few days Kid asked Buck and Noah for advice, who told him that in his place they would have no doubts about what to do.
"My condition as a half-breed does not allow me to join the army, but even if they accepted me, I would never dream of leaving my wife for a fratricidal war. Listen to me man, until someone forces you to leave, because unfortunately that time will come, stay with Lou. You'll have to leave her too soon ",Buck said and Noah agreed.
Kid accepted the advice and spoke to Lou the same evening: "Honey, sorry for not asking your opinion. I promise you that I will not leave for now, but you also know that if things do not resolve quickly, they will force me to leave and then I will not be able to escape "
"I know Kid, I'm aware of it, but until then I don't want to leave you."
Kid hugged her and said: "It will be okay", but he wasn't very sure about this statement.
A few weeks later, the letter arrived: Russel, Major and Wadell officially announced that the Pony Express service had ended and within a few weeks they would have to leave the bunkhouse.
Noah settled in Kid and Lou's house which had 4 rooms: one for them, one for Teresa, the other for Jeremia and one for the guests. Jimmy and Cody left for the front the next day, after the arrival of Lou's brother and sister.
Teaspoon moved to Rachel's house and asked her to marry him: they had been fond of each other for a long time and since he did not want to put her reputation at risk again, he made the proposal and she accepted with joy.
The ranch was well underway and, as Buck had predicted, yielded well thanks to the army's need for horses. Melissa's pregnancy was going well and the woman could count on the help of Lou and Rachel.
The month after the Pony Express closed, as everyone expected, Kid received the call to arms and had to return to Virginia. Only the week before, Lou had found out she was expecting a baby, so she stayed in Rock Creek where she could have the support of her friends.
Kid wrote to her regularly but she was no less worried about that.
In May of the following year, Melissa gave birth to a beautiful strong and healthy baby whom they named Ike, in honor of their friend and brother.
Kid kept writing and Jimmy and Cody returned as soon as they could.
Despite all the difficulties they had encountered, they continued to be a big family, united by the strong love that bound them all to each other, convinced that precisely that love would be able, once the war was over, to reunite them.
They knew it, they believed it, because as each of them had shown, love can do anything.