Chapter 8 – Buck's POV
Exactly two weeks after finding Red Bear I saw the outskirts of Rock Creek. I was on my land. I pointed out the horses to my brother telling him they were mine. In the Kiowa world I was a very rich man for having so many. As our horses drew closer to my home I was surprised to see Kid working alongside Jimmy and Cody. I saw Lou bringing them all water, little Emma trailing after her. Lou's belly was more pronounced, in about two and a half more months I would be a father again. I smile at the beautiful sight before me. "That is your woman?" Red Bear asked indicating Lou. "Yes" was all I said before Lou looked over and saw us. She dropped the bucket she had been carrying causing water to splash up on Jimmy. I grinned quickly dismounting my horse and ran to meet her halfway.
Lou literally jumped into my arms almost causing me to lose my balance. The kiss we shared made the loneliness of the past month and a half disappear. I was home. Little Emma had attached herself to my leg by this time. I let go of Lou long enough so I could pick my daughter up. I knew my sons would be at school. With my arm around Lou I led her to my brother to introduce them. I could feel my 'brothers' move closer so they could welcome me back and meet my brother as well.
Lou's POV
As late in the year as it was it was still hot. An Indian summer Buck would call it. The guys had been working hard all morning, so with little Emma trailing after me I brought them a bucket of water to drink from. "You know Lou, I've been thinking are you sure you're not due to have that baby this month?" Jimmy asked with a grin. I roll my eyes, "See that's what you get for thinking, I'm sure I'm not due this month." Cody grinned before saying, "Guess she is having twins again." I glare at the two of them, "Are you two calling me fat?" The guys grinned. I knew they had a point; my belly was much bigger than it should be at this point. I was just fixing to give Jimmy a drink of water when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye.
I look over, a huge smile spreading across my face. I dropped the bucket I was holding. It splashed up on Jimmy, I head his muttered curse, and I didn't care. All I cared about was reaching the man I was running towards. He met me halfway, with a small leap I threw myself into Buck's waiting arms. I know the force almost knocked him over. I give him a kiss that made all the lonely night just melt away. My Buck was home. Emma wrapped herself around her daddy's legs. He let go of me long enough to pick her up. Then he led me to the man still sitting on his horse. I could feel the boys fall into step behind us as Buck introduced me to by brother in law. "Red Bear this is my woman, Lou, and our daughter Emma Little Feather." Red Bear dismounted and walked over I could tell he was sizing me up. "She is worth four ponies at least." Red Bear said at last to Buck. I looked confused.
My expression made the two Indians laugh. "It's a compliment Lou; most warriors would only give two ponies at most for a woman." I blush slightly at the compliment. "The Great Spirit has blessed you with a fruitful womb. You will have twins by the next moon." Red Bear said reaching a hand toward my swollen belly. I just smirked, everybody thought I was fat. Buck introduced Red Bear to our 'brothers' even Kid, and told him that our sons would be home from school soon.
The guys went back to work while Red Bear and Buck followed me into the bunkhouse where I fixed them something to eat. After the men had eaten Buck told me Red Bear had agreed to perform the ceremony. It was decided we would have it tomorrow after they were rested from their trip.
Kid's POV
I watched Lou walk across the yard with little Emma, bringing us some water. As she handed me the dipper I smiled my thanks. Jimmy and Cody started teasing her about her baby belly. She really was getting big, but we all thought she was still beautiful. I watched as Lou turned to look at something that caught her attention. A huge smile blossoming on her face as she dropped the bucket and ran to the man quickly dismounting his horse. I heard Jimmy muttered an oath as the water splashed him. I watched as Lou almost knocked Buck over in her exuberance. She really loves him. I notice the older Indian with him. I recognize him from the time Ike was taken hostage by Buck's tribe. It's his brother Red Bear. I tell the boys and together we fall into step behind Lou and Buck to meet him.
I wondered why he was here. Is this where Buck's been? Searching for Red Bear? After we were introduced we went back to work as Lou led the brothers inside. I turned to Jimmy and Cody, "Why did Buck bring him here?" I know they know why. The two share a look, unsure what to say to me. "Kid Buck went to find Red Bear so he could marry Lou in the Kiowa way. He thought that way at least their marriage would be right in the sight of God, if not the law." Jimmy said to me, the look on his face one of compassion. "God? How would an Indian ceremony make things right in God's eye?" I asked not sure what Buck was thinking. "God, Great Spirit, same thing if you ask me." Cody said with a shrug.
Now that I know where Buck has been I understand why they wouldn't tell me. I guess they thought if I knew I might do something stupid like kidnap Lou while Buck was gone. "Hmm… I guess that makes sense. But as it turns out it wasn't necessary." I tell the guys, they look at me like I'm crazy. "Teaspoon told me two weeks ago that according to the law I'm no longer married to Lou because I technically abandoned her for ten years. But that also means Buck and Lou aren't legally married either. I was waiting for Buck to come home so I could tell them together. I still love Lou, but I realized that she and Buck are meant to be together." Jimmy and Cody each give my shoulders a sympathetic squeeze before we get back to work. I would tell Lou and Buck tomorrow.