Chapter 13
At the end of the honeymoon, Jinny started working at the school and was enthusiastic about her new job. She immediately got in touch with the students and the hours of work spent there didn't weigh her down at all.
The ranch had been started and she was divided between school, home and work there, just as Buck and the boys were divided between racing and the new business. Lou had stopped working for the Pony Express and was helping Jinny with the daily chores of the ranch, while Kid had started building their new house with the help of all the boys and Teaspoon. Noah was going to live with Cassie after the wedding.
As Buck had predicted, the war also came in the vicinity of Rock Creek and one day Cody communicated to his family that he had decided to enlist. No one took the news well, but Cody was adamant.
Kid had thought about moving to Virginia before starting construction on the house, to fight for his land, but when he saw Lou's reaction, he gave up.
Lou and Kid's wedding day arrived and sadly the ceremony was overshadowed by news of an attack nearby which had claimed the life of a young man Lou knew very well. Despite this terrible episode, due to which many guests did not show up for the reception, it was still a good party.
The wedding of Ike and Emily followed as scheduled and an episode occurred that made all the horrors of war forget for a moment. When it was time to answer the fateful question, Ike let out a sound: he managed to pronounce the word YES. He had been so excited about marrying the woman he loved and for whom he had almost lost his life, that he managed to overcome the block that had prevented him from speaking all that time.
For a moment they were all silent gasping, then Emily burst into tears and said: "Oh my God Ike, you spoke, it's a miracle!" and she kissed him even before Teaspoon could finish the ceremony, to the cheers and applause of all. Ike gradually managed to completely regain the use of speech making his married life with Emily even happier.
Unfortunately Cody was not present at the ceremony because he was away on a military reconnaissance, but when he joined the others at the reception, his amazement was great when he was greeted by Ike who said: "Welcome!".
Cody froze in amazement and Noah joked about this saying: "Ike, you should do this more often, leaving Cody speechless is a blessing for everyone"
Cody hugged Ike and was moved.
Two weeks later it was Cassie and Noah's turn. Theirs was also a simple and private ceremony, with few guests since most of the men had enlisted for the war.
In October, the news that everyone expected by now arrived: the Pony Express business was definitively suspended and all the boys were relieved that the ranch had already achieved great success, thanks above all to the high demand for horses for the army.
No one was left out of work, and Buck and Jinny were soon able to pay their friends back the money they had borrowed.
Jimmy one day decided to leave for a new life, Rock Creek was close to him, especially now that all his friends were married and Cody was in and out of the army.
He left for who knows where, but kept in touch with his friends through letters.
In the house near the now former station there were only Rachel and Teaspoon who had moved in with Rachel so as not to make her feel alone. When Cody returned, he still used his dorm bunk.
Rachel felt extremely lonely: it is true that she worked daily at the ranch with Jinny and Lou, by now she had moved to the new house with Kid, but it wasn't like before: she didn't have to deal with 7 boys who filled her days and she felt useless and frustrated. Every now and then she confided in Teaspoon who made a decision: one evening, while they were sitting on the porch sipping coffee, Teaspoon said to her: "Rachel, you and I have been living as a couple for a long time now even if in reality we are not. What would you say if we became one for all intents and purposes?"
Rachel looked at him wide-eyed: "Are you asking me to marry you Teaspoon?"
"Oh well, here…yes, if you want of course. You are a beautiful and very sweet woman and in these years without realizing it I have understood that I have reached the point where I can no longer do without you. What do you say?"
"Teaspoon, you blow me away. I had never thought of us in these terms but I must admit that you too have become very important to me and I have a very deep feeling towards you"
"I know I'm a little old for you but..."
Rachel didn't let him finish and kissed him on impulse. Teaspoon fell into her kiss and led her into the bedroom.
The next morning Rachel woke up with a huge smile on her face and stopped feeling worthless.
"So Mrs Dunne, when are you going to be Mrs Hunter?"
"Oh well, I don't know, what do you say?"
"As soon as possible I would say"
"We have to tell the boys first. Who knows how they will react! We could organize a dinner tomorrow night. I was talking about this with Jinny just yesterday. She wanted us all to get together with her and Buck one of these evenings and it seems to me a perfect occasion. In the morning I'll go and propose it to her"
"It looks perfect to me. What if we get married in a week? Next Saturday? Cody should be back too. I could telegraph Jimmy a message, maybe he'll be there too."
"It is fantastic! Thanks Teaspoon"
"Thank you for the joy you are giving me" and they went back to making love.
In the morning, Rachel caught up with Jinny as she left school and said: "How about we organize the dinner you were thinking of having tomorrow night?"
"It looks perfect to me. Do you warn Cassie and Emily? I'm going to tell Buck and Lou."
"Ok. I'll make dessert then"
They said goodbye and Rachel went to Cassie and Emily, while Jinny joined Buck at the ranch. She found him saddled Katy for Kid.
"I'm happy to find you both: tomorrow night we're having the dinner we've been planning for a while, I just talked about it with Rachel who went to warn Cassie and Emily, can this be good for you?"
"Sure, I'll let Lou know. See you later", Kid replied and set off on his errand.
"Is that okay with you honey?" Jinny asked after kissing Buck.
"Sure, as long as you don't get too tired. You seem more tired than usual lately", Buck replied.
"Don't worry, love, I'm just a little stressed" but as she was finishing the sentence, she felt dizzy and Buck caught her by a hair.
"Jinny is not the first time this happens to you, you should go to the doctor"
"Oh Buck, you don't have to worry, I'm just a little tired between work at school, the house and the ranch. You'll see that with a little rest I'll be fine"
"Let's hope, I'm not calm"
"Well, then you should take me to bed…"
"I should, but I'm afraid in that case you wouldn't rest…"
Jinny wrapped her arms around him and he carried her into the house, where they made love.
The next day Jinny was joined by the women who helped her prepare dinner.
When they were all at the table, Teaspoon took the floor and said: "Guys, there is a specific reason why Rachel asked to organize this dinner tonight"
"What's up Teaspoon?" asked Kid.
"Well, here, I'm about to face my seventh wedding"
"What? And who… Oh my God, you two are getting married", Lou exclaimed.
Rachel looked down and nodded.
"Congratulations old fox", Noah yelled and everyone was delighted with the news.
"I knew you two would end up together sooner or later", Ike said.
"Really?" Rachel asked
"Sure, you're made for each other", Ike replied.
"And when is the event?", Cassie asked.
"In a week. Cody is due back too and I've telegraphed Jimmy a message in the hope that he might be there", Teaspoon replied.
"Well, then we have to celebrate with Rachel's dessert!", said Jinny who got up to go get the cake, but as soon as she was on her feet she felt dizzy again and had to lean back on her chair.
"Are you okay, Jinny?" Emily worried.
"Tomorrow I'll take you to the doctor, it's happening to you too often. I don't want to hear any objections", Buck said worriedly.
"I told you darling, it's just a little tired, but if it makes you feel calmer, we'll go tomorrow".
Rachel intervened: "Wait Jinny, I'll help you" and followed her into the kitchen.
"Jinny, have you had these faints for a long time?"
"A few weeks but Buck worries too much. I already told him it's just a little tired."
"I'm not sure but I don't think there's anything to worry about"
"What do you want to say?"
"When did you last have your period?"
"Oh, now that I think about it this month I haven't had them yet but I don't understand….oh my God, you mean…."
"Well, the symptoms are there. Did you also feel a little nauseous?"
"Not much but sometimes yes, in the morning"
"I think you are expecting a baby"
"Oh Lord, that would be beautiful Rachel"
"Yes darling, that's great news. The doctor will tell you tomorrow"
"Oh but I'd like to surprise Buck. What if you take me to the doctor? We could say that I have to help you with the wedding dress"
"Okay, let's go tell him" and hugged her.
They returned to the living room with the cake and Jinny, holding back her emotion and excitement, said to Buck: "Honey, is it okay if Rachel takes me to the doctor tomorrow? We would take the opportunity to go buy something for the wedding"
"It's fine, as long as you promise me you'll actually go there"
"I promise" and kissed him.
Rachel and Jinny exchanged a knowing look.
The next morning, Rachel picked up Jinny and they went to the doctor.
"Congratulations Mrs. Cross, you are one month pregnant. Both you and the baby are fine, the fainting you've had are normal, you just have to avoid getting too tired and making efforts. See you at the next check"
"Thank you doctor, I'm so happy. See you soon"
"So?" Rachel asked when Jinny walked out of the room.
Jinny just nodded and Rachel hugged her saying: "Congratulations honey, Buck will be delighted"
"I want to surprise him tonight. Let's go shopping, I have something in mind..."
Rachel took her by the arm and they went to a shop where she chose a very simple cord-colored dress for the wedding while Jinny chose a small gift for Buck
"When are you going to tell the others?" Rachel asked.
"What if we had dinner on Thursday night to celebrate your wedding and I took the opportunity to break the news?"
"I think it would be perfect. Let's go see Emily, Cassie and Lou and see if it's okay with them.
They went to the laundry where Cassie and Emily worked and found Lou there too, who had stopped by after visiting Thompkins.
"Oh well, we find you all here. We thought about a dinner Thursday night to celebrate Rachel and Teaspoon's wedding, what do you think?", Jinny asked.
"What a nice idea! But this time you're coming to us!" Lou said.
"All right. Now I have to go back to the ranch, Lou are you coming with us or are you staying?" Jinny asked.
"I'm coming too. Good job girls"
They said goodbye and returned to the ranch.
When Buck saw them coming he started to meet Jinny but Rachel was faster and directed the woman towards her house while Lou went back to Kid to inform him of the dinner. Rachel then reached Buck and said: "I need Jinny for the whole day, I hope you don't mind. We went to the doctor and he confirmed that she's fine, she's just a little tired, don't worry"
"Are you sure? You look a little strange to me", he replied.
"Yes Buck, Jinny is fine. I just need her for the wedding. By the way, Thursday evening we will all be at Lou and Kid's for dinner to celebrate the wedding"
"Ok. Thank you for accompanying her"
Rachel smiled at him and squeezed his arm warmly.
Rachel and Jinny spent the afternoon chatting and fantasizing about the future.
In the evening, Jinny returned home without being seen by Buck and cooked him a hearty dinner.
When he came back, he said to her: "When did you get back darling? I did not see you. I missed you today" and he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.
"I missed you too my love, but Rachel needed me for the wedding"
"She told me the doctor confirmed you're fine"
"Yes, I'm fine honey"
"I'm calmer now. What a good smell, what did you cook?"
"Your favorite dishes to make up for being away all day, but first I want to give you a little present. I got it at the shop where Rachel bought her wedding dress"
"Thank you darling, but it's not necessary to give me gifts, you are my best gift"
"You'll see that this will be even more beautiful than me" she said smiling and handing him the small package.
"Come on, open it!"
Buck opened it and when he saw the two little white slippers he looked at Jinny with a slightly idiotic look, so that Jinny burst out laughing.
"How funny you are love!"
"Oh Jinny, do you mean that…?"
"Yes darling, the fainting was due to this, we are expecting a baby, I am one month pregnant"
Buck took her in his arms, kissed her and said: "It's wonderful Jinny, it really is the best gift you could give me. How are you? And the baby?"
"We're fine, I just have to avoid getting too tired but everything is fine. Rachel understood it last night and that's why she wanted to accompany me, I wanted to surprise you but I wanted to be sure"
"We have to prepare the room, the cradle, the layette, I have to prepare him a dream catcher to make him feel peaceful in his sleep, I have to..."
"Calm down honey, there are still eight months to go. I love you so much, you will be a wonderful father and you will tell our son all your traditions"
"We will do it together and then we will give him many brothers and sisters"
"Let's start with this huh? Thursday at Lou's dinner we'll break the news, okay?"
Buck nodded and kissed her again.
They had dinner fantasizing about their child and also began to think of possible names for both boys and girls.
"What would you rather Buck?"
"Oh, I don't care, as long as it's healthy. He will surely have your beautiful eyes"
"I hope he has your complexion and smile. A little miniature Buck around the house. I can't wait"
"Or a little Jinny" and he held her to him with lots of love.
When they were done fixing up the kitchen, they went to their bedroom and made love excited by the wonderful news they had received.
They struggled to contain their joy the next few days but tried to look as natural as possible.
The next day, Rachel asked Jinny how it went with Buck the night before and Jinny replied: "He was so excited that he didn't understand anything anymore. He is so happy to be a father and I know he will be a very good and very sweet father. We began to fantasize about how our lives will change and even think of some names"
"I'm so happy for you honey" and she hugged her.
On Thursday afternoon, the women all gathered at Lou's to help her with the preparations but forbade Rachel to help them, the guest of honor had to enjoy the day to the fullest. Rachel tried to protest but the women were adamant.
In the evening they were joined by the men, and they delighted in teasing Teaspoon about her seventh marriage.
Rachel asked Jimmy, who had arrived in the afternoon, to walk her down the aisle and he was thrilled. Buck, after nodding to Jinny and realizing that she agreed, seized the opportunity to introduce the news: "Hey Uncle Jimmy, I've never seen you with teary eyes"
"Uncle Jimmy? Buck, did you get hit on the head?" Jimmy replied without paying too much attention to the meaning of Buck's words
"No, I really called you that friend and not by chance", Buck insisted.
"Wait, you mean that...", said Jimmy who had begun to understand the meaning of the allusion.
Buck nodded and said: "Yeah, you're all going to be uncles, Jinny and I are expecting a baby."
Great was everyone's joy at the news and they congratulated the new parents.
Teaspoon reflected on it and said: "Hey, wait, you mean I'm going to be a grandfather?"
"Of course Teaspoon, but no one will dare to call Rachel grandmother", Jinny said laughing.
"Oh my goodness, Grandma, how old it makes me feel!" exclaimed Rachel.
"You will be the youngest and most beautiful grandmother in the history of the west" Teaspoon said hugging her.
The celebrations continued late into the night and then everyone retired to their respective homes, happy with the way their lives were going.
Rachel and Teaspoon's wedding was simple but emotional and the reception was pleasant too. Cody had arrived on time and when he heard the news from Buck and Jinny he was very happy and promised he would be there for the birth.
The following months passed peacefully for Jinny who was able to manage the double work at school and at the ranch without getting too tired and Buck monitored her closely to prevent her from doing so. The doctor ensured that the baby and the mother were fine and Buck calmed down after each visit.
They had written to Jinny's parents about the news and had been very happy about it. They didn't think they'd be able to be present for the birth, but they promised they'd visit soon.
A few months later, Emily and Cassie also announced that they were expecting a baby and this cheered everyone up, even though Lou was a little sad because although she and Kid had been trying for a baby for a long time, the results had not been positive.
Jinny had understood what was going through Lou's head and lovingly told her: "You'll see that when you least expect it, it will happen. Buck and I weren't really thinking about it and it happened. You have to stay calm"
The time came for the delivery: Jinny and Buck were having dinner when Jinny began to feel contractions. Buck rushed to get Lou while Kid went to warn the other women. Soon they were all gathered at Buck's house awaiting the doctor's arrival.
Buck didn't want to leave Jinny's bed and every time he saw her suffer from a contraction his heart ached.
"Buck, everything's going well, don't worry, you'll see that soon you'll be holding your son or daughter in your arms", Rachel tried to reassure him.
Shortly after the doctor arrived and tried to get Buck out of the room but he didn't want to hear about it.
"Buck, you can't stay", Emily tried to convince him, but he didn't move.
Jinny said: "Let him stay, that's fine with me. Buck, come beside me"
The doctor and the women shook their heads but didn't dare contradict Jinny. Buck positioned himself next to her and held her hand, helping her breathe.
Half an hour later, Jinny gave birth to a handsome, healthy and strong boy, with a dark and tanned complexion like his father's, lots of dark hair but two eyes as green as emerald, a perfect balance between his parents.
After having given all the care to the mother and the child, the doctor and the women left the two new parents alone and went to warn the men below.
"You have given birth to a wonderful baby darling, I love you so much", Buck told her, caressing a little her and a little the baby close to her breast.
"I love you too Buck, it's the fruit of our love" and she kissed him.
"So, what name do we give him?" he asked.
"Sam, as we thought?" Jinny answered.
He nodded and said: "Welcome Sam Cross, you will be a child much loved by mum and dad" and kissed them both.
After a while Jinny fell asleep and Sam too was calm, so Buck decided to let them rest and go down to the others.
"So daddy, how does it feel?", Noah asked.
"Wonderfully good. You'll try it too soon" and shook his hand.
'What will this heir of yours be called?' asked Teaspoon.
"Sam Cross. I wanted our friend Sam to be part of our family too and Jinny agreed"
"It does you credit, son" and Teaspoon hugged him.
"I've written Sam and Emma all the news and they're very happy for all of us", Lou said.
"I wrote to him too, I never stopped", Buck confided.
Soon Jinny was able to get up. She took time off from school and the ranch, but as soon as she was organized and it was possible, she resumed both jobs and Buck didn't hinder her, she knew how important it was to her.
After some time Cassie gave birth to a beautiful girl named Dorothy while Ike and Emily had twins: Emma and Mike.
Lou had announced that she and Kid were also expecting a baby and she finally didn't have the melancholy look of the last few months.
It seemed like life couldn't get any better, but sometimes fate holds other things for people….