DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.

TWO YEARS LATER

Kid walked Katy back towards the schoolhouse greeting the townsfolk he passed with a smile and a wave. For a time after the Express Station closed he didn't think that they would ever find another home, but Blue Creek was as much home as Sweetwater and Rock Creek ever were. What's more they were accepted and even held in high regard by the townsfolk not just tolerated as they had often been while riding for the express.

He had been Sherrif in Blue Creek for two years tomorrow and he and Lou were going to dinner in town to celebrate his anniversary tonight. Blue Creek was not as lawless as some of the frontier towns had become, but occasionally Kid was forced to deputise Buck and Lou to help him keep control of the drifters and deserters that sometimes raised a ruckus in town. He knew from the frequent scrapes in the Express that the three of them worked well as a team and though he worried about Lou he knew that she could handle herself as well as any man in most situations , besides she really enjoyed occasionally taking on her old male persona.

He looped his reins around the hitching rail and stepped onto the porch of the small school house knowing that he was a few minutes early he leaned against the wall to wait, his crystal blue eyes surveying 'his' town as he waited. He didn't have long to wait, the door burst open and a small girl launched herself into his embrace, planting a wet kiss on his smooth shaven cheek.

'Hi Kid' she looped her arms around his neck as he hugged her to his side, the affection that the two of them held for each other obvious to even the most casual observer. The young girl he held in his arms had all but become his daughter since he and Lou had retrieved them from the orphanage in St Joseph.

'How's my favourite sister?' he asked looking into the smiling face of eight year old Theresia

'I'm your only sister silly' she laughed and then turned a little serious 'School was good today we learned some new words' she was starting to explain ad the other children started to leave the building, a surly 12 year old the last child to leave, following the other children across the street

'Jeremiah, I thought we could all ride home together' Kid started knowing that Jeremiah hated him but he had to try to gain the young man's trust and hopefully friendship, he hadn't in two years, but he wasn't about to give up on him

'I'd rather walk' he spat and kept walking as Rachel emerged fro the school room

'Miah is bad to you' Theresia spoke not understanding how her brother could be so horrible to man she looked up to so much.

'It's alright Theresia, he just needs to know that I am his friend, he's not like you, I need to prove it to him' Kid spoke watching the young man in question walk down the main street kicking up dust as he went.

'He's a handful alright' Rachel spoke her eyes sympathetic to Kid's plight. Kid hoisted Theresia up unto Katy's back and unlooped the reins

'I don't know what else to do, I don't know why he hates me so much but it doesn't matter what I do.' Kid shook his head as he spoke to Rachel frankly

'Give him time Kid, he will eventually come around.' she spoke as she pulled the door closed behind her.

They started to walk down the main street towards the livery, where Rachel collected her horse, before Kid climbed up behind Theresia, they rode out to the their ranch in near silence, but when they rode into the barn, he lifted Theresia in his strong arms and placed a brotherly kiss on her cheek.

'Go and tell Lou we're home Theresia' he placed her on the feet on the ground and waited until she ran out of the barn to find her big sister.

'Rachel can I ask a favour?' Kid spoke as they both dismounted and started to take the tack from their mounts.

'You know you can ask anything Kid' she answered as she watched his efficient movements waiting for him to reveal the favour.

'Can you and Teaspoon look after the Kid's tonight please?' he stopped and asked her quietly

'Sure' she answered without hesitation

'I know it's a lot to ask but it's our second anniversary here and I wanted to take her out to dinner.'

'Rubbish, Theresia and Jeremiah practically look after themselves and baby Emma is a joy' Rachel explained

'Thanks Rach' he hugged the women who was practically a mother to them all

'I hope you got her a nice present' Rachel spoke

'I'm sure she'll like it' he pulled a rosewood gun box from Katy's saddlebag and handed it to Rachel "What do you think?'

Rachel lifted the lid of the box and burst out laughing, Kid looked at her confusion in his face, hurt in his eyes. "She won't like it will she?' he asked

'No honey' she answered him sincerely 'She'll love it' Rachel giggled, she ran her fingers over the gun that laid on a bed of rich red satin. The gun which to Rachel's eye looked very much like Jimmy's colts, had a full blown rose and Louise carved into the ivory butt, the blue grey barrel and cylinder gleaming in the afternoon sun. She looked up into Kid's still concerned face

'You should know that Lou is not like other women Kid, I just expected you would give her jewellery, but knowing Lou, this will be more precious to her than any bauble you could give her.' Rachel closed the lid on the box and handed it back to him placing a gentle kiss on his cheek.

'Her gun throws to the left and she spends too much time on the fenceline on her own. I want her to have a dependable weapon.' he spoke explaining his choice

'She will love it, I'm sure' Rachel assured him as Theresia burst back into the barn like a tiny whirling dervish.

'Kid, Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Billy are here.' she called as she ran back outside to greet her beloved uncles.

'They're not due, are they?' Kid frowned as Rachel shook her head

'I wonder, what's wrong?' he murmured as he walked out to greet them.

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