OCTOBER 21, 1861

Buck stood on the steps of the church. He could feel the sweat running down his back. 

 Teaspoon smiled. "Easy there son. It's not much longer."

 Buck nodded. He was nervous and scared all the same. 

 Caly passed the room in the back of the church. "Is Ike here yet?"

 Grace looked out the window and smiled. "Yes, he's back." She watched him nod. "He brought Red Bear with him."

 Caly smiled. "Oh good. Let's go then."

Rachel smiled. "Okay, but first I think your father should see you." She opened the door and ushered the girls out of the room and let Steven in. 
She shut the door as she left them alone. 

Steven smiled when he saw her. "You look so much like your mother right now. I can't believe you're all grown up." He gently hugged her. 

"We better get going. The carriage is here to take you around front." 

Caly nodded. She followed her father to the carriage and waited for him to help her into it. 

Buck straightened his posture when he saw Michael leading Melissa down the isle. 

Then Kid and Lilly came towards him, followed by Meg and Luke, and next was Jimmy and Grace. 

Just as the carriage was pulling up to the church, Ike was leading Lee down the isle. 

Everyone stood as Steven helped Caly out of the carriage.

Steven smiled as he adjusted her veil, and then led her down the isle. Caly smiled at her new siblings as she walked by them. She waved to the 
youngest one as she passed. When she reached the stairs, she looked up into Buck's handsome face. 

 Steven smiled as he placed her hand into Buck's. Buck smiled and helped her climb the stairs, keeping a firm grip on her so she wouldn't trip and fall.

Sean waited till Steven had taken his seat with his other children. He smiled as he watched Steven place his youngest child in his lap. Then he began.

Red Bear watched from the back of the crowd. He couldn't have been happier to see his brother finally take a wife. 

As he listened to the preacher he knew this was a good thing. When he heard his brother's voice. He listened even more closely. 

Buck smiled with a nod to Sean as he took Caly's hands. 

Sean smiles. "They have written their own vows. Buck please go ahead."

Buck reached up and cupped her face and started. 

"I see the question in your eyes
I know what's weighing on your mind
But you can be sure I know my part
I'll stand besides you through the years
You'll only cry the happy tears
and though I'll make mistakes I'll never break your heart

I swear, by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there 
I swear, like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
for better or worse, 'til death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
I swear

I'll give you everything I can
I'll build your dreams with these two hands
and we'll hang some memories on the wall
and when there's silver in your hair
You won't have to ask if I still care
Cause as time turns the page my love won't age at all

I swear, by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
for better or worse, `til death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
I swear."

Caly willed herself not to cry at hearing his heart felt words. 

"Caly your turn." Sean said quietly.

Caly nodded and took Buck's hands and held them to her heart as she started. 

"You come home uncompleted
Down and defeated
Feeling all alone
You think your dreams are passing by you
And deep down inside you
You're running out of hope

If you could only see what I see
You'd see the man that you wished you could be
If you could only see what I see

You're my strength
The light that guides me
The angel beside me
The path that I walk
When I wake up

You're why I want to
The one I hold on to
When I start to fall

If you could only see what I see
You'd see the man that you wished you could be
If you could only see what I see

Wish I could make you believe
In all that you are you don't have to be
Everything to everyone
Everybody's number one
Cause baby you're everything to me

If you could only see what I see
You'd see the man that you wished you could be
If you could only see what I see."

Steven smiled with pride and happiness. He finally saw the extent of their love for each other.

Buck blinked back the tears of joy as he held her hand tightly. He slipped the ring on her finger.

Sean smiled. "If we have no one objecting to this union" He paused for a moment. "then I pronounce you man and wife. Buck you may kiss the bride." 
Sean smiled as he watched the young man lift her veil and gently kiss her. He loved uniting people in love. He placed a hand on their shoulders and had 
them turn around. "I would like to be the first to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Cross. May we share in their happiness."

Everyone clapped and stood as the young couple moved down the isle. 

The groomsmen, main of honor and brides maids followed them outside. 

As Buck helps Caly into the carriage to head back to the ranch, he laughed. "Now you're mine." He teases her as he climbs in behind her.

Caly just shakes her head. "Just keep in mind who we live with for right now, love."

Buck smiled and pulled her to him. "OH I do."

Steven smiled as he shut the door and turned to face everyone. "Please join us at the ranch for the reception."

Everyone waved as the carriage pulled away towards the ranch.

Steven gathered his other children and headed for home.

After everyone had gathered at the S&J Ranch and found their seats, Caly stood. "I want to thank you all for sharing today with us. Before we start 
celebrating I want to give Buck my gift." She turned to Buck. "It's two things really. The first part is standing behind you my love." She watched 
Buck stand and turn around.

Once he turned around, his eyes widened in disbelief, "Red Bear" He hugged his brother. 

Red Bear smiled as he returned the hug. "The second part of your gift is over there." He pointed to a circle drawn in the dirt. 

Buck looked over to the circle then to his brother and new wife. "You are willing to do that for me?"

Caly nodded. "Yes, you married me under my beliefs."

Buck smiled. "Thank you. Let's do it." 

Caly smiled as she turned to her friends and family. "Please join us as we do the Indian wedding ceremony."

Red Bear smiled and he led the couple over to the circle where the shaman stood.

The two older men draped the couple in blue blankets. 

Red Bear looked up at his brother's friends. "In my tribe we have a seven step ritual for our wedding ceremony. Caly has been kind enough to agree 
to be married under the beliefs Running Buck and I were raised in." Everyone gathered around the couple. 

The shaman started by saying prayer:

"God in heaven above please protect the ones we love.
We honor all you created as we pledge our hearts and lives together.
We honor Mother Earth and ask for our marriage to be abundant and 
grow stronger through the seasons. 
We honor fire - and ask that our union be warm and glowing with love 
in our hearts.

We honor wind - and ask we sail through life safe and calm as in our 
father's arms.
We honor water - to clean and soothe our marriage– that it may never 
thirst for love. 
All the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and 
true happiness, as we forever grow young together. Amen."

As he held up a decorated vase with corn wine in it, he handed it to Buck. 

Buck took a small sip then passed it to Caly, and she took a sip. Then together they broke the vase. 

After another prayer Caly took a red blanket and black belt, and she draped the blanket over Buck and wrapped the belt around his waist. 

Buck took her hand and started the Vows. "O' my beloved, our love has become firm by your walking one with me. Together we will share the 
responsibilities of the lodge, food and children. May the Creator bless noble children to share. May they live long.

Then it was Caly's turn. She read the words Red Bear handed her, "This is my commitment to you, my husband. Together we will share the
 responsibility of the home, food and children. I promise that I shall discharge all my share of the responsibilities for the welfare of the family and 
the children.

They both took a step and Buck continued, "O' my beloved, now you have walked with me the second step. May the Creator bless you. I will 
love you and you alone as my wife. I will fill your heart with strength and courage: this is my commitment and my pledge to you. May God 
protect the lodge and children.

Caly looked at her cards, "My husband, at all times I shall fill your heart with courage and strength. In your happiness I shall rejoice. May God 
bless you and our honorable lodge. Taking another step, they keep going

"O my beloved, now since you have walked three steps with me, our wealth and prosperity will grow. May God bless us. May we educate 
our children and may they live long." Buck said

"My husband, I love you with single-minded devotion as my husband. I will treat all other men as my brothers. My devotion to you is pure 
and you are my joy. This is my commitment and pledge to you." Caly said. They took another step. 

"O' my beloved, it is a great blessing that you have now walked four steps with me. May the Creator bless you. You have brought favor 
and sacredness in my life." Buck said

"O my husband, in all acts of righteousness, in material prosperity, in every form of enjoyment, and in those divine acts such as fire sacrifice, 
worship and charity, I promise you that I shall participate and I will always be with you." Caly said. They took another step around the circle. 
"O' my beloved, now you have walked five steps with me. May the Creator make us prosperous. May the Creator bless us," Buck said.

"O my husband, I will share both in your joys and sorrows. Your love will make me very happy." Caly said. They took another step around
 the circle.

"O' my beloved, by walking six steps with me, you have filled my heart with happiness. May I fill your heart with great joy and peace, time 
and time again. Maythe Creator bless you." Buck said

"My husband, the Creator blesses you. May I fill your heart with great joy and peace.  I promise that I will always be with you." Caly smiled
 as she said her line. The couple took another step. 

"O' my beloved goddess, as you have walked the seven steps with me, our love and friendship have become inseparable and firm. We have 
experienced spiritual union in God. Now you have become completely mine. I offer my total self to you. May our marriage last forever." 
Buck said his final line. 

"My husband, by the law of the Creator, and the spirits of our honorable ancestors, I have become your wife. Whatever promises I gave you 
I have spoken them with a pure heart. All the spirits are witnesses to this fact. I shall never deceive you, nor will I let you down. I shall love 
you forever." Caly said her final line and smiled. They took the final step to complete the circle. Everyone cheered, and gathered closer to 
their friends.

Steven smiled. "There is plenty of food and music. Please everyone enjoy yourselves. He smiled as he watched his oldest laugh while he 
picked up his youngest and spun around. 

Gabie laughed as she held onto her oldest sister. Soon their twin sisters came running over and joined them in hugs and laughter. 

Michael stood off with Melissa smiling. "They're finally happy. "Melissa nodded. "Yes." She sighed as she was being run over by a group of 
boys that ran by.

Michael laughed as he watched his new brothers and several of the other boys that are new in town almost knock Melissa down. Melissa 
frowned, "Oh you think that's funny, huh." She pushed Michael, and then to show that she wasn't really mad, she said, "Tag, you're it." 
And she ran off with Michael chasing her.

Later on that evening Melissa noticed that Zee and Blaine stuck pretty close to Jesse, and though Jesse didn't realize it every time Melissa 
got near him, Zee wouldget Jesse to move somewhere else. Melissa thought about talking to Michael about it, but then she decided not to 
because she didn't want to spoil the evening. "May I have this dance?" Melissa heard a voice and then turned her head to see Michael beside
her. Melissa nodded and Michael held out his arms. Melissa forgot about Jesse as she concentrated on Michael and dancing.

Destiny smiled as she watched her two girls talk with Caly and Buck. 

Richard smiled seeing his son play with the other boys his age.

Noah, Cody keeping Jacy close by, and Kid talked with several of the other guests. Jacy had a fabulous time since Cody lavished her with
lots of attention. Cody kept in close proximity of his gal, not letting anyone whirl her around the floor but himself unless it was Teaspoon, 
Caller Bobor Walter, he wouldn't letanyone else near her unless he was with her. Jacy enjoyed the attention and didn't mind Cody being 
overly possessive besides there was not another man she wanted to dance or spend her time with.

Brandon and Aaron loved seeing the town come together as a family. Brandon and Jennie danced as Ike watched them with reservations. Aaron 
danced with Marta, and Walter danced with Desiree. They all were having a great time.

Lilly smiled as she bounced one of her babies in her lap and because she saw everybody was very happy today. 

At the end of the reception, Caly went inside to change while Buck made sure their saddlebags were secure on their mounts. 

"I promise Pa. We'll be okay. We'll see you in a few weeks." Caly said as she stepped out onto the porch. She hugged each of her brothers and 
sisters. She took the twins in her arms. "Keep an eye on Gabie for me. We'll talk when I get back, I promise." She watched her pa nod. "Good 
Remember I love you all." She turned and went to where Buck and Red Bear were standing with the horses.  Buck helped her mount up. Then 
he mounted. They waved to everyone as the three of them rode off towards the village.

Steven gathered his children close and headed them inside. He knew the girls were taking this hard. They had gotten close to Caly in the short time 
they had been there. But he knew Caly and Buck would return in a few weeks.

It had been a busy day, so he set about getting his children into bed. After tucking the last one into the bed. He went to his room. He left the door 
open in case he was needed. He relaxed and enjoyed the peace that had finally come to his home. He finally managed to fall into a light sleep. 

Buck, Caly and Red Bear arrived at the village just after dark. Buck noticed that Caly was getting tired. "Red Bear. I think we should turn in for 
the night. It's been a long day. Caly looks pretty tired."

Red Bear looked at his new sister-in-law and nodded. "Alright. Your lodge is over there next to mine. I'll see you in the morning." Then he headed 
to his lodge.

Buck nodded and led Caly to their lodge. He climbed off Wind Dancer. Then helped Caly off Star. He helped her into the lodge then went to tie 
the horses up and remove their saddles. When he returned to the lodge he smiled when he found Caly laying in wait on top of the skins that were 
provided for them. He took her in his arms and made love to his wife for the first time. Afterwards they fell into a deep sleep.

********************

 Credit to:

CYNDI THOMSON LYRICS

If You Could Only See
(Cyndi Thomson/Tommy Lee James/Arnie Roman)

 And

JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY 

I Swear
(Frank J. Myers/Gary Baker)