In this AU, the boys are in modern day Texas. Sarah and Adam are still alive. We hope that we've set down a good foundation for others to build on.
We began this AU to explore the relationship between Chris and his family, in an effort to see Chris Larabee as the loving father and husband we believe the series was trying to portray him as. And to see how the boys would interact with Sarah and Adam. We welcome other writers who can share that vision and invite you to build on what we've started. We hope you can respect the premise of the AU.
The boys don't belong to us, dangnabit! Thanks to Mirisch, Trilogy, MGM, TNN, CBS, Hallmark Channel for bringing them to us. And many thanks to those seven wonderful actors for giving them life.
And eternal thanks to Rowan for her beta and her suggestions and remarks. (but we will continue to spelled it 'alright'!!). And thanks to Setcheti for giving the story a read and giving us her opinion before we posted it.
The emergency room doors swished open and Chris Larabee stalked through, one hand wrapped around that of his wife, who hurried along beside him. Buck Wilmington was close on their heels.
"Ranger Larabee?" They turned toward the voice.
"I'm Larabee," Chris said to the officer standing behind him.
"John Sandoval. You got here fast," he said, putting out his hand.
"Where's Adam?" Chris asked, shaking hands with the officer.
"This way." He turned and headed back down the hall, followed by the trio. He punched the button for the elevator and when they stepped on, hit the button for the third floor.
"How is Adam?" Sarah asked.
"He's fine. I little bruised up. Got himself a sprained ankle and a sore arm. Some cuts and scrapes from walking around in the woods for two days. The doctor says he was also suffering from a bit of dehydration. But nothing severe."
The others sighed in relief. They had known most of this already. Chris had talked to the doctor in order to give him permission to treat Adam prior to their arrival. He had assured them that Adam had no life-threatening injuries. Had in fact told Chris that Adam might not even have to spend the night.
"He's still with Tanner," Sandoval continued. "He refused to leave until you got here. He's afraid if he doesn't stick around, we'll arrest his friend and he flat out told us he was staying put until you got here and proved that Tanner wasn't the bad guy. My partner is with them."
Buck chuckled. "Pure Larabee stubbornness."
"Yeah, well, my partner's shins will agree with you, I'm sure," Sandoval said with a smirk.
"Adam kicked him?" Sarah asked, incredulous.
"Yes, ma'am. But in his defense, he was just protecting his friend."
All three shook their heads, not really surprised. Adam was, after all, a Larabee. He was the kindergarten playground enforcer always looking out for the smaller kids and protecting them from the bullies. And he had never been shy about his willingness to teach those same bullies the difference between right and wrong, Larabee-style.
Sandoval slowly opened the door, putting his finger to his lips to signal for silence. They followed him into the room, smiling at the sight before them.
Vin Tanner lay on his back on the bed. His left sleeve was cut off and a large white bandage was wrapped around the upper arm.
Sprawled across his chest was Adam Larabee, kept in place by Tanner's right arm wrapped around his waist. He had a small bandage on his forehead and an ace bandage wrapped around his sprained ankle.
They had both appeared asleep, but as they moved further into the room, Tanner's eyes opened. He smiled when he saw who was there. He moved his hand on Adam's back.
"Hey, pard, wake up," he said to the sleeping boy as Chris and Sarah moved closer. "We got company."
Adam lifted his head and blinked at Vin.
"Look who's here," Tanner said pointing next to the bed. Adam turned his head, yawning. His eyes got wide.
"Mama! Daddy!" he yelled, as he was suddenly fully awake and pushing off Vin's chest. He launched himself at his father, who caught him and hugged him to his chest, closing his eyes in abject relief.
Sarah wrapped her arms around both her men, smothering the boy in kisses.
"Baby, are you okay?" she asked. "We missed you so much. I love you, Adam. Oh, baby, I missed you!" She ran her fingers through his blond hair.
Now back in the strong, loving arms of his father, Adam began to cry. "I was so scared," he whispered. "I cried daddy."
"Shhh. It's okay Adam. I was scared too and I cried like a baby," he said, assuring his son that he'd done nothing wrong. "It's okay, you're safe now. You're safe." He squeezed just a little bit tighter. "I'm so glad we got you back. I missed you so much."
The family stayed in their embraced for several minutes, talking quietly, assuring themselves that they were finally together again. Buck and Percy brought over a couple of chairs, gently pushing Chris and Sarah to sit down. Chris handed the boy over to his mother, pulling her close with one arm. His other hand rubbed up and down Adam's back. He put his chin on Sarah's shoulder, unable to take his eyes off his son.
Sarah softly rocked Adam back and forth. Adam sighed, content to be back in his mother's loving arms. He slowly drifted back to sleep. While they waited for the doctor Vin told his story, keeping his voice low in order not to wake the boy.
Sarah clutched Adam closer after hearing about the terrible ordeal he'd been through. Chris kissed he on the temple. "He's safe now, Sarah. He's safe. He's back with us and he's safe."
"I want to take him home, Chris."
Just then the door opened. A distinguished looking older man walked in. Seeing that the young boy in Sarah's arms was asleep, he silently walked over and knelt down before her.
"Afternoon. I'm Doctor Bales. You must be Adam's mom. I just got all the test results back and he's doing just fine. You're free to take him home. Just be sure that he gets plenty of rest and lots of fluids. He was slightly dehydrated, so don't be surprised if he's quite thirsty for the next week or so. It's normal. Lots of water and juice. Keep away from the soft drinks and salt."
He pulled out his stethoscope and checked Adam's breathing. Smiling, he replaced the tool back in his pocket. "He may have some discomfort from the ankle and arm. His ankle is sprained, the arm just bruised. No broken bones. Give him Children's Tylenol if it begins to hurt too much. If that doesn't help, bring him back in or take him to your family doctor. I'll give you a copy of his file before you leave. I'll leave it at the nurses station."
"Thanks, Doctor," Chris said as he stood. He shook hands with the doctor, who then walked over to the bed.
"Now, you, Mr. Tanner, will be our guest here for a couple of days."
"Doc..."
"No arguments, Mr. Tanner. That arm is infected and you have a fever. Not to mention a concussion. I'll check again in the morning and see how you're doing. If there is enough improvement, maybe I'll release you. But I think it'll probably be at least two days."
"Doc, I can't afford to stay in the hospital. I told you..."
"I won't have a patient of mine released under these conditions, Mr. Tanner.'
"Problem, Doctor?" Chris asked as he moved closer.
"Mr. Tanner insists on leaving. I'm not comfortable with letting him go in this condition."
"Is it absolutely imperative that he stay or just that he be under a doctor's care?"
"Ideally, he should be in the hospital. But if he had a physician, which he doesn't, I would release him on the condition that he checks in with his doctor daily."
"How about if you release him to my...custody...so to speak. I have a friend who is a physician. I'm sure he'll agree to come over and check on Vin everyday. Or I can take Vin to his office."
The doctor frowned. Tanner raised an eyebrow, figuring if he could just get out of here, he'd be fine. He'd head back up to the hills and take care of himself. Now that the infection was cleaned out, he'd be just fine on his own.
"You promise to see this doctor friend of Mr. Larabee's?"
Vin glanced up at Chris, then back at Bales. He shrugged. He just wanted out of the hospital. If he had to put up with a doctor prodding and poking him, at least he wouldn't be tied to a bed in a hospital. "Sure doc."
"I'll make sure he does," Chris said, glaring at the bounty hunter, the challenge obvious.
Vin just smiled, accepting the challenge.
"I'll go get your release papers then," the doctor said. "But I better not hear of you ending up back in the hospital." The doctor left while Vin and Chris continued to stare at each other.
"Mama? Does this mean Vin is coming with us?"
Sarah looked down at her son. "I thought you were asleep."
"I was. I'm not now."
"I see that," she responded with a smile.
"Mama, can I tell you a secret?"
"Sure, honey," she replied as she leaned closer, although she knew her son's 'secrets' voice was the same as he everyday voice.
"Mama, you gotta give Vin a hug. I promised him you would." Everyone looked over at Tanner, who was carefully sitting up, with Buck's help, not wanting to aggravate his bruised ribs or pounding head.
Percy chuckled, which caused Adam to turn his head and glare at the officer, before facing his mother again.
"It's important, Mama," he said, his most serious express on his face. "He hasn't had a mama-hug since he was little, like me."
"Aw shit!" Tanner mumbled, so that only Wilmington could hear him. "Thought he'd have forgot about that."
"Well, son, you'll learn that Adam Larabee has a really good memory. And if he thinks you need a hug, then you'll get one." Buck proceeded to wrap both arms around the smaller man.
"Git offa me, you demented half-wit!" Tanner groused, slapping at Wilmington's arms.
Sandoval and Percy began to laugh. Chris just slapped his friend on the back and went back to sit next to Sarah and Adam.
"Uncle Buuuuuck! Vin don't need you to hug him. He needs Mama-hugs. His own mama went to heaven."
"Well, now Adam I seem to recall your Uncle Buck wearing a dress once. I think I might even have a picture of it."
Buck quickly released his captive. "Now, Chris, that was an undercover assignment! And you're the one who ordered it!"
"Nonetheless you still looked quite...fetching," Chris said with a smirk.
Sarah frowned. "Come to think of it Buck, I never got my slip back from you."
"Ah...well ya see, darlin'...ah..."
The others a laughed at the big man, for once tongue-tied around a member of the female species.
Adam looked back and forth between his parents and his uncle. He shook his head as if to say he would never understand those crazy grownups. He turned and looked into his mother's eyes. "Vin's mama can't hug him no more and he really needs a mama-hug. I promised him."
She smiled down at her son and kissed his forehead. Then she handed the boy back to his father and stood up, moving next to the bed.
Vin shyly looked up at Sarah. He began to speak, but she placed a hand over his lips.
"Vin Tanner," she began, moving the hand to cup his cheek. "I am sorry that you lost your mother so young. She would surely be very proud of you. And I'm sorry it's been so long since you've received a mother's hug. This mother would like to hug you, to thank you for returning my son to me. I will never be able to say thank you enough times to make up for the gift you've given me. So please, allow me to at least honor my son's promise."
Sarah's eyes glistened with tears as she waited for his response. He glanced over at Chris and Adam, both smiling at him in encouragement. Embarrassed, he lowered his eyes.
"Well, ma'am, as long as it won't make your husband jealous, I suppose it would be okay. I reckon we cain't disappoint the youngun."
"Don't make me shoot you, Tanner," Christ snarled.
"Hush, Christopher," Sarah said just before she pulled the younger man into her embrace. He hesitantly wrapped his arms around her waist. He could feel one of her hands on his back, the other on the back of his head.
"Thank you, Vin Tanner," she whispered. "Thank you for keeping my baby safe and bringing him back home to us."
Vin tightened his arms around her as he felt the tears against his neck. A long minute later, she pulled back and wiped her eyes.
"You're welcome, ma'am. I'm just glad I was there. You've got one helluva kid there. He's real brave and real smart. He saved my life." Vin smiled at Adam who was sitting in his father's lap. "That brave kid warned me, kept me from getting a bullet in the back. He got hurt trying to help me. I'm sorry I couldn't prevent that. You're boy is a hero, Larabee."
Chris looked down proudly and brushed away the bangs covered Adam's forehead. . "That he is."
"Like father, like son, I'd say," Buck Wilmington added, causing his long-time friend to smile up at him.
Chris took a deep breath and closed his eyes, relishing the feel of his son in his arms. His living, breathing, vital son.
"Tanner, I owe you," he said. "Whatever you need, you let me know. Anytime, anywhere." He locked eyes with his boy's savior, sealing his vow.
Chris Larabee walked into the living room just as Vin Tanner walked in the front door. The bounty hunter had been staying with the Larabees since his release from the hospital, but had been out all morning. Chris hadn't been sure he'd return in time for the belated birthday party his family had insisted on giving him.
Tanner handed Chris a wrapped package.
"Happy Birthday. Wasn't sure what you'd like. It ain't much."
"Thanks. You didn't have to get anything. I'm just glad you came back. I was afraid you'd miss the party."
Tanner shrugged. "Not really my place. Birthday parties are for family."
"Family and friends. You are definitely in the friend department, Tanner. Hell, after what you did for my family, you've become an honorary member."
Vin smiled. "Don't have no family," he said somewhat wistfully.
"You do now," Sarah commented as she joined the two men. With her was an elderly lady. "Vin, this is Nettie Wells. She's a very close family member and my second mother."
"Please to meet ya, ma'am," he greeted her.
"My name is Nettie and that's what you'll call me, son." Nettie walked over to stand in front of Vin, looking him up and down. "Well, I've heard quite a lot about you, Mr. Tanner. I'm sorry I couldn't be here sooner to meet you, but I had some pressing matters to attend to at my own ranch. But from what I've heard we owe you a huge debt of gratitude. You kept Adam safe and brought him back home. Thank you for that."
Vin looked at Chris, nervous at the attention. "I didn't do nothing that anyone else wouldn'tna done, ma'am...Miss Nettie," he corrected.
"Nonsense. You saved that boy from dying or having to experience a horrible life that no one should ever experience, adult or child. I, for one, will always be indebted. If you ever need anything, Mr. Tanner, you let me know."
She unexpectedly hugged him. At least it was unexpected to Vin. Chris and Sarah were not surprised at all. Vin instinctively tried to pull back, but the older woman wouldn't let him. Eventually he just surrendered and hugged her back. She released the very embarrassed young man and walked back into the kitchen. Sarah followed after giving Vin a wink
Chris chuckled at Tanner's unease and led the way out to the deck, grabbing two beers from the small outside refrigerator on the way. He handed one of the beers to Vin and the two men leaned against the railing to watch the activity in the yard.
Buck and JD were running around the yard, being chased by Adam. Vin was glad to see the boy laughing.
"He seems to be doing okay. Still having nightmares?"
"Yeah, but he only woke up once last night. You know, you're the reason he can still run around and enjoy days like today," Chris said softly.
Vin glanced over at Chris, seeing the gratitude in his eyes. He nodded, realizing that no matter how many times he told these folks that he wasn't some kind of hero, they would insist on continuing to thank him. "I'm just glad I was there," he replied simply.
He turned back just in time to see Adam "tackle" Buck. As Wilmington lay on the ground in mock defeat, the boy raised his arms, signaling his victory. As he looked up to be sure JD had seen his triumph, he spotted Tanner.
"Vin!" he cried. Standing up, he raced toward the deck. He ran up the four steps and launched himself at the bounty hunter, only to be intercepted by his father.
"Careful, Adam. Vin's still recovering. His arm is still a bit sore."
"Sorry, Vin." Adam walked quickly over to Vin's side and smiled up at him. Tanner smiled back and leaned over to pick the five-year-old up and settle him on a hip.
"No problem, pard. I'm actually feeling a lot better."
"Did ya see, Vin?" Adam asked, excitedly. "I got Buck."
"I saw. That was pretty good, taking down such a big guy with a tackle like that. You gonna play football when you get in school?"
"Nope. Hockey!" he said decidedly.
"Well, alright!" Vin exclaimed raising a hand. Adam slapped him a high-five.
"You wanna see the horses? Micah says that Blaze is gonna foal soon. That's means she gonna have a baby! And he said that Peanut is getting all better and maybe I can ride him soon. Peanut is my pony. And Mama's horse, Biscuit, she got a cut on her leg..."
"Adam, slow down. Vin was just here this morning, " Chris reminded his son.
"Oh, yeah, I forgot," his son replied with a sly smile.
"That's okay, Adam. It's helps me remember who is who, horse-wise," Vin assured him. "So, what say we head down to the corral? Maybe Buck with try to ride Henry again."
Adam just giggled. DuringVin's convalescence, Adam had told Vin the story of his Uncle Buck trying to ride the one horse on the ranch that no one could ride. The young boy had laughed and laughed while re-telling Buck's adventures of being bucked off the stallion four separate times, the last time "bruisin' his butt until he walked funny for a long time."
"I don't think Micah will let him on Henry ever again."
"Ah, well, I'd think it's Henry that won't let Buck on Henry ever again. Let's go down and say howdy to Henry then."
"Reckon we can do that," Adam said.
"Reckon we can," Vin replied, smiling at Larabee's frown.
"Reckon? What are you teaching my son, Tanner?"
"Me? Hey, can I help it if he's expandin' his vocabulary?" Tanner smirked. "Walk or ride, Adam?" he asked.
"Ride! Ride!" the young boy squealed and was lifted onto Tanner's shoulders. He grabbed a handful of Vin's hair. "Giddyup!"
Chris watched the pair headed to the corral, a smile on his face. Buck and JD joined them.
"I think Adam has found a new friend," his wife said as she moved up beside him and slipped her arm around his waist.
Chris pulled her close, leaving his arm across her shoulder.
"Yeah, I think you're right." His face had lost his smile.
"What's the matter, Chris?"
"Hmmm? Oh, nothing. It's just...I'm glad is here. I wasn't sure he'd show up for the party. From the little bit I've learned about him, he's a real loner."
"I think he and Adam formed a bond while they were kidnapped. Adam told me that he asked Vin if he was coming to the party. Our son is dealing with some major hero worship where Vin is concerned. I think Vin didn't want to disappoint him."
"Yeah. I think Buck was a little jealous of all the attention Adam is giving Vin. But then he remembered that he'd saved Adam's life, not once but twice. He saved you too."
"Buck has a big heart. And he knows that Adam will always love him. He also knows that Adam has room for both of them. Face it, Chris. Vin Tanner has become a member of this family. I'm waiting for the first time Adam calls him "uncle".
Chris smiled, then leaned down to kiss his wife.
"I'm so lucky he was there that day," he said softly. "My world would have been shattered if the two of you..."
"Shhhh," she interrupted, placing a finger on his lips. "He was there, love. Be grateful for that. And he was with Adam. I hate to think what would have happened if he hadn't been. All that time Adam was gone, I kept imaging what it was like for him. How scared he must have been. I am so glad he wasn't alone."
"It should have been me," he said softly.
"What should have been you?" she asked.
"With Adam. Finding Adam. Hell, if I'd have been doing my job, protecting my family, that bastard never would have gotten his hands on our son! He never would have hurt you." He reached up and placed his fingers lightly on her cheek, where the discoloration was all but gone.
"Oh, honey, don't do this," she pleaded. "You can't be with us twenty-four hours a day. Our angels were watching over us and saw us through this."
He sighed. "You know, I always made fun of you when you talked about guardian angels. I won't ever do that again. And if I do, you remind me of this conversation."
"I'll be sure to do that, love. Now, why don't you go down there and get those boys to wash up. Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes."
"Yes, dear."
He chuckled when she slapped him on the butt as she turned away and walked back into the house.
Chris and Vin were sitting on the back porch watching the stars. Everyone else had gone to sleep and the two men were enjoying the quiet. It had been hectic since Vin and Adam had been found. The media had hounded both men, wanting their stories. And they had been spending a lot of time dealing with paperwork as well, making statements and dealing with inquests and such. It was nice to get a breather.
"So, what are you're plans now, Vin?"
"Don't know. I got a good nest egg in the bank. Just wanted that last bounty on Blackfox so I could take a few months off. I need a break."
"You gonna go back to bounty hunting after your vacation?" Chris took a sip of beer, taking a quick glance at Tanner.
Vin sighed and shook his head. "I don't know. Lately, it's been getting tougher and tougher to bring them in. I've been doing this a lotta years. Maybe I'll try my hand at something else."
Chris nodded and let the silence return for several long minutes. He finished his beer and got up to retrieve another, bringing one back for Vin as well. He settled back in his chair, worrying at the label on the bottle.
"Micah tells me that you're pretty good with horses. Have you ever thought about getting involved in ranching?"
"Not for a long time," he replied. "I worked on a horse ranch for a couple years. I think I was seventeen, eighteen. Bounty hunting paid better." He smiled and took a sip from his second bottle.
"I could use some help."
Vin swallowed and turned his head to look at Chris. "What?"
"I said I could use some help."
"You offering me a job?" Vin asked.
"Yeah. Micah says you got a way with the horses. I've been looking for a new foreman."
"What about Micah and the Hickson brothers."
"Micah was a friend of my dad's. He had been planning on retiring a few years ago. When my dad died he decided to stay on for a bit and help me out so that I didn't have to leave the Rangers. But he's not a young man, by his own admission. And it's getting tougher for him to do the everyday heavy work. I've been meaning to hire someone new, but work just kept getting in the way."
"What about the other two?"
"Hank and Dillon are both looking to move on in the next few years. They've been saving money to buy a place of their own."
"I'm not real good with business, Chris," Vin argued. "I just don't deal well with all that paperwork. That's one of the reasons I liked bounty hunting."
"Would it help if I told you that Micah would still handle all of that? I'm looking for someone to take over the physical side of it. Micah wants to stay on the ranch and he'll always have a place here. He's family. But he wants to pull back and just relax, sort of semi-retirement."
"Why me?"
"Why not? Look, you said yourself that you weren't sure what you were gonna do now. Sarah tells me that you have started looking for a place to live."
Vin frowned. "I move around a lot. Never had a steady place to stay; never needed one."
"But now that you're gonna take a break from bounty hunting, you'll need a place. Have you seen that shack on the other side of the corral?"
"Yeah," he replied suspiciously.
"Nobody's lived there for several years. It's a bit run down, but with a little bit of work, it could be a nice little house for someone." Chris leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his beer bottle clutched in both hands. "Look, Vin, I know it ain't much. I can't pay a lot, but the house would be free and you could have your meals with us at the house."
"It ain't that, Chris, I'm just not sure I wanna settle into something permanent-like."
"Fair enough. Look, you think about it. If nothing else, you could stick around for a couple months and then decide. You don't have to give me an answer right away. But you're welcome to stay on for however long you want. I know Adam would love it. And Micah could really use the extra help. We've got some wild horses coming in next month and could use some help breaking them. I'll be taking some time off myself to lend a hand, but could always use another could man."
Vin didn't reply, turning his gaze skyward. Chris smiled and finished his beer. He stood and tossed the bottle in the small can outside that Sarah kept for recycling.
"I'm gonna hit the sack. I'll see you in the morning."
Vin nodded, watching Larabee walked toward the sliding glass door. "Chris?"
Larabee stopped and turned around, his hand on the door handle. "Yeah?"
"I appreciate the offer. I'll think on it."
Chris nodded. "Alright. Goodnight."
"'Night."
Chris went inside, leaving the other man to his solitude.
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