Matt MacGregor stared at the letter in his hand. Luke was gone, he knew this, but the letter brought all of it back. He began to reread the beginning of the letter again.

Mr. MacGregor My sympathies on the passing of your nephew Luke MacGregor. Enclosed you will find a letter he left with us to be delivered to you upon his death.

Sincerely,

James Anderson, Esquire

Though he and his nephew weren’t close Matt had always wanted Luke to feel like a part of the family. He reached for the other letter that was in his lap. As the sun began to fade behind the hills of Langara, he began to read.

Uncle Matt,

It’s funny that in death this will be the first time I call you that. But I have come to realize that what happened to my father was not your fault but his own weakness. He was not a bad man. Drink got the better of him. I loved him and miss him, but I’ll be seeing him again, I know. He loved you till the end and was very proud to be your brother. But there are some things that you need to know.

The winter my mother died we were aided by a band of Kiowa’s. We stayed with them till the spring when my father was asked to leave but I didn’t know why. It turn out that he got drunk one night while we were that and committed an act that till his dieing day he regretted. I found out later that the crime he committed was rape. I also found out that the woman had a child later. I ran into him before I came here. He’s a fine man and I know he would make a good addition to the family you have, better than I did.

His name is Buck Cross and I’m leaving everything I have gained here to him. He is my heir should anything happen to me, and if you are reading this something has. Give him the chance that you wanted to give me and I wouldn’t take.

I am and was proud to be called Matt MacGregor’s nephew.

Luke MacGregor

Shock stunned Matt. He didn’t even hear the commotion in the yard till Danni was in front of him. “Dad,” she pleaded, “Robbie and Collin won’t let me help break that new Arabian colt.”

“Danni not right now. Get your brothers and bring them into the house,” Matt ordered.

“Yes, Dad.” Matt's tone had meant no argument would be heard. “Is something wrong?”

“When we are inside Danni,” Matt replied as he walked into the house.

She turned back to the corral as Robbie came flying off the horse. “Robbie, Collin,” she called to them Dad wants us inside now.”

Collin opened the gate for Robbie and they headed toward the house. “Must be about that letter he got today. I wonder what it’s about,” Robbie said.

“Well, I guess we will find out when we get inside,” Collin replied starting up the steps of the porch.

Danni had headed for the barn as she called to her brothers. Michael was supposed to be cleaning the saddles but Danni found him watching her brothers. “The sooner you get done the sooner you can join them. But right now Dad wants us in the house. Come on.”

Michael followed Danni into the house. When they arrived Robbie and Collin were already there with Matt, Kathleen, and Emily. Danni noticed that Kathleen motioned for her to sit beside her on the sofa. Collin and Matt were whispering in the corner of the room. When they were settled Matt began.

“I got a couple of letters today as you know. One was from Luke, he wrote it before he died.” He looked at Danni knowing that she had taken Luke’s death especially hard. He hated the tears he saw well up in her eyes. Thankfully Kathleen was beside her and helping her through this. “There is more,” he said as he watched his sons. “ It seems that Luke had a half brother, and Luke has left everything here to him. Which is only right.”

“Do you think he will be coming to claim his inheritance, Dad?” Collin asked.

“I don’t know but if he should I want you to know a little about him, the little Luke told me. My brother among his many mistakes committed a heinous crime, and this boy was a result of it. Also, he is half Indian for the barn as she called to her brothers. Michael was supposed to be cleaning the saddles but Danni found him watching her brothers. “The sooner you get done the sooner you can join them. But right now Dad wants us in the house. Come on.”

A chorus of “Sure, alright. No other way,” went around the room.

“Ok, we have work to finish, and Danni bring in some wood a chill is coming in.”

Winter in Australia is summer in America, and the riders were helping Rachel with the garden. As usual Cody was trying to get out of work while the others were hard at it.

“Cody you get up or you’ll not eat a thing out of this garden this year,” Rachel shouted at him.

“Ah, Rachel, I was just taking a break,” he replied.

“No more breaks or I’ll break you,” Rachel threatened.

Lou looked up and saw Teaspoon coming their way. “Who’s that with Teaspoon?”

“I don’t know never seen him before,” Jimmy answered.

“Kid and I saw him arrive on the stage while we were picking up supplies. I believe it came in from Blue Creek,” Noah replied.

“Yeah,” Kid agreed. “Sure is dressed fancy for around here.”

“Buck,” Teaspoon called, “come over to the bunk house this gentleman needs to talk to you.”

“What do you want?” Buck asked the man in the suit as he entered the bunkhouse.”

“Now Buck just settle down. Mr. Anderson here will explain. But first he has some questions for you.” Teaspoon said trying to quiet Buck’s uneasiness.

“Mr. Cross,” James Anderson began, “Do you know a Luke MacGregor?”

“I’ve heard of him and his father,” Buck replied quietly.

“And was he your brother?”

“I guess you could say he was. But I’m sure he and his father would never claim that they knew me,” Buck didn’t like where he thought the questions were heading and his uneasiness returned.

“That may have been so at one time, Mr. Cross, but not now. Mr. Luke MacGregor has left you his entire estate.”

“What estate? Alex and Luke, from what I know of them never had anything to their names, but trouble.”

“According to my records, Alex MacGregor died a few years ago, and Luke MacGregor then moved back to Australia near his father’s family. He, Luke MacGregor that is, recently became a very wealth man. There is a gold mine in Patterson’s Ridge and a very large home and grounds. He said to tell you that he was sorry for what his father did and that you, as his half-brother deserved to inherit what he left more than anyone else. The only thing is, Mr. Cross, is that you have to go to Australia to receive your inheritance.”

“Australia?” Buck looked confused. “What was Luke doing in Australia?”

“As I mentioned before, it seems that there is family there. Alex MacGregor was from Australia and Luke MacGregor returned there after his father’s death to meet the rest of the family. Now if you will sign these Mr. Cross I can be on my way.” James Anderson pushed the papers in front of Buck and reached to hand him the pen.

Buck looked at Teaspoon with a “what do I do expression on his face.

“Mr. Anderson do you mind if we read over these here papers tonight and bring them to you in the morning? And if Buck was to go to Australia would he have to make the trip alone?” Teaspoon asked the lawyer.

“Well, I’m sure it would be alright if someone read the papers, but I assure you everything is in the proper order. And anyone Mr. Cross would like to have accompany him on his journey is welcome. The estate would pay all of the expenses for the trip, both ways, assume that he would want to return.” James Anderson wasn’t quiet sure what to make of these two men, both looked very uneducated but something about Teaspoon told him not to underestimate him.

“That sounds fine. Now I’ll get one of the boys to escort you back to the hotel, the next stage won’t leave until morning and we’ll have our answer for you then,” Teaspoon stated opening the door and calling Jimmy over. “Jimmy I want you to escort Mr. Anderson here over to the hotel.”

“Sure, Teaspoon.”

“Good day, Marshal Hunter. I’ll see you and Mr. Cross in the morning.”

After Mr. Anderson left, Teaspoon turned back to Buck, “Are you ok son?”

“I’m fine Teaspoon. I just found out the man that is supposed to be my father and the man who claimed to be my brother are dead. I can’t say that I’m sorry because I hated the man for what he did to my mother. But Luke I didn’t know him that well, I can’t say that I hated him, I never even knew him. Why would he leave me everything?” Buck sat at the table in the bunkhouse still, confusion written all over his face.

“I’d say that he felt bad about what his father did.” Teaspoon replied.

“It wasn’t his fault, he was just a small child,” Buck said.

“I know that son, but sometimes we feel bad about what our parents do. Are you going to accept your inheritance?”

“With all that it is, I guess I would be a fool not to.”

“Than I guess the only question left is who is going to go?”

“Everyone. All of the others, you and Rachel.”

“Well, someone will have to stay behind, but I guess I could get Sam and Emma to come and look after the station,” Teaspoon said as he walked to the door to call the other riders. But he didn’t have to, since two of them, Lou and Cody fell at his feet when he opened the door and the others were standing right behind them. “Since you were listening I guess you know what is going on. And that most of us will be taking a trip. But we can’t all go. Noah, I’m leaving you to help out Sam and Emma, I’m sure that we can get some riders from other stations to cover most of the runs. Noah, you will be in charge of the station. I’ll let Mr. Anderson know that we will all be following within the week. You, too, Rachel, be ready to ride by the end of the week,” Teaspoon said and then motioned for Lou to come over by him. “Young lady, I think that you might want to pack a couple of those pretty dresses you keep hidden. You might get a chance to wear them.”

Lou smiled up at Teaspoon and then gave him a quick peck on the check. She noticed that other watching her and blushed. “It would be nice,” she mumbled. The others didn’t say anything, Cody didn’t even tease her, they all knew how much it meant to her to be able to dress as a girl.

“I’ll tell Mr. Anderson that we will see him in San Francisco by the end of next week.”

“Teaspoon, are you sure you won’t lose your jobs over this?” Buck asked, concerned about his friends.

“They’ll be here when we get back. Besides, we all need a little vacation, I believe things are going to get mighty hard shortly,” Teaspoon replied. “Besides Mr. Anderson said the estate was paying for the trip.”

At that moment Cody spoke up, “Don’t you want us to go with you, Buck?”

“Yeah, of course, you all are like brothers too me,” Buck replied.

“Then it’s settled,” Kid said, “We all go.”

Two weeks later, they arrived in San Francisco. Buck and Teaspoon when to Mr. Anderson’s office while the others found places for them and their horses to stay.

Three days later they boarded the ship bound for Australia. Teaspoon, Buck, Lou, and Rachel were enjoying the adventure. The sea air and motion of the ship seemed natural to them. The others weren’t so lucky.

The first waves of seasickness hit Cody hard. He stayed in the cabin he was sharing with Kid and Jimmy. He made very few appearances on deck. Jimmy was luckier; his only lasted the first few days. Kid needed a little longer to recover. Jimmy took advantage and spent a lot of time talking to Lou. When Kid found out he was his usual self. He and Jimmy got into it again. This time Teaspoon had to stop the two of them from throwing each other overboard.

A month later they heard the watch call out land and realized they had finally made it to Australia.

After disembarking from the ship, Teaspoon and Buck went to see Mr. Anderson’s associate. The others, meanwhile, made arrangements for their stay in Melbourne and for the final leg of their journey.

Rachel and Lou made arrangements at the hotel for them to stay a couple of days. It was very elegant place and they felt a little uncomfortable at first. The lawyer had booked 3 rooms for them. Rachel and Lou would share one, Teaspoon and Buck another, and Kid, Jimmy, and Cody the other.

While they were getting settled at the hotel, Jimmy, Kid, and Cody were checking the Livery for suitable mounts. Most of the ones they saw didn’t suit them, and then just when they were about to give up, Kid spotted several horses at the railway station. Jimmy and Cody followed him over. There stood about ten of the finest horses they had ever seen.

“Hey, mister,” Cody called out to a man that was unloading them from the train. “How much for those?”

“All?” the man inquired.

“No, only seven,” Jimmy called back.

Kid meanwhile was inspecting one that had walked over to him.

Looking up the man said, “You fellows aren’t from around here are you?”

Kid turned and looked at Cody and Jimmy wondering just what to say, Cody spoke up first though, “No, just arrived, we’re going to Patterson’s Ridge to met up with some friends.”

The man walked over to them, “That’s funny, these Brombies just came down form those parts. Snowy River Country. Where are you fellows from?”

Cody smiled, “America.”

“Well, then I don’t suppose you’ve heard of Langara. This stock here came from there, they are some of the best stock around.”

Jimmy cut right to the point. “How much?” he said pointing to the horses.

“All seven will cost you $300.”

“That’s outrageous.”

“Ah, but mate, their worth it. Matt MacGregor himself helped break this bunch.”

“Matt MacGregor? Who’s he?” Kid asked.

“Haven’t they heard of the Man from Snowy River in America?” the man asked. Then when they still looked at him, he told them the legend, “He brought in a whole mob of Brombies by himself about 25 years ago. Including the old stallion, he’s a legend in these parts. As a matter of fact Patterson’s Ridge is having the annual race in a couple of weeks. Prize this year is $100.

“Good thing we’re headed that way then, huh,” Cody grinned at his companions. “We could show them how it’s done.”

Kid and Jimmy just looked at Cody, would his ego never stop. “Well, mister, thanks,” Kid said. “Could you hold these and we’ll be back.” The man said it was no problem and they shook on it and the riders started back for the hotel.

They met Teaspoon and Buck as they reached the hotel. “Well, boys, any luck?” Teaspoon asked.

Kid was the first to answer, “Some nice horses over at the station, ones at the livery wouldn’t last a day. Say, Buck, what was the uncle of yours named?”

“MacGregor. Why?” Buck questioned back.

“Well,” Jimmy said, “seems he’s a legend around here. They call him the Man from Snowy River. The man at the station said the horses are from his place.”

“Yeah, and there’s a race in a couple of weeks in this Patterson’s Ridge. Thought we could enter and show them how it is done,” Cody replied with a grin.

“Now, Cody,” Teaspoon started, “let’s just see how things go and then decide on that. Let’s check those horse out, you can tell a lot about a man by the why he breaks in an animal.”

With that they all headed back to the railway station to check out the horses.

Later that day, the lawyer Buck and Teaspoon had met with Warren Anderson, made arrangements to purchase the horses for Buck.

At dinner that evening they decided to leave for Patterson’s Ridge the next day. It would take a few days to get there so supplies were purchased for the trip.

While they were purchasing the supplies Buck noticed Lou looking at riding outfits and asked Rachel to help him get Lou one. They all liked the change, more confident and more at ease, in her since she didn’t have to pretend to be a boy. Rachel helped him to select and purchase a nice split skirt and a pair of boots for Lou. Buck then told Rachel to get something for herself. When she started to protest he said, “I have a chance to do something for all of you and I’m going to because that is what you and Teaspoon have told me families do.”

Lou loved the skirt and boots. They were perfect she said, and that her other clothes would be good for riding at other times. It felt good to her to be able to dress and act like the lady she wanted to be. Kid and Jimmy were the only two not to fully appreciate her so called new self. They weren’t so sure they liked some of the admiring looks she received when they walked down the street. And she also noticed that all the boys seemed to be more protective of her, which was nice some of the time, but very irrating to her at others.

But she wasn’t the only one that felt more relaxed. Jimmy was feeling good, too. Hardly anyone here had heard of “Wild Bill” here and he was able to let his guard down some. Even Kid felt a little more at ease, no one was questioning him constantly about what side of the conflict brewing back home he was on. Buck was finding that with money sometimes people would over look the fact that he was half Indian, or that most people here just didn’t notice that he was.

The next morning they were all in good spirits as they headed out of Melbourne. They made good time that day and camped under the Australian sky that night. They had seen some strange wild life along the way, kangaroos, wallabies and others. But the koala they saw had brought the most excitement. Cody had tried to catch it and had ended up getting bit. He was fine though but very embraced.

Three days later they pulled the horses to a stop outside of Patterson’s Ridge. Teaspoon looked over at Buck. “Are you ready for this son?” he asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Buck replied. “I just was Ike was here,” he thought to himself.

“I know, son, we all do,” Teaspoon said. It was like he could read Buck’s mind.

Two horses came around a bend in the road at that time, running flat out. The first flew past without a thought and the second was about to do the same, but the rider pulled up when he spotted Lou, or more specifically Lou’s horse.

When he stopped he turned around and rode back over to them, confusion playing across his face. “Excuse me, where’d you purchase that horse?” he asked Lou.

But it was Teaspoon that answered, “We purchased all of them at the same time son, a few days ago in Melbourne. Is there a problem, son?”

“No, sir,” the young man answered, still looking at Lou. “Just wondering.” He then took in the rest of the riders and looked back at Teaspoon, “Are you headed to Patterson’s Ridge?”

“Sure are,” Teaspoon said. Then recalling what Cody had said a few days earlier, “We’re here for the big race.”

“Then I’ll see you there, but no one’s been able to beat Danni in a couple of years. Good day.” He then tipped his hat to Lou and rode off.

Kid didn’t appreciate that and commented, “What’d he mean by that?”

“Kid,” Lou said, “He was just being polite to me and Rachel.”

“To you, yeah, but I didn’t see him even look at Rachel.” Jimmy and the others just snickered at him.

“You’re being foolish, Kid,” she snapped.

“Now settle down you two. She’s right, Kid, he was just being polite to a pretty lady,” Rachel said.

“Let’s get a move on boys. I’d like to sleep in a bed tonight,” Teaspoon said, putting an end to the conversation for now.

When they arrived in Patterson’s Ridge a short while later, they split up to take care of things. Again Lou and Rachel made the arrangements at the hotel, Jesse McCloskey was just able to make room for them, since the hotel was filling up for the race. Teaspoon and Buck went to meet the bank manager and check on Buck’s inheritance. Kid, Cody, and Jimmy made arrangements at the Livery for their horses.

It was at the hotel that Lou and Rachel ran into Robbie again. It was innocent enough; he had been helping Jesse move some things around when Lou and Rachel arrived. As they were signing the register Jesse noticed the amount of luggage they had and asked Robbie to do her a favor and take the bags upstairs for them. As he handed Lou the keys, he said, “Hope you enjoy your stay here.”

“I’m sure we will, thank you,” she had replied.

“There’s a dance in a few days, the night before the race. I hope to see you there.”

Rachel spoke up for Lou then, “I’m sure that we would love to attend.” She was always pleased when Lou got attention from someone other than the riders. She knew it helped her young friend gain more confidence.

“Well, good day,” he replied and left.

Lou turned to Rachel, “How could you do that?”

“Do what?” Rachel replied mischievously.

“You know what, tell him we were going to attend the dance.”

“Well, I just thought it would be nice to go, and that it might just keep a certain young man on his toes. If you know what I mean,” Rachel laughed.

Lou couldn’t help but giggle at that, especially after Kid’s reaction earlier.

When the boys arrived at the stables they heard voices shouting as they went in.

“Danni, dad’s not going to let you ride again this year. It’s too dangerous. Besides you promised him to act more like a lady,” Collin was close as he ever was to shouting at his younger sister.

“If he doesn’t find out till after like before and I win, he won’t be too mad,” Danni knew how proud Matt had been when she had won the previous races.

“Excuse us,” Kid interrupted.

“Can I help you?” Collin looked up at the man before him, then called to Danni as she went out the door, “Danni, wait right there.”

“Can’t Collin,” she called back as she started down the street, “Kathleen’s waiting on the thread so we can finish my dress.”

“Right,” Collin mumbled under his breath. Then he turned back to the riders, “I’m sorry, can I help you?”

“We need a place to stable our horses while we’re in town.” Cody told him.

Collin had noticed their accents first thing, “ Sure, are you here for the race?”

“Yeah,” Jimmy replied, “How much to feed and stable all of ‘em?”

“All 7, will run you five dollars a day. That includes the feed and having them ready anytime you need them,” Collin finished as Robbie came in.

“Collin, looks like the rest of the family has shown up. Think I should ride out and get dad?” Robbie called as he walked through the door. He noticed the riders then and stopped.

“Rob, these are men need a place for their horse while they are in town. I’m sorry I didn’t get your names,” Collin apologized.

Cody introduced them all, “I’m Cody, this here is Jimmy Hickok, and we call him Kid. Our friends are taking care of some family business, but will be by to check on their horses later.”

“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Collin MacGregor and this here is my brother Rob. Welcome to Patterson’s Ridge. I’m also the minister here and hope to see you in church come Sunday.”

The riders mumbled sure knowing when Rachel heard that she would have them getting dressed up Sunday and sitting in church. They then finalized their deal with Collin and Rob.

“I’ll show you where you can put the horses,” Robbie said as he reached to take Lou’s mount from Kid.

“Thanks,” Kid said, “But I can handle both.”

After making sure the horses were comfortable they headed to the general store to pick up some supplies they needed.

Jimmy was walking ahead of Cody and Kid wanting to get finished and back to the hotel, when he ran into someone coming out of the general store.

Danni looked up when he offered her his hand to get up and just stared for a moment. He was so handsome she thought. She knew he was a stranger because she knew just about everyone in town.

“Ah, miss, I’m sorry,” Jimmy apologized. “I must not have been looking where I was going.” He said as he helped her up.

“No, it was my fault,” she stammered as she started picking up her packages. Jimmy bent down to help her, as Cody and Kid caught up with him.

“Jimmy, you already getting in trouble,” Cody teased. And Kid elbowed him; if it would keep Jimmy away from Lou he would keep Cody quiet.

“Come on, Cody, let’s get done so we can get back to the hotel, I’m sure Rachel will have a hot meal ready and waiting for us,” Kid told Cody as he pulled him into the store.

Jimmy smiled at Danni, “Excuse us.”

“Sure,” was all Danni could get out.

Buck and Teaspoon walked into the bank and asked to speak to Herbert Elliott, the bank manager. They had been given his name by the lawyer in Melbourne, and also a letter of introduction.

“Mr. Cross, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Herbert Elliott said when he finished the letter.

“Thank you, sir,” Buck answered and then added, “Can you please tell me what the inheritance is? All we know is it’s a large sum and that an estate goes with it.”

“Of course, the estate entails half ownership in a gold mine, the money Luke had deposited here in the bank and a large house and grounds not far from here,” Herbert replied.

“Is there someone that could show me the property?”

“I would be glad to do that tomorrow morning, we could meet at the hotel after breakfast. I’m sure you will be pleased. Also, I believe that this is the current sum in the account, but I can have the records ready for you to see shortly if it isn’t correct. The expenses from the trip have already been deducted, including your expenses for the next few days here.”

Buck took the paper that Herbert had handed him and then handed it to Teaspoon, Rachel had kept track of all of the expense that they had incurred and had kept him and Teaspoon informed. That way they were sure that Buck wouldn’t get cheated.

“That’s quite a bit of money you have, son,” Teaspoon commented and Buck knew for sure that he hadn’t been cheated.

Buck looked at Mr. Elliott saying, “It was nice to meet you Mr. Elliott. My friends and I will meet you at the hotel after breakfast in the morning. Is it a very far ride?”

“Only about an hour from here.”

Buck and Teaspoon stood and thanked Herbert again for his time, then turned to leave the bank. As he opened the door, Buck saw a beautiful girl entering; she had blonde hair and the prettiest blue eyes he had ever seen. Her dress was stylish but dated. She smiled and thanked Buck for holding the door for her. Teaspoon had to clear his throat to get Buck’s attention, so they could leave.

“Victoria,” Buck heard Herbert Elliot call as the door closed, “How nice to see you. When did you arrive?”

“Just now. I’ve been saving my money to be sure I could come for the race. You know I wouldn’t miss it. I’m staying at the hotel for now. I heard though that my dear brother has return with a new wife and money,” Victoria replied. The venom in her voice when she mentioned her brother wasn’t lost on Herbert. He knew how bad Frank had hurt her.

“Yes, he has,” Herbert replied.

“Did he reopen my account that he emptied,” Victoria asked through clenched teeth, as they entered Herbert’s office.

“Yes, he did, with interest, I might add.”

“I assume you that was your idea. And exactly how much did brother dear deposit.”

Herbert wrote the amount down and handed it to her.

Victoria smiled for the first time since entering the bank, “Good, more than I expected.” She kissed Herbert on the cheek, “Thank you, I know it was you that made him do it and got the interest the money would have drawn for me.”

“I did,” Herbert replied with a smile, as he recalled the look on Frank Blackwell’s face when told the amount.

Victoria smiled, “I’ll be staying at the hotel for a few days, Herbert, please let me know when Frank rides in.”

Herbert nodded to her and she rose to leave. He watched as she made her way out of the bank and then across the street to the hotel.

After making the few purchases they needed Jimmy, Cody, and Kid caught up with Rachel and Lou at the hotel. Lou noticed that Jimmy seemed distracted.

“Jimmy is something wrong?” she asked.

“Huh, no. Why?” replied Jimmy.

“You just seem distracted,” Lou said.

“Yeah, he’s distracted,” Cody teased as he sat down with them, “by the pretty little thing he ran into coming out of the store.”

“Cody hush.” Rachel said.

Teaspoon and Buck walked up then. “I everything taken care of,” Teaspoon asked.

“Horses are settled at the stable and we got the supplies from the store,” Kid answered.

Then Rachel replied, “We’re settled upstairs just like in Melbourne, 3 rooms. You and Buck, Lou and I, and Kid, Jimmy and Cody, in the third.”

Teaspoon cleared his throat to get their attention, “We have an appointment tomorrow morning to ride out to the house Buck’s inherited. So I suggest we have dinner and take it easy this evening, which means you boys, and girl,” Teaspoon looked at Lou, “ need to stay out of trouble tonight.”

He was answered with amused, “Yes, sir.”

Danni rode into Langara and past her father without even saying hello. Robbie was right behind her and smiling, he had seen her run into Jimmy and had seen the looks that had pasted between them.

He pulled up beside Matt and Michael. “What’s with Danni?” Matt asked.

“She’s been like that all the way home. She ran into a fellow coming out of the store in town. An American by the look and sound of him and his friends. She’s been acting that way every since,” Rob said as Danni made her way up the stairs to the house.

“Kathleen,” she called as she entered the den, “do you think we could finish that new dress we were making by the dance?”

“I’m sure we could,” Kathleen responded.

“Good, I’ll go get it,” Danni said. She had found the young man she had bumped into in town very attractive, but she wasn’t ready yet to let anyone know.”

The riders, Teaspoon, and Rachel met Herbert the next morning in the lobby of the hotel. “I trust you have found everything to your liking, Mr. Cross,” he asked.

“Sure,” Buck said.

“Are you all set to go?”

Yes, sir. We are,” Teaspoon responded.

Herbert’s look said, “all of you?” And Buck responded, “These people are my family, Mr. Elliott. We all go.”

“Yes, of course,” he replied.

Buck and Teaspoon led the way out and they all mounted up. Herbert led the group in his carriage. They’d ridden about 45 minutes when Cody spotted a house below them. “Mr. Elliot,” he asked pointing to it, “is that the house.

Herbert looked in the direction Cody was pointing. “Why yes, it is, but the road goes this way.”

But before he could finish Cody, Jimmy, Buck, and Kid were half way down the slope. “We don’t use roads much,” Lou told him before she spurred her horse after the boys.

Teaspoon thought he should explain, “They’re Pony Express riders.”

“Pony Express?” Herbert asked with a puzzled look on his face.

“Yes,” Rachel answered, “it’s a way we have of delivering the mail, right now.”

“Oh, they all ride for it, even the young lady?”

“She’s one of the best,” Teaspoon said proudly, “and good in a fight, when needed.”

Meanwhile, below them the riders had just reached the house. “It’s big,” Lou said.

“No,” Cody replied walking past her to the front door, “It’s huge.”

Buck stayed behind as his friends entered the mansion. It was his but it didn’t feel right. It was just too big.

Kid escorted Lou up the steps, he smiled at her. He hoped one day he could give her a home like this and everything that went with it. Lou was thinking the same; she would love to have a home like this some day. And right now with Kid beside her, she couldn’t imagine sharing it with anyone else. But they were broke up and had yet to get back together. And that thought took the smile off of Lou’s face.

Jimmy looked back over his shoulder at Buck and wondered how his friend could ever feel at home in this place.

Cody ever the one to put his foot in his mouth, made the comment, “Looks like it would be too big for just one person.”

Buck heard Cody’s comment and followed the others in. But all he could do was agree with Cody, “It sure does.”

When Rachel and Teaspoon arrived they inspected the out buildings and the rest of the house. Teaspoon asked Buck if he wanted to move out to the house or stay at the hotel.

“I’d rather stay at the hotel. I don’t like this place much,” Buck replied.

Teaspoon said they would speak to Mr. Elliot the next day about selling the place. Buck was relieved; the place gave him a bad feeling.

They mounted up and rode back to town with Herbert following in the buggy.

A short time down the road, three riders approached them. “Is there something I can help you with?” Matt MacGregor called out to them.

“No, sir,” Teaspoon replied watching his riders. “We were just checking out a place one of my boys, just inherited from his brother.

Matt looked at the riders trying to figure out which one was his nephew. He eliminated Lou and Cody first. He could tell Lou was a girl and Cody didn’t fit the descriptions he had heard of Indians. Kid, Jimmy, and Buck left, and he looked at each of them, but it was obvious which one was his nephew. He moved his horse closer to Buck, and noticed as he did so that the other riders tensed ready to protect their friend. He stopped when he was beside Buck. “I’m Matt MacGregor, I assume you’re my nephew, Buck Cross.

“Yeah,” Buck responded, the walls going up to protect his self.

Matt wasn’t sure what to say next. “Did you find everything at the house, ok? We’ve been trying to keep an eye on it.”

“Everything was fine Mr. MacGregor,” Teaspoon answered. “I’m Teaspoon Hunter, a good friend of Buck’s.”

While Matt, Teaspoon, and Buck were carrying on their conversation, Rachel noticed Rob MacGregor’s interest lay somewhere other than his new found cousin. She watched him staring at Lou. Lou looked very pretty today, she had her hair tied back with a ribbon and she may have been wearing boy’s clothes but she didn’t look like a one. Rachel smiled deciding that this young man would definitely be competition for Kid.

She then turned her thoughts toward Jimmy, wondering if his feelings for Lou were still as strong. But what she saw surprised her, he was watching the third rider in much the same way that Rob was watching Lou. Rachel then took a good look at the third rider, noticing it was a young woman. She like Lou was wearing boy’s clothes, but her hair was long, judging by the wisps that escaped her long braid. Turning back to Jimmy she noticed he wasn’t taking his gaze off of the young woman.

Herbert arrived then. “Ah, Matt, I see you’ve met Mr. Cross.”

“Yes, thank you, Herbert. I was just fixing to invite him and his companions to dinner at Langara. Would you care to join us?” Matt replied.

“No, I’m having dinner with the Blackwells tonight. It promises to be a very interesting evening.”

“I’m sure,” Matt replied as Herbert drove away. “ Well,” he said turning to Buck, “ would you and your friends care to have dinner with us this evening.”

“Um, yeah, sure,” Buck replied hoping the kindness and affection he heard in Matt’s voice was real.

Matt then rode back over to Robbie and Danni, “Then follow us it’s just a short ride. By the way this is my son Rob, and my daughter, Danielle, but we call her Danni.”

Lou looked at Rachel and smiled, maybe they would accept her since Danni dressed like a boy too. Rachel’s smile in return encouraged her.

Teaspoon returned the introductions, “ It’s nice to meet you,” he replied tipping his hat at Danni, “ These are my riders, Lou, Louise to some. Cody, Jimmy, Kid, and Rachel Dunn. And of course you’ve met Buck.”

“Then shall we,” Matt said as he started off. Buck and Teaspoon rode beside Matt with Rachel and Cody next. Robbie waited until Lou and Kid were next to him to start. Jimmy had noticed Danni had hung back and fallen in beside him.

At first Rob, thought if he rode beside Lou he could start a conversation with her. But with Kid riding next to her, he was having a hard time thinking of something to say. Then he heard himself bark out, “So you ride for the gentleman, also?”

Lou looked over at Rob, “Me?”

“Yes,” Rob smiled at Lou.

Sensing she could trust him she replied, “Sometimes.”

“Lou,” Kid said but she heard the warning in his voice.

“What?” Lou replied, “What does it matter? No one here will tell Russell, Majors, and Waddell that I ride for them. Remember, you told Samantha. And it would take a few months to get back to them anyway.”

Rob hadn’t meant to eavesdrop but over heard most of what was said between Lou and Kid. Realizing that if he told it could jeopardize her job he spoke up, “I have no one to tell. Besides if she can do the job why not let her?”

“I’ve been telling him that for months,” came the reply from behind them.

When Kid turned he wasn’t surprised to see Jimmy behind them. “We know how you feel about things,” Kid replied.

“Kid!” Lou exclaimed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing,” he said as he rode up beside Rachel.

Lou was starting to get angry. “Would you like to see the course the race will take?” Rob asked shrugging off what had been said. He could tell that the conversation had Lou upset.

“Sure,” she replied, “when?”

“How about now.”

“That would be nice.”

They rode up to Teaspoon and Matt. “Dad, Mr. Hunter, I’m going to show Louise the course the race is going to take. We’ll meet you back at the station by dinner. That is if it is ok with you, Mr. Hunter?” Rob asked.

“It’s fine with me, son,” Teaspoon replied. “Louise can take care of herself. And if it is alright with your father.”

“It’s fine with me,” Matt replied, “We’ll see you back at Langara.”

“Tea…..” Kid started but Rachel cut him off.

“Louise, we’ll see you back at Mr. MacGregor’s.”

Lou was grateful to Rachel for stopping Kid. She then shot Kid a look that said, “Don’t even, try it.” Then she rode off with Robbie.

Kid wasn’t sure why but he had a feeling that this wasn’t good. “Kid,” Rachel said, “you can’t keep acting like this every time you see Lou with someone else. You two broke up remember.”

“Yeah, like I could forget,” he snapped at Rachel, and then apologized.

Jimmy hadn’t paid his friends much attention since Danni had ridden up beside him. “How do you like Australia?” she asked.

“It’s nice,” he replied.

“Would you like to see the course,” she asked.

“Um, I don’t, why not,” Jimmy replied. “I just have a question first. Has anyone around here ever heard of Wild Bill?” He was concerned for her safety considering his reputation and the trouble it cause him. He wanted to keep Danni safe.

“Montana might have, but she’s never mentioned anyone by that name. Why is he a friend?”

“No, and it doesn’t matter, I was just wondering,” Jimmy replied with a grin at her. “Now where is that course?” Danni could have sworn she heard relief in Jimmy’s voice.

“Come, on,” she called him as she spurred her horse forward.

Jimmy followed her down the trail and laughed. She reminded him a lot of Lou, only she didn’t seem quite as tough.

When Lou and Robbie reached the top of the mountain, he pointed down the side of it. “That’s where my dad went down, but the course goes this way,” he said as he point behind him.

“Looks pretty tough,” Lou replied.

“Would you like to look around, maybe rest a minute?” Robbie asked.

“That’d be nice.”

They dismounted and walked over by the edge as Jimmy and Danni rode up.

“Hey, Robbie.” Danni called.

“Danni, what are you doing here.”

“Same as you, showing Jimmy the course.”

Rob looked at the young man with his sister trying to size him up. But he felt Lou’s touch on his arm, “She’s safe enough with Jimmy.” She said it so low that only Rob heard her. When he looked down at her, she smiled at him. He liked the fire and strength he saw in her eyes. And felt that he could trust her opinion on this.

“Ok,” he said to her, then he called to Danni, “You, two, be careful.”

“Yes, Robbie,” Danny said exasperated with her older brother, he always seemed to treat here like a baby. Then Jimmy and her headed off down the rest of the course. Jimmy looked over his shoulder and called out to Lou, “ Don’t stay too long, Kid might just come after you.” The laughter he was trying to hold in escaping. Lou smiled she had never seen Jimmy so relaxed, it was good to see him that way.

Whey they reached Langara, Kid was already set to go after Lou when Teaspoon told him and Cody to take care of the horses. They did and were just finishing up when Jimmy and Danny rode into the yard. “Where’s Lou?” Kid called out to Jimmy.

“She’s fine, Kid,” Jimmy said as he led Danni towards the house. “Besides, Lou can take care of herself.” Kid just fumed at Jimmy, he always thought Lou could take care of herself, even when she was in trouble.

Cody called to Kid that they were finished and they started over to the house. Cody stopped when he saw Jimmy and Danni talking to a young woman on a fine looking horse. She was awful pretty, he thought. “See you inside,” he said to Kid as he started toward them. Then as he walked up to Jimmy, “Hey, Jimmy hold up,” he called. “Just wanted you to know I took care of your horses.”

Jimmy smiled he knew what Cody was up to. “Thanks,” he said but he was looking at Danni.

“Montana, here is from America too.” Danni supplied. “Montana, this is Cody, he just arrived with Luke’s brother too.” She had already introduced Jimmy to Montana.

“Nice to met you, Mr. Cody,” Montana replied.

“It’s just Cody ma’am, or Billy. Are you from Montana?” Cody was doing his best to be charming, as Danni and Jimmy walked away.

“No, Colorado,” Montana replied. But she was thinking what gorgeous blue eyes he had. “Are you staying here long?”

“Not very,” Cody said, “just till Buck gets things settled then we to get back.”

“It was nice of ya’ll to come over with your friend.”

“Buck’s more like a brother, than a friend.”

“Really,” Montana replied.

“Yeah,” Cody said, he couldn’t figure out why in the world he was having such a hard time talking to this woman. Usually he could think of a million things to say but with her he was dumbfounded.

“Well, I’ll see you around,” Montana said as she rode off. She looked back once and saw Cody still standing where she had left him. She smiled and waved, he sure was handsome she thought to herself as she rode off.

When Cody finally roused himself and made up on to the porch, Jimmy laughed and teased Cody. “I think that’s the first time I’ve seen you at a loss when it came to talking to a pretty woman, Cody.”

Cody didn’t even bother to reply he was too busy watching Montana disappear over the rise.

In the house Buck was having a hard time talking, too. He wasn’t sure what to say to this newfound Uncle. And Matt was doing his best to make him feel welcome, Buck knew. But everything was happening too fast.

“Buck, as I told Luke when we first met I want you to consider Langara your home. You and you’re friends are welcome here until you decide what you want to do.”

“Thank you,” Buck replied to Matt and then decided to just tell him how he felt. “To tell you the truth though I’m not sure how to feel about all of this. I didn’t know your brother, my father or Luke. I heard enough stories though. I’m grateful for the offer to stay at your home and I’m sure you mean well. But won’t it put you in an awkward position. I know how some people feel about me.”

“I haven’t heard anything and I don’t really care what the town thinks. You are part of this family and MacGregors stick together, no matter our differences. Even Luke would tell you that if he was still here.”

Teaspoon spoke up, “Then we accept your offer, Mr. MacGregor. These boys are all alone and I for one would be please to see one of them with a family.”

“Then let’s ride in to town and get your things at the hotel. Danni can ride out and meet Rob and Lou and tell them. But I suggest we get a move on, so we can get back before dark.”

When they got into town, Matt, Teaspoon, and Buck went into the dining room to have coffee while the riders, Lou, and Rachel got their things together.

Matt and the others turned when they heard the others entering the small dining room. “Victoria, Frank, I heard you had returned. How are you?” Matt said to them, rising to shake hands with Frank.

“Matt, it’s good to see you,” Victoria said as she hugged Matt. Herbert Elliott shook hands whit Matt.

“Victoria and Frank Blackwell, I’d like you to meet Buck Cross, and Teaspoon Hunter,” Matt introduced them, “And Herbert, you’ve already met.”

“Yes,” Teaspoon replied, “Miss Victoria, it’s a pleasure to met you and you too, Mr. Blackwell.”

“Are you here for the race, Mr. Hunter?” Victoria asked.

“No, ma’am, but since we are here I’m sure a few of my boys will be entering it,” Teaspoon replied.

“And just what business are you here on if not the race?” Frank asked, his tone snippy.

“Family,” Buck replied quickly. Which told Teaspoon and Matt, he didn’t want to discuss his inheritance with outsiders just yet.

Matt felt embarrassed, he could have sworn that Frank Blackwell had better manners than that. “Frank,” he began, changing the subject, “I hear congratulations are in order on your recent marriage.”

“Yes, thank you, Matt. She should be here any minute. She had to check on something at the dress shop.”

“Yes, my new sister-in-law has to have all the newest creations but with her money she can afford them,” Victoria quipped. She was tired of Frank’s superior attitude. She had learned a long time ago not to treat people the way he was treating Matt and his companions.

“Victoria!” Frank exclaimed, “I’m sure you’ll excuse us, Matt, we have some family business of our own to take care of.” He then escorted Victoria and Herbert to a table at the back of the room.

Buck laughed to himself, Victoria sure could put her brother in his place, he thought.

As Lou and Robbie rode into town Lou spotted a woman going into the dressmaker’s she had hoped never to see again. Kathleen Devlin. She knew that the woman could only mean trouble for Buck. “Rob, where do you think we could find the others?” Lou asked. She could only think about getting to Buck before he saw Kathleen.

“I guess they would be at the hotel,” he replied. But when he turned he noticed Lou had spotted Jimmy and they were in a very intense conversation. He watched as Jimmy placed his hand on one of the colts. Then he saw Jimmy excuse himself from Danni and start toward the hotel with Lou. “What is going on?” he said to no one in particular. He noticed as they approached Cody he joined them. Deciding he should, he followed behind and saw them enter the hotel.

Lou walked up to Kid, “Where’s Buck?”

“In the dining room with Teaspoon,” he replied as she headed in that direction, “Lou, where’ve you been?”

“Not now, Kid.” She said as she went through the dining room door, leaving Cody and Jimmy to explain to him and Rachel.

When Lou reached Buck and Teaspoon she just told Teaspoon that she needed to speak to him. Teaspoon recognized the urgency in her voice. He excused himself and stepped into the lobby with Lou. “What’s going on?” he asked when he saw them all gathered there.

“Trouble,” Lou replied. “ I saw that banker’s daughter going into the dressmaker’s as we rode in.”

She didn’t have to tell him what banker’s daughter Teaspoon well remembered the uppity young woman that had broke Buck’s heart. He also knew that to rile Lou up the way she was it meant the person had hurt her or one of the other riders. “I see,” he said making a connection between what Frank had said and Lou’s information. “Boys, I don’t want this to spoil Buck’s trip, so if you have things ready let’s get back to MacGregor’s place and keep this between us for now. Just follow what I say.” He finished and turned back to the dining room. “And Cody,” he said over his shoulder, “don’t say anything.”

When they reached the table, Teaspoon said, “Mr. MacGregor, it looks like we are ready to head back to your place, if you are.” He looked at Buck and saw the relief in the young man’s eyes, he was anxious to be accepted.

“Then we’ll meet you there,” Matt told Teaspoon, “I have one more place I would like to show Buck.”

“Yeah, Buck,” Kid butted in, “go on we’ll settle things here and meet you there. I’m sure someone can point us in the right direction.”

“Danni and I can,” Rob supplied as he walked up. The offer earned him a smile from Lou, and a scowl from Kid.

“Looks like you might have some real competition there, Kid,” Cody whispered from beside Kid.

“Shut up, Cody,” Kid replied. “At least she doesn’t just ride away.” That remark earned him a dirty look from Cody but returned Kid’s good humor.

Robbie walked over to Lou as they all departed the dining room. “Louise?” he said, “I just wanted to tell you I think you’ll like Langara. It’s one of the best stations around.” He thought to himself that nothing he had ever said had sounded so stupid.

“Thank you,” she replied as she followed the other’s upstairs to complete the packing.

Meanwhile Teaspoon had pulled Matt aside to explain thing to him. Matt realized then how much this new nephew meant to his friends. “I’ll make sure we get out of town before he sees her,” he promised Teaspoon. Buck came back down and he and Matt mounted up and headed off towards Langara.

The others had just returned to the Lobby with their things and Cody had just opened the door when Kathleen Devlin waked in. She looked up at Cody and the look on her face spoke volumes. She then turn to look around her know where on rider was there was usually one or more close by. She noticed instantly that they all remembered her, for the looks they were giving her could never be mistaken for friendly, no they were down right hostile. Jimmy was the first to speak, but not to her, “Couldn’t you have waited to open the door just a minute longer, Cody.”

Lou said in Cody’s defense though, “It’s not his fault, Jimmy. No accounting for what the wind blows in when you open the door.

Kid just excused himself as he pushed past her and out the door. The others followed him with Rachel going out last. She shook her head as she went by Kathleen, “I don’t know what you did to set them against you,” she told the young woman, “but it must have been pretty bad. I watch my step if I was you.”

When she reached the riders, Rachel demanded, “One of you is going to tell me what she did and to which one of you she did it. Right Now.” The last being a command and not a request.

Lou was the one to explain. When she finished Rachel was as furious as Lou had been earlier and ready to take care of Kathleen Devlin herself. But all she said to the riders was, “She’s not a lady, behaving like that. Let’s get out to this Langara.”

They reached the entrance to Langara as the sun was setting. “It’s a beautiful place,” Rachel said. The other immediately agreed.

Danni thanked her and rode ahead with Jimmy to let the others know they had arrived.

Kathleen MacGregor met them as they dismounted and climbed the steps up to the porch. “Hello,” she called. “I’m Kathleen MacGregor, welcome to Langara.”

“Thank you,” Rachel called back as Cody helped her down from the wagon.

Jimmy turned to Danni, “Nice place.”

“Thanks,” Danni returned.

Rob had dismounted and turned to help Lou down, and to Kid’s surprise she let him. Kid stared at her and wondered what was going on between the two of them. A moment later he voiced that thought to Lou.

“Nothing,” she replied, “like Rachel told you earlier he’s just being polite.

“Too polite if you as me,” Kid snapped at her.

“Well, no one asked you. And just why do you have a problem with someone else being polite to me?” Lou snapped back, as Rachel walked over.

Before Kid could answer Lou’s question Rachel said handing him his bag, “Here Kid, I believe Rob is ready to show you and the boys where to bunk.”

“Fine,” Kid said as he went to follow Rob.

Rob showed them to to bunkhouse. “Our hands are away for now, you’re welcome to stay here. But dad would like you up at the house as much as you want. I’ll be staying here, too.”

In the meantime Danni was showing Rachel and Lou to what would be their room for their stay. “This is Robbie’s room but while you’re here he’ll be staying in the bunkhouse with the other.”

“Oh, no, we can stay….” Lou started but Rachel cut her off.

“Tell him we said thank you and that was kind of him to give up his room for us.”

“Well, I’ll leave you to unpack. We’ll be in the parlor when you finish.”

Lou walked over to the bunkhouse when she finished unpacking to make sure the guys were settled. As she made her way up the steps Cody and Jimmy were leaving to go over to the house. “Hey, where’s Kid?” she asked.

“Still inside, said he’d be up in a bit,” Jimmy told her as she walked past him and into the bunkhouse.

“Looks like we left just in time,” Cody said.

“Yeah,” for once Jimmy had to agree with him.

The light was fading and Lou had to squint as she entered the bunkhouse. “Kid,” Lou said, “You ok?”

“I’m fine, Lou,” he replied from where he was looking out the window.

She walked up beside him, “Look, Kid, I don’t want to keep fighting like this. Can’t we put things aside and be friends. I mean we may not be together but I still care about you.”

Kid looked down at Lou. “Yeah,” he said with a halfhearted grin. Then, “You like that fellow, Rob don’t ya?”

“Yeah, he’s a nice guy and a gentleman.”

“Then I’ll stay out of your way.”

“Huh? What do you mean?” she was starting to get upset again, couldn’t just drop it.

“I mean if you like him….” Kid trailed off.

“Kid, he’s just a nice guy. Besides it’s too soon, I mean I know you picked up with…” Lou started, but this time Kid cut her off.

“Leave Samantha out of this.”

“Why?”

“Because it has nothing to do with you throwing yourself at that MacGregor fellow.”

“Throw myself at him. I’m not!” Lou exclaimed. She just stood there and stared at him for a moment, then finished with, “I guess we really don’t know each other. And I guess it was like you said it wasn’t meant to be.” Turning from Kid before he could answer she stormed out and back up to the house.

Kid could have kicked himself, here she was trying to be friends and he just had to go and say that. He didn’t want to make her mad but it seemed that was all he did lately.

Lou had cooled off a bit before she reached the porch of the house. Rachel was there, she noticed the tears in Lou’s eyes. “What happened?” Rachel asked as she took Lou’s hands.

“Kid,” was all Lou could manage.

Rachel patted Lou’s hand, “Can you tell me about it?”

“Well, I thought things were getting better between us that we could at least be friends, but now I don’t know. He’s mad at me, and keeps asking what’s going on between Rob and me. Rob’s only being nice to me, treating me like he would anyone else.”

Rachel smiled at Lou; she really was still very young. “Maybe,” Rachel began, “and maybe not. He could see what a pretty girl you are. Louise, have you ever thought that maybe Kid is just a bit jealous of Rob?”

“What?” Lou looked surprised. “Kid jealous, of what, Rachel?”

“Of you payin’ attention to someone else.”

“Rob? But Rachel, I just met him.”

“I know but I’m not even sure the Kid knows he’s jealous yet. But listen to me, you have done nothing wrong, just leave him alone for a while, he’ll come out of it or we’ll help him to,” Rachel said with a smile.

“Alright,” Lou agreed hesitantly.

The next morning while Matt rode out with Buck to show him the station, Teaspoon called the other riders to the barn. “Lou are you sure it was Kathleen Devlin you saw yesterday?” Teaspoon asked.

“It was,” Cody answered, “she came into the hotel after ya’ll left last night.”

“I have an idea why, but we need to know for sure first. Then we have to decide how we are going to tell Buck.”

“Teaspoon can’t we just get her to leave town and not tell him,” Lou asked. She didn’t want to see the snobby witch hurt Buck again.

“No, he needs to know so he can be prepared when he runs into her. Besides I don’t think that she is going to leave.”

Little did any of them know that Buck would be seeing her sooner than any of them expected.

“This is where my property and the Blackwell’s met,” Matt said. Then looking at he downed fence he told Buck, “I need to let them know this fence is down before any of my cattle cross on to their property. If you want you’re welcome to come along.”

“Sure,” Buck said. Then thought to himself how nice it would be to see Victoria Blackwell again.

As they approached the Blackwell property Matt noticed the busy activity and explained that Frank was restoring the family home after being away for quite a while. It was Victoria who greeted them at the door. “Matt, it’s nice to see you. Is there a problem?”

Matt thought how Victoria had changed in the last few years and how grown she was looking. “Not really, Victoria, I noticed while we were out riding this morning that your north fence is down and wonder if you would like some help putting it back up, what with all the repairs you’re doing here. Oh, you do remember Buck from yesterday?”

“Yes, Mr. Cross,” Victoria said as she turned to Buck. She recalled how yesterday at the hotel she couldn’t take her eyes off of him till he and Matt left.

“Miss Blackwell, it’s nice to see you again,” Buck responded.

“Well, come in both of you and I’ll get Frank.”

As they entered the house, Victoria said, “Excuse the mess, we have several repairs to finish but it won’t be long before the house is as good as new. Let me get Frank for you.”

“Nice place,” Buck said.

“Yes, Oliver Blackwell, Victoria and Frank’s father, did like fine things,” Matt commented.

Victoria came back and told them that Frank would join them shortly and played the hostess. Then Victoria turned to Buck, “What brought you to Australia, Mr. Cross.”

Buck looked at Matt. Then he turned back to Victoria, “Family business.”

“Oh,” Victoria said looking at Matt, “Well, would you two like something to drink….”

“That won’t be necessary, Victoria,” Frank said as he entered the room. “Kate has already taken care of that.” Then turning to Matt, he said, “What can I do for you today, MacGregor.”

Buck didn’t like the look of Frank Blackwell, he reminded Buck of a weasel. It was easy to tell that Frank was a fraud, that he thought himself better than others because of his money. Buck vowed to himself he would never become like that.

While those thoughts were passing through Buck’s mind, Matt was answering Frank, “I noticed your north fence was down, just wanted…”

“Frank, here’s the tea…” Kate said as she entered the room, but stopped when she spotted Buck and promptly dropped the tray she was carrying.

Buck's reaction to seeing the woman that had treated him so bad was much different. He closed himself off; the old walls he use to put up to protect himself from being hurt instantly went up.

Matt noticed the change in Buck first and quietly asked if he was ok. Victoria rushed over to help Kate clean up the tea, while Frank acted as though nothing happened. “What were you wanting Matt?” he asked his neighbor.

“Huh,” Matt responded, confused that Frank was more concerned with his visit than what was wrong with his wife. “Oh, the north fence bordering our properties is down. Thought I would see if you were going to fix it or if I needed to get some men out to take care of it.”

“As you can see most of our men are tied up here at the house with repairs,” Frank began. “ I don’t see how I can get it repaired right now. Guess you will have to take care of it MacGregor, if you really want it repaired.”

“Never mind Frank. I’ll have it taken care of by the end of the day. By the way this is my nephew Buck Cross, Luke’s brother.” That caught all of them by surprise. Victoria’s looked at Buck, trying to see anything of Luke in him. Kate was shocked, she had heard of Luke MacGregor from several people since arriving, but was taken aback to learn that Buck was his brother. Frank was taken aback also, he had plans for the gold mine that Luke had been half owner of and had no intention of sharing it with a half-breed, as he had heard people like Buck called while he was in the states.

“I assume,” Frank stated, “that Mr. Cross is Luke’s beneficiary. Then let me congratulate you, Mr. Cross. Seems you have inherited quiet a lot of nothing but what could a half-breed like you expect. ” The distain in his voice and face very evident.

“Frank!” Victoria exclaimed, not understanding but recognizing the insult. “These…”

Buck couldn’t resist that taunt, “According to Mr. Elloit at the bank my brother left me quite a bit.”

“But my father before he passed away,” Frank started to reply but was interrupted by Matt.

“Your father didn’t know as much as he thought, Frank. Buck, I believe it is time for us to leave. Victoria thank you for the hospitality, Kate it was a pleasure to met you, and Frank I see you plan on carrying on as your father did. Good day.”

As they were leaving, Victoria came out on to the porch. “Matt,” she called, “I’m sorry about Frank, it seem he will never learn. Mr. Cross, I must apologize for my brother he had no right to call you that. I don’t understand it all but I know it wasn’t complimentary.”

“I don’t hold your brother against you, Miss Blackwell.” Buck replied his voice still cold and distant.

Matt joined Buck, “You don’t control him, Victoria. We know it wasn’t you. I’ll get the fence back up, let your brother know.”

“Thank you both,” Victoria replied. As she watched them ride off toward Langara, she wonder to her self just how her new dear sister-in-law knew Buck, and why they both had the reactions they did to seeing each other.

Back at Langara, everyone was getting settled in and becoming fast friends. With one exception, Kid and Rob were both trying to get Lou’s attention. And with the argument still fresh on her mind from last night, Lou wasn’t ready to forgive Kid just yet. But she wasn’t giving Rob any encouragement either.

She watched both of them from the porch. Kid was on the wild brombie at the moment, and from what Lou could see was about to be thrown again. She jumped out of the chair she was sitting in as he went flying off the horse. As he picked himself up she watched Cody and Jimmy grab hold of the horse and Rob start to mount it. She shook her head and wondered how long this could go on. Then the more she thought about it the angrier she became.

Dani was about to say something to Lou, when Lou jumped off of the porch and walked over to the corral. Dani didn’t know Lou very well, but she could tell that the young woman was very angry. She watched as Lou approached the corral, and Rob came flying off the still wild horse.

“I don’t believe you two! What are you doing? Trying to get yourselves killed!” Lou shouted at both Rob and Kid.

“No, we’re trying to break him,” Kid responded. “Almost had him that last time.”

“Ha,” Rob said as he walked up to them. “He’s still no where near broke.”

“No one asked you,” Kid snapped.

“I believe she was asking both of us. Are you ready to try again.” Rob replied looking Kid in the eye.

“Yeah,” Kid spat in his face.

They both turned as Lou growled, “Then don’t expect me at the funeral.” She turned with that and marched back over to the porch. As soon as she did Jimmy and Cody started laughing. But Rob and Kid just stared after her, then at each other.

“Think she’s right?” Kid asked Rob.

“Probably. To tell you the truth, I’m tired of ending up in the dirt today,” Rob replied with a smile.

Kid smiled back, “Me too.” Then he offered his hand to Rob.

Dani smiled at Lou as she walked up the porch steps. “Looks like that worked.”

Lou stopped, “Huh?” Dani pointed at the corral and Lou turned. What she saw surprised her. It wasn’t the fact that both Cody and Jimmy were about doubled over in laughter, but Rob and Kid shaking hands.

“Lou?” Dani asked.

“Yeah,” Lou couldn’t take her eyes off the corral.

“The dance is tomorrow night, do you have a dress for it?”

Lou looked down at her pants and shirt, and then thought about the dresses she had brought with her. “I have a couple but something different would be nice,” she said.

“Well, it looks like we’re about the same size. I believe I have just the dress you could borrow. Come on,” Dani said as she took Lou’s hand. Neither of them saw Buck and Matt returning as they entered the house.

“Rob, I thought I told you not to and break that horse yet? He’s still too wild,” Matt commented as he dismounted.

Rob walked over to his father, “Had to try though.”

“Are you ok?”

“Fine. Kid here, too. But you are right he’s still too wild.”

“Dinner,” Kathleen called from the porch effectively putting an end to the conversation.

“After dinner why don’t you, since you have so much energy this morning, go on out to the north fence and fix it. Seems it is down again and Frank can’t spare anyone to put it back up,” Matt said.

“Sure,” Rob replied realizing that it was not only a suggestion but a punishment as well.

“I’ll help you.” Kid offered, know he was partly responsible for the fact that Rob now had to fix the fence.

“We’ll give ya a hand too,” Jimmy said.

“Now wait a minute…” Cody started, then changed his mind, “I guess that means me too.”

“Lou, you look fine. As a matter of fact you look better in it than I do in it,” Dani told Lou.

“Are you really sure, Dani?” Lou questioned. “And you’re sure your family won’t mind me borrowing it?” Lou loved the dress, and it was beautiful. It was cream colored and fitted perfectly.

“If you don’t believe me, there’s a full length mirror in Dad and Kathleen’s room. Come on everyone is at lunch no one will see us,” Dani encouraged her.

“Ok.”

Dani stuck her head out the door and checked the hallway. No one was in sight; she knew she would be right and wave to Lou to come on as she stepped into the hallway.

They made it down to the room and Lou saw that she looked as lovely as Dani had said and were returning to Dani’s room when they heard someone coming up the stairs. “It’s right down here,” they heard Rob say as he and Kid turned to come down the hall toward them. Rob looked up and spotted them then and stopped dead in his tracks. Which was a bad idea since Kid was following him so close. They had come up to get Luke’s chest from the upper floor for Matt to give to Buck.

Rob didn’t know a girl could look so beautiful. Lou was a vision in the cream colored dress that she had on. Kid was just as stunned. He had never seen Lou look more beautiful. They both just stood there staring until Dani spoke up, “Is there a problem Rob?”

“Um.Huh.No, we just came up to get Luke’s trunk for Dad. Lou, um…Has anyone,” Rob looked back at Kid, then back to Lou, “asked you to the dance tomorrow night?”

Lou looked at Kid and saw the anger spark in his eyes yet again. She kept looking at him to see if he would say anything. Not sure if Rob was asking her to the dance she answered him. “No one has asked me yet.” She thought Kid would speak up then but when he didn’t Rob when on.

“Then would you like to go with me?”

Not even looking at Kid this time, she said, “Sure, I’d like that.” Then she added as Rob smiled at her and started back down the hallway and then to Kid, “Since no one else is going to ask me.” She then turned and rushed back into Dani’s room.

Kid stood there staring after her, how could she accept Rob. He would have asked her if he thought that she would go. He just shook his head as he followed Rob down the hallway.

The next day was spent by everyone in town at the celebration. Everyone was having a good time except for Cody. That is until he spotted Montana riding in. She looked so pretty to him that at first he wasn’t sure about talking to her. But being Cody it didn’t take him long to get over that. “Nice day,” he said from behind her.

She turned around and smiled at him, “Sure is, I see you and your friends decided to stay for the race.”

“Well, Buck’s business isn’t done yet and Mr. MacGregor invited us to the celebration. We also decide to enter the race,” then the old Cody kicked in, “think you could cheer me on?”

“I don’t think that’s possible, see, I’m entering the race, too,” Montana replied.

“You’re entering the race?”

“Sure, Dani won year before last and Rob last. I thought I would see if I could this year. Besides I believe the prize is one hundred dollars this year and I could use it.”

“My friends and I ride for the express so what makes you think you could beat us,” Cody didn’t like the way the conversation was going, she was just like Lou and he could never charm Lou into anything.

“Because I can.” Montana said as she walked over and greeted the MacGregors.

From somewhere behind him Cody heard a man call for all contestants for the race to sign up. As he lined up with his friends he noticed that Lou and Dani were also entering. “They let girls ride in this race,” the words were out of his mouth before he thought and the look that both Lou and Dani sent him was chilling.

“You have a problem with that Cody?” Lou said. “Or are you just afraid that one of us will beat you?”

“Lou, never mind I know ‘Shut up, Cody’” he replied as his friends laughed around him.

The dance was to begin shortly and everyone was gathered at the hotel waiting on the ladies to come down so they could leave. First Kathleen and Rachel came down and behind them were Lou and Dani. Jimmy just stared at Dani at first then walked up and took her arm to escort her to the dance.

As they left the others and headed towards the music that was coming from the dance, she asked him, “Is something wrong Jimmy?” He wouldn’t stop looking at her, so she just knew something was wrong.

“No, I’ve just never seen anyone look so beautiful as you do.” Jimmy couldn’t believe he just said that it’s sounded like something Cody would say. “ I mean you always look beautiful to me but tonight I don’t know you just look even more so.”

Dani blushed it had been so easy to fall for this man, too easy. She knew than that she loved him but was afraid he would think she was too young. But when she looked up at him again, that thought was banished from her mind as she caught the look in his eyes. “Oh,” was all that she was able to get out as he captured her lips and kissed her. When he finally broke the kiss, Dani wasn’t to steady on her feet.

They started toward the dance again but she was the one to stop this time. Jimmy stopped beside her. As he turned to look at her he noticed she looked like she was trying to make a hard decision. She wanted to kiss him again but knew that ladies didn’t do that, but she wanted to so bad. The decision was made for her when she looked at him again, and she reached out with her gloved hand and cupped it around his cheek. She then pulled his head down and tried to return the kiss he had given her earlier. She was very inexperienced at kissing, what girl could be with two older brother and the Man from Snowy River as a father.

Jimmy was stunned; he hadn’t expected her to kiss him like that. It shook him to his boots. When she started to pull away he wrapped his arms around her and held her closer kissing her deeply. When he finally pulled away he said his voice husky, “I think we had better get to this dance.” Instead of taking her hand again though he wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close to his side. She was his now, he knew that and she knew he was hers.

After they had left Rob walked up to Lou and said, “Are you ready to leave for the dance?”

Lou smiled at him, “I guess.” Kid could tell that Lou wasn’t as sure of herself as she usually was and wanted to help her. She may have fallen for the handsome cousin of Bucks but he still cared.

“Lou,” he said as he approached her, he saw her expression change and knew that she was afraid that he would try to start a fight. He surprised her though when he said, “You look great tonight.”

Lou’s smile lit her face and he saw the tension go from her body. She was so glad that he had said that because she knew that Kid wouldn’t lie to her. “Thanks, Kid,” then she turned to Rob, “I know that I said I would go to the dance with you Rob but would you mind if Kid escorted me also. I promise to save the first dance for you though.”

Rob wasn’t sure if he like the idea of Kid walking over to the dance with them but he could see no way that he could object to it. “No problem,” he replied to Lou not even bothering to look at Kid.

“Then gentlemen I believe it is time that we got to this dance.” She took both arms that were offered her as they left. About half way there they noticed Jimmy and Dani were stopped and Lou spoke up first, “Waiting on us,” she asked.

Jimmy was the first to recover, and only Lou noticed that Dani was blushing furiously. “You could say that Lou,” he replied to her question. They proceeded onto the dance, but Rob wasn’t so sure he like the intimate way that Jimmy had his arm around his little sister. Kid and Lou looked at each other, and smiled, Jimmy sure was more at ease here than he was at home. They liked the fact that their friend was so happy.

As they entered the dance Dani was instantly surrounded by friends who wanted to know who the strangers with her and Rob were. Dani explained they were friends of Luke’s brother, who was visiting. Jimmy stood back while Dani greeted her friends. He noticed Kid was standing alone by the punch bowl while Rob and Lou were dancing and decided to join him.

Dani was being bombarded with questions about her handsome escort and fellow he was talking to. “Who is that man that was with you, Dani? Allison asked. She was Dani’s least favorite of the girls.

“His name is Jimmy and he just arrived from America like I said. He’s a friend of my cousin Buck.” Dani answered.

“Dani,” Aimee asked shyly, “who’s the young man he’s talking with?”

Dani, smiled at her best friend, “Oh, that’s his friend Kid, he’s very nice. You’d like him.” Dani knew how Kid felt about Lou but she was a very protective sister and Aimee was a nice girl she was sure that Kid would like her. “Why don’t you come over with me and I’ll introduce you.” Then teasing her friend a little she added, “He might just ask you to dance.” She grabbed Aimee’s elbow and pulled her along with her as she rejoined Jimmy and Kid.

“Jimmy, Kid I would like you to meet my friend Aimee,” Dani said as she reached them.

“Nice to meet you,” Jimmy said.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Kid followed, but his eyes never left the dance floor as he watched Rob and Lou. He kept feeling that Rob was holding Lou just a little too close. He heard Jimmy ask Dani to dance and felt his manners returning as he turned his attention to her friend. “Would you care to dance?” he asked her.

Aimee’s green eyes lit up and she nodded. She had such pretty green eyes he thought and her long hair was pulled back with a dark green ribbon that really brought them out. She smiled at him, as he led her out on to the dance floor.

“Looks like we might get more then one dance together,” Rob commented as he noticed Kid dancing with Aimee. He notice too how pretty she looked tonight but Lou was absolutely beautiful to him and he was glad to have Kid out of the way for a little while.

Lou though wasn’t sure to be happy or angry. Kid had her so confused first he was jealous and now here he was dancing with another girl. But she had agreed to come to the dance with Rob. She watched as Kid and Aimee danced again and then as they walked toward them she heard Rachel behind her, “Be nice Louise, you’re with Rob remember.” Then Teaspoon led Rachel past her and out onto the dance floor. She came back from here thoughts when she heard Rob call her name.

“Louise, would you care to dance again,” he asked.

“Sure,” she smiled at Rob; it would keep her from having to be nice to the girl that was dancing with Kid.

Buck watched his friends having a good time and was having one himself but his mind keep drifting back to the sight of Victoria Blackwell standing on the porch of her home the wind blowing through her hair. That thought was replace when the lady walked through the door.

She was dressed in a dark blue gown the color of her eyes and looked spectacular. For a moment all he could do was stare. But the moment was broke when her brother and his wife joined her. Buck turned away, but not fast enough, Matt had seen the look he had given Victoria.

Wanting to aid Buck in the way Luke never allowed him to, Matt waved to the Blackwells as they entered the dance. The look his nephew had given his late neighbor’s daughter was now masked. But Matt knew the look. The young man was very interested in her. “Good evening, Victoria, Frank,” Matt said nodding toward them. “And it’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Blackwell.”

“Mr. McGregor,” Kathleen replied.

“Matt, it’s good to see you,” Victoria stated, “I see you nephew’s family is here.”

Matt knew what she was hinting at and decided to aid the young woman. “Yes, as a matter of fact it seems my nephew has yet to find a partner, would you mind.”

“Of course,” Victoria replied with a smile, realizing once again just why she had often wished to be a part of the McGregor family.

“Buck,” Matt called to his nephew. As Buck walked up Matt whispered, “This happens to be one of Victoria’s favorite pieces but she doesn’t have a dance partner. Would you please…”

“Um…” Buck started but could not think of a reason to refuse with out being rude, “No problem.” As he walked up to Victoria she smiled at him, “Would you care to dance?”

“I’d love to,” she responded. As he led her to the dance floor she noticed him watching the young woman dancing with Rob. A feeling Victoria was not very familiar with struck the young woman. Stopping she looked at Buck, “Mr. Cross, if you would rather dance with her I’m sure Robbie would allow you to cut in.” Victoria stated, her jealousy getting the better of her.

“Huh, oh, no,” Buck replied not aware of Victoria’s jealousy yet. “She’s just a good friend, like a sister. Besides,” he said pointing at Kid, “I don’t think I want the look Kid’s shooting at Rob aimed at me.”

Victoria followed the direction that Buck pointed and noticed the young man dancing with Aimee, was definitely giving Rob and his partner a very hard stare.

Realizing she had sent he two with Buck around town Victoria relaxed a little. “Are they friends of yours?” she asked him as he took her in his arms and they began to dance.

“Yes, like I said they are family,” Buck replied.

Victoria was enjoying the dance and being held by Buck. She looked over to where Rob and Lou were talking and didn’t feel the old jealousy that had sparked before when ever someone else was with Rob. And the loss of Luke seemed to be lessening. She felt guilty as she realized that when Buck was around she seemed to forget about his brother.

As the music stopped Victoria noticed Frank heading their way. Not wanting the dance to end or for her darling brother to spoil her mood, Victoria turned to Buck, “It’s gotten quite hot in here, would you mind escorting me outside for some air?”

“Sure,” Buck replied. As they headed for the door he spotted Kathleen and her husband. Not sure if Victoria was playing a game with him as Kathleen had, Buck put himself on guard. Trying to stop the feelings that the blonde beauty was awakening in him. He thought he had buried those feelings when Kathleen had chosen her father over him.

As they reached the door the cool night air greeted them. Buck was glad to be outside, the hall had seemed awfully crowded to him. Beside him he heard Victoria sigh, and realized she was just as glad to be away from the crowd as he was.

“Thank you, the crowd was getting to be a bit much,” Victoria attempted to make conversation. But Buck was on his guard and she realized it. “Mr. Cross, at one time I may have been like my sister-in-law and judged people unfairly. But the last year has taught me much and I found that I was wrong in doing that.”

Buck was unsure whither or not to believe her. Something inside told him to be careful. But another voice told him he could trust her. “Why are you telling me this?” he asked.

“I saw the look you gave Kate that day at Bellmoral. I assume you two are acquainted,” Victoria replied. “And I just wanted you to know that I’m not like her.”

“How can I be sure of that?” Buck responded, not liking that she could read him so easily. Then he realized like it or not he believed her, and that for some reason he very at ease with her. But the hurt Kate had caused still made him wary.

“You can’t,” Victoria said. “All I can do is tell you, I had a hard lesson in choosing before and don’t plan on making that mistake again.”

“You mean Luke?” Buck wasn’t sure if he liked the way the conversation was going.

“Yes,” Victoria replied hesitantly, but decided that if he was going to trust her, she had to tell him the truth. “I once chose my father and his money over Luke. My father told me Luke was bankrupt and that if I married him he would cut me out of his life and his will. I foolishly chose him over Luke. I regretted the decision immediately but was unable to change things. I realized to late that I should have chosen Luke, I did love him.”

Buck watched her as she told her story, and when she was finished he was not sure how to respond to what she said. The guilt he saw on her face and in her eyes when she looked at him told him she was telling the truth. Slowly, as if he was afraid that she would pull away from him, he reached out his hand to touch her cheek and wipe away the tear that was there. When his hand made contact with her skin, feelings he thought he had buried deep inside awoke. As he moved closer to her, he reached out his other hand to her face. Then slowly, as if to give her a chance to stop him, he lowered his lips to hers in a gentle kiss.

Victoria felt as though the world had stopped moving. His kiss was so gentle, as he pulled away from her she felt at a loss, and wished he hadn’t stopped.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t…” But Victoria wouldn’t allow him to finish, for she pull him back to her and returned his kiss.

“Frank, look at them,” Kathleen demanded of her husband, “Aren’t you going to do something?”

Frank Blackwell thought about it for a moment. His sister had been his father’s key to ruin Luke McGregor why couldn’t he do the same. “Not right now, my dear, but soon,” he said as he placed a kiss on her forehead. “Shall we dance?”

“Frank,” Kathleen pleaded, “he’s a half-breed, for God’s sake.”

From behind them Cody answered her, “Stay away from him, Kathleen, didn’t you do enough before.” The as an after thought he added, “You didn’t seem to mind that he was a half-breed as you call him.” With a salute to Frank, Cody turned almost bumping into Jimmy, who slapped him on the back with a smile. Both pleased with the look of terror that crossed Kathleen’s face.

“What did he mean, Kate?” Frank asked.

“I have no idea, he must have mistaken me for someone else.” Kathleen hurriedly replied.

The next day was the race. Buck hoped to see Victoria before the race. Sitting in the dining room of the hotel where they all had spent the night, he watched his friends and new family members at they ate breakfast.

Rob and Lou were talking at one end of the table, until that is Lou stood and stormed out. “What did I say?” Rob looked at Cody who wouldn’t stop laughing.

Kid was smiling too, as he said, “She doesn’t like to be told what to do.”

“All I said was I didn’t think it would be safe for her to ride in the race,” Rob replied.

Jimmy just about choked on his breakfast when Rob said that, while Teaspoon looked at Rachel and just shook his head.

Dani jumped into the conversation then with, “Not safe. Have you forgotten who won the race last year, Robbie?”

“You weren’t suppose to be in the race and you know it,” Rob replied to his sister.

“But I was and I did win and I plan to win again this year,” with that she stood and mad to follow Lou. Jimmy stopped laughing then and went after her.

He caught up with Lou and Dani sitting in front of the hotel on a bench. Jimmy wasn’t sure what to say but asked Lou, “You ok?”

“Yeah, I just thought Rob was different then this morning he says he doesn’t want me riding in the race. That it’s dangerous. It’s a lot safer then riding for the Express. Besides it’s just a race.”

Dani laughed, “ He doesn’t like the idea of me riding either, but he wouldn’t try to stop me. And he won’t try to stop you either. Come on let’s go get our horses ready and I’ll tell you how to deal with Robbie.”

Lou was the one to laugh now, and Jimmy smiled, “Someone else we know could use a sister like her.”

They left Jimmy standing there laughing as the stage rolled up. Victoria stepped out of the hotel at the same time and Jimmy wondered if Buck knew she was there. “Good Morning, Miss Blackwood,” Jimmy greeted her.

“Good day, Mr…” Victoria trailed off as the presumed dead Oliver Blackwood stepped off of the stage. The next thing Jimmy knew he was catching her before she could hit the ground.

“Victoria,” Oliver shouted as he reached his daughter’s side quickly. He patted her cheeks as he tried to revive her. Everyone in the dining room had heard the commotion and rushed outside. Buck noticed Victoria first and rushed to her side, ignoring everything else. The MacGregors were stunned to see Oliver beside Victoria. Someone suggested getting Victoria inside to a couch. Oliver leaned to pick her up but Buck beat him to it. Oliver Blackwood watched as the young man carried his daughter into the hotel.

Once inside the hotel Buck gently placed Victoria on a couch in the parlor of the hotel. Oliver followed them and watched Buck’s tender actions toward Victoria. The concerned look on Buck’s face touched the once hard Oliver. He could tell the young man truly cared for his daughter. Oliver silently vowed to himself then not to repeat the mistakes of the past by interfering with what was happening between the two young people.

As Buck tried to wake Victoria, Matt pulled Oliver to the side. “We thought you were dead, Oliver,” Matt said.

“I should be,” Oliver replied. But they came back for me. I didn’t understand it but they followed me and when I finally collapsed they rescued me. That’s where I’ve been these last few months. It was safe there I didn’t have to face her or myself with the things I had done. Do you think she can forgive me?”

“I don’t know, but you’ve changed,” Matt replied, “And for the better, it seems.”

“Just what is going on here?” Frank began as he stormed in followed by Kathleen. “And just what is that nephew of yours doing to my sister, MacGregor?!”

“Nephew?” Oliver said low. “I thought…that’s not Luke.”

“No,” Matt replied over his shoulder to Oliver, “he’s Luke’s brother. Luke left everything to him.”

“MacGregor,” Frank started again, “I demand you get that nephew of yours away from my sister.”

“Shut up, Frank,” Oliver said as he stepped from behind Matt. “He’s not hurting her. Besides, I believe you and I have some talking to do, son.”

Frank stood stunned, his worst nightmare coming to life before his eyes. His father was alive. How was he going to explain everything? He had lost so much and had only managed to regain a small part of it by marrying Kathleen. And Bellmoral was still being repaired. He had failed his father again. Just how was he going to explain it all, and just how much did his father know.

“Frank, do you know this man?” Kathleen asked. Frank looked between his wife and father and just shook his head.

“Since my son can’t seem to find his voice at the moment, let me introduce myself. I’m Oliver Blackwell, Frank’s father,” Oliver said with a laugh.

“But you’re dead,” Kathleen stuttered.

“No, not yet,” Oliver replied with a smile. “I was just lost for a short while.”

“Father, when did you return?” Frank asked.

“On the morning stage, son. It’s good to see you,” Oliver said, and then hugged his son. Frank was really confused now never in his life had his father hugged him.

“Father?” Victoria called as she slowly came around. Spotting Buck and not Oliver she softly started to cry as she sat up. “Did you see him, Buck? My father? I thought I saw him step off of the stage.”

“Victoria,” Oliver said from behind Buck, “I’m here.”

“Father!” she shouted. “You’re alive.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Buck start to ease away. Victoria grabbed his hand, “Buck, please don’t go,” she pleaded. Buck looked at Oliver not sure if he should stay.

“Yes, please, stay,” Oliver said. Then turning to Victoria, he said, “My dear, are you okay?”

“I thought you were dead. We all did. Why did you come back? You won’t change my mind this time,” Victoria was letting everything out in a rush. All her anger, fear, and frustration she had felt since her father had disappeared. She looked at Buck and then back at her father. “I’ve changed father. I learned I could make it on my own. Without your help.”

“I can see,” Oliver said. He was proud of what he saw in her eyes. Where he had once seen a spoiled child, there stood a confident and sure woman. “I came back because…well…let’s say, I learned some hard lessons. And I needed to see you and your brother again to apologize for my mistakes.

Victoria was stunned she had never in her life heard her father apologize. “What’s happened to you father? You’ve changed.”

“Yes, I guess I have,” Oliver replied with a laugh.

Later that morning as Victoria and Oliver were getting reacquainted the others, including Frank, were preparing for the race. Lou and Dani were just finishing as the boys arrived at the stables. “You really set on doing this Lou?” Kid asked.

“You know I am,” Lou replied as she led her horse past him.

“Lou…” Kid and Rob said at the same time.

“I wouldn’t do that you two. You know how she get,” Jimmy warned them.

At the same time both Kid and Rob replied, “Stay out of this Jimmy.” That sent Cody and Buck into a fit of laughter.

“He learns fast,” Cody said pointing at Rob.

“Sure does,” Buck replied as they entered the stables.

A short while later they were lined up at the starting line. “Gentleman,” the mayor called, “um…and ladies, are you ready.” When he was certain they all were he fired the starter’s pistol.

As they took off Rob and Kid were in the lead, followed closely by Jimmy and Buck. Then came Dani and Lou, who were trying hard to hold back their mounts. Cody and Montana were toward the back.

Coming around a sharp bend in the path, Cody’s horse slipped and went down. Montana who was following him very close was thrown when her horse came to a sudden stop. Both riders had the breath knocked out of them when they hit the ground. Cody was the first to come around. Spotting Montana not far away but still out, Cody painfully moved toward her. When he reached her, he gently brushed the hair out of her face. She was so pretty he thought to himself. After making sure she was ok, he looked back at her face and changed his mind, no, she wasn’t just pretty, she was down right beautiful.

Thinking to steal a kiss before Montana came around, Cody leaned over and closed his eyes. Montana though, came around about the same time. “Just what the hell do you’re doing,” she snapped at him.

Cody was stunned for am moment but came back to himself quickly. “I was about to kiss you,” he said with a mischievous grin.

“That was obvious to anyone with eyes,” Montana quipped.

“You okay?” Cody asked. “That was a pretty bad fall, knocked the wind right out of me.”

“I’m fine if you would get off of me,” she replied as she pushed at Cody.

Laughing Cody sat back. “What are you doing here, Miss Montana?” Cody asked.

Learning to run a cattle station, or trying to run one,” Montana said as she sat up. “Looks like we’re not going to finish the race.”

“Nope, I’ll have to beat you another day,” Cody said with a laugh.

“Would you please quit grinning at me like that,” Montana said, an edge of exasperation in her voice.

Cody laughed out loud again as he stood and offered Montana his hand to help her up. Catching Montana off guard when she was on her feet he pulled her to him and kissed her.

Pulling away Montana just started at Cody who had finally quit grinning. This time it was Montana who put her arms around Cody’s neck and kissed him. When they finally broke the kiss, Cody asked her, “Your real name isn’t Montana is it?”

“No,” Montana replied a small smile playing on her lips, “It’s Louisa.”

“I think Montana fits you better,” Cody laughed. “Besides I definitely can’t call ya Lou.”

While Cody and Montana were getting better acquainted the others were continuing the race. Jimmy, Buck, Rob, and Kid were the front-runners and each kept taking over the lead. Lou and Dani were right behind them. As they reached the cliff Matt had gone down years earlier, Rob and Kid yelled and went over the side, causing Jimmy and Buck to pull up.

Lou having been forewarned by Dani that the two young men might just do go down the cliff, then took the lead, with Dani right beside her. Frank was right behind them.

Jimmy and Buck, after making sure Rob and Kid were ok caught up to Frank and passed him with ease. The trouble was that they just couldn’t seem to catch Lou and Dani, who were racing all out now.

As the finish line got closer Dani and Lou smiled at one another. Seconds later they crossed the finish line together, figuring that would teach the guys that they could ride as well as any of them.

Buck and Jimmy were close behind them, with Jimmy following Buck across the finish line. As they finally caught up with Lou and Dani they were all laughing. Turning towards the crowd, Buck spotted Victoria standing with Oliver and Kathleen. A sinking feeling rose in his stomach as memories of another race came rushing back. Victoria smiled at him but his mind cautioned him not to get too close. Turning away he smiled at Lou and Dani, who were laughing at the mock expression of anger on Jimmy’s face.

Victoria couldn’t for the life of her figure out what was wrong. When the race had started Buck had seemed fine but now he’d just turned away from her. Looking up at her father she tried to smile but it didn’t work. Excusing herself she headed for Jesse’s hotel. Kathleen caught up with her there.

“Leave me alone, Kate,” Victoria said as her sister in law followed her into the small parlor of the hotel.

Putting on a false face of concern Kathleen said, “You looked a bit upset out there. I thought I would make sure you were, ok.”

“I’m fine,” Victoria replied as she watched from the window as Matt and Jack rode in with Kid and Rob in tow. She smiled a little to herself as she noticed the look of the two young men. They looked like to little boys who had just gotten caught doing something they shouldn’t have and were in big trouble.

“Are you sure?” Kathleen asked again. Something had upset Victoria and she was sure it had something to do with Buck. She was secretly pleased that the couple was not as intimate as she and Frank thought they were. “I just want to help if I can,” Kathleen said, the false concern making her voice sugary sweet.

Victoria turned away from the window and looked at Kathleen. She had been standing next to Victoria and Oliver as the riders had crossed the finish line. Recalling remarks that she had over heard some of Buck’s friends make and Buck’s reactions toward her, Victoria decided she would get the whole story out of her sister in law and then confront Buck. “Well, I’m fine I guess,” Victoria lied, “Just confused at why Buck didn’t come over to us after the race.”

“Oh,” Kathleen commented. “Yes, you know any gentleman would have come over and allowed us to congratulate him,” Victoria replied, realizing it wasn’t going to be easy to get the story out of her sister in law. “I just can’t figure that man out,” Victoria whined, hating the smug look Kathleen was now wearing. “Well, dear, we did try to warn you about him,” Kathleen said carefully not want to anger Victoria.

Victoria smiled inside maybe this wasn’t going to be a difficult as she thought. Though to Kathleen she said, “Yes, you did but how did you know?”

“Um…” Kathleen hesitated, “You mean he didn’t tell you?”

“No, but I’m sure a man like that, half wild like he is, wouldn’t,” Victoria said. Again to herself she thought, “Come on, sister dear, tell me what you did to make him so suspicious of me.”

“Well, my father took over the bank in Sweetwater, and there was a Pony Express station there where Buck and his friends worked for a while. I met Buck when he won the race at the Founder’s Day celebration and presented him the prize. I was such a child then and he was a handsome young man someone I thought I could use to get back at my father. You know what I mean coming from the a similar back ground as myself.”

Victoria reddened, unfortunately she did. Hadn’t she used Luke in the beginning the same way? “Of course,” she replied urging Kathleen on.

“Then my father’s man decided he had worked hard enough for my father that he had earned the right to marry me. Needless to say I didn’t want him and the only way I could convince my father was to show him, how he really was. Well, Buck was just the person to do that. He’s a half-breed, and they are very dangerous. So Bryce showed his true colors and threatened my father with blackmail and then threatened to kill him. Buck showed up while Bryce had a gun on my father and killed him.”

By the time Kathleen had finished her story Victoria was seething mad. “So what happened did they arrest Buck?” she asked a calmly as she could.

“Oh, no,” Kathleen said, “the marshal said since Bryce was threatening father that nothing else could have been done. Father and I moved on shortly after that.”

“You just left,” a bit of the anger Victoria was feeling putting an edge in her voice.

“Of course, my father needed me, I couldn’t just go with Buck.”

Victoria felt like she was going to explode, but Lou having seen the two young women enter the hotel had been listening and stepped into the room. “You left out what happened when he tried to help you runaway from your father and what your father’s men did to Buck,” Lou said anger very apparent in her voice.

“Um…well, that’s not important. What is, is that Victoria knows that Buck killed a man,” Kathleen scrambled for any defense of her actions.

“Oh, it’s not important that, that man hired two other to drag him behind a horse, pour molasses over him and fathers, smear paint on his face,” with every word Lou advanced more and more into the room and toward Kathleen. “Buck doesn’t know I know what happened, he thinks only Teaspoon was the only one in the barn that night. But I was up in the loft. I saw what caring about you caused to happen to him, and it’s not going to happen again,” Lou spat in Kathleen’s face.

Victoria could see how much Lou cared about her friend. “It won’t,” Victoria said with a deathly calm. “ I let my father push me away from the man I loved once before. I won’t allow it to happen again. You were a fool, Kathleen. I learned my lesson about letting my father run my life. You it seems didn’t learn anything. I know all about you and my dear brother. By the way did he tell you about having to pay my inheritance from father back,” Victoria put in her own jibe.

“You two have not idea…” Kathleen trailed off seeing her fake hysterics weren’t earning her any sympathy. “He’s a heathen, a savage…” Lou reared back and was about to slap Kathleen when Jimmy grabbed her arm. Victoria though had no one to stop her and landed a stinging slap across Kathleen’s face.

“What the bloody hell is going on in here?” Frank shouted walking into the room just as Victoria slapped his wife.

Pushing past him Victoria said, “Learning your dear wife is not the lady you think.”

“Victoria come back here this instant,” Frank called after her.

Not even turning around Victoria replied simply, “NO!” She didn’t go far though; her father was on the porch of the hotel. Seeing Victoria distraught face Oliver took her arm asking, “Victoria, what’s wrong?”

Looking at her father, Victoria realized once again the full meaning of the mistake she had made when she allowed her father and his money to come between her and Luke. The tears she’d been holding back began to over flow her eyes as she started to shake her head. “No,” she moaned. “I won’t allow you and Frank to come between me and Buck. I won’t allow it,” she sobbed. She tried to pull away but Oliver held on to her arm.

“Victoria calm down. I wouldn’t…” Oliver had started to tell her but stopped. He realized he had once before, he had made her choose her inheritance and him over the man she loved. She was different now though with him gone she’d grown into a woman with a mind of her own. “I will never again do that to you. Besides,” he told her with a smile, “you’d probably tell me to go to hell.”

Smiling at her father, through the tears she said, “That I would.”

“Also,” he told her, “I like that boy, he’s more settled then his brother was. He’d be good to you and for you. Matt is trying to talk him into staying. Joining Langara to his place.” Oliver saw the hope spark in Victoria’s eyes when he said that Buck might stay. “Probably be easier for him to convince the boy to stay if he had someone to stay for.”

“But…” she started.

“No, buts,” her father said, “Find him and let him know how you feel. Now, Victoria.” Oliver pushed Victoria toward the Livery Stables saying, “He’s down there cooling down his horse.”

Victoria turned back towards her father but he just nodded and pointed towards to livery. Victoria couldn’t remember a time when she‘d been more scared. She kept telling herself, you have to tell him how you feel. You have to.

The closer she came to the stables the more she dreaded that he would tell her to go away. That he would laugh at her. Always calm, always cool, always sure of herself Victoria Blackwood was terrified of telling this man that she was in love with him.

Mustering every last bit of courage she had, she opened the small side door of the stables and slipped inside. She stood very still while her eyes adjusted to the dim interior. She felt his presence before she saw him. He was in the stall with his horse, rubbing the animal down. She watched him for a moment then slowly walked over to him. “Buck,” she said as she approached wanting to let him know she was there.

The only sign she received that told her he knew she was there was the fact he stopped brushing the horse. “Buck, are you angry with me?” she asked hesitantly.

“No,” came the curt replied. Buck wanted to look at her so bad but he knew he couldn’t. She deserved someone better, some one that…

“Damn it, Buck Cross, look at me,” Victoria lashed out. “I came down here to tell you I love you,” she said as she rushed on. “I told you I made a mistake in the past and let the man I love go for my father. That…that was the biggest mistake of my life. I can’t change that. But I did change me. I grew up,” Victoria finished finally catching her breath. She heard an amazing sound then, Buck laughed… at her.

“Do you always talk so fast when you’re angry?” he asked.

“No, when I’m scared.”

That sobered him, and he stopped laughing. “Scared of what? Me?”

“That you won’t, can’t or don’t love me,” Victoria said quietly.

He didn’t answer her right away and that began to disturb Victoria. A million things raced through Buck’s mind at once. She loved him. His fingers dropped the brush he was holding as that sunk in to his befuddled brain. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her though. What if she was lying to him, what if she was playing him for a fool like Kathleen had? Would he be able to read it in her face, her eyes?

Quietly, almost too quietly Victoria said, “She told me everything, Buck. I’m not proud of it but I tricked her into telling me everything. Buck, I’m not her and how she could have…she’s crazy, Buck, to choose my darling brother over you.”

That got Buck’s attention and he turned to face her. “She told you everything,” Buck said the sinking feeling coming back.

“Everything,” Victoria said stepping into the stall. “And like I said she’s crazy,” Victoria said with a nervous laugh as Buck closed the distance between them.

“You love me?” he asked.

All Victoria could do was nod.

His smile lit his whole face. “Then I guess I love you, too.”

“You guess?” her voice quivered.

This time he laughed, “No guessing about it. I love you.”

“You do?”

“Yes,” was his simple answer.

Victoria was relived at first, and then excitement started to fill her. She threw her arms around Buck’s neck and kissed him.

Buck sat her away from him. Victoria was confused at first but she saw the love shining in Buck’s eyes. “Will you marry me?” he asked.

Victoria didn’t even have to think about it. “Yes,” was her excited reply.

“Come on,” he said as he pulled her behind him. He saw Frank and Oliver on the porch of the hotel and headed straight for them. As he approached Oliver, Buck spotted Kathleen. He almost changed his mind, but instead when he was beside Oliver he said, “Mr. Blackwell, I love your daughter and she love me. She’s accepted my proposal but I believe she’d like your blessing.” Buck took a deep breath, he not been this nervous in a long time. He’d heard Victoria catch her breath as he’d started to speak.

Frank was furious how dare this, this mongrel dare to think he’d be allowed to marry his sister. “Now…”

“Of course you have my blessing,” Oliver replied happiness for his daughter very apparent in voice.

Victoria ws a bit stunned, she knew her father had said he’d changed but still was leery of if it was true or not. Now, though, she could see it was. She breathe for the first time since they’d joined her father and brother on the porch of the hotel. Stepping up to her father, she hugged him and whispered, “Thank you. I love you, father.”

“I love you, too,” Oliver said his voice thick.

“Father,” Frank whined, “I don’t thin….”

“Frank is there something about this marriage you object to?” Oliver asked a warning to his son clear both on his face and in his voice.

Frank still afraid of his father mumbled, “Not at all.”

“But Frank,” Kathleen said from behind him, “You can’t mean you allow your sister to marry him?”

Lou, Rob and Kid had been leaving the hotel when they heard Kathleen ask her question. Happy for Buck but still very angry with Kathleen Lou started o head over but Kid took her arm and headed toward Buck to congratulate their friend. Rob was happy for the couple but a bit stunned that Victoria was going to marry. Teaspoon and Matt had been coming up from behind Oliver and both men smiled at the news. Cody though was the one to sting Kathleen for her coarse remark as he and Montana approached from behind her and Frank. For once though Cody kept his voice love say from directly behind Kathleen, “What you want him for yourself still? Let it go,” Cody said sarcasm and mock concern clearly in his voice, “he loves her.”

Kathleen paled as she realized Frank had over heard everything Cody had said. “Frank I can explain,” she said.

“I sure hope so,” Frank said as he pulled his wife away from the newly engaged couple and their well-wishers.

“That wasn’t nice Billy Cody,” Montana scolded him.

“No it wasn’t,” Cody said with a grin. “But after what she pulled back home, I’d do it again.”

Lou had seen the exchange between Cody and Kathleen and Kathleen’s reaction. She smiled at Cody. “Who’s that?” Montana asked a spark of jealousy in her voice.

“Lou,” Cody said as he returned Lou’s smile.

“Lou?” Montana asked.

Looking down at Montana, Cody laughed as he spotted the jealousy on her face, “Don’t even let that cross your mind. She’s a friend, like a sister.”

“Oh,” Montana said as her smile returned.

Later that evening after they’d returned to Langara. Teaspoon pulled Buck aside, “You plannin’ on stayin’ here, son?”

Buck wasn’t sure what to say. He had thought about it and he was accepted here. “ I was thinking about it.”

“It’s a beautiful country,” Teaspoon replied. “You know the boys and I, even Lou, would do what ever it took to help out the Kiowa if you decide to stay.”

“Matt and the others accept me, Teaspoon, like you and the riders did. It’s easier her for me.”

“I know, son. You going to keep that big place your brother left you?”

“No, I’m going to keep the land, but that house isn’t a home. I thought I could build us a place further back on the property.”

“Rob, Collin, and I will help you,” Matt said walking out onto the porch. “You and Victoria can stay here at Langara until it’s finished.”

Teaspoon smiled, “Well, son, it looks like I’m leaving you in good hands.” Inside though, Teaspoon wished all his riders could find a family like Buck had.

Meanwhile from a corner of the porch Kid watched Lou and Rob down by the corral. He wished he could make her laugh like that still.

“Rob, how could you have done that to Victoria?” Lou asked with a giggle.

“Well, she was pretty uppity then. She’s changed a lot,” Rob answered. “She really loves Buck.” Things grew quiet between them, and then Rob asked, “You still love him don’t you?”

Lou was taken off guard. She hadn’t thought about it much lately, but now that she was she had to admit she still loved Kid. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

“Don’t you think you should tell him?” Rob asked.

“I don’t know,” Lou mumbled. “I don’t think he feels the same.”

“You think he raced me down that cliff for nothing,” Rob said.

“Huh? All Dani did was tell me you and he had a bet about whether or not he could beat you on the original ride,” Lou answered.

“The deal was if he won I’d stay away from you and if I won he’d stay away,” Rob told her.

“Kid lost?” Lou asked realizing she hadn’t seen him since they got back.

“Actually,” Rob said with a smile, “It was a tie.”

Lou laughed, “A tie. Maybe you should ride for the express.”

“No, I think I’ll stick to the livery and Langara for now,” Rob replied. “Good night, Lou,” Rob said as he kissed her on the cheek and headed back up to the house. As Lou stood there, she grew angrier with Kid for betting on her. Why she ought to….her thoughts trailed off as she heard Kid say, “You stayin,” behind when we leave?”

“Wasn’t planning on it,” was her reply.

“Rob’s coming with you back to Rock Creek?” Kid asked.

“No, this is his home,” Lou laughed to herself, she was waiting he’d ask her soon enough she knew.

“Be kind of hard to carry on a relationship that far apart,” Kid said.

“Why, Kid, Rob’s just a friend,” Lou said.

“Oh, I’m sorry about Jimmy, looks like he and Dani are pretty close.”

Lou wanted to burst out laughing. “Yeah, they are. Nice ain’t it. Think he’ll stay behind?”

“He might, you’ll miss him.”

“Sure will he’s a good friend,” Lou replied. “You’ll miss him, too, right?”

“Yeah, um, Lou, I’m sorry,” Kid said.

Turning towards him, she asked with a smile, “For what, Kid?”

“For what I said the day the boys were teasing me about Samantha. I didn’t mean it, Lou,” Kid said. He watched the laughter fade from her eyes. Damn, he thought, he’d done it again, he’d just hurt her. “I’m sorry, Lou. I didn’t mean to…” he trailed off, why didn’t the words ever come out right around her.

Lou watched him. She could tell he was sorry, for what he’d said. He startled her out of her thoughts with his next words though, “Are you coming home with us, or are you going to stay here with Rob?” He wasn’t looking at her couldn’t look at her.

Lou needed to see Kid’s face, see what was written there. Reaching up she placed her hand on his cheek and he looked at her. “I’m going home,” she told him in a quiet voice but the smile she wore was the most beautiful site he’d ever seen. She surprised him even more then when she kissed him, saying, “I love you, Kid.”

Since the riders needed to get back home to their jobs and the station, it was decided that the wedding of Buck and Victoria would be a week later. The morning of the day before the wedding, Matt found Buck staring out over the corral. As he approached he asked his nephew, “Is there a problem?”

“No, not really,” Buck started to reply then decided to tell his uncle the truth and hope he understood. “Well, it’s a tradition among my mother’s people, the Kiowa, to present the father with a gift for taking his daughter…” then he hesitated a bit, hoping his uncle understood.

“Then I guess we need to that this afternoon since the wedding is tomorrow. What kind of gift were you thinking of?” Matt asked.

Matt never ceased to amaze Buck. He understood. Buck smiled as he faced his uncle, “I need to buy some horses from you.”

“How many?” Matt asked.

“Oh, about ten.”

“She means that much to you?”

“Yes.”

“Then consider them my wedding present to you both. And when you make your choice, son, pick the best of the herd.”

“Of course,” Buck replied. “Will you help me take them over?”

Matt was the one to smile this time, “It’d be my pleasure.”

A few hours later, Teaspoon, Matt and Buck rode up to Bellmoral. As they got closer they could see the Blackwells gathered on the porch.

Buck was the first to speak. “It’s a Kiowa tradition to present the father of the bride with a gift of value to equal the value of the bride to the groom. Horses are very valuable to my people. Please accept these the way they are intended.” Buck then handed the reins of all ten horses to Oliver.

“I do,” Oliver replied with a smile. “I know you will value her as much as I do. Thank you.”

Victoria walked up to Buck, “I take it this means you love me very much?”

Buck smiled down at her, “Yes.”

“Um, I like that,” Victoria smiled as she kissed Buck on the cheek, then she whispered in his ear, “And I’ll remember that always. I can’t wait for tomorrow.” With that she turned said good evening to everyone and went into the house.

Buck smiled at her back as she did and remounted his horse to leave. As he did out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kathleen standing next to Frank and if looks could kill he’d have been a dead man. Then it dawned hit him, what he had said to her that day out on the prairie. “You’re worth 6.”

Somewhere inside a little voice in him shouted. The revenge was sweet even though he never even realized he was doing it.

Back on the porch Kathleen just stared after him. How could he do that to her? It was then that she finally realized he loved Victoria. Oh, how she hated her sister-in-law.

Teaspoon, too, had noticed the look Kathleen was wearing. He chuckled to himself. Served her right for what she had done to the boy, he loved like a son. He patted Buck on the back as he rode past saying, “Red Bear would be proud, on both counts.”

Buck smiled, Red Bear would have approved and been proud of him, Teaspoon was right. Buck slowed his horse then as more thoughts filled his mind. He’d had to come half way around the world but he was accepted here. He had a home and family and a woman who loved him. He was luck. He’d miss Teaspoon and the others. Here though her felt like he was finally home.

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