Prologue
“Hey Lou! You got a letter!” Jimmy’s shout drew Lou’s attention from where she was trying to clean Katy’s hooves. She’d been taking care of the mare while Kid was on his latest run.
“Thanks.” Lou straightened from her position and dusted her hands on her pants, reaching for the letter she smiled at her friend before tearing into the envelope.
Unfolding the paper she frowned at the writing, then realized who had sent it.
“Who’s coming?” Jimmy hollered with a frown as Lou disappeared in the house. Shaking his head at her, Jimmy walked away he had a horse to care for.
Part One
From where he sat Buck could cheerfully have killed the young woman sitting next to him. So far she hadn’t shut up the entire three miles since he’d gotten on the stage after having his horse shot out from under him.
Feeling the stage pulling up, he glanced out the window to see five riders sitting in the middle of the road. “Wonder what they want.” He muttered.
“What are you talking about?” Laura Greye asked.
“There’s several riders in the road. Wonder what they want.”
Laura swallowed, feeling a sense of dread. They wouldn’t have followed her she thought as the stage came to a dead halt. Hearing the men moving around she tried to stem her fears as the familiar void of blindness prevented her from seeing what she needed to know.
“Alright everyone out.” The leader called sending a chill down her spine. Grasping her clutch tightly, she tried to calm herself with the knowledge that she wasn’t her sister, after all Jenny had red hair, she had blonde.
Climbing down from the stage she stood next to the familiar voice that had recently climbed on. He’d been muttering about her chattering since he’d settled next to her and she felt comfortable with him, despite the tension she could feel within the confines of the stage.
“Hey Boss.” A tall thin man with hard green eyes stared at the pretty blonde who stood quietly next to the half-breed who watched them impassively. “Is this the one you was talking about?”
“Naw. Jenny’s got red hair.” The man shook his head. “But she does have some valuables, take ‘em and lets get out of here.” The man ordered.
Reaching out Laura gasped as the man yanked off the small cameo she wore at her throat, tearing the delicate lace that decorated the collar of her travelling gown. When he trailed his hand down her bodice she shrank back, bumping into the tall man who’d been grumbling earlier.
“Leave her be.” Buck warned, he didn’t like seeing anyone taken advantage of, especially a lady.
“Listen breed, shut up or I’ll kill yah.” The man turned his attention away from the young woman his face pinched in rage.
“Leave both of ‘em be.” The order had everyone jumping. “We ain’t got time for your stupidity Bart so lets go.”
Buck watched the man glare at him as he grabbed his trailing reins, he tensed when another man with a familiar looking collar joined the others.
“Awe, ain’t that cute.” The new man snickered staring at the half-blood derisively.
“You ready?” The boss declared.
“Sure.”
Watching them ride off Buck relaxed slightly only to step in front of the young woman when two of them circled back. He felt sick when they grabbed his travelling companion and pulled her onto the back of one of their horses.
Laura screamed when she felt someone lift her up and slap her on the back of the horse. Struggling she kicked out at her captures hoping that they’d just let her go, but thinking they wouldn’t.
“Bring the breed to.” The boss called, he had plans for later that night. He’d send the breed back with a message, maybe he could get a handsome reward for the woman.
Buck felt the sharp pain of a gun butt to the head a moment after the resounding pot of a gunshot going off and wondered who’d they’d killed. Probably the driver.
When he came to he was laying tied up in the middle of a dirt floor of a cabin, the young woman sitting bound opposite him. Glancing around he wondered briefly how he’d managed to get himself into these predicaments.
“Hello?” Laura called out softly. She wondered why she couldn’t hear anything and for the first time in years actually regretted being blind.
“Hi.” Buck said struggling into a sitting position with his hands and feet bound. He glanced around, there didn’t appear to be any windows, and only the one door. A lantern sat glowing on a table across the room, illuminating the dark confines and he swallowed thankful that he could at least see what was around him.
“I’m sorry.” Laura tried not to let the fear she felt show in her voice. “I couldn’t talk them into letting us go.”
“Why aren’t I surprised?” Buck muttered shaking his head.
“Are you hurt?” Laura asked quickly hearing the rustling of his movements, they sounded jerky not at all like when he’d climbed into the stage.
“Only a massive headache.” Buck replied with a frown. For the first time since he’d met her he studied the young woman who stared lifelessly at the wall. “Hey it ain’t that bad. I’ve been in worse positions than this.” He teased hoping she’d glance at him. Feeling his blood run cold he stared as she turned her head toward him with a shy smile.
“I’m sure you’ll be able to get us out of here. I’m Laura Greye by the way.”
“Buck Cross.” A quick glance confirmed they’d taken his knife as well as his gun.
“Cross?” Laura frowned. “Are you Scottish?”
“No. Kiowa.” Buck replied waiting with a sick sense of glee to see what her reaction would be. He’d gotten so used to derision when he’d revealed his heritage, it’d be interesting to see how this woman reacted to being caged with an Indian.
“Kiowa!” Laura grinned. “I’ve always wanted to meet a real live Indian. Oh I know it’s not lady-like and I’ll rot in hell forever but, tell me about yourself.”
“I’m actually only half-Kiowa.” Buck said. “I’m an express rider, stationed in Rock Creek. You do know what an express rider is don’t you?”
“Rock Creek?” Laura frowned. “Do you know Lou McCloud?”
“Yeah. Lou’s stationed in Rock Creek with me and four others.” Buck answered her swiftly as he heard footfalls. Both of them glanced up as the door opened and the tall man with the preacher’s collar stepped into the confines of the room.
“I see you’ve made yourselves right at home.” The man drawled carelessly walking toward the lantern.
“I still don’t understand why you’ve brought us here.” Laura shrank back against the wall as he walked near her.
“Simple.” The man knelt next to the young woman and reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. Seeing her sit still until his hand brushed her skin, he frowned. A slight movement in front of her face cleared his mind, allowing realization to dawn. The woman was blind, and unless he missed his guess was travelling with the half-breed. “We couldn’t leave you out there with a dead stage driver. When we pull out in a couple of days, you’ll be free to go until then.” With a shrug he glanced at the Indian. “I’m afraid you two are out guests.”
“Look leave her alone. She hasn’t done anything.” Buck protested, certain that the man was lying.
“It’s not up to me.” The man shrugged again. “I will untie you both. No sense in you two being trussed up like turkeys at thanksgiving.” Kneeling he made short work of the ropes before walking to the door. Pushing it open he turned back to them and a cold smile. “The boss ordered you to have something to eat, so they’ll bring you some stew in a few minutes. You best eat up, wouldn’t want you to die from starvation now.”
Hearing the click of the door Laura leaned her head back against the wall and sighed. “This trip just keeps getting worse.”
“I take it you’ve been on the road a while?” Buck asked walking over to sit next to her. For some reason her chatter would be a welcome distraction he thought.
“Seems like forever.” Laura turned her head toward the man sitting next to her. “About six months. I started off in Minnesota, then worked my way around to Nebraska. I’m sick of travelling.”
“That’s all I do is travel. Don’t seem fair that you hate it and have to do it so much.” Buck raised his knees to rest his folded hands on.
“Oh I used to love travelling. Or I did until my parents were killed in a wagon accident years ago, that’s how I met Lou and her brother and sister.” Laura groaned. “Sorry, I sometimes forget that Lou doesn’t want everyone to know her little secret.”
“Oh I know about her. Out of all of us, Kid’s known the longest.” Buck smiled at the thought of those two.
“I have a letter from Lou, could you read it for me?” Laura asked pulling the wrinkled envelope from a pocket in her skirt.
“Are you sure. I mean maybe you should just read it.” Buck wasn’t sure he wanted to know what Lou had to say about her life with the pony express.
“I would read it if I could.” Laura replied. “But being blind I can’t read the same way as you.”
“I’d be delighted.” Buck took the envelope and opened it to reveal a tightly crammed letter written in Lou’s distinct scrawl. He cleared his throat and tilted the letter toward the light.
Buck glanced sharply at Laura, “You sure you want me to finish this?”
“Please do. Kid sounds so much like a romantic.” Laura smiled softly.
“Naw, he’s just Kid.” Buck smiled. “With him its black or white. He loves her, the poor fool. I’m just not sure he knows how to show her other than smother her.”
“Women have a way of getting what they want from men, especially when we’re in love.” Laura laughed.
“If you don’t mind me asking, where’s your husband?”
“I’m not married.” Laura replied. “Never got married. Once he realized I was blind, he left faster than a prairie fire.” With a shrug she patted his arm awkwardly. “Please continue.”
Turning back to the letter Buck took a breath,
“She has no idea.” Laura muttered as the door opened to reveal the preacher man with a tray containing to bowls and several chunks of bread. “Supper’s ready you two. Best eat up.” Sitting the tray down a few feet from the door he retreated closing the door with a resounding click.
“Well, supper’s served I guess.” Laura shifted.
“I’ll get it.” Buck moved quickly retrieving the bowls and bread before settling down next to her and handing her the bowl. “You want some help with that?”
“I’m blind, not dead.” Laura laughed. “I’ve been feeding myself for ages now Buck, I learned a long time ago.”
“I’m sure you did.” Buck acknowledged watching her as she ate the stew quickly. Sitting the finished bowls down next to the door he pulled her closer and took his jacket off. “Here you best get some rest.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll rest to. Don’t worry, just figure one of us should stay on watch.” Buck explained.
“Okay but wake me if you get tired.” Laura declared closing her eyes. Within seconds her breathing had evened out and she was sleeping soundly leaving Buck to his thoughts and the unanswered questions he had about the young woman sleeping in his lap.
Laura was jerked away by the sound of the door opening and she grasped Buck’s arm sitting up suddenly.
“Relax lady.” The familiar voice of the man that had come and gone so many times within the last day reached her although she didn’t relax.
“How much longer you gonna keep us here?” Buck asked.
“No much longer. You can leave in a few hours, soon as it’s dark.” The man replied. “Just don’t try to follow us.”
Buck stared at the man passively for a few seconds until the other man looked away. He glanced down at the young woman who’d relaxed against him and felt a rage boiling deep within his blood. “ I had no intentions of following you.” Buck could barely keep the anger out of his voice, he didn’t want Laura scared any more than she had to be already.
“Just look at it as a honeymoon away from the family.” The man laughed leaving the room, taking the lantern and leaving them in darkness.
Buck stared at the thin ribbon of light under the door, “At least we’re not completely at their mercy. It’s still daylight.”
“Is it?” Laura asked quietly. “I hardly can tell.” Rising she pushed at the long hair that had tumbled down around her face, the ends brushing her waist as she stood and paced the tiny confines of the room, the only sound in the room the rustle of yards of satin.
“You must be getting anxious to visit with Lou after all this time.” Buck stretched out his legs, his head was still killing him.
“Yes I am.” Laura grinned although she didn’t know if he could see her face or not, “It’s been nearly five years. Oh she’s known how to get a hold of me and for a while I often wondered if something had happened. I mean she hadn’t written me in ages until this letter inviting me out to see everyone. I do so want to visit. It’ll be nice to get off a stage with the intentions of not getting right back on. I wonder if everyone will be as nice as she said they were.”
“Well lets see, Jimmy’s got a hair trigger on his guns and his temper, Cody’s always bragging about something, he’s a practical joker, Noah’s pretty quiet. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
“What about Kid?” Laura asked.
Laughing Buck shook his head. “Kid is another story, he’s sorta like everyone all rolled into one package. He’s quiet, calm, a real thinker until you get him mad then he’s like a firecracker. Him and Jimmy are constantly at each other, both wanna be the rooster in the hen house, and in most cases Kid’s the smarter of the two. Except when it comes to Lou. With her he’s completely unreasonable and illogical. Kid has a problem killing anyone, but I’ve seen him call someone out for beating Lou up. Course the only one that can get him to back down is Lou, and putting those two together when they’re in a bad mood is like throwing kerosene on a fire. It’s dangers to anyone in the vicinity.”
“That sounds like Lou. She always hot-tempered.” Laura smiled as she remembered the dark haired girl who’d been her only friend when she was little. “I’m just glad she’s got someone who loves her so much.”
“I think we all are. Kid would do anything for her, which is obvious since he’s let her ride his mare. I guess that’s what love is.”
“I don’t know. Having never been in love, I wouldn’t even want to hazzard a guess.” Laura replied as the sound of hoof beats echoed within the room. “You thinking that’s them?”
“I am.” Buck rose and walked over to the door grasping the handle he was surprised to see it give without any problem. “Looks like they’re gone.”
“Thank god. Are we going to leave now?” Laura asked.
“It’s dark.” Buck replied.
“So?”
“I can’t see in the dark?” Buck said.
“I suppose we could leave in the morning.” Laura said slowly. “I guess we should get some sleep.”
“That’s the second smartest idea I’ve heard all day.” Buck closed the door and sinking down against it, they’d leave at first light.
“Hey Lou when’s your friend gonna be here?” Cody asked for the tenth time in as many minutes.
“When she gets here.” Lou replied rolling her eyes at his annoyance.
“Is she pretty?”
“Yeah.” Lou shrugged a smile crossing her face as she remember the blonde, blue eyed girl she’d spent time with in Saint Joe orphanage. “She’s a lot prettier than I will ever be. She’s nice to.”
“Lou you shouldn’t go filling Cody’s head with stories.” Kid admonished gently.
“What do you mean?” Lou demanded, her temper rising.
“She can’t be prettier than you are. Cody’s gonna be disappointed when he sees her.” Kid teased as he sat next to her. “Then we’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Kid you’re such a good liar.” Lou laughed leaning against him. “She is pretty though. Always wanted to teach, and that’s what she’s been doing.”
“Then she’s smart as well as pretty?” Cody asked without looking up from his dime novel.
“Cody!” Kid glared at him. “You even paying attention.”
“Of course.” Cody rolled his head to stare at them. “Lou’s friend is a teacher who happens to be smart, nice and pretty. The perfect woman for me.”
“Last I heard Laura was getting married.” Lou pointed out calmly.
“We’ll see.” Cody grinned and turned back to his book.
Shaking her head Lou rose. “I’ve got to finish that repair on Lightening’s stall or else she’s gonna be standing in the corral for another week.”
“I’ll give you a hand.” Kid volunteered. “I need to check on Katy anyway.”
“You two are so obvious it’s sickening.” Cody declared.
“Shut up.” Kid said as he followed Lou out the door.
Laughing at them Cody glanced at Noah and Jimmy. “Well they are.”
“Cody, you’re lucky they don’t kill you.” Noah said as he walked by the bunk where the blonde rider lay.
“I’m touched by the hand of lady luck.” Cody laughed as the others filed out of the bunkhouse. When the door closed he swung down and hurried to the window, he’d seen Lou hiding something under Kid’s bunk, and he wanted to know what it was. Pulling out the box he lifted the lid and whistled. Laying on the wrapping paper was a brand new black suit with a crisp white shirt.
Frowning he glanced at the closed door, now what would Lou be hiding a suit for? He wondered briefly before replacing the lid and shoving it back under the bunk. Rising he dusted his hands off and hurried toward the door, if Rachel caught him she’d have him peeling potatoes for a month.
Part Two.
Laura rested as Buck explored the area outside the cabin, she didn’t want to have anymore unpleasant surprises. Leaning back she wrapped his coat closer around her and smiled, for all she’d heard of the Indians, Buck had proven to be the opposite. He’d been caring and tender without expectations.
“Well looks like the pulled out for good.” Buck re-entered the cabin. “I’m not sure where we are, but I figure when Walt picked us up we were near Whiskey Gulch. It’s east of Rock Creek, so we should go west. It’s gonna be a long walk though.”
“I’d rather go for a long walk then stay here.” Laura said picking herself up and brushing at the cloth of her skirt to knock off some of the dirt. Feeling the heat from Buck’s hand she took the offered assistance and followed him out of the cabin.
Stepping into the warmth of early morning sunshine, Laura felt excitement replace the fear she’d felt the past few days. Smiling she followed the young man who’d taken her hand as they started down the trail.
“It’s a little rocky through here.” Buck warned as he trudged down the almost invisible trail that led away from the cabin. Moving slowly he only hoped that one the terrain evened out they’d make better time. His watchful eyes took in the vines and branches that had fallen over the trail, along with the tracks of animals, deer, bear, even a few rabbits and felt hope. At least they wouldn’t starve if he was trapping for meat, course he wouldn’t want to eat another rabbit by the time they got back.
“How far do you figure we’ll get today?” Laura brushed aside a branch that had snagged on her arm as she followed Buck along. Anyone who’d been watching would never have known she was blind, she followed willingly with a brisk step. They would have shook their heads though if they’d seen the state of her dress, the dirt clung to it and the hem was stained black despite the gold colour of the material.
“I’m hoping to get down to that creek. It’s about six miles.” Buck said as he paused and waited for her to catch up the extra step he’d taken. “Careful there’s a bit of a drop here.” He explained as he lifted her down to set her next to him.
“Thanks.” Laura took a step forward and froze when his arm came around her waist. The electric shock that tore through her was enough steal her breath for a moment.
“Something wrong?” Buck glanced at her feeling he muscles tense.
“No. No nothings wrong.” Laura smiled. “Just thought I heard something is all.” Hoping he never found out her fib she stepped closer to his still form. “Shall we?”
“Come on.” turning away Buck continued on down the rocky trail, his feet sliding out from under him in places. He cursed each time because it meant Laura would be slowed up. So far she’d kept up with him so well that he had forgotten about her blindness until she stumbled into him and had to struggle to right herself.
“Sorry.” Laura said, “I’m such a klutz.”
“Naw. It’s that loose stone. Foot just slipped, my did to.” Buck said as he took another step down the mountain. The sound of the fast moving creek was a little clearer now and for the first time all day he felt hope that they’d reach it before dark.
Wiping at the stray tendrils of hair that clung to her face and throat Laura silently prayed for the demise of their kidnappers. She had to look a site her hair had never been her best asset even as a child. It had relaxed a little as she’d grown into a young woman but the curls were still there and no amount of hoping could get them out. Feeling the sweat trickling down her back she longed for a bath and a rest but she wouldn’t ask for one. Buck was the more experienced of the two in cross-country hiking so she’d trust his lead.
Buck glanced at Laura she looked exhausted, her long hair had finished coming out of the bun she’d been wearing it in to cling to her sweat soaked skin. Her smile had faded to be replaced by a tired, almost pleading look. Her shoulders were slumped under the gold coloured dress she wore, the gloves she’d been wearing were tucked firmly into her waistband to cover an obvious tear where her dress had snagged, but she hadn’t said a word all day. Smiling he shook his head. “I can see the creek. It’s only about a hundred yards ahead. You wait here, I’ll go get some water.” Buck said ushering her to a stump. Leaving her sitting there he darted down the trail toward the creek. His flask was still in his bag so they’d have a little water.
Laura sighed, a rest was perfect but she didn’t want to sit here alone. The sounds and smells of the area overwhelmed her and she rose shakily and followed the sounds Buck was making as he headed down to the creek.
Moving slowly she still fell as her foot caught on a root sticking out of the ground. Shaking her head at her own inability she struggled to her feet and kept moving slowly counting her steps under her breath.
Feeling a branch snap under her boots she paused and listened, the sound of running water over rocks was very close, in fact it drowned out most other sounds. Inching her way along, to avoid another spill she felt a slight incline and paused. Making up her mind she sank to the ground and waited for Buck to notice she’d followed.
Buck glanced up at the slight sound of rustling and shook his head. Laura sat a few feet up the trail a slight smile on her face as she waited patiently. “What you get thirsty?” He teased.
“Yeah.” Laura laughed at him when he took her hand. “It’s a little warm.”
“Come on. You can dip your feet in the water.” Buck suggested as he led her to the water’s edge. He’d dipped his head in the cold water, and his hair hung in wet tendrils down his back with the clear crisp drops streaking down his chiselled face.
“Thanks.” Laura settled on the bank and dipped her fingers into the water, feeling it’s icy bite she shifted so she could remove her boots, taking them and her stockings off she didn’t think of what she was doing or who she was with as she stuck her bare feet in the water, her skirt hiked up around her knees. Sitting there kicking at the crispness she felt herself relax.
Buck watched her silently as she stripped her stockings down her legs and swallowed as he turned away. Lou would have his head if he did anything to her friend. It didn’t matter that Lou was his friend, she’d never agree with him being attracted to her friend.
“Are we camping here tonight?” Laura’s question penetrated the fog in his mind.
“Yes we are. It’s gonna be dark soon, there’s no way we can keep going. I’ll build a fire if you want to relax.” Buck volunteered as he headed for the stand of dead pine’s he seen earlier.
“Thanks. You want me to cook tonight?” Laura asked.
“Ain’t got nothing to cook. Just bread, beans and jerky.” Buck’s voice faded a moment before the sound of breaking branches reach Laura’s well trained ears. Leaning back she closed her eyes and waited for her guide to come back.
Sighing softly Laura had to admit she liked Buck Cross, he was funny and smart. He had a hang-up about his heritage but that didn’t bother her. She’d been labelled freak so many times that she could understand how it would hurt someone to be called anything other than who they were.
In the three days they’d spent together Buck hadn’t made one comment about Laura’s blindness, in fact he’d been the opposite. He’d expected her to interact with him and for that she’d been grateful. Too many times she’d been excluded since the accident that had claimed her sight.
Hearing the sound of footsteps Laura shifted and sat up. The now familiar tread told her who it was and that he was carrying wood. Anyone else would have said he didn’t make a sound as he moved, but for her advanced hearing she could accurately guess what might go unseen by a sighted person.
“At least we’ll be warm. There’s lots of wood around here.” Buck dropped his load next to the rock circle he’d made earlier before kneeling down to start the fire. He was out of matches so he reverted to his early training in life, he didn’t need matches to start fires, a couple of branches would work just as well.
“Are you married Buck?” Laura’s question threw him for a second as he stared at her in amazement. Seeing only curiosity on her face, he shrugged.
“No. I’ve never been married.” Buck’s voice held tension.
“But you were going to be, weren’t you?” Laura asked hearing the thread of memories long buried in his tone.
“Yes I was.” Buck pushed aside his surprised at her question. She was way to perceptive for his liking at times.
“What happened?” Laura asked quickly. “I’m sorry, I’m prying aren’t I?”
“Don’t matter.” With a half hearted shrug he answered her question calmly. “She was taken from out village when I was young, I’ve never found her.”
“Why’d you stop looking?”
“Who said I did?” Buck glanced at her question before returning his attention to the fire that had started to smolder.
“You did.” Laura smiled. “Its in your voice. Why did you stop looking?”
“I met a friend at an orphanage. With him around it didn’t seem so important anymore.” Buck settled back and put tiny branches on the flames that flickered and grew.
“Where’s your friend now?” Laura asked. “How’d he die?”
“He was shot.” Buck shrugged. “Defending the woman he loved. I should have been a little faster in going after him, maybe then I could have saved him.”
“No.” Laura shook her head. “Sometimes you have to let go of those you love, for them to be free to love. I’m sure your friend doesn’t blame you for not riding to his rescue. If I had to wager a guess, I’d say he loved you enough to believe you’d carry on without him.”
“Perhaps.” Retreating into silence Buck settled on the other side of the fire.
“What I wouldn’t give for a hair brush.” Laura ran her fingers through her hair trying to untangle the curls. Wincing with each knot she caught on her fingers she silently wished she could cut her hair off! Without the mass of curls she wouldn’t have to worry about leaving her hair down.
With a grin Buck shook off his sorrow of a few seconds before and opened his saddle bag. He’d long ago learned that sometimes you had to carry things like hairbrushes and combs with you. Especially if you wanted to brush out your hair after a long run. “Here. It’s mine but you can use it.” He handed the simple wooden brush to his companion and watched as she began brushing out the curls that fell around her face. The ends touched the ground as she sat there, brushing it out until it shone in the fading sunlight, picking up the burnished gold, and copper tones of the flames and the sun.
“I would dearly love to get rid of it.” Laura muttered as she finished giving her hair a merciless brushing. Tearing off a strip of her petticoat she tied it back and sighed. “It’s too long and heavy for my liking.”
“I think it looks beautiful.” Buck said then felt the sting of a blush climbing his cheeks. He hadn’t meant to reveal that little tidbit.
“Thanks.” Laura smiled. “I’ll trade you.”
“I’m sure Lou would love to.” Buck laughed picturing the pint sized whirlwind that had captured Kid’s heart so well. “Her hairs so short, I’m amazed she actually brushes it.”
“She cut her hair?” Laura gasped. “Lou loved her long hair. Used to brush it out at least twice a day at the orphanage.”
“She chopped it off shortly after she left Wicks’s place.” Buck explained. “Safer travelling alone as a boy.”
“Wicks?” Laura frowned. “Why is that name familiar?”
“You’ve probably heard of him.”
Strolling through the list of names in her head she paused as she realized where she’d heard that name from, it had belonged to Jenny’s first husband. He’d run a brothel in some town. “Did he run a brothel?”
“Yeah.” Buck replied. “You’ve met him?”
“No my sister. He was her first husband. They got a divorce then she remarried some rich cattleman. Last I heard he was dead.”
“That’s true. A friend of a friend’s beau killed him.” Buck remembered the quiet rage Kid had gone through after Lou had revealed the truth to him. They didn’t think he knew but he’d overheard them in the barn talking about it after Wicks was killed.
“Good, I’m certain he deserved it.” Laura declared as she accepted the bread and jerky Buck handed her. “How long you figure we’re gonna be walking?”
“A week maybe longer.” Buck shook his head. “I figure if we make eight miles a day we’ll be doing good.”
“Okay.” Laura was shocked, she’d hoped that they’d be doing only half of that but she did want to get to Rock Creek and sooner rather than later so she’d put her trust in the young man at her side and wait.
“We’d better get some rest, it’s gonna be a long hike tomorrow.” Buck stated as he stoked the fire. “I’m afraid there are no blankets..” He started.
“That’s okay.” Laura smiled shyly, “I don’t mind snuggling if you don’t.”
“I’m sure we’ll manage.” Buck replied softly.
Snuggling half asleep against the warmth behind her Laura briefly wondered why she was so warm when she was sleeping on something so hard. Yawning slightly she shrugged, it didn’t matter. Sinking into oblivion she relaxed and was sound asleep within seconds.
Buck felt her shift and stifled a groan. She may be small, but she gave off a lot of heat and to top it all off she was a restless sleeper. He’d been wakened twice now with her squirming against him, staring at the flames he cursed his predicament. How he managed to get himself into these places he had no idea. Closing his eyes he wrapped his arm around Laura’s waist and tried to get back to sleep.
Opening his eyes at first light Buck sat up carefully so as not to disturb Laura who’d rolled over sometime during the night and had curled into his body, her nose stuck in his throat, her hands on his chest. Glancing around he noted the glowing embers of the fire and stoke it up before he headed off out of sight of the camp to do his business. Returning he noted Laura was starting to stir and shook his head, and early riser like himself it appeared.
“Buck?” Laura called as she woke up.
“Right here.” Buck replied sinking to his heels beside her.
“How long before we head out?”
“A few minutes. You want something to eat?”
“I think so.” Laura pushed her hair out of her face. “I figure if we eat first thing and at midday we’ll have more energy for this walk-about.”
“Sounds like a plan. Tonight if you want we can have rabbit or something hot.”
“Rabbit sounds delightful.” Laura grinned. “Until then I’ll just take some jerky. I don’t reckon you have any coffee?”
“Nope. It’s in my other bags, and they’re on my horse.”
“Which is dead.” Laura finished the thought. “Well we’ll just have to make do with a drink of water.”
Laughing at the way she had a positive outlook, Buck divided the remaining jerky into four portions. Two portions each, he knew they’d be living off the land by the next day but that couldn’t be helped. Silently cursing the men that had abandoned them he made up his mind to make this trip as easy as possible on the lady who walked with him.
After a breakfast of jerky, a crust of bread and several drinks of cold water they started out along the edge of the creek, looking for someplace to cross over that wasn’t deep or fast moving.
“Hold up a second.” Buck stopped and stared at a familiar print. The fresh print of a deer made him wish he had his knife, or a gun but shook it off. Wishing didn’t do any good, he’d have to wait and find rabbit tracks. “Come on. It’s nothing.” Leading the way he hardly noticed the grip on his hand as he walked along the creeks edge. Smiling he recognized the natural bridge of several large rocks sticking out of the water a few feet in front of them.
“I think this is the best spot to cross. It’s shallow, and there are several flat stones to step on.” Buck explained.
“How far apart are they?” Laura asked only too aware of her limitations considering the differences in size between the pair.
“About six feet, why?” Buck glanced at her to see her shaking her head.
“My stride isn’t that wide. I’ll just have to wade through. The water isn’t too deep you said.” Laura explained hiking up her skirt in preparation of the trek. She gave a startled shriek when she felt him swing her into his arms, against his broad chest.
“Don’t worry about it. I can make it.” Buck walked quickly and within minutes settled her on the ground on the opposite side of the creek. “There we go.”
“Thank you.” Laura smiled hoping he wouldn’t see how shaky she was.
“No problem.” Buck said as he took her hand and started up the more well worn trail that presented itself. Walking quickly they fell into a rhythm until the sun was directly above them.
“Is it time to eat yet?” Laura asked raising her face to the sun filtering through the trees.
“I was just going to suggest that.” Buck stopped and ushered her to a log that lay along the trail. “I saw some berries back a couple of minutes, you mind waiting while I go get them?”
“Not at all.”Laura smiled. When his footsteps had faded she quickly unbuttoned her boots and pulled them off to rub her tired feet. Her ‘granny-boots’ weren’t all that comfortable to walk in. Hearing him coming back she quickly slipped them back on and buttoned them as he settled next to her.
They ate the berries in silence, followed by the bread that was left in Buck’s saddlebag. Washing their meagre lunch down with some of the water that was left in Buck’s flask they rested for a few more minutes before starting back out.
The leaves of the trees rustled in the stiff breeze as they moved along, distracting Laura only marginally. She’d let go of Buck’s hand and was following his footsteps. When he paused she stopped, after years of listening to people moving she knew when he was stepping over or around an obstacle so she was marginally prepared.
“It’s getting flatter here.” Buck paused and reach for her hand. He’d noticed she’d been listening intently the last few miles, he wondered what she heard.
“Good. I think I’ve caught my skirt on every rock, root, and tree we’ve passed.” Laura joked weakly as she leaned on him.
“Do you want to rest?” Buck asked he could see the exhaustion in her shoulders and face.
“No. Lets keep going.” Laura declared stepping forward only to freeze when he squeezed her hand before taking the lead again. And so it went the rest of the day, start and stop, start and stop until Buck finally refused to move one step further.
“But I’m fine. If you’re worrying about me, don’t. I’ll keep up.” Laura protested as Buck declared it was time to make camp.
“We both need a rest.” Buck replied. “If we don’t we won’t get very far tomorrow.”
Sighing in defeat, Laura sank to the ground and leaned against the rock she felt at her back. “Do you want me to help set up camp?”
“Naw. Ain’t much to set up. I’m afraid this is the last of the jerky or I could go get a rabbit.”
“Rabbit please!” Laura smiled. “Save the jerky for some other time. I’m sure we’ll need it.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Buck promised and headed off to get the promised rabbit. He wondered briefly about skinning it but all he’d need would be a sharp stone.
Laura listened to the faint cooing of a bird and smiled. In the past couple of days she’d come into her own, she knew more about the man she travelled with than he did her. Briefly she wondered what he’d do if she confessed she was attracted to him, would he shrug it off? Probably not, he didn’t seem that shallow. But what was the point of opening a door so someone could slam it in your face? She wondered. He’d never want a woman who couldn’t see past her eyelashes. Shaking her head, she pushed that thought away, Buck didn’t deserve to be categorized with everyone else in the world.
Pulling his coat tighter around her shoulders she wondered what Lou was doing, and if she was as anxious to see her as Laura had been when she’d set out for Rock Creek.
“Buck’s late.” Noah stated walking into the bunkhouse as the setting sun turn the room a burnt crimson. “He never even reached 32 Mile Creek Station.”
“Did he reach Hastings?” Kid asked a frown marring his face.
“Yeah. Took off and no one has seen or heard from him since.” Noah explained with a shake of his head. “Old Walt was found dead near Whiskey Gulch to. Station master at 32 Mile figures Buck met the same fate as Walt did.”
“You’re mistaken.” Lou protested. “Buck’s the last one who’d get himself into trouble.”
“All I know Lou is what I’ve been told. From what I can figure out, they took the stage’s passenger.” Noah settled at the table.
“Why?”
“Don’t know. There isn’t anyone who knows who was even on the stage, they know there was someone but other than that nothing.” Noah explained excepting the coffee from Rachel.
“Buck’s the best tracker we’ve got. If he’s missing we can’t even track him.” Jimmy drawled without looking up from cleaning his guns. “Might be an idea for someone to go over the run, might find something.”
“I’ll check with Teaspoon.” Rachel promised. “I don’t get it though, why on earth take a passenger and kill the driver?”
“Depends on if the passenger was a woman..” Cody started.
“Shut up.” Kid glared at Cody for half a second. “You talk to Teaspoon, the rest of us excluding Cody are gonna get ready to go look for Buck.”
“Don’t go off without talking to me first.” Rachel warned. “I’ll have your heads if you do.”
“No ma’am.” Kid replied rising. “We’ll wait for you to get back.”
“I hope she wasn’t on the stage.” Lou whispered.
“We’ll just have to wait and see.” Kid declared wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Now you and I have to have a little talk.”
“‘Bout what?” Lou asked as they filed out the door.
“I can appreciate you needing to keep things, but must you store ‘em under my bunk?” Kid teased.
“What are you talking about?” Lou questioned innocently.
“Someone was asking me what you were doing with some fancy outfit.” Kid glanced pointedly at Cody. “Seems this person did a little digging of his own.”
“Really.” Lou glared at Cody who flushed guiltily. “If you must know it’s a gift for you Kid. It’s not for me.”
“Umm, Lou honey I love you but I am not wearing a dress.” Kid said firmly.
“It’s not a dress.” Lou laughed as they entered the barn, the others laughing with her at the image of Kid in a dress.
“Excuse me.” Cody muttered as he snuck past Lou.
“However, I think you’ve got an idea there Kid.” Lou crossed her arms over her chest. “We’ll work on it when we get back.” She threatened as she stared at Cody.
“Okay.” Kid agreed instantly as he led Katy out into the aisle of the barn. Grabbing her brushes he led her outside and started to brush her down. Within minutes she was saddled, bridled and ready to go. A glance around illustrated four other horses standing tacked up and ready to ride.
“Hold up you boys, you to Lou.” Teaspoon came rushing into the yard. “You’re not going anywhere.”
“We’re gonna go look for Buck.” Kid declared.
“Right now, you’re gonna help me round up the Moody Gang. They’ve been robbing stagecoaches and killing drivers all over Nebraska. It’s up to us to bring ‘em in.”
“Buck’s out there, maybe hurt. We need to find him.” Kid stated quickly.
“And we will. But we’re not gonna miss this chance. Once we’ve got these boys in chains you can go run all over the country looking for that boy.” Teaspoon promised knowing that they wouldn’t rest until they found him.
“Fine. Lets go.” Jimmy brushed past Kid to snag his rein and mount up. The others followed quickly and with a wave at Rachel they disappeared over the horizon.
Buck studied Laura as she lay sleeping, in the three days since they’d left the cabin she had yet to complain of anything other than stopping. Despite her appearance she was a lot like Lou, strong, resilient and unafraid of facing a challenge. When they’d made camp tonight, she’d settled on the ground next to him and eaten the berries, and crow he’d killed without question before falling asleep, her head in his lap.
Lou’s gonna kill me if she ever finds out. He thought, She might love me like a brother don’t mean she wants me to be social with her other friends.
“Quit worrying about what Louise’ll do.” the soft voice drifted up the reach his ears and he jerked his head down to stare into her upturned face. “Louise’ll understand. She trusts you.”
“Thanks. Thought you were sleeping.”
“Not hardly.” Laura sat up and stretched, she never realized how much she took for granted until she was camping out with nothing. “Just resting up a bit. How much further do we have to go you think?”
“If I had to guess I’d say we’ve got at least another three days worth of walking, maybe four. If we could get to an express station I could get some horses but I’m not sure where exactly the nearest one is. I’d hate to leave you alone too long.” Buck explained.
“So four days of walking.” Laura nodded as she leaned on Buck’s shoulder. Picking at her fingernails by habit she wondered what he’d do if she followed the impulse and kissed him. Probably slap her silly she thought, but then again maybe not.
“You hsould probably get some more sleep. We’ve come along way in such a short time.” Buck said noting how she had her brow furrowed in thought, whoever said that a blind person’s face was expressionless was insane.
“Buck?” Laura lay down on the ground next to him as he settled next to her.
“Yes?”
“Am I pretty?” She asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Do you think I’m pretty?” Laura repeated.
“Yes.” Buck answered quickly. “I do.”
“Thanks.” Closing her eyes, she slid into sleep easily. Tomorrow she’d figure out where she was going with her emotions toward the man next to her, for now though she planned to just enjoy sleeping with him wrapped around her.
Buck lay awake late into the night, his mind working furiously as he tried to figure out what it was about the woman in his arms that attracted him. He’d answered her with only a half truth, he did think she pretty, but more than that he thought she was amazingly strong, she never whined, or threw a temper tantrum. Despite their ordeal so far she had yet to break down into tears, or start calling him down because of his heritage. In fact since their talk in the cabin she hadn’t mentioned it at all.
Spending this much time together he wondered if maybe her feelings would change once the got to Rock Creek, although something told him they wouldn’t. He didn’t know how he was going to face the problems that might arise. Everyone was going to wonder what happened when they got back, how could he explain to them that they’d been together for so many days and nights.
With a heartfelt prayer that no one would jump to conclusions, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep. Grateful for the warmth of the woman in his arms he dozed off only to jerk awake suddenly. Sitting up he listened, but whatever had awakened him had faded.
“Go back to sleep Buck.” The soft whisper had him laying back down.
“Something woke me up.”
“A pair of horses walking the trail about five hundred yards down. They weren’t being ridden.” She replied softly snuggling back into his warmth. “It’s gonna be dawn soon, get some more sleep.
“How do you know?” Buck asked as he wrapped her in his arms again.
“The temperature, the air, the sounds.” Laura shrugged sleepily. “I may not see the things you do, but my vision isn’t gone.”
“Get some more sleep.” Buck replied brushing her hair away from his face. “We’ll leave at first light, with no coffee we can eat while we walk.”
“Sounds good.” Laura’s voice faded out as she’s lipped back into sleep. Relaxed in sleep, she turned so she was wrapped around him.
Smiling into her hair, Buck closed his eyes and drifted back into a light sleep.
Dawn found them already walking along the narrow trail their steps in unison as Buck let the way out of the brush and down to an old creek bed. “We can follow this down a few miles.”
“Okay.” Laura agreed quickly.
“You ever argue about anything?” Buck asked teasingly.
“Sure. If I know I’m right.” Laura shrugged as she walked along. “Ain’t all that difficult to see you know what you’re doing.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Buck tugged gently on the hand he held as he trailed along the creek bed. By midday they’d already started walking along the open country leaving the creek bed behind.
Keeping a careful eye on things Buck watched for the familiar figures of his fellow riders although he wasn’t sure they could find them even if they wanted to. Buck hadn’t left an obvious trail to follow.
“How much waters left?” Laura asked.
“We’ll need to get some tonight.” Buck said.
“Can I have a drink then.” Laura took a small swallow, just enough to wet her dry throat as they trudged along under the hot sun following its path across the sky. When Buck stopped after a few hours Laura sank thankfully to the ground. “It sure is hot around here.”
“Not really. You’re just not used to it.” Buck explained.
“Are we going to camp here?”
“No. Just figured I’d take a rest.” Buck said.
“Liar.” Laura’s teasing tone drew a smile from Buck’s lips. “I’m fine. Lets go.” Rising she dusted her hands off and pushed at the hair that had escaped its tie.
“In a minute.” Buck refused to budge, he could see the exhaustion plainly on her face and in the slight tremor of her hands. Even her voice had lost it’s energy, and he knew she needed to rest for awhile before they continued.
Sinking to the ground, Laura waited for Buck as she relaxed. Leaning against him quietly she fought against falling asleep, although her body declared it was time to rest.
Buck listened to her breathing even out and smiled. Laura had gone to sleep seconds after she sat back down, at the pace he set she’d be sleeping for a week when they got home.
Shifting so she was wrapped in his arms, Buck rested his chin on her head as he stared at the gathering clouds, the air smelled of rain he thought. A good storm would be nice but he didn’t want to get soaked. Leaning back against the rock he’d settled in front of he closed his eyes and let sleep take over, he’d nap for a few seconds.
Laura jumped at the booming of thunder and sat up, reaching out she tried to find Buck, “Buck!” Nearly screaming she got to her knees. Where had that man gone she wondered fearfully. If there was one thing in life she hated it was thunder.
“I’m right here.” Buck wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she dived into his chest. “It’s okay.” He wondered briefly what had scared her, even as another rolling boom echoed across the ground. Feeling her flinch he realized she was terrified of thunder. “We’d best get out of the rain.” Buck said feeling the first fat drops hit his skin. Glancing around he noted the small cave tucked back in the stone wall and headed that way as the rain started to fall faster.
Ducking into the shelter Laura shook her head to rid herself of some of the moisture that had accumulated while they hurried to get out of the rain. “Does it always do that?” She asked hearing Buck moving around, exploring the area to make sure they weren’t sharing it with anything unfriendly.
“You mean change from sun to rain in seconds?” Buck nodded then realized what he’d done. “Yeah. The faster you learn to expect it, the better off you’ll be.”
“Well at least one could say it wasn’t boring.”
“True.” Buck agreed settling next to her on the floor as they listened to the rain storm. “I wonder what the boys are doing? Knowing Kid probably getting ready to go out looking for me.” Shaking his head he glanced at the woman who leaned against him. “It’s funny, the only man who should despise me, considering he’s from the south is one of my dearest friends. He’s close to Noah as well, something that amazes me no end.”
“One’s heart chooses the people we care of, not our upbringing nor our minds. A body can fall in love faster than one realizes if they’re open to it. I bet you Lou and Kid were in love long before any of you realized it.” Laura stated.
“Yeah. They were always sharing funny looks, going for walks together, riding out together. Lou would get antsy when Kid was late and no-one could figure it out. I guess we all need to be loved, its just some of us get lucky and others don’t.” Buck laughed.
“Don’t count yourself out there yet Buck. You’re still young, you’re kind, caring and good looking someday some young miss is gonna come along and snap you right up.” Laura defended him.
“Sure, maybe in a hundred years. The Kiowa women look down on me cause I’m too white, the white women look down on me cause I’m too Indian. You can’t sit there and tell me that love can over come that. It won’t.”
“Oh pish posh.” Laura snorted. “I’m surprised that you would think like that..”
“Experience has taught me to think that way.” Buck stated.
“Now you listen to me.” Laura waved hand in front of her, “I know all about being labelled. They might say you’re one thing but as long as you know who you are don’t let them drag you down. Your friends care about you, you care about them. Don’t discount that.”
“There’s a difference between being friends and being involved the way Kid and Lou are.” Buck muttered.
Shaking her head Laura heard the pain in his voice, he envied his friends their happiness. She envied them to, she could so easily fall for the man with her right this minute but he wouldn’t want a woman who would only drag him down. He didn’t need that kind of burden, as so many had reminded her. “Someday you’ll find a good woman who won’t drag you down, who can help you, be a soul-mate instead of a burden. I mean look at us as different as night and day. I like you.” Laura paused, like was such a weak word when it came to him. “Why wouldn’t another woman?”
“You’ll see.” Buck stated quietly. “When we get to Rock Creek see how many of the fine folks don’t ask what I did to you? I’d be surprised if they didn’t try to get me fired.”
“Oh for heavens sake!” Laura rose and paced the confines of the cave as another boom of thunder rolled across the sky. “Let them. Let them judge you, and I’ll be sure to set them straight. You’ve done nothing but help me. I freely admit I’m a burden, I’ve been reminded of it so often that it’s second nature, but I’ll be hanged if I’ll let someone shoot you down for my shortcomings.” Laura could feel the rage boiling beneath the surface. “Do they have any idea what it’s like to be different? I’ve lost friends because I’m blind, they have no idea how to handle my weakness. People judge when they don’t understand anything about a person. I’ve had it with all these hypocrites.”
“You are not a burden.” Buck stated clearly. “You’ve yet to complain even though you’ve had plenty of reasons to.”
“See we agree on lots of things. Being different isn’t a bad thing.” Laura whispered softly. “I’m so tired Buck, people have no right to judge.”
“They don’t but they do.” Buck said.
“Yeah they do.” Turning from him she settled against the far wall and let the tears come. It didn’t surprise her in the least to find someone she could love, only to have that person be above her reach. Maybe if she weren’t blind, she thought.
“Being blind doesn’t matter.” Buck said as he pulled her closer to him. “It wouldn’t matter if you were mute, you’re a special woman. You remind me of Lou and how much of a spit-fire she is. Just cause you can’t see with your eyes doesn’t mean you can’t still see. You look beyond the ordinary.”
“Sure. But how many look beyond it when they see me. I’ll be you a dollar that Lou’ll act differently when she realizes that I’m blind.”
“Lou’s gonna act the way she wants to.” Buck stated. “If anything she’s gonna be madder than a wet hen at me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve been way to familiar with a good friend of hers. She may care about me but she won’t want me associating with you.” Buck said, voicing his deepest fear.
“I’d have to disagree. She’ll be pissed with my taking advantage of you.”
“Hey don’t worry about it. We’ll deal with Lou and everyone else when the time comes. For now, I happen to enjoy talking to my friend.” Buck brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
“Good, cause I like talking to my friend as well.” Laura leaned her head against his chest and listened to his heart beat for a few seconds before she sat up and turned to hug him tightly. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Buck laughed.
“Accepting me.” Laura replied leaning her forehead against his. “For saying I’m not a burden when I know I am.”
“Hey.” Buck stared at her for a second before pushing her away slightly. He noted the disappointed look that crossed her face before he took her face in his hands. “You are not, I repeat not a burden. I don’t know too many women who would be willing to go through what you’ve gone through with as much courage and grace. You’ve done so much for yourself that it’s hard to remember that you have a disability.” Buck explained softly. “No matter what happens I’m proud of you.”
Smiling Laura settled in his lap to listen to the rain falling. “I’m proud of you to Buck Cross.” Probably more than you’ll ever know. She thought a secretive smile on her face as he wrapped his arms around her and held on.
Buck woke hours later to complete darkness. Briefly he wondered what it was that had awakened him and noticed the empty space next to him. Glancing around quickly he spotted Laura’s figure outlined by the light from the moon.
“Hey.” he whispered softly. “What are you doing up?”
“Thinking.” Laura replied absently.
“Bout what?” Buck settled next to her and waited.
“You.” Laura shrugged her head lowered. “Me. This whole situation.”
“It is a bit confusing.” Buck acknowledged.
“Confusing doesn’t begin to cover it. I should have hoped I’d have learned by now not to allow myself the privilege of dreaming. I’m too old for such nonsense.”
“What on earth are you talking about?” Buck was completely lost.
“I told you my fiancé left when he realized I was blind, permanently?”
“Yes you did.”
“Before he left he told me not to expect too much from anyone. Life has a way of ridding itself of the weaker ones, and I was weak, and a burden. And he was right.” Laura sighed. “I am a burden to everyone around me. Who would want to have me around them for the rest of their life?”
“Hey! What’s with all this self-pity all of a sudden?”
“What do you mean?” Laura asked slightly perturbed.
“This is the most complaining I’ve heard out of you the whole of our acquaintance. And you’re not even complaining about having to walk to Rock Creek, you’re complaining that people don’t want you around cause you’re a burden.” Buck stood angrily. “That’s a load of horse manure. You haven’t been a burden and I’ll not let you say such things about yourself anymore.”
“But they’re true!” Laura snapped. “I am a burden. If you didn’t have to wait for me you’d have been home by now!”
“No I wouldn’t have.” Buck shook his head. “Please believe me when I say that I’m glad you’re here.”
Laura smiled sadly, brushing at the tears she knew were streaking down her face. “I’m glad you’re here to. I’m sorry I’m being such a cry baby.”
“Then stop being one.” Buck ordered softly. “You’re entitled to being emotional, every woman is. Just quit calling yourself down, it won’t work with me. I’d still take you over any of those other so called ladies.”
Laughing softly Laura yawned. “Perhaps we should get some sleep?”
“Perhaps.” Buck agreed and settled in with her to sleep the remaining hours of darkness out.
“Just so you know, I’d take you over any of those so called gentleman any day.” Laura whispered as she snuggled closer to him.
Laughing softly Buck closed his eyes and fell asleep.
At the first pricks of light in the night sky Buck was awake and stretching. Laura had rolled over so she was laying on her back sometime during the night, her face smoothed from the exhaustion that marred it during the day. Sitting next to her Buck studied the pale woman in front of him, her chest rose and fell with each breath even as a faint smile curved her full lips.
The shadows from the day before had faded giving her the peaceful look of a newborn baby. Brushing his fingers gently across her cheek Buck froze when she turned her head and rooted into his palm, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
Leaning forward he touched his lips to hers gently before pulling back slightly when she shifted. Shaking his head at his foolishness he went to move only to freeze as she grabbed his arm.
“Buck?”
“Morning Laura.” Buck whispered wondering how he could explain his lapse in judgement.
“If you’re gonna kiss me, do it properly.” Laura complained sleepily before blinking her eyes open although she didn’t expect any response.
“What?” Buck gasped at the words he’d heard.
“You heard me.” Laura stretched but didn’t release his arm.
“I’d have figured you’d be slapping me silly.” Buck protested as she pulled on his arm gently.
“Why?” Leaning forward toward the sound of his voice Laura paused, she didn’t want him to think her too forward she thought a moment before she felt his large hand wrap itself in her hair.
“For kissing you.” Buck whispered inching closer to her.
“That was a tease.” Laura breathed as he brushed her lips with his. “Do it properly, please.”
With a muted groan he leaned forward to crush her lips beneath his. Pulling her closer to him he was slightly surprised to hear the roar in his head and feel the blood pump through his body at the simplest of touches from her. Groaning he wrapped her in his arms as she put her arms around his neck and clung to him, her response open and honest.
“Uh.” Buck gasped for air. “We had better get a move on.”
Laura took a deep breathe and rose to her feet, the butterflies in her stomach fluttering even more than before. A sinking sensation in her chest had her smothering a moan. She’d done it, she’d gone and fallen in love with him.
“I’m not going to apologize.”Buck declared stopping next to her fearing her reaction when he realized she hadn’t moved from where she had been standing.
“Good.” Laura smiled. “Neither am I. Lets go.” Following Buck carefully on the wet grass they started back toward Rock Creek.
Laura wondered why Buck was so silent. Did he think she was too forward? Had she revealed too much?
“You know Laura, I was thinking. Lou’s not going to let you out of her sight once we get home. But maybe we could you know go into town for supper one night?” Buck suggested.
“With out Lou?” Laura asked hopefully.
“Definitely without Lou.”
“I’d love to.” Laura replied grasping his hand despite the fact that she didn’t need to. “As long as we can leave everyone behind, I’d go anywhere with you.”
“Good.” Dropping a quick kiss on her forehead they kept moving. It was late evening when they stopped and made camp. Buck left Laura alone while he went to get a rabbit or something, bringing it back he had to grin, she’d shucked her boots and was rubbing her feet like they ached something fierce.
“How’s your feet like those boots?” He asked cheekily as they at by the flames after eating. He relished the feel of her body against his as they watched the flames dance.
“They hate them.” Laura growled as she slipped her boots back on. “But they’re all I got so I’ll keep ‘em.”
“We’re closer than I figured. Should get back to the station sometime day after tomorrow if we keep the pace up. Course by the time we do get back all we’re gonna wanna do is sleep for a week.”
“It’s not that bad. Don’t see no point to slowing down, when we get there we get there.” Laura yawned and curled against him. “Course we’re gonna have to find water first thing tomorrow. There isn’t enough left in the flask for both of us to drink.”
“There’s a creek not far from here. We should reach it by midmorning.” Buck declared.
“Okay.” Laura agreed with him as she closed her eyes and slid gracefully and easily into the sleep of the truly exhausted. Chuckling Buck pulled her closer and relished the flames that danced around them.
“I swear I’ll never go anywhere without a canteen next time.” Laura laughed as she drank from the slow flowing creek that they’d come across. The sun had nearly reached the highest point in the sky and she was hot. Washing her face, hands and neck with the clear water she had no idea how stunning she looked as she cupped her hands and let the water wash down her face and throat.
Buck watched her from where he sat a few feet away, the water trailed down her throat soaking her collar and bringing a smile of satisfaction to her face. He’d refilled the small flask, now he watched the woman who’d told him how she felt with what she hadn’t said more than what she had. He smiled when she laughed as she splashed in the water.
“We’ve got to go Laura.” He called.
“Coming!” With a final splash Laura rose and headed for where she’d heard him last. Stopping next to him she grinned, “ Come on slow poke.”
Laughing Buck grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back into his body, dropping a quick kiss on the nape of her neck he released her and took her hand. As they walked along Buck wondered how Lou was going to react.
“Quit worrying over Lou. She’s smart. Besides it’s not up to her.” Laura tugged on his hand gently.
“Quit reading my mind.” Buck said with a grin. “The trail gets narrow here, I’ll take the lead okay?”
“Make sure you get any loose rocks out of the way.” Laura pointed out. “Wouldn’t want to fall down.”
“Will do.” Buck walked along, quickly checking the ground for loose rocks, and other obstacles that she could trip over. Hearing her scream he whirled to see her sitting on the ground, holding her ankle. “What happened?” He asked hurrying to where she sat.
“I think I twisted my ankle. My heel slipped out from under me.” Laura explained.
Kneeling next to her he quickly shoved her skirt out of the way, and lifted her booted foot. Her boot’s heel hung off the boot awkwardly, reaching over he grabbed it and jerked it off. Lifting the other boot he twisted the other heel off and tossed them into the brush.
“We’d best get off the trail, this is the express route.” Buck said glancing around. “I’d hate to have you get run over.”
Smiling Laura climbed to her feet and limped beside Buck as they slowed their pace.
“We’re gonna have to stop.” Buck declared. “You can’t keep this up, you’re gonna break it or something.”
“I’m fine. I won’t keep you.” Laura protested.
“We are stopping.” Buck said. “It isn’t going to matter if we’re another day or so.”
“I hope not. What about your job? Being this late, won’t they fire you?” Laura asked.
“No. I’ll have to take a lot of ribbing from the boys about being the only express rider in history to finish his run on foot but other than that Teaspoon’ll understand.” Buck shrugged as they sat down under the spreading branches of a huge tree.
“You could walk there and come back.” Laura said. “I won’t go anywhere.”
“Sure. You’ll just follow me.” Buck shook his head. “No. We’ll rest here. If you can stand on it tomorrow we’ll go in.”
“If you’re sure.” Laura pressed.
“I’m sure.” Buck sighed, Teaspoon would probably be ready to kill him but at least he was alive and he had the mail.
Part Three
Rachel finished hanging the laundry and headed for the chicken coop, she had eggs to gather. Pausing she glanced up, it looked like the riders were coming back. Moving toward the corral she waited impatiently as they came in. One glance at them told its own story. By the look of it, Kid had been in a fist fight if his black eye and split lip were any indication. Lou looked furious, Jimmy just looked withdrawn, and Cody and Noah looked tired.
“Hi.” She said as she stepped forward to take a hold of Teaspoon’s reins. “How’d it go?”
“Fine. We’ve got them locked up. They took a couple of hostages, left them out at Crooked Spur Pass.”
“That’s a four day ride!” Rachel protested.
“Yeah. No food, no water and nothing with which they could have gotten food if they wanted to. Took the fella’s gun from him.” Teaspoon shook his head sadly. “ Once the boys are rested and changed we’ll head up that way.”
Rachel nodded softly, “There’s been no word from Buck yet.” She warned him.
“The man they took off the stage was a half-blood.” Kid stated quietly. “If something happened Buck could have gotten a ride with Walt.” He left the thought unfinished.
“There’s stew on if you’ve a mind.” Rachel said as Noah frowned at something on the horizon.
“You had company lately Rachel?” Noah asked and pointed to what he could see.
“No.” Rachel turned and saw the two shadows walking toward them.
“I wonder who it could be?” Jimmy muttered as he swung down. “Probably some young couple headed for town.”
“Maybe.” Lou swung down and waited for Kid before she headed for the barn. The woman the men had described sounded a lot like the girl she’d been expecting. Unsaddling their horses the boys made quick work of settling them in before stepping out into the fading sun light.
With tired steps they headed inside, leaving only Teaspoon watching the couple walking toward them.
Buck was silently smoldering, “I thought you said you could stand on it.” He spoke slowly, carefully.
“I can stand on it.” Laura declared as she stood on her ankle, “I just have a hard time walking.”
“We could have taken an extra day.” Buck said.
“I know, but I’m anxious to meet everyone and you’re going insane trying to think of me when you wan to get back. Besides your friends are probably worried sick right about now.”
“True.” Buck glanced up and smiled. “Well, you’re gonna have to just hobble. I can see the windmill in the distance. And it looks like the boys are just getting back from looking.”
“Well then lets go.” Laura limped off, intent on completing this journey even if it killed her.
“Anyone ever tell you that you’re stubborn?” Buck asked as he took her hand and fell into step with her.
“Yeah. This good looking guy I know that walked me to Rock Creek once.” Laura smiled at him. She felt like a weight had been lifted as she laughed when he groaned.
“You grew up with Lou alright, either that or your personality rubbed off on her!” Buck chuckled as she hopped along. “Both of you are stubborn, and proud. Gonna kill me yet.”
“Yeah but what a way to go!” Laura teased him as he pulled her close in a hug as they walked. “By the way, I have no intention of walking anywhere. If I need to go anywhere, even to the outhouse, I expect a horse to carry me.”
“Come on. You’ll keep walking, even if it killed you.” Buck declared. “Well I can see Teaspoon and the boys, wonder where Rachel disappeared to.”
“I must look a site.” Laura fussed pushing at her hair, and trying to adjust her dress.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re only as homely as when I first met you. Didn’t get worse.” Buck teased her, he chuckled when she swatted at him. “Just a second, you’ve got a bunch of leaves in your hair.” Plucking them quickly he shook his head and led her forward.
“Is Kid here?” Laura asked softly.
“Yep. I saw Katy so that means he is.” Buck declared. “Why?”
“At least she isn’t gonna kill us.” Laura grinned at the thought of hearing her old friend’s voice again.
“The boys are gonna kill me for bringing another Lou in the works.” Buck groaned as he lifted a hand to Teaspoon who’d started toward them.
Teaspoon stared at the young couple for a few seconds then grinned, “Boys!” he hollered. He waited impatiently for the few seconds it took for them to rush toward him.
“Why you hollering?” Noah asked.
Teaspoon nodded toward the horizon, “Anyone you know?”
“Buck!” Rachel gasped.
“Who’s that with him?” Cody asked noting how easily they interacted.
Lou frowned for a moment, there was something familiar about the woman. She grinned when realization dawned. “Laura!” Breaking into a run she headed for her friends.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Buck whispered in Laura’s ear. “Here comes Lou so brace yourself.”
“Yes sir.” Laura grinned as she listened to the footfalls.
“Laura!” Lou hugged the other woman and grinned Buck. “We were starting to wonder where you were!”
“I told you.” Laura laughed at Buck who sighed and ruffled her hair.
“I’m up for coffee.” Buck said. “Is there coffee on?”
“In the bunkhouse.” Lou replied with a slight frown.
“Good. Hope you made lots.” Laura reach out and grabbed Buck’s arm pulling Lou along with her. “So where’s this man you wrote me about? The one that’s confusing.”
“Huh?” Lou frowned as she fell into step with the pair.
“She means Kid.” Buck clarified.
“Oh he’s here.” Lou smiled. “Where’s your husband? Back east.”
“No.” Laura shook her head and paused. “I’ll explain after coffee.”
“Coffee it is.” Buck said as he paused next to Teaspoon and held up the Mochilla. “I brought it back with me.”
“I see.” Teaspoon took in the dirty, unkept appearance of both of the kids and shook his head. “Nice to finally meet you Laura, Lou’s been going on abou tyou for some time.” he said offering a hand.
Laura glanced toward the voice and felt him stick his hand out. Offering her own hand she returned the greeting. “Is something burning?” She asked sniffing the air.
“My biscuits.” Cody cried and ran for the bunkhouse.
“Cody?” Laura asked.
“Cody.” Lou said dragging her away from Buck and toward the bunkhouse.
Buck cringed when Laura stopped next to the steps. “Three.”
With a wave, Laura picked up her skirts and followed Lou inside.
“What was that all about?” Kid asked noting the way Lou glared at Buck.
“I’d say she’s getting ready to kill me.” Buck shook his head. “I need a shower.”
“You want coffee first?” Kid asked slapping him on the back.
“No. With the mood Lou’s in all I want is a shower, my own bunk, and peace and quiet for a couple of hours. “ Buck rolled his shoulders. “And if you’re really lucky Kid, you won’t get stuck with showing her around. Because you’d better be prepared. Laura never shuts up.”
“Really. If I didn’t know any better I’d say you didn’t really mind.” Teaspoon laughed at Buck’s guilty look.
“Didn’t say I minded. Everyone else might. She can give Cody a run for his money.” With that he headed for the shower, his goal avoiding Lou for a couple of hours.
Laura listened with half an ear to Lou talking about what was happening in Rock Creek, the other part of her listened for the familiar footsteps she wanted to hear.
“So where were you teaching?” Cody asked sitting at the table.
“Last place was a small school in Dakota.” Laura smiled as she heard Lou set the coffee down near her right hand. “It’s challenging but I like it.”
“What do you teach?” Cody asked smoothing his hair down in place.
“The basics, reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar.” With a half-hearted shrug she shook her head, “At the moment though I’m not teaching. I took a sabbatical for a while.”
“Why?”
“Cody give the woman a chance to breathe.” Kid snapped sitting down at the table.
“Where’s Buck?” Laura asked.
“Having a shower.” Lou replied. “Why?”
“Uh I just needed to talk to him. It’ll keep.” Laura replied. She didn’t know if it was just because of the excitement or what but they didn’t seem to notice that she was blind.
“How long you planning on staying with us?” Rachel asked softly.
“Till I wear out my welcome.” Laura laughed softly. “I found that stage coaches are wonderful devices, but I need a break.”
“Shower’s yours if you want it Laura.” Buck walked by, keeping a close eye on Lou.
“I’m so sorry.” Lou groaned. “You want a bath?”
“No, I’ll just have a quick shower. I could use another dress though. This one’s a little worse for wear.” Laura pointed out dryly.
“You can wear one of mine.” Lou rose and quickly drug out the simple grey calico dress that she had bought for everyday, quickly she tucked the edge of a lacy nightie set back into the trunk and slammed the lid shut. She had plans for Kid, and the others weren’t invited.
“Thanks. Where’s the shower?” Laura asked.
“Around the corner.” Cody started only to stop when Buck shook his head. “What it is.”
“Go out the door, take a right it’s down the steps and around the corner about five strides. The latch is on the left side.” Buck explained quickly sitting down by Teaspoon.
“Thanks.” Laura rose and quickly walked outside following the path Buck had given her.
“You don’t have to treat her like she’s dumb Buck.” Lou snapped as soon as they heard the water of the shower start.
“I’m not.” Buck replied.
“If you could get anymore specific in directions I’m sure she’d enjoy it.” Lou retorted.
“I’m sure she would.” Buck looked at Lou calmly. “Didn’t you notice?”
“Notice what?” Lou glanced at Buck questions in her eyes.
“Laura’s blind.” Teaspoon stated quickly.
“She is not.” Lou retorted.
“Lou, she’s blind. She had an accident about three years ago. It blinded her.” Buck explained.
“I never even thought..” Lou looked faintly horrified.
“Don’t worry about it. Very few people actually do.” Laura’s voice was filled with humour.
Glancing behind them they stared at the blonde haired woman who stood in one of Lou’s dresses, her long hair hanging in wet ringlets down her back. She moved confidently through the room until she reach the table then a quick, almost unnoticeable sweep of the hand had her locating a chair.
“What happened?” Lou asked settling in a chair. “Buck said it was an accident.”
“Yeah.” Laura’s voice dripped sarcasm. “An accident identical to me.” With a shrug she revealed the truth, “Jenny and I got into an argument about Lyle, I thought he was a creep she thought he was the greatest things since corsets were invented. She threw lyme in my face, the damage to my eyes was nearly instant, and irreversible. I learned to deal with it, others found it too much of a hassle to figure it out.”
“I’m sorry.” Lou muttered. “I didn’t even think..”
“Don’t worry about it. It happens all the time. They think that because I’m independent and self reliant that I’m normal.” With a shake of her head Laura dismissed Lou’s concerns. “You know now, deal with it in your own way. I’ll need to make a run into town soon to get some more clothes. I love you dearly Lou, but your clothes are about a size too small.” Laura laughed at Buck’s snicker.
“You’ll need new boots to.” Buck drew everyone’s attention to Laura’s bare feet.
“I know that. You could just back track and get the heels off my old boots.” Laura suggested.
“Nope.” Buck rose. “I’ve got chores to do. See you at suppertime.”
“Don’t forget your promise.” Laura warned, a teasing note in her voice.
“I ain’t forgot.” Buck said as the others rose and headed for the door. “See you later. Don’t kill her.”
“Yes sir.” Laura snapped off a salute with a cocky grin as Lou settled into a chair across the table from her.
When the door shut Lou sighed. “Who’d Jenny marry?”
“Lyle Wicks. He ran..”
“I know who he is.” Lou snapped anger still coursing through her at the thought of what he’d done to her.
“You did laundry for him at one time didn’t you?”
“Yeah.” Lou grunted.
“My guess is you found him to be just as much of a creep as I did, if not more so.”
“That I did.” Lou agreed rubbing her arms through the heavy chambray cotton shirt she wore. “I can’t believe she would marry him.”
“Married and divorced. I heard he was killed.”
“Yeah. One of his girls’ beau’s shot and killed him. Wish I’d done it though.” Lou glared into her coffee cup.
“We all wish things could be different.” Laura said softly. “You think I don’t wish my ex-fiancé would have accepted my blindness? I’ve never met anyone so selfish in my life as Jack Jamison, except of course Jenny Greye. In a way though I’m glad, if he had of accepted me, I’d never have met Buck.”
“Sounds like you’re falling for him.” Lou grinned.
“Already fallen.” Laura laughed softly.
“Buck’s a good man. He’s not had it easy, but he’s worth his weight in gold. I could have loved him if I hadn’t of fallen for Kid.”
“Tell me about Kid.” Laura said leaning forward. “And don’t leave out a single detail.”
“You haven’t changed a bit.” Lou laughed as she leaned forward and sighed. “He was the first to find out my secret. Found me on my first run, shot. Tried to patch me up. I have never seen anyone react the way he did. I thought his eyes were gonna pop right out of his head. But I learned I could trust him when he didn’t reveal my secret when we rode out with the others. In a way I told them later on.” Lou brushed a strand of hair out of her face, her eyes filled with laughter.
“Tell me about your first kiss, and don’t say you haven’t kissed him, cause I know you’d be lying. Darlin’ from your voice I know you’ve been doing a bit of dancing that no one else was invited to.”
Laughing Lou shook her head. “When he kissed me the first time, it was like these flood gates opened in my heart. It shocked me, and it was scary and exciting all at once. I never wanted it to end and at the same time I wanted to run from him. He’s so romantic and sweet. We had a town social once, not too long after he found me. I was so angry I didn’t want to be there, staring at the girls in their fancy dresses, and dancing with the men. Kid invited me to go out get some fresh air, and we danced.” Lou sighed her mind replaying the scene in her mind. She’d known then that he was dangerous to her peace of mind and her heart. “It was so romantic Laura, I could have swooned. Then we kissed twice and it was like nothing else I’ve ever felt. I could have run off with him so easily, just to lay and make love under the stars.”
“Yeah.” Laura grinned. “It’s like lightening coursing through your blood, you want to run from it but at the same time you can’t move. When its over all you want to do is laugh and hold on for dear life as your whole world spins out of control.”
“Exactly.” Lou reach for the coffee pot. “He’s always been there for me to talk to, and we’ve done plenty of that. Sometimes though it hasn’t been about what we need to be talking about. I love him, and it scares me. I’m so used to being alone. If I lost him I couldn’t survive.”
“Sure you could.” Laura declared. “You’re stronger than you think Lou. You’d have to be to survive the life you’ve been given. Having Kid in it is just an added bonus. When you get a chance like you’ve got hang onto it girl, men like him don’t grow on trees.”
“But he’s so controlling, he’s always riding me if I’m late or when we’re in a dangerous situation. He’s got the boys spying on me I just know it!”
“There’s an old saying girl. What’s good for the gander is good for the goose. Do it back at him.” Laura shrugged. “What is he gonna do? He loves you, he obviously trusts you. I think he’s not sure that you believe he loves you for who you are. I think he’s just trying to show you that he loves the woman you are, not the girl you think he wants you to be.”
“Then give me some room.” Lou stood and walked to the window. She could see Kid, Buck and Cody working in the corral.
“He is.” Laura sighed. “Louise, he’s a man. Men are notorious for being fools, you’ve just got to train him the way you want him to be and let him think it was his idea!”
“When did you get so smart about men?”
“On a warm summers morning when a handsome man climbed onto the stage and listened to my nervous chatter without comment. When he didn’t leave me behind because I couldn’t see what was in front of me.” Laura replied all teasing gone from her voice. “The single most repetitive thing in my life has been being told I’m a burden. He gave me a chance to prove I’m not, and he accepted me for who and what I am. Kid would do no less for you.”
“How can you be so sure?” Lou wondered still doubtful that she could convince Kid of how much there was at stake. She still didn’t really believe in her heart that he’d be there for the long term.
“Kid’s still here isn’t he? I’m sure you told him about your association with Wicks, and your brother and sister. Did you tell him about working the odd job and moving around so much so no-one could get near enough to you to uncover your secrets? How many times have you and he made love. More importantly, how many fights have you had, and how many times have you pushed him away? I don’t see him going anywhere without you Louise. That man’s got it bad, some of us can only pray that we find a man who loves us that much to accept our faults and offer a shoulder to lean on when we need it.”
Rising Laura moved over to stand next to Lou and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, “If you love him as much as your voice tells me you do, cling to it. Gather your strength from him. Don’t run from his love Louise, you don’t want to be alone like me.”
“You aren’t alone.”
“I don’t see a lot of men lined up to protect me the way your friends are you. In fact I know of only one man who’s ever been friendly to me, and he’s out there doing who knows what. Probably trying to break his neck.” Laura said sadly. “Someday he’s gonna realize that he needs a woman who can help him, not one he has to count stair for.”
“If Buck loves you, it wouldn’t matter how many stairs he had to count. He’d just do it.” Lou defended her friend.
“I know, but that’s a big if.” taking a deep breathe Laura rubbed her hands together. “So you got any dresses that are a size bigger, cause you and I aren’t exactly the same shape.”
“Come on. I’ll talk to Rachel, maybe she’ll let us go into town and get some clothes for you.” Lou laughed and set her coffee cup on the table.
Buck shot a glance at the bunkhouse door for the umpteenth time and wondered what Lou was saying. He figured she’d be mad, but he hoped she’d understand Laura was his friend, maybe more depending on if they could each get over their hung ups about themselves.
“I hate to disagree with you Kid, but Lou was right.” Cody snickered. “Lou’s friend’s a lot prettier than she is.”
“Fine. You think that.” Kid’s voice was neutral. “But from where I’m standing Lou’s a beautiful woman, she’s got a lot of great qualities that I ain’t seen in too many women. Besides there’s more to beauty than just how they look.”
“If we go on that basis Kid, Lou’s as homely as that mule you’re riding.” Cody retorted.
“Cody you’re gonna get killed talking like that.” Buck declared. “Besides you don’t know anything about Laura.”
“And I suppose you do?” Cody asked feeling slightly irritated that the woman in question hadn’t even noticed him.
“Yeah I do.”Buck straightened. “She’s smart, and feisty. Reminds me a lot of Lou in temperament. Don’t complain about nothing, and she’s as mule headed as Lou.” With a half grin Buck shook his head. “In fact Laura’s got a few things Lou ain’t got.”
“Like what?” Kid demanded angrily, he hated when people looked down on Lou cause she’d chopped off her hair, or wore boys clothes.
“She can read braille.” Buck declared. “And she can out talk Lou any day of the week. In fact she could probably out talk Cody.”
“Oh no! Not another one.” Jimmy protested as they heard the door open and the two women step out.
Buck stared at Laura as she made her way down the steps, Lou’s dress was definitely a size too small, the material stretched across her chest revealing the cleavage Lou just didn’t have. The hem of the dress barely reached the top of the borrows shoes she wore, and she looked pained to be in something that small. But he couldn’t honestly say he’d ever seen a lovelier sight.
“You’re drooling.” Jimmy’s voice had Buck jerking around to stare at him, noting the man staring at Cody he shook his head and lifted the hammer, he planned on getting the fence done.
“Hey guys you mind if I run into town with Laura?” Lou asked as they came to a stop next to the unfinished fence.
“Not at all.” Kid smiled at her softly. “Could you pick up a few things for me?”
“What did you need?” Lou asked with a grin.
“A couple of new shirts and a pair of gloves, the ones I’ve got have more holes in them then a sieve.” Kid declared showing Lou his palms through the leather work gloves.
“Sure. Anyone else want anything?” Lou asked seeing the slight glance Buck had tossed at her before turning his attention back to were Laura stood her head cocked slightly.
“You want me to hitch up the team?” Buck asked dropping his hammer.
“If you don’t mind. I’ve got to go talk to Rachel for a second.” Lou glanced at Laura with a slight shake of her head. “Behave.”
“Me? I’m an angel.” Laura laughed softly. “It’s been years since I glued a nun’s clothes to her chair!”
“Yeah and who got the whipping for it?” Lou called as she hurried up the steps of the house.
“I admitted to it, she just didn’t believe me.” Laura finished as she heard the door closed.
“You glued a nun to her chair?” Kid chuckled.
“Oh I used to be a horrible child.” Laura shrugged. “I chopped my sister’s hair off, with a pair of dull scissors, dropped paint on Sister Mary, that was just for starters. Believe me, I was incorrigable. I’m surprised Lou lived as long as she has with me around.”
“Accident prone, and a chatter box.” Buck whistled. “No wonder the stage was empty.”
“Ha. You seemed to like listening to me.” Laura called. “Besides, if I remember fairly correctly there were a few times I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.”
“That’s just cause I found a way to shut you up.” Buck teased as he walked in the barn. “Otherwise we’d have never gotten anywhere.”
“I resent that. I got us left behind a lot sooner.”
“That was just cause they were desperate to get away from your talking.” Buck tied the team up next to Kid. “I’m sure if they’d gotten a way to shut you up they’d have stuck around a little longer.”
“Perhaps.” Laura shrugged slightly. “It’s a moot point at this stage anyway.” Patting the team she shifted on her feet, Lou’s boots were a size too small and pinched. “So waht are you fixing?”
“The fence.” Kid replied quickly noting Cody’s angry expression.
“I can smell fresh cut wood.” Laura replied. “You make your own fencing?”
“Yes ma’am.” Jimmy smacked Cody in the head as he huffed off. With a shake of his head he met Kid’s eyes. Trouble had come in the form of jealousy.
“Is he upset about something?” Laura asked. “Sounds like he’s angry.”
“Jealous.” Kid andwered. “You’re not worshiping him.”
“Cody acting like a big baby?” Lou asked walking up to them as Buck tossed the reins into the wagon.
“Yeah. He’s all upset cause Laura isn’t swooning at his feet.” Kid replied.
“You know who he reminds me of?” Laura frowned slightly. “He reminds me of Harris.”
“Your brother?” Lou demanded sneaking a wink at Kid.
“Yeah.” Laura chuckled. “I promise I won’t look.” She said as she took the offered lift into the wagon.
“Here.” Buck pressed some money into Laura’s hand. “Don’t tell Lou.”
“Okay.” Laura whispered soflty. “I’ll see you when we get back. Hopefully with something that fits.”
“I think you look great.” Buck patted her knee and handed her the reins. “Just hang onto the team for a second. Lou’s gotta sneak a kiss from Kid.”
“If you two are done?” Laura called. “We’d best go.”
“Coming.” Lou called and trailed a hand down Kid’s chest before climbing into the wagon. With a slight movement of her hand she set the wagon in motion and the women drove off.
“Trouble in a skirt.” Kid nudged Buck. “You’d best have a chat with Cody before he takes things too far.”
“Yeah.” Buck wasn’t looking forward to that chat. With a final glance at the retreating wagon, he turned back to the fence. He’d talk to Cody after supper, after he’d had a chance to cool off.
Lou sat and watched Laura as she picked out the materials for the dresses she wanted. It amazed her that the other woman was so resilient, and tough. She had managed to get the dressmaker to come down a few dollars on two dresses and was fingering the material of a fancy red dress that hung near the window.
“What colour is this?” Laura asked Lou quietly.
“Red.” Lou shook her head. “Not your colour.”
“I like the style.” Laura turned to the dressmaker. “Do you have one in this style in another colour?”
“I have two that are finished. One in black and one in a blue floral print.” the woman replied glancing up. “I’ll try both of them on.” Laura declared. She longed for the fancy ball room type gown she had brought for Lou, but wasn’t sure how she could get it.
“I’d also like an formal gown, off the shoulder with matching stole, clutch and hair ribbons in forest green.” Laura said and smiled, she could sew, she’d just take it in.”
“Yes ma’am.” The dressmaker smiled at Lou, the young woman was trying to hide her interest in the dresses and bonnets, after all she was supposed to be a boy, but the dressmaker hadn’t reach her age without learning to look beneath the surface. Seeing the look on the blonde girl’s face she jotted down notes and quickly assessed Lou’s size. Yes sir, it would look great on the auburn haired beauty.
“Was there anything else?” Lou asked.
“I need all the pantaloons, petticoats and a couple of chemises and a corset as well.” Laura replied. “You have my measurements. How long do you figure it’ll take to fill the order?”
“A day or so. I’ll get a couple of my girls working on it right away. I do have a couple of dresses already made if you’d like to try them on.”
“Please.”Laura quickly tried on the dresses, and picked out a pair of granny-boots and a pair of walking boots. She didn’t plan on being stuck without footwear again.
“That’ll come to twenty three dollars and six bits.” The dressmaker declared. “Unless there’s something else?”
“That’s all thank you.”
Glancing out the window Lou watched the hustle and bustle of the people fo Rock Creek as they hurried about their lives. She wished she could do as Laura was doing, wished she could reveal that she was a woman but doing so was dangerous. There was too much at stake for her to risk giving herself away.
“So we need to go to the general store?” Laura declared.
“Yes we do.” Lou said as they exited the shop. They deposited the packages into the back of the wagon before Laura climbed into the wagon followed by Lou.
“Do you mind about Buck and I?” Laura asked suddenly as they rolled down the street to stop a few doors down.
“Should I?” Lou asked hopping down. She helped Laura down and walked up the single step a hand on the back of her friend’s arm. “Are you doing something that could hurt someone?”
“No.” Laura denied, the only risk was to herself but she didn’t say that. “There isn’t anyone in my life Lou. I meant what I said when I said I was alone. For years I’ve looked into life, now with him I can live it.”
“As long as you’re happy.”
“I am.” Laura declared. “The only wish I could possibly want is for this to never end.”
Lou smiled as she picked up Kid’s new shirts, a couple of pairs of gloves, several peppermint sticks, and a book for herself to read later. “You’re a grown woman Laura, you can do whatever you want.”
“Thank you.” Laura listened to the faint conversation in the back of the store and stepped closer.
“I’m telling you she’s as blind as that door.” a woman’s voice whispered.
“So what?”
“Ain’t right the way Thompkins lets all those freaks in here.” the first woman snapped.
“Hush now. Thompkins threw out someone for saying something against them express riders, especially that half-blood and that nigger.”
Laura’s breathe caught as she waited impatiently for Lou, as soon as Lou started for the door she followed quickly, “Lou who were those two women in the store?”
“Oh that was Mrs. Wilbons, and Mrs. Johnson. Why?”
“They don’t particularly like Buck and Noah do they?”
“They don’t like any of us.” Lou replied urging the team into a trot. “Figure we’re all devils spawn.”
“Freaks.” Laura whispered hearing the echo of old ghosts coming back to haunt her.
“Yeah. Don’t worry about it though. They don’t have anything to do with us, and Thompkins has no tolerance for them. Threw them out of his store once for calling Buck down.”
“At least he’s got half a brain.” Laura sighed.
“What did they say?”
“Nothing I haven’t heard before.” Laura said sadly.
“Laura.” Lou pulled the team up, “What did they say?”
“Nothing really, I’m not even sure they were talking about me.”
“ You get shot down a lot cause you can’t see don’t you? That’s why you didn’t admit it right off when I saw you.”
“More than you know. Nearly everywhere I go people either avoid me or pity me and I don’t need neither of those things.”
Lou nodded slowly realization dawning, “That’s why you don’t think this thing with Buck’ll work out.”
“It doesn’t matter. Lets get back.” Laura said sitting up straight. She’d be damned if she’d let anyone drag her soul back into the darkness, it had taken her a long time to realize she had worth and she wasn’t going to retreat from anyone. “Besides, I don’t ‘spect I’ll ever see either of them again.”
Lou laughed softly at the pun and clicked to the team. Pulling into the yard she noticed the boys had finished one section of the new fence.
“Hey Lou, Laura. The boys went swimming.” Rachel called as she stepped off the porch.
“We’ve got to unload the wagon before we do anything else.” Lou replied as she stepped back so Laura could get down.
“How’d it go?”
“Same as always.” Laura declared. “I brought a few things for myself. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I’ve fixed up the spare bedroom for you.”
“Thanks.” Smiling Laura pushed aside her doubts and fears, she’d deal with them later when she was alone. The three women unloaded the wagon and unhitched the team before retiring to the house for tea.
Groaning the boys stared at the table in the bunkhouse, it was bare.
“Where is supper?” Cody whined.
“I don’t know, but Rachel might.” Noah said turning to walk across the yard to the house. Raising his hand to knock he paused, it sounded like laughter coming frominside. Knocking he opened the door and called out to the girls.
“In here Noah.” Rachel’s laughter filled voice hit him as he stepped inside. Walking into the kitchen he froze, standing there in the middle of the kitchen the three women stood covered in flour, dough and something he was certain he didn’t want to know.
“Uh,” Fearfully Noah stepped into the kitchen only to freeze at the crunching under his boots.
“Supper’ll be another half hour.” Lou declared before bursting into laughter again.
“There’s biscuits if you want a snack.” Rachel pointed to the plate of biscuits sitting on the counter.
“Thanks.” Noah grabbed the plate and slowly exited backward. He wasn’t going to turn his back on them for fear they doused him in flour. Carrying the biscuits over to the bunkhouse he set them down with a thump. “Enjoy. Supper won’t be for at least half and hour, maybe longer.”
“Why?” Cody asked his concern for his stomach greater than his concern over the new girl.
“It was scary.” Noah shook his head. “It looked like Lou was trying to cook.”
“Oh no.” A chorus of voices filled the bunkhouse.
“Yes. They had flour everywhere, along with something I’ve never seen and wasn’t even sure was food. When I walked in they were laughing like a bunch of fools.” Noah explained setting down and grabbing a biscuit.
“Did Rachel make these?” Cody asked sniffing at one. He bit into it and sighed. “Yep, it’s soft and it actually tastes like a biscuit.”
“So you gonna tell us about your hike?” Jimmy asked pouring himself a cup of coffee and settling at the table.
“We walked during the day and slept at night.” Buck replied. He knew they wanted details but he wasn’t’ sure how much to actually tell them.
“Oh come on now Buck, we need to know a little more ‘en that. You didn’t even have a blanket so how’d you keep warm?” Cody pushed.
“Fire?” Buck questioned with a small smile. He had his doubts about sleeping in his bunk tonight, it amazed him at how easily a person could get used to something.
“Oh come on Buck.” Kid pleaded. “You’ve been bugging me for details about Lou and I, now it’s my turn. Spill the proverbial beans.”
Laughing Buck shook his head. “What exactly do you want to know?”
“How’d you keep warm for one thing.” Cody put in.
“I told you already, a fire keeps a person warm.” Buck hedged, “Besides I ain’t giving you any details. You’ll just go run to Lou and then I’ll be hiding under the table like Kid did there the one day.”
“Lou won’t kill you. Laura likes you.” Cody protested. “Now come on, we want details.”
“We doubled up.” Buck replied. “A word of advice on your next run, take extra food. I’ve eaten more rabbit in the last week than a body would ever want to.”
“What do you mean double up?” Jimmy leaned forward a grin on his face.
“Slept against each other.” Buck shrugged a flush climbing his face. “And no I’m not going into any more detail.”
“Tell us all about it.” Noah invited, “We’d love to hear this story.”
Half an hour later Buck was silently cursing the fact that dinner had been postponed. The others hadn’t let up until he’d told them nearly everything about the trip. He’d left out the cave, it didn’t seem proper to tell the boys he’d kissed Laura silly.
“Oh come on there has got to be more to it than that.” Cody protested as the doors opened and the three women came in with supper.
“There ain’t. I’m not Kid you know.” Buck protested as Lou set a bowl of steaming potatoes next to him. He glanced at her and smiled shakily. “So you having a cooking lesson?”
“No.” Laura pushed her hair out of her face. “I was trying to explain a recipe I’ve made before, and unfortunately we had a little accident.”
“Little?” Lou chortled. “You blew up the flour bin.”
“Hey, how was I supposed to know the can you gave me was baking soda. I knew the liquid was vinegar, but you could have said it was baking soda.” Laura protested with a laugh.
“You still blew up the flour bin.” Lou shook her head. “I can’t believe you blew it up. We’re still missing part of it.”
“Look on the ceiling.” Laura replied haughtily as she settled in the chair next to Buck. “Until then, I’m hungry.”
“You two are barred from my kitchen for life.” Rachel threatened.
“Thank you.” Lou threw her hands in the air. “I’m glad we are in agreement.”
“I can cook!” Laura protested. “I’ve been doing it for years.”
“Yeah and badly I’d say.” Lou said sliding her hand up Kid’s thigh under the table and earning a sharp glance from him. Smiling angelically at him she glanced at Buck who’d pushed the potatoes down. “Not hungry.”
“Not if you cooked.” Buck replied with a smile.
“I cooked.” Rachel declared. “They cleaned.”
“It wasn’t my fault.” Laura protested leaning back in her chair as things were shifted around. “I wish you’d remember that.”
“I am remembering it.” Rachel laughed. “And the two of you will remember it to when you have to clean up after supper.”
Shaking her head Laura snagged a bowl that was passing under her nose and shrugged. Spooning the vegetables onto her plate she passed them along and waited for the next bowl.
“If you don’t mind my asking, why put your food on your plate like that?” Cody asked pointing at the neatly organized plate sitting in front of her.
“Habit. Then I know where everything is.” Laura stated. “It makes it easier.”
Supper was a noisy affair as everyone spoke at once, and Laura enjoyed the interaction. Tilting her head slightly she smothered a laugh when she realized what Lou was doing under the table.
Buck watched Kid shift in his chair, an uncomfortable look crossing his face as Lou sat smiling next to him, leaning against his arm as she talked to Rachel. Catching Kid’s eyes he hid a grin as Kid shrugged slightly before shifting back into Lou’s warmth.
“You want some help cleaning up the house after supper?” Buck asked quietly.
“Thanks. But Lou and I’ve got it covered. Do me a favour though, if you don’t mind. Keep Kid busy. Lou’s got a surprise for him.”
“Do I want to know what it is?” Buck asked with a half grin at his friend.
“I’ll tell you later.” Laura replied as everyone excused themselves and rose from the table, with the exception of three people. Laura sat waiting for Lou, Lou sat waiting for Kid.
“Hey Kid I’ll play you a game of cards.” Buck noted the relief on the other man’s face and glanced at Laura who rose at the same time Lou did. The two women departed leaving Kid at the mercy of the other boys.
“You okay Kid?” Noah asked silkily. “Seemed like you were a bit uncomfortable at supper.”
“I’m fine.” Kid snapped reaching for the deck of cards Cody had tossed onto the table.
“I’m sure you are.” Buck laughed.
“You shouldn’t talk.” Kid pointed out. “Seems you were doing a bit of footwork at supper yourself.”
“We were just talking.” Buck declared. “Ain’t the same.”
Shaking their heads the boys started playing leaving Buck and Kid to themselves for the most part.
Laura sat near the clear brook listening to the wind in the leaves, and the water as it caressed the rocks in the creek bed. The warmth of the sun drew a sigh from her, in the two weeks that she’d been there her and Buck and snuck off for supper twice. Although they’d managed to spend plenty of time alone together, she wasn’t sure how it was going to work. Everyone around them could tell what they’d been doing when they got back to the house. He was currently out on a run, leaving her with no one to talk to.
“Thought I’d find you out here.” The soft sound drew her from her thoughts.
Laura jerked around and smiled at the familiar voice, “You’re home early. I take it the ride was good.”
“Yeah.” Buck settled next to her on the grass and leaned against the tree she was sitting under. “Made good time. What are you doing way out here?”
“Thinking.”
“Bout what?” Buck asked although he could hazzard a guess.
“You.” Laura leaned against him and closed her eyes contentedly. “How much I missed you on your run.”
“I won’t be doing too many more of them.” Buck stated quietly.
“How come?” Laura waited patiently as Buck ran his fingers through her hair, the gentle touch relaxing and exciting all at once.
“Teaspoon said the express is running out of money. And with war just around the corner. It’s getting harder to get through the army, they’re everywhere.”
“You going to fight?” Laura asked.
“Fight? Naw. They wouldn’t let me join even if I did want to. Kid is though. I’m sure he’ll go fight for his boyhood home.”
“Maybe.” Laura smiled secretively. Lou had told her what she had planned for the young man and she relished the thought of attending that wedding. Feeling Buck’s hands wrapping around her waist she shifted to ly partially in his lap, her head pillowed on his chest. “Lou’s got a few tricks up her sleeve.”
“What has she said to you?” Buck asked grateful for a few more minutes of peace before he asked what he’d come out here to ask.
“She’s gonna have Kid married by the end of the month.” Laura declared.
“Kid’s more stubborn than that.” Buck whispered chuckling.
“Oh, Lou’ll get her way.” Laura laughed softly. “With Kid she usually does.”
Shaking his head Buck just laughed, Laura was right. Kid would give in to Lou, he always had.
Lou listened to them from where she sat a few feet away. Shaking her head she wondered when they’d change topics and get down to what Buck had come down here to do.
“Laura?” Buck’s tone had both women perking up as they waited. “I wanted to ask you something?”
“Sure.” Laura frowned slightly at the seriousness of Buck’s tone. “What’s up?”
“I love you, I mean its not news to you.” Buck sighed this was harder than he thought, how had Kid done it twice now?
“I love you to.” Laura shifted into a sitting position and turned to face him. Reaching out she squeezed his hand and found it like ice. “You’re hands are freezing. You ok?”
“Yeah.” Buck took a deep breathe for courage. “I was wondering if you’d marry me?”
Laura gasped and opened her mouth, although nothing came out. “Yes!” she finally managed to get out and launched herself at him, knocking him backward onto the lush grasses behind him.
Smiling Lou listened to them laughing for a minute then peaked around the tree she’d hid behind. Feeling a blush sting her cheeks she rose and quickly headed back to the bunkhouse. Seeing Katy standing tied and saddle next to the barn she glanced around. The open bunkhouse door told her where the man she was looking for had gone.
Rushing into the house she spotted him straightening his saddlebags and smiled. He had no idea what she had planned, but he’d learn.
Kid glanced up at the sound of someone running and stared at Lou who came barrelling into the bunkhouse and straight for him. Stepping back to brace himself he caught her midair as she leapt at him with a little laugh.
“She said yes!” Lou screamed as they hit the floor.
“Who said yes?” Kid grunted as the floor came to meet him with a hard rush.
“Laura. Buck asked her to marry him and she said yes.” Lou declared with a smile as she sat on him.
“Great.” Kid wheezed. “ When’s the wedding?”
“Don’t know. I left before they got that far.” Lou shrugged, happy that her friend would be sticking around.
“You’re insane.” Kid protested as he shifted, for some reason he wasn’t in too much of a hurry to go on his run, although Lou was supposed to be going with him to Davenport. “Don’t you think you’d best get ready. You’re on this run with me.” He grinned at her.
Jimmy heard Lou scream and started for he bunkhouse at a run. Diving up the steps he skidded to a halt, Lou lay entangled with Kid on the floor both of them grinning like fools. “You two hurt?”
“Nope.” Lou glanced at the door sharply. She squirmed slightly and felt Kid’s hands grab her hips tightly to stop her from moving. Feeling the thrill race through her at his touch she bit her lip to stop a moan. Davenport would be a great break from things.
“Then why are you screaming?” Jimmy demanded. “Thought you were hurt.”
“Only a mild concussion.” Kid grunted as he struggled to sit up with Lou still in his lap.
“You want a hand up?” Jimmy grinned at the pair. “And what on earth are you doing down there anyway?”
“Laura said yes.” Lou grinned at Jimmy.
“To what?” Jimmy raised his hands in question.
“To Buck’s proposal.” Lou shook her head. “Don’t you pay any attention to what’s going on around here?”
“I was too busy paying attention to you and the Kid.” Jimmy retorted with a half grin before he headed back out to finish cleaning the barn.
The End
“Hey Lou! You got a letter!” Jimmy’s shout drew Lou’s attention from where she was trying to clean Katy’s hooves. She’d been taking care of the mare while Kid was on his latest run.
“Thanks.” Lou straightened from her position and dusted her hands on her pants, reaching for the letter she smiled at her friend before tearing into the envelope.
Unfolding the paper she frowned at the writing, then realized who had sent it.
Dear Louise,“She’s coming!” Lou squealed hugging Jimmy and running for the house, the letter crumpled in her hand.
I’m glad to hear you’re happy in Rock Creek. I’ve been doing some teaching here in Dakota Territory, and have decided that a change of scenery would do me good. I’ll be in the Rock Creek area around the beginning of June and was wondering if we could meet for coffee or something? You know catch up on all the happenings.
Your friend Laura Greye.
“Who’s coming?” Jimmy hollered with a frown as Lou disappeared in the house. Shaking his head at her, Jimmy walked away he had a horse to care for.
Part One
From where he sat Buck could cheerfully have killed the young woman sitting next to him. So far she hadn’t shut up the entire three miles since he’d gotten on the stage after having his horse shot out from under him.
Feeling the stage pulling up, he glanced out the window to see five riders sitting in the middle of the road. “Wonder what they want.” He muttered.
“What are you talking about?” Laura Greye asked.
“There’s several riders in the road. Wonder what they want.”
Laura swallowed, feeling a sense of dread. They wouldn’t have followed her she thought as the stage came to a dead halt. Hearing the men moving around she tried to stem her fears as the familiar void of blindness prevented her from seeing what she needed to know.
“Alright everyone out.” The leader called sending a chill down her spine. Grasping her clutch tightly, she tried to calm herself with the knowledge that she wasn’t her sister, after all Jenny had red hair, she had blonde.
Climbing down from the stage she stood next to the familiar voice that had recently climbed on. He’d been muttering about her chattering since he’d settled next to her and she felt comfortable with him, despite the tension she could feel within the confines of the stage.
“Hey Boss.” A tall thin man with hard green eyes stared at the pretty blonde who stood quietly next to the half-breed who watched them impassively. “Is this the one you was talking about?”
“Naw. Jenny’s got red hair.” The man shook his head. “But she does have some valuables, take ‘em and lets get out of here.” The man ordered.
Reaching out Laura gasped as the man yanked off the small cameo she wore at her throat, tearing the delicate lace that decorated the collar of her travelling gown. When he trailed his hand down her bodice she shrank back, bumping into the tall man who’d been grumbling earlier.
“Leave her be.” Buck warned, he didn’t like seeing anyone taken advantage of, especially a lady.
“Listen breed, shut up or I’ll kill yah.” The man turned his attention away from the young woman his face pinched in rage.
“Leave both of ‘em be.” The order had everyone jumping. “We ain’t got time for your stupidity Bart so lets go.”
Buck watched the man glare at him as he grabbed his trailing reins, he tensed when another man with a familiar looking collar joined the others.
“Awe, ain’t that cute.” The new man snickered staring at the half-blood derisively.
“You ready?” The boss declared.
“Sure.”
Watching them ride off Buck relaxed slightly only to step in front of the young woman when two of them circled back. He felt sick when they grabbed his travelling companion and pulled her onto the back of one of their horses.
Laura screamed when she felt someone lift her up and slap her on the back of the horse. Struggling she kicked out at her captures hoping that they’d just let her go, but thinking they wouldn’t.
“Bring the breed to.” The boss called, he had plans for later that night. He’d send the breed back with a message, maybe he could get a handsome reward for the woman.
Buck felt the sharp pain of a gun butt to the head a moment after the resounding pot of a gunshot going off and wondered who’d they’d killed. Probably the driver.
When he came to he was laying tied up in the middle of a dirt floor of a cabin, the young woman sitting bound opposite him. Glancing around he wondered briefly how he’d managed to get himself into these predicaments.
“Hello?” Laura called out softly. She wondered why she couldn’t hear anything and for the first time in years actually regretted being blind.
“Hi.” Buck said struggling into a sitting position with his hands and feet bound. He glanced around, there didn’t appear to be any windows, and only the one door. A lantern sat glowing on a table across the room, illuminating the dark confines and he swallowed thankful that he could at least see what was around him.
“I’m sorry.” Laura tried not to let the fear she felt show in her voice. “I couldn’t talk them into letting us go.”
“Why aren’t I surprised?” Buck muttered shaking his head.
“Are you hurt?” Laura asked quickly hearing the rustling of his movements, they sounded jerky not at all like when he’d climbed into the stage.
“Only a massive headache.” Buck replied with a frown. For the first time since he’d met her he studied the young woman who stared lifelessly at the wall. “Hey it ain’t that bad. I’ve been in worse positions than this.” He teased hoping she’d glance at him. Feeling his blood run cold he stared as she turned her head toward him with a shy smile.
“I’m sure you’ll be able to get us out of here. I’m Laura Greye by the way.”
“Buck Cross.” A quick glance confirmed they’d taken his knife as well as his gun.
“Cross?” Laura frowned. “Are you Scottish?”
“No. Kiowa.” Buck replied waiting with a sick sense of glee to see what her reaction would be. He’d gotten so used to derision when he’d revealed his heritage, it’d be interesting to see how this woman reacted to being caged with an Indian.
“Kiowa!” Laura grinned. “I’ve always wanted to meet a real live Indian. Oh I know it’s not lady-like and I’ll rot in hell forever but, tell me about yourself.”
“I’m actually only half-Kiowa.” Buck said. “I’m an express rider, stationed in Rock Creek. You do know what an express rider is don’t you?”
“Rock Creek?” Laura frowned. “Do you know Lou McCloud?”
“Yeah. Lou’s stationed in Rock Creek with me and four others.” Buck answered her swiftly as he heard footfalls. Both of them glanced up as the door opened and the tall man with the preacher’s collar stepped into the confines of the room.
“I see you’ve made yourselves right at home.” The man drawled carelessly walking toward the lantern.
“I still don’t understand why you’ve brought us here.” Laura shrank back against the wall as he walked near her.
“Simple.” The man knelt next to the young woman and reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. Seeing her sit still until his hand brushed her skin, he frowned. A slight movement in front of her face cleared his mind, allowing realization to dawn. The woman was blind, and unless he missed his guess was travelling with the half-breed. “We couldn’t leave you out there with a dead stage driver. When we pull out in a couple of days, you’ll be free to go until then.” With a shrug he glanced at the Indian. “I’m afraid you two are out guests.”
“Look leave her alone. She hasn’t done anything.” Buck protested, certain that the man was lying.
“It’s not up to me.” The man shrugged again. “I will untie you both. No sense in you two being trussed up like turkeys at thanksgiving.” Kneeling he made short work of the ropes before walking to the door. Pushing it open he turned back to them and a cold smile. “The boss ordered you to have something to eat, so they’ll bring you some stew in a few minutes. You best eat up, wouldn’t want you to die from starvation now.”
Hearing the click of the door Laura leaned her head back against the wall and sighed. “This trip just keeps getting worse.”
“I take it you’ve been on the road a while?” Buck asked walking over to sit next to her. For some reason her chatter would be a welcome distraction he thought.
“Seems like forever.” Laura turned her head toward the man sitting next to her. “About six months. I started off in Minnesota, then worked my way around to Nebraska. I’m sick of travelling.”
“That’s all I do is travel. Don’t seem fair that you hate it and have to do it so much.” Buck raised his knees to rest his folded hands on.
“Oh I used to love travelling. Or I did until my parents were killed in a wagon accident years ago, that’s how I met Lou and her brother and sister.” Laura groaned. “Sorry, I sometimes forget that Lou doesn’t want everyone to know her little secret.”
“Oh I know about her. Out of all of us, Kid’s known the longest.” Buck smiled at the thought of those two.
“I have a letter from Lou, could you read it for me?” Laura asked pulling the wrinkled envelope from a pocket in her skirt.
“Are you sure. I mean maybe you should just read it.” Buck wasn’t sure he wanted to know what Lou had to say about her life with the pony express.
“I would read it if I could.” Laura replied. “But being blind I can’t read the same way as you.”
“I’d be delighted.” Buck took the envelope and opened it to reveal a tightly crammed letter written in Lou’s distinct scrawl. He cleared his throat and tilted the letter toward the light.
Dear Laura;
I’ve settled in a town called Rock Creek. It’s like most western towns, only more lawful. I ride for the pony express, and we’ve had a few interesting rides. My bunkmates think it’s the greatest thing to tease me about being such a puny rider, only thing is they know I’m better than they are, well except for Kid. He’s a born horseman.” Buck glanced at Laura when she laughed softly. “Buck can ride very well to. He’s half-Kiowa and a really nice man, although he does tend to be very, very quiet. Then there’s Jimmy he’s like Jenny, Cody’s a showman and boy do I wish he’d grow up! Sometimes I would love to drown him but he’s a great friend. Then there’s Noah, he’s black although I’m sure you don’t care. We’re a family.
I heard you were gonna get married, and while I’m happy for you I don’t know how you could do it. Kid’s asked me twice to marry him, the last time we broke up cause I said no. I mean I want to be with him, it’s just he smothers me something fierce. Love sure is complicated. We’ve started finding our way back to each other, and I know he still loves me I’ve just got to convince him I love him. I sure hope he asks me again else I’ll be asking him.
Buck glanced sharply at Laura, “You sure you want me to finish this?”
“Please do. Kid sounds so much like a romantic.” Laura smiled softly.
“Naw, he’s just Kid.” Buck smiled. “With him its black or white. He loves her, the poor fool. I’m just not sure he knows how to show her other than smother her.”
“Women have a way of getting what they want from men, especially when we’re in love.” Laura laughed.
“If you don’t mind me asking, where’s your husband?”
“I’m not married.” Laura replied. “Never got married. Once he realized I was blind, he left faster than a prairie fire.” With a shrug she patted his arm awkwardly. “Please continue.”
Turning back to the letter Buck took a breath,
I can’t wait for you to meet everyone, it’d be fantastic if you could come visit for a bit. I know you’d love it here. Kid and I often go down to the creek, just to sit and talk and it’s amazing at how much he understands about what I’m saying. Sometimes I’m sure he’s lived my life before I got here, but then he’s always offered me a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold when I need one. He’s read my mind so many times that I know he’s always gonna love me and be there for me. Well the boys are starting to come back so I’d better go, don’t want them to know what I’ve written. I’ll see you soon okay and take care. Lou.
“She has no idea.” Laura muttered as the door opened to reveal the preacher man with a tray containing to bowls and several chunks of bread. “Supper’s ready you two. Best eat up.” Sitting the tray down a few feet from the door he retreated closing the door with a resounding click.
“Well, supper’s served I guess.” Laura shifted.
“I’ll get it.” Buck moved quickly retrieving the bowls and bread before settling down next to her and handing her the bowl. “You want some help with that?”
“I’m blind, not dead.” Laura laughed. “I’ve been feeding myself for ages now Buck, I learned a long time ago.”
“I’m sure you did.” Buck acknowledged watching her as she ate the stew quickly. Sitting the finished bowls down next to the door he pulled her closer and took his jacket off. “Here you best get some rest.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll rest to. Don’t worry, just figure one of us should stay on watch.” Buck explained.
“Okay but wake me if you get tired.” Laura declared closing her eyes. Within seconds her breathing had evened out and she was sleeping soundly leaving Buck to his thoughts and the unanswered questions he had about the young woman sleeping in his lap.
Laura was jerked away by the sound of the door opening and she grasped Buck’s arm sitting up suddenly.
“Relax lady.” The familiar voice of the man that had come and gone so many times within the last day reached her although she didn’t relax.
“How much longer you gonna keep us here?” Buck asked.
“No much longer. You can leave in a few hours, soon as it’s dark.” The man replied. “Just don’t try to follow us.”
Buck stared at the man passively for a few seconds until the other man looked away. He glanced down at the young woman who’d relaxed against him and felt a rage boiling deep within his blood. “ I had no intentions of following you.” Buck could barely keep the anger out of his voice, he didn’t want Laura scared any more than she had to be already.
“Just look at it as a honeymoon away from the family.” The man laughed leaving the room, taking the lantern and leaving them in darkness.
Buck stared at the thin ribbon of light under the door, “At least we’re not completely at their mercy. It’s still daylight.”
“Is it?” Laura asked quietly. “I hardly can tell.” Rising she pushed at the long hair that had tumbled down around her face, the ends brushing her waist as she stood and paced the tiny confines of the room, the only sound in the room the rustle of yards of satin.
“You must be getting anxious to visit with Lou after all this time.” Buck stretched out his legs, his head was still killing him.
“Yes I am.” Laura grinned although she didn’t know if he could see her face or not, “It’s been nearly five years. Oh she’s known how to get a hold of me and for a while I often wondered if something had happened. I mean she hadn’t written me in ages until this letter inviting me out to see everyone. I do so want to visit. It’ll be nice to get off a stage with the intentions of not getting right back on. I wonder if everyone will be as nice as she said they were.”
“Well lets see, Jimmy’s got a hair trigger on his guns and his temper, Cody’s always bragging about something, he’s a practical joker, Noah’s pretty quiet. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
“What about Kid?” Laura asked.
Laughing Buck shook his head. “Kid is another story, he’s sorta like everyone all rolled into one package. He’s quiet, calm, a real thinker until you get him mad then he’s like a firecracker. Him and Jimmy are constantly at each other, both wanna be the rooster in the hen house, and in most cases Kid’s the smarter of the two. Except when it comes to Lou. With her he’s completely unreasonable and illogical. Kid has a problem killing anyone, but I’ve seen him call someone out for beating Lou up. Course the only one that can get him to back down is Lou, and putting those two together when they’re in a bad mood is like throwing kerosene on a fire. It’s dangers to anyone in the vicinity.”
“That sounds like Lou. She always hot-tempered.” Laura smiled as she remembered the dark haired girl who’d been her only friend when she was little. “I’m just glad she’s got someone who loves her so much.”
“I think we all are. Kid would do anything for her, which is obvious since he’s let her ride his mare. I guess that’s what love is.”
“I don’t know. Having never been in love, I wouldn’t even want to hazzard a guess.” Laura replied as the sound of hoof beats echoed within the room. “You thinking that’s them?”
“I am.” Buck rose and walked over to the door grasping the handle he was surprised to see it give without any problem. “Looks like they’re gone.”
“Thank god. Are we going to leave now?” Laura asked.
“It’s dark.” Buck replied.
“So?”
“I can’t see in the dark?” Buck said.
“I suppose we could leave in the morning.” Laura said slowly. “I guess we should get some sleep.”
“That’s the second smartest idea I’ve heard all day.” Buck closed the door and sinking down against it, they’d leave at first light.
“Hey Lou when’s your friend gonna be here?” Cody asked for the tenth time in as many minutes.
“When she gets here.” Lou replied rolling her eyes at his annoyance.
“Is she pretty?”
“Yeah.” Lou shrugged a smile crossing her face as she remember the blonde, blue eyed girl she’d spent time with in Saint Joe orphanage. “She’s a lot prettier than I will ever be. She’s nice to.”
“Lou you shouldn’t go filling Cody’s head with stories.” Kid admonished gently.
“What do you mean?” Lou demanded, her temper rising.
“She can’t be prettier than you are. Cody’s gonna be disappointed when he sees her.” Kid teased as he sat next to her. “Then we’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Kid you’re such a good liar.” Lou laughed leaning against him. “She is pretty though. Always wanted to teach, and that’s what she’s been doing.”
“Then she’s smart as well as pretty?” Cody asked without looking up from his dime novel.
“Cody!” Kid glared at him. “You even paying attention.”
“Of course.” Cody rolled his head to stare at them. “Lou’s friend is a teacher who happens to be smart, nice and pretty. The perfect woman for me.”
“Last I heard Laura was getting married.” Lou pointed out calmly.
“We’ll see.” Cody grinned and turned back to his book.
Shaking her head Lou rose. “I’ve got to finish that repair on Lightening’s stall or else she’s gonna be standing in the corral for another week.”
“I’ll give you a hand.” Kid volunteered. “I need to check on Katy anyway.”
“You two are so obvious it’s sickening.” Cody declared.
“Shut up.” Kid said as he followed Lou out the door.
Laughing at them Cody glanced at Noah and Jimmy. “Well they are.”
“Cody, you’re lucky they don’t kill you.” Noah said as he walked by the bunk where the blonde rider lay.
“I’m touched by the hand of lady luck.” Cody laughed as the others filed out of the bunkhouse. When the door closed he swung down and hurried to the window, he’d seen Lou hiding something under Kid’s bunk, and he wanted to know what it was. Pulling out the box he lifted the lid and whistled. Laying on the wrapping paper was a brand new black suit with a crisp white shirt.
Frowning he glanced at the closed door, now what would Lou be hiding a suit for? He wondered briefly before replacing the lid and shoving it back under the bunk. Rising he dusted his hands off and hurried toward the door, if Rachel caught him she’d have him peeling potatoes for a month.
Part Two.
Laura rested as Buck explored the area outside the cabin, she didn’t want to have anymore unpleasant surprises. Leaning back she wrapped his coat closer around her and smiled, for all she’d heard of the Indians, Buck had proven to be the opposite. He’d been caring and tender without expectations.
“Well looks like the pulled out for good.” Buck re-entered the cabin. “I’m not sure where we are, but I figure when Walt picked us up we were near Whiskey Gulch. It’s east of Rock Creek, so we should go west. It’s gonna be a long walk though.”
“I’d rather go for a long walk then stay here.” Laura said picking herself up and brushing at the cloth of her skirt to knock off some of the dirt. Feeling the heat from Buck’s hand she took the offered assistance and followed him out of the cabin.
Stepping into the warmth of early morning sunshine, Laura felt excitement replace the fear she’d felt the past few days. Smiling she followed the young man who’d taken her hand as they started down the trail.
“It’s a little rocky through here.” Buck warned as he trudged down the almost invisible trail that led away from the cabin. Moving slowly he only hoped that one the terrain evened out they’d make better time. His watchful eyes took in the vines and branches that had fallen over the trail, along with the tracks of animals, deer, bear, even a few rabbits and felt hope. At least they wouldn’t starve if he was trapping for meat, course he wouldn’t want to eat another rabbit by the time they got back.
“How far do you figure we’ll get today?” Laura brushed aside a branch that had snagged on her arm as she followed Buck along. Anyone who’d been watching would never have known she was blind, she followed willingly with a brisk step. They would have shook their heads though if they’d seen the state of her dress, the dirt clung to it and the hem was stained black despite the gold colour of the material.
“I’m hoping to get down to that creek. It’s about six miles.” Buck said as he paused and waited for her to catch up the extra step he’d taken. “Careful there’s a bit of a drop here.” He explained as he lifted her down to set her next to him.
“Thanks.” Laura took a step forward and froze when his arm came around her waist. The electric shock that tore through her was enough steal her breath for a moment.
“Something wrong?” Buck glanced at her feeling he muscles tense.
“No. No nothings wrong.” Laura smiled. “Just thought I heard something is all.” Hoping he never found out her fib she stepped closer to his still form. “Shall we?”
“Come on.” turning away Buck continued on down the rocky trail, his feet sliding out from under him in places. He cursed each time because it meant Laura would be slowed up. So far she’d kept up with him so well that he had forgotten about her blindness until she stumbled into him and had to struggle to right herself.
“Sorry.” Laura said, “I’m such a klutz.”
“Naw. It’s that loose stone. Foot just slipped, my did to.” Buck said as he took another step down the mountain. The sound of the fast moving creek was a little clearer now and for the first time all day he felt hope that they’d reach it before dark.
Wiping at the stray tendrils of hair that clung to her face and throat Laura silently prayed for the demise of their kidnappers. She had to look a site her hair had never been her best asset even as a child. It had relaxed a little as she’d grown into a young woman but the curls were still there and no amount of hoping could get them out. Feeling the sweat trickling down her back she longed for a bath and a rest but she wouldn’t ask for one. Buck was the more experienced of the two in cross-country hiking so she’d trust his lead.
Buck glanced at Laura she looked exhausted, her long hair had finished coming out of the bun she’d been wearing it in to cling to her sweat soaked skin. Her smile had faded to be replaced by a tired, almost pleading look. Her shoulders were slumped under the gold coloured dress she wore, the gloves she’d been wearing were tucked firmly into her waistband to cover an obvious tear where her dress had snagged, but she hadn’t said a word all day. Smiling he shook his head. “I can see the creek. It’s only about a hundred yards ahead. You wait here, I’ll go get some water.” Buck said ushering her to a stump. Leaving her sitting there he darted down the trail toward the creek. His flask was still in his bag so they’d have a little water.
Laura sighed, a rest was perfect but she didn’t want to sit here alone. The sounds and smells of the area overwhelmed her and she rose shakily and followed the sounds Buck was making as he headed down to the creek.
Moving slowly she still fell as her foot caught on a root sticking out of the ground. Shaking her head at her own inability she struggled to her feet and kept moving slowly counting her steps under her breath.
Feeling a branch snap under her boots she paused and listened, the sound of running water over rocks was very close, in fact it drowned out most other sounds. Inching her way along, to avoid another spill she felt a slight incline and paused. Making up her mind she sank to the ground and waited for Buck to notice she’d followed.
Buck glanced up at the slight sound of rustling and shook his head. Laura sat a few feet up the trail a slight smile on her face as she waited patiently. “What you get thirsty?” He teased.
“Yeah.” Laura laughed at him when he took her hand. “It’s a little warm.”
“Come on. You can dip your feet in the water.” Buck suggested as he led her to the water’s edge. He’d dipped his head in the cold water, and his hair hung in wet tendrils down his back with the clear crisp drops streaking down his chiselled face.
“Thanks.” Laura settled on the bank and dipped her fingers into the water, feeling it’s icy bite she shifted so she could remove her boots, taking them and her stockings off she didn’t think of what she was doing or who she was with as she stuck her bare feet in the water, her skirt hiked up around her knees. Sitting there kicking at the crispness she felt herself relax.
Buck watched her silently as she stripped her stockings down her legs and swallowed as he turned away. Lou would have his head if he did anything to her friend. It didn’t matter that Lou was his friend, she’d never agree with him being attracted to her friend.
“Are we camping here tonight?” Laura’s question penetrated the fog in his mind.
“Yes we are. It’s gonna be dark soon, there’s no way we can keep going. I’ll build a fire if you want to relax.” Buck volunteered as he headed for the stand of dead pine’s he seen earlier.
“Thanks. You want me to cook tonight?” Laura asked.
“Ain’t got nothing to cook. Just bread, beans and jerky.” Buck’s voice faded a moment before the sound of breaking branches reach Laura’s well trained ears. Leaning back she closed her eyes and waited for her guide to come back.
Sighing softly Laura had to admit she liked Buck Cross, he was funny and smart. He had a hang-up about his heritage but that didn’t bother her. She’d been labelled freak so many times that she could understand how it would hurt someone to be called anything other than who they were.
In the three days they’d spent together Buck hadn’t made one comment about Laura’s blindness, in fact he’d been the opposite. He’d expected her to interact with him and for that she’d been grateful. Too many times she’d been excluded since the accident that had claimed her sight.
Hearing the sound of footsteps Laura shifted and sat up. The now familiar tread told her who it was and that he was carrying wood. Anyone else would have said he didn’t make a sound as he moved, but for her advanced hearing she could accurately guess what might go unseen by a sighted person.
“At least we’ll be warm. There’s lots of wood around here.” Buck dropped his load next to the rock circle he’d made earlier before kneeling down to start the fire. He was out of matches so he reverted to his early training in life, he didn’t need matches to start fires, a couple of branches would work just as well.
“Are you married Buck?” Laura’s question threw him for a second as he stared at her in amazement. Seeing only curiosity on her face, he shrugged.
“No. I’ve never been married.” Buck’s voice held tension.
“But you were going to be, weren’t you?” Laura asked hearing the thread of memories long buried in his tone.
“Yes I was.” Buck pushed aside his surprised at her question. She was way to perceptive for his liking at times.
“What happened?” Laura asked quickly. “I’m sorry, I’m prying aren’t I?”
“Don’t matter.” With a half hearted shrug he answered her question calmly. “She was taken from out village when I was young, I’ve never found her.”
“Why’d you stop looking?”
“Who said I did?” Buck glanced at her question before returning his attention to the fire that had started to smolder.
“You did.” Laura smiled. “Its in your voice. Why did you stop looking?”
“I met a friend at an orphanage. With him around it didn’t seem so important anymore.” Buck settled back and put tiny branches on the flames that flickered and grew.
“Where’s your friend now?” Laura asked. “How’d he die?”
“He was shot.” Buck shrugged. “Defending the woman he loved. I should have been a little faster in going after him, maybe then I could have saved him.”
“No.” Laura shook her head. “Sometimes you have to let go of those you love, for them to be free to love. I’m sure your friend doesn’t blame you for not riding to his rescue. If I had to wager a guess, I’d say he loved you enough to believe you’d carry on without him.”
“Perhaps.” Retreating into silence Buck settled on the other side of the fire.
“What I wouldn’t give for a hair brush.” Laura ran her fingers through her hair trying to untangle the curls. Wincing with each knot she caught on her fingers she silently wished she could cut her hair off! Without the mass of curls she wouldn’t have to worry about leaving her hair down.
With a grin Buck shook off his sorrow of a few seconds before and opened his saddle bag. He’d long ago learned that sometimes you had to carry things like hairbrushes and combs with you. Especially if you wanted to brush out your hair after a long run. “Here. It’s mine but you can use it.” He handed the simple wooden brush to his companion and watched as she began brushing out the curls that fell around her face. The ends touched the ground as she sat there, brushing it out until it shone in the fading sunlight, picking up the burnished gold, and copper tones of the flames and the sun.
“I would dearly love to get rid of it.” Laura muttered as she finished giving her hair a merciless brushing. Tearing off a strip of her petticoat she tied it back and sighed. “It’s too long and heavy for my liking.”
“I think it looks beautiful.” Buck said then felt the sting of a blush climbing his cheeks. He hadn’t meant to reveal that little tidbit.
“Thanks.” Laura smiled. “I’ll trade you.”
“I’m sure Lou would love to.” Buck laughed picturing the pint sized whirlwind that had captured Kid’s heart so well. “Her hairs so short, I’m amazed she actually brushes it.”
“She cut her hair?” Laura gasped. “Lou loved her long hair. Used to brush it out at least twice a day at the orphanage.”
“She chopped it off shortly after she left Wicks’s place.” Buck explained. “Safer travelling alone as a boy.”
“Wicks?” Laura frowned. “Why is that name familiar?”
“You’ve probably heard of him.”
Strolling through the list of names in her head she paused as she realized where she’d heard that name from, it had belonged to Jenny’s first husband. He’d run a brothel in some town. “Did he run a brothel?”
“Yeah.” Buck replied. “You’ve met him?”
“No my sister. He was her first husband. They got a divorce then she remarried some rich cattleman. Last I heard he was dead.”
“That’s true. A friend of a friend’s beau killed him.” Buck remembered the quiet rage Kid had gone through after Lou had revealed the truth to him. They didn’t think he knew but he’d overheard them in the barn talking about it after Wicks was killed.
“Good, I’m certain he deserved it.” Laura declared as she accepted the bread and jerky Buck handed her. “How long you figure we’re gonna be walking?”
“A week maybe longer.” Buck shook his head. “I figure if we make eight miles a day we’ll be doing good.”
“Okay.” Laura was shocked, she’d hoped that they’d be doing only half of that but she did want to get to Rock Creek and sooner rather than later so she’d put her trust in the young man at her side and wait.
“We’d better get some rest, it’s gonna be a long hike tomorrow.” Buck stated as he stoked the fire. “I’m afraid there are no blankets..” He started.
“That’s okay.” Laura smiled shyly, “I don’t mind snuggling if you don’t.”
“I’m sure we’ll manage.” Buck replied softly.
Snuggling half asleep against the warmth behind her Laura briefly wondered why she was so warm when she was sleeping on something so hard. Yawning slightly she shrugged, it didn’t matter. Sinking into oblivion she relaxed and was sound asleep within seconds.
Buck felt her shift and stifled a groan. She may be small, but she gave off a lot of heat and to top it all off she was a restless sleeper. He’d been wakened twice now with her squirming against him, staring at the flames he cursed his predicament. How he managed to get himself into these places he had no idea. Closing his eyes he wrapped his arm around Laura’s waist and tried to get back to sleep.
Opening his eyes at first light Buck sat up carefully so as not to disturb Laura who’d rolled over sometime during the night and had curled into his body, her nose stuck in his throat, her hands on his chest. Glancing around he noted the glowing embers of the fire and stoke it up before he headed off out of sight of the camp to do his business. Returning he noted Laura was starting to stir and shook his head, and early riser like himself it appeared.
“Buck?” Laura called as she woke up.
“Right here.” Buck replied sinking to his heels beside her.
“How long before we head out?”
“A few minutes. You want something to eat?”
“I think so.” Laura pushed her hair out of her face. “I figure if we eat first thing and at midday we’ll have more energy for this walk-about.”
“Sounds like a plan. Tonight if you want we can have rabbit or something hot.”
“Rabbit sounds delightful.” Laura grinned. “Until then I’ll just take some jerky. I don’t reckon you have any coffee?”
“Nope. It’s in my other bags, and they’re on my horse.”
“Which is dead.” Laura finished the thought. “Well we’ll just have to make do with a drink of water.”
Laughing at the way she had a positive outlook, Buck divided the remaining jerky into four portions. Two portions each, he knew they’d be living off the land by the next day but that couldn’t be helped. Silently cursing the men that had abandoned them he made up his mind to make this trip as easy as possible on the lady who walked with him.
After a breakfast of jerky, a crust of bread and several drinks of cold water they started out along the edge of the creek, looking for someplace to cross over that wasn’t deep or fast moving.
“Hold up a second.” Buck stopped and stared at a familiar print. The fresh print of a deer made him wish he had his knife, or a gun but shook it off. Wishing didn’t do any good, he’d have to wait and find rabbit tracks. “Come on. It’s nothing.” Leading the way he hardly noticed the grip on his hand as he walked along the creeks edge. Smiling he recognized the natural bridge of several large rocks sticking out of the water a few feet in front of them.
“I think this is the best spot to cross. It’s shallow, and there are several flat stones to step on.” Buck explained.
“How far apart are they?” Laura asked only too aware of her limitations considering the differences in size between the pair.
“About six feet, why?” Buck glanced at her to see her shaking her head.
“My stride isn’t that wide. I’ll just have to wade through. The water isn’t too deep you said.” Laura explained hiking up her skirt in preparation of the trek. She gave a startled shriek when she felt him swing her into his arms, against his broad chest.
“Don’t worry about it. I can make it.” Buck walked quickly and within minutes settled her on the ground on the opposite side of the creek. “There we go.”
“Thank you.” Laura smiled hoping he wouldn’t see how shaky she was.
“No problem.” Buck said as he took her hand and started up the more well worn trail that presented itself. Walking quickly they fell into a rhythm until the sun was directly above them.
“Is it time to eat yet?” Laura asked raising her face to the sun filtering through the trees.
“I was just going to suggest that.” Buck stopped and ushered her to a log that lay along the trail. “I saw some berries back a couple of minutes, you mind waiting while I go get them?”
“Not at all.”Laura smiled. When his footsteps had faded she quickly unbuttoned her boots and pulled them off to rub her tired feet. Her ‘granny-boots’ weren’t all that comfortable to walk in. Hearing him coming back she quickly slipped them back on and buttoned them as he settled next to her.
They ate the berries in silence, followed by the bread that was left in Buck’s saddlebag. Washing their meagre lunch down with some of the water that was left in Buck’s flask they rested for a few more minutes before starting back out.
The leaves of the trees rustled in the stiff breeze as they moved along, distracting Laura only marginally. She’d let go of Buck’s hand and was following his footsteps. When he paused she stopped, after years of listening to people moving she knew when he was stepping over or around an obstacle so she was marginally prepared.
“It’s getting flatter here.” Buck paused and reach for her hand. He’d noticed she’d been listening intently the last few miles, he wondered what she heard.
“Good. I think I’ve caught my skirt on every rock, root, and tree we’ve passed.” Laura joked weakly as she leaned on him.
“Do you want to rest?” Buck asked he could see the exhaustion in her shoulders and face.
“No. Lets keep going.” Laura declared stepping forward only to freeze when he squeezed her hand before taking the lead again. And so it went the rest of the day, start and stop, start and stop until Buck finally refused to move one step further.
“But I’m fine. If you’re worrying about me, don’t. I’ll keep up.” Laura protested as Buck declared it was time to make camp.
“We both need a rest.” Buck replied. “If we don’t we won’t get very far tomorrow.”
Sighing in defeat, Laura sank to the ground and leaned against the rock she felt at her back. “Do you want me to help set up camp?”
“Naw. Ain’t much to set up. I’m afraid this is the last of the jerky or I could go get a rabbit.”
“Rabbit please!” Laura smiled. “Save the jerky for some other time. I’m sure we’ll need it.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Buck promised and headed off to get the promised rabbit. He wondered briefly about skinning it but all he’d need would be a sharp stone.
Laura listened to the faint cooing of a bird and smiled. In the past couple of days she’d come into her own, she knew more about the man she travelled with than he did her. Briefly she wondered what he’d do if she confessed she was attracted to him, would he shrug it off? Probably not, he didn’t seem that shallow. But what was the point of opening a door so someone could slam it in your face? She wondered. He’d never want a woman who couldn’t see past her eyelashes. Shaking her head, she pushed that thought away, Buck didn’t deserve to be categorized with everyone else in the world.
Pulling his coat tighter around her shoulders she wondered what Lou was doing, and if she was as anxious to see her as Laura had been when she’d set out for Rock Creek.
“Buck’s late.” Noah stated walking into the bunkhouse as the setting sun turn the room a burnt crimson. “He never even reached 32 Mile Creek Station.”
“Did he reach Hastings?” Kid asked a frown marring his face.
“Yeah. Took off and no one has seen or heard from him since.” Noah explained with a shake of his head. “Old Walt was found dead near Whiskey Gulch to. Station master at 32 Mile figures Buck met the same fate as Walt did.”
“You’re mistaken.” Lou protested. “Buck’s the last one who’d get himself into trouble.”
“All I know Lou is what I’ve been told. From what I can figure out, they took the stage’s passenger.” Noah settled at the table.
“Why?”
“Don’t know. There isn’t anyone who knows who was even on the stage, they know there was someone but other than that nothing.” Noah explained excepting the coffee from Rachel.
“Buck’s the best tracker we’ve got. If he’s missing we can’t even track him.” Jimmy drawled without looking up from cleaning his guns. “Might be an idea for someone to go over the run, might find something.”
“I’ll check with Teaspoon.” Rachel promised. “I don’t get it though, why on earth take a passenger and kill the driver?”
“Depends on if the passenger was a woman..” Cody started.
“Shut up.” Kid glared at Cody for half a second. “You talk to Teaspoon, the rest of us excluding Cody are gonna get ready to go look for Buck.”
“Don’t go off without talking to me first.” Rachel warned. “I’ll have your heads if you do.”
“No ma’am.” Kid replied rising. “We’ll wait for you to get back.”
“I hope she wasn’t on the stage.” Lou whispered.
“We’ll just have to wait and see.” Kid declared wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Now you and I have to have a little talk.”
“‘Bout what?” Lou asked as they filed out the door.
“I can appreciate you needing to keep things, but must you store ‘em under my bunk?” Kid teased.
“What are you talking about?” Lou questioned innocently.
“Someone was asking me what you were doing with some fancy outfit.” Kid glanced pointedly at Cody. “Seems this person did a little digging of his own.”
“Really.” Lou glared at Cody who flushed guiltily. “If you must know it’s a gift for you Kid. It’s not for me.”
“Umm, Lou honey I love you but I am not wearing a dress.” Kid said firmly.
“It’s not a dress.” Lou laughed as they entered the barn, the others laughing with her at the image of Kid in a dress.
“Excuse me.” Cody muttered as he snuck past Lou.
“However, I think you’ve got an idea there Kid.” Lou crossed her arms over her chest. “We’ll work on it when we get back.” She threatened as she stared at Cody.
“Okay.” Kid agreed instantly as he led Katy out into the aisle of the barn. Grabbing her brushes he led her outside and started to brush her down. Within minutes she was saddled, bridled and ready to go. A glance around illustrated four other horses standing tacked up and ready to ride.
“Hold up you boys, you to Lou.” Teaspoon came rushing into the yard. “You’re not going anywhere.”
“We’re gonna go look for Buck.” Kid declared.
“Right now, you’re gonna help me round up the Moody Gang. They’ve been robbing stagecoaches and killing drivers all over Nebraska. It’s up to us to bring ‘em in.”
“Buck’s out there, maybe hurt. We need to find him.” Kid stated quickly.
“And we will. But we’re not gonna miss this chance. Once we’ve got these boys in chains you can go run all over the country looking for that boy.” Teaspoon promised knowing that they wouldn’t rest until they found him.
“Fine. Lets go.” Jimmy brushed past Kid to snag his rein and mount up. The others followed quickly and with a wave at Rachel they disappeared over the horizon.
Buck studied Laura as she lay sleeping, in the three days since they’d left the cabin she had yet to complain of anything other than stopping. Despite her appearance she was a lot like Lou, strong, resilient and unafraid of facing a challenge. When they’d made camp tonight, she’d settled on the ground next to him and eaten the berries, and crow he’d killed without question before falling asleep, her head in his lap.
Lou’s gonna kill me if she ever finds out. He thought, She might love me like a brother don’t mean she wants me to be social with her other friends.
“Quit worrying about what Louise’ll do.” the soft voice drifted up the reach his ears and he jerked his head down to stare into her upturned face. “Louise’ll understand. She trusts you.”
“Thanks. Thought you were sleeping.”
“Not hardly.” Laura sat up and stretched, she never realized how much she took for granted until she was camping out with nothing. “Just resting up a bit. How much further do we have to go you think?”
“If I had to guess I’d say we’ve got at least another three days worth of walking, maybe four. If we could get to an express station I could get some horses but I’m not sure where exactly the nearest one is. I’d hate to leave you alone too long.” Buck explained.
“So four days of walking.” Laura nodded as she leaned on Buck’s shoulder. Picking at her fingernails by habit she wondered what he’d do if she followed the impulse and kissed him. Probably slap her silly she thought, but then again maybe not.
“You hsould probably get some more sleep. We’ve come along way in such a short time.” Buck said noting how she had her brow furrowed in thought, whoever said that a blind person’s face was expressionless was insane.
“Buck?” Laura lay down on the ground next to him as he settled next to her.
“Yes?”
“Am I pretty?” She asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Do you think I’m pretty?” Laura repeated.
“Yes.” Buck answered quickly. “I do.”
“Thanks.” Closing her eyes, she slid into sleep easily. Tomorrow she’d figure out where she was going with her emotions toward the man next to her, for now though she planned to just enjoy sleeping with him wrapped around her.
Buck lay awake late into the night, his mind working furiously as he tried to figure out what it was about the woman in his arms that attracted him. He’d answered her with only a half truth, he did think she pretty, but more than that he thought she was amazingly strong, she never whined, or threw a temper tantrum. Despite their ordeal so far she had yet to break down into tears, or start calling him down because of his heritage. In fact since their talk in the cabin she hadn’t mentioned it at all.
Spending this much time together he wondered if maybe her feelings would change once the got to Rock Creek, although something told him they wouldn’t. He didn’t know how he was going to face the problems that might arise. Everyone was going to wonder what happened when they got back, how could he explain to them that they’d been together for so many days and nights.
With a heartfelt prayer that no one would jump to conclusions, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep. Grateful for the warmth of the woman in his arms he dozed off only to jerk awake suddenly. Sitting up he listened, but whatever had awakened him had faded.
“Go back to sleep Buck.” The soft whisper had him laying back down.
“Something woke me up.”
“A pair of horses walking the trail about five hundred yards down. They weren’t being ridden.” She replied softly snuggling back into his warmth. “It’s gonna be dawn soon, get some more sleep.
“How do you know?” Buck asked as he wrapped her in his arms again.
“The temperature, the air, the sounds.” Laura shrugged sleepily. “I may not see the things you do, but my vision isn’t gone.”
“Get some more sleep.” Buck replied brushing her hair away from his face. “We’ll leave at first light, with no coffee we can eat while we walk.”
“Sounds good.” Laura’s voice faded out as she’s lipped back into sleep. Relaxed in sleep, she turned so she was wrapped around him.
Smiling into her hair, Buck closed his eyes and drifted back into a light sleep.
Dawn found them already walking along the narrow trail their steps in unison as Buck let the way out of the brush and down to an old creek bed. “We can follow this down a few miles.”
“Okay.” Laura agreed quickly.
“You ever argue about anything?” Buck asked teasingly.
“Sure. If I know I’m right.” Laura shrugged as she walked along. “Ain’t all that difficult to see you know what you’re doing.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Buck tugged gently on the hand he held as he trailed along the creek bed. By midday they’d already started walking along the open country leaving the creek bed behind.
Keeping a careful eye on things Buck watched for the familiar figures of his fellow riders although he wasn’t sure they could find them even if they wanted to. Buck hadn’t left an obvious trail to follow.
“How much waters left?” Laura asked.
“We’ll need to get some tonight.” Buck said.
“Can I have a drink then.” Laura took a small swallow, just enough to wet her dry throat as they trudged along under the hot sun following its path across the sky. When Buck stopped after a few hours Laura sank thankfully to the ground. “It sure is hot around here.”
“Not really. You’re just not used to it.” Buck explained.
“Are we going to camp here?”
“No. Just figured I’d take a rest.” Buck said.
“Liar.” Laura’s teasing tone drew a smile from Buck’s lips. “I’m fine. Lets go.” Rising she dusted her hands off and pushed at the hair that had escaped its tie.
“In a minute.” Buck refused to budge, he could see the exhaustion plainly on her face and in the slight tremor of her hands. Even her voice had lost it’s energy, and he knew she needed to rest for awhile before they continued.
Sinking to the ground, Laura waited for Buck as she relaxed. Leaning against him quietly she fought against falling asleep, although her body declared it was time to rest.
Buck listened to her breathing even out and smiled. Laura had gone to sleep seconds after she sat back down, at the pace he set she’d be sleeping for a week when they got home.
Shifting so she was wrapped in his arms, Buck rested his chin on her head as he stared at the gathering clouds, the air smelled of rain he thought. A good storm would be nice but he didn’t want to get soaked. Leaning back against the rock he’d settled in front of he closed his eyes and let sleep take over, he’d nap for a few seconds.
Laura jumped at the booming of thunder and sat up, reaching out she tried to find Buck, “Buck!” Nearly screaming she got to her knees. Where had that man gone she wondered fearfully. If there was one thing in life she hated it was thunder.
“I’m right here.” Buck wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she dived into his chest. “It’s okay.” He wondered briefly what had scared her, even as another rolling boom echoed across the ground. Feeling her flinch he realized she was terrified of thunder. “We’d best get out of the rain.” Buck said feeling the first fat drops hit his skin. Glancing around he noted the small cave tucked back in the stone wall and headed that way as the rain started to fall faster.
Ducking into the shelter Laura shook her head to rid herself of some of the moisture that had accumulated while they hurried to get out of the rain. “Does it always do that?” She asked hearing Buck moving around, exploring the area to make sure they weren’t sharing it with anything unfriendly.
“You mean change from sun to rain in seconds?” Buck nodded then realized what he’d done. “Yeah. The faster you learn to expect it, the better off you’ll be.”
“Well at least one could say it wasn’t boring.”
“True.” Buck agreed settling next to her on the floor as they listened to the rain storm. “I wonder what the boys are doing? Knowing Kid probably getting ready to go out looking for me.” Shaking his head he glanced at the woman who leaned against him. “It’s funny, the only man who should despise me, considering he’s from the south is one of my dearest friends. He’s close to Noah as well, something that amazes me no end.”
“One’s heart chooses the people we care of, not our upbringing nor our minds. A body can fall in love faster than one realizes if they’re open to it. I bet you Lou and Kid were in love long before any of you realized it.” Laura stated.
“Yeah. They were always sharing funny looks, going for walks together, riding out together. Lou would get antsy when Kid was late and no-one could figure it out. I guess we all need to be loved, its just some of us get lucky and others don’t.” Buck laughed.
“Don’t count yourself out there yet Buck. You’re still young, you’re kind, caring and good looking someday some young miss is gonna come along and snap you right up.” Laura defended him.
“Sure, maybe in a hundred years. The Kiowa women look down on me cause I’m too white, the white women look down on me cause I’m too Indian. You can’t sit there and tell me that love can over come that. It won’t.”
“Oh pish posh.” Laura snorted. “I’m surprised that you would think like that..”
“Experience has taught me to think that way.” Buck stated.
“Now you listen to me.” Laura waved hand in front of her, “I know all about being labelled. They might say you’re one thing but as long as you know who you are don’t let them drag you down. Your friends care about you, you care about them. Don’t discount that.”
“There’s a difference between being friends and being involved the way Kid and Lou are.” Buck muttered.
Shaking her head Laura heard the pain in his voice, he envied his friends their happiness. She envied them to, she could so easily fall for the man with her right this minute but he wouldn’t want a woman who would only drag him down. He didn’t need that kind of burden, as so many had reminded her. “Someday you’ll find a good woman who won’t drag you down, who can help you, be a soul-mate instead of a burden. I mean look at us as different as night and day. I like you.” Laura paused, like was such a weak word when it came to him. “Why wouldn’t another woman?”
“You’ll see.” Buck stated quietly. “When we get to Rock Creek see how many of the fine folks don’t ask what I did to you? I’d be surprised if they didn’t try to get me fired.”
“Oh for heavens sake!” Laura rose and paced the confines of the cave as another boom of thunder rolled across the sky. “Let them. Let them judge you, and I’ll be sure to set them straight. You’ve done nothing but help me. I freely admit I’m a burden, I’ve been reminded of it so often that it’s second nature, but I’ll be hanged if I’ll let someone shoot you down for my shortcomings.” Laura could feel the rage boiling beneath the surface. “Do they have any idea what it’s like to be different? I’ve lost friends because I’m blind, they have no idea how to handle my weakness. People judge when they don’t understand anything about a person. I’ve had it with all these hypocrites.”
“You are not a burden.” Buck stated clearly. “You’ve yet to complain even though you’ve had plenty of reasons to.”
“See we agree on lots of things. Being different isn’t a bad thing.” Laura whispered softly. “I’m so tired Buck, people have no right to judge.”
“They don’t but they do.” Buck said.
“Yeah they do.” Turning from him she settled against the far wall and let the tears come. It didn’t surprise her in the least to find someone she could love, only to have that person be above her reach. Maybe if she weren’t blind, she thought.
“Being blind doesn’t matter.” Buck said as he pulled her closer to him. “It wouldn’t matter if you were mute, you’re a special woman. You remind me of Lou and how much of a spit-fire she is. Just cause you can’t see with your eyes doesn’t mean you can’t still see. You look beyond the ordinary.”
“Sure. But how many look beyond it when they see me. I’ll be you a dollar that Lou’ll act differently when she realizes that I’m blind.”
“Lou’s gonna act the way she wants to.” Buck stated. “If anything she’s gonna be madder than a wet hen at me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve been way to familiar with a good friend of hers. She may care about me but she won’t want me associating with you.” Buck said, voicing his deepest fear.
“I’d have to disagree. She’ll be pissed with my taking advantage of you.”
“Hey don’t worry about it. We’ll deal with Lou and everyone else when the time comes. For now, I happen to enjoy talking to my friend.” Buck brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
“Good, cause I like talking to my friend as well.” Laura leaned her head against his chest and listened to his heart beat for a few seconds before she sat up and turned to hug him tightly. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Buck laughed.
“Accepting me.” Laura replied leaning her forehead against his. “For saying I’m not a burden when I know I am.”
“Hey.” Buck stared at her for a second before pushing her away slightly. He noted the disappointed look that crossed her face before he took her face in his hands. “You are not, I repeat not a burden. I don’t know too many women who would be willing to go through what you’ve gone through with as much courage and grace. You’ve done so much for yourself that it’s hard to remember that you have a disability.” Buck explained softly. “No matter what happens I’m proud of you.”
Smiling Laura settled in his lap to listen to the rain falling. “I’m proud of you to Buck Cross.” Probably more than you’ll ever know. She thought a secretive smile on her face as he wrapped his arms around her and held on.
Buck woke hours later to complete darkness. Briefly he wondered what it was that had awakened him and noticed the empty space next to him. Glancing around quickly he spotted Laura’s figure outlined by the light from the moon.
“Hey.” he whispered softly. “What are you doing up?”
“Thinking.” Laura replied absently.
“Bout what?” Buck settled next to her and waited.
“You.” Laura shrugged her head lowered. “Me. This whole situation.”
“It is a bit confusing.” Buck acknowledged.
“Confusing doesn’t begin to cover it. I should have hoped I’d have learned by now not to allow myself the privilege of dreaming. I’m too old for such nonsense.”
“What on earth are you talking about?” Buck was completely lost.
“I told you my fiancé left when he realized I was blind, permanently?”
“Yes you did.”
“Before he left he told me not to expect too much from anyone. Life has a way of ridding itself of the weaker ones, and I was weak, and a burden. And he was right.” Laura sighed. “I am a burden to everyone around me. Who would want to have me around them for the rest of their life?”
“Hey! What’s with all this self-pity all of a sudden?”
“What do you mean?” Laura asked slightly perturbed.
“This is the most complaining I’ve heard out of you the whole of our acquaintance. And you’re not even complaining about having to walk to Rock Creek, you’re complaining that people don’t want you around cause you’re a burden.” Buck stood angrily. “That’s a load of horse manure. You haven’t been a burden and I’ll not let you say such things about yourself anymore.”
“But they’re true!” Laura snapped. “I am a burden. If you didn’t have to wait for me you’d have been home by now!”
“No I wouldn’t have.” Buck shook his head. “Please believe me when I say that I’m glad you’re here.”
Laura smiled sadly, brushing at the tears she knew were streaking down her face. “I’m glad you’re here to. I’m sorry I’m being such a cry baby.”
“Then stop being one.” Buck ordered softly. “You’re entitled to being emotional, every woman is. Just quit calling yourself down, it won’t work with me. I’d still take you over any of those other so called ladies.”
Laughing softly Laura yawned. “Perhaps we should get some sleep?”
“Perhaps.” Buck agreed and settled in with her to sleep the remaining hours of darkness out.
“Just so you know, I’d take you over any of those so called gentleman any day.” Laura whispered as she snuggled closer to him.
Laughing softly Buck closed his eyes and fell asleep.
At the first pricks of light in the night sky Buck was awake and stretching. Laura had rolled over so she was laying on her back sometime during the night, her face smoothed from the exhaustion that marred it during the day. Sitting next to her Buck studied the pale woman in front of him, her chest rose and fell with each breath even as a faint smile curved her full lips.
The shadows from the day before had faded giving her the peaceful look of a newborn baby. Brushing his fingers gently across her cheek Buck froze when she turned her head and rooted into his palm, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
Leaning forward he touched his lips to hers gently before pulling back slightly when she shifted. Shaking his head at his foolishness he went to move only to freeze as she grabbed his arm.
“Buck?”
“Morning Laura.” Buck whispered wondering how he could explain his lapse in judgement.
“If you’re gonna kiss me, do it properly.” Laura complained sleepily before blinking her eyes open although she didn’t expect any response.
“What?” Buck gasped at the words he’d heard.
“You heard me.” Laura stretched but didn’t release his arm.
“I’d have figured you’d be slapping me silly.” Buck protested as she pulled on his arm gently.
“Why?” Leaning forward toward the sound of his voice Laura paused, she didn’t want him to think her too forward she thought a moment before she felt his large hand wrap itself in her hair.
“For kissing you.” Buck whispered inching closer to her.
“That was a tease.” Laura breathed as he brushed her lips with his. “Do it properly, please.”
With a muted groan he leaned forward to crush her lips beneath his. Pulling her closer to him he was slightly surprised to hear the roar in his head and feel the blood pump through his body at the simplest of touches from her. Groaning he wrapped her in his arms as she put her arms around his neck and clung to him, her response open and honest.
“Uh.” Buck gasped for air. “We had better get a move on.”
Laura took a deep breathe and rose to her feet, the butterflies in her stomach fluttering even more than before. A sinking sensation in her chest had her smothering a moan. She’d done it, she’d gone and fallen in love with him.
“I’m not going to apologize.”Buck declared stopping next to her fearing her reaction when he realized she hadn’t moved from where she had been standing.
“Good.” Laura smiled. “Neither am I. Lets go.” Following Buck carefully on the wet grass they started back toward Rock Creek.
Laura wondered why Buck was so silent. Did he think she was too forward? Had she revealed too much?
“You know Laura, I was thinking. Lou’s not going to let you out of her sight once we get home. But maybe we could you know go into town for supper one night?” Buck suggested.
“With out Lou?” Laura asked hopefully.
“Definitely without Lou.”
“I’d love to.” Laura replied grasping his hand despite the fact that she didn’t need to. “As long as we can leave everyone behind, I’d go anywhere with you.”
“Good.” Dropping a quick kiss on her forehead they kept moving. It was late evening when they stopped and made camp. Buck left Laura alone while he went to get a rabbit or something, bringing it back he had to grin, she’d shucked her boots and was rubbing her feet like they ached something fierce.
“How’s your feet like those boots?” He asked cheekily as they at by the flames after eating. He relished the feel of her body against his as they watched the flames dance.
“They hate them.” Laura growled as she slipped her boots back on. “But they’re all I got so I’ll keep ‘em.”
“We’re closer than I figured. Should get back to the station sometime day after tomorrow if we keep the pace up. Course by the time we do get back all we’re gonna wanna do is sleep for a week.”
“It’s not that bad. Don’t see no point to slowing down, when we get there we get there.” Laura yawned and curled against him. “Course we’re gonna have to find water first thing tomorrow. There isn’t enough left in the flask for both of us to drink.”
“There’s a creek not far from here. We should reach it by midmorning.” Buck declared.
“Okay.” Laura agreed with him as she closed her eyes and slid gracefully and easily into the sleep of the truly exhausted. Chuckling Buck pulled her closer and relished the flames that danced around them.
“I swear I’ll never go anywhere without a canteen next time.” Laura laughed as she drank from the slow flowing creek that they’d come across. The sun had nearly reached the highest point in the sky and she was hot. Washing her face, hands and neck with the clear water she had no idea how stunning she looked as she cupped her hands and let the water wash down her face and throat.
Buck watched her from where he sat a few feet away, the water trailed down her throat soaking her collar and bringing a smile of satisfaction to her face. He’d refilled the small flask, now he watched the woman who’d told him how she felt with what she hadn’t said more than what she had. He smiled when she laughed as she splashed in the water.
“We’ve got to go Laura.” He called.
“Coming!” With a final splash Laura rose and headed for where she’d heard him last. Stopping next to him she grinned, “ Come on slow poke.”
Laughing Buck grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back into his body, dropping a quick kiss on the nape of her neck he released her and took her hand. As they walked along Buck wondered how Lou was going to react.
“Quit worrying over Lou. She’s smart. Besides it’s not up to her.” Laura tugged on his hand gently.
“Quit reading my mind.” Buck said with a grin. “The trail gets narrow here, I’ll take the lead okay?”
“Make sure you get any loose rocks out of the way.” Laura pointed out. “Wouldn’t want to fall down.”
“Will do.” Buck walked along, quickly checking the ground for loose rocks, and other obstacles that she could trip over. Hearing her scream he whirled to see her sitting on the ground, holding her ankle. “What happened?” He asked hurrying to where she sat.
“I think I twisted my ankle. My heel slipped out from under me.” Laura explained.
Kneeling next to her he quickly shoved her skirt out of the way, and lifted her booted foot. Her boot’s heel hung off the boot awkwardly, reaching over he grabbed it and jerked it off. Lifting the other boot he twisted the other heel off and tossed them into the brush.
“We’d best get off the trail, this is the express route.” Buck said glancing around. “I’d hate to have you get run over.”
Smiling Laura climbed to her feet and limped beside Buck as they slowed their pace.
“We’re gonna have to stop.” Buck declared. “You can’t keep this up, you’re gonna break it or something.”
“I’m fine. I won’t keep you.” Laura protested.
“We are stopping.” Buck said. “It isn’t going to matter if we’re another day or so.”
“I hope not. What about your job? Being this late, won’t they fire you?” Laura asked.
“No. I’ll have to take a lot of ribbing from the boys about being the only express rider in history to finish his run on foot but other than that Teaspoon’ll understand.” Buck shrugged as they sat down under the spreading branches of a huge tree.
“You could walk there and come back.” Laura said. “I won’t go anywhere.”
“Sure. You’ll just follow me.” Buck shook his head. “No. We’ll rest here. If you can stand on it tomorrow we’ll go in.”
“If you’re sure.” Laura pressed.
“I’m sure.” Buck sighed, Teaspoon would probably be ready to kill him but at least he was alive and he had the mail.
Part Three
Rachel finished hanging the laundry and headed for the chicken coop, she had eggs to gather. Pausing she glanced up, it looked like the riders were coming back. Moving toward the corral she waited impatiently as they came in. One glance at them told its own story. By the look of it, Kid had been in a fist fight if his black eye and split lip were any indication. Lou looked furious, Jimmy just looked withdrawn, and Cody and Noah looked tired.
“Hi.” She said as she stepped forward to take a hold of Teaspoon’s reins. “How’d it go?”
“Fine. We’ve got them locked up. They took a couple of hostages, left them out at Crooked Spur Pass.”
“That’s a four day ride!” Rachel protested.
“Yeah. No food, no water and nothing with which they could have gotten food if they wanted to. Took the fella’s gun from him.” Teaspoon shook his head sadly. “ Once the boys are rested and changed we’ll head up that way.”
Rachel nodded softly, “There’s been no word from Buck yet.” She warned him.
“The man they took off the stage was a half-blood.” Kid stated quietly. “If something happened Buck could have gotten a ride with Walt.” He left the thought unfinished.
“There’s stew on if you’ve a mind.” Rachel said as Noah frowned at something on the horizon.
“You had company lately Rachel?” Noah asked and pointed to what he could see.
“No.” Rachel turned and saw the two shadows walking toward them.
“I wonder who it could be?” Jimmy muttered as he swung down. “Probably some young couple headed for town.”
“Maybe.” Lou swung down and waited for Kid before she headed for the barn. The woman the men had described sounded a lot like the girl she’d been expecting. Unsaddling their horses the boys made quick work of settling them in before stepping out into the fading sun light.
With tired steps they headed inside, leaving only Teaspoon watching the couple walking toward them.
Buck was silently smoldering, “I thought you said you could stand on it.” He spoke slowly, carefully.
“I can stand on it.” Laura declared as she stood on her ankle, “I just have a hard time walking.”
“We could have taken an extra day.” Buck said.
“I know, but I’m anxious to meet everyone and you’re going insane trying to think of me when you wan to get back. Besides your friends are probably worried sick right about now.”
“True.” Buck glanced up and smiled. “Well, you’re gonna have to just hobble. I can see the windmill in the distance. And it looks like the boys are just getting back from looking.”
“Well then lets go.” Laura limped off, intent on completing this journey even if it killed her.
“Anyone ever tell you that you’re stubborn?” Buck asked as he took her hand and fell into step with her.
“Yeah. This good looking guy I know that walked me to Rock Creek once.” Laura smiled at him. She felt like a weight had been lifted as she laughed when he groaned.
“You grew up with Lou alright, either that or your personality rubbed off on her!” Buck chuckled as she hopped along. “Both of you are stubborn, and proud. Gonna kill me yet.”
“Yeah but what a way to go!” Laura teased him as he pulled her close in a hug as they walked. “By the way, I have no intention of walking anywhere. If I need to go anywhere, even to the outhouse, I expect a horse to carry me.”
“Come on. You’ll keep walking, even if it killed you.” Buck declared. “Well I can see Teaspoon and the boys, wonder where Rachel disappeared to.”
“I must look a site.” Laura fussed pushing at her hair, and trying to adjust her dress.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re only as homely as when I first met you. Didn’t get worse.” Buck teased her, he chuckled when she swatted at him. “Just a second, you’ve got a bunch of leaves in your hair.” Plucking them quickly he shook his head and led her forward.
“Is Kid here?” Laura asked softly.
“Yep. I saw Katy so that means he is.” Buck declared. “Why?”
“At least she isn’t gonna kill us.” Laura grinned at the thought of hearing her old friend’s voice again.
“The boys are gonna kill me for bringing another Lou in the works.” Buck groaned as he lifted a hand to Teaspoon who’d started toward them.
Teaspoon stared at the young couple for a few seconds then grinned, “Boys!” he hollered. He waited impatiently for the few seconds it took for them to rush toward him.
“Why you hollering?” Noah asked.
Teaspoon nodded toward the horizon, “Anyone you know?”
“Buck!” Rachel gasped.
“Who’s that with him?” Cody asked noting how easily they interacted.
Lou frowned for a moment, there was something familiar about the woman. She grinned when realization dawned. “Laura!” Breaking into a run she headed for her friends.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Buck whispered in Laura’s ear. “Here comes Lou so brace yourself.”
“Yes sir.” Laura grinned as she listened to the footfalls.
“Laura!” Lou hugged the other woman and grinned Buck. “We were starting to wonder where you were!”
“I told you.” Laura laughed at Buck who sighed and ruffled her hair.
“I’m up for coffee.” Buck said. “Is there coffee on?”
“In the bunkhouse.” Lou replied with a slight frown.
“Good. Hope you made lots.” Laura reach out and grabbed Buck’s arm pulling Lou along with her. “So where’s this man you wrote me about? The one that’s confusing.”
“Huh?” Lou frowned as she fell into step with the pair.
“She means Kid.” Buck clarified.
“Oh he’s here.” Lou smiled. “Where’s your husband? Back east.”
“No.” Laura shook her head and paused. “I’ll explain after coffee.”
“Coffee it is.” Buck said as he paused next to Teaspoon and held up the Mochilla. “I brought it back with me.”
“I see.” Teaspoon took in the dirty, unkept appearance of both of the kids and shook his head. “Nice to finally meet you Laura, Lou’s been going on abou tyou for some time.” he said offering a hand.
Laura glanced toward the voice and felt him stick his hand out. Offering her own hand she returned the greeting. “Is something burning?” She asked sniffing the air.
“My biscuits.” Cody cried and ran for the bunkhouse.
“Cody?” Laura asked.
“Cody.” Lou said dragging her away from Buck and toward the bunkhouse.
Buck cringed when Laura stopped next to the steps. “Three.”
With a wave, Laura picked up her skirts and followed Lou inside.
“What was that all about?” Kid asked noting the way Lou glared at Buck.
“I’d say she’s getting ready to kill me.” Buck shook his head. “I need a shower.”
“You want coffee first?” Kid asked slapping him on the back.
“No. With the mood Lou’s in all I want is a shower, my own bunk, and peace and quiet for a couple of hours. “ Buck rolled his shoulders. “And if you’re really lucky Kid, you won’t get stuck with showing her around. Because you’d better be prepared. Laura never shuts up.”
“Really. If I didn’t know any better I’d say you didn’t really mind.” Teaspoon laughed at Buck’s guilty look.
“Didn’t say I minded. Everyone else might. She can give Cody a run for his money.” With that he headed for the shower, his goal avoiding Lou for a couple of hours.
Laura listened with half an ear to Lou talking about what was happening in Rock Creek, the other part of her listened for the familiar footsteps she wanted to hear.
“So where were you teaching?” Cody asked sitting at the table.
“Last place was a small school in Dakota.” Laura smiled as she heard Lou set the coffee down near her right hand. “It’s challenging but I like it.”
“What do you teach?” Cody asked smoothing his hair down in place.
“The basics, reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar.” With a half-hearted shrug she shook her head, “At the moment though I’m not teaching. I took a sabbatical for a while.”
“Why?”
“Cody give the woman a chance to breathe.” Kid snapped sitting down at the table.
“Where’s Buck?” Laura asked.
“Having a shower.” Lou replied. “Why?”
“Uh I just needed to talk to him. It’ll keep.” Laura replied. She didn’t know if it was just because of the excitement or what but they didn’t seem to notice that she was blind.
“How long you planning on staying with us?” Rachel asked softly.
“Till I wear out my welcome.” Laura laughed softly. “I found that stage coaches are wonderful devices, but I need a break.”
“Shower’s yours if you want it Laura.” Buck walked by, keeping a close eye on Lou.
“I’m so sorry.” Lou groaned. “You want a bath?”
“No, I’ll just have a quick shower. I could use another dress though. This one’s a little worse for wear.” Laura pointed out dryly.
“You can wear one of mine.” Lou rose and quickly drug out the simple grey calico dress that she had bought for everyday, quickly she tucked the edge of a lacy nightie set back into the trunk and slammed the lid shut. She had plans for Kid, and the others weren’t invited.
“Thanks. Where’s the shower?” Laura asked.
“Around the corner.” Cody started only to stop when Buck shook his head. “What it is.”
“Go out the door, take a right it’s down the steps and around the corner about five strides. The latch is on the left side.” Buck explained quickly sitting down by Teaspoon.
“Thanks.” Laura rose and quickly walked outside following the path Buck had given her.
“You don’t have to treat her like she’s dumb Buck.” Lou snapped as soon as they heard the water of the shower start.
“I’m not.” Buck replied.
“If you could get anymore specific in directions I’m sure she’d enjoy it.” Lou retorted.
“I’m sure she would.” Buck looked at Lou calmly. “Didn’t you notice?”
“Notice what?” Lou glanced at Buck questions in her eyes.
“Laura’s blind.” Teaspoon stated quickly.
“She is not.” Lou retorted.
“Lou, she’s blind. She had an accident about three years ago. It blinded her.” Buck explained.
“I never even thought..” Lou looked faintly horrified.
“Don’t worry about it. Very few people actually do.” Laura’s voice was filled with humour.
Glancing behind them they stared at the blonde haired woman who stood in one of Lou’s dresses, her long hair hanging in wet ringlets down her back. She moved confidently through the room until she reach the table then a quick, almost unnoticeable sweep of the hand had her locating a chair.
“What happened?” Lou asked settling in a chair. “Buck said it was an accident.”
“Yeah.” Laura’s voice dripped sarcasm. “An accident identical to me.” With a shrug she revealed the truth, “Jenny and I got into an argument about Lyle, I thought he was a creep she thought he was the greatest things since corsets were invented. She threw lyme in my face, the damage to my eyes was nearly instant, and irreversible. I learned to deal with it, others found it too much of a hassle to figure it out.”
“I’m sorry.” Lou muttered. “I didn’t even think..”
“Don’t worry about it. It happens all the time. They think that because I’m independent and self reliant that I’m normal.” With a shake of her head Laura dismissed Lou’s concerns. “You know now, deal with it in your own way. I’ll need to make a run into town soon to get some more clothes. I love you dearly Lou, but your clothes are about a size too small.” Laura laughed at Buck’s snicker.
“You’ll need new boots to.” Buck drew everyone’s attention to Laura’s bare feet.
“I know that. You could just back track and get the heels off my old boots.” Laura suggested.
“Nope.” Buck rose. “I’ve got chores to do. See you at suppertime.”
“Don’t forget your promise.” Laura warned, a teasing note in her voice.
“I ain’t forgot.” Buck said as the others rose and headed for the door. “See you later. Don’t kill her.”
“Yes sir.” Laura snapped off a salute with a cocky grin as Lou settled into a chair across the table from her.
When the door shut Lou sighed. “Who’d Jenny marry?”
“Lyle Wicks. He ran..”
“I know who he is.” Lou snapped anger still coursing through her at the thought of what he’d done to her.
“You did laundry for him at one time didn’t you?”
“Yeah.” Lou grunted.
“My guess is you found him to be just as much of a creep as I did, if not more so.”
“That I did.” Lou agreed rubbing her arms through the heavy chambray cotton shirt she wore. “I can’t believe she would marry him.”
“Married and divorced. I heard he was killed.”
“Yeah. One of his girls’ beau’s shot and killed him. Wish I’d done it though.” Lou glared into her coffee cup.
“We all wish things could be different.” Laura said softly. “You think I don’t wish my ex-fiancé would have accepted my blindness? I’ve never met anyone so selfish in my life as Jack Jamison, except of course Jenny Greye. In a way though I’m glad, if he had of accepted me, I’d never have met Buck.”
“Sounds like you’re falling for him.” Lou grinned.
“Already fallen.” Laura laughed softly.
“Buck’s a good man. He’s not had it easy, but he’s worth his weight in gold. I could have loved him if I hadn’t of fallen for Kid.”
“Tell me about Kid.” Laura said leaning forward. “And don’t leave out a single detail.”
“You haven’t changed a bit.” Lou laughed as she leaned forward and sighed. “He was the first to find out my secret. Found me on my first run, shot. Tried to patch me up. I have never seen anyone react the way he did. I thought his eyes were gonna pop right out of his head. But I learned I could trust him when he didn’t reveal my secret when we rode out with the others. In a way I told them later on.” Lou brushed a strand of hair out of her face, her eyes filled with laughter.
“Tell me about your first kiss, and don’t say you haven’t kissed him, cause I know you’d be lying. Darlin’ from your voice I know you’ve been doing a bit of dancing that no one else was invited to.”
Laughing Lou shook her head. “When he kissed me the first time, it was like these flood gates opened in my heart. It shocked me, and it was scary and exciting all at once. I never wanted it to end and at the same time I wanted to run from him. He’s so romantic and sweet. We had a town social once, not too long after he found me. I was so angry I didn’t want to be there, staring at the girls in their fancy dresses, and dancing with the men. Kid invited me to go out get some fresh air, and we danced.” Lou sighed her mind replaying the scene in her mind. She’d known then that he was dangerous to her peace of mind and her heart. “It was so romantic Laura, I could have swooned. Then we kissed twice and it was like nothing else I’ve ever felt. I could have run off with him so easily, just to lay and make love under the stars.”
“Yeah.” Laura grinned. “It’s like lightening coursing through your blood, you want to run from it but at the same time you can’t move. When its over all you want to do is laugh and hold on for dear life as your whole world spins out of control.”
“Exactly.” Lou reach for the coffee pot. “He’s always been there for me to talk to, and we’ve done plenty of that. Sometimes though it hasn’t been about what we need to be talking about. I love him, and it scares me. I’m so used to being alone. If I lost him I couldn’t survive.”
“Sure you could.” Laura declared. “You’re stronger than you think Lou. You’d have to be to survive the life you’ve been given. Having Kid in it is just an added bonus. When you get a chance like you’ve got hang onto it girl, men like him don’t grow on trees.”
“But he’s so controlling, he’s always riding me if I’m late or when we’re in a dangerous situation. He’s got the boys spying on me I just know it!”
“There’s an old saying girl. What’s good for the gander is good for the goose. Do it back at him.” Laura shrugged. “What is he gonna do? He loves you, he obviously trusts you. I think he’s not sure that you believe he loves you for who you are. I think he’s just trying to show you that he loves the woman you are, not the girl you think he wants you to be.”
“Then give me some room.” Lou stood and walked to the window. She could see Kid, Buck and Cody working in the corral.
“He is.” Laura sighed. “Louise, he’s a man. Men are notorious for being fools, you’ve just got to train him the way you want him to be and let him think it was his idea!”
“When did you get so smart about men?”
“On a warm summers morning when a handsome man climbed onto the stage and listened to my nervous chatter without comment. When he didn’t leave me behind because I couldn’t see what was in front of me.” Laura replied all teasing gone from her voice. “The single most repetitive thing in my life has been being told I’m a burden. He gave me a chance to prove I’m not, and he accepted me for who and what I am. Kid would do no less for you.”
“How can you be so sure?” Lou wondered still doubtful that she could convince Kid of how much there was at stake. She still didn’t really believe in her heart that he’d be there for the long term.
“Kid’s still here isn’t he? I’m sure you told him about your association with Wicks, and your brother and sister. Did you tell him about working the odd job and moving around so much so no-one could get near enough to you to uncover your secrets? How many times have you and he made love. More importantly, how many fights have you had, and how many times have you pushed him away? I don’t see him going anywhere without you Louise. That man’s got it bad, some of us can only pray that we find a man who loves us that much to accept our faults and offer a shoulder to lean on when we need it.”
Rising Laura moved over to stand next to Lou and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, “If you love him as much as your voice tells me you do, cling to it. Gather your strength from him. Don’t run from his love Louise, you don’t want to be alone like me.”
“You aren’t alone.”
“I don’t see a lot of men lined up to protect me the way your friends are you. In fact I know of only one man who’s ever been friendly to me, and he’s out there doing who knows what. Probably trying to break his neck.” Laura said sadly. “Someday he’s gonna realize that he needs a woman who can help him, not one he has to count stair for.”
“If Buck loves you, it wouldn’t matter how many stairs he had to count. He’d just do it.” Lou defended her friend.
“I know, but that’s a big if.” taking a deep breathe Laura rubbed her hands together. “So you got any dresses that are a size bigger, cause you and I aren’t exactly the same shape.”
“Come on. I’ll talk to Rachel, maybe she’ll let us go into town and get some clothes for you.” Lou laughed and set her coffee cup on the table.
Buck shot a glance at the bunkhouse door for the umpteenth time and wondered what Lou was saying. He figured she’d be mad, but he hoped she’d understand Laura was his friend, maybe more depending on if they could each get over their hung ups about themselves.
“I hate to disagree with you Kid, but Lou was right.” Cody snickered. “Lou’s friend’s a lot prettier than she is.”
“Fine. You think that.” Kid’s voice was neutral. “But from where I’m standing Lou’s a beautiful woman, she’s got a lot of great qualities that I ain’t seen in too many women. Besides there’s more to beauty than just how they look.”
“If we go on that basis Kid, Lou’s as homely as that mule you’re riding.” Cody retorted.
“Cody you’re gonna get killed talking like that.” Buck declared. “Besides you don’t know anything about Laura.”
“And I suppose you do?” Cody asked feeling slightly irritated that the woman in question hadn’t even noticed him.
“Yeah I do.”Buck straightened. “She’s smart, and feisty. Reminds me a lot of Lou in temperament. Don’t complain about nothing, and she’s as mule headed as Lou.” With a half grin Buck shook his head. “In fact Laura’s got a few things Lou ain’t got.”
“Like what?” Kid demanded angrily, he hated when people looked down on Lou cause she’d chopped off her hair, or wore boys clothes.
“She can read braille.” Buck declared. “And she can out talk Lou any day of the week. In fact she could probably out talk Cody.”
“Oh no! Not another one.” Jimmy protested as they heard the door open and the two women step out.
Buck stared at Laura as she made her way down the steps, Lou’s dress was definitely a size too small, the material stretched across her chest revealing the cleavage Lou just didn’t have. The hem of the dress barely reached the top of the borrows shoes she wore, and she looked pained to be in something that small. But he couldn’t honestly say he’d ever seen a lovelier sight.
“You’re drooling.” Jimmy’s voice had Buck jerking around to stare at him, noting the man staring at Cody he shook his head and lifted the hammer, he planned on getting the fence done.
“Hey guys you mind if I run into town with Laura?” Lou asked as they came to a stop next to the unfinished fence.
“Not at all.” Kid smiled at her softly. “Could you pick up a few things for me?”
“What did you need?” Lou asked with a grin.
“A couple of new shirts and a pair of gloves, the ones I’ve got have more holes in them then a sieve.” Kid declared showing Lou his palms through the leather work gloves.
“Sure. Anyone else want anything?” Lou asked seeing the slight glance Buck had tossed at her before turning his attention back to were Laura stood her head cocked slightly.
“You want me to hitch up the team?” Buck asked dropping his hammer.
“If you don’t mind. I’ve got to go talk to Rachel for a second.” Lou glanced at Laura with a slight shake of her head. “Behave.”
“Me? I’m an angel.” Laura laughed softly. “It’s been years since I glued a nun’s clothes to her chair!”
“Yeah and who got the whipping for it?” Lou called as she hurried up the steps of the house.
“I admitted to it, she just didn’t believe me.” Laura finished as she heard the door closed.
“You glued a nun to her chair?” Kid chuckled.
“Oh I used to be a horrible child.” Laura shrugged. “I chopped my sister’s hair off, with a pair of dull scissors, dropped paint on Sister Mary, that was just for starters. Believe me, I was incorrigable. I’m surprised Lou lived as long as she has with me around.”
“Accident prone, and a chatter box.” Buck whistled. “No wonder the stage was empty.”
“Ha. You seemed to like listening to me.” Laura called. “Besides, if I remember fairly correctly there were a few times I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.”
“That’s just cause I found a way to shut you up.” Buck teased as he walked in the barn. “Otherwise we’d have never gotten anywhere.”
“I resent that. I got us left behind a lot sooner.”
“That was just cause they were desperate to get away from your talking.” Buck tied the team up next to Kid. “I’m sure if they’d gotten a way to shut you up they’d have stuck around a little longer.”
“Perhaps.” Laura shrugged slightly. “It’s a moot point at this stage anyway.” Patting the team she shifted on her feet, Lou’s boots were a size too small and pinched. “So waht are you fixing?”
“The fence.” Kid replied quickly noting Cody’s angry expression.
“I can smell fresh cut wood.” Laura replied. “You make your own fencing?”
“Yes ma’am.” Jimmy smacked Cody in the head as he huffed off. With a shake of his head he met Kid’s eyes. Trouble had come in the form of jealousy.
“Is he upset about something?” Laura asked. “Sounds like he’s angry.”
“Jealous.” Kid andwered. “You’re not worshiping him.”
“Cody acting like a big baby?” Lou asked walking up to them as Buck tossed the reins into the wagon.
“Yeah. He’s all upset cause Laura isn’t swooning at his feet.” Kid replied.
“You know who he reminds me of?” Laura frowned slightly. “He reminds me of Harris.”
“Your brother?” Lou demanded sneaking a wink at Kid.
“Yeah.” Laura chuckled. “I promise I won’t look.” She said as she took the offered lift into the wagon.
“Here.” Buck pressed some money into Laura’s hand. “Don’t tell Lou.”
“Okay.” Laura whispered soflty. “I’ll see you when we get back. Hopefully with something that fits.”
“I think you look great.” Buck patted her knee and handed her the reins. “Just hang onto the team for a second. Lou’s gotta sneak a kiss from Kid.”
“If you two are done?” Laura called. “We’d best go.”
“Coming.” Lou called and trailed a hand down Kid’s chest before climbing into the wagon. With a slight movement of her hand she set the wagon in motion and the women drove off.
“Trouble in a skirt.” Kid nudged Buck. “You’d best have a chat with Cody before he takes things too far.”
“Yeah.” Buck wasn’t looking forward to that chat. With a final glance at the retreating wagon, he turned back to the fence. He’d talk to Cody after supper, after he’d had a chance to cool off.
Lou sat and watched Laura as she picked out the materials for the dresses she wanted. It amazed her that the other woman was so resilient, and tough. She had managed to get the dressmaker to come down a few dollars on two dresses and was fingering the material of a fancy red dress that hung near the window.
“What colour is this?” Laura asked Lou quietly.
“Red.” Lou shook her head. “Not your colour.”
“I like the style.” Laura turned to the dressmaker. “Do you have one in this style in another colour?”
“I have two that are finished. One in black and one in a blue floral print.” the woman replied glancing up. “I’ll try both of them on.” Laura declared. She longed for the fancy ball room type gown she had brought for Lou, but wasn’t sure how she could get it.
“I’d also like an formal gown, off the shoulder with matching stole, clutch and hair ribbons in forest green.” Laura said and smiled, she could sew, she’d just take it in.”
“Yes ma’am.” The dressmaker smiled at Lou, the young woman was trying to hide her interest in the dresses and bonnets, after all she was supposed to be a boy, but the dressmaker hadn’t reach her age without learning to look beneath the surface. Seeing the look on the blonde girl’s face she jotted down notes and quickly assessed Lou’s size. Yes sir, it would look great on the auburn haired beauty.
“Was there anything else?” Lou asked.
“I need all the pantaloons, petticoats and a couple of chemises and a corset as well.” Laura replied. “You have my measurements. How long do you figure it’ll take to fill the order?”
“A day or so. I’ll get a couple of my girls working on it right away. I do have a couple of dresses already made if you’d like to try them on.”
“Please.”Laura quickly tried on the dresses, and picked out a pair of granny-boots and a pair of walking boots. She didn’t plan on being stuck without footwear again.
“That’ll come to twenty three dollars and six bits.” The dressmaker declared. “Unless there’s something else?”
“That’s all thank you.”
Glancing out the window Lou watched the hustle and bustle of the people fo Rock Creek as they hurried about their lives. She wished she could do as Laura was doing, wished she could reveal that she was a woman but doing so was dangerous. There was too much at stake for her to risk giving herself away.
“So we need to go to the general store?” Laura declared.
“Yes we do.” Lou said as they exited the shop. They deposited the packages into the back of the wagon before Laura climbed into the wagon followed by Lou.
“Do you mind about Buck and I?” Laura asked suddenly as they rolled down the street to stop a few doors down.
“Should I?” Lou asked hopping down. She helped Laura down and walked up the single step a hand on the back of her friend’s arm. “Are you doing something that could hurt someone?”
“No.” Laura denied, the only risk was to herself but she didn’t say that. “There isn’t anyone in my life Lou. I meant what I said when I said I was alone. For years I’ve looked into life, now with him I can live it.”
“As long as you’re happy.”
“I am.” Laura declared. “The only wish I could possibly want is for this to never end.”
Lou smiled as she picked up Kid’s new shirts, a couple of pairs of gloves, several peppermint sticks, and a book for herself to read later. “You’re a grown woman Laura, you can do whatever you want.”
“Thank you.” Laura listened to the faint conversation in the back of the store and stepped closer.
“I’m telling you she’s as blind as that door.” a woman’s voice whispered.
“So what?”
“Ain’t right the way Thompkins lets all those freaks in here.” the first woman snapped.
“Hush now. Thompkins threw out someone for saying something against them express riders, especially that half-blood and that nigger.”
Laura’s breathe caught as she waited impatiently for Lou, as soon as Lou started for the door she followed quickly, “Lou who were those two women in the store?”
“Oh that was Mrs. Wilbons, and Mrs. Johnson. Why?”
“They don’t particularly like Buck and Noah do they?”
“They don’t like any of us.” Lou replied urging the team into a trot. “Figure we’re all devils spawn.”
“Freaks.” Laura whispered hearing the echo of old ghosts coming back to haunt her.
“Yeah. Don’t worry about it though. They don’t have anything to do with us, and Thompkins has no tolerance for them. Threw them out of his store once for calling Buck down.”
“At least he’s got half a brain.” Laura sighed.
“What did they say?”
“Nothing I haven’t heard before.” Laura said sadly.
“Laura.” Lou pulled the team up, “What did they say?”
“Nothing really, I’m not even sure they were talking about me.”
“ You get shot down a lot cause you can’t see don’t you? That’s why you didn’t admit it right off when I saw you.”
“More than you know. Nearly everywhere I go people either avoid me or pity me and I don’t need neither of those things.”
Lou nodded slowly realization dawning, “That’s why you don’t think this thing with Buck’ll work out.”
“It doesn’t matter. Lets get back.” Laura said sitting up straight. She’d be damned if she’d let anyone drag her soul back into the darkness, it had taken her a long time to realize she had worth and she wasn’t going to retreat from anyone. “Besides, I don’t ‘spect I’ll ever see either of them again.”
Lou laughed softly at the pun and clicked to the team. Pulling into the yard she noticed the boys had finished one section of the new fence.
“Hey Lou, Laura. The boys went swimming.” Rachel called as she stepped off the porch.
“We’ve got to unload the wagon before we do anything else.” Lou replied as she stepped back so Laura could get down.
“How’d it go?”
“Same as always.” Laura declared. “I brought a few things for myself. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I’ve fixed up the spare bedroom for you.”
“Thanks.” Smiling Laura pushed aside her doubts and fears, she’d deal with them later when she was alone. The three women unloaded the wagon and unhitched the team before retiring to the house for tea.
Groaning the boys stared at the table in the bunkhouse, it was bare.
“Where is supper?” Cody whined.
“I don’t know, but Rachel might.” Noah said turning to walk across the yard to the house. Raising his hand to knock he paused, it sounded like laughter coming frominside. Knocking he opened the door and called out to the girls.
“In here Noah.” Rachel’s laughter filled voice hit him as he stepped inside. Walking into the kitchen he froze, standing there in the middle of the kitchen the three women stood covered in flour, dough and something he was certain he didn’t want to know.
“Uh,” Fearfully Noah stepped into the kitchen only to freeze at the crunching under his boots.
“Supper’ll be another half hour.” Lou declared before bursting into laughter again.
“There’s biscuits if you want a snack.” Rachel pointed to the plate of biscuits sitting on the counter.
“Thanks.” Noah grabbed the plate and slowly exited backward. He wasn’t going to turn his back on them for fear they doused him in flour. Carrying the biscuits over to the bunkhouse he set them down with a thump. “Enjoy. Supper won’t be for at least half and hour, maybe longer.”
“Why?” Cody asked his concern for his stomach greater than his concern over the new girl.
“It was scary.” Noah shook his head. “It looked like Lou was trying to cook.”
“Oh no.” A chorus of voices filled the bunkhouse.
“Yes. They had flour everywhere, along with something I’ve never seen and wasn’t even sure was food. When I walked in they were laughing like a bunch of fools.” Noah explained setting down and grabbing a biscuit.
“Did Rachel make these?” Cody asked sniffing at one. He bit into it and sighed. “Yep, it’s soft and it actually tastes like a biscuit.”
“So you gonna tell us about your hike?” Jimmy asked pouring himself a cup of coffee and settling at the table.
“We walked during the day and slept at night.” Buck replied. He knew they wanted details but he wasn’t’ sure how much to actually tell them.
“Oh come on now Buck, we need to know a little more ‘en that. You didn’t even have a blanket so how’d you keep warm?” Cody pushed.
“Fire?” Buck questioned with a small smile. He had his doubts about sleeping in his bunk tonight, it amazed him at how easily a person could get used to something.
“Oh come on Buck.” Kid pleaded. “You’ve been bugging me for details about Lou and I, now it’s my turn. Spill the proverbial beans.”
Laughing Buck shook his head. “What exactly do you want to know?”
“How’d you keep warm for one thing.” Cody put in.
“I told you already, a fire keeps a person warm.” Buck hedged, “Besides I ain’t giving you any details. You’ll just go run to Lou and then I’ll be hiding under the table like Kid did there the one day.”
“Lou won’t kill you. Laura likes you.” Cody protested. “Now come on, we want details.”
“We doubled up.” Buck replied. “A word of advice on your next run, take extra food. I’ve eaten more rabbit in the last week than a body would ever want to.”
“What do you mean double up?” Jimmy leaned forward a grin on his face.
“Slept against each other.” Buck shrugged a flush climbing his face. “And no I’m not going into any more detail.”
“Tell us all about it.” Noah invited, “We’d love to hear this story.”
Half an hour later Buck was silently cursing the fact that dinner had been postponed. The others hadn’t let up until he’d told them nearly everything about the trip. He’d left out the cave, it didn’t seem proper to tell the boys he’d kissed Laura silly.
“Oh come on there has got to be more to it than that.” Cody protested as the doors opened and the three women came in with supper.
“There ain’t. I’m not Kid you know.” Buck protested as Lou set a bowl of steaming potatoes next to him. He glanced at her and smiled shakily. “So you having a cooking lesson?”
“No.” Laura pushed her hair out of her face. “I was trying to explain a recipe I’ve made before, and unfortunately we had a little accident.”
“Little?” Lou chortled. “You blew up the flour bin.”
“Hey, how was I supposed to know the can you gave me was baking soda. I knew the liquid was vinegar, but you could have said it was baking soda.” Laura protested with a laugh.
“You still blew up the flour bin.” Lou shook her head. “I can’t believe you blew it up. We’re still missing part of it.”
“Look on the ceiling.” Laura replied haughtily as she settled in the chair next to Buck. “Until then, I’m hungry.”
“You two are barred from my kitchen for life.” Rachel threatened.
“Thank you.” Lou threw her hands in the air. “I’m glad we are in agreement.”
“I can cook!” Laura protested. “I’ve been doing it for years.”
“Yeah and badly I’d say.” Lou said sliding her hand up Kid’s thigh under the table and earning a sharp glance from him. Smiling angelically at him she glanced at Buck who’d pushed the potatoes down. “Not hungry.”
“Not if you cooked.” Buck replied with a smile.
“I cooked.” Rachel declared. “They cleaned.”
“It wasn’t my fault.” Laura protested leaning back in her chair as things were shifted around. “I wish you’d remember that.”
“I am remembering it.” Rachel laughed. “And the two of you will remember it to when you have to clean up after supper.”
Shaking her head Laura snagged a bowl that was passing under her nose and shrugged. Spooning the vegetables onto her plate she passed them along and waited for the next bowl.
“If you don’t mind my asking, why put your food on your plate like that?” Cody asked pointing at the neatly organized plate sitting in front of her.
“Habit. Then I know where everything is.” Laura stated. “It makes it easier.”
Supper was a noisy affair as everyone spoke at once, and Laura enjoyed the interaction. Tilting her head slightly she smothered a laugh when she realized what Lou was doing under the table.
Buck watched Kid shift in his chair, an uncomfortable look crossing his face as Lou sat smiling next to him, leaning against his arm as she talked to Rachel. Catching Kid’s eyes he hid a grin as Kid shrugged slightly before shifting back into Lou’s warmth.
“You want some help cleaning up the house after supper?” Buck asked quietly.
“Thanks. But Lou and I’ve got it covered. Do me a favour though, if you don’t mind. Keep Kid busy. Lou’s got a surprise for him.”
“Do I want to know what it is?” Buck asked with a half grin at his friend.
“I’ll tell you later.” Laura replied as everyone excused themselves and rose from the table, with the exception of three people. Laura sat waiting for Lou, Lou sat waiting for Kid.
“Hey Kid I’ll play you a game of cards.” Buck noted the relief on the other man’s face and glanced at Laura who rose at the same time Lou did. The two women departed leaving Kid at the mercy of the other boys.
“You okay Kid?” Noah asked silkily. “Seemed like you were a bit uncomfortable at supper.”
“I’m fine.” Kid snapped reaching for the deck of cards Cody had tossed onto the table.
“I’m sure you are.” Buck laughed.
“You shouldn’t talk.” Kid pointed out. “Seems you were doing a bit of footwork at supper yourself.”
“We were just talking.” Buck declared. “Ain’t the same.”
Shaking their heads the boys started playing leaving Buck and Kid to themselves for the most part.
Laura sat near the clear brook listening to the wind in the leaves, and the water as it caressed the rocks in the creek bed. The warmth of the sun drew a sigh from her, in the two weeks that she’d been there her and Buck and snuck off for supper twice. Although they’d managed to spend plenty of time alone together, she wasn’t sure how it was going to work. Everyone around them could tell what they’d been doing when they got back to the house. He was currently out on a run, leaving her with no one to talk to.
“Thought I’d find you out here.” The soft sound drew her from her thoughts.
Laura jerked around and smiled at the familiar voice, “You’re home early. I take it the ride was good.”
“Yeah.” Buck settled next to her on the grass and leaned against the tree she was sitting under. “Made good time. What are you doing way out here?”
“Thinking.”
“Bout what?” Buck asked although he could hazzard a guess.
“You.” Laura leaned against him and closed her eyes contentedly. “How much I missed you on your run.”
“I won’t be doing too many more of them.” Buck stated quietly.
“How come?” Laura waited patiently as Buck ran his fingers through her hair, the gentle touch relaxing and exciting all at once.
“Teaspoon said the express is running out of money. And with war just around the corner. It’s getting harder to get through the army, they’re everywhere.”
“You going to fight?” Laura asked.
“Fight? Naw. They wouldn’t let me join even if I did want to. Kid is though. I’m sure he’ll go fight for his boyhood home.”
“Maybe.” Laura smiled secretively. Lou had told her what she had planned for the young man and she relished the thought of attending that wedding. Feeling Buck’s hands wrapping around her waist she shifted to ly partially in his lap, her head pillowed on his chest. “Lou’s got a few tricks up her sleeve.”
“What has she said to you?” Buck asked grateful for a few more minutes of peace before he asked what he’d come out here to ask.
“She’s gonna have Kid married by the end of the month.” Laura declared.
“Kid’s more stubborn than that.” Buck whispered chuckling.
“Oh, Lou’ll get her way.” Laura laughed softly. “With Kid she usually does.”
Shaking his head Buck just laughed, Laura was right. Kid would give in to Lou, he always had.
Lou listened to them from where she sat a few feet away. Shaking her head she wondered when they’d change topics and get down to what Buck had come down here to do.
“Laura?” Buck’s tone had both women perking up as they waited. “I wanted to ask you something?”
“Sure.” Laura frowned slightly at the seriousness of Buck’s tone. “What’s up?”
“I love you, I mean its not news to you.” Buck sighed this was harder than he thought, how had Kid done it twice now?
“I love you to.” Laura shifted into a sitting position and turned to face him. Reaching out she squeezed his hand and found it like ice. “You’re hands are freezing. You ok?”
“Yeah.” Buck took a deep breathe for courage. “I was wondering if you’d marry me?”
Laura gasped and opened her mouth, although nothing came out. “Yes!” she finally managed to get out and launched herself at him, knocking him backward onto the lush grasses behind him.
Smiling Lou listened to them laughing for a minute then peaked around the tree she’d hid behind. Feeling a blush sting her cheeks she rose and quickly headed back to the bunkhouse. Seeing Katy standing tied and saddle next to the barn she glanced around. The open bunkhouse door told her where the man she was looking for had gone.
Rushing into the house she spotted him straightening his saddlebags and smiled. He had no idea what she had planned, but he’d learn.
Kid glanced up at the sound of someone running and stared at Lou who came barrelling into the bunkhouse and straight for him. Stepping back to brace himself he caught her midair as she leapt at him with a little laugh.
“She said yes!” Lou screamed as they hit the floor.
“Who said yes?” Kid grunted as the floor came to meet him with a hard rush.
“Laura. Buck asked her to marry him and she said yes.” Lou declared with a smile as she sat on him.
“Great.” Kid wheezed. “ When’s the wedding?”
“Don’t know. I left before they got that far.” Lou shrugged, happy that her friend would be sticking around.
“You’re insane.” Kid protested as he shifted, for some reason he wasn’t in too much of a hurry to go on his run, although Lou was supposed to be going with him to Davenport. “Don’t you think you’d best get ready. You’re on this run with me.” He grinned at her.
Jimmy heard Lou scream and started for he bunkhouse at a run. Diving up the steps he skidded to a halt, Lou lay entangled with Kid on the floor both of them grinning like fools. “You two hurt?”
“Nope.” Lou glanced at the door sharply. She squirmed slightly and felt Kid’s hands grab her hips tightly to stop her from moving. Feeling the thrill race through her at his touch she bit her lip to stop a moan. Davenport would be a great break from things.
“Then why are you screaming?” Jimmy demanded. “Thought you were hurt.”
“Only a mild concussion.” Kid grunted as he struggled to sit up with Lou still in his lap.
“You want a hand up?” Jimmy grinned at the pair. “And what on earth are you doing down there anyway?”
“Laura said yes.” Lou grinned at Jimmy.
“To what?” Jimmy raised his hands in question.
“To Buck’s proposal.” Lou shook her head. “Don’t you pay any attention to what’s going on around here?”
“I was too busy paying attention to you and the Kid.” Jimmy retorted with a half grin before he headed back out to finish cleaning the barn.
The End