Prologue
Mr. Cross,
Having received your inquiry, we have located a man who seemingly fits your description of the person you are searching for.
Captain Seamus O'Brien's last known address is in Lexington, Kentucky.
Please advise if you would like me to extend my search.
Your Servant, Det. Jonathan Morgan
Buck sat back and sighed softly, he'd had no idea that he would get a response, let alone get one so quickly. It had taken one bottle of whiskey and a night of self-examination for him to decide to send the note to Detective Morgan and that had been three months ago. Three short months and now his life could change forever, the question was: now in the light of day, and without the bottled courage he had needed to send the note could he take the next step?
He rolled the Captain's name around, trying to get a feel for it. It was strange. Irish. And once again, as he usually did when he questioned his life, he wondered what the man looked like. He wondered what kind of life he was leading, if he had a family of his own, what kind of people were they?
"What you got there, Buck?" Teaspoon asked as he entered the jailhouse.
The Kiowa sat up quickly and crumpled the letter in his hand, "Nothin'."
The older man arched a brow, but didn't pursue the subject. Knowing that Buck would broach the subject in his own time, he sat down to gather some wanted posters and peruse the country's most dangerous outlaws that thankfully never seemed to come through their small town. "Where's Jimmy?"
Buck shrugged as he stared out the window at something Teaspoon was sure only he could see, "Lunch, I think." He exhaled softly and turned to face him. "Teaspoon, I have to leave town for a little while."
"What's wrong son?" Teaspoon sat up, concern for him written on his every feature. He'd always considered the boys more sons than employees and to see one of them distracted, naturally had him on edge. "You've been a little … distant lately, I didn't want to mention it because I thought you would get through it, but it hasn't happened yet and Rachel's worried."
The younger man turned to face his mentor, "I didn't mean to worry anyone, I've just been feeling, I don't know a little … lost, I guess."
"How so?"
Buck shrugged. "Do you ever wonder if maybe you have a son out there?"
Teaspoon reared back, he hadn't been expecting that particular question and the idea struck a nerve. "What are you trying to say, Buck?"
"I'm not asking if you've abandoned anyone, I'm just wanted to know what you would do if you found out you had a child that you'd never met."
Frowning, the older man relaxed his stance and ran a hand through his thinning hair. "I suppose I'd want to see him, let him get to know me. Buck, do you think you have a child somewhere?"
Buck shook his head quickly. "No! I wouldn't do that."
"I didn't think so. So, what's all this about?"
"I've been thinking about finding the man that fathered me."
The softly worded statement brought Teaspoon up short. With everything he knew about Buck, he had to wonder why the Kiowa would want to find the man who had raped his mother and caused him the pain of isolation from his people. "Are you sure you want to do that?"
He nodded and handed over the letter. "I already did. I wrote to Sam and he recommended a detective from back East, so I contacted him to find the man that raped my mother." He motioned to the paper, "I didn't think he'd be able to do it. I was wrong." A soft whistle escaped Teaspoon's lips as he read the short note. "So you gonna let this detective continue his investigation?"
"No, I think I'm going to do it myself."
"Buck, now that may not be wise-" The marshal began.
"I'm not gonna go up to him and introduce myself, I just want to see him. I need to see the man that fathered me. I have to see for myself what kind of man he is."
"He's the kind of man who raped an innocent woman." Buck cringed and Teaspoon cursed his thoughtless words. "I'm sorry, son-"
"No, you're right, Teaspoon. There's no way to excuse or soften what he did to me and my family. Believe me, there's a part of me that thinks I just might walk up and put some lead into him for what he did, but there's another part that pushes me just to get a glimpse." Buck's gaze pleaded for understanding. "I can't explain it, I feel like I need to do this."
"Well, if you feel like you have to, all I can do is wish you luck." He frowned and looked down at the letter again. "Seamus O'Brien … hmm, an Irishman, I never would have thought."
Buck gave him a wry smile, "Don't start askin' Rachel to make cabbage just yet, Teaspoon. I'm Kiowa and always will be."
Teaspoon's lips tipped up in a slight smile. "So when are you heading out?"
"As soon as I can get some gear and make some plans."
"You just be careful."
"I will."
Teaspoon sat back in his chair and eyed the younger man. Buck looked as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He prayed that he found whatever he was searching for and that all of his questions were answered. He couldn't fault the Kiowa for wanting to put an end to his questions and he couldn't imagine what it was like for Buck, not knowing who his father was. The others all had their parents at one point or another and good or bad they never had to question their roots. With a last glance at the note that would change Buck's life, Teaspoon moved it to the side of his desk and settled in for a hard day's work.
Chapter One
Buck stepped off the stagecoach and inhaled the fresh air in relief. He was finally here, after being stuck inside the cramped confines of the small stage for over three days with only short stops to stretch his legs and take care of business, he was anxious to get started. Buck would be more than happy not to relive this particular experience for at least another month. Hard on the heels of that thought the reminder that he had only planned on staying in Lexington for a week and no more than that intruded. That would give him enough time to get a good look at Seamus O'Brien and see how he lived.
As passersby gave him a wide berth, Buck was relieved that he hadn't had to share the stage with anyone else, he knew that if anyone had complained about the fact that a "savage" was on board, he'd be put off and forced to take a different stage. He'd been prepared for the possibility, but was glad that he didn't need the extra time he'd set aside. The sooner he could get through with this, the better. But, first things first, he needed a horse.
He glanced around the depot, searching for a friendly face, or at least one that wasn't too hostile. He hoped that someone would point him towards the livery. The stage driver left as soon as Buck alighted, he wasn't much of a conversationalist, but at least he would have helped. He stood there watching as women and children crossed the street when they noticed him and the men viewed him with undisguised disgust or outright hostility. Knowing he would find no help here, he picked up his bag and headed down the street.
The general store loomed up before him. He'd walked three blocks and still no sign of the livery. The large white clapboard structure had everything a man or woman could need in a store. It was even more heavily stocked than Tompkins's back home. He glanced up at its large painted sign and groaned. The billboard identified it as Tompsen's General Store. Buck shook his head as he climbed the three steps onto the threshold and hoped that the proprietor was nothing like the similarly named storekeeper in Rock Creek.
The small bell above the door chimed as he entered and all eyes turned to the man in the doorway. Buck looked around, meeting the hostile gazes head on and giving the curious ones a chance to get a good look at the Indian. He paused as his dark eyes met ones a vibrant shade of blue. The woman was standing at a counter, a bolt of gray fabric laid before her. Her gaze was neither hostile nor curious but more … intrigued maybe. Buck wasn't sure what propelled him to nod, but he did and was surprised when she returned the greeting with a hint of a smile then turned back to the woman who was waiting on her. If he were in town under different circumstances, he might have indulged in a bit of flirting. He'd known his share of women who wanted to experiment with an Indian, especially one who seemed to be civilized and this woman seemed just as curious as all the rest, but he wasn't here for play, he had a job to do and he wasn't about to let anyone get in his way.
"Can I help you?"
Buck turned to the older man on his right. He was a small man who wore spectacles and his beady gaze rushed around the room nervously taking in the tension that seemed to be building. Buck decided the best thing to do was ask for directions and leave he didn't want to bring trouble here. "I was looking for the livery."
"What fer?"
A large man, his chest as round as the barrel he was leaning on had spoken. Buck didn't like the way he'd tensed up when he turned to him, the man had trouble written all over him. Again, deciding that being swift was the best way to handle this he answered, "I'm looking to rent a horse."
"Ain't no one gonna rent to no savage." Another man spoke. He moved to stand next to the barrel shaped man.
"Now boys, I don't want no trouble." The storekeeper said his voice high as nerves got the better of him.
Buck watched several men take up position with the barrel man and most of the women in the store left quickly. He searched for the blue-eyed woman and found her still at the fabric counter. Her gaze was wide as she looked at the group of men and then him. He saw her worry as her eyes met his.
The storekeeper followed Buck's gaze, as did several of the men. "You best get out of here Miss Brenna." The older man said.
She tore her gaze away from Buck to face the shopkeeper. She seemed to be thinking then, having made a decision, walked away from the counter and past the group of men. Buck saw the leers and desire in their eyes but before he could wonder she stopped in front of him and turned back to the group of men. Buck frowned as she placed her hands on her hips and glared at them.
"You all should be ashamed of yourselves. He did nothing to deserve your righteous anger. He needs help and you're all ready to jump on him as if he were a common criminal. And you," she turned to the shopkeeper with an accusing finger pointed in his direction. "You were going to let them do it, weren't you Mr. Tompsen?"
To Buck's shock the older man looked contrite as his gaze fell to the wood planked floor. He had to give the woman credit, she was a spitfire. Even the group of men looked suddenly repentant.
The little fireball shook her head and made a tsking sound. "'Silence is the same as confession', Mum always says. I am going to have to rethink my patronage of your establishment. I am deeply ashamed of you." She turned so quickly, Buck jumped. "I am sorry for their behavior, sir. If you come with me, I'll show you where the livery is."
"Now Brenna-" The barrel man began.
She turned quickly, her eyes flashing heat. "Don't you even finish that statement, Davey Miller. You lost any right to tell me what I can and can't do when you decided you'd rather spend your nights at the saloon rather than wed me."
Some of the men snickered and Buck suddenly found himself being dragged out of the store. They were halfway down the street before she released his sleeve. She turned back to him abruptly and for the first time Buck got a good look at her.
She was a tiny thing. The top of her head just barely reached his chin, she wore a dark blue day dress trimmed out in black and the bonnet atop her head matched the dress to perfection right down to its flowers. The blue eyes that had caught his attention were ringed with long, thick black lashes, her skin was so smooth and pale it looked like the fine china Tompkins tried to sell in his store. She had a small pert nose and her lips were full and slightly parted. Buck tore his gaze away from the sight of her mouth and moved to other, less tempting parts of her face. Against the material of her bonnet, Buck saw that her hair was black as night and shone with an almost blue hue. She was stunning and he suddenly wished he was in town for pleasure.
He realized that as he was getting a good look at her, she was studying him as well. He arched a brow, feeling self-conscious and she smiled. The grin transformed her face from stunning to exquisite.
"It seems you and I make quite a sight standing here in the middle of the street and staring at each other as if we were dying of thirst and we were looking at a tall glass of ice cold water."
Buck looked around and noticed that they had attracted a bit of attention just standing there. He blushed and faced her again. "Looks that way. Do you always speak so …?"
"Freely?" He nodded and her grin grew, "I'm afraid so. Mum says it's my downfall. 'Brenna dear, you'll be the death of me', she says, 'your mouth will get ye into more trouble than your pretty face will.' Mum is horrified by what she thinks is beautiful, my Da, ran off with a beautiful woman. In that we both agree, beautiful women are nothing but trouble."
He was stunned at the amount of information she passed on in two minutes, then he realized that her voice took on a perfect brogue. "Are you Irish?"
She nodded. "Mum was born in Ireland, met my Da, also an Irishmen, in New York. They married and moved here to begin a new life. I was born here though, but I would love to see Ireland and I will someday. I'm Brenna."
Buck shook her outstretched hand, he wasn't quite sure of what to say she moved from one subject to another so quickly. "Buck."
"Pleasure to meet you, Buck, I'm sorry again for the way they treated you in there. I pray for the day when all men can see beyond the color of a man's skin … or the tone in a voice. I suppose there's no hope for it though, it's like Mum says 'there are only two things that can't be cured: death and stupidity'." She sighed and shrugged. "Now, let's get you to the livery."
Buck had the feeling that he had to learn to keep up with her quick changes of subject or be lost. The thought brought him up short. He didn't have to get used to anything, she was leading him to the livery and that's all. After that she would go on her way and Buck would never see her again.
She placed her arm through his as if they were old friends and began walking once more. After several silent moments, she looked up at him. "So why are you here?"
"I'm here looking for someone." He said softly.
"A friend?"
"No."
She bit her lip and exhaled softly. "I'm also nosey, if you hadn't realized it. I'm sorry. I should just mind my business."
Buck wondered if he hurt her by his decision not to confess everything. It shouldn't matter to him that she told him her life story in two minutes. His reasons for being in Lexington grated on raw wounds and if he couldn't bring it up with his family in Rock Creek, he wasn't about to bring it up to a stranger.
"Here we are."
Buck inhaled the scent of horse and hay and relaxed at the familiar sense of it all. He turned to Brenna and found her frowning. "What's wrong?"
She shook her head and pasted on a weak smile. "Nothing, there's Mr. Hennesy." She waved the man over and motioned towards Buck. "Good day, sir, I don't suppose you have a horse my friend here can rent."
The man looked about as old as Teaspoon but was as huge as a bear and he folded his arms over his massive chest as he took in the sight of the man standing with Brenna. Buck felt another fight coming. "Now, Brenna, you know my policy against … strangers."
She tilted her head and winked at the man causing him to blush. "Of course I know your policy, but Buck isn't a stranger, he's my friend. I know Mum would be ever so grateful if you could help him out."
The man's brows shot up. "You think?"
"I know so." Brenna reassured him. "Why, once I tell her how you helped when no one else in town did, I'm sure she'll come bring you a loaf of her famous soda bread herself."
The liveryman scratched his cheek, "Do you think she'd stay if I asked her to share some with me?"
"Perhaps." She batted her long lashes innocently, "So what do you say about that horse?"
"Wait here."
Buck watched the man practically skip away and turned to Brenna. "What will your mother say about all this?"
She smiled and her eyes lit up in pleasure. "She'd say 'Brenna, dear, you're a good lass.' They enjoy spending time together, I think in another time or place they would be courting."
He laughed softly then licked his lips. Her eyes were focused on his mouth which surprised him and caused all his nerves to take note. He had to remind himself that they'd be saying good-bye after he got his horse he had to begin distancing himself now. "I don't know how to thank you for your help, Brenna."
"I do."
"What?" He hadn't expected her to take him up on his offer of thanks.
"Yes, supper. Come have supper with me."
The offer caught him off-guard and as much as he'd like to, he knew he really shouldn't. "I can't Brenna I know that people in town don't want me around. I don't think it'd be wise."
"Well who said anything about town? Let me cook dinner for you, Buck."
If her first offer caught him by surprise this one left him dumbstruck. "I don't know …"
"It'll be fine, Mum would love to have another person to speak with. Please, Buck? I don't want to say good-bye just yet." She admitted softly.
He was slightly disappointed that they wouldn't be alone, but relieved as well. Her admission so closely resembled his feelings that he couldn't deny her. "All right, I'd love to." Chapter Two
The horse was old and probably hadn't been brought out for exercise in years, but Buck didn't care, he had a mount. He and Brenna left the livery with the promise to send her mother the liveryman's well wishes. They'd gotten her horse from where she'd tethered it outside of the general store. Buck had seen some of the men from earlier inside and he knew they'd seen him, but again he didn't care. Brenna was by his side. He'd never felt this strongly about any woman after only knowing her for a few minutes. It was more than just an attraction or lust, it was as if they'd had an instant connection and he cursed the fact that he wasn't going to be able to spend more than the next few hours with her. He couldn't forget his purpose in coming to Lexington just as he couldn't forget he had a job and a life to get back to in Rock Creek.
Brenna had been silent for most of the trip out of town and Buck wondered what she was thinking about. He turned to her and saw the faraway expression in her eyes and smiled, she really was a beautiful woman. She caught his movement and returned his grin. "What?"
"You look as if your mind is in Santa Fe."
"I've never been to Santa Fe." She replied with a short laugh. "So I don't suppose it could have been there, but you're right I was woolgathering."
"What about?"
"You," She answered truthfully. "I was wondering where you're from, what tribe you're from … just things. I don't know anything about you." Buck reined in and frowned. She stopped a few steps after him and worried her bottom lip as she looked back at him. "I'm sorry. There I go being nosey again."
"No, you're not being nosey. You're right, I haven't told you anything about myself and here I am going to your home for supper. You're very trusting."
A shadow seemed to pass over her features but she quickly shook it off. "I know it can be dangerous, but I sense a good soul in you, Buck."
Her open answer made him smile. He kneed his horse and began following her again. "Thank you. Now to answer your questions, my name is Buck Cross, I'm Kiowa and I'm from Rock Creek in the Nebraska Territory. I'm a deputy there."
"Really?"
"Yes, Ma'am, I used to ride for the Pony Express too."
"I'm impressed, so are you in town looking for a criminal?"
"Not really." Although, he could be depending on how he wanted to look at his situation.
"Good cause I'd hate to think that the men in town were interfering in capturing someone dangerous."
Buck chuckled softly as he rode along and opened up to her and told her about his family in Rock Creek and the tribe where he'd spent the early years of his life. He was surprised to find that it was as easy to open up to her as it had been to talk to Ike.
Before long, the house loomed up before them. The sun setting behind it cast a golden halo around its frame making it look as if were gilded. Buck whistled softly, it was huge, much bigger than he expected for just her and her mother. The corral contained five healthy horses and beyond the house he saw a smaller bunkhouse and a small patch of land that looked as if it were being farmed.
"Well, this is home." Brenna said softly, her face was expressionless as she stared at one of the horses in the corral. "Looks like I have some company."
"Will it be all right that I'm here?"
"This is my house, Buck and you are more than welcome here."
The vehemence in her voice put him on edge. She seemed so carefree until just this moment and he realized that he was prepared to battle whatever demons had changed her mood. "Are you all right?"
Before he got his answer the front door swung open and a man walked out onto the wraparound porch. He was tall, slightly more muscular than Buck and had deep red hair. His gaze fell on Buck and he crossed his arms over his chest, his legs spread as if his stance alone could keep the Kiowa out of the house. Behind him an older woman stepped out. She was round with kind features. She was wiping her hands on an apron and a wide smile crossed her face at the sight of Brenna and her companion. Her dark hair was liberally sprinkled with gray, her eyes as bright a blue as Brenna's and Buck knew instantly that this was her mother.
Brenna dismounted and led her horse into the corral, leaving Buck to follow. He didn't press her as they began to cool their mounts but Buck realized he had no idea if Brenna was married or at the very least spoken for.
Several tense, silent moments passed before Brenna looked up at Buck. "That's Ian."
"And he is?"
"Family." She seemed to sneer the word. "Though God knows I wish he wasn't."
Buck soaked in the information and nodded thoughtfully. "The woman behind him is your mother."
She relaxed with a smile and nodded. "Seanna Ryan."
"She has a kind soul."
Brenna giggled her smile reminiscent of the woman he'd met in town. "You're a charmer. Mum is going to love you. Come on before we brush these horses bald. It's time to face the inevitable questions."
Buck grabbed her arm before she could walk out of the corral and brought her close. For the first time he noticed the sprinkling of freckles across the bridge of her nose and he could picture her as a child running around in a pinafore and making mud pies. Thoughts of children quickly faded as the realization that she was so close her skirt brushed the tops of his boots. He could feel the heat from her body touch his, her blue eyes bore into his dark ones and her breath quickened as she waited to see why he'd stopped her. Buck looked past her to the porch and was relieved to see that both her mother and her protector were gone. They were alone. Before he could think twice he bent his head and brushed his lips over hers. It was a quick kiss, one that he couldn't stop himself from giving her.
He stepped back as she placed her fingertips over her lips. "Don't try to protect me. I can take care of myself."
She nodded dumbly then turned and led him towards the house. She stopped on the steps and turned to him. Her position on the second step made her eyes level with his and he waited to see what she would do. Brenna tilted her head, her gaze settling on his mouth. She then reached out and traced his lips with her fingertips before replacing her fingers with her mouth. Her kiss was also quick and she smiled with satisfaction as she stepped back. Buck arched a brow and waited.
"A girl could get used to kissing you, Buck Cross."
She turned on her heel and Buck once again felt as if his world was spinning awkwardly. There was one thing that was consistent about Brenna and that was that she would always keep him on his toes.
Brenna paused at the door then clasped Buck's hand and swept inside. They entered into a spacious foyer that led straight through the house. She led him down the hall and poked her head into the parlor. A broad smile found its way to her lips as she pulled him inside. "Mum, this is Buck Cross I've invited him to dinner."
Buck whipped his hat off his head and smiled as he nodded his greeting to the woman, "Ma'am."
The older woman arched a brow as her gazed swept over his form. She slowly turned her face to her daughter. "What did I tell you about picking up strange men from town?"
Buck's eyes widened and he turned to Brenna, could he have been wrong about her? Was she not as innocent as she looked? For her part Brenna looked annoyed, which confused Buck even more. Her lips were pursed and she rolled her eyes. "Stop that, you'll have Buck thinking I am the worst kind of woman."
"If he talks to some of the men in town and he just might come to the same conclusion." Her mother replied, exasperation making her voice harsh. She turned back to Buck. "Welcome to our home. Don't mind me I wanted to see what kind of man you were."
"And what have you decided?" Buck asked.
Seanna Ryan smiled broadly. "You couldn't have faked the surprise on your face. You aren't here because you've heard things about my Brenna. You've a good soul in you, I can feel it."
Brenna shared a smile with Buck then looked around the room, "Where's Ian?"
"Behind you," Answered a deep male voice.
They turned and came face to face with the man from the porch. He was leaning on the doorframe a drink in his hand. Buck felt Brenna's hand tighten its hold on his. He squeezed her palm, trying to reassure her and immediately felt her relax. "Ian, may I introduce you to Buck Cross."
"I ain't eating with no savage." He replied maliciously.
Buck held back a smile as Brenna's mother charged up to the young man and snatched the drink from his hand. "Well that's nice to know, Ian, because neither will we nor will we sit down to the table with a mean spirited, blighter such as you, so get off with you and go home." Now he understood where Brenna's fire came from.
Ian sputtered and grabbed his drink back. "I ain't going nowhere."
"Then I'll thank you to respect anyone and everyone here. I can throw you out, try me and see if I can't."
"Mum, please. We have company."
Seanna turned to Buck. "Excuse me, Mr. Cross I just don't take sass from anyone."
"I understand." Buck replied with a small smile. "Please call me Buck and I don't like eating with savages either."
Ian opened his mouth, "I wouldn't push her if I were you." Brenna said before he could get a word out. Ian rolled his eyes and took a long drink from his glass. Buck knew that if it hadn't been for the annoying man he'd have a good time in this house.
Dinner would have been strained if it weren't for the witty conversation that Seanna supplied. Buck realized that Brenna was dead on when she mimicked her mother. Seanna had a seemingly endless supply of old Irish proverbs, many of which she inserted into the conversation, but made no sense to Buck. He smiled at Brenna, completely taken with her appearance. Now that she'd taken off her bonnet, Buck could see that her hair was fine and even darker than he'd first thought. She kept it pinned up in what he assumed was the current style and he wondered how long it was.
"So why are you in town, Buck?" Ian asked as they were eating dessert, his voice drew him away from his perusal of Brenna's hair and was still full of hostility. He had a full drink in his hand, his fourth since they'd sat down for dinner.
Buck put his fork down and sat back. "I came to find someone."
"Oh? Maybe we can help." Seanna offered. Her voice was soothing and civil. "What's his name? Or is it a she?"
"It's a he." Buck hedged.
"Mum, Buck doesn't want to talk about it." Brenna jumped in then motioned to his plate. "Are you done?"
Buck nodded and felt the evening coming to a close. She took his plate and her own then moved around the table and picked up Ian's untouched pie and her mother's plate. "Play nice while I'm gone, and Mum don't you dare go on about me as a baby."
Seanna smiled broadly and patted her daughter's hand. "But you were such a beautiful wee thing."
Buck smiled feeling the warmth from the love between mother and daughter and he wondered how Ian fit in here. He kept up the small talk with Seanna, enjoying the bits of information she fed him about Brenna as if she were trying to set him up as a suitor.
Brenna reentered the room and let out a soft breath. "Leave the plates and dishes, Mum, I'll get to them later."
"You've got company. I'll take care of it."
Buck pushed his chair back. "Actually, I should be heading back. I've got to find a place to lay my head."
A look passed between the two women and Buck wasn't sure what it meant. He pushed the thought away as Brenna approached him. "Do you have time for a short walk before you go?"
Smiling for the reprieve, Buck nodded and rose. "Thank you for the meal Mrs. Ryan-"
"Don't you be 'Mrs. Ryan-ing' me, young man. It's Seanna to you and always will be."
"Seanna then. Thank you again."
She rose and hugged him tightly. "If you're ever in the area, I hope you'll come to see us again."
"I promise."
"Good, now here's a small blessing for you. As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters be facing the opposite way. You remember that."
Brenna giggled beside him and Buck nodded then placed a quick kiss to Seanna's cheek. "I will. Thank you."
Chapter Three
With the setting of the sun, the summer air had become chilly. Brenna preceded him down the porch steps and took a deep breath. She paused on the ground and looked up at the night sky. The moon was full and it seemed as if there were a million stars out. He wondered if the sky was always this beautiful or if he appreciated it more because of the company with him.
"I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful night, have you Buck?"
"It's not the beauty of the sky I'm looking at."
Brenna turned to him with a shy smile. "I wish you didn't have to leave town."
"Me too," he admitted softly. "I've never met anyone like you Brenna. I just wish things were different."
"Same here."
He cupped her cheek in his hand and relished the feel of her soft skin against his rough palm. She rubbed against his palm like a kitten and smiled. Buck tilted her chin up and murmured her name against her lips before taking them in a heated kiss. This kiss was different from the two they shared earlier in the evening. There was nothing innocent or flirty about the press of their lips or how she fit her body against his. Her arms encircled his neck as she pressed against him and her hands fisted in his hair. Buck's own hands spanned her waist then moved to smooth the planes of her back and hold her more tightly to him. She purred against his mouth and nipped his bottom lip, the small action pulled a groan from deep within his chest and he deepened the kiss.
She tasted of pie and coffee and something that was just Brenna. She met his invasion and accepted it greedily then moved to take charge of the kiss. Buck's head spun, no one had ever told him that one kiss could turn your world upside down. He slowly, regretfully, ended their kiss and laid his forehead against hers as he tried to catch his breath. He opened his eyes and saw that hers were dark and wide as she stared up at him. She moved her hands to stroke his cheeks and he smiled. He liked her touch.
Her smile fell as suddenly as her hands did and she took a step back. "All good things come to an end, don't they?"
"They do for me." Buck put his hands in his pockets, not trusting himself to touch her again then he turned towards the corral.
Brenna followed his lead, wrapping her arms around her middle and followed him. "I wish you luck in your search. Maybe if you have some time, you could come see me again before you left."
Buck placed a leg on the lower rung of the corral and looked out into the paddock as he thought about her offer. "I'd like to, but I won't make any promises."
"You could stay here, you won't find a place to stay in town and we have plenty of room."
He turned to her and saw the hope in her eyes. "I don't know …"
"Just think on it, you'll be able to have a roof over your head for as long as you need to stay here in town, you'll have three square meals a day … and you will be able to see me."
"It's the last that makes it tempting, Brenna. Believe me. But it's also that last that has me thinking this wouldn't be wise. I have to go back to Rock Creek."
She paled, "Is there a woman waiting … a wife?"
"No. No wife, no woman of any kind, unless you count Rachel."
"Who is she?"
"A mother of sorts … actually, she's more of an older sister."
"Oh." Buck was sure he heard relief in her voice and he smiled. Brenna was good for his ego.
"I shouldn't stay."
"But you will?" She asked, hope shining in her eyes. "I can help you, Buck really I can. Just give me a chance."
He turned back to the corral and wondered what could it hurt to tell her? He had kissed her, held her in his arms. He should be able to trust him with this. His decision made, he turned to lean against the corral and stared back at the house. Brenna remained quietly patient beside him.
"I'm searching for the man who fathered me."
"Your father?"
"No, the man that fathered me. There's a difference."
She nodded and worried her lip. "I see."
"I've never seen him. I just want to see what kind of man he is."
"Did he leave your mum like mine did?"
"No." He replied curtly and then softened his voice as he realized that she'd jumped and taken a step back. He reached out and took her hand, needing the contact for his own peace of mind. "He … He raped my mother."
Brenna squeezed his hand, her eyes widened and began to fill with tears, "Oh, Buck."
He felt her trembling and the need to comfort her overwhelmed him. He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. "It's all right, Brenna."
"I'm so sorry." She whispered, "So very sorry."
He'd seen pity in others eyes when they found out of his past but he'd never had anyone offer him comfort. In that moment, he lost his heart to her.
"Do you know who he is?" She asked him several minutes later.
"His name is Seamus O'Brien."
She stiffened and pushed away from him. "Are you sure?"
Buck nodded, curious about her reaction. "Do you know him?"
"You could say that."
"So you know where he is? You'll take me to him? Brenna, I just want to see what kind of man he is, if he has a family. I don't want to speak to him. I don't want to be introduced. I just want to see him."
She nodded her face pale and Buck wanted to know what she was keeping from him. "Brenna-"
Suddenly Seanna's voice echoed in the night. Brenna glanced at the house. "Wait here, I'll be right back. We'll talk as soon as I get back."
Buck nodded and watched as she entered the house. He never heard the other man approach, so engrossed was he with the feelings that Brenna stirred in him.
Ian stepped up beside him and also stared at the house. Buck eyed the other man warily, not trusting him in the least. "Can I help you?"
"I heard what you and Brenna were talking about."
Buck felt his hackles rise. What he'd told Brenna was a secret, his most sacred one and not something he wanted shared, especially not with the surly man beside him.
Ian sensed the tension radiating from the Indian and took a step away from him. "I can help you."
"I don't need your help."
"I think you do. Brenna won't help you."
Ian seemed so sure of himself that Buck couldn't help to ask, "Why not?"
"Helping you would cause her to face her own demons. She doesn't want to do that."
"You're drunk and talking in riddles."
"What does Brenna have to hide? Is that what you're asking yourself? She seemed so open, right? She has plenty, Buck Cross and I know them all … Ian O'Brien is keeper of all her secrets."
Buck was brought up short, "O'Brien?"
Ian's smile was taunting. "Oh, that's right we weren't properly introduced. "I'm Ian O'Brien. My father is the man you're looking for."
Buck shook his head, what was it that Brenna had said when they'd first seen Ian and he asked who he was … Family. She said he was family. "So Brenna is your … sister?"
Ian frowned, "What gave you that idea?"
"She said you were family."
"Oh we are, but don't worry. You weren't kissing your sister so passionately."
Buck shook off the annoyance he felt at having been spied on as he let relief settle in, they must be cousins. "So she is Brenna Ryan."
"Is that what she told you?"
Buck shrugged and realized she'd never actually told him her last name. He'd just assumed it was Ryan like her mother.
Ian began to laugh. "She's not Ryan either, though she used to be. She's an O'Brien all right."
"How can she be?"
"Come on, Buck, I know you're not stupid … think. You weren't kissing your sister. You were kissing your mother." Buck paled and he went on, "She's a stepmother of course, but the fact remains, she was married to your father … to our father."
Buck felt the world tilt and he reached out to grasp the corral railing. Ian laughed at the Indian's reaction and leaned against the corral. "Shocking, isn't it that both you and your father have the same taste in women? He loved his little Irish lass, loved to show her off in town. He loved to have her in his arms too … Just. Like. You."
"Shut up. I'm nothing like him."
Ian shrugged. "It's in the blood, brother. You know it as well as I do."
"I am not your brother." Buck said through gritted teeth, this was too much, too soon. It wasn't what he expected to find at all.
"You're as much my brother as anyone can be. For her part, Brenna put up with him. I don't think she appreciated him as much as a wife was supposed to, but she's young so I can understand. Still, she loved the gifts he showered on her, she loved being shown off. She was a very … free young woman, if you know what I mean. Pa was old and couldn't keep up with all her … appetites." Ian shrugged and let the statement sink in. "I suppose you saw that for yourself, she's a hot little piece. She practically went up in flames when you kissed her."
Buck closed his eyes. "Shut up."
"Sore subject, I understand. I suppose you'd like to know where you can find Pa."
That brought Buck up short, he'd had dinner in the house but there was no sign of a man having lived there. The revelation brought up more questions than it answered. He now wanted to know where his father was, why he wasn't living with such a beautiful woman. What had possessed Brenna to marry him? "Where?"
"Just outside of town you'll find the cemetery. Seamus O'Brien is dead."
Continue to Part 2