Brenna jogged down the porch steps and stopped short. Buck wasn't by the corral, but Ian was. She felt her heart drop, this didn't bode well. Ian had been drinking all night and there was no telling what he could have said to Buck to make him leave. Ian was a jealous man. More than once he'd stated that since Brenna was family he had some rights to her. He said he would do anything to "protect" her, even telling tales to make an outsider leave. Brenna knew his protection for what it was. If he couldn't have her, he didn't want anyone else to have a claim either. The fact that the handsome Kiowa wasn't there didn't make her feel any better.

She'd been struck dumb when Buck told her who he was looking for, could fate have been any crueler? To know that the man who had raped his mother was the same man she'd spent the last three years married to was worse than anything she could have imagined. She had to tell him, she hoped she would be able to explain her marriage to him and tell him everything he wanted to know about Seamus O'Brien.

Ian smiled broadly as she approached him. "Looks like you lost somethin'."

"Where is he?"

"Gone. He left real fast too, didn't seem too keen on wanting to see you."

Brenna felt a lump form in her throat. "What did you tell him?"

Ian shrugged as if he didn't have a care in the world, and Brenna supposed he didn't. Seamus wasn't rich, but he wasn't a poor man either and he'd left everything but the house and a small patch of farming land to his only son. Ian was quite well off and one of the most eligible bachelors in town, most townsfolk thought it was too bad he had eyes only for his stepmother since Brenna couldn't really stand to look at the man. "I told him the truth."

She gasped in shock and shook her head, "Whose truth, Ian?"

"He seemed real surprised to find out that he was kissing up on his step-momma."

Her eyes filled with tears, "I could have explained." She whispered.

"Looks like he didn't want to stay to listen. He really doesn't like my Pa … he thinks his ma was raped." Ian chuckled, "I'm sure that squaw wanted it every bit as much as Pa did."

Brenna didn't think, she just raised her right hand and let it fly. The slap echoed in the silence of the yard. "Get out … get off my property."

Ian stroked his cheek and adjusted his jaw. "You're as big a slut as the squaw was, Brenna, you don't deserve all of this. You knew just how to work my pa, batting your eyelashes and sashaying around town like a trollop. You think I don't know about the way he used to show you off to his friends, how he used to brag. You should have married me when you had the chance."

"I earned everything I got." More than anyone knew, Brenna added silently. No one, not even her mother had any idea of what she'd gone through the last three years. "Now get out, I don't ever want to see you here again, Ian. Not ever."

"You need me."

"I don't need any man, least of all you. Get out."

She watched him push away from the corral and she wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the chills that were engulfing her from both the wind and the hole that had opened in her heart. He passed her so closely his legs brushed her skirt and she felt a tremor of disgust pass through her. As he saddled up she retreated to the safety of the porch. Her mind was on the man she'd met earlier that day, the man who had made her feel more special, more like a woman than anyone had in years. As Ian rode off she wondered what memories Buck would take back to Rock Creek with him.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It wasn't hard to find the cemetery. Buck was glad for the light of the moon, it made reading the tombstones that much easier. After several minutes, he found the large stone that bore Seamus O'Brien's name. It was set in the corner, beneath a large oak tree. It was larger than life, as if the man interred here were some kind of saint.

Buck knelt before it and read the inscription: Beloved father and husband. He closed his eyes and wondered if Brenna had mourned him, if she mourned him still. She was dressed in dark blue, he hadn't thought about why, she was young, barely nineteen, and he realized now that she should have been dressed in lighter colors. It was funny the things you realized after everything was said and done.

He sat back and stared at the stone, he tried to imagine Brenna married to the monster he made his father out to be. What could a good-hearted woman like her see in him? Ian had hinted that Brenna was loose. He'd seen for himself that Brenna was more forward than most women, seemingly more carefree, he remembered the looks the men in the general store gave her, but Buck never considered that she was used to having her way with men. She seemed so innocent, but he supposed she was the consummate actress. How could he have been so wrong? He knew better than to trust his instincts when it came to women, he had never honed his skill where they were concerned. He was just glad he found out now rather than later, when he'd said or done something he would regret.

He rose and took one last look at the grave. He had found what he'd come searching for. He still didn't have his answers but he had found more than he bargained for: a brother, who drank like a fish, and a woman who he thought was special, a woman he could have easily lost his heart to … the woman who'd been married to his father.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

One Month Later

Seanna slammed her hand down on the table hard enough to rattle the mug in front of Brenna and causing her to jump in surprise. She looked up at her mother with wide eyes. "What's wrong?"

"I am sick and tired of watching you flitter around the house like someone shot the dog. Go after him already."

Brenna rolled her eyes and looked back down into her coffee. "He didn't stay in town long enough for me to explain anything so why should I go after him? It's obvious he wants nothing to do with me."

"You have feelings for the lad, Brenna, you were happy for the first time in years. I saw it in your eyes and I saw how he looked at you. He had some feelings too."

"He had the same feelings for me as any of the men in town. He was trying to figure out how quickly he could get me into bed and fool that I was I played right into his hand. I was blinded by his kindness and good looks, mum. If he'd stayed, who knows what would have happened."

Brenna had spent the week after Buck had left trying to decide if she would write to him and try to explain. She'd missed him. The week following that, her letter written, but unsent, she wallowed in self-pity, wondering what she'd done wrong. But in the last two weeks she'd come to an epiphany. She'd done nothing wrong, she was innocent. Had he told her when they first met that he was searching for Seamus she would have told him the truth, just as she was about to, but fate stepped in and her mother had called her name and she'd had to see what was wrong within the house. He would have known everything if he had stayed to listen, but he had left without so much as a good-bye. She had to assume that the fact that his father had managed to bed her spoiled the chase a bit for him. He was like any man, always thinking about his own needs, his own comfort and she was better off without him. Still, her heart was heavy whenever she thought of him. In the hours that she'd known him, Brenna had convinced herself that he was different.

Seanna brought her back to the present with another heavy handed slap to the table. "Nothing would have happened. No matter what Ian or some of the men in town think, Brenna, you are not a loose woman. You're not." She said more emphatically when Brenna arched a disbelieving brow. "You felt something for Buck Cross. I think you might have fancied yourself in love with him a bit."

"No one falls in love with someone they've known for a few hours, Mum. That only happens in fairy books not in real life."

"But you did. You felt the quickening, like lightning in your blood. I know you did, Brenna."

She shook her head, but couldn't find the words to deny it. "Love cools quickly. Isn't that one of your favorite proverbs?"

"Aye, but hope soothes the tired heart. That's another."

"There is no hope." Brenna said as she rose to empty her mug. "If Buck wanted to talk to me he could have, but he left."

"Well then there's only one thing to do."

Brenna turned and saw her mother folding her apron and leaving the room. She followed her upstairs and into her bedroom. Immediately, Seanna slid her carpetbag from beneath her bed and began rifling through her drawers and packing.

"What are you doing?"

Seanna sighed, "If you won't go then I will. I won't have him thinking you are a fallen woman. He needs to know that marriage to Seamus O'Brien wasn't a picnic for you." She glanced up and saw the stricken look on Brenna's face. She took her into her arms and held her tightly. "Did you think I didn't know? Brenna, you were forced to marry him and if I had been a man or a stronger woman I would have stopped it. It killed me to see you with him. Him old enough to be your father and showing you around town like he was king of the castle and you his prize."

Tears Brenna had often cried alone in the night, poured down her cheeks as she held on to her mother. "It wasn't your fault."

"Nay, it was your Da's for leaving us. He should have been there for you. Still, you were forced into that hell of a marriage and lived in it for three years before the good Lord decided to send that bastard of a husband to hell. I won't have some outsider believing you loved that spawn of Satan. I just wish I knew why you agreed to marry Seamus, Brenna, that would help me explain."

Brenna pushed away from her mother. She walked to the window and stared out into the void that was laid before her. This was her land, earned on her back, with blood, sweat and tears. She would never tell, the shame was too great and she would never have anyone look at her with pity or disgust. The one person she thought just might understand had left.

What she'd lived through was her fault, it was always her fault and she'd accepted her punishment with her head held high.

"Brenna?"

Her mother's worried voice drew her back. She turned to her and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "It doesn't matter why I married Seamus because you aren't going to see Buck Cross."

"Oh? I'm not?" She huffed a breath as she turned back to her bag. "I will and don't you try to stop me."

"I forbid it."

Seanna paused in shock, but it quickly wore off and she tipped her head back and laughed loudly. "Do you? Are you forgettin' I'm still your Mum? I won't have you telling me what to do and where I can go. I will do this and your reputation will be set to rights. If you won't go to Rock Creek then I'm going to see to it, myself."

Chapter Five

Teaspoon whistled softly as he sorted through several wanted posters. He really did cherish these quiet times, he could actually get more work done this way. Jimmy was off making his rounds in town, assuring himself that all was well. Barnett wasn't scheduled to come in until later that night and Buck was off in Laramie testifying against a prisoner they had taken in just last week.

The older man frowned as he thought about the young Kiowa, he'd come back much sooner than expected and he wouldn't say anything about his trip except that he'd found the man who fathered him and he had no reason to ever open up that chapter of his life again. If anything, he was even more distant and distracted than he was before he'd left to Lexington and it was driving Rachel crazy, which meant that her constant rehashing of the situation was driving him crazy. He would have a nice long talk with Buck when he came home, he couldn't keep up this way.

A soft breeze floated through the office as the door banged open. Teaspoon looked up, worried that something in town was wrong. He was on his feet instantly. A woman entered the office a frown marring what could be a very pretty face. She dropped her luggage just inside the doorway and quickly made her way to his desk. He crossed his arms across his chest as he wondered who this stranger was and why she was barging into the office. He knew whatever it was he was going to enjoy it. It had been a long time since he'd met anyone who instantly fascinated him.

"Where is he?" She asked as she looked around. She seemed to loom over his desk although she stood a good two feet away.

Her accent immediately put him on edge, Teaspoon narrowed his eyes, it wasn't often he'd met someone from another country. "Who?"

"That blighter Buck Cross, I have a thing or two to say to him."

One brow arched high on his forehead. "And who may I ask is looking for him?"

"He and I met when he was in Lexington, not that it's any business of yours. Who are you anyway that you're askin'?"

"Marshal Teaspoon Hunter." He pointed to the star prominently displayed on his chest.

The woman huffed as if she wasn't impressed. "So you're the one who taught him his manners. You should be ashamed."

"Now listen here Mrs.-"

"Ryan." She finished for him. "Seanna Ryan."

"Mrs. Ryan. I don't know what's got your stockings in a hitch, but you can't just come in here demanding to see one of my deputies like some kind of harpy."

She gasped in outrage and stalked up to the marshal, Teaspoon had taken two steps back before he caught himself and held his ground. "Harpy?! How dare you? You don't know anythin' 'bout what happened to my lass. Broke her heart he did."

"Buck?"

"Yes, Buck. He tore my Brenna's heart to bits, not that she'd admit it, no she's got too much pride for that."

"Wait, wait." He relaxed his stance and motioned to the chair before his desk. The woman sat down and he followed, this woman wasn't dangerous she was just a protective mama coming after the man that had used her daughter, the only thing he didn't believe was that it was Buck who was responsible, he just wasn't the type. "I don't understand. Are you telling me Buck met some girl in Lexington and broke her heart? How could that be, he wasn't there for more than a day."

"That's more than enough time to fall in love, even an old coot like you must know that."

"Buck was in love? He went to find his father, when did he have time for all this to happen?"

Seanna shrugged. "Like we Irish say, 'the seeking for one thing often leads to another'. He found what he wasn't looking for and some of what he was."

Teaspoon sat back and smiled, Seanna Ryan was becoming more intriguing by the moment, she was a woman after his own heart, she had a bit of advice for every occasion it seemed. "Now, Mrs. Ryan, tell me this tale from the beginning."

"Don't start with the Mrs. Ryans now, Marshal. You've already called me a harpy already so there's no need to try to be polite now." She crossed her arms over her ample chest. "Now Buck, he told me and my lass all about you and the Pony Express people he calls family so I know you to be a wise man. You're someone he looks up to and I know he'll listen to you, so I'll tell you and hope that when you hear the tale, you'll help."

"All right, I'm all ears."

She cleared her throat and began to fan herself, "It's a mite bit hot in here, don't you think? I've had a long, hard trip and I'm a bit parched."

Teaspoon grimaced as she eyed him as if they were in some fancy parlor somewhere and he was the worst kind of host. "Of course, I have some tepid coffee and a pump out back if you'd like water."

"Water will be just fine."

He rose muttering to himself about being made to wait and was still talking beneath his breath when he returned with a pitcher of water. Seanna Ryan had her lips pursed as he sat down, he knew he was being rude but sometimes a man couldn't help it. Nice looking or not, she was more than a bit irritating.

She sipped from her mug and sighed in relief, then placing the mug just so on his desk, Seanna leaned forward and began her tale. Teaspoon listened intently as she explained how Buck and her daughter had met in town and instantly they'd found a bond. He wasn't quite sure of what to make of the story, he was a romantic, but the way Seanna Ryan made it sound, it was as if the young couple was soul mates destined to be together. At least, Teaspoon thought with some relief, Buck hadn't gotten the girl in a family way.

The way she'd described Buck though, sounded exactly like the man he knew, right down to facial expressions and how he'd behaved with the women. He couldn't discount the story, but he couldn't take it at face value either. After all, if Buck had found this wonderful connection with this Brenna person, why had he left her without so much as a good-bye?

"So you see, I've come here because he's got some explainin' to do to me and I got some explanin' to do to him. So if you just tell me where I can find him, this harpy will get out of your way."

Teaspoon grimaced at the use of the epithet he'd called her and he had a feeling he wasn't going to hear the end of it while she was in town. "Where's your daughter now?"

"I imagine she'll be in town any day now. I had to sneak away like a thief in the night. Do you know she actually forbade me to come? I ask you Marshal, what kind of world are we livin' in when our children start thinkin' they can tell us what to do?"

Teaspoon nodded, understanding her point, how many times had the boys thought they knew better than he did? He sat back and exhaled, he had to agree there were some things that had to be cleared up between Buck and the woman. An explanation for the way he left was the least he could offer her. Hearing her story about him and her daughter explained a lot to Teaspoon about Buck's surliness and his reluctance to talk about his day in Lexington, but it also left some questions.

"Mrs.-"

"Seanna," She corrected. "You might as well call me by my name if we're to be partners in this."

"Partners?"

"Of course. Buck is the best thing that happened to my Brenna in the last three years. If we could fix this then she could be happy."

"And what of Buck's happiness? Maybe he doesn't want to be with her?"

"You didn't see them together, Marshal. There was love in their eyes, trust me a mum knows these things. There are things I didn't tell you, there are things that happened to my lass that even I don't know. She deserves this happiness. The light in her eyes is gone he took it the night he left. I want it back."

Teaspoon couldn't deny her not when she was so passionate in her views. The girl was lucky to have a mother like Seanna, of that there was no doubt. "Alright, I'll help, but only to a point."

"Thank you, Marshal."

"The name's Teaspoon."

She gave him a wide smile that lit her face and made her look twenty years younger. "Teaspoon."

He stilled as he realized that he liked the way his name rolled over him with her accent. Shaking himself, he forced himself back on track. "Buck isn't in town."

"Where is he?"

"Fort Laramie, but he is due back tomorrow, the day after at the very most. I will promise you some time to speak with him, but I won't force him to do anything where your daughter is concerned."

"That's fair."

"Do you know what happened between them? Why he left so suddenly?"

Seanna worried her bottom lip. She'd purposely left that bit of it out. It wasn't her place to tell all of Brenna's secrets, especially if Buck hadn't thought to share it with his family. She liked the Marshal, he was a smart man, a fair man and for the first time in years she found herself a man she could fancy … maybe … if he proved himself worthy, she wasn't about to lay her heart on the line. She'd been burned by one smooth talking man once and she wasn't about to fall for another. He was a fighter just as she was. However, handsome as he was, she wasn't going to tell about Brenna's marriage. It was something she wished she could erase from Brenna's life.

She picked up the mug, stalling for time and sipped the water. She watched him as he waited patiently and when she figured she could stall no more she sighed and said, "No."

"I see." His expression showed his disbelief.

Seanna rose and decided that now was the time to make a quick exit. She still needed to find a place to stay for the next few days. "Well, thank you for the help."

"My pleasure." He rose and shook her hand, "Where can I tell Buck that you're staying?"

"Well … I'm not sure. Can you tell me of a nice boarding house or hotel?"

Teaspoon smiled slyly. "Sure, I know of a nice homey little place called Rachel's. You'll love it there."

Chapter Six

Brenna took her bag from the coachman and smiled her thanks. She wondered if Buck had felt this uncomfortable when he'd first come into Lexington. The thought of the Kiowa had her stomach doing flips. She still had no idea what she was going to do if she saw him. She did know she was going to kill her mother for making her chase her all the way to Rock Creek. Why couldn't she just leave things be? Brenna would have gotten over Buck eventually. She'd only known him a few hours, no one stayed heartbroken for a man they'd known less than a day. At least she hoped not.

As soon as the stage moved on she saw the marshal's office and panicked. She looked around hoping to find somewhere to hide and immediately saw the general store. Deciding she would be safe inside there she ducked into the building. It was then she realized that she had met Buck in a store just like this one. She glanced around and saw that the store was empty except for a man in an apron. She made her way over to him. The older man glanced up and gave her a welcoming smile. Brenna returned it and inhaled deeply. What was she supposed to do now?

"Afternoon, Miss, how can I help you today?"

"I'm looking for a boarding house or hotel. Could you point me in the right direction?"

Tompkins nodded and pointed towards the door. Brenna followed the line of his arm and almost fainted when she saw Buck dismounting just outside the store. Everything faded in the background as she got her first look at the man she'd become infatuated with. He looked road weary. Dusty, but just as handsome as he had been the month before. He slapped his hat against his thigh causing dust to cloud around him and swiped a hand through his long hair. He replaced his hat, waved to someone across the street then turned and headed right into the store.

She squeaked and turned away from the door wishing that the store had more patrons so she could hide among them. She heard the door open and the storekeeper ducked down to look at her face.

"Something wrong, Miss?"

"No," She whispered.

Tompkins glanced up and noticed the man who'd walked in. He walked around Brenna purposefully, "You've got to go."

Brenna stiffened as she heard Buck's voice ask why and the storekeeper explained that he was upsetting a customer. Brenna could almost feel Buck's dark gaze on her and wondered if he would recognize her. She was definitely going to kill her mother. After several tense moments Buck muttered something she didn't hear and then the sound of the bell over the door heralded his departure. Brenna exhaled in relief then stiffened again when a strong arm went around her shoulders. She shook him off and grabbed her bags.

"He's gone now."

"Th-Thank you. Now did you say the hotel was just down the street?"

He nodded. "To your right, it's two doors down from the marshal's office."

Brenna glanced out the window, but didn't see Buck. Even the lovely horse he'd ridden in on was gone. She realized it was now tethered across the street and cursed the fact that she had to pass it to get to the small hotel. She pulled the brim of her bonnet further down her face and prayed that Buck wouldn't exit the office before she passed it. She thanked the shopkeeper once more then fled the store.

She kept her head down as she walked down the street, she'd decided her best course of action was to walk down the street then cross it when she reached the hotel, this way she wouldn't have to pass right in front of the marshal's office and chance running into Buck.

No sooner had that thought crossed her mind then she collided into a hard chest. Two hands shot out to steady her and she closed her eyes as she recognized not only the boots the man wore, but the knife strapped to his ankle and the scent that was all Buck.

"I'm sorry, are you all right?"

His voice sounded concerned and it brought back several memories of the few hours they'd spent together. She called herself a fool for allowing herself to feel anything about that night then cleared her throat and deepened her voice hoping that by doing so she would disguise herself. She didn't raise her head, "I'm fine. I should have been looking where I was going."

He said nothing but retained his hold on her and Brenna was sure he recognized her. She took a nervous step back and to her relief he released her, when he still said nothing more she walked around him and practically ran the rest of the way to the hotel.

"You sure have a way with the ladies, Buck."

Jimmy gave him a broad smile as he stepped up beside his friend and watched the woman enter the hotel. Buck couldn't shake the feeling that he knew her, but he couldn't place her. He shrugged it off then turned to Hickok with a half smile, "Must be my charming ways."

Jimmy snorted and patted the Kiowa on his back. "We missed you. How did things go in Laramie?"

Buck shrugged, "Same as always. The bad guy was convicted. I didn't stay to hear the sentencing."

The two men began walking to the marshal's office but before Buck released Warrior, Jimmy grabbed the horse's reins.

"What?" Buck asked.

Hickok glanced around and twisted his lips as if what he had to say was foul tasting. "I wanted to tell you before you were ambushed."

One dark brow rose. "Ambushed how?"

"A woman came into town the day before yesterday. She wants to talk to you."

Buck felt his heart stop. "What woman?"

"She said she met you in Lexington. She's Irish, she's got pretty blue eyes and has Teaspoon wrapped around her finger." Jimmy said with a wicked smile. "The old man is smitten."

It couldn't be, Buck thought then grimaced, had Brenna come into town and charmed Teaspoon? He twisted his lips wryly. It wouldn't be the first older man she'd gone after. "I don't want to see her."

"Well there's no help for it, she's at Rachel's and she said she won't leave until she talks to you."

"Make some excuse for me, Jimmy I don't want to see her."

"Who is she Buck? What happened to you in Lexington that would make her come all the way here to see you?"

Buck grabbed Warrior's reins from his friend. "It's nothing, she's just some girl I met, it's not important."

"Girl?" Jimmy's brows shot up as held on to the horse's reins. "She said you broke her daughter's heart. I think that's important, so do Teaspoon and Rachel. There's no place for you to hide, Buck, they'll make sure you talk to this woman."

Buck's eyes widened, "Did you say I broke her daughter's heart?"

"Yeah, that's what she said."

"Seanna Ryan is here?"

Jimmy nodded, "I take it it's the daughter you thought had come and don't want to see."

"I'm not sure I want to see the mother either." Buck replied wryly.

"All I know is that I don't want to be in your shoes. She's a frightening woman, but a damned good cook."

"Yeah … So she came alone?"

"Yup, you still gonna hide from her?"

"No, I might as well go see her so she can go back home. I'm sure Bren-I mean, her daughter sent her to try to get me to listen to whatever story they made up."

Buck inhaled deeply he wasn't sure if he was glad that Seanna had come to town alone, as he thought about it though he was surprised to find himself disappointed that Brenna hadn't come to speak to him herself. He hadn't realized he was hoping she would until it was confirmed that she hadn't. He wondered what story mother and daughter concocted, how they could explain away her marriage to a monster and he wondered why he even cared.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Brenna sucked in a deep calming breath as she glared at the clerk. Becoming angry at this point was not going to help her find her mother. She knew that she was at her wits end, what with the worry she carried with her the whole trip here and then colliding into Buck just a few minutes ago and now this dead-end.

"Please, couldn't you just tell me if she checked in?"

"I'm sorry, Miss. It's against hotel policy to give out information on our guests."

"She's my mother." She said for the third time, "I only want to know if she's staying here. Surely you can understand how worried I am."

The clerk tilted his head as she batted her eyelashes. "I understand completely, Miss, but I can't."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"You could try going to the marshal's office. I could tell one of them if she's registered here if they were looking."

Brenna bit back a frustrated groan. The jailhouse was the last place she wanted to go. "Thank you."

"I am sorry."

"I understand." She sighed, "I'll need a room."

"Of course."

Brenna signed the register and prayed that she could find her mother and leave town before she was forced to face Buck.

to be continued...

Email Lisa Main Ranch Page