JUNE 24, 1861

Just finishing his chores in the barn, Buck slowly made his way out of the barn. He had heard Noah ride in, but he just couldn’t face anyone right now, so he went to sit on the far end of the bunkhouse porch.

Rachel watched from the porch of the main house. She felt sorry for the young man. She wished she could do something to help him cheer up. But she knew the only way for him to cheer up was for him to see Caly.

"Rachel? I think I can cheer up Buck." Noah said as he stopped and climbed off Trouble.

Descending the steps Rachel tried to hide her hope for their friend. "Really? How?"

Tying Trouble to the rail, Noah smiled. "Caly."

Frowning Rachel wasn't following him. "How? Her father won't let them see each other."

"She's working over at the Silver Spoon." Smiling he could see Rachel starting to understand.

"Oh, she would be doing her job if he came in."

"Right." Noah answered as he headed for the bunkhouse.

"Hey Buck, you should go to the Silver Spoon. There's someone there hoping you'll come in."

"I don't think so but thanks anyway. I wouldn't be good company right now."

Leaning against the porch rail, Noah asked. "Not even Caly?"

Looking up Buck gave him a questioning look. "How? Her father ran me off."

"She's working for Charlie now. If you eat there, she can't ignore you. Not that she would anyway." As he smiled at his friend.

A smile of hope slowly crossed the Kiowa rider's face. "Is she there now?'

"Yep. The dark skinned rider answered. "I'll saddle Wind Dancer while you clean up." He watched his friend stand. He finally saw Buck smile for real for the first time in weeks. Noah was glad to see it. He was glad to be helping his friend. "Go on, I'll have your horse waiting on you." Buck slapped Noah on the back as he walked by on his way into the bunkhouse.

Shaking his head, Noah went to saddle Buck's horse.

Rachel entered the barn. "What did you say to him? He looked happy."

"Just where he could find Caly." He replied as he tightened the cinch on Wind Dancer.

Rachel smiled. "Good. He needs to see her."

Noah nodded as he led Wind Dancer out of the barn and over to the bunkhouse.

Arriving in town, Buck walked into the restaurant. Buck looked for Caly. He spotted Lilly and started towards her. "Lilly is Caly here?" He asked.

"Yes, she is. She'll be right out. Let me show you to a table."

"Okay." He agreed and followed her to a back table. Handing him a menu she smiled. "Caly will be over soon."

"Thanks Lilly." He answered as he took the menu from her.

Caly smiled as she walked out of the kitchen and saw Buck sitting at one of her tables.

Walking over to him, she smiled. "Hi Stranger." She placed a hand on his shoulder.

He reached up and took her hand. "Hi. I've missed you. You doing okay?" He smiled looking at her.

"I'm doing okay. Except for missing you." Looking around she saw Charlie watching them. He smiled at her. She returned the smile and sat down across from Buck.

Raising her hand to his lips, he kissed it. "I want to see you outside of work."

"I want that, too, but I don't know how to manage it."

Gently he squeezed her hand. "We'll find away. Are you going to the dance?"

"Yeah, my father doesn't trust me at home alone and not to invite you over. He's afraid we'll do something that he doesn't want us to."

Shaking his head, Buck just wanted to take her in his arms and not let her go. "Maybe we can have a dance at the celebration."

"I'm counting on it. I better get back to work. Will you stay around till I get my supper break?" Standing she moved closer to him.

Nodding he held back the urge to kiss her till later. "Yes, I'll stay around town. I'll meet you here for your break."

Caly smiled as she took his order. Then she went to wait on her other customers feeling somewhat better then when she had come into town earlier today.

Sitting back Buck was content to just sit there and watch the woman that had stolen his head.