JULY 31, 1861

Buck and Caly rode back to the S&J Ranch after helping Steven load the supplies. After the three of them got the supplies all put away, the young couple sat on the porch.

Steven smiled as he watched them stick to the rules he had set for them. "I'll be in my office."

"Okay pa." Caly answered as she leaned into Buck's arms.

Steven nodded and headed inside to do some work in his office.

After hearing the door shut. Buck gently cupped Caly's chin and brought his lips to hers in a deep kiss. The young brunette returned the kiss with just as much passion.

The young Kiowa pulled back breaking the kiss. Gently he stroked her cheek. "I love you. I wish I could show you just how much."

"I do too. But we can't chance getting caught doing that. But we can go sit under our tree. Pa should be busy with the books for a while."

Buck thought about it. He did want to be alone with her. They had been following the rules her father had set for them. With a nod he smiled. "Alright. Just sitting and holding you alone will be okay."

He stood and took her hand pulling her to her feet. "Ride with me?"

"Yes." Caly smiled allowing him to lead her to his horse.

After helping her onto Wind Dancer, He climbed up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him as he picked up the reins.

They rode out to their favorite spot in the upper pasture. After climbing off Wind Dancer, Buck helped Caly off. As he settled against the tree, he pulled
her down to him. Caly sat between his legs and leaned against him. "I have missed this."

Nuzzling her neck, Buck nodded in agreement. "Me too."

The two sat there enjoying the quiet and being together. They were lost in their thoughts of each other, so they didn't hear the rider coming closer to them.