NOVEMBER 23, 1861

Buck reached to find a warm empty spot next to him. He sat up and looked around to see that Caly's shawl was gone and that she wasn't in their lodge. He quickly pulled on his pants as he stood. Grabbing a couple of skins, Buck stepped out the door and looked around. A smile crossed his handsome face when he spotted his wayward wife. Just off a little ways watching the sunrise.

He walked up behind her. “It's cold out here. What has you up so early?” He asked as he wrapped one of the skins around her shoulders.

Caly smiled as she covered his hands. “I didn't want to wake you. When I woke up I remembered what day it is. Guess I got to feeling kind of lonely for home.”

The young Kiowa smiled as he wrapped the other skin around himself. “That's okay. I thought you looked lost in thought.” He moved closer to her and rapped his arms and skin around them both.

The young woman nodded. “I was. You know what yesterday was?”

Buck thought about it. “Was Thanksgiving,” He could feel her nod.

“Yes. The first holiday I haven't been home for.” Caly said quietly.

Buck frowned. He could tell by her voice that she was homesick. “We can go back early if you want?”

Caly couldn't help by smile. “No, I'm okay. I do miss them. But we'll be home soon enough. Besides we did say we'd stay till Morning Star had her baby.”

The young man smiled. He was glad Caly had agreed to take the baby, so it wouldn't be treated like he was as a child. “I know. But life here is different them what your use to.”

“Yes it is. But I'm enjoying learning how to do things from Silver Dove.” Caly said as she smiled as the birds started to sing.

Buck tightened his hold on her. He couldn't have thought he could love her anymore then he already does, but she always seems to prove that he can. Like trying to learn the way his people live.

“Come on, I'll fix you something to eat.” Caly smiled as she turned and kissed his cheek then headed inside.

Buck smiled as he followed her back into their lodge. He knew if she had to she could live here with him. He only hoped their house would be close to being done when they got home.