True Love, One Soul

Chapter 3
By Jocelyne

As the sun broke the horizon, Sarah woke as the light came through her window. Laying there smiling, she knew that she might have found the love she had been looking for. Buck rose and dressed quietly so as not to wake the other riders, so he could see the sun rise. As he walked to the door, he looked around at his fellow riders who were still asleep. As he closed the door behind him, he looked up at Sarah’s window, as he thought I am falling in love with her. But what would she want from me. I have nothing to give her not even a home. All I can give her is a hard life. But Lou loves Kid and he has nothing either. So I guess my love will have to do.

Just then Buck heard the door of the bunkhouse shut. Turning to find Lou standing there watching him, he looked down blushing and she said, "Your a fool if you don't tell her.

Looking up at her he said, "Tell her what?"

Shaking her head she said, "Tell her that you love her. You can't fool me. You looked at me like that once. It is written all over your face when you think about her or when you’re with her. You men are all the same. You and Kid are the worse about saying how you feel. Go talk to her father and tell him how you feel about her and ask to court her. She is right for you. She doesn’t care what you are just who you are." Lou handed him a cup of hot tea as she remembered how she had become atone to Buck while they were stranded together on a run.

Taking the cup from here and after taking a sip he said, "I did tell her last night how I feel about her. Just before I handed her to her father. Don't look at me that way Lou. I know that I have to talk to him. But I don't think he likes me. Maybe you can answer a question for me." She Nodded her head yes, while taking a sip of her coffee. Then Buck said, "I have fallen in love with her, but what do I have to offer her. Nothin’ but a hard life. She deserves better then a half-breed. I will never be able to give her the kind of life she’s use to having."

Walking over to where he was standing, Lou placed a hand on his arm and said, "Don't you think you should give her the chance to decided that? I think if she had wanted money, she would have stayed in New York and married that other guy. And as for you not having anything, You have more love to give the right girl that anyone could ever want. Besides I love Kid and he doesn’t have anything either. If she loves you then it won’t matter to her. I don't like it when you put yourself down. You are the most kind, caring and gentle man I know. Now go over there and talk to her father. For once stop thinking with your head and use your heart. If I am right there is a girl over there that is in love with you. Now go." She took his cup and gave him a push toward the house.

Smiling back over his shoulder at Lou, he walked toward the house. He mounted the stairs and then turned back to Lou. She waved her hand for him to go knock on the door. Sighing he turned around and knocked on the door. When Sarah’s father opened it and saw Buck standing there. He said, "Sorry son, Sarah’s not ready yet. You'll have to come back in about an hour."

As he was shutting the door, Buck said, "Aw! Well, sir I came to talk to you. Before I take Sarah over for breakfast, I wanted you to know I have developed strong feelings for her. I came to ask your permission to court her. I know that you don't like me. But I love your daughter and she loves me. When I am with her I feel as if the missing part of my life has fallen into place. Now I know I can't give her the kind of life you have provided for her, but you would know that if love was money she would be the richest women in the world."

Looking at the young man standing in front of him, Steven said, "I know how you feel about my daughter. I also know how she feels about you. But I have a few questions to ask you. Lets go sit on the swing." They walked over to the swing and sat down, the Steven continued, "I know that you could never give her the kind of life I have, but she has made it plain and clear that doesn’t matter to her. First off, I want to know if you would ever force her to go live with the Indians? And second would you always be there for her and protect her?"

Thinking for a moment, then Buck said, "I could never force her to live anywhere she doesn’t want to. I would always be there for her. I would [protect her with my life. I would do my best to make her very happy and I would never hurt her in any way."

Nodding his head, yes, Steven said, "I have one more question for you. What are your exact intentions towards my daughter?"

Licking his lips, Buck replied, "I would court her for a while. Then if she accepts, I would want to marry her."

Nodding again, Steven said, "Okay you have my permission to court my daughter. As for not liking you. I like you. Your are a nice young man. If you ever have a daughter you will know how I feel about Sarah. Now go clean up for breakfast and I'll go hurry Sarah up." After saying his peace Steven went inside and Buck ran over to the bunkhouse.

Bursting through the door everyone looked up to see and hear Buck profusely saying, "Thank you Lou. Kid can you go get Sarah and bring her over for breakfast. I have a surprise for her."

Kid said, "Yeah sure. Why are you so happy?"

Buck just smiled and then looked at Lou again. Then he ran toward the barn while everyone was looking at each other to see if anyone would supply the answer to why Buck was so happy. Finally, Lou said, "You boys are so dumb. He's in love. He was over talking to her father. The talk must have went well."

Smiling Kid said, "You mean for once, I’m not the only love sick fool around here." Kid gave Lou a nudge with his elbow. And they all laughed.

Jimmy followed Buck out to the barn. As he reached the barn, he could see Buck was brushing the new brown mare they had just broke a few days ago. Jimmy walked over to the stall and leaned on the stall door. He watched Buck brush the horse for a few minutes then he said, "So Lou says you talked to Sarah’s father. I take it that she is your girl now. And what are you going to do with that mare brush his hide right off?"

Looking up at him, Buck smiled, "I hope that she will be me girl. Yes, I did ask her father if I could court her, and he said I could if it was okay with her. As for this horse, I’m planing to give it to her. I could use your help to surprise her."

Shrugging his shoulders Jimmy said, "Sure I'll help you. Dose Teaspoon know about you giving this horse to her?"

Almost laughing Buck said, "Yes, he dose. Actually it was his idea. He says that if she dose stay she will need a horse and this one is fast but gentle. I agreed with him. If she is willing to be my girl. I want her on a good horse and not some wild thing like you ride."

Laughing Jimmy said, "You have a point. My horse is kind of wild." As they left the stall, Buck patted the horse on the rump. After shutting the stall door, Buck grabbed up the crutches.

Buck said, "Jimmy do you think that you could carry her out here after breakfast? I want to give her these crutches but I don't want her to use them till after she sees the horse."

Looking shocked, Jimmy said, "You mean that I can carry her out here for you? I would love to do that for you."

Smiling Buck slapped Jimmy on the back as they headed over to the bunkhouse and they passed Kid who was on his way over to get Sarah. Kid walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. He heard someone call out, "Come in." He opened the door and walked in and to his surprise Sarah was sitting at the table.

She looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back and she said, "Good Morning Kid. Where’s Buck? Father said he was here to take me over to breakfast."

Closing the door, Kid sat down at the table and said, "Sarah, he was here. He talked to your father this morning. He sent me for you because he has a surprise for you."

Shrugging her shoulders, she said, "Okay. Well then, we better get over there before they all go crazy, huh."

Just then Rachel came into the kitchen and said, "Good morning, Kid. Ready for breakfast?"

Looking up at her, he said, "Good morning. Yes, I’m as hungry as a bear." Kid walked over to Sarah and picked her up. Cradled against his chest, Kid whispered in her ear. "You have Buck in a weird frame of mind. He is all smiles and is acting funny. It’s not at all like him. I think he is in love with you."

As Kid carried her to the door, Sarah slapped his arm. "If Lou wasn't in love with you, I would get you for that. I also know that any girl back home would love to be with a young man as nice as you."

Smiling Kid said, "Well, I guess I’m safe then. You know if you chose to stay here, you will end up as part of this family we have here. That means you will have one guy who loves you and five big brothers and one big sister to protect you."

Smiling at him, Sarah said, "I know and I bet you and Buck will be the worst ones of all."

Smiling and tickling her a little, he said, "You bet. And if he hurts you, he will have me to deal with. Besides you remind me of my younger sister before she died. I felt so helpless when that happened. I will not let it happen to you or anyone again."

Leaning her head on his shoulder, she said, "I can take care of myself, but if it makes you feel better to be protective of me I can live with that. Besides I’ve never had an older sibling to do that. I’ve always wanted one to be protective of me. But I will also be protective of all of you, too."

As they walked across the yard to the bunkhouse, Lou met them on the porch and said, "Sarah, please close your eyes." Sarah looked a little confused but she knew she would be okay with them. As Sarah closed her eyes, she heard voices shushing each other. As Kid carried her inside and sat her down at the table, she grabbed his arm, but just as she did, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"It’s okay. I’m right here. Please let go of my arm. All you have to do is call for me, and I'll be right beside you." Kid said in a gentle tone as he often did to soothe Katy.

Then she felt a hand slip into her other hand and someone said, "Hey there beautiful. I won’t let anything hurt you and with Kid standing here, I know he will come after me if I do." Sarah smiled because she knew the hand and voice belonged to Buck. Then he said, "Okay, open your eyes."

Opening her eyes, she looked around to see everyone there. Then she noticed some crutches on the table in front of her. Looking back at Buck, she said, "Thank you. You all know how to make a girl feel welcome around here."

Then Buck said, "I hope these help you get around. It’s not that we don't mind carrying you. I thought you would like to get around under your own power."

Smiling at everyone, she said, "Thanks all of you. Why don't you help me try them out?" Buck stood and Kid helped Sarah to her feet. Buck stood in front of her and handed her the crutches. As she started to take a step, she lost her balance and fell right into Buck’s arms and they both fell to the floor laughing.

Everyone rushed over to help them up except for Lou. Jimmy and Kid helped Sarah sit back down at the table. Smiling as Buck got to his feet, Sarah said, "Well, it looks like I need more practice with these."

Sitting down next to her, Buck said, "There is more to your surprise but you can't have it till after breakfast.

Sarah said, "Well, I can't wait. So you talked with my father this morning? I do hope he was nice to you. He can be quite mean when it comes to me."

Taking her hands in his, Buck said, "Your father treated me just fine. What I asked him, he said that he knew it was coming. But he did give me permission to court you if you are okay with it."

Smiling Sarah said, "Well let me see. Either I go back to New York and be unhappy or stay here and be very happy. I think I would say it’s okay. I have never been happier since my mother died. I’m where I belong and that’s here with you." Placing a hand on his check, she then reached up and placed a kiss on his check. He blushed and leaned into her hand and held onto her other hand. At that moment the others didn't even exist for them.

Just then the door opened and Rachel and Steven came in. Buck and Sarah didn't see them enter. Jimmy who was standing next to Buck gave him a kick under the table to get his attention. Buck shook his head and looked up and saw Rachel and Sarah’s father come in. When he saw them he took Sarah’s hand from his check and placed it in her lap.

Looking confused, Sarah said, "What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong."

Buck looked tenderly into her eyes and said, "Your father just came in. I don't think he would like my hands on you. I know that I have permission to court you but I don’t think I have permission to put my hands on you yet."

Smiling at him, Sarah rested her head against his forehead and said, "I don't care what he says. I like it when you hold me."

Just then Sarah saw her father and he said, "I hope that you are okay here with all these boys?"

Taking a hold of Bucks hand, Sarah said, "Yes father, I’m perfectly safe with them. They all are prefect gentlemen with me. I am safer here then back in New York."

As Steven got to know the boys, he finally saw what his daughter saw in them. They were a family here and cared for each other as such. Rachel finished fixing breakfast. After finishing setting the table, Rachel sat down and there was silence as everyone gave thanks. As everyone had their heads down, Sarah squeezed Buck’s hand. Looking out of the corner of her eyes, she saw him smile.

Breakfast was as noisy as ever. Once everyone was done, Sarah looked over at Cody who was shoveling the last of his pancakes into his mouth. Sarah started to giggle at him and said, "Where do you put it all? Do you ever stop eating?"

Smiling at her and licking his fingers, Cody replied, "Well, Miss Sarah I must have a hollow leg."

Everyone laughed. After the laughing had died done some, Buck said. "I have something to do in the barn." As he got up, he leaned over to Jimmy and said something. Then he grabbed up the crutches and left.

Looking confused, Sarah said, "What’s with him?" Just then Jimmy grabbed her and picked her up. Startled, she screamed.

Knowing he scared her, Jimmy said, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare ya. Buck asked me to carry you out to the barn."

Sarah saw Kid start to stand up, but before she could say anything Kid said, "Sarah are you okay?"

Smiling at his protectiveness, she said, "Yes, I'm fine. Jimmy just startled me. That’s all."

Taking a step closer, Kid said, "Are you sure? Like I told you earlier. I will probably be the worst one of the bunch, except for Buck, about protecting you."

Reaching out her hand, Sarah said, "I promise. I'm fine. Now be a good big brother and open the door. I'll yell if I need you." She ruffled his hair as he walked by to open the door.

As Jimmy carried her outside, behind her Sarah heard Lou say, "I thought you were protective of me. I wonder if you don't want to court her yourself?"

Feeling hurt, Kid said, "Lou I’m protective of you, too. I don't want to court her. I feel like a big brother to her. I love you."

Just as Jimmy reached the barn, Buck stepped out and said, "There is something I want to give you, but before I give you the big surprise. I have another one." He opened the door and Jimmy stepped in. Sarah saw a swing hanging from the hay loft. Jimmy carried her over to it and placed her on it.

Stepping back Jimmy said, "I think that is a prefect picture. The only thing missing is someone to push the swing."

Just them Buck stepped up behind her and said, "Not for long, Jimmy. I hope you like it, Sarah."

Looking up behind her, she said, "I love it. Would you give me a push?"

Leaning down, he said, "Sure I would love to." He pulled her back then pushed her forward while Sarah moved her legs to help. After about 10 minutes Buck grabbed the swing to stop it. Jimmy came over and picked Sarah up and followed Buck to the stall. As they reached the stall Buck placed his hands over her eyes. They walked into the stall.

Removing his hands, Buck said, "I hope you like this?" Sarah saw a beautiful brown horse.

Reaching out to hug Buck, she said, "I love her. She is the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen." Then she placed a kiss on his check. Turning to Jimmy she continued. "You knew about this didn't you?"

Smiling he said, "Yes, I did. Buck asked me to help him surprise you. Do you like the horse?"

Sarah smiled and said, "Oh yes, I love her. Please take me closer to her."

Taking her closer, Jimmy placed her on the horse and said, "That’s where you belong. I never saw a better rider for that horse."

Sarah leaned down and rubbed the horses neck saying, "Oh, she’s so sweet. Dose she have a name?"

Walking over to her, Buck placed his hand on Sarah’s leg saying, "She doesn’t have a name yet. what would you like to name her? She’s yours."

Looking into his eyes, Sarah said, "Well, I think I will call her lucky. Yes lucky it is. Because I am lucky to have a guy who cares about me and I feel real lucky to call her mine."

Smiling up at her Buck said, "I think Lucky is a great name for her. You sure do have a way with animals and men. I have noticed that everyone here is wrapped around your finger except Lou that is."

Smiling at him, then she covered his hand with hers and said, "I better not have an effect on Lou. I know that she’s a girl. But don't worry I won’t tell anyone. The only one I want to have wrapped around my finger is you."

Reaching up for her he said, " Well, you have me wrapped around your finger alright." As he helped her down off the horse Jimmy finely made a sound.

Jimmy said, "Well, I guess my work here is done. I better leave you two alone." Then he turned and left the barn.

Buck stood there holding Sarah but then she said, "Please put me down. I would love for you to hold me like this, but if my father walks in we might be in trouble."

Still holding her around the waist while she got her balance on her good foot, he said, "I wouldn't mind getting into trouble holding you. At least I know you are safe in my arms. Here lets try these again. I'll be right beside you. I have a run in a little while but I would like for you to keep me company while I get ready for it."

Smiling back at him, Sarah said, "I would also love to stay in your arms but not while my father is here. I would love to keep you company while you get ready."

They walked toward the bunkhouse in silence for awhile. Then Sarah said, "How long will you be gone?"

They continued to walk, then Buck said, "I will be gone for two days. But that’s not what’s worrying me. Its leaving you here. I know you will be safe. The other riders will watch out for you, but I still worry."

As they reached the stairs and Buck helped her sit down, Buck said, "There is something I want to give you to keep with you while I am away." He handed her a metal bracelet. There was some writing on it.

Sarah took it from him and looked it over. Then she said, "It’s beautiful. What dose it say? "

Taking her hands in his, he replied, "It says. Be true to your soul. I have always believed that it was meant to lead me to my destiny and soul mate. I have thought about it ever since we met. I believe you are my soul mate. I would like you to hold it till I return."

Holding the bracelet close to her heart, she said, "I will keep it close to my heart. I am flattered that you think I might be your soul mate. I know what you are saying though. I have felt some kind of connection, too. I have something I would like for you to take with you. To bring you back safely. It belonged to my mother and she used to give it to my father when he would travel, and he always came home safe. Just before she died she gave it to me, and told me to give it to the man I love when he has to leave me, so it will bring him back to me safe as it did my father for her.

She handed him a gold heart locket on a chain. As he took it, Buck said, "I will keep it with me till I return and see you again. Growing up I was told that I would never find love because they all believed that I was bad because I am half white, but right now I know they were wrong. Do you know that you are the first person outside of everyone here that has looked passed my skin color to see the real me?" He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. Sarah put her arms around Buck’s waist and rested her head on his shoulder. They sat there for a few minutes in silence, just content to be with each other. Then he stood and helped her to her feet.

They walked into the bunkhouse. Buck helped her sit down at the table. Then he went over to his bunk and started to pack his saddlebags. Sarah got up and went over to where Rachel kept the jerky for the riders. She grabbed some and hobbled over to where he stood with his back to her. Without saying anything she reached over his shoulder and handed him the jerky. He reached up to take it and said, "Thank you."

Still holding her hand Buck turned around and slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close and said, "I hope I can get a kiss to send me on my way. And to bring me home safe." Leaning down he gently kissed her, and he finished packing just as Steven walked in.

"Sarah I have something I want you to see." Her father said, but Sarah held Buck’s hand for a while before letting go and joining her father at the table. She saw that there was something spread out over the table.

Sitting down she said, "Father what is this? I don't remember ever seeing this before."

Steven said, "I got it when I was in the Army. I was stationed out west here. I met a very pretty Indian women. It belonged to here." Buck walked over to stand behind Sarah and put his hands on her shoulders. She turned, smiled, and patted his hands. Looking over her shoulders, Buck could see what they were talking about.

Meanwhile out in the barn, Jimmy had saddled Buck’s horse for him and had him tied to the corral post for Buck’s arrival.

Back in the bunkhouse, Buck recognized the piece of hide that Sarah and her father were looking at. Looking up at him, Sarah said, "Can you read what it says?"

Sitting down next to her, he took a hold of her hand for he didn’t know what to say. Thinking for a minute, he finally said, "Yes, I can read it. It’s written in Kiowa. This represents the war chief, my mother’s husband. And this here is my mother before me. How did you get this? I was told that it was stolen by the man who is my father. My brother Red Bear told me that it has been passed down in my mother’s family for generations from mother to daughter on her wedding day. That would mean that you are the man who is my father. I don't believe this."

Turning to Sarah, he said, "You lied to me." Getting up, he walked over to his bunk.

Sarah went over and grabbed his arm, but he just pulled away from her. "I know my father was in the army, but I didn't know about that hide. I swear Buck! I would never lie to you about it." Fighting the tears she reached for his arm again, but he just turned and walked away.

Sarah followed him out of the bunkhouse. The whole time saying, "I promise you. I didn't know. Please say something to me." As Buck mounted, she walked over to him and grabbed his leg saying, "Please believe me. I didn't know. Why would I lie to you. Please say something."

Looking down at her, he finally said, "I don't know what to say. I thought there might be something between us, but now I know there can never be because you’re my sister. Now go away. I don't like liars." With that he turned and rode away. He left her standing there crying in the middle of the yard.

Once Buck was out of sight, her father came out to see if she was okay. As he approached her, he said, "Sarah, honey are you okay? I had no idea that the lady who gave it to me was his mother. But I promise you on your sweet mother’s soul, I didn't rape her. It had to be someone else. I thought he loved you. He sure has a funny way of showing it."

Turning to him full of anger and hurt, she said, "How dare you. I’m not okay. I finally found someone that loves me for me and you blow it. He probably will never talk to me again. As far as you not knowing, I didn't see you trying to explain how you got that thing. You just let him walk out of my life and break my heart. Just leave me alone. Oh, one more thing. Here, I will never marry Kevin. You can give him back this ring." Taking the ring out of her pocket, she pulled out the engagement ring and through it at him. Then she turned and went into the house to her room. Throwing herself on the bed, she cried.

As he rode Buck got to thinking of Sarah and how she looked when he turned on her and the hurt in her eyes. The last thing he saw was her standing in the middle of the station yard crying. Reaching up he touched the locket around his neck. Then he said to himself, I could never live with myself if I don't give her a chance to explain. Could it be true that she didn't know about it until today!

Back at the station Rachel knocked on Sarah’s door saying, "Sarah, honey are you okay? I’m sure Buck will let you explain when he gets back. This is a touchy subject for him. Please let me in?" Sarah opened the door for Rachel and as she walked in Rachel said, "Oh honey, I heard what he said to you. He’s hurting just as much as you are. I know he still loves you. Do you want me to bring you any super?"

Looking up from her tear soaked pillow, Sarah said, "No! I don't want any super. I just want Buck. I don't know about him talking to me ever again. He thinks I lied to him. He wouldn't even listen to me. I just want to be alone the rest of the day."

Smiling Rachel gave her a hug and stood to leave, but before she left she said, "If you need anything just call and I'll be here. Okay?" As she left Sarah nodded yes.

After Rachel left Sarah sat down in the rocker next to the window. Watching the sunset, she said to herself, I hope he is safe. I wonder what he is thinking. What happened we were so happy just before he left?" While Sarah was sitting there, Buck bedded down for the night.

After making sure his horse was settled, he sat down to eat. When he pulled the jerky out of his saddlebags he remembered her handing it to him and how he had wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. Still imagining her lips against his, he reached up and touched the locket again. He knew that he still loved her. He should at least give her a chance to explain. Sitting there staring into the fire, he wondered if she would forgive him and let him make it up to her.

While sitting and staring out the window, Sarah held the bracelet Buck had gave her. She suddenly stood and hopped over to the dresser and grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil. She went back to where she was sitting. As she sat down she began a letter.

Dear Kevin, I am writing this to inform you that I will not marry you. I have found happiness out here. I want no more contact with you. Love Sarah Jones.

Putting the pencil down, she folded the letter and placed it into the envelope, she then sealed and addressed it. It fell to the floor as tears started again. She sat there holding the bracelet for the longest time. Shrugging her shoulders, she decided to turn in for the night. She changed and climbed into bed. She was just about to blow out the candle when there was a knock on her door.

Sitting up Sarah said, "Yes who is it?"

The voice on the other side said, "Its me, Kid. Can I talk to you a minute?" Thinking abut it for a minute she replied, "Sure, come in." As Kid opened the door she pushed Buck’s bracelet under her pillow.

Walking in Kid said, "Hi we missed you at super. Are you okay? I know he was harsh with you. I can't believe he didn't listen to you. I am half tempted to beat the tar out of him for hurting you."

As he sat down on the edge of the bed, Sarah took his hands and said, "Please don't. I guess it’s as much my fault as his. I didn't lie to him. I had no idea that my father had that. The only thing I do know is that my father would never rape a woman. I know my father isn't always truthful but when he says he didn't do it, I believe him. There was to much love between my mother and him for him to do that. I am afraid that Buck won’t talk to me again. I love him and I love being with him. OH, what am I going to do?"

Hugging her Kid said, "Come on smile. He'll be home tomorrow before super. The others and I have decided that he will sit and listen to you even if we have to tie him to a chair. So don't worry just get a good nights sleep. I will be over here early to help you over for breakfast."

Standing to leave Sarah grabbed his hand and said, "I heard Lou get mad at you earlier. I don't want to come between you two."

Smiling down at her he said, "Don't worry about Lou. She'll come around. She is just feeling like I do when she is with Jimmy. It will pass. I promise. Now please get some sleep."

Smiling back up at him I said, " Thank you for caring. Good night." He nodded as he walked out the door closing it behind him. Leaning over she blew out the candle, laid down and pulled the bracelet out from under her pillow. She felt the tears start again and didn’t even try to stop them as they flowed down her checks. She cried herself to sleep.

Meanwhile Buck sat there aimlessly poking the fire thinking of everything that had happened today. Feeling the locket around his neck, he wondered if he even deserved her love after today. All he knew is that he must try to get her to forgive him. Realizing that at this moment he’s as lonely as he has ever been. He knew that Sarah belonged in his arms safe and loved. And his arms belonged around her. He sighed and laid down to sleep. Dreams of Sarah went through his head.

After a fretful night Buck was up and ready to leave at sun up. Knowing that he needed to get back and make peace with Sarah, he was on his way home as the first rays of sunlight broke the horizon. Sarah woke as the sun came through her window. She rose and went to the window in hopes to see Buck standing there. But to her disappointment he wasn't. Shrugging she turned and got dressed. She managed the stairs by herself . Taking her crutches from beside the door she went out onto the porch to wait for Kid to help her over to the bunkhouse.

While sitting on the swing Jimmy came over. As he reached the top of the stairs he said, "Miss Sarah, I know it’s not the right time but would you like to accompany me into town today. We can have a picnic lunch and get the supplies Rachel needs, too."

Smiling she said, "Why Jimmy, I would love to. Anything beats sitting here waiting to talk things out with Buck. It’s a beautiful day. Isn’t it."

Smiling back he said, "Good we can go after breakfast. I better go before Kid gets here. He has become a big brother to you." Just as he finished talking he saw Kid head over. He jumped the rail and left.

Reaching her Kid said, "Well, I see you are all smiles this morning. I noticed Jimmy leaving. Is he bothering you? I do hope one of those smiles are for me."

Reaching for her crutches, he helped her to her feet and she said, "Yes it is. After

you left last night I had time to think. I know things don't always look like they should. Anyway Jimmy just asked me to accompany him to town for supplies and a picnic. I know Buck will be back today but it dose me no good to sit and mope till he gets here. So I am going to enjoy this beautiful day."

Smiling he helped her down the stairs and said, "If there is one thing I know it is that you and Buck belong together. Just like Lou and I belong together."

They walked over to the bunkhouse. Everyone was seated ready to eat. When Sarah saw her father sitting there she looked away from him. Breakfast was very quite. Every time her father tried to speak to her she would talk to someone else. After breakfast was over Sarah walked out without saying anything to her father.

She sat down to wait for Jimmy to bring the wagon around. Cody walked out. He saw Sarah sitting there and said, "Sarah can I sit with you a minute." After sitting down next to her. He said, "Sarah I don't mean to pry, but you were very rude to your father at breakfast."

Looking at him, she said, "Cody, please don't start to lecture me. You weren't here when this all happened. I have no reason to talk to him. Because of him Buck may never talk to me again. He has hurt me more then any one could have ever hurt me."

Looking down, Cody said, "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know. I don't want to lecture you. Buck will turn around and listen to you. He loves you. Even I can see that."

Chapter 4 in next week's issue!