True Love, One Soul

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."

miling 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 6 in next week's issue!