True Love, One Soul

Chapter 9
By Jocelyne

Sitting down in the rocker next to the window. Sarah said, "Okay, what do you need to talk to me about?"

Taking a deep breath Steven said, "First I want to know why you ran away from home. And what is it exactly that you see in that young man."

Licking her lips Sarah said, "Well, about a week before I left, Kevin told me what he expects out of me once we were married. I just couldn't be what he wanted me to be. Don't you think I deserve someone who loves me? He told me that he doesn't love me. He only wants my dowry you offered. I have found someone who loves me for me. To him your money means nothing to him. Did you know that Kevin tried to rape me?" As she said that she pulled her knees up and held them close to her chest. But last night when I was with Buck I finely felt safe in a man’s arms since the day that happened. We sat and watched the stars and talked about things."

Looking at his daughter Steven knew that what she just told him had brought back some bad memories for her. He said, "I’m sorry that Kevin tried that. But he didn't succeed did he. Sarah shook her head no. "That’s good. Why didn't you ever tell me? Please tell me what Kevin expected out of you. I know that Buck doesn't care about my money. He told me that yesterday when we talked. He says that he loves you for you. I know you didn't do anything that wasn't proper last night. Your mother taught you better then that."

Seeing that her father had the bracelet Buck had given her, she stood, walked over to him, took it from him, and sat down on the bed. Well, Kevin says that I couldn’t go riding anymore. I have to give up my friends and only have the friends he says I can have. I can't write for the paper any more. Then there is the issue of children. I’m only there to give him the sons he wants and however many children he wants me to give him. I have no say in the matter. Poppa, I’m 19! Shouldn't I have a say in my life and not have it run for me. If you force me to go back and marry him, I will run right back her to the man I know who loves me. As far as not telling you what Kevin tried to do to me was because he threatened to blackmail you if I told and I would not allow that to happen to you."

Reaching for his daughter’s hand Steven said, "I’m sorry you had to go through that. I never knew that’s why he agreed to marry you. I only asked him because I thought he would make you a good husband. He has money and is older. I thought that he could provide well for you."

Smiling at her father Sarah said, "I know you didn't know. You didn't have any idea what he wanted out of me. But your money means nothing to me if I can't be happy and in love. All I ever wanted was the kind of love that you and mother had. I want someone who enjoys spending time with me and lets me be myself and doesn't try to control me. Oh poppa, I know that you only want what is best for me, but I believe that is right here with a man that loves me."

Seeing that Sarah meant what she just said, he hugged her and said, "I wish you would have told me this before you ran away. I would have called off the engagement if I had only known. I do think your right. You deserve to be happy and loved. I’m sorry."

Fighting the tears she smiled at her father and said, "I had tried to tell you. But you wouldn't listen to me. This was the only way I could get your attention. I didn't come looking for love but I have found it now, and I’m not willing to give it up. Please let me stay. And please don’t tell anyone what I told you. I know I need to tell Buck and I will when I feel up to it."

Steven nodded yes and said, "Okay, I wont say anything. Just remember I’ll always be there for you." Sarah nodded yes.

Just then Rachel came in saying, "Sarah there is a young man downstairs that is ready to take you over to breakfast."

Steven stood to leave and said, "I wish you would change your mind and come home with me. But I guess if I force you to come with me you will only leave again. I'm not sure about you being happy but you are so much like your mother I know you will prove me wrong just like she always did."

After he left and shut the door Rachel said, "Do you think he understood what you were trying to tell him and does he believe you?"

Still sitting Sarah pulled her knees close to her chest and wrapped her arms around them and said, "Aunt Rachel what would you say if I told you that Kevin tried to rape me one night? But I meant what I told father about leaving and coming back here if he forces me to go back home with him."

Rachel looked at her niece and said, "What? Did I hear you right? Why didn't you tell me?" Sitting down next to Sarah Rachel hugged her. Sarah just leaned her head on Rachel’s shoulder and said, "I almost forgot about it till this morning. What am I going to do? Buck has been the first guy I’ve let anywhere near me since it happened. No he didn't succeed. I managed to stop him before he did. I know I need to tell Buck, but I’m afraid that he might not want me around anymore. I know that it happened to his mother. Why would he want me around to remind him of that?"

Rachel hugged Sarah and she said, "I know he will understand. He is the most understanding of all the boys about things like this. I think his love for you will help him deal with it and he will help you deal with it. Now lets get you dressed so you don't keep him waiting."

Standing they went to the wardrobe and searched through Sarah’s clothes. Sarah said, "I think I will wear this one. With poppa leaving, I want to look nice for him and Buck.

Smiling Rachel said, "After your father leaves, I think you should take Buck aside and tell him." Sarah nodded in agreement. Rachel helped her into her corset and then on with her dress. Then she pulled Sarah’s hair up into a lose bun leaving a few curly strains hanging around her face. After they finished with her hair, Rachel helped her to the stairs. At the top of the stairs Sarah saw Buck standing there talking with her father. Looking worried that her father would tell him about the attempted rape she almost turned and went back to her room. Just as she started to turn to leave she saw Buck turn toward her and smile. Seeing that smile she knew that he didn't know yet and she smiled back at him.

Buck looked up and saw Sarah standing there. He couldn't believe that there stood a girl that loves him for who he is. Rachel helped Sarah descend the stairs. As she reached the bottom she reached for Buck. Buck took her hand and handed her the crutches and Sarah said, "Thank you." As she held onto his hand she was thinking, I wish poppa wasn't here. All I want to do is to jump into his arms and tell him everything.

Buck couldn't take his eyes off of her. He could read her thoughts, so leaning close he whispered "I know I was thinking the same thing. We'll have to wait till he leaves town." Stepping back he said aloud, "You look breath taking today. But you take my breath away everyday."

Blushing Sarah said, "Thank you. It’s not everyday that a girl gets to go to town with two good looking men."

Just then Steven came over to where they stood. Placing a hand on Buck’s shoulder he said, "She looks just like her mother. Now I know why you fell in love with her. It’s the same reason I fell for her mother. Now how about we go get something to eat." With having said that he walked over, picked up Sarah and then turned to Buck and said, "Here would you like to carry her? Why should she get her dress dirty when she can be carried by the man that loves her."

Sarah and Buck just looked at each other and smiled. Reaching out Buck took Sarah from her father. She leaned her head against his shoulder. Buck leaned his head against hers and said, "Thank you. I know it’s hard to let go. But I will make sure she’s happy and safe."

As Steven opened the door he said, "I know she'll be happy and safe. All of you here have shown me that you all care about her and will protect her. Her happiness is what is most important to me now. Now lets go eat." As they walked out of the house they headed for the bunkhouse to join the others.

 Chapter 10 in next week's issue!