SEPTEMEBER 10, 1861

Steven and Buck came ridding into the yard. Steven was glad he was taking the time to get to know his future son-in-law. He was beginning to see what his little girl saw in the young man.

Buck quickly learned why Steven was so important to Caly. He was glad when Steven wanted him to assist in checking the cattle. The younger man was surprised when Steven showed him the land he planned on giving them on their wedding day to build their home on. Buck just hoped that if one day they had a daughter, he would do as well as Steven had done with Caly.

 The two men climbed off their horses. As they climbed the steps to the porch Steven called out to Caly. He frowned when she didn't come out to meet them. "Something's not right."

Buck nodded. It wasn't like Caly not to meet them like she had been doing for the last few weeks. "Maybe she just didn't hear you."

Steven nodded. "Maybe, she has been working really hard on getting the wedding together." He headed inside.

Buck followed Steven inside. "We'll, I can't see any signs of a struggle."

Steven frowned. "I'll check upstairs." He headed up the stairs.

Buck looked around the main floor. He couldn't figure out where Caly had gone. He went through the papers on the table being careful not to disturb anything.

"She's not upstairs." Steven called out as he came down the stairs.

 Buck looked up from the table. "She was working on the wedding. Maybe she took a break and went for a ride."

Steven nodded. "True. You know where she might go?"

Buck smiled. "Yes, sitting under that big tree in the upper pasture."

Steven smiled back. "I'll let you go find her then."

Buck nodded and ran out the door to Wind Dancer. He mounted up and headed for their special place.