Buck turned around to meet the eyes of the boy; he figured he must be Cami's brother. He tried to answer, but Cami's mother spoke first.

"Thank you," she said and wiped at her tears. "For bringing her back to us. She's never done this before, I don't know what got into her."

Buck shook his head and smiled coyly. "Don't worry, ma'am. Main thing's she's alright." Cami blushed when she heard him say that; it was true concern in his gentle voice.

"I'm Margareth Johnson," the woman spoke and held out her hand. "Call me Maggie."

"Buck Cross. Pleasure to meet you," he said and shook her hand carefully. "I should be on my way."

"Don't you want anything? Mr. Cross?" Maggie asked in surprise and Buck held equal confusion in his gaze when he turned back to her. "A hot meal, maybe? Or money?"

Buck shook his head and smiled, chuckling embarrassed. "Really, ma'am, you don't owe me nothing."

"Please, say Maggie," the woman begged and hugged her daughter tighter. "Thank you, sir. Again."

Buck was overwhelmed. He had never been called sir, not by anyone. He looked at Cami, then at Maggie, then at the boy. He was dumbstruck and lost looking into their eyes. They all expected him to say something, request something, but he just stared back at them. His eyes finally rested on Cami's face.

"Thank you, Mr. Cross," she said and kneeled.

Buck wondered about her sudden politeness, but realized her mother would find their relationship strange otherwise. He had after all only found her and brought her back home. He hoped Cami would tell her family the truth so they didn't need to lie, but he also understood if she didn't speak of it at all. He could only wait for the sun to set so he could see her again. As he mounted and rode toward the town center he tipped his hat at the three figures standing on the gravel walk between the gate and the house; his eyes lingered on Cami for a long moment and his pulse quickened. He fought to keep his hands on the reins and not lift to blow her a kiss as he trotted on down the road that only a few paces away became a street with houses, horses, people and wagons. Life.

The shadows of the barn hid him from the eyes of possible spectators, and sneaking across the lawn was easy. The door to the barn was half open and once inside he waited in an empty stall. Cami entered shortly, looking around with expectant eyes, searching for the visitor she knew was hiding somewhere near her. Suddenly she could hear him breathe, and before she knew it his arms were tightly around her waist from behind, his head resting on her shoulder.

"Hi," he whispered and smiled broadly, kissing her cheek tenderly. Cami wriggled in his grip and stood with her face close to his. "You came," she spoke in awe. She had wondered all day if it hadn't just been a wonderful dream.

"I got a room at the hotel," Buck announced. "I won't go back to the cave until tomorrow."

"I wish you didn't need to go back at all. And I wish I could see you every minute of the day," Cami whispered and let her lips touch his, licking his lower lip until he opened his mouth and probed his tongue against hers. They kissed for several minutes.

"I missed that today," Buck said when they stepped back to breathe.

"Me too," Cami blushed. She hated him for making her do that so often. But she wouldn't trade him for anything in the world.

"What are your parents saying?" Buck asked finally.

"I guess they're just happy to have me back. Mom's really annoying. She can't stop hugging me!"

Buck couldn't help but clench his jaw upon hearing the apparent irritation over her caring parent. His mother died early and never had he experienced any real affection. He envied Cami, and all she could do was scold her parents for caring!

"You know, you're one lucky young woman," he spoke up. "Many children grow up totally without parents."

Cami's smile died and she looked at him with serious eyes. "I know. I'm sorry."

Buck wanted her to smile again, he didn't want her feeling guilty because he didn't have the best childhood. He wanted to kick himself for bringing that up in the first place, she who was so happy just a moment ago!

"No, I'm sorry. Let's forget about that!"

He swung her into his arms again and kissed her luscious lips hungrily. Cami wasn't going to let the moment slip and her fingers were eagerly unbuttoning his shirt while his lips sought her neck and ears. Buck carried her into the empty stall and placed her in the fresh straw, waiting while she forced his shirt and vest off his body. But he soon realized he better keep them on, just in case someone would walk in on them, and so he gently removed her hands from his shoulders and shrugged back into the shirt. The vest was already lost and he made no effort to put it back on. Instead he began working on her blouse and skirt. Soon she was exposed to his touch and they began making love.