As Buck rode his horse into the waystation, Lou pointed out the horse & rider in front of the bunkhouse. Buck slowed the horse down, cautiously approaching the stranger. This was his & Lou's night, & he didn't want anything spoiling it. As he came closer to the stranger, Buck noticed the buckskins. He quickly dismounted & went, almost running, to the stranger's side, welcoming him in a bear hug. When Lou dismounted & approached, Red Bear was the first to look up, just as Buck remembered the beautiful vision that was Lou left on the horse. Buck turned red under the stare of his brother's knowing look.
"Red Bear, I'd like you to meet Lou. Lou, this is my brother, Red Bear." Buck introduced.
"Pleased to meet you Red Bear. I've heard so much about you." Lou explained, extending her hand. Red Bear looked at her, then at her hand & finally to Buck with a questioning look. Buck just smiled, & Red Bear pulled Lou's hand towards him, & gave her a hug.
"It is very good to meet you too Lou!" Red Bear replied in his broken English. He was used to speaking Kiowa, not English. Lou just smiled & cuddled up to Buck who had stepped behind her & wrapped his arms around her.
"So Red Bear, what brings you here?" Buck asked, worry evident in his voice.
"It is my son, Swims Like Fish, he been taken by Dog Soldier. I afraid for him, brother." Red Bear replied. As he then explained to Buck what had happened in Kiowa, Lou decided to take care of the horse & let Buck & his brother talk. She knew he missed his brother & they needed to talk. When she had finished taking care of the horse, Lou walked out of the barn & saw that Buck & Red Bear had gone for a walk, so she continued into the Bunkhouse & got changed back into her riding gear.
Buck & Red Bear returned as Lou was boiling some water for a coffee. As they walked in, Buck gave her an understanding smile. He knew the rest of their family would be returning soon, & if she stayed dressed as a lady, he might not be able to keep his hands off her when they return & their little secret would be found out. It wasn't that they didn't want the family to know, but it was a habit for hiding it in order for them to remain working for the Pony Express.
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