Chapter 1

Eshe stepped off the stage and looked around her. The town was bigger than Sweetwater, and much busier. Hopefully people would be more accepting here, but even if they didn't accept her nationality, they knew nothing of her past, and that was a plus. Well, a few people knew, but she trusted them with her life.

"Eshe!" There was one of those people now.

"Amanda!" The two friends hugged each other as if they'd been apart for years rather than only a few days.

"It's good to see you Amanda," Kid said from behind Eshe, setting their bags down as Oliver threw them to him from the top of the stage. He had hated to see what happened between Amanda and Ike, knowing that the young woman didn't mean to hurt his friend like that. He hoped they could work things out, but, as he told Eshe, it was up to Ike and Amanda to do that. Of course, Eshe didn't agree and planned to get those two back together the first chance she got.

"I'll take the bags up to the hotel while you get Katy settled at the station, Kid," Oliver offered. Kid and Eshe would stay at the hotel until they found a house in town. Oliver planned to get a job and a room at the boarding house.

"Nonsense," Amanda interrupted. "You are all staying at the station with me for now. There's plenty of room in the house for Kid and Eshe, and the bunkhouse is just sitting empty until Russell, Majors and Waddell send some riders, so you might as well make use of it for now Oliver. Now, while you boys unload the baggage and take care of Katy, Eshe and I are going to have some tea."

The two women settled at the kitchen table, anxious to catch up. They were so caught up in their conversation they barely noticed when Kid came in from getting Katy set up in the stables and announced that he was going to look over the property before supper. Since he was going to be foreman at the station, he figured he should get to know the layout.

When Kid returned, the four of them decided to dine at the restaurant on the other side of town. The restaurant was only two doors down from the saloon, but across the street, so they didn't have to pass the saloon directly. Eshe couldn't help staring at it though, memories flooding her mind. In the alley beside the saloon a young woman was doing laundry. She seemed familiar, but her back was to the group, and Eshe turned away, not wanting to focus on the saloon any longer.

Amanda slammed her balled up fist into the center of the pillow. With deep frown lines on her face, she squeezed the sides together before pulling them back out. Finally, she stepped back, inspecting the pillow's positioning on the small couch. She sighed. "It will have to do."

Turning, Amanda looked around the small sitting room. "Cozy," she said under her breath, folding her arms across her chest. But despite her best efforts, it wasn't Emma's house and she missed it dearly.

The whole house at the Rock Creek way station was much smaller than Emma's had been. The sitting parlor was small, but nicely decorated with few furniture pieces as not to clutter it. A fair sized dinner area sat off to one side of the room. In it sat a large oak table much like the one that had been in her childhood home. The kitchen was medium sized, but adequate since Amanda wasn't much of a cook. A spare bedroom lay at the back of the house as well as four bedrooms upstairs, her own being one of them.

Amanda sighed. She missed Kit. It had been Kit's idea to buy the station, her idea to run it. But Kit had gone home, leaving Amanda alone and on her own. "Thank God for Eshe," she said under her breath as she crossed to the window.

It was a joy to have Kid and Eshe at the station. The more time Amanda spent with Eshe, the more she grew to love the ethnic beauty as a sister. She was also so pleased to have Kid running the station. The new riders had yet to arrive, but Kid already had the place in tip top shape. Though Kid talked about finding a house in town, she prayed that he would reconsider and stay at the way station. "There's plenty of land here Kid. You can build anything you want," she had told him one evening. Kid had never given her an answer, but she only hoped he would at least consider it.

Then there was Ike. Amanda sighed again, pressing her fingers to her lips as she tried to fight back the tears that threatened her. Just the mere mention of his name, the thought of his caring smile sent Amanda into bouts of sobs, her heart breaking. But she had no one to blame but herself. "Oh Ike," she whispered as she laid her head against the glass, staring out at a cluster of black clouds that were rolling in off the eastern plain.

"You miss him terribly, don't you?"

Hands were placed gently on her arms, running them the length of her limbs. She knew who is was just from the voice. "Oh Eshe, what am I going to do? I love him so much, but I know I hurt him deeply. How can he ever forgive me?" Turning, Amanda leaned forward, embracing her friend as she began to cry softly. "How can I forgive him?"

Eshe stroked Amanda's long blonde locks. "It will be okay. Some how," she said, pausing. Turning her head to the side, Eshe rested her cheek on the top of Amanda's head. "He just needs time. You both do."

"I know," Amanda said through her tears. "I just miss him so much."

"What happened? Is everything okay?"

Eshe and Amanda turned to see Kid standing in the door, his handsome face streaked with dirt and sweat. Amanda wiped quickly at her eyes, forcing a smile. "It's fine Kid. Just a girl moment," she said calmly.

Kid smiled. He knew Amanda was going through a rough time. But he was pleased to see that Eshe and Amanda were growing so close. He had worried about his wife, especially since the move to Rock Creek. "I just wanted to let you know that I talked to a rider from Fenton this mornin'. He said he heard that we were getting our new riders some time today."

Amanda stood up straight, running her hands down the front of her plain green skirt. She knew Ezra would want to be present when they arrived. Her brother had expressed his deep dislike for the idea of his sister running a pony express station alone. "Ezra, I'm not alone. Kid is there and so is Eshe," she had told him, but he was stern in his dislike. He had vowed that despite his duties in town as law, he would spend the rest of his time out at the way station with her.

"That's great. Did he say who or how many?" Amanda's mind began to race. There was so much more to do.

Kid shook his head, wrapping his arm around Eshe's small waist and placing a kiss on her temple. "Nope. Just that they would be here some time today."

Amanda met Eshe's brown eyes and smiled. "We need to start cooking," she said, brushing wisps of blonde bangs off of her forehead. "I think we should have something cooking."

Eshe shook her head in agreement. "I'll help anyway I can," she said softly.

"And the bunk house? It's been cleaned and linens placed out on the beds?"

Kid shook his head. "It's ready boss. Don't worry," he said with a smile.

Amanda's mind began to drift, thoughts blazing. What if they didn't like her? Worse, she thought to herself. What if they didn't listen to her? Sighing, she clapped her hands together in front of her. "All right then, let's get ready."

Ezra stood on the porch, a glass of sun tea in his hand as he awaited the rider's arrivals. Amanda sat on the swing with Eshe, lost in their own secret conversions. Ezra smiled. It did his heart good to see his sister smile. She had done so little of it since leaving Sweetwater. Ezra knew that the majority of it laid in the falling out she had with Ike before she left.

When the gambler had first met Ike, he had been very clear in his dislike and distrust of the rider. He refused to allow them to be together. But after getting to know Ike some and seeing how in love he was with Amanda, Ezra has softened. "There are worse people than Ike McSwain for her to be in love with," he had told Vin during patrol one afternoon.

He could see Kid throwing bags of feed into the barn and he shook his head. Ezra didn't like having to put so much faith into someone as he had to with Kid. The rider was essential his sister's only protection against the young men that would soon be in her care.

Amanda stood from the swing, pulling Eshe up with her. "We are going to finish our baking. Will you come get us when the riders arrive?"

Ezra shook his head. "Absolutely."

Chris walked up on the porch, standing next to Ezra as the girls disappeared into the house. "You sure seem calm about this all."

He met Chris's steely gaze. "I'm afraid I don't have much of a choice, do I?" Ezra looked past the black clad leader at Kid, who was putting the wagon in the barn. "I'm just going to have to spend a lot of time out here."

Chris smiled at the thought of Ezra out at the rustic way station. 'Knowing Ezra, he'll probably start a poker game with the riders,' Chris thought to himself.

The sound of approaching hoof beats broke their conversation. Off in the distance, they could see the silhouette of four riders. Kid crossed from the barn, taking off his old leather gloves and drawing his hand up to shield his eyes from the bright sun.

The riders drew nearer and it was Kid that recognized them first. "Holy hell," he exclaimed as he ran towards the horses.

The riders reined their animals to a stop, dismounting quickly. "Hey Kid," Cody said as he crossed to the foreman, embracing him tightly.

"Damn Cody, you are a sight for sore eyes," Kid said, looking from rider to rider. "You all are."

Jimmy slipped from his saddle, leaning forward to stretch out his legs. "It's only been a couple of days, Kid. You can't have missed us already."

Buck tied his horse to the fence post. Crossing to Kid, he held out his arm. "It's good to see you again Kid."

"What are you guys doing here?" Kid asked, clasping hold of Buck's outreached hand.

"Emma and Sam moved on to St. Joe like they was talking about doing," Lou said, talking her glasses from her pocket and securing them firmly in place. "With you and Andy gone and Emma and Sam, Russells, Major and Wadell sent us word that we were being reassigned to Rock Creek." Lou broke out into a huge smile. "With you all."

"Didn't they tell you we was comin'?" Jimmy asked.

"No, Mr. Hickok," Ezra said as he descended the steps and joined the group. "We knew that new riders were coming, but no one was informed that it would be you riders from Sweetwater." Ezra looked around the gatherers. All the riders were present except for one. "Is this all of you?"

Buck shook his head yes. "Well, Ike too," Buck said, looking over his shoulder. "But he stopped in town for a few minutes."

An uncomfortable silence fell over the group. Finally, Ezra spoke. "Is he....well?"

Lou looked up at him thoughtfully, shrugging her shoulders. "Don't know. He won't talk about it. But he was the first out the door, even before word came of our move."

Kid clapped his hand on Jimmy's back. "Well, let's get you all settled in."

"JIMMY!! CODY!! BUCK!!"

Jimmy jumped at the loud screeching sound. Turning, he was just in time to catch Amanda as she threw herself in his arms. "I can't believe you are here Jimmy. It's so good to see you," she said, her speech rapidly increasing in her excitement.

Suddenly, she stopped. "Wait," Amanda said, pulling herself from Jimmy's embrace. Turning toward the others, she frowned. "Why are you all here?"

Cody hitched his thumbs in his belt, his trademark smile resting on his face. "We're your new riders."

"I can't believe this. Eshe," Amanda shouted as Ezra and Chris joined the group.

Eshe came out on the porch, wiping her hands on her apron as she squinted toward the gathered group. It took several minutes for her to realize who she was seeing. "Oh my..." she said, pressing her fingers to her lips as she hurried down the stairs. Sliding up next to Amanda, Eshe smiled. "It's so good to see you all. I can't believe you are here."

"Well, let's get you all settled in," Kid said as he started toward the bunkhouse.

As everyone began talking quietly amongst themselves, Amanda dropped back from the group. Tears burned her eyes a she diverted them to the ground in front of her. "He didn't come," she cried under her breath. "Ike didn't come. Oh God, I've lost him forever." She turned quickly, walking away from the house. She needed air, time to think. That was when she saw him.

Ike stood a few feet in front of her, a small bouquet of wild flowers on his hand. He wore a starch white shirt, unbuttoned at the top button, and dark brown pants. His face was sullen, his eyes heavy with concern as he regarded her closely.

Amanda had to close her eyes, squeezing them tightly shut before reopening them. 'He's a dream. He's not here,' she told herself, but there he stood. "Ike?" she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

It seemed like hours as she waited for him to move, to make some sort of gesture. Finally, he did. Extending his hand out to her, a delicious smile played on his lips, turning up the corners of his mouth. With his free hand, he made a fist, gently laying it on his chest, over his heart. He locked his eyes on Amanda's, taking in every detail of her face as he pointed toward her.

[I love you] he had signed, and every last ounce of control that Amanda had been holding on to finally broke. Sobbing uncontrollably, Amanda rushed forward, throwing herself in his arms. "Ike, I'm so sorry. I love you. I don't care what's happened in the past. I love you and I don't want to be without you ever again. It wasn't....."

Ike pressed his index finger to her lips, quieting her long procession of words. He just wanted to look at her, look into her brilliant green eyes. He turned his hand so that the backs of his fingers were against her skin. Gently, he caressed her cheek, marveling in the way it felt beneath his touch. Turning his hand again, he cupped her cheek.

Amanda leaned into his touch, closing her eyes as her cheek rested in the palm of his hand. She slipped her hand up against the back of his, placing a small tender kiss in his palm. "I love you," she cried, tears leaving streaks on her porcelain skin.

Ike felt his heart ache. It was what he had wanted to hear since the day she had walked away from him in Sweetwater. Slipping one arm around her waist, Ike pulled her forward, burying his other hand in her hair as he took her lips in his. Passion radiated off of them as their tongues entwined in a lovers dance.

Finally, Amanda broke their kiss. Gasping for air, she laid her hands against his chest. "You are going to stay, aren't you?" she asked hopeful, looking up at him from under thick black lashes. "You are going to ride for Rock Creek?"

Ike pushed back blonde strands of hair that lay against her forehead. Slowly, he shook his head yes as a smile turned up the corners of his mouth. he signed as he leaned forward, kissing her again.

For once, Amanda did not argue. The fates had seen fit to wipe the slate clean for the both of them and Amanda was just happy to get a second chance. She let him lead her toward the house. 'He was back and the slate was clean, she thought to herself as she laid her head against his shoulder. With a way station to run and a house full of friends, what more could she ask for.

With a soapy hand, she wiped a stray strand of hair away from her face. Although it was fairly cool outside, Tommie was perspiring heavily with the load of her work. The sheets she was responsible for washing at least once a week lay in daunting piles before her. If there was one thing she had learned since she had come to stay with her aunt, it was that she hated doing laundry.

As always, when there seemed to be no end to the sheets, when her knuckles were raw from the washboard, when her life seemed to sink one rung lower than she had ever thought it could, Tommie allowed her thoughts to turn to the one thing that gave her happiness.

She could still see Buck's face clearly in her mind…the way his brown eyes sparkled when he laughed and the way his lips curled into that smile that made her shiver. In her mind, Tommie imagined that Buck would one-day ride into town to rescue her. He would sweep her up onto the back of his horse and take her away from this place. It was a good daydream, one that Tommie indulged in often. The only problem with it was at some point she had to come back to the real world.

It didn't take a smart person to see that Thomasina Windmere was a very unhappy girl. While she hadn't been brought up rich, her parents were respectable and her childhood was a far cry from the life she was living now.

She glanced up at the building she now called home…a building she shared with four other girls and her Aunt Marge. Although the girls all called Marge "Ma", they weren't her daughters. Tommie's aunt ran a brothel and the four girls were her workers.

Thankfully Tommie at least had been spared having to be a working girl. Marge had been content to let Tommie do the laundry and housekeeping. That was bad enough, but Tommie knew she would die of shame if she had to do anything else.

At least Marge wasn't unkind to her. To the contrary, Marge was a happy drunk; the more she drank, the more affectionate she became towards the niece she barely knew. Tommie tolerated this the best she could. If her aunt ever decided to turn her out, she would have no where to go.

Sometimes she thought about writing to Buck to let him know where she was. But just picturing the look on his face when he learned she worked at a brothel was more than she could bear. Buck was always so good, so honest and kind; Tommie cringed to think of what he'd say about her now.

Buck would never say anything bad, she chided herself. And she knew he wouldn't. But to think of the look in his eyes, the hurt, the disappointment, made her want to cry. Tommie knew she could never expect any man to think kindly of her again, much less someone as upstanding as Buck.

No, the sooner she could face it the better off she would be. Buck was a thing of the past, just like her old bed with the feather pillow and the worn, soft yellow quilt. It was good to think about, but Tommie knew she'd never see either again.

Shortly after arriving in Rock Creek, Cody began pestering Buck to walk through town with him. He wanted to see the sights, which Buck knew translated into meeting some of the many young ladies the riders had seen on their way through town.

At first he resisted. He was tired from the long ride and truthfully wasn't in the best of moods. Of all the riders, Buck had probably been the most resistant to the move to Rock Creek. As long as he stayed in Sweetwater, he could hope that Tommie would write to him. Everyday he waited eagerly for the next rider to come in, sure that a letter would be in that bag for him. But one never came and his hopes gradually died.

Now he was in a strange new place. Right away Ike had made his intentions known that he wanted to garner Amanda's affections again. It looked like he was doing a pretty good job and Buck was happy for his friend, but nonetheless, it made him feel even lonelier. Now he didn't even have a best friend to depend upon.

It was with these thoughts in mind that Buck decided to go with Cody for a perusal of their new surroundings. The day looked stormy, but the air felt good and Buck could use a walk to clear his head.

Cody at once made up his mind that he liked Rock Creek, mostly due to the presence of two blonde girls, apparently sisters, who batted their eyes shamelessly at him. But Buck just felt sad. The only girl he wanted was Tommie. He thought about her constantly and saw her in every face he passed. Take for instance that girl just ahead of him. With that long, wavy red hair, she could pass for Tommie's twin.

He did a double take and looked at the girl again. Amazing. The girl really did look like Tommie. Most of the time a feature or expression that at first glance reminded him of her, upon closer inspection was really completely different. But this girl…the hair was the same as he remembered. Buck felt he would have run after her but the girl walked in a way that Tommie never would. She carried herself with such pride and grace, and this girl, nearly staggered under the weight of the laundry she carried, was stoop-shouldered and hung her head.

Still…he watched her go until Cody slapped him on the shoulder and pointed out a curvaceous brunette sashaying by. Buck managed a grin, but immediately his gaze sought the girl again. But she was gone.

Ike ran the thick pencil lead across the paper, long flowing strokes as he gazed above the tablet at the porch swing. The afternoon sun was strong and warm. A gentle breeze blew across the plain, gently lifting long strands of blonde hair off of Amanda's shoulders as she turned the page of the book she was engrossed in. Ike smiled.

The soft light shone down on her face, illuminating it. Again she turned the page, tilting her head slightly to one side as she read. Grabbing a loose lock, she twirled it absently around her finger and Ike felt his heart flutter. He couldn't ever remember loving anything in his life as much as he loved her.

He sighed as he glanced back down at his tablet. The picture did little justice to Amanda's true beauty, but he couldn't help trying to capture it. Again he made his strokes, rubbing here and there with the tip of his index finger, blending and smoothing.

"Quite a fitting likeness."

Ike jumped, turning to see Ezra standing over his shoulder. Amanda had jumped as well, not realizing that either man was close by. "Ike. Ezra. My two favorite men," she said with a smile as she closed her book and set it aside. "How long have you been there?"

"You looked so peaceful, we didn't want to bother you," Ezra said with a smile, draping an arm across Ike's shoulder as the rider closed his tablet.

"Bother me?" Amanda asked as if the idea were the most absurd thing she had ever heard. "How could either of you ever bother me?"

Ike smiled, crossing to the front of the house and meeting her on the porch. She stood before him, looking up at him from under thick, long lashes. [You look beautiful today]

A soft pink filled her cheeks as she looked to the ground in front of her. "You're just saying that," she said softly as he slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her to his chest.

A look of awe filled his clear green eyes as he gazed upon her face and Amanda felt as if she were the luckiest woman alive. He leaned forward, placing a tender kiss on her lips as a throat was cleared near them. Realizing that her brother was watching, Amanda broke the kiss, burying her face against Ike's chest as she giggled. "Forgive me Brother."

Ezra shook his head as he joined the two on the porch. "I trust in Ike, Amanda. You need not worry what I think," he said with a smile as he set the small assortment of tools that he had brought with him on the porch railing. "Now, if you two will excuse me," he continued as he began rolling up his sleeves. "I have a window sill to repair."

Amanda looked at Ike with a questioning expression. "Brother, I thought it was your creed to never engage in menial labor?" she asked with a sly smile. "Yet here you are."

Ezra laughed heartily, the sun glistening off his auburn hair as he threw his head back. "Now, what kind of brother would I be if I let my sister live in a house with a broken porch swing and a stuck window? I am good for more than just a game of cards, dear sister."

Amanda grinned, her eyes full of admiration as she stared at her brother. "That you are, Ezra," she said with amazement as she watched him wield a hammer with the same grace and style that he did a deck of cards.

The pounding of the hammer drew Eshe from the house. "Afternoon Mr. Standish, Ike," she said softly, a warm smile on her face as she wiped her hands on the apron tied loosely around her waist.

"Please Eshe, call me Ezra," he said with a flash of a gold tooth. "It's Ezra."

Eshe looked embarrassed, her eyes darting toward the barn, searching for Kid. "Of course, Ezra." She turned to Amanda and Ike, and her smile increased ten fold. "Ike, it's good to see you. Are you ready, Amanda?"

[Ready?]

"We need to go over to the General Store and get a few supplies," Amanda said as moved past Ike. Quickly, she stepped inside the front door of the house, grabbing her satchel. "We won't be long."

Everything had suddenly gone silent, drawing Amanda from her riffling of her bag. "Eshe, remind me...." she said as she glanced up to see Ike's eyes as large as saucers, his top lip pulled back in a grimace. "Ike, what is it? What's wrong? Ike...."

Then she heard it. "Amanda!! Amanda, darling. Help me with these bags, will ya."

Amanda drew in a harsh breath. "Oh God," she exclaimed, completely forgetting what she was looking for. "It's....it's..."

"Mother," Ezra said with a gulp.

Amanda hurried down the boardwalk, blonde strands of hair standing on end as she rushed past people. She had only one thought on her mind....Maude Standish.

"Amanda, please. Wait up," Eshe called behind her, trying to keep up with her friend's brisk pace.

Realizing how fast she was moving, Amanda stopped. She turned to face her dearest friend. "I'm sorry Eshe. It's just that...I forgot and...I, um." Meeting her friend's dark eyes, Amanda threw up her hands. "Mother."

Eshe smiled at her friend's frustration. Maude Standish had not been at the house for more than ten minutes and she had already proceeded to have Ike and Ezra rearrange the living room, nag Ezra about his menial labor and fuss over every inch of Amanda's appearance, from her loose curls to the apron tied around her small waist. 'At least she didn't start in on Ike,' Eshe thought to herself as Amanda paced back and forth.

"I do love her Eshe. Believe me, I do. She's my mother, but...." Amanda's voice trailed off. 'But,' she thought to herself, stopping her pace in the middle of the boardwalk. 'That is a great big but.'

Maude Standish had a way of working herself under a person's skin, twisting and turning until the person felt as if they were going to burst. Amanda felt as if she were at that point. 'Already,' she thought to herself with exasperation.

"Amanda, please calm down."

Seeing the concern on her friend's face, Amanda took a deep breath. "I'm sorry Eshe. I don't mean to upset you." Amanda turned toward the strange town, her eyes trailing over the buildings. "I guess I had better get use to her. I don't think she'll be leaving any time soon," Amanda said, forcing a smile.

Eshe couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sorry Amanda. It's not funny. But you do know," she said, taking her friend's hand in hers. "Deep down, she means well."

Amanda laughed out loud, rolling her eyes as she hooked her arm around Eshe's. "Yes, I suppose she does," she said as the two made their way toward the general store. "And just think..." Amanda started to say, extending her free arm from her body.

But Amanda did not see the young woman as she started to pass, her arms piled high with linens. Instead, Amanda bumped right into her, spilling the bed sheets all over the boardwalk.

"Oh ma'am, I'm so sorry," the woman said, immediately bending to retrieve her lost articles.

Amanda stopped, something so familiar in the woman's voice that it raised the hairs on the back of her neck. Bending down, Amanda reached out her hand and captured the young woman's arm. "Excuse me Miss, but do I know you?"

The young woman shook her head, never looking up. "No ma'am, I'm certain...."

"Tommie?" Eshe asked, bending down to help in retrieving the bedding.

Immediately, it fell in to place and Amanda nearly tackled the woman to the ground. "Tommie!!" she shouted, nearly strangling her long lost friend. "I can't believe it's you. When? How? Where? I mean...."

Tommie was too stunned to speak as she looked up at Eshe over Amanda's shoulder, barely able to breath in the tight embrace. "Eshe. It really is you," she said with astonishment. Suddenly, she was pulled from the embrace, facing Amanda's brilliant smile. "Amanda," she said as her eyes began to well up with tears.

"Oh my God, Tommie. You can't believe how happy I am to see you. I can't believe you are here. Where are your parents?" Amanda had a million questions. But it was the impending tears in her friend's eyes that halted the assault "Tommie, what's the matter?"

Amanda looked around her, seeing the stained sheets. Looking back at Tommie, she could see her friend looked tired, her face weary and smudged with dirt. Tommie's clothes were tattered, old and well worn. She looked lost, frightened, and completely alone. "Tommie? Are you okay?"

Tommie forced a smile as a tear trickled down her cheek. She reached up toward Eshe, grabbing the ethnic beauty's hand while taking Amanda's in her other. "I'm better now. But...what about you two? Why are you here?"

"We run the way station here in town. Amanda bought it and Kid's the foreman. All the riders are here, Tommie. Even Buck," Eshe squeezed her hand as she turned toward Amanda. "Oh, he's going to be so pleased to see her." Amanda shook her head in agreement.

"Buck....." was all Tommie was able to say before a booming voice echoed in the air.

"TOMMIE!! Tommie!! Where the hell is that useless girl?"

A large, round woman dressed only in her dingy bloomers and a dull red corset stood on the boardwalk outside the saloon. Her hair was loosely piked on top of her head and even in the dark, Amanda could see the heavy coloring on her eyelids and lips. She held a long cigar between her clenched teeth and a bottle of Red Eye in her hand. "Tommie," she hollered again.

Amanda and Eshe stared with their mouth's open, watching the woman with wide eyes. Neither realized that Tommie had gathered all the laundry and was making her way down the boardwalk toward the woman.

"Tommie, wait," Amanda said, realizing that her friend had left and hurrying down the boardwalk after her. "Tommie," she said, grabbing her friend by the arm and turning Tommie to face her. "You don't have to go there. I don't know what has happened, but you can come to the station. You can come with us."

"There are lots of rooms," Eshe said, chiming in behind Amanda as she pulled her shawl tightly to her shoulders. "And I know everyone would be so happy to see you."

Tommie began to shake her head no, but Amanda cut her off before she could reply. "We need lots of help, Tommie. Someone to help run the station. Someone that can cook," she said with a smile. "Lord knows I can't. Eshe is good, but she can't keep up with all the food those boys eat. Please Tommie, come back with us."

But before Tommie could reply, the large woman spotted her. "There you are," she replied, motioning with a pudgy hand. "Get your fanny in here, girl. I got rooms that need cleanin'. Customers are waitin'," she said with a smile.

Amanda turned toward Eshe, her eyes full of concern as Tommie hurried toward the building and disappeared inside. "I wish Emma was here," Amanda said under her breath. She sighed, folding her arms across her chest as she turned back to stare at the bustling saloon. "Or Cassie. Cassie would know what to do."

But instead, the two headed for the station, their trip to the general store completely forgotten.

The two girls walked back to the station in silence. Eshe agreed with Amanda. She wished Emma or Cassie were here. They would know so much better what to do. When they arrived at the station they found utter chaos. Cody was covered in mud, while Buck was chasing Sampson, Ike's donkey around in circles. Ike was running in the opposite direction, trying to cut Sampson off. The donkey managed to evade him each pass. The rest of the boys just stood at the corral fence laughing shamelessly, while Ezra, all semblance of dignity and propriety forgotten, was doing the same on the front porch.

"I give up," Eshe threw up her hands and walked into the house to start supper, leaving Amanda to sort everything out. Apparently she was capable of just that, because within a few moments the yard was quiet and Eshe could see the boys going about their chores as if nothing happened. Cody reappeared from the bunkhouse a few minutes later, having changed clothes and washed his face. Eshe made a mental note to send all the boys down to the swimming hole after supper. Buck and Ike didn't look much better than Cody, and she and Amanda had just washed all the sheets the day before.

"Eshe, might I trouble you for a glass of water to quench my parching thirst," Eshe looked up to see Ezra standing in the kitchen doorway.

"Of course," she replied. "I made some lemonade for supper as a matter of fact. Would you like some?"

"That sounds positively refreshing," Ezra pulled the handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow. "Manual labor is intensely exhausting I must admit."

"That is why they call it work," Eshe teased, setting the glass down at the table and motioning him to take a seat. "What are you working on now?" It was strange for her to be talking so easily with Ezra. When they had first met, when he helped save her from Renshaw that first time, it seemed as if they would be good friends. But then, with all that she had gone through, she had felt awkward around him. The other boys were different somehow - she knew they had been through some awful times in their lives too - but Ezra was so refined and mannered. It was hard for her to be comfortable around him. This was nice though.

"The front steps. They are positively dangerous. I'm surprised you or my sister haven't fallen yet."

"We learned quickly which part of the step to avoid," Eshe said, smiling as she remembered learning to navigate the shaky steps with a basket of laundry or box of supplies. The boys were working so hard trying to get the station fixed up that she and Amanda had avoided mentioning anything that needed to be fixed around the house.

"Well, thank you for the lemonade Eshe," Ezra stood up. "I should get back to my backbreaking manual labor."

"It's almost time for supper, Ezra. Why don't you quit for the evening."

"Oh, I only have a little bit left to do. I'll be finished by supper without any problems."

Eshe was standing with her back to the door, stirring the soup and checking on the biscuits in the oven. She didn't see Kid come in the door as Ezra left and didn't hear him sneaking up behind her until she felt his arms wrap around her waist. He kissed her neck, then turned her around and presented her with the daisy he had tucked in his hat band.

"A flower for a pretty girl," he grinned impishly, his blue eyes shining with delight at her smile. "I just wanted to say hi," he leaned down to kiss her. Eshe sighed in contentment. She was so happy with Kid, she could almost forget everything that had happened to her. Almost. In the back of her mind something was unsettled, but she was able to quell it most of the time. Now was one of those times.

"You're gonna make me burn the soup," she swatted at him with a towel. "Why don't you go let everyone know supper will be ready in about fifteen minutes."

"I can think of something else I'd like to do with those fifteen minutes," Kid laughed. "But I know, I know, then what would everyone say when supper burned. I'll go let them know to wash up."

Eshe laughed as he marched out of the house in mock disappointment. She was just setting the soup on the table when everyone else trooped in noisily laughing and talking. She caught Amanda's eye, and in silent agreement the two girls knew they wouldn't mention Tommie to the others. At least not until they had a chance to talk it over.

Tommie hurried back to the brothel with the laundry. Her mind was reeling. Part of her was overjoyed at seeing Eshe and Amanda but she was also filled with a deep sense of shame at having her friends see her in such a condition. She could hardly believe that they were all here in Rock Creek. Even Buck, Eshe had said.

Suddenly Tommie was filled with the urge to drop her basket of sheets and run after her friends to beg them to take her to Buck. For a moment it was so strong she literally swayed on her feet and a small moan escaped her lips. Squaring her shoulders, she forced herself to go on.

She knew she could stay at the station house with the others and she would be more than welcome. She could help Eshe with the cooking and the laundry and Amanda was sure to have plenty of chores that needed tending. Only one thing stopped Tommie from chasing after her friends: her pride.

All her life, Tommie's parents had taught her to never accept charity. In the Windmere family, if there was something one of them needed but could not afford, they did without it. Never under any circumstances did they allow anyone else to know they needed help. It had been imbedded in Tommie's mind at an early age. And so, even though she knew her friends wanted her to join them and even though she knew Buck would be ecstatic to see her, Tommie hesitated. She wanted to be with Buck more than anything; sometimes it was the only thing that kept her going, but she wanted to be with him because he wanted her, not because he felt obligated to care for her.

What if they tell Buck I'm here? Tommie thought with panic. She knew that her work was clean and honest, even if the place where she did it wasn't, but just picturing the look on Buck's face if he saw her in a brothel was more than she could bear. He would understand, she told herself sternly. And she knew he would. A sudden image of his face floated through her mind. It was so proud and full of grace gained through many years of hardship. Yes, if anyone would understand, it would be Buck.

Go! She urged herself. Run far away from this place. Find Eshe and Amanda, find Buck, and forget these last few months ever happened. But still her feet carried her back to the brothel. As much as she loved her friends, Tommie knew she would be better off staying away from them than to be a burden.

Ezra and Buck both stood on the porch of the main house, rubbing their stomachs contentedly. Eshe was turning into a fine cook and none of the boys liked to miss her meals if they could help it. After a hearty dinner of chicken and dumplings, the two men had retired to the porch to watch the evening sky slowly fade into a deep royal blue.

Eventually Ezra stirred and began to stretch. "It's a splendid evening. Care to join me for a card game in town, Mr. Cross?" To be quite honest, all Ezra really wanted to do was find a bed and crawl into it, but he knew his reputation as a rogue preceeded him and he had no intention of changing that.

Buck shook his head. "No, thanks. I think I'll stay here."

Self absorbed as he was; even Ezra had noticed the change in the quiet half-breed. Buck had become withdrawn and distant. Only Ike could seem to reach beneath the hardened exterior to find any semblance of the man who used to be there. Ezra thought that the change had occurred about the same time that the redheaded girl had disappeared. He wondered if she was the reason for Buck's sad demeanor.

"It could be just the curative for your malady." Ezra teased lightly.

Again Buck declined and with a tip of his hat and a flash of gold tooth, Ezra set off. For a moment he felt guilty and wondered if might ought to offer a few words of wisdom to the forlorn Indian, but in an instant it passed and he continued on without another thought.

Buck watched Ezra's hastily retreating back until it disappeared into the sooty darkness of the night. He appreciated the gambler's efforts to try and cheer him up but Buck just couldn't make himself go. It seemed like since Tommie had left, he didn't want to do anything anymore.

He couldn't understand why Tommie didn't write. Buck thought he had made it clear that he would come for her no matter where her parents had sent her so why didn't she let him know where she was? Had her feelings changed? Was she in some kind of trouble where she couldn't get in touch with him? Buck had the restless urge to set out and try to find her, but where would he go? In which direction would he start? He hit the porch railing in frustration.

He walked down to the corral and stared into the empty fence. A foal had been born that day and Buck and Ike had helped ease it into the world. Watching that spindly little creature Buck had felt a stirring within him for his own family. A few months ago, with Tommie, Buck had thought for a fleeting instant that perhaps he had found someone who could share that dream with him. Buck had believed that Tommie had felt the same way but now he wondered. Was he simply out of sight, out of mind? Had he ever really mattered to her at all?

He felt a tapping on his shoulder and sensed immediately that it was Ike. He turned and smiled half-heartedly at his friend. Ike's gentle face reflected his concern.

Ike signed, his green eyes showing the emotions that his voice wouldn't let him.

"I'm fine." Buck sighed. "I just needed to be alone for awhile."

[You're not even trying to get over her.] Ike accused.

"I can't help it. It's not easy." Buck admitted softly.

Ike's hands began to sign again, moving so quickly that only Buck or Amanda could have understood him. [Maybe it's time to find someone new.]

He shook his head, causing his long dark hair to swing forward into his eyes. "I'm just not ready, Ike."

[She may not come back.]

Buck's eyes flashed indignantly. "I know that! You of all people should understand how I feel. How did you feel when you and Amanda were apart?"

Ike dropped his head sheepishly. [Like my whole world had ended.]

"Exactly." Buck said pointedly. He was quiet for a few minutes, then: "Ike, I know I have to move on…I'm just not…ready."

Ike nodded and patted his friend's shoulder consolingly. They stood together quietly for a few minutes more, then Ike yawned and motioned to the bunkhouse.

"You go on, I'll be there in a little bit."

Ike left and Buck stood staring up at the stars, wondering if somewhere Tommie might be looking at the same sky.

The saloon of the brothel was packed and Ezra smiled in satisfaction. The more drunken patrons there were, the more money there was to be won. He quickly joined in a heated poker game and signaled for a drink.

A few hands, three drinks, and twenty dollars later, Ezra was distracted from his cards by a loud argument taking place in the corner of the room. From his position he could see a large, scantily dressed woman and a short, squatty cowboy conversing animately with an unseen third party. He watched for a bit, wondering if there would be a fight. A good heated argument always did wonders to loosen up the purse strings in Ezra's opinion.

He signalled to his waitress for another drink but she shook her head and pointed. She was standing behind the bar and the exit was blocked by the large woman's ample backside. Ezra turned his attention back to the argument again, this time wondering if it would soon be over.

He waited another fifteen minutes but saw no signs of settlement, so with a sigh he heaved himself from his chair and headed for the bar himself. He got about five feet before he noticed that the cowboy was directly in his path.

Ezra tapped the man on the shoulder and tried to squeeze by, but evidently the man was so involved in his conversation that he didn't notice.

"Excuse me, sir." Ezra said loudly, to no avail.

Finally he decided to shoulder his way between the three and that's when he saw her. Their eyes met at the same time and Ezra felt his jaw drop open. Tommie's eyes widened in shock. The other two evidently didn't notice any of this because they continued their discussion.

"Well, Marge, what's the word? Can I have a go with this gal or not?"

Marge shifted her squinty gaze to Tommie and nodded. "You heard the man, Girl, get upstairs."

Tommie turned her desperate gaze back to the older woman. "Oh, please, Aunt Marge! I can't do this! I won't!"

"You can and you will, missy, else you find somewhere's else to stay. This is my establishment and I won't have a customer dissatisfied."

Ezra quickly assessed the situation and cleared his throat. "Might I have a word?"

"No!" Marge and the cowboy said in unison.

"I believe I may have a way to resolve this dilemma." He tried again.

"Stay out of this, you sissified scamp." Marge spat.

"I'll remunerate you one hundred dollars." Ezra held the cash in front of her face to prove it.

Marge blinked. She may not have understood everything he had said, but she knew what one hundred dollars meant. She turned to the cowboy. "You got that kinda money, boy?"

The man turned red and glared furiously at Ezra. "Now, Marge, you know I ain't. That ain't fair! Me and you was figuring us out a deal. He cain't just step in and up the ante."

"I think he just did." Marge said rudely, snatching the money from Ezra's hand. "Upstairs, to the left. You got one hour."

Ezra grinned at her winningly then took Tommie's hand and led her up the stairs. The cowboy and Marge continued their arguing unhampered.

"Oh, Ezra, thank you, thank you!" Tommie cried when they were alone. "I'll pay you back, every cent I swear!"

"Of course you will. Now gather your things, my dear."

"Why? Where are we going?" She asked, pausing at the door to her room.

He smiled and said simply: "Home."

The way station was quiet when they arrived. Ezra strode without hesitation to the front door of the main house and knocked. A few minutes later a sleepy Amanda answered. Her face registered shock then delight as she recognized Tommie.

"I have an acquaintance that is in need of some accomodations." Ezra said lightly.

Amanda squealed and threw her arms around her friend. "Silly girl, what took you so long!"

They started inside when Ezra cut in quietly. "Ah-I do believe there is something you have forgotten outside, Miss Tommie."

She turned back confused as she had thought she had all her bags. Then she saw him. He was standing nervously at the bottom of the stairs in his dark pants and long john shirt. His long dark hair blew carelessly in the night breeze.

"Buck?" She whispered.

He took one look at the tired lines in her face and the dark circles under her eyes and knew without knowing what had happened. She seemed to have aged ten years in the last few months but she was still the most beautiful sight he had seen in a long time. Wordlessly he climbed the stairs to her, sensing the fear in her gaze.

"I'm so sorry, Buck....I know I didn't write..."

"Shh." He cut her off by taking her in his arms and kissing her.

With a smile Ezra and Amanda exchanged glances then quietly left the two alone.