Chapter 2

"So she was at the saloon all this time?" Buck Wilmington asked, astonished as he sipped his coffee.

"Right under our very noses," Ezra said, pouring his second cup of coffee.

"I bet Cross was outta his mind with worry," JD said, shaking his head at the thought.

"She was frightened and upset, and in the hands of a woman that she certainly shouldn't have been," Ezra replied as he sat down at the dusty old desk. Folding his hands in front of him, he looked up at Buck and smiled. "She's at the station house now though."

"Where she belongs," JD added with a smile.

"I bet Amanda and Eshe were so happy," Buck said, imagining the looks on the faces of the young woman.

Ezra laughed. "I believe that 'happy' is an understatement, Mr. Wilmington. Ecstatic is more like it."

Buck slapped his hand to his thigh, mulling the idea over in his head. "Well, whatever it is, I'm just glad them girls got each other."

"Indeed, Mr. Wilmington," Ezra said with a glint in his eye. Taking a quick sip from his cup, he shook his head. "Indeed."

"How are the girls doing?" Vin asked, staring out the small jailhouse window.

"Oh, real good from what Ez says," Nathan replied, running the edge of his knife across the sharpening stone. "Tommie's adjusting back to being with her friends. Amanda and Ike are happy, and well, you've seen Kid and Eshe," Nathan said with a smile. "I ain't ever seen two people more perfect for each other."

Vin listened intently, his eyes fixed on the street outside. He smiled. "Good," he said aloud as he shrugged out from under the heavy buckskin jacket he wore. "Where's Ez?"

Nathan looked up at Vin curiously. "Where ya think....the saloon."

Vin laughed, shaking his head. "Oh yeah, almost forgot." He turned to face the healer. "Well, he's been out at the way station lately."

"Yeah, I know," Nathan said, running his thumb over the razor sharp edge of his knife. A fine, thin line of red ran the length of his skin. Nathan smiled as he stuck the digit into his mouth. "You know, I even saw Ez hammering on the windowsill. Don't think he had an idea what he was doing, but he was hammering."

Shaking his head, Vin turned back toward the window. Buck Wilmington stood on the far side of the street, waving his arms in the air in some grand gesture. Two young women walked past him, giggling as they looked at him and then at each other as Buck's charming smile lit his face. "Good ole Buck," Vin said as he pulled open the jailhouse door.

"He flirting with the locals already?" Nathan asked as he followed Vin out onto the boardwalk.

"Already?" Tanner asked sarcastically. "He started the day we got here."

"Afternoon pards'," Buck said loudly, shouting into the still afternoon as he sashayed across the dirt road. "Nice scenery 'round here, don't ya think?"

"Buck, you have no shame," Nathan said, shaking his head.

But Vin Tanner did not hear the conversation. Instead, he stood still, his eyes fixed on the ramshackle stage that had just pulled in. Luggage was piled high on the old coach's top, but the stage appeared to be mostly empty. The driver jumped down from his seat, wiping the dust from his bottom as he moved to the stage door. Opening it quickly, he held out his hand.

For several seconds there was nothing, and Vin almost began to wonder if the stage really had been empty. Then a delicate gloved hand appeared, and Vin held his breath.

She descended from the stage like an angel from heaven, layers of maroon silk embroidered fabric gathered up in her arms. She wore a large matching silk hat that concealed her face as she focused all her attention on the steps she had just come down.

"Well, look at that," Buck said curiously, slapping Vin on the back. "A fair maiden approaches."

Nathan laughed. "You're so full of shit Buck."

Still Vin remained silent, his eyes fixed on the mysterious beauty. He waited with baited breath for her to turn around, yet still she did not. It looked as if she were arguing with the driver, motioning toward the building at the far side of the street while the driver shook his head no emphatically.

Frustrated, Vin could see her chest rise and fall in a heavy sigh. The driver began to unload her luggage at the edge of the boardwalk as the woman shook her head, turning away. Instead she raised her hand to shield her eyes, slowly surveying the half empty streets of town. She turned so that she was in full view and Vin felt his breath catch in his chest.

She was every bit as beautiful as he knew she would be the moment she had stepped off the stage. Long dark auburn locks lay on her shoulders forgotten as she batted at them with her free hand. Gracious curves complimented her small waist. She was tall and statuesque, and had skin the color of ivory. She bit nervously on the corner of her full red lips as she squinted her dark eyes, taking in every building along the street. Finally her eyes happened upon the three men that stood staring at her with their mouths open. She smiled enchantingly and Vin realized that he had forgotten to breath.

He inhaled deeply, his face red as she started toward them. "Good afternoon gentleman."

In rare form, Buck sauntered forward. "Afternoon Mrs......", he said with a smile that covered his entire face.

The woman shook her head, reaching out her hand. "I'm not married Sir. It's Miss. Miss Monroe. Alexandra if you please."

Buck took her outstretched hand and placing a delicate kiss on the back of it. "Ahhh, Alexandra. It's music to my ears. I'm Buck. Buck Wilmington. At your service."

Nathan cleared his throat. "Nice to meet you ma'am. I'm Nathan Jackson," he said stepping forward.

Alex pulled her hand free, despite Buck's tight grip. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nathan. Please, call me Alexandra," she said as she took his hand in a firm, confident shake. "Or Alex. My friends call me Alex."

Nathan chuckled softly, a gentle pink rising in his cheeks. "Alex it is then." He felt unbelievably hot for some reason as he stepped back, her exquisite gaze making his toes tingle.

She turned toward the quiet tracker who still stood with his mouth open and it was Alexandra's turn to blush. Bashfully, she held out her hand. "And you are?"

Vin looked from her face to her hand, staring at it as if he wasn't quite sure what it was. Suddenly, he felt a strong jolt on his back as Nathan elbowed him. Life flooded back to him as he regained his speech. "Vin. Vin Tanner," he said rather loud and fast as he wiped his sweaty palm on his gray pants before taking her hand in his.

There were several seconds of silence as they stood holding each other's hand, and Vin wondered if there really was truth to the old adage of love at first sight. 'Because if there is,' he thought to himself as he let her fingers slip from his. 'I must be in love.'

Buck must have sensed the strong attraction that seemed to radiate off of them. "What brings you to our neck of the woods, Alex?" Buck asked, stepping in between Vin and the enchanting beauty.

Alex smiled, motioning to the old building behind them as she shook off whatever had been holding her fixed to the tracker. "I'm the new owner of the Rock Creek Register. I'm going to resurrect it so to speak," she said playfully as she looked up at Buck, squinting against the sun that filtered around him like a halo.

Nathan clapped his hand together. "Now that is good news. We could use a newspaper 'round here. You written on a paper before?" he asked curiously.

A brilliant smile lit her face. "Since I was a girl. My father ran a newspaper in Pennsylvania for many years. My granddaddy before him." She winked at him as she placed her hands on her hips. "I know the business like a gambler knows his cards."

Suddenly all three men were stuck silent, each exchanging glances before dissolving into a fit of laughter. "We understand completely."

"Why is that so funny?" she asked, looking from man to man.

But Buck only shook his head. "It's not important." Turning to her bags, Buck scooped one up. "Can we help ya with your luggage?"

Alexandra raised an eyebrow, but decided not to pursue it any further. Instead she shook her head in agreement. "That is quite neighborly of you, Mr. WIlmington. I would appreciate that," she said as she bent to pick up a bag herself. "I tried to get the driver to assist me, but he was quite set in his ways."

Nathan chuckled. "Yeah, we saw the argument," he said as he picked up a truck and two small bags.

She started toward the old newspaper office when she felt a hand encircle around her, slipping the handle of the bag she carried from her grasp. "I'll take that for ya," Vin said quietly, his eyes meeting hers for a brief second before he stepped behind her, inhaling deeply on her lilac perfume as he did.

Vin could see a smirk on Buck's face as the ladies' man looked at him out of the corner of his eye. Nathan walked beside him as he listened to Alexandra talk of the newspaper and what she had planned for the small town of Rock Creek. "It's only the beginning..." she chimed, her dark hazel eyes sparkling in the bright afternoon sun as they stepped up onto the boardwalk.

'Yes it is,' Vin thought to himself as he felt butterflies dance in his stomach at even her slightest gaze. 'It's only the beginning.'

Tommie and Buck were lying on an old blanket, looking out over the quietly rippling waters of the pond. Buck had his arm wrapped gently around Tommie’s waist and her head was propped against his forearm.

"Buck?"

"Yeah?"

"Will it always be this good?" She questioned.

"No." He replied, then laughed at her surprised expression. "It will be better."

"I don’t see how it could get any better than this." Tommie protested.

He smiled mysteriously. "You never know."

She grinned at him shyly as he brushed a stray lock of red hair away from her face. Already she looked healthier, more like her old self. Buck insisted it was all the home cooking Eshe was constantly encouraging Tommie to eat but everyone else knew better: It was her love for Buck that made her flourish.

"Are you ready to head back to the house?" He asked presently.

Tommie’s face fell with disappointment. "So soon? Oh, Buck, can’t we stay just a little longer?"

He rubbed his thumb gently under her chin. "We’ll come back, I promise. I need to get back to the station; I have to talk to Amanda before my ride."

They stood and Buck folded the blanket neatly. As they headed back for the buckboard, he suddenly stopped Tommie and pulled her into his arms.

"I love you. Do you know that?" He whispered.

She blushed lightly. "Yes…but it’s always nice to hear it again."

"I love you." He breathed the words gently into her ear, sending shivers down her back.

"I love you, too."

"I’ll be back day after tomorrow." He promised, leaning down from his black pony to kiss her one more time. "Don’t worry, you’ll be safe. I don’t think your aunt will come here anyway, but if she does, the others will take care of you."

"I know." She nodded. And she did. Although she had to admit the mental image of Aunt Marge taking on Jimmy, Cody, JD, and the others was a funny one.

She waved him off and felt lonely before he was out of sight. It was the first time Buck and Tommie had been separated since her arrival at the stationhouse. She was a little surprised to find out how much she had grown to depend on him.

Amanda happened by on her way to the barn and noticing her friend’s forlorn expression asked if Tommie would help her feed the horses. Tommie was grateful for the distraction and eagerly accepted. The two friends chatted animatedly while they worked and in no time they were done.

"Better get cleaned up." Amanda advised, wiping a bead of sweat from her eyebrow.

"Why?" Tommie asked, puzzled.

Her friend grinned mischievously. "There’s a dance in town tonight. We’re all going."

"Oh! I don’t know, Amanda, I really wouldn’t feel right going without Buck." Tommie hedged.

"Nonsense." Amanda said briskly. "Buck knows and he’s perfectly agreeable with it. Besides, my brother insists. Ezra says he would consider your debt completely paid if you would be willing to let him escort you."

Tommie smiled. She had attempted numerous times to thank the handsome gambler for rescuing her but Ezra always managed to avoid her. Eshe had confessed that she thought he was embarrassed at being known for doing something so nice. Ezra tried to play the callous, hardhearted role, but deep down he was a big old softie according to Eshe.

"Well, in that case…I guess I can’t say no." Tommie agreed finally.

"I wouldn’t recommend it." Amanda laughed. "Ezra can be as stubborn as Mother when he wants to be."

Tommie suddenly grasped her friend’s hand and clasped it close. "Oh, Amanda, I’m so lucky to have friends like you and Ezra and Eshe!"

Amanda slung an arm around her friend’s shoulder as they walked to the house. "You’re not so bad yourself!"

Tommie helped Eshe prepare dinner then clean up afterwards before returning to her room to get ready for the evening. To her surprise, she saw that Amanda had carried the big washtub into the room and filled it with steamy warm water. Tommie felt a wave of happiness wash over her. It never ceased to amaze her how thoughtful her friends were.

She bathed quickly then sat down at her dressing table to brush her long auburn locks. When her hair was shiny and smooth as a satin ribbon, she carefully piled it onto her head and secured it with combs. She brushed her nose with a tiny bit of powder and added a dash of rouge to her lips. Finally she slid into a light blue dress adorned with navy flowers. She used the buttonhook to lace up her boots then took a look at herself in the mirror.

The lamp caught the gold glints in her hair and made them gleam. Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement and her cheeks were flushed with color. I look happy, she thought to herself, and it’s because of Buck. Just the mere thought of the handsome half-breed made her complexion even rosier. She could hardly wait until his return, but for now, she had kept Ezra waiting long enough.

She walked carefully down the stairs and found him waiting for her in the parlor. His dark hair was combed neatly back and he looked extremely dashing in his coat and string tie. He flashed a gold-toothed smile at her and bowed.

"My lady." He greeted. "You look ravishing."

"Thank you." She smiled, taking the hand he offered. She thought Ezra very handsome and knew that he would make some woman very lucky someday.

They walked outside together and he helped her down the porch steps. The night was perfect: warm and starry. The moon was a huge round marble in the sky gleaming down on them.

"Mind if we stop by the bunkhouse first?" Ezra asked, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. "I believe that Ike and Amanda are waiting for us there. Do you mind if they accompany us?"

"Of course not!" Tommie smiled.

Ezra walked behind her up the bunkhouse steps, then stopped. "I’ll be just a moment, I seem to have a rock in my shoe."

Tommie turned and knocked and the door eased open. "Ike? Amanda?" She called, hearing no sounds from within.

She stepped inside the door and stopped, her mouth hanging open in shock. Inside, the bunkhouse had been completely transformed. Every surface available had been cleared and candles stood in brass holders. Tommie guessed there was at least fifty candles burning. The whole room was glowing with the soft light.

In the middle of all this stood Buck. He was wearing a jacket and his long hair was pulled back into a ponytail. The candlelight made his white shirt appear incandescent and his dark eyes were sparkling and liquid. His face lit up at the sight of her.

"You look beautiful." He murmured.

"Buck? What are you doing here? I thought you were on a ride." She said in disbelief as she moved closer to him.

"I traded with Cody." He reached out and caressed her face, unable to stop himself from touching her. "Didn’t you notice that he was gone?"

Tommie thought back to dinner and remembered that she had wondered where the blonde rider was but she had just assumed he had made a trip into town.

"But…why?" She asked finally.

Buck took her hand and cleared his throat nervously. "Well…there was something I needed to talk to you about; something that can’t wait."

"What is it?" Tommie looked mystified.

He looked deeply into her eyes. He was so serious that Tommie was sure something was wrong. She felt her knees begin to quake. "Buck? What is it? You’re scaring me!"

"Tommie…Thomasina…" He yanked at the collar of his shirt. Suddenly he dropped to one knee, still holding her hand. He produced a box hidden in his other hand behind his back. "Thomasina Windmere…would you do me the honor of marrying me?"

Tommie felt like her whole body had been dashed with cold water. She stared down at Buck with wide eyes, her mouth making a perfect circle. "M-m-marry you?"

Buck nodded anxiously. She could see a veil of sweat covering his forehead.

"Oh, Buck!" She cried weakly. Just when she was sure her knees would collapse, he stood and caught her in his arms. She covered his face with kisses. "Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you!"

He wrapped her in his embrace, letting out a noisy sigh. "Took you long enough!"

She pulled back a little so she could see his face then she laughed. "I can’t believe you! You’re so sneaky! And Ezra and the others… I guess they were in on this the whole time?"

"Guilty as charged." Buck Wilmington joked as he threw open the front door.

"We got tired of waiting." JD explained, seeing the expressions on Tommie’s and Buck’s faces.

"Are we to infer by your posture that she said yes?" Ezra inquired.

The others slowly filled the room. Eshe and Amanda pushed apprehensively to the front, both of them looking questioningly at Tommie and Buck. "Well?" They asked in unison.

Tommie glanced at Buck then back at her friends. Her face split into a wide grin. "We’re getting married!"

The brothel was open for over a month now and the movement was higher than Nell had expected. Nell watched from her room's balcony the movement in the street and the men entering the house. She hadn't liked the idea of leaving Fort Laramie, she had a good income there and Rock Creek seemed too poor for her standards, a whore with standards, the thought made Nell let out a laugh.

She stepped back inside and take a look in mirror; the low neckline dark dress fitted her perfectly and the hair carefully tied up gave her a classy look. Satisfied with her appearance, Nell left the room and crossed the hall.

Nell never stepped down to the main room before she house was full, it was one of her habits; she tended to stay at the top of the stairs, smoking a cigarette and examining the clients.

She always drew attention with her pretentious look and that was what she liked it. The mystery, the desire, Nell wanted to have power over the men, this sense of control made possible for Nell to believe she was more than what she really was, a whore.

"The house is full Nell" said Maggie, moving slowly towards Nell.

The green-eyed woman looked from the main room to Maggie, "That's the way I like Maggie" Nell replied seriously, narrowing her eyes she looked back down and lighted another cigarette.

She searched the room with her eyes and there he was again, the blonde man all in black. He intrigued her, since the first time she had laid eyes on him; every night he sat alone and drunk; sometimes one of the girls tried to make him company but he seemed more interested in the whiskey or one of his friends joined him to a short conversation.

Nell grew curious about him, never a man had made her so curious before and now this Chris Larabee had crossed her path. One night was different, he seemed sadder and was drinking a lot more than usual. Nell then stepped down and moved towards him decided to find out a few things about the gunslinger.

One week later.

She knew nothing about him and he even less about her but some things simply happened, they were meant to happen. She rose from the bed, wrapped on the robe and sat by the window; a calm rain was falling down from the gray sky. Nell's eyes went from the morbid landscape to the body laying on the bed; one night he got drunk and told her about his wife and son and things had changed. Chris came back to Nell since then, he drank with her and talked or they simply sat together in a comfortable silence; there was an odd bond being formed between the quiet cowboy and the heartless prostitute.

He moved on the bed with the smell of her cigarette; opening his eyes slowly he met her green eyes staring at him. Chris didn't say a word, he simply kept his eyes on hers until she stood up.

"Leave the money on the table" Nell stated as she crossed the room towards the door, Chris followed her with his eyes and said nothing. He simply stood up, got dressed, paid her for her services and left the bedroom heading downstairs.

"Good morning cowboy" Maggie, who was standing behind the bar, exclaimed.

Chris smiled and sat at the bar, while Maggie placed a cup of coffee in front of him, "Told you not to call me a cowboy Maggie"

"You sure look like a cowboy to me sugar" the old woman replied with a grin, Chris shook his head and took a gulp of the coffee.

"Where is she?" Maggie asked after a moment and Chris looked up at the stairs and back to Maggie.

"Don't know.." it was Chris reply and Nell's voice was heard in what it seemed a discussion with one of the girls

Maggie shrugged "Someone is in a bad mood today" she affirmed, "Did you have a good performance last night?"

"Maggie.." he let out a scowl

"Just asking sugar.. just asking " Maggie replied with a smile.

"See you later.." Chris said and stood up, going towards the door. He putted his hat on once he was at the porch and went towards the jailhouse.

"He is gone" Maggie exclaimed and turned around and up to see Nell standing at the top of the stairs.

"Thought he was gonna stay here forever" Nell replied and stepped down crossing the room towards the window.

"Oh .. you wouldn't want that right?" Maggie asked sarcastically, smiling maliciously.

"He is just a client" Nell stated and turned to Maggie, " Nothing more " she added lighting a cigarette.

"Since when you became so cheap dear?!" Maggie said raising an eyebrow, knowing Chris didn't pay Nell's usual price, "He can't afford you.."

Nell knew Maggie was right, Chris couldn't afford her price, not many people in that town could but there was something about him.

"He is a gunslinger Maggie" Nell stated, "He and his friends can protect us if we need it.."

"We always took care of ourselves dear" Maggie spoke, "You know that.."

"Things change .."

"I can see that.. " Maggie commented and met Nell's glare.

"I'm going to take a shower" Nell said as she walked over the room, not really wanting to start a discussion about something she was still trying to figure out.

"You do that sweet" Maggie murmured, not hiding the victorious smile she had in her lips, "You do that .."

"Well, my dear, what do you think?" Grayson Gregory asked as he gently touched her leg.

Layne hesitated. She hated to tell her husband her first impression of Rock Creek but felt she must be truthful. "It’s…very quaint." She replied finally.

Grayson chuckled at her. "It’s alright, dearest. In time you will come to love our new home, I’m sure."

She was silent, not wishing to argue publicly. But internally she thought Grayson wrong. She knew she would never love a place like Rock Creek. For the last few hundred miles, all Layne had seen was dirt and dust, two things she despised. And the little town where she was now to live seemed to be made entirely of both.

The couple glided down the main street of town in their carriage, headed north to the place Grayson had recently bought two miles outside of town. For Layne, it was to be an entirely different existence than anything she had ever experienced. She had always lived in big cities, starting with New Orleans where she was raised and last in Galveston where Grayson had run his oil company. It had been his idea to move after he retired. He was tired of seeing buildings whichever direction he looked and longed to see some of the country before it was all settled. He had decided on Nebraska and a good deal on land led them to Rock Creek.

Layne thought of her mother and sister back in New Orleans and restrained a sigh. She missed them and hated being so far away. Her only consolation was that they were taken care of, thanks to Grayson. Still, she wished they could have brought them here. A troubled loneliness washed over Layne as she gazed out the carriage window.

She caught a glimpse of a young couple walking hand in hand. The girl had beautiful red hair that glistened in the sunlight and her companion made a striking contrast to her with his chiseled cheekbones and black hair. It was obvious they were in love and for a moment Layne felt wistful. They had the one thing she would never possess.

Grayson too seemed to observe the couple intently. "I guess that’s one thing that will be different here, Elayne. It seems this town is tolerant of mixing between the races."

For reasons she couldn’t fully explain, Layne felt compelled to take up for the unknown twosome. "Does it really matter, Grays? If you love someone the color of skin shouldn’t matter."

Grayson looked at her reproachfully. "Really, my dear, surely you know better. Like should stick with like. A savage is no better than a common dog and should be treated as such."

"You shouldn’t be so judgmental." She objected. "There are those who don’t think we should be together either."

"Age is entirely different." He said airily. He picked up his book from the seat and began to read, signaling that the conversation was over.

Layne turned back to her window gazing. The couple had disappeared from her view but her thoughts lingered on them. She wondered what it was like, to love someone and to have them love her in return. She had been married three times and never for love. Even with all the time spent with each of her husbands, the best she had ever managed was a sort of sentimental feeling. Her marriages had always been out of necessity, to provide for her family. For a long time Layne had thought she was fine with this, but occasionally more and more often she wondered what it would be like to lie next to someone with whom she shared a deep passion.

The carriage rumbled to a stop, interrupting Layne from her reverie. They were in front of the small courthouse, peeking neatly from behind a row of shrubs. Grayson began to gather his things and waited for the driver to open the door.

"I must sign the deed to the land; I’ll just be a minute." He promised as he alighted.

"Take your time, I may walk for a bit. I need to stretch my legs." She smiled.

She stepped outside and took a deep breath. For the first time she noticed the purity and sweetness of the air. Maybe she could get used to this. She would do what had to be done and if that meant living in this forsaken place, then so be it. Straightening her shoulders, she hardened her resolve and set off at a brisk pace down the mud-splattered boardwalk.

"Well, would you look at that!" Buck exclaimed softly, almost to himself.

"Look at what?" JD asked lazily as he extended his legs in front of him and shifted his hat further back on his head. He had just been on the verge of a nap when Buck had spoken.

"That." Buck pointed with a nod of his head.

JD followed his friend’s gaze and sighed. He should have known it would be a woman. With Buck it was nearly always a woman. Yet he had to admit that this one was extraordinarily lovely. Her curly dark hair was swept becomingly off her face and her gray blue eyes swept over the town curiously. She was dressed in lavender and carried a matching parasol.

"We’ve been getting a lot of those lately." JD muttered.

"Huh?" Buck glanced at him for just an instant before seeking the woman again.

"Have you noticed we have had a sudden increase in the female population around here? First that reporter, then the new gal at the saloon, now her." JD ticked them off on his fingers.

"New gal at the saloon?" Buck repeated, his eyes never leaving his target. "I ain’t met her yet."

"Well, save yourself the time." The young man said darkly. "She ain’t the friendliest of souls and besides she seems to have her eye on Chris."

Buck seemed to mull this information over for a minute, and then he quickly rose. "Let’s follow her."

JD sat up straighter. "Now hold on a minute! We’re supposed to be watching the jail…"

"Hell, kid, there ain’t even nobody in there!" Buck pointed out. "Now come on before I lose her."

Pushing his hat back down JD followed. His friend had a one-track mind and it was either go with him or get left. Personally, JD didn’t want to be the one left behind if Chris decided to show up.

They followed the girl as she made her way slowly down the walk. She finally went inside the dry goods store and Buck ducked around a corner to wait. He pushed JD impatiently in the back.

"What’s she doing?" He hissed.

"Like I know!" JD cried.

"Well, can’t you see her?"

JD peered in through the dusty window. "Yeah, but I can’t tell what she’s doin’. She just looking at some stuff."

Buck shoved JD aside. "Get out of the way, lemme look."

JD shook his head and blew out an exasperated breath. It didn’t look as if Buck had any intention of going anywhere soon, so he turned and leaned back against the building, trying to find a comfortable resting-place. "Let me know when you’re ready."

"Uh huh." Buck answered absently.

She was even more beautiful up close than he had first thought. Her mouth puckered like a rose bud and her skin was as fair as milk. There was a sadness to her face that he didn’t like but it drew him to her even more. Buck stroked his mustache thoughtfully, contemplating his next move.

"Stay here, kid. I’ll be right back."

JD rolled his eyes and nodded. Buck took a minute to smooth his clothes and test his breath by breathing into his palm, and then he entered the store.

She was browsing through some of the materials and fabrics on display. If she noticed the tall handsome man that stood in the doorway, she gave no outward display of it. Buck watched her for a minute longer then made his way over to where she was standing. He pretended to glance at some of the cloth before him.

"Excuse me, ma’am." He smiled easily at her and tried his best to look innocent. "Might I ask your opinion on something?"

She glanced at him through her sooty lashes. "I suppose."

Buck grabbed the first two rolls of fabric in front of him. One was the color and texture of sackcloth; the other was red sateen. "I was wanting to buy something to have my uh, sister a dress made. You look like you might have the same taste as her, which would you recommend?"

She stared at him for a moment without blinking, then: "Definitely the tan."

For the first time Buck noticed the choices he had selected. "Uh, really? You think so? You don’t think it’s too…drab?"

The woman’s expression never changed. "Oh no, not at all."

He gazed at her for a minute, perplexed. Then it hit him; she had guessed his real reason for approaching her and was teasing him. "Alright, you caught me. I’m not really buying that for my sister."

"Really?" She pretended to look shocked. "Tell me then, is it your occupation to lie to strange women in stores? Or do you just like to pick up married women?"

Buck grinned and backed up a step. "Whoa! Fiery little thing, ain’t you? Let’s start over, what do you say? I’m Buck…Buck Wilmington."

She stared at his extended hand then met his gaze with steely eyes. "And I’m leaving. Pleasure to have made your acquaintance."

She flounced out of the store with Buck just a step behind her. "Wait! Now that’s no way to be neighborly! I was just welcoming you to Rock Creek, you can’t blame a fellow for that."

"So sorry!" She spat and then suddenly the fire seemed to leave her. She closed her eyes and looked away for a second. When she spoke again, Buck could tell that she had put some effort into trying to sound friendly. "Truly, I do apologize, Mr. Wilmington. Where I come from, people aren’t quite so…friendly." She held out her hand daintily. "I am Mrs. Elayne Gregory."

Buck took her hand and kissed it gently. "Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Gregory."

She met his eyes, which were warm and brown. She sensed that underneath his flirtatious exterior was a genuinely caring man. She felt the heat of a blush begin to crawl up her chest. "It’s Layne, please, Mr. Wilmington."

"Only if you call me Buck." He winked at her.

The redness spread to her cheeks. "Alright…Buck, so good to have met you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my husband is waiting for me."

He caught her hand as she passed by him. "Wait…can I see you again?"

"Perhaps you didn’t hear me, Buck." Layne said coolly. "I am a married woman. I don’t think it would be appropriate."

"It’s only inappropriate if we get caught." He replied wickedly and immediately felt foolish. What the hell was he doing?

She tittered nervously and pulled her hand from his. "Good day, Mr. Wilmington."

Buck watched her sashay down the walk, her shoulders held stiffly. JD shuffled up behind his friend a huge smile on his face.

"You handled that well."

"Shut up." Buck growled.

"No, really!" JD snickered. "A few more minutes of that and I believe she would have left her husband."

Buck didn’t say a word. Quickly he snatched the hat from JD’s head, crumpled it with his hands and kicked it into the street. Then he turned and stalked off.

"You didn’t have to take it out on my hat!" The young man called after him.

Generally when there is a wedding there are plans. Plans for the dress, the place, and the flowers. Plans for the ceremony itself and the cake and the food. It was no different for Tommie and Buck. In love and giddy with the prospect of happily ever after, no obstacle seemed insurmountable, no dream too big. They didn't have much money, but it didn't matter to them. They both wanted a small wedding anyway. Even the differences between Tommie's Christianity and Buck's Kiowa beliefs only caused a slight hesitation before they decided to have Josiah perform the ceremony. His time living among the Indians would help to smooth the differences between the cultures.

Attendants were the easiest part. Tommie knew she would ask Eshe and Amanda and of course Ike would be Buck's best man. After some consultation, they also decided to ask Ezra to be a groomsman since he was the reason they were reunited.

In fact, for a wedding, the plans were coming along surprisingly well. There was only one exception: Tommie's parents. As hard as the past few months had been for her and as much pain as they had caused, Tommie still felt she should let them know of her plans. She hesitated to tell Buck for fear of what he would think. Finally one evening while they were out for a stroll, she decided the time had come to broach the subject.

"Buck…there's something I want to ask you." She began hesitantly.

He held her hand and caressed it gently. "What is it?" He asked.

"It's about my parents…what would you think if I said I wanted to tell them we are getting married?" Tommie met his eyes anxiously, wanting his approval.

His face was calm when he answered and for that she was relieved. "Any particular reason you want to do this?"

"Not really…" She hedged. "Maybe it's because they're my parents, no matter what has happened and I think they should know. Or maybe it's because I'm hoping they'll change their minds. Mostly, though, I just want to prove to them that they were wrong about us. That no matter what they did, they couldn't keep us apart and that they were wrong about you."

Buck answered her carefully; knowing her family was a sensitive subject. "Tommie, I don't mind telling them…but I really don't think it will change anything."

"Probably not." She admitted. "But at least I will have tried. Do you understand?"

He smiled at her crookedly. "I think so. When would you like to go?"

Tommie threw her arms around him, smiling. "You really are the best, do you know that?"

"You may have mentioned it a time or two." He said teasingly.

Sweetwater was peaceful when they rode into town. For some reason this surprised Tommie, maybe because the place had been in such chaos when she had left. She briefly thought of her brother Evan, and wondered where he was now.

The storefront was quiet and the closed sign hung in the window. Tommie could make out the light from a lantern glowing inside. She glanced at Buck for support and took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

"You still want to do this? It's not too late to turn around." Buck said as he helped her down from the buckboard.

"No…I'm ready."

She climbed the steps and knocked timidly on the windowpane of the door. A lifetime seemed to pass before she finally heard footsteps approaching. The door was snatched open and Mr. Windmere appeared.

"We're clo-" He began, then stopped as recognition dawned.

"Hello, Poppa." Tommie greeted, trying to keep the shaking out of her voice. She noticed how much her father had aged since she had last seen him and wondered if he felt any remorse for sending her away.

He stared at her for another minute, his eyes flickering. "What are you doing here?" He finally asked.

Tommie bit her lip, feeling the ball in her stomach become larger. "I came to see you…I…Buck and I have some news for you."

For the first time, Mr. Windmere's glance took in Buck, who stood a step behind his fiance, a hand on her back to show support. "Let me guess…you're carrying his heathen child?"

"N-no, Poppa." She stammered, hurt. With effort she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth. "We're…we're going to be married."

"And I guess you want money for the wedding?" He sneered.

Tommie felt tears begin to burn her eyes. "No! We don't want anything…I just thought you should know."

"Well, you won't get a cent out of me, Thomasina, not while you are consorting with this savage." He started to shut the door in their faces, but Tommie managed to stop him with her foot.

"Wait!" She said a little louder than she had intended. "I won't let you shut me out again, not until I've had my say. Buck is no savage, Poppa, he's the finest, most decent, honest man that I know! I should hope that you'd want to be more like him. He didn't have to come here with me; I wouldn't have blamed him after the way you treated him. But he's a strong enough person to forgive you!."

Her father scoffed. "Forgive me? For what? I have done nothing to him! But that is just like their kind, to take something completely benign and twist it into something ugly. I guess you have taken to his ways, Thomasina."

"You're wrong, Poppa. I love Buck! He's nothing like you say and even if he were, I'd rather marry a savage than someone like you!" Tommie knew she was losing control but was helpless to stop it.

Buck gently squeezed her arm. "Tommie, maybe we had better go."

"Yes, Tommie, maybe you had." Mr. Windmere mocked.

Tommie glared at her father. "I'm sorry, Poppa, sorry I wasted my time and Buck's by coming here. I should have known you were too stubborn to change."

He only looked at her stonily as the couple started to leave. Halfway down the steps, Buck turned back to his future father-in-law. "One day you'll be sorry for this. When you're old and all alone and wishing to your God that you still had someone to love you, you'll think of this day and regret everything you've said."

"Get out of here, Savage. You're not good enough to grace my property." The older man growled.

Buck retained his calm composure although inside he was seething. "Your words mean nothing to me. You can't hurt me like you do her with your sharp tongue. But make no mistake, you ever make her cry again, and I will show you the true meaning of the word savage."

"Rot in hell, where you belong…and take her with you." Mr. Windmere spat back, then he went inside, slamming the door behind him.

Buck wanted nothing more than to break through that door and pound the man on the other side. If he had thought it would do any good, he might have done it. Right now though, he knew Tommie needed him more. He went to her at once. She was leaning against the buckboard, trying to control her sobs.

"I'm sorry." She cried at once when he wrapped his arms around her. "I should have known this would happen. I'm so sorry, Buck. I shouldn't have asked you to come."

"Hush." He whispered, brushing back some of her hair that was getting soaked with her tears. "You don't have anything to apologize for…you were trying to do the right thing and he was acting like a child."

She hid her face on his chest for a while until she composed herself, then they climbed onto the buckboard and prepared to leave. Buck had just gathered the reins when the door to the store opened again. This time it was Tommie's mother who emerged.

"Wait!" She called to them.

She ran to the wagon and grabbed Tommie's ankle. She could tell that her mother had been crying and some of Tommie's anger melted.

"Here." Mrs. Windmere said, pushing an envelope into her daughter's hand. "It's not much and I know it can't make up for all he's done, but take it, please."

Tommie opened the envelope and saw several bills inside. She held it out to her mother. "I can't take this. We don't want your money."

"No, it's not that." Mrs. Windmere insisted. "I won't be able to come, Thomasina, I know he won't allow it, but at least let me do something for you. It's my money, your father won't even know."

Tommie's face was troubled as she looked at her mother. "You don't feel the same as father?"

Mrs. Windmere smiled sadly. "I only want you happy, my dearest, that's all I've ever wanted. And if this man is who makes you happy, then I would welcome him into our family with open arms…. But your father will never permit it."

Tommie leaned down far enough to hug her. "Thank you…for understanding."

"Be happy, Thomasina. You're a beautiful girl and I'm so proud of you." She faced Buck shyly. "Take care of her for me."

He nodded gravely and started the horses. Mrs. Windmere clasped a hand to her mouth and ran back inside. Tommie didn't glance back, staring at the horses, lost in thought. Buck decided to let her be.

Amanda sat on the bed, measuring the velvet box to the smooth green cloth. A cream satin ribbon lay next to her on the bed as she began to cut sizable pieces off of the fabric.

Absently, her mind began to wonder as she worked. Her thoughts on her dear friend and the upcoming wedding. Tommie had gone to Sweetwater to talk with her parents, and Amanda's heart broke for her. Although Amanda hoped with all her heart that Tommie's father would give his daughter the love and support she so desperately desired, Amanda feared that the results would not be so kind.

It was no secret that Mr. Windmere hated Buck Cross. He had made that perfectly clear. Amanda sighed. She knew exactly how Tommie felt. Ezra had not been so easy to convince that Ike was good enough for his baby sister, but finally he had come around. Amanda only wished Tommie found that same success.

"What are you doing?"

Startled, Amanda looked up to see Ezra standing in the door. She smiled, patting the side of the bed as she motioned for her brother to join her. "I was just wrapping my gift for Tommie for the wedding. I only wish they would take more."

Ezra shook his head as he smiled at Amanda. He knew Amanda had meant well, offering Tommie and Buck that she would pay for the wedding and care for all the arrangements. But Tommie wouldn't allow her to. "You're love and friendship are all we need," Tommie had said.

And though it broke Amanda's heart to see her dearest friends struggle financially with the wedding, she understood Tommie and Buck's desire to do it on their own.

"What did you get for her?" Ezra asked, his eyes resting on the velvet box that lay on the bed.

Amanda smiled wistfully, her eyes becoming distant. Memories of what seemed like a lifetime ago began to fill her mind. Of when Margaret was still alive, still her mother, or so she thought. Of times when life was much simpler.

Ezra could feel the sadness radiate off of his sister. Reaching out, he took her free hand in his. "What is it, sister?"

A great comfort filled her at the touch of his large, warm hand. His skin was soft against her, the tips of his worn padded fingers tightening against her palm. "Margaret wasn't always bad you know. She did have her moments." She looked back down at the box, seizing it with her free hand and pulling it close to her heart. "It was meant for my own wedding day." Looking up suddenly, she met his brilliant green eyes. "Brother, do you think I will ever get married?"

Ezra was taken back by the question, nearly drawing his hand from her as if he had been burned. He didn't know why he felt that way, only that he did. "Of course you will Amanda. Ike loves you more than anything."

Amanda sighed, her eyes never leaving his. Ezra could see that she truly believed him and yet, the thought of her actually getting married was a million miles away. "But we have been together for so long, and he has never even talked of it. I doubt he even thinks of it. Do you think it is me brother? Am I not the marrying type? Is it because I am..., well, because," Amanda dropped her eyes, swallowing hard as tears brimmed from the corner of her eyes. "Because I am soiled."

Ezra felt as if he had been slapped. "What?" he asked astonished. "What do you mean?"

Amanda did not want to continue, did not want to say it aloud. It was her past. It had been beyond her control. And yet, it would never, ever leave her until her dying days. It had happened, and someday, she would have to face it. "Because I was..., when I was hostage, and I....I..." she could not bring herself to say it. Instead, she dissolved into a fit of tears.

"Amanda, my dear, sweet sister," Ezra said softly, gathering her up in his arms. "That is the past. Ike loves you. You know that. As we all love you." He held her tightly. He had been fairly certain that she had moved past those tragic days when she had been brutalized, but he could tell that there were still residual effects of her trauma. He needed to get her mind from it. "Right now, you need to be there for Tommie. She and Buck are back from Sweetwater and it didn't go well from what I could tell."

Amanda pulled back, wiping at the tears that lined her cheek. "They are back already? Where are they?"

"Buck went into town to talk with Jimmy and Ike, but Tommie's upstairs I think. I believe she wanted to change her clothes."

Quickly, Amanda wrapped the satin ribbon around the green cloth. "I've got to talk to her. See how things went. Did she look all right?"

Ezra shook her head. "I'm not really sure. She breezed past me too quickly."

Amanda shook her head. Gathering up the gift, she brushed past her brother, stopping only to give him a peck on the cheek. "Thank you Ezra."

Ezra winked at her, catching her hand and placing a tender kiss on her palm. "What are brothers for."

Amanda knocked softly on the door. "Tommie, are you in there?"

The door was pulled open as Tommie stood before her. She looked tired, her eyes puffy and red. She was a bit pale, but she met her friend with a genuine smile. "Hi Amanda."

She stepped into the room as Tommie returned to the bed, replacing the dress she had worn to Sweetwater on the hanger. "So how did it go? How is your mother? Your father?"

For several seconds there was silence as Tommie seemed to consider her answer. Just when Amanda had thought to asked the question again, Tommie turned to face her with tears in her eyes. "Oh Amanda, it was awful. He was so mean. So cruel," she said as she began to cry.

Amanda quickly crossed the room, wrapping her arms around her friend as she lowered her to the bed. Stroking her hair, Amanda held her tight until her tears began to subside. "It's all right now Tommie. Don't you worry. We are here for you. We are all here for you."

"He looked so old, so bitter. The way he looked at me," Tommie looked up at Amanda with deep, sad eyes. "He hates me. My father really does hate me."

Amanda wanted to argue her statement, to contend that her father could not possibly hate her. She was too wonderful of a person to hate, and yet, she did not. Deep down, Amanda knew that it was probably true. On some strange, unforgiving level, he probably did. Just as Maude had done to Ike for so long. "Are you going to be all right? How is Buck?"

Tommie pulled away, swallowing her tears. She gathered Amanda's hands in her as a brightness filled her face. "You should have seen him Amanda. He was amazing. He didn't get angry or hateful even though my father was so spiteful. He was strong and caring and loving, and I am the luckiest women in the world."

Amanda smiled, brushing loose red strands of hair from Tommie's face. "That's because he loves you." Reaching into her pocket, Amanda pulled out the small box. "I've been waiting for you to get back so I could give this to you. I have another gift for you and Buck both for your wedding, but this one," she paused briefly as she placed the box into Tommie's hand. "This is just for you."

Tommie looked from the box to Amanda with surprise. "You don't have to do this Amanda. I've already told you, just being in the wedding, helping me with all the details as you have....that's all I need."

She shook her head. "I know, but I want you to have this. Please Tommie, as a favor to me."

Tommie turned the package over in her hands, admiring the contrasting cream ribbon against the dark green fabric. 'Trademark Amanda,' she thought to herself with a smile as she pulled the satin ribbon free. Removing the green fabric, she found a rectangular sized box, about the size of her hand. Curiously, she opened the lid and gasped.

Inside the box was a single stand of pearls, a very light beige that almost matched the color of the ribbon perfectly. Each pearl was small in diameter and perfectly spaced, simple but elegant in design. In the middle of the necklace hung a small peach colored cameo set in a fine ring of gold.

"My mothe...., um, I mean Margaret gave it to me years ago for my wedding day. It had been her mother's and her mother's before that." Amanda looked at Tommie with an honest love that Tommie had not expected. "You are as close to a sister as I have ever had, and I would be honored if you would wear it on your wedding day as well."

Tommie was speechless. For several minutes, she simply stared at the gift, and Amanda could see the wear on her face. Knowing the stress her trip had put on her, Amanda stood from the bed. "You don't have to answer now Tommie. Think about it, and let me know what you decide. Now, get some rest," she said as she hugged Tommie briefly before heading for the door. "It's nearly suppertime and I'm cooking tonight." She drew the door closed behind her, but stopped half way. With a flick of her long blonde locks, Amanda glanced back over her shoulder. "God help us all," she said with a wink as she pulled the door all the way shut.