Prologue – Present For years, Celeste had done research on the many Pony Express stations and the riders who worked for them. After saving for what seemed to be half her life, she finally had the money to come out West and try to find the old Sweetwater Station, which was no longer known to be standing. Her friends and family thought she was crazy to go out exploring by herself but she refused all offers from them for someone to come with her. This was a trip she had to make and she had to make it by herself. She wasn’t sure why it was so important to go alone but she knew that she had to come by herself to find the Sweetwater Express Station. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ She was lost, hopelessly lost. ‘Oh why did I come out into the ‘wild’ all by myself?’ Celeste knew that her sense of direction wasn’t the best. The map she had showed that the old Pony Express station was west of the town. It should have been about three miles but she was sure she had gone a lot further than that by now. Her horse stood patiently while she looked at the surrounding countryside. ‘Well, I know the station wasn’t far from the pond and the horse just watered there a few minutes ago. It couldn’t be far now,’ she thought. She had read stories of the riders going swimming on hot days down at the ‘watering hole’. Looking out at the water, she could almost hear the whoops and yells of the boys jumping into the cool, clear water on such a hot day as today was. ‘I have to be close,’ she thought to herself again and urged her mount on. About half a mile further, she came across a rusted and falling down windmill. ‘Yes!’ she thought to herself, ‘I have finally found it!’ The horse could sense it’s rider’s excitement and picked up it’s pace, riding with a sense of determination, almost as if it knew where it was going. Through the tall grass and brush a wooden structure could be seen. At first it was hard to tell what building it had been because part of it had collapsed and the weeds were so overgrown. Tethering the horse to a post that seemed sturdy, she walked over for a closer inspection. It looked like it had been the barn at one time. Most of the far wall had collapsed and only portions of the other three were still standing. Through the broken door, what had once been stalls could still be seen. Turning around she noticed that what had once been the main house was now a pile of kindling. In her minds eye, she could see what the two story white house had looked like. There was a porch on the front that had once held a swing and a white picket fence that went around a small patch of grass out front. She could still see the three steps that had led up to the porch. Funny how they looked like they were set in place just recently. One structure caught her attention the most. It had been the old bunkhouse. Amazingly, it looked like it was in excellent condition. From the outside it was weathered and gray with age but she could see no holes in the boards. The roof looked intact too. Making her way over to the building she stopped, awed at the idea of stepping where actual riders of the Pony Express had once walked. Taking a tentative step up onto the porch, making sure her foot wasn’t going to go through rotting wood, she moved towards the door. The excitement of actually being here, of standing where the Pony Express riders once lived made her heart beat faster and her breath catch as she turned the doorknob to go inside. Dust motes floated in the air as she entered the room. An odor of disuse hung in the air and there were cobwebs hanging from the rafters. It looked as if the room had not had visitors, two legged or four legged, for many years. What had once been the rider’s bunks still stood against the walls. Of course there were no mattresses or blankets, only boards that once gave them rest after long, hard rides. A cracked piece of mirror hung near the door. Celeste could imagine the riders taking turns looking in it, as they got ready to go into town or to a dance. She could almost hear the banter and laughter of the long ago occupants. It was like a sauna in the bunkhouse so she opened up the window. It was stuck at first, the wood warped with age, but finally it opened to let a warm breeze in. Sitting down on one of the bunks, she noticed a piece of paper wedged along the side of another bunk and the wall. Reaching over, she carefully removed it and opened it up. It was a drawing. In the first row, sitting down were two men with a woman in the middle of them. In the back stood three other men. In the corner of the paper it had the name Ike written on it. She remembered a rider who was named Ike McSwain from her research but it couldn’t be the same Ike could it? Could the other men in the picture be the other riders that she had read about? How could the paper survive all these years if it had been drawn by one of the Pony Express way back in 1860 or 1861? If it was the same Ike, was this a picture of his fellow riders? Who was the girl? She had never came across the mentioning of a girl other than Emma Shannon and Rachel Dunne who were like housemothers to the riders. Was she one of the riders girlfriends? The other men in the picture looked rugged and somewhat handsome. Leaning back against the wall, Celeste closed her eyes, daydreaming about who they had been. As she fell asleep, she would swear she heard voices whispering to her from afar. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Sweetwater Express Station 1861 Celeste awoke to the sound of “Rider comin’” and a horse fast approaching the way station. Sitting up she shook the sleep from her head trying to remember where she was. I’m at the Sweetwater Pony Express station she thought, in the bunkhouse, but where did that yelling come from and the sound of the horse? The horse! Oh, my gosh! Celeste thought jumping up. My horse has run off without me! How in the world am I going to get back? I’m in the middle of nowhere with no signs of civilization nearby and it’ll be dark soon. She ran to the door and threw it open. At first she couldn’t believe her eyes. She rubbed them thinking that surely she must still be asleep and dreaming. There in the yard, which was no longer over grown, were several young men. They were dressed like the pictures she had seen in the library of men in the Old West. One had just jumped off a horse while another led it into the barn. Looking out to the west, she saw a horse racing into the afternoon sun. Across from the bunkhouse, the old house that had been a pile of kindle now stood once more. Turning to look behind her into the bunkhouse, Celeste noticed that the room now housed a table and benches on the sides and two chairs at the end of it. The bunks had pillows and blankets on them and there were curtains on the windows. And what on earth was she wearing? How did she end up with this skirt and blouse on? Where were her jeans and t-shirt? At least the boots were still her own. This can’t be she thought to herself. I have got to be dreaming all of this, none of it can be real. Just then a voice sounded behind her coming up the steps. “About time you woke up. We were beginning to think the doc was wrong and you weren’t ever going too. How are you feelin’?” The speaker was a very pretty strawberry blond haired woman. She put out her hand to Celeste, “I’m Rachel. I look after the boys here at the station.” Celeste shook her hand, trying to grasp what was going on. The Rachel Dunne she knew that had run the station had passed away in the early 1900’s. The woman whose hand she had just shaken was very much alive. Rachel ushered Celeste back into the bunkhouse to one of the chairs at the table. “Do you remember what happened to you? Was there anyone else that you were with that may be in need of help?” Celeste shook her head no, confused. Fear at not knowing what was going on, made her voice shaky when she finally spoke, “I don’t remember how I got here. One minute I was by myself and the next I woke up to someone yelling outside.” Rachel was peeling potatoes by the sink. She nodded towards the yard and told her, “That would have been Buck you heard. Cody was coming and Kid had to get ready for his run. Ike is the one that found you this morning, when he was returning from his run. You were about twelve miles from Sweetwater, wandering. You had a cut on your forehead and were dazed. Doc said that you must have hit it on a rock but he expected you to be fine after you rested.” As Rachel put the potatoes on to cook, a young blond rider with the bluest eyes Celeste had ever seen came rushing up the steps. “Rachel, is dinner ready yet? I’m starved!” the young man asked, looking for something to snack on. Rachel laughed. “Cody, you’re always hungry. Why don’t you go get cleaned up and by that time, dinner should be on the table. Oh, by the way, this is…?” “Celeste. Celeste Anders.” Tipping the brim of his hat and smiling a charming lop sided grin Cody bowed to Celeste. “William F. Cody at your service Miss. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Celeste blushed and smiled at the young man as he turned to go get cleaned up. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ A while later out near the barn the riders were discussing their guest. “So she’s finally awake?” Buck asked. “Yeah. Her name is Celeste. And what a heavenly body she has.” Cody sighed. *Only Cody could fall in love looking for dinner!* Ike told them. The others laughed as Rachel called them in for dinner. There were a few minutes of confusion in the room as the riders took their seats. All eyes were upon Celeste at the end of the table. She smiled a bit nervously and murmured hello to their greetings. A man with faded red suspenders came into the bunkhouse and sat at the head of the table. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Nice to see you up and about Miss. I’m Teaspoon Hunter and these here are my boys. On this side of the table are Noah, Jimmy and Ike. Over here are Buck, Cody and Lou. Kid is out on a run an’ should be back tomorrow. We hope you are feelin’ better now that you rested. Do you remember what happened to ya?” “Thank you. I’m Celeste Anders. I don’t exactly remember how I got to where Ike found me this morning. By the way thank you for your help Ike.” Celeste smiled at the rider who turned his head and blushed. *Glad to have been of help* Ike signed. Celeste looked at him with confusion so Buck translated for her. “Ike says he was glad he was able to help. He doesn’t talk.” Everyone had just finished dinner when the doc stopped by to see how his patient was getting along. “Well, the hit on the head could be the reason for not remembering how you came to be wandering around. Give it a day or two and it will probably all come back to you.” Doc told Celeste patting her hand and rising to leave. “If you need me again, have one of the boys come get me Teaspoon, but I think everything is going to be ok.” Rachel who had finished up with the dishes said her ‘good nights’ and asked, “Celeste if you’re ready for bed, I can show you the spare room over at the house?” Celeste would be staying with her until they figured out where she belonged. The riders told the women goodnight and watched them walk to the house before settling down for the night themselves. “Ike, your sure you didn’t see or hear anyone else out where you found Miss Anders?” Noah inquired. *There was nothing out there Noah. She was all by herself. No horse, no baggage. Nothing. * “Well, I get the impression that something isn’t right, that there is more to her appearance then we know,” Buck told everyone getting up from the table and going to lay down on his bunk where he could think without being disturbed about their guest. He couldn’t put his finger on what it was that didn’t seem right, but he just knew that something funny was going on with their guest and he was going to find out what it was. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Over at the house, Rachel had given Celeste a nightgown to use and showed her to the spare room. As she lay in bed, Celeste tried to make sense of the day. How could she have gone back in time to when the Express station was up and running? Was this all a dream and she was going to wake up any minute and be back in her world once more? That thought brought a sudden sadness upon her. Since she had been a small girl, Celeste had had a fascination with the Pony Express and all the exciting tales she read about the boys and men who had gotten the mail through no matter what. She used to play on the grounds of the Hollenburg Ranch near her parent’s house. That is where she first learned about the Pony Express because it had once been a station long ago. What caught her interest was that it started on April 3rd, the same day as her birthday. Her family said her interest bordered on obsession. Celeste didn’t care though because when she got lost in the stories about the West and the Pony Express, she felt alive, like she was a part of it somehow. Now, here she was, if she could believe what she was seeing, actually meeting Buffalo Bill Cody before he became famous, Wild Bill Hickok before he embarked upon the life of a gunfighter. ‘If I wake up in the morning and I’m back in that empty bunkhouse, will any of this have been real? Is it just that my dreams and wishes have manifested themselves in a way that the history of the way station and the people who lived and worked here have come to life in my mind? All I know is I pray that I’m still here, wherever here is, when I wake up.’ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Sunlight filtered through the lace curtain over the window as Celeste opened her eyes. What had woke her up? It was some kind of thumping sound. Wait, there it was again. Thump Thump Thump Celeste went to the window to see what was making the noise. Across the yard was Jimmy Hickok chopping wood. By the pile next to him, it looked as if he had been at it for quite a while already. She noticed Lou and Ike by the corral watching Noah working with a horse. Sitting in the shade of the bunkhouse porch, she noticed Buck working on something. Looking into the man’s face, she saw he had stopped working and was watching her too. Dropping the curtain into place, she stepped back from the window. What was it about Buck that made her heart race so? All he did was look at her. Putting on the clothes she wore the day before, Celeste wished for something else to wear. She hated wearing the same thing two days in a row. ‘Looks like I’m going to be wearing more than twice since I have nothing else,’ she thought as she went downstairs. Rachel and Teaspoon were at the kitchen table drinking coffee. Upon seeing her, Rachel stood up to get her a cup and asked if she were hungry since she missed breakfast. “I’m fine, but I wouldn’t say no to a cup of that coffee. It smells delicious.” “Have you remembered how you got to be wandering yet Celeste?” Teaspoon asked as she sat down. Shaking her head Celeste told them both, “I just don’t have any explanation on how I came to be where Ike found me. It’s as much a mystery to me as it is you.” “Mr. Hunter and I have been talking and I want to let you know that you are more than welcome to stay here with me until you figure out where you belong. I could really use a hand taking care of the riders. They keep me on my toes with all the cookin’, cleanin’ and washin’ that go along with them besides keeping an eye on ‘em so they don’t go finding themselves in too much trouble.” Celeste was overwhelmed by the offer. Not knowing if she were ever going back to where she came from, she was only to happy to accept. “If you don’t mind then, why don’t we head over to the bunkhouse and I will show you where all the supplies are and we can see how you do cooking supper for a crowd.” Buck watched Rachel and Celeste as they came out of the house and headed towards him. What secret was she hiding he wondered. She doesn’t seem afraid so I don’t think anyone is looking for her. Whatever it is, I think I will be the one to find out, he thought as he looked up to greet the women. “Buck, some good news. Celeste is going to stay on and help me with feeding you boys.” Buck grinned. “Cody’s stomach will thank you for sure. I’d be happy to show you around later if you like Celeste.” “Why thank you Buck. I would like that very much.” He listened to the women talk as they worked from where he sat for a while before Ike asked him to come check out the horse Noah had been working with. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “I must say you sure do make a fine meal Celeste. That pie was one of the best I have every tasted, and believe me, I have tasted many a pie in my day!” Teaspoon confessed, sitting back in his chair after dinner. The other riders nodded in agreement with him, adding their praise for the meal also. Cody couldn’t get enough it seemed, taking a fourth helping before Rachel could stop him. “Cody I think you have had more than enough. Save some for someone else.” “Sorry Rachel. It’s just that it is so delicious, I can’t help myself.” They all laughed at that. Buck asked if Celeste was ready for him to show her around but she looked to Rachel and told him that she needed to help with dishes first. Rachel shooed the pair out the door saying that there were enough hands to help out and groans could be heard behind them as the other riders tried to sneak out before Rachel roped one of them into doing the dishes. Celeste could hear her saying, “Why Jimmy, so nice of you to offer to help!” “Aw Rachel, why did ya have to pick me?” “Cause you were the slowest one trying to sneak past that’s why. Here’s an apron.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Buck showed Celeste around the station. She enjoyed seeing all the horses and hoped that she would be able to ride one of them sometime. It was such a nice evening that Buck suggested they walk to the pond since it was still early. Sitting on the bank, Celeste found it hard to believe that she was once again looking at the pond she had passed only the day before, but over a hundred years from then. It looked pretty much the same. Maybe not as many weeds on the bank as when she watered her horse though. Buck watched her for a while before speaking. “I notice you don’t speak about your family at all. Did something happen to them and that is why you are out west by yourself?” Celeste looked at him, unsure what she should tell him. If she confided in him, would he think she was crazy? Would he no longer look at her with the kindness she had seen in his chocolate brown eyes? So far, Buck had shown her the most kindness and she didn’t want to lose his friendship. “Last I heard, my parents were doing ok. I haven’t seen them in quite awhile though. I don’t know if I ever will see them again.” Her voice caught with the last statement and Buck reached over and held her hand. “Why wouldn’t you see them again? Is there some reason you can’t go home?” Celeste wiped away a few tears and watched an eagle flying in the distance. “It’s not that simple Buck. I just don’t know if I can explain why.” “ If you don’t want to say why you can’t go home, that’s your business but if you ever want to talk, I would be honored to listen.” Celeste got the feeling that she had hurt his feelings. What could she say that would make him believe what happened to her? “Oh, Buck. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you. I’m just not sure how to tell you is all…” Buck smiled knowing that she wasn’t afraid to tell him after all. So many people didn’t trust him since he was Indian. It was a sore spot and he was glad to see that Celeste was different from other women of his acquaintance. Leaning back on his elbows and crossing his legs, he gave Celeste an encouraging smile before saying, “Why don’t you try me?” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was quite late when the two returned to the station. Buck’s head was spinning from the tale Celeste had told him, but he didn’t doubt that she was being honest with him. He escorted her to the front door of Rachel’s house and told her not to worry, he would think on what she had told him and they would figure it out together. Celeste went to bed that night with a much lighter heart. She had told someone her story and he didn’t think she was crazy. Thinking of Buck as she fell asleep, Celeste felt as if all was right with the world. Over at the bunkhouse, the other riders had already turned in for the night. Buck jumped when Cody said, “I guess this means that Celeste is off limits to the rest of us, huh Buck?” Buck threw his pillow at him and told him to shut up. Lou could be heard trying to stifle a giggle in her bunk and the others snickered. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Buck was up before the sun the next morning having the first run of the day. He was going to be gone several days having to wait at Fort Laramie for a reply for Teaspoon so he asked Lou to tell Celeste he would see her when he got back. During Buck’s absence, Celeste’s days were busy learning what it took to run a Pony Express Way Station and by the time she fell into bed each night, she had only a moment to think of Buck and wonder what he was doing before she fell into the sound sleep, only those who have done an honest days work ever know. It was close to a week before Buck returned. Teaspoon’s message had been delayed and Buck couldn’t wait to get back to Sweetwater. He had his fill of soldiers who weren’t too fond of Indians. Even though he had scouted a time or two when needed for them, most held him in scorn. Riding into the station in late afternoon after delivering the message in town to Teaspoon, Buck was more than happy to let Kid take his horse for him. He couldn’t wait to wash up and get a hot meal. Walking up to the bunkhouse he couldn’t stop himself from looking around to see if Celeste was near. The slam of the door against the bunkhouse wall startled Lou and Celeste at the table where they had been reading one of Cody’s dime novels and made them jump. Lou remarked with a devilish grin that he was lucky Jimmy wasn’t there or he’d probably been shot for startling them like that. “Sorry,” he told them not able to take his eyes off Celeste. Today she was dressed in pants and a shirt. ‘Sure can tell she isn’t a boy,’ he thought. Lou saw the look that Buck gave Celeste and excused herself, though she didn’t think either noticed her leave. Buck took Lou’s vacated seat next to Celeste. He smiled as she blushed. “Hi. Sorry it took so long to get back. I thought about you the whole time I was gone,” he said a bit shyly. “You did? I’m glad because I thought about you too Buck.” Her face reddened at her admission, his nearness causing her heart to beat faster. Buck gently stroked her cheek with a finger, amazed at how strongly he felt about her. He stood up and told her he had best get cleaned up or Rachel would have his hide for messing up her clean bunkhouse. Going out the door, Buck turned back to Celeste, telling her, “I would like to talk to you later about what you told me, if that’s alright.” “Sure Buck,” she replied and he was gone. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ After another fine meal provided by their new cook, the riders decided to sit on the porch and enjoy the evening. Buck sat on the step next to Celeste so that they could talk. “I would like to tell you a story that a holy man once told when I lived with the Kiowa. He told of a stranger who came out of the mist one morning. He was white, but not like any white man they had ever seen. His clothes were foreign. He had a hard hat on his head and something in his shirt to make his shoulder big, like a bear. He carried a brown, oblong shaped thing. The man did not know where he was either or how he had gotten to the Indian village. The holy man and chief talked alone with the man while warriors waited outside the teepee. When they joined the others the chief said that the Spirits had sent this man to them from many moons yet to come. No one understood how this could be, but it was so. I don’t remember the rest of what happened, or where the man had went.” The others had listened as Buck told his tale. Afterwards Cody asked, “Do you believe that someone could come from another time?” Buck looked at Celeste and gave her a questioning look. “Yes, I do Cody and if Celeste doesn’t mind, I’ll tell you another story and then maybe you all will believe too.” Celeste’s heart was racing at the thought of the others knowing her secret, but if Buck thought they should hear it, then she would trust him. She gave him a small nod and he began his tale. Teaspoon was the first to speak after Buck was finished. Clearing his throat, he set his chair legs on the porch. ”Don’t that beat all, a real honest to goodness future person here with us. Well, I’ll be!” “What was it like, you know, going through time?” Cody asked with awe. He’d never met a person who had done that. “Actually Cody, I didn’t even know it had happened. I just woke up to someone yelling, ‘Rider comin’. I thought I was dreaming and none of this was real, but it is.” “What’s it like, the future?” Lou asked in wonder. For the next hour or so, Celeste told them what it had been like where and when she lived. Everyone was just amazed at the information. Cody was so excited at the future that he was wishin’ it would hurry up and get there now. “Now Cody, don’t you be wishing your life away. It’ll go by fast enough. Now you’d best get to bed cause mornin’ will be here even sooner and one of you has an early ride if’n I remembers correctly,” Teaspoon said as he hooked his thumbs in his suspenders and stretched. “That’d be me Teaspoon,” Noah called out heading into the bunkhouse. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The next morning at the breakfast table, everyone was still discussing what could have caused Celeste to come into the past. So far no one had come up with an explanation that seemed plausible. Ike thumped the table to get their attention before signing, * Maybe it was her heart that brought her here.* There was quiet in the room as they all thought about what he said. “Makes sense to me Ike,” Kid replied looking at Buck with a grin. The others all nodded in agreement watching Buck and Celeste who were both squirming under all the attention. The attraction between the rider and the newcomer had not escaped notice and the others found it amusing watching the romance unfold before their eyes. While the other riders filed out of the bunkhouse, Buck lingered until it was just Rachel, Teaspoon and Celeste before he spoke of what had been on his mind since his return from Fort Laramie. “I was thinking that maybe Celeste would like to visit my brother’s village. The holy man may be able to tell us what had happened to the man I told you about.” The hope that sprang into Celeste’s eyes made Buck’s heart skip a beat. “Oh, do you think he may be able to help me Buck?” Celeste asked a little afraid to hope that someone might know what had happened to her. “I don’t know Celeste. All we can do is go and see what he has to say.” Turning to Teaspoon, he asked, “That is, if you can spare me for a few days Teaspoon.” Teaspoon looked at Rachel who nodded her acquiescence before nodding himself, “I think that’s a mighty fine idea Buck. When will you leave?” “Tomorrow will be soon enough. I have chores to still do here and I’m sure Celeste would like some time to get ready for a short trip.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “How long do will it take us to get to your brother’s village, Buck?” Celeste asked after they had been riding for about an hour. Buck smiled as he looked over at his companion, “I think we should arrive just after night falls. We will see the glow from the campfires long before we actually get there.” “Will your brother mind us showing up without warning?” She was worried about actually going into an Indian village. The lop-sided grin, Celeste was getting to recognize well crossed his face as he replied, “My brother will be expecting us.” “How? You didn’t send him a message and we only decided to go just yesterday.” She was perplexed on how they could be expected without sending a note. “My brother will know we are coming long before we get there. There will be scouts watching and one will have told him.” “Oh! Will we see the scouts? How will you know they are from your brother’s tribe?” she asked, thirsting to learn all she could about his people. Shaking his head, Buck was surprised at how little Celeste knew of the Kiowa and ways of the Indians for having such a love of history and the ‘Old West’ as she called it. “I may see them, if they aren’t very good at keeping themselves hidden, which many of them aren’t when you know what to look for like I do. I doubt you would spot them, especially in the dimming light. Don’t worry though, I promise to keep you safe and not let anything happen to you.” Feeling a little more at ease, Celeste murmured, “Thank you, Buck. I appreciate that.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Red Bear was waiting to greet them as Buck had predicted. Clasping his brother’s arm in greeting, Red Bear asked with a grin, “Running Buck! What a pleasure to have you visit. Who is your friend?” Turning to where Celeste stood just off to the side of Buck, the two men watched her for a moment as she looked around her, taking in the sounds and the sights of the Kiowa village. “Red Bear, this is Celeste Anders. I have brought her to see the holy man, to hear his wisdom on something that has occurred and to learn from him.” “Tomorrow, Running Buck. I will take you myself to him, but tonight, we eat and talk,” Red Bear told him, thumping him on the back once again. Celeste shyly watched the two brothers in conversation. She marveled at the good looks they shared in common and thought to herself, ‘Buck is much handsomer though,’ as Buck held out his hand to her so that he could bring her over to meet his brother. “Celeste, I would like you to meet my brother, Red Bear, who is chief of our tribe.” Celeste did not know if she was suppose to shake hands with Red Bear or not, so she gave him her biggest smile and said quietly, “It is a pleasure to meet you Red Bear. Your brother has told me much about you on our trip here.” Red Bear threw back his head and laughed, “You must not believe all that my brother tells you. Come, sit at the fire and we will eat.” The rest of the evening went by quickly. Celeste was so engrossed in studying those around her, wishing that she had a camera to capture what she was seeing, so that she’d remember the day forever, but had to settle with watching since she did not have her camera when she ‘crossed over’. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was late when a young woman knelt next to Celeste, motioning for her to follow her. Not sure what the woman wanted, she looked towards Buck who smiled. “She wants you to go with her. She will show you where you will sleep. Don’t be afraid. I will be there shortly.” Giving Buck a last look, Celeste stood up and followed the woman to a tepee not far from the fire. The interior of the tent was warm and lit dimly by a small fire in the center of it. The woman spoke to Celeste, but she did not understand what was being said. She was able to figure out that the woman wanted her to change when she held up a beautiful doeskin dress that was fawn colored. Her fingers stoked the soft material before she accepted the dress and turned to change, feeling shy with the strange woman in the tent with her. When she had finished changing and turned around she found herself to be alone in the tent. She had not heard the woman leave she had been so quite. With nothing else to do, Celeste laid down upon the blankets set off to one side of the fire. Staring into the flames, her mind began to drift. She was overwhelmed by all that she had experienced in the last few hours and fell asleep in minutes, never hearing Buck enter the tent. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Early the next morning, Celeste was awakened when a sudden bright light shown on her face. Letting her eyes adjust, she could make out Red Bear in the doorway, talking with Buck. Coming to where she was sitting up, Buck told her, “The holy man is ready to see you. You must come now.” He held out a hand to help her up, not letting go of it as they followed Red Bear out of the tent and through the maze of tepees. Celeste’s heart was beating rapidly; fear that the holy man would give her the news that she would not stay in this time made her drag her feet. Buck noticed the fear and sadness in her face and pulled her close. “Remember, I am here with you,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head. She took courage from his words. Buck was showing himself to be more of a man than anyone she had ever met in her own time. It was at that moment that she knew with all her heart that she loved him and wanted to stay here with him in his time forever. Red Bear stopped in front of a large tent with many different symbols painted on the flaps than Celeste had seen on any of the others. The couple was motioned to enter as Red Bear disappeared inside. ‘It’s now or never,’ Celeste told herself, afraid of what she may or may not be about to learn. A small bowl of some kind of aromatic grasses sat smoldering near an old man who was sitting, wrapped in robes. Red Bear pointed for Buck and Celeste to sit across from the holy man as he took his place next to him. Celeste felt uncomfortable under the old mans stare as they sat in silence, no one saying a word. She almost jumped out of her skin when a wizened voice said, “Finally, you have come my child. I have been waiting for you…” Looking over at Buck, she didn’t know what to say. He shook his head and turned towards the holy man once more. Not sure what else to do, Celeste turned also and waited for him to speak again. They did not have long to wait. “I have seen you in a vision…you are not from this time…” the man paused. “You worry. It is for nothing. You will grow old next to Running Buck, have many children…” Celeste was not sure she had understood the holy man right. Was he telling her that she and Buck would marry, have a family? Her heart skipped a beat at the thought that she was here, in the past to stay. Closing her eyes, she missed the look Red Bear gave Buck and the smile that crossed the younger brothers face. Sudden rustling caused her to open her eyes. Red Bear was standing. “Come, we go now,” he told them. Once outside the holy man’s tepee, Celeste started to tremble. Buck, who was still holding onto her hand, gathered her close. She looked up into his eyes and saw her future waiting for her and it made her heart soar. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Present Day It was two weeks since anyone had heard from Celeste, which in itself wasn’t unusual. But when family members were told at her motel that she had not been seen since the second day of her vacation, they became concerned. All her belongings had been in the room still so she wouldn’t have just up and left without taking everything. The sheriff and Celeste’s father, Tom Anders rode up to the old Sweetwater Express Station in the late afternoon. From the silence, Tom was afraid that his daughter was not there. The two men got down off the horses and started calling for Celeste as they began to look around for signs of her having been there. The place looked deserted. In what had been the bunkhouse, the sheriff found the dust had been disturbed around one of the bunks. It looked as if someone had sat on it, other than that, nothing. “There is a family that lives about 5 miles west of here. Why don’t we go ask if they have seen or heard from your daughter? If she ran into some kind of trouble, they may have helped her.” With a sense of dread over his daughter’s whereabouts, Tom followed the Sheriff. Riding up to the Cross Ranch, the sheriff called out a hello to the man who stepped out at their approach. The two men tethered their horses on a bush and walked over to where the other man waited in the shade. “Hello Cody. I’d like you to meet Tom. Tom, Cody.” The two men shook hands. Tom guessed that Cody was Indian, but not sure which tribe. Cody appeared to be a mix of Indian and white. His hair was black, skin a light brown, and he had eyes a green that reminded him of Celeste’s. “Please come in out of the heat. Would you like something to drink?” Cody asked as the men sat down in the living room. They both accepted tall, cool glasses of the best well water Tom had ever tasted. “I’m guessing that this isn’t just a social call Sheriff. Is there something I can do for you?” “Have you seen a young woman in the last week or two Cody? She has black hair and green eyes. About 5’6” and tough as nails? Name is Celeste Anders. She went out to the Sweetwater Express Station, or that is where she had been headed and no one has seen or heard from her since then. We just went out to the station and couldn’t find any real sign that she had even been there. Place is deserted.” Cody experienced a jolt at the name Celeste Anders. “Did you say her name is Celeste Anders, Sheriff?” Tom was the one who answered him. “Yes, she’s my daughter. Here is a picture that was taken not too long ago.” He handed the photo to Cody who seemed a bit shaken when he looked at it. “Cody, are you alright? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost. Does this mean you have seen this woman?” the Sheriff asked. Shaking his head in disbelief Cody rose to get an album from a shelf in the room before answering. “Before I answer, I want you to take a look at some pictures and tell me what you see.” The men were puzzled, but did as Cody asked. Tom gasped in surprise. “That is Celeste. That’s my daughter. I don’t understand though. How did you get these pictures of her and why do they look so old?” “That is my Great-Great-Grandmother. Her name was Celeste. Celeste Anders,” Cody said pointing to the picture that Tom was staring at. Tom and the sheriff looked at Cody not sure what he was telling them. “So, you’re Tom Anders? This is unbelievable,” Cody stated in a semi-state of shock at the name. “Yes, I am. Why?” Tom asked confused at the way Cody was acting. “Are you from Cottonwood Creek, Kansas by any chance?” “Yes I am, but how did you know? I have never been here before and I have never met you before today.” Cody got up once again and crossed over to a wooden lock box on the mantel over the fireplace. He brought it back to where the men sat and took a key out of his pocket and opened it. Taking out an envelope, he handed it to Tom who saw his own name written on it in what looked to be his daughter’s handwriting. “I think this belongs to you. I always thought that it was just a story that my grandfathers told to amuse us as children. It was just too unbelievable to be real. This envelope has been in that lock box for more than 100 years. Each son has been told to keep it there and not open it, that one day the man named Tom Anders would come and that it was to be given to him at that time. We thought it was a joke since all this time no one by that name has ever come asking about Celeste.” Shaking his head, Cody said, “I sure never thought you’d come in my lifetime!” The sheriff asked what story Cody was talking about and he told them that he would tell it once Tom read whatever was in the envelope. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Tom carefully opened the envelope, not sure what he would find inside. He unfolded several sheets of paper that had turned yellow with age. The writing looked so familiar it tugged at his heart. There were tears in his eyes as he began to read: Sweetwater June 1880 Daddy, I know that you must be out of your mind with worry for me. I wish that I could spare you and Momma the heartache that my disappearance has caused you. You are not going to believe what I have to tell you. In fact, I still have a hard time believing it all these years later. You may think this is all a hoax, but it isn’t. Everything I am writing to you is true. I am leaving you something as proof that will be given to you after reading this letter. I found the old Sweetwater Pony Express Station Dad! Just like I knew I would. What I never expected was to step back in time. Yes, I said back in time. That is exactly what happened! I fell asleep in the bunkhouse and awoke back in 1861. I am not joking Dad. I was confused and thought surely I must be dreaming but as time went on, I knew it was all real. I actually went back in time Daddy. None of us at the station knew how or why it had happened. Most would have thought I was insane with such a story as being from the future, traveling back in time and such, but not the men and women who lived here. They had very open minds and believed me, even when I doubted myself. To make a very long story short, I didn’t know if I was ever going to end up back in your time. The people here took me into their family and made me one of their own. You would have loved them all Daddy. Teaspoon became like a father to me, though he could never replace you! So full of wisdom and not afraid to tell you like it is. He passed away recently and I miss him so much. I actually met Buffalo Bill Cody! He has such a way with story telling. It is never dull with him around. Wild Bill Hickok is also a friend. Can you believe that? I told him about his death in Deadwood and he listened to me. He made sure he never went to the Black Hills. In fact, he married a woman who had disguised herself as a boy to ride with the Pony Express. There are others that I want to tell you about but you will have to find a copy of a book called “My Days with the Pony Express” by Celeste Cross. Whoever gave you this letter may even have a copy you can have. After the Civil War started, the Pony Express disbanded. At that time, I married one of the riders. His name is Running Buck Cross. Buck is part-Kiowa, part-white. We built a house not far from the Sweetwater Station and started a horse ranch with Jimmy Hickok and his wife Lou. Guess what? You’re a Grandpa! I have three children, two boys and a girl. They are just beautiful Dad. The oldest is Ike James named after two friends and fellow riders of their father’s. Hunter Thomas, named after you and Teaspoon is our second son. He reminds me of you a lot. Our daughter is Rachel Cross, named after one of my very best friends here, Rachel Dunne. I have had pictures taken so that you may one day see them. I only wish that you will have been able to meet them but know that when you read this that they too, will have long ago left this place. Having read so much when I was young, I was able to remember some important events that happened in the times I was living in. We did pretty well with investments and I have something for you and Momma to help you live comfortably in your later years since I will not be there to take care of you. There should be a package that goes with this letter. Just ask for it when you are done reading. I don’t know what else to tell you about my life other than I have never been so happy. I have a wonderful husband who loves our children and me. He is such a wonderful man. You could not have asked for better for me. We have a good life, the very best of friends and are happy here. I don’t know if I will ever see you or Momma again in my lifetime, but always know, you are always in my heart and in my thoughts. I love you both so very much. I miss you both, but please don’t cry for me Daddy. I am where I have always wanted to be. Love your daughter, Celeste Anders-Cross Tom was crying by the time he finished reading the letter. His mind was telling him that none of it was real, that Celeste was out there somewhere, waiting to be found but his heart told him that the words were all true. His daughter was gone and he would never hold his little girl again. The sheriff asked what the letter had said and Tom handed it to him telling him to read for himself. He did not believe any of it. ‘Time travel, letters from the daughter dating 1880? What hogwash’, the sheriff thought looking from one man to the other. Cody sat quietly waiting while the other man read the letter also. Once the sheriff had finished and handed it back to Tom he began to tell the tale he and his siblings had been told many years ago by his grandfather. “Long ago, as a child, my brothers and sisters were told a story of how my Great-Great-Grandmother Celeste Cross arrived in Sweetwater. We were told that some kind of magic happened and she came from far in the future to find our Great-Great-Grandfather, the love of her life. She stayed in his time and they married, had children. Their life together was a good life. Celeste was a happy woman. Sometimes we would be told stories of things that were from the future, not believing any of them. We just figured that the stories were made up for our amusement. Now, I’m not so sure it wasn’t the truth.” “The letter mentions a package that goes with the letter?” Tom mentioned, wondering what it could be. Cody opened the wooden box again and took out a brown paper wrapped package. It was tied with twine. Tom had to cut it with a pocketknife to get it off. Inside were several items. The first one was a necklace that he himself had made for Celeste for her 16th birthday. He knew it was the one he gave her because he had designed it himself. It was a rider on a pony like the emblem for the Pony Express. He had cut a moonstone in the shape of the setting sun with the rider in front of it. It was even engraved with his initials in a hidden spot that Celeste didn’t even know about. He started crying again when he held it. There was no doubt in his mind that it had belonged to his daughter. The next was a heavy bundle in cloth. Opening it up, he couldn’t believe his eyes. There in the cloth lay 5 very good sized nuggets of gold. With today’s prices, it had to be a small fortune he was holding in his hands. In the bottom of the box was a small bundle of pictures. Names and dates were on the back in Celeste’s handwriting. There she was with her husband on her wedding day. She was beautiful. Buck looked handsome and the impression Tom got looking at him was that he was strong, brave and could handle anything that may happen. There were several of the children, his grandchildren at different ages. He could not believe that he was looking at pictures of his daughter and her family, his family and that they were no longer alive. He had grandchildren that lived and died before he even walked the earth! The sheriff didn’t believe a word of Cody’s story or the letter. He still thought that something had happened to Celeste Anders but Tom told him that he no longer believed his daughter was missing and that there was no case to investigate. With no missing persons report to go on and no evidence of foul play involved, the sheriff had to let the matter drop. Tom decided to stay on at the Cross Ranch for a few days at Cody’s urging so the sheriff headed back into town. He learned all about Celeste and her life in Sweetwater from Cody. They went through pictures, letters, and family heirlooms. While there, Tom was introduced to Cody’s children. Neither man was sure how to introduce Tom to them because he was really their Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather and he was alive. During the stay, Cody took Tom to see the family plot that sat under several tall trees not far from the main house. He read all the names and dates on the stones, marveling that these were his family, his grandchildren and son-in-law. Then he came to Celeste’s headstone, a beautifully made cross. Tom grimaced as he knelt down by it, tracing the name with his finger. He sat there in silence for a long while, listening to the wind whistle through the tall prairie grasses. Sighing, he took the necklace he had given Celeste and hung it on the cross. “Honey, I miss you so very much. It’s hard to take in what has happened, but I do believe you. I believe you went to where your heart was and found true happiness. I have read about your life and have talked with your grandchildren… my grandchildren, and I know that you were where you were meant to be. They all have your green eyes. Can you imagine that? A whole tribe of Kiowa with green eyes?! I love you Celeste…” As Tom stood to leave, he could have sworn the wind was whispering, whispering from afar, “Ride safe Daddy…”

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