To Have & To Hold (2)

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
Part 2

MARY BOLTON AND ROBBIE WOOTEN

Buck walked with Melissa to the horses and stood to the side holding her mount as she swung into the saddle. He was pleased to see that she sat a horse so well. Of course, she had mentioned that she had grown up on a farm, so she had probably been riding since she was old enough to walk.

He glanced around as they rode past the general store, the Marshall’s office and the school. There didn’t seem to be too many people around, which in his opinion was good. At least they wouldn’t be giving Melissa any grief about riding out alone with him...yet! He shook off the thoughts. He was going to have a good time in this lady’s company. He wanted to be with her and that was what was important.

Melissa realized that Buck hadn’t said anything since they had left the house. Was he nervous about being with her, or was it something else? “Buck, is everything okay?” She had decided to be brave and just ask what was on her mind.

Her musical voice brought him back from his thoughts. “Of course! Why wouldn’t it be when I’m with a lady as beautiful as you?” She blushed slightly, and he smiled. “Just wonderin’ where everyone was. People weren’t out and about as we was leavin’ town.”

Melissa glanced at the sun. It was still shortly after noon. “I imagine most of them are still sitting at the Sunday dinner table! Doesn’t Rachel fix a big meal for Sunday dinner?”

He noticed that she sounded surprised that someone wouldn’t. He assumed that must have been something that happened every Sunday at her home. “No, Rachel goes to church with Teaspoon on Sunday mornings. We don’t eat a lot for dinner. Our big meal of the day is supper!”

“I missed you in church this morning. Do you and the riders not go? Or is it that you just haven’t been invited?”

Buck sort of squirmed in his saddle. He didn’t know how to answer her question. He was hesitant to bring up the fact that he wasn’t that well liked in town, and that his presence in the local church would be frowned upon.

Melissa noticed that her question seemed to make him uncomfortable. “It’s okay Buck if you would rather not answer my question. We can talk about something else!” She smiled his way. “Like supper tonight. Rachel invited me to join you. So I guess not only are you stuck with me for the afternoon, but you have me to contend with for at least part of the evening as well!”

She was smiling his way again, and Buck’s heart gave a funny little leap. He would like to be “stuck”, at her side forever! “If being stuck is the case, do you think we might get this day to go on forever?”

Melissa blushed at the implications and looked away. There were so many feelings rushing through her body and she knew that she didn’t want to give them away. They would be clearly written on her face. She wasn’t used to being around men, so she wasn’t practiced at covering up her feelings.

The afternoon they spent together was wonderful. Both Buck and Melissa loved every moment of it. Rachel had packed enough, as Sarah had said, to feed a small army! There was fried chicken, cheese, potato salad, biscuits, fruit, jam, and for desert, big slices of chocolate cake with rich, thick chocolate icing!

Buck laughed as Melissa took a bite of the cake and had icing on the corners of her mouth. “You look like a little one who has been caught eating something that she wasn’t supposed to be! The icing always tells on you!” He leaned near to wipe it for her, but as he got closer, he forgot all about the icing. All he could think about was how kissable her lips looked.

She could feel him inching closer to her, and her heart was pounding so hard that she was sure that it was going to jump right out of her chest. What would that first kiss feel like? His lips on hers?

Buck swallowed nervously as he felt himself being drawn closer to her. He wanted to kiss her so badly that he could nearly taste it. Would she let him? Or would she push him away? He saw her eyes close slowly and not being able to help himself, leaned closer and covered her lips with his own. He couldn’t believe how soft they were.

He pulled slightly away from her, looking into her now open eyes. There was a look of wonderment on her face. He wanted to kiss her again, and since she hadn’t slapped him in protest, he took it to mean that she hadn’t minded. So leaning closer again, he touched her lips with his once more. Melissa’s hand came up to lightly caress his cheek, and he leaned into it slightly.

“You, Melissa Crawford, are one beautiful lady!” He smiled at her as he sat back, their eyes still locked.

She blushed. “And you Buck Cross, have a way with words! I bet you tell that to all the women in Rock Creek.”

That brought a frown to his face, and worried Melissa. He moved away from her and started to pack the remaining food back into the basket.

What had she said or done that had upset him so? She reached out a hand and laid it on his arm. He stopped what he was doing and looked at that beautiful, white hand against his darker skin.

“I’m sorry Buck. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

He looked up and saw the worry in her eyes. He sighed. He knew that she hadn’t meant anything by the remark. She just didn’t understand. He stopped what he was doing and reached for her hand. “Come on. It’s time we took a walk and had a long talk.”

Pulling her up, they started around the lake. Buck plucked a weed from the tall grass and slowly tied it in knots as they walked along. Melissa could tell that he wasn’t sure how to start telling her what it was that was bothering him. So she took a deep breath and said,

“You know Buck, it’s always easiest to start at the beginning!”

He sighed. “You have no idea what it’s like being half white and half Indian and trying to live in one world or the other…not really belonging in either. Both sides can be so cruel. My life, up until now, hasn’t been very easy. When my mother died, I was sent to the orphanage. It wasn’t so bad. At least all the other children there were like me. They had no where else to go, no one to love them. But the time came that I had grown old enough to leave on my own. I decided I would go to the tribe of my mother, the Kiowa, and try living in their world. My half brother, Red Bear, welcomed me. Many of the others didn’t. They resented me because I had grown up in the white man’s world. I had been away too long. They made it plain that I didn’t belong there with them. Even though I still held their beliefs, I was too much like the white man. So I left and tried to start a life in the white man’s world. But it wasn’t any easier. Even though I knew the English, knew most of their ways, no one was willing to give a half-breed a chance. Have you ever felt you just didn’t belong anywhere?” He looked up for the first time since he had begun to speak, and Melissa could see the pain so plainly in his eyes. She shook her head in answer, afraid to say anything just yet, so he continued,

"I guess I was to the point of becoming someone that I really didn't want to be, an outlaw, someone always on the run, who had nowhere to belong. That’s when I came across Ike, who I had met in the orphanage. He was working for Teaspoon. He took me to meet him, and I was hired as a Rider for the Sweetwater station.”

“So you finally found a place to belong?” She glanced his way. He had stopped walking and was looking out over the lake. His answer was so soft that she almost didn’t hear it.

“No.”

“But you seem to get along so well with the other Riders, with Rachel and Teaspoon.”

“I do. They do treat me as family. We’ve been together now nearly a year, and I guess we are a family - the first one that I have ever had. But the others, the people in this town…they’re the ones who treat me as if I’m unclean. As if I am a savage just because I have Indian blood in me! Just because I look more like my mother’s people than my white father.” His voice was bitter, and Melissa couldn’t blame him for the way he felt. She reached out to touch his arm.

“Buck, people are prejudiced, no matter where you are. They don’t know any other way. They never give people who are different a chance to prove that most of the time they are usually just like them. But most people are of one opinion...the opinion of someone else! They are afraid to express an opinion other than what someone else feels because then they would be the one that didn’t belong!”

“But why is it so hard just to be friendly every now and then? The people in town are all actin’ as if I have a disease or something.”

“Buck, you haven’t been here long. I’d be willing to bet that if you are still here in a year, things will be different. The people will have grown used to you being around, and they will have given you a chance to prove that you aren’t going to murder them in their beds, or burn their homes! I know that you wouldn’t do anything like that, but they are so afraid of anything Indian. So much has happened between the white man and the Indians. They’re just afraid. They’re afraid of your beliefs, just because they are different from their own.”

“You aren’t afraid of me are you?” He was looking intently into her eyes.

“Of course not! I wasn’t afraid the first day I met you, and it hasn’t changed. I could tell that you weren’t white, but you aren’t any scarier than a white man is! They can be just as evil, you know.”

“Melissa, I don’t want to cause you any trouble. If we’re seen around town too much together, people are gonna talk. They can say nasty things behind your back and have the other people in town turning away from you. I don’t want that to happen to you.”

“Buck, I don’t care what people in town have to say about me! Talk can’t hurt me. I want to get to know you, the real you. The you…” She tapped his chest. “…inside here. How am I supposed to do that if we can’t be friends? If we can’t spend some time together, I’ll never learn what you are like on the inside. Won’t you give me that chance? Teaspoon and the others know the you inside. They don’t seem to care what the others in town say.”

“But what if there was someone in town you wanted to get to know? Cause you’d been seen with me, he wouldn’t ask you out!”

His question startled her. She glanced his way, and she could tell that he was being very sincere. “Buck, I didn’t come to Rock Creek to meet someone. I mean, with the intentions of picking out a husband. I make my own decisions. I chose who my friends are…no one does that for me. I want to get to know you. I’ve already decided that! I won’t look down on you because you are different. To me, you aren’t any different than I am! I want to learn all there is to know about Buck Cross!” She was silent a moment then asked, “Were the people in town the reason you didn’t come around for a few days after we arrived?”

“Yes. I didn’t want to have them start off thinking wrong of you.”

“I was so afraid it was something that I had done, or that someone had said something about me that you didn’t like.”

“Oh no!” He stopped walking and turned to face her. “There is nothin’ someone could say that would cause me to think bad of you. You’re one of the most beautiful ladies that I have ever seen!”

“And you Buck Cross, are one of the most handsome men that I’ve ever met! So, please don’t worry what others say. We’re all the same here, regardless of what others have to say. You’re a man, and I’m a woman. That is the only difference I see between us!”

She smiled as they silently stood looking at one another. Melissa was afraid that she had said too much. If she hadn’t been nervous she wouldn’t have run off so much at the mouth. Oh well, it couldn’t be unsaid. “Where is it? I’ve seen it before. That smile that lights up your brown eyes!”

Slowly he smiled and she leaned near and hugged him. The hug felt so good that he laughed. She understood. He suddenly felt as if this big weight had been lifted off his shoulders. “Come on. At this rate we’ll never make it around the lake!”

Nearly an hour later, they fell down on the quilt that they had brought along. “I never realized the lake was that big!”

Melissa laughed as Buck stretched out on his back and lay looking up at a cloudless sky.

“Walking is good for you.”

“Maybe so. But not that much! That’s what the spirits made horses for!”

“The spirits?” She was silent as she gazed at him. The silence must have worried him, because he quickly looked her way, raising on elbows.

“Because of your different beliefs, is that why you don’t go to church in town? I know I asked this question earlier, if you still don’t want to answer me, I’ll still understand.”

“Partly. But it is mostly because of the town’s people. I don’t think they would feel very comfortable with me there. I mean they aren’t comfortable with me anywhere else in town. I’m sure church would be no different. It’s true that I don’t believe in the exact same things that you do. There are spirits of the forefathers that protect me, my medicine pouch that I wear, visions that I have and believe in. I don’t think most of the people in town would understand all that.”

“Probably not.” She reached out a finger and touched the pouch that hung around his neck. “I would like to learn about your beliefs. Some day would you tell me?”

He slipped a hand up around her fingers on his chest, pressing them into his upper body. “If you’re sure that you want to know.” She shook her head in answer. “Nough bout me. I’ve been talkin’ ever since we got here. Tell me about Melissa Crawford!”

He smiled as she disengaged her hand from his. She picked at a piece of lint on the quilt. Her mind wondering all the while just what it was that she should tell him. “I grew up in Sutter’s Creek. I was born there. To tell the honest truth, I’ve never been outside of it until I came here! My father died when I was around sixteen. My mother a few years later. We’d always lived with my mother’s family on their farm. So I grew up learning how to work a farm, ride a horse, milk cows, plant crops. Guess you could say I was a tomboy from day one. I went to school in the little town. Helped my family with whatever came along. After my grandfather died, and my father, Gram decided that the house was too quiet. She turned it into a boarding house. I used to love to help out with all the guests.”

“It must have been a big house then, if you had boarders.”

She smiled as she thought of the house she’d grown up in. The house that was now hers. “It was, or rather is. It has three big levels. The top level was where the boarders stayed. I loved changing the beds, helping to fix the meals, listen to them tell the stories of the road. You always met so many interesting people.”

“Sarah said that your last living relative had died just before you came out here. Your grandmother?”

A frown covered her face. She hadn’t spent a lot of time thinking about her grandmother since coming to Rock Creek. There had been so much going on. So many new and exciting things and people. She hadn’t had time to miss her. But perhaps that was a good thing. “Yes. She died a few months ago.”

Buck was silent a moment, giving her time to get her emotions back under control. He could tell that she really missed her grandmother. “It must have been wonderful having all that family around. So much love to grow up in. I’ve often wondered what it would be like.”

“Well perhaps one day, when you marry and settle down, you can raise a big family. There will be lots of love around then. You can give your children things that you never had.”

“Sometimes I think there isn’t someone out there for me! Love can sure hurt you.” He fell silent and she wondered if she should pry.

“I’m sorry that love hasn’t been kind to you. Has there never been anyone that you,” she hesitated, “loved? Wanted to spend the rest of your life with?”

He sighed. “There was a lady. Her name was Kathleen. I guess I fell for her really hard. But I later found out that she was just using me to get her father’s attention. It took a long time to get over her.” He looked up. “How bout you? I bet you left a lot of broken hearts back in Sutter’s Creek!”

“Not hardly! Oh there have been the loves from school. The kind you always have. But nothing that serious. I guess I never really had that much time to fall in love. I was always busy with something on the farm. I guess the only time that I could say I was really in love was when I was 14. His name was Ben. His family moved away. I never heard from him again.”

“If you’ve never left Sutter’s Creek, how’d you meet Sarah? She mentioned she’s from Boston.” Buck watched as a startled expression went across her face.

How was she going to answer this question? She and Sarah had not thought to have a story in case someone should ask. She swallowed nervously. Would he know that she was lying? “Well, she was one of the boarders that stayed with us for a few days on her way to teaching school. We became fast friends…” Her voice faded and she looked at him. He appeared not to think anything was strange in what she was telling him. But she didn’t want to lie to him. And besides, she was almost ready to tell Teaspoon the truth. Why not confide in Buck? She didn’t think that he would tell Teaspoon anything. “I can’t lie to you Buck. Not after you have been so open with me about your life up until now.”

He looked surprised. “You mean you have some deep dark secret that you aren’t tellin’ us? And all this time we’ve trusted you?” He laughed and she felt a little more at ease.

“I’m afraid so! Guess you’re gonna jump on that horse and ride away from here now and never look back!” She smiled slightly. Perhaps just a little afraid that he really would do just that.

“No. Least ways not until I’ve heard this deep dark secret of yours!”

She took a deep breath. He was waiting. She’d started, now she couldn’t stop. “I really met Sarah on the stage out here! I’d never seen her before then.”

“Is that all?” He looked surprised.

“Well not exactly. What I told you about my family is true, with the exception of my father. The day of my grandmother’s funeral, I found out that Henry Crawford wasn’t really my father. Gram had written a letter at some point and had instructed her lawyer to give it to me only after her death. It seems that my mother was in love with another man. They spent one night in one another’s arms. My grandfather found them the next morning, and he told him not to ever show his face around there again. Because of the job that this man held, he didn’t think that he was good enough for my mother. He didn’t want her to marry someone that would leave her alone for months at a time. Or someone that could be killed and then she would never hear about it. That wasn’t enough security for her. No matter what sort of man he was. So my grandfather found a man for my mother to marry just in case I had been conceived. Almost nine months later I was born. I don’t think that anyone ever told my father, I mean Henry, that he wasn’t my real father. I know that no one ever mentioned it to me. He treated me as if I were of his flesh and blood. We were very close. And it hurt me deeply when he died. I loved him dearly. I even had someone tell me that we favored one another.

“In the letter, Gram told me that my mother had made her promise never to tell me who my real father was. She didn’t think that I was old enough to understand when she died. But Gram didn’t want to go to her grave knowing she was the only person that knew the truth. Even this other man was never told he had a child. I don’t think that he and my mother ever saw one another again. Though I’ve been told that she loved him until she died. So that real reason that I came to Rock Creek was to find my real father.”

There was a slight frown on Buck’s face. This was really a twist. If Melissa’s father was in Rock Creek, then it was possible that she would be staying for a long time. “What could your real father have done for a livin’ that your grandfather disliked so much?”

“He was a Texas Ranger!” She said it quietly. She had a feeling that Buck was going to put two and two together and come up with the answer.

“A Texas Ran… Do you know who your real father is?” He was looking at her with interest now, sort of holding his breath. Was she about to tell him what he thought that she was? He only knew one person in Rock Creek that had been a Texas Ranger. “He’s still in Rock Creek?” He had to be, or she wouldn’t have stayed this long. She would have traveled on to look for him.

“Yes, he’s still here. His name is Teaspoon Hunter!” She was waiting for some sort of reaction from Buck.

He let his breath out quickly. “Teaspoon is your father? You haven’t told him yet have you?”

She looked down at her hands. They were twisting the quilt into a knot. “No. I just haven’t had the nerve to do it yet.”

“But Melissa, he deserves to know. I guess you came here to tell him didn’t you? Or just to see what he was and then move on?”

Melissa sighed. She didn’t know how to explain this to him. “I was so shocked when I learned this; I didn’t want to meet Teaspoon. I had lived all these years thinking that Henry was my father. I sort of resented my grandmother for even telling me. Then Fancy, the house servant that had been there before I was born, and the only other one who really knew about this, sat me down and told me about Teaspoon. She had known him. She told me that he had grown older through the years, but that she was sure that he hadn’t changed that much. That he was a Texas Ranger and now the Marshall here. Life might not have always been good to him, but she knew that he would never turn into anything bad. There had been too much good in him. But I was still reluctant to come. So I gave myself a month to get things settled on the farm. Since I was going to keep it, I needed to make sure that there was someone to run it while I was gone. Then I finally decided that I needed to at least meet this man. I could decide afterwards if I was going to tell him the truth or not. I didn’t mean to lie about knowing Sarah. I told her about it all on the trip to Rock Creek. She thought it was a good thing that I was coming to meet him. When I got here, I lost my nerve, so she offered me a place to stay since I didn’t really know anyone here, and covered for me. We made up the story of us being old friends. It was wrong I know, but I just couldn’t get off that stage and go up to a complete stranger and say, hello…you’re my father! Or...hello, I know you don’t know me, but I’m your long lost daughter!”

“Okay, I can understand you’d hesitate. I guess if it were me, I would be the same way. I mean if after all these years, I found out who had fathered me, I would want to meet him, but I’m not so sure that I would want to tell him right off.”

”I know. I decided that I needed to get to know him first. And you know, I’ve found that I like what I see. He seems to be a really sweet, honest person.”

“You’ll never find another better than Teaspoon Hunter. Are you going to tell him?”

“I think that I’m to the point that I need to confess. Possibly next week.”

They sat in silence, the first time all afternoon. Buck looked up and noticed that the sun was getting low in the sky. They needed to start back if they were going to be back in time for supper. He got up and reached down for her hand. As he pulled her up to stand in front of him, she asked, “Does finding out that Teaspoon is my father change anything between us?”

“At least I know he likes me!”

She laughed. “I guess that’s true. I don’t want it to cause you to stop coming round to see me just because my father lives in this town, or because he’s your boss!”

He laughed. “I promise it doesn’t change a thing. I happen to like you very much Melissa Crawford. It doesn’t matter who your father is.” He leaned a little closer and kissed the top of her head. “And I’ll tell him so!”

Laughing, they cleaned up the rest of the leftovers from lunch and Buck folded the quilt, placing it on the back of Melissa’s horse. As she started to swing up into the saddle, she looked his way. “Not that I think you would say anything…”

He knew what she was about to say. “Don’t worry. I promise I won’t say a word to Teaspoon. It’s your place to do that and your decision as to when it happens.”

“Thanks.” Swinging into the saddle they headed for the bunkhouse. Supper would just about be on the table when they got there.

Sarah finished grading her papers and making her lesson plans with plenty of time to get ready for her date with Cody. He had picked her up right on time, and they’d had a wonderful meal at the hotel. Sarah knew she would never tire of listening to Cody talk. He had such a musical voice and such a way with words!

It was nearing ten o’clock, and Cody knew that he needed to be getting back to the bunkhouse. He had a ride in the morning. He just didn’t want to tell Sarah good night. He wanted to be around her for as long as she would let him. She was so beautiful and intelligent. They had walked slowly back through town and were now sitting on the porch swing. The evening breeze had a slight chill to it. Winter was on its way.

“I really enjoyed this evening Cody. Thank you for asking me!” She smiled his way.

“I had a nice time too! Look Sarah, I have a ride tomorrow, but could we get together on Tuesday? I’d like to see you. Knowing that you are waitin’ on me will give me just enough energy to hurry back!”

She laughed and reached over to pat his arm. “I don’t know how much energy I could give you, but come by once school is out on Tuesday. I’ll be here waiting.”

“Good!” He leaned over and lightly kissed her lips. She shivered slightly and he pulled away from her. “I best let you go in. Can’t let the new school teacher get sick now can I?” I’ll see you soon.”

She got up and reached to open the door. “Thanks again for a wonderful evening Cody!” She leaned near and kissed him one last time, the disappeared inside, closing the door behind her.

Buck walked Melissa home near ten that evening. Supper had gone really well. He caught himself several times watching Teaspoon and Melissa, comparing them. Looking for something that was the same. Before the evening was finished, he had found a long list!

They were rather quiet as they walked back to the house. That seemed strange after all the talking they had done that day. Melissa kept thinking about Teaspoon and something that he had said.

The two of them had ridden in only moments before supper. Teaspoon and Ike were sitting on the front porch.

“Would ya looka here. I knew Buck weren’t gonna share no picnic with them horses!”

He slapped Ike on the back as they both stood to greet her. Ike had signed hello and taken her horse. He walked with Buck to the barn.

“I told you this morning you and Miss Sarah was the purttiest ladies in town! Looks as if Buck and Cody knows it too!” Melissa had blushed as he had tipped his hat and extended his arm to escort her into the house.

“You know, if I had a daughter, and as far as I know, I don’t, I’d want her to look just like you!”

For a moment, Melissa had looked at him rather misty-eyed. Then she had hugged him close. Teaspoon hadn’t been sure how to respond.

“That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me!” She kissed his cheek softly and they had gone inside the house. The feelings inside Melissa were so strong for this man, she had almost burst with it. Yes, it was time to tell him who she was.

Teaspoon had felt his heart swell. And once again, he had been reminded of another time and another place. A woman that he had loved so very much. Why was it that Miss Melissa reminded him so much of her?

“Why so quiet? Did I talk you out today?” Buck was smiling down at her. They had reached the house. The light was on by the window, so Sarah must have already gotten in from her date with Cody.

“No, I was just thinking. This has really been a beautiful day Buck. Thank you!”

He smiled her way. “Then maybe we could do it again, soon?”

“Oh, I would love it! Drop by any time. My door will always be open to you.” She looked up into his eyes.

“I’m glad I didn’t scare you off with all my talk this afternoon. I guess I was just so nervous that I rattled on about everythin’!”

She smiled. “The same goes for me. No, you didn’t scare me off! Fact is, if I didn’t scare you off telling you that Teaspoon is my father, then I’d say that there is plenty of hope for us!”

He laughed. “Guess you’re right at that!”

A breeze blew by and Melissa shivered slightly. “I should let you get in. It’s gettin’ colder out. I’ll see you soon.” He leaned down and kissed her lips once, then again. She smiled up at him and then she had gone inside.

Buck stood twisting his hat around in his hands. He would have liked to have stood there all night, just to be close to her. But knew that he couldn’t. Replacing his hat, he headed back to the bunkhouse.

Sarah was getting ready for bed when Melissa came in. She came out of her bedroom in her nightgown, brushing her hair. “Have a nice afternoon?”

Melissa smiled her way. “More than just nice. How about your date with Cody?”

“It was fun. He’s such a talker! Told him to come by Tuesday after school. I might invite him to supper if that’s okay with you.”

“Sure I’ll be sure there is plenty. Sarah….” She had started brushing her hair again.

“Hmmm?”

“I told Buck that Teaspoon is my real father.”

Sarah stopped all movement as she quickly looked at Melissa. “You what? Was he shocked?”

“Not really. By the time I had finished telling him my story, I think that he knew it was Teaspoon that I was talking about. He promised that he wouldn’t tell him. I don’t know exactly why I felt he needed to know. I think it had something to do with the question he asked, and I didn’t know what to say.”

“Question?”

“How did you and I meet if I never left Sutter’s Creek until now and you’re from Boston!”

Sarah sort of giggled. “I guess we never thought that someone would ask that question. You okay?”

Yeah. Teaspoon told me tonight that if he had a daughter, he would want her to look just like me!”

Sarah smiled. “I think it’s time!”

Melissa shook her head. “So do I.”

The next week was a fast moving one. On Monday, Sarah headed back to school while Melissa did the house cleaning and washing. Ike and Buck came by around mid morning with a load of wood. Ike knocked on the door and stood waiting for her to answer, while Buck shifted from one foot to the other, still a little nervous around this beautiful lady.

Melissa smoothed her hair and opened the door. “Good morning! And what do I owe this surprise visit to?”

Ike quickly began to sign and Buck let him talk. It gave him a chance to take in her breath taking beauty.

“A little slower Ike. I’m still not as good at this as Sarah is. Wood? You brought wood?” She seemed pleased that she had figured out what he had been trying to say. She looked out of the door to see a wagon piled high with a load of wood. She looked confused. Buck spoke up then.

“We thought it would be a good idea to bring you a load. Winter will soon be here and you and Sarah will need it to keep warm! Ike and I will split and stack it for you if you’ll show us where you want it!” He gave her a dazzling smile and her heart skipped a beat. For a moment she didn’t answer and just stood there gazing at him. Ike thought it was funny that neither of them seemed to remember that he was there. He waved a hand in front of Melissa’s eyes, making her snap back to the present.

“I’m sorry, Ike!” He grinned that all knowing grin of his. “I guess around back with the other will be fine. There is a small stack around there that we’ve been using to cook with.” She walked around to the back of the house to show them.

Before long, they were working away, taking turns splitting the wood and stacking it neatly to the side. Melissa tried to go about her chores of the day, but she kept being drawn to the kitchen window where she could see the two working. She watched Buck as he brought the ax down time and time again on a piece of wood. Her mind was wandering onto things that she knew she shouldn’t be thinking of. She had to stop thinking these thoughts….those arms around her, sweat trickling down his body after a very intimate…the slamming of the door made her jump, her thoughts scattering.

Ike had a big smile on his face. He knew what she had been doing. Her mind had been on Buck.

“Oh, Ike. What can I get you?” She had a dust cloth in her hand, but hadn’t dusted a thing with it. Her face was flushed.

“A glass of water?” he signed and she smiled.

“I’m sorry. I should have thought to bring you both something earlier!” She pulled the glasses out of the cupboard and quickly filled them.

Ike was still standing there, knowing he had flustered Melissa by catching her watching Buck so intently. He signed as she turned to hand him a glass. “You like Buck?”

She blushed again. “Yes, Ike. I like him very much.”

“He likes you too!”

“I know. But we have so many differences to work through. Do you think he’ll ever feel like he belongs in my world…the white man’s world I mean?” She looked a little sad.

“If you love him, you can make him feel he belongs!” He smiled her way.

“Love? We just met Ike!” She could feel her face heating up again.

“You make a nice looking couple.” He smiled again.

“Think so, do you?”

He shook his head quickly in answer.

“Well, I’m not sure how Buck feels about that. Maybe you’re right. Maybe one day, love will be enough to make him feel he belongs. Come on.” She led the way out of the house and out to where Buck was splitting the wood. She had a feeling that Ike was trying to tell her what the future held for her.

Sarah left the schoolhouse and went towards Tompkins general store. She had told Melissa she would bring home a few things that they needed. As she stepped up onto the walk near the store, she spotted Jimmy standing outside of Teaspoon’s office across the street. Her heart beat a little faster at the sight of him. She could tell that he’d seen her, but he gave no indication that he had. Once more her mind was on the kisses they had shared in the dark last Saturday night. Did he think about them at all?

Jimmy had ridden into town to help Teaspoon put up a few wanted posters. They had just finished up when he spotted Sarah going towards the general store. His whole body responded at just the sight of her. He felt like he was burning up with a fever. What was it about her that seemed to draw him even though he wanted no part of it?

Sarah went into the store and made her purchases. While there, she bought the candy for her class that she hadn’t gotten the day she’d rescued Buck from the trouble maker. Perhaps this would be the incentive they needed to try a little harder. Rewards sometimes worked miracles! She ended up with a few more packages than she had expected and Tompkins wasn’t sure if she could carry them all. But as he looked around the store, he knew that it was too busy for him to leave it and help her out. He helped place them in her arms and made sure that she got out through the doors okay.

Teaspoon came out of the office and was surprised to find Jimmy still there. “You still here son? Thought you’d be gone by now.”

“No, just hangin’ round. No where’s special to be!” He had seen Sarah come out of the store, and watched as she struggled to hold onto the packages.

Teaspoon noticed Jimmy was intent on something across the street. He followed his line of vision and discovered Miss Sarah. “Ain’t she a purdy sight? You a little sweet on her?” Teaspoon looked Jimmy’s way. He knew he was, but he didn’t think he would own up to it. He was positive he’d seen the interest in Jimmy’s face several times when he was looking her way.

“Of course not! What would make you think that?” Jimmy looked a little upset. Teaspoon just shrugged it off.

“Oh just the way you’re a standin’ there gazin’ after her! Looks like she has her arms full. Think I’ll go help her carry them packages!”

Jimmy pushed himself off the wall. “No, I will!” He started off across the street and Teaspoon grinned.

About halfway to her house, Sarah dropped two of her packages. “Oh fudge!” She stood looking down at what she had dropped. Two cans went rolling away. Now how was she going to pick those back up and not drop everything else? She was standing there willing them to jump back into her arms, when she heard a familiar voice. “Need some help, Miss Sarah?” She looked up into Jimmy’s eyes, and felt her knees go weak!

“I uh, yes I do! If you don’t mind that is.”

He leaned down to retrieve the cans and the other packages that she had dropped. Instead of putting them back into her arms, he pulled a few other things out of her grasp. “Here, let me carry some of them others too! I don’t have to be anywhere just now. I have time to walk a lady home. That is, if she don’t mind none!” He was looking down at her and she swallowed quickly trying to find her voice.

“No, of course not. I appreciate the help.”

They walked along in companionable silence for a moment. Then Jimmy asked. “You getting settled in at the school?”

He was talking about one of her favorite subjects. “Oh yes. I’m beginning to feel right at home there. I think maybe even the Hawkins boys are beginning to like me!”

Jimmy laughed. “You really are doin’ good if you’ve calmed them two down! They always was a hand full from what I’ve seen!”

Their walk was way to short for both of them. Melissa didn’t seem to be anywhere around, so Jimmy opened the door for her and helped Sarah unload her arms.

“Guess Melissa had to go out for something. Could I get you some lemonade for your trouble?”

“No. And it was no trouble!” He watched as Sarah took off her shawl and began to unpack the items from the store. She had bought several canned items, one of which was beans. She opened the cupboard door, trying to remember which shelf Melissa kept them on.

Jimmy had taken off his hat and was standing there turning it in his hands. His gaze was following Sarah’s every move. Her back was to him and she was leaning up on tiptoes to see what was on the second shelf. “Would you hand me the can of beans please?” She stuck her arm out behind her, and waited, not turning to see if he had heard her. After a moment, she glanced his way. Jimmy had hesitated at her request. He couldn’t tell which of the four cans on the table had beans in them. He couldn’t read well enough to know. He picked up first one and then another and looked at the labels. Could he just make a guess and hope that it was right? He decided that was the best thing to do. He wasn’t about to admit to Sarah that he didn’t know how to read. She would think he was stupid, and just laugh at him.

Sarah knew already though, by the way that Jimmy was acting. She didn’t want to embarrass him. He finally handed her a can and as she looked down she saw it said CORN on the label. Very slowly, she sat the can on the shelf in the cupboard. Turning she asked. “You can’t read, can you Jimmy?”

His face turned several shades of red, and he was at a loss for words for several seconds. He didn’t want to confess.

“It’s okay if you can’t, you know. Not everyone is lucky enough to get the schooling that they need out here.”

“No, I cain’t read. It’s rather embarrassing too. Especially havin’ to admit it to you since you are a teacher and can do it so well!”

“That’s nothing to be embarrassed about!”

“I’ve always wanted to learn, but never had the time.” He was still twisting his hat around in his hands, looking down at his feet. He reminded her of one of her students that had been caught doing something he shouldn’t have.

“I could teach you, if you’d like. No one would have to know but us.”

“No, I…I don’t think so!” His face still red, he quickly turned and left the house. Her words “You know where to find me if you change your mind” followed him out.

She hurried to the door and watched him go quickly to where his horse was tied, jump on and ride away. Oh well, she’d messed that one up! But she really wasn’t sure how. She sighed. Perhaps that was one reason Jimmy didn’t come around her much. He felt she was more versed than he was. It could answer a lot of questions if that were the case!

Melissa had been outside gathering the wash off the line. She came in the back of the house carrying a basket loaded with ladies undergarments and sheets. “Oh, I didn’t know you were home. I’ll get some supper started in a minute.”

“That’s okay. I’m in no hurry.”

Melissa put the basket down and started to fold the sheets when she realized something was wrong with her friend. “You feeling all right?”

Sarah was still standing by the door, a far away look on her face. “I think I just screwed up with Jimmy!” She turned towards Melissa and picked up the opposite end of the sheet that Melissa was trying to fold.

“What? You’re seen Jimmy?” Melissa was surprised.

“I ran into him outside the general store. I sort of had my hands full of packages and managed to drop part of them. Jimmy helped me carry them home. I asked him to hand me a can of beans so that I could put them away, and he fumbled around picking up first one can and then another. I realized he couldn’t read. I didn’t want to embarrass him, but I knew he couldn’t hand me the beans because he couldn’t read the labels. So I finally asked him up front if he could read. He admitted he couldn’t, and I offered to teach him. I think I insulted him! He refused my offer and ran out of here, jumping on his horse and left town so fast my head was spinning!” She looked troubled as she handed Melissa the folded end of the sheet.

“Maybe you didn’t insult him. Maybe he was just too embarrassed by having you learn his secret!”

“I don’t know what to do Melissa. I would be very happy to teach him. I think maybe he’s staying away from me, keeping his distance, I mean, because he can’t read! He thinks I know more than he does because I’m a teacher. Does that sound too far fetched?”

“Not really.” She pulled out another sheet from the bottom of the basket and handed an end to Sarah. It was much easier to fold them with help. “He’s probably real insecure with himself around you. Not only is he known as a gun slinger, which you already know about, now you know he isn’t as schooled as you are. He can’t read.”

“So how do I convince him that he should let me teach him to read?”

“Does it really matter that much that he can’t read?”

“Of course not.”

“If you keep pushing it, he might think it makes a difference.”

“But you know my interest started the moment I met him. Just like yours did with Buck. I didn’t know a thing about him then. If I could convince him I need to teach him, it would give me a reason to spend more time with him. Be close to him! And I would really like that!” She looked sad.

“And all along I thought Cody had your heart!” Melissa laughed.

“Well, he might some day. But not yet!”

“There’s still a lot of interest where Jimmy is concerned. Maybe you should come up with something to trade!”

“Trade?”

“Yeah. You know. I teach you, you teach me sort of thing.”

“That might work! Then he won’t feel like he owes me anything! Hmmm.” She dropped the sheet and walked away in deep thought. Melissa laughed and shook her head as she picked up the sheet. It was a good thing that she didn’t need help folding the under garments!

Tuesday found Melissa pacing the floor of the home she shared with Sarah. She had spent most of the night before thinking of her mother, Henry, and Teaspoon. It was time she put all the questions to rest. It was time she sat down with the man who was her flesh and blood and tell him the truth. Picking up her shawl, she stood for a moment looking out at the dirt street of Rock Creek. Her mother’s face swam before her eyes. “Maybe you never wanted me to know him. Or maybe you never wanted him to know about me. But it’s time Mama! I hope you understand why I have to do this. And I hope you don’t ever hold it against Gram or me!” She slipped the shawl around her shoulders and headed for the Marshall’s office.

Jimmy was out riding. He couldn’t get what had happened with Sarah yesterday out of his mind. He’d been so embarrassed that she had learned he couldn’t read. Yet she hadn’t seemed bothered by it. Was it because she was a teacher? Or was it possible that she didn’t care that the two of them were so different? He had spent most of the night thinking about her last words. “You know where to find me if you change your mind!” Maybe he should take her up on her offer. He turned his horse back towards town. He would catch her right after school.

Ike and Buck were cleaning out the stalls in the barn. Buck’s mind was on Melissa. He wanted to go see her, but he was still hesitant. He felt Ike pull at his sleeve and he turned to watch him sign.

“Goin’ to see Melissa today?”

Buck frowned. “I don’t know. I want to, but I’m still afraid to be seen too much with her!”

“Thought she told you it didn’t matter none what the town’s people said!”

“That’s what she told me. But I’m not so sure she understands what that means!”

“She cares about you, you know!”

“To a point yes. We don’t know one another that well yet, Ike!”

“Don’t matter. She’s already made up her mind. The way she was watchin’ you yesterday. It was written all over her face!”

“She cain’t know what she wants Ike! Maybe I should just stay out of her way!” He turned back to rake the stall out again. Ike turned him back to face him once more.

“Don’t hurt her! She’s too beautiful! She has a big heart, one filled with love! You don’t screw it up and that love could be all yours!”

“Then maybe you should start seeing her since you seem to know so much about her!” Buck threw down the rake and headed out of the barn. Ike watched him go and shook his head. He just didn’t understand.

Buck walked towards the open field behind the house. He needed to be alone to think. He wanted more than anything to belong in the white man’s world. For Melissa. But he wasn’t sure he could. Would she understand his beliefs? And what of Teaspoon? How was he really going to feel when he learned he was interested in his daughter? He knew that he had told Melissa that it didn’t matter, and he would tell Teaspoon so. But the more he thought about it, the more it worried him. He sighed. It was time to go pray to the spirits for guidance!

Teaspoon was sweeping the office when Melissa filled the doorway. She blocked out the sun and Teaspoon looked up to see who had come to visit.

“Well, well. To what do I owe this visit?” He stood his broom in the corner and tipped his hat towards her.

She smiled and took his hand. He led her over to a chair by the desk.

“Teaspoon, I need to talk.”

“Okay. You got a problem? Somethin’ I can help you with?” He noticed that she was clutching something in her hands. She held it tightly against her breast. It looked like letter.

“Sort of. I don’t know how to tell you this!’

He sat down at the desk and leaned back in the chair. “Well, just start at the beginning. That’s usually best.”

She smiled slightly remembering she’d said almost those exact words to Buck. “Teaspoon, I’ve lied to you, to everyone here.”

“You have?” He sat up a little in his chair. A frown going across his face. “Now what would a purdy little lady like yourself have to lie about?” He reached out and took her free hand in his, patting it.

For a moment she let him hold it. Then she withdrew it, brushing the hair from her eyes.

Once again, Teaspoon was hit with the memory of another. One who he had seen brush the same color hair from her face in just the same way. He swallowed quickly.

“Teaspoon, before I came here, before I got on the stage in Sutter’s Creek, I had never met Sarah Brooks. We got to know one another as we traveled. When we arrived, she covered for me. We made up the story of our being long time friends!”

Sutter’s Creek? Teaspoon felt his insides twist. What was really going on here? Maria had been from Sutter’s Creek.

“Well, I guess you had good reason for doin’ that. Whatever it is, it can’t be to awful terrible. I mean after all, you both seem to be very up standin’ young ladies!” He rubbed a hand over his stubbled chin.

“She did tell you the truth about my only living relative passing away a few months back. It was my grandmother, Elizabeth Hurston.”

At the mention of the name Hurston, Teaspoon sat up quickly in the chair, the legs hitting the floor hard. That had been Maria’s name. And as he thought back through time, he was almost positive her mother’s name had been Elizabeth! His heart had started to beat a little faster. Sutter’s Creek….Elizabeth Hurston. “I’m sorry to hear about your loss. If memory doesn’t fail me, she was a very fine woman!”

There were emotions in Teaspoon’s eyes that Melissa couldn’t read. He was remembering though, and she had a feeling that was good. “Yes, she was. Anyway, the day of her funeral, I was given a letter. One she had written and instructed her lawyer to give me only after her death. It contained some information that I wasn’t prepared for!”

“Information? About what?” Teaspoon couldn’t keep his hands still in his lap. He knew this had something to do with Maria. Was she Melissa’s mother? Was that why she reminded him so much of her?

Melissa laid the things that she had been clutching to her breast on the desk. One was the letter, which after a moment’s hesitation, she picked up and handed to him. The other was a silver framed photograph of her mother Maria.

Teaspoon took the letter, but his eyes were on the photograph. She was exactly as he remembered her. He raised his eyes to look at Melissa. “Maria was your mother?”

She shook her head yes. He reached out to take the frame into his hand. He’d left Sutter’s Creek without a backwards glance and without so much as a photograph of the woman he had loved. Now he looked into her eyes and all those feelings from so long ago returned. He was silent for several moments. Then he laid the frame back on the desk. The letter he still held in his hand. The name Melissa, written on the envelope. “You shore you want me to read your letter?” He looked up at her, and Melissa could see the pain of love lost in his eyes.

“If you don’t read it, in my grandmother’s own handwriting, I’m afraid that you won’t believe me!”

He looked at her for another moment, then slowly opened and unfolded the letter. What was he about to learn here? He was afraid to hope for anything.

Melissa watched his face as he read the pages for some sign of response. Once he stopped and looked up at her. But she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

His heart was racing. Sitting across from him, was his DAUGHTER! His own flesh and blood! The product of the union with a woman he had loved so much. Even though he’d been married six times, he’d never stopped loving Maria! She’d been his first love. He took a deep breath as he refolded the letter. Getting up, he walked away and Melissa was suddenly afraid he was going to deny her. Which if he did, it was his right. She held her breath. His voice was soft when it finally reached her ears.

“I never thought I could have children. I’ve been wed six times in my life. None of them bore me a child. Of course out here life is hard and five of ‘em died before we ever really had time to get to know one another well. I’ve often wished I had a son or daughter. Someone to share my life with. I guess that’s why the riders mean so much to me!’ He turned her way once more. “I loved your mama so much Melissa, I just can’t believe we did somethin’ right ‘tween the two a us! I can’t believe I’ve got….a….daughter!” He held out his arms and she went runnin’ to them. He enfolded her in a mighty hug. His nose in her hair, he closed his eyes and silently thanked the sweet Lord! “My own daughter!”

After the tears were wiped away, they spent the rest of the afternoon talking. There was so much they needed to catch up on. Melissa couldn’t believe how fast the day had gone by.

Jimmy tied up his horse and slipped to the back of the schoolhouse. He stood watching Sarah teach for almost an hour. She was good! The kids seemed to love her. He smiled as he watched her rub the top of little Andrew Peters head in affection. One day she would be a beautiful mother!

Sarah dismissed the class, and the children all rushed to grab their coats. For a moment, Jimmy stood watching her cleanup her classroom. Just when he had gotten up his nerve to go in and talk to her, who should appear but Cody! He watched in dismay as he slipped up behind her holding flowers in one hand. He tapped her on the shoulder and she quickly turned with a soft squeal of delight as he gave her the flowers.

“They’re beautiful Cody! But where’d you find them this close to winter?”

“On my run! I find all sorts of interestin’ things on rides!” She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him. It wasn’t a short kiss and Jimmy could tell this wasn’t the first time they had shared such a kiss! He felt his insides turn to stone. That was it. Let Cody have her! Even if she did teach him to read, he would never have the sophistication that Cody had! As he moved out the door, the movement caught Sarah’s eye. Cody’s back was to him, but she had seen Jimmy.

He gave her a final look and started to his horse. He didn’t know she had seen him, but she knew she would never forget the look of sadness on his face.

Buck had ridden out to his special place in the mountains. He came here to pray to the rising sun, to talk to the spirits when he was troubled. He sat now on the high peak, overlooking the mighty view. He was always stunned by the beauty there. Would Melissa think it was beautiful too? He suddenly knew that she would. He also felt in his heart that she was going to become very special to him. Even more so then she already was! When he left to go back to Rock Creek, he knew that he and Melissa would work through their problems, no matter how many there were!

Teaspoon glanced out the office door, then looked back at Melissa. “It’s gonna soon be supper time.”

Melissa looked startled. Had they been talking all afternoon? “Supper time! Oh my Lord!” She jumped to her feet. “I was supposed to have supper ready for Sarah and Cody tonight!”

Teaspoon stood up and pulled her into his arms. “Well don’t worry none. Go over and tell ‘em to come to the bunkhouse. I’ve got big news to tell ‘em!” He grinned her way. “I’ve got a daughter!” He hugged her near again.

“Rachel won’t mind the extra mouths to feed?”

“Naw, there is always plenty. Now scoot!” He turned her towards the door, a smile still on his face.

Halfway there, Melissa turned back. “Here, you keep this.” She placed the framed photograph in his hands.

He shook his head, but she pressed it into his hands. “I’ve got more at home. I know you haven’t got one of her.”

He accepted it and she turned back to the door. She couldn’t resist one more look at Teaspoon. He was standing in the same spot, looking lovingly down at the photograph. Melissa smiled. Then she hurried home!

Sarah and Cody had spent a little time around town before going home. She had already asked him to supper. But when they reached the house, it was empty. Melissa wasn’t there and there wasn’t any supper cooking on the stove.

“This is odd. Wonder where she could have gone? She promised to have supper ready early for us.”

“Maybe she ran out of somethin’ and had to go get it. She probably ran into someone and forgot the time.”

“I guess you’re right.”

Just then, the door opened and Melissa came rushing in. “I’m sorry Sarah, hello Cody, I meant to have supper ready, but I forgot all about it, doesn’t matter though, we’ve been asked to the bunkhouse to eat.” She said all this in a rush, in one sentence.

Sarah noticed Melissa’s face was flushed. What had been going on with her?

“Teaspoon invited us. Got big news to tell!”

Melissa was smiling from ear to ear. It suddenly hit Sarah. “You told him didn’t you?” Sarah reached for Melissa’s hands.

She shook her head yes in answer. Cody, who hated not knowing what was going on, looked their way confused.

“Told who what?” The ladies seemed to ignore him, and he couldn’t stand it. “Sarah! Who’d she tell something to? And what was it?” His voice had raised in his irritation.

Sarah hugged Melissa for a moment. She could tell by her face it had gone well.

“SARAH!”

She turned Cody’s way a little surprised to see him there. Then she remembered. “Come on Cody. You’ll find out at the bunkhouse!” Slipping an arm through his, they headed out the door.

“But Sarah, tell me what is so important that Teaspoon has to tell it and you cain’t! Melissa seems to know what’s going on!”

“Yes she does!” Sarah nearly had to drag Cody out of the door. “And I am not going to spoil it for Teaspoon! Now come on!”

They walked down the street of town in the twilight. Cody protesting all the way, and Melissa giggling behind her hand.

Teaspoon was already there when they arrived. He’d told Rachel to expect two extra guests, and had told her he had a surprise.

“Glad you ladies could join us tonight!’ Rachel hugged them both as they came in the door. “Seems Teaspoon has something he’s just busting to tell us. Guess I should go out and ring the supper bell!” She started for the door, but Melissa was the closest.

“I’ll do it!” She stepped out onto the porch and set the triangle in motion. The clanging brought Buck and Noah out of the bunkhouse.

“Look, isn’t that Melissa? What’s she doin’ here?” Noah had punched Buck on the arm to get his attention.

“Don’t know! But I’m glad she is!”

Ike came from the barn asking Buck what was going on.

“Haven’t any notion. But as long as we keep standin’ here jawin’ we ain’t never gonna find out! Personally I would rather stand next to that pretty lady on the porch!” Buck grinned and hurried off with Noah and Ike bringing up the rear.

Melissa smiled as Buck jumped up on the porch beside her. “How’d we get so lucky to have such a pretty lady join us for supper?” He was grinning this silly grin and it was all Ike and Noah could do not to laugh.

“Teaspoon invited us. Come on in. Says he has news that won’t keep!” She turned, but Buck reached out a hand to stop her. Noah and Ike took the hint and slipped inside.

“Did you tell him...bout his being your father and all?” He looked concerned.

“I did! And he’s thrilled!”

A big smile covered Buck’s face as he hugged her near. “I knew he would be!’ Taking her hand they followed Ike and Noah in taking a seat at the table. Rachel began to pass around the pot of stew that had been simmering over the open fire most of the day. It smelled delicious!

Sarah noticed that Jimmy wasn’t there. She wondered where he had gone after he had left the school that afternoon? She was worried about him. She wished that he had never seen Cody kissing her.

Melissa had sat down beside Sarah and she touched her arm whispering; “Why the frown?”

“Tell you later. Has something to do with Jimmy!”

Melissa nodded as Rachel reached their side of the table. “Would one of you ladies say grace for us?” Before either could speak, Teaspoon had cleared his throat.

“I’d like to, if that’s okay, that is!” He looked around the table at the startled faces.

“Well, of course Teaspoon. Boys take off your hats.” They all did as Rachel requested and closed their eyes.

“Lord, it ain’t often that I say grace at this table. Though you know I’m thankful for the food that is always on it and the family that sits by it. But tonight, asides from all them things, I want to thank you for bringing my daughter into my life!”

At the word “daughter”, everyone’s eyes flew open except Melissa, Sarah and Buck. “YOUR WHAT?”

“Amen” was heard as Teaspoon finished nonchalantly and picked up his napkin to tuck in at his shirt collar.

“Did I hear you right Teaspoon?” Rachel was standing over him, the big pot of stew still in her hands.

“Daughter? Who is she?” Cody looked his way. Then he glanced towards Melissa and Sarah. They knew something about this they weren’t telling.

Buck was grinning from ear to ear and he looked towards Melissa. She was gazing at Teaspoon. He slipped a hand over hers and squeezed it. She returned the squeeze realizing that Buck was giving her any support that she might need.

Teaspoon felt Melissa’s eyes on him and looked up. He couldn’t believe how much she looked like Maria! “She’s sittin’ at this table!” He started to eat as if nothing was going on.

They knew that it wasn’t Rachel, so they all looked from Sarah to Melissa. Sarah felt their eyes on her and she shook her head no. So their gaze shifted to Melisssa.

“Melissa?” They all seemed to say at once. “Your daughter?”

Cody grinned. “No offense, but she shore don’t look none like you Teaspoon!” Everyone laughed and Rachel went over to hug her.

“Good thing too son! If she did, no one in this here town could stand it! I’m so good lookin’ you know!” Teaspoon slipped a finger under his suspenders and grinned in their direction. Napkins went flying across the table towards him.

Jimmy had been riding for several hours, trying to get his emotions under control. He couldn’t figure out why he was so upset over what he’d seen! After all, he already knew that he and Sarah could never be anything to one another. They were just too different! He’d only been fooling himself to think that something might work out. So why couldn’t he just let Cody have her and be done with it? For some reason, the kiss that he’d seen them share was so imprinted in his mind that he could see nor think of anything else! He finally realized how late it was and headed back to the bunkhouse. He had probably already missed supper. It was awfully quiet when he reached the house.

Slipping in, he quickly glanced around the room. His heart caught in his throat. There she sat, beside none other than Cody. Her eyes met his and he felt all the hurt of that kiss all over again. All he could do was push the feelings aside and pretend that nothing was wrong. He mumbled his apology for being late and took a seat near Teaspoon.

“It’s okay son. But you missed the big announcement!”

Jimmy was reaching for the pot of stew and filling his plate. He glanced over his shoulder at Teaspoon. “What announcement?

“I’m a daddy!” He was once more pulling out his suspenders with his fingers in a proud way.

“A daddy? Ain’t you just a little old to have a baby Teaspoon? If I remember correctly, you had a heap of trouble with the one that showed up on our doorstep some time back!”

Everyone laughed. “If I remember correctly, Ike was the only one who had a way with that baby!” Buck was grinning at his friend.

“Children seem to have a way with Ike!” Rachel was smiling. “He needs to be married and have a whole herd of them running around!” Ike blushed.

Cody pounded Ike on the back. “He’s got to find the right woman a fore that can happen!”

“Well, it may be true that I’m a little old to have a baby. But, this here daughter happens to be outta diapers! She’s already full growed!”

“Full growed?” That stopped Jimmy with a spoon full of stew halfway to his mouth. He looked towards Teaspoon who motioned towards Melissa.

“Miss Melissa? She’s your daughter?” Jimmy was more than startled, as he looked her way, his food forgotten.

She nearly laughed a loud at the look on his face. “It’s not that bad, is it Jimmy? I mean, I know we don’t look a thing a like, but I do have proof! He is my father!”

“No, no it ain’t bad. I just cain’t get over the fact that it’s you! I mean you didn’t mention it when we met you on the stage. Though you did ask about him as I recollect!”

Melissa blushed. “I did at that. I just wasn’t ready at the time to tell anyone who I was or what I had come to Rock Creek for. I only found out about it myself a few months back. So it was as big a shock to me as to anyone!”

“Well, tell us Teaspoon. We all want to know about this!” Noah was looking his way. “How’d you meet Melissa’s maw?”

“Yeah Teaspoon, you cain’t keep us in the dark here!” Jimmy was glad for the distraction. At least he could keep his mind off Sarah for awhile. Though his body knew that she was sitting only inches away from him.

Sarah sat through the story once more, but her mind wasn’t on it. She hadn’t missed the look that had crossed Jimmy’s face when he had come in the door and seen her sitting there. And the fact that she was sitting beside Cody hadn’t helped at all. What was she going to do?

After supper was over, Sarah and Melissa helped to clean up. Teaspoon and the boys went out to sit on the porch.

“So, what do you plan on doing Melissa? I know you came to Rock Creek to meet Teaspoon. But are you going to stay or going back to Sutter’s Creek?”

“I’m not sure Rachel. Sarah told me that I could stay with her as long as I needed to. I do have the farm back home. But I know that it’s being taken care of. I would love staying here for awhile. I want to get to know Teaspoon. We’ve missed out on so much time already. But I didn’t come here expecting him to give me a place to live. I really need to find something to do to make a living if I plan to stay here. It’s hard to stay and not pay your own way!”

“Melissa you can stay with me as long as you want. You know that you don’t have to pay your own way!” Sarah looked at her with a stern look.

“I know. But I hate living off of you!”

“You aren’t living off me! You do the cooking and cleaning. I would say that was a big contribution! I hate doing it myself. Especially the cleaning part!”

Rachel was listening to all that was being said. Her mind turning. Her ears really perked up at Melissa’s next words.

“I do miss the boarding house. The work was so much fun. I loved taking care of everyone. I guess maybe that is why I don’t mind cooking and cleaning for you Sarah!”

“I have an idea!” Both Sarah and Melissa turned Rachel’s way. “I can always use help here. It wouldn’t pay much, but it would be a little money in your pocket. I take care of so many people it can be a handful at times! You could live here. There’s another bedroom in the house with me. Teaspoon uses the one on the bottom floor and I use one of the ones on the second. Or you could stay with Sarah and come over every morning. It would be up to you.”

Sarah watched as Melissa’s eyes grew big. She knew that she liked the sound of the offer. She had told her several times since they had met that she was thinking of turning the farm into a boarding house once more when she went back home. Plus being here would give her a chance to be closer to Buck. “I think you should take her up on her offer Melissa. You’ll love it. You already know that.”

Melissa looked her way. “But if I do that, that will leave you without someone to cook and clean for you.”

“It’s okay, I can do it. I’ll just hate the cleaning part!”

“Well, if it didn’t bother Rachel any, I could come over once a week and do your cleaning and washing.”

“That would be fine with me. I’ll share her with you Sarah!” Rachel smiled their way.

“Great! Then I’ll get my things gathered up and moved in tomorrow or the next day.” Melissa sounded excited. “You don’t think the boys will mind do you?” She looked a little worried.

“Heavens no! What boy in their right mind would mind a pretty girl like yourself living so close? Of course, now Buck might not be too happy with them all being this close to you!” She smiled that all knowing smile and Melissa blushed.

“I guess I should go tell Teaspoon and the others.” They took off their aprons and headed for the door.

The men were sitting around talking about their day, watching the moon come up. The night air had a chill to it. Rachel took a seat on the porch swing and Melissa and Sarah went to sit on the side next to Buck and Cody.

“Looks like winter is on the way folks. Soon be time for Thanksgiving and Christmas!” Teaspoon smiled Rachel’s way. “I don’t know bout you all, but I’m looking forward to eating that big Thanksgiving turkey! Remember all the food we had last year? Rachel can sure cook a wonderful meal! Makes me sort of hungry!”

Rachel laughed. “You cain’t be hungry Teaspoon. You just finished supper!”

“True. But just thinkin’ bout all that delicious food you cooked last year makes my mouth water!”

“Well, this year, Melissa will be helping me cook it! She’s gonna move in here and start helping me out. You boys have any objections to that?” Rachel looked around and saw smiles on everyone’s face.

Buck leaned over and gave Melissa a hug. He whispered, “Gonna be nice havin’ you so close!”

She smiled his way. This would turn out to be interesting, she just had a feeling!

“That’s wonderful Rachel. That way, Melissa and I can spend some more time together. Are you gonna miss being at home for Thanksgiving and Christmas Melissa?”

She frowned. She hadn’t thought much about it. “No, I don’t think so. There really isn’t anyone there now, just the hired hands and the servants. I need to write Fancy a letter and let her know that I’m planning to stay awhile longer. So she won’t worry about me.”

The rest of the evening was spent talking about the last Christmas. Melissa knew that she would have to start thinking of something to give Buck. She had no idea what it would be. She wasn’t any good at sewing, so she couldn’t make him anything. Perhaps Rachel could give her some ideas.

It was getting late. Both Sarah and Melissa knew it was time to be going home. Teaspoon got up from the rocker and stretched. “Bout time I turned in. You young folks don’t stay up to late now.” He started for the door and Melissa quickly got up to follow him.

“Teaspoon. Can I speak to you for a moment?”

He smiled her way. “Of course, if the rest of you will excuse us.” He opened the door and they stepped inside.

Melissa looked up and smiled. “I just wanted to thank you for not sending me away today. I realize if you’d wanted to, you could have. I think it would have broken my heart if you had!”

Teaspoon’s eyes grew misty and he pulled her close for a hug. “I would never have done that! I knew the first moment I saw you that you looked an awful lot like Maria. But I never dreamed you’d turn out to be my daughter! I’m glad you’re a gonna be workin’ here with Rachel. Gives us time to know one another. I missed out on your growin’ up years! Don’t know how I’ll ever make ‘em up!”

“You don’t have to Teaspoon. We’ll have plenty of years together now! I do have one problem and I don’t know how you’ll feel about this. I’m not sure I can call you father! I mean, I met you as Teaspoon, I don’t know if...”

“Shh, it’s okay Melissa. I understand how you’re a feelin’! After all, you spent 16 years callin’ someone else father! From what I’ve heard today, he treated you and Maria with nothin’ but respect. It won’t pain me none if you continue to think of him in that way. Maybe some day you’ll feel comfortable ‘nough to change. But if not, that’s okay. We both know that you’re my flesh and blood and that’s all that matters to me! Call me Teaspoon!” He hugged her again and Melissa sighed. Teaspoon was such a wonderful man! She didn’t know how she could have ever thought otherwise!

Outside on the porch everyone was saying their good nights. Cody and Buck were going to walk the ladies back home. Jimmy had been quiet for most of the evening. Sarah thought he looked as if he were pouting. She sighed as she stepped off the porch. Jimmy was only a few feet from her. He acted as if he were going to say something to her, but then he turned away and walked off towards the bunkhouse. No one else seemed to notice and she wondered what he’d been about to say.

Jimmy hurried to get away from her. He’d almost told her how beautiful she looked standing there in the moonlight, the shawl wrapped around her shoulders. He’d caught himself just in time. Cody would have over heard him and there was no telling what would have happened. He didn’t want Cody knowing his feelings for Sarah. Besides he planned to bury them anyway. So deep that no one would ever be able to find them! Not even him!

It was late. Sarah couldn’t sleep. She knew that she had school the following day, but she couldn’t get Jimmy off her mind. She had tried to be quiet. She didn’t want to disturb Melissa. But after about an hour of hearing Sarah pace the floor, Melissa had slipped on her robe and joined her.

“Are you okay?”

Sarah turned her way, not really surprised to see her. “I guess. I can’t seem to sleep tonight. I didn’t mean to wake you. You’ve had such an eventful day, you need some sleep.”

“I’m okay. Want something to drink? Warm milk? Maybe that would help.”

Sarah made a face. “No thanks. Warm milk isn’t one of my favorite things!”

Melissa grinned. “Not one of mine either! But they say it works!”

Sarah paced a few more times and then turned to Melissa. “Today when Cody came by the school and brought me the flowers, Jimmy was out back. I didn’t know it until after Cody had given me the flowers and we had stood there for several seconds kissing. When we broke apart, I saw Jimmy moving away from the window. He had the saddest look on his face. I know he saw Cody and me kissing.”

“Why would he have been there in the first place?”

“I’m not sure unless he were coming to see me about the reading lessons. When he came in tonight to eat, I could tell he was upset to see me sitting there. I don’t know if it was because I was there, or because I was sitting with Cody. Either way, I know he was upset and I can’t get that look out of my mind. It was like I’d stuck a knife in his heart!”

“I think Jimmy has some feelings for you, but he knows Cody is interested. So he’s gonna step out of the picture. I know he told me he couldn’t give a woman what she deserved while he was a known gun. But I think his heart is trying to tell him different!”

“I need to find a way to spend some time with him. Get him to want to spend time with me! I can’t seem to come up with any excuses!”

“Well, if you find something to trade for your reading lessons, something he’s good at…something that he knows a lot about. It would have to be something that he couldn’t look at you and say, “Well Cody knows as much or more than I do, get him to teach you!” You know he’ll be looking for an excuse!”

“Something he’s good at. Something…” She was pacing the floor again, then she suddenly snapped her fingers. “I know! You’re moving out to help Rachel. I’m going to be here alone. I need some protection. So I’ll ask Jimmy to teach me how to shoot a gun!”

“Shoot a gun?”

“Well, you know how don’t you?”

“Well, yes. But I can’t see you doing it!” Melissa was startled.

“Well, that is all the more reason for me to learn. Unless he wants to move in and by my protection! And something tells me that won’t work!”

“No, I guess not!” Melissa thought about that for a second, and then looked back at her. “Sarah, are you sure about this? When I made that suggestion, I wasn’t thinking on the terms of it being something that would hurt you!”

“I’m positive! This is the one thing that will work! I’ll be careful! Besides, it’s a good idea for me to have protection. He can’t deny that!”

“You aren’t gonna be upset with me moving out are you? If you are I can…”

“Of course not! I think this will be wonderful for you! We’ll still spend time together. I can’t let my new friend just walk away! Besides, I’m envious! You’ll be close to Buck! I’d like to love close to Jimmy and Cody!”

“No way! It would never work! They would kill one another over you!”

Sarah laughed. “You’re probably right! Oh well. Now my only problem is getting Jimmy to talk to me!”

The two finally went back to bed around two o’clock. Morning would arrive in a hurry.

Melissa moved in and settled at Rachel’s two days later. She had left Sarah’s house spotless and supper waiting on the stove. She was in hopes that Sarah would come by several times a week to see her.

Buck was out on a run when she arrived. So she got her things settled in her new bedroom, then decided to take a look around before time to help Rachel out with supper. She found Ike out near the corral scratching the ear of a little donkey.

“He’s cute. What’s his name?” Melissa leaned near to scratch the other ear.

“Samson! You like animals?” Ike looked her way, as he went back to scratching Samson’s ear.

“I love them! What else do you have around here?”

Ike spent the next few hours introducing her to all the animals that were around the station. There was Bessie the cow, all the chickens, the horses and a cat that was very loving. Ike smiled as he watched Melissa rub the cat that she held in her arms.

“I used to have a cat. We spent many days keeping one another company. Pets never complain you know. All they want is a little love and something to eat. The best friends you can have in the world!”

“What animals are on your farm back home?”

“Some horses, plenty of cows. A few sheep. Of course chickens. Just the average farm animals. I think I gave them all names. My father, I mean Henry, used to laugh at me. Thought I was crazy telling him who was who! To him they were just cows, or chickens! But in my eyes they were different!”

She stood for several minutes, still rubbing the cat, remembering days gone by. Ike kept silent watching the memories cross her face. Then she turned his way. “Well, I guess I should go help Rachel. Won’t be long till supper. Thanks for the tour Ike!” She leaned near and kissed his cheek. He blushed as she walked away.

That day started a very close friendship between Ike and Melissa. So much so, that Buck began to believe that Ike was interested in her!

Sarah had no luck at all getting to Jimmy. She watched for two days for him, with no luck. He never once went by the Marshall’s office, or even rode down the street that she saw. She didn’t want to go by the bunkhouse and chance running into Cody. She had a feeling that he would never understand why she was asking Jimmy to teach her how to shoot. She needed to talk to Jimmy in private. So after school on the second day, she stopped by the Marshall’s office.

“Miss Sarah! It’s nice to see you. What can I do for you?” Teaspoon tipped his hat in her direction and motioned for her to sit down by his desk. He had started a fire in the stove and it felt warm inside.

“I need a favor!”

“Anything, just name it!” He gazed at her, waiting.”

“I know this will sound sort of funny, but I need to talk to Jimmy.”

“Then go over and see him at the bunkhouse. He was there this morning. I’m shore that he won’t mind your…”

“No Teaspoon. I need to talk to him in private about something, and I would rather he come by the school or the house.”

“Well, okay.” He was rubbing his chin absent-mindedly. “Tomorrow afternoon?”

“That would be fine. I think Cody will be on a run tomorrow, and that will give me a chance to speak to Jimmy without fear of being interrupted.”

“Okay. I’ll tell him tonight. I’ll be shore no one else is around when I tell him.”

Sarah reached out and squeezed his hand. “Thanks Teaspoon.” She sent him a dazzling smile then got up to head home.

Teaspoon wandered what was going on. He got up and watched her walk towards her house. Whatever it was, sooner or later he would find out. It was obvious that Sarah didn’t want Cody to know about it. This might be interesting since both were interested and only one was owning up to it!

It was late morning. Melissa was doing the wash. So far she was enjoying living with Rachel. They got along well. She’d dropped by to see Sarah the afternoon before and had learned that she would be talking with Jimmy that afternoon. She hoped that it went well. She had seen Teaspoon talking to Jimmy the night before right after supper, when no one else was around. Hopefully Jimmy would do as he’d been asked and stop by and see Sarah.

Buck was holding the ladder for Ike to climb up to the roof. It had rained the night before and the house had several leaks. They needed to be repaired before winter set in. From the looks of the weak sunshine that day, winter wouldn’t be far off.

“Sure you don’t need my help?” Buck looked up at his friend. “That roof is wet. Don’t slip!”

Ike signed he could do it, and Buck nodded. He needed to make a list for Teaspoon anyway of supplies that were needed for the horses. As he turned to head in the direction of the barn, he spotted Melissa coming out of the house with a basket of wet clothes. She had a jacket wrapped around her, and the clothes were wiping around her as she tried to hang them up in the wind.

Buck smiled her way. Since she had moved in, he’d gotten to spend a little more time with her, but he was beginning to wonder if maybe Ike were interested in her too! They seemed to spend a lot of time together when she wasn’t busy. Recently, every time he started to stop and talk with her, Ike was already there! Well, he wasn’t there now, and he was planning to remind her he was still around!

Melissa was standing between two of the three clotheslines. You could just see the top of her head. Slipping around behind, Buck came up, not making a sound.

Melissa jumped as she was suddenly grabbed from behind and she struggled at first to get free. Then the hands that held her began to tickle her and she glanced over her shoulder to see that it was Buck that held her. She continued to squirm around until she was face to face with him, out of breath from laughing.

The laughter died away as she looked up into his deep brown eyes. His mouth was so close to hers. She held her breath as his lips inched closer to her own. Then she was lost in his kiss. Her arms went around his neck and their bodies moved closer together. Melissa couldn’t remember ever being kissed like this!

Buck felt her mouth open under the pressure of his, and their tongues met, doing a dance that stirred new desire in them both. His hands were moving slowly up and down her back, caressing her through the coat that she wore, pulling her closer to his body with every movement.

Ike was busily repairing the leaks. As he picked up the materials to move to the next one, he felt his feet slipping out from under him. The wet tin was impossible to get a hold on, though he tried to grab hold of the edge. All he succeeded in doing was cutting his hands in the process. He felt himself sliding, and in seconds he had gone all the way down the steep side and had fallen to the ground with a thud. The wind was completely knocked out of him and he hit his head on the side of the steps where he landed, knocking himself unconscious.

Rachel, who had been in the kitchen starting lunch, heard a terrible scraping sound and then something hitting the ground pretty hard. She quickly ran from the house to find Ike sprawled on the ground looking much like a rag doll. “BUCK! MELISSA! Someone help me! Ike fell off the roof!”

Buck and Melissa broke apart abruptly and ran towards the front of the house. Jimmy came running from the bunkhouse. Melissa hurried over to Ike’s side and started checking him over as best she could he was still breathing.

“Go get Doc Johnson, Jimmy!” Rachel sent him on his way. She, Buck and Melissa carried him inside and laid him on the sofa.

Melissa was kneeling beside him, brushing the dirt from his face. His hands were bleeding and there were several other areas that were also from the cuts of the tin. “Someone heat some water and get some clean rags.” Melissa was barking out orders and both Buck and Rachel ran to do as she bid them. By the time the doctor had arrived, Melissa had his cuts looking much better. She was starting to bandage them when he walked in.

“I should have climbed up there with him, but he insisted that he could do the work himself!”

Rachel placed a hand on Buck’s shoulder. “It isn’t your fault. Things like this happen. The doctor will take care of him.”

“The doctor or Melissa?” Buck was watching her worry over Ike and he began to wonder all over again about the two of them. There was a big frown on his face.

“Young lady, you’ve done a nice job with these cuts.” Doc Johnson was smiling her way.

“I’ve done this before. When you live on a farm, you tend to a lot of different accidents!”

“I suppose you do.” He finished checking Ike over and looked her way. “He’s got a concussion. No broken bones that I can see. He needs to rest though. Keep him quiet for the next twenty-four hours. He’ll probably be dizzy and see double when he comes to. If there is anything else come and get me. Other wise, he should be okay with some rest.”

Doc Johnson left, and Rachel went back to the kitchen. Buck stood for a moment by the door a frown on his face. The tender look that was on Melissa’s face as she gazed at Ike really bothered him. Had the kisses that they’d shared only a few short minutes ago not meant anything to her? He headed for the barn, trying not to think about it.

Sarah was nervous all day. She knew that Jimmy was supposed to be stopping by and she didn’t know what she was going to say to him. She had rehearsed it several times in her mind, but none of them sounded quite right. She dismissed the class a few minutes early and busied herself with cleaning up the room.

Jimmy had spent most of the day near the bunkhouse just in case something was needed for Ike. But his mind was on Sarah. He couldn’t come up with anything that she would want to talk to him about. Teaspoon hadn’t known himself, the night before, when he had requested that he stop by and see her. What could she possibly want to talk to him in private about? Near three, he saddled his horse and rode towards the school. He might as well meet her there.

She knew he had come into the school even though he hadn’t made a sound. Her heart had started beating faster. She turned to see him standing there, twisting his hat in his hands nervously.

“Teaspoon said you wanted to see me.”

She smiled. “I do. Come on up. I won’t bite you know!”

He nodded and walked to the front of the classroom. As he got closer, his heart started pounding even faster. She had such an affect on him!

She took a deep breath. Might as well get to the point right off. “Jimmy, I’ve been thinking. I’m in need of something and you are just the person to give it to me!”

“I am?” He sounded surprised as he swallowed quickly.

“Since Melissa moved out, and I have to live alone, I’ve decided I need some protection. Since I came here from the big city, I have never had the need to have a gun or shoot one for that matter. I feel like I need to learn. You know, just in case. Melissa knew how, and I felt safer with her there. But now that she isn’t, I think it’s time I learned. Would you be willing to teach me how to shoot a gun?” She laughed nervously. “I don’t even own one Jimmy. I would need your help in picking one out that would be suitable for me to use. That is if you don’t mind.” She fell silent and Jimmy stood there weighing every thing as he looked at her.

“Why me?” His voice was soft, just above a whisper. “Why not Cody or Teaspoon? They know as much as I do!”

“While that may be true, I hear you are the best there is in these parts. And I would like to learn from the best!” She smiled. “I would feel so much safer at night Jimmy!”

“I don’t know Sarah. Learning about guns isn’t child’s play. It can be dangerous.”

“I know. That’s exactly why I want you to teach me. I’m sure you would teach me the right way to handle it. You wouldn’t want me to hurt myself now would you?”

“No…...” He still didn’t sound convinced.

“Jimmy, I’ve never even held a gun. I need to learn. I feel so vulnerable there all alone. Please help me.” She had moved over closer and was looking up into his eyes. Jimmy swallowed quickly. His heart was racing and it was getting hard to breathe being this close to her. It would be so simple to lean over and kiss her, and he wanted to so bad! He took his emotions in hand.

“Okay. I’ll get you a gun from Tompkins tomorrow. We can start right after school.”

A big smile covered her face, and she leaned near kissing his cheek. “Thank you Jimmy! I feel safer already!”

He smiled too. “Come on. I’ll walk you home.”

On the way there, he told her about Ike’s accident and after putting her books away, she insisted that she go over and see if there was anything that she could do for him.

Ike had come to only an hour before. He was seeing double as Doc Johnson had said he would. Melissa had been by his side all afternoon checking on his every move.

Sarah could tell the minute that she arrived that something was wrong with Buck. He had a deep scowl on his face as he watched Melissa fussing over Ike. Rachel was beginning to set the table for supper. She was in need of water and she asked Melissa to get it, not knowing that she had just sat down to feed Ike some soup.

“Melissa I need that water now.”

She glanced towards Buck. “Would you go get it for her Buck. I need to feed Ike before we sit down to eat ourselves.” She had asked sweetly, but Buck jerked the bucket up, headed for the door, slamming it on his way out.

Sarah glanced at Melissa who was holding a bowl of soup in one hand, a spoon full in the other, looking over her shoulder with a bewildered look towards the door that Buck had just gone through. Sarah got up and quickly hurried after him.

He was a good 8 to 10 paces ahead of her and she had to run to catch up. “Buck!” He ignored her. “Buck Cross, you listen to me!” It was her stern teacher’s voice that made him stop and turn to face her. His face was covered in anger. “What’s wrong Buck?”

“Melissa hasn’t moved an inch from his side all day. If she were interested in him, why didn’t she just tell me? Why’d she let me kiss her like that this morning?” He looked so troubled and Sarah reached out to touch his arm. She wondered what sort of kisses they had been sharing. They sounded much more serious than just a peck on the cheek.

“She isn’t interested in Ike! I imagine she let you kiss her this morning because she is interested in you! She has been since the start!”

“Well it doesn’t look like it now!”

“Buck, are you jealous? Trust me, Ike and Melissa are just friends!”

“Trust you? And you’re the one who told me you’d known her forever? Remember?” His look was one of hurt and she bit her lower lip.

“I’m sorry I lied about that Buck. I didn’t mean to.” Her words were no more than a whisper. “But at the time, that was what I needed to tell you…to protect Melissa. I know how she feels Buck. Nothing has changed since she moved in here.”

“I thought it would be different once she settled. That she and I could spend more time together. But every time I start to ask her if she wants to go for a ride, or even just a walk, Ike is always there ahead of me!” He turned and filled the bucket from the well.

“Buck, Ike is just so sweet and kind hearted he draws you in. He’s your best friend. I don’t have to tell you how he is. He makes friends so easy. Melissa likes a lot of the same things that he does. Their friendship has grown since she moved in. But she isn’t in love with him.”

The supper bell rang and Buck looked towards the house. “I just don’t know Sarah. I have had a bad feelin’ about this! If he’s interested in her,” he hesitated a moment, “I would step aside. You’re right. He is my best friend.” At that he moved around her and started back to the house. Sarah followed a few steps behind wondering how to change this situation.

Sarah was invited to stay for supper and she realized that she was eating there more lately that at her own home! But that was okay. She felt part of this family here.

Since Cody wasn’t there, Jimmy sat by Sarah’s side. He’d been thinking about what she had asked him and he was flattered that she would ask him to teach her. He wanted to be around this lady, no matter if his little inner voice telling him no, this wasn’t a good idea! He was looking forward to being with her the next day. He didn’t eat much, he spent his time watching Sarah. He realized for the one hundredth time how beautiful she was.

Buck still was on edge. Melissa had left Ike to come and eat. She was feeling much better about his condition since he had awaken and eaten some soup. He glanced at Buck. There was a frown on his face. He felt her looking his way and he looked away. Melissa couldn’t believe the look of hurt that passed over his face. What had she done to upset him so?

The meal ended and after helping to clean up, Sarah asked Melissa to walk home with her. Teaspoon was headed back to the Marshall’s office and planned to wait on her there. He would walk her back home after her visit with Sarah.

Buck watched the ladies walk slowly towards Sarah’s. Teaspoon was standing on the porch beside of him. “You all right son?”

“No. But I’ll get over it!” He quickly jumped off the porch and Teaspoon stood watching him walk away. Something was going on and he wasn’t sure what.

Melissa and Sarah walked along for a moment in silence. Then Sarah spoke up. “Jimmy has promised to start teaching me tomorrow after school. I’m excited!”

Melissa smiled. “I can tell. There was a happy look on his face this evening too! I think he’s pretty excited himself!”

“He’s going to purchase a gun for me tomorrow and then meet me after class.”

“When do you start the reading lessons?” Melissa looked interested.

“I haven’t told him yet. I thought I would offer to teach him after he has given me some pointers tomorrow. I was afraid if I mentioned it before hand that he would see through my plan!”

“You’re probably right. I’m glad it worked out like you wanted it to!” She fell silent as they walked along.

“I’m glad Ike is okay. He took a nasty fall!”

“He did.” Melissa looked her way. “Sarah did you notice Buck tonight? He wasn’t acting right. He seemed upset with me and I don’t recall doing anything that would upset him!” She looked worried.

Sarah sighed. “He’s upset with you Melissa, because you spent so much time with Ike this afternoon!”

“All I did was take care of him!”

“I know that. But Buck is jealous! He seems to think that you are interested in him! The fact that you were fussing over him this afternoon just added fuel to the fire!”

“Did he talk to you about this? I saw you follow him out when I asked him to get the water for Rachel. I was shocked when he slammed the door on his way out!”

“I think everyone else was too. Yes, I made him tell me what was wrong. He told me that if Ike were interested in you, that he would step aside. Ike is his best friend!”

“I don’t believe this! What in the world could I have done that would make him think that I am interested in Ike that way?”

“Well, it seems that everyone time he wants to ask you to go for a ride or walk, Ike is always there and he can’t find a time to talk to just you!”

Melissa groaned. “I have been spending a lot of spare time with Ike. But Sarah, he’s so sweet and so loveable! But I don’t love him that way!”

“I told Buck that. He made mention of something that went on between you this morning before Ike was hurt. Something about some kisses. It sounded as if the kisses the two of you were sharing weren’t simple ones!” Sarah didn’t mean to pry, but she wanted to know what had been going on.

Melissa blushed. “Yeah, well, they weren’t simply ones. Buck slipped up behind me while I was hanging out the wash this morning. He started tickling me and then as I turned in his arms, we started kissing! It wasn’t anything like the kisses we’ve shared before. They made me feel things that I’ve never felt before. I was pulled up close to his body and his hands were moving up and down my back. I didn’t want him to stop! It sort of scares me to think about it. I’ve never felt like that before.”

“Then I think you better tell him that! He really thinks you are into Ike. It will hurt their friendship if he keeps thinking this!”

“You’re right. It’s a shame that Ike doesn’t have a lady! He needs someone in his life to love him!”

“One day he’ll find her. But it isn’t for you to worry about. You better watch out how much time you spend with him from now on. I don’t think that Ike thinks anything of it, but Buck sure does!”

“Thanks Sarah for telling me. I better go talk to him.”

Melissa found Teaspoon going through some paper work when she got to his office.

“Have a nice visit with Miss Sarah?”

She smiled. “I did. Teaspoon, since it isn’t dark yet, I can see myself back if you need to finish up what you’re doing.”

“You shore you don’t mind? After all, I did promise to walk you back.”

“I’m positive. I’ll see you back at Rachel’s in a little.” She leaned over and kissed the top of his head. Then she headed out of the door.

Teaspoon smiled in her direction. Oh well, there was work to be done. He turned back to the papers on his desk.

Melissa walked slowly back to the house. She didn’t know what she was going to say to Buck, but she knew that she needed to talk with him. She hadn’t meant for him to get upset. She thought of Ike and about their friendship. She didn’t think that she had ever sent Ike any signals that she wanted anything else other than a friendship between them. He had never even tried to kiss her. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice Buck headed for her as she came in sight of the house. He had been waiting for her on the porch.

After Melissa had left with Sarah, Buck had wandered back to Rachel’s and had gone in to talk to Ike. He couldn’t stand the way that he was feeling. Rachel had gone out to collect the clothes off the line before dark, and that left Ike in the house alone.

Ike knew that something was wrong between Melissa and Buck. If for no other reason than when Buck had left slamming the door earlier. He had actually been thinking about going and looking for him, but when he had tried to get up, he had gotten too dizzy to try and walk yet. It would have to wait.

Buck opened the door silently and looked towards Ike. He was still on the sofa. He was looking into the fire and there was a sad expression on his face. Buck moved over to stand by the side of the sofa.

“You okay?”

Ike looked up, the frown on his face getting deeper. “Worried.”

Buck sat down on the floor in front of him, his back to the fire. “Doc Johnson said that you were going to be fine. Is that what’s got you worried?”

“No, not me. Worried ‘bout you and Melissa!”

“About us? Why?”

“You were upset at supper and I think it had something to do with me!”

Buck looked down at his hands. Ike was usually pretty good at seeing things that other’s didn’t. “I guess you’re right ‘bout that. I was upset ‘bout some things that I don’t understand.” He looked up t his friend. “Ike, tell me truthfully. Are you interested in Melissa?”

Ike appeared to be startled by Buck’s question. He started to sign rapidly. Buck followed his words easily. “NO! She isn’t anything but a friend! A very caring friend. She has feelings for you and I would never step on your territory!”

“But Ike, she isn’t mine! She isn’t my territory!” There was a frown on his face again.

“Oh yes she is! You might not know it yet, but she is very much yours! Are you blind? She doesn’t have eyes for anyone but you! Never has from the start!”

“But the way that she was fussing over you this afternoon?”

“Don’t be a fool Buck! I appreciate her taking care of me, but it was only out of friendship. She has never made me think that she wanted anything else from me! I’ve never even tried to kiss her!”

“Ike if you were interested in her, I would step aside. You’re my best friend and I wouldn’t want this to come between that!”

“Not interested in her! Don’t know how else to tell you that I’m not! I would love to have someone like her. But she hasn’t come into my life yet! One day she will. And she will be just as beautiful as Melissa! Don’t hurt her Buck! Don’t be cruel to her just because you think that I want her or that she wants me! If she had been interested in me, something would have happened between us already. Nothing has!”

Buck sighed. “I guess I’ve been pretty stupid, huh? It started out so beautiful this morning. Before you fell off the roof, she was hanging out clothes. I slipped up behind he, and we…” He fell silent remembering what had happened between them, and he felt that warm feeling that he had felt in her arms start to come over him. Ike watched as his face flushed slightly and he smiled. He could imagine what had been happening between them, before he’d interrupted with his fall.

Ike tapped his chest to get Buck’s attention. “Maybe it was a good thing that I fell off the roof. Sounds as if it might have turned into something really serious out there between the sheets on that clothes line!” He smiled and Buck laughed. The spell broken.

“Maybe so! Though I hate you had to get hurt!”

“I’ll be okay. Now go tell Melissa you’re sorry for the way you’ve been actin’! I was watching you during supper. She was totally shocked by your actions!”

“Okay, you win!” He got up and reached out a hand to Ike. “Thanks.”

Buck stopped a few feet in front of her. His voice made her jump. “Melissa, where’s Teaspoon? I thought he was goin’ to walk you back.”

“He was busy and I told him since it wasn’t dark yet, that I could see myself home. Buck, can we talk for a few minutes?”

“I think we need to. Let’s take a walk.” He reached for her hand and they started towards the back of the house.

They had gone but a few feet when Buck looked her way. She acted nervous. “Buck, I know what I did today made you think that I am interested in Ike, but it isn’t true! Ike and I are friends...just good friends. I guess when he got hurt, I got carried away. I’ve gotten closer to him since I moved in with Rachel. We’ve spent a lot of hours talking about my home and the things that happened there. He’s told me some about his family life, what little of it there was. He’s so sweet, and he has the type of personality
that just seems to draw you in. But I have never done anything to make him think that I am interested in him.” She looked up worriedly and he smiled.

“I know.”

“You know? Then why are you letting me tell you all this and make a fool of myself?” She hit him in the middle of his chest with her hand.

“I’m sorry Melissa. You just started to talk first and I wasn’t going to interrupt you.” He turned towards her and took hold of her arms, holding her still in front of him. “I had a long talk with Ike after you left with Sarah. I didn’t like the way I was feelin’ ‘bout things. He set me straight. I guess I was jealous! I didn’t realize that I was till today! I hope you forgive me for actin’ so rude. I didn’t mean to be. I had hopes that the kisses we shared this morning meant something special to you. But when I saw you carin’ for Ike the way you was, I began to think that they hadn’t!”

“Buck those kisses were very special to me. I’ve never felt the way they made me feel! I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed like that before!” She was silent as she looked up into his eyes.

Buck didn’t know how to describe the way he was feeling as he looked down at her. Was it true what Ike had said? Was she already his? He liked the sound of that. Slowly, he leaned down and kissed her mouth that looked so inviting in the moonlight that was now surrounding them. Her arms wound themselves around his waist, and they stepped closer to one another. The same feelings that they had both experienced earlier that day took hold of them again. They stood kissing one another unaware that anyone else existed in the world but them!

The following morning, Jimmy headed for Tompkins General Store. It wasn’t that busy and he took his time looking over what Tompkins had to offer in the line of guns. It wasn’t much, but after handling several different kinds and shapes, he decided on a small derringer.

Tompkins looked surprised as he placed it on the counter. “I want this one.”

“You planning to hide this and surprise someone at some point? It’s a mite small compared to the two you wear on your hip!” Tompkins grinned.

“No, it ain’t for me! Someone asked me to buy one for them.”

“Oh, a lady friend then!”

“How do you know it’s a lady friend? You seen me round town with anyone?” Jimmy looked a little peeved that someone might have spotted him and Sarah together too much. Enough so, that they might think of her as a lady friend. He would hate for someone to hurt her because of him.

“Well, no, I guess not. Come to think of it, I ain’t see’d you with no lady’s round town. But I don’t think a man would have you buying this pretty little gun for him!”

“Just give me the gun Tompkins! I don’t have all day to stand round here jawin’ with you!” He shook his head as Tompkins went to the cash register and rang up the sale. He knew that he had gotten to Jimmy. He loved getting under that boy’s skin!

“Okay, here you go Jimmy. Now you enjoy using that little thing! Make you look all dainty when you whisk it out on someone!”

Jimmy shot him a look of hatred as he started for the door. Tompkins just laughed. That had made his day.

Cody had gone by the school early that morning to see Sarah. The children were beginning to arrive when he got there. She looked up startled to have a visitor this early in the morning.

“Cody. Good morning! You’re out awfully early aren’t you?”

He smiled her way. “I just stopped in to tell you that Teaspoon is sending me to the fort this morning on some army business. I’m going to be away for a few more days. I just got back in and I didn’t want you to think that somethin’ had happened to me! Or that somethin’ was wrong ‘tween us!”

“It’s okay Cody. I know that when Teaspoon has something he needs done that he can count on you boys to carry it through. I’ll be here when you get back!” She leaned near and kissed his cheek. He smiled as he turned and headed for his horse and the long ride ahead of him.

This was perfect. Sarah had been wondering what she was going to tell Cody should he want to see her the next few afternoons after school while she was with Jimmy. She turned to the class with a smile on her face. She was really looking forward to this afternoon.

Jimmy was waiting on her at the door as she dismissed the class. Some of the older boys spoke to him as they left the classroom. The girls whispered behind their hands as they watched him talking with their teacher, wondering if they were sweet on one another.

Sarah held up one finger telling Jimmy that she would be one minute. He nodded and stood patiently waiting on her. He had brought a horse for her, so he was planning to ride out of town for the lessons. Her heart was pounding as she quickly gathered her things and reached for her coat.

“Are you ready for your first lesson?” Jimmy was smiling up at her on the steps as she pulled the door closed behind her.

“As ready as I’ll ever be!” She smiled as she stepped down beside him. “Actually, I’m pretty excited about it. The question is, are you ready for my first lesson?”

Jimmy had been watching her move around the school room and he knew that he was going to enjoy being with this lady for the rest of the afternoon. “I think I can handle it. Do you need to go change, or can you ride in your skirt?”

“No problem, give me a hand up, and I’ll do just fine!” He did as she asked and she gathered her skirt around her legs. He swung up into his own saddle and they were off.

A few miles out of town, away from everyone and everything, Jimmy stopped his horse. “Thought this would be a good place. No one around.”

“Oh, so I can make a fool of myself and no one will notice?” She reached out for him to help her down. She wasn’t sure she could get off the horse without getting tangled in her skirt. He placed his hands on her slim waist and she slowly slipped off the horse and down to stand in front of him. Once again, Jimmy had the urge to pull her close and kiss her. He knew if he did that, they would completely forget about the shooting lessons that they had come there for.

Sarah stood looking up into his eyes and she didn’t have the desire to learn anything about a gun! She guessed she never really had wanted to learn. This was what she had done this for. A chance to be alone with this man! All she wanted was for Jimmy to kiss her until the ache that was him, went away!

They both pulled away at the same time. Jimmy took her gun out of his saddle bag and walked a little ways to the rocks where he had set up some cans for her to practice on.

Sarah followed him. He placed the little gun in her hand. She looked up shocked. “This is it?”

He laughed at the expression on her face. “You expected somethin’ that you couldn’t lift, let alone hold steady enough to shoot?”

“Well, no. But I was expecting something more on the lines of what you carry and use!” She was looking the little gun over with interest. It was a pretty little thing. It fit easily into the palm of her hand, and she knew that she could easily hide it if the need arose!

“Most of the ladies carry these. Called a lady’s derringer. Easy to hide in your skirts or your reticule should you need to carry it out with you. It’s used for close range.”

She wasn’t surprised at his knowledge of the gun. She looked up. “Are you sure that it will be enough protection for me? I don’t need something the size of your two?”

Jimmy pulled them both out of the holsters and laid them on the rocks in front of them. “First off, this gun is too big for a lady to handle. I ain’t sayin’ you cain’t learn to use ‘em. I’m just sayin’ it ain’t the easiest thing for you to learn to shoot. If you don’t like what I bought for you, I can always take it back and change it for one about the size of these!” He motioned to the guns that were on the rocks. He seemed a little irritated that she was questioning his choice for her.

Sarah looked the guns over. They did look big now that she could see the entire gun. She reached out and caressed the handle of one. “They’re beautiful Jimmy!”

“But very dangerous!”

“Where’d you get them?”

She noticed how quickly a frown covered his face at her question. “Someone that I used to work for, a judge, gave me one. The other belonged to a friend who also worked for him. When he died, I became the owner of his.” The frown had turned into a look of sadness. She wondered what had happened to his friend. She didn’t think she should ask just then.

Picking up the derringer, she looked his way. “Well, let’s get started! I can’t learn how to handle either of these if you don’t show me how!”

Jimmy pushed away the memories, and turned towards her. They spent nearly an hour going over the different parts of the guns, talking about the bullets and how to load the gun and then lastly how to aim and fire. Handing the derringer back to her, he told her, “Your turn!” He had emptied it and the bullets he held in his hand. “You load it and try shootin’ it!”

She was nervous as she took it from him. She wasn’t sure if was his nearness or the fact that she really hadn’t been listening that closely to him as he explained how to do all this! All she’d been thinking about was how handsome he was and how much she wanted to have him kiss her again. Like he had the other Saturday night in the dark! She shook her head and tried to concentrate on what she was supposed to be doing.

Jimmy looked on with an amused smile on his face. Sarah was suddenly all thumbs. She started out taking the bullets from his hand, and immediately dropped them all as she tried to put them in upside down!

“I don’t think I’m going to be very good at this!” She looked up from the ground where she was picking up the bullets and smiled weakly. She was getting flustered.

“That’s okay. I have all the time in the world! I can spend the next two years teachin’ you if I need to!” He smiled trying to make her feel at ease, as he leaned down to help her pick up the scattered bullets.

Her heart was pounding again. She wasn’t sure how she was going to quiet it. He took her hand and showed her once more where the bullets were loaded and which direction they were supposed to be as they went into the gun. “They won’t shoot if you put them in backwards!” He grinned.

“Don’t make fun of me Jimmy Hickok!” She sent him a nasty look and he laughed.

“I wasn’t makin’ fun! Promise!”

“Likely story!” She mumbled as she looked down at the gun in her hands. She had placed the last bullet in, and was ready. “I hold it like this?” She stretched out her arm, pointing the gun directly at Jimmy’s chest. For a moment he didn’t say anything, then swallowing quickly, he pushed her arm down. “Don’t point that thing at me! Don’t point it at anyone unless you plan to use it!” His voice held a menacing tone.

“Sorry!’ Her voice was soft as she looked at him through her lashes.

“Come on!” He reached for her wrist and pulled her over to the cans that he had lined the rocks with. He had to get her busy or he was going to end up kissing her! Her soft voice and nearness was getting to him. “See how many of them you can hit!”

She took aim, squeezed her eyes shut and fired, missing all five of the cans! She turned her head towards Jimmy, opening one eye to look at him. “Did I hit any of them?”

Jimmy laughed a loud. “No and you won’t either unless you open your eyes!” He reached for the gun and more bullets. “You’re probably one of them ladies that would put their hands over their ears so the loud noise won’t hurt ‘em when you shoot a gun, ain’t you?”

She stuck her tongue out at him, making a face. He saw her, but didn’t say anything. He just shook his head. “You sure you want to do this?”

She gave him a quick shake of her head in the affirmative and started to load the gun. It took her a few minutes but she got it loaded right this time.

“Let me show you how to do it right this time!” He moved behind her and slipped his arms around her. Taking hold of her hand, he showed her how to hold the gun and aim at the cans. Even though the gun would be used for close range, he knew that she needed to know she had to aim at what she was planning to shoot in order to hit it. This time she hit two out of the three cans.

“That’s much better!” He still had his arm wrapped around her waist, still held her hand with the gun in it. He didn’t want to move, and she wasn’t about to. Both savored the feel of the other so close. He wanted to pull her closer, tighter against his body. She fit so well pressed against him. Not thinking, just acting, he leaned down and kissed the exposed area of her neck that the coat left uncovered. Sarah shivered, her arms falling to her side, the gun forgotten, as his lips burned her skin.

He turned her in his arms, their lips meeting. The feeling that ripped through their bodies shocked them both. Jimmy’s mouth moved down the side of her cheek, to her neck once more. Her arms were around his waist. One hand clutched the back of his coat, the other still holding the forgotten gun. As his mouth found hers again, Sarah groaned softly. This man made her feel things that no one else ever had! Forgetting everything, she kissed him back, clenching her fingers as the passionate feelings ran through her.

Suddenly the spell was broken as a shot rang out behind them, scattering the dust at their feet. Jimmy jumped, crouched low, reaching for his guns, which were still laying on the rocks. He reached around and jerked her down behind the rocks with him.

Sarah’s heart had nearly jumped out of her throat as she looked around, expecting to see someone standing there, a gun trained on Jimmy. Then she realized she still held the derringer in her hand and it was smoking. She was the one who had fired the shot! Jimmy was cautiously looking everywhere when he glanced at Sarah. She was trying no to laugh, her had over her mouth to contain the sound.

“What’s so funny?” Jimmy looked irritated.

She held up the derringer, and it dawned on him what she was trying to tell him. “It was you? You’re shore?” He’d been so afraid that someone had followed them out there. It would be the perfect place to catch him if someone were gunning for him. He didn’t want to see her get hurt because of him.

“I’m sorry Jimmy! I didn’t mean to upset you! I just forgot that I had it in my hand! See what your kisses do to me!” She had walked back over to where he stood. She was standing in front of him, and her fingers slowly moved up his chest.

Jimmy groaned. “And they’re gonna get us both in trouble! Come on, it’s getting dark!” He took the gun from her hand and replaced it in his saddle bag.

He was right, it was beginning to turn to dusk. Where had the afternoon gone? She turned and picked up the box of bullets that were still sitting on the rocks. She had a feeling that Jimmy was terribly upset with her. He didn’t even help her back into her saddle.

It took almost the entire ride back to town before Jimmy’s heart stopped racing. What was he going to do with this woman at his side? Neither of them spoke as they rode back. At her house, Sarah slipped off her horse and moved over to stand by him. “Come in for a minute Jimmy.”

He sat looking down at her, not sure why, but he shook his head, and followed her inside.

She busied herself lighting the oil map, and then making coffee. Jimmy was standing in the doorway. “I’m sorry Jimmy. I promise the next time you kiss me that I won't be holding my gun!"” She was trying hard not to laugh.

He gazed at her for a moment, then a slight smile covered his face. “I guess it was sort of funny. But I was so ‘fraid someone had followed us! I would never forgive myself if you got hurt because of me!”

“Jimmy, don’t worry so much about me. If I choose to be with you, and something should happen, it isn’t your fault. I’m the one who decided to be with you.” She reached up and caressed his cheek.

He started to kiss her again, but stepped away. He moved towards the fireplace and started a fire for her. Trying to keep his distance. Trying not to do what his body was screaming for him to do.

She sighed and went to get them both a cup of coffee. “Will you stay to supper?” She handed him the cup and he sat down at the table with her.

“No, coffee is fine. Thanks.

“Jimmy, I do appreciate you taking the time to teach me to shoot. It means a lot. Would you let me do something for you in return for the lessons?”

“You don’t have to Sarah.” He almost told her it was enough to let him be close to her for those few hours.

“I know. But I want to. How bout if I teach you to read in return?”

She saw the frown that quickly covered his face. She was afraid that he was going to reject the idea, so she quickly went on. “It would be as I promised before. No one would know. We could do it here after my lessons for an hour or so in the evenings. I won’t tell a soul!”

“I don’t know Sarah.” He was looking down into his coffee cup. An unsure look on his face. But it was still there. The look of longing.

“Jimmy, it doesn’t matter to me if you know how to read or not. You’re still the same person one way or the other. The only reason that I keep bringing it up is because I can see a yearning in your eyes when you mention learning to read. I know deep down inside you want to know how.” She placed a hand on his arm.

Looking at it, he sighed. She was right. He did want to learn. Placing a hand over hers, he squeezed it. “Can we start tomorrow?”

She smiled. “Right after my shooting lesson!”

|Back at the barn, Jimmy removed the saddles from the horses. As he took the things out of the bags, he looked at the derringer. He couldn’t help but laugh as he thought back over the evening. Now it was funny that Sarah had squeezed off the shot while they were kissing. He was ever so glad that she had it pointed away from his body! Who would have thought that things would have turned out the way they did? He remembered her kisses; they gave him a warm feeling on the inside. Tomorrow, he would be spending even more time with her. He could hardly wait!

Teaspoon was looking towards Melissa. She was sitting in front of the fire, her mind seemed miles away. Ike and Buck were sitting near her. Ike seemed t have gotten over his fall. Tomorrow it would be work as usual for him. “Melissa, I been thinkin’.”

She glanced towards him. She had been wondering what it would have been like had her mother married Teaspoon.

“Every Saturday night, we have a dance in Rock Creek. Gives the young folk somethin’ to do. Not to mention us old ones! It’s usually jist a barn dance, unless someone has somethin’ special to celebrate. Would it be all right with you if I were to introduce you as my daughter? The dance would be in your honor then!”

A big smile covered her face and she quickly got up and moved over to his side, kissing his cheek. “That would be wonderful Teaspoon!”

He smiled broadly. “I’ll start spreadin’ the news tomorrow. There’ll be so many men there to meet you they won’t fit in the barn!”

Buck frowned at his words and Ike punched him in the arm signing, “Don’t worry. Melissa won’t even look at anyone else!” Some how Buck didn’t feel any better with his words!

True to his word, Teaspoon had everyone informed that he would be introducing his daughter on Saturday night. Before the day was over, every available male and some who weren’t so available, planned to attend the dance the following evening! Clem and James Caine were among those planning to be there.

“Paw, I’m a gonna go to that there dance in town Saturday nite and bring me back a wife!”

Jackson Caine, a stooped over little man, looked at his oldest son. He had a lot of doubts about what his son said and did! “Don’t you go a causin’ no trouble at that dance! You hear me boy? Teaspoon Hunter is the law in that there town and he lives by it!”

“I won’t Paw! But you mark my words. I’m a gonna being me home a wife!” Clem left the house with James on his heels.

“What ya a thinkin’ ‘bout Clem? There ain’t no woman you proposed to in town!”

“True. But come Saturday nite I’m a plannin’ to do it!”

“Who? Who you got ya sites on Clem?”

“Teaspoon Hunter’s daughter! I hear she’s a looker!”

Jimmy and Sarah spent nearly two hours that next afternoon working with the gun. Jimmy had to admit that she was doing much better that day. He thought she might even be able to protect herself with it after a few more lessons.

As they rode back to town, Sarah looked his way. “I hope you don’t mind pot luck for supper! I mean, I assumed that you would stay since we have a reading lesson tonight!”

Jimmy looked her way. He wasn’t about to go home any time soon. He would probably eat dirt if she put it on a plate in front of him! “Anything is fine.”

She smiled his way. It should be an interesting evening.

They had chicken pie, cornbread, and blackberry pie for dessert. Jimmy was impressed with her cooking. One day she would make someone a very good wife.

They got to know one another a little better while the meal was cooking. She noticed that Jimmy was free with his questions about her life before she had come there to live. He seemed to listen carefully to what she had to say. But when she asked him something about himself, he didn’t have much to say. She wondered why, but didn’t want to push it. They were getting along really well, and she didn’t want to ruin it. Jimmy tended the fire and kept her company while she cooked. Sarah wondered if this was what it would be like to be married to Jimmy? Having him all to herself in the evening after a hard day of work. She liked those thoughts. But somehow she knew they wouldn’t set well with Jimmy. She kept them to herself.

After they had eaten, they started on Jimmy’s reading lesson. Sarah was surprised at how well Jimmy caught on. He was a smart man. It was a shame that he hadn’t gotten the schooling that he so longed for. There was no telling what he might have made of himself. He soaked the knowledge in like a thirsty sponge. She had to admit that he would be a joy to teach, even if she weren’t interested in the man! She caught herself watching his mouth with interest as he tried to pronounce some of the vowels. She knew that it was dangerous, but she got up and moved around to his side of the table.

Leaning near, she took his mouth in her hand, and helped him to hold his lips right, while he pronounced the A-E-I-O-U sounds. Her eyes didn’t leave his mouth, and it was no use. She could think of nothing but those lips on hers! Leaning nearer, she kissed him softly.

Jimmy thought he had been doing good. He was concentrating on the lesson with no problems, even with her as close as she was. But when she came around the table, he lost it. Trying to make the sounds that she wanted was nearly impossible. He’d been willing her to come closer. He knew she was watching his lips and it was making him uncomfortable. When she leaned nearer and kissed him, he forgot about everything that he had learned in the last hour! Reaching for her, he pulled her down into his lap, between himself and the table.

His mouth felt so good on hers. She didn’t want him to stop kissing her! She ran her fingers through his hair, around the back of his neck, and down his back. His lips were every where at once it seemed. Their breaths coming in short gasps, as passion turned red hot between them.

Suddenly there was a knock on her door. Both of them jumped as Cody’s voice was heard. “Sarah. You home…” Luckily the door was latched, and the curtains drawn. He couldn’t see into the kitchen where they were sitting.

Jimmy panicked, jumping up, he dumped Sarah into the floor. “I gotta go. Cody can’t find me here!”

Sarah was looking up at him from the floor where she had landed. He didn’t even seem to notice that she was there, or that he had dumped her there. But she understood. She motioned towards the back of the house. “Go out the back. Don’t worry. I won’t tell him you were here!”

He quickly grabbed his hat, and headed in the direction that she had indicated. He gave her one last look over his shoulder and then was gone.

“Sarah?” Cody knocked again.

She pulled herself up off the floor, shaking her head. Poor Jimmy! She willed her insides to calm down both from his kisses and from the fact that Cody nearly caught them in an almost compromising position! She smoothed her skirt down and reached to close the books. Surveying the room, it looked as if she had been working on her lesson plans. Satisfied that he wouldn’t notice anything unusual, she went to answer the door.

“I was beginnin’ to think you wasn’t here!” Cody smiled and Sarah felt a bit guilty for what she and Jimmy had been doing. After all it was Cody who had asked if he could court her!

“I was in the kitchen working on my lesson plans. You’re back already? I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow some time!” She stepped away from the door to allow him entrance. The warmth from the inside, felt good to him.

“I just got back this afternoon. I wanted to come over and invite you to the dance tomorrow nite.”

“Dance?” She looked up with interest. “What dance is that?”

“Oh you haven’t seen Melissa?”

“Not since day before yesterday. Something going on with her?”

“Teaspoon is going to introduce her as his daughter tomorrow night at the dance. There is usually one every Saturday night. It’s usually just a barn dance, unless someone is celebrating somethin’! Guess Teaspoon decided Melissa was a good reason to celebrate!” He smiled as he reached out and pulled her into his arms. “So, will you do me the honor and go with me to the dance?”

“I’d love to Cody!”

He leaned near and kissed her. He wondered why she looked so flushed. Maybe she’d just been sitting close to the fire.

Sarah felt his lips on hers, but it was another’s kiss that she longed for. She wondered if Jimmy would be at the dance the following night?

Jimmy rode his horse at a fast pace back towards the bunkhouse. He came to a skidding halt just inside the barn.

Melissa was sitting on a bale of hay near the entrance. She had brought some warm milk out to the cat that she had made friends with. She always liked to come out just before she turned in and say good night.

The dust from Jimmy’s house covered Melissa from head to toe. It sent dirt flying into the bowl of milk. Jumping, the cat hurried away to hide from the intruder. Melissa sent Jimmy a nasty look as she coaxed the cat back to the bowl of milk.

“Just what is your all fired hurry Jimmy? The devil after you or something?” She brushed the dirt from her skirt.

He seemed surprised to see her there. He jumped from his horse and took the saddle from its back quickly placing it over the rails of the stall.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I just wanted to get back before Cody so he wouldn’t ask me no questions.”

“Cody? I think he rode over to see Sar…” She glanced his way again. So Jimmy and Sarah had been together and Cody had nearly caught them.

“He did.”

“I see. Did he see you with Sarah?”

“No. And don’t you go tellin’ him neither!”

“I wouldn’t Jimmy! I just think it’s funny you’re interested in her and all, and yet you won’t tell anyone! Cody’s courting her, you know.”

Jimmy turned around to look at Melissa. Had he heard that right? “He is?”

“Yep. But I really don’t think she’s that interested in him. I mean, she thinks he’s sweet and all, but she doesn’t want to hurt his feelings.” She leaned down to pet the cat again. She was cleaning up the bowl of milk.

“Well, she ought to stick with him. He’ll be good for her.” Jimmy started rubbing down his horse.

“Better than you would be? That what you’re saying?”

“Melissa, stay out of it. I’m givin’ Sarah shootin’ lessons. That’s the only reason why we’re a seein’ one ‘nother.”

Melissa leaned down and picked up the cat that was winding itself round and round her legs. “You sure Jimmy? You sure it’s the only reason? I’d be willing to bet it’s not!”

“Melissa, this isn’t gonna do any good! Stop tryin’ to match make!”

“Me? Match Make? I’d never do that Jimmy? Though it is a shame you’re both so attracted to one another and you aren’t willing to do anything about it! You really should you know!”

“Stop it Melissa! I don’t want to talk about this no more! Just tend to your own business and leave mine out of it!” He led his horse into the stall and left the barn.

“You’re making a mistake Jimmy Hickok!”

Her voice followed him towards the house. If he were making a mistake, it was his! He didn’t need any help to do it!

Melissa was excited about the dance. Buck had asked her to save most of her dances for him, and she didn’t need to think twice about it. Teaspoon would escort her there. He seemed as excited as she was.

The town’s people hadn’t known Teaspoon Hunter that long. So they didn’t think it strange that after all this time Melissa had appeared. All the young men turned out just as Teaspoon had predicted, to meet his beautiful daughter.

Cody picked Sarah up near six o’clock, and they went to the dance. It was already crowded. Teaspoon, Melissa, Buck, Ike, Noah and Rachel had just arrived. Jimmy wasn’t any where to be seen and Sarah was disappointed. However, she’d half expected he wouldn’t show.

Most everyone in town had met Melissa. But she wasn’t prepared for all the young men that lived on the outskirts of town to show up. All of the wanting to dance with her! She had a terrible time remembering names. She was oh so thankful when one of the riders chose to take her out on the dance floor. At least she could put a name with a face!

Buck was watching Melissa as she was being swung around on yet another young man’s arm. He was getting more upset by the moment. Ike came to stand beside him, noting the frown on his face.

“Why don’t you go cut in? You want to! I can see it in your eyes!”

“No. I don’t want to interrupt the dance. She might want to dance with him!”

Ike glanced back her way and noticed that she was giving him a pleading look. “I don’t think that’s the case! Go rescue her! Or I will!” Ike gave Buck a push towards Melissa and one of her many dance partners.

Teaspoon and Rachel were standing near the punch bowl. He hadn’t missed the sour look on Buck’s face. “I think maybe Buck is a mite interested in my daughter!” He nodded as he watched Buck head towards Melissa.

“You just now noticing that? Where you been Teaspoon? Those two have been mooning over one another since she got here!”

“Really?” He looked at Rachel surprised. “Guess I have missed a thing or two! Well, well!” He watched as Buck tapped her partner on the shoulder, then moved to take his place. It was obvious the difference the change in dance partners made for Melissa. Teaspoon watched as they gazed at one another. Yeap, Buck was sweet on her alright!

“I thought you would never rescue me!” She looked up into Buck’s brown eyes.

“You looked like you were having too much fun! I wasn’t shore if you wanted to be rescued!” He grinned.

“Gee thanks Buck Cross! You’re so wonderful!” Her voice was sarcastic.

He laughed. “I’m teasin’! Melissa you look beautiful tonite! Ain’t no wonder all them men are after you to dance with them!” She was dressed in a long dark skirt and a white blouse. Her hair was pulled over to one side with a dark blue ribbon, and she wore just a hint of color on her face.

“Now you are teasing me! I’m definitely not beautiful!”

“In my eyes, you are!” He smiled down at her and her heart gave a leap. Could she get away with staying in this man’s arms all night?

Sarah was having a good time. She didn’t have as many dance partners as Melissa, but she didn’t have time to rest! All the riders took turns dancing with her. Cody didn’t think he’d danced but two dances with her all evening, and he was the one who had brought her! She was still disappointed that Jimmy wasn’t there. Every time someone new arrived, she caught herself looking towards the door in hopes that it was him.

Teaspoon brought her a cup of punch, and Sarah smiled her thanks as he sat down on the bench beside her. “Havin’ a good time Miss Sarah?”

“It’s wonderful Teaspoon. You sure know how to throw a party!”

He smiled. “I think Melissa is a big hit with all the local fellers! Course I don’t think Buck is none too pleased bout that!”

“That’s alright. He has nothing to worry about. It’s more than safe to say that Melissa isn’t going to look at anyone else!”

“That interested is she?” Teaspoon was once more watching the objects of their conversation. The love that he saw in their eyes reminded him of the love that he’d once felt for Melissa’s mother.

“I’m not sure how serious it’s gonna be, but one thing is for sure. They’re both very interested!”

Teaspoon smiled. “I been meanin’ to ask. You get to talk to Jimmy the other day? I told him you wanted to see him.”

“I did. Thank you for your help Teaspoon. By the way, where is Jimmy? Not on a run tonight is he?”

“No. The boys were off today. I ain’t shore where he is. I left him at the bunkhouse. I thought he was comin’.”

The music ended and Buck and Melissa moved over to stand with Teaspoon and Sarah.

“I need a chair. My feet are killing me!” Melissa sat down beside Sarah and she smiled.

“Seems you’re the most important person here tonight!”

Melissa smiled. “Too important! I’ll have to soak my feet for a week after tonight just to be able to walk!”

Just then the music started again and three men surrounded Melissa. She gave Sarah a helpless look. She didn’t know which hand she was to take! Teaspoon saved the day.

“Sorry fellers, but this here dance is mine! Come on daughter!” He reached for her hand, and she gladly accepted his.

Buck reached for Sarah. “Come on. You cain’t sit here either!” Grinning he whisked her out of her chair.

“Thanks Teaspoon. I really didn’t want to dance with any of them!”

“I sort of noticed you would rather all your dances be with Buck!” He smiled her way.

She blushed. “He’s sort of special!”

“Just special? Seems as though I read somethin’ more in them eyes a yours whilest you was a dancin’ with him!”

Melissa laughed. “Don’t miss nothing do you Teaspoon?”

“Not much! I also noticed Buck is very jealous! Best watch how close you let them fellers hold you wilst you’re a dancin’ with ‘em!”

“I don’t think Buck has to worry much about that!” She fell silent a moment, then looked up at Teaspoon. “You don’t mind do you?”

“Mind? Bout what?” He looked down at his daughter.

“Bout Buck and I? I mean, you are my father and all!” She looked worried and Teaspoon laughed.

“First of all, I’m honored that you would ask me that! I mite be your father, but it seems to me that you’re all growed up and old enough to make your own decisions! As for Buck, he’s like my son. I don’t have no objections!”

She smiled and hugged him as they danced around the floor. She was happy that he felt that way.

Buck and Sarah were dancing near by. She could tell that he wasn’t really there. His eyes were watching Melissa as she and Teaspoon moved around the floor in time to the music. “If you don’t glance down at me at least once while we’re dancing, I’ll think you really don’t want to be dancing with me!” She looked up at Buck as he snapped back to her.

“What? I’m sorry Sarah.”

“It’s okay. I know you would rather be dancing with Melissa!”

“Like you would rather be dancing with Jimmy?”

She was startled by his observation. “Maybe. Though Cody probably wouldn’t like it if he knew!”

“Your secret is safe with me!” He smiled as the music ended.

“Doesn’t really matter anyway, since he isn’t here.”

Jimmy walked towards the barn where the dance was being held. He hadn’t planned to come. But he knew Sarah would be there and he knew he wanted to dance just one dance with her! He wanted to hold her in his arms at least once tonight! He entered the building and they spotted one another at the same moment. His heartbeat quickened as he took in her beauty. She was dressed in a light blue dress. Her hair bounced around her shoulders. She had the most beautiful smile in the world! Someone came up to him, and his thoughts were pulled from her.

Sarah had felt his presence before she had seen him. He was dressed in a black pair of trousers and a white shirt, with a narrow tie. He looked so handsome standing there. He took her breath away. She had to find something to do so she wouldn’t be caught staring. She moved over to sit with Rachel.

Clem and James Caine had been at the saloon drinking the bigger part of the evening. “I thought we was a goin’ to that dance tonite!”

“We are! Come on! I’m gonna git myself a bride!” Drunk, they staggered out of the saloon and towards the dance on the opposite end of town.

It was crowded, but it didn’t take but a second to decide which of the young ladies there was Teaspoon Hunter’s daughter. James turned to his older brother. “You a gonna have a hard time gittin’ a dance with a purdy lady like that one! The men won’t leave her a lone!”

“I’ll git my chance! Jist you watch! She won’t look at no ‘un else after one dance with me!” Clem made his way across the dance floor, stopping to talk
to someone he knew along the way. James followed close behind.

Jimmy stood talking to Cody and Noah for awhile, but his eyes never left Sarah. She’d danced several dances since he’d come in. He knew that Cody had brought her and that he would be claiming her soon for another dance. He had commented on how often she had been out on the floor that night and it hadn’t been with him!

Moving across the dance floor, Jimmy smiled as he stopped in front of her, holding out his hand. “Sarah, can I have this dance?”

Rachel smiled as Sarah looked up at Jimmy. It was about time he showed up.

Sarah took his hand and wondered if she would ever be able to deny this man anything? Not speaking, they moved out onto the dance floor.

They moved as if they were one. Their bodies flowing together in time to the music. She felt so good in his arms. He pulled her a little closer.

Sarah knew she had to guard her expressions. Her eyes would give away her feelings to Cody in a heartbeat if he were watching her. She wanted to ask why he hadn’t come earlier, but she didn’t. She just enjoyed the feel of his
arms around her. It was as if they were the only two there.

Jimmy thought that maybe he was going crazy. This woman was everything he’d ever dreamed about. But he knew he couldn’t have her. She was Cody’s, or at least she would be in the end. She would be much better off with him, or at least he was trying to convince himself of that!

Oh she wanted this moment to go on forever. Sarah closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. She knew that most of the other couples weren’t dancing this close, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t get close enough to this man!

Jimmy felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned to find Cody standing there. “You’re a dancin’ with my lady!” For a minute, Jimmy thought that he was upset. Then he saw the smile on Cody’s face.

Sarah’s heart fell. She didn’t want to dance with Cody. But there was nothing she could do about it!

Jimmy turned her over to him and slowly left the dance floor, walking backwards. Her eyes didn’t leave his until he was swallowed up in the crowd.

Cody didn’t seem to notice anything strange about her as they finished the dance together. She didn’t see Jimmy any more after their dance.

Melissa had finally gotten to sit down again. She was over in the corner. Buck had one to get her a cup of punch. What she would really like was for Buck to return and the two of them slip out for a breath of fresh air. She knew the dance was in her honor, but she needed a break. As Buck was starting back across the floor with the punch, Clem made his first attempt at Melissa.

“My, my ain’t you a purdy thing! You all alone purdy lady?”

Melissa could tell the gentleman, if he could be called that, was drunk. He smelled of whiskey and beer, not to mention unwashed body! When she didn’t acknowledge him, he got right up in her face.

“I said, you all alone purdy lady? Since you is, let’s me and you dance!”

His breath nearly made her swoon and she quickly looked around for Teaspoon or Buck. She couldn’t see either of them in the crowd.

“I don’t feel like it jut now. Maybe later on. Thank you for asking though.”
She tried to smile at him. Maybe he would just wander on off.

“No, I want to dance NOW! Come on the music is playin’!” He reached out and pulled her from her chair. She pulled her arm out of his grasp.

“I said NO! Can’t you hear well? I don’t want to dance with you!”

“But you’re a gonna dance with me! When Clem Caine wants to dance with you, you dance!” He reached for her arm once more and drug her across the floor. His tone was a menacing one.

James moved over to stand beside his brother. “When you git done with your dance, can I dance with her Clem?” He was leering at her and Melissa shuddered.

“NO! Find your own woman! This here ‘un is mine!”

James stuck his lower lip out, pouting at his older brother. Clem ignored him and drug Melissa further onto the dance floor.

Buck returned to where he’d left Melissa and was surprised to find her gone. He scanned the other chairs, but she wasn’t sitting in any of them. Then he looked out on the dance floor and there she was on the arm of Clem Caine. And she didn’t look too happy!

“Let go of me you filthy man! I don’t want to dance with you!”

“You think you’re too good to dance with me? Just cause you is a Hunter don’t make you no better ‘n me!”

Melissa was struggling to get away, but his arms were getting tighter around her. The more she struggled, the more he pulled her closer to his sweaty, smelly body!

Buck sat the punch down and headed across the dance floor. “Let her go Clem!”

He ignored Buck.

“I said, let her go! She don’t want to dance with you!”

“Dancin’ ain’t all I’s gonna do with her! I’s a gonna marry her!” He leaned near and tried to kiss her. Melissa knew she’d be sick if he succeeded in putting his mouth on hers!

“Let me go! I’m not dancing with you and I’m most certainly not going to marry you!”

His hold on her didn’t loosen, and Buck saw red as a look of pain went across Melissa’s face as Clem twisted one of her arms roughly behind her back to hold her still. Buck jerked him around and hit him square in the jaw. He released Melissa and she staggered back several feet before she regained her balance. Clem staggered from the blow but quickly regained his footing and started at Buck.

The fighting went on for several seconds before Teaspoon could get through the crowd. Fists were hitting solid blows. Melissa was standing with her hand over her mouth, afraid that something would happen to Buck.

“All right boys, break it up!” He and Cody each grabbed hold of Buck and Clem. What’s a goin’ on here?”

Melissa rushed over to slip an arm around Buck, whom Teaspoon was still holding on to. His mouth was bleeding. He wiped it quickly on the back of his hand. “This man was forcing me to dance with him.”

“Clem, you and your brother had a little too much to drink before you got here tonite?”

“No, no Marshall Hunter! We, is sober!”

Teaspoon knew that wasn’t the truth! He could smell them a mile away! Especially when James came staggering up to see what was going on.

“I think it’s time you two boys was headin’ home!”

“Not til I’s had me a dance with your purdy daughter! If she can dance with that no count half-breed, then she shore can dance with me!”

Cody had turned loose of Clem and he had grabbed Melissa once more. Buck had an arm lightly around her waist and not expecting Clem to grab her, it wasn’t any trouble for him to pull her away.

“Start the music! Cain’t dance with no music!”

Buck was standing in his face in seconds. His gun pointed in his ribs. “Let her go, or I’ll blow you back home! You won’t need no horse to git there!”

“Buck, son, don’t!” Teaspoon was standing there too. His own gun drawn. The crowd had backed up at the sight of the guns. The riders circled in closer. Sarah stood by scared for her friend.

“I suggest you let go of my daughter Clem.”

“You ain’t man ‘nough to fight fer your own daughter? You have to git a half-breed to do it for you?” He snarled in Buck’s face.

“Buck ain’t fightin’ my battles for me Clem. He jist has an interest in my daughter.”

“You gonna let some stinkin’ half-breed love your daughter? Make her dirty? Have his stinkin’ bastard children? You ain’t nothin’ but a no count injun lover!’ He spat in Teaspoon’s face.

As Teaspoon wiped his eyes, all the other riders drew their guns. Clem heard them all being cocked. James was by his side in a heartbeat. Drunk or not, he knew his brother was in a heap of trouble.

“I think we’s ought to go Clem. You can convince her to be your bride a ‘nother day!”

“Let her go Clem. She ain’t gonna dance with you and she ain’t gonna marry you!”

The gun was poking into his ribs and he could tell by the look on Buck’s face that he would pull the trigger if he so much as gave him half a reason. He let go of Melissa and she crumpled to the floor. Sarah quickly hurried over to help her up.

“You ain’t seed the last of me half-breed! I’s want that woman, and I’ll fight you to git her!” At that he and James left the barn.

It took several minutes for things to get started once more. “It’s all over folks. You can git back to dancin’!”

Sarah had helped Melissa over to a chair and someone had gotten her some punch. Teaspoon hurried over to her. “You okay Melissa?”

She looked up into his worried face. “I’m fine thanks to all of you.”

Buck had followed the Caine brothers out, making sure that they were headed home. Little did he know, after he returned to Melissa’s side that they doubled back. Clem wasn’t about to give up.

“You shore bout this Clem? They looked a mite upset to me!”

“Positive! I ain’t a leavin’ without that purdy woman! Gonna be a weddin’ tomorrow, after I done had me a weddin’ nite tonite!”

Sarah sat down by Melissa. “You want to go back to Rachel’s? You look a little pale.”

Melissa smiled weakly. “No, I’m okay.” Buck walked up and she reached out to take his hand in hers. “What I’d really like is some fresh air. If Buck will take me out for a minute, that is.”

“Shore.” He helped her up from the chair, and they stopped to get their coats by the door. Then slipping an arm around her shoulders, they walked out together.

Teaspoon smiled at Sarah. “Would you like to dance Miss Sarah?” She shook her head in the affirmative, and they stepped onto the dance floor.

Buck and Melissa waked in silence for several minutes. They had gone out of the back to stand in the moonlight. Melissa was still trembling slightly from her encounter. How could anyone act like Clem Caine did? She was so glad that Buck wasn’t anything like that. He slipped an arm around her waist and she leaned back against his chest. He felt so good behind her. Solid and strong. And she once again felt safe.

“You shore you’re alright? I’d be glad to take you back to Rachel’s.”

“I’m fine.” She turned in his arms and stood looking up into his eyes. “Thank you for rescuing me!”

“I’ll always be near when you need me! I’ll always rescue you!” He leaned closer and their lips touched.

Melissa wrapped her arms around him, his lips continued to caress his.

Clem and James were hiding in the bushes to the right of them. Clem could tell that this wasn’t the first time that the two of them had kissed. “Makes me sick to see her a kissin’ that no count breed! If she can give it to him, she can give it to me! Come on!” He motioned for his brother to follow and they slipped unsteadily from the bushes. Clem reached and picked up a piece of wood that was lying at his feet.

They moved as two drunks could over to where Buck and Melissa stood kissing. They were so wrapped up in one another that neither of them heard all the commotion the brothers were making. “I’s teach you to kiss all over a white woman!”

Buck had barely heard his words when Clem brought the piece of wood down on Buck’s head, knocking him cold.

Melissa screamed as James grabbed her and quickly covered her mouth with his hand. No one heard her over the music. Clem roughed Buck up, kicking him and hitting him with the wood. Melissa squirmed trying to break free of the hold that James had on her. She bit into his hand, causing him to yell out in pain. Clem looked his way.

“The bitch bit me!” He was wiping the blood off on his filthy pants leg.

“Don’t talk that way bout my soon to be wife! Come on, let’s git goin’ a fore they come lookin’ for ‘em!” They gagged her with a dirty piece of cloth, and bound her hands. James set her up on the horse in front of Clem. “Don’t you fret none now purdy lady. I ain’t gonna hurt ya none! I’s jist gonna love ya the way you ought to be loved! Ain’t no injun can do it like a white man!”

They rode off towards home. Melissa watching everything that was familiar slip by.

Teaspoon began to worry when Buck and Melissa didn’t return. He was about to go looking for them when Buck came staggering through the door. He was holding a bleeding head with one hand and his side with the other. A hush fell over the dance once more.

“Son, you okay? Where’s Melissa?” Teaspoon helped him to sit down in a nearby chair afraid of what he was about to head. The riders gathered round. Sarah had knelt down in front of Buck, her heart pounding. She knew something was terribly wrong this time.

“They…they knocked me out. Took…took Melissa…”

“They? They who?”

“Clem and his brother James.”

“I knew I should have locked ‘em up for the nite! Come on boys! We got some huntin’ to do!”

“I’m goin’ too!” Buck stood up, but fell back down into the chair.

“You ain’t in no shape to go. Let Rachel go git Doc.” Teaspoon looked his way.

“You ain’t goin’ without me!” He sent Teaspoon a look that told him there was no changing his mind.

“Okay, let’s git you back to Rachel’s and cleaned up. Then we’ll see who goes where!”

The dance came to an abrupt end as the riders and Teaspoon left. Sarah went with them back to the bunkhouse. She knew she wouldn’t rest any until Melissa was found.

Jimmy was sitting on the porch in one of the rockers when everyone came back. He was surprised to see Sarah with them. He’d left the dance right after Cody had cut in on their dance. After taking one look at her face, he knew that something was terribly wrong. Just then he spotted Buck nearly falling off his horse.

“What’s happened?” He rushed over to catch Buck as he slipped from his horses back.

“After you left, them Caine brothers arrived, drunk. Caused some trouble. Tried to git Melissa to dance. Teaspoon made ‘em leave. Later, Buck took Melissa out for a breath of fresh air and they knocked Buck out and carried Melissa off.”

Jimmy helped Buck into the house. Sarah was already getting water and clean towels to care for his cuts.

“We got to find ‘em!” Teaspoon was pacing the floor. “They probably took her up to the mine they own. They spend most of their time there.”

“You ain’t goin’ without me Teaspoon!” Buck was trying to sit up again, while Sarah was trying to make him be still so she could do what she could for his cuts.

“You aren’t going any where Buck Cross until I clean those cuts! Now be still!” It was that schoolteacher’s voice again, that made him take notice. He sat still, an angry look on his face, while she tended to his wounds.

“Let her take care of you Buck. Then we’ll head out. Don’t worry none Teaspoon. We’ll find her!” Jimmy placed a hand in Teaspoon’s shoulder and he nodded. He knew that he could count on the boys.

It was near dawn before they reached the mine that the Caine’s owned. The fresh tracks had lead Buck there.

Melissa had struggled until she had no energy left. Where were they taking her? Having to ride on the same horse with Clem was enough to make her sick. She didn’t see how he could stand to smell himself! She had been trying to get her hands free, but it was no use. The ropes were way too tight. She had rubbed her wrists raw trying to loosen them.

“Don’t struggle so much! You won’t have no energy left for our weddin’ nite if’n you do!”

Melissa’s mind was screaming. She couldn’t let this filthy man touch her! She’d rather die first!

Sarah stayed behind with Rachel for the rest of the night. The riders had all gone with Teaspoon.

“They’ll find her. Try not to worry too much!” Rachel slipped an arm around Sarah’s shoulders. They were sitting on the sofa in front of the fire. Rachel had just added another log to it.

“That Clem Caine looked like such a sinister man! Melissa is probably scared half to death! He kept saying that he was going to marry her!”

“Teaspoon won’t let that happen. I don’t think Buck will either! Teaspoon is pretty sure where they were taking her. They’ll be back soon. Teaspoon and the riders have been up against much more difficult situations than this one!” Rachel smiled. “Want some coffee?”

It was so dark, Melissa wasn’t sure where she was when the horses finally stopped. Clem jumped off the animal and reached up to pull her down. She shrunk from his touch. This made him laugh.

“You’ll be beggin’ me to touch you in jist a little while! Come on purdy lady!”

He pushed her ahead of him into what appeared to be a cave. James had gone in to light the torches that were on the wall. With the light, Melissa could tell she was in a mine.

“James you go gather up some wood. Gotta make it real warm and cozy in here for our weddin’ nite! Cain’t have my little bride gettin’ cold!”

James frowned at his older brother. He didn’t like this idea much. He just stood there looking at Melissa who was trembling.

“What you waitin’ on? Go git me some wood!” Clem was yelling at his brother and looking very angry because he wasn’t doing what he was told. “I cain’t build no fire without it!” He gave James a shove back towards the entrance. Then he turned to Melissa, all smiles once again. “Come mer little lady. Let me show you round your new home for the next few days. Ain’t much, but it’ll do fer now! We’ll be here til you gits used to me. Then we’ll git married!”

He pushed her over towards some crates. She fell down on her knees. The rocks scraped them through the material of her skirt.

“Take yer coat off and git comfortable. I’s have a fire goin’ in jist a minute! Soon as that no count brother a mine gits some wood in here!”

As if on cue, James appeared his arms loaded with limbs. Clem made a fire and settled down beside Melissa. She had been looking around at the area she was in. There wasn’t much there. Some crates, the pit the fire was built in, a few bed rolls, a pick and a shovel.

“You hungry purdy lady? I gots some beans and bacon over there in them saddle bags. James make us somethin’ to eat!” He shoved the saddlebags that he’d carried in, toward his brother.

James did as Clem directed not saying a thing. But his eyes were watching Melissa. She didn’t look very comfortable. She was still gagged and tied. Sitting all huddled in the corner as far away from Clem as she could get. He had shoved her down on a bedroll that he had spread out for her to use. She looked as if she might cry at any given moment.

Clem pulled the gag out of her mouth and she gulped in fresh air. The food was terrible. Melissa didn’t want to eat, but Clem forced her to. “You need to keep up your strength! Out weddin’ nite is gonna last fer three whole days! You needs that strength to keep up with ole’ Clem here!” He stuck a spoon full of beans in her mouth and she spat them in his face.

“I’m not eating your food, and I’m not planning any wedding night with you! I’m not marrying you!”

He wiped the beans off his face. “Don’t matter none what yer a plannin’! I plan for you! A course if you don’t want to marry me, that’s all rite. I’ll take some a your whorin’ that you give to that stinkin’ injun half-breed! It shouldn’t be any different with me!”

He threw the tin plate aside and pulled her roughly up close to his smelly body. His mouth crushed hers for a kiss and she felt as if she might be sick as he forced his tongue into her mouth. She squirmed to get away from him, but it was no use. He was holding her too tightly.

James watched her struggle. Clem wasn’t nearly as drunk as he was before, and James knew that the meanness that was normally his brother was about to kick in. “Clem, she don’t want to do this. Why don’t you jist let her go.”

“I ain’t lettin’ her go no wheres. You take this here gun and go out an keep watch. I don’t want that daddy a hers or that no count injun interrupting me!”

“But Clem!”

“Don’t argue with me! Git out there where I told you to go! I’s waited long ‘nough fer my time alone with her! Now git! We’s want to be alone!”

James stumbled towards the entrance of the mine. He took a seat on the rocks and tried not to listen to the purdy ladies cries. She was so purdy and he was afraid Clem was gonna hurt her, like he’d hurt him so many times before when he didn’t do what he told him to.

Buck, Teaspoon and the other riders had just arrived when James came out, shotgun in hand. They watched as he took a seat on the rocks. Teaspoon motioned for the others to circle around. James shouldn’t be any problem to get a draw on.

James yawned. The affects of the whiskey he’d had earlier were beginning to wear off. He wanted to sleep, but knew that Clem wouldn’t be too happy with him if he dozed off and didn’t keep watch.

Clem pulled Melissa over onto the bedroll with him. He’d waited all night for this. She wasn’t going to respond to his affections, but she would before the next three days were over! He wasn’t drunk any longer, and he was glad that he wasn’t. He wanted to remember everything there was to remember about this night!

His hands were everywhere. Touching her in places that no man had ever touched her before. She tried to get away. But he held her fast. Her hands were still bound behind her back, and he reached to untie them.

“Don’t want no woman I’s makin’ love to not able to touch me back!”

The minute her hands were loose, she started pounding on him with her fists.

“You can hit me all you wants. It jist makes me want you more! Is this how it is with that stinkin’ halfbreed? Do you fight him too? I bet he’s rough with you and you love it! By mornin’ you’s gonna know what it’s like to really be loved. Cain’t no injun do what I’s gonna do to you! Make you cry out fer more!”

He was kissing her again. He grabbed both her wrists in one hand and with the other he grasped the top of her blouse. Giving a jerk, it ripped down the middle exposing her breasts. Melissa squirmed, bucked her body under the weight of his. But it only stirred him on. He was much heavier than she was and there was no getting away.

His lips were all over her face and upper body. She cringed at his touch. She tried to think of something, anything to keep her mind off of what he was doing to her. Where was Teaspoon? Had he followed them? Was Buck okay?

Clem’s mouth fastened over one of her nipples and he bit down hard causing her to screech in pain. He just laughed at her. This was going to be so good!

“Cover me Teaspoon! I’m gonna go down there! James won’t know what hit him!” Before Teaspoon could stop him, Buck had climbed over the rocks and was gone in the darkness. In only a few seconds, he saw him sneaking up behind James. With one crack of the butt of his gun, James was off to slumber land for some time. The next time he awoke, he would be in jail in Rock Creek!

Teaspoon quickly came down to join Buck. The riders followed. Cody tied James up while Jimmy and Buck went cautiously into the entrance of the mine.

The torches lit their way. Teaspoon soon joined them, his gun drawn, eyes adjusting to the dim light. His heartbeat quickened as they moved through the mine. He was afraid of what he was going to find. He couldn’t loose Melissa so soon after finding her!

Melissa’s screech of pain reached their ears and Buck tore off through the tunnel. Clem Caine was one dead man!

He was above her now. He had pushed her skirt out of the way. He reached to fumble with his own trousers, when the sound of a gun being cocked in his ear froze all movement. He felt the gun pointing into the back of his head.

“You lay one more finger on her, jist one, and I’ll blow what few brains you got all over that wall!”

Teaspoon reached the opening as Buck’s words were spoken. “Don’t Buck! He ain’t worth it! Tie ‘im up! Let the law take care of ‘em!”

The gun still on him, Buck pulled Clem off of Melissa. Teaspoon threw some rope to Jimmy and he quickly tied his hands behind his back. The others were coming into the area and Teaspoon quickly covered Melissa with a blanket. She wrapped it around herself and gave him a hug. She had never been so happy to see anyone in her whole life!

Teaspoon held her close for a moment. She was crying, and he was oh so glad that she was okay.

Buck shoved Clem towards Cody and he and Jimmy started back to the entrance of the mine with him. Buck quickly crossed the space to where Teaspoon was still holding Melissa. She reached out for him and he pulled her near. Clem saw this and yelled over his shoulder. “You’s too late! I’s done had my way with her! She knows what it’s like to have a white man now! She ain’t gonna want you no more injun!”

Cody gave him a shove that sent him to his knees. “You ain’t nothin’ but a bag a hot air! Shut up or that injun as you call him mite cut out your tongue! I hear some injuns do that to their captives! Wouldn’t mind turning over a bag a hot air like yourself to ‘em!” Cody got right in his face as he pulled him back to his feet. “And don’t think any a us would help the likes a you neither!"” He shoved him forward again.

Buck held her close. “Did he hurt you Melissa?” Teaspoon who was still standing near held his breath as Buck was doing waiting on her answer. If it wasn’t the right one, Clem Caine might not make it back to town and the jail!

“No…no. You got here before he had a chance to do as he had planned!” Buck pulled her close to comfort her. He was so glad that she wasn’t hurt.

Back at the entrance, the riders already had James and Clem on a horse and they were ready to head back. Melissa rode back with Buck. Teaspoon would have preferred to have her with him, but he understood how Buck felt.

She was so tired. Her arms were around his waist and her head rested on his back. She was soon asleep. Buck could tell by the feel of her weight that she was sleeping. He smiled. He knew that she felt safe once more.

Continued.......

COPYRIGHT - 2004 - M. Bolton, R. Wooten