Prologue
Former Pony Express Way Station
Rock Creek, Nebraska
August 1863
It was before dawn. The stillness in the air brought about pain. Pain of knowing that this was what he had to do; leaving was for the best. The decision to leave was not made hastily. He had weighed his options and had no other choice. Stay and possibly ruin everything including the lives of all of those he held dear. Leave and be miserable with himself, however everything and everyone would be fine. He always thought that he could stay and accept things the way they were. Just being close was enough. He knew better now.
He had always loved her. First as a friend, then as a sister. At least that's what he thought. Over the last year, they had become much closer than ever. Even much more playful with each other. However, the last four months had shown him that his feelings of love were different than originally thought. He now knew that he was in love with her. He wanted to make her his own and live a long happy life hand in hand with her. But that was not possible. Not with the wife of a man who was considered a brother, best friend, and business partner.
Buck walked into the barn quickly and quietly. He moved with precision and swiftness. He saddled his stallion, Warrior. He secured his saddlebags and double checked the cinches. He took a slow deep breath and exhaled, a tear escaping down his cheek. Buck walked Warrior out of the barn and mounted. With a quick click, Warrior began to trot out of the yard and into the dark.
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