"Um, Teaspoon? Are you busy?" Theresa had managed to convince her sister that she would be fine walking to the Marshal's office alone. Lou and Rachel were at Tompkin's store to buy supplies, and Theresa wanted privacy for this conversation.

Teaspoon pushed his hat back and sat up straight, smiling at the girl who looked so much like her older sister. "For you, ma dear, I always have time. What brings my favorite girl here?"

Theresa blushed with pleasure. It felt so good to be someplace with friends who cared about her. To know that that she and her sister weren't alone anymore. "I was hopin' you could give me some advice. And maybe help me with somethin'."

"Well, Theresa, let me tell ya... I done lived a lotta years and done a lotta things. And I'd be more than happy to share the benefit of my experiences and knowledge with ya." He nodded his head to her, much as a gentleman would when acknowledging a lady. Pushing his chair back, he patted the edge of his desk. Theresa approached and sat where he indicated. Noting her serious expression, he studied her face before continuing. "And I hope you and your sister both know that I will do anything in ma power to help ya. Just say the word."

"Well, here's the thing, Teaspoon. Ya can't say anything to Lou about any of this, alright?" When he looked ready to interrupt, Theresa plunged forward with her explanation. "I reckon you heard about what ma sister told Jimmy. Well she don't know it, but I heard it too. She's been through so much and always been there fer me. So I don't want ta get 'er hopes up or upset 'er."

Teaspoon raised an eyebrow at her rushed words. "Alright. I'm not too sure what I'm promisin' not to tell, but ya have ma word on it. I think..." He shook his head in befuddlement. "Now maybe you should tell me whatever it is I ain't supposed to tell"

***

Buck sat in the office attached to the livery running through the accounts. His business was prospering. He'd never expected to be a businessman, let alone a successful one. Yet here he was. Rising from the hard wooden chair, he rubbed his back absentmindedly. Maybe I have enough profit to afford a more comfortable chair. The thought left his mind as he stepped out on the boardwalk and saw Teaspoon approaching, Theresa on his arm.

A smile curved his lips. "Well hello. What brings you to the livery? I told Lou and Rachel I would be out to the ranch later. Um, not that I mind the company."

Teaspoon smiled down at Theresa before looking Buck. "Miss Theresa came to me fer some advice and assistance. I done advised her, but I think you might be better suited fer the assistin'. It seems this sweet gal has decided that maybe the doctors could be wrong about her."

Theresa smiled at Buck before looking shyly at the ground. "It just seems that maybe there's somethin' that could help my heart. I always just accepted what the doctor said about me dyin'. It certainly feels true enough sometimes." She looked at Buck again. This time he could see the determination in her eyes. "But I decided I ain't ready to just give up. I owe it to maself to fight. And I think I owe it to Lou, too"

Teaspoon patted Theresa's hand. "I told her we would all appreciate havin' her around forever. And I thought you might be able to help her with some medicines that the Kiowa might use." He face turned serious as he continued. "Miss Theresa thought, and I agree, that maybe we shouldn't mention any uh this to Lou. Don't know how she'd take it, especially if anything went wrong."

Buck took in everything they said, nodding faintly. "It'll take some doin', keepin' this from 'er. You know how stubborn she can be. 'Specially if she thinks we're hidin' somethin'." He looked at Theresa and gave her a reassuring smile. "But this is worth it. I need to gather some supplies, but I'd be happy to help in any way I can."

"Thanks, Buck. I really appreciate all the trouble..." Theresa smiled, and for a moment Buck could see Lou in her delicate features.

He raised a hand to interrupt her. "No need to thank me, Tdaun. It's what families do, and you will always be family."

Teaspoon escorted Theresa back to Tompkin's store just as Lou and Rachel were loading their purchases in the wagon.

"There you are! I was startin' to worry." Lou frowned slightly as her sister climbed into the back of the wagon.

"Oh, Lou. I told ya I was fine walkin' over to see Teaspoon. You worry too much." Theresa smiled at her sister's consternation.

Teaspoon draped his arm across Lou's shoulders, his other hand occupied with stroking his chin. "It seems that McCloud ladies never cotton to folks frettin' over 'em." He couldn't contain his smile when she stuck her tongue out at him. That's ma girl! "Let me help ya up, Lou."

Lou gained her seat next to Rachel and turned back to him. "Thanks, Teaspoon. Will you be out later with Buck?"

"Well, Barnett's got the night off, so either Jimmy or I will be here. I reckon whoever draws the long straw will be out for dinner." Teaspoon noted how Lou blushed at the mention of Jimmy's name. Inter-es-tin'... He waved as they called their goodbyes and headed back to the ranch. Maybe he would have to find a way make sure Jimmy pulled that long straw.