DEBBIE CHAPTER 5
The Sunday set for the meeting with the Red Bear arrived. In the morning, after the church service, Debbie came home and put on the dress that the Red Bear had given her. They took his horse and after saying goodbye to the others, they left for the Kiowa camp. Debbie was very agitated and hugged Buck who tried to reassure her by telling her that everything would be okay and that his brother was not as gruff as he appeared.
Arriving at the camp, Red Bear immediately went to meet the couple, hugged Buck as soon as he got off his horse and then approached Debbie. She held out her hand to greet him, but he, to the girl's extreme surprise, hugged her, then said: "Welcome to our camp and our world sister."
"Thank you, for this gift too", Debbie replied very embarrassed.
"It fits you very well" and smiled.
They went to sit in Red Bear's tepee who began to tell some funny episodes from Buck's life. This eased the tension and Debbie began to feel at ease. Then Red Bear asked her if she wanted to tell him something about her and Debbie made a quick summary of her life and explained the reasons that had brought her to America. Then she told Red Bear about Buck's adventure and the Kiowa chief was very proud of his brother. They had lunch together and attended some Kiowa dances in honor of the couple. In the afternoon, Buck said it was best to come back so as not to be surprised by the dark. The three greeted each other and Red Bear said to Debbie: "Now that I know you, I understand why my brother loves you so much, I've never seen him so peaceful and happy. He has a light in his eyes that makes me understand his happiness. I hope we will meet again soon "
"I hope so too and thanks for everything"
They shook hands and she and Buck rode back. As they rode slowly, Debbie said to Buck: "You were right, your brother is a wonderful person, in some ways you are a lot alike."
"I told you, he shows a gruff attitude for the role he plays, but deep down he's a good man"
"We could have stayed longer if you wanted, it's not that late"
"No, but I'm not going to go home right away ..."
"Buck Cross, what are your intentions?"
"You'll see it", he said mischievously.
While returning the previous time from his brother's camp, he noticed a small abandoned farmhouse that could be glimpsed among the trees. He stopped and found that it was really uninhabited. He quickly did some cleaning and planned to take Debbie there to be alone for a while. As they approached, Buck veered off the usual road and Debbie asked him: "Where are we going?"
"Surprise". She smiled.
They arrived quickly and Buck, after dismounting, helped her down. He took a package he had brought with him and led her to the farmhouse. When they entered, he spread a blanket on the floor and invited her to sit next to him.
"How do you know this place?".
Buck explained that he had noticed it by accident. The two sat down and hugged each other remaining like that for a while, then she started kissing him and soon they found themselves making love. Finally they could be alone for a while and love each other without problems.
"It was as beautiful as ever Buck", she said softly, stroking him.
"Unfortunately we don't have many opportunities to be together, we have to be content with stolen moments"
"It doesn't matter, when we are together everything is so wonderful that it seems that time stands still. I love you to death Buck "
"Me too" and they made love again. Then they got dressed and went back to the station, knowing that they would have to answer a real interrogation and in fact they did, but Debbie was happy to share with her new family what they had experienced that day.
The following days, Debbie received a letter from her Italian friends: they announced that for the summer they were planning a trip to America to visit her and obviously asked her a lot of questions about Buck. Debbie was extremely happy and ran to tell the boy and the others who were happy for her.
Debbie began to fantasize about their arrival, even though it was still two months away and Buck was glad to see her so happy.
One day, about three weeks after the Sioux problem, a journalist came to town and went to Teaspoon because she was looking for a person.
"Hello marshall, my name is Dora Marshall and I'm a journalist. Could you please tell me where I can find Mr. Cross? "
"Good morning Miss. Why are you looking for him? "
"I have to interview him for the newspaper I work with"
"An interview with Buck? And why of grace? "
"Because he is the new hero of the city from what I have learned and my newspaper is very interested in his story. It is curious that a half-breed becomes an idol for American citizens "
"If you're looking for gossip miss, that's the door. I don't think Mr. Cross will be interested in talking to you, especially if you put the question in these terms "
"Oh but I didn't want to offend anyone, I just want to tell things as they are"
While this conversation was going on, Debbie came in and needed to know what to buy from Tompkins on behalf of Teaspoon.
"Hi Teaspoon, Rachel told me to ask if you need anything at the store. Oh, sorry, I interrupted you "
"Come on, come on, Debbie, the young lady here is a journalist, who came for an interview"
"Good morning, nice to meet you. Are you also here to interview Jimmy? "
"No, he wants to interview Buck"
"Buck? And why?"
"Good morning Miss, as I was explaining to the sheriff, I would like to interview Mr. Cross because of the fame he has earned as a hero in recent times"
"Really? I don't know if he will be sincerely happy "
"Do you know him well?"
"Yes, I'm his girlfriend"
"Oh, well, then you can help me ..."
"No, look, I have nothing to do with it, you have to deal with Buck and I can assure you that it will not be easy"
"But you could ..."
"I already told you I don't want to have anything to do with this, I'm sorry, I don't want to be rude, but it's only Buck. Teaspoon, if you kindly tell me what you need, I'll leave you to your conversation "
"Oh, I don't really need anything Debbie, thanks. Just send me Buck please "
"Okay, I'll send it to you right away. Goodbye Lady"
"See you later"
Debbie left and went to Tompkins, where the boys and Rachel were already there.
Meanwhile, Teaspoon told the reporter: "You heard what the young lady said, so try to use the right words if you really want to have an interview with Buck"
"I'll keep that in mind, thanks"
Debbie entered the shop and approached Buck: "Honey, you should go to Teaspoon, there's a journalist who wants to interview you"
"Do you want to interview me? Are you sure? What can a journalist want from me? "
"Apparently, my darling, you became a hero after your intervention with the Sioux"
"Ah, I don't even think about it, you know I don't love these things"
"I know, in fact I told her she won't have an easy life with you, but she insisted, indeed, she wanted me to help convince you but I replied that I absolutely don't want to be involved. You try to hear, if you don't like it, send it away "
"I Agree. Would you like to accompany me? "
"No, Buck, really, I don't want to interfere with this. And if you need to, you know where to find me "
"Okay, let's see what she wants. See you later"
"See you later, honey"
Debbie went back to the others and informed them of what was happening.
Buck went to Teaspoon. "Here I am, Teaspoon, were you looking for me?"
"Oh Buck, this is Miss Marshall, I think Debbie has explained her intentions to you."
"Good morning, yes, but I don't understand why she wants to interview me, I have nothing to say to a newspaper"
"Good morning Mr. Cross, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you for a while, can we go to a quieter place?"
"Here it will be fine, miss, I have nothing to say that Teaspoon cannot listen"
"Oh, but I'd prefer somewhere a little less formal, we could maybe go to you"
"Alternatively we can go to school. My girlfriend should come there too "
"Well, all in all, I would say that it can be fine here too"
"Well, I'll give you my seat miss, I'll go to the saloon. See you later"
"Goodbye marshall, and thank you"
Teaspoon greeted her with his hat.
"Well Mr. Cross, can I call you Buck?"
"Yes sure"
"Thank you and call me Dora"
"Miss Marshall is fine for me"
"As you wants. So, the newspaper I work for would like to know how from a person not very welcome to the community he turned into a hero "
"Do you always have such a nice approach to everyone miss?"
"Oh, did I say something wrong?"
"No, imagine, you just pointed out to me that the town of Sweetwater didn't want to have anything to do with me prior to my intervention with the Sioux. If these are the tones, we have nothing to say. Good day"
Buck got up and stormed out of Teaspoon's office, immediately followed by the reporter trying to apologize. Hearing the screams, Debbie walked out of Tompkins' shop, imagining what had happened. " What's up? Why are you screaming so much? "
"I have no intention of speaking to this woman." Buck got on his horse quickly and drove off.
"What did you tell him?" Debbie asked.
"I haven't even started!"
"To react like this you must have said something"
"Aren't you going after him?"
"Absolutely not, when he reacts like this you have to let it boil"
"And what do I do now?"
"Go back to the hotel, let me talk to him calmly and we'll see tomorrow"
"I Agree. Thanks. See you later"
Debbie rolled her eyes. She knew Buck would go for a ride by himself now and be back in the evening. Then she would talk to him. In the meantime she went about her business quietly.
In the evening, as she had imagined, she saw him return and went to meet him.
"How are you?"
"So"
"Do you want to talk about it? I'm here, you know "
"There is nothing to say, she treated me like everyone else does, like a circus phenomenon, she came to ask me how someone treated like me can become a hero"
"Idiot! I'm not telling you to let it go, because I know it burns, but I think you should teach her a lesson and do the interview. It is a way to make people understand how much you are worth. But you must expect to see the article before it is published "
"I have no intention of talking to her"
"Buck, honey, listen to me. You managed with difficulty to earn everyone's respect, do not make the mistake of being judged again for what you are not. What it costs you, tell her two things you want to hear and it's over "
"Do you really think I have to do it?"
"Yes, I believe it"
"And you will be with me?"
"No Buck, it's something you have to do by yourself. I will support you but I will not be present at the interview "
"Okay, I want to listen to you, you are more experienced than me in these things"
"Well, tomorrow we will go together to look for her"
"But I prefer to talk to her here, with the boys, you and Rachel around"
"Okay, I don't think it's a problem for her"
"It is not, at first she proposed it, even if with another purpose"
"Buck Cross, must I be jealous?"
"Don't joke and especially not with a woman like her. Thanks Debbie, you always know what's best for me. I love you"
"I love you too"
The two entered the bunkhouse and of course Buck had to endure the jokes of the other boys.
The next morning, Debbie went to find the reporter and took her to the station. Before letting her in, she told her: "This time you should play your cards right, take another misstep and dream of an interview"
"All right thank you"
Debbie went back into the house and helped Rachel with the chores. The woman remained inside for about an hour and then went out satisfied. She greeted everyone and promised that before publishing the article she would send it to Buck to view.
A few days later, in fact, a letter arrived for Buck containing the article. The boys huddled around him and Buck, embarrassed, let Debbie read it. The reporter had kept her promise, she had written only the truth and in fact it was a good article about Buck. Debbie was happy for him that he thanked her again. When the newspaper came out, everyone congratulated Buck on the interview and he was appreciated even more, as Debbie had predicted.
"You are good for me, you are a breath of fresh air for me", he told her. She kissed him.
Buck's fame had spread thanks to the article and he also began to receive attention from the girls. He was very annoyed, because he didn't like being the center of attention, he remained a very shy and simple boy and then he couldn't stand the jokes of Jimmy and Cody, which Lou and Kid tried to dampen.
One day, while he was waiting for Debbie as she was about to leave school, a girl approached him.
"Hello, I'm new here, could you tell me a hotel?"
Buck, polite as usual, pointed it out to her but the young woman was not satisfied. "Would you be kind enough to accompany me, handsome young man?"
"I'm sorry, I'm waiting for my girlfriend, and anyway it's not far, it's right back there"
"Come on, don't be difficult, a handsome young man like you can have all the women he wants, can't he? And aren't you the famous Buck Cross, the hero of the city? Would you leave a young woman like me in trouble? "
"Miss, I don't think you're in great difficulty, you just have to go to the hotel. I repeat that I am waiting for my girlfriend and nothing will make me change my plans. I'm sorry, have a good day "and he moved to enter the school, visibly annoyed and embarrassed. Debbie, who had witnessed the scene because in the meantime she was going out and had stopped at the door, came to his aid: she immediately went out and said "Good morning my love, thank you for waiting for me" and kissed him tenderly. The girl understood and left.
"Thanks, he told her"
"Thanks to you"
"What are you sorry for?"
"Why don't you fall into temptation with all the beautiful women looking for you"
"Come on, don't make fun of me, and then you know that for me there is only you, the first and last in my life", then he whispered in her ear so that she could hear only his "and in my bed".
Debbie blushed and kissed him again. She was quite annoyed by all those girls who saw Buck as a nice new toy to explore, a half-breed who had earned a reputation as a hero, but she knew they were not wrong, he was a beautiful boy and it was only natural for them to notice. But he was all hers, he had no doubt about that.
The days passed quietly, sometimes interspersed with some dangerous situation in which Teaspoon or one of the boys came across, but everything always ended for the best, thanks to their harmony and their experience.
Soon the end of July arrived and Debbie was very excited because her friends from Italy would arrive on August 5th. In the meantime, she had written to her family about her and Buck and unfortunately her parents had not taken her relationship well, but she did not give up and in each letter she told how happy and satisfied she was with her life and hoped that the visit of her friends and the resulting report to her family could change things.
August 3 was also Debbie's birthday and Buck, unbeknownst to her, was preparing a very special surprise for her ...
Her birthday came and Buck had told her that they were going to have dinner in town in the evening and that he would give her his present there.
"Good morning princess!", he greeted her as soon as he saw her in the morning and gave her a tender kiss.
"Oh good morning my prince" and they laughed.
Debbie was very happy because the boys, Lou and Rachel had given her a new saddle for Diyami and a pair of earrings that she would wear in the evening. School was now over and Debbie spent all morning chatting with Rachel and Lou and making a cake for lunch. In the afternoon she went for a walk with Buck who had returned in the morning from his chores. They went to the river and stayed there for a while chatting and exchanging tender kisses. They laughed and joked as if only they existed in the world. He was beautiful in Debbie's eyes: when he smiled his eyes lit up and his face was framed by his black hair just blown by the wind. He looked at her with adoration and reverence. They looked like two gods immersed in nature, happy as if nothing could shake them.
In the late afternoon they returned and went to get ready. Buck took her to the same restaurant as their first dinner. She wore a pink dress with little beige flowers and he wore a white shirt and black jacket for special occasions. They took the gig and went to Sweetwater. The dinner was delicious and the two lovers laughed and joked throughout the dinner. When finished, they went out and took their hand, walking slowly under the starry sky. Debbie was delighted, it was the best birthday she had ever had, but it wasn't over, Buck hadn't given her his present yet. While they were walking, at a certain point Buck stopped, looked at her and said: "I think it's time to give you my gift"
"But how, wasn't the dinner and the beautiful day together your gift?"
"Yes, but there is something more important ...".
"You're intriguing me Buck Cross, what are you up to?"
Suddenly Buck put his hand in his pocket, took a small velvet pouch, knelt in front of her, pulled out a ring, took her hand and said in the sweetest and most sensual voice in the world: "Debbie Mariani, will you the immense honor of becoming my wife? "
Debbie was speechless, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry, she wanted to scream YES but the words didn't come out of her mouth. After a moment of astonishment she recovered, tears fell from her eyes, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him greedily.
"Do I take that as a yes?" he said after they kissed.
"Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes my love, it is the best gift you could give me. I will be happy and honored to be your wife "
They got up and kissed again. He put the ring on her finger and flashed a wonderful smile that Debbie would never forget.
On the way back, they began planning their wedding. Buck said to her: "If that's okay with you, I thought I'd build a house first and when we're done getting married. I don't want to take you to live in a barn, you deserve a proper home. Maybe it will take a little longer, but we don't lack that "
"I agree, love, also because I must have time to warn my parents that they must organize themselves to come to America. It is a very demanding journey that cannot be tackled all of a sudden. Then I've always liked getting married in the summer "
"So you okay even if we had to wait almost a year?"
"If you are okay with it too. I would like to get married in June "
"All right. Do you already want to decide the day? "
"Let's see…. On the 24th, the name day of my maternal grandfather. Do you agree?"
"Gone"
They kissed.
"Look Buck, something has occurred to me. What if we had a double wedding? "
"What do you mean?"
"In June according to the Catholic rite, but nothing prevents us from celebrating it first according to the Kiowa rite"
"Do you really want to do it?"
"Of course, it's your culture and I want to be part of it too. We could take advantage of the fact that my friends, who may not be able to be there next year, will be here for 15 days and celebrate it now.
Then we will continue to live apart as now, waiting for the official marriage, but it would be like being already united with souls "
"If you care it's okay, we can organize it"
"I would really care. We could go to your brother tomorrow to tell him the news and we could get married next Saturday "
"You are full of surprises Miss Mariani and I love you so much"
"Never as much as you, Mr. Cross and I love you too"
"Well, then it's decided, we just have to communicate it to others tomorrow"
They kissed and remained embraced until arriving at the station. They took the horses to the stable and then they kissed to say goodbye, but the kiss deepened and they were overwhelmed by desire and passion. Aware that no one would come there at that time, they let themselves go and made love tenderly and passionately, ending a day they would always remember. When they got dressed, they separated and went to sleep, but neither of them managed to sleep a wink for a long time, overwhelmed by the strong emotions felt that evening.
The next morning, Debbie got up in a good mood and Rachel heard her humming.
"Good morning, I guess the evening went well, I didn't hear you come back, it must have been late"
"Well. Yes, it was very late. It was an unforgettable evening. ". Rachel noticed a strange twinkle on Debbie's finger and exclaimed, "Then it's made up!"
"Did you know that?"
"Yes, Buck came to ask me for advice on the ring"
"And what did you tell him?"
"To let oneself be guided by his heart"
"And he did it"
"I'm very happy for you, come here".
The two women embraced
"So, when is the wedding?"
Debbie explained their plans to her and Rachel agreed with their decisions.
"Now let's go, we have to save Buck from the boys' questions"
The two women laughed accomplices. In fact, as soon as he woke up, Buck was attacked by the boys who wanted a detailed account of the evening. Buck scoffed and didn't want to talk and Lou intervened to help him: "Guys stop it, you know what Buck is like, you embarrass him"
"We're not doing anything wrong, we just want to be a part of his life as good brothers", Cody chuckled.
Luckily the two women came in to save him.
"So Debbie", Jimmy said, "do you want to tell us about the evening?"
Debbie smiled and just said: "We had dinner, walked and went back. Satisfied?"
"Absolutely not", Cody exclaimed.
Meanwhile Debbie walked over to Buck, kissed him and said: "Good morning"
"Good morning", he replied.
In kissing him she had caressed his cheek with his left hand and Lou did not miss the ring.
"Hey, what's that?"
"What?" Debbie said casually.
"Let me see, give me your hand!" and approached her. Debbie held out her right hand but Lou said: "No friend, the other one"
Debbie could no longer hide it and neither did she want to, she couldn't wait to let everyone share in her joy.
"Wow! You are engaged! Congratulations!" and hugged her.
"Thanks", Debbie replied. Everyone crowded around the two newly engaged to see the ring and to congratulate and started asking questions again.
"Hey, hey, let them breathe", Rachel interjected
"Thanks guys, now for real, sit down for breakfast and we'll tell you everything", Debbie said
"Don't worry about breakfast honey, enjoy your moment, I'll take care of it", Rachel added.
"Thanks Rachel. You are my sweetheart"
Rachel smiled and began to prepare.
"So who's telling us?" Jimmy exclaimed.
Debbie looked at Buck and let him know that she wanted him to explain their intentions. Buck understood and said: "Well, that's it, as you guessed last night after dinner I made her the offer and she accepted. However, we decided not to rush things, or rather, yes and no "
"What do you mean yes and no?" Noah asked.
Debbie realized that Buck was embarrassed and in trouble and came to his aid.
"Buck meant that we will do two ceremonies, a Kiowa early and a Catholic more calmly, to have time to build a house and to give my family the opportunity to organize the trip"
"Yes, here, we will get married with the Kiowa rite next Saturday, taking advantage of the presence of Debbie's friends, but then we will return to live as we do now until June 24 of next year, when there will be the Catholic celebration of marriage and we will officially begin to live together. The citizens of Sweetwater wouldn't understand if we did it now, "Buck added.
"What a great idea", Ike made it clear that he was radiant for his friend.
"Thanks Ike", Buck said.
"Today we will go to my brother to organize the ceremony and when Debbie's friends have left, we will begin the preparations for the house and the wedding."
"We will need Rachel and Lou's help for the whole female part and…. of you guys for the labor ... Is it true that you will give us a hand? "
"Absolutely yes, if you allow us to speak highly of us to your single friends…" declared Cody.
"Cody, you are incorrigible", Teaspoon exclaimed.
"By the way, Teaspoon, since my father won't be there on Saturday, I would love it immensely if you wanted to take his place", Debbie asked.
"I? Oh, well, yes, with real pleasure "
Debbie hugged him.
In turn, they all hugged the two newly engaged and congratulated them. After breakfast, Debbie and Buck took Diyami and went to the Red Bear camp who was amazed to see them arrive, but happy.
"Good morning brother, why in these parts? Good morning Debbie ". The two brothers embraced.
"Good morning to you, we came to talk to you about something important"
"Come to my tepee, so we will be more relaxed".
Debbie and Buck followed him.
"So, what is this question you want to tell me about?"
"Here, you see, this Saturday we intend to get married according to the Kiowa rite and we wanted to ask you if we could do it here and if you could organize it. Officially according to the Catholic rite we will celebrate the wedding on June 24th, but we want to take advantage of the presence of Debbie's friends to anticipate this ceremony according to our customs "
"I knew you were going to get to this point, I quickly realized that you were soulmates. Well, so it seems that Saturday in the camp we will have an invasion of white men, because I deduce that all the pony express, the woman who takes care of you and the marshall will be present "
"Yes, as long as you agree"
"If you trust them, they are welcome. Leave it to me, we'll prepare everything and build you a tepee for the night. But then where are you going to live? "
Debbie intervened and said: "For now we will continue to live apart, our city would not approve, in the meantime we will build a house and after the Catholic rite we will start living together"
"And then you whites say that our customs are strange ... Well, then you don't have to worry, see you on Saturday and everything will be ready"
"Thanks bro".
"Thank you very much", Debbie added.
"Don't thank me, it's a pleasure to do something for my little brother and above all I've never seen him so radiant, so thanks to you sister, I can now call you that". They embraced and left.
Debbie leaned on Buck on the way back. She loved to lay down against his chest as they rode and the wind often melted their hair as if they were one. She felt protected and safe with that man and was ecstatic at the idea that within a few days they would be bound forever, it didn't matter if the formalities would force them to wait a year to share the same roof, what mattered was what they felt in their hearts and in their souls.