CHAPTER 7

Buck and Dani returned from their picnic to an anxiously awaiting Lou. As they pulled up beside her Dani slowly worked her way down from the carriage still refuse to request any help. The smile on Buck's face spoke volumes, but Dani was a little harder to read. While she looked happy, Lou wasn't too sure what to make of her.

Dani tip her hat toward Lou and made her way into the bunkhouse. "How'd it go Buck?" He continued to smile as he made his way down from the buckboard and unhooked the horse. Lou didn't want to disturb his good mood so she figured she'd wait to get all the details from him later. "Rachel left out some supper for you two. I'll take care of the horse."

Buck and Lou parted company as he headed up the stairs into the bunkhouse. He entered finding all eyes on him and heard the botched attempts at holding back laughter from the group. He turned his attention to his bunk where he now noticed Dani putting her things in a carpetbag. "Where are you going?"

"Well, I figure if I'm well enough to travel I'm well enough to move into Rachel's house for now. I asked earlier in the week, but she said she would prefer I stay in the bunkhouse until I was a little better. Don't worry; I'll come back for supper in a few minutes."

With that she went back to her packing while Buck removed his hat and dusty jacket. She finished putting in the last of her belongings and walked out the door. Buck sat down at the table.

"I need to check on something in the barn," Noah rose from his bunk, "I'll be right back." He headed out the front door as well.

(So, Buck, you gonna eat or sit there with that goofy grin on your face?) Ike signed to him. "I'll eat when Dani gets back." "You may not have time," Kid added, "Cody's been eyeing those plates since Rachel left them out."

Meanwhile, in the barn, Lou had already tended to Buck's horse and was now going through her nightly ritual with Lightening. As she began to brush him down she picked up what sounded like a soft conversation coming from behind the barn. She didn't want to intrude, but her curiosity got the best of her and she calmly crept down to the back of the barn.

"Noah, we have to tell them." She could make out the soft whispers of Buck's new love.

"I know I just wanted you to be ready and comfortable with it." Lou wondered what on earth they could be taking about. "I know, Noah, and I appreciate it, we just can't keep it from them any longer and I'm pretty sure Buck is getting suspicious. I owe him the truth." Lou thought to herself 'It can't be.' "As long as you're sure. Go get Rachel and Teaspoon and I'll round up everyone else." Through a crack in the wood siding, Lou could make out Dani and Noah embracing. As they parted Dani gave Noah a kiss on the cheek and they separated.

Lou couldn't believe what she had just heard. Dani and Noah having an affair right under their noses? How could they be so disrespectful and leading Buck on like that? Lou was going to give Dani a piece of her mind. She waited until Noah had entered the bunkhouse before she made her way toward Rachel's. Rachel and Teaspoon were already on their way over to the bunkhouse as Lou passed barely acknowledging them. They exchanged questioning glances but continued down the path.

Lou entered the house pounding her way up the stairs. Coming o a halt in front of Dani's new room she knocked but didn't wait for a response. "How dare you?" she shouted as she flung open the door.

"Hello, Lou," Dani stated not removing her eyes from her carpetbag.

"You've been using Buck all along. And now what, you and Noah are going to make this big announcement with no thought to how Buck is gonna feel? How could you do that to him?"

Dani, only half looking up at Lou, "Well, Louise, I don't really think that what I do with my time and who I spend it with is any of your concern. Now if you would kindly follow Rachel and Teaspoon down to the bunkhouse, I'd be much obliged."

"How did you know?" Lou angrily shot back realizing that either Buck or Noah must have told her Lou's situation.

"You think you're foolin' anyone? These folks would have to be completely blind to believe you were anything other than a girl." Lou stormed up to Dani now making them toe to toe. Lou's expression being one of anger, while Dani's seemed to be more of annoyance.

"Who do you think you are?" Lou questioned. Dani stared down at the tiny rider,

"Look Lou, I don't want no fight. You don't understand what's goin' on here, but if you feel like you need to be in my business, you're gonna get a whole ear full in a minute, so please, wait for me in the bunkhouse." Lou wanted to forget herself in that instant and start swinging at her bigger opponent, but she knew that a reaction like that would get her nowhere. Besides, she needed to be there for Buck when the news was broken.

Without saying a word, Lou headed out of Dani's room and then out of the house. Dani just smiled and shook her head as she finished unpacking her things. Lou made her way to the bunkhouse where she met an over anxious Noah waiting on the porch.

"Is Dani on her way down?" Lou just gave him an infuriated look and walked into the bunkhouse taking a seat beside Buck. All the riders awaited the big news.

Minutes passed and he finally entered the bunkhouse with a huge grin on his face. "What is it Noah?" Cody was becoming overly anxious. "I'd like to introduce you all to Danielle Dixon."

Lou closed her eyes hearing the news while everyone else stared on in wonder. Dixon, she thought to herself? Dani entered the room to the awaiting eyes.

"My sister."