Chapter 6

Crossroads mission school, Oklahoma

May 1859

As the day's heat began to wane and the sun descended along its daily arc, Kaylie twirled gracefully, her work worn dress swirling around her. With a playful smile, she executed a brief curtsy then, extending her hand toward Ike, she invited him to join her.

"No Ike, not like that," Kaylie laughed. "Right then left, that's right."

Ike turned her around slowly and counted the steps again. Kaylie insisted that every young man should know how to dance and had taken it upon herself to teach both Ike and Buck.

"You're doing well Ike," Kaylie assured him.

"Like a one-legged chicken," Buck strolled up to his friends.

"Oh, you're one to talk," Kaylie rolled her eyes. "It's not easy to dance on this unleveled river bank."

"You seem to be having no trouble at all," Buck teased his friend further.

"Would you like to dance, birthday boy?" Kaylie curtsied.

"Take notes Ike, this is how it's done,"

He knew he was just as awkward as Ike, but he couldn't let an opportunity to tease his friend go by. Buck pulled Kaylie closer and twirled her around slowly.

"Kaylie, I need to talk to you, it's important," he raised his eyebrows knowingly at Ike. Taking the hint, Ike quickly left the two alone.

"Do you want your birthday present?" Kaylie reached into her pocket, withdrew a small box, and handed it to him.

"You got me somethin'?" He smiled and kissed her cheek.

Buck swiftly removed the plain brown paper and eagerly opened the small box. Inside lay a piece of vertebrate. The memory flooded back vividly. The snake had lurked near the woodpile, poised to strike Kaylie. In that crucial moment, Buck's swift reflexes had saved her from harm. As he gazed at the bones nestled within the box, he couldn't help but reflect on the pivotal role he had played that day, grateful for the chance it had given him to protect Kaylie, who now stood before him, smiling warmly.

"Sorry it's not a real present."

"It's a great present. Good medicine, thank you."

He closed the box and slipped it into his pocket. He had taken great care in preparing the skull for her; it was her medicine. He knew it was his beliefs, but Kaylie had worn it around her neck every day.

"I just thought," her eyes suddenly filled with tears. "That wherever you go, you'll remember me."

"Oh, Kaylie don't cry," Buck pulled her close and rested his chin on her head.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it," her tears flowed more quickly as she clung to Buck.

"You know I have to leave."

"I know," Kaylie looked up at him. "But I've been thinking. I could go with you."

"No Kaylie, we've already been through this," Buck shook his head. "You are too young. Now I promised you that in a couple of years,"

"I know, but that's so long. Why can't I go with you now? You're taking Ike!"

"You are only sixteen."

"Practically a woman," she protested. Seeing his determination, she changed her approach. "You're taking Ike, and he's not that much older than I am."

"It's different."

"Why?" She scowled. "Because he's a man? It's not fair!"

"Kaylie, I promise you. I will come back in a couple of years. I'm going to get a job, and we'll get a house, we can buy little land, and we'll get married. We'll have a big family, I promise," he leaned closer and gave her a quick soft kiss.

"You want to marry me?" Her anger softened.

"Of course I do," Buck smiled and wiped her tears gently. "What do you say?"

Kaylie turned away and stared out at the valley below. She knew he had to leave. Most everyone left before they turned eighteen, and Buck had stayed as long as he could, he was nineteen now. It didn't make it any easier for her. She knew she was being a baby but she didn't see why he couldn't take her with him.

"Kaylie, don't be like this," Buck put his arms around her and nuzzled her neck from behind.

"I'm sorry," she put on her bravest face and turned to him. "Promise you'll write me? Once in a while?"

"I promise," he stroked her cheek and wiped her tears away again.

"You better think of a last name too," she laughed as more tears ran down her face. "I can't marry you if you don't have a last name."

"I'll work on that," he smiled and hugged her tightly. "Does that mean you'll marry me?"

"I'll tell you in a few years," she smiled and kissed his cheek. "When you come back for me, and ask me properly."

Buck seized the moment, his heart pounding with anticipation, and tenderly pressed his lips against hers, catching her by surprise. In an instant, her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, drawing him closer as they both surrendered to the kiss. Though tinged with a hint of sadness, their embrace was saturated with an overwhelming sense of love and belonging, binding them together.