Chapter 13

Rock Creek, Nebraska

July 1866

Having meticulously tracked Buck down to a small town in Nebraska called Rock Creek, Kaylie found herself facing yet another uncertainty. She hadn't located Buck himself, but rather a friend of his. With her funds dwindling from Caliope's support, Kaylie felt the pressure mounting. She couldn't afford to continue her quest indefinitely. The looming necessity of finding employment added urgency to her search. She prayed fervently that this lead wouldn't turn out to be another dead end.

She had written the Mayor of St. Joseph, Missouri in hopes to retain information about the former Pony Express. Upon receiving correspondence back from Mr. Penick, though not very informative he was able to pointed her in the direction of Rock Creek, Nebraska. This confirmation only fueled Kaylie's determination as she pressed on to find Buck.

As Kaylie prepared herself for her travels, she couldn't shake the vivid dreams that had been haunting her nights. The doctor had told her this might be a possibility and encouraged her to look further into any memories that she might regain from dreams. Images of a grand estate, frolicking in expansive gardens, and horseback riding flooded her mind, accompanied by memories of wearing beautiful dresses.

Putting on the nicest dress she owned, she frowned at her reflection, her long auburn curls cascading around her shoulders. Doubts crept in as she wondered if she would live up to the expectations these dreams, if they even were memories.

She took a deep breath, reminding herself of how far she had come. She needed to uncover the truth about her past. Besides, the man who had written those heartfelt letters wouldn't care if she was a little older, a little rough around the edges. She squared her shoulders, determined to face whatever lay ahead with courage.

She walked through the small town towards the sheriff's station. Her heart beating faster with every step. Having met Buck's friend, Mr. Hickok, the day before, she trusted that he would relay her message to Buck. The mere thought that he might be here, in this very town, filled her with a sense of overwhelming excitement. This was no longer just a possibility or a wild hope—it was a tangible reality. Finally, after so much uncertainty and searching, she was on the brink of getting the answers she had been yearning for.

"Good morning Mr. Hickok." Kaylie smiled happily.

"He's not here yet." Jimmy glanced up at her.

"How are you today?" She ignored his sour demeanor.

"Busy."

"Apparently." She smirked looking around the empty jail cells. "How long have you and Buck been friends?"

"A while."

Jimmy raised an eyebrow at Kaylie as he leaned casually against the desk. His suspicions had been piqued when she first arrived in town the day before, inquiring about Buck. Mentioning her name to his friend, Buck seemed to recognize her, yet he remained tight-lipped about their connection.

Hickok sighed; it wasn't unusual for Buck to be secretive, especially when it came to women. He just hoped Kaylie wasn't another one of the erratic types Buck tended to attract.

"How do you know Buck?" Jimmy inquired, his tone probing.

"We're old friends," Kaylie replied nonchalantly.

"You can't be that old of friends," Jimmy pressed. "How old are you?"

"Why do I feel like I'm being interrogated, Sheriff?" Kaylie retorted with a hint of defensiveness.

"Kaylie!" Buck's voice cut through the tension as he rushed into the room, sweeping her up in a tight hug and twirling her around several times before setting her down.

"Hi," Kaylie said, taking a step back and offering a nervous smile. "Buck. Um..."

"Sorry," Buck interjected, swallowing hard and clenching his jaw as his defenses immediately flew up. "I know it's been years. I shouldn't have... I'm sorry."

"Can we go somewhere?" Kaylie leaned in and spoke softly. "To talk in private?"

"Of course," Buck agreed, leading the way out into the sunlight. He flipped his long hair deep brown hair back, adjusting his hat firmly on his head.

A mix of emotions churned within him as he berated himself for not recognizing Kaylie as the woman she had become, rather than the young girl he once knew and loved. What had her life been like during their time apart? How could he have been so impetuous in his actions? These questions weighed heavily on his mind as they stepped outside.

As Buck contemplated heading to the restaurant in town, he reconsidered, opting instead for the extra travel to his home. It offered more privacy, away from prying eyes and ears. Glancing over his shoulder at Jimmy, whose eyes hadn't left his back since they walked out of the jailhouse, Buck reaffirmed his decision.

"Is something wrong?" She looked up at him with a hurt confused look in her eyes.

"No, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable in there."

"You surprised me." She blushed and nervously tugged at her hair. "That's all."

Buck lifted Kaylie onto his horse with ease before mounting behind her, and together they rode off towards his ranch. The journey was filled with a heavy silence, each lost in their own thoughts as the landscape passed by in a blur. By the time they arrived at Buck's home, the morning sun was high in the blue sky.

"Go on in and make yourself at home." Buck motioned to the house. "I'm just going to take the horse into the stable."

Kaylie walked along the porch, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the blooming roses. The scent stirred a sense of familiarity within her, almost as if she could place it. She plucked one of the flowers and held it delicately in her hand, tracing the soft petals with her fingertips in an effort to jog her memory. However, despite her best efforts, the elusive memory remained just out of reach.

"Kaylie?"

"These roses." She whispered and looked up at him with a smile on her lips.

"I planted them for you." He said huskily. "When I went back to the Crossroads for you. I took some of the rose seeds from the bushes you loved."

"You came back for me?" She looked up at him questioningly.

"You weren't there." His tone was flat and hard to read.

"Buck," Kaylie snapped out of her trance-like recollection, her tone serious. "You need to know. I was in an accident a few months ago. I have no memories of anything before then."

"I don't understand," Buck replied, his brow furrowing in concern.

"The doctor wasn't sure if it's temporary or permanent," Kaylie continued, her voice tinged with frustration. "I wouldn't even know my name if it weren't for the letters I had in my bag." She handed him the well-worn letters she carried with her.

"You don't remember me?" Buck asked softly, his expression a mix of disbelief and sorrow.

"No," Kaylie replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she bit her lip softly. "I'm sorry. I want to. I read these letters, and I feel like I know you through them, but I don't even know who I am."

"That's why you looked at me like a stranger when I practically mauled you in town," Buck realized, his expression softening.

"I'm sorry," Kaylie repeated, her eyes downcast.

"No, I'm sorry," Buck said, smiling softly. "I'm so sorry, Kaylie. I shouldn't have waited so long."