Chapter 7

Rock Creek, Nebraska

May 1872

With reassuring a smile, Lara held the dress up for her new acquaintance's approval. "I think this would look real fine on you Louise."

"You think so?" Lou's voice was uncertain as her fingers dancing along the delicate folds of the dress.

"I don't think you'll regret it," she reassured, her voice warm with sincerity and her smile widened genuinely.

"You going to the dance tonight?" Lou inquired.

"I guess I have to, don't I?" Lara chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "If I don't, your husband will be too busy following me around and won't be able to see how beautiful you will be in that dress."

Lou looked down at her hands, feeling a pang of guilt as she struggled to find the right words. Her husband had recruited her to help watch the town's newest visitor, but she hadn't expected to genuinely like the woman.

"I know the Marshal thinks I'll tell you something," Lara said matter of factly.

"Lara," Louise began.

"It's okay, I understand. It's nice having someone to talk to," Lara interjected hoping to ease the awkwardness.

Louise's eyes softened as she reached out to grasp Lara's hands. "Kid did ask me to talk to you, but I really want to be friends."

"I would like that as well." she replied.

Just outside the window of the dressmaker's shop the deputy's presence loomed in the window, his gaze fixed upon Lara with unwavering intensity. Lara's laughter danced through the air, with playful defiance.

"You think maybe he can take the night off?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I think so," she chuckled. "But I think he's quite taken with you."

"Why would you say that?" Lara batted her eyes coyly at Peterson, her tone brimming with feigned innocence and charm, almost concealing the tension lingering in the air. Lara's eyes twinkled with amusement as she addressed the deputy with effortless grace. "Good day, Deputy."

John Peterson stumbled over his words, his demeanor betraying his awkwardness in the presence of such captivating company. "Miss Alba," he stammered, his hat tipping clumsily in acknowledgment. "Mrs. McCloud."

"Now Deputy Peterson, where are your manners?" Lara's gaze shifted to the man to his side. "I've been here almost a month and you still haven't introduced me to your friend." Unintentionally dropping all her pretenses, she gazed boldly into the stranger's eyes.

"Uh, well," John stumbled over his words.

"Buck Cross." The tall dark haired stranger offered his hand .

"Sorry Lara." Louise pushed her way between them and gave both John and Buck stern looks. "This is Buck Cross. He's not working for my husband."

"Well, Mr. Cross, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Lara Alba," she greeted, extending her hand in friendship.

"Likewise, Miss Alba," he replied, his voice resonating with genuine warmth.

Buck, ever the embodiment of rugged charm, returned her gesture with a firm handshake, his eyes alight with curiosity.

"Peterson!" Kid stood in disbelief on the boardwalk across the street and watched as his deputy, best friend and wife giggling as they chatted with his adversary.

"Excuse me." John puffed out his chest and smiled at Lara. "Duty calls."

As he hurried off, Buck and Louise exchanged knowing glances, their amusement evident in the shared understanding that passed between them.

"Buck you comin' out for dinner tonight?" Lou tossed the dress in the back of the buckboard.

"You makin' that roast?" He leaned against the wagon.

"I sure am."

"I'll be there," he smiled so broadly his eyes crinkled in the corners.

As they stood only feet apart, Lara seized the opportunity to inspect him. She had noticed him in town before, but there had never been the right moment to introduce herself. Now, with their paths crossing, she could finally take a closer look.

Lara stood at five foot eight, towering over Louise, but in Buck's presence, she felt tiny. His light bronze skin and warm golden brown eyes radiating strength and kindness. However, it was his smile that captured her attention. It possessed a unique charm and authenticity that attracted her attention.

"Thank you, but I have other plans. I'll see you at the dance Louise." Lara replied, politely declining the invitation. She turned to leave, then paused and glanced over her shoulder directly at Buck. "You will save me a dance tonight, won't you Mr. Cross?"

Caught off guard by her playful charm, Buck's aloofness wavered for a fleeting moment before he regained his composure.

"I, ah," Buck looked across to Lou, then back over to Lara. "Of course."

"Bye, Louise."

"Please call me Lou." She smiled sweetly.

"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Cross," Lara said softly, lightly biting her lower lip as she walked back to the hotel, stealing one last glance at Buck before continuing to the hotel.

As she walked away Buck's gaze lingered. Her very existence drew him to her like a moth to the flame, igniting a curiosity and longing that he couldn't easily shake.

"What's got you smiling?" Buck asked, noting the gleam in Lou's eyes, a sign that she was about to burst with excitement.

"You," Her grin widened, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"What?" He gave her a hand up to the buckboard.

"Buck, you haven't been to a town dance in over three years." She pursed her lips into a smirk and winked at him. "See you tonight."

As the anticipation of the evening ahead filled the air, Buck's heart swelled with the promise of Lara's embrace. Yet, the creeping feeling of shame gnawed at him, tearing at the edges of his confidence. He had never been lucky in matters of the heart before. He had built walls around himself, a boarder to protect against the pain of rejection and loss. For years, he had found solace in solitude, content with his own company, yet a part of him still held onto hope.

The prospect of opening his heart again, of risking it all for love, filled him with both excitement and trepidation. He didn't want to lose himself in the depths of affection, to surrender his independence to the whims of emotion. But as the evening approached, he couldn't ignore the longing stirring within him, the desire for connection and companionship that had lain dormant for so long.