Chapter 13
Rock Creek, Nebraska
June 1872
Joaquin followed Buck up the narrow stairway, his footsteps echoing softly against the wooden steps. "How is she?"
"Much better. She's been eating solid food for the last few days," Buck replied.
"Bueno," Joaquin murmured, peeking into the room where Lara lay.
"Joaquin!" Lara's face lit up with a smile as she spotted him, her arms opening eagerly for an embrace.
"How are you feeling?" His voice was filled with concern as he returned her hug.
"Much better." Lara replied with a smile.
"It's a good thing you have a hard head," Joaquin teased, a playful twinkle in his eyes as he settled onto the bed beside her.
"Funny," Lara retorted, shaking her head affectionately. "Did you find him?"
"No. Joaquin explained somberly. "The man I told you about who knew of him was killed,"
"I'll be better tomorrow. I'll ride with you," Lara insisted eagerly.
"No, you need to rest," Joaquin chuckled, gently admonishing her.
"Joaquin is right, Lara. You can't even stand for more than a few minutes without getting tired," Buck chimed in as he entered the room, a plate of food in hand.
"Is that dinner?" Lara's eyes brightened at the sight of the meal.
"I see your appetite is still good," Joaquin remarked teasingly. "Lara, you be a good girl. Tengo que irme."
"Can't you stay? Just a little longer?" Lara pleaded.
"I put you both in danger being here," Joaquin reminded her softly, kissing her cheek affectionately. "It's okay, Lara. I will be fine."
"Wait," Lara held onto him a little tighter, her expression pained at the thought of him leaving.
"It's okay, Lara. I'll be careful," Joaquin reassured her, pulling back slightly to meet her gaze. "You know that."
"Be careful," Lara whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek as he prepared to depart.
"I'm going to walk Joaquin out. I'll be back to check on you," Buck informed Lara before leading Joaquin downstairs.
"Gracias," Joaquin expressed sincerely to Buck as he stepped out onto the porch. "For taking care of her."
"I'll do anything for her," Buck stated, more to himself than for Joaquin's benefit.
"So will I," Joaquin responded quietly.
Buck nodded in understanding as Joaquin rode off into the darkness, leaving a lingering sense of uncertainty in the air. Lara was the center of both their worlds, but Buck couldn't shake the question. Was she in love with Joaquin too? With a furrowed brow, Buck closed the door behind him and ascended the stairs to check on Lara. She held the key to his heart, and only she, could put his worries to rest.
Entering the room, Buck's gaze softened as he beheld Lara's sleeping form. She had drifted off before finishing her dinner, the plate balanced precariously on her lap, and her head tilted awkwardly as she slept.
"Buck?" Lara's eyes fluttered open as he attempted to adjust her position.
"Go to sleep, darlin'." Buck murmured tenderly, tucking the blankets around her as he watched over her.