Chapter 40

Zion Encampment, Wyoming - August 1874

Gabrielle perched on the porch steps and watched Buck lead his horse out of the barn. It was unusually quiet for a workday, and she wondered if he planned a trip into town. As Buck approached the porch, reins dangling loosely in his hand, she noticed a shift in his demeanor.

"How's the leg feeling today?" He asked, his voice gentle.

"Much better," she replied, a hopeful smile blooming on her face. "I even walked down to the fence and back a couple of times."

"That's great progress," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Any pain at all?"

"Just some tiredness," she admitted. "I know I need to build my strength back up."

Buck's eyes lit up with an idea. "How would you feel about taking a short ride?"

Gabrielle's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? You think I'm ready?"

"There's only one way to find out," Buck said with a smile. He extended his hand to help her rise from the steps. "Do you have any riding experience?"

"Well," Gabrielle began hesitantly, "it can't be that hard, right? You just sit there, don't you?"

Buck chuckled. "There's a bit more to it than that. But first, let's get that brace off. It barely seems secure anyway."

He knelt before her and gently lifted her skirt to access the brace. He kept his movements respectful, mindful of her modesty. Sensing her slight tension, he spoke reassuringly.

"Gabrielle, I've treated plenty of injuries," he said calmly. "Relax, I promise I won't hurt you."

She bit her lip and took a shaky breath as Buck lifted her skirts higher to remove the brace. His focus was solely on the task at hand. Though his touch was warm, it was professional, and his movements were efficient.

"Just need to feel the bone and make sure everything's aligned," he explained gently.

"Okay," she mumbled, trying to focus on anything but the way his touch sent shivers down her spine.

He smoothed her skirt back down and examined her knee, pressing lightly. "I'm going to push your leg in," he instructed. "Push back against my hand as hard as you can."

"All right," she said, determined to cooperate. She pushed back with all her might, keeping her leg straight.

"Feels good," Buck announced with a smile. "Let's try a few steps without the brace," he suggested, offering his hands to help her up.

"It feels so good to bend my knee again!" She exclaimed, taking his hands and putting weight on her leg as she stood up.

"How's the pain?" He asked.

"Good," she replied honestly. "A little weak, but I can put pressure on it without too much discomfort."

His eyes twinkled with amusement. "Think you're up for a short ride?"

"Absolutely!" She beamed.

"All right," Buck instructed, guiding Gabrielle towards the horse. "I'm going to lift you into the saddle. Hold onto this pad here for balance, and you can grip the horse's mane for extra support."

"Got it," she confirmed, a hint of nervousness in her brow.

"The horse might startle a bit at first," Buck explained. "He's not used to you yet."

"I'm ready," Gabrielle declared, taking a deep breath.

Buck carefully lifted her and settled her onto the saddle. He held her steady until she swung her other leg over and found a comfortable position.

"How does it feel?" he asked kindly.

"This is amazing!" Gabrielle exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her gaze dropped down towards Buck.

"Hold on there, cowgirl," Buck chuckled, reaching out to pat the saddle in front of her. "Let's get you set up properly before we take off. Put your feet in these stirrups here."

Gabrielle followed his instructions, positioning her feet comfortably.

"Perfect," Buck said with approval.

"But how will we manage the trip to Butte Meadows with just one horse?" Gabrielle inquired, a thoughtful frown replacing her earlier excitement.

"I'll ride into Sunriver and get another horse there," Buck explained.

"I can pay for it," Gabrielle insisted.

"I should be able to cover it," Buck reassured her.

"Buck, listen," Gabrielle said earnestly. "This whole situation is my fault. Please let me contribute in any way I can."

Buck conceded with a smile. He led the horse at a slow walk around the encampment, allowing Gabrielle to get accustomed to the feeling of riding. He was happy to see her enjoying herself. The journey to Butte Meadows was a three-day trip for an experienced rider, but with Gabrielle's inexperience and injury, he realistically anticipated it taking at least a week. They would face nights of sleeping outdoors scattered across the journey, so keeping her spirits high was important. He had to admit, for a city girl, she was adapting surprisingly well to this unexpected detour into a rural lifestyle.