Chapter 42
Zion Encampment, Wyoming - September 1874
Gabrielle sat on the porch, her arm wrapped around Abigail's shoulders. Together, they watched Buck saddle the horses. He'd purchased a beautiful bay horse in Sunriver the day before. Strong and steady, it was a good mount, but unfamiliar. Buck knew his horse well and trusted it implicitly. He tied the lead rope of the new horse to his own, then ruffled its mane with a touch of tenderness before connecting the ropes.
"Do you really have to go?" Abigail whispered, leaning into Gabrielle.
"I'm afraid so, sweetheart," Gabrielle replied, stroking the girl's hair. She squeezed Abigail tightly, a smile gracing her lips. "I need to get back home."
"We're all ready to head out," Buck announced, adjusting his hat and glancing at the sky. "Best get going before the day gets any later."
"Help me up, would you?" Gabrielle offered her hands to Buck.
"We'll miss you dearly," Jane said, stepping down from the porch.
"I can't thank you enough for everything," Gabrielle replied, pulling Jane into a warm hug. "Once I'm settled back home, I'll send compensation for your kindness."
"That's a kind thought, dear sister, but there's no need," Luke said, standing beside his wife. "Having you here has been a blessing."
"If my travels ever bring me back this way, I'll be sure to visit," Gabrielle promised, embracing each of the children in turn.
"You'd be most welcome," Jane echoed, squeezing Gabrielle tightly before planting a kiss on her cheek.
Buck placed a wide-brimmed hat on Gabrielle's head, adjusting it for a snug fit. "Thank you, Buck!" She exclaimed.
With a gentle boost, Buck helped Gabrielle onto his horse, then positioned her feet securely in the stirrups.
"We said prayers for your safe journey today," Luke said, placing a hand on Buck's shoulder.
"Thank you, I appreciate that," Buck replied, returning the gesture with a pat on Luke's back. As he approached the other horse, Luke offered him a small book.
"We wanted you to have this," he explained. "God's word has brought so much joy to our lives, we wanted to share it with you."
Buck took the book, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You know, before I came here, all I had were stories about Mormons," he admitted. "I didn't know what to expect, but your family certainly wasn't it."
"We'd heard our fair share about Indians too," Luke chuckled warmly. "Thankfully, the stories didn't hold true for you either."
Buck shook Luke's hand firmly. "Thank you for your hospitality and for taking such good care of Gabrielle."
"Safe travels," Luke called out as the two riders, once strangers, now friends, set off eastward, disappearing from sight.