Chapter 43
SW border of Nebraska - September 1874
The sun dipped towards the horizon, streaking the sky with vibrant hues of pink and gold. Buck noticed Gabrielle shifting uncomfortably in the saddle. He'd stopped periodically throughout the day to rest both horses and Gabrielle, but riding for long stretches was clearly taxing on her, especially with her injured leg. He scanned for a suitable campsite and finally spotted a promising location: a clearing shaded by trees with a nearby stream for water.
"Hungry?" Buck called back over his shoulder, noticing Gabrielle's growing discomfort.
"Starving," she admitted.
"We'll camp here for the night," Buck announced, dismounting and walking towards her.
"So early?" Gabrielle asked, surprised. "I thought we'd ride until sunset."
Buck reached out and helped her down gently. "It's best to give you and the horses a rest."
Gabrielle leaned against her horse, her gaze drifting upwards. Buck was close enough for her to lean in and kiss him. The thought pulsed through her mind. His warm brown eyes seemed even more captivating in the golden light of dusk. She felt herself drawn closer, then abruptly stopped herself. Taking a deep breath, she forced her eyes away from his. Their intensity was almost overwhelming.
"You all right?" Buck asked his grip firm yet gentle around her waist.
"Just tired," she replied with a weak smile, focusing on the buttons on his shirt. "Stopping was a good idea. I could use the rest."
"I'll take advantage of the remaining daylight to find some food for us," Buck said, placing a reassuring arm around her waist and guiding her toward the clearing. "Think you can handle unpacking the bedrolls while I'm gone?"
A flicker of fear flashed in Gabrielle's eyes. "Gone?" She echoed, a slight tremor in her voice. "Where are you going?"
Buck chuckled at her sudden worry. He realized she'd likely never camped before, let alone fended for herself in the wilderness. "Don't worry," he reassured her, squeezing her arm. "I won't be far. Just within sight, gathering some food. You'll be perfectly safe here."
He laid out the bedrolls near the base of a tree and repeated his promise to return before nightfall. He watched as Gabrielle straightened her shoulders, putting on a brave face despite her evident apprehension.