Chapter 44
SW border of Nebraska - September 1874
The last sliver of sun dipped below the horizon, cloaking the forest in twilight. As the darkness deepened, a sliver of worry crept into her heart. Gabrielle paced beneath the trees, searching for Buck's silhouette against the darkening sky. He'd promised to be back before nightfall, and her mind conjured unlikely scenarios of him lost or injured.
"Gabrielle," a voice called out.
She whirled around, relief washing over her as she saw Buck's familiar form emerge from the trees. She rushed towards him, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Hey there, you alright?" Buck asked gently, placing a hand on her back.
"Sorry, I just got a little worried," she admitted, stepping back.
"Don't be," Buck reassured her, a smile in his voice. "I told you I'd be back. See?" He gestured towards a bundle slung over his shoulder.
"You found food?" She inquired, her earlier anxieties melting away.
"Yep," Buck confirmed, tossing a cloth sack onto a nearby log. "Enough for a delicious meal."
As Buck prepared the fire, Gabrielle settled onto a bedroll, a slight shiver running through her despite the gathering warmth.
"The thought of wild animals out here spooked me a bit. Bears and wolves and such." She confessed.
Buck chuckled. "Ain't either around here."
"Good to know," she sighed, relieved.
Buck knelt beside her, his expression warm. "Hey," he said kindly, "relax and enjoy the peace for the night. No need to worry you're safe."
A sheepish grin spread across Gabrielle's face. "You're right," she admitted. "I tend to overthink things sometimes." Turning her attention to the present, she perked up. "So, what culinary delights did you bring back for our dinner, oh mighty hunter?"
"Ever had rabbit?" Buck asked.
"Hmm, can't say I have," she replied, eyeing the cloth sack with curiosity.
"You're in for a treat," Buck declared, ushering her to sit and rest her leg after their long ride. With practiced ease, he built a crackling fire and began roasting the rabbits while warming a can of beans. A smile played on his lips as he asked, "Think you'll be alright sleeping out here tonight?"
"Not much choice, is there?" Gabrielle replied, peering up at him from beneath a wrapped blanket.
"True enough," Buck chuckled, testing a piece of meat with a satisfied nod. "Plates, please?"
Gabrielle passed him the plates, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Ever spent a night outdoors before?" Buck inquired, handing her a plate piled with beans and a portion of rabbit.
"Of course I have," she said with a playful eye roll, surveying the unfamiliar dish with a touch of apprehension.
"Here, let me help you with that." Buck settled beside her and quickly pulled the rabbit legs off, placing them on her plate.
"Thanks," she said, surprised by the gesture. Taking a tentative bite, her eyes widened in unexpected delight. The tender meat was surprisingly flavorful.
"What do you think?" Buck asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"This is really good," Gabrielle admitted between chews.