Chapter 53
SW Nebraska - September 1874
The fire crackled merrily, casting flickering shadows across the faces of Buck and Gabrielle as they sat in comfortable silence. Each seemed lost in their thoughts, eyes fixed on the mesmerizing dance of the flames. A cool breeze swept through the clearing, sending a shiver down Gabrielle's arms. Buck noticed her subtle tremble. Without a word, he rose and fetched a woolen blanket, draping it gently over her shoulders.
His touch lingered for a moment as he brushed his hands down her arms, a silent question in his gaze. A small smile played on Gabrielle's lips, her voice barely a whisper when she said, "Come sit with me."
Buck didn't hesitate. He settled himself beside her, their shoulders brushing. As the warmth from the fire and the blanket enveloped her, Gabrielle leaned closer, her head resting against his strong arm. A flicker of concern crossed Buck's face as he noticed the furrow in her brow.
"What's wrong?" He asked softly, his voice laced with concern.
She sighed, "I can't help but think about everything waiting for me back home." The carefree spirit that had bloomed during their journey seemed to dim, replaced by the worry lines etched back onto her face.
"Home is still far away," Buck reminded her gently. "You're here now."
His words were a simple truth, yet held a deeper meaning. He yearned for her to cherish this time, to be present with him, just as he was with her. He cupped her cheek in his hand, his thumb brushing away a stray tear that had escaped her eye.
Buck leaned in, his lips meeting hers. Her response was hesitant at first, a mere brush of their mouths. But as the kiss deepened, a spark ignited within her, melting away her resistance. She pulled back, breathless, a mixture of confusion and desire clouding her eyes.
"Buck," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion, "I care for you deeply. But there's so much to consider." She began listing her anxieties, her voice laced with worry, "The distance, how Violette would feel about..."
"Don't," he murmured, his voice husky.
Before she could continue, he closed the space between them once more. This kiss was different, urgent, desperate. It was a plea, a silent beg for her to simply be there, in his arms, in this moment. He didn't want justifications or reasons; he craved the feeling of her next to him, the warmth of her touch.
Gabrielle turned and settled herself on his lap, her back against his chest. Buck wrapped his arms around her, his hand gently stroking her hair. He dipped his head, peppering kisses along the exposed skin of her neck.
She gasped, pulling back slightly. "Buck," she breathed, her voice trembling. "Are you trying to convince me to stay?"
"If only it were that simple," he replied, a touch of frustration lacing his voice. He wanted a future with her, a future they could build together. But the weight of reality hung heavy between them.
Gabrielle rested her head against his chest, feeling the conflict raging within her. The pull of her heart towards Buck was undeniable, but the fear of the unknown held her back. She knew that staying would mean letting go of the life she had been born to, stepping into a world where nothing was certain except for the love she felt for him.
Buck sensed her hesitation and tightened his hold around her, as if trying to shield her from all the uncertainties that lay ahead. "I can't promise you a smooth journey, Gabrielle," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin. "But I can promise you that I'll be by your side every step of the way."
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she turned to look at him, seeing the sincerity in his gaze. In that moment, she knew that no matter what the future held, she wanted him to be a part of it. Slowly, she reached up to cup his face in her hands and pressed a tender kiss on his lips.