Chapter 54
SW Nebraska - September 1874
"I was wondering when you'd wake up," Buck said with a grin, noticing Gabrielle stretch languidly within the confines of her bedroll.
"I've been awake." She replied, sitting up and scooting closer to the fire's warmth. "I was just enjoying watching you make breakfast."
Buck chuckled. "Afraid it's a bit of a meager spread this morning." He approached her, a steaming mug held out in his hand. "Coffee?"
"Mmm, thank you." Gabrielle gratefully accepted the mug, the warmth seeping into her chilled fingers.
"Biscuits are a little worse for wear, and all we have left is an apple," Buck admitted with a shrug.
Gabrielle took a sip of her coffee, her smile unwavering. "We'll be in Butte Meadows today, right?"
A flicker of disappointment crossed Buck's features, though he tried to mask it. The thought of reaching Butte Meadows and their inevitable goodbye loomed large in his mind.
"Yeah," he managed, forcing a positive tone. "Looking forward to seeing Violette again, I imagine?"
"Very much," Gabrielle confirmed, her eyes sparkling. "This has been the longest we've ever been apart."
Buck raised an eyebrow playfully. "She's practically an adult now. Needs to spread her wings a little, wouldn't you say?"
"I suppose," Gabrielle agreed, a touch of melancholy in her voice.
"Wish I'd had the chance to get to know her better," Buck said with a hint of regret.
Gabrielle's smile faltered slightly. "You speak as if this is goodbye."
He looked away, avoiding her gaze. "Time and distance have a way of..." His voice trailed off, the unspoken sentiment hanging heavy in the air.
"Buck," Gabrielle began, her voice soft and meek.
But before she could voice her thoughts, Buck cut her off. "We should get going," he said abruptly, his tone clipped. The playful banter and easy camaraderie of the previous days seemed to have vanished, replaced by a heavy silence.
Gabrielle understood. He didn't want to hear her reasons for leaving, for returning to her life. Perhaps a part of her didn't want to say them out loud either. The truth was, she barely knew him. This intense connection they'd shared on the trail felt like a whirlwind, a beautiful dream. But reality beckoned, with responsibilities and uncertainties that stretched far beyond the horizon.
As they mounted their horses and rode out in a tense silence, Gabrielle tried to appreciate the scenery, the last remnants of their journey together. Yet, Buck's downcast mood cast a shadow over her, solidifying her resolve. She needed to get home. Not just to face the stockholders but also to gain some clarity, some distance from the powerful feelings Buck had awakened within her.