Chapter 55
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - September 1874
Teresa and Violette sat on the porch, their needles flitting across the canvas of a needlepoint picture for Louise's birthday when they both heard a loud commotion coming from town. Whinnying horses and boisterous voices – shattered the usual tranquility of town.
Teresa, sprang to her feet and peered over the porch railing. "Vee!" She shrieked, her voice laced with excitement. "I think it's your sister!"
Violette's head snapped up at the news. "Brie?" She echoed, disbelief coloring her voice. Without another word, she dashed down the road, her heart pounding.
As Violette rounded the corner, the sight that greeted her confirmed Teresa's words. There, outside the Sheriff's station, sat Gabrielle, dismounted from her horse and locked in a tight embrace with Louise. Relief washed over Violette, momentarily stealing the breath from her lungs.
Just then, Gabrielle turned, her face lighting up at the sight of her sister. "Vee!" She called out, her voice filled with warmth. Violette didn't hesitate. In a blur of motion, she launched herself into Gabrielle's arms, burying her face in her sister's hair.
"I missed you so much!" Violette exclaimed, her voice muffled by Gabrielle's shoulder.
"I missed you too," Gabrielle replied, gently stroking her sister's hair.
"I'm so sorry." Violette cried, her tears wetting Gabrielle's shoulder. "I never should have said those things to you."
"Shhh, it's alright" Gabrielle gently stroked her sister's back. "I know, I know."
A torrent of questions tumbled from Violette's lips. "What happened? The telegram Buck sent said you were injured! Did he find you? Where were you staying? How did he find you?"
"Whoa there, Violette, one question at a time," Gabrielle chuckled placing a calming kiss on her cheek. "I promise, I'll tell you everything. But first, take a breath."
A reassuring hand settled on Violette's shoulder. It was Buck, his presence a silent reassurance of the ordeal they had both endured. "I promised I would bring her home," he said softly.
Tears welled up in Violette's eyes as she turned to Buck and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you so much," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I can never thank you enough."
Louise stepped forward and linked her arm with Gabrielle's. "I imagine you two are famished," she said with a warm smile. "Why don't we get you cleaned up and then have some dinner?"
Relief and gratitude washed over Gabrielle. "Sounds perfect," she agreed, turning to Violette and slipping her arm around her sister's shoulders. "There's so much to tell you."