Chapter 56
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - September 1874
Despite the warm welcome at the McCloud dinner table, a shadow loomed over Gabrielle's homecoming. There wasn't enough space for her to stay with them, and Buck, though tempted, knew offering his own place would be a step too far. It was time to let go.
The earlier part of the evening had been a delightful whirlwind of shared stories. Gabrielle and Buck had recounted their adventures since their separation, her tale of initial fear and uncertainty intertwined with his extensive search. They spoke of the Pearsons, the warmth of their unexpected family for a brief time.
But as the plates were cleared and conversation shifted, a subtle change occurred. Buck felt it like a physical distance growing between them. Violette had shared news of a visit from the family attorney, Mr. Galveston, and his chilling warning: the board of directors planned to remove Gabrielle from her position if she missed the next meeting.
The carefree spirit that had bloomed during their journey seemed to visibly dim within Gabrielle. Her eyes, once sparkling with amusement, now flickered with worry. Buck recognized that distant look, the mind consumed by a storm of anxieties. The joyful light he had come to cherish had flickered out.
The weight of their goodbye settled heavily upon him. He knew, with a dull ache in his heart, that their shared journey was ending.