Chapter 62
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - February 1875
The biting wind wielded a cruel edge, whipping around Gabrielle as she disembarked the stagecoach. It had been a long journey, and impatience gnawed at her. Ideally, she would have set out for Butte Meadows the moment the ink dried on the final contract, but a brutal winter storm had forced her to wait. Now, bundled in layers beneath a heavy coat and gloves, she longed for the warmth of a fire and the familiar faces that awaited her.
The nausea that had plagued her throughout the journey resurfaced. With a grimace, she excused herself and found a discreet spot behind a building. Relief washed over her as the dizziness subsided. Straightening her rumpled clothing, she returned to the stagecoach to find her two trunks deposited on the boardwalk.
"Looking for a room, miss?" A weathered man with a friendly smile emerged from the hotel across the street.
"Yes, please," Gabrielle replied gratefully. Leaving the icy air behind, she entered the warmth of the hotel and followed the man to a room.
Letting out a sigh of relief, she tossed her handbag onto the bed and surveyed the haven. A simple washstand and a sturdy bed offered a welcome respite. Running a cool washcloth across her face and arms, she relished in the momentary stillness. Unfastening her travel cloak, she slipped into a fresh dress, the cool lace front a stark contrast to the wool fabric she'd been wearing. With practiced ease, she secured the buttons and tied a vibrant green sash around her waist.
Turning to the mirror, she began to brush her long, dark hair, its waves catching the faint light filtering through the window. As she did, a cascade of items tumbled from her overturned handbag. With a sigh, she paused her grooming and quickly gathered the scattered belongings – handkerchief, notepad, a well-worn locket. After braiding her hair and securing it with a pair of pins, she stuffed everything back into the bag and snapped it shut. One last glance in the mirror, a slight adjustment of a stray curl she stepped out of the room, locking the door behind her.
Her brisk walk through town carried a sense of urgency. The wind howled around her, twisting her skirts and threatening to snatch her breath away. Yet, the sight of smoke billowing from the McCloud's chimney instilled a warmth in her chest that no coat could provide. Her gloved hand, numb from the cold, hammered against the sturdy wooden door.
"Gabrielle!" Louise exclaimed, pulling her inside.
"Hello!" Gabrielle managed a smile, her voice tight as her sister barreled into her with a hug.
"Brie! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Violette's voice was filled with excitement.
"Surprise, I guess," Gabrielle replied.
"You shouldn't have traveled in this weather," Louise chided, her brow furrowed with concern.
"I wanted to be here sooner," Gabrielle said her voice barely a whisper. "It just...wasn't possible."
"The boys will be back soon," she continued, her words rushed. "Jeremiah's taken over the livery stable since...well, since Kid became sheriff."
Gabrielle's breath caught in her throat. "Sheriff?" She echoed, the word a foreign sound in the room.
Louise's hand froze mid-stir, a dollop of cream plopping onto the counter with a soft plop. Her smile became a grimace. "Oh, yeah. Well, it's..."
"Is Buck alright?" Gabrielle's voice was sharp, cutting through the awkward silences.
"It's something you should talk to him about," Louise offered weakly, her gaze darting away.
The unfinished sentence hung in the air. Gabrielle's heart pounded as her mind raced. Injured? Ill? She knew Buck and his unwavering dedication to his duty. Resigning wasn't a decision he'd take lightly. A knot of worry twisted in her gut. Something big had happened, and Louise's nervous demeanor wasn't helping.
"Louise, you can't just..." Gabrielle began, her voice rising in frustration.
"They'll be here for dinner," Louise interrupted, her smile strained. "It shouldn't be long." Her forced cheer did little to dissipate the storm brewing in Gabrielle's heart.
Gabrielle remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line. Louise wouldn't budge. Was it something Buck didn't want her to know? Had he changed his mind? Was there someone else? A million questions swirled in her head, each one a fresh stab of worry. She stole a glance at the doorway, willing Buck to appear and put an end to this agonizing wait.