Chapter 16

Coyote Canyon, Texas - December 1872

The fire crackled merrily as Honor wrestled with the dense passage in front of her. Each word swam before her eyes, her concentration shattered by thoughts of Buck. With a frustrated sigh, she slammed the Bible shut. Just then, the front door creaked open, and Justice entered, a dusting of snow clinging to his coat. He shrugged it off and sank gratefully into a chair beside the fire.

"We got more snow than I thought we would." Honor looked out the window, a smile warming her features.

"Cold enough to bite your nose off." He chuckled, reaching for the steaming cup of coffee she'd set out for him. "Thanks for thinking of me."

"Of course." Honor hesitated, then blurted out, "He probably won't be able to make it because of the snow."

Justice raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

Honor flushed, her gaze dropping to her lap. "Buck, I mean. Maybe it's not safe to travel in this weather."

A low chuckle rumbled from Justice's chest. "You know, sis, you're not exactly fooling anyone with that act."

Honor shot him a playful glare. "I'm not trying to! It's just… well, you know, the storm and all."

"Maybe," Justice conceded, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Or maybe his boss wouldn't give him the time off right now."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Honor's face, quickly replaced by a resigned nod. "Yeah, that could be it."

Justice studied her for a moment, then reached out and squeezed her shoulder gently. "You know, you can always talk to me, Honor. About anything."

"I know." She said softly. "Sometimes, with you being older… well, it feels like…"

"Like you can't confide in me?" Justice finished her sentence gently. "But I'm your brother, and I'm here for you, no matter what."

Honor leaned into his embrace, a wave of gratitude washing over her. "Thanks." She whispered. "And you're the best brother anyone could ask for."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound of the crackling fire and the soft sigh of the wind outside.

"Actually," Honor said, breaking the silence, "I think you need to find a wife."

Justice burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the room. "Where'd that come from?"

"I was just thinking," Honor continued, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You're worried about me being alone, and there's such an age difference. You might as well find a nice widow to take care of you before you kick the bucket!"

Justice shook his head, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "Oh, you're a laugh, sis. You sure know how to cheer a fella up."

Honor grinned. "So, what are you working on?" She asked, gesturing towards the workbench.

"It's your beau's watch," Justice explained, picking it up.

"He's not my beau," Honor protested, though a blush crept up her cheeks.

Justice winked. "Then what were you two doing up in the hayloft all that time?"

Heat crept up Honor's neck, developing into a flush that stained her cheeks crimson. Her jaw slackened, a surprised gasp escaping her lips.

"Relax, I'm just teasing," Justice chuckled. "Here, take a look at this."

He handed the watch to Honor, and she ran her fingers over the intricate goldwork. "It's beautiful. Is it broken?"

"I found it in the barn." Justice shot her a teasing glance before returning his attention to the pocket watch. "Figured I'd see if I could fix it up for him."

"It looks expensive."

Justice shrugged. "Probably not that expensive. He's a ranch hand after all."

"Maybe he's a secret outlaw!" Honor teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "Stole this fancy watch from some rich socialite."

Justice chuckled. "An outlaw who fixes fences and talks about the weather with your brother? Sounds like a very specific kind of outlaw."

The teasing banter continued for a while, a comfortable familiarity settling between them. Finally, a touch of seriousness crept into Honor's voice.

"Justice," she began hesitantly, "do you think it's… foolish of me to pursue a relationship with him?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know, him being Kiowa and all." She looked at her brother for his advice.

Justice met her gaze, his eyes filled with unwavering support. "Honor," he said firmly, "People might whisper or say things but if you love him, they can all go to hell."

Honor laughed and put her hand on her brother's arm.

He reached over and ruffled Honor's hair affectionately. "Besides," he added, "there's more to a person than their blood. Buck seems like a good man, kind and hardworking. Isn't that what truly matters?"

Honor pondered his words, a weight lifting from her chest. Relief washed over her, a warmth that spread through her like the crackling fire in the hearth. "You're right," she admitted, a smile breaking across her face. "He is a good man."

"This is why you are the greatest brother." She laughed. "You always have the best way of putting things into perspective."

"Get to bed." He smiled. "We have church in the morning."

"Night Justice."

"Goodnight Honor."