Chapter 23

Coyote Canyon, Texas - March 1873

Buck wandered through the trees, his heart pounding. For a few minutes, the dense foliage concealed her, but then he caught a glimpse of her. Her long brown hair hung loose around her shoulders, catching the occasional glint of sunlight. She sat on the large, flat rock, her knees were drawn tight against her chest, arms wrapped around them as if for protection. Her shoulders slumped, head resting on her knees, obscuring her face from view.

"Honor." Buck said softly as he walked closer.

"Go away." She looked up at him sadly.

"Please, let me explain." He knelt beside her. She didn't move, but her eyes stared vacantly at her feet. "That woman you saw—"

"You mean the one that kissed you?" Honor looked up at him, the anger and hurt were clear in her eyes.

"I know—" Buck cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, I was courting her. But it was more or less out of obligation, or… hell I don't know."

"You just courted a woman you didn't love?" Honor looked at him in disbelief then looked back down at the ground.

"Her sister was the one that was injured. She's a kind woman, there are other things behind it, I don't want to get into it now." Buck took his hat off and took one of her hands in his. "Honor, I promise you I never lied about the way I feel about you."

"Do you love her?"

"No." Buck shook his head. "I never loved her, I care for her and her sister like they are my own sisters, but that's all."

"Does she love you?"

"No."

"She's very beautiful." Honor continued to stare at her feet. "I wouldn't blame you—"

"Honor!" Buck took her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. "Are you listening to anything I'm saying? I'm in love with you."

"You are?" She drew a quick breath.

"I am." He leaned forward and kissed her softly. "If you still love me, I want you to be my wife."

She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. Almost afraid that she was dreaming she held him tightly. Buck stood up holding her in his arms as he waited tentatively for some kind of answer to his declaration.

"Honor?" He finally broke the silence and pulled away. Tilting her head back he kissed her softly. "Will you marry me?"

"Of course I will."