Chapter 28
Colorado, 1867
The cold start of winter cut through the thick buffalo hides covering the cone-shaped lodge. A small fire burned in the middle pit, giving off a warm, flickering light inside. Róisín carefully tended to the flames, adding another piece of wood before going to adjust the buffalo robe covering Buck's still body. A week had passed since they first rode into the small village. Róisín spent her days by his side in the lodge, taking care of his needs and changing his bandages packed with poultices while he regained his strength.
Suddenly the heavy hide flap was pulled aside, allowing Red Bear and Sweetgrass Woman to enter, followed by their four young children bundled in thick fur wraps. They spoke rapidly in Kiowa as they crossed to the hearth, the words starting to sound familiar to Róisín's ears despite her inability to understand them. Sweetgrass Woman gestured for Róisín to join them as she began laying out a simple meal of dried buffalo strips and warm ash bread. Throughout the meal, Sweetgrass Woman made earnest attempts at conversing with Róisín in her limited English, her warm brown eyes crinkling with excitement whenever Róisín grasped her meaning.
As the night grew colder, Red Bear and his wife tucked themselves into their own sleeping area, leaving Buck and Róisín alone by the fire. The children curled up together on a bed of furs, their soft breathing mingling with the comforting crackle of flames.
Róisín returned to Buck's side, gently brushing away strands of hair from his forehead. She couldn't resist planting a tender kiss on his lips before apologizing in a hushed voice for potentially causing him pain. But Buck just chuckled and pulled her close, his raspy voice full of affection and exhaustion. With careful movements, she settled down beside him on the furs, feeling safe and protected in the circle of his uninjured arm. She listened to the steady rhythm of his breathing and the faint crackle of the fire.
"Buck?" Róisín whispered.
"Hmmm."
"Your family is very kind." She sighed quietly. "Why did you leave?"
"Things change." He pulled her tighter to his side. "People change."
"Hmmmm." Róisín nodded in understanding. "How long have they been married? Your brother and Sweetgrass Woman?"
"I ain't sure." Buck shifted carefully, his ribs aching in protest. "His first wife was killed, before the war. I didn't see my brother again until last year. They already had three children by then."
Though the explanation raised fresh questions, Róisín sensed the somber tone underlying Buck's brief disclosure and opted not to pry further. Instead, she turned towards him and rested her hand on his chest as she closed her eyes, her mind soothed by the steady sound of his heartbeat, silently giving thanks for the shelter and safety.