Chapter 37
Colorado, 1868
The pale March sun stretched shadows across the teepee as Buck and Róisín dressed for their journey west. Róisín pulled her old calico dress over her head, fingers working the buttons slowly. The familiar fabric felt strange now, yet somehow comforting. Buck stepped up behind her, his strong hands gently taking over the buttons. He trailed soft kisses along the bared skin of her neck and shoulders with a tenderness that still made Róisín's breath catch.
"Mmm," Buck grumbled, running his fingers over the fabric at her midriff with a concerned frown. "You've gotten far too thin, darlin'."
It wasn't an admonition, just tender worry as he traced the new hollows and angles their difficult winter had etched into her frame. Róisín started to protest, but Buck silenced her with a searing kiss, angling his mouth over hers with smoldering conviction.
"Soon as we reach Fort Collins," he vowed roughly against her lips, "I'm takin' you out for the biggest, juiciest steak they got."
Róisín's face lit up with shameless delight at the prospect. A playful gleam entered her eyes as she looped her arms around his neck.
"With pie for dessert?" She wheedled impishly.
Buck's low chuckle rumbled against her. "With vanilla ice cream," he agreed easily, claiming her lips again.
Too soon, they had to leave their cozy little world in the teepee. After gathering their few belongings, Róisín took one last wistful look around before following Buck outside. Róisín's heart clenched sharply when she saw Red Bear and Sweetgrass Woman standing near the horses. She thought she had prepared herself to leave, but now faced with the realization she would never see this woman again, Róisín felt the hot tears welling up in her eyes. She wrapped her arms tightly around Sweetgrass Woman's weathered frame, blinking back tears.
"P'ee," she whispered, voice thick. Then bolder: "Áuso̱dau Má."
Using her Kiowa name made the woman startle, her own eyes turning bright as she hugged Róisín fiercely, murmuring a stream of her native words. After a long moment, Sweetgrass Woman released her with a tender pat on her tear-stained cheek.
Buck and Red Bear embraced fiercely. "Háy gú:aim oiye bòhn t'daw," Red Bear stated solemnly.
Though the simple phrase translated to "Until I see you again", the profound weight behind Red Bear's words and the meaningful look that passed between the two men made it clear - this was their final farewell. As their eyes locked, an entire lifetime's worth of hardship, love, and brotherhood resonated in that charged silence. Buck gave a solemn nod, the deep respect shining in his gaze affirming that he understood the permanence of this parting.
Buck nudged his horse forward, heading out onto the open plains. Róisín, already mounted, turned for one last look. The familiar teepees and Red Bear's kind face shrunk with each steady hoofbeat. Though it tore at his heart to leave his brother behind again, Buck knew the next path awaiting them would be one he and Róisín would have to forge alone - together against whatever trials the vast Western wilderness had in store.