Chapter 30
Colorado, 1867
The chill of an early autumn morning pierced through Róisín's thin dress as she carried another bucketful of water from the nearby creek. Though not yet frozen over completely, a thin layer of ice crackled underfoot with each step. Her arms ached from the repeated journeys, muscles straining against the weight, but the chore was a welcome distraction.
Back at the teepee, Sweetgrass Woman sat cross-legged, deftly weaving intricate beadwork onto a new dress for one of the children. Róisín watched in admiration as the elder's calloused fingers moved with practiced precision. With each tiny bead delicately sewn into place, stories and traditions were preserved like precious heirlooms passed down through generations.
"P'ee," Sweetgrass Woman motioned for Róisín to join her.
Róisín obediently took her place beside the woman, who patiently guided her hands in the meticulous art of beading. Though her own attempts were clumsy in comparison, she found comfort in the quiet rhythm of their work, the soft tinkling of the beads a soothing melody.
As the sun began its descent, fires were stoked and cooking commenced. Róisín's growling stomach reminded her just how famished she had become after a day's hard labor. She winced, sore muscles protesting, as she lowered herself by the crackling flames.
Red Bear's deep timbre carried over the encampment as he wove ancient tales for the children gathered around him. Buck leaned in close to translate in hushed tones, his calloused fingertips gently brushing Róisín's arm with each pause. She shivered at his featherlight touch, though the blaze before them should have been warmth enough.
Later, tucked away from prying eyes, Róisín carefully tended to the fading bruises along Buck's ribs - reminders of their violent journey and his bravery in protecting her. She traced the discolored marks with delicate touches, drinking in the rugged planes of his chest.
"You're playing with fire," he murmured, eyes darkening with unmistakable want as her fingers drifted lower.
Róisín met his heated gaze. "Perhaps."
She pressed her lips to the throbbing pulse in his neck, and Buck growled low in his throat. In one fluid motion, he rolled them, caging her beneath him as he ravaged her mouth with searing kisses. Róisín arched shamelessly into his solid weight, a soft moan escaping when his hand found her breast. Just as quickly, Buck retreated, draping a blanket over her flushed form.
"Get some sleep," he rasped, though he made no move to leave her side, his arm a protective anchor around her waist.
Róisín nuzzled into the comforting warmth of his embrace. "You will marry me, won't you?" She searched his stoic features in the low firelight, her breath fanning across the bare skin of his chest.
Buck's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. Though his heart yearned to bind himself to this woman who had awoken him to life after so much death, pragmatism gave him pause. Their relationship had been forged in the fires of shared trauma and forced companionship. How could he truly know if her feelings ran deeper than a need for security in this unraveled world?
"Buck?" Her voice pulled him from his thoughts. Róisín propped herself up on one elbow to study him, brow furrowed.
He sighed heavily. "It ain't that easy."
"You said you loved me…" Hurt flashed in her eyes, wounded tears instantly welling.
"Shh." Buck cupped the back of her neck and claimed her lips in a scorching kiss. "I do love you," he assured when they finally broke apart, voice low and utterly sincere. "But you've been through a hell of a lot lately, and losin' your brother-"
"But-!"
His thumb pressed gently to her lips, silencing her protest. "Just listen." Her panted breaths caressed his palm as she glared up at him rebelliously. "I told you before, we ain't gonna be accepted in most places."
Róisín finally deflated with a jerky nod, worrying her full lower lip between her teeth.
"Róise..." Buck gathered her close once more, leaning in to nuzzle her temple when she stiffened against him.
"It's a shame I have more faith in you than you do in me."
As much as he yearned to lay claim to this fearless, loyal woman, he wanted her to understand the harsh realities that would face them as a couple in the unforgiving West. Their union needed to be anchored by more than just necessity and survival.