Chapter 7
The weekend arrived and, as planned, Buck and Beatrice arranged to go to Red Bear in the Kiowa camp.
+Are you sure about this decision?+, Ike asked Buck.
"Bea wants it and I want to see my brother again", Buck replied.
+ Do you remember what you said to each other last time?+, Ike asked.
"Yes, but that was a particular situation, now it is a period of tranquility for the Kiowa and I trust that my brother will not kill me seeing me arrive in peace and with a woman", Buck pointed out.
Ike shook his head, but Buck understood his concerns: after his experience in his brother's camp it was natural for him to be worried.
During the journey, Beatrice asked Buck many questions about his traditions and his brother's character. Buck was happy to talk to her about this and told her some incidents from his childhood with Red Bear that he thought he had forgotten.
When they approached the camp, Buck stopped and said to her: "Please, try to hold back and let me do the talking first, the traditions are different here"
Bea nodded but Buck saw that she wasn't very convinced and raising an eyebrow, which she loved, he said to her: "Why do I get the impression that you won't do what I told you?"
"Oh Buck, he's your brother, he may be a boss but he loves you, why should he pay attention to certain things"
Buck shook his head: "It's a losing game with you, at least stay silent when we enter, I don't know who we'll meet on our way"
"Okay boss", she said, smiling and kissing him.
They headed to camp and were met by two warriors who recognized Buck and asked him what brought him to them. Buck replied that he wanted to see his brother and that Bea was his woman.
The warriors told him to wait there and went to warn Red Bear.
A few minutes later, the chief emerged from a tepee holding a newborn baby and headed towards Buck and Bea.
"Little brother, how nice to see you! You happened on a happy day for me, I just became a father, let me introduce you to Little Deer, my firstborn"
Buck dismounted, hugged his brother after looking at the baby and said: "Congratulations big brother, he's a really nice baby. I am happy to have come on this day of joy and to be welcomed in peace."
"Well, you had reason to doubt it after the last time we saw each other, but things are more relaxed now. But who is that beautiful girl you bring with you?"
"Let me introduce you to Beatrice, my girlfriend"
Bea dismounted from her horse, went to Red Bear, hugged him and said: "I'm happy to meet you and to be present on this day of joy for you and your family, Buck told me a lot about you" and then she playing with the baby.
Buck and Red Bear widened their eyes when they saw Bea's embrace, then Buck smiled and said to his brother: "She has a nice temper, you'll get to know her"
"I'm happy for you brother and welcome sister"
Bea thanked him and asked if she could keep the baby. Red Bear nodded and they headed to his tepee.
The Kiowa leader asked Buck to tell him everything: what had happened after their last meeting and his story with Bea and Buck inquired about the Kiowa situation.
Meanwhile, Bea helped Sweet Feather, Red Bear's wife, take care of the baby.
"I'll have a tepee prepared for you for the night. How long are you staying?" asked Red Bear.
"Just a couple of nights, then I have to start racing again"
"Good, so Bea will try to live like one of us. You know it's going to be a point of contention right? Did you tell her how to behave?"
Buck blushed as he replied to his broche: "Well, actually we are already married according to our own ritual…."
"Well! Congratulations brother, but the others don't know, so please, educate her properly, I wouldn't want to have to be the judge in a fight right now"
Buck nodded.
They spent the day together and in the evening they attended the party in honor of the birth of Little Deer.
When it was time to retreat to their tent, Buck told Bea that in the morning she would probably find some gifts for her at the entrance to the tepee: she shouldn't touch them.
"Why? Wouldn't that be rude of me?", she asked.
"Those gifts are offers from the young warriors to have you as their wife, if you touched them it would be as if you accepted their proposal and their courtship", Buck explained.
"But I am already your wife according to your tradition", she objected.
"Yes, but they don't know it. If you don't touch them and return to my tent, they will understand, otherwise I will have to fight to the death with them to have you", he explained further.
"Oh dear, no, I won't touch anything, I promise", Bea replied.
Buck nodded and then they went to bed: they made love and enjoyed their first time together in the Kiowa camp.
The following morning, as Buck had predicted, outside the tepee there were many gifts, but Bea, after looking at them, in front of the young people who were waiting for her gesture, did not touch them and returned to the tepee: it was clear to everyone that Bea was forever linked to Buck and the young people left peacefully accepting the decision.
During the day, Buck went hunting with his brother and the other warriors and Bea helped Red Bear's wife a little with the baby and joined the other women who taught her to weave beads and prepare food for the tribe. In the evening they all had dinner together again and after another night of passion, Buck and Bea, the next morning, greeted everyone and thanked them for their hospitality.
"I hope to see you again soon brother and have good news from you, maybe then you will be the one to introduce me to your son", said Red Bear.
Buck blushed and replied: "Don't rush brother, I still have to get her parents' consent and marry her according to her traditions"
"You love each other and it shows, don't waste time in vain" and he hugged him. Buck nodded and returned the hug.
Red Bear then turned to Bea and said, hugging her: "I'm happy to have met you. Thank you for making my brother so happy"
Bea returned the greeting and replied: "I'm lucky to have him in my life. Best wishes to your beautiful family and we hope to see you again soon"
The two set off again towards the station.
" It made me very happy to meet your brother and his family and I was happy to see how your tribe lives. They were a pleasant few days", Bea said.
"Yes, you're right, seeing my brother was good for me", Buck replied.
"Do you see that I'm always right darling?", she said jokingly and he rolled his eyes and burst out laughing.
They arrived at the station a little before lunchtime. Buck went to the stable to fix the horses and Bea went into the house to take a bath.
"Welcome back! How was the trip?", asked Emma when she saw her enter
"Very well, thank you. I really enjoyed meeting Buck's family, Red Bear just had a son and we celebrated with him. I saw Buck serene and this filled me with joy."
"I'm happy for you. Rest and enjoy a nice hot bath, I'll take care of lunch"
"Thank you Emma. At camp they taught me how to make some Kiowa dishes, maybe one of these days I'll try to cook one", Bea said.
"Would be great. Remember to buy the necessary things when we go to Thompkins"
Emma then left to go to the bunkhouse to prepare lunch. Bea noticed a particular light in her eyes but she was a little tired and decided she would investigate later.
When Emma entered the bunkhouse, Buck had already returned to get a change of clothes, he wanted to freshen up a bit too. Emma greeted him and said: "Hi Buck, Bea told me the trip went well"
"Yes, it was pleasant"
"Look, she also told me that she has learned to cook some of your typical dishes and that she would like to try to offer them to us: has she really learned or should we worry?"
Buck laughed and replied: "Oh, well, actually I was hunting with my brother and the other warriors, I can't tell you what she learned, but I think there's no harm in trying, right?"
"Mmmm… maybe you're right but I'd better prepare an alternative, just in case…"
Buck nodded and smiled again.
Cody came in and seeing Emma getting ready to prepare lunch, he said to her: "Oh, thank goodness things are back to normal: Bea is back and you have taken your place in the kitchen again...Last night Jimmy's dinner wasn't great..."
"Didn't you cook last night?" Buck asked
"No, actually Sam took me out to dinner and I left Jimmy in charge of feeding the hungry."
"Good thing I was at my brother's then", Buck joked. Emma had never seen him so serene and in a good mood and she was happy for him.
"By the way Emma, how was dinner with Sam? Come on, tell me, he invites you out so rarely!"
"You're such a nosy Cody: everything went perfectly if you really care to know"
Cody smiled and after a moment everyone else arrived too and when Bea reached them, they sat down at the table.
Buck and Bea told them about their visit to Red Bear and when they had finished, at dessert time, Sam arrived.
"Hey Marshal, you just can't seem to stay away from Emma huh?", Cody teased.
"Same as usual, Cody, but this time you're right", Sam replied as Emma sat him down and placed a cake plate in front of him.
"What's cooking?" asked Jimmy, intrigued by Sam's answer.
"Yes, Sam, do you have something to tell us?", Teaspoon added curiously.
Emma approached Sam, who, after exchanging a knowing look with her, cleared his throat and announced: "Teaspoon, guys, Bea, Emma and I are engaged and we're getting married in three weeks."
They all gasped in amazement but then Bea recovered and exclaimed: "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" and went to hug them. Once they had recovered, the others also congratulated the two friends.
Emma asked Bea to be her bridesmaid and she happily accepted. The lunch was very cheerful given the good news. Later, when the women were alone to tidy up the kitchen, Emma asked Lou if she could stay for a moment.
"Lou, Louise, I really wish I had you by my side too, but given your situation…" Emma said.
"I know Emma, don't worry, it's fine for now. The time will come for me too to reveal my true identity."
The two women hugged each other emotionally.
The weeks before the wedding were exciting for Emma, Bea and Lou as they worked hard to organize a beautiful but simple ceremony. Sam, even if he denied it, was very excited and Teaspoon often had his work cut out to cover some of his mistakes due to distraction: his mind was already on his life with Emma.
One evening, Sam went to dinner at the station and everyone noticed that both he and Emma were not as cheerful as usual. Bea had noticed Emma's strange behavior throughout the day but had preferred to wait to talk to her because maybe it was just her impression.
At one point, Sam sighed and after looking at Emma, announced: "Guys, after the wedding Emma and I will move to Abilene: I have been offered the position of territorial marshal"
Everyone remained silent without words, leaving the cutlery with which they were enjoying dinner suspended in mid-air.
"Oh, well, now that's a bombshell Sam", Teaspoon commented after a moment, "I think we should say congratulations, even though we're going to miss you all dearly."
Emma intervened: "I won't hide from you that when Sam told me this morning, I almost fainted. Of course I'm happy for him, but I never wanted to leave you" and she became emotional.
Bea got up and went to hug her: "I'll miss you so much Emma, what will I do without you?" and burst into tears. Even Lou struggled to contain herself.
The boys congratulated the couple but the evening was certainly not as cheerful as the previous ones.
After dinner, Bea and Buck went out onto the porch alone. Buck saw the sadness in Bea's eyes and said to her: "Darling, I'll miss them too, but it's right that they face their new life, for Sam it's a great opportunity and the right recognition for the excellent work done here in the city"
"I know Buck and I'm happy for them, but I'll miss Emma like crazy and who knows how Aunt Rose will take it too"
"If you want, we can go and visit her on Sunday to tell her the news, maybe Emma and Sam will also come with us to say goodbye"
"We'll see," Bea replied and held onto Buck. Being in his arms always gave her comfort and it seemed that her problems were resolved into nothing
The next day, Bea went to Teaspoon: "Teaspoon, what do you plan to do with the station? I can run it alone if you want."
"I was just thinking about it tonight Bea. I know you could handle everything but maybe it's better if we put an advert to find someone to help you and then…. I wouldn't want to be without a cook from one day to the next..."
"What do you want to say? I have no intention of going anywhere."
"Oh no? Really? And when are you going to start a family with Buck? Because I could swear that you won't let much time pass..."
Bea blushed when she heard Teaspoon's words: "Oh no, Teaspoon, your concern is premature, we've been together for so little..."
"Daughter, time doesn't matter, what matters is the intensity of feelings and from what I see, you two are perhaps more ready than others who have been dating for years"
"Well Teaspoon, in any case Buck and I won't be leaving and so I will continue to work for the station and take care of you, don't worry"
"It's a nice thought Bea, but having support will make everyone feel more at peace. I'll put an advert in the newspaper in a few days."
Bea nodded and went back to the station. She found Emma hanging out the laundry.
"So, how do you feel? I want the truth", she told her.
"As if I had been hit by a moving train. I'm happy with my marriage to Sam and his promotion, but I certainly didn't expect to have to leave all this and you."
"I know, but it's right for you to live your life. We'll get through it and stay in touch."
"Don't you dare get married without me", Emma told her.
"But what do you all have today? I repeat to you what I already told Teaspoon: Buck and I have no intention of getting married now. He wants to wait for my parents' consent and then we've been together for so little..."
"In any case I want to be there, swear to me"
"I swear to you" and she hugged her. They both dissolved into tears.
When they recovered, Bea said to her: "Buck and I were thinking of going to Aunt Rose on Sunday to tell her the news. Are you and Sam coming?"
"Absolutely, I want to be the one to give her both news, she doesn't even know that I'm getting married"
"Okay then" and went into the house to do some chores.
As arranged, Buck, Bea, Sam and Emma went to visit Aunt Rose the following Sunday.
"But what great news, it's about time you two got married! Bea, follow her example! Buck, what are you waiting for to marry my niece!"
"Here ma'am, I want to get Bea's parents' consent first", Buck replied embarrassed.
"Oh, nonsense, they will surely give it to you and if not, I will take you under my protection, come on"
"Now let's think about the two royal future spouses, but aunt, they haven't finished with the news"
Emma and Sam also announced the news of their move and Aunt Rose was saddened: "This means we won't see each other anymore, right?"
"I will do everything to come to you again dear and we will write to each other anyway, I promise"
The two women hugged.
The week before Emma's wedding, Bea finally received the letter from her parents. As soon as Ike handed it to her, she ran to Buck who was working in the barn to read it together.
"Don't you think you should read it in private?" he said to her.
"Don't be silly, I have nothing to hide from you, I want to read it with you." They sat down on a bale of hay and she opened the letter which read this:
Dearest Bea,
your letter filled us with joy. We live waiting to hear from you and knowing that you are well and happy is a relief for us. We must sincerely thank Aunt Rose, to whom we sent a letter, and also hers, and from what we now read yours too, friend Emma. We are proud to know that you have managed to integrate and build a good life, surrounded by people who love you and who consider you family.
Speaking of these people, we were pleased to read that you have finally fallen in love and that you believe you have found the right man for you. We won't hide from you that at first glance we were speechless: a half-Indian wasn't exactly the kind of man we had in mind for you...
Bea stopped for a moment to look at Buck and saw his eyes clouded with sadness.
She told him: "Honey, let me continue" and Buck nodded.
...but then we reflected, we discussed it, we discussed it for a long time and after having read and reread your letter countless times, we decided to give you our blessing.
"View? Man of little faith, I am ALWAYS right!" and kissed him.
Buck was speechless. In his head he was already preparing for the criticisms he would hear Bea read and he certainly didn't expect to receive her parents' blessing.
"Reread carefully please, maybe you misunderstood" he asked her.
"Even if I reread it a hundred times, things wouldn't change: my parents approve of our relationship. But let me continue!"
Buck nodded.
From your words all the joy and happiness you feel in dating this boy, Buck, shines through, and from how you describe him he must be a really good son. However, you must be aware of the difficulties you will face if you decide to build a future together, difficulties that will also affect your future children. If all this doesn't stop you and doesn't scare you, if you are really sure of the feelings you have for him, if your heart beats every time you see him and are with him, then go on your way, we certainly won't be the ones to stop. We would very much like to meet him in person, but we realize that it is very difficult. Tell him that we welcome him with open arms into our family and that obviously if he makes you suffer we will not hesitate to reach out to you and make him regret his behavior.
Have a good life darling.
With love
Your parents
Bea had tears in her eyes when she stopped reading the letter and Buck's eyes were teary too.
"Do your parents really welcome me into your family?", he asked still in disbelief.
"Of course darling, they understood what a wonderful man you are and how great the love I feel for you, they couldn't do anything else"
They kissed passionately and arranged to meet for the night in the stable: they wanted to celebrate the wonderful news.
They returned to the bunkhouse together and told everyone the contents of the letter.
"I was sure darling, from how you described your parents to me, it couldn't have been otherwise. I'm really happy for you."
"And now Buck dear, you have no more excuses", Jimmy joked.
Buck blushed and looked down; in his heart he had made his decision: he wouldn't wait much longer: after Sam and Emma's wedding he would start working to find a suitable place to build a house and once found, he would propose to Bea: they were all right, time doesn't matter when two people love each other the way they loved each other.
That night Bea and Buck met in the barn and made love, mixing their souls, knowing that nothing could stop them from being happy together and building a wonderful family.