Chapter 9

Shadow Valley, Texas 1870

Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Buck shuffled into the kitchen the next morning. Anticipating the sight of his children perched on stools, eagerly devouring their breakfast, he was met with an empty table. He glanced over at the stove, where Patricia expertly flipped sizzling bacon.

"Mornin'," he mumbled as he reached across the hot skillet and grabbed a piece of crispy goodness.

"I saw that." Patricia swatted his hand playfully with the spatula, a laugh escaping her lips.

"Have you seen either of the kids this morning?" He asked.

"They are outside playing with that woman." Patricia put her hands on her hips and turned her attention from the eggs she was frying to Buck. "She's got the devil in her."

"She's a little unusual." Buck savored his coffee with a satisfied sigh, the warmth spreading through him

"Jumping around… what did she call them? Burpees? Flailing around like she was having a fit." The housekeeper's eyes were wide with disbelief.

"Hmmm." He pushed the curtain to the side and watched as the woman picked his daughter up, under her arms and swung her around in circles.

"She said it was exercise." The older woman shook her head. "That woman needs an exorcism."

Buck snorted and tried to hide the smile that threatened to spread across his face.

"Breakfast is ready." Patricia scowled.

"Alright, alright," Buck chuckled, heading for the back door. "I'll get those two settled in before breakfast gets cold." He pushed open the door and stepped outside, calling out, "Isaac! Megan! Time to eat!"

A blur of brown hair shot past his legs, followed by a breathless, "Okay, Papa!" Isaac raced inside, disappearing towards the washbasin in a flurry of activity.

Buck spotted Megan perched on Halona's shoulders, giggling as they approached the house. He carefully lifted his daughter down. "Wash your hands before breakfast, sweetheart." He reminded her gently.

Halona, a smile lighting up her face, followed them inside. "Good morning!" She greeted.

"Did you sleep well?" He asked.

"Great," she replied with a laugh. "Although, that rooster of yours could really use a snooze button."

Buck snickered, holding the door open for her. "Come on in and join us for breakfast."

"Thanks." She took a seat at the table. "How far are we from a major city?"

"Few days ride," Buck replied, amusement dancing in his eyes, "give or take." He paused, then couldn't resist a playful jab. "Though, considering your… unique horseback riding style, maybe fifteen."

"Funny." Halona rolled her eyes, smiling. "There's gotta be a closer town with basics. Phone, ATM. I need my assistant."

"What's an assistant?" Isaac piped up, his eyes wide with wonder.

Halona smiled. "An assistant is kind of like a helper," she explained patiently. "Someone who helps me stay organized and on top of things."

"What kind of things?" Megan chimed in her voice was full of curiosity.

Halona savored the crisp bacon, a welcome indulgence she hadn't had in a while. "Well," she began, wiping her mouth with a napkin, "sometimes I have to meet with people to talk about work, or go to special events. My assistant helps me schedule those things and she makes sure I have everything I need."

"Like Ms. Fitz?" Megan looked up at their housekeeper. "She helps Papa with everything."

"Yeah exactly." Halona confirmed, ruffling Megan's hair playfully.

"There's a telegraph in town," Buck said, routing the conversation back on track.

Halona's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "People still use those?"

"Mhmm." He grunted. "People use them."

She sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. "I guess that's better than nothing. The sooner I can contact her, the sooner I can get out of your hair."

"You are welcome here," Buck said firmly, meeting her gaze. "We're happy to have you around, aren't we?"

Isaac took a large gulp of milk before muttering, "Yep."

Just then, Buck spotted one of his ranch hands heading towards the barn. "Ah, looks like it's time for me to get to work," he announced, standing up. He knelt down beside Megan's chair, his expression turning serious. "Alright, Meg, promise you'll be a good girl today? No running off, okay?"

Megan nodded solemnly. "Yes, Papa."

"I mean it," Buck emphasized. "I won't be able to keep chasing after you while I'm trying to get things done, alright?"

"No worries," Before Buck could issue any further instructions, Halona spoke up between bites of egg. "I'll keep an eye on them."

"Yeah?" Buck's face broke into a relieved smile. "That would be a huge help."

"It's the least I can do," Halona insisted, reaching over and ruffling Isaac's hair playfully.

"You two be nice to Halona, you hear?" Buck instructed his children, placing a kiss on each of their foreheads. He turned towards the back door, then paused with a final thought. "Oh, Patricia, almost forgot to mention – Fiona's coming for dinner tonight."

Patricia, who had been listening to the conversation from the stove, turned and smiled. "Alright, I'll set another plate."

Isaac, however, wasn't as enthusiastic about the news. He waited until his father was out of earshot before letting out a dramatic groan and rolling his eyes.

Patricia, catching his expression, playfully swatted him on the arm. "You be nice to your father's special friend, young man," she teased. "Now scoot upstairs and get your laundry for me."