Chapter 18

Shadow Valley, Texas 1870

Halona trailed behind Buck and Isaac as they entered the general store, her hand tightly clasped around Megan's. A flicker of movement caught her eye – Fiona entering the store. Halona's grip on Megan's hand subconsciously tightened, and she steered them behind a large display near the door. All she wanted was to escape back to the buckboard without an encounter with Fiona.

"Well, Buck," Fiona's voice purred, drawing attention from across the store. "Haven't seen you in a week, maybe more." She sashayed over to the counter where Buck stood with Isaac.

"Hello, Fiona," Buck replied, leaning casually against the counter and turning towards her.

"Are you and the children planning to attend the Christmas social next week?" She inquired, her gaze lingering on Buck.

"I'm not certain yet," Buck said, a slight frown creasing his forehead. He glanced around the store, searching for Megan. "There's a lot going on at the house right now."

"You work too hard, Buck," Fiona remarked with a knowing smile.

"Here you are, Mr. Cross." The storekeeper boomed, placing two dresses on the counter. "If they need alterations, my wife's in the back."

"Thank you," Buck said, his gaze scanning the front of the store again. "Halona? Would you come on over here?"

Halona bristled. Back home, a nonchalant shrug and a dismissive flick of her eyes would have sufficed, a smooth escape from the situation. But here, things were different. And it wasn't him she sought to avoid.

Why was she letting this woman control her like this? Normally, Halona would brush it off, and move on with her day. But Fionna was getting under her skin, worming her way past Halona's usual defenses. Ignoring Buck's request any longer would be a scene, and though Halona was typically the first to start the theatrics, she didn't want to embarrass Buck or jeopardize the only safety she had. Plastering on a smile that felt more like a grimace, she forced herself to step out from behind the display case and walk towards the counter.

The unspoken tension between her and Buck hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of their tangled night together. Pushing him away had felt like the right thing at the time, but with each passing day, the truth gnawed at her. It was a lie, a flimsy shield she'd built to protect herself. As she approached the counter, seeing Buck standing there beside Fiona, a pang of jealousy, sharp and bitter, pierced her heart.

"Will you put these on?" Buck asked, his hand on her back. "Mrs. Peters can adjust them to fit."

"Oh?" Halona raised an eyebrow, surprised.

"Honestly," Buck smiled, "I can't bear to see you in that dress anymore."

Halona blushed. "You can't just buy me things because..." she trailed off.

"I ordered these weeks ago," Buck said. "You've helped so much around the house. It's appreciation."

"Thanks."

"And, Hallie," Buck smirked, handing her undergarments, "maybe try these instead of... well…."

Halona held up the shift and pantalettes, surprised.

"No matter how much I appreciate your... unique style," Buck added.

He left her to change, stifling a laugh at her expression.