Chapter 13
Rock Creek, Nebraska 1872
The wooden stairs groaned softly under Joaquin's feet as he followed Buck up the narrow stairway. The sound seemed to echo the tension in his heart, a mixture of concern for Lara and gratitude towards Buck.
"How is she?" Joaquin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Buck glanced back, his expression a blend of reassurance and weariness. "Much better. She's been eating solid food for the last few days."
"Bueno," Joaquin murmured, relief evident in his tone as they reached the top of the stairs.
As they approached the room, Joaquin peered in, his eyes immediately drawn to Lara's form on the bed. The sight of her, pale but alert, caused a surge of emotion he struggled to contain.
"Joaquin!" Lara's face lit up, her arms opening eagerly for an embrace. The joy in her voice was palpable, filling the room with warmth.
Joaquin moved to her side, enveloping her in a gentle hug. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice thick with concern.
"Much better," Lara replied.
Settling onto the bed beside her, Joaquin's lips curved into a teasing grin. "It's a good thing you have a hard head," he quipped, trying to lighten the mood.
Lara shook her head affectionately. "Funny," she retorted, before her expression turned serious. "Did you find him?"
The playfulness in Joaquin's eyes dimmed. "No," he explained somberly. "The man I told you about who knew of him was killed."
Lara's face fell at the news, but determination quickly replaced her disappointment. "I'll be better tomorrow. I'll ride with you," she insisted, her voice filled with a eagerness that belied her weakened state.
"No, you need to rest," Joaquin chuckled, gently admonishing her.
Buck chose that moment to enter, a plate of food in hand. "Joaquin is right, Lara. You can't even stand for more than a few minutes without getting tired," he added, his tone a mixture of concern and affection.
Lara's eyes brightened at the sight of the meal. "Is that dinner?" She asked, her enthusiasm for food evident.
Joaquin couldn't help but smile at her appetite. "I see your appetite is still good," he remarked teasingly. His expression sobered as he continued, "Tengo que irme."
"Can't you stay? Just a little longer?" Lara pleaded, her hand reaching out to grasp Joaquin's.
"It's okay, Lara. I'll be careful," Joaquin reassured her, meeting her gaze with a look of determination. "You know that."
Lara nodded reluctantly, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. Buck watched this exchange, his face an unreadable mask.
"I'm going to walk Joaquin out. I'll be back to check on you," he informed Lara before leading Joaquin downstairs.
On the porch, Joaquin turned to Buck, his expression sincere. "Gracias," he said softly. "For taking care of her."
Buck's response was quiet but firm. "I'll do anything for her."
"So will I," Joaquin replied, his voice equally determined.
As Joaquin rode off into the darkness, Buck closed the door, a sense of uncertainty settling over him. Lara was clearly the center of both their worlds, and Buck couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of her feelings for Joaquin.
Returning to Lara's room, Buck found her asleep, the plate of food balanced precariously on her lap. His expression softened as he carefully removed the plate and adjusted her position.
"Buck?" Lara's eyes fluttered open at his touch.
"Go to sleep, darlin'," Buck murmured tenderly, tucking the blankets around her.
As he settled into the chair beside her bed, Buck's mind whirled with unanswered questions. Lara held the key to his heart, but the complexities of her relationship with Joaquin left him feeling uncertain. Only time, and Lara herself, could put his worries to rest.