Chapter 35
Omaha, Nebraska 1872
Despite the recent surgery to remove the bullet from her side, Lara refused to waste another precious moment of her life. As she contemplated her return to California, her heart swelled with eagerness. She longed for the golden hills dotted with bright orange and blue wildflowers, but most of all, the ocean. She missed the sound of the waves lulling her to sleep at night, and the way the stars danced off the tide. While she had encountered many wonders in her lifetime, nothing compared to the irresistible call of the sea.
"I want to go home!" Lara demanded, her voice shaking with frustration.
After the doctor removed the bullet, Lara was welcomed into the home of Louise and Kid McCloud to recuperate. Between Lou and Joaquin's attentive care and the effects of the pain medication, Lara found herself sleeping more than she wished, leaving little time for her thoughts.
"Lara," Joaquin intervened reassuringly, "It's over, there is no more danger. Your brother and I both told the truth about what happened. I'm no longer wanted."
"I'm so happy," she replied, her words slightly slurred as the pain medication began to take effect.
"Just rest," Louise urged, hoping her words would calm her. However, she noticed the opposite effect as Lara became more animated.
"I can't stare at these walls one more minute!" With a dramatic gesture, Lara flopped her arms down to her side, fully aware that she was acting out and being disagreeable.
"When the doctor says you can go, then we go. Until then, you stay here," Joaquin replied firmly, though he couldn't help but conceal a smile at her behavior. She could be quite childlike with her tantrums and dramatics, but he found it endearing most of the time.
The elderly doctor arrived to check her stitches. "California is a long trip," he noted. "But I see no reason why you can't go—"
"Thank you, doctor!" Lara beamed triumphantly. "See, Joaquin?"
"Young lady, I wasn't finished," the doctor chuckled kindly as he admonished her. "As long as you are very careful, no horseback riding or running. Just focus on resting."
"Mira Joaquin, te lo dije," she smirked.
"None of that I told you so," he looked sternly at her. "Are you practicing your Spanish so you know when Mamá is talking about you?"
"Maybe," Lara replied, her genuine joy bringing a smile to Joaquin's face, a sight he hadn't seen in years. It warmed his soul to witness her happiness.
The moment was interrupted when Night Wolf cracked the door open. "Lara, Buck is here to see you."
"No," Lara replied sternly at first, her tone softening as her words continued. "I don't want to see him."
"Lara, just hear—" Night Wolf interjected, attempting to advocate for his friend. He didn't know the details of what happened between them, but he knew Buck to be a good, honest man.
"Tell him to go away," she insisted, turning to Joaquin for support.
"I'll talk to him," Joaquin nodded, then stepped out into the corridor.
In the hallway, Buck's desperation was etched on every muscle of his face. "Please, I have to talk to her before you go."
"There is nothing left to say," Joaquin stated firmly.
"I said things that were out of anger, please, I need to talk to her," Buck begged.
"I will never let you hurt her again," Joaquin stood steadfast.
"You don't under—"
"Leave her alone," Joaquin said, harsher than he had meant it.
As he watched Buck retreat, Joaquin felt a twinge of satisfaction, however fleeting. It wasn't out of spite, animosity, or even jealousy, though he couldn't deny feeling jealous — how could he not? The woman he had loved since childhood was in love with another man. In his youth, Joaquin harbored hopes of eventually winning her over, but now he realized she could never love him in the way he had hoped, the way he loved her.
From the window, Joaquin observed Night Wolf hastening to meet Buck. While he didn't entirely understand the complexities of their relationship, he recognized their profound bond and loyalty to each other. He wasn't certain where her brother's loyalties lay, but his allegiance belonged to Lara.
Outside, Night Wolf caught up with Buck. "Running Buck," he called out, "You saved my life again, and Lara's. I'm indebted to you."
"I spoke to White Eagle three nights ago. He said there are not enough warriors now to fight, that they are going to the reservation in Oklahoma," Buck disclosed blankly.
"I am going back to California," Night Wolf shared.
"I wish you the best, you and Sweet Rain Woman," Buck replied, forcing a faint smile through his grief.
"You are always welcome at my home," Night Wolf assured, gripping Buck's arm.
"Thank you, Night Wolf," Buck acknowledged sincerely, reciprocating the embrace.
"My brother," Night Wolf said, holding Buck tightly, the word carrying the weight of their shared experiences and the bond that transcended blood.
As the two men parted, the air hung heavy with unspoken emotions. Buck's path forward was uncertain, but the warmth of Night Wolf's friendship offered a small comfort in the face of his losses. Meanwhile, inside the house, Lara drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with the promise of home and the complicated emotions that awaited her there.