Chapter 19

Eagle Canyon, Nebraska - 1867

Siobhan's world tilted as she looked between the Marshal and Camille. "You?" Her voice cracked. "You planned this?"

Camille's smile widened, her blue eyes twinkling. "Are you surprised?" She asked softly.

Surprised didn't begin to cover it. Siobhan felt like she'd been swept up by a tornado, dropped into a place both familiar and strange. This man couldn't be the same boy who'd taught her to swim. Yet, with each look, she saw glimpses of him – the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, how his gaze set her heart a flutter.

"Yes," Siobhan finally managed, the word heavy with disbelief.

Buck looked just as stunned. His surprise had turned to careful curiosity as he met Siobhan's eyes. Something passed between them before he turned to Camille. "You definitely surprised me," he agreed

"Can you meet us for supper?" Billy's loud voice broke the moment. He clapped Buck on the back like an old friend.

Buck cleared his throat, breaking his connection with Siobhan. "Of course, let me tell my deputy." Relief crossed his face, a short break from the storm of feelings around them.

Siobhan watched him walk across the dusty street, his tall form drawing eyes even from far off. The minutes dragged. Every part of her wanted to follow him, to grab a moment alone, but propriety kept her in place.

When Buck came back, their eyes met again. A smile played on his lips, and the air felt charged. Siobhan's cheeks grew hot under Camille and William's watchful eyes.

Buck's smile grew, a knowing look in his eyes. It was the same look that used to make her stomach flutter when they were young. Now, it sent a tremor through her, lighting a spark she hadn't known was there all these years.

Billy, not noticing the tension, spoke up. "Where do you recommend, Buck?" He asked.

Buck chuckled, the deep sound sending another jolt through Siobhan. "Well, there aren't too many places here. This ain't St. Joe," he admitted. "You have three choices. The hotel has a restaurant that serves the basics. Then there's a new place down the street – French food, new place, good but a little fancy. And there's always the saloon."

"Hotel it is then," William declared with a laugh.

As they walked to the hotel, Buck fell in step beside Siobhan, offering his arm. She paused, then slipped her arm through his. The touch sent a tingle up her arm, reminding her of their old connection.

The hotel restaurant was busy, full of tired travelers and loud cowboys. They got seated quickly, probably thanks to Buck's badge.

Once they sat down, talk came easy, full of old memories and catching up on lost time. But even with all the laughing and stories, Siobhan felt like there were deeper talks waiting to happen. Talks that couldn't happen with their friends watching.

When William left to check on the horses, the table got quiet. Siobhan glanced at Buck, catching him staring at her. She looked away quick, feeling her neck get hot. The air between them felt thick with silent questions and a want for something more.

"So you go by Buck now?" Siobhan finally asked, her voice soft, trying to break the silence.

"It's a lot easier for folks around here to pronounce," he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"I suppose so," Siobhan said back, a small smile on her lips.

Their talk wandered through the years apart. Buck told her about riding for the Pony Express, then scouting for the army. Siobhan shared her time helping in war hospitals. With each word, the connection between them seemed to grow stronger.

As they ate, they kept stealing glances at each other. Each look felt like a silent plea to really talk, to reconnect away from their friends' eyes. The want to get away, to find a quiet spot just for them, got stronger with every minute.

"How long are you in town for?" Buck asked, his voice surprisingly quiet. He frowned a little, matching the worry Siobhan suddenly felt.

Camille's eyes lit up. "Actually," she cut in, a mischievous smile on her face, "Siobhan, your train doesn't leave for Philadelphia for another week, and being so close to Omaha..." She looked between Buck and Siobhan. "Why, Buck, you could just escort her there, couldn't you?"

Siobhan's jaw dropped. Had Camille planned this whole reunion? The idea made her cheeks warm. She glanced at Buck, seeing surprise in his eyes that quickly turned to something more – maybe hope?

Buck leaned close to Siobhan, his voice a low whisper above the restaurant noise. "If it's alright with you," he murmured, "I can make arrangements for you to stay in one of the rooms here at the hotel."

Siobhan couldn't find her voice, caught between shock and growing excitement. She just nodded. This trip, meant to be a visit with an old friend, had taken an unexpected turn. Despite her doubts, it sent a thrill of excitement through her.