Lou, Jen and Matthew were waiting on the bunkhouse porch when they heard the riders approaching. Lou could make out five horses, but caught her breath when she realized there were only four riders. She ran toward the horses and was relieved when she was close enough to see Buck and Kat were riding double.

Buck had insisted on riding with Kat in front of him, even though she was unconscious and he was very weak. After nearly losing her, he was not going to let her out of his arms any longer than he had to.

Cody dismounted when they reached the yard and gently took Kat as Buck handed her down. Cody didn't wait to hand her back. He knew Buck was too weak to carry her, and apparently Buck agreed, because Cody heard no protest.

"I'll go get the doctor." Matthew offered as Buck passed by him.

"Thank you." Buck smiled at him gratefully, then followed Cody into the bunkhouse.

Jen was already inside, heating water and readying a bunk for Kat. She took one look at Buck, and wasn't worried about the injured girl anymore.

"What were you thinking!" Jen scolded as she saw the bloodstain across the front of Buck's shirt. "Get back in bed now!"

"I'm fine." Buck said rudely as he took one of the moist rags Jen was holding and walked over to where Kat was laying. He gently wiped the blood and dirt from her face, hoping the contact would at least make her stir. She hadn't moved at all since Buck had entered the campsite to get her away from Joe.

Jen felt a twinge of jealousy as she watched Buck tend to Kat. She knew she shouldn't, since she loved Matthew. She didn't realize it would hurt so much to see Buck with someone else.

Cody saw the look on Jen's face that nearly mirrored his own. He walked over, put his arm around her shoulders and led her out the door. Buck was so engrossed in Kat, he almost didn't even realize they had left.

"I'm so sorry." Buck said, his voice cracking with emotion. He continued wiping her face and noticed the large gash along her temple and one above her eye. He put the rag down and tenderly traced the injuries with his fingertip, sobbing at the fact they were there because of him.

Buck sat staring at her ravaged face. She looked so much worse than when he had saved her from Jake, but to Buck, she still looked beautiful. He knew the only thing that would make her more beautiful is if she would open those indescribable eyes he had fallen in love with.

"Buck?"

Buck turned and saw Jen had come back, carrying a pitcher and some bandages.

"I'm sorry I was so harsh with you." Jen said softly as she emptied her arms onto the table. "I was just worried."

"I'll be fine." Buck smiled reassuringly.

Jen nodded and watched as Buck turned back to Kat and took her hand in his.

"She will be too." Jen consoled, as she stepped behind Buck and put her hands on his shoulders.

Buck nodded, hoping Jen was right.

"She makes you happy, doesn't she?" Jen asked, looking down at the woman who had stolen Buck's heart.

"As happy as Matthew makes you, I guess." Buck answered glancing at Jen. The look on her face at the mention of Matthew's name would have broken Buck's heart. But, Buck now knew that had to be the look Kat's name put on his face.

"He didn't save me." Jen smiled. "But I love him."

"As long as he keeps putting that smile on your face, I can live with that." Buck admitted sincerely, looking up at Jen.

"And as long as you're happy saving her, I can live with that." Jen smiled back gratefully. "I'll send the doctor in when he gets here." Jen said as she turned and went back toward the door. She glanced back at Buck and saw his attention was once again completely on Kat. Jen smirked, a little envious, but glad Kat made Buck so happy.

Buck waited until he heard the door close, then let his tears begin falling again. "Please come back." Buck pleaded as he gently smoothed Kat's hair. "I love you." He whispered as he placed a kiss on her cheek and buried his head in the pillow next to Kat's head. The only sound in the bunkhouse for several minutes was Buck's ragged breath as he held Kat and cried.

"Buck?"

Buck sat straight up as he felt Kat's hand run through his hair. He wiped his moist face with the back of his hand and smiled down at her, relief in his eyes.

"I love you too." She smiled up at him weakly.

He looked down at her and almost wanted to scream with joy. He had been so afraid she wouldn't come back to him, even after they had brought her back to the station.

"And I always know who to call for when I wake up." Kat added, the old Kat peeking through her pain and exhaustion.