Chapter 1:
Dust and Distance — A Cowboy’s Goodbye

As the lone coach disappeared down the lonely road, he stood silent—rooted by more than trail dust. Would their paths ever cross again? As a man of few but deliberate words, had he said too little… too much? Should he have asked her not to go? The questions would hang heavy on his heart — like the low-lying clouds blanketing the valley floor, choking out the day’s first light. But the decision was made. And the road ahead—was now his alone to walk.