“That was justifiable. Honey, I’m so sorry you were put in that position.” He lay facing her with their heads only inches apart.
Talking about that night brought up all the fear and regret she carried. “I was afraid someone would come to see what had happened or that he had friends with him but neither occurred. I know killing someone is a horrible thing and I hate that I did. There was a humorous part to it.”
He caressed her back, his hand moving in slow circles. “I can’t imagine anything funny about such an event.”
“When Nana was in her right mind she used to say ‘I’d shoot him and tell God he died.’ We had a friend whose husband beat her and Nana said that about what she’d do if he was her husband. Same with a friend whose husband was a drunkard and gambler who wasted all their money. When I shot the man who tried to attack me, Nana had a rare lucid moment. She said, ‘We’ll tell God he died’ and lay back on her pillow. It wasn’t that funny a thing to say but at the time it made me laugh because I was so tense.”
He pulled her head to his uninjured shoulder. “What did you do with the body? You said he was big.”
“You have no idea how hard it was for me to touch him. I went through his pockets and took everything out. There was a little money which I desperately needed. He had papers that told who he was and his unit and so forth. I was sorting his few belongings when a man’s voice called to me that he was injured and wanted to get help and that he had no intention of harming me.”
“What did you do?”
“I reminded him I had a gun and told him to come in. He was a Yankee. He said he’d been shot and had hit his head when he fell and he was left for dead. He’d heard the dead man threaten me. He apologized that he was too hurt to fight him and had lost his gun. He said if I’d treat his wounds he’d help me get rid of the other man’s body.”
“So, you treated his injury even though he was a Yankee?”
“Of course. We dragged the other soldier’s body to the creek and rolled him into the water. Back in the kitchen the Yankee told me how to treat his injuries. After I’d doctored his two wounds, he rested a couple of hours.”
“Only a couple of hours? He must have been one determined man.”
“He told me to give him the dead man’s Army papers and he’d turn them in so his family would be notified he’d died. He also took the man’s rifle. I was sure glad to get rid of those papers. There was a nice pocket watch which I’m sure the dead man had stolen. I gave it to the Yankee and he left to find his comrades. He wouldn’t get in trouble for killing a Confederate.”
“If your neighbors knew you’d helped a Union soldier you would have been in a lot of trouble. Although it was kind of you, you took a big chance.”
“He was a nice man. Even if he hadn’t been, I wouldn’t refuse to help an injured person who meant me no harm. You wouldn’t either.”
“Right, I couldn’t.” He put his uninjured arm around her. “You’re an unusually kind and protective person. I’m lucky to be married to you.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “Please, don’t say nice things unless you mean them.”
“I mean this, Melody. I know you have your choice of many men in town, but I hope you’ll stay with me.”
Her heart soared like a bird in flight. He wasn’t going to ask for an annulment. “Nick, of course I’ll stay with you. I… I always wanted to be part of your life. That’s why I came before the others.”
Recalling the pain he’d caused, she didn’t hold back in admitting, “You were the one who was angry with me. You even said you’d been cheated.”
He closed his eyes. “Don’t remind me of what a fool I was. I’m surprised you didn’t shoot off my ear.”
She couldn’t honestly deny that he’d been anything else but a lout. “You hurt my feelings deeply but I wouldn’t shoot someone for that reason. In the future I suggest you remember I’m a really good marksman.”
“I couldn’t forget after today’s demonstration. You’re quite a woman.”
She sighed. Being here beside her husband was true contentment. But she had people depending on her and chores to complete. “I hate to move, but I have to make supper for everyone. You have to remain where you are and I’ll bring you your meal. Don’t worry, I’ll include the deputy in my meal planning.”
After she’d cleaned the instruments and returned them to Nick’s medical bag, she put the carryall where he kept it. His handkerchief and shirt went into cold water to soak. She checked on Wapun and Hurit. They were deep in conversation so she simply waved and went to the kitchen to prepare supper.
Nick remembered all the terrible things he’d said to Melody. What an obnoxious boor he’d been when she arrived. He had still been mourning Jenny and the children to the point of obsession. He would always love and miss them. Now he knew he’d been foolish to exclude Melody from his heart.
After she had fed everyone and cleaned up the kitchen, she came to his room. “Do you think you’ll be able to sleep without laudanum?”
“Definitely. What about you?”
She moved her head from side to side then rubbed the back of her neck. “My blanket is waiting. After such an eventful day, I won’t have trouble sleeping.”
He patted beside him on the mattress. “You should sleep here as you did for our nap. There’s no need to monitor Wapun so closely when her mother is right there with her.”
Nick recognized the confusion she was experiencing. He’d seen her keep her feelings hidden but tonight her face was expressive. He thought she wanted to stay with him but was hesitant. He didn’t understand why after she’d said she wanted to remain with him.
He rubbed his forehead. “I might be the one who has fever during the night. I might have one of my bad dreams after that conflict we were in earlier.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, you’re being manipulative but I’ll stay here. I have to admit this bed is much more comfortable than the floor.” She sat on the mattress and unlaced her shoes.
He smiled to himself. He would finally get to spend the night with his wife in his arms. Well, at least she’d be by his side.
He pulled up the cover.“And, these blankets are much nicer than that ugly one you used last night.” He patted the quilt she’d used as a decorative coverlet. “Plus, we have this nice quilt that’s our wedding gift.”
She pointed her forefinger at him. “I’m proud of the quilt but don’t insult my blanket. It isn’t as nice as the quilt but remember it saved my life.”
He raised his eyebrows. “When you put it that way, we should have it framed and hung on the wall in a place of honor.”
“That’s better, Dr. Walker.” She shed her dress and hung it on peg in the wardrobe.
She crawled on top of the sheet and pulled the blankets and quilt over her. “My nightgown is in the other bedroom so I’ll sleep in my shift and petticoat. I don’t want to bother our guests.
“You shouldn’t get cold as you are.” He didn’t dare suggest she sleep in the nude nor did he tell her that he did except for tonight. He couldn’t explain why he was so melancholy today and tonight. He longed for a complete marriage to Melody. He had spent too much time reflecting on the past at the expense of the present and the future.
He didn’t want to scare her. He should wear a jester’s hat. He’d been a royal fool for dragging his feet. Christmas was two weeks away. Should he wait until then to tell her he’d fallen in love with her?
Melody snuggled with her husband. The sheet was between them as it had been during their nap earlier today. Wow, was that only today? So much had happened she had no idea she would ever experience some of those things, let alone have them all in one day. She didn’t want to think about today’s trouble.
She had worried so much about their situation that she braced herself and queried him. “I accept that you are so in love with your late wife that you can never love me. You haven’t said but I hope you’re at least becoming fond of me. Do you think you’ll eve
r come to care for me?”
“I have a confession. Something you said changed everything about my outlook on life. You were talking about knowing the soldiers were coming. You said that you made plans and then evaded the soldiers.”
“I remember that. You made fun of my blanket so I had to tell you why I saved it. How could that change you?”
“Since Jenny and the children died I’ve made her into a saint. When I heard you explaining what you did, I wondered why Jenny hadn’t done the same. She could have taken the children and gone to her parents or mine. Either would have kept them safe. She had friends who lived in areas that weren’t hit by artillery.”
Although positive that if she’d been in that situation she would have found a way to protect her children, Melody was charitable. “She probably panicked and fear paralyzed her.”
“Exactly what I thought, which means she wasn’t a martyred saint. She was a lovely woman who should have protected our children. I still love her but I’ve learned there’s room in my heart for another woman.”
Hope blossomed in her heart. “Are you saying you do care for me?”
“I’ve fallen in love with you, Mrs. Walker. Isn’t it funny to hear me say I love my wife?”
“No, it’s wonderful, Nick. I’ve yearned for you to tell me you at least approve of me. I’ve made stupid mistakes but I am learning the way you want things done.”
“I’m proud of you for all you’ve accomplished. How many women would stand up to a Blackfoot chief in war paint? Not only did you do that, you fed the group several times.”
“You’d warned me they’d come. Otherwise, I might have yelped when I saw them. I’ll never forget the sight of that medicine man or how rude he was.”
“After I got over the shock of how beautiful you are, the next thing I noticed was you’re intelligent and a fast learner. Do you think you can learn to love me?”
“How can you not know I love you? Almost from the first day I’ve longed for a sign that you were coming to care even a little bit for me. When Prescott aimed his gun at you, I prayed you would be protected.”
“When I saw him aim his gun at you, I admit anger boiled inside me. I had no idea there was a vicious beast lurking within my body. I think that’s why I didn’t evade him. My reaction to you being threatened surprised me. I’m not a ferocious caveman.”
“If you are you’re my caveman.”
“Then you’ve made me very happy. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want you to be the mother of my children. I want you to be my partner in everything I do.”
Happy tears filled her eyes. “That’s what I want too. I’m so happy you changed your mind about me.”
“You weren’t the woman I thought I needed, but you’ve shown me that you’re the perfect woman for me.
“You’ve given me the best Christmas present I could have received.”
He tightened his embrace. “You’re my Christmas bride.”
Epilogue
First Saturday afternoon in April, 1867
Melody sat at the kitchen table with her husband and poured over a drawing of their property. They discussed flowers and shrubs they planned to add this spring. A seed catalogue was by Nick’s elbow along with paper for his order list. They’d already received one order of seeds and plants.
She pointed to a spot on the drawing. “We could put the rose bushes there.”
“Good idea. They’d get plenty of sunshine and be protected from the north wind.”
“I hope they bloom by the time your parents arrive in June.”
A loud rapping came from the front.
Nick stood. “I’ll get it. Might be a patient.”
When she heard familiar voices, she joined her husband.
Nick gestured to the parlor. “Please come in.”
Chief Mingan, Hurit, Wapun, and the medicine man came in. The braves that had accompanied them waited outside with backs to the house, forming a protective line across the porch.
Melody hugged Wapun and her mother. “I am pleased to see you again. You look well.”
Wapun beamed. “I am well. I am to be married to Keme soon.”
“Is he one of those who waits outside?”
Wapun lowered her gaze. “He wanted to come with us.”
“Would you like to invite him inside?”
The girl shook her head. “I would but my father said no. He cannot show favoritism.”
When they were in the parlor, the chief took out two amulets, each on a rawhide string knotted to form a necklace. “We bring you token to protect you. If you ever are in trouble with Blackfeet, Sioux, or Crow you show this. The token proves you are a friend.” He placed one over Nick’s head and then one over Melody’s.
Nick touched his amulet. “This is very nice, Great Chief Grey Wolf. Thank you.”
Melody smiled and ran her fingers over the leather horse with strings of beads dangling. “Thank you, I’m honored you included me.”
The chief met her gaze. “Woman-with-sunset-hair, you are brave and good cook. You protected Hurit with your life when bad man would have shot her or forced her to go with him.”
He turned to lock gazes with Nick. “You prove you are good doctor and you protect Wapun with your life. You are rare white man. I make you blood brother.”
The medicine man stepped forward with a knife. He took Nick’s hand and made a cut in the shape of an X. He did the same to Chief Grey Wolf’s hand and hurriedly placed the two Xs together. He chanted over the hands of the two men then stepped back.
The medicine man surprised her by speaking in English. “Now you are blood brothers.”
He turned to Melody. “You need blessing for your baby.”
She blinked and wanted to ask how he knew she was expecting.
Apisi shook rattles and danced around her. He chanted but he spoke sounds rather than words. His voice went from high to low but mostly stayed in mid range. When he stopped, he tucked his rattles inside his costume. “I see in a dream you have a baby when summer ends. Now your boy will be strong and you will be safe.”
“Thank you, Apisi. I am honored you have blessed me and our baby.”
The conceited man nodded. “Is great honor for you to receive this. Never before have I given a blessing to a white woman.”
“Would you care for peach cobbler? I have two in the kitchen.” She’d made them for a church dinner scheduled to follow church tomorrow.
“We would like this.” The chief patted his stomach then strode to the kitchen and sat at the table as if he felt perfectly at home.
She and her husband exchanged amused glances. She filled bowls and Nick started delivering them.
“I will take these to everyone.” Wapun smiled and took over from Nick.
He sat at the table. “Nice to see Wapun walking well.”
“She is healed and happy.” The chief looked as proud as if he had healed her instead of causing her to tear her stitches.
Hurit glared at the chief. “Because the doctor is skilled even when I did what you said.” She smiled at Nick. “You believe she can have a baby, yes?”
“Yes. She is a kind young woman and I wish her happiness.”
Wapun returned to the kitchen. “That is all we need.”
Melody handed a bowl to Wapun. “Not all—we need some, too.”
Wapun laughed as she sat at the table. “Yes, I need this. I have missed your desserts.”
Melody surveyed those at her table with pleasure. Having this group here was almost like having relatives come to call. She couldn’t help thinking of Wapun as she would a niece or the younger sister she’d wanted. Hurit was a lovely woman and could have been a fond cousin.
Chief Grew Wolf was what her grandmother would have called peculiar but he wasn’t odd for his life and title. Classifying Apisi was beyond her unless he was the eccentric uncle everyone avoided. That he’d been able to speak English all this time without making her and Nick aware he could annoyed her. Thank goodness,
he hadn’t heard anything bad from them.
After a half hour or so, the chief stood. “We go home now.”
Melody hugged Hurit and Wapun. “Please come again.”
Hurit moved her head sideways at her husband. He nodded and strode to the door. When he returned, he had one of the lovely fur robes like the one Hurit had worn in the winter.
“My wife made this for you. You will stay warm next winter.”
Melody ran her hand over the patchwork of soft furs. “This is wonderful. Thank you so much. I will think of you when I use it.”
Hurit smiled at Melody. “Makes good blanket for baby.”
She returned the grin. “Makes a good blanket for a baby’s mother.”
She and Nick walked to the front porch to see them on their way. Wapun pointed to one handsome young man.
Melody nodded she understood and waved.
Nick stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “There goes a happy family. But, I suspect Apisi took pleasure in cutting my hand.” They returned to their kitchen.
She pulled him toward the sink. “You’d better cleanse it so it doesn’t get infected.”
“Washing the dishes will take care of that and then I’ll apply some ointment. Right now I want to kiss my wife who I adore.” He kissed her ardently, leaving no doubt about his attraction to her.
When they broke their kiss, she looked into his bright blue eyes. “Thank you, kind sir. I’d confess I adore you but I don’t want you to get a swelled head.”
He put a hand on his heart and pretended to be forlorn. “You’d prefer I suffer, thinking my love is unrequited?”
“You know I love you.” She returned his kiss and relished the sensations shooting from her head to her toes.
Minutes later when they broke contact, she touched her abdomen when her child gave her a kick. “How do you suppose Apisi knew we’re expecting a baby?”
“Perhaps he guessed since you’re a beautiful woman no man could resist and he knows we married to have a family. Maybe he really did have a prophetic dream. I don’t know how we’d get to the truth.”
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