by Pamela Clare
“Oh, yes. Star was relieved to hear the news. We’re going to wait to tell the kids until I get home. This will be as good a time as any to give the older two some lessons about birds and bees and what might happen if you’re not careful.”
Chaska walked with Doug to his SUV, where the others were waiting. He sensed something was wrong, but he didn’t want to pry.
Doug switched to Lakota. “I keep thinking about how Naomi was found—a little baby alone, freezing to death. That is partly my fault. I left that girl alone with the consequences of what we’d done. I believed I loved her, but I left her to face having a baby without me. I’m not making excuses for her. What she did was terrible and wrong. But if I had ignored her mother and stayed in her life somehow, maybe it would have been different. I hate to think of what Naomi has been through. I might have been able to prevent all of that. I missed twenty-seven years of her life.”
There was no disputing what Doug said. Every word was the truth.
“For what it’s worth, I don’t think Naomi holds any of that against you.”
“Since I’m her father, I guess it’s high time I asked what your intentions are toward her.”
Chaska stammered, taken by surprise. “Well, I—”
Doug chuckled. “Got you.”
Chaska glared at him. “Nice.”
They piled into the SUV, passing Bear in the roundabout and parking down the street from the ice cream shop. Chaska found a table for them and left Naomi there so she wouldn’t have to stand in line. He thought Old Man might rather sit, too, given his knees, but he insisted on going with Chaska.
“I got to see what flavors they have.”
Chaska got double chocolate chip for himself and butter pecan for Naomi.
Old Man ordered three scoops—all different flavors—and seemed as excited as a five-year-old. “I haven’t had mint chocolate chip since that last powwow in California.”
Doug insisted on paying for everyone. “You saved Naomi’s life. Without you…”
He didn’t finish. Everyone understood.
If Shota hadn’t led them to her, she most likely would have died, and Doug would never have known he’d had another daughter.
They sat together in the shade enjoying their cones, Doug and Winona going back and forth, talking about Naomi’s future.
“You can enroll as an Oglala now,” Doug said. “My wife can’t wait to meet you. “I’m sure the kids will be excited, too, once we explain.”
“There are lots of places on Oglala where you can study the Lakota language,” Winona added.
Doug nodded. “You can use your GED to enroll at Oglala Oyate College. I think they offer a fine arts degree.”
Tribal enrollment. A new family. Language classes. An arts degree.
Chaska had a few ideas about Naomi’s future, too, specifically his prominent place in it, but he saw the bemused expression on her face. “This must be overwhelming.”
“A little—but in a good way.” She looked up at Chaska through those sweet blue eyes. “Two weeks ago, I didn’t know any of you. Now, we’re enjoying ice cream and talking about a future I never thought I could have.”
“That’s a lot to process.” Doug wiped his fingers on his napkin, his cone devoured. “I don’t you to feel pressured.”
Then Old Man piped up, ice cream on the tip of his nose. “No person can tell another what to do. Whatever you decide, Tanagila, we will be right beside you.”
Naomi stared at him. “Did you just call me ‘hummingbird’?”
“You remember.” Chaska was impressed. He nudged her leg with his knee under the table. “I should test your vocabulary later.”
Naomi’s smile told him that this was one idea for her future that she liked.
Naomi stood in front of the bathroom mirror, brushing her hair. She still wore the sundress Ellie and the other nurses had given her, but she’d put on mascara, lip gloss, and a touch of bronzer. “Should I change into something else? I don’t think I have anything dressier than this.”
Chaska walked into the bathroom, rested his hands on her hips. “You look fine. This is Scarlet. You’re going to a fundraiser at Knockers. Really, you’re beautiful in anything, so just wear what makes you comfortable. You can go nude if you want. I like you that way, too.”
“Right.” She met his gaze in the mirror. “Are they going to expect me to say anything, give a speech?”
He shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. Joe might say a few words, but he’s not going to expect that from you. If you want to say something or thank everyone, I’m sure he’d be good with that, too.”
“I hadn’t thought about that.” She’d never talked in front of a crowd before, and the idea filled her stomach with butterflies.
Chaska ducked down, kissed the side of her throat. “You don’t have to do or say anything tonight. Just be yourself.”
Winona appeared outside the bathroom door, wearing a cotton Aztec print skirt with a red tank top. “Can I squeeze in?”
Chaska stepped out to make room for her. “I wanted to let you know that I told Joe and Rain what happened today. They knew the basics of your story, and I wanted to fill them in so that they would understand why you suddenly have a father.”
That made sense to Naomi. “Thanks.”
Winona looked her brother up and down. “Is that what you’re wearing?”
He looked down at his T-shirt and climbing pants. “What? We’re just going to Knockers. The wait staff doesn’t even dress up.”
“Yeah, but it’s Naomi’s fundraiser.”
Naomi and Chaska left Winona in the bathroom and made their way downstairs to find both Grandpa Belcourt and Doug—her father—waiting for them. Doug had changed from jeans and a shirt to black slacks and a blue dress shirt with a bolo tie that had a silver buffalo skull on it. Grandpa Belcourt was wearing new jeans and a polo shirt, a small medicine wheel with an eagle feather tied into his hair in back.
“Don’t you both look nice?”
“This is the first time I’m going out in public with my new daughter. I don’t want to disappoint her,” Doug said.
Naomi’s heart melted at those words.
Grandpa looked at Chaska, frowned. “You look like we’re goin’ to the drive-through pizzeria in White River.”
Naomi didn’t know exactly what this meant, but clearly, Grandpa wasn’t happy.
“What? This is Scarlet.” Chaska put his hands on his hips, looked from his Grandfather to Winona, who was bouncing down the stairs. “Okay, fine. I’ll change.”
He turned and took the stairs two at a time.
They waited for him on the front porch, watching the hummingbirds, Naomi naming those she could identify. “That’s a broad-tailed hummingbird. That’s a rufous female, I think. The females aren’t brightly colored like the males. That’s a …”
Chaska stepped outside again, and Naomi’s mouth went dry.
He had changed into a black dress shirt and gray slacks, a black belt around his narrow waist. His dark hair hung freely down his back, a medicine wheel with a small feather tied near his temple. “Is this better?”
“Look at Naomi’s face,” Win said, laughing.
Aware that she was staring, Naomi snapped her mouth shut. “You look ... Wow.”
Once again, they piled into Doug’s SUV with Chaska driving since he knew the way. They arrived at Knockers a few minutes later to find the parking lot full to overflowing. Chaska dropped Naomi and the others off near the front door and drove off in search of a parking spot.
“I haven’t seen so many cars here since the fundraiser for the victims of the school bus crash.” Winona said.
People crowded the entryway, their voices competing with the music, making it difficult to hear. Naomi did her best to get through, her crutches once again making it awkward.
“What kind of music is that?” Doug shouted.
“That’s mountain zydeco,” Winona shouted back. “That’s the Timberline Mudbugs
. They’re pretty popular around here.”
Rain found them and gave Naomi a gentle hug. “Here’s the guest of honor. Chaska told us your wonderful news. I am so happy for you, Naomi. Congratulations.” She turned to Doug. “You must be the proud father.”
“Yes.” Doug’s gaze rested gently on Naomi. “Yes, I am.”
“I’m Rain, the general manager. I saved a spot for you near the Team’s table. Follow me.”
Chaska found Naomi and the others in the back next to the Team. Pretty much everyone was there, except for Conrad, of course. Even Gabe Rossiter was there with his Navajo wife, Kat. He was sitting with … Zach McBride? McBride had also brought a woman.
“Aren’t you pretty?” Herrera teased.
Hawke piled on. “You do clean up awful nice, Belcourt.”
“Oh, my gentle Jesus.” Meg stared at him. “Ahearn, I lied when I said you were the most handsome man I’d ever met.”
Ahearn grinned. “You never said that.”
“That must be because it isn’t true.”
Laughter.
Chaska had had enough. “Okay. All right. Can you all just give it a rest?”
He introduced his grandfather and Doug to his fellow Team members, then told them that Doug was Naomi’s father. That caused some confusion for Hawke and Taylor. He’d told both of them on the day of Naomi’s rescue that she didn’t have a family. Well, he’d have time to explain later.
“These are the people who helped save Naomi’s life?” Doug went around to each person and shook his or her hand, thanking them.
Chaska had to give Doug credit. Fate had dropped one hell of a surprise on his doorstep two short days ago, and he’d met the challenge with honesty, decency, and courage. If that wasn’t a test of a man’s character, Chaska didn’t know what was.
Their server came and took their orders, and then the fun began.
Sasha was the first to hit the wall, the expression on Old Man’s face as he watched her climb priceless. “She’s like a spider. Can you do this, Chaska?”
“You bet I can.”
Naomi leaned close, whispered in his ear. “Go show off for him and for me. You know I love to watch you climb.”
Chaska traded his shoes for an extra pair of climbing shoes that Herrera had brought with him and then worked himself into the rotation, Team members taking turns, egging each other on, going for speed, practicing riskier moves, cheering and jeering for one another. Rossiter and McBride joined in the action, too. Chaska managed to get in a few laps on a 5.11c route before their food arrived.
Out of breath, he walked back to the table to find Old Man watching him and chuckling to himself, pride unmistakable on his face. “Now I know why you have such big muscles.”
“Such big muscles,” Naomi whispered. She took a quick sip of her soda through her straw to hide her smile, but there was no mistaking the heat in her eyes.
They’d just started to eat when Rain walked up and bent down beside Naomi. “Joe is about to say a few words, and he wanted to know if there was anything you’d like to say. Don’t feel obligated. It’s entirely up to you.”
Chaska saw indecision and nervousness in Naomi’s eyes, but when she answered Rain, there was nothing but determination on her face.
“I would like to say something. Thank you.”
“I’ll let Joe know.” Rain hurried away.
Chaska helped Naomi get to her feet. “I’ll walk up with you.”
Naomi couldn’t believe she was going to do this. She’d never spoken in front of people before. But if they could take their time and their money to help her, then she could find the courage to thank them.
She made her way toward the stage, Chaska beside her, weaving through the tables. They passed Bear, who was most of his way through a small deep-dish pizza, and then Chief Deputy US Marshal McBride, who was on his way back from the dance floor with a woman he introduced as his wife, Natalie.
“Just call me Zach,” he said when Naomi stumbled over his full title.
The dance floor was teeming with couples, their bodies moving to a distinctly Creole sound.
Chaska spoke into her ear so she could hear. “When you’re able to walk again, you and I have a dancing date.”
“Okay,” she said, not really able to think about that now.
Joe was waiting for her, still in his bartender apron, his long hair in a bun. “Hey, Naomi. I hope you’re having a good time.”
“I am.” She tried not to act like she was terrified. “Thank you—and thank you for this. It’s amazing to me that so many people want to help.”
The song came to an end, applause cutting off whatever Joe had been about to say in response. He had to wait for it to die down to continue. “I’ll go up and say a few words, and then you can join me.”
“Okay.” Naomi drew a deep breath, her heartbeat picking up.
Chaska gave her hand a squeeze. “You’re the woman who beats up bad guys, remember? I don’t know anyone braver than you. You can do this.”
When he put it like that…
She’d done a lot of riskier things in her life. She could do this.
Joe walked up onto the stage, said hello to the guys in the band, then stepped up to the microphone. The pub fell quiet—apart from a shout from the back corner.
“Oh, Moretti! You nailed it, man.” That was Herrera.
“Hey, guys, button it.” That was Megs.
Laughter.
“I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. It’s been almost two weeks since a young woman who was camping in the mountains near here was attacked by a couple of escaped cons. Naomi Archer came to Colorado for a vacation and instead had to fight for her life. It’s not right that a victim of violence should have to pay medical bills that are the result of that violence. That’s what tonight is all about. A portion of this evening’s proceeds is going to help Naomi get on her feet again—no pun intended. There’s also a big jar on the bar for anyone who wants to drop in a few extra bucks. Any leftover funds will go to benefit the Team, and we all know what a worthy cause that is. And now I think Naomi would like to say a few words.”
People cheered.
Naomi’s throat grew tight.
You can’t cry.
Chaska gave her hand another squeeze, helped her up the stairs. “You’ll do great. We’re all with you—me, Win, your father.
Your father.
Oh, great! If any two words in the world were capable of making her cry, it was those two. Still, some of her fear lifted, a sense of calm settling in its place. She made her way over to Joe, who angled the microphone down for her. She took a deep breath, looked over at Chaska one last time, then spoke.
“My vacation here in Colorado didn’t go the way I thought it would, but thanks to the people of Scarlet Springs, it hasn’t been a disaster, either. From the Team members who carried me out of that ravine, to the doctors and nurses who treated me and gave me clothes to wear, to someone named Frank who I don’t even know who is fixing my car, everyone has been incredibly kind. I’ve never been anyplace quite like Scarlet.”
This brought laughter, which made Naomi laugh, too.
“All I really wanted to say was thank you. Thank you, Joe and Rain. Thanks to Megs and the Team. Thanks to Dr. O’Brien, Dr. Thorne, Dr. Renshaw, and Ellie Meeks and the other nurses. Thanks to Zach McBride and all the law enforcement officers who helped catch the bad guys. Thanks to Frank, whoever you are.”
A thin man with a receding hairline and a wispy gray ponytail stood and waved at her, still wearing his work coveralls. “That’s me, honey, and you’re welcome! I’ll have your Honda ready to go by Monday.”
More laughter.
Then Naomi’s gaze met Chaska’s, her throat growing tight again. “Most of all, I want to thank Chaska and Winona Belcourt for finding me and saving my life and giving me a place to recover. There’s nothing I can do to repay you—any of you.”
People cheered and applauded.
Naomi s
tepped back from the microphone and made her way back to Chaska, who helped her down the stairs. “How did I do?”
“You were fantastic.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “I think you made Frank’s day—heck, his entire year.”
The band started playing again, making it impossible to talk. They’d just passed the dance floor when someone stepped into their path.
It took Naomi a moment to recognize him, her heart giving a hard knock when she did. “Peter.”
Chapter 22
Peter’s hair was mostly gray now, his face thinner, sharper, crueler than Naomi remembered. He looked her up and down, self-righteous disgust on his face, his attire plain. It was all for show—the black pants, the white shirt, the black suspenders. “Hello, Tabitha.”
The sight of him and the sound of his voice awoke the terrified child inside her, ice taking over her body. She raised her chin, determined to stand up for herself, fear clotting her throat. “That’s not … That’s not my name.”
He ignored her. “I am sorry to find you in a place like this.”
“Who the hell are you?” Chaska took a step toward him, standing at an angle, clearly ready to step between her and this man who had once terrified her.
“My name is Peter Emmanuel. I’m Tabitha’s adoptive father. I will thank you to keep your coarse language to yourself.”
“If you don’t like how I talk, maybe you should get out of here. Keep this up, kola, and I’m bound to say other things you don’t like.” The warning note in Chaska’s voice was unmistakable.
Ruth appeared beside Peter, bitterness lining her round face, her graying hair pulled back to hang down to her hips. “God, in his mercy, has led us to you. One of our parishioners saw your face on the news, Tabitha, and told us what happened. We came to bring you back into the fold, saw posters for this event, and here you are. You shamed us, running away like you did. This attack on you was God’s judgment, but you still have time to repent.”
Chaska glared at them. “Naomi, you don’t have to listen to this. These people have no authority over you.”