by Rita Hestand
Dakota opened the back door of the barn and looked out on the acreage. He walked outside and bent down to dig his hands into the dirt. It was rich black soil, easy to care for. "It will yield good crops, my friend. If we put our heads together as you say, we could bring in some good crops. There is a future here, Gabe. And I'm willing to be there with you 100%. You are right one man couldn't do this place justice, but two able bodied men might."
"Exactly what I was thinking. Let's shake on it, and go in and have some pie and coffee. I'm actually relieved that the two of you are here and for more reasons than one."
Dakota eyed him a moment with a smile then extended his hand in a shake.
"Nadine's due in about five months. I didn't want her to be alone out here, we don't have no black doctor, got Nadine and a few others that know about such, but I feel more comfortable with Maggie being with her."
Dakota nodded, "I can understand that, Maggie is with child too. They can comfort each other."
"My thinking exactly," Gabe chuckled. "Not only that, but with her pregnant I don't want her working out in the fields either. She needs to take care of herself and with you here, I'll get along just fine. It's back breaking work sometimes, but as you can see it will be worth it. If we could become a major supplier in the area for the horse breeders, we might build a small fortune."
Dakota sighed aloud, and put his arm around Gabe's shoulder. "We will make a good team; I am sure of it."
Gabe laughed and they headed for the house.
The men came in laughing and talking and Nadine's smile widened. "You know to tell the truth," Nadine shot Gabe a sweet smile. "Gabe's as happy or happier to have Dakota and Maggie here as I am. It's a lot of land for one man to handle. Last crop was good, but I know we can do more and we just barely made ends meet. But with two healthy and strong men workin' the place, I don't see how we can fail."
"Then we won't be a burden on you?" Maggie asked with a fretful glance.
"Burden, why girl, it's a blessing." Nadine poured the men some coffee and sliced them some pie.
"I had a feeling things would work out well here." Ma chimed in. "Now, Maggie do you want to stay in town with me, or out here while they get things going?"
Nadine burst in on that, "Why she needs to be here. No use taking chances on creating mayhem in town Ma. We got a spare room and they can share it until we get their place up. Besides, I need the company. And I'm sure tongues are already wagging."
Ma smiled, "Okay, but if at any time you two girls need to stay with me, you know my door is open." Ma chimed. "It's gonna be plenty lonesome not having any of you girls with me."
"Thanks Ma," The girls laughed. "But we'll always be around for you, you know that. You're our Ma…" Maggie told her and kissed her temple.
"How's Harry's house comin'?" Gabe asked.
"It's almost finished, just a few things need doin' inside. But they have moved in and all is well."
"I know Jo Ella's happy." Maggie chuckled.
"Harry says she big as a turkey. We'll drive out in a bit and let Dakota and Maggie pick a place to start building on. I want him to see the land and help me decide which area to plant first. Course with winter coming on, we won't be planting anything until spring but we can start planning how we want to do it. And get the house built before hard winter sets in maybe."
"They are welcome to stay here as long as they need to, we have plenty of room." Nadine told them.
"And your neighbors, will they be upset about us?" Maggie asked.
"Actually, we had a meeting of such and we all talked about it and voted. The majority will welcome you here, but I'll warn you now, there are some as uppity as white folks about it and will give you trouble. Best just to give them all time. You know it's funny, we black people have struggled for freedom and a place in the world, but when it comes right down to it, all of us are the same, we're all God's people. Why some don't understand that, I don't know."
"Ignorance," Ma shook her head. "Someday this country will recognize that we are all Americans."
"How's Sarah, I haven't seen her in a while." Nadine asked.
"Well, that can be remedied quickly, as they are heading up a bunch of volunteers to rebuild the Henry barn. It'll be an old fashioned barn raising. So naturally all of you have to come, we need the help. There will be plenty of food and beverages."
"Oh that sounds like fun," Nadine gasp. "Of course we'll be there. When is it?"
"Next Saturday so don't forget at the Henry farm, five miles' south town."
"We'll be there, Ma." Maggie told her. "Sounds like a lot of fun."
Nadine had become a familiar mid-wife to a lot of the town people so even though she was black she was a friend to many in town, and only the ones that hung around the Mayor caused any stir about Nadine and Gabe.
"Did we tell you the army is coming to town?" Ma asked as all heads turned to look at her.
"The army," Gabe frowned, "What for?"
The way he said that let everyone know he didn't welcome them.
Ma hung her head, then looked up at Dakota, "To send the Indians back to the reservation. They'll be here in two weeks."
Gabe looked at Dakota. "That could make it dangerous for Dakota."
"After they get here it will. So you, Nadine and Maggie will have to do most of the coming into town for supplies. Dakota hasn't lived as an Indian in a long time, but they won't care about that. All they care about is that he is Indian. But any time there is a danger I will try to get word to you beforehand."
"I hate that Dakota has to hide out like some criminal." Maggie cried.
"Better that than being taken to a reservation to live. They probably wouldn't let you go, Maggie and that would be a disaster." Gabe told her. "We'll manage this, I mean we colored folks have been through this kind of thing, many times. Nothing new to us. We won't let Dakota get caught. I need him here too badly, and I don’t want to see his family split up."
Dakota looked at Gabe and Gabe smiled at him. "No worries my friend." Gabe told him.
That night as they lay in bed together, loving on each other, Maggie noticed the tension in Dakota. "What's wrong my love," He asked as she kissed his jaw.
"I do not wish to bring problems for Nadine and Gabe." He said. "But just because we have refuge here, doesn't mean there can't be trouble coming."
"You heard him, himself. He needs you here. You aren't a problem. And he's right, I don't want our family split up either." Maggie cried.
"You are a generous hearted woman and I'll love you to my grave…" he whispered just before he kissed her sensuously.
He moved down and put his head at her tummy caressing it lovingly. "I want to make a better world for this child of mine."
"We will, darling," She cooed.
His fingers rubbed her gently there, then his lips.
"If you know nothing else, know that I love you more than my life. And that I am proud you carry my child." He kissed her softly there.
He bent further and spread her legs, he glanced up at her, "I do not want to hurt you, so I will love you this way…"
"Oh my darling, you pleasure me beyond words." She cried as his tongue sought her out and brought her to an exquisite orgasm in hardly any time. She moved sinuously against him as the throws of passion surrounded her.
They lay together, kissing for a long time afterwards, then she went down and laved his manhood with her tongue, then covered him with her lips. He moved against her, as he exploded with such a soft aching sigh. "No woman has kissed me as you do." He said softly in her ear. "I've pleasured a few, but none have given me that pleasure like you do. You are so special, Maggie."
"We pleasure each other my darling." She cooed, as she came into his arms.
Sleep overcame them as they cuddled together, both with satisfied smiles on their faces.
Loving Dakota was a freedom she would not give up. He was her happiness, and contentment surrounded them when they were together.
She'd
found a true and lasting love with him, and she'd protect that love no matter what.
Dakota had mastered her body, and she was his willing slave. Together their nights were spent in erotic love making, their days in hard work.
Nadine had been busy with canning what was left of the vegetables from their garden and Maggie jumped right in and helped without being asked. They developed a routine in the housework and cooking. When one of them was under the weather, the other would do the chores of the day.
Gabe and Dakota began planning their next crop and Gabe went to talk to some of the horse owners to see how interested they were about buying grain.
This next year was going to be a money maker and all they had to do was work hard.
When Dakota rode along with Gabe a time or two one of the horse breeders noted Dakota. "I see you got an Indian working for you."
"No sir, he's my friend and we work together that's true, but he doesn't work for me, he works for himself. This is Dakota and he's a mighty good farmer." Gabe told Mr. Weems.
"You trust him?" Mr. Weems asked with a frown.
"With my life, sir." Gabe told him. "He lives here among us now and it's time to realize that if we don't want to be persecuted, we have no right to do that to others." Gabe set the man straight.
"Alright sir, if you can trust him, then I will too." Mr. Weems nodded at Dakota.
It took the better part of winter for the community to come around and accept Dakota and Maggie, but by then they were used to seeing them and they did no harm, so there were no disturbances.
The army had moved in and that meant that Little Bear would be moving out soon.
Dakota wanted to pay him one more visit, but he made it late at night so no one would see him.
"You are leaving now?" Dakota approached the old chief who was smoking a pipe and looking out over the land.
"Yes, very soon now. The army has seen us and told us they will escort us to the reservation."
"Do you need anything?" Dakota looked concerned.
"No my friend, not now…but…perhaps after we are settled, and we see how they feed us, you can help some."
"I will be here, just send me word."
The old chief nodded. "You cannot stay. They have a bunch of guards and I do not want you caught. As they would separate your family from you. Go now, I will send notice if we need anything."
Dakota shook hands with him and snuck out of the camp.
He had to be very careful not to be caught it might mean great trouble for everyone concerned.
"Did you see him?" Maggie asked on his return.
He was getting ready for bed, as she was already waiting for him. "He is well, and they are leaving for the reservation very soon now. I told him I would bring him anything they needed."
"You must be careful though. I couldn't bear it if they caught you."
"I do not intend getting caught my love. And if they ever try to separate us, I would come to you and take you away." Dakota promised.
She gathered him in her arms when he lay beside her naked, "Oh I pray that day never comes."
"I promise you, we will never be apart." He smiled and kissed her fully on the mouth.
She swooned, "I never tire of you Dakota, and I never will."
"You are the love of my life, and I will protect you always." They cuddled into each other's arms, for it was late, and went to sleep.
Chapter Twenty
The winter was harsh, with ice and snow, but Christmas came and the four of them shared the happy times together, making presents for each other.
Dakota and Gabe spent a lot of nights working out in the barn, making cradles for the babies to come. They even made some toys for the babies and a special rocking horse.
Maggie and Nadine knitted hats and scarves for the men to wear in the cold, and baked every day. The smells coming from the kitchen had the men's mouths watering.
Gabe sniffed, "Those women can sure cook."
"I am grateful every day for that." Dakota chuckled.
Dakota had brought back hides from the Indian camp that they could not take with them and Maggie and Nadine learned to make very warm coats for the men as they were constantly out in the cold.
On Christmas Eve, Ma, Harry, Jo Ella, and Sarah and Luke came to celebrate with them. It was a time of joy and sharing. The women cooked a huge meal and as they all sat around the table, that Gabe and Dakota had made for the occasion, Gabe offered a prayer for the good health and happiness they shared.
Gabe got out his harmonica and played a few tunes that the others could dance to. Maggie sang a couple of Christmas songs and they all joined in. Luke read in the bible in the book of Luke about the birth of Jesus. Maggie sighed with contentment, as Dakota enjoyed the festivities. She hadn't seen him laugh that much all the time she knew him. It warmed her heart to see him happy for she knew his mind was on Little Bear moving onto the reservation.
Ma glanced around the table with misty eyes, emotion leaked in her voice. "I can't tell you how happy I am to be here with all of you together, except for Trish, but maybe next year. I am so happy that my girls here have all found husbands and are planning their families. It's pure joy to watch all of you. You've all been fortunate to find each other, as some never do. We've all been blessed with good health and I look forward to bouncing your babies on my knee."
"Ma, quit getting so mushy, you'll have all the girls crying." Harry laughed.
Ma chuckled, "Yes, happy tears though."
Later that day as they were opening their gifts and looking into the crackling fire Maggie asked, "How is Mr. Montgomery doing, did he keep the Opera House going?"
"Yes," Ma sighed. "Simon is the main entertainment, and he's very good. No one realized how well he played."
Maggie heard the censure in her voice and stared, "Something wrong?"
Ma scrunched up her nose and shrugged. "I don't like to talk out of turn about people, but the Campbell's are finishing out their contract with him, then he'll close unless you can come back." Ma told her. "Although, I think Mr. Montgomery has come to regret ever employing them, as they fight loudly every night and Harry has had to call them out for disturbing the peace a time or two already."
"Did you arrest them?" Gabe asked.
"No, just gave them fair warning that if they kept it up I would. Mainly because they were so loud and obnoxious about it. She threw an iron skillet at him, and he punched her in the eye. And the cursing that goes on…"
"Oh dear, that's not good." Maggie shook her head in indignation.
Dakota grabbed Maggie and hugged her to him, "I'm kind of glad we are out of there now. Although I miss your singing."
Maggie smiled, "That's sweet of you to say so. But so am I. I really didn't like Mrs. Campbell."
"I have to admit, I feel sorry for her husband," Harry chuckled.
"I don't know how he puts up with her," Dakota remarked.
"So how are you two making out, here?" Ma asked staring into Maggie's eyes.
"It's very peaceful here. Nadine and I get along so well, and so do the boys. We love it. I never imagined we could find a place where we could live in such peace. Dakota and Gabe are always planning things and me and Nadine we are enjoying being together again. Dakota did go see Little Bear the other day, to say goodbye." Maggie told them her eyes searching Dakota's as she spoke.
"How's he taking it?" Harry asked looking at Dakota now.
"He said the soldiers came out and read them the orders. Little Bear told them his people would comply. They are moving out first of this week. I told him if he could get word to me, if they needed something that the army wouldn't furnish. I want to help them all I can." Dakota explained.
Harry glanced at him, "You best be careful, you might need someone to help run things to them, because if the army catches you, you'll be taken too."
Dakota nodded, "This is true."
Luke came into the conversation, "You know, Dakota, if they do need something and we can get
it for them, I'd be glad to take it to them as I will be going out there about every two weeks. This platoon has no chaplain yet and they've asked me to hold services for them once a month, so I can help with the delivery, they wouldn't say anything about me bringing them supplies. The army would probably appreciate it."
Dakota thought about that a minute. "That might be the best solution. Thank you for offering."
"And if you need to get word to them or anything, I can do that too." Luke smiled. "It's kind of sad to see them having to go, they've not caused any troubles here. The army being here, I guess is a good thing, but I notice that there is more tension when they are around."
"It sure would be a help to me, if you could get word to them for me, from time to time. You know they didn't want to go, but treaties have been signed, they have no choice now. Little Bear has resigned himself to it, but I see the sadness in his eyes. The buffalo is gone now, and they must learn to farm the lands. The sad part is they are no mads, they roam from season to season, it will be hard to break away from that. Even if they manage to escape it again, life will always be hard for the Indian now." Dakota smiled and shook Luke's hand.
While the men sat by the fire discussing one problem after another, the women put the food away and cleaned up.
Sarah helped pick up the dishes and as they all gathered to clean up, she began telling them all about her worries. "You know, Luke and I are very happy. I help him in every way I can, but there is one thing I've been praying hard about. I'm not pregnant yet." She looked up hesitantly, as the girls gathered around her. "Everyone seems to be having babies but me."
Ma looked at her and put her arm around her, "Don't you fret, we will all pray for you, child. Sometimes it takes longer for some. And sometimes it takes more prayer, not just from one, but from many."
Sarah hung her head, "I know, but everyone keeps asking me about it. I don't know what to tell them, I don’t' even know what to tell Luke."
"Tell them when God's ready, you will be with child." Ma smiled.
"That's clever, Ma. Good idea." Sarah smiled, some of her worry dissipating. "Luke's really anxious to have a child."