“You should come to the picnic on Sunday after church. Everyone will be there. It’ll be the first town social of the year. You don’t have to come to service to attend the picnic.”
“I think I just might come.”
Soaring Eagle and Lucas shook Joy’s bed. She’d slept through Saturday, and it was Easter Sunday.
“Wake up, wake up, it’s your fault we are respectable churchgoing citizens. You have thirty seconds to roll out of this bed or you’re going to church in your night clothes.”
“I’m not going anywhere, and you two can’t make me.”
“Want to bet?” Soaring Eagle tickled her mercilessly.
Hysterical with laughter, she cried out, “Lucas, help me.”
“Hold off a second.” Soaring Eagle straddled her, pinning her to the bed. “Are you dressing for church?”
She looked around at Lucas and calmly said, “No.” The tickling resumed. “No, no, no…”
Having her between his legs aroused Soaring Eagle. Time to stop playing. “You have got to be the most stubborn person alive.” He rose and helped her up. “We need to leave soon. Hurry. Come on, Luke.”
Lucas followed Soaring Eagle into the kitchen. Soaring Eagle needed a good stiff drink, but he settled for water.
“She’s getting to you, isn’t she? I don’t know why you’re fighting it.”
“Leave me alone, Lucas. I’ve told you a million times, I’m not getting involved with Joy.”
“Why not?”
“She’s too young and in love with another man—all around bad news.”
“She never mentions Jared, and he’s out of the picture anyway.”
“She needs a friend, not a lover. I’m not anyone’s rebound love. And she doesn’t show that type of interest in me.”
“That’s only because you always back away. You’ve never been shy with a woman, Soaring Eagle. You must really love her. Go for it.”
“No, Lucas.”
“Who’s being stubborn now?”
Joy entered the room, wearing her new snow-white dress and Easter Bonnet. She did a spin. “How do I look?”
Lucas kissed her cheek. “Great. I have to leave. I’ll meet you at the church.” He sped out before either could say anything.
“What was that about?”
“Your uncle is matchmaking again.” He set out her bowl of nuts and berries. “Don’t you ever tire of nuts and berries?” He sat across from her.
“Not really. I want to thank you for being such a great friend. If it weren’t for you running interference, Lucas would have every eligible man this side of the Mississippi coming by, harassing me. I know he’s only trying to help, but I don’t want marriage. He thinks if I marry, I’ll just forget what Jared did to me.”
“Does he know you two slept together yet?”
“Heck no. Do you think I’m crazy? I don’t want him to say I told you so. He told me Jared was after something, and after he got it, he would leave. Well, I guess he got what he wanted.” She gazed into Soaring Eagle’s eyes. “I was a fool, but never again. I’ll never fall in love again, so I can never get married.”
“You are too stubborn. Finish your breakfast so we can leave.”
Soaring Eagle escorted Joy along the church aisle toward the front.
“Are you sure this dress is appropriate?” she asked. “Everyone is looking at me funny.”
“Your dress is similar to those Mexican women over there,” Souring Eagle said. “You just look better.” He kissed her hand, then entered the pew where Lucas was seated. Once settled he whispered to Lucas, “What’s going on?”
“Joy’s to be baptized today.”
“Does she know? If not, I think you should inform her before she embarrasses us all.”
“You have a point.” He leaned over Soaring Eagle to Joy. “I’ve arranged for you to be baptized today.”
“What are you talking about? I didn’t say I wanted to be baptized. You get baptized, and I’ll think about it.”
“I’m already baptized. I should have had this done years ago. Now please don’t cause a scene and do this one thing for me.”
“This is my soul we’re talking about, Lucas. I wanted to do this on my own. I didn’t want you to.”
He relaxed back in his set. “Then everything is fine. What does it matter who arranged it? I thought it would be more special if it were done on Easter Sunday.”
“I don’t want to do it in front of all of these people. Do you know how many people will be here today? Don’t ever do anything like this again, Lucas.”
“Of course not. I’m sorry.” He reached for her hand. “Gail will be pleased. She would have wanted you baptized.”
“I’m serious. Don’t ever do anything like this again. Next time, I will not go along.”
After the baptism and service, everyone headed for the first church picnic of the year. There were games, food, and fun for everyone. The valley was at its best in the spring with all of the wild flowers and trees blooming. Joy had run home and changed into her denims and a flannel shirt.
Soaring Eagle leaned back, enjoying a moment of peace when Miss London sat beside him on the bench. “Hello, Lisa, I haven’t seen you much lately. How have you been?”
“I’m doing well. And why haven’t we seen much of each other? I thought we were starting to… Never mind.” She lowered her head.
Sleeping with Lisa was the biggest mistake of his life. He told her he wasn’t interested in a long-term relationship, and she said she understood. Then after they went to bed together, she changed. She acted possessive, and he stopped dating her altogether. Since Joy came to town, Lisa kept her distance.
“I’ll see you around.” He stood and scanned the grounds for Joy.
“Who are you looking for, that little tramp, Joy?” She flushed and covered her mouth with her hands.
Soaring Eagle’s eyes narrowed on Lisa. “You’re the one sleeping around, not her, so who’s the tramp?” He stalked off before he said something she’d regret.
His heart leapt into his throat when he saw Joy playing baseball. “Joy, can I speak with you?” He knew her stubborn streak well, so he decided to convince her she didn’t want to play baseball.
She ran off the field to him. “What do you need?”
“Would you like to take a walk with me? I need to speak with you about something.”
“I’d love to.” She took his arm, and they walked off into the fields of wild flowers.
Concealed by the woods, Jared watched Joy play baseball with the guys when he saw a large Indian take her away. He spotted Pops. Not seeing Lucas around, he approached him. “Hey, Pops.”
“Howdy.” Pops smiled. “I’m so glad you decided to attend. Have you eaten yet? We still have plenty.”
Jared sat at the table with Pops. “I’ve already eaten. It looks like the picnic is a success.”
“It usually is. You should sign up for some of the competitions and get to know the men folk if you’re planning on staying around these parts.”
Jared watched as Joy and Soaring Eagle topped a hill in the distance. “Pops, I have a question about the girl who came in the store Friday with her teacher’s grade book.”
Pops smiled. “That would be, Joy.”
Jared felt uncomfortable asking about Joy. He didn’t want to give himself away, but he needed to know how much damage he’d have to repair. Having no idea what Lucas told her, he needed to test the waters. “Yes, Joy. I saw her walking with an Indian man. Are they…?”
Pops held up his hands. “Soaring Eagle is my son, and Joy’s uncle Lucas’s best friend. They are just friends.”
Relief washed over Jared.
“I’m not trying to discourage you, but her uncle is extremely protective, and I know he won’t let a stranger such as yourself anywhere near Joy.”
Jared thought it nice of Pops to clean up Lucas’s prejudiced attitude for his benefit. “I was just asking. I need to move along. It was nice seeing you ag
ain.”
“Don’t rush off because of what I’ve said. I just wanted to warn you. She’s a big girl and follows her own mind.”
They’d walked at least a quarter mile, and Soaring Eagle hadn’t said a word. He had been acting strange for the past few weeks, and she hoped he’d confide in her what was wrong. “What did you want to talk about?”
He looked down at her. “I’ve been over this a thousand times, but can’t say it.”
“Why?”
“This doesn’t seem like the right time. We need more privacy.”
She looked around. “It’s only us, the hills, and the flowers.”
“I just want to wait a bit longer. I promise I’ll tell you soon. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have started.”
“I’ll forgive you, this time,” she teased. “But I expect answers soon.”
“Fair enough. Lucas is going on the long run.”
“He promised to be back in plenty of time for my graduation next month.” She picked a daisy and handed it to him. “Are you worried about me staying home alone? Lucas says it was safer on the mountain than in his cabin. I think he’s overreacting, but to make him happy, I’m staying with Pops until he returns.”
He whipped his head toward her in shock. “You’re staying at my place?”
She grinned. “Since you live with Pops, that would be a yes.”
He fell onto the ground with a big thump. She sat beside his laid-out body. “What’s wrong? Are you afraid you can’t take care of little ol’ me?”
He rolled onto his back and placed his hands behind his head. “That’s not it.”
She lay beside him, doing the same. “Then what is it?” She watched the clouds and picked out animal shapes.
“People are starting to talk. They think we’re sleeping together. We’re only friends, but if I deny it, people will think it even more. Today, Lisa confronted me about us.”
She rolled over on her belly and propped herself up with her elbows. “Who’s that?”
“Lie on your back and watch the clouds, and that would be Miss London to you.”
She rolled over on her back, laughing. “You slept with her, didn’t you, and now she’s jealous of what she thinks we’re doing. She’s always so fake with me, and now I know why.” She turned her head toward him. “Hey, did you tell me to lie on my back?”
“I most certainly did.”
“Why?”
“Because I didn’t want you looking at me like you are now. I’ve slept with lots of women, Joy.”
“I’m not condemning you. I just wanted to know why I should lie on my back. Now that I know, I’m happy. Does it bother you that people think we’re sleeping together? If it does, I won’t hang around you.”
“I don’t mind. I wanted to make sure you knew in case you heard something. Do you mind people thinking we’re sleeping together?”
“I could care less.”
“Most women would be mortified and ashamed.”
“I’m not most women.”
“Hey, what are you two doing over there?”
Joy turned her head and saw Samson coming toward them. “Come lie with us. We’re watching the clouds and talking about what people think.” Soaring Eagle gave her a warning nudge, and she stopped.
Samson settled on the ground as they sat up. “What people think what?”
She grinned at Soaring Eagle, then jumped behind Samson as she spoke. “People think Soaring Eagle and I are sleeping together.”
Soaring Eagle glared at her. “This isn’t something I wish to discuss with the world, Joy.”
Joy sat beside Samson. “Didn’t you just tell me you didn’t care what people think? Well, Samson is one of the people.” She turned to Samson. “We aren’t sleeping together, but we are good friends. Why is it women and men can’t be friends without people thinking they are sleeping together?”
“People are just like that I guess.”
“What do you think they’ll say now that I’m here alone with the both of you? My reputation is ruined.” She fell back, acting like she was upset. “Oh me, oh my, what shall I do?”
Samson helped her sit up. “Joy, I know you are used to living by yourself, but out here people can be very cruel. If you don’t be careful, they won’t treat you nicely.”
“If people don’t treat me nicely, I will leave. I’m not staying somewhere I can’t have the friends I choose.” She stood to leave, the others followed. “I have to head back before Lucas starts worrying.” She took each by the arm and walked back.
Chapter Seventeen
“Pops, I can’t eat anymore. Please don’t make me. Soaring Eagle, save me.”
Pops filled Joy’s plate with another helping of eggs and potatoes. “Lucas said you wouldn’t eat. I just say he doesn’t know how to cook.” He pulled her out of her seat. “You’re finally getting a little meat on your bones.”
“He’s right,” Soaring Eagle chimed in. “Lucas has been gone a month, and you’ve gained at least one dress size.”
Proud of the weight gain, she grinned from ear to ear. She thought she was too skinny, like a little girl. As a woman, she wanted a woman’s body. “Yes, I have.” She hugged Pops. “You are the greatest. Do you need help in the store today?”
“Things have been pretty slow lately. I have a shipment coming in next week. You can help me then.”
“I’ll wash the dishes since you cooked. Are you coming home for dinner tonight, Soaring Eagle?” Joy asked. Pops kissed her on the cheek and left to dress for work.
“I thought I’d stay and keep you company today.” Soaring Eagle dried and put away the dishes while she washed. “I’ll be right back.”
“Can I speak with you before you leave?”
Pops finished zipping his pants. “Sure, come on in. I wondered how long before you came to me.”
Soaring Eagle sat on the bed and lowered his head into his hands. “I have a problem.”
Pops sat beside his son. “Is the baby yours?” Soaring Eagle’s head snapped up so quickly he startled himself as well as Pops. “I’ve known for about two months now.”
“It’s Jared’s baby. The white man Lucas took her from.”
Pops had a hacking fit.
Soaring Eagle patted his back.
“I’m all right. I’m all right.”
Seeing his father had calmed, he said, “She doesn’t know she’s pregnant. She didn’t have morning sickness. Lucas said she’s always slept a lot. The only way I could tell was her body started changing a few months ago. One day I asked her about her monthly cycle. Her Indian mother taught her about female issues. She’s never had a monthly flow. Instead, she might have two or three cycles a year. She thought it was great.”
Pops being so stunned completely confused Soaring Eagle. Pops had already guessed Joy was pregnant, so why was he reacting so agitated.
“So you’ve been wanting to tell her, but can’t figure out how.”
“Exactly. She seldom mentions Jared. When she talks about the mountains, she skips the last part. She’s even told us about her Miwok family. How can I tell her she’s carrying his baby, and what will people say about her? They’ll think I’m the father.”
“She’s starting to show. If you want, I’ll tell her tonight after work. You just make yourself scarce.”
“I should do it.” Wiping his face with his hands, he stood. “If she weren’t so stubborn…”
“Would you marry her?”
“She won’t marry me. She isn’t in love, and she refuses to marry when she’s not in love. Like I said, if she weren’t so stubborn.”
“Once she hears about the baby, she may change her mind.” Pops glanced at the clock. “I’m sorry to leave you like this, but I need to open the shop. We’ll talk tonight.”
Soaring Eagle left his father’s room to clean himself up. He took a bath to relax and think about his next move. He didn’t have a choice. She was showing and everyone would know soon. His skin started to prune so he stepp
ed out of the tub and readied himself to search for Joy.
She wasn’t on the front porch anymore. He looked through the house for her. She’d fallen asleep on the family room couch with a book. He set the book on the table, then picked her up. She opened her eyes momentarily and smiled. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and continued sleeping.
He laid her in his bed and closed the door. “Joy, wake up. We need to talk.”
She stretched and sat up. She saw herself in his mirror and said, “No wonder I don’t like mirrors.” She combed her hair with her hands. “That was a nice catnap. What did you want?”
There she sat pregnant with someone else’s baby, yet her sitting on his bed combing her hair with her fingers was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. “Joy, I know you aren’t in love with me, but I think you should marry me. We love each other, and I would make a good husband to you.” Joy cocked her head to the side. He sat beside her. “I’ll give the baby my name and raise it as my own. Everyone thinks we’re sleeping together anyway.”
“Soaring Eagle,” she said slowly, “I’m not pregnant.”
He placed his hand on her swollen belly. “Yes, you are. Why do you think I won’t let you play baseball or lie on your stomach? Why do you think you’ve gained so much weight? You’re having a baby. If my calculations are correct, in September.”
Joy fell back onto the bed, tears streaming down her face. “I’m not ready. I’m not even married. I can’t be pregnant.”
She could be so dramatic at times. He kissed her cheek. “I will marry you and take care of our baby.” He kissed the tears away. “Let me be here for you, Joy.”
Joy pulled away slowly. “You’re my best friend. I love you with all of my heart, but I’m not in love with you. You deserve someone who’s in love with you.”
Chapter Eighteen
Joy woke early the next morning, put on her walking clothes and headed off. Lucas would be home soon, and she’d have to tell him about the pregnancy. What am I going to do?
She walked further than usual as she sorted out her thoughts. Soaring Eagle couldn’t be an option. They were best of friends and nothing more. She headed for home, more depressed than when she started her walk.
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