“My mother was twenty-two. Polly was almost thirty.”
“Polly died when she was thirty.”
White Dove nodded again. “Yes. Polly became ill with influenza too. She had lived a very rough life. She did not get well. And she died here.”
“Oh.” Sunny felt a strange sense of sadness and peace. “Thank you for telling me about this.”
“My mother loved Polly Wikiapi like a sister. She always remembered to visit her grave…always honored her memory.”
“You say your mother told you about my grandmother, Mary Sunrise. Do you remember much about her?”
“She was sent to white school.”
“To learn white man’s ways?”
“Yes. I think it was bad, very bad. I think it hurt Mary Sunrise.”
“That makes sense.”
“White school is like breaking a horse badly. When you break a good horse, you do not beat it. You do not hurt it. Or else you have a bad horse. White school stole her spirit. Mary Sunrise was broken.”
Compassion swept through Sunny now. “Poor Grandmother. I guess she did the best she could with the life she had left. She was a good woman. But, yes, I think you’re right. I think they broke her spirit.”
“There are many stories like that.” White Dove sighed as if she were tired.
“Can I ask you one more question?”
“About Jackson Sundown?”
“Yes!” Sunny nodded eagerly. “Do you know about him?”
White Dove smiled. “Only that it’s a mystery.”
“What did your mother tell you?”
“She said that Polly loved Jackson.”
“Was he the father of her baby?”
White Dove shrugged. “Maybe.”
“But you don’t know for sure?”
Now White Dove looked into Sunny’s eyes, as if searching for something buried deep within. “What do you think?”
Sunny slowly shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“I think the answer is inside you.”
“Mother,” called a woman’s voice.
“In here,” White Dove called back. “That’s Coral, my daughter.”
A heavyset woman came into the sanctuary. “Oh, there you are, Mom. Sorry I’m so late, but we need to go now.”
Sunny helped White Dove to her feet. “Is there a way I can contact you? I’d like to keep in touch, if you don’t mind.”
White Dove smiled. “I live with Coral. She can write it down for you.”
Sunny offered Coral her notebook and pen. “I appreciate it.”
But Coral just stood there, staring at Sunny as if she thought she was trying to swindle them somehow.
“This is my friend Sunny,” White Dove explained. “Her great-grandmother was my mother’s best friend…Polly Wikiapi.”
Now Coral smiled as if she recognized the name. She eagerly took the notebook and began writing. Then the three of them slowly made their way outside.
“Thank you so much for talking to me!” Sunny hugged White Dove. “You have no idea how much it means to me—what a gift you are.”
“God is the one who led you here.” White Dove’s dark eyes sparkled as she looked up into the clear sky. “And my mother and your great-grandmother are up there, laughing and smiling. We have made them very happy today.”
Chapter Twenty-six
Sunny was barely in her car when her cell phone rang.
“Where are you?” Aubrey asked from the other end.
“At Saint Andrew’s Mission.”
“Why?”
“It’s a long story. But—”
“Yeah, yeah, tell it to me later. Right now I want to know if you spaced our dinner date tonight.”
“Dinner date?”
“With Wesley and Mitchell. Remember I told you this morning that they wanted to take us to dinner as a thank you for swapping out the tickets?”
Sunny slapped her forehead. “Oh, I did forget about it. I’m sorry. Is it still on?”
“It is. Mitchell just called and asked us to meet them at Hamley’s at seven. They got reservations. Are you going to be able to make it?”
Sunny squinted toward her dashboard clock and was shocked to see it was already 6:15. How long had she been in the cemetery before White Dove showed up? “Sure, of course. I’m on my way right now. I should be there around six thirty.”
“Which doesn’t give you much time to look stunning. And you have to look stunning, Sunny, because I plan to really dress up. I like Mitchell a lot, and I think he likes me too. In fact, I’ll go ahead and get an outfit ready for you so all you’ll have to do is clean up and jump into it.”
Sunny didn’t know whether to thank her or beg her not to go to the trouble, so she simply said “Good-bye.” Although she wasn’t looking forward to this dinner date, she felt so encouraged from her surprising conversation with White Dove that she decided to make the best of her last night in Pendleton. Really, it was a night to celebrate, even if her heart did feel a bit heavy. But the best way to get over a heartache was to go out and have a good time. Right? At least that’s what she was telling herself. Not that her heart was convinced. She couldn’t help but think of Cody…and his sweet old father— as well as the barbecue she’d be ditching. But, really, it was for the best…for everyone.
When Sunny pulled into the ranch, the place was hopping. People seemed to be everywhere, and the decibel level had increased considerably. With dogs, kids, people of all ages, it was like a seven-ringed circus. More than ever, she was determined to leave town after the rodeo tomorrow. She found a place to park near the barn and went into the bunkhouse to discover it was full of people too. She’d already cleaned her room and packed up her things, setting them temporarily in the hall closet. And already her old bedroom was occupied.
“There you are!” Aubrey exclaimed when she spotted Sunny standing in the living room. “It’s time to get you dressed, cowgirl.”
“Wow.” Sunny took in Aubrey’s outfit. “You look fantastic. Where did you get all that beautiful jewelry?”
“I raided Mom’s closet and jewelry chest. I swear that woman is a poster girl for Cowboys and Indians.” Aubrey picked up the glossy magazine and pointed to an ad where a pretty woman was literally dripping in Native American jewelry. “This is my inspiration.”
“Right.” Sunny nodded.
“And here’s what you’re wearing.” Aubrey held up a long, full denim skirt. “I know it doesn’t look like much, but trust me.”
Sunny frowned at the elastic waist. “Seriously?”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s my mom’s, and it’ll be a little too big, but…” She held up a wide leather belt with silver medallions all around it.
“That’s really pretty,” Sunny admitted.
“It’s a concho belt and, believe me, with that belt, no one will even notice the skirt. It’s more like a backdrop.” Aubrey handed Sunny a plain white shirt next. “Again, this is a backdrop.” She held up a bunch of gorgeous necklaces made with turquoise, coral, and silver. “Because everyone will be looking at these babies.”
Before long, Sunny was dressed and Aubrey was nodding in approval. “Now you need your Old Gringo boots and your buckskin jacket, in case it gets cold, and we’re ready to roll.”
Sunny took one last glimpse in the mirror. “This jewelry must be really valuable,” she said to Aubrey. “Are you sure your mom is okay with us wearing it?”
“Not only is she okay, she insisted we come into the house before we go so she can take some photos. We need to hurry.”
From the bunkhouse to the main house, the girls picked up compliments, hoots, and whistles from the friends and relatives roaming the grounds. And when they got to the kitchen, where Cindy appeared to be holding court with a bunch of middle-aged women, the praises just kept on coming.
“You girls must be having some hot-hot date tonight.” An older woman winked at Aubrey. “Maybe you’ll tell us all about it later.”
“Stand over th
ere,” Cindy commanded as she picked up her camera. “And strike some poses for me.”
Much to the amusement of the women, they cooperated. Comments were made about how they really were professional models and would soon be appearing in the Pendleton catalog. “You’ll have to sign my catalog for me,” one woman said. “How fun having a celebrity niece,” another one said to Aubrey. “When does the catalog come out?”
As Aubrey was explaining, Cindy took Sunny aside. “Cody has been trying to reach you,” she quietly told her.
“Oh?”
“I promised to have you call him.”
Sunny nodded. “Sure. I’ll do that as soon as I can.”
Cindy peered into Sunny’s eyes. “Is everything okay between you two?”
Sunny shrugged. “As far as I know.”
Cindy frowned. “Well, Echo sounded concerned.”
“Come on.” Aubrey pulled on Sunny’s arm. “We’re already late.”
“I’ll talk to you later,” Sunny promised Cindy.
“What did Mom want?” Aubrey asked as Sunny drove to town.
“Just to tell me Cody had called and that I should call him.”
“Oh?”
“It’s probably nothing.” Then Sunny told Aubrey about her little run-in with Trina today. “That’s probably why Cody called. He might not appreciate that I talked to her. Not that I wanted to. Mostly it was unavoidable.”
“And she actually thanked you?” Aubrey sounded incredulous. “That’s a little weird. Was it like she thought you’d handed Cody over to her or something?”
“Not exactly. Although I think she appreciated that I told Cody to talk to her. He was obviously in denial about their relationship. At least they should know where they stand now.”
“And that is where exactly?”
Sunny exhaled. “I don’t know for sure. But, according to Trina, he’s her man, and she will fight for him if necessary.”
“She told you that?”
“Pretty much.”
“Wow, that woman is bold.”
“I guess you can’t blame her. I mean, if you loved someone that fiercely, well, wouldn’t you fight for him too?”
“I don’t know. Would you?”
Sunny thought about it. “I don’t think so. I’d rather have the guy doing the fighting for me.”
Aubrey laughed. “Yeah. Me too.”
Hamley’s was busy, but the dinner was delicious, and the service excellent—almost as if the waiter thought he was waiting on celebrities. The general feeling was happy and celebratory and the conversation lively. Sunny hadn’t missed that she and Aubrey had turned some heads when they’d entered the restaurant. And even though Sunny wasn’t usually into that kind of thing, she had to admit it was amusing. Despite the heaviness in her heart, Sunny was feeling more hopeful. She could survive this.
“Now we have to do Main Street,” Aubrey announced as they were leaving the restaurant.
“Great idea,” Wesley said. “We barely saw it on our way here, but it looked like fun.”
“There’s a good band at eight thirty,” Aubrey told them. “And I don’t know about anyone else, but I plan to do me some boot scooting boogy tonight. I’m gonna let ‘er buck.”
They walked up and down the blocked-off street, stopping to check out the various vendors and to see the performers and musicians before they returned to the main bandstand where the country group was beginning to play.
“Come on!” Aubrey grabbed Mitchell’s hand. “Let’s dance.” And suddenly they were out there with several couples who were literally dancing in the street.
“I’m not much of a dancer,” Wesley told Sunny.
“I’m not either,” she admitted.
“But it looks like fun.” He smiled hopefully. “Are you game?”
“Come on,” Aubrey yelled at Sunny as Mitchell whipped her around in a fast turn. “What are you waiting for?”
“Dance lessons!” Sunny yelled back.
“Get out here then.” Aubrey pointed next to her. “We’ll teach you.”
“Ready for this?” Wesley asked as he took her hand and led her over to where Aubrey and Mitchell were dipping and spinning like they’d been doing this all their lives. “Really, what do we have to lose?”
“Our dignity?”
He laughed. But before long, and with some help, Sunny and Wesley were starting to get the hang of it. And Aubrey was right—it was fun!
“See,” Aubrey told her, “I might not be any good on a horse, but I do know how to cowboy dance.”
“And how to have fun,” Sunny said as Wesley spun her around.
“Hey, there’s Hank.” Aubrey pointed across the crowd. “And Cody too.”
Sunny felt a jolt run through her at the sound of that name. But instead of looking his direction, she attempted to calm herself as she focused on her footwork. Then, a few seconds later, she casually glanced over to see that it wasn’t just Hank and Cody, but Echo and Trina as well. And, really, what was the harm in that? Except that their faces were a little hard to read. While Trina seemed fairly happy— unless it was a pseudo smile—both Cody and Hank appeared downright mad. And poor Echo just looked plain miserable, like she’d lost her best friend, which wasn’t far from the truth. She was probably wishing she had someone her own age to hang with instead of the old folks.
Sunny was relieved when the band took a break. But suddenly the two foursomes were all standing together in the middle of the street while Aubrey did a quick introduction for Trina and Hank’s sake.
“What I want to know is, why aren’t you out there dancing too?” Aubrey tapped Cody on the chest with a teasing smile.
He shrugged, then glanced away.
“You and Lenora used to tear up the dance floor,” Aubrey continued. “Did you forget how?”
“It’s my fault,” Trina said. “I’m not much of a dancer.”
“I wasn’t either,” Sunny admitted. “But Aubrey and Mitchell are really good teachers.”
“Can you teach me too?” Echo asked her aunt.
“Of course I can, Baby Doll.” Aubrey took Echo’s hands now and immediately started to explain the two-step.
“How’s your magazine article going?” Cody asked Wesley in a slightly formal tone.
“It’s coming along.” Then he told Cody a bit about the bull riding last night.
“Are you still coming to our barbecue tomorrow night?” Hank quietly asked Sunny.
She winced to remember her plan to evacuate town. She would probably be long gone by then. “Uh, I’m not sure I can make it.”
He frowned. “You promised you’d come, Sunny.”
She glanced at Trina now. “I know, but maybe it’s not such a good idea.”
“You’re backing out on your word?” Hank challenged.
Sunny didn’t know what to say, so she changed the subject, talking to him in a quiet, confidential tone. “You know, Hank, I met this woman at Saint Andrew’s Mission today, and she told me about my great-grandmother.”
His brows lifted with interest. “Really?”
She stepped aside now, pulling him along with her as she poured out the story.
“That’s real nice, Sunny. I’m happy to hear about that.”
“And Hank?” She stepped even further away from the others now. “I would love to come to your barbecue, but I’m not sure Trina would appreciate it.”
His frown deepened. “It’s not her barbecue.”
Sunny took Hank’s hand in hers and squeezed it. “Not yet.”
“What do you mean?”
She glanced back over at Cody. Trina was so close to him that Sunny wondered if she’d applied superglue to their elbows. “Don’t say you heard it from me, but I think Trina and Cody might have some kind of an announcement to make before long.”
He scratched his chin. “Don’t know where you get ideas like that in your head, Sunny, but I’m pretty sure you’re wrong.”
“Then maybe you should talk to Trina.
I ran into her at the museum, and she seemed fairly sure of herself.”
His eyes narrowed. “Well, maybe you ought to be talking to Cody instead of Trina.”
“But look at them, Hank. They’re here together.”
“And you’re here with someone too, Sunny. Mind explaining that to me?”
She couldn’t help but chuckle at what almost seemed like jealousy. “Aubrey set this up. Honestly, Wesley is just a friend.”
He nodded, but she could see suspicion in his eyes. “It’s not my place to say this to you, Sunny, but you seem to have hooked my boy. Hooked him good. And now, unless I’m wrong, it looks to me like you plan to throw him back.”
Sunny was too stunned to speak.
“I can understand you being a city girl and coming out here to have your fun, then go on home. And I know your main purpose was to learn about your roots and all. But what about your future? Did you think about that? Do you honestly think you can be happier back in the city than you can be out here?”
She frowned. “Who told you that?”
“I got my sources.” He stuck his chin out. “And furthermore, I’ve noticed you watching Cody as much as I’ve seen him gawking at you. It’s as plain as the nose on my face that you two are in love with each other. Why you don’t just come out and say it beats the hooey outta me.”
The music was starting to play again. Sunny glanced over in time to see Echo grabbing her dad and miraculously peeling him away from superglue woman. “Come on, Dad,” Echo told him. “Aubrey said you’re really a good dancer. I want to see if it’s true.”
“How about you, Hank?” Sunny asked. “Are you a good dancer too?”
He chuckled. “Why don’t you take me for a spin and find out?”
Wesley nodded at Sunny as she and Hank joined the others on the dance floor. He was obviously not bothered by her switching partners. And, really, how could anyone resent an old guy like Hank? To her surprise, after he loosened up a bit, Hank turned out to be an excellent dancer. Much better than Sunny. “I’m impressed,” she told him as he guided her through a graceful turn.
“Now, for your information,” he quietly said as the music stopped, “Trina did not come here with us tonight. We just happened to run into her—or so she made it seem.”
Love Finds You in Pendleton, Oregon Page 23