Free Westward Dreams by Linda Bridey

about it much.”
    “I can understand that,” Hannah said.
    Owl was quiet for a little while and then said, “How come you not have husband?”
    “Because I never found anyone special enough to marry,” she said.
    Owl arched an eyebrow at her.  “Really?”
    She laughed.  “Yes.  Really.  I don’t plan to marry until I know I’m marrying the right man.”  Her expression saddened.  “I thought Clive was that man.  His letters were wonderful and when I got here, he was very nice at first.”
    She saw Owl’s jaw tighten at the mention of Clive.  “What happened?” he asked.
    “He lied to me.  He told me there was a hospital here where I could work.  He told me his house was nice and he had a family business,” Hannah said.
    “It was not true what he said,” Owl stated.
    “No.  And then he became angry and said that I was here to marry him and take care of him.  His house is run down and his business is not doing very well.  So I left and walked into town.  I went to the sheriff’s station and Jack, the deputy, took good care of me.”
    Owl smiled.  “My nephew is a good boy.”
    “Jack is your nephew?” Hannah asked.
    “Yes.  He is Marcus’ nephew by blood, but mine because is Lakota way with children,” Owl said.
    “That’s really nice,” Hannah said.
    “Yes.  You have no kids?”
    “Nope.  Never married and no children,” she said.
    “People have children and not married.  Ask Silver Ghost,” Owl said.
    “Who?”
    “Marcus.  That his Lakota name.”
    Hannah laughed.  “Why?”
    “He has silver eyes and moves silently even in boots.  Scary.  You never know he is there.”
    “I can’t wait to meet him.  Doc speaks so highly of him,” she said.
    “You will like him.  Everyone likes him,” Owl said.
    “You said he had children without being married,” Hannah said.
    “One.  Her name Aiyana.  Her mother killed in raid, also.  Oldest brother Black Fox take her to Silver Ghost to raise,” Owl said.  “She is beautiful and very smart.  Looks like him.”
    “Oh.  I see.  Do you have any other children?” Hannah asked.
    “No.  Do you want them?”
    “Yes, I do.”
    Owl nodded. 
    Hannah reached out and touched his shirt.  “Your shirt is so soft.”
    “It is tanned deer skin,” Owl said.
    “It’s beautiful.”
    Owl sat up and said, “Close your eyes.”
    “Ok.”  Hannah smiled as she wondered what he was up to now.
    In a moment, she felt him take her hand and place something in her palm.  “Open your eyes,” he said.
    A small leather parcel sat in her hand.  “What is it?”
    “Have to open to find out,” he teased her.
    When she did, two small barrettes fell into her palm.  She turned them over and saw the pretty butterflies on them.  Looking at Owl she said, “You’re just full of surprises.  They’re lovely.  Thank you.  I’ll wear them tomorrow.”
    It made Owl happy that she liked them.  “Good.  I come see you then.”
    “You will?”
    “Yes.  Is that ok?” Owl asked.
    “Of course!” Hannah said.  “You can come see me as long as I’m not busy.  I’d love to see you.”
    “Ok,” he said as his eyes met hers.  “You have very pretty eyes.”
    Hannah said, “Thank you.  So do you.”  She couldn’t look away from him. It was as if he held her in some invisible grip.
    The smile he gave her made her blood warm and her breath came a little more rapidly.  Owl leaned forward and captured her mouth with his.  She tasted of wine and he liked the way she responded to him right away.  He cupped the back of her head and then released her hair from the ribbon she’d used to tie it up with.  The silky texture of it felt good against his palm as his fingers dove into it.
    Slowly he lay her back on the mat and lay next to her.  Hannah ran her hand over his arm and squeezed his biceps.  Images of his bare torso and touching his smooth skin rose in her mind and she felt as if she was melting.  Owl found her lips