Free Wild Innocence by Candace McCarthy

Rachel’s great pleasure, Amelia scowled at him. “No, my dearest, I haven’t.” She smiled mischievously. “Have you?”

Chapter 5
    It was hard not to stare at the Indian sitting across from her. To dream of a savage was one thing, Rachel mused. To be this close to him in reality was entirely something else. He might have looked quite civilized this evening to the others in the room. But his white linen shirt, buckskin leggings, and moccasins gave him the aura of a savage. He wore a necklace of copper beads about his neck. His jet-black hair hung past his shoulders, except for two tiny braids near his face, which he’d fastened at the back of his head.
    Rings made of copper hung from his ears. She wondered if the man had tattoos. Black Hawk looked up and stared. She blushed and looked away when she realized that he’d caught her interest.
    There were six people at the table. Rachel studied the other diners: her sister, Daniel, Daniel’s sister Jane, Jane’s daughter Susie ... and Black Hawk. It was the first time that Rachel had met Jane’s little girl. Young Susie, she guessed, was about eight or nine years old.
    Supper was delicious and consisted of venison stew, freshly baked bread, and for dessert, a berry pie that Jane had made fresh that morning.
    Everything tasted wonderful. Rachel hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she’d tasted her first mouthful and sighed with pleasure. She complimented the cooks for their contributions. Amelia looked pleased by her sister’s praise. Jane smiled softly, her blue eyes warming as she met Rachel’s gaze.
    Daniel continued to regard his sister-in-law with veiled displeasure. Rachel didn’t know what it was about her that aggravated her brother-in-law, but she was determined to ignore him. She wouldn’t allow him to ruin her family reunion. She was satisfied with the knowledge that her sister, at least, was happy to see her.
    When she first arrived, Susie, Jane’s daughter and Daniel’s niece, had eyed Rachel with curiosity from a distance. But it wasn’t long before she, too, warmed to her aunt’s sister, which pleased Rachel tremendously. She was grateful for the child’s cheerful, friendly chatter.
    Black Hawk, for the most part, remained quiet during the meal. Rachel tried to avoid looking at him. Every so often, their gazes caught and held, and she felt flustered. He spent much of the supper hour watching little Susie’s antics and listening to her with a smile. There was a quiet affection between the Indian and the child. The relationship surprised Rachel and made her slightly less wary of Black Hawk.
    â€œYou seem tired, Amelia,” Jane commented softly as she cut another slice of pie for her brother.
    â€œYes, love,” Daniel said to his wife. “Why don’t you go lie down? I’m sure Rachel won’t mind cleaning up the supper dishes.” He challenged her with a look.
    â€œOf course not,” Rachel said without hesitation. She was annoyed at her brother-in-law, but she honestly didn’t mind cleaning up, as she wanted to help her sister. “You’ve got to think of the little one.”
    She caught Daniel’s look of surprise at her answer, before her gaze settled briefly on Black Hawk. The brave’s expression was unreadable, but she thought that maybe there was a glint of amusement in his dark eyes.
    â€œLittle one?” Jane said. “Amelia, are you ... ?”
    Amelia grinned as she nodded.
    With an exclamation of joy, Jane put down the knife and rushed around the table to hug her sister-in-law. “Oh, Amelia—Daniel, I’m so happy for you.”
    â€œMomma?” Susie asked. “Why is everyone so happy?” She wore a puzzled look as she glanced from her mother to the other adults.
    Jane released Amelia and held out her arm for her daughter. Susie rushed in gratefully for a hug. “Aunt Amelia is going to