“His people or Loretta? His mother’s and father’s faces flashed in his mind. Then others crowded in, Blackbird, Pony Girl, Turtle, Warrior, Maiden of the Tall Grass, and Red Buffalo. As much as he loved them, he had come to love Loretta more. When had it happened? He had once told Loretta that he would be as nothing without his… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
“His people or Loretta? His mother’s and father’s faces flashed in his mind. Then others crowded in, Blackbird, Pony Girl, Turtle, Warrior,… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share Image
“Where was Hunter? The question repeated itself in Loretta’s mind hundreds of times with each passing day. As the mercenaries escorted her… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share Image
“Angry wasn’t the word to describe Loretta’s frame of mind. She wasn’t just furious, but horribly hurt as well. That terrified her.… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share Image
“Look into my eyes. Do you see a new morning with new beginnings?” He searched her gaze, and then, in a husky… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share Image
“You aren’t going to get her? She’s your wife. Her place is beside you.” “A man cannot own a woman, cousin. He… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share Image
“You’d better keep her tied.” “Why?” A yawn stretched Hunter’s dark face. “Because she’s looking skittish.” “She’s naked.” Sheathing his knife, Hunter flopped on his back and shaded his eyes with one arm. “She won’t run. Not without clothes. I’ve never seen such a bashful female.” “The tosi tivo truss up their females in so many clothes, it would take… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
“I have such great love for you, little one. Such great love.” “I love you just as much, Hunter. I thought I’d die when you left me.” “You will go from this place with me, walk in my footsteps?” A strained silence settled between them. “Oh, yes, Hunter, yes.” “Do not make a promise of it quick. We must go… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
“Blue Eyes, you will say yes to me?” “Tonight? Now?” “Yes, tonight. Before this time between us passes.” When she sat, silent, watching, Hunter lifted her of his lap and rose, drawing her up beside him. She studied his every move, poised as if for flight. Hunter’s hands shook as he unfastened her braids and ran his fingers through the… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
“My heart is filled with great love for you,” he whispered. Tears sprang to Loretta’s eyes. She couldn’t name the emotion that caused them, didn’t want to. Then, like projectiles from a cannon, the words shot from her mouth. “Oh, Hunter, I love you, too.” The moment she said it, she knew it was true. She loved him as she… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
“I’m in no need of matrimony, Father. I still have my honor.” Hunter jerked her to his side and, in an ominously even voice,… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share Image
“You know, I should start thinking on names. I have to be over two months gone. A name is important. Especially for this baby.” “Why especially this one?” Rachel asked, looking up from the bread she was kneading. “Names are important for everybody.” Loretta sighed. “Well, with Hunter as the father, I have to think of names he’d approve of.”… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
“As he tightened his embrace around her, he knew he'd made the right choice. He held the whole world in his arms.” — Catherine Anderson Copy Share Image
“You will tell your sons and daughters about me, yes?” Hunter wished he could weep, but the tears were dammed behind his lids, aching and burning. “Yes. And you will tell yours of me?” “I will tell them.” Warrior’s voice cracked. “Of you and your golden one and the song that led you west. Love her well, tah-mah. The days… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
“Speaking of pits in plum pudding, do you remember your sister’s first attempt? Your grandfather broke off his only remaining tooth trying to eat… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share Image
“You ever seen what they do to a captive white woman? If you ask me, them Injuns got exactly what was coming to ’em.” Mr. Steinbach lifted a quizzical brow. “You ever see how some white men treat a squaw?” “It ain’t our doin’ that Injuns sell off their women to no-accounts.” “ Marry them off,” Steinbach corrected. “Indians don’t… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
“I would like to make arrangements with you--to take her as my wife. Not right away, of course. When she grows old enough.” The young warrior straightened his shoulders. “I will pay a fine bride price, fifty horses and ten blankets.” Hunter smothered a grin. After a year of raiding, Swift Antelope had only ten horses. How much horse stealing… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
“ Toquet , it is well, little one. It is finished, eh?” She panted, tossing her head. “It h-hurts!” “It will pass,” he assured her huskily. “It will pass. It is a promise I make for you.” She went rigid when he began to move within her, her small face drawing tight. Tears sprang to Hunter’s eyes when she reached… — Catherine Anderson Copy Share
