Tykota's Woman(63)

It was almost sundown when they reached the outer perimeter of Biquera Ranch. Tykota told his warriors to camp beside the Rio Grande, while he and Makinna rode on to the house.

Tykota slowed his pace, as if making their time together last. "It is good that your sister is here."

"Yes. I am surprised that she would come all this way. She moved away when I was young, and I don't know much about Adelaide's life now."

"One does not have to be constantly with a brother or sister to be close to them. It is something in the blood that ties you together with an invisible string. I have found that with Inea and Coloradous."

"I suppose."

With his usual perceptiveness, he asked, "You are troubled?

"For the first time, I realize I have family. Adelaide must care for me, or she would not be here."

"You will soon see for yourself," he said, halting on a rise, where they looked down on the lights of the ranch house twinkling in the distance.

She turned to him. "This is the last time we will be alone, and I want to thank you again for all you have done for me."

His gaze met hers. "There is nothing to thank me for. I... want you to be happy. That will be my reward."

"I will never forget you."

"You will, Makinna."

She swallowed past the tightening in her throat. "One does not forget the person she shared so much with."

"Let us ride on and ease your sister's mind about your safety."

He nudged his horse forward, and she joined him. Each step the pinto took was taking her into a new life, but she wanted only to be with Tykota.

When they reached the ranch house, Makinna slid off her horse and went up the steps, pushing open the door in her haste to see her sister.

Mrs. Silverhorn rose from her rocking chair and advanced across the room to Makinna. "My dear, it is so good to see you!" She kissed her on both cheeks. "I must admit I have missed you."

"Thank you. I've missed you, too." She glanced around the room. "Is my sister here?"

"Indeed she is, she just went upstairs to-"

They both heard hurried footsteps on the stairs, and Makinna turned to face the sister she had not seen in years. Although less youthful, Adelaide was as beautiful as Makinna remembered her. She wore a cream-colored cotton gown trimmed in blue and looked like a breath of fresh air.

Adelaide rushed forward to hug her tightly, and Makinna responded to her warmth.

"When I think I could have lost you!" Adelaide said, shaking her head and plucking at the doeskin fringe on Makinna's dress. "And here I find you alive and well-and dressed like an Indian!"

"Oh, Adelaide, I am so happy to see you! It has been so long."

Tykota entered the room, and Adelaide gasped and stepped back.

Hannah Silverhom went directly to Tykota and into the circle of his arms, which seemed to calm Adelaide's sudden fear.

"My son, it is good to see you again." She turned to Adelaide. "You must meet the man who saved your sister's life. Ty, this is Makinna's sister, Adelaide Johnson."

Adelaide nodded. "How do you do, sir." She tried to avert her gaze from his scanty attire. "I am indebted to you for bringing my sister back to me." She concentrated on his eyes and seemed surprised to find them alive with intelligence. "Your mother has told me all you have done."

He smiled slightly. "If I know my mother, she embellished the truth in the telling." He extended his hand, and Adelaide, warming to his grasp of English, gave him her hand.

"I doubt Mrs. Silverhom embellished anything, sir. I am inclined to believe you are something of a hero."

His laughter was warm. "My mother, like most mothers, believes me to be more exceptional than I am."

Makinna was astounded by the easy banter between her sister and Tykota. He was never that at ease with her. She frowned, catching Mrs. Silverhorn's gaze. The little Englishwoman simply smiled and nodded.

"My son does me credit in all things," she said with warmth. She guided Makinna toward the stairs. "Go and visit with your sister, since the two of you have so many years to catch up on. We will visit in the morning."

Makinna turned to Tykota. "Thank you."

He inclined his head, his dark eyes unreadable. "It was my pleasure," he said softly.

Makinna and her sister spent most of the night talking, becoming reacquainted and also crying over the deaths of their mother and brother. At last, around midnight, they fell silent, and Adelaide stared at her sister.

"You are so beautiful. Every man in California will come knocking at our door just to see you."

Makinna drew in a breath. "The last thing I have on my mind is meeting gentlemen."