Tykota's Woman(85)

"Here in Texas we do things differently. No one holds much with convention. We're too busy raising cattle and children. I want to increase my herd, and I want children. Do you like children, Adelaide?'

"Yes, I do, John."

"Then it's settled. I won't stop kissing you until you agree to marry me."

Adelaide's laughter was beautiful to Makinna's ears. "Let's go ask Hannah and see what she thinks."

"All right, but I warn you, Hannah has been telling me for years that I need to settle down. The Bar K is a big ranch, and it's good land. I have money, Adelaide, so I want you to put yours in a bank somewhere and live off mine. You can set yours aside for our children if you want to."

Again Adelaide laughed. "If that's what you want. Just how wealthy are you?"

"Not nearly as wealthy as the Silverhorns, but I make a better than good living."

Makinna heard them move out the door, and she felt tears on her cheeks. She smiled wistfully. "Oh, Adelaide, you are going to be so happy," she whispered.

Adelaide and John made an unusual-looking couple, he tall and raw-boned, looking uncomfortable in a suit and tie, she delicate and pretty in a lacy apricot gown.

But as they stood in Hannah Silverhorn's parlor but a few weeks later, their eyes shone with love when the preacher pronounced them man and wife.

The wedding was small, the only guests Hannah, Makinna, and John's sister and her husband.

When the ceremony was over, Makinna hugged Adelaide; smiling through her tears. "Be happy."

Adelaide's laughter bubbled. "I am! Oh, Makinna, I love him so much. Is it right for anyone to be this happy?"

"Yes, it is. If anyone deserves to be happy, it's you."

Adelaide squeezed Makinna's hand. "If only you could be as happy as I am. If only-"

"This is your day. We will not speak of anything but your happiness. A bride should have only happy thoughts on her wedding." Makinna forced a laugh. "Go to your bridegroom. He is looking this way."

And she watched her sister move across the room and into her new husband's embrace.

The house seemed so quiet without Adelaide. Makinna watched Hannah mending one of her gowns, not realizing she had sighed aloud.

Hannah looked at her over her spectacles. "It was a lovely wedding."

"Yes, it was. I am so glad my sister found John."

"He's a good man."

"I think so, too."

"Mangas is up and about. He seems to have recovered nicely."

Makinna laughed. "He is a loveable old man. His eyes twinkle, and he almost seems full of mischief."

"He likes you."

"How do you know?"

"He told me so."

Makinna was thoughtful. "I consider that a compliment. I have a feeling Mangas doesn't give his approval easily."

Hannah studied Makinna's face as she said, "I had word from Coloradous today."

Makinna sat forward. "How is Tykota?"

"You will be glad to know that he is healing nicely."

Makinna closed her eyes in relief. "I'm glad. I have been so worried about him."

"So have I.But not so much for his injury. I knew in my heart that he would heal from that wound."

"You are concerned because he stepped down and allowed Coloradous to be chief of the Perdenelas."

"Not even that. I am more worried about why he did it."

"I don't understand."

"If Ty stepped down because he did not feel capable of leading his tribe, he will find no peace."

Makinna thought about what Hannah said, and she understood. Tykota might always carry guilt that he didn't fulfull his promise to his father. She stood up and walked restlessly to the window.

"Something is bothering you, isn't it, Makinna?"

She turned to Hannah. "I have to tell you something, and I don't want to."

"You are going away, aren't you?"

"Yes. I have decided to go back to New Orleans. At least for a while. I feel if I go back to my roots, maybe I can find who I am. Adelaide insisted on lending me enough money to open a small book shop there."

"I don't want you to leave."

Makinna went to Hannah and took her hand. "I will miss you. But you know I have to do this."

Hannah nodded. "Knowing it and liking it are two different things. I would like to keep you with me."

"I shall certainly miss you."

"When do you plan to leave?"

"I thought I would go as soon as Adelaide gets back from her honeymoon."

"Then I still have you for two more weeks."

Makinna kissed the little woman's cheek, knowing she would miss her dearly.





The sun had gone down hours ago, and dark clouds were gathering on the eastern horizon.

Makinna and Hannah had settled on the veranda after dinner, enjoying the coolness of the evening. Hannah sat in a rocking chair, and Makinna was seated on the steps, watching flashes of lightning in the distance.