With pride shining in his eyes, Tykota stood back and watched his son clutch the reins. He caught Makinna's gaze and called out to her. "Our son fears nothing. Do you see the way he sits his horse?"
Makinna felt pride and love well up in her. She and Tykota had been married for four years, and they had been wonderful, loving years. "Our son may not fear horses, but he might have reason to fear his grandmother. Hannah wants both children to bathe-she's taking them to visit their Aunt Adelaide."
Tykota lifted the boy from the horse and set him on his feet. "You had better run along. I learned early in life that it is not wise to keep your grandmother waiting."
While Coloradous scampered toward the house, Tykota reached for his daughter and hugged her to him. His expression softened when she threw her arms around his neck. After a quick kiss on her cheek, Tykota put her down and watched the child run after her brother.
Makinna linked her arm through her husband's and lay her head against his shoulder. "We make wonderful babies together."
His dark eyes suddenly flamed with desire. "We could always make another one."
"Oh, I am certain we will." They walked toward the house, and he stopped her, encircling her in his embrace. "We could start this weekend, since we will have the house to ourselves."
She looked into his bronzed face, watching the way the wind rippled his long hair. There was contentment in his eyes, his spirit no longer seeking and restless. "Then let us get your mother and the children on their way."
He touched her hair and let his hand drift through the silken strands. "My lovely Makinna, what joy you have brought to my life. I wake up each morning not knowing what to expect out of you. And"-he arched an eyebrow-"I can't keep my hands off you. I wait for the night so you can be completely mine."
"Tykota, I never knew that life could be so good. Sometimes I am afraid."
"Of what?"
"That no woman should be this happy, that it will be taken away from me."
He rested his chin on the top of her head. "Take each day as a gift, Makinna. We have been blessed as few people ever are."
Her hand slid into his, and they walked toward the house. "I'd better help your mother get the children ready."
"Uh-huh. The sooner they leave, the sooner I can take you to bed."
She laughed, feeling her stomach flutter at the thought of their lovemaking, which was so exciting and good.
He stopped her at the door and swung her around, his mouth covering hers in a passionate kiss.
She turned her head, untangled his arms, and scolded. "Not here in front of everyone."
He laughed and pulled her back to him. "Why not? Everyone already knows how I feel about you." He caught her face and raised it to his. "They all know I am in love with you."
Tears brightened her eyes. "Oh, Tykota, never stop loving me."
"Not until the day I close my eyes in death, and even then, I believe I will love you from the Spirit World."
They kissed long and deeply, and then they heard the children's laughter from inside. Tykota opened the door for her, and they went into the ranch house-a house where two worlds had once collided, then come together, bonded with love.