"What is odd?" asked Amelia.
"I am so indebted to this man, Strikes Fast, and he has asked for nothing from me in return. Yet, I am aware of his heroic nature. Indeed, both times he rescued me, he put his life in danger. But, because he is what I might call a manly man and I am engaged to David, I feel I should stay away from him."
"Oh?" Amelia glanced up at her.
"But, if I am to stay away from him—and I feel I should—is it wrong for me to tell him how much I appreciate all he has done for me?" asked Sharon as she and Amelia shared a questioning look. For a reason she barely understood, Sharon didn't admit she had already spoken to Strikes Fast.
After a few moments, Amelia asked, "Did you just now say you find him to be too masculine and manly?"
"I fear I do."
"Please let me ensure I understand you. Is this correct?" asked Amelia. "You find Strikes Fast very handsome and manly, and so you think this is wrong because you are engaged to David?"
"You are correct," said Sharon.
"But, aren't you simply observing what is there to be seen? I mean, I am aware of the man being handsome, but it means nothing to me since I am married to and in love with a man who is as equally good-looking…or perhaps"—she smiled—"I should say Strikes Fast is almost as good-looking as my husband."
Sharon grinned. "Yes, I understand what you say and, truly, it should be easy, except for a slight problem."
"Yes?"
"I love him."
Amelia gasped.
"Oh, not in a romantic way. I love only David as my partner in romance, and I wish to marry him and only him. But, after what Mr. Strikes Fast has done for me, I find I respect him, and within my heart, I love him. How could I not? The man has literally saved my life two times. Yet…"
"Yet?"
"He scares me."
"He does?"
"Yes, but then, all Indian men scare me."
Amelia didn't speak at first, although after a moment, she asked, "Even my husband?"
"Well, maybe a little," answered Sharon. "But, after I have seen the two of you together and have witnessed the care your husband gives you and the love he so obviously holds for you, my fear of him has lessened."
"I never knew this," said Amelia. "I am surprised you agreed to come with me into Blackfeet country."
"How could I not?" asked Sharon. "After all, I couldn't let you make the journey alone, and then when David wanted to be included in our plans, it seemed perfect because he would be with us in order to defend us both if there were to be a need. But, now I have a problem."
"You do?"
"Yes. I…I feel as though I am failing David because…I find Mr. Strikes Fast to be attractive, and it is simply not right to feel as I do."
Amelia frowned. "I think I understand. Let me say it this way: you are drawn to Strikes Fast because he has come to your aid a few times now. And, because of this, you are feeling you are being untrue to David? Is this how it is?"
"Yes. If you have any advice for me, I would be happy to hear it."
Amelia tilted her head and frowned. After a moment, she said, "You could do something for Strikes Fast in order to appease the feeling of love you feel for him. But, what? You could make him moccasins…but, no, a woman only does this for a man she is interested in marrying. The problem is, men don't have women—"
"Friends," supplied Sharon. "Yes, I know. Strikes Fast has told me this himself. So, if this is the way it is in an Indian camp, what does a woman do to show her appreciation to a man who has saved her life?"
"He told you this about friendship and how Indians don't…? Himself?"
"He did," said Sharon. Then, she confessed, "I spoke to him yesterday because I wanted to let him know how much I appreciate what he did for me."
