When she glanced up at him, she espied surprise in his eyes. But, all he asked was, "You would agree to this so easily?"
"Without even another thought," she answered. "From the moment I first met you, I have wanted to learn what you do and how you do it. Partly this is because I do not want to let you out of my sight, but also I have wished this because it is the only way I believe I will feel secure in this new environment."
He nodded before saying, "But, the women's work… You would not be learning what you must know in order to care for a family."
"Well," she said, "I guess we would have to plan out how we—and I do meanwe—would be able to do both."
He stared at her as though he could not believe what she said. But, suddenly he laughed, and she joined in with him before she said, "I recognized the melody you were playing. How did you know it?"
"I followed you today," he said.
"You did? But, I did not see you or hear you."
"This is because I am a scout and can become invisible when I choose to make it so."
"Then, you weren't upset with me because I had taken your pony with me?"
"Never," he said at once.
"Naato Omitaa asked to come with me, you know."
"He is a good pony, and I am glad he was there for you."
"Oh my!" she said, turning fully toward him, and then she flung herself against him and into his arms, which caused him to fall backward. It was exactly the way she wanted him, and she settled herself suggestively on top of him, murmuring, "My dear husband, if this is the way in which any of our future argumentsare going to end, I shall not flinch from them. But, perhaps we should make a pledge to always end our arguments in such a pleasant way as this. When do we start our training?"
He grinned at her, then said, "As soon as I have trapped enough beaver to purchase a shotgun for you."
"But, I have enough money to buy—"
He shook his head and said, "I will not let you obtain the gun with the evil golden rock. Perhaps we will need to have more discussion on this rock and the consequences of its use. But, for now, I will trap the beaver or other animals whose fur and skins are favored by the trader, and I will acquire the rifle for you. Meanwhile, we will prepare to leave here to go to find your cousin. I now know where he is. As soon as we have the weapons for you and enough food to start our journey, we will go."
Easily changing their positions so he was now lying atop her, he leaned down over her and kissed her once, then once more before he whispered against her lips, "Let us end our argument in the only way a newly married couple should."
"Oh?" she murmured. "What is in your mind, my husband?"
"You shall see, my wife. You shall see." And, he proceeded to show her exactly what he had in mind. Indeed, it was well into the night before they at last found contentment in sleep.
