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When the maidens left the river, Chief Gray Feather entered the water and went and stood before Black Shield. He lifted a hand and held it over Black Shield’s head as he spoke in a soft, but carrying voice for all to hear.
“Grandson, you are adopted into a great family of people,” Gray Feather said, gazing intently into Black Shield’s eyes. “By the power given to me as chief of our band of Chippewa I say to you, grandson, that you are now one of us by an old, strong law and custom.”
Loud shouts rose into the air. Women began to sing. Again the drums began to play as Black Shield gave his grandfather a large, warm hug.
They then waded out of the water.
One by one the people came and hugged Black Shield.
And after receiving his congratulations from everyone but his family, Black Shield broke free of the crowd and went to his father. Their eyes locked for a moment. Then Black Shield hugged White Fire, and then Flame.
“Son, I am so very proud of you,” White Fire said as Black Shield stepped away from him, his eyes filled with the excitement of the moment.
“So am I,” Flame said, flicking tears from her eyes. “So very, very proud.”
She gave White Fire a quick, mischievous smile, then took Black Shield by the hand. “Come with me,” she said, her eyes dancing. “We have a special surprise for you, Michael—I mean, Black Shield. It is a gift of congratulations for being initiated into the Chippewa tribe.”
“What is it?” Black Shield asked, then gasped when Red Buffalo suddenly appeared from behind a wigwam, leading a horse toward him by the reins.
Black Shield let out a loud yelp of glee as he ran and took the reins. He gazed with wide eyes at the horse as he ran a hand along its withers. “Mine?” he said, giving White Fire and Flame a look over his shoulder as they stood, watching.
“Yours, all yours,” Flame said, twining her fingers through White Fire’s.
Black Shield ran to them and embraced them. “Thank you,” he said, swallowing hard. “Thank you!”
Black Shield then turned and smiled at Dancing Star. Zoe asleep in her arms, Dancing Star was now standing before Black Shield, her eyes filled with her own excitement for him.
“Take me for a ride, Black Shield?” Dancing Star asked, taking Zoe and sliding her into Flame’s arms.
“Ay-uh, let’s take a ride!” Black Shield said. He grabbed Dancing Star by a hand and led her to the horse.
White Fire went and lifted her onto the horse’s bare back, and then helped his son up behind her. “Be careful,” he said, then wished he hadn’t when Black Shield looked embarrassed by the reminder. “Have fun,” he hurriedly interjected. Then he stepped back to Flame’s side. Together they watched Dancing Star and Black Shield ride off, giggling.
Flame then gazed down at Zoe, smiling to see that none of the excitement about the gift had awakened her.
Flame then smiled up at White Fire. “I’m going to take Zoe to bed,” she murmured. “I think she’s had enough excitement for one day.”
“I shall go with you,” he said. He slid an arm around Flame’s waist and led her through the crowd of people who were readying themselves for many more hours of dancing and eating. The celebration was planned to go into the wee hours of morning.
Flame stepped inside her cabin and walked softly across braided rugs until she came to Zoe’s bedroom.
After she placed Zoe in her bed, White Fire drew a soft patchwork quilt up to their daughter’s chin.
They stood for a moment watching their daughter sleep. Then White Fire surprised Flame by hoisting her into his arms and carrying her to their own bedroom.
“My darling, are we going to have our own private celebration?” she murmured and giggled as he placed her on their bed.
“We will not be missed,” White Fire said. “But perhaps I should still close the door to secure privacy.”
After he closed the bedroom door, he stood beside the bed and removed his clothes.
Nude, his copper body gleaming in the soft splash of the sun’s rays as it bled though the windowpane and sheer curtains at the sides of the bed, he reached a hand out for Flame.
“Come to me,” he said huskily. “Let me undress you.”
Flame rose from the bed. Her pulse raced as he removed her soft, buckskin dress, that was beautifully decorated with beads that she had sewn on herself.
When she was finally undressed and his eyes slowly drank in her nakedness, she could hardly stand the waiting. Her desire for him was no less now than the first time they had made love. In fact, it grew with each day, with each kiss, with each embrace.
