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“Go on, Laurent. Go wed up with your bride.” Alex gave him a hasty shove, but his attention was on the woman who emerged from the lodge behind Whispering Waters. Evie looked around until her gaze met his. A wide smile spread across her face, and she rushed to him. Alex pulled her into his arms, and kissed her like he’d wanted to do all day.
“Doesn’t she look beautiful?” Evie beamed and turned to glance at Whispering Waters. Laurent now stood before her, and held her hands.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you,” he whispered, and drew her fully up against him. Evie lowered her head and smiled coyly. She held up her hand, and revealed a leather-wrapped bundle.
“The shaman gave this to me,” she said. “I am supposed to bury it somewhere, and not tell anyone. It’s hair from Laurent and Whispering Waters that he tied together.”
Alex nodded. “It signifies their union ,” he explained. “If they ever want to part ways, they can only do so if they find this bundle. So make sure you hide it well.” He grinned. “Laurent isn’t about to let go of his new wife easily.”
The shaman draped the blanket Whispering Waters wore around her and Laurent, and spoke a few words that Alex didn’t hear. He knew their union was now complete. He reached for Evie’s hand and waited for her to look at him.
“Well, I don’t think we’ll see them for a few days,” Alex said and chuckled. He nodded toward the happy newlyweds. Laurent held his bride’s hand, pulling her away from the small group of well-wishers and family members. Those who stood by to watch the informal ceremony dispersed to go about their daily business.
“I just hope Laurent remembers to visit and say goodbye when he leaves for St. Louis.”
Evelyn’s head snapped up. “Why is he going to St. Louis?” Her forehead wrinkled.
“He has business there. Remember that he is looking for information about the people behind the raids on the Rocky Mountain Fur Company’s supply boats. He has to meet Oliver Sabin and his men. We probably won’t see him again before spring.”
Evelyn tensed, and her eyes widened. Alex wrapped his arms firmly around her. He shouldn’t have mentioned Sabin’s name.
“And Whispering Waters?” she asked tentatively, leaning into him.
“She’ll remain with her people while he is gone, I believe.” He couldn’t imagine being away from Evie for any length of time.
“How awful,” Evie scoffed. “They just got married, and now they’re going to be apart all winter?”
Alex gazed down at her. “I’m sorry you didn’t have a real wedding, Evie. I want to give that to you. Next spring.” He caressed her soft cheek. She favored him with one of those smiles that left him breathless, and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I know you think I’ve turned into a savage,” he said, grinning. “But I still remember a few things about living among civilized people. Here in the mountains, you’re my wife because of the customs of the people, but when we go to St Louis, I want there to be no doubt that you are legally wed to me.”
“I love you, Alex,” Evie whispered against his lips. “I can’t imagine anything or anyone doubting our union . There isn’t a person on this earth who’s going to take me away from you.”
Warmth spread through him like the hot sun on a July afternoon. Alex lifted her into his arms and carried her to their own tent at the edge of the small village, intent on doing some celebrating of their own.
Chapter 18
“Close your eyes.”
Alex’s deep voice resonated behind her, and his warm breath against her ear sent shivers of anticipation rushing down Evelyn’s spine. She leaned into the warm hand at her waist, and glanced over her shoulder. They followed the well-worn path from their tent to where the newly finished cabin stood. Evelyn’s steps were light and bouncy. She felt giddy like a little girl on the morning of her birthday.
“Do I have to close my eyes?” she asked, feigning a pout. “You haven’t allowed me a single peek inside the cabin in almost a week.”
“If I did, it wouldn’t be a surprise. And since you’re being difficult, I suppose we’ll have to do this the hard way.”
Before Evelyn had a chance to react to what he’d said, Alex quickly wrapped a strip of cloth around her head, covering her eyes. Then he swept her up in his arms. She squealed in delight at the game he played, and instinctively, her arms flew around his neck.
“I’ve seen the inside of the cabin, Alex,” she reminded him, smiling. “I helped you build it, remember?”
