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The tribes in Arizona were no longer free either and she doubted they ever would be again. “When I left Arizona, the army was hunting Geronimo. I don’t know if he’s been recaptured.”
“Read about him leaving the reservation in the newspaper here, but so far nothing’s been said about him being found.”
“A member of his tribe worked on Mr. Blanchard’s ranch. His name was Tana. He was very kind to me and my sister, Portia. In fact, he taught us how to jump fences with our horses.”
“You didn’t fall off and break your neck?” Anna asked from her spot on the seat between them.
“No, sweetie. I didn’t.”
“Livy has a pony, but Aunt Minnie said I couldn’t have one because I’d fall off and break my neck.”
Regan looked to Colt and saw him give an exasperated shake of his head. “Your father and I could teach you to ride.”
“I’m scared I’ll fall off.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being afraid to try new things. How about we talk about it again sometime soon. I enjoy riding and I think you will, too.”
“Okay,” she said softly.
Regan wondered how many other fears she and Colt would have to banish before Anna could enjoy her childhood.
They arrived at Odell’s place a short while later. His log and stone cabin sat in a clearing backed by pine forest. At their approach, he stepped out onto the porch. Standing with him was Ben Lee. Regan drew in a calming breath and hoped Ben would be more welcoming than he’d been during their initial meeting. “Did you know he was here?” she asked Colt.
“No.”
Anna turned to her father. “Do you think Granpa Ben would like to come fishing with us?”
“You can ask him.”
She gave a confident nod.
Regan hoped he wouldn’t disappoint the girl, but didn’t want his grumpiness casting a pall over their fun either.
The deerskin-wearing Odell, with his snow-white shoulder-length hair and whiskers, walked out to meet them. “Morning. You come to take the old bear off my hands?”
Colt smiled. “No. Came to fish.”
He eyed their party. “Anna, you’re going fishing?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Can I come along?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Can I bring the old bear?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. We’ll meet you on the bank.”
Colt got the horses moving and Regan did her best to ignore the disapproval in Ben’s eyes.
They were unloading the wagon when the two men joined them. She greeted Ben with a nod, but he ignored her. Odell watched the exchange and glared at his friend but didn’t intervene. With everything unloaded, Regan scanned the rushing crystal clear water. It brought back memories of the rivers and canyons she and her sister swam in back home. “Mr. Odell, can you swim here?”
“Only if you want to drown. Current’s pretty swift.”
“Oh,” she said with disappointment.
