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"And many more." He said softly. "You must be strong and understand you cannot go back… once we are married. I will fight for you. I will protect you with my life. And yes, you are worth far more than that man…"
That woke her. "I couldn't bear anything happening to you because of me… "She cried.
He smiled and kissed her on the neck. "The Great Spirit will protect."
"Hold me close tonight," she cried. "I know you did right, what you had to do, to protect me. I do not want them to find me and take me back. I only wish no one had to die because of me. But you are wise, and you protect me from what you must. I love you for it… "
He smiled against her now, "You are mine to protect, sweet Hannah. Life is not always easy, and things sometimes must be done to protect the innocent. You are an innocent, and I will protect you with my life."
He took her and settled her into the crook of his body, wrapping his arms around her.
She kissed his arms and sighed. "I will never want to go back as long as you hold me like this," she whispered, and kissed his arm again. "I know I am white," but she looked up into his handsome face and a tear ran down her cheek. "But my soul is Indian now."
He kissed her on the head. "I know, and I am glad. I will hold you forever… because you chose to stay."
Chapter Fifteen
Their return home was cause for much excitement. The entire camp celebrated but unfortunately Gray Eye had come down with consumption. Hannah went to see him as soon as she had rested a bit from the trip. She had a present for him and thought it might cheer him up.
The old man's eyes lit when she came in his tipi that day. "It is good to see you."
"I have missed you so," she bent to kiss his cheek. "I have brought you a present."
She pulled out a basket and gave it to him. "I learned to make it at the Navaho camp. I learned many things there."
He smiled at her excitement.
"Is it true, you will marry my son?"
"Yes, are you pleased."
He nodded and smiled and reached for her hand. "You have learned much, Hannah. I am proud you will be my daughter."
Hannah had seen the consumption many times and knew his days were numbered. There was little they could do now for him. She told Lone Wolf as they walked outside Gray Eye's tipi. She had tears in her eyes.
"I am sorry my love, as he is too far gone to help him now."
Lone Wolf nodded and turned away. "He is very weak; will he live long?"
"Maybe a few months, but no longer I fear."
"Can you make his last days easier?"
"I will do my best to, yes. I love him too… Lone Wolf." She cried. "He's been very kind to me and it saddens me too. He's been like a father to me."
He turned and brought her against him. "We must marry soon, and he must see it, it will make his heart grow happy for us."
"I agree." She said as a tear fell on his chest.
"Do not cry for him Hannah, for he will be with the great Creator soon." Lone Wolf told her. "And the love of his life, my mother."
"But I will miss him…" she hugged Lone Wolf now.
"As will I."
"I remember the first belt I made him with the beads, he loved it, he has not taken it off since." She told him. "I didn't think I did that good a job, but to see him wear it everyday made me so happy. I love it here Lone Wolf, I feel so complete now."
Lone Wolf smiled, "He has come to love you. I think he sees my mother in you. You are much like her, not the way you look but the way you act with him."
