He still could not get rid of the feeling that something had been lurking in the bushes. He had to check it out before he left.
She leaned her head against her free hand and said, “That means my secret ingredient will no longer be a secret.”
Running Wolf chuckled and stroked her palm. He felt her shudder just as warmth ran through him. She pulled her hand away and cleared her throat as she brushed a curl off her face. “Uh… I need to… uh… check on Jess… yes… I think she’s been too quiet.”
Running Wolf nodded, “Meanwhile, I will enjoy this stew.”
She was backing away as she said, “Uh… sure. Feel free to take more if you want. I’ll be back. Just make yourself at home, I guess. Or not. Just eat, yes. That’s what I mean.”
Elaina turned and ran off. Running Wolf grinned as he leaned his head against the shed’s wall. Being with her always pleased his heart. He had no idea what it was yet but he knew for a fact that he loved the warmth he felt when he was with her. Was he wrong thinking that she felt a little bit of it too? He shook his head. She had probably felt a chill then. The air was quite cold. It was nothing more than the weather.
He sighed as he looked up at the sky. The moon was already out. He really did not want to leave now. He wanted to spend more time with her because he just loved being with her, talking to her, staring at her. He shook his head. He had no idea what he was feeling. He had never felt it before. And he did not know if he should accept it or not.
One thing at a time, Running Wolf. First things first, more beef stew. He filled his dish with some more and he looked toward the living shed, anticipating her arrival.
She emerged a short while later just as he was cleaning up his dish, holding Jessica. Running Wolf’s heart swelled withaffection when he set his eyes on the sleeping baby.
“May I hold her?” he stretched his hands out.
“Uh… if you are sure,” she was obviously surprised as she gently gave the baby to him.
“She is very beautiful, just like her mother,” Running Wolf cooed at the baby, cradling her in his arms.
Elaina chuckled and settled beside him, “I bet you’ll make a good father. You are a good man with a good heart.”
Running Wolf’s smile faltered. He cleared his throat and turned back to the child. Elaina said, “Oh, I’m sorry. Here I am jumping into conclusions. I have no idea if you are even married or have children. I should not be presuming. I’m sorry.”
“I was married,” Running Wolf heard himself say.
“Oh. Was? What happened? If you don’t mind me asking, that is,” she said cautiously.
“She died...” Running Wolf said quietly. He felt like he could confide in her.
“Oh no,” her hand flew to her mouth, “I’m so sorry, Running Wolf. I should not be asking so many questions. I really hope I’ve not opened up old wounds.”
Running Wolf shook his head and sadly, he said, “Most days, they feel like fresh and open wounds.”
Elaina covered his free hand with hers and squeezed his, “I am so sorry, Running Wolf. I know exactly how you feel. I too...”
Her mouth clamped shut. Running Wolf looked at her face searchingly. There was pain in her eyes. Someone had hurt and scared her badly. He could see it and sense it coming from her. She tried to pull her hand away but he turned his around, interlocking their fingers.
“Let’s stay like this a little bit longer,” Running Wolf said softly, “We both need the comfort.”
She nodded and leaned against the wall so they wereseated side by side and their shoulders were next to each other. They sat in silence for a moment, then Elaina broke it.
“Are you sure she is not too much? I can take her and...” Elaina was saying but he squeezed her hand.
“I am fine holding your little one, Elaina. You might not know but I am very strong. I am the head warrior of the Northern Choctaw Tribe, you know.”
“Really? That sounds so fascinating. What do you do as the head warrior? Go around lifting babies?”
“Hey….” he protested. He saw the mischievous twinkle in her eyes and chuckled. “It’s really nice talking to you. It’s always so fulfilling. And I should know. I have spoken to a lot of people.”
Her smile deepened, “Oh, I have no doubt. You are the head warrior after all. You have to be in contact with a whole lot of people, right? Being the head warrior has to be a lot of work...”
Running Wolf threw his head back and laughed. When he finally settled, he saw that she was staring at him intently, her head tilted. “What?”
She shook her head and averted her gaze. Since their hands were still interlocked, he turned her to him gently, “Hey, what is it?”
