“It’s just… it’s stupid, it’s...” Running Wolf let go of her hand and stroked her chin.
“Nothing you think or say or do is stupid to me, Elaina. Believe me.”
She smiled shyly, “It’s just you laughing. I’ve never seen you laugh so heartily, and it was very satisfying seeing you laugh without restraint. It warmed and pleased my heart. I know it’s silly and...”
“It’s not silly, no, it’s not. Seeing you laugh, seeing you smile, it pleases my heart too,” Running Wolf told her honestly, unable to break their gaze.
Jessica chose that moment to let out a cry as she stirred awake. Elaina pulled away from his touch and gently took her baby. She cleared her throat, and not meeting his eyes, she said, “I should feed her now.”
Running Wolf nodded, “Yes. And I should leave. It’s quite late. Why don’t you head in? I will leave once you are safely inside.”
She stood up. Still not meeting his eyes, she said softly, “Thanks for today, Running Wolf, for always.”
Before he could respond, she hurried in. When she had shut the door behind her, Running Wolf headed out of the small yard that surround the little shack. He headed to the bushes immediately. Whatever it was, it was long gone. He crouched low and saw an impression in the red dirt. Someone had been there. He had been right. His eyes flashed with anger. If anyone dared hurt her, they would see blood. He would have to be more alert, he decided.
At intervals during his walk home, he stopped to look back and in the direction of the house. Running Wolf arrived at his tepee and sighed. He really could not stop thinking about Elaina. He could not understand why but he knew enough to know that she had become an important person in his life. The ‘why’ was what he did not know yet.
As much as he had wanted to stay longer, he had known at that moment that she had started feeling overwhelmed. Running Wolf settled for the night, countless of thoughts going through his head, at the top of them was the question: What was it about Elaina that made him want to be with her always?
She had a story. She had gotten hurt. He could only hope that one day she would be comfortable enough to tell him. He sighed as he drifted off. He never wanted to see her cry again.
Chapter Fifteen
As soon as the door closed behind her, Elaina let out the breath she was holding and slid down the wall of the house. Her eyes were glued to the wall as if she could see Running Wolf through it. Jessica sighed and she pulled away from her breast. Elaina covered up and patted the child’s back. She gently settled on the bed and sighed. Elaina shut her eyes, trying to calm her warring thoughts.
“Elaina, Elaina, my darling,” James winked as he tugged on the sleeve of her gown.
Elaina rolled her eyes and turned her back on him. She crossed her arms and refused to look at him. James walked around so that he was facing her. He poked her cheek gently and said, “You know I love you, my dear. Don’t be mad at me.”
“Why won’t I be mad at you? You apologize for something and then, you go ahead and do another. Why are you so stubborn, James?”
James clasped his hands around hers and kissed her knuckles, “You have my word this time, my dear. I will do better. I promise you I will. I really won’t take the love you have for me for granted. Believe me, Elaina.”
“Do you ever remember your apologies? This was the exact speech you used last time you apologized,” Elaina hissed. She went to storm away but he held her back gently.
James placed his hands on her shoulders and said, “I know that you are so much better than me, my dear. I know you deserve more than me. I know you deserve a man who is strong, amazing, loyal and hardworking. You are a treasure and you deserve the best man out there, Elaina. I know I am not good enough for you right now, but I promise you, Elaina, I will be the best man I can be for you.You have my word. I love you, Elaina, and I will do my absolute best to be deserving of you, my love. You have my word.”
Elaina sighed as she let him hug her. James and his sweet words. He always had a way of making her feel better. If they had been born in another period, just maybe he would have been able to make a career of his sweet tongue and words. Who knew what the future held? No one knew anything about the years that were coming. Just maybe, they would be able to meet up with the changes that were approaching them.
“What are you thinking of, my love?” James asked as they broke their embrace. Elaina shook her head as she said,
“Nothing much. I’m just thinking of what the future holds for us.”
“It holds so much, my love. Trust me, the future is pregnant with beautiful promises.” James nodded his head eagerly.
“You seem so sure of yourself,” Elaina quirked a brow.
“Of course I am. I am going to have you in my life. With you by my side, I know that I can do anything. Let’s get married, Elaina my love.”
Elaina rolled her eyes, “Let’s be practical, James. On our own, we are barely making ends meet. How do you think we will be able to survive if we choose to get married and raise a family?”
“It is possible, Elaina, believe me, it is. I am going to take care of you and our children yet unborn. Trust me, Elaina. You have my word that I will not disappoint you. I will neither let you sweat nor cry out in pain.”
Elaina placed reassuring hands on James’ shoulder, “I understand you, James, believe me, I do. I want to marry you of course, one day. But that day is not now. We still have to work hard to build our respective lives. Then, we can get married.”
“But I want to be with you forever, my love. I want our foreverto start from now. I do not want us to wait any longer. We have both lost so many people that were dear to us and we know that life is too short to postpone what we can do today. Who knows what tomorrow holds? Who knows what will become of you or me? Let’s take advantage of what we have now, my love. Let’s be happy with each other.”
“James...” she protested but he took her hand in his and squeezed it.
