“I’ve never been more sure of anything,” Charlotte said, “but that’s my heart saying it too.  He’s the one I want in my life and the only one there’ll ever be.  For now, he’s living in the barracks with Ellis and Miller and the children will make their own decision, but I have no concerns about that either.  You’ll see.”

“I’ll take your word for it then.”

“My real word.”

“Yes,” Lenore said, laughing.  “That one.  And Charlotte?  I’m happy for you.”

39

39

Chace located the saddles he wanted and took Jeremy and Brewster out one at a time.  Jeremy rode his new Indian pony, the one Chace had traded the mule for.  They rode far down the wagon track and back, then out again.  Chace talked about the reins, the saddle, about the movement of the horse, the feel of it.  Jeremy never stopped smiling.  Brewster rode his own horse and took naturally to the saddle.  Chace moved more quickly and soon they were cantering easily along the trail toward the mountains, Brewster not smiling at all, only concentrating.

The next time Chace rode with Jeremy, he picked up the pace.  The next time he rode with Brewster, the Henry came along.

“What about me?” Ada said.

“What are you doing right now?  We’ll take Charlotte’s shotgun.”

“We will?”

When he went out with Ada, he lifted Grace onto the saddle in front of him.

Chace read to them, though he took issue with the rocking chair.  He brushed the horses with Jeremy and came back having learned how to milk a cow.  “That’s what’s strange,” he said.  He loosened the tension on his bow and began teaching Brewster how to use it.

“Jenkins McPherson is back,” Ada said.  “He wants to start learning again.”

“Nice that he tells you before anyone else,” Charlotte said.  “Give him the book.  You can tell him it’s from me though he won’t believe it.  But Chace goes with you.”

Chace sat in the schoolroom on one of the low benches, relaxed, with his legs stretched out.

“Don’t I know you?” Jenkins said.

“Don’t think so.”

“No, that’s not it.  I know that name.”

“I got it from a white man,” Chace said.

“A trapper.  I used to run into him.  Don’t anymore.  Is Yellow Cloud your grandfather?”

“Was.”

“Sorry.  I knew him too.  And what are you to this one?”

“Why don’t you ask me?” Ada said.

Jenkins smiled and shook his head.  “You see?” he said.  “That’s what I’m talking about.  Fine, then.  What’s he to you?”

“He’s my father now.”

“Doesn’t exactly have the years for that, does he?”

“Maybe not.  He’s good at it, though.  He’s teaching me how to shoot.”  Jenkins McPherson raised one eyebrow.  “Here’s a book for you,” she said.  “It’s from Charlotte.”

“What is it?”