Holding her at arm’s length, he caressed her cheek, then her stomach. “My lodge has been empty without your laughter and cold without your love. I thank the Great Spirit for bringing you back to me. Come, let me take you home. It looks like very soon you will give birth to my son.”
“Or your daughter.” She smiled.
Epilogue
Homecoming proved bittersweet. Singing Sparrow now walked the Spirit Trail with her beloved Broken Feather, having died in the very raid in which the soldiers had taken Fawn captive. Green Eyes and Rain Woman had survived, but many others had needlessly lost their lives.
After a very long and tumultuous delivery, and with the help of the wizened, old medicine woman, Fawn granted Little Elk’s wish and presented him with a healthy son. Born bottom first and not breathing, the baby fought against the odds and won. His father named him Wakanda, one who possesses magical power.
Three weeks before the birth, Little Elk and the others joined forces with other tribesmen to attack the bluecoats. Once again, Fawn was left waiting and praying for her husband, only this time, she was there to greet him upon his triumphant return.
Hundreds of mounted warriors had swooped down on the army near the Little Bighorn River and fought until Yellow Hair’s entire regiment was dead. When Little Elk and the others returned, the tribe rejoiced, for not one brave from Lone Eagle’s party was lost in battle.
The celebration had been short-lived. In retaliation, the never-ending supply of cavalry poured into the Lakota land and forced them to scatter. Lone Eagle’s tribe now traveled north with Chief Sitting Bull’s remaining followers toward a place called Canada.
Fawn prayed for a time that she and her Lakota family could live in peace and harmony. When and how, she didn’t know. Food was scarce, the travel hard, and the tribe moved rapidly to stay one step ahead of the army. Freedom was fleeting for the Indian nations, but hopefully, Sitting Bull would lead them to the happiness they sought.
The tribe camped in the hollow of a secluded valley. Tomorrow, they would begin their journey anew. But for tonight, Fawn snuggled against the warm backside of her loving husband, listened to the sweet sounds of her sleeping son in his nearby cradleboard, and thanked God for helping her find her way back home to the people she had come to love. She had been born Grace Cummings, but she would die as Dancing Fawn, a true Lakota spirit!
The End
Ginger Simpson books published by Books We Love:
Betrayed
Time Tantrums
First Degree Innocence
Destiny’s Bride
Ellie’s Legacy
Shortcomings
Ages of Love
Discovery
Hattie’s Heroes
Sarah’s Heart and Passion
Yellow Moon
About the Author
The “working” Ginger Simpson retired from the University of California as an advocate for students. While there, her involvement in editing and creating publications/forms led her to believe she could write a novel similar to those historical romances she loves so well. And guess what? Her debut novel was published by small press in 2003. Since then she’s written many ore novels and novellas, all but one contracted for publication. Writing is in her blood.
Several of her works have been nominated for awards and recognized as yearly best reads on well-known romance sites. The reviews she’s received have been extremely favorable, until trolls started leaving obvious non-read reviews to hurt those they see as credible authors. Ginger’s debut book received four stars from the Romantic Times Magazine, back when they weren’t known for their kindness to e-books. That set the tone for her continued creativity.
Her husband, Kelly, is a wonderful supporter and her biggest fan. He brags that he is the inspiration behind the romantic scenes in her books, but Ginger refuses to confirm or deny his claim.
http://www.gingersimpson.com
http://www.facebook.com/mizging
http://mizging.blogspot.com
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