Takoda (3 page)

I knew, that first night when he comforted me, he would be special in my life, and I was right.

We were married in a traditional Crow ceremony three days later. After the festivities, we packed the small teepee, some food, and the things we would need to go a ways from the village, while we got to know each other as husband and wife.

It was late when we finally stopped for the night, but the moon was full and shining brightly down on us, as we put up our shelter for the night.

I was nervous, but ready to be back in Takoda's arms. I missed him holding me.

When we finished setting up our teepee, he held the flap open, and I climbed inside. This time, he followed me in and closed the flap behind him, while I unrolled several furs. Then I sat on my knees, waiting for him to come to me.

“I love you, Sayen,” he said, as he took the leather strings from my hair, gently pulling down the braids.

When my hair was free, he ran his hand through it and pulled me to him. I rested my hands upon the firm muscles of his smooth, bronze chest. He tipped my face to meet his. I felt his hot breath against my skin, as he searched for my lips in the darkness. He was warm, like I remembered, and I moved closer needing to bridge the distance between us.

I took down his hair and ran my fingers through it. He laid me back upon the fur and used another to cover us, as he undressed me, learning the curves of my body with his hands.

His lips trailed along my neck, settling upon my own, and our kisses became more heated. He whispered his love to me, and called my name softly while he made love to me. Now, I was his.

When our passion subsided, he wrapped me inside his strong, warm arms, and we fell asleep.

I woke up during the night and felt him stroking my hair. I touched his face and let my fingers trace his profile. Our love for each other peaked again, this time stronger.

Afterwards we held each other, and talked of our plans for the future, and what we would name our first child, before we drifted off to sleep once more.

The next morning, I was preparing something for us to eat, when I heard the sound of hoofs in the distance. I looked up and saw horses coming toward us. It was several white men.

John and Uncle Charles.

When they saw Takoda, they drew their rifles, and began screaming for me to get out of the way. I felt as though it was all moving and happening so slowly, yet so very fast. But I would not let anyone hurt
my
Takoda. I jumped in front of him and held my arms out. “Don't shoot. No!”

The men came to a halt and looked at me as though I was crazy.

John was the first one off of his horse, and he came running to me, but Takoda wrapped his arms around me. He was afraid John would take me away from him.

“Sara, we found you,” he said, his voice quivering.

“Hello, John. Uncle Charles,” I said. I felt tears fill my eyes.

“Sara, let us take you back home. If you move away, we can take care of him, and he'll never hurt you again,” John said through gritted teeth.

I tried to step forward, but Takoda held me firmly by the waist. I turned and said, “It's all right. Give me just a moment.” I turned toward John.

“Sara, what...”

“You will not hurt him. He is my husband,” I said and lifted my chin.

“Your husband? How...”

“Takoda and I are married and my home is with his people now. I'm
with
him because I
choose
to be.”

“But how can you say this when the Indians took away your family… your life?”

“They were not these people. Takoda's tribe are Crow, and they have been very good to me. I love him very much. And yes, my life was taken away from me by the Cheyenne, but I have now been given a new life, with Takoda.”

“Sara, are you sure this is the right thing to do? He must have taken you against your will?” Uncle Charles questioned.

“He did, but it was for good reason, and I know I belong with him,” I said, going back to Takoda and wrapping my arm around his waist.

My uncle finally hugged me and told me goodbye, but John wouldn't even look at me. My uncle held out his hand to Takoda, and he shook it like a man, like brothers. Then they rode off, leaving me with Takoda and my new life. I knew I would be happy, very happy, from this day forward.

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If you enjoyed Takoda, please look for TM Hobbs other books, Crystal Tears Forever and Born Free:

Excerpt:

Born Free

The diner was unusually slow that day. I was pouring a cup of coffee for a customer seated at the counter when I saw him come in. The bell on the door rang as if announcing his arrival with its melodic chime, and I took note that he held the door handle with a firm grip, as he closed the door behind him.

He stood about six-three with broad shoulders and a well-defined and sculpted body. The morning sun beamed around his silhouette, and I squinted a little harder to get a better look.” He ran his hand through his dark-brown, wind kissed hair, smoothing its waves toward the back of his head.

Just as I suspected, when I peered out the window, I saw that his mode of transportation was a Harley that sat outside the diner.

I had seen his type before, but there was something different about this man. Whether it was the way he casually looked around the place, or the confidence with which he held himself.

He glanced around and chose a seat in a booth near the window then peered outside for a long time before picking up the menu. I used the opportunity to take a cup and a pot of black coffee over to his table.

“What can I get you?” I asked.

He glanced up from his menu, and for the first time I got a good look at his eyes. They were bluer than the sky on a summer day just before the storm rolls in, with hints of gray and black. His smile exposed tiny lines around the corners of his eyes. I'd guess he was around twenty-six or so, and the evidence of a carefree life shown on his face.

“I don't know. What's the special today?” He folded the menu and handed it to me. I took that gesture as trust in my recommendation on what to eat.

I smiled and gave him my opinion. “The usual isn't bad. You know, bacon, eggs, and toast, but you look like you might need something hardier. I suggest two scrambles, a pan broiled New York strip, biscuits, and a side of grits loaded with butter.” I offered him a smile.

“Sounds good. I
am
hungry this morning. I'll have that, please.”