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Five Years Later
Nayeli was still amazed that five years had gone by so fast. She had a wisp or two of gray hair teasing her temples, but that didn’t bother her. She had “earned them fair and square,” as Aggie liked to say.
She didn’t feel five years older, though she did feel a bit more settled. That didn’t mean she didn’t still have a bit of a wild streak in her. After all, she still won the shooting competition at the fair every year, not to mention the tomahawk competition. Now, with archery, Red Hawk gave her a run for her money. He had won the last two years, but she was doing her best to change that this year.
Two of the greatest gifts of all had come to her over the past several years. A boy and a girl. Both every bit of their mother and father, they had tested their patience
Nayeli had also done her best to instill a sense of wonder and independence in her children. They thought it important that the children not always toe the line and follow in others’ footsteps. They wanted their daughter, Kyari, and their son, Denatay, to find themselves, to explore the possibilities.
Yes, they were young, but she and Takoda recognized the importance of instilling those sentiments now.
For Kyari, to know there was more to life than just cooking and mending clothes. There were hunting expeditions, places to explore, and life to live. And for Denatay, he needed to know that violence would not solve every problem and that kindness could conquer all.
“We’re almost there,” Takoda said, leaning into her. She loved when he did that, feeling his presence, his strength.
“It’s so exciting to think about, isn’t it?”
The kids were in the back of the wagon, kneeling behind the front seat.
“Why are they making the statue?” Kyari asked, her long, dark hair in a braid over her shoulder.
“It’s not a statue,” Denatay said, dismissing his little sister. “It’s a monument. Did I say it right?”
Takoda and Nayeli chuckled, Takoda saying, “Yes, you said it right, but don’t be so mean to your sister.”
“Why not? She’s mean to me.”
“Am not!” Kyari shouted.
“You two settle down. No one wants to hear you two yellin’,” Takoda said, winking at Nayeli. She giggled. She couldn’t help it.
Before she was married, she couldn’t imagine what it was like. And then after she was married, it was hard to remember what it was like before. The same thing happened when Kyari and Denatay came into their lives. Now that they were here, it was hard to remember what it was like without them.
It was surprising how easily they slipped into the role of parents. She had been nervous about it at first, so had Takoda. It wasn’t until Kyari was born that things just fell into place. Certainly, there was worry, but it was controlled worry. They faced each new challenge together.
Their love seemed to grow exponentially. Every day, she swore up and down that she couldn’t love Takoda, Kyari, and Denatay any more than she did at that moment. And then the next day came, and sure enough, it had grown even stronger.
Takoda brought the wagon to a halt in the center of town. Everyone was gathered around the structure in the center of Main Street. A large section of canvas was secured over the top of it so no one could see.
Several children kept running around the base trying to get a peek at it.
It was uplifting to see the townspeople and WEN members talking together in town.
The townspeople and the WEN had been working hard to repair the damaged relationship between them due to the mayor. There was a joint council with members from both the town and WEN that made decisions on development and financial matters. One of the first things they worked on was the monument they were all here to see, dedicated.
Gabe walked up to them, his hair neatly cut, his new suit pressed, and his derby spotless. He had been unanimously named mayor because of his work in stopping the mayor and his tireless support of good relations between the WEN and the town.
“Mr. Mayor, how are you, kind sir?” Nayeli asked, with an exaggerated curtsey and batting of her eyes.
Gabe chuckled. “Now, stop that. We’re family.”
Nayeli hugged him and said, “That we are. Where’s that gorgeous wife of yours?”
Gabe stepped aside and shook Takoda’s hand as Cara walked up holding their one-year-old daughter, Ruby.
“There you are. Cara, how are you?” Nayeli said as Gabe and Takoda talked quietly.
She didn’t need an answer. Nayeli could already tell. All you had to do was look at her and know she was happy and content. Gabe had given her what no one else could. Patience and room to work things out on her own.
“Just fine. How are you getting on?” Cara asked, giggling with Ruby, who was busy chewing on the ear of her toy bunny.
“We’re going just fine. How is Miss Ruby today?”
Nayeli tickled Ruby, delighted by her giggle. Something that settled all the worry was hearing a baby laughing.
“Nayeli!” someone called behind them.
She turned to see Kaya coming toward them. Red Hawk was flanking her, carrying their son, Josiah. He had his mother’s eyes, but his father’s smile.
“It’s so nice getting together with everyone,” Kaya said.
Red Hawk went over and talked with Takoda and Gabe.
“I completely agree. What have you heard about Grey Wolf and Aggie?” Nayeli asked, nodding her head in their direction.
“Well, Aggie’s been spending a lot of time showing the WEN women some of her baking recipes. And she does seem to talk to Grey Wolf a lot.”
Nayeli chuckled. “Well, I have it on good authority that he spends at least two dinners a week with Aggie at the ranch.”
“You don’t say,” Kaya said, not bothering to hide her smile. “Grey Wolf is starting to let go of some of the responsibility of the tribe.”
“I heard that.” Nayeli nodded. “Red Hawk seems like he’s more than capable. I know he’s enjoyed more responsibility.”
“So true. I wish he wasn’t needed by the tribe so much of the time, but I do understand.”
“Well, that’s the life of a WEN chief.” Nayeli squeezed her upper arm and smiled.
“So, how is the horse farm doing?” Kaya asked, folding her arms over her chest.
Nayeli smiled. It was something she was extremely proud of. It had taken a little bit of planning, but she and Takoda had opened a successful horse breeding ranch on the outskirts of town. It had started off slow, but picked up of late. Now their horses were sought after all over the area.
“It’s hard work, but we love it. Working side by side all day and taking care of the kids. There’s nothing quite like it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Nayeli saw Gabe excuse himself and make his way to a small stage where Grey Wolf was waiting. Broken bits of excited conversation spilled through the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen! Friends and families! Thank you all for coming,” Gabe said, sounding far more polished than he did during his campaign for sheriff. He looked every bit the small-town mayor.
“Five years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible. We wouldn’t have been here together. The distrust and resentment ran deep,” Gabe said, pausing for effect. He had become quite the public speaker.
“Those days are behind us. The people responsible for such derision have been duly punished, and we have come together stronger than ever before.”
Those gathered began clapping and talking among themselves.
“Which is why we are here today. I’m going to turn it over to the smartest man I know, Grey Wolf.”
The applause continued for a few moments before slowly dissipating.
“This day has been long coming. I used to dream of it in my youth. And though I wasn’t sure it would come to pass, I’m glad I lived long enough to see it through. This day is about celebration and unity. It is about expression and acceptance. It is about all of us coming together and continuing on the same path. To a future where we are one as a people. Where we share purpose. Pride. And elevate what we knew yesterday to what we will know tomorrow. Let this monument forever show our unity!”
The canvas dropped, exposing the monument, a beautiful carved wooden statue depicting a WEN brave and someone from town. They stood together looking into the distance. It was easy to picture them eyeing the shared future. There were flowers blooming throughout, small planters strategically placed. It was beautiful.
The applause lasted for more than a few moments, Nayeli relishing every bit of it. Looking around, she realized this moment was what her father had talked to her about while growing up. He had spoken of a time when he could see the children of the town play with those of the village.
Takoda came to her, slipping his hand into hers, with Kyari and Denatay pressing against her legs. His kiss was a welcome surprise, as was his whisper in her ear.
“Thank you for saying yes.”
They looked at each other a moment, Nayeli kissing him back. “Well, thank you for asking.”
The contentment washing through her was the most precious feeling, and she held onto it.
And as she kissed Takoda once more, she smiled, the butterflies still alive in her chest, their wings teasing her heart.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
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My dearest readers, I would love to hear your thoughts on this book and the extended epilogue. Looking forward to your comments! 💗
It was a wonderful book. I loved it. Thank you
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you loved the book. 💛 Your kind words and support truly mean the world to me. Thank you for reading!
Oh my, I loved loved loved this book. I cannot imagine living back in the time this book was written. Indians and whites being friends and neighbors. I had no hope at all this novel would turn out the way I wanted it to. I can’t wait for others to read it and write their reviews. Thank Ms. Knightly for a wonderful story. Can’t wait to read your next novel.
Thank you so much for your wonderful message! I’m thrilled you loved the story and that the ending surprised you in the best way. 💛 Knowing you’re excited to see what other readers think and that you’re looking forward to my next book, means more than you know. Thank you for your kind support!