Five years later

Káanis had certainly imagined herself as a mother one day. But it had all been just a passing thought here and there while growing up. She wasn’t like those of her friends who constantly imagined the day when they would get married and start their own families. But the thoughts she did have never allowed her to understand the pure joy of holding her own child in her arms. The connectedness. The sense of contentment that came every time she cradled her child or watched Warren holding her. 

It was like nothing she had ever known.

Their daughter was three, named Angela after Warren’s grandmother. Her tribal name was Hawk Rose, a fitting name for their daughter if there ever was one. 

She was the spitting image of Káanis; long dark hair and beautiful eyes. Angela had the boundless energy of Káanis’s youth and the mischief and adventure of Warren’s. Her spirit held the promise of her heritage and ancestors. 

They were teaching her to speak both English and the traditional Nez Perce language. It was important for her to know everything about her family history and its heritage.

Sitting on the porch, Lauiluit sitting beside her, they watched as John and Warren played with the children. Kyrant, Lauiluit and John’s oldest child was almost four. He was a great big brother to his newborn baby brother, Chinóta, sleeping in Káanis’s arms. 

“Who would’ve thought that the chief’s daughters would be the ones to help bring two races together that had seemed so at odds with each other years ago?” Lauiluit asked.

“I certainly had no idea it would happen, did you?” Káanis asked, kissing the top of Chinóta’s head. 

“No, not at all. John caught me by surprise, but I’m so happy.”

“I am too,” Káanis said. “I’d say Warren is too.”

“Oh, I’ve never seen him happier. I’m so glad he was able to patch things up with his sister, so they see each other and talk more often. I think bringing Jessie and seeing the impact caring for Riley has had on her brother really opened Eva’s eyes.”

Káanis hadn’t thought of it in that way, but Lauiluit was right. “I think you’re absolutely right. Riley has been so important to Warren, I didn’t think of it in terms of anything other than him looking out for the boy. But what he did was truly special. He united Riley with the only sense of family he’d ever had before Warren.”

“I never imagined our lives this way, did you?” Lauiluit asked.

“Not exactly like this, no, but I did see us as being close for our entire lives. Our families growing together, our children growing up together.”

“Me too,” Lauiluit said, leaning over to take Chinóta. 

The wagon rolling up the drive brought their attention back to the front yard.

“Looks like David and Jane.”

“It is,” Káanis confirmed. “I wonder when they’ll be welcoming a little one to the world?”

“Don’t pressure them, Káanis,” Lauiluit said, chuckling.

“Oh, I won’t, but you can tell when they’re interacting with Riley and Jessie that they love and want children of their own,” Káanis said.

Lauiluit walked down the steps as Warren took the seat beside Káanis. He kissed her gently on her cheek before sitting down.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m doing okay,” Káanis said.

“There is a bit of flu going around this time of year. We don’t want you getting sick. Remember we have all those patients to take care of,” Warren reminded her.

“You’re right about the flu going around, but it is what it is,” Káanis said, patting his hand.

When he interlaced his fingers between hers, she brought it to her belly and held it there, until he looked at her. 

He offered her a delighted smile, slowly nodding. No wondering you’re feeling a little run down.”

“Explains it doesn’t it?” Káanis asked.

“Yes, it does.” He stood up and kissed her on the lips before planting a kiss on the back of her hand.

“There’s no one I’d rather be sharing this with than you,” Káanis said.

“Well, that’s a good thing, because no one else would even give you the time of day,” Warren said, dodging her playful swipe with her hand.

“You better watch it, Warren.”

“Okay, okay,” he said, putting his hands up in surrender.

She’d meant what she’d said. There was no one else she would want to be on this adventure with. Working side by side, helping patients during the day and spending the evenings together at home. The trust and love between them palpable.

It was perfect.

And it was hers.

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