White Flame (27 page)

Emma pushed out of her father’s arms. “Renny, don’t—”

Grady turned to face his younger daughter, whom he hadn’t seen since the day he’d named her. “No. Let her have her say. She has every right—” His words died in his throat “My God. You are the spitting image of your mother.”

Renny stood in front of Emma. Her lower lip trembled. “That’s why you hate me. I killed her.”

Startled, Grady shook his head. “What nonsense is this?” His daughter’s anger and pain drove the knife of guilt deep into his heart.

“It’s not nonsense. That’s why you didn’t come back. You blamed me.”

Shocked by Renny’s pronouncement, Grady went to her on bended knee. “That’s not true. That’s not true,” he whispered.

He searched her face, then lifted his gaze to Emma’s. Tears fell from her eyes but she remained silent. Behind her, Striking Thunder massaged her shoulders. The realization that the three of them were united, a family without him, tore his soul in two. “Your mother died of the fever. It just happened. It was no one’s fault. And I don’t hate you. I’ve never hated you.” He reached out and fingered her hair.

“So beautiful. The same shade as Margaret Mary’s was.” He smiled into her eyes—reflections of his own. The expression there reminded him of both Emma and her mother.

Renny stuck out her lower lip. “You didn’t come back. Not never.”

Drawing a deep breath, Grady nodded. “I was wrong to stay away. I failed you and your sister. But I promise never to leave you again. I love you and your sister very much, even if I haven’t been around to show it.”

Renny’s eyes grew suspiciously bright. “I don’t want your love and I’m not going anywhere with you. I’m staying here. I’m not going back to that boring old house. I have horses here.”

Grady’s heart broke in the face of her resentment, but he accepted that he’d have to earn her trust and love. And he wasn’t above a bit of bribery to do it. He couldn’t lose her. Not now. Not ever again. “I’ll buy you a whole stableful of horses if that is what you want, sweetheart.”

Still looking uncertain, Renny shook her head then turned and ran to Morning Moon, who sat with her.

Emma placed her hand on his shoulder. “It will take her a while. She can be stubborn.”

Grady stood and blinked back his tears. “Stubbornness is an O’Brien trait. I’ve got time.” He took in the way Emma and Striking Thunder stood close to each other. He didn’t want to think of what that meant for his elder. “I’m going to resign, immediately. We’ll go home and maybe we’ll move. I’ve always dreamed of buying land and settling down. Horses, cattle, it doesn’t matter.

“What about you, Emma? Can you forgive me?”

Staring up at Striking Thunder, Emma smiled. “Yes. I can forgive you.”

Grady frowned. The love was unmistakable. “You love him?”

Without hesitation, Emma nodded. “With all my heart.”

“And he loves you. That much is obvious.” Sighing, Grady put his hands on her shoulders, drew her to him for a long hug, then gave her hand to Striking Thunder. “True love, once found, should be treasured above all else.”

“Thank you, Papa.”

Grady left Emma and Striking Thunder. After only a moment’s restraint, they reached for each other and held on as if afraid to let go. She drew back and searched his eyes. “You didn’t kill him.”

Striking Thunder slid his hands up the sides of her neck. “I couldn’t—even before I knew that he was innocent, that it had been Sanders who paid Yellow Dog.”

“But your duty—”

“Is to you, now. You and any children we have. You are my heart, my soul. You are my white woman. My white flame. Will you stay with this foolish warrior? Be my soul mate. Love me forever.”

“Yes. Yes. Yes,” Emma cried, throwing herself into his arms.

Striking Thunder picked her up, uncaring of who saw. “We shall marry as soon as we get back.” His voice turned stern. “And you must never run off again.”

An impish grin curled Emma’s lips. “Are you telling or asking?”

Striking Thunder smiled down at her. “I’m begging.”

“Then I promise never to leave you again. But there is something you must promise in return.”

“Anything.”

“I will wish to travel to see my father wherever he settles with Renny. He deserves a chance to get to know his grandchild—and Renny will make a wonderful aunt, don’t you think?”

It took a moment for the words to sink in. “A baby. We are going to have a baby.” He turned to the others and shouted, “I will be a father soon!” He spun her around in his arms.

Laughing, Emma made him put her down when the others crowded close. Golden Eagle hugged her then turned to Star. “What is it to be?”

Emma noted that the strain of the vicious visions had left Star. Her eyes clouded over but her features remained serene. Then she smiled. “The child will be strong and healthy.” She turned and walked away, her father following, trying to find out if he had another grandson or granddaughter on the way.

Striking Thunder and Emma both chuckled. Alone again, Striking Thunder kissed her, long, slow and thoroughly until the flutter of wings and the appearance of Black Cloud settling on Emma’s shoulder disrupted him. The bird plucked at her braid.

Striking Thunder shooed the bird away then picked up Emma and carried her to his horse.

Realizing his intent, Emma waved to the group of warriors, soldiers and treasured family members. Off to one side, several soldiers were digging two graves.

Striking Thunder mounted and pulled her up in front of him. His warmth and scent surrounded her. She leaned her head into the cradle of his shoulder and when he wrapped one arm securely around her waist, she held him to her. Neither spoke as they rode away.

Hours later, as the sun began its descent, Emma sighed and nuzzled her cheek against his chest. “It’s over.”

Striking Thunder stopped and tipped her chin. “No, it’s just beginning. I love you, White
Flame.”

Emma wrapped her arms around his neck. “As I love you, warrior of my heart.” Reaching up, Emma drew his mouth to hers and kissed him, long and thoroughly, showing him exactly what she wanted. He lifted his head, his eyes heated with the spark of passion she’d ignited. She trailed her fingers down his jaw and slid them around his neck. “I want you, Striking Thunder.”

He stared at her mouth. “We will go away, far away, where it will only be the two of us and this warrior will show you what’s in his heart.”

Emma glanced around. They were alone in the middle of nowhere. Not another soul in sight and no black raven circling her head. She smiled, finding new appreciation for the wide-open plains that had once frightened her. With carefree abandon, she slid off the horse and twirled in a slow circle with her arms outstretched. Striking Thunder dismounted and with a laugh of pure joy, joined her, giving chase.

As one, they fell onto the carpet of spring grass. Emma reached between them and unknotted the thong around his waist, remembering a moonlit night when he’d taken her out into the prairie. “Here will do,” she whispered, wickedly, “here will do just fine.”

Love being held hostage by a great read? Check out these additional titles from Susan Edwards’ bestselling White Series, available now. Books 9 to 12 coming soon!

White Wolf
(Book 5 of 12)

White Nights
(Book 6 of 12)

White Dreams
(Book 8 of 12)

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The U.S. Army purchased Fort Pierre in 1855 and kept it only a year. For the purpose of this story, I left a small contingent of soldiers at the fort through the spring of 1857.

I hope you enjoyed Striking Thunder and Emma’s story.

For updated information, check out my website at www.susanedwards.com.

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