Then Rain hesitated, and a little of his exhilaration died as he drew his hand back.

  "Uh... I..." He glanced at Silver Eagle. "Is it all right, Grandfather?"

  Silver Eagle smiled tolerantly at him. "It is good that you remember to ask my consent, Rain Shadow. Go. It is something you will always remember, though you will not be able to speak of it to anyone else."

  "Thank you!" Rain turned back to Angela. "Are you going to give me wings like yours?"

  "No." Angela laughed. "Just take my hand."

  A second later she spread her wings wide and lifted from the ground.

  Both Silver Eagle and Michael heard Rain's gasp of excitement and awe, and Michael settled back onto the pew as Angela carried the little boy higher.

  "How about you, Silver Eagle?" he asked. "You want to take a flight after Rain gets back?"

  "It is for the young ones to do," Silver Eagle replied. "I have seen many things in my life—and there will be more to come before I join your world."

  Michael conjured another cigar and held it out to Silver Eagle, but the Indian shook his head.

  "Keep it for later, then," Michael said as he stuck the cigar in Silver Eagle's belt.

  The shaman nodded his thanks, then said, "I wish to speak further of Tess with you. She is my family now, too—the mother of my grandchildren. I have fasted and sought dreams, but I cannot see what will happen, and I do not want Rain Shadow and Mountain Flower to cry again. You must tell me if Tess will stay with them or if she will go back to her own time."

  "I can't do that," Michael said sadly, "because Angie and I don't know either. But Tess has made a commitment to Stone with their marriage. She doesn't want to leave now."

  Silver Eagle nodded solemnly. "It is as I feared, but my love for my grandchildren made it necessary for me to talk with you. You speak the truth as you know it. Tess has joined herself to Man Who Walks With Right today, yet I have seen many men and women part after they have sworn to always be as one. In the white culture, they call it divorce."

  "I see what you're worried about," he responded. "Tess wouldn't even have to get a divorce—all she'd have to do is go back through the time warp. But that warp will close someday, because those things shift around. That's why Angie and I weren't aware of it being there at first."

  "I do not see the purpose of these... warps," Silver Eagle said in a hesitant voice. "Why they should be."

  "That's one thing only Mr. G knows," Michael said with a shrug. "And he's the only one who knows if things will work out for Tess and Stone."

  "I would ask you to speak to me again if you learn what I need to know."

  "I'll do that," Michael promised. "If Mr. G lets us know, we'll tell you. If He says it's all right, of course."

  "Who is this Mr. G?"

  "Aw, it's my name for Him. He's like your Great Spirit."

  "He allows you to call Him this?"

  Michael shrugged. "I guess so. He's never told me I couldn't, anyway."

  Angela floated back to earth, placing a steadying hand on Rain's shoulders when he wobbled slightly. As soon as Rain got his balance, he cried, "Grandfather, it's wonderful! You go for a ride now." He ran over and tugged Silver Eagle to his feet.

  "I do not think..."

  Rain pulled him toward Angela, and Angela held out her hand, looking at Silver Eagle with a challenge on her face.

  "Go on, Grandfather," Rain said when Silver Eagle hesitated. "You can see everything from up there. Angela told me about the things Michael mentioned—the airplanes. Someday they'll carry bunches of people through the skies."

  "Rain, remember, we cannot tell others of what we have seen and heard this evening. They may call us crazy."

  "Angela and I talked about that, too, while we flew around," Rain answered. "It'll be our secret. But you need to go, so I'll have someone to talk with about it."

  "Perhaps so." The shaman took Angela's hand. "So I can speak with Rain Shadow of this."

  "Of course," Angela murmured.

  Michael and Rain watched the shaman's face as his feet left the ground. His eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open. He chanced a quick glance at his grandson, then schooled his face into Indian stoicism, though he did grab Angela's upper arm with his free hand.

  "Good morning, husband," Tess murmured, snuggling up to Stone and wrapping her arms around his waist.

  "'Morning, wife." He dropped a kiss on her head, then lifted her onto his stomach. "I think I could get used to this real fast."

  "You'd better. I think it's going to take me a little longer, though. You hog the blankets."

  "Sure," he admitted. "Then you have to cuddle up to me for warmth."

  "Oh, is that how it works?"

  "Uh-huh."

  "Pa?" a voice said outside the tepee. "You awake yet?"

  "Rain, get away from there." That was Flower's voice. "Let them sleep."

  Tess blew a curl from her face. "Duty calls."

  "Yeah, I suppose. It's funny, though. Neither one of those kids had any time to spend with me yesterday. Rain took off with Silver Eagle, and Flower was with you all day. Then they show up at the crack of dawn today."

  She looked around the tepee. "It's awfully light in here for dawn."

  Stone rolled Tess to his side and reached across her for his denims. Digging in the pocket, he pulled out a watch.

  "It's after nine o'clock! I've never slept this late in my life."

  "Oh, no!" She sat up and grabbed the doeskin dress she had carefully folded by the bedroll the night before. "We'd better get dressed. Oh, I wish I had my backpack. I don't want to wear this out there."

  "Tess, darlin'. What on earth's wrong with you?"

  "The whole camp's probably been out there watching this tepee to see when we get up!" Heat flooded her face. "They probably think... I mean... that we're..."

  "Well, we were until just before daybreak, weren't we?"

  "Darn it, Stone..."

  "Honey, how many times before today do you think people have been married in this camp? And it sure wouldn't have done my image any good in front of the other men if they'd seen you out there at daybreak."

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  He grabbed her and pulled her back down beside him. "What do you think it means?" he growled. "They'd think I didn't know how to satisfy my woman—that she'd rather be slaving over a hot cooking pot than in here making love to me."

  "I see. Well, we can't have your manhood in doubt now, can we?" She slid her body closer and ran a hand teasingly over his hips while she watched his face. "Especially since I know there's not a darned thing lacking in that department."

  "Woman, you're gonna get yourself in trouble."

  "Trouble, huh? That's a funny word for it. I always thought people were supposed to try and stay away from trouble." She ran her fingers along his waist and inched her index one between their bodies. She wiggled it slightly. "Here, Trouble. Here, boy."

  Stone groaned and flipped her onto her back, muffling her giggle with his mouth.

  Thirty-One

  Two days later, after spending one night on the trail, Tess and Stone rode into Clover Valley. The owner of the livery stable on the edge of town was drinking a cup of coffee as they rode up.

  "Hey, Chisum," he called. "You're in town early."

  "Howdy, Jake," Stone replied as he dismounted. "You got room here for these horses for a few hours? I've got a little business to take care of before we head home."

  "Sure. You want 'em fed, or just put up?"

  "Just put up," he said, remembering his financial condition. "I'll grain them when I get home." He unwrapped the lead rope tied to the mare he planned to give to Jasper from his saddle horn. "This one's just off the range and still sort of skittish. I'll put her in the corral myself."

  After Stone led the mare into the corral beside the stable, he glanced at Tess, who still sat on Sateen. The gray gelding stood patiently at the end of its rope.

  "You gonna get down?" he asked.

  "As soon as you help Lonesome down," Tess replied.

  He stomped over and reached for the dog that was lying across the front of Tess's saddle. "This darned animal's perfectly capable of walking on its own," he growled. "You spoil him, and he won't be a bit of good around the ranch."

  "He likes to ride."

  Instead of setting Lonesome on the ground, Stone held him for a moment, and the dog reached up to lick his face. He shifted him to one arm and stroked his head.

  "Let's get another rule down right now, fella," he said. "You can ride with Tess if she wants you to, but from now on you sleep at the foot of the bed. I didn't appreciate waking up this morning and finding you curled up between me and my wife."

  "Wife?" Jake said beside him. When Stone glanced at him, Jake lifted an eyebrow. "I guess congratulations are in order, huh?"

  Stone dodged another lick that Lonesome aimed at his face and set the dog down before he grasped Jake's hand. "Yep, my wife."

  "Glad to see you ain't spoilin' her like the dog," Jake said in an aside. "Most women think we gotta help them on an' off the hosses, an' we all know they got two good legs to do it themselves."

  Despite Jake's low voice, Tess caught his words. She clenched her teeth and glared down at the two men before she tossed her head and slid to the ground. Sometimes this women's lib stuff wasn't worth a darn, she realized as she dusted the legs of her jeans. Men who confused simple courtesy with their idea of a man spoiling a woman... and acting like it was just fine to spoil a dog...

  She raised her face when she heard the stable man choke and start coughing. She watched Stone pound Jake on his back until the other man hacked up a wad of tobacco from his throat and spit it on the ground.

  "Nope," Stone said as Jake stood there gaping at her. "Ain't a thing wrong with my wife's legs."

  Chuckling, Stone slipped an arm around her waist and led her away from the stable. "Keep the dog here for me, too, Jake," he called over his shoulder.

  "Look," Stone said to her in a stern voice after they were out of Jake's hearing, "I don't want you traipsing around town dressed in those tight denims. We'll stop at Sid's store first and get you another dress."

  "Stone, I can pick out my own clothes. You've got other things to do."

  "Yeah, I do, but I have to speak to Sid first."

  Stone ignored Tess's questioning look and guided her up the steps to the board walkway, then on past a small cafe and stopped at the general store. He held the door open for her and scanned the inside of the store, glad to see they were the only customers. He hated the idea of asking Sid to wait a few more days for him to pay his account in front of any of the other townspeople.

  "Go on over and look at the dresses while I talk to Sid."

  Tess nodded and walked away while he took a deep breath and headed for Sid. The storekeeper looked up at him with a wide grin on his face and shook his hand in welcome, grabbing it again a second later and pumping it harder after Stone explained that he and Tess were married.

  "Uh..." Stone began. "We've been out at the Cherokee camp and Tess didn't bring a dress with her. She needs to get one before we..."

  "'Course she does," Sid interrupted. "New bride needs a new dress. There's some in the storeroom I just got in and haven't put out yet. You go on and do whatever you need to do, Chisum, while I fetch out the dresses for your missus to look at. I know men don't like to hang around while their women try on clothes."

  "Uh... my account..."

  "Sure," Sid said with a wave of his hand as he started away from the counter. "I'll put the dress on it. See you later."

  He stared after the storekeeper, frowning. The last time he had come, he'd sensed a little reserve on Sid's part when he licked his pencil point and added up Stone's purchases. Now he shrugged and turned from the counter as Sid emerged from the storeroom with an armload of dresses. Half the town probably owed Sid money, and Sid ought to know by now that he couldn't keep a business going around here without letting people charge until they could pay.

  "Stone," Tess called before he could open the door, "where do you want me to meet you?"

  "How about over at the cafe in about half an hour? Think you'll be done by then?"

  "That'll be fine."

  He went out the door and tipped his hat as two women came toward him down the walkway.

  "Good morning, Mr. Chisum," one of the women trilled. "My husband was just over at the stable, and I hear the territory has lost another bachelor."

  "Yes, ma'am," he replied. "Word sure gets around fast."

  "Well, where is your lovely wife?" the other woman asked. "We can't wait to give her our best wishes. Perhaps the Ladies' Guild could host a small reception for you in a few days."

  "Guess you'll have to discuss that with Tess," he said. "She's in the store, picking out a dress."

  He glanced past the two women to see Rose Brown sitting on her horse in front of the hitching rail. He tipped his hat to her, but before he could call a greeting, Tillie Peterson emerged from the cafe and called to him.

  "Good morning, Stone! And Rose. How are you, Edith and Fredwina?" she continued as she sped down the walkway toward them.

  "Good morning, Tillie," Stone responded as he turned to her with an expectant grin on his face. He was well aware of what the first words out of either Edith or Fredwina's mouth would be and was eager to see Tillie's reaction.

  Edith beat Fredwina to the punch. "Oh, Tillie," she said, "have you heard? Stone and Miss Foster are married. We must plan a party for them."

  "How wonderful!" Tillie stepped up to him to plant a wet kiss on his cheek, and he smiled to himself in satisfaction. "I'm so glad my little talks with you have finally gotten through that thick skull of yours, Stone Chisum."

  His smile altered into a wry grin and he tipped back his hat on his forehead. "Well, now, Tillie, I think maybe mine and Tess's feelings for each other might've had a little something to do with it, too."

  "I should hope so." Tillie huffed. "Where is Tess? I want to hear all the details. I suppose you didn't invite us because it wasn't your funeral." Tillie giggled at the private joke between herself and Stone.

  "We got married out at the Cherokee camp," he answered. "It was a lovely ceremony."

  "And just as binding as if a minister had performed it," Tillie said, tapping him on the shoulder. "Don't you forget that."

  "I wouldn't think of it, Tillie."

  "Well, are you going to tell us where Tess is? I hope you haven't gone off and left her alone this early in your married life."

  "Tess is in the store," he repeated. "I'm sure she'll be glad to see you. If you ladies would like to come over to the cafe with Tess in a little while, I'll buy you all a cup of coffee or tea."

  "We'll do that." Tillie glanced up at Rose, who still sat on her horse. "Are you coming, Rose? We've got plans to make."

  "I don't have time right now," Rose said in a tight voice. "You can let me know what you decide later."

  "All right," Tillie agreed. She and the other two women hurried into the general store.

  Stone stepped down into the street, and Rose hurriedly dismounted.

  "Stone," she said, placing her hand on his arm. "Why did you do it?"

  "What?" he asked in a puzzled voice. "You mean, why did I marry Tess?"

  "Yes. I thought... you and I... you've always been there when I needed you."

  "Don't worry," he said, patting her hand. "I'll still help you out when you need it. That's what neighbors are for, and Tess won't mind."

  He pulled his arm free, and Rose abruptly turned her back on him, but not before he thought he caught a glimpse of tears in her eyes.

  "Rose?"

  She quickly turned back to face him, a brilliant smile on her face. "I wish you both the best. Would you mind helping me up on my horse? I just remembered I forgot to bring something with me, and now I have to ride all the way back out to the ranch to get it."

  He nodded and cupped his hands. After Rose mounted, she turned her mare and galloped out of town. He continued across the street, whistling a jaunty tune as he headed for the bank.

  "So there, Michael," Angela said. "You read Rose's thoughts, too. She's been trying to get Stone in her bed for years. She even waited for him the other morning in her nightgown when she knew he was coming to check her sick calf, and pretending to be astonished that he'd arrived so early. You saw her fake a stumble and fall against him, and she was livid when Stone only steadied her and told her to go back in the house and get dressed. Do you still think Rose might have been a good wife for Stone if Tess had decided to go back to the future?"

  "Not on your life." Michael shivered. "That woman could be dangerous. I can still hear what she's thinking while she's riding toward her ranch, and it's even worse now. Did you know her father left her when she was fifteen, then her fiancé dropped her the day before their wedding? She even blames her husband for having the gall to up and die on her, though he'd already told her that he was sick and tired of her shrewish temper and mood swings. Good grief, Angie. Now she's thinking that at least her husband had the decency to die, instead of leaving her, like he'd threatened to do. Don't you think she might be on the verge of a breakdown?"

  "If you'd taken the trouble to look into her background as I did, Michael, you'd know she's always been like that. I never have figured out why, but it seems like some people are born bad. But Rose is just smart enough to keep something of a lid on her meanness and try to manipulate people into doing what she wants without giving herself away."

  "What else did you find out about her?"

  "Well, you're right. Her father left her and you heard her thinking about that. But the reason he left was because Rose's mother was just like her. He put up with them both all those years, then just couldn't take it anymore. Rose's mother helped Rose set her cap for a rich man's son back in New Orleans, where they lived. She figured she and Rose would both have an easy life if Rose married that young man."