Savage Spring Read Free Page B

knew if it were not for her, Tag would return to reclaim what belonged to him. She also knew Tag would never be completely happy until this thing with his uncle was settled, and it saddened her greatly.
    “I know that you and Joanna were traveling on a wagon train when my brother, Windhawk, first saw you,” she said, trying to distract Tag’s troubled thoughts. “My brother told me he loved Joanna from that first day.”
    “Yes, your brother and my sister have the perfect marriage. Each loves the other above all else. It warms my heart just to be near them. My sister has been able to put the past behind her, while I have not.”
    Tears gathered in Morning Song’s doelike eyes. “If only I had the power in me, I would erase all your unhappiness, my husband. If I thought it would make you happy, I would release you from our marriage so you would be free to return to the white world.”
    Tag drew in a shuddering breath and held her close to him. “You are my happiness, Morning Song. Never say this to me again,” he said, lapsing back into the Blackfoot language.
    Morning Song’s tears were wet against Tag’s face, and he knew that he couldn’t be happy without her. He had never known anyone with her goodness. She was the only totally unselfish person he had ever known. Her kindness to others was well known throughout the Blackfoot tribe.
    “Do not let what I told you make you sad, Morning Song. Life is not always fair, but one can always have a certain amount of control over his destiny. My destiny is here with you and our unborn child. Never doubt that I love you, and that this is where I want to be.”
    His lips covered hers, and Morning Song put all the love she felt for him into her kiss. This was a man like no other. He was so well respected in the Blood Blackfoot tribe that it was rumored he would one day be war chief—a title that went to only the strongest and bravest warriors…never before had it gone to a white man. But Tag had proven himself to be worthy of the Blackfoot, and if he had an enemy among the fierce warriors, Morning Song was unaware of it.
    Morning Song could not help but wish that Tag would find the same happiness and serenity that his sister, Joanna, had. Joanna never seemed to think about the past. She was happy and contented as Windhawk’s wife. The love that she and Windhawk shared was so beautiful that it seemed to reach out to those around them, drawing them into its circle.
    Closing her eyes, she wished with all her heart that the child she was carrying would bring Tag the peace he sought. She was wise beyond her young years, and she realized that she could only occupy a part of Tag’s heart.
    Morning Song knew deep in her heart that one day Tag would have to return to the white world to find peace within himself. Perhaps when he left she would lose him, and he would never want to return. But until that time, she wouldlove him and take what love he gave to her. She knew that she loved Tag more than he loved her, although she doubted that Tag was aware of that fact.
    Tag smiled down at her, and she felt her heart melt. Oh, yes, she could hold him for now…but not forever.

Chapter Two
    Joanna smiled to herself when her son, Little Hawk, came rushing into the lodge with his dark eyes shining brightly. He was a small replica of his father and such a joy to her. Little hawk grabbed her about the waist and giggled up into her face. “I love you, Mother,” he said, as his eyes danced with mischief.
    “I love you, too, but I would love you even more if your face were clean. What have you been doing to get so muddy?” she wanted to know. Joanna pushed a dark strand of hair out of his face, and finding a clean spot on his cheek, kissed him soundly.
    Little Hawk laughed and darted out of the lodge, returning to whatever children’s game he had been playing.
    Joanna pushed her red-gold hair back from her face and smiled at Windhawk’s mother, Sun Woman. “That grandson of yours always