Chapter Sixty-Five Back at the Ranch

As the three ladies arrive back at the ranch, Scott exits the front door.  He smiles seeing the three have come home safe and sound and they seem to be a little jubilant. 

“Well, how did it go?”

Carla replies with a smirk on her face, “Everything is all worked out, even what you and Tyler will wear.”

“I suppose we don’t even have a say in that either, right.”

Joan starts laughing, “Of course you do, we just came up with suggestions.”

“Oh, for a minute there I thought this might be a project run only by ladies.”

“Let us dismount and we’ll tell you all about it.”

“Let me help you with the horses.”

“Dad, do me a favor, I have asked Little Dove to stay overnight but she wants to head back now.”

“Little Dove, if you insist on leaving now that is your choice.  However, I would like to you stay as our guest, we feel you are a member of this family, stay at least another night, then you can get a fresh start in the morning.

“I am not being a burden?”

“If you are, I’ll be glad to put you to work this afternoon.”

Little Dove busts out laughing at what, Scott, just said.  “Okay, that’s a deal.”

“Spoken just like a white woman.”  Little Dove smiles.

Chapter Sixty-Four Wedding Plans

As the three ladies head into Silver Lake, apprehension starts to creep into Little Dove’s mind.  She has never done anything like this before; besides she is the only Indian amongst these other ladies.

Joan senses Little Dove’s mood because she is very quiet as they ride.  “Are you worried about being here with us?”

Little Dove looks surprised that Joan has picked up on her mood.  “Yes,” she says.  “I don’t feel like I fit in.”

“I guess it would be hard for me to sit with your maidens if you asked me to.  I would be glad to do it but I think I would be feeling just like you do now.”

Little Dove looks at her and smiles.  “I guess you’re right about that.  I didn’t think of it that way.”

“When we experience something new we tend not to look at the whole picture.  When we meet I want you to sit alongside of me.  Maybe that will make you feel a little better.”

“I’d like that, thank you.”