ISBN 978-1-954345-17-1 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-954345-18-8 (digital)

Copyright © 2020 by Mary Robertson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Rushmore Press LLC

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www.rushmorepress.com

Printed in the United States of America

Prologue

Evelyn had just found out not too long ago that there was much more to her than she realized. Her life had been turned upside down when she found out that she belonged to a long-forgotten Indian tribe as their long-awaited Pale Granddaughter. She was about to graduate and be reunited with the soon-to-be chief, Anthony. The wait from December was so hard, but now, time was closing in on their reunion.

Chapter 1

Evelyn looked into the mirror and smiled. Grandma helped her fix her hair. It was braided back on one side, and she carefully put her owl feather at the bottom.

Thank you, Grandma, Evey said, turning to hug the short, round woman with a grey bun fixed atop her head.

Sometimes Every thought it strange that just six short months ago, she had no clue she had an entire family outside her grandma, grandpa, and herself. As she looked in the mirror, she could see the best of both worlds—pale face and Indian. She smiled as she touched the feather tied in at the bottom of her braid. It was a gift from the owls on one of the last nights she spent with Anthony.

Oh, Anthony, she thought as a smile came to her lips, thinking about her muscular tall, tan Indian who could go from a man with the most heartwarming smile to a warrior by her side in an instant.

She missed him terribly. They had only been intimate the one time, and she longed for his touch.

Grandma studied her granddaughter.

I can tell you’re thinking of Anthony. Your whole face smiles when you do, she said, patting Evey’s hand.

Evelyn smiled at her and said, I am. I can’t wait to see him next week.

Grandma returned the smile and said, That’s great and all, but now we have to get you to the school so you can graduate. We are so proud of you, honey.

That we are, sister! You make us all look smart, her blue-eyed, handsome short Grandpa spoke from her doorway. You look real pretty.

Grandma nodded in agreement and said, It’s time for us to go.

Evelyn rode in between her grandparents as usual in the old, light blue single-cab Chevy truck. There was always so much security sitting in the middle of them. She loved them so much. She was nervous about leaving next week and being away from them.

Evey was going to go back to New Mexico to reunite with Anthony and her people. She never really had spent much time away from them since her parents died, but they assured her they would be fine and so would she. It was important for her to find her own life and be with the one who sets her soul on fire, and there was no doubt that was Anthony. From the first moment she saw him, they were connected. There was no real explanation, but they were destined for one another.

They pulled into the driveway at the small town school. Evey cringed when she saw her ex, Danny, pull in at the same time.

You okay, sister? Do you want me to walk you in? her grandpa asked, staring dubiously at the newer Chevy truck that had just pulled in.

She hadn’t spoken to Danny since finding out he had been trying to marry her to get a hold of her family land. He swore that he had real feelings for her and even went as far as asking her to marry him at the Indian reservation. She had turned him down when she had held the Bailey ring in her palm and seen what he and his awful mother had been planning. Unfortunately with her visions, she could produce no actual proof of the terrible things they did. It was just her word. The fact was, however, that her feelings for him had been real and he had hurt her more badly than she thought possible. But she dodged a bullet and was glad because the door that had been shut opened a much happier one.

I’ll be okay, Grandpa. Thank you, she said, and he nodded.

Grandma opened the door and stepped off the truck to let Evey out.

Evelyn started walking toward the football field. They hosted graduation out here because nowhere else in their tiny school could hold enough people. She locked eyes with Danny and stood up taller. She would not show weakness around him. She clutched at her necklaces around her neck—one was Sarah’s, a leather necklace with an old stone in the middle that had belonged to the first chief of their tribe and the other was also a handmade leather necklace, made by Anthony, with the snake rattler her grandpa had given her. The rattler was supposed to be good luck, and she sure hoped so. She would have to see some people she really didn’t want to after learning so much about them, Danny being one and his mother being the other.

Danny was waiting for her to approach, but Evey had every intention of just walking past him.

When he reached his hand out delicately and just said, Evey, it was almost too quiet to hear.

She looked up to meet his eyes. His sad blue eyes, she noticed. She didn’t say anything and just looked at him.

He went on barely louder than a whisper, as if it hurt him to talk, Evey, I’m so sorry. I truly am. I hope you believe me. It really was all my mother’s plan, but I was young and didn’t know any better and went along with it, and I was wrong. Please believe me. I do love you, and I always will. I understand your need to hate me, and I don’t blame you, but please don’t think you meant nothing to me. You mean everything to me, and I didn’t know how to do the right thing, and I’m sorry.

Danny searched her face for her emotions, but she stood blank for a moment and then took a breath.

I don’t hate you, Danny. I choose not to hate anyone who would only hurt me more, Evey said. I’m sorry for what happened between us too. I should have been smart enough to see through it all, and I wasn’t. I will forgive you in time because doing so will set me free too. But I’m not ready yet. We need to go and get in our places.

She took his hand off her arm and then walked past him to find her seat.

Danny stood a little while longer looking at the ground, and Evey could have sworn he was fighting back tears.

Chapter 2

The graduation started. They started with a prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem, the salutatorian speech, and then they announced the valedictorian.

Now for the valedictorian of this senior class, Evelyn Ermis.

The crowd applauded, and Evey took a deep breath and stood up to make her way to the podium. She got up there and smiled. She had learned from one of her teachers that smiling while speaking helped.

First, I would like to thank everyone here in attendance for coming to see us take the next step in our lives, Evey started her speech. "Crossing this stage is the closing of one chapter and the start of another. Sitting among us may be doctors, lawyers, teachers, American heroes, but today we are just us. Tomorrow we will start the journey of adult life and seeking to find what our passions truly are. Some of us may have that figured out, but I think what sets one apart is being able to recognize that life is messy, and sometimes you have to just go with it and put the pieces together as you go.

"It’s okay to not have everything figured out and to learn from our past and present. For me, having the love and support of my family has given me a strength that I didn’t know was in me, and I’ll forever be grateful for the unconditional love and advice. As valedictorian, I know how to work hard, study, write papers, and ace exams, and I’m supposed to depart my class with some sort of advice. The truth is, I don’t really have any. I’m in the same boat as all of you.

A smart woman told me to find what sets my soul on fire, whether that be a person or a job. May we all be blessed enough to find both. Let’s go out and make something great out of this place. Seniors rule!

The class erupted into whoops and yelps of joy. She looked over to see the happy faces and jubilation, and she smiled in return. She had been in school with most of the forty-three students since kindergarten. She met Danny’s eyes on accident, and he just nodded at her. She smiled.

She went back to her seat, and the graduation commenced. All forty-three students had their names read, along with their list of achievements. Then it was time to play their class song in the middle of the field, and they all huddled together in a small circle. Their class song was Free Bird. It wasn’t Evey’s number one choice, but it was a democracy and the girls got outvoted. She smiled, looking at the faces around her.

When the song ended, they all hooped and hollered and threw a huge beach ball around and, finally, threw their caps in the air. It was finished. She was done and had done well.

Everyone’s friends and family made their way onto the field to find their graduate to give them cards and take pictures. Evelyn’s blood ran cold when she saw Danny’s mom, Mrs. Bailey.

Mrs. Bailey knew everything. She knew her ancestor had murdered her family, and she had put a plan in motion to try to get Evey to marry her son so they could acquire Evey’s family land. She disliked this woman so much. She was arrogant and treated everyone like they were beneath her. Evey got to experience that firsthand at one of her dinner parties.

Evey stiffened and stood taller. She looked Mrs. Bailey in her cold gray eyes. Mrs. Bailey just smiled at her. Evey felt sick. Mrs. Bailey was walking toward her, and luckily, her grandparents made it to her side in time.

Evey we are so proud of you! Your speech was short, sweet, and on point. We love you, Grandma said as she and Grandpa both swooped in to hug Evey.

Grandma eyed Mrs. Bailey dispassionately.

Well, hi there, Mrs. Bailey. Our Evey was just great, wasn’t she? Our smart girl, Grandma said with extra sugar on top.

Yes. Very smart, Mrs. Bailey said, nodded, and kept walking.

Danny was walking toward his mother and Evey when he all the sudden stood stark still.

Chapter 3

I am proud to be in this moment with you, said a boy in an Indian language that only few knew.

Evey whirled around shocked to see Anthony. She jumped into his arms, and he grabbed her tight and spun her around. She hadn’t even seen him sneak up behind her with all the excitement. He kissed her.

How did you . . . when did you . . . Evey trailed off, seeing the other two women with him.

Belle, Analac! she screamed as Anthony set her down, lunging at the women to hug their necks as tight as she could.

Evey had felt like a piece of her was missing since leaving the reservation, and now the pieces were back with her. They were all smiling so big that their cheeks hurt.

Anthony was behind Evey with his arms around her, laughing with everyone, as they told her they decided they would surprise her on her graduation. Her grandparents were in on it too.

I can’t believe you all did this for me! This is the best graduation gift ever. I’ve missed you all so much, and to have you here, my family . . . Evey trailed off, moisture filling her eyes.

No, we aren’t going to cry. We are proud that our Pale Granddaughter kicked butt, Analac said with her big toothless smile.

Danny felt sick. He was going to go congratulate Evey when he saw the big Indian quietly come up behind her. Anthony had locked eyes with Danny and gave him a stare that would keep anyone at bay. She was so happy to see him. Any fool could see that. Mrs. Bailey followed her son’s gaze to see what or who he was looking at.

She scoffed and said, Well, look at that. Looks like we are being invaded. People should just stick with their own.

Mom, she thinks they are her people. She even speaks their language, and they didn’t try to trick her, Danny said, feeling a tinge of anger toward his mother.

Well, I guess I should go tell them hi, Mrs. Bailey said, smirking.

Mother, no, was all Danny managed before she was making her way through the crowd to Evey’s happy reunion.

Evelyn, darling, I wanted to come tell you congratulations. I know you’ve worked hard to get to this point. Oh my, and who are your lovely friends? Mrs. Bailey asked with such a fake smile that Evey wanted to slap it off her face.

Evey tightened in Anthony’s arms, and he squeezed her in reassurance.

Thank you, Mrs. Bailey. It really wasn’t necessary for you to walk all the way over to tell me, Evey said.

Oh, but it was, and who are these people? she asked, waving her hand toward Belle and Analac.

These wonderful ladies are my family, and this is Anthony, she said, patting his hand. The beat of my heart.

Mrs. Bailey looked taken aback.

Oh well, yes. Nice to meet you all. I’m Danny’s mother, and we own all the property along the county line, she said.

Oh, indeed, Belle added, smiling. We know who you are, Mrs. Bailey, and we take care of our own too. Just like you.

Mrs. Bailey’s eyes went wide at that proclamation.

Evey smiled, and Grandma and Grandpa were thoroughly pleased with Belle’s reaction. They were trying not to laugh.

Mrs. Bailey nodded at that and turned on her heel and walked back to Danny. Danny gave the group a look that seemed like he was sorry.

It seems like Danny feels bad, Grandma said, looking at the boy.

He does. He told me as much earlier. Mrs. Bailey is just such a nasty woman. I almost feel sorry for him, Evey said, and Anthony held her tighter.

Anthony didn’t even like her mentioning Danny, much less know that she talked to him. All the ladies sighed and nodded, but Grandpa and Anthony had different opinions on Danny.

I have the right mind to beat him in front of his mother now that I know his cousin wouldn’t be there to jump on my back, Anthony said, giving his best warrior stare in that direction.

Grandpa nodded in agreement. That boy could use a good whooping.

Grandpa, Anthony! Seriously, we’ve won. That would do us no good at this point, Evey said.

I seem to remember you having swollen knuckles after beating his face in pretty well, Evey, said Anthony, looking at her with a crooked grin.

Well then, that’s enough, isn’t it? she asked, smiling.

If you say so, he said.

Oh what I would have given to see you pounding on him, Grandpa laughed.

I think it’s time we head home, Grandma broke in. I have a dinner to cook.

Everyone was happy at that announcement, and the two older Indian ladies were excited to go back to the farm and help.

Chapter 4

They made it back to the farmhouse, and everyone was getting out when Analac exclaimed, Pale Granddaughter, I hear your tree.

You hear my tree, Analac? Evey asked.

Yes, Daughter. My gift, she smiled at Evey and was making her way toward the tree that Evey had used as her special place all her life and where they had found some of the missing pieces of a long-lost couple.

Evey looked at Anthony. She hoped the tree wouldn’t tell her everything. Anthony must have realized what Evey was thinking because a huge smile broke out on his handsome face. It didn’t seem to bother him. She grabbed his hand, and they followed Analac. Analac made it through the gate and walked over to the tree humming. Anthony and Evey were behind and made sure to close the gate.

Oh yes, said Analac as she moved to the tree and rested her hands on it.

She smiled, cried, and then smiled again. She looked up at Anthony and Evelyn.

This tree has seen and been through a lot. Her eyes seemed to say they knew more than her lips were saying.

Anthony cleared his throat.

Yes, it has seen a lot. We told you about Apovini and Pale Daughter burying their special possessions here.

Oh yes, you told me, but the tree has seen more than that. It has been a friend to many ladies in Pale Daughter’s family. It holds your secrets, dreams, and fears. And it holds love, Analac said, smiling at them.

She walked away from the tree humming and came to the young couple and put a hand on each of their faces and smiled.

Your souls are on fire. Take care of each other. You will be like this tree and weather many storms together but be made strong.

Evey let go of Anthony’s hand and hugged Analac tight enough to send the air from her lungs.

Ooof! Daughter, I love you like you’re my own, Analac said, squeezing Evey back just as tight.

I am your own, Evey said.

Anthony was smiling at such a warm exchange and had to hold a laugh in when Analac looked up at him and nodded back at the tree and wiggled her eyebrows. Oh yes, she knew.

Tudley came bounding in from the field.

And who is this? Analac laughed as the pet coyote, whom Evey had raised, licked her leg.

This is Tudley, my baby, said Evey.

And here I thought your baby was Anthony, Analac chuckled as she bent down to scratch the furry fellow between the ears.

Anthony made a face