Cheyenne took a step away. ‘‘I made that mistake once, and she won’t stop touching me since.’’
Kora slipped her hand into Win’s and tightened her grip. She wanted him to know that no matter what he had to do tonight, she would stand beside him.
‘‘Best follow Rae’s advice,’’ Win said. ‘‘If Jamie’s lying, we’ll all know soon enough.’’
Jamie frowned at Win, seemingly unhappy at even the thought that she might be lying.
‘‘Of course she’s lying-her mouth is moving, isn’t it?’’
‘‘If Rae says kiss her, you’d best follow her advice.’’ Win ordered.
Cheyenne stormed to Jamie like a man charging a grizzly bear. He grabbed her arm and pulled her roughly against him and lowered his mouth.
Win took a step to help Jamie, but Kora held him back.
Cheyenne lifted her off the ground in a hug as Jamie’s arms circled his neck.
Everyone waited… and waited… and waited.
Rae made a sound like she was bored and glanced at Kora. ‘‘I’ll help you clear the table.’’
‘‘Shouldn’t we do something?’’ Win asked.
Rae chuckled. ‘‘They’re already doing it.’’
When the dishes were clear and men had brought the table inside, Jamie and Cheyenne were still locked in each other’s arms.
‘‘Well,’’ Rae said as she circled her ragged shawl around her neck. ‘‘I guess we got our answer.’’
‘‘He’s the father,’’ Win mumbled.
Both Rae and Kora laughed.
‘‘No,’’ Rae snorted. ‘‘Jamie ain’t pregnant. She was fibbing flat out. It’s obvious. But that don’t mean she won’t be by morning.’’
The old woman climbed into the buggy. Logan had been appointed to take her home. Before he could adjust the reins, Dan walked off the porch and climbed in the back without looking at anyone.
As the buggy pulled away, Win drew Kora under his arm and kissed her hair. ‘‘I don’t understand,’’ he whispered as he moved to her cheek. ‘‘How was it so obvious that Jamie was the one lying?’’
Kora raised her lips to his. His kiss was loving and warm with promise. ‘‘Because,’’ Kora whispered against his cheek. ‘‘He was starving.’’
Win lifted her into his arms. ‘‘I’m feeling a little starved myself. Even though that was a wonderful six-month anniversary dinner.’’
‘‘Thank you,’’ she whispered as she moved her hand into his hair.
‘‘Have I told you how much I love you today?’’ Win asked as he started up the stairs.
‘‘Yes.’’ She laughed. ‘‘Twice already today.’’
‘‘I must be gettin’ old. I can’t remember and Jamie’s behavior makes no sense.’’
‘‘It seemed plain from the first that she was bluffing,’’ Kora whispered as he opened their bedroom door and carried her into the starlit room. ‘‘Besides, everyone knows I’m the one who’s pregnant.’’
Win felt the heart he’d spent most of his life swearing he didn’t have explode with joy. He’d found where he belonged. He’d found his tribe.
JODI THOMAS
