"Have I convinced you to return with me to the homestead? We need each other, Storm."

"Will Laughing Brook accompany us back to Oklahoma?"

"I've given my word. I will personally return her to the reservation. I thought we'd take Laughing Brook to the reservation first before returning home. I wouldn't feel right sending her alone."

"Can't one of your father's men take her home? Or Soars-Like-An-Eagle?"

"Laughing Brook is my problem, not my father's. She'll go with us."

"Then I'm not going with you," Storm said.

Grady took one look at her stubborn, jutting chin and sighed in exasperation. Though he was weary of Laughing Brook's constant attempts at seduction, he was determined to resist Storm's unreasonable jealousy and demands. He felt strongly that Storm should be the one to make amends, for she was the one who had left him, not the other way around.

"When Tim and I leave Peaceful Valley both you and Laughing Brook will accompany us. We'll travel by wagon this time. The trails are safe enough for overland travel and the weather at this time of the year is good."

Storm deliberately turned her back on Grady, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing how hurt she was by his stubborn refusal to bow to her wishes.

"How do I know you won't meet someone along the way who's out to prove he's a better gunman than the infamous Renegade? What a.s.surance do I have that a gunman isn't waiting for you in Guthrie, itching to prove he's a faster draw than you are?"

"You have no a.s.surance," Grady said quietly. "Neither do I. You'll just have to accept my word that I will only draw to defend myself. Look at me, Storm." He turned her around to face him. "A man who refuses to defend himself winds up dead. What am I supposed to do when a man challenges me?"

Storm stared at him for the s.p.a.ce of a heartbeat, her eyes as bleak as her heart. "I don't want to go through life wondering when someone from your past will show up and disrupt our lives. I deserve better. Your son deserves better."

"Sooner or later someone faster on the draw than I will emerge to take my place and I'll be forgotten. Meanwhile, we go on as before, living our lives on our homestead with our children. You do want children, don't you?"

Storm hesitated, trying to decide whether she should tell Grady about the baby. She was silent so long, Grady thought she couldn't bear the thought of having his child. Anger overrode his better judgment as he flung himself from the bed.

"Perhaps Laughing Brook would like to have my child," he flung out carelessly. "Most wives are overjoyed to bear their husband's children."

Storm sucked in a scalding breath. "I'm not a brood mare. And furthermore, I'm not like other women."

"d.a.m.n you, Storm! d.a.m.n you to h.e.l.l! Wouldn't it be ironic if I just planted a baby in you? You'd have little to say in the matter if a baby was growing in you right now." Suddenly a devious smile curved his lips and Storm shuddered at the coldness of the gesture. "If you are carrying my child, you'll have to return with me to Oklahoma."

By the time Storm found her voice Grady had flung on his clothes and stormed from the room. She lay there in silence, mulling over his words and what they implied. Since they had never talked about children, she had no idea how strongly he felt on the matter. Obviously he didn't want Tim to be an only child. She knew Summer Sky had been pregnant with their second child when she was killed, but she certainly didn't intend to breed year after year until she was a worn-out sh.e.l.l of a woman. Grady's mother obviously hadn't been overburdened with children, and Blade didn't seem to mind.

Grady went in search of his father immediately after he left Storm. When he had arrived earlier Blade had been out on the range. He found Blade in his study, waiting for him. When he entered the small room that smelled of leather and tobacco, poignant childhood memories came rushing back to him. He had spent many a happy hour with his father in this room, learning how to balance the ledgers and run the ranch. Blade stood up the moment Grady entered.

Father and son started at one another, neither moving, each aware of the differences that separated them. Both men were tall, both thickly muscled and broad shouldered. Grady was as darkly handsome as Blade, possessing the same bronze skin, midnight black hair, and proud bearing. Of the two, Grady more closely resembled their Indian forebears, with his fierce expression and stark features. Blade was the first to speak.

"Welcome home, son. I've waited a long time for this day." He held out his arms in open welcome.

Grady hesitated a moment, then rushed forward, returning his father's bear hug and pounding him on the back. He was so choked with emotion all he could say was, "I'm sorry."

"We've missed you."

Grady held Blade at arm's length, staring into his eyes. "I had to leave, Dad. I was bitter, disillusioned, and too immature to accept the terrible blow fate had dealt me."

"You were a youth when you left, Grady, and now you're a man. The years may not have been kind to you, but you've learned lessons I couldn't have taught you had you remained at Peaceful Valley."

"Can you and Mother forgive me for my neglect? And-I've done things you might not want to forgive me for. The kind of life I've led since leaving the ranch would shame you and Mother."

"I know everything-or nearly everything," Blade said quietly. "We're not so isolated out here that we didn't hear about the renegade Indian who fought against oppression on the western plains."

"The People call me Thunder."

"Jumping Buffalo has already told me. Returning to the People and learning their ways was a bold and brave thing to do. It made a man of you. We won't speak of the other because I hope you've given up that kind of life now that you have a wife and home of your own."

"I suspected you've kept in touch with Jumping Buffalo. I shouldn't have hurt you and Mother by taking Tim away."

"He's back now," Blade said simply. "I'm proud of you for the way you've taken hold of your life once again. Storm has told me so much about your homestead. It pleases me, though it would please me more if you came back to the ranch and took your rightful place here at my side. This will all be yours one day, you know. Dawn's husband has no desire to live away from San Francisco, and Spring writes that her future husband has a thriving law practice in Boise. What will happen to Peaceful Valley if you return to Oklahoma?"

"You'll be here many years yet, Dad, keeping tight rein on the ranch. Though I love the place, it isn't mine as the Oklahoma homestead is mine. I won that piece of land in a grueling race and earned the right to settle there. It's all mine, just like this ranch is yours and Mother's. If you must leave it to someone, leave it to Tim. He'll appreciate it when he's older. The homestead will be my legacy to any children Storm and I have together. If there are children," he added darkly.

Blade searched Grady's face, suddenly aware that Storm hadn't told Grady that she was carrying his child. He knew there had been ample time for Storm to tell him while they were alone upstairs, for Shannon had told him Grady had gone to Storm's room immediately. He speculated a moment on Storm's reluctance to reveal her pregnancy to Grady, but shrugged off his inclination to tell Grady himself. It was best, he decided, to let them work out their problems in their own way.

"I'm sure there will be children," Blade offered. "Your mother mentioned that Laughing Brook destroyed the note that Storm wrote to you before she left. Has that all been settled between you?"

"Storm is too stubborn to listen to reason." Grady's voice was harsh with exasperation.

"Your mother and I have become very fond of Storm. She has a deathly fear of violence, and with good reason."

"What has Storm told you about her first husband?" Grady asked curiously.

"Only that he was killed accidentally. You and Storm have a lot in common."

Grady made a harsh sound deep in his throat. "I don't think Storm will ever forgive me for the death of her husband. You see, I was involved in a gunfight and a stray bullet hit him. Buddy was the great love of her life. She married me because she needed a home, and I needed a home for Tim."

Blade knew differently, but wisely kept his counsel. "What about Laughing Brook? Why is she still with you?"

"She was ready to return to the reservation when I was wounded. When Storm left so abruptly Laughing Brook stayed to care for Tim."

"You didn't ask Storm to leave?" Blade asked sharply.

Grady looked disgruntled. "Is that what she told you? I certainly would recall if I asked her to leave. No, Dad, just the opposite is true. I begged her to stay."

"Perhaps neither of you recall what was said," Blade suggested. "It was a very trying time. If I were you, I'd concentrate on finding a way to make your marriage work. A good start would be sending Laughing Brook back to the reservation."

"Laughing Brook is my responsibility." The tautening of his jaw gave Blade an indication of Grady's stubbornness on the subject of Laughing Brook. "I'll do as I see fit. Storm left me; she is in no position to make demands."

Blade wanted to shake his stubborn son until his teeth rattled. Grady reminded him of himself when he was that age. But thank G.o.d he had more good sense than his hotheaded son displayed. "Don't be too hard on Storm, Grady. Do you love her?"

"I-love is a strong emotion. After losing Summer Sky I didn't think I was capable of loving again. Storm is Summer Sky's complete opposite.

"Either you love Storm or you don't. If you don't, then I see little hope for your marriage."

Grady decided to occupy another room that night-and the night after that. He knew Storm was still angry, her feelings confused where he was concerned. He also knew that if he slept in the same bed with her nothing could keep him from making love to her. Blade's words had been prophetic. Without love on both sides there was little hope for their marriage. Did Storm love him as much as he loved her or did Buddy's ghost intrude upon their happiness? Did Storm love him enough to have his children?

Grady knew that Laughing Brook had deliberately hidden Storm's letter. Had she done other things to cause trouble? Why was he being so d.a.m.n unreasonable about Laughing Brook? he wondered. He supposed he really should send her back to the reservation with one of his father's men, but he had promised Jumping Buffalo he would bring his only surviving child safely back home when Tim no longer needed her. Why couldn't Storm understand that his honor would be damaged if he failed to keep his word?

Storm had much to think about during those days. Seeing Grady again, making love with him, had proved indisputably that she couldn't live without him. Besides, she knew now that Grady was telling the truth about the letter she wrote and left for him, that Laughing Brook had hidden it to keep him from following her. After careful thought she decided that he had a right to know she was carrying his child. Perhaps she had misunderstood him when he told her to leave. He was still groggy from surgery and could scarcely speak coherently.

But now that she was prepared to tell Grady about the baby and admit that a misunderstanding had occurred, Grady seemed to be avoiding her. He must be using another bedroom in the sprawling house, she thought wistfully, for he certainly wasn't sleeping with her.

One day Shannon found Storm alone in the parlor, looking as if she'd lost her best friend. "Is something wrong, Storm?" Her concern gave Storm a warm feeling. She had come to care deeply for Blade and Shannon. "You're not ill, are you?"

Storm shook her head. "No, not ill, just confused. Grady and I seem to be growing farther apart. When he isn't avoiding me he is out with Blade somewhere on your endless acres. I haven't had a conversation with him since-since the day he arrived."

"I take it, then, that you haven't told him about the baby."

"No, but I intended to before he made himself scarce. I don't think he wants me anymore. I'm not even sure he ever did."

Shannon smiled warmly. "Believe me, dear, Grady wants you. I'm his mother and I should know. Expectant mothers often feel neglected. Are you still ill in the mornings?"

"No, that pa.s.sed before Grady arrived."

"Would you like to help me in the kitchen today? I thought I'd make Grady's favorite meal and Tim's favorite dessert."

"I'd love to." They went off arm in arm, unaware of Laughing Brook, who stood out of sight in the pa.s.sageway between kitchen and parlor. She had arrived just in time to hear Shannon's words about Storm being an expectant mother.

Seething angrily, Laughing Brook stormed from the house. She saw Grady entering the stable and hurried after him. She had to know exactly how he felt about becoming a father again. Knowing Grady as she did, she a.s.sumed he would be pleased, but she wanted to hear for herself that he and Storm had reconciled. If he wasn't pleased about the coming child, then there was still hope for her.

Grady was at the end of his tether. He was ready to shout to the world that he loved Storm, but he wasn't sure she was ready to hear it. For the past several days he had all but ignored her, allowing her time to sort through her feelings. The simple truth was that he loved Storm and couldn't live without her. He intended to do all in his power to make her love him as much as she had loved Buddy. He was so engrossed in his thoughts, he didn't hear Laughing Brook enter the stable. The crunch of her moccasins on the fresh hay was his first indication that he wasn't alone. Laughing Brook touched his elbow and he whirled to face her.

"Laughing Brook! What are you doing here? Are you looking for Soars-Like-An-Eagle?" Grady was aware of Soars-Like-An-Eagle's tender feelings for Laughing Brook and wondered why the young brave wasn't more forceful with her. She needed a strong hand to tame her.

"It is you I wish to speak to, Thunder. We have not been alone since we reached Peaceful Valley."

Grady sucked in a quick breath. He sincerely hoped Laughing Brook wasn't going to attempt another seduction. He was getting d.a.m.n tired of it. "I'm busy, Laughing Brook. What is it you wanted?"

Her eyes luminous, she clutched desperately at his arm. "I don't want to go back to the reservation. I want to stay with you and Tim."

"That's not possible," Grady said. "There is room for only one woman in my house and that woman is Storm. She's my wife."

Laughing Brook was growing desperate. "I will be your second wife."

"I only need one wife." Perhaps if he repeated it often enough she would get the message.

"Is it because Storm is carrying your child? Is that why you are willing to take her back?"

Grady went still. "What did you say?"

"Storm will give you weak children. I can give you strong children; sons and daughters like Little Buffalo, with the blood of the People flowing through their veins."

Grady gave her an exasperated shake. "What did you say about Storm? What makes you think she is carrying my child?"

Laughing Brook saw her mistake instantly. She suddenly realized that Grady hadn't been told about the child. He gripped her arms so tightly she winced, fearing he wouldn't let her go until she answered his question.

"Do you hear me, Laughing Brook? Who told you Storm was pregnant?"

"I heard her talking with your mother," Storm said with marked reluctance.

"Are you certain? Absolutely certain?" His fingers bit cruelly into the soft flesh of her upper arms.

"Yes! I know what I heard."

A string of curses spewed from Grady's mouth. Without another word he flung her away and strode out the door. The taut set of jaw and brusque, jerky steps gave a hint of his great anger. Laughing Brook breathed a sigh of relief and sank down on a bale of hay when she realized that his anger wasn't directed at her, as she had a.s.sumed.

Laughing Brook started violently as Soars-Like-An-Eagle stepped from the shadows. "Why do you shame yourself with Thunder? Offering yourself to a man who does not want you brings you no honor."

"Where did you come from? Were you spying on me?"

"I was not spying. My work often takes me to the stable."

"I suppose you heard everything."

"Enough to know that Thunder cannot be seduced. A fool can see that Thunder loves his wife. Why do you continue to badger him? When we are joined I will be the only man in your life."

"I will marry no one but Thunder."

"Storm carries his child." A dull red crept up Laughing Brook's face. "It is time you learned that I will be your husband. I have allowed you to have your own way in hope that you would get over your infatuation with Thunder. Your father has already given me permission to join with you. I will take you back to the reservation myself, where we will be joined according to the rites of the People."

"You spout foolishness," Laughing Brook scoffed, turning away.

Soar-Like-An-Eagle's face grew dark as he swung her around to face him. "I speak the truth. You have been spoiled shamelessly by your family and need a strong hand to rule you. Swift Blade has offered me a permanent position on the ranch and I have accepted. He is pleased with my way with horses and my hard work. We will have a good life, Laughing Brook. Peaceful Valley is a healthy place in which to raise our children."

"I will have no children by you."

She peered timidly at Soars-Like-An-Eagle through a curtain of long sooty lashes. His forceful manner both surprised and thrilled her. It was true he was handsome, perhaps every bit as handsome as Thunder, but he had never been particularly aggressive or forceful before. Suddenly she saw him in a new light. Tall and solidly built, his hawkish features and high cheekbones bore evidence of his proud heritage. He was a fierce warrior even though he had chosen a different path from Thunder.

"I have been too lenient," Soars-Like-An-Eagle said as he planted his feet solidly before Laughing Brook. Grasping her arms, he pulled her roughly to her feet. "You are mine," he said fiercely. "If I didn't know Thunder was an honorable man, I would never have allowed you to accompany him to his homestead."

His black eyes glittered as he lowered his head and with slow relish placed his lips on the exact spot where her shoulder met her neck.

She tried to pull away. Soars-Like-An-Eagle could feel her tension, the flutter of her pulse beneath his lips, the feverish warmth of her skin, and his heart soared. It pleased him to know that Laughing Brook wasn't as immune to him as she'd like him to believe.

"Do you like that, little one?"

"No! Not from you," Laughing Brook denied in a voice not quite believable.

Soars-Like-An-Eagle laughed. "What about this?" His lips roamed upward, dancing across her throat, her cheek, before pressing against her mouth with firm insistence.

It was Laughing Brook's first real kiss, and she groaned in response to the magic touch of his warm lips against hers. Liquid fire surged through her veins, and Laughing Brook forgot for a moment that it was Soars-Like-An-Eagle and not Thunder who was kissing her. The kiss seemed to go on forever, until Laughing Brook felt dizzy and her head began to whirl. When he released her she fell back against him, staring up at him with an arrested look on her face, making no effort to move away.

"Laughing Brook," Soars-Like-An-Eagle groaned, "you don't know how long I've waited for this moment. I have loved you for many years. It's been agony waiting for you to grow up."

Laughing Brook swallowed convulsively as she felt his hands on her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, touching her where no man had touched her before, and when they slid down to cup her b.u.t.tocks and pull her close, she felt the hard thrust of his manhood nudge the soft roundness of her stomach.