A Promise of Thunder

you were a widow before you and Grady married. He also intimated that Grady was partly to blame for your first husband’s death.”
    “It wasn’t really Grady’s fault,” Storm said, absolving Grady of all blame. “It was an accident, a horrible accident.”
    “Yet despite this ‘accident’ you married.”
    “I really don’t want to talk about the reasons behind our marriage, Mr. Stryker,” Storm said. “They are no longer valid. Grady no longer needs me, and I refuse to stay where I’m not wanted.”
    “I’d feel honored if you’d call me Blade. What will you do? Where will you go?”
    “I don’t know,” Storm said truthfully. “I could sell my quarter section of land or the cattle I purchased with my own money.”
    “But you really don’t want to do that, do you?” Blade said astutely. Storm shook her head. “You love my son, don’t you?”
    Storm lifted her head in surprise. How could Blade know that after speaking with her for such a short time? “I …”
    “It’s all right, Storm, I understand. You remind me of Shannon many years ago, when she tried desperately not to love me but couldn’t deny what was in her heart. You and my wife are alike in many ways. Life was not easy for us in the beginning. Even now there are people who despise me because I am a half-breed.”
    “Nothing is guaranteed in life,” Storm said bitterly. “I thought Buddy and I would live happily forever-after when we were married. I must have been terribly naive.”
    “Are you carrying my son’s baby?” Blade asked, stunning Storm with his bluntness.
    “I—yes, both Sweet Grass and Crooked Nose have told me it is so.”
    “Then you must come to Peaceful Valley, where Shannon and I can care for you. Unless you wish to return to Grady. I’m sure that would be the best solution.”
    “No! I mean,” she said more calmly, “I don’t want to go back to Grady. I couldn’t live with a man who doesn’t want me.”
    “Are you absolutely certain Grady doesn’t want you?”
    “Yes,” Storm said with quiet conviction. “He has Laughing Brook to look after Tim. He doesn’t need me. But I don’t want to burden you and your wife with my problems.”
    “Burden us?” Blade laughed. “My dear girl, it would be a pleasure. Our daughter Dawn has married and moved to San Francisco. And Spring is in Boise visiting her Branigan relatives. Her last letter indicated that she has met a young lawyer whom she intends to marry. With Grady and Tim gone, our lives are quite empty. We would welcome you and your child with open arms. I won’t take no for an answer. I’ll wire Grady so he’ll know where to find you when he comes to his senses.”
    “No! You mustn’t! I’ll come to Peaceful Valley, at least until my baby is born, but you must promise not to tell Grady where I am.”
    “Storm, be reasonable,” Blade argued. “Grady has a right to know about his child.”
    “If you don’t promise, I won’t come.” Her jaw was set, her mouth tight with resolution. She was even more stubborn than Shannon,Blade decided, realizing that if he didn’t agree she would leave and he would lose another grandchild. Later, once she was settled at the ranch, he and Shannon could try to change her mind.
    “Very well. I promise. How soon can you leave? We’ll travel overland to the nearest railhead and take the train to Cheyenne.”
    “I can leave whenever you like,” Storm said. “Now that Sweet Grass is well she no longer needs me. Perhaps they will accompany us. Life on the reservation is very difficult for them.”
    “I’ve already asked,” Blade said. “Jumping Buffalo wishes to remain on the reservation with the People. But one of the young braves expressed a desire to work on the ranch. He is unhappy with the slim opportunities that exist on the reservation for an ambitious young man, and I have promised to teach him the art of raising horses. His name is Soars-Like-An-Eagle.”
    “I know him,” Storm said. “He is a fine young man. We have spoken many times. He wishes to marry Laughing Brook.”
    “It’s settled then. We’ll leave in two days,” Blade decided. “I don’t like leaving Shannon alone any longer than necessary.”
    “You must love her very much,” Storm said wistfully.
    “Little Firebird is my life and my salvation,” he said with such feeling it brought tears to Storm’s eyes. To be loved like that by Gradywould be all that she could ever ask for in life.
    Blade reined in at the