Saddle Up(90)

He knew what she meant. He’d decided to live his life outside of the reservation. “Yes. I have chosen.”

She looked to Miranda, the corner of her lips curving with approval. “It is good. Go now and find your grandfather.”

He hesitated to leave Miranda, who appeared tense enough to break.

“Come, child.” Huttsi offered a soft smile and took her by the arm. “I must teach you to make fry bread.”

Keith cocked a brow at Miranda in a silent question. She answered with a firm nod. “It’s all good, Keith. Go to him.”

Once more, Keith found his grandfather at the sweat lodge, this time outside talking with some elders. He regarded Keith without even blinking. “I knew you would come.”

“How? Was it a vision?”

Kenu nodded. “Two visions.”

“What were these two visions, Kenu?” Keith asked, handing him a pouch of tobacco.

“The first vision was the return of the black wolf and the white wolf. Once more they were engaged in a great battle, but this time as they tumbled together locked in combat, the two bodies merged into one—a gray wolf.”

Keith considered Kenu in amazement. How could he know that Keith’s struggle was over? That he’d finally come to reconcile his two worlds? “What was the second vision, Kenu?” he asked.

“It was once more the gray wolf, but this time he was bedded down in a great field…with a doe.”

Aiwattsi. How did the old man know? He’d said nothing to his family about Miranda. Had Tonya? Even if she had, he hadn’t shared his pet name for her with anyone. His wonderment became awe. “I brought you a gift, Kenu.”

His grandfather smiled. “Show me this gift…Gray Wolf.”

Keith led him to the horse trailer where he unloaded Blue Eye. The horse came quietly off the trailer and eyed the old man with a toss of his head and a snort.

“You have brought back the spirit horse?”

“Yes,” Keith replied. “But this time, he, like me, is complete.”





Epilogue


Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah

One year later

“And the winner for Best Independent American Documentary is Native Whispers, a moving biopic of a man, a horse, and mutual redemption, produced and directed by Miranda Sutton-Russo.”

Miranda’s hands shook as she ascended the steps to the podium and microphone. The single note card wavered in her trembling hands. Although she’d penned a brief acceptance speech on the million-to-one chance that she’d actually win, her eyes were now too blurred with tears to make out the words. Letting the card flutter to the stage, she stepped up to the mic to speak the words that were imprinted on her heart.

“Two years ago, I never could have envisioned making this film, or that when I embarked on this journey, this documentary would change so many lives. Five hundred mustangs now have a permanent home on lush pastures in Montana. Almost a hundred others have been trained and now have homes with loving families. Over a dozen at-risk Native American youths have turned their lives around by working with these once wild horses.” Her voice cracked as she looked to Keith. “A single man found the redemption he so desperately needed, and in him I found my soul mate.” He returned a smile filled with pride and love.

Miranda drew a breath and continued, her voice quavering. “But none of this ever would have come to pass without the woman who always believed in me and encouraged my dreams. I only wish she could have seen it all come to fruition.” She paused, blinking back the tears that threatened to overcome her and then raised her statuette to the heavens. “I wish to dedicate this award to my incredible grandmother, Josephine Mirabelle Sutton.”





About the Author


Victoria Vane is a #1 bestselling, award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her works range from comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance and have received over twenty awards and nominations, including a 2016 Red Carpet Finalist for both Rough Rider and Jewel of the East, 2015 Red Carpet Finalist for Best Contemporary Romance (Slow Hand), 2014 RONE Winner for Best Historical Post-Medieval Romance (Treacherous Temptations), and Library Journal Best E-book Romance of 2012 (The Devil DeVere series). She currently resides in Palm Coast, Florida, with her husband, two sons, a little black dog, and an Arabian horse. Find her online at www.victoriavane.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter @authorvictoriav.