Chapter 13

Making Peace

Matt had been to the reservation several times but this time was different. He was actually witnessing the government's offer to the tribes. The offer would not only be to establish boundaries but it would also be a promise of peace; on both sides

The lawman had hoped to see an end to the lieutenant's accomplishments but the soldier's fluent grasp of the Arapahoe language proved he still had yet one more talent. Through the years, Matt had managed to pick up enough Arapahoe from Tobeel to get by but nothing like this.

"If you and your people agree." Chandler told the chief. "I will place my name on the paper and you will place your mark beside mine."

Iron Horse motioned to the group of women huddled back by the teepee. He nodded toward the one in the center and she stepped forward. It was a hard life and Matt wondered if she were anywhere near as old as she looked. He did notice that all the women wore a bright red scarf tied around her waist. It was the color that symbolized fertility and prosperity. Hopefully, this meeting would assure them of both.

"This is Bright Sky." The slender woman nodded acknowledging the chief's introduction. "They have prepared a feast for you while you wait for our answer. Follow her."

Matt and Chandler rose slowly, showing respect to Iron Horse, and then followed Bright Sky. She led them away from the chief and circle of braves and pointed to the two stools that had been set out for them. Then the black haired woman turned and motioned to the women behind her. One brought out two heaping bowls of stew and another carried a platter of bread and a bowl of some thick purple substance. Once their duty was complete, they retreated back to the fire and talked quietly among themselves.

"Do you think they will accept the treaty?" Matt settled down on one of the wooden stools Bright Sky had provided.

Chandler hunched his shoulders in a hopeful gesture. "It's a fair treaty and Iron Horse is a good chief. He wants what is best for his people." His gaze never left the squaws and children as he balanced the plate on his knee. "You will probably think I'm crazy but the truth is they aren't all that different from us. They want food and shelter for their families. They love their children just like we do."

"I'm a little surprised that a soldier would have such sympathies for them but I do agree with you. Maybe with more people like you, things will change."

"And people like you." Chandler cast a side glance at the marshal. "You look surprised. The chief says you are to be trusted.

"I'm glad he feels that way." Matt had never been comfortable accepting compliments so he took refuge in the plate of food. "They do have a way with antelope stew."

"I have to agree."

Matt's expression changed to one of pure delight when he sunk his teeth into the bread smothered in the jelly like concoction. "Try some of that stuff in the bowl."

Chandler followed his advice. A confirming nod was all he could offer while he continued to chew. Once it was thoroughly chewed and enjoyed, he was able to respond. "It is good. Just the right amount of sweetness to complement the spices in the stew. What do you think it is?"

Matt glanced at the man in uniform. There was just no beating this man, he even spoke perfectly.

"I'm not sure. But it is delicious. Maybe I can get the recipe for Kitty. I'm sure the Prairie Rose could give it a fancy name and an expensive price."

For the first time since the two men had become acquainted, they shared a genuine laugh. It could be a few hours before the decision was made regarding the treaty and Matt decided it was a good time to make peace himself.

"You speak Arapahoe very well."

Chandler licked a bit of juice from the corner of his mouth. "I thought it would help build trust for this meeting so I've been studying the language. I could tell that you understood most of what was said. Do you speak Arapahoe?"

"I understand it more than I can actually speak it. Tobeel taught me the basics." Another mouthful of meat took temporary precedence over conversation. Once it was properly chewed and swallowed, Matt attempted to venture toward a more delicate subject.

"You're a very accomplished man." He paused before pushing out the final words. "I'm impressed."

Chandler's gaze remained fixed on his meal to help hide his surprise. "I appreciate that Matt. I must say, you've made quite a reputation for yourself as well. The words 'dedicated' and 'steadfast' seem to follow you."

Matt chuckled quietly, "Well I thought I had my feet planted pretty firmly on the ground - until recently."

Chandler knew it was time to clear the air. "I can only imagine how hard it's been on you, with me showing up. And…" They had tiptoed around the truth long enough. "Maybe a little part of me wanted you to be uncomfortable."

"Kitty's a beautiful woman and I've had to slap down a man or two that got out of line but I didn't quite know how to handle this…this…"

"Friendship?" Brontë offered

"Friendship." Matt repeated, even though they both knew it went deeper than that.

"If I had thought there was a chance in hell I would have hung around fifteen years ago."

Matt faced his rival with equal honesty. "I was afraid back then - you were going to."

"But you're not afraid this time." Chandler couldn't keep just a hint of sadness from creeping into his tone.

For just a second, the hair on the back of Matt's neck bristled. "Should I be?"

Brontë studied the lawman. He knew this man could handle himself against a gun, a knife or a pair of fists but he didn't know the first thing about fighting that little green eyed monster called jealousy. "Your daughter told me I would never do anything to jeopardize Kitty's happiness. One thing I can't deny is how happy you've made her." A reluctant grin snuck up on the lieutenant. "Course I would rather she had been happy with me."

Matt set the empty bowl on the ground beside his stool. "I have had to do some real soul searching this past week and I do have to wonder why she chose me."

"I have to stray from my name sake for a moment to another gifted poet." There was a shadow of sadness in those vibrant green eyes. "Blaise Pascal said, the heart has its reasons whereof reason knows nothing. Leave it to the French to figure out love."

A peaceful quiet settled over the two men. Matt was ready to accept that this man loved his wife and Brontë would accept the fact he could never have her. A sigh of resolution escaped from the soldier before he steered the conversation in a neutral direction.

"How's the hunting and fishing in these parts?"

"Pretty good." Matt replied. "I'd be glad to loan you a pole and give you directions to a couple of prime fishing holes. How long will you be staying in Dodge?"

Much to Matt's surprise, Chandler burst into laughter. "Do you have any idea how many times I have been asked that?" It was going to take a really good answer to wipe that baffled scowl off the marshal's face. "I'll bet you didn't know that the whole town had your back. They all seemed to think I was going to steal Kitty away or at the very least cause trouble between you two."

Matt stared down at the ground to hide his embarrassment. "No I didn't. As a matter of fact I figured they were kinda amused by my predicament."

"They were all polite enough and grateful for the rescue but every conversation ended with the same question." He paused for a moment to rethink that comment. "All but one."

Matt's face welcomed a giant smile. "Calleigh."

Brontë nodded, "To answer your question, I'll be heading back as soon as Iron Horse gives me his answer. Hopefully it will be yes and I will leave in the morning."

Before the conversation could go much farther, Blue Sky approached them. Words were exchanged between her and the lieutenant, most of which Matt didn't recognize. Brontë motioned for the marshal to follow them.

"The chief had made a decision. Looks like I'll be leaving in the morning."

"That's good news." Curious green eyes met with an embarrassed sea of blue. "I meant good news about the treaty. You two were doing a lot of talking just to say that."

"The purple stuff is called wojapi. She was telling me the ingredients. I'll write it down for Kitty." He cast a sidelong glance at the man walking beside him. "Call it a belated wedding present."