Chapter 4 (past): Colliding into Harmony

It had been a little over a month and things were going a little smoother every few days or so. The town council had granted Cloud Dancing free passage; and the townspeople were slowly accepting him spending a great deal of time with their newspaper's editor. If nothing else, the stares were a little less hardened.

The medicine man went for walks with the Reverend most mornings. They would discuss the similarities and differences in their belief systems. Cloud Dancing wanted more and more to find a way to merge his and Dorothy's worlds together. "Reverend, I want to speak to you more about your marriage ceremonies. I was at Sully and Michaela's, but I have a few queations."

They were walking towards Grace's Café from the church. Turning towards the voice, he asked, "Cloud Dancing, are you and Dorothy thinking about marriage?"

"Not now, no. I hope soon. I know she is not concerned with others as much, but I want know harm, in any way, to come to her."

"I know. People need time to adjust. Loren is happy for Dorothy. That will go a long way."

Bending his head after watching the subject of their conversation walk across the café to sit at a table, the man smiled. "I would like to find a way to combine your ceremony and mine. I want our worlds to be as one as much as possible. I have a few things to take care of first, but I hope we can speak of it soon?"

The Reverend smiled broadly before agreeing. "I hope we can as well."

DQMW DQMW DQMW

Inside a small white church the ancient language of the Cheyenne sent prayers to the Heaven above.

Cloud Dancing wore traditional Cheyenne dress and his bride chose a simple cream colored gown. With Michaela and Sully at their sides, Loren led Dorothy to her betrothed. He stood next to Marjorie as the simple ceremony began.

The small group beamed. The beautiful October day made a perfect backdrop for the afternoon's private celebration. The last two to walk into the falling leaves were there to be joined as one. Finally together,

"Are you ready for one last surprise?"

Dorothy glowed. "One more, yes."