Chapter 9 – Lou's POV
The next morning I woke up in Buck's arms. It was the best night sleep I had had in over a month. As big as my belly was it was too uncomfortable to welcome him home in the manner I wanted. So instead of letting him be the one in control, like the way I liked when we made love, I controlled it. I never much cared for being on top but this time I didn't mind at all. Now as I lay awake in my husband's warm embrace I let out a contented sigh.
Today we would be married in the Kiowa way. I wasn't sure what to expect. Buck told me it wouldn't be traditional but it was still just as sacred. I got out of bed so I could fix breakfast for my family. I was surprised to see Red Bear already up and sitting at our table. "Good morning Red Bear, I hope you slept well." I say to him with a happy smile on my face. Buck's brother looks over at me; I swear I see the same teasing smile that Buck has for me on his face, "Yes I did… after you finished welcoming my brother home that is." I flushed hotly; I didn't know we had been loud enough for anyone to hear. Red Bear laughed at my embarrassment, "Do not be ashamed little one. Remember in our world families all sleep together in one room. What is shared between a man and woman is done openly and without shame. It is good that you please Running Buck and he you." Red Bear told me with a twinkle in his eye. I know my face was getting steadily redder; this was not the type of conversation I was used to.
Fortunately Buck came to my rescue, slipping up behind me he put his arms around me, his hands resting on my belly. He kissed the side of my neck, "yes it is a good thing that you please me and I you." He whispered into my ear. I smacked him playfully. So much for my rescue. After breakfast I sent our boys off to school and little Emma to Rachel. Red Bear left to prepare for the ceremony. It was going to take place out on the prairie. After he left Buck pulled something from his saddle bags. It was a white doeskin dress. I had never felt anything so soft or seen anything so beautiful. There was even a pair of moccasins to wear with it.
"Red Bear's wife sent these for you." Buck said holding the items out to me. "They're beautiful." I tell him as I take them from his hands. Buck has to help me with the dress, as large as my belly was it was a snug fit, but Buck swore I looked beautiful. With his help I braided my hair placing a beaded band around my head. Buck changed into a very nice pair of buckskin pants and shirt. He left his hair loose except for one section that he braided wrapping it with fur, and tied an eagle feather to it as well. Buck looked like a true warrior. I had never seen him look so handsome.
After we were ready we mounted our horses and went to meet Red Bear. I didn't understand anything that was said during the ceremony since it was spoken in Kiowa. Red Bear had joined my hand with Buck and had wrapped a beaded cloth around our joined hands, binding us. Then Buck kissed my cheek, the look in his eyes told me I had to do the same. Then it was over. We were married in the eyes of the Kiowa. I grinned at Buck, his smile matching my own.
Buck's POV
Lou had never looked more beautiful than she did in that doeskin dress. We should have done this years ago. I know Lou doesn't understand anything that Red Bear is saying. I'll explain it to her later. After I kiss her cheek, she reads in my eyes that she supposed to do the same. She does. The ceremony is over. She is my wife in the sight of the Kiowa people and the Great Spirit. My Kiowa heart soars at that realization. I have to remember to thank Kid. I never realized how much I had needed to do this for my own self, for my Kiowa self. But as much as my Kiowa self is at peace now, my white side still knows that in the white world she is not my bride. There is nothing that can be done about that though. So I will take what I can get. Lou, Red Bear, and I return to the bunkhouse.
Red Bear is anxious to get home, but we talk him into staying until morning, the children would be upset if he left without saying goodbye. I ask if he wants me to accompany him home, he says no if I did I would miss the birth of my children. He swears Lou will give birth to twins within the month. As big as her belly is, I tend to agree with him. That night after supper Red Bear tells my children stories of our people, something that I had been lack in doing. I'm ashamed of that. I make a promise to myself that from now on I would tell my children the stories of our people every night. I can see they are enthralled by them, even Lou appears to be. The next morning after breakfast my brother leaves to return to our people.
A/N: I don't have any idea what a traditional Kiowa wedding ceremony would mean, also what the wedding costumes would look like. My imagnation is the only thing used for describing the ceremony, so if its incorrect, sorry, I mean no offense.