Candace McCarthy by Fireheart Page A

her abdomen as she gazed up at him with longing. It was if he’d kissed her without touching. “Fireheart,” she whispered hoarsely.
    “I came back safely.”
    She nodded. “I see.”
    “You are happy that I have returned?”
    She swallowed against a throat that had suddenly become dry. “Kihiila. Was it terrible?”
    He shook his head. “Bear Paw and his men fought bravely. They have forced the enemy away, but we must watch for the Cayuga’s return.”
    He smiled. Still holding her basket, he took her hand. “Come. You have berries to pick.”
    She glanced into the basket. “I have enough.”
    “No,” he said, “you need more.” He gave her a look as he gently squeezed her hand. “I know a good place for berries.”
    She felt her insides melt as she stared into his gleaming dark gaze. His expression promised her untold sensual delights. Her heart began to pound as she followed him.
    They were on a new path when they heard someone calling Fireheart’s name.
    He paused to see who it was, then released her hand as Moon Dove appeared at the crest of the hill and approached him. “I will see what she wants,” he said, handing her the basket before walking way.
    Joanna felt a burning in her stomach as she watched Fireheart and Moon Dove greet each other. She recalled Little Blossom’s words and a buzzing filled her head.
    Fireheart is expected to marry Moon Dove.
    Had she been mistaken? Could it have been Fireheart down by the lake with Moon Dove after all?
    She narrowed her gaze as she watched the pair. Moon Dove placed her hand on Fireheart’s arm as she spoke with the brave. She saw Fireheart nod, then glance in her direction before centering his attention on the Lenape maiden again.
    I feel like an intruder. She should leave before her heart was crushed any further.
    If it had been Fireheart and Moon Dove embracing that morning, would she have foregone her time with Fireheart? Joanna wondered.
    No. She wouldn’t have given up that brief time for anything.
    Which made her a what? A wanton? An adulteress of sorts?
    They are not married, she reminded herself.
    But it didn’t matter. The idea was there, and it wouldn’t leave her.
    Fireheart separated from Moon Dove and approached. “I must go,” he said, his words making her spirits sink. “Moon Dove’s mother needs me.”
    With a lump rising in her throat, Joanna nodded.
    He left her without a promise to return or to look for her later. Joanna watched him walk away with unshed tears stinging her eyes.

Chapter 9
    With the return of the owner of her wigwam and the visiting guests within the village, Joanna vacated Red Dress’s lodge and moved in with Mary and Rising Bird.
    “I’m sorry,” Joanna apologized to her cousin as she moved her belongings inside.
    Mary appeared surprised. “For what? Have you forgotten that I wanted you here from the first?”
    Joanna grinned. “I must have.” Tears threatened as she stored her satchel of clothing beneath a sleeping platform. In her cousin’s wigwam, the beds were built of sturdy sticks about a foot and a half off the ground. Personal possessions, cooking utensils, and food items were stored beneath the sleeping platforms.
    As Joanna straightened, Mary tapped her arm. “Here,” she said. She held something out toward her.
    Joanna recognized the garment as a Lenape tunic, one similar but more beautiful than the one she’d taken with her to England. “What’s this?” she whispered.
    Her cousin’s expression was soft. “It’s something
    I made for you. You must be tired of wearing those English gowns by now.“
    Joanna was touched by Mary’s gift. “Thank you.” Still, she hesitated in taking it. “You shouldn’t have spent all that time on me.”
    Mary frowned. “You’re my cousin. I love you. Why shouldn’t I make you a gift?”
    “Wa-nee-shih.” Blinking back tears, Joanna accepted the garment and turned away. She set it carefully on the sleeping pallet that Mary had said was