“You don’t need to apologize.”
“It sounds like some kind of crazy cult, not a church.”
“That’s what Chaska said.”
“If you want, I’ll file a request with the state to annul your adoption.”
She stared at him. “Is that even possible?”
“I’d have to check case law, but because you’re Native and no attempts were made to place you with a Native family, we might stand a chance.”
“Wow.” Could she truly erase Peter and Ruth from her life? “I would like that.”
“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to get my name added to your birth certificate. I’m not sure what’s involved there, but that’s why I wanted the paternity test to be admissible in court.”
He’d really thought ahead.
“Of course, it’s okay with me.” It was beyond anything she’d hoped for.
Naomi’s heart began to lift, she and Doug singing along to the Beatles, Doug sharing his stories of growing up and telling her about Star and the kids.
Seven hours after leaving Scarlet, they reached Rapid City and pulled into the parking lot of Naomi’s apartment complex.
Doug helped her up two flights of stairs, then carried her stuff up. “Nice place.”
It felt strange to be home. Everything was so familiar and yet part of a different life. The Naomi who had lived here and worked here and dreamed here had left three weeks ago hoping to relax—and she’d returned a new person, living a different life.
Doug got himself settled, called Star, and then logged into Naomi’s wireless, while she sorted through her mail, balanced her checking account, and paid bills. There was already an invoice from the hospital in Scarlet for almost forty thousand dollars. There was also a letter from the State of Colorado Victims of Violent Crimes Compensation Fund, telling her that she had gotten approval for assistance and explaining how to file a claim. She needed to file a claim with her health insurance, too—and get the check from Knockers to the bank.
So much to do.
Doug came up behind her, rested his hands on her shoulders. “I would be happy to help with all of that.”
Maybe it was the fact that he was an attorney, but Doug seemed to have a special knack for making paperwork easy, helping her to finish much more quickly than she had imagined and with none of the stress. After that, he helped her package online jewelry orders, including the earrings he’d bought for Star, and get them ready to mail on Monday, examining each piece before he boxed it.
“I know some people—artists—who are going to be very excited to meet you and see your work.”
He packed the boxes up and set them in a plastic mail tote by her door, then came to stand by her. “What’s next?”
And it hit Naomi.
This is what it was to have a father.
ENTERING: PINE RIDGE INDIAN RESERVATION
LAND OF THE OGLALA SIOUX
CHIEFS
RED CLOUD * BLACK ELK * CRAZY HORSE
NO HUNTING
WITHOUT TRIBAL PERMITS
The wooden signstood off on the shoulder of the road, Naomi’s throat growing tight when she saw it.
“Let’s get a photo.” Doug pulled over, helped her out of his vehicle, then took a few shots. “I’ll send one to your Chaska, let him know we’re here.”