“What? This is Scarlet.” Chaska put his hands on his hips, looked from his Grandfather to Winona, who was bouncing down the stairs. “Okay, fine. I’ll change.”
He turned and took the stairs two at a time.
They waited for him on the front porch, watching the hummingbirds, Naomi naming those she could identify. “That’s a broad-tailed hummingbird. That’s a rufous female, I think. The females aren’t brightly colored like the males. That’s a …”
Chaska stepped outside again, and Naomi’s mouth went dry.
He had changed into a black dress shirt and gray slacks, a black belt around his narrow waist. His dark hair hung freely down his back, a medicine wheel with a small feather tied near his temple. “Is this better?”
“Look at Naomi’s face,” Win said, laughing.
Aware that she was staring, Naomi snapped her mouth shut. “You look ... Wow.”
Once again, they piled into Doug’s SUV with Chaska driving since he knew the way. They arrived at Knockers a few minutes later to find the parking lot full to overflowing. Chaska dropped Naomi and the others off near the front door and drove off in search of a parking spot.
“I haven’t seen so many cars here since the fundraiser for the victims of the school bus crash.” Winona said.
People crowded the entryway, their voices competing with the music, making it difficult to hear. Naomi did her best to get through, her crutches once again making it awkward.
“What kind of music is that?” Doug shouted.
“That’s mountain zydeco,” Winona shouted back. “That’s the Timberline Mudbugs. They’re pretty popular around here.”
Rain found them and gave Naomi a gentle hug. “Here’s the guest of honor. Chaska told us your wonderful news. I am so happy for you, Naomi. Congratulations.” She turned to Doug. “You must be the proud father.”
“Yes.” Doug’s gaze rested gently on Naomi. “Yes, I am.”
“I’m Rain, the general manager. I saved a spot for you near the Team’s table. Follow me.”
Chaska foundNaomi and the others in the back next to the Team. Pretty much everyone was there, except for Conrad, of course. Even Gabe Rossiter was there with his Navajo wife, Kat. He was sitting with … Zach McBride? McBride had also brought a woman.
“Aren’t you pretty?” Herrera teased.
Hawke piled on. “Youdoclean up awful nice, Belcourt.”
“Oh, my gentle Jesus.” Meg stared at him. “Ahearn, I lied when I said you were the most handsome man I’d ever met.”
Ahearn grinned. “You never said that.”
“That must be because it isn’t true.”
Laughter.
Chaska had had enough. “Okay. All right. Can you all just give it a rest?”
He introduced his grandfather and Doug to his fellow Team members, then told them that Doug was Naomi’s father. That caused some confusion for Hawke and Taylor. He’d told both of them on the day of Naomi’s rescue that she didn’t have a family. Well, he’d have time to explain later.
“These are the people who helped save Naomi’s life?” Doug went around to each person and shook his or her hand, thanking them.
Chaska had to give Doug credit. Fate had dropped one hell of a surprise on his doorstep two short days ago, and he’d met the challenge with honesty, decency, and courage. If that wasn’t a test of a man’s character, Chaska didn’t know what was.
Their server came and took their orders, and then the fun began.
Sasha was the first to hit the wall, the expression on Old Man’s face as he watched her climb priceless. “She’s like a spider. Can you do this, Chaska?”
“You bet I can.”
Naomi leaned close, whispered in his ear. “Go show off for him and for me. You know I love to watch you climb.”