Canyon Wolf Bride Read online

  He had always felt out of place in life, even skiing. It was as if he was playing a waiting game and sailing through life on a vast ocean, looking for a tiny island. He could never grasp it. Even hunting became a chore for him. Often he felt like he was spinning his wheels, waiting for his day to come. He went through the daily motions of eating, sleeping, working, but for what? Skiing was a lot of fun, but what he enjoyed most about it was the competition. He had an insatiable appetite for it. He loved to win and he loved being number one. It had become an addiction, delivering him all the way to the Olympics. He had always thought that Rob was much more of a natural athlete and more skilled, but he knew he had more drive and more heart. No matter what, he wanted to win and win big. Even as a little boy he had excelled at everything he tried. He just kept trying until he succeeded. His stamina was unmatched.

  While Paige was eyeing the jewelry for sale and meeting up with friends she had met at Corn Flower’s, Coming Wind pulled him aside.

  “I was able to locate a jeweler not far from the canyon. He’s a nice guy. He came through here last year with his family. I’ve arranged for him to bring some samples in by helicopter this afternoon. He said you could purchase any of them or he can order something, but it may take three to five days,” Coming Wind explained.

  “Wow, you’re amazing. Thanks,” Sean replied, already thinking of what he would say when he asked her to marry him.

  Paige and Sean lunched under a tall oak tree with the entire tribe. When Paige had asked Blue Flower about the parade, she said it was to honor the wolf that had saved the boys. No wonder Red Hawk had donned the wolf costume.

  Paige felt as if she were at a family reunion and when she thought about it, she really was. Most of the people in attendance for the festivities were related in some way or another, except for the few tourists. Paige had absolutely fallen in love with the canyon and its people. If Dark Horse thought he had taken something away from her, he was wrong. In a strange way, he had introduced her to his wonderful family and the beauty of his tribal grounds. She thought it sad and ironic that he could not enjoy these gifts as much as she now did. Paige knew that she had met friends that she would keep for the rest of her life. Now she couldn’t imagine vacationing anywhere else. It would be hard to top Havasu Canyon. She already planned to ask Sean if he wanted to return the following summer.

  Everyone had made them feel so welcomed and loved. It was as if they had known her all their lives and she was very surprised how they extended this love to Sean as well. At first she thought it would just be a pleasant trip, meant to make up for Coming Wind’s embarrassing brother. Now she realized it was much more than that. Something had brought her and Sean here and she couldn’t put her finger on it. She felt like she belonged and even stranger, that Sean belonged most of all. The men seemed to swarm around him when he was near. Paige thought he even seemed to exude a sense of regality around them. He even commanded respect from men much older than him. When he talked, everyone listened and he had become unbelievably immersed in their tribal traditions, talking for long hours to White Feather about the history of the Havasupai and their tribal land. Paige noticed some of the little girls whispering and pointing at her. When she waved at them or tried to speak to them, they scampered off, giggling softly.

  She and Sean seemed to attract a lot of attention and Paige could only guess at the reason. Perhaps they didn’t spend very much time with most of the tourists and weren’t used to seeing white people. Paige remembered traveling to a remote part of Mexico once as a child and recalled how the children loved to touch her strawberry hair. Perhaps they were interested in Sean, because he was at least six inches taller than the rest of the men in the tribe. They were a striking pair when seen together and so much different than what the children were accustomed to seeing. The children had won her heart and the women had made her feel more at home than she ever believed.

  She hated to leave the next day, but she knew Meg would need help with the new baby. She couldn’t wait to tell Meg all about their trip and show her all the photos she had taken. Maybe Meg and Frank could make the trip with her and Sean next summer. She was sure that Meg would fall in love with the Havasupai and their little piece of paradise as much as she had.

  ****

  Paige was packing her clothes, folding and stacking the few items she had been able to carry into the canyon. She left a pair of jeans and a t-shirt aside for the next morning. Sighing, she zipped up her duffle bag, wondering what was keeping Sean. He wanted to say goodbye to White Feather and had promised to stop by his home before leaving. White Feather wanted to give him something and Paige had sensed correctly that he wanted to go alone. White Feather seemed like Sean’s adopted grandfather and since Sean’s real grandfather had died long ago, Paige encouraged the relationship and thought it rather cute. In a lot of ways, Sean was still a little boy and she found it very sweet that he was excited about visiting the mysterious White Feather one last time. She knew White Feather was the tribal shaman and she couldn’t wait to see what he had wanted so badly to give Sean and why. The tribe seemed so fond of Sean. She guessed it was probably some type of token of remembrance for him.

  She was sitting on the bed, flipping through a magazine when a firm knock at the door interrupted the silence. Startled, she jumped up and looked through the peep hole. It was a quarter to nine and she couldn’t imagine who would be calling so late. It was Sean and he seemed nervous, running his hands through his hair a few times, staring at the door. Why hadn’t he used his key? What was he up to? Paige unlocked the door, opening it quickly.

  “Did you forget your key?” she asked, opening the door wider.

  “No, uh, yeah. I guess I did,” he stammered.

  Sean’s brow was furrowed. She was immediately concerned. “What’s the matter, honey?” She pulled him inside and shut the door.

  “You’re pale. Do you feel okay?” She noticed his hands were shaking as he took hers and she was suddenly very afraid of what he would say. She hoped there hadn’t been an accident.

  He gave her a shaky smile and kissed her briefly on the lips before drawing a deep, ragged breath. “There’s a horse waiting for us outside.”

  “What for? Are we leaving early? I thought we weren’t scheduled to leave until the morning.”

  “We aren’t. Don’t ask any questions, just put your shoes on and come on.” Suddenly Paige realized that he had a surprise and he was simply nervous. What a sweetheart. What had he done? Where were they going? The man never stopped trying to impress her. But why was he so nervous?

  “Okay.” Paige slipped on her tennis shoes and quickly pulled her long hair into a pony tail. She wore calf length khaki pants and a baby blue tank top. Sean wore his favorite button fly jeans and a white t-shirt. He mounted the horse and then swung her behind him. They were riding bareback. To Paige it felt very foreign and a little frightening.

  “Why doesn’t he have a saddle on?” Paige asked, growing more and more curious.

  Sean held onto the black stallion’s mane and clicked his tongue. “Old Lightning hates saddles. Coming Wind assured me that he’s very gentle. Don’t worry, you’re completely safe.”

  The horse neighed softly and they were off, into the moonlight, listening to the soft tinkling of Havasu Creek beside them.

  Paige wrapped her arms around Sean’s broad back and laid her head against him. She didn’t care where they were going as long as Sean was there. He smelled of the cool, desert night and she caught a whiff of pipe smoke, too. The further they rode, the louder the frogs croaked. The canyon critters were unbelievably noisy this particular night and it added to the lush beauty of the dark trail. In the distance, she heard a lonely wolf howl and wondered if it was the wolf that saved Red Hawk and his cousin. Sean knew instinctively which brother it was and smiled inside, for the wolf was calling to him and wishing him and his bride to be a happy life. A few other wolves joined in and Paige inched herself closer to Sean.

  “Sure soun
ds like a lot of wolves,” she said as a small shiver went down her spine. She still didn’t completely trust a wild animal and they sounded not too terribly far away.

  “Don’t worry, honey. They’re miles away. Five, at least. They wouldn’t hurt you, anyways. Wolves are just wild dogs. Look how many times they’ve come to our aid recently.”

  Sean thought his heart would explode with pride at the sound of his brothers calling out to him. He wanted so badly to share it all with Paige. White Feather suggested he break the news tonight, but Sean still wasn’t sure if he would.

  They reached Havasu Falls. Sean guided Old Lightning to a tall boulder near the creek where he could drink. Coming Wind had told him that Old Lightning would go anywhere and stay anywhere until he was led away again. There was no need to tie him up and besides, there were no reins to tie him with. He dipped his head to drink as Sean helped Paige down. Taking her hand, he led her nearer the falls. Paige gasped as her eyes focused on the moonlit water as it rushed down the canyon walls, white and silvery, glistening as it fell into the glowing pool. The rush of water was unable to drown out the endless croaking of the night frogs, but the sound was music to Paige’s ears. It was a beautiful combination. She closed her eyes to listen to the symphony of nature that surrounded her. When she opened her eyes again, she was standing before a beautiful, white blanket. A large ribbon of heavy leather was thread around the edges. Tiny turquoise beads were sewn in heart patterns at each corner. A basket was setting on the blanket and a bottle of champagne was nestled in some ice on the grass. Several white candles, flickered softly on a nearby stump, casting a luminescent glow onto the pool of water nearby. Sean took off his shoes and instructed Paige to do the same as he picked her up and gently sat her down on the blanket.

  “This blanket is gorgeous,” Paige gasped as she traced the fine stitching, barely able to make out the words in the candlelight.

  “It has our names on it and the date. Who made this?”

  “All of the women had some part in making it, but Blue Flower came up with the initial design.”

  Tears welled up Paige’s eyes as she thought of each woman and the countless hours they must have spent making such a beautiful gift. How could they have made it in a few days? Did they ever sleep? She was so touched by their warmth and generosity and at a loss for words.

  “It’s so lovely. What a wonderful parting gift,” Paige replied, wiping away the tears as more continued to spill down her cheeks.

  Sean took Paige’s hand and kissed the top of it. “It’s not a parting gift, my love.”

  More tears spilled down her cheeks. She finally gave up on wiping them away. Sean’s voice shook. Paige grasped his hand tighter when she felt his hand shaking. He looked at her with tears in his eyes as his chest heaved with emotion.

  Reaching into his jeans pocket, he retrieved a diamond ring. The single stone was in the shape of a heart. Paige guessed it must have been at least two carats. It sparkled in the moonlight as he slipped it on her finger, not waiting for an answer.

  “The blanket is a wedding gift, darling. Will you marry me?”

  Paige stared at the ring now adorning her tiny hand.

  “Yes, yes, of course I will. Oh, Sean, it’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.”

  Taking her hands he kissed her on the lips with all the desire and longing in the world. She would be his wife and nothing made him happier. Wrapping her arms around his neck and falling deeper into his kiss, she thought she would die of happiness.

  “I love you, Paige. I promise to take good care of you and love you every single day of your life. You make me so happy.”

  “I love you, Sean. I’m the happiest girl alive. I never knew that love could be like this. I can’t wait to start our new lives together.”

  Both of them cried openly, holding each other and kissing each other for hours as they listened to the frogs make music with the beautiful falls.

  Sean finally opened the champagne. They lay on their stomachs, drinking and talking about their hopes and dreams and their new lives together as husband and wife until the early morning hours. Paige finally fell asleep, lulled by his deep voice, whispering his love for her in her ear. They slept for a while under the stars, each dreaming of their future before Sean woke her with kisses. As the moon dipped out of sight behind the red canyon walls, Sean made love to his fiancé as the wind blew softly and the night sounds of nocturnal creatures were replaced with whispered confessions of love and cries of ecstasy echoing through the canyon.

  Chapter 6

  All of Supai Village turned out the say goodbye to their new leader and his future bride. Every young Indian girl and most of the women wished they were Paige Wellington. To marry the alpha-wolf was a great honor, one destined by the gods. Whether she knew it or not, Paige was destined to be the canyon wolf bride.

  They took the helicopter back to the rim where their rental sat waiting in the bright Arizona sunshine. Sean caught Paige holding her hand out at length and eyeing her ring. She sighed and leaned into him. He kissed the top of her head before he ducked out of the chopper first and then helped her out. He paid the pilot and they headed home, both of them changed forever.

  Sean had his work cut out for him and he knew it. White Feather’s words echoed in his head. The old shaman had told him that in time Paige would come around. This occupied most of his thoughts on the plane ride home while Paige continued to stare and even finger the diamond while she napped.

  ****

  Paige walked through her front door and heard Meg’s husband, Frank speaking through the answering machine.

  She threw her bags down and raced to the phone, nearly pulling it out of the wall.

  “Hello? Hello? Frank?”

  “I didn’t know you’d be back yet. You became an aunt again about an hour ago. It’s a girl!”

  “Oh, Frank, that’s so wonderful! Congratulations! How is Meg?”

  “She’s doing well, just really tired, but the baby came really quickly. We nearly didn’t make it here in time. She was born only thirty minutes after we arrived.”

  “Thank God you got there in time! How much does she weigh?”

  “Seven pounds and eight ounces. She’s twenty inches long and has beautiful red hair, just like her mama.”

  “I can’t wait to see her. I’ll change and be down there in an hour or so or do you think I should give Meg more time to rest?” she asked, knowing how exhausted Meg must be.

  “No, come on out. Meg has been throwing a fit to see you. You’re the first one I called.”

  “I’m on my way. Oh, what name did you two decide on?”

  “Annalisa Paige.”

  Paige grew silent. She was at a loss for words. She had no idea that her sister was considering naming the baby after her.

  “Paige, you there?”

  “Yes,” Paige was able to squeak out between tears.

  “Ah, honey. You know how much your sister loves you. Why are you so surprised?”

  “I...I had no idea. I’m so flattered. Has Dianna seen the baby yet?” Paige asked wiping away the tears. Dianna was Meg and Frank’s two-year-old daughter. She knew Dianna would be thrilled with the news. When anyone asked her if she wanted a brother or sister, she never once said she wanted a brother. All she could talk about was a sissy to play with. At least they wouldn’t have to explain a brother to her.

  “Not yet. Mom is feeding her dinner and then bringing her to the hospital before visiting hours are over. Grandma told her the good news and I hear that she wouldn’t stop jumping on the bed in joy.”

  Both Paige and Frank laughed out loud at the thought. Dianna was such a sweet, bright child. She would make a wonderful big sister.

  “Well, I’ve got to get back to Meg and the baby. I’ll see you in a little while.”

  “Okay. Give Meg and the little one my love.”

  “Will do. Bye,” Frank replied as he hung up the phone. Paige just sat there listening to the dial tone. Another tea
r slid down her cheek as she digested what Frank had told her. How sweet of Meg to name her daughter after her.

  The dial tone blared in her ear and she realized she needed to hurry before visiting hours were over. Sean had dropped her off to get settled back in and went to his cabin to unpack and take a shower. He was meeting her over at her place in an hour for dinner. She called him and told him the change of plans. Sean pulled into the drive half an hour later. Paige was already outside waiting for him. He hopped out to open the passenger door for her and gave her a swift kiss on the cheek. Sean jumped back into the driver’s seat and put the truck in reverse before kissing her again as he backed out onto the main road and headed down the mountain.

  “What did they name her?”

  Paige didn’t answer, so he looked over at her. She was wiping away more tears.

  Alarmed, Sean took her hand and kept one eye on the road. “Honey, what is it?”

  “They named her Annalisa Paige,” she whimpered, dabbing at her cheeks with a tissue.

  “Oh, sweetie, that’s wonderful. She’ll share her aunt’s name.” He patted her hand and smiled her way, driving quickly down the mountain and nearing the hospital.

  He found a close parking space and they walked hand and hand inside. Paige asked for the room number at the help desk and a nice, elderly lady pointed to the elevators down the hall. Paige practically pulled Sean’s arm off racing toward the elevators in her excitement.

  “They aren’t going anywhere for a few days, darling.”

  One of the elevators opened and Paige dragged him inside, hitting the floor button several times before the doors closed. They were alone in the mirrored elevator. Sean twirled her around for a kiss before the doors opened again. Frank was standing in the hallway talking on a cell phone. Paige waved to him and he waved back before opening Meg’s door for her. He shook hands with Sean and then put the call on hold.