Her stomach roiled at the idea. “Sure. I’m starving.”
Journey went along with everything Reno wanted to do. She wanted him to have the best possible day. After eating as much breakfast as she could, they put the rest in a warmer for Lou and Myra.
“How about a walk?” he offered. “Or a horseback ride?”
“A walk would be fun.” She put on her brightest smile. “We can talk about what we’ll do when you come home.”
“We need to do that anyway.” He took her hand and they set off. This time, they headed to the creek.
“Since you’ll be working at Highlands, I guess we’ll have to think about getting a place nearer there.”
“Yes, I think so.” His black eyes were bright with excitement for their future plans. “I have quite a bit more gold and coins. I’ll bring them with me upon my return and maybe we’ll have enough to get a good start on our life together.”
“Yes. Plus, we don’t need anything elaborate. There’s a small community called Tow on the left bank of Lake Buchanan. Land and houses are pretty reasonable up there.”
“Excellent. Why don’t you see what you can find? Narrow down a few choices. We’ll look at them together when I return.”
“I’ll have an ultrasound before you come back. You’ll be able to see a picture of the baby.”
“Really?” His face showed his amazement. “Do they stick a camera…?”
“No. They rub gel on my belly, then they pass this wand over it and a picture shows up on a computer screen.” She laughed “I’m not explaining it very well.”
“A wand? I suspected magic was involved in all this modern craziness.”
“It’s a kind of magic, I guess.” She raised his hand to her lips and kissed it. “What are you going to tell Saul and the children about me?”
“I’m going to tell them I’ve fallen in love with a beautiful woman. She’s kind, sweet, and smart. I’ll also explain that you’re related to them without going into detail.”
“Good. They’ll like that.” She grew silent. There was so much to say, she didn’t know where to start. Glancing up, she could see the sun was making its way across the sky. Time was getting away from them. “We’d better start back. I’m sure Lou is up and about. I know you need to talk to her and Kota.”
“You’re right. I want to give this every chance to work.”
“I don’t see how you could do anything wrong. Last time, all you did was ride through an opening in the rock. Lou told me this is a natural phenomenon, so the mountain and the moon must do all the work.”
“Unbelievable, isn’t it? I had a dream last night. I went to the box canyon and nothing happened. It made me think. We’ve all just assumed this happens as regular as clockwork.”
She grasped his hand tighter. “Don’t borrow trouble. We’ll know soon enough. I wish it was in my power to just fix everything for you.”
“You’d just wave your magic wand?” He stole a kiss from her cheek. “I know you would if you could,” he assured her as he guided them toward home. “As long as I have you in my life, I can deal with whatever comes along.”
* * *
A little while later, Kota, Lou, and Reno met for what could be deemed a rehearsal. They went over every element of the evening.
Holding up a leather pouch, Kota handed it to Reno. “Put this medicine bag wherever you put the one Ela gave you.”
“And I won’t look into it.”
“No, don’t look into it. You’ll release the power before it’s time.” He smiled, knowing that’s what his ancestor told Reno. “Unlike her, I’ll tell you what’s inside. There’s a bit of Galena, a lodestone, an ammonite, an amethyst, a sprig of rosemary, a hag stone, and a stone disc engraved with the thunderbird flying into a spiral.”
Reno took the bag, holding it delicately in his hand. “I don’t understand how these things work but I trust they will, because I trust you.”
“I pray we don’t let you down,” Kota murmured, including Lou in his comment. “For what it’s worth I truly think this is meant to be. There’s been too many separate threads come together to weave an incredible tapestry. I have to believe we will see this through to its completion.”
Reno leaned forward intently, his forearms resting on his thighs, his hands clasped between his knees. “I want to thank both of you. Lou, your wisdom defined and identified what happened to me. You used your accumulated knowledge to steer me in the right path. Kota, you gave me the key to unlock the power of this great mystery. I couldn’t have survived this without the two of you.”
“We’re not through yet. The true test is yet to come.” Lou rubbed Reno’s back. “I’ve been honored to help you. Not only because this could be the discovery of the ages, but because my best friend loves you. And I love her.”
“As I do.” Reno looked at Journey’s friend with gratitude. “With my whole heart.”
“I have a favor to ask you. Both of you.”
“Name it,” Lou stated flatly, looking to Kota for support.
“Of course,” Kota said. “What can we do?”
“One of the men who attacked Journey has made some threats to her. He is in prison, but I can’t be sure how long he’ll be there. If he gets out before I can return, or if I am unable to return, I need you to promise to protect her.”
“You got it.” Lou promised him. “I’ll make sure she takes precautions.”
Kota agreed. “I’ll speak to Myra and we’ll see she’s protected.”
“Thank you.” Reno breathed a sigh of relief. “I will worry about her until I return.”
“Of
