She gathered the tin plates and started to go to the creek to wash them. "It doesn't matter, as long as they marry us, that's what is important, to me."
He nodded, "And me."
"I know, it will take time for people to accept us. But isn't it worth it to be married?"
He stretched his hand to her, "Yes!"
She smiled at him.
"We might even have to leave the camp, after we marry and find a place of our own." He said. "But we will marry first. That I promise you. In the eyes of the creator we are one, as it should be."
"Will that bother you, that they don't accept me or my children?"
"No, the only thing that would bother me is if they are mean to you or the children. If they are, we will leave." He said strongly.
She nodded. "Whatever you ask of me, I will do."
"You are a good woman." He smiled. "Just remember, not to smile at me so much."
"No, I'm not a good woman, I'm your woman!"
"Yes, you are!" His gaze flew over her as he spoke.
"And they," he stared down at Jane Ann, "Are mine too!"
"Yes!" She smiled with prayer on her lips. "They are."
Chapter Thirteen
They traveled for miles along the north Texas prairie, passing a few farms, and a vast prairie. They did not stop at the farms, as Hawk didn't want to risk having to tell the people why he was with a white woman. They avoided towns and farms. Along the way, Hawk pulled several ears of corn from a stranger's field and tucked them into his shirt.
"What's that for, it ain't enough for a meal?" Matthew observed.
"It isn't for us to eat…" Hawk told him.
When they passed pecan or oak trees, he gathered the nuts and tucked them inside his shirt. "What's all that for, Hawk?" Matthew wanted to know.
"To catch a wild animal." Hawk informed him.
"Oh…" Matthew smiled.
Only two days into their journey, they came across three white men on the trail. Hawk did not hide but he whispered to Eve, "Let me handle it."
She nodded.
"Well now, what do we have here?" The three asked looking from Hawk to Eve with questions on their faces.
The youngest one pulled his gun on them. "What are you doin' with the white woman and kids?" His voice was accusing.
Hawk came up to them without hesitation. "I am taking them to Kansas through the Indian Territories."
"Now why would an Indian be doing that?" The young one laughed.
"I am a scout for Colonel Mackenzie of Fort Concho. This is Mrs. Dawson; I’m taking her to her relatives in Kansas." Hawk explained. "Colonel Mackenzie can't spare a troop to take her; he figured I'd have better luck getting her through anyway."
"Mackenzie's Raiders?" The big fella asked.
"That's right, you've heard of him?" Hawk asked.