war.” She looked up, feeling a terrible sense of dread. “I can hardly admit to that, however, without causing problems for the government’s investigation. Seth felt certain Lakewood had the cooperation of most of the police department and that many of them were probably involved in the plot to stir up a war. Oh, this is such a mess.”
“Tomorrow we’ll send a telegram to your father and ask him to come right away. He’ll know how to advise us.”
Grace sounded so calm that Faith couldn’t help but feel her fears fade. Maybe it wasn’t that big of a problem. After all, she had witnesses of where she was that night, and the details of why and what she’d said to Major Wells surely could remain untold.
“Mother? Oh, good, Faith. I’m so glad you’re back,” Nancy said, standing in the doorway to the dining room. She looked rather confused. “I think my water just broke.”
“Are you sure everything is all right?” Nancy asked her mother. “I’m not having very strong contractions.”
“No, but they’re quite regular, and I assure you they will strengthen as the night wears on. First babies usually take their time in coming, so just go about your business.”
Seth watched from his bed, where Faith was changing one of his bandages. “She worries about everything, doesn’t she?” he murmured.
“She does.” Faith finished what she was doing and smiled. “You’re doing so much better. I’m sure part of the reason is prayer, but the other part is sheer determination on your part.”
“I had to be here for my family.”
“Still, it will take a while, and you must obey doctor’s orders.”
He smiled. “Seems I have so many doctors, I have little choice.”
Faith squeezed his hand. “I can’t help but feel like this is my fault. I managed to anger the wrong people.”
“It’s not your fault, Faith,” Nancy said from where she sat by the fire. “No more than it’s mine. After all, my dead husband started all of this.”
“It is the fault of the evil men who are continuing this scheme,” Grace declared.
Faith gathered the old bandages and her scissors. “I’ll get these soaking, and then I’m going to go see Andrew off. He’s been so patient to wait while I’ve gone back and forth to help here. When I spoke to him about sending Father a telegram, he reminded me that he was heading to Oregon City at first light. He plans to ask Father for my hand and give him a ride back.”
“Wait. What did you just say?” Nancy fixed her cousin with an open-mouthed gaze.
Faith laughed. “Andrew knows everything about me, and not only that, he shares my circumstance. His father and mother were both mixed-race, and when he puts together all the parts of one tribe or another that came through his family, he figures himself to be at least half Indian. The old Indian man I told you about—the one he saved during the fight—that’s his grandfather.”
“That’s wonderful,” Grace said from where she was busy arranging Nancy’s bed for the birth.
“How did you find all of this out and when?” Nancy asked.
“When Lakewood demanded that I help him or he’d kill all of you.” Faith put her dirty things in a cleaning basin. “I was so upset, and before I knew it, I was at the river looking for the Morning Star. Once I found Andrew, I just told him everything. I knew if I became Lakewood’s mistress it would be the talk of the town, and I wanted him to hear it from me. When I explained my heritage, he told me that there was nothing stopping us now. I had no idea what he meant, but then he kissed me and told me we could marry because he, too, was part Native. I was never happier than in that moment.”
“How romantic,” Nancy said with a sigh. “I’m just so happy for you. All these years you’ve believed you could never have a husband and family, and now you can. It’s truly wonderful.”
“It doesn’t mean there won’t ever be problems,” Faith warned her. “We’ll marry as two white people, but at least, should someone want to make trouble for us because of my Indian blood, he’ll be able to point to his own and show there is no breaking of the law.”
“When do you plan to wed?” Grace asked.
“Soon, I hope. I see no reason to wait.”
Nancy grabbed her belly as another contraction hit. “You’ll wait long enough for me to deliver this baby and