Quicksilver Passion (213 page)

Well, Keso”—Cherokee pushed his hat back—
I’m making me up a ready-made family here and I don’t have a son. What’s a family without a son? You know a ranch has to have hands to work it.”

Tears came to the boy’s eyes. He tried to speak but couldn’t. Waanibe had already slid to the ground before Silver could stop her.
Does that mean he’s going to be my brother?”

Cherokee nodded.
Reckon so, if he doesn’t mind having you for a little sister.”

Little Waanibe caught Keso’s hand.
Then here’s a treasure for you to put in your pocket and keep.” She kissed his palm and folded his fingers over it.

Keso made a face and wiped his hand on his ragged shirt.
Ugh! Am I gonna have to put up with this kid wanting to kiss on me like that?”

Cherokee winked at Silver.
Son, believe it or not, there’ll come a day when she’ll be something besides a kid and you might like a woman kissing on you.”

Well, if she goes with the deal, I reckon I can put up with her. Here, kid!” Keso gestured to her, grabbed her up, and put her on the back of his horse. Then he swung into the saddle. When he looked over at Silver, his eyes shone.
You know I always dreamed of having a real family, and especially a pretty mother like you!”

For only an instant, Silver winced, and then she realized that, like Cherokee, the boy was looking at her with eyes of love.

Come on, family,” Cherokee said, turning his horse around.
It’ll be dawn soon, and it looks like it might decide to snow. We’re gonna have the best Christmas anyone ever had this year.”

Christmas?” Keso asked.
You mean, with one of them trees, and gifts and all?”