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A smile tugged at Zach’s lips. His eyes gleamed with mischief.
“Navajo Nation Fair’s in September. There’s an open bull riding competition. Bet I can stay on longer than you.”
Caleb snorted. “I rode Northern Alliance ponies in Afghanistan. If I survived those demons, I can handle a bull.”
“Absolutely not.” Jennie marched over, arms crossed, leveling them both with a glare.
Gia caught hiseye, shaking her head with mock-disapproval, though she bit her lip, trying not to laugh.
Caleb and Zach looked at each other—and grinned like fools.
It was mid-afternoon by the time they left Zach and Jennie and drove to the cemetery.
Caleb held Gia’s hand as they stood before the fresh mound of earth that marked his mother’s grave.
“I brought you home, Mom.” His throat closed up.
Gia squeezed his fingers and rested her head on his arm, lending him her strength.
The grief he'd buried beneath his need for vengeance bubbled to the surface. His chest heaved. He looked to the sky as tears blurred his vision.
It wasn’t a day for sadness. Not anymore.
He had something special planned.
“I brought you home,” he repeated, his voice stronger this time. “And I’ve decided to stay. See, there’s this girl—”
Gia gave a quiet laugh, softening the edges of his sorrow.
He told his mother his secret, his silent words consigned to the wind, certain she’d hear and approve.
Wish me luck.
“Have you been to Canyon de Chelly yet?” he asked Gia.
She shook her head. “I haven’t done much besides work and go home. I was too afraid.”
“Come on, let’s go for a drive.”
An hour later,Caleb parked at an overlook on the South Rim.
The late afternoon temperature dipped into the low thirties, but the wind was calm. They hiked the half-mile paved trail.
When they came to the viewing platform, Gia gasped.
Towering sandstone cliffs blazed red and orange in the fading light, carved by ancient rivers, tectonic shifts, and time. The iconic red stone spire of Spider Rock soared from the canyon floor below. Shadows spilled into the valley, casting a blue haze over the cottonwood and juniper trees.
“It’s beautiful.”
He smiled at the wonder on her face, pride swelling in his chest—as if he’d somehow been responsible for this miracle of nature.
Caleb pulled Gia into his chest, wrapping his arms around her for warmth. Snowflakes drifted through the air, landing in her hair and on his shoulders.
“Spider Rock,” he murmured. “My grandmother used to say this is the sacred home of Spider Woman, who wove the universe, taught my people to find beauty and balance.”
He turned her in his arms to face him.
“You’ve brought beauty and balance into my life, Gianna Barone.”