Lee Masters, a handsome young cowboy, is fired from his cattle drive when his sexual orientation is discovered. Frustrated and angry, he rides to a mountain lake where he meets a Dakota native named Tatanka, who is also exiled from his tribe for refusing to adhere to tribal custom for braves who prefer men to women. They strike up a friendship, which readily turns to love. Their family is completed when a young Indian, Sleeps With Dogs, insists they take him with them on their search for a home.<br><br>Their quest to find acceptance in either the white man's world or the native population is a difficult journey. Can two men who love each other find a place in the harsh reality of the western wilderness, or will they always be walking in two worlds?

Walking in Two Worlds

“I don’t know,” said Lee. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”


“You not want to be father, Lee Masters?”


“I dunno? I never figured I would be since I ain’t gonna be married to no woman.”


“I want be father since young man,” said Tatanka, wistfully. “Maybe this be only way.”


Lee was hesitant. “Well, if you think we can handle this?” He looked at the boy. He was so innocent, so accepting. “Congratulations, Dad,” he said and pulled Tatanka into a bear hug. 


After supper they prepared for bed. Sleeps With Dog was so tired he dropped right off to sleep on the bed they had prepared for him on one side of the fire. The puppy was curled up under his chin. The boy’s name fit him. Lee and Tatanka sat by the fire watching the flames. Each man seemed lost in his own thoughts. 


Well, if Tanka wants to be a dad, then I can do this, Lee thought. Heck, I thought the kid was real cute back at the village when he helped me find my way around.


Chapter 14