Chapter 4

“Gabriel, he saw us.”

Having lived with Indians for ten years, Gabe saw nothing wrong with having a male lover, but he’d learned things were different here.

“He was afraid you’d hurt me. I convinced him we were just wrestling, but…” He gave Gabe a mournful glance. “We have to find sweethearts.”

“But you’re my sweetheart.”

“We can’t be. We’d be banished from Braddockville. I won’t let them do that to you.”

“Suppose we left?” They could go west over the mountains, or north to Canada and become trappers. Gabe knew how to hunt and trap. He wouldn’t mind leaving behind his uncle and his family.

A look into Remember’s eyes told him that his friend would do this for him, but leaving behind his own family would tear him apart; Gabe wouldn’t do that to him.

“No, you’re right, we’ll find sweethearts. Is there…is there one you like?”

“Anne Miller.”