Chapter 10

“Xavier, it’s time you started thinking about your future. About the kind of woman you’d like to marry, and if you don’t date any women, how are you supposed to know who’s right for you?”

Xavier could feel the walls closing on him. “Sure, why not,” he said, his voice shaking a little. Why was he so afraid of standing up for himself?

Because no one had ever showed him how. And the only man who could have, had deserted him.

“Oh, don’t be nervous about it. You two will have a great time and it’s gonna do you so much good, Xavier. Trust your old aunt. I know about these things.” Aunt Diane came closer and put her hand against his shirt, over his heart. “You need some healing and I think she could do that for you. She could make you forget all that nasty Indian business your dad put in your head before he left for that godforsaken reservation.”