Born into a society tolerant of homosexuals, River Otter is confused by the white culture’s persecution of such men. As the war begins to wind down, Otter leaves the only home he has ever known to help Major James Morrow, commandant of Ft. Yanube, build a farm north of the fort. He begins a new life with the handsome major while coming to grips with growing hostility toward natives and rising danger from a local militia bent on eliminating all bloods from the territory.<br><br>As his physical attraction for the blond soldier slowly grows into a love perilous to both of them, Otter is distracted by personal challenges. As he struggles to survive the social and political upheaval sweeping the plains, can remain true to his own set of values?

River Otter

James and I both worked with an anxious eye out for trouble. One summer day, Andre came thundering into the yard to announce Bella had delivered her baby. We trailed him back to his place to find mother and child doing well. Andre was nearly as proud of attending the birth alone as he was of his new daughter. He took the tiny infant from her crib and held her protectively during our stay. It was almost as if he and James were vying for the attention of the child. In this, they had competition from Joseph and little James, who were enchanted by their tiny sister. The boys pawed and petted the child, driving everyone to distraction.


They had named the girl Liberty because she made her appearance on July 4, the nation’s birthday. Neither of her brothers could pronounce her name, so she immediately became Libby.


Chapter 112