Page 73 of Kansas

“How does this work?” I asked. “I mean, Chief, you are Kiowa, but Vivi is Cherokee.”

Chief Longfeather nodded. “That’s true, but Vivi, or Whitepaw, as she will be called today, is also part Kiowa. Her grandmother married a man from the Kiowa Tribe.”

“Yep, that’s right,” Falcon added, resting his arms over her shoulder. “But we ignore the white man her mom married.”

Vivi chuckled, pushing Falcon away. “Go away, Falcon.”

“Kaliope, I am ready to bless this new house of yours.” Chief Longfeather said, looking at the house.

All laughter ceased, the men of the Kiowa Tribe spread out, a few feet apart, when I realized they circled the entire house. Mrs. Worthington, Cassidy and the club brothers all came to stand with us as we watched in utter amazement. Holding Tanner in my arms, I smiled as he clapped happily.

“What are they doing, momma?” Talia asked.

“Watch,” Trigger whispered, holding her close as he pointed at Vivi.

Looking at Kansas, who held Jaxon, while Mrs. Worthington held Jasper, I smiled.

Vivi moved away from Pence, standing in front of the house. Raising her arms, she spoke in her tribe’s native tongue. It was so beautiful, hearing her speak the language of her ancestors. The entire scene was something I would never forget. Just listening to Vivi speak sent chills down my spine.

Ga lu lo hi gi ni du da.

Nu da wa gi ni li si.

E lo hi gi ne tse.

Ga li e li ga.

Si gi ni ge’ yu.

O sa li he li ga.

Pence leaned in close and translated for me. “She’s saying the traditional Cherokee Prayer. Sky our grandfather. Moon our grandmother. Earth our mother. I am thankful. We love each other. We are grateful.”

When Vivi finished, Falcon handed Chief Longfeather a bowl.

“That’s an abalone shell. In it is a sage bundle, smudge stick and sacred leaves. The Chief will go to the north, south, east and west corners of the house and bless them, saying a small prayer in each corner. When he’s finished, he will exit at the back of the house. The men will stay in the circle, protecting the chief while he blesses the house.”

Following Pence, we all walked around to the back of the house, mindful of the men still in the circle. Waiting patiently, I moved closer to Kansas as he kissed the top of my head.

Seeing Vivi walk around the house, we all watched in rapture as the Chief walked out the back door to stand next to Vivi. Handing the bowl back to Falcon, the Chief raised his hands and spoke in Native Kiowa.

Falcon whispered as the chief spoke, “Bless my prayer and heal our land. Increase our food, the buffalo power. Multiply my people, prolong their lives on earth. Protect us from troubles and sickness. That happiness and joy may be ours in life. That life we live is so uncertain. Consider my supplications with kindness, for I talk to you as yet living for my people.”

When the Chief was done, he stepped back as Vivi stepped forward and like before, she raised her hands and spoke.

Looking at Pence, I felt my heart breaking as I saw a tear escape and slowly roll down his face. The look of pride was paramount as his wife proudly channeled her heritage for all to see. Looking at me, he smiled. “She is saying the Cherokee Blessing her mother said, at our wedding. May the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your house. May the Great Spirit Bless all who enter there. May your moccasins make happy tracks in many snows and may the Rainbow always touch your shoulder.”

Tears fell down my face as I listened to Pence say the words so I could understand them. Never in my life had I ever felt so loved, so blessed, so cherished. The whole ceremony was so overwhelming, so beautiful. I felt, for the first time in my life, I truly belonged here.

I was finally home.

The second the chief and Vivi finished their blessings, the tribal Indians surrounding the house let out loud yells as someone started playing drums. Before I knew what was happening, the men started dancing around, yelling and shouting words I didn’t know. Even the Chief joined them.

The celebration lasted well into the evening and by the time the Chief and the other men from the reservation left I was ready to collapse. Overall, it was a wonderful, insightful and humbling day.

Walking into our bedroom, exhaustion hit me hard. Today had been a massive success and now all I wanted was a hot shower and to sleep for the next week. Walking into the closet, I kicked off my shoes when I heard, “Now, that’s one fine ass.”

Turning, I saw Kansas standing in the doorway to our joint closet, naked as the day he was born. Water dripping down his chest from his still damp hair. My eyes roamed up and down his delicious body. How could he look so damn good after everything today? I felt worn out, almost as if I did three rounds in a boxing ring and yet, there he stood, smiling and perfectly content, looking like a million bucks. I knew if I made it into the bathroom and looked into the mirror, I would stare at a hag.

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