Warrior in Her Bed by Cathleen Galitz Page A

our veterans,” Stormy announced solemnly. “Would all the veterans in the audience please stand up and be recognized?”
    Survivors of World War II rose to their feet to join those of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and Desert Storm, the youngest among them home from active duty fighting terrorists in Afghanistan. After thunderous applause, Stormy made note of the Native Americans in their midst, including himself, who had so valiantly served their country. Had someone not forcibly nudged Johnny squarely in the back, Annie suspected she might never have discovered his patriotic involvement at this event.
    He looked decidedly uncomfortable, but that modesty didn’t stop him from being on the receiving end of some friendly, good-natured teasing. Though he hastened to sit down again, Stormy bade him remain standing.
    â€œDon’t let my good friend’s bashfulness fool you. Not only was this man a world-class winner as a dancer in his youth, he also came back from his tour of duty with a chestful of medals of honor. Some people attribute his bravery to the ancestral warrior blood running through his veins. Some will tell you that he’s a direct descendent of Crazy Horse, but overseas we just called him Crazy Guy.”
    The hoot of laughter that went up at this further encouraged Stormy, who was obviously having a great time at his friend’s expense. Good-naturedly, Johnny merely shook his head and mutely threw up his hands to the crowd.
    â€œI hope you were lucky enough to catch sight of him dancing earlier. Let me make note of the fact that he comes from a long line of “wolf” dancers.In case you don’t know what that means, I’ll give you a brief explanation. In the old days, wolf dancers were respected warriors who led groups of their people as their tribes migrated across the high plains. Let’s have a round of applause for Johnny Lonebear, a modern-day warrior who came home from his tour of duty with a Purple Heart and the desire to lead our young people across new territory, teaching them how to embrace the new ways without forsaking the old.”
    Annie was so startled by this announcement she almost forgot to applaud. Jewell had told her that in addition to being the most sought-after bachelor on the reservation, Johnny was well respected in the community. She had neglected to mention that her new boss was also the local hero. A seemingly simple ogre, Johnny Lonebear was transforming into a very complex man right before her eyes.
    â€œI’m impressed,” she told him honestly as he was finally allowed to take his seat again.
    The unintelligible grunt he gave her in response indicated all too clearly that he did not want to pursue the subject any further. “Have you had enough for one day?” he asked, his earlier good mood vanishing.
    Annie hadn’t. In fact, she was having such a wonderful time that she hated to broach the subject of leaving, but it seemed the polite thing to consider his feelings. “Are you by any chance ready to go?”
    â€œI really am. That is, if you think you’ve got enough ideas to help you finish your stained-glass piece?” he added as an afterthought.
    â€œEnough for the one I’m working on and at least a dozen more,” Annie replied with a smile that softened the blue of her eyes to match the hue of the sky above.
    â€œI hate to tear you away when you seem to be having such fun. It’s just that as much as I appreciate the recognition, it brings back some painful memories,” Johnny admitted.
    Surprised that he would include her in his confidence even this much, Annie looked up to see a baby grinning at her over her mother’s shoulder. She ached to reach out and take the infant in her arms and smell the scent of its freshly bathed skin.
    â€œSome memories can be debilitating,” she said, empathetically feeling a twinge of compassion.
    Johnny crossed his arms over his chest. “I