"As Red Buffalo disappeared into the darkness, Hunter's hand, which was riding Loretta's thickened waist, tightened. He glanced down, his brows lifting in question. With a wondrous expression on his face, he placed his other palm on her slightly swollen abdomen. "Blue Eyes, what is this?" Loretta looked up at him through tears. "Our child, Hunter." His warm fingers flexed and curled protectively. A slow smile spread across his mouth. "A child..." The words were a reverent whisper. " child." Loretta placed her hand over his, so filled with love for him that she felt she might die of it. The future was filled with uncertainty. The way ahead might be fraught with danger. And they would be completely alone. Two people, against a world of hostility. None of that really frightened her, though. Theirs was no ordinary love, and she knew the course of their lives would have a far greater purpose than that of simply being together."