The doctor walked in. “I hear we're about ready to have a baby.”
“I think it is time,” Atuska said.
The doctor examined Mattie. “You're nearly there.” He grinned. “We've got men lined up in the hall. They're taking bets on what time this baby arrives.”
Mattie didn't care about the men or their bets. All she could think of was getting the baby out. Another wave of pain swept over her. She pushed, struggling to expel the child. “Ohhh,” she moaned.
The doctor said, “Push, Mattie. It's almost here.”
Luke held her hand.
“One more big push will do it,” the doctor said.
Gritting her teeth and letting a shriek loose, she bore down, and her little girl entered the world.
A small cry escaped her daughter's lips. Joy flowed through Mattie. “Let me see her. Please.”
The doctor cut the umbilical cord and handed the child to her mother. She cradled her baby girl against her breast. The infant had dark hair and a round puckered face. She blinked oval eyes and pressed a fist to her mouth, sucking hard.
Mattie marveled at this child. Only moments before she'd lived in an unseen world.
Her grandmother gently ran a crooked finger over the child's forehead. “She looks just like your mother did. So beautiful.”
Love, like none she'd ever felt, flooded Mattie. She caressed the little girl's golden cheek and smoothed her thatch of dark hair.
“She's beautiful,” Luke said.
Mattie studied her daughter. She looked native, and Mattie loved every corner of her. In a flash of understanding, she glimpsed God's love for his children, his creation. She was God's creation, even the parts that were Indian.
Mattie kissed her baby girl's cheek. This child was the next link in her family's line, a family created by God, and just as this child was precious and cherished, so was she.
Through tears, she looked at her grandmother. “I know now what you meant about loving who we are. I'm not ashamed or angry anymore. I know that when God created me...that what he made was good.”
Atuska cradled the child's head. “Yes. Very good.”
Chapter 31
ATUSKA LOOKED SMALL BENEATH THE PILE OF BLANKETS. DESPITE HER GRAVE condition, her withered face looked peaceful.
Heavy-hearted, Mattie stepped into the stuffy bedroom. It was happening. Her grandmother was dying. “I brought you some broth.” She set a tray with soup on the nightstand beside Atuska's bed, then helped prop up the old woman on pillows. She could feel the bones beneath her cotton nightdress.
“Maybe I'll have some later,” Atuska said, her voice unsteady.
“Please try to eat some. Just a little.”
She nodded and allowed Mattie to spoon hot broth into her mouth. After only a few sips, she weakly lifted a hand. “No more.” Lying back against the pillows, she closed her eyes.
Returning the bowl to the tray, Mattie sat in a chair beside the bed. She gazed at her grandmother, taking in every feature. Her face looked shrunken, the skin parchmentlike. Her chest rose and fell, a rasping squeak accompanying each breath. Lord, does she have to die now? Mattie couldn't hold back her tears. She lifted her grandmother's hand and caressed its cool, shiny skin. Life won't be the same without you. She sniffled. Little Mara would not know her great-grandmother.
Atuska opened her eyes. “It's not a time for weeping. It is time for me to go ahead. And it is good—I miss many people, and now I will see them again.”
Nodding, Mattie wiped away her tears. “It's just that...I...I don't want you to go. I need you. Especially now, since I've just discovered who I am. And Mara will need you.”
“Your mother will be here. She knows and understands.” Atuska coughed, then struggled to regain her breath. “How is Mara?”
“She's good. Always hungry. Mama said she looks like your mother.”
“Yes. And my mother is honored that her great-great-grandchild is named after her.” She coughed, then asked, “Can I see her?”
“I'll get her.” Mattie stood and started to go, then stopped. “I think she smiled at me this morning.”
“I'm not surprised. I knew from the beginning that she was smart.” Atuska reached for Mattie's hand and clutched it with surprising strength. “Will you teach her about our people?”
“I will. I promise.”
“Good.” Atuska relaxed her hold and closed her eyes. “I have been waiting...for you...to know who you are.” She blinked and looked at Mattie. “I am filled with joy.”
“If only I'd known sooner.” She willed away new tears. “We could have shared so much.”
“We shared a life.” She took a gasping breath. “Soon you and Luke...will have your own home. Remember...he needs you,” she wheezed. “You have led the way and now...you...can help him.”
“Help him what?”
Her grandmother didn't answer. Her eyes were closed, and her breaths became no more than panting whispers.
A chill wind blew, but Mattie barely noticed as she laid a bouquet of flowers on her grandmother's grave. Everyone except Luke had gone on ahead to the Townsends'. He stood back, allowing Mattie room to say a private farewell.
