Heart of a Hero (H.O.C. #3)

Chapter 2

David rested under the rare shade of a tree as he opened Lottie's latest letter. He drew a long drink from his leather-bound tin canteen, chewed on a piece of dried buffalo, and drew his legs up so that his feet rested flat on the ground.

My Dear David,

Today I went by to check on Sally and saw a sight to behold. She was so beside herself, she couldn't focus on making cornbread. It was a little comical, though I'd never tell her so. I've decided to help her as often as I can when time allows.

Honestly, I longed for you. The whole debacle made me look forward to marrying you, having our own brood of youngins, and keeping our own little two room cabin.

Some good came from Sally's misfortune. She and Buddy want to hire a girl from Miss Edna's in Denver to come help her.

Miss Mamie says to tell you hello. She's been God-send to me, keeping me bright and cheery in the times I miss you so much I can't breathe. She said it's that way when Tom's gone, too, even after being married for all these years.

I need to go. I have a long day tomorrow, but I miss you with my whole being, and I can't wait to see you. Four more weeks until we leave by train in Denver, but will have to take a coach to Hays from Dodge City. I hope it's not as dangerous as some people make it out to be. We're looking at traveling for more than a week all told. As long as you are at the end of the line with open arms, I'll be glad to go the whole way around the world.

All my love until I see you again,

Lottie Freeman

Once again, Lottie had managed to make him laugh and cry in one letter. It was postmarked a few weeks ago, which meant not much longer, and she'd be here with his parents.

David made up in his mind to find out what he needed to do to marry her and never be without her again as long as he lived.

*****

Home of Belinda Williams

Topeka, Kansas

1963

Sophie stared wide-eyed at her grandmother, Belinda, affectionately known as Bee-bee or Granny Bee to Sophie and her cousins. The questions swirled in her mind faster than she could form them on her tongue.

"So, David... he fell in love with a black woman back when that was a no-no? I mean, some think it still is, but that was huge. What happened? How did they get married if they weren't allowed to?"

"Slow down, Sophie girl. I'll explain it all. Yes, David fell in love with Lottie. Almost at first sight, the way she used to tell it." Belinda responded matter-of-factly. She had known Lottie. She'd known her well, indeed.

"You knew her? You knew Lottie?"

"Yes darlin', I did. She lived to be 88 years old. I grew up on her knee, hearing stories, and this one bears retelling. You see, Lottie was a smart woman despite her simple beginnings. Her parents, though it was illegal, had been taught how to read, and had taught her by reading the Bible. I think if more people had known she could read, life might have been even easier, but who knows? We were not treated the same. And, even if you were "mixed," you would be considered colored. David and Lottie knew it going into their relationship."

"What did David's parents think? Wasn't it ... what's the word? Taboo? To marry a colored girl?" Sophie asked. She'd always soaked up history, but this new aspect and how it related to her had changed the way she viewed their history.