Lone Wolf Ranch - 14. Chapter 14

Dakota

As they entered, Dakota was surprised to see his grandfather sitting at the table while Robin cooked pancakes. He had never known Wamblee to sit while others worked. Jonas was placing silverware beside the plates he had already placed on the table. Rather than question things, Dakota pulled two packages of sausage from the refrigerator and, after unboxing them and spreading them on a baking sheet, put them in the oven.

Naiche looked around, then said, “Shizhe’é, er, Dakota, how can I help?”

Before Dakota could reply, Jonas handed the remaining silverware to Naiche and said, “You finish with this. I’ll get drinks for everyone.”

Naiche smiled proudly as he carefully placed the forks, knives, and spoons beside the plates, exactly matching the placement he saw on those that were already finished. When he was done with that, he grabbed the roll of paper towels and tore off five, folded them, and placed one on each plate.

His chest puffed out when Dakota observed, “Very nicely done, Naiche.”

Dakota was taking the sausages out of the oven when the house phone rang. Jonas was closest, so he picked up the handset and handed it to Wamblee, who said, “Two Guns home, Wamblee speaking.” After a moment, he said, “Dakota is right here, but I am putting you on speaker Miss Tsosie. As I was his guardian, I want to hear what is said.”

Wamblee nodded to Robin, who stepped to the phone and hit the speaker button. Wamblee said, “Please start over, Miss Tsosie. Everyone can hear you now.”

A young female voice spoke in Navajo, “This is the number on file for Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns, age 16. Do I have the right number?”

Dakota nodded, then realizing she couldn’t see him; he blushed, grinned, and said, “I am Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns. Please speak English, as my brothers do not speak Navajo. May I ask to whom I am speaking?”

Everyone heard, “I am Malia Tayen Tsosie with The Navajo Nation Department of Family Services. I apologize for calling on a Sunday morning, but this is an emergency. Before I go on, I must confirm that I have the right person. Please identify yourself legally to the Nation.”

Dakota raised his head high as he clearly stated in Navajo, “I am Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns, son of Winona Istas Yazzie, daughter of Bly Asdza Bylilly, daughter of Haseya Doba Hatahali. Also, son of Kangee Tatonga Two Guns, son of Mika Ehawee Howahkan, daughter of Makawee Zonta Galihai.”

When Naiche heard Dakota say the names of his ancestors, he looked shocked. Dakota was too focused on the phone call to notice, but Robin and Wamblee both noticed. They looked back at the phone and listened.

“I am calling with some sad news, Dakota. Your mother’s sister, Halona Mosi Yazzie, daughter of Bly Asdza Bylilly, has passed on.” Miss Tsosie said in a sympathetic tone.

Again, Dakota was focused on the phone, but the others noticed the tear that fell from Naiche’s eye as Dakota said, “I’m sorry to hear that. To be honest, I never met my aunt. When I came to the Nation, I was told she was having some problems. She had a child, didn’t she?”

Miss Tsosie cleared her throat and said, “Yes, she has, er, had a son. That’s the reason I’m calling Mr. Two Guns. Her son is missing.”

Every head in the room turned to stare when Naiche shouted, “I’m not missing, Miss Malia! I’m right here.”

They could hear the relief in her voice when Miss Tsosie asked, “Naiche? Is that really you? Oh, baby, we’ve been so worried. How did you get there?”

Before the boy could reply, Dakota said, “Miss Tsosie, we can tell you the story later. For now, you said you were calling about Naiche. Please explain what you meant?”

“As you know, your aunt was all that was left of that side of your family. Mosi refused to tell us who Naiche’s father was, so you are his only blood relative. Under Navajo law, you are an adult, and while I personally don’t like what you are, I was calling to ask if you’d be willing to care for the boy. The fact that he’s there and safe is a great relief to many of us here.”

Dakota looked at his grandfather and, seeing his nod, he stood. He cleared his throat and said, in Navaho, “I am Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns, son of Winona Istas Yazzie, daughter of Bly Asdza Bylilly, daughter of Haseya Doba Hatahali, and a man of the Diné. As such, I declare that Naiche Mingan Chee is blood of my blood and a son of my home. I will raise him, as my own, in the ways of the Diné.”

There was a long silence on the phone. In the background, they heard some sniffling, and then they heard a male voice saying, “Mr. Two Guns, I am Elu Paco Benally. I am the head of NNDFS, and while I’m not Miss Tsosie’s direct supervisor, I am her boss. First, let me say that I do not share her opinion. I think it is wonderful to find a young man who honors our ways even though he hasn’t lived in our Nation for over a decade. That said, the Navajo Nation will honor your declaration, but we also must deal with the State and Federal governments.” Dakota started to speak, but Mr. Benally continued, “Please, don’t be concerned. When it comes to our people, the States follow our wishes unless they have a valid reason not to. Because we have made our decision, your age will not be an issue, but you can expect someone from Montana Child and Family Services to contact you.”

As soon as Dakota had made his declaration, Naiche jumped from his seat and ran to hug his new father. Dakota listened to the man’s voice on the phone, but his main focus was the boy. He lifted the boy into his arms and sat, holding him in his lap as he brushed away the tears.

Kissing his new son’s forehead, Dakota asked, “Will someone from the Nation also be visiting?”

Mr. Benally replied, “I will be coming up personally, Mr. Two Guns. And from the reaction behind me, I don’t think I could prevent Miss Tsosie from coming along if I tried. She has been involved in Naiche’s case since he was born. I look forward to seeing you and hearing how The Great Spirit managed to bring the two of you together so quickly. We will be driving to Albuquerque this evening and landing in Great Falls at 9 tonight. We’ll rent a car and be there tomorrow morning if that’s ok? May I get an email address to send some documents to verify your status in case something happens before we arrive?”

Dakota gave his email address and cell number and said he would send a pin drop for their GPS. When the call disconnected, Dakota looked around the room in shock, saying, “I’m a father.” Then he broke into a fit of giggles as he repeatedly said, “I’m a father. I’m really a father.”

When he stopped giggling, Jonas stood beside him and put an arm around his shoulder, saying, “No, you’re a dad. Anyone can be a father. I wish you were my dad too.”

Robin leaned in and kissed Dakota’s cheek before saying, “I’m too old for you to be my dad, but I’m happy you’re my brother.”

Naiche looked up and asked, “Does this mean I can call you Shizhé’é now?”

Tears were rolling down Dakota’s cheeks as he said, “Yes, shiyázhí, (Shé Y¬A zhé) but remember, try to use mostly English.”

Naiche nodded as he said, “Yes, Daddy. Can we eat now?”

Everyone laughed as Dakota tickled the squirming boy in his lap, but soon everyone was pouring syrup over their pancakes, dipping their sausage in syrup, and generally enjoying their breakfast. As they ate, Robin asked what was expected from him as an apprentice.

Dakota asked, “What do you expect from working here with Shinálí and me? I mean, what is your goal? Do you want to work with us forever? Or do you want to learn what you can then move on to your own shop somewhere?”

Robin thought as he ate another bite, then replied, “I really hadn’t thought that far ahead. What’s the difference? I mean, how will it affect my apprenticeship?”

Wamblee spoke up, “It won’t. Your apprenticeship includes whatever I say it does, and as of now, it includes your learning how to manage a tack shop, as well as how to make the various items of tack. To do this, you need to take classes in business. Whether that’s at Stone Child or MSUN (Montana State University-Northern) is your choice.”

“But don’t I need to be here, working, to pay for my room and board?” Robin asked.

Wamblee shook his head as he explained, “As brother to my grandson, you are also my grandson. I will tell you the same thing I told Dakota when he asked about paying rent. One dollar per year for rent. Rent includes meals.”

Before Robin could argue, Dakota added, “And your apprenticeship covers tuition, as long as your grades are kept up and you’re making progress towards a four-year degree.”

Robin looked from Wamblee to Dakota, stunned. He knew his life had taken a turn for the better when he met the American Indian teen two weeks ago, but he never imagined things could be this good. Try as he might, he couldn’t hold back the tears as he thanked the Two Guns men.

He felt a sticky hand on his arm, and when he looked down, Naiche looked up with a smile and said, “Everything will be ok, shida’í Téél halchíʼí.” When Dakota cleared his throat, Naiche added, “Sorry, Uncle Robin.”

Robin picked up the sticky boy and tickled him as he said, “I thought we agreed I was Opichi? But you can me shida’í anytime you want, little human.”

Naiche looked to Dakota and when he saw the nod, said, “Yázhí diné is little human, Uncle.”

Robin grinned as he said, “Yázhí diné is a lot to say for such a little human. How about I just call you Yázhí?”

Dakota laughed as he explained, “Shiyázhí means ‘my little’. I think it’s perfect that you shorten it to just ‘little’, don’t you Shiyázhí?”

Naiche giggled as he said, “Aoó Shizhé’é.”

While the Navajo lesson was going on, Jonas had been quietly clearing the dishes from breakfast and loading the dishwasher. When he was done, he stood by Wamblee and asked, “Will you show Robin and me something in the workshop, Shinálí?”

Wamblee turned and asked, “What would you like me to show you, Little Dove?”

Jonas shrugged as he replied, “I don’t know, just anything. I figured Dakota and Naiche would want some time alone, so I thought we could go to the workshop.”

Wamblee and the two older boys stared in shock at the younger boy. Few adults would have had the insight to know that Dakota and Naiche needed time to bond. Dakota was the first to recover.

“Shinálí, why don’t you help them make some pistol holsters? We’ll have to teach all three of them gun safety, but they’ll need holsters soon enough.”

Wamblee smiled as he stood and said, “Dakota’s right, boys. Let’s head to the workshop.” He turned back to Dakota and said, “Take your boy to the river and get to know him some more.”

Dakota nodded and said, “If we aren’t back for lunch, eat without us. We’ll be back by dark.” He then smiled at Jonas and said, “Thank you.”

As Wamblee and the boys headed for the shop, Naiche asked, “Shizhé’é, er, Daddy, must we wear clothing? It’s so nice outside.”

Dakota grinned as he shook his head. After a stop in their apartment, Dakota led his son past the barn and into the small grove of trees. A few minutes later, they emerged from the trees onto the gently sloping bank of the Milk River. Dakota showed the boy how to carefully test his footing as he approached the water, then watched as he took a drink from the small pool.

Dakota and Naiche spent several hours exploring the grove of trees, the river, and the fields around it. Dakota spent time allowing Naiche to explore the things he had taught the boy in bed last night, as well as teaching him several new fun things they could only do together. When they were done, Dakota reminded Naiche that he shouldn’t tell others about what they did together.

They returned to the house to find that this evening’s dinner was pizza, after which Robin and Jonas curled up on the sofa in the main house to watch a movie while Dakota and Naiche headed to their apartment to shower and head to bed. Tomorrow will be a big day.

Once again, Dakota curled up around his sleeping boy, with Harry sharing their bed. Dakota thanked the gods that dogs didn’t judge like humans do. Miss Tsosie’s words kept echoing in his mind. ‘I don’t like what you are’. As he fell asleep, he silently prayed she couldn’t take Naiche from him.

At breakfast, Robin could see the stress on his brother’s face. He and Jonas had again cared for the horses, and Wamblee, knowing his grandson would be up early, had gotten out of bed when the boys did to have all the food ready before Dakota could object. When Dakota and Naiche walked in, they found the others already sitting, enjoying their morning meal.

When the strange car pulled into the drive just before nine, Dakota shot to his feet and rushed to the door. He stopped and took a breath, realizing that he needed to be calm. If he was facing a fight, he needed to be in control of his emotions. He stepped onto the porch and smiled at the Navajo man and woman as they approached.

Dakota forced a smile and said, “Yá'át'ééh. I am Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns, son of Winona Istas Yazzie, daughter of Bly Asdza Bylilly, daughter of Haseya Doba Hatahali, and a man of the Diné. Shall we go inside, so you don’t have to go through things twice?”

The man smiled, nodded, and followed Dakota inside. Once inside, he said, “Yá'át'ééh. I am Elu Paco Benally, son of Doba Chooli Yez, daughter of Winona Olathe Etsitty, also a man of the Diné.”

He turned to the woman who said, “Yá'át'ééh. I am Malia Tayen Tsosie, daughter of Sakari Shysie Tsosie, daughter of Milena Awee Tsosie, and I am a woman of the Diné.”

When she finished, Wamblee said, “I am Wambleeska Otaktay Two Guns, son of Pejuta Chimaka Galihai, daughter of Mimala Manisa Maka. I am a medicine man of the Lakota.” Wamblee turned and held his arm out as he added, “This is my grandson, Opichi, and my son, Little Dove. We welcome you to our home.”

Mr. Benally looked from Dakota to Wamblee a few times, then settled his gaze on Dakota, asking, “Where might we sit to go over the paperwork and such?”

Dakota led everyone to the dining room table, and as everyone settled into chairs, Robin asked if anyone would like coffee or something else to drink. After hearing what everyone would like, he took Jonas into the kitchen to get the drinks.

Once everyone was settled, Mr. Benally turned to Miss Tsosie, who said, “Dakota, as I said on the phone, you are Naiche’s only blood relative. After your declaration on the phone yesterday, our laws require us to allow you to raise him as your own unless we can convince the Navajo Court that you are unfit.” She cleared her throat and went on, “Personally, I believe that all who are like you are inherently evil and should have nothing to do with a child. That said, the laws are on your side, so I will not stand in your way. I pray that Naiche will grow to be a man of honor and not be influenced by being around you.”

Wamblee sat stone-faced as he listened to this woman speaking ill of his grandson. He wanted to stand and defend the boy, but this was not his fight. He watched as Robin’s face grew red with anger and could see the boy’s jaw flexing as he ground his teeth together to keep himself from speaking up.

Mr. Benally looked around the table and saw the reactions. He tried to calm things by saying, “As I said yesterday, I do not share Miss Tsosie’s opinions. The Navajo Nation considers Dakota to be an honorable young man, and we expect nothing but great things from him, as we do all our young men.” He turned to speak directly to Dakota, “Your declaration of yesterday is legally enough for me, but you have had the night to reconsider. Is it still your wish to have Naiche as your son?”

Dakota calmly said, “It is.”

Mr. Benally nodded, pulled a stack of papers from his briefcase, and said, “My sister-in-law is an associate justice on the Navajo Supreme Court, so she did me a small favor before I left. This first form declares you, Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns, an emancipated minor, giving you the legal status of an adult in all State and Federal courts and Agencies. She suggested this to prevent Montana from getting involved in Naiche’s custody. The second form, or I should say a stack of forms, gives permanent custody of Naiche Mingan Chee to Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns.”

Dakota’s eyebrows lowered as he thought, then he asked, “If his mother didn’t list a father, how is Naiche’s last name ‘Chee’?”

Miss Tsosie replied, “Mosi told me that she named him after the first boy she had a crush on in high school. I found him and asked him if he would allow us to test his DNA. He agreed. It seems she never got over him, but Naiche is not his son.”

Mr. Benally smiled as he said, “This next form allows, if you desire, the adoption of Naiche Mingan Chee by Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns. Adoption allows for a name change, but I also have the form to change his name without adoption. Of course, you can do the adoption at a later time, but Elaine said that she would sign all the paperwork now to allow you to simply finish everything today.”

Dakota knew what he wanted, but he needed to consider Naiche’s desires, also. He looked at the boy and saw his answer in his eyes. Dakota stood and said, “I am Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns, son of Winona Istas Yazzie, daughter of Bly Asdza Bylilly, daughter of Haseya Doba Hatahali, and a man of the Diné. As such, I declare that Naiche Mingan Chee is blood of my blood and a son of my home. I will raise him, as my own, in the ways of the Diné. From this day forward, he shall be known as Naiche Tokala Chee Two Guns.”

Naiche grinned as he heard his new name. He jumped and ran to the open arms of his new father as Mr. Benally signed some of the papers while pulling some others out and setting them aside. Miss Tsosie signed as a witness, then opened her arms to offer a hug to Naiche.

As she held the boy, she said, “I hope you’ll be happy here, Little One.”

He beamed at her as he said, I’m already happy here, Miss Malia! My new daddy’s just like me. He’s already showing me stuff I can do with my body. We had a bunch of fun down by the river yesterday.” As soon as he had said it, the boy realized he had revealed something he shouldn’t have. He pulled away from the woman and rushed to Dakota, saying, “I’m sorry, Daddy. I didn’t mean to tell. It just slipped out.”

Dakota hugged the boy tight as he said, “It’s ok Shiyázhí, those who love us will always love us, no matter what.” He raised his eyes to look at Miss Tsosie as he said, “He told you the truth. The boy is like me. Unlike what you may have heard, we are born this way. We don’t suddenly change because something happens in our lives, nor is it something we learn over time. And yes, yesterday I spent a few hours helping Naiche explore, as well as both of the last two nights in bed. That is not only my right as a Navajo man but my obligation as his father. I will not send him into the world untrained.”

Miss Tsosie’s face was contorted with disgust, but she remained silent as Mr. Benally looked to Naiche and asked, “Are you really like your Shiyázhí, little one?”

Naiche nodded, then turned to Dakota. When he saw the slight nod, Naiche replied, “I’m not as big as Shiyázhí is, but he said I’ll grow.” His face lit up as he turned to Miss Tsosie and said, “I really love when he holds me and licks me all over.”