24
“Come. Sit,” Clayton said as he walked to the kitchen.
Peyton sat at the dining table, then Kai took the chair next to her, resting his hands on the table.
They watched Clayton check the pot on the stove. Older in years, his outward appearance changed little since their respective time with the Lakota Shaman. A few more gray hairs colored his long black braid. The creases around his mouth and eyes and across his brow had deepened.
Clayton stirred the contents of the pot, giving himself a moment to enjoy the company in his house. “Stew is almost ready. There is bread in the box, tea in the fridge.”
Peyton stood and moved about the kitchen as if she did so every day. Bringing the items to the table, she rejoined Kai and Clayton, who sat across from them.
Taking his time, Clayton stu
