First, this book is dedicated to Ben, one of the best grandsons anyone could have. When you’re old enough to read it, you’ll see how much of you I borrowed to create Lucas.

Second, I want to thank Melody Miller, sales director for the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Umatilla Reservation, who let me pick her brain about life in the area. If I got it right, she was a good teacher. If I got it wrong, I was a bad student.

Last, I owe thanks to the people of Crow Agency and the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. Two years working as a public health nurse on those reservations taught this East Coast girl much about dignity, tradition, and pride.