Rainbow Man by Gifford MacShane

1880s Arizona Territory

Returning from New Mexico, renowned silversmith Alec Twelve Trees is arrested and beaten by a rogue US Cavalry patrol.

Alec is half Navajo, and this act of blatant racism invokes the ire not only of his father, but of the entire village of White's Station. While the town's leading citizens try to convince the Army it's not needed there, Alec is nursed back to health by Irene Donovan.

Eighteen-year-old Irene is a gifted herbalist. Overindulged by her father and seven older brothers, Irene often lets her willfulness trump her better nature. But Alec understands her: he's been her best friend since their school days, and loved her almost as long. He's never revealed his feelings to her, certain her family will not accept him.

Alec refuses to press charges against the soldiers who beat him, but Irene begs him to reconsider. Alec honors her wishes, and realizes he is powerless to escape her charms, even though he believes she will never give him the love he craves.

When a parade of suitors come through her father's door, Irene's frivolous nature rears its ugly head again. She escapes one hazard with her honor just barely intact. And when danger threatens both of them, Alec must decide if he will risk his life to save hers, or spend a few last happy days in her arms.