Addie held back a grin at the relief in that one word. Hawk would enjoy the company of animals in peace and quiet.
Soggy cold swept across the floor as Hawk stepped outside. The door thudded shut. His boots sounded on the step. And then nothing but the rain pounding the roof.
She tipped her ear toward the ceiling. Had the noise grown less intense than it had been when they entered this place? Or had she grown used to it? Not that it mattered.
“We’re here for the night,” she murmured, more for her own sake than to inform anyone else.
“Come dawn, we’ll assess the situation.” Nash filled a cup with the steeped tea and brought it over for Mother. He returned and poured two more cups, handing one to Addie and then sitting cross-legged at her side, cradling the other between his palms.
Addie set her cup aside to help Mother, who drank her tea slowly and then closed her eyes. “I’ll be fine as soon as I have a good sleep.”
Addie didn’t respond. Something more than lack of sleep brought on Mother’s fever.
“I’ll sit up and watch her. In case she gets worse.” Addie wasn’t ready to leave her unattended for the night.
“I’ll keep you company.”
She should protest, but she didn’t. She found comfort in having someone sharing the evening, and she eased back to lean against the wall.
Nash scooted to her side. “Has she been sick long?”
The question startled her. “I put her weariness down to the trials of travel. I’m sure, once we reach Golden Valley, where she can rest and get better food, she’ll regain her strength.”
“No doubt that will make a big difference.”
Whether or not he tried to sound encouraging, his words dragged through her thoughts. Had she overlooked some need Mother had? Neglected her care?
“I’ve done my best to take care of her.”
“I didn’t mean otherwise.” He shifted to study her. “What takes you to Golden Valley?”
“Father Stone is there, and we’re joining him to help with his work.” She settled back. Talking about what they’d do proved to be a comfortable subject. “He’s a preacher, so of course, he is establishing a church. He reports that there are men and women who long for some religious instruction.”
Wood snapped in the stove. Mr. Bertrand snored loudly.
Addie continued. “He does much more than that, though. He’s purchased a building he wants to use to house widows and their children until they can return to their families.”
She looked away into the dark corners as she recalled what else he’d said and how it stirred a response in her. She didn’t want to talk about her plans. “Tell me about your ranch.”
“Well, it’s not big, but it’s productive. I’ve earned every penny that has gone into the land and buildings.”
“That’s an odd way of describing your success.”
His forefinger traced the wrinkle in his trousers. “Guess I don’t want to be like the miners in Golden Valley hoping to get ahead by luck or trickery. Robbing, cheating, and cards might seem like an easy way to some, but far better to earn what you have.”
“I certainly agree.” She’d never put herself in a position where someone might think of stealing from her.
“I’m going to raise horses. Horses with good breeding.” The pride in his voice said this was something of importance. “My ranch is in a wide valley. The mountains circle me. A river runs through. You should see it this time of year when spring flowers blossom everywhere. Themountains wear a cap of snow, green grass skirts them, and the sunrise paints them pink.”
“It sounds lovely. It must be nice to be able to call some place home and feel your roots growing deep.” Living a life of service meant the Stones moved from place to place, going where they were needed.
“Do you have family?” she asked. “A wife, children, parents…?”
“No wife. No children. My mother is alive. She lives to the south. My father is deceased.”
Did she detect a sorrowful note when he mentioned his father? Of course, she did. The loss of one’s parents hurt. But more than that edged his words…maybe regret. Or guilt?
How silly of her to think she knew anything about the man.
