“I’m sorry. No doubt you’ve witnessed many things you wish you hadn’t.”
“I have.” Her closed-off throat strangled the words.
“Do you care to talk about it?”
“I—” The Stones were stoic about the awful things they dealt with, seeming to push them aside. The few times Addie had said anything about the loss and pain she witnessed, Mother had patted her hand and said, “Life and death are in God’s hands. We cannot question His ways.”
She repeated the words to Nash. “I don’t mean to question Him, but—” A shiver rippled overher, and her closing throat fought the admission. “I held a tiny baby as it drew a last breath.”
Nash cupped his hand over hers. He might be a stranger, but his presence provided a rock of comfort, and she turned her fingers into his warm, strong palm.
Things she had never been able to talk about poured from her. The children she’d helped. The injured she’d tended. The sick who died as she helplessly sat with them, offering what care and comfort she could.
His grip held firm.
Her confession ended. How long had she talked? And through it all, Nash had made comforting sounds. She felt empty inside, but in a good way as if garbage and debris had been tossed out.
With a satisfied sigh, she tipped her head back against the wall. “I didn’t mean to say all that. But once I got started…” She hadn’t been able to stop.
“I don’t mind. It sounds like you’ve seen some hard things.”
If he only knew that she hadn’t even mentioned the hardest.
“Maybe,” he continued, “a visit to my ranch would give you a restful time away from your responsibilities. You can sit on the veranda and look out at the mountains and flowers.”
How inviting that sounded. She closed her eyes and pictured the scene she would see.
She opened her eyes. Where was she? Why this warmth beneath her cheek? Oh no! She jerked upright, staring into Nash’s soft and watchful eyes.
“I’m so sorry.” She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. The Stones would be shocked at her indiscretion of falling asleep next to a man she wasn’t married to.Heat stung her cheeks, and she pulled her limbs tight to her body. “You should have wakened me.”
Nash coiledhis fingers to stop himself from reaching for Addie. He’d known the moment her head drifted against his shoulder that she’d fallen asleep. Yes, it crossed his mind to wake her. But it had been a long day, and he’d let her enjoy a few minutes of rest. And then he, too, had fallen asleep, not waking until she jerked and gasped with the realization of her position.
“I nodded off too,” he said by way of explanation.
Addie turned toward Mrs. Stone. “I should have been taking care of her.” She pressed her palm to the older woman’s forehead. “Still fevered but not like as much.”
“That’s good.” He pushed to his feet, stretched to ease the cramping of his limbs, and returned to Shorty’s bedside.
The hard floor punched into his back as he lay down. He shouldn’t have let Addie sleep on his shoulder. Not that he regretted it. She’d fit so well. And he’d been reluctant to let her go.
He lifted his head. She lay beside Mrs. Stone, sharing the fur rug. Good. At least she’d be somewhat comfortable. No need for the lamp. He rose, turned it out, and returned to the unwelcoming place near Shorty.
Rain continued to pound on the roof. How long would they be stranded here? He smiled into the darkness. Not that he minded. Once they moved on, he and Addie wouldn’t share the same degree of…of…friendship, he decided to call what they had here.
Mr. Bertrand called, “How long do I have to put up with this?”
Nash opened his eyes. Watery light barely made it through the window.
“It’s still raining,” Mr. Bertrand accused. Did he expect someone to have the power to make it stop?
Ignoring the demanding man, Nash looked toward the women. Addie sat up slowly, blinking away sleep. Her gaze found Nash. Her eyes grew wide and watchful. And perhaps welcoming, though that might have been his own wishes.
She turned her attention to Mrs. Stone. “How are you feeling, Mother?”
“Tired.”
Addie held a cup of water to Mrs. Stone’s lips. “It’s still raining. You have nothing to do but rest.” She headed for the door.
