“All the time,” she said. Nash was a fine man. Something inside her lifted upward like a flower to the sun. The flower seeking warmth and life-giving light. Her heart seeking—she tried to stop the thought from growing—life-giving, heart-healing love. Where had such an idea come from? But she couldn’t dismiss it. Couldn’t forget it.
Mr. Bertrand’s strident voice drew her attention. He complained to Shorty and Hawk and likely the whole world that a delay like this indicated poor planning.
Hawk leaned back. How he kept his expression and voice so calm, Addie didn’t know.
“If you can do better, you’re welcome to march out there and do it.” Hawk’s words carried a hefty load of doubt.
Mr. Bertrand sputtered, but he didn’t say anything more about it. At least not at the moment.
Shorty told about other stagecoaches that had stopped longer than expected. “But this is only the second time I have had people stay overnight.” His scowl suggested he didn’t enjoy overnight guests.
Mother wakened. “Addie?”
Cup of water in hand, Addie hurried to her andhelped her sit enough to drink it. “Would you eat anything?”
Mother lay back. “No thanks, dear.”
Addie lingered at her side. Mother’s forehead remained warm. Her skin was pale and clammy. Addie got cool water and bathed Mother’s face, hands, and neck.
“That feels wonderful,” Mother said. “Thank you. Now I’m ready to rest.” She waved Addie away.
Addie sat back on her heels. At least Mother’s fever had lowered. She’d feel better if she’d sit up and take some nourishment. The trip had really worn her out. But like Nash said, this rest in a dry cabin would do her good.
She looked in Nash’s direction. He watched her, his expression gentle. Thank God Nash had wandered to the coach when he did. Maybe God had sent him not only to help out the travelers but also to?—
No. Why would she think God had sent him to encourage her? But her heart had a little crack of hope she would not admit to.
Nash studied his companions.Mr. Bertrand wore a permanent scowl. What had transpired in that man’s life to leave him so unhappy? Mr. Zacharius had little to say. Coughing, wheezing, and wiping his brow consumed most of his energy. Shorty shifted in his chair out of either boredom or an attempt to ease his pain. Hawk, on the other hand, remained quiet and watchful—no doubt wondering how he would get these people to Golden Valley.
Finally, Nash let his attention settle on Addie, where she sat on the floor beside her mother, who had again drawn the blanket to her chin and curled into a ball.
Addie brought her soft gaze to Nash.
He smiled, offering her—what? He couldn’t explain to himself what he meant. Except he wanted her to know he’d help her in any way she needed. Together, they could face whatever lay before them.
Huh?
Yes, fine, he meant to help her and the others as long as they were holed up here with the rain pounding on the roof and mud bogging the trail. After that? Well, they’d each go their own way.
Shorty slapped the table. The sound reverberated through the cabin, and everyone jerked to alertness. “Enough of this sitting around feeling discouraged. You will be here until you can depart. Make the best of it. Nash!”
Nash stiffened. What had he done to annoy the man? And would it earn him a tongue-lashing?
“You pull that little door open, and you will find a storeroom.”
Nash nodded. “I’ve seen it.”
A scowl scudded across Shorty’s features. Then he waved toward the cupboard. “There are books in there. Would you get some and bring them out? I would go myself, but my leg says no.”
“That’s a good idea.” Nash had wondered what they’d do to pass the long afternoon and evening hours cooped up together. “Addie, do you want to help me?”
She sprang to her feet and rushed to his side. “I’d love to.”
The door squealed as he opened it. They ducked inside and passed other boxes to the crate where they’d discovered the books.
“It still surprises me that Shorty has all these.” Addie blew dust from the top layer. “These titles make me thinkhe might have been a magistrate or a—” She shrugged. “Guess I can’t picture him in England living in a castle.”
“Like many in the West, it appears he’s got a past he wants to escape.”
