Across the dimly lit room, Addie sat up, yawning and rubbing her eyes.
The squawk of the door signaled Shorty’s return, and Addie hurried out.
Nash ground the coffee beans and dumped them into the coffeepot. The others stirred in various degrees of coming awake, apart from Mrs. Stone who didn’t open her eyes yet moved her hands as if reaching for something.
Addie returned and joined Nash at the stove, holding out her hands to the warmth.
“How is your mother?”
“She tossed about all night, mumbling lots. I woke thinking she talked to me, but I don’t think she was even awake.”
“You’re worried about her.” Offering comfort gave him an excuse to press his hand to her shoulder.
She leaned into his touch. “She’s still a little warm. Nothing like the first night but—” She faced him full on. “I don’t like that she isn’t herself.”
If only he could offer reassurances, but he didn’t know if the woman was exhausted and needing rest or seriously ill. Either way, what could any of them do? “I expect that travel has worn her out.” It was the best he could offer.
“It has.”
He heard the “but” that she didn’t say. He’d best offer her a shift in the direction of her thoughts. “It’s stopped raining.”
“I noticed.” She mixed cornmeal and water in a pot and set it to cook. “How long will it be before we can travel again?”
“I really can’t say.” It would depend on the trail’s condition and how much damage the landslide had done.
The coffee sputtered, and he filled cups for everyoneas they waited for the food to cook. The men’s eyes all turned toward the window where Mr. Bertrand peered out.
“Finally, we can move on,” he said.
The man must know there were obstacles to continuing the journey. Nash didn’t bother to point them out.
Steps thudded beyond the door, and Hawk entered. “Coffee’s ready. Good.”
Nash handed him a cup. As Addie dished out the mush, he carried the servings to the table. No one suggested he say grace nor did anyone else offer, so he prayed, thanking God for the end of the rain as well as the food. Silently he also thanked Him for this time learning about Addie.
For several minutes, the only sound came from cutlery against tin or crockery.
Hawk finished and sat back. “I need to check the trail.”
“Enough of delaying. Hitch the horses to the wagon, and let’s be on our way.” Mr. Bertrand almost shouted the words, his voice loud enough to startle Mrs. Stone.
She cried out.
Addie checked on her mother, and then turned to Mr. Bertrand. “Please keep your voice down.”
“Harrumph.”
“We’ll move on as soon as we can. However, the horses can’t fly.”
Another grumpy sound from Mr. Bertrand.
Hawk continued as if he hadn’t heard. “I’ll check on the coach and the trail toward Golden Valley. Nash, will you see how things are in the other direction?”
“Of course.” Never mind that he’d counted on a few more hours of enjoying Addie’s company.
“Let’s go.” Hawk got to his feet and crossed the floor, but Nash didn’t move.
Everyone looked at him, no doubt wondering what had him nailed to the bench.
