Fail? Why did it feel like she wasn’t meaning only in caring for her mother?
There were so many things he didn’t know about her. It would be enjoyable to learn them.
Eleven
Addie had let herself be distracted by spending time with Nash and teaching Shorty to make pie. Yes, she should help with meals while they were stranded here, but caring for Mother must be foremost in her mind.
“Don’t let me keep the rest of you up.” She meant the comment for all of the others but forced herself not to look at Nash as she spoke.
He studied her as if wanting to keep her company as she tended Mother. She almost asked him to do so but managed to keep her mouth closed against the words. She needed to focus on Mother.
He nodded and backed away. “I’ll leave the lamp low.”
Shorty had retreated to the cot. Nash stretched out beside it. Mr. Bertrand lay in his usual spot, and Mr. Zacharius remained at the table, his head resting on his forearms. Hawk slipped outside, seeking rest in the quiet of the barn.
Addie was alone. No. How silly. She wasn’t alone. Besides, she didn’t need distractions. Over and over, shesponged Mother, grateful to be able to offer comfort and care.
Mother caught her hand. “You’ve always been such a helpful girl. Right from the first day.” Her weak voice faded away.
Why had Mother chosen that moment to say such a thing? Addie’s stomach clenched. Did her mother think this was the end and she needed to speak those words before?—?
No. Addie would not let her thoughts race to such an awful conclusion. Instead, she redoubled her efforts to take care of Mother.
The night deepened. The lamp flickered. Mr. Bertrand snorted and heaved himself to his side.
Addie’s head fell forward. She yawned. Have to stay awake. Have to take care of Mother. Dip the cloth in the water. Put it on Mother’s forehead to cool her.
She struggled to keep her eyes open and stay upright. Her body yearned for rest. Why couldn’t she lie beside Mother and still continue to sponge her? The soft fur cradled her body. A sigh rose from deep inside.
Coffee!The aroma sifted into Addie’s senses. Why would anyone make coffee in the middle of the night? She opened her eyes. Gray light filled the room. Light? She jolted upright. How long had she slept?
“Good morning.” Nash lifted the coffeepot from the stove. “Would you like a cup?”
“I didn’t hear you get up. How could I have slept through you starting the fire and making coffee?” Neither were silent tasks.
Hawk sat at the table with the others. She hadn’t heard him enter the cabin.
“You must have been tired.”
She checked Mother. “She’s still hot.” She scrambled to her feet to get more water and returned to Mother’s side to sponge her face.
Mother jerked awake at the touch of the cold cloth. “Leave me be. I want to rest.”
“You’ve got a fever. I need to cool you.”
“Addie, please.” Mother caught Addie’s hand to stop her from continuing. “Is it too much to ask for a little peace?”
A little peace? Mother had done nothing but rest since they’d made it to the cabin. And people hadn’t been noisy. Fine, yes, there had been laughter yesterday when Shorty told his tall tale, but on the whole, they’d been quiet.
Addie sat back on her heels. She only wanted to take care of Mother. She’d thought Mother would appreciate her efforts. Instead, she was annoyed.
I’m sorry.The words remained silent. Water splashed as Addie dropped the cloth into the washbasin and stepped away. Swallowing back her hurt, determined no one would guess how she felt, she joined Nash at the stove and took the cup of coffee he offered.
“Breakfast is ready.” He nodded toward the golden biscuits.
“I can’t believe I slept through this.”
“I can’t either, though I tried to be quiet.” He placed the biscuits on the table.
