“You should have wakened me.” Not a hint of annoyance touched her words as her attention focused on the food.
She brought the syrup and sat beside him. After he prayed, they ate. She’d barely had time to take a bite when Hawk and Nash pushed back.
“We’re headed back to the trail,” Nash said.
Hawk donned his hat and reached for the door handle.
Nash paused, his gaze resting on Addie as if he wanted to say something. He flashed a smile. “You take care, hear?”
“I will.” But her words bounced off the closed door.
Mr. Bertrand split open a second biscuit. “I’ve had enough of this delay.”
Shorty snorted. “I might add that I have had enough of you all eating my supplies.”
Addie’s sigh stopped further complaining. She finished her food, drained her cup, and then gathered up the dishes. Before she had washed them, Mother groaned, and Addie returned to her side.
“I am going to wipe your face.” Whether or not she welcomed the action, Addie had to do what she thought best.
Mother’s eyes followed Addie’s every movement.
Addie left the cloth on her forehead. Mother’s eyes were glassy and unfocused.Please, God, make her better.A shudder rattled Addie’s teeth. She did not want her Mother’s death on her conscience.
The rattle of crockery drew her attention to the cupboard where Shorty washed the dishes, and she sprang to her feet to dry.
“I would have gotten to them.”
Shorty shrugged. “I am capable of washing up.”
“I know. But we’ve invaded your home. We shouldn’t make extra work for you.”
He leaned closer. “Do not tell anyone, but I have enjoyed having a little company. Of course, I could do with less complaining.” He tipped his head to indicate he meant Mr. Bertrand.
“Couldn’t we all?”
They looked at each other and chuckled.
“I wonder how Hawk and Nash are doing?” Let Shorty think she wondered about both of them, missed them both equally. Perhaps she could believe the same thing.
“I would like to help but—” He tapped his injured leg.
“Are you keeping an eye on it? No redness or swelling?”
The tips of his ears turned red. “It is fine.”
Addie put fresh, cool water in the washbasin and returned to Mother’s side. As the morning hours ticked away, Mother’s fever got worse.
Shorty offered Addie a bowl of soup. “I hope it is as good as yours. I tried to remember everything you did.”
Addie tasted it. “It’s every bit as good. You’re a fast learner.”
Shorty held her gaze a moment longer, cleared his throat, and looked down. “You are a good teacher.” He hurried to the table to join the other men.
But neither Hawk nor Nash returned to share the meal.
They were clearing the trail. Nothing more. No need to worry they’d encountered a bear. Or been in the path of a landslide or a falling tree.
As Father said, “Worry is borrowing tomorrow’s problems to carry today.”
