Now, everyone had a blanket except for Addie and himself—a fact Nash pointed out to her.
“I’m fine. The room is warm. Everyone is safe.” Her gaze went to the outer door.
She must wonder what delayed Hawk.
A rumble filled the air, loud enough to drown out every other sound. The ground shook.
Mr. Zacharius jerked awake, his face pinched. “Thunder!”
Mr. Bertrand huffed. “There’s been no lightning.”
“Sounded more like a landslide.” Nash made his way to the window, though he saw nothing but the weeping glass and the gray rain.
Addie’s arm brushed his elbow as she joined him. “Do you think Hawk is safe?” she whispered.
“I’ll go check.”
“I suppose.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I can manage on my own here.”
She might have meant to sound strong and confident, but worry edged her words as if she didn’t look forward to being alone with the needs of the others.
“I’ll be back as soon as possible.” He smiled down onher to reassure her. Perhaps even convince her she could trust him to do so.
“Of course.” She lowered her head, hiding her eyes, then raised her chin to meet his gaze. “Go with God.”
“’Preciate that.” Her words reminded him of Ma how she’d trusted God for her needs yet prayed for His continued guidance and protection. The door flew back almost hitting Nash’s hand.
Hawk shook off the rain. “Landslide. I hope it missed the stagecoach. Otherwise…” He didn’t finish. No need to. Without a stagecoach and indeed a road, they wouldn’t be able to get to Golden Valley. Nash could maybe hike over the mountains, depending on the weather, but apart from Hawk, the others would never make it.
A little mental counting and he assured himself he had plenty of time to get back to take delivery of his horses.
“Warmth feels good.” Hawk shrugged out of his slicker and hung it by the door. “How’s Shorty?”
The three of them turned toward the man in question. Occupied with Mrs. Stone and the noise from outside, Nash and Addie hadn’t checked on the man. Together, they crossed to the cot.
“Shorty, you awake?” Hawk touched the man’s shoulder.
“Huh.” Shorty’s eyes opened, searching the room. “Where am I?”
“Your cabin,” Hawk spoke with a continued drawl that left the words shortened and slightly musical. “You’re hurt. You’ll be right as fresh bread in a bit.”
Shorty shifted. “I certainly have a sore leg.” He rubbed his chest. “It feels like a big, old tree might have fallen on me.”
Nash chuckled.
Hawk grinned. “A tree came down, pinning you to the ground. Good thing we came along.”
Shorty glanced around the room. “Were you able to get the horses hitched by yourself?”
“Won’t be needing horses for a spell.”
“What? Why not?”
“Coach is stuck in the mud. Won’t be able to dig it out for some time.”
Shorty’s expression went beyond surprise. “You are all here to stay?” He narrowed his eyes. “For how long, may I ask?”
Addie leaned over the man, pressing against Nash’s leg. “Mr. Shorty, we won’t be any bother for you.”
