Someone knocked at the door. They turned to see Lydia standing just outside, a covered box in her hands. “I brought some food from the café down the street. I figured you wouldn’t want to leave his side.”
Gratitude swept through Ella. “Thank you, Lydia. That’s very kind.”
“And timely.” Travis shot her a look as he stood. “I’ll leave you ladies to talk. There’s some business I need to discuss with the deputy marshals.”
Ella’s brow furrowed.
A faint smile tugged at Travis’s lips. “Later, Ella. For now, focus on Cody.” He motioned for Lydia to take his seat.
Ella turned her attention to her new friend. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Lydia handed her the box. “Eat. I’d wager you haven’t had anything yet.”
Sheepish, Ella said a blessing over the simple fare and picked up the provided fork. “I haven’t.” Her stomach rumbled as the scent of roast beef and potatoes filled her nostrils. “It seems I’m hungrier than I realized.”
“I know the feeling—so invested in someone’s condition, you forget to eat.”
Lydia’s hazel eyes took on a faraway glaze. Ella touched her arm. “Are you all right?”
Blinking, Lydia shook herself. “Sorry. Lost in a memory.”
“Did you…lose someone?”
Sadness flickered on her face. “I did.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Ella put her fork down. “Would you like to talk about it?”
Lydia produced a sad smile. “Maybe some other time.”
They wouldn’t see each other again after parting ways. Ella didn’t say it, but Lydia must have seen the sentiment on her face.
Her smile grew soft. “It seems we might have the chance to become good friends. Sheriff Doyle tells me you’re from Harmony Springs. That’s where my mother-in-law and I are headed.”
Ella gasped. “Truly? Are you visiting family?”
Another uncertain expression crossed Lydia’s face, but she quickly hid it, twisting a black curl over her gloved finger. “No. We’re settling there.”
“Oh! That’s wonderful news.”
Lydia grasped her hand. “I hope you and I shall see each other often. It would be nice to have a friend.”
Something in her tone told Ella this woman had suffered much in her young life. Perhaps one day, they’d build the kind of trust that led to sharing confidences. Until then, she would happily accept an offer of friendship. “Cody and I will have you over once we return home.”
If he returns home.Ella swallowed hard, pushing the thought from her mind.
Lydia nudged the fork closer to her. “You need to keep up your strength, Ella. Wasting away won’t help your husband.”
Ella finished her food, then drank a cup of tea one of the nurses brought her.
Though they’d just met, Ella felt comfortable with Lydia. She sensed they could be good friends. Lydia asked how she came to be in Harmony Springs, and the story poured out of Ella. By the end of an hour, she realized she’d done just about all the talking.
“I’m sorry. I don’t usually talk this much,” Ella said, a hint of heat touching her face.
Lydia smiled. “I don’t mind. You needed the distraction.” She glanced at the clock. “My mother-in-law will be expecting me. I should go.” She stood, putting a hand on Ella’s shoulder. “Please let me know if you need anything. Sometimes it helps just to have someone present.” The sadness glimmered again.
What was this woman’s story? Some hidden pain lurked in her past. Ella said a prayer for Lydia as the woman departed, then turned her attention back to Cody.
He remained unresponsive. Without anyone else there, she sank into grief. What if he never woke up? Fear slithered up and down her spine. She banished the thought. Hehadto wake up.
