After replacing the cork on the flask, she stroked the hair from her sister's face. "Rest now."
Naomi nodded, and her eyes drifted shut. Finally, peace eased her features.
The tightness didn't lessen in Dinah's chest, though. This was her fault. Why had she made Naomi leave the ranch so close to her time? So Dinah could open her own clinic?
Her heart squeezed. God had said to use her gift, the talent and training He’d blessed her with. But couldn’t she have waited until Naomi gave birth to a healthy baby?
Though staying there longer, seeing Jericho every day—living in his home—would have been torture, knowing they were at odds in their core beliefs. She might have grown bitter toward him. Watching him close himself off might have smothered this love that burned so sharply inside her.
Yet keeping Naomi and the baby safe would have been worth any amount of heartache she had to endure.
She straightened. Itstillwould. Maybe they weren't too late.
If these pains stopped completely, could she get Naomi back to the ranch without causing more trouble for her? That would be better than trying to reach Helena. And she couldn't let her sister have a baby out here on the side of the mountain.Lord, please.
Naomi shifted, drawing Dinah from the prayer. Her sister's eyes were open, staring straight ahead.
"Are you hurting again?" She kept her voice gentle.
"Not as bad." Naomi didn't shift, maybe afraid movement would make the pain worse.
Dinah stroked her back. "When it eases, drink more water."
Lord, let them be stopping. Help us make it back to the ranch.
Maybe in another couple hours, Naomi would be well enough to ride. They could take an hour at a time, then rest as long as her sister needed before riding another hour. It might take days to reach Jericho, but as long as Naomi and the baby were safe, she would be thankful.
If only they had a wagon where Naomi could lie and rest while Dinah drove.
Jericho had a wagon.
Did she dare leave her sister and ride back to the ranch to borrow it? Jericho would come with her, she had no doubt. But that would mean leaving Naomi alone for at least a day and a half. Maybe two.
She couldn't. What if the babe tried to come while she was gone? The thought wrenched her stomach.
What about the wagon that had passed them just before they’d stopped to rest?
She pushed to her feet. "Naomi. Do you think you'll be all right by yourself for a quarter hour? I'm going to get a wagon to take us to the ranch."
Naomi's eyes fluttered open, and she looked confused for a moment. Then her gaze rounded. "Back to the ranch?" Was that hope in her voice?
Once more, Dinah dropped to her knees by her sister. "Is that all right with you?" Maybe she should have asked what Naomi wanted to do. But this was truly the only good choice.
Her sister nodded, her eyes glimmering. "Yes."
The pressure in Dinah’s chest tightened, clogging her throat. "I'm sorry I made you leave."
Naomi reached for her hand, and Dinah gave her a gentle squeeze. Then Naomi lifted her bright gaze again. "I know you want to make a difference. To heal and nurture and care for the sick and injured. But you don't have to open a clinic and dispense medicine to help people. You help and heal everyone around you just by being the person God made you. That’s part of the healing gift he’s placed inside you."
Her grip tightened, as though a pain was coming on. But she continued speaking. “There might be times you have an actual clinic where people come for medical help. And other times God places people around you who need your care in other ways.” Naomi managed a tight smile.
A burn stung Dinah’s eyes, but she blinked it back. "Thank you, Na. We'll get you back where you can deliver a strong healthy baby." She released her hand, then stood. "Drink more water, and I'll return soon."
She untied her gelding and mounted. She still had her packs tied on the saddle, including her rifle in the scabbard. The driver had looked like a decent fellow, but she would be facing him alone.
She pressed back the niggle of worry that twisted in her gut and nudged her mount onto the trail. She would use good judgement, but Naomi needed that wagon.
CHAPTER28
