* * *
Grace sat in the main room near the fire, watching as Jess rested in the rocking chair, feeding Ruby.
They had to leave. She’d made the decision, and she had to carry it out. For Sampson’s sake. And his family’s. She couldn’t risk bringing her father’s wrath down on the entire Coulter clan.
But how could she make herself walk away from this place? These people?
So many women eager to help with Ruby. So many arms, sometimes she felt as though she had to beg just to get the chance to cradle her daughter herself.
Her heart ached at the thought of leaving, of taking Ruby away from this warmth and love. The Coulters had welcomed them without question, enfolding them into their family despite the danger and complications. Could she really turn her back on that?
But staying could put them all at risk.
If her father had been so horrible to Sampson because of her, what would he do to the Coulters for helping her? She couldn't let that happen. They'd already sacrificed so much for her sake.
The latch on the front door shifted, and she glanced up as the door opened. A draft of cold air swept in…along with Sampson.
She sucked in a breath as her mind caught up with the unexpected sight. Then her body jolted into action, pushing to her feet.
He hobbled into the room, followed by the two brothers closest in age to him. Gil, the older and Miles, the younger. Miles’s shoulders hadn’t broadened as much as his older brothers’. For that matter, Sampson seemed more filled out than even Gil, who he’d said had him by a year and a half.
The tingle of pride at her husband’s stature faded quickly as her gaze moved up to his face.Oh, Sampson. Her heart ached with the pain he’d endured. Was still enduring.
He shuffled a couple steps forward, then halted. Still only one eye could open, but he lifted that eye to meet her gaze. She couldn’t tell his expression, not with all the swelling.
She managed a smile of welcome and moved closer. “Are you feeling better?”
“Some.” His voice didn’t rasp as much as it had earlier. “Thought it was time I stop hiding away.”
Grace nodded, but what should she say? Seeing him eased a little of the knot inside her. She wanted to go to him, to wrap her arms around him and give what comfort she could.
But she wasn’t the kind of wife who did that, especially not in front of his family. And touching him like that might hurt, considering all his injuries.
He motioned toward the bed chamber. “Is it all right if I take the second bed?”
She glanced toward Jess. Clara slept in the other cot, but she couldn’t tell Sampson no. Maybe Grace could sleep on the floor in there.
“Of course it is.” Clara herself stepped from the bed chamber, a bright smile on her face and her arms loaded with clothing. “We already discussed it. I'm moving up to the loft with Patsy and Lillian. The only reason I hadn't done it yet was to be close by to help with Ruby during the night."
Grace's throat tightened. "Clara, I can't ask you to give up your bed. I'll take?—"
"Nonsense." Clara shook her head. “Your husband needs you close while he heals. It's no trouble at all."
Heat crept up Grace's neck at the implication, however innocent. Had Sampson not told them that their marriage wasn't a true one?
She forced a smile. "If you're sure…" At least this way, she wouldn’t have to fight the niggle of jealousy that raised its head at the thought of Clara sleeping in the same room as Grace’s husband.
"I am." Clara shifted the bundle of clothing under her arm. "I'll take these up to the loft. Call if you need anything." With a parting smile, she turned to the ladder mounted to the wall by the kitchen.
Grace looked back to Sampson, and the pain etched on his face squeezed her chest once more. Even with the swelling, she could see the determined set of his jaw, the tension in his shoulders as he fought to stay upright.
"Let's get you settled." She led the way into the bed chamber.
He limped behind her, his brothers following. The three men filled the room, shrinking the space. She did her best to focus on Sampson as he eased down to sit on the mattress.
“Does it hurt if I touch this arm?” She rested her fingers on the forearm of the one not broken.
“Naw.” Sampson grunted the word, then sucked in a breath as he turned and lifted his feet onto the bed.
