Dinah said his ribs were broken, so using those muscles to lie back would be painful.
She plumped the pillow, then braced a hand behind Sampson’s shoulders as he eased down. Once he rested on the blankets, he let out a long slow breath and closed his good eye.
He must be exhausted.
“I can bring a cloth packed with snow. That might help with the pain.” She started to rise.
But Miles spoke first. "I’ll get it."
Grace shook her head. "I can see to it.” She needed something to do to help Sampson. “But thank you." She met Miles's gaze, then Gil's, trying to convey her gratitude. "For everything."
Understanding shone in their eyes as both brothers nodded. They eased out of the room, but before she could follow, Sampson touched her arm.
She paused halfway up.
He didn’t open his eye as he spoke. “Stay. I don’t need ice.”
She sank back to the bed, his hand slipping off her arm. “If you’re sure.”
Her stomach fluttered with nerves, but she pushed them down. Sampson needed her. Or maybe just wanted her here with him. She could sort out the rest later.
"I'm sorry." His voice came out little more than a rasp.
"For what?"
"For…" He lifted his hand, but let it drop back to the quilt as if the effort was too much. "For being a heel. For hiding in the bunkhouse. For not being here to help you like I should."
"You have nothing to apologize for." But the fact that he thought so eased the knot in her middle. He realized he’d left her alone here.
Not that he should be worrying about her when he was in so much pain. If only she could touch him. Maybe smooth the hair back from his brow. "I'm just glad you're here. And getting better." Hopefully. He still looked…
Her eyes watered as she stared at his obvious pain. How many times had the fists hit his face to cause such damage? Were bones broken under the swelling?
A light knock sounded at the door, and Grace turned as Jess poked her head in, Ruby in her arms. "I hope I'm not interrupting. Ruby's wide awake and fussing a bit. I thought she might want to see her papa."
Grace smiled and stood to take the babe as Jess brought her close. "Of course. Come here, sweet girl." She cradled Ruby against her chest as she sank back onto the bed, her daughter’s warm weight and soft scent soothing her ragged emotions.
Sampson’s good eye opened and fixed on Ruby, and Grace shifted her so the two could see each other better. "There's my girl. Have you been good for your mama?" A ghost of a smile curved his lips.
The babe stared at him, her tiny mouth working.
Grace swallowed a knot of emotion. "She's been an angel, as always. Your sisters-in-law have been wonderful, doing nearly everything for her."
His gaze lifted to Grace and held for a minute. “I’m glad.” She still couldn’t read his expression. If only she could see more than a sliver of his eye. His tone held…not hesitation, but something more than relief.
He looked back at Ruby and lifted his hand, moving slowly as if each inch cost him a great deal. He reached out, brushing one thick finger against Ruby's tiny hand. The babe latched on, gripping so tight her knuckles turned white.
Sampson's face softened, the lines of pain easing in a small smile.
Ruby's wide blue eyes remained fixed on him, studying his face as if committing every feature to memory.
"She's got quite a grip." Sampson's raspy whisper filled with wonder.
"She does." Grace blinked back the tears that threatened. "She knows her papa."
The words came without thought, but as soon as they left her lips, the truth of them hit her. Ruby had a father now. A good, strong man who would love and protect her. Teach her and guide her.
If she stayed here with him.
