Marybeth looked up. It was Mrs. Scott who posed the question. “I’m just a bit overwhelmed.”
“That’s understandable,” Mrs. Scott replied. “These are trying times, to be sure. Still, you must remember that God is on the side of right. Edward is a good man who loves God, and God will look after His own.”
“Yes, but sometimes God calls His own home.” Marybethshook her head. “I don’t want Him to do that. Not yet.” Tears came to her eyes. “I love him so much.”
“Of course you do.” Mrs. Scott gave her a sympathetic smile. “He’s your own dear husband.”
Marybeth buried her face in her hands. No one understood. She had fallen in love with her husband against his wishes. And now he might be dying. The thought of losing him was too much.
“There, there, dear. Don’t take on so. He’s in good hands.”
Marybeth fought to control her tears. “I’m sure ... I’m sure ... he is.” She wiped her eyes on her sleeve. “I’m sorry for falling to pieces.”
“Don’t be. It’s only natural when you care about someone. In a few minutes I’ll take you to his side. We have two cots in the room, so you can stay with him if you like.”
“Thank you. I’d like to do that. I don’t want him to be alone, and I feel like I need to be with him.”
The older woman smiled. “Of course you do. Now sit here, and I’ll go check and see if they’re ready for you to come back.”
Marybeth nodded and eased back against the chair. Why was this so hard? Why couldn’t she be strong and silent, without shedding tears and making a scene?
But I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.The very thought of him in pain causes me pain.If he were to die, I know a part of myself would die as well. Is this how it iswhen you fall in love?
Marybeth had only ever thought of the good things related to falling in love. And in honesty she’d given those thoughts little consideration. She had, after all, promised to take care of her father and baby sister. Falling in love would only be possible if the man in question was devoted to helping herwith her obligations. Edward had agreed to those things, but he’d also made it clear that he wanted nothing of intimacy in their relationship. It altered everything and forced Marybeth to put aside thoughts of romance and falling in love.
“You can come back now, Marybeth,” Mrs. Scott said upon returning.
Marybeth got to her feet and followed the older woman through the examination room into another room. She looked neither left nor right as they passed by the place where they’d worked on Edward. Marybeth knew she would probably have difficulty with the blood. Edward’s blood.
The room was lit with a single oil lamp on a stand by the door. The narrow bed where Edward now rested was made up with sheets, a pillow, and blankets. He looked for all purposes to be sleeping and nothing more.
Fred brought a wooden chair for Marybeth to sit on and placed it by Edward’s bed. She looked at him and nodded her thanks. Speaking, however, was impossible with the lump that had formed in her throat.
She sat down beside the cot and took hold of Edward’s hand. It was cold and lifeless. She rubbed his hand with hers.
“I’ll be back to check on him from time to time,” Dr. Scott said. “When you tire, just feel free to stretch out on the cot. Mrs. Scott has already left blankets for you.”
Marybeth nodded. Her gaze never left Edward’s face. He was so pale. She supposed that was due to the loss of blood. She heard the others slip away, but they left the door open. No doubt to get to Edward quickly should she call out.
She drew his hand to her cheek. “You ... you have to get better. You ... can’t...” She couldn’t say the worddie.It might make it happen.
Prayer was her only hope. Marybeth knew that was apowerful gift God gave His children. She began to pray as never before, pleading with God on Edward’s behalf.
Please hear me, Lord. Please. Edward needsYou more than ever. He’s injured and has losta lot of blood. Only You can save him.
She closed her eyes and kissed his fingers. If it was possible to will someone to live, Marybeth was giving it her all.
“Marybeth?”
She looked up to find Melody. “What are you doing here?”
“My father was in the bar when Edward got shot. He was playing cards at another table. He helped the men get Edward here to Dr. Scott, then came to get me in case you needed anything.”
“Oh, thank you. Please give him our thanks as well.”
“I will. He’s talking to Dr. Scott just now. I came back to see if there’s anything I can do for you. I’d be happy to watch Carrie. I can take her to our tent or stay with her in your new place.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful, Melody. She’s with Eve and the boys right now. They’ve probably already gone to bed. If you would fetch her in the morning and take her to our place, that would be perfect. You can use anything we have to take care of her and make yourself comfortable.”
