She felt his arms strong and capable around her body. How she wished she could trust him.
“Melody, what’s going on? Are you ill?”
“I ... I talked to Da’s doctor.” Her vision blurred from the tears.
“I’m so sorry.”
He hugged her close, his strong arms encircling her in a protective fashion. In that moment, Melody wanted nothingmore than to remain where she was. Charlie might have kept information from her, but Da had made him give his word. Charlie had honored his promise. He wasn’t a bad man.... He was her friend, and she could trust him.
She wrapped her arms around him, not caring what anyone thought. “He’s going to die, Charlie. Da is going to die, and I’m going to be alone.”
“Never alone, Melody. You have Jesus, and you have me. I’m not going to leave you, and neither will He.”
For a time, all she did was cry. She let out all the pent-up misery and sorrow as if she could hand them over to Charlie and be done with them. Her entire world was falling apart, and she didn’t know what she would do.
Charlie just let her cry, and when she began to calm, Melody straightened. “I’m sorry for being angry with you.” She pulled away and drew out a handkerchief from her pocket. Dabbing her eyes, she shook her head. “It wasn’t right. Da told you in confidence, and you kept his secret. That doesn’t mean you lied to me. I understand that now.”
“I’m glad. I never wanted to hurt you.”
She regained control of herself and squared her shoulders. “I know you didn’t do it to hurt me. Just please don’t keep things from me in the future.”
Charlie frowned. “I don’t want to keep anything from you, so I need to let you know—”
“Melody! Melody!”
A young boy who lived in the tent community came running and waving his arms. “Come quick. Your pa is sick. He fell down on the ground.”
15
Melody and Charlie ran all the way back to the Doyle tent. By now Da was sitting in his chair again and waving people away.
“He was out cold on the ground,” one of the women told Melody.
“I’m fine. Just a wee bit light-headed.”
“Thank you for sending for me.” Melody knelt beside him. “What happened, Da?”
“Just as I said. I got a wee bit light-headed, and next thing I know folks are fussin’ over me.” He smiled. “But I’m fine now. Everyone can go home.” The few remaining people gave Melody a nod and started back for their tents.
Melody studied her father, looking for any sign of injury. “Have you had anything to drink? Some water, perhaps? The doctor said you should keep drinking plenty of water.”
“The neighbors plied me with offers of all sorts of drink.” He chuckled. “I’ve had me fill of water.”
“Then maybe we should get you inside, and I’ll fix supper. Charlie, would you help Da?”
“Of course.” Charlie reached down to help the older man to his feet.
“Thank ya, Charlie.”
Melody brought the chair inside with her. There were only two inside, and they’d need three if Charlie stayed for supper.
She checked the stove and added wood to make sure it heated up quickly. Next, she went to the tiny icebox they kept and pulled out leftover baked chicken. “Charlie, would you care to stay for supper?”
“I’d like that very much.”
“If the two of ya wouldn’t be mindin’, I’d like to go to me bed and rest. I’m not really hungry.”
Melody swallowed the lump in her throat. Normally, Da would never have considered lying down while there was company. She wondered how bad his pain level was.
