Morgan nodded, shooting Mead a hopeful look. Maybe it would be all right.
“So that’s why you didn’t kick Mead’s ass when you found out he was engaged to Lilly?”
“I’d never laid eyes on Lilly before in my life. She was nothing to me. I had no interest in any woman. I just wanted to spend some time here, unwind, relax and figure out if there was anything left of me as a man,” he admitted quietly.
“And Callie Mae?”
“She was totally unexpected. I never imagined I would feel anything deep and abiding for another woman after such a disastrous marriage. Callie Mae changed my mind.”
Mead had remained standing, and he unbuckled his belt. Shoving his trousers down, he showed Matthew his scars.
“Feel my knee,” he insisted.
Matthew obliged.
“Now feel the other one. Can you tell the difference? Look at my scars. They are nearly invisible. Can you imagine anyone looking like that after having gone through the surgeries I have? Do you believe I would be walking and riding if I’d been treated in 1880?”
“No, I guess not, but it’s still hard to take in.”
“I know it is,” Mead agreed as he fixed his clothes. “I felt the same way when Morgan suggested I travel back in time for treatment. I thought he was irrational; then I became hopeful. If he was lying, what did I have to lose? My life was all but over, anyway. But if he was telling me the truth, it could change my entire future, and that’s exactly what happened.”
“Will you tell me about the future?” Matthew asked in awe.
“I will. I’ll tell you everything I can, but not today. We need to get to the grove. I have to get a message to Cara, Morgan’s first wife. It’s all very complicated, but what we do in our time here affects the future. There are a few things we need to straighten out in order to protect Cara and her husband, Micah, but we’re gonna need your help. Will you ride with us?”
“Let’s go,” Matthew said, jumping up. “I’ve wanted to see what was so damn important about that place for a long time.”
“I know,” Morgan replied. “You followed me many times.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“Because it would have raised your suspicions even more, and I thought I’d never have to share my secret. Mead’s injury changed all that and my actions changed the future. I’ll need your help to put things right.”
“I don’t understand, but I’ll help in any way I can. You may not be my real brother, but you’ve been more of a brother than the actual Morgan ever was. I wouldn’t want to lose either of you,” he stated, one of his hands on each of their shoulders as they headed to the barn.
Matthew wasquiet as they rode the several miles to the grove of trees Morgan frequented. It seemed ridiculous, and he doubted his own sanity in accepting what Mead and Morg told him, yet there didn’t seem to be another option. To his knowledge, neither of his brothers had ever lied to him, other than busting his balls now and then.
Mead was in great physical condition considering his wounds, and Morg had acted mighty strange when he returned home. Often his words didn’t quite make sense, and he had a way of speaking that had seemed somehow unfamiliar.
He’d adjusted quickly, he’d give him that. If he truly was from another time and place, he managed to hide it well. In fact, he seemed to fit right in, or maybe Matt just wanted his big brother in his life so badly he’d overlooked his odd behavior. It didn’t much matter now.
Once concealed from passersby, Morgan unmounted and walked to one of the trees that had a crotch. Reaching up, he pulled what appeared to be a leather pouch and opened it. Taking out a note, he read it, then read it again.
“Damn it all to hell!”
“What did Cara have to say?” Mead demanded, climbing from his own horse.
“She’s thinking of coming here. Says she’s tired of waiting to find out if she’ll have a life or not.” Morgan crumpled the note in his hand.
“Micah will never allow it,” Mead offered confidently.
Morgan snorted.
“Do you actually think he could stop her? Cara is stubborn. She can also be sly and secretive if need be. Witt doesn’t stand a chance.”
“You don’t know him like I do,” Mead said with a laugh. “He’s smart, savvy, and not one to put up with any nonsense from his wife. Physically, he’s strong and fit. Cara will find herself over his knees if she tries to pull any disappearing act on him.”
“I wish I could be as sure as you are. Cara is the last thing we need. People will be suspicious of her immediately. She won’t fit in, and they won’t like her.”
