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“Do you want to?”

“No.”

The word was out before she could make it more gracious.

She gripped the telegram. “Josiah may be ill again.”

“He may,” Jesse said. “Your mama didn’t say.”

“She said Laurel needs help.”

“Has Laurel asked you for it?”

Eden shook her head.

Carolina touched Eden’s shoulder. “We can send a wire asking what happened. You needn’t travel across the country without knowing whether there’s an emergency.”

Of course. Eden had come to Flat River because Emily had told her the truth and left her free to choose. Mama’s telegram offered urgency but few facts.

“I’ll wire Father,” she said. “And Laurel. I want to hear from her directly.”

Carolina nodded. “I’ll walk with you to the telegraph office.”

“I can manage.”

“I know. I’d like the company.”

Carolina left them alone to collect her shawl.

Eden sat again, the telegram across her knees. “I should be ashamed that my first thought was how soon I could leave.”

“You’ve spent years answering when they call.”

She met Jesse’s eye.

“I’d have done the same,” he said. “If Bass sent for me.”

“He wouldn’t have to ask twice.”

“No.” Jesse lifted their joined hands a fraction. “I reckon he’d tell me what was wrong first.”

Eden laughed, though her throat ached.

She set the telegram beside the notebook. For now, she would ask questions. If Josiah truly needed her, she could go. She would not decide before she understood what was happening.

Jesse released her fingers. “Go send your wire.”

“You won’t mind if I’m gone for a while?”

“Mind, sure.” He gave her a crooked grin. “Go anyway.”

Eden leaned closer. Close enough to make out the little scar near his eyebrow that the bruising had hidden. For one foolish instant she wanted to kiss his cheek.

Instead, she touched his hand once more.

“I’ll be back.”

“I’ll be here.”