by Linda Ford
He’d gone from we to me. So he’d never intended to include her in his vision of the future. Silly her. Holding back the tears that stung her eyes, she kept any trace of emotion from her voice and pasted on a dim smile. “I’m glad for you. Chloe is my reason to start over.”
The baby finished nursing and Louise raised her to her shoulder to burp her.
Nate cupped the bald little head. “What better reason can there be?”
“None.” But having a home, family and security shared with Nate sounded awfully nice, too. If she had to start over, and she had no choice but to do so, she could think of no other way that would satisfy her more than to start over with the one person with whom she’d shared her past.
Unfortunately, the past was dead and gone. Nate meant to move on. Louise would have to start over on her own. Only not alone. She had Chloe and would do her utmost to give her child the love and security Louise had so desperately longed for all her life.
*
Nate now understood Louise had stayed in an attempt to hold on to the home and love she’d found with the Porter family. He understood her need for security and stability.
It was all he could do not to blurt out a request for Louise to consider making the marriage permanent. They could build a future together. Raise Chloe together. Nate could give Louise the home she wanted. And he already loved Chloe.
But he couldn’t take advantage of her fragile state at the moment. The doctor had made it clear that Louise was both physically and mentally exhausted. No, he’d do the right thing and wait until they reached the ranch and she’d had time to rest and regain her strength before he suggested they join forces.
In the meantime, he meant to take care of her and the baby. He rose to his feet. “I have a couple of errands to run. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Alarm flared through her eyes before she could stop it and then she quenched it and smiled. “You go tend to your matters. I don’t need a caregiver.”
He squeezed her shoulder gently. “I won’t go more than a few steps outside the door. Like I said, I don’t intend to take my eyes off you until I have you safely at Eden Valley Ranch.”
Again her emotions filled her eyes before she could control them. This time gratitude, then she nodded. “I’m fine.”
Two words he had come to despise. I’m fine. When she was not. What he wouldn’t give for her to just once turn to him and ask for his help.
He strode from the room before he could give voice to his frustration and ask if she ever would.
A Mountie stood outside the outer door.
“Have they found that man yet?” Nate asked.
The corporal understood Nate meant Vic. “No, sir. And I’m to stay here and keep guard until they do.”
“That’s reassuring.”
“Yes, sir.”
With a guard at the door, Nate could spare a few minutes away from Louise’s bedside, so he trotted to the hotel.
Kamoose looked up at Nate’s entrance and grunted. “Supper is over long ago but I heard about the adventure you’ve had with your wife and saved food for both of you. How is she?”
“A little banged up and bruised but okay, I think. The doctor is keeping her there for now so he can watch her.”
“Don’t you worry, young man. The Mounties will bring that man to justice. Count on it.”
“I am. Is my sister-in-law upstairs?”
Missy must have heard his voice, or perhaps she’d been waiting for him to show up, because she clattered down the stairs. “Where’s Louise and the baby? Are they okay?”
He repeated his report. “Could you get her things? And Chloe’s?”
Before he finished, Missy was halfway up the stairs. “I’ll get mine, too,” she called over her shoulder.
“Missy.”
She stopped and looked at him.
“I’m staying with her, so you might as well enjoy your bed tonight.”
She looked at him a long thirty seconds, then sighed. “I guess that makes sense. But I want to see her.”
“Then get her things and come along with me.”
“I’ll get the plates of food.” Kamoose disappeared into the dining room and reappeared with two plates generously rounded up with food and covered with cloths. “Bring the plates back when you’re done.”
Nate thanked him. “You’re a generous host.”
“I know it.” Kamoose laughed heartily. “But I wouldn’t want the word to get out, if you get my meaning.”
“I’ll be sure and tell everyone how tough you are.”
Kamoose laughed again.
Missy hurried down the stairs with Louise’s bag, and Nate escorted her out into the dark evening and over to the hospital building.
When he stepped inside, he noticed Louise’s eyes grow wide.
“Oh, you came back,” she whispered hoarsely.
“I said I would.” Would she be so unsure of him? Or was she simply feeling vulnerable? He clung to the hope it was the latter.
Missy flew past him and straight to Louise’s arms. “I was so scared and worried especially when I heard some man had taken you. I knew it was Vic.” She sobbed as Louise rubbed her back. “I hope they get that evil man soon.” She sat up and dried her eyes. “They said you fell off a horse. Is that right?”
Nate snorted. “She jumped off to get away from Vic.” He didn’t know if he was grateful she’d escaped the man or upset at the risk she took.
Louise gave him a steady look. “I prayed for a chance to get away from him and when I saw it I wasn’t about to refuse to take it.”
“Where was Chloe?” Missy asked.
Louise gave the full details of the story from the time she’d met Vic on the plank sidewalk to being rescued by the mounted patrol.
She neglected to tell how she got to the hospital—in Nate’s arms, with his heart threatening to pound right out of his chest. Had he ever been so frightened in his life?
He handed Louise her plate of food and she ate most of it while he devoured his. Colonel Macleod entered about the time Nate finished.
“How are you, ma’am?” he asked Louise.
Of course, she said she was fine and ready to resume her travels.
“Have you found him?” Louise sounded eager to hear good news from the colonel.
“I’m afraid not, but my men will continue to track him until they do. Is there anything I can do for any of you?”
“I’m spending the night here,” Nate said. It was the first Louise had heard of his plans and she blinked in surprise. “If you wouldn’t mind seeing Missy back to the hotel, I’d be grateful.”
“My pleasure.”
Missy kissed Louise on the cheek, took the now-empty plates and left on Colonel Macleod’s arm.
Louise looked at Nate without revealing any emotion. “You don’t have to stay.”
He wouldn’t ask if she objected because he didn’t want to hear if she did. Nor would it influence his decision. “You’ll need help with Chloe. Besides, until Vic is locked behind bars, I’m not leaving you alone. I’ll be here all night.”
“Suit yourself.” She looked at the baby, depriving him of the chance to gauge her feelings.
The doctor came in to check on Louise, and Nate took the baby and stepped out of the room while he did so. The doctor joined him in a few minutes.
“I can hardly believe it, but she seems okay apart from some soreness. I’m glad you’ll be spending the night here, though. Be sure and let me know if you suspect anything amiss.”
“You can count on it.” He returned to the room. Little Chloe needed to eat again and while she did, Nate arranged a bedroll on the floor close to Louise’s bed. He was conscious that she watched his every move, but again, she avoided his look, so he couldn’t say if she welcomed his presence or found it uncomfortable.
Mrs. Noble came in. “Do you need help preparing for bed or will your husband take care of your needs?”
Louise’s cheeks turned a bright red. “If
you don’t mind helping me…”
“Not at all.”
Again Nate left the room. This time he stepped outside in the night air. A different Mountie stood by the doorway. “They still haven’t caught him?”
“No, sir. But we will.”
His promise was reassuring, but Nate would feel better when they actually did.
He returned to the room at Mrs. Noble’s bidding. A lamp burned low, filling the room with shadows. Louise was tucked under the covers, her eyes closed. Assuming she meant to sleep, he removed his boots and stretched out on the bedroll.
Little Chloe fussed softly. How long would it be before she grew impatient with a world that didn’t rock? All of about five minutes. “I’ll get her.”
“Mrs. Noble put a rocking chair over there. Said it might settle her.”
He picked up the baby, settled in the chair with her against his shoulder and rocked. She snuffled and settled. “I think she likes it.”
“Can a person rock and sleep, do you suppose?”
He chuckled softly at the hint of despair in Louise’s voice. “I’ll see.” He tipped his head back and closed his eyes.
Soon Louise’s breathing deepened. Chloe slept. And Nate stayed awake, keeping vigil over these two people who needed his protection.
Not until they reached the ranch, not until Vic was in custody, would he relax his watchfulness.
And then he would discuss with Louise the notion of him giving a permanent home to her and the baby.
Chapter Eighteen
Dawn hadn’t yet lightened the sky, but Louise wakened to the sounds of men and horses moving about. Her muscles protested at every move, reminding her of her fall from the horse. She’d give anything to stay in this bed for several days, but she would not be the cause of more delay. She’d suggested Nate leave without her, but he had refused, which meant she must get up and get ready to travel.
She smiled at the sweet thought that he wouldn’t leave her, and tucked it into a special place in her heart where she could pull it out in the future when she was alone or felt afraid. For a time, someone had wanted to stay with her.
How much sleep had he gotten? He’d spent most of the night in the rocking chair with Chloe, stretching out on his bedroll only when Louise fed the baby. For a little while once her stomach was full, Chloe was happy enough, at least until she realized her world didn’t move. Then she began to fuss. Each time, Nate got up and took her, rocking her while Louise slept.
“Good morning,” he whispered. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine.” She said it without thinking. For the most part, when people asked that question, they didn’t want an honest answer, so the words came automatically. But for some strange reason right now she felt the need to speak honestly with him. Even stranger was the notion that she felt he actually wanted to hear the truth. “I’m a little sore but nothing serious. I think moving around will ease the stiffness.”
“Doc wanted to see you again this morning.”
“There’s really no need.” What she meant was no matter what the doctor said, she was planning to leave this morning. “But fine, if that’s what he wants.”
“I’ll fetch him.”
“While you’re out and about, best let the stagecoach driver know we’ll be ready to go within the hour.”
He stood, the baby in his arms, and glowered at her. “Isn’t that a little premature?”
She faced him squarely. “I’m anxious to get to my destination.”
“You aren’t ready to travel.”
“Give me one good reason why not.”
“I can give you a dozen but I doubt you’d listen.”
No, she wouldn’t. “Why not let the doctor decide. If he says my life is in danger if I travel, then I will quietly stay here. But if not, I will go.”
They did battle with their eyes and will.
Finally he relented. “Very well.” He gave her the baby and stalked from the room.
Dr. Noble entered the room a few minutes later. He checked her over. “Seems you’ll survive without any lasting damage.”
“So there’s no reason I can’t travel today?”
He stroked his chin and hemmed and hawed a moment. “I wouldn’t advise it. You’ve recently given birth and had a fall that would have killed others.”
“Then I guess traveling in a stagecoach is rather a tame activity.” She hoped to cajole him into saying the words she needed to hear. Or rather that Nate needed. “It’s not likely to kill me, is it?” The question was certain, not asking for anything but agreement.
He wagged his head. “I don’t suppose it will. You’re an incredibly strong woman. Just the sort that belongs in this country. You’ll do fine, my dear. Just don’t overdo it.” He listed several symptoms she should watch for.
“Thank you.”
His smile was a little strained. “I hope you don’t pay a stiff price for your decision.”
“I won’t.”
“Do you want my wife to help you dress?”
She would have loved help, but if she was to prove she was capable of travel, she’d best start with getting herself dressed. “I’ll be just fine.”
He studied her a moment, shook his head and left the room.
Ignoring the bruises that hurt when she touched them and muscles that protested being forced to move, Louise dressed quickly. She’d barely finished when a knock came to the door. Her heart fluttered in anticipation of her visitor.
“Come in,” she called.
Nate entered. His dark blond hair had been slicked back. He’d shaved. A little nick on his chin suggested he might have hurried. “You’re up,” he said, surprise and disapproval in his tone.
“And ready to travel.”
He opened his mouth, but she held up a hand to silence his objection. “Dr. Noble said I’d be fine.” He’d also said she was strong. Just the sort of woman for this country. Perhaps Nate would see it, too.
He scooped up the baby without replying. “Kamoose said breakfast was ready.”
They said their goodbyes to Dr. and Mrs. Noble and stepped outside into the gray predawn light. Thankful that Nate chose a moderate pace, Louise walked at his side back to the hotel.
Kamoose stood upright, his eyes gleaming with what Louise took for as approval. Being a strong woman seemed to make people take notice.
Missy squealed with delight as they stepped into the dining room. “I’m so glad you’re okay. Sam, Mr. Adams and Gabe said to tell you goodbye. Rowena has joined her brother and sends her regrets that she wouldn’t be here to say goodbye.”
They sat down to the food brought by a waiter. She ate heartily, knowing it might be the last good food she’d see for a couple more days. Besides, her milk had come in and her appetite had increased as a result.
Nate finished, paid for their meal. “Wait here.”
A few minutes later, the rattle of a wagon drew Louise to the window. There was Nate standing beside a stagecoach, his horse tied to the back. The horse was not saddled. Did that mean Nate meant to continue his practice of riding inside?
It meant nothing, she tried to tell herself. He was merely concerned that her health not be the cause of delay.
But she couldn’t convince herself that was true. Nor even that it was only because he wanted to help with the baby.
No, against her better judgment, she believed it meant he wanted to be with her.
She tucked a pleased smile under her heart. Yes, she might be taking this pretend marriage a little too far, but for now she meant to enjoy the pleasure of his company.
The driver sat in his place and said something to Nate. Called him Slim.
“Slim?” she asked as he hurried into the hotel.
He chuckled. “That’s what they call me at the ranch.”
She studied him openly. “Might it be because you are tall and slim?” She guessed her eyes teased him.
He grinned back at her. “Might be. But it’s good to hear Nate from time
to time.” He strode on by, leaving her smiling at the thought of his nickname. Then she jerked her attention back to the business at hand. She noticed her bags waited by the desk.
“We’re ready to leave,” he told her.
Kamoose patted Chloe on the head, shook Nate’s hand and wished him safe travels. He nodded to Missy, then he turned to Louise, touched his forehead in a kind of salute.
“You are one brave, strong woman,” he said, his voice so admiring, she could feel the heat growing in her face. “You will make your husband a proud man.”
It seemed certain her cheeks would burst into flames if she didn’t get into the cold air quickly. She murmured a thank-you and hurried for the door.
Nate followed more slowly. They reached the steps outside and he chuckled. “You certainly impressed Kamoose and that isn’t easy to do. I expect your name will become a legend. The woman who threw herself from a horse rather than let a man capture her and lived to tell about it. In fact, she continued her journey the next day with a newborn baby in her arms.”
She couldn’t tell if he meant to be admiring, teasing or disapproving and she would not look at him to determine which. She hadn’t asked for the admiration of others. Had not sought to earn it. There was only one man she wished would see her as worthy of his admiration and fidelity. And she had promised he would be required to give neither.
Nate took Chloe and held her as he helped Missy and Louise into the coach, then climbed up and sat down beside Louise with Missy facing them. He arranged the robes over them. “Okay, Petey,” he called, and the driver released the brake and they jerked away from the hotel. The curtains were not pulled down as yet and Louise peered out at the passing buildings of the fort.
At the gate, they stopped and Colonel Macleod came to the window.
“Have they found him yet?” Louise asked.
“No, but we will. All the best,” he said. “Ma’am, I am most impressed by your fortitude. You will be an asset to your husband, your family and your country.” He stepped back and saluted as they rolled away.
“Wow,” Missy said. “You are a hero, aren’t you?”
Louise shook her head. “Of course I’m not. I haven’t done anything.”
