Chapter Eight
Dolly stood by the barn looking worried as Fitzpatrick and his brothers rode in. “Don’t you boys get off those horses! Brenna went for a walk, and now I can’t find her. She’s been gone for hours. I’m sure she’s in some type of trouble. She went toward the stream. Does she know how to swim?”
Fitzpatrick turned Poke. “We’ll find her, Dolly!” Without looking, he knew the others followed him. He muttered under his breath. Brenna probably didn’t know if she could swim or not.
“She’s probably just moping,” Rafferty commented, seeming hopeful.
“She doesn’t mope,” Fitzpatrick snapped back. Clearly, his brothers resented her. He had never meant for that to happen. He’d honestly had hoped one would want to marry her.
Lord, please help me find her.
He spurred Poke on toward the stream. Well, it was more like a minor river than a stream. He and his brothers had spent many a summer hour there swimming and dunking one another. But what of Brenna? Had her parents ever seen to it that she would know how to swim? She had gone off upset because of him and what had happened with the men at the noon meal. Looking over his shoulders he saw his brothers split up and take different trails, but as far as he was concerned, they weren’t going fast enough.
His heart was in his throat when he found her footprints. She’d taken off her shoes and hose. They were sitting on a nearby rock. Where was she? He jumped down from Poke and rushed out to the middle of the stream, but he didn’t see her. He walked to the opposite bank, but he didn’t find any prints. He kicked at the water.
Downstream was the probable way she’d gone. The current was very strong. If she got caught in it, she wouldn’t be far. He rode Poke as close to the stream as he could and then he’d walk back right next to the water. He gave some consideration to how long she’d been gone and then rode farther than he figured she could possibly get. After a quick look about from his vantage on horseback, he slid off Poke.
He walked to the water and started searching. Poke would keep him in sight. There was plenty of debris in the water, and it was moving faster than he’d ever seen it. Where was she? He needed her. He didn’t want her to marry anyone but him. He kept walking desperately searching for any sign of her. A patch of dark red up ahead caught his eye. That was her hair, and there she was. It looked as though she was jammed in between a group of big rocks.
He ran full out until he reached her. Her head was barely above water and her skin was ghostly white. Was she dead? He quickly got off two shots into the air hoping the signal would summon help. Then he got back into the water. He had to make his way around a couple of rocks until he reached her.
“Brenna!”
He touched her cheek, and she was so cold. He didn’t have time to deal with his emotions; he needed to get her out of the water. There were a few gashes on her head. She was wedged in good. He needed to be gentle, she might have broken bones. He was able to get his arms under hers, and he backed out the same way she must have gotten in.
But her foot was tangled in a tree root or something. If he let her go, she’d drown for sure. Relief filled him when he heard Angus yelling for him. The next thing he knew, Angus was in the water next to him.
“I’ll cut her out,” Angus said. He took a big knife out of its sheaf and gently got her foot untangled.
The two of them easily lifted her out of the water.
Fitzpatrick turned her so she was on her side and he began slapping her back. The expression on Angus’ face said it all; she was dead. Fitzpatrick yelled, “No!” He pulled her onto his lap and rocked her. “I’m so sorry, Brenna. This is my fault.”
“She’s breathing, brother. Look, her chest is barely moving up and down.” Gasping, he gave a weak smile. “But she’s breathing.”
Fitzpatrick laid her on her back and noted the rise and fall of her breaths. “You’re right. Brenna, can you hear me? I’m going to put you on your side again. You must have swallowed a lot of water.” This time he rubbed her back, and she suddenly retched, bringing up a substantial amount of water. She retched a few times more before Fitzpatrick pulled her back onto his lap.
“Brenna please keep breathing. I couldn’t stand it if you left me.”
Angus’s brows shot up in surprise, but he kept his mouth shut. He nodded at Rafferty and Shea when they arrived. “She’s alive.”
Her eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes opened. “Fitzpatrick?” She coughed. Then, “What happened?” She sputtered and coughed again.
“You must have fallen into the stream. You’re fine now. I can see bruises forming, and you have two head wounds, so we’d best get you home and get Sheila to tend to you.”
She seemed confused, but she nodded. She stared into his eyes, her gaze so trusting it overwhelmed him.
“Angus, can you hold Brenna while I get on Poke? Then you can hand her up to me. I’ll ride slow so she doesn’t get jostled. I’ll need Rafferty and Shea to get Sheila to the house.”
Still holding her, Fitzpatrick stood, and then he placed her into Angus’s arms. Fitzpatrick got on Poke and gently accepted her from Angus. It took a minute to get her settled comfortably in front of him. Her eyes were closed, and he could only hope she was sleeping. Her bruises were darkening. He started for home.
Lord thank You for looking after Brenna. I don’t think she’s had much happiness in her life, and I aim to change that. I’ve been selfish, and I need Your forgiveness.
Slow and steady, he got her home. Angus took her from him and waited until Fitzpatrick got down. Then he handed her back.
Dolly opened the door. “Sheila’s in Brenna’s room waiting for you.”
Fitzpatrick didn’t waste any time. He carried Brenna into her room and set her down on the bed. He closed his eyes and willed her to be all right.
“Time for you to step out and wait,” Sheila insisted. He hesitated.
He opened his mouth to argue, but she quelled him with a stare and a shove toward the door. He finally nodded and waited out in the hall. The wait grew interminable. Had Sheila found a lot wrong?
As soon as the door reopened, he was in like a shot. “How is she?”
“She’s got bruises on top of her bruises. The head wounds aren’t anything to worry about. I didn’t have to stitch them. She got many scratches too. I’m on my way to make her some tea. Stay with her in case she wakes up.”
“Thanks, Sheila.” His voice was wobbly, and Sheila gave him a hug before she left.
Brenna’s poor face was bruised along with her neck. She’d be in a lot of pain if the rest of her was also that bruised. At least she hadn’t drowned or broken any limbs. As soon as she was able, he would teach her how to swim.
The longer he watched her, the more feelings that went beyond friendship slipped into his heart. He’d been a fool. He cared for Brenna more than he wanted to.
Chapter Nine
She groaned as she opened her eyes. Her body was in awful pain. She stilled. The pain was unbearable and much worse the more she moved. Fitzpatrick slouched in a chair next to her bed, sleeping. He looked younger and at peace. This would probably be the last time she’d be this close to him. His eyelashes were thicker than hers and his hair stuck up in places. Her lips tugged upward, and she winced. Oh, it hurt to smile.
She was glad to be in her room. She’d almost died in that water. Her lungs hurt almost more than her bruised body. Obviously, she’d been saved. What type of stream was so deep?
He inhaled deeply and turned slightly, and his hand fell to lie against her blanket. It would be wonderful if she had the right to reach out and hold that hand. But he had made sure she knew where they stood. Was he irate that he’d had to rescue her? Who was she fooling? He was probably livid just at having to take a turn sitting with her.
She’d sure made a mess of taking care of herself while on a simple walk. That settled it. She would talk to Dolly and see if maybe there was someone from church she could marry. Her heart ached thinking about the
scene at the noon meal. Who treated others like that? She shifted against the sheet and winced again. How long was it going to take for her to heal? She needed to get away from Fitzpatrick before she made more of a fool of herself. Had she been this unhappy living in New Orleans? Probably.
She sighed and watched as Fitzpatrick stirred and opened his eyes. Here would come the glares. She turned her head away. She wasn’t sure if she could handle his frown. Seeking a husband in church would take too long. She’d find her own way with God’s help. Right now, she felt very fragile.
“You’re finally awake,” he said softly. He sounded tender, but she probably wasn’t in her right mind. Maybe she was even dreaming. But was it so wrong to want him to hold her hand? She had to stop this! It would only bring more pain.
“I woke not long ago. I was in the river, wasn’t I?” Taking a chance, she turned and gazed at him.
“Yes, you were wedged up against some big rocks. I was frantic when I found your shoes. I thought for sure… I prayed otherwise of course. I was the one who found you, but my brothers helped get you out of the stream and back home. Sheila has been tending to you.” He jumped up. “I’ll get you some of that tea that will take your pain away.” He took a step away, but then he stopped and turned back. A smile crossed his face as he reached out and cupped her cheek. “I’m glad you’re home.” He pulled away and walked out of the room.
That was it. She was dreaming. She gave her arm a pinch, jerking back at the bite of pain. So, not dreaming… Well then, what was that all about? Everything he did confused her. That was probably the last she’d see of him until she was up and around. Oh… she moaned. The pain was severe. She closed her eyes, trying to get away from it.
Fitzpatrick had shamed her with the help of his brothers and many cowboys. She’d never felt so unwanted before, never so alone.
“I have some willow bark tea,” Sheila told her. She helped Brenna into a sitting position. Brenna couldn’t hold in the whimpers.
“I want you to drink that. Then we’ll talk so I can be sure your head wasn’t hit too hard. I’m hoping to be able to give you some laudanum. Perhaps we can get some food in you.” Shelia handed her the cup of tea and smiled. “You had us worried yesterday. You are black and blue, but nothing is broken.”
“My lungs,” she croaked.
“You must have been under water more than above. Your body was trying to breathe. The pain will eventually go away.”
“Sheila, thank you.” Brenna’s eyes closed.
“I thought she was awake,” Fitzpatrick said.
“She’ll be in and out. Let her rest when she needs it. I will see about the broth Dolly made.”
A sense of comfort stole over Brenna when she felt Fitzpatrick take her hand in his. She momentarily opened her eyes and smiled at him.
It had been five days of sitting by her side, but he didn’t regret one minute. He never seemed to get enough time to gaze at her. When she was awake, she seemed guarded. He couldn’t blame her, but surely by now she knew he planned to marry her. He hadn’t said the words, but her heart tugged at his. Her eyes shined when she laughed. Her smile was soft and tender. Surely, she felt the way he did.
What if he mentioned their feelings? Would things become awkward between them? He wasn’t sure what to say to her. When he’d thought her dead it had felt as though his world had shattered. How could he prove his love to her?
Whenever he tentatively mentioned the future, she changed the subject.
He’d gotten the same advice from everyone; give her time. The house was almost finished, and he wanted to claim her.
“Can you help me up? I can’t stay in this bed another second.”
Immediately he helped her up. He sat her on her bed while he grabbed a robe for her and then helped her to put it on. She gave him a shy smile.
“Would you like to sit out front?”
Her eyes lit up. “Oh, yes please. Fresh air would be wonderful.”
He swept her up, and his heart expanded when she put her arms around his neck. He held her a bit tighter than necessary but to him she was a treasure.
“Where are you taking her?” Dolly asked. Her disapproval was clear.
“We will sit outside for a bit. Sheila told me yesterday that I could bring Brenna outside today. Don’t worry, we won’t be out long.”
“Excuse me, you two, I’m right here. You don’t have to discuss me.”
“You are so right. I’m sorry Brenna. Would you like me to bring out some coffee?”
Brenna smiled and nodded before he whisked her outside. He settled her on a chair and sat down next to her.
“It’s a pleasurable day,” he commented.
“Listen, Fitzpatrick, I know you think it’s your job to keep me company, but it isn’t. I can entertain myself. I’ll be ready to work in a few days.” She made a vague gesture in the air. “Really, do whatever you do. I’m not your family, and you have no obligation to me. I am grateful you were there for me during many painful times, but I’m fine now.” She hadn’t met his gaze the whole time she spoke.
“I don’t think of you as an obligation—”
“You’ve been kind to me since you rescued me, but before that you pushed me away. You hurt me and shamed me. I know it was your idea to ignore me and the meal I brought you. I can’t put myself in such a position again. Too much has happened, and although I try to be strong, I feel I’m on the edge of crumbling. The only strength I have is my belief in the Lord. I just want to get back to work, and I won’t eat meals with the family. It has become so awkward. You get back to courting Theresa or one of the many young ladies who hope to catch your eye.” She stared down at her hands the whole time.
He swallowed hard. Had he imagined the smiles and long looks they’d exchanged? How could he have been so very wrong? She didn’t want him. He’d never considered that which made him a fool. “Whatever you’d like is what I’ll do. I think we have a solid friendship now, don’t you?”
She glanced up and met his gaze with her own. Her eyes reminded him of stormy seas. She hesitated too long for his liking. “We’re friends. You’ve done so much for me and I appreciate you.” She smiled.
His heart dropped. His truelove doesn’t love him back, she appreciates him. What does that even mean? You can appreciate someone and not like them.
“The flowers are pretty, aren’t they?” he asked trying to change the subject.
Brenna laughed. “You have nerve mentioning the flowers. Do you see the bare spots? That’s where you picked flowers for your—well, the woman you’re courting. She must hate it you spend so much time with me. Make sure she knows we don’t have feelings for one another.”
Not trusting his voice, he nodded.
Chapter Ten
Brenna didn’t want to think about their conversation. She stayed on the porch while he went to the barn. He deserved better than her, but she hurt him and thoughts of leaving him tore out part of her heart. She’d eventually heal. She’d have to.
A wagon followed by two riders came toward the house. If she’d had the strength she’d have run inside. A chill filled her as fear coursed through her veins. It was time to go. She hadn’t remembered them, but she somehow recognized them. Her father drove the wagon while William Kent rode one of the horses. The other man wore a star on his leather vest.
The glare her father gave her promised suffering for her.
“Ma’am, I’m Sheriff Knowls, and I’m going to have to ask you to come with us.”
Brenna stiffened.
“Get in the wagon, girl. You’ve cost me too much trouble so far. Come on!” her father yelled.
Dolly appeared first, then Gemma and Teagan. Fitzpatrick came running and they all stood in front of her, protecting her.
“Sheriff, what’s this about?” Teagan asked. He always sounded so confident.
“I’m sorry about this, but the law is on her father’s side. He’s here to take his child home.”
“She isn’t a c
hild!” Dolly insisted.
The sheriff nodded and looked apologetic. “By law she belongs to her father. He has the right to take her.”
“The man on the horse—who is he?” Fitzpatrick demanded.
“I’m Brenna’s intended. We’ve been engaged for a while now. I’m William Kent.” His dark eyes were hooded as his hand lay on the butt of the pistol in his holster.
Brenna stood and on shaking legs she pushed to the front. “Father, I’m surprised to see you. I suppose the wanted posters didn’t work.” There was an evilness to the man in front of her.
“And you,” she said pointing at William Kent. “From what I understand I ran away to avoid marrying you. Something is not right about this entire thing. I refuse to go with you!”
“Miss White, you have no choice,” the sheriff informed her, again sounding apologetic.
William came closer with his horse and threw down a bag of what sounded like gold coins. “I heard the Kavanaghs paid the reward to the last bounty hunters. I don’t like being indebted to anyone.” His face and voice had a hard edge. His intense perusal made her shiver, and she felt dread wrap around her.
If she put up a fight, there would be trouble.
“Dolly, could you get my things? Teagan, thank you for giving me a roof over my head and a job. Gemma, I will miss you and your kindness.” Tears pricked her eyes as she faced Fitzpatrick. “I know you have no use for me, but you rescued me from every happenstance.” Taking a deep breath, she gazed into his blue eyes. “I will miss you for the rest of my life. I had hoped that maybe one day…”
Dolly came back outside with a bag. She set the bag down and hugged Brenna tightly. “We’re always here if you need us. Go with God.” Dolly let go of Brenna and stepped back. Tears poured down her face.
“Let’s get going, daughter.” She remembered that tone of voice and she remembered that hurting always went with it. She quickly grabbed her bag and hurried to the wagon. No one helped her, she scrambled up too quickly. She caught Fitzpatrick’s gaze and refused to let it go until she could no longer see his eyes.
Fitzpatrick: Cowboy Reluctant: Christian Historical Western (The Kavanagh Brothers Book 7) Page 6
