Robin moaned and turned her head to one side.
Ty brushed his hand across her forehead and smoothed away a strand of hair. “Are you in pain? Of course you are. I wish you could tell us where it hurts. Would a cool cloth feel good?” A small frown crinkled between her eyebrows then vanished. “I’ll take that as a no.”
Robin moaned again, and Ty clasped her hands in his and knelt by her bed. There was a time, not so many days ago, when his heart ached to pursue his feelings for this girl. But Anna and the promises he’d made stood in the way. Now Anna had released him from those promises, but Robin couldn’t hear what he wanted to say.
Whatdid he feel for her? It was no longer pity. He reserved that emotion for Anna now. It was as though he had watched a long-ago-dream come true then disintegrate before his very eyes. But did he love Robin? Anna seemed to think he did. He’d never doubted his love for Anna before she left for Pennsylvania. Had he not loved her? Had it only been a physical attraction?
He could at least console himself with the fact that what feelings he had for Robin were never based on physical appearance. She was lovely, but it was more than that. She was feisty, opinionated, determined, and stubborn to be sure. She was also strong, caring, loving, and brave. But then, the same things could be said for John Wenghold.
Ty laid his head on the bed beside Robin’s hand and welcomed the veil that slowly dulled his eyes.
###
The sun punched an occasional hole through the gauze-like curtain of clouds scudding low across the hills as William approached Morgan’s ranch the next morning. The rain had prompted him to stop at the Feather for the night, but now he regretted that decision. A hush pervaded the surroundings. Though men and horses moved around the yard, it lacked the usual bantering that accompanied the morning’s push of activity. He entered the kitchen, and a knot settled in his gut, and then grew larger when he observed Doc slumped over the table.
William laid a hand on his shoulder.
Doc jerked.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you, Doc. Didn’t you go to bed last night? Is she still with us?”
Doc rubbed his eyes with his palms. “As far as I know, she is. I sent Emma to another room to rest, but Ty’s with her. I gave him orders to come get me if there was any change.”
“Morgan’s with her?” William smoothed his mustache. “Is that a good idea?”
“Why wouldn’t it be? Left you with her, didn’t I?”
“Yes. But Robin knows me.”
Doc hooked his thumbs in his suspenders and leaned back in the chair. “She knows Ty Morgan, too. I reckon she’s seen more of him than she has of you lately. Ty won’t do anything to upset her. He’s a preacher, don’t forget.”
William stopped at the stairs. “Yeah, but he’s also a man. Doesn’t seem right he’s there all alone. At least Emma was in the room when I stayed with her.”
“Look, son, this isn’t Chicago. I don’t carry a nurse around with me to mollycoddle all the gossipers. Sure as I had a woman traveling along they’d have something to say about that, too. That little gal is hurt bad. Somebody needs to be with her, and blamed if I’m gonna start splitting hairs over who she knows best and which one of you should or shouldn’t be left alone with her.” He stood and peered into his cup. “One thing’s for sure—if Ty don’t get him a wife one of these days I aim to quit coming out here. Haven’t had a decent cup of coffee since Florence Blair left.”
William took the steps two at a time. Regardless of Doc’s tirade, he didn’t like the idea of the preacher, or rancher, or whatever he might call himself today being alone with Robin. He liked it even less when he opened the door and found Morgan on his knees, his head on the bed beside her, and her small hand encased in both of his resting against his cheek
He crossed the room in one stride, and tapped Ty’s shoulder, motioning for him to get to his feet.
Ty stood, and Robin’s hand dropped lifelessly to the mattress.
William leaned to whisper. “I’m back. You may leave now.” He motioned to the door.
A frown furrowed Ty’s forehead. “Did Doc give orders for me to leave, or is this your idea?"
William moved between Ty and the bed. “What difference does it make whose idea it is?”
“Do you mind telling me what your problem is?” He nodded toward Robin. “This is no place to discuss whatever burr you have under your saddle. The least we can do is step out into the hallway.” The floor creaked as Ty moved for the door.
William followed and shut the door behind him then turned to face the preacher. “I’ll only say it one time, Morgan. Did you—?”
Ty scowled. “Believe it or not the last thing I remember is praying. I must’ve fallen asleep.”
William scoffed. “Prayer is always a good excuse, isn’t it?”
Ty shrugged. “Look, Benson—I talked to her, like Doc told me to do.”
“And what did you talk about? Did you tell her you loved her? And did you expect her to believe you if you did? Do you love her, Morgan? Yesterday you were all set to marry Miss Blair. What happened? Is it your nature to divert your love every time the Kansas wind changes direction? If you can change your heart so quickly, how do I know you aren’t just wanting Robin so you can keep the boy?”
Ty shook his hand in William’s face. “Whatever has happened between me and Miss Blair is strictly our business, Benson, and I don’t intend to discuss it with anyone. Why’re you here?”
“I’m here to take Robin back to Chicago.” He pushed Ty’s hand away.
Ty gave a shove and William’s head hit the wall. “Because you love her, Benson? Or because you feel sorry for her? What if she doesn’t want to go?” Ty moved to the door of Robin’s room.
William pushed away from the wall and stepped in front of him. No way was he going to let Ty Morgan back in that room with her. “I promised Robin’s pa I’d take care of her. The best way I know to do that is to marry her. I respect her, I admire her . . .”And I’ll learn to love her. But he didn’t dare voice that to Ty Morgan. He straightened and jutted his chin. “She’ll go with me. What’s to keep her here? You?”
“She deserves better than that, Mr. Big City Man.” Ty poked William’s chest with each word. “You think she won’t know the difference between me loving her because of who she is, or you marrying her because you promised her pa? I’ll keep her here or bust your face trying.”
William grabbed Ty’s hand. “You have a woman, Morgan. What difference does it make to you why I ask Robin to marry me? I don’t think you’re man enough to bust my face.”
Ty pulled his hand out of William’s grip and gave him a shove.
William’s shoulders hit the wall. So he wanted a fight? Good! He’d give him one. He’d fought more than one fella in order to protect Robin.
Their boots hit the floor like hammers, and their elbows knocked against the wall while they pushed and shoved at one another.
“Stop it.” John Wenghold stood at the top of the stairs, eyes blazing. “You two itchin’ for somethin’ to do, are ya? Well, I’ll tell you one thing, you done come lookin’ in the wrong place. Both of you get your sorry behinds down them stairs and out of this house.”
Ty pointed at Benson. “He accused me of––”
“I don’t care a feather in granny’s gray bonnet who said what or why. You two hotheads act worser than a couple of bull calves out rompin’ on them hills, buttin’ heads and bawlin’ like you was important.”
“John, I never—”
“I told ya I don’t wanna hear it, Ty Morgan. I oughta take a horsewhip to your backsides.”
“We’re not children, Mr. Wenghold.” William wiped a hand through his hair.
“Oh? Well, you sure nuff coulda fooled me. Now git!” He followed them down the stairs. “Good thing Doc isn’t in here or he’d skin you both.”
“I talked to him a while ago,” William said. “I told him no good could come of leaving Morgan alone with her.”
&
nbsp; “Hush your yammerin’.” John shoved William ahead of him when they reached the barn.
William squinted to adjust to the dark interior, and his nostrils quivered. Was it the barn, or this whole situation that smelled so bad?
John leaned against the nearest stall and crossed his legs at the ankles. “Look, you two. Ever’ day that little gal don’t wake up is gonna heft another load of worry on all our shoulders. Robin can’t help what’s happenin’ to her right now. She hurt her head. But we gotta keep ours with some sense in ‘em. You buttin’ them hard knots on top of your shoulders ever time you see one another don’t do nothin’ to help her get well.”
William took a deep breath, and wished he could breathe fresh air. He’d not apologize for defending Robin, but his behavior had been less than that of a gentleman. He smoothed his mustache then reached for Ty’s hand. “I’m sorry. I allowed my concern for Robin to outweigh good manners.”
Ty shook his hand. “Apology accepted. And I’m sorry I gave you concern.”
John nodded. “Well, now you done shook like gentlemen, suppose you find a wall to lean on and cool off for a bit, or balance yourselves on one of them milk stools hangin’ on the wall.”
“You figure to keep us out here all day?” Ty stuck his hands in his pockets.
“What I figger is, Doc will let us know when and if we can see the little gal.”
“You aim to keep me out of my own home?”
“If that’s what it takes to keep you from causin’ commotion. That’s my niece in there. I ain’t proud that I never knowed her ‘til a few weeks ago, but I don’t aim to let you two hotheads do nothin’ that will make it worse for her. Now tell me, Benson—did ya get the telegram off to her sisters?”
William pulled two stools from their nails on the wall and handed one to Ty.
“I did. They should be here by Sunday."
THIRTY
Robin fought to surface from the deep pit that threatened to suck her into its depths. Noises from somewhere vibrated through her body, and her head throbbed. Angry voices sounded familiar. She tried to open her eyes and strained to climb through the fog that clouded her vision.
Where was she? If she yelled, would anyone hear her? She tried to call out, but her head hurt with the effort. She pulled her arms from whatever encased them and her hand struck something hard and cold, then the crash of splintering glass broke the silence. The door opened, and she made out the unmistakable form of Emma Ledbetter.
“Goodness, child. What a way to wake up. You needn’t have thrown the lamp you know.” Emma stooped and kissed her forehead. “But it’s worth anything you broke to see your pretty eyes open.”
Robin reached for her head, but Emma caught her hands.
“Don’t take the bandage away, Robin. You fell from John’s wagon. Do you remember?”
Robin closed her eyes. “Emma? Where am I? Why are you here? I heard angry voices. It sounded like Uncle John. And . . .” She wanted to rub her head to take away the pain but Emma gripped her hands.
“Yes, John was one of them. But don’t fret, sweet girl. Everything is all right. You keep resting. I’ll be right here. Doc had Ty move a bed into the room so I can be close.”
She turned her head and tried to make the room come into focus. “I’m at Ty’s?” A flash of memory came and her pulse raced. “Where’s Jacob?”
“He’s with the hands at the bunkhouse. He’s fine. All the men will look out for him.”
“Emma, was there a man trying to get Jacob?” A tear slid down her face and trickled into her ear. If only she could make her brain put all the pieces together.
“There was a stranger, but we don’t think he meant any harm to Jacob. It was a good thing he was there, too. William sent him back here for help after you fell.”
William. His was one of the voices she heard—William and Ty and Uncle John. “Is William still here? And where’s Uncle John?”
Emma smiled and wiped Robin’s face with a damp cloth. “The last time I saw him he was scolding Ty and William all the way down the stairs.”
“Why?” Robin pushed the covers away. “Where’s Jacob?”
Emma cradled Robin’s head. “I told you, sweetheart. Jacob’s with some of Ty’s men. They’re taking good care of him.” She lowered Robin’s head to the pillow. “Now, promise me you’ll stay quiet while I go fetch Doc. He’ll want to see you now that you’re awake. Promise?”
“Oh, Emma. I don’t have the strength to do anything but shut my eyes. But I want to see Jacob.”
“Don’t know as Doc will let anybody that rambunctious up here yet, but I’ll put in a word for the boy.”
The door clicked behind Emma, and Robin squinted through bleary eyes. The room had yellow walls—like sunshine. Her room at home had yellow walls, too.
She clutched at the covers as she felt herself slip into the pit again.I don’t want to fall. It’s so far down and so hard to get back to the top. I want to go home.As she spiraled, her own voice taunted.Home? Where’s home?
###
John moved from the wall when Emma came into the barn hightailin’ toward him. Tears rolling down her face could mean only one thing—something happened to Robin. With two steps he met her and gathered her to him with one arm while she sobbed.
Ty and William jumped to their feet, their faces white.
“Oh, John,” Emma’s voice cracked.
John put his other arm around her. One hand patted her back. “Emma girl. Is Robin . . . ?”
She nodded and dust flew as both younger men bolted for the door. John wanted to join them, to get to his niece as quickly as possible, but he still held Emma in his arms.
“When?” He croaked out the words.
“Shortly after you came out here with Ty and William.” She stepped away from him and pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve. “Robin wants to see Jacob.”
John held the woman at arm’s length. What did she just say? “She wants to see Jacob? Then she isn’t . . . she didn’t . . . ?” He pulled her to him once again, sagging with relief.
A long minute later, Emma was still clutched to his chest. He could get used to his arms being full of this woman real fast. “I thought you was a tellin’ me that she done—that she was gone for good.”
Emma leaned away to look at him. “Oh, heavens, no, John!”
“Land’s sake, Emma girl. I thought my heart was gonna stop right there.”
She wiped her eyes on the front of his shirt. “You love that little girl, don’t you, John Wenghold?”
He kept one arm around her while he fished in his pocket for his bandana. Sure would be nice if he didn’t make such a snort when he blew his nose, but likely she’d understand. “I surely do. Funny how she sorta hobbled her way in, you know? But I’m thinkin’ we better put them boys’ hearts to rest. The way they lit out of here, I reckon they’s thinkin’ she’s dead, too.”
Emma slipped her arm around his waist as they walked to the house. “Doc was going into the house when I came to get you. I reckon he’ll put a stop to any of their foolishness. It wouldn’t surprise me if she’s asleep again. She’s very weak.”
“Wait a minute, Emma girl.” John slipped his hand into hers and pulled her to a stop. “I . . . well, I reckon I been alone so long I’m plumb addlebrained when it comes to sayin’ anything to a woman. But I sure do ‘preciate all you’ve done for us since that little bird showed up out here in this wild country.” He wanted to say more, but Emma got all teary-eyed again. What did a young man say to a lass to make her all buggy-eyed and giggly? If things kept going smooth for a couple days he’d see if William would give him some hints. He’d ask Ty, but the last look he saw on Anna Blair’s face wasn’t anything he ever wanted to witness on Emma’s.
Ty and William hovered outside Robin’s door, anguish filling their faces.
John shook his head. He should’ve hollered at ‘em right away. “I’m sorry. The two of ya ran before Emma could finish tellin’ us what she came to te
ll us in the first place. Emma weren’t cryin’ cuz Robin is dead. Them were glad tears. Robin woke up.”
Ty thrust his hands in his pockets. “Then why won’t Doc let us in? He said one of us should bring Jacob in first.”
“Cuz it ain’t you Robin was wantin’. She woke up askin’ to see the one man in her life she probably loves the most. And it weren’t none of us a standin’ here wastin’ time when we could be fetchin’ the boy.”
Ty’s face crumpled as he reached for Emma. “Is it true? She’s alive?” Tears streamed down his face. “Thank You, Lord Jesus. Thank You for keeping her. Thank You for giving me one more chance to tell her all I’ve wanted to say for so long.” He bolted down the steps in two leaps, calling for Jacob before he hit the yard.
William wiped his face. “I suppose you think that display proves who truly loves Robin?”
“Does it?” John shrugged. “I’m not the one to say, you know.”
William sighed. “I told you before. I came to keep a promise to Robin’s pa. I’ll do anything to make sure she’s safe and financially secure. She knows I care for her. I’ve never declared any more than that.”
John glared at him. “Are you sayin’ you don’t love her?”
William lifted one shoulder. “I suppose I do love her, but perhaps not in the way she deserves. It would be unfair, at this point, to insist she make a choice. From all indications, Ty Morgan has more than just a desire to see her cared for. I think he truly loves her and the boy.”
Emma laid a hand on William’s shoulder. “There’s been question in your mind about the boy returning to Chicago, hasn’t there?” Emma’s lip twitched.
John pulled her closer. This time he’d be ready if she needed an arm around her.
William nodded. “Jacob is well entrenched here. He has so many people unwilling to part with him. I thought it would help Robin be able to leave him, and give us a chance to build our marriage before having children of our own.”
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