It wasn’t until she sunk into a cushioned chair that Isabel realized how exhausted she was. Scarlett brought a tray with slices of meat and cheese as well as a fresh pot of tea.
“What did they mean by intimate nature?” Isabel asked her friend. “Is something else wrong with Colton?”
Scarlett let out a long breath, her expression somber. “Yes, he was shot in the groin area, just shy of his manhood. That bullet seems to have gone through and exited the back of his thigh, but they need to ensure it’s kept clean and that it didn’t affect anything. Everything was so swollen earlier, Emmett isn’t sure.”
“Oh goodness.” Isabel couldn’t imagine how Colton would react, if indeed he were maimed in a way that would affect him as a man. “This is horrible. I hope the culprits are apprehended and made to pay for this.”
Scarlett nodded. “A posse was following them and more were dispatched after them from Billings. The fact they intended to kill an officer of the law means they will be hunted down.”
Isabel let out a haggard breath that caught in her throat. She’d been too afraid to cry earlier for fear that Colton would’ve heard. Now between the exhaustion and fear, she couldn’t keep the sobs at bay. Tears poured down unabated as she attempted to regain control. At once Scarlett was at her side hugging her.
“Don’t cry, Isabel. We have to believe he’ll pull through. Colton is young and strong and he’s still breathing.”
Falling to her knees, Isabel began praying and crying at the same time. She didn’t want to hear anything Scarlett had to say. It was clear by the looks Evan and Emmett exchanged that they didn’t think Colton would survive. There had been no idle chatter, nor had anyone been allowed into the clinic other than Owen and herself.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
The loud knocks at the front door startled both Isabel and Scarlett. Not waiting for anyone to answer, the door opened and a group of women hurried in. Wilhelmina and Aurora with Lucille and Esther right behind all rushed to Isabel, tears already falling.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Lucille said. She and Colton had become good friends since her arrival. Both Wilhelmina and Aurora’s husbands were childhood friends of Colton’s.
Once again Isabel began sobbing. Everyone seemed to understand her feelings for Colton and acted as if she were a wife to be comforted. She knew the men were doing the same. The husbands were no doubt now at the clinic with silent demands that Colton recover.
“We should pray,” Scarlett said. The six women kneeled together in a circle as Esther led them in a prayer for Colton.
Chapter 9
Owen Blake couldn’t fathom the idea of life without his brother. Not only was Colton his only family, but also he was the only father figure in his life. While growing up, the brothers had been forced to take responsibility for their mother, had worked and provided for her, and kept a roof over their heads.
And although Colton often referred to the fact they did not have a father, Owen never quite felt that way. Even if his brother was only five years older, there had always been a lot more responsibility on Colton’s shoulders.
If ever Owen needed help, advice or support, Colton had always been there for him. Now for three days he’d maintained vigil over his older brother’s bed, refusing to move away for longer than a few minutes. Colton has to live. He had so much to live for.
Like a hawk, Owen watched over every single breath, silently praying for the next. Thankfully as the day progressed, Colton was no longer feverish, and the bleeding from his hip injury had stopped. Both doctors were encouraged, stating it seemed he’d avoided any kind of infection.
And yet, Colton had not gained consciousness.
There had been no explanation for that. It was a wait and see situation, the longest most horrible experience in Owen’s life.
A soft hand pressed on his shoulder. He didn’t bother to see who it was since most of the women in town had come to bring food, help with whatever was needed, and mostly to ensure he knew they had their support.
“Owen, I can sit with him for a bit so you can eat.” The woman’s voice was unfamiliar and he tore his eyes away from Colton’s face to see who it was.
Clear green eyes met his. Whoever the woman was, he’d not met her before. “I’m Fern Richards,” she said by way of explanation. “Mother and I cooked and brought a big pot of bean soup and freshly baked bread. Please eat.”
He glanced to Colton feeling guilty at having noticed how pretty the woman was. This was definitely not the time to think about such things. “I’ll eat later. Thank you.”
Her warm hand pressed over his forearm and he sighed at the comfort it brought. “Would you like me to bring the food here so you can keep an eye on him?”
“I would appreciate it,” he replied, unsure of what to make of her. Where had the woman come from?
When she walked away, he looked over his shoulder. Evan was the only other person in the room. He stood next to a tall table cleaning some instruments, seeming deep in thought.
“Who was that woman?” Owen asked.
“She and her mother own the new seamstress shop. Her father is the town mayor and banker, Phillip Richards.”
Owen nodded in understanding. Once again he looked to Colton, who remained the same. That a new seamstress shop had opened and another couple buildings erected confirmed how long it had been since he’d come to town. For whatever reason, he didn’t venture far from the Hamilton ranch where he worked. Recently when he’d had free time, Owen spent it clearing the land he and Colton had purchased years back. He planned to build a house. He wasn’t entirely sure yet if he’d move from the ranch since he lived quite comfortably at the bunkhouse.
Usually, it was Colton who rode out to the Hamilton ranch to see him a couple times a month. Despite all the responsibility on his shoulders, his older brother always made the time to ensure Owen was well.
He hung his head and let out a long breath. What if he never got the chance to speak to his brother again? Right now, he’d give his right arm just to hear Colton’s voice.
When Fern returned, she carried a tray with a bowl, bread, and a glass of what looked to be lemonade. She placed it on a table. “Come and eat. I’ll sit with the sheriff.”
Owen moved away as she neared the bed and took Colton’s hand in hers. She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his brother’s forehead. “If you can hear me, know I’m praying for you to recover soon,” she spoke clearly, not seeming to care if anyone overheard.
“Do you and my brother know each other well?” Owen asked.
There was a soft upturn to her lips when she looked to Owen. “He is a wonderful man, often stops by the shop to ensure all is well. He does that with every establishment. Visits us almost daily. Mother thinks he comes to our shop because she bakes regularly.” She chuckled softly and looked to Colton. “I may have to agree with her.”
Owen nodded. “He does love sweets.”
The soup was delicious, so much so that Owen went to the doctor’s house to fetch a second serving. When he returned to the clinic from the house, Isabel accompanied him. He wondered if she and Fern both vied for Colton’s attentions.
However, upon Isabel’s arrival, Fern hugged her and the women spoke in low tones about Colton’s coloring and lack of fever. When Fern backed away, it was obvious she considered Isabel to have more rights over Colton.
“If you’re curious, Fern is single,” Evan muttered to Owen, who’d not realized the physician had come to sit next to him. “Colton has always had eyes only for Isabel, although he’s too stubborn to admit it.”
Once again Isabel clutched his brother’s hand in both of hers and spoke into his ear. Whatever she said was obviously only meant for Colton to hear since she spoke in soft tones, her expression serious.
Fern reached for the tray, her gaze on him. “I will return later today to see if anything has changed.”
“I’ll carry that. Need to stretch my legs a bit.” Owen took the tray
from her and motioned for her to walk ahead.
Once outside, she placed a hand on his arm. “You’re brother will recover. I have no doubt.”
The words rang true and for whatever reason, Owen found it more reassuring than anything the doctors had said. “Why are you so sure?”
“Because I can sense it. He is firmly in this world. I’d say by tonight, he will open his eyes. His strength is returning.” She affirmed it with a nod. “I know I must sound like a crazy person, but I’ve always had a strong sense about things. Mother says it's a gift. I’m not so sure.”
When she smiled up at him, a weight lifted from his shoulders and if not for the tray, Owen may have done something stupid. “Thank you Miss Richards.”
“Call me Fern.” She took the tray from him and hurried into Emmett and Scarlett’s house.
He remained outside enjoying the feel of fresh air. The rancher’s life suited him. Being indoors for long was stifling. Stretching his arms over his head, he took a deep breath. How he wanted to believe what Fern had said, that Colton would awaken and open his eyes.
“Owen,” Evan yelled from the clinic door. “Hurry. He’s awake!”
If it weren’t for the fact his entire body ached and felt as if a train had dragged him across the state, Colton would be comforting his brother. Tears streamed down Owen’s face, as he stared down at him. “I thought I’d lost you,” he said not seeming to notice that his tears dripped onto Colton’s face. “Damn it brother, you had me so scared.”
He and Owen had never held back showing affection for one another and although his younger brother would sometimes act embarrassed and try to shrug out of a hug that never stopped Colton.
When Colton closed his eyes, because keeping them open was tiring, Owen shook him. “Don’t pass out again.”
“I’m n-not.” Why was his tongue so swollen? He sounded like a drunk.
Emmett Jones frowned down at him. “Can you see clearly?”
Colton nodded, wishing they’d go away and let him sleep.
“Can you move your right foot?”
He moved the right one and the left one for good measure since the man would probably ask that next. Not satisfied, Emmett had him bend his legs, wiggle his fingers and toes, and finally lift both arms. By the time he was done, pain was fogging Colton’s brain.
“You were shot multiple times,” Emmett informed him. “Lucky to be alive.”
“So, that’s what hurts.” He attempted to make a joke, but no one laughed.
Owen gave him a panicked look. “Where does it hurt?”
“Everywhere.” He let out a sigh when Evan came forward.
Evan Jones and him had become close friends, so Colton paid close attention to his features when the doctor peered down at him. “I’ll give you something for the pain.”
Evan then turned to Owen. “It will probably make him sleep. He needs to rest.”
Moments later he could hear the voices as other people entered the room. Absentmindedly, Colton wondered if he had clothes on. If not, how many people had seen him naked. His lips curved at the thought that perhaps Isabel had been there and seen more than she thought ever to.
In the last few days, he’d often heard her voice through the fog of agony. It had helped some when she’d spoken to him. Yes, he was sure of it. Some of the things she’d said however, Colton wasn’t sure were right. Had she promised to marry him if he recovered?
Chapter 10
“Isabel, are you coming with me to town?” Her father entered the front parlor with his hat in hand. “I’ve rested enough,” he added quickly before she could protest.
Thankfully she’d managed to get him to the house and inside before he was able to speak to anyone in town. He’d returned just two days prior and had not left the house. The first day, he had been rather exhausted from the trip, and thankfully the second day, there was a downpour which kept him from going out. Today, the sun was shining and the day was already warm.
Isabel had delayed him by cooking a big breakfast and then by asking that they spend some devotional time together. It was noon and she’d run out of ways to delay him going to town.
“Father, I must speak to you. There is news that I have to share.”
The pastor frowned, seemed to consider leaving as he glanced toward the door, but then lowered to a chair. “What happened?”
“Well...I don’t know which to tell you first. Something I did, which will make you mad at me or about the shooting.”
He jumped to his feet. “Shooting?” His mouth fell open and closed, which she knew meant he was measuring words. “Who shot whom?”
“A gang of outlaws shot Colton Blake. He almost died. He’s been at the clinic for two weeks now. I normally visit daily now that he’s recovering. Owen is staying at the Jones’, refusing to leave his brother’s side since it happened.” Isabel took a breath. “They’d arrested a bank robber and his gang came to break him out of jail. Colton was alone and that’s when it happened. I told him the day you arrived that you’d come visit him.”
“I should have gone directly upon arriving. You’re aware how close Colton and I are. How could you not tell me for two days, Isabel Miranda?”
That he’d used her middle name meant he was quite angry with her. He got to his feet, hat in hand again, and so did she. “I’m sorry Father. It’s just that I thought you’d be upset and being so exhausted, it could be harmful.”
“Enough. I don’t want to hear another word right now.” He started to the door but stopped when she touched his arm.
“Don’t you want to know what I did that will make you angry?”
Pastor Ward had served Laurel Creek, Montana for thirty years since the age of nineteen. One of the things he was most respected for was because above all things he was a fair man. Even-tempered and always had a kind word, even to those who didn’t deserve it.
There were very isolated times when Isabel had known him to be so angry he’d raised his voice. When he glared at her, she took a step back and her eyes threatened to fall from their wide sockets.
“Not right now Isabel. We’ll speak when I return.”
“I’m going too.” She grabbed her shawl and hurried after her father. Surely no one would tell him about the kiss right now. It was the middle of the day, which meant the townspeople would be out and about. Hopefully the gossipmonger, Emmaline, would be home and not out poking her nose into other people’s business.
The walk to the clinic was brisk, mainly because her father kept the pace. She rattled off news about the town, avoiding anything to do about the kiss. Mostly about the upcoming festival and what everyone planned. Her father nodded occasionally, but it was easy to tell he was worried about his friend.
She should’ve told him. Now she understood that and didn’t blame her father for being angry with her.
They entered the clinic to find that the space had been sectioned off. A curtain of sheets was now installed blocking the back area where Colton’s bed was. It was a good idea as he’d be there for a few more days and required privacy. Emmett Jones greeted her father with a handshake and gave her a brief nod. “Colton’s been wondering if you’d come today,” he said to her.
Her father gave her a questioning look but said nothing. Not waiting for him to move, she hurried to see Colton. Thankfully, Emmett and her father began talking about Colton’s condition.
His eyes lifted when she came around the wall and gave her a quizzical look. “You seem out of breath.”
“Yes well, I just walked with father. He’s in quite a hurry to see about you.”
Isabel shifted from one foot to the other and glanced toward where her father was about to disengage from Emmett.
“He’s here. I told him about your injury, but I didn’t...”
“What’s this I hear about you trying to get killed while I was gone?” Her father walked around her and carefully hugged Colton. “How you feeling young man?”
It was endearing to see the warmth in her
father’s eyes when looking at Colton who brightened at the pastor’s presence. “Still here, so I didn’t succeed.”
Isabel backed away knowing they could talk for hours about nothing at all. For whatever reason, they’d developed a close relationship over the last several years that rarely included her.
Her chest tightened at the thought that perhaps her kissing Colton would ruin the friendship between them. Colton was still weak and unable to get up from the bed without assistance. Even holding a conversation tired him, so she didn’t feel as if she had to worry about him blurting out anything about the kiss or the murmurings about town.
“I’m going to visit Fern,” she told her father. “I’ll be back in a bit, will you wait for me here?”
Her father shook his head. “No. I’ll come by and fetch you.” By his clipped tone, it was obvious he remained unhappy with her and she didn’t blame him. Whatever had possessed her to keep the news about Colton from him?
Outside the front door of the clinic was a small covered porch. Emmett stood next to a rocker in which Owen sat. She hesitated at seeing them and smiled at Owen. “I know you feel much better now that your brother’s out of danger.”
Colton’s younger brother looked a lot like him, same golden brown eyes, but his hair was darker and he wore it longer, almost to his shoulders.
“I do, but he’s still very sick.” He frowned at Emmett. “When can I take him home?”
“I’d like to wait a few more days.”
“Since the house is not too far, I can come there and check on him. I’m sure Scarlett will make arrangements to bring him supper, unless you wish to do that Isabel?”
Her cheeks heated at the question. Did everyone consider her and Colton to be in a relationship? Of course everyone had heard about the kiss, no doubt they’d informed Owen by now. “Yes, of course. I’ll take care of it. I’m on my way to see Fern and Mrs. Richards now. I’ll discuss the best course of action with them.”
Isabel, An Independent Bride Page 8