“I’m sorry. Did you ask me a question?”
His face softened. “I know you’re worried about Dirk, but I need you to keep watch over the women and children.”
She nodded, her throat closing up when she tried to speak.
Dax stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll find him, Rosemary. We won’t come back until we do.”
Montana temperatures always dropped along with the sun, and tonight seemed to have plunged lower than normal. Dirk felt his body seize up in the cold, his teeth chattering and body aching. At least it numbed his leg, helping to ease the pain.
The storm had come and gone within hours. Looking up, he saw no sign of the menacing clouds, nothing to indicate the damage left behind. The brightest moon he’d seen in a long time shown down on him, illuminating the site of his accident.
As his body shivered, an image of Rosemary filled his mind. By now, she’d be worried. If Banshee returned to the ranch as he hoped, she’d be frantic. After all she’d been through, he hated putting her through more anguish.
The howl of a wolf caught his attention, followed by the yaps of what he assumed to be the rest of the pack. Living in Montana, he’d learned wolves often traveled in groups of at least three, sometimes as many as ten. For the first time since the tree pinned him, Dirk felt a wave of fear. He’d rather face a group of outlaws, knowing he had some chance of survival, than a pack of wolves.
Hearing the barking again, he sat up, trying to use his dwindling strength to dislodge his legs. Trying over and over, he finally exhausted himself, his heart racing. When the howls stopped, his gaze darted around. The quiet bothered him more than their howls.
A slight rustling sound had him looking into the bushes. His gaze collided with a pair of yellow eyes—bright, clear, and threatening. Refusing to give in to fear, Dirk reached as far as he could, his fingers touching but failing to grasp a large rock. Shifting his weight, he tried again, this time wrapping his hand around it.
When he looked back to where he’d first spotted the wolf, three pairs of yellow eyes glowered at him. He couldn’t get them all, but he might be lucky enough to get one. Sucking in a deep breath, he drew his arm back as far as possible.
Gunshots and loud shouts stopped his movement. Before he could fully register the chain of events, a group of riders swooped in, some chasing off the wolves, others dismounting, surveying the damage.
Bull knelt beside him. “You’ve really done it this time, Dirk.”
Luke and Dax walked up, each carrying ropes, studying his position, the tree, and the surrounding area.
“Lightning?” Luke asked.
Dirk nodded. “Did Banshee make it back?”
“He did,” Luke answered. “That’s why we’re here. Now, let’s get you out from under there.”
It took less time than Dirk estimated to free him, no thanks to any effort on his part. He couldn’t move his leg before they arrived and he still couldn’t. Bile rose in his throat at the sight of bone sticking through his pants.
Bull studied the leg, letting out a low whistle. “We won’t be able to take him back on a horse. We’d better have someone fetch a wagon.”
“Tat.” Dax motioned for him to come closer. “We need a wagon.”
Rolling up his rope, Tat looked down at Dirk’s leg, wincing at the sight. “Yes, sir. I’ll go right now.”
“Take one of the men with you,” Dax added. “And let Rosemary know we found him and he’ll be all right.”
Bull walked over to his horse, pulling a bottle of whiskey from the saddlebag. Kneeling next to Dirk once more, he offered him the bottle. “Now, we’d best see to that break.”
Rosemary stood at the porch rail, refusing to leave until Dirk returned. Tat had dashed into the house, delivered the news, then hurried out. He helped another ranch hand hitch up the wagon, then drove off. When asked, Tat had said it would take at least four hours to bring Dirk back.
At least he’s safe, Rosemary reminded herself.
She turned, ready to sit in the porch swing, when a loud scream startled her. Rushing inside, she ran down the hall to where Dax and Rachel had slept the last months of her pregnancy. Shoving the door open, she rushed inside. Rachel was on her hands and knees, taking deep breaths, a puddle underneath her.
“I…believe the…baby…is coming.”
“Don’t move.” Stepping back into the hall, Rosemary ran to the base of the stairs, yelling up. “Ginny, Lydia, I need your help.” Dashing to the bedroom, she helped Rachel shift into a sitting position on the floor against the bed. Grabbing a pillow, she stuffed it behind her back for support. “What happened?”
“I felt something happening and tried to get off the bed. My feet slipped and I fell forward. Somehow, I got my hands out in front of me.” She glanced at Rosemary. “Is there any chance you can help me back to the bed.”
“We can all help.” Ginny rushed in, followed by Lydia.
Once they got Rachel settled, Rosemary hurried outside to have the men prepare a wagon. She cast an impatient glance in the direction Tat had driven, wishing she didn’t have to leave before Dirk returned. If his injury was as severe as Tat indicated, they’d be taking him to the clinic, which was where she would be with Rachel.
Returning to the bedroom, she saw Ginny and Lydia had already dressed Rachel for the trip to town. As she approached the bed, another round of labor pains hit, causing Rachel to yell, ending with a mumbled curse.
“Rachel!” Ginny burst into laughter.
Groaning, Rachel forced herself to breathe as her body recovered. “Sorry. Sometimes, well…my time in the battlefield medical tents returns.”
“No need to apologize. If it helps, yell as loud as you need.” Rosemary smiled. “And if it’s punctuated with more colorful words, I’m certain none of us will tell.”
“Not me,” Lydia said as she helped Rachel stand. “We should get you into the wagon before the next round of pain starts.”
Rachel nodded. “Then we’d best hurry. I think this baby is coming fast.”
Within a few minutes, she was in the back of the wagon, wrapped in blankets, pillows behind and around her. Rosemary sat next to her. Ellis held the lines, his rifle next to him. Joe would ride alongside. Two other men would stay to watch over Lydia, Ginny, and the children.
“Are you certain you want to go alone, Rosemary?” Lydia leaned over the side of the wagon, her worried gaze focused on Rachel.
“I’m not alone. Ellis and Joe are going. Plus, Bull and Luke would have a fit if either you or Ginny came along. Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”
Ellis glanced over his shoulder. “Are you ready, Miss Rosemary?”
“We are.”
“All right then.” Ellis slapped the lines, going as fast as he could given Rachel’s condition.
Before they made it past the large boulder signaling the entrance to the ranch, another labor pain gripped Rachel. Rosemary wiped her forehead with a damp cloth, reminding her to breathe.
As the pain subsided, Rosemary looked up at the sky, thankful the storm had passed, praying Dirk’s injuries weren’t any more serious than what Tat indicated. She knew they wouldn’t waste time getting Dirk to the clinic. And once Dax learned Rachel had been taken to town, nothing would stop him from getting to her.
“Rachel’s in labor?” Dax stood in the entry, his hands fisted at his sides. “I need to see her.” He tried to slide past them when Ginny grabbed his shoulder.
“Rosemary took her to the clinic, Dax.”
“Alone?” His voice thundered through the house, waking Cooper, Joshua, and Patrick. He looked up the stairs, torn between going to Patrick and rushing to town.
Ginny touched his arm. “Your son is fine, Dax. Lydia, Selina, and Margaret are with the babies. And no, she did not go alone. Ellis and Joe are with her. Now, you need to get to town.”
He hadn’t planned to ride along with Mal and Tat when they continued to the clinic with Dirk. His plans had changed.
“It’s started raining again.” Luke walked in, shaking water off his slicker.
“Luke!”
Ginny hurried into his arms, kissing him, then pulling away. “How is Dirk?”
“He’s in a lot of pain. We’re trying to keep him dry until we leave for town.” He looked at Dax. “They’re ready to go. With the weather turning again, I’m thinking I should go with them.”
“No. I’ll go.” Dax scrubbed a hand down his face. “Rachel went into labor and Rosemary took her to town.”
Luke’s eyes narrowed. “Alone?”
Ginny shook her head, her hands resting on her hips. “For heaven’s sake. Do all the men here think the women are dimwitted?” Turning, she walked up the stairs.
Luke’s startled expression locked on Dax, his brows drawing together in a frown.
“Ellis and Joe are with Rachel and Rosemary. I’ll go in with Dirk, if you’ll stay here with the others.” Dax smirked. “It will give you some time to mollify your wife.”
Luke shook his head. “I still don’t know what I said, but fine.”
“I’ll get word to you about Rachel and Dirk as soon as I know anything.” Settling his hat on his head, he clasped Luke on the shoulder. “Take care of everything until we get back.”
Chapter Nineteen
“She’s in with Doc Worthington, Dax.” Clay McCord stood aside.
“Dirk Masters broke his leg. He’s in the wagon.”
“Rosemary told us. Rachel’s uncle will deliver the baby and I’ll patch Dirk up. You go ahead and let them know you’re here.” Clay held open the door so Tat and Mal could carry Dirk inside.
“He’s been passed out most of the last couple hours, Doc.” Mal glanced at Clay.
“Probably a good thing. Put him on the table in the room to the left.”
“I think he may have finished Bull’s bottle of whiskey.” Mal pushed his hat off his forehead, grimacing when water splattered onto the wood floor.
Cutting Dirk’s pants, Clay nodded. “I would’ve done the same with a break like this.”
“Is he in here?” Rosemary stood in the doorway, her gaze landing on Dirk. “Oh, my God.” She placed a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide.
“I can take care of Dirk. If it comes to it, Mal and Tat can help me. You need to be in with Rachel.”
She glanced at Mal and Tat, who stood inside the small room. “Doc Worthington says it could be a while before the baby comes. If it’s all right, I’d like to help in here until he needs me.”
Clay looked up from pulling away Dirk’s bloodied, dirty, and wet pants. “Boys, why don’t you take a seat out front? I’ll let you know if I need you.”
“Yes, sir.” Tat nodded at Rosemary as he left the room.
Mal touched her arm. “Call out if you need anything.”
“I will.” Her voice shook. Looking down at Dirk, Rosemary gasped. She’d known it would be bad, but had no idea how horrible the damage would be until she saw it up close.
“He’s alive, and if I have my way, he’ll be back walking again within weeks.”
“You’re an excellent doctor. If anyone can fix him up, it’s you.”
Dirk chose that moment to jerk awake, his arms flailing as he tried to sit up.
Clay put a hand on Dirk’s shoulder. “It’s all right, Dirk. You’ve been injured. The men brought you to the clinic.”
His eyes, red-rimmed and glassy, fluttered open. Blinking a couple times, his gaze latched onto the one person he wanted to see most.
“Rosemary…” he whispered, his throat thick.
Leaning down, she brushed hair from his face. “I’m here, Dirk.”
He held up his hand for her to grasp. “My leg…”
“I know. Doc McCord is going to fix it. He says you’ll be fine.”
Dirk’s lips twisted. “I know it’s bad.” He gripped her hand tighter, his eyes panicked. “Don’t let him take my leg.”
“Shhh. He isn’t going to take your leg.” She glanced at Clay. His features were still, unreadable, making her heart sink.
“Dirk, the men did the best they could under difficult circumstances, but I need to reset the break. It’s going to hurt. Do you want more whiskey or chloroform?”
“Neither.” Grimacing, he forced himself to continue. “I want to know what’s going on.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Just do it, Doc.”
Clay nodded at Rosemary. “Get his shoulders.”
She licked her lips, hesitating a moment.
“Would you like me to call for Mal and Tat?”
Shaking her head, she settled her hands on Dirk’s shoulders. “No, Doctor. I can do it.”
Studying her face, he adjusted his grip on Dirk’s leg, then gave her one quick nod.
“Sonofab—” Dirk bit back the rest of the word as the door flew open.
“Everything all right in here?” Mal looked at Dirk, then Clay.
“We’re fine,” Clay answered, noticing Dirk had passed out. Figuring it would be temporary, he concentrated on finishing the task of setting the leg.
“All right then. I’ll, uh…be right out here.” Mal closed the door on a soft click.
Clay worked quickly, finally looking up at Rosemary. “I’ve got this. Why don’t you check on Rachel?”
She swallowed, not wanting to leave Dirk’s side. “Are you sure?”
Clay tilted his head. “Rosemary?”
As if suddenly remembering Clay was her employer, she straightened. “Of course, Doctor. I’ll go right now.”
“If you aren’t needed with Rachel, come back here. I’m sure Dirk will want to see you when he regains consciousness.”
Her shoulders relaxed. “I will. Thank you, Doctor.”
A baby’s cry greeted Rosemary as she stepped into the larger room. Dax stood next to the bed, holding Rachel’s hand. She looked exhausted, her face bathed in sweat. Still, a serene smile curved the corners of her mouth.
Closing the door softly behind her, she watched as Doc Worthington finished checking the baby. Stepping up to him, she looked down, her lips parting at the beauty before her. She tilted her head at the doctor, a question in her eyes.
“Another boy,” he whispered, his eyes crinkling in amusement. Lifting the baby, he turned toward Dax and Rachel.
“Who would like to hold your son first?”
“A boy?” Dax’s jaw went slack.
Rachel touched his arm. “I told you I thought we were having another boy. This time, you get the honors first, sweetheart.”
“All right, General Pelletier. You’ve done this before.” Doc Worthington held out the baby.
“Ex-general.”
“Regardless, Dax. Take your son.”
Rosemary stood off to the side, watching with her heart in her throat, feeling emotion swell inside her. No one would ever doubt the love between Rachel and Dax. The same could be said for Luke and Ginny, Bull and Lydia, and so many other couples in Splendor. Without a doubt, she wanted the same kind of love, and she wanted it with Dirk.
“Has he woken up yet?” Rosemary stepped next to the bed, touching Dirk’s face.
“Not yet. Perhaps he’s been waiting for you to return. How is Rachel?”
She smiled. “They’ve added another boy to the family.”
Clay chuckled. “There must be something magical at Redemption’s Edge. All the babies since I’ve come to town have been boys.”
“Rosemary…” Dirk groaned, his eyes opening to slits. “My leg?”
“Is going to be fine, Dirk. The doctor was able to reset it.” She gripped his hand, threading her fingers with his as Clay stepped next to her.
“You’ll have to stay off your leg for at least a month, Dirk. Then you’ll be able to use a crutch for a few more weeks—as long as you continue to keep your weight off it.”
Dirk began to shake his head, then stopped when Clay held up his hand.
“This is not a suggestion, Dirk. At first, I thought y
ou’d lose your leg. I believed it had taken too long to get you to the clinic, opening your leg to infection. I checked it thoroughly. When I saw no sign of infection, I decided to reset it. Right now, the wound is clean. If you want to keep your leg, it’s important it stay that way.” He looked at Rosemary. “You’ll need to be his private nurse for a while, checking his leg several times a day. If there’s any sign of infection, you must get him back here right away. For now, though, I want you to stay here at least two days, Dirk, so I can keep a close watch on how the wound is healing.”
Rosemary nodded. “I know Rachel and Dax will let him stay in the house as long as needed.”
“I’ll stay with the men in the bunkhouse.”
Rosemary glared at him. “No, you won’t. You’ll stay in the house where I can check your leg as often as needed without going to the bunkhouse.”
“Rosemary…” he ground out.
Lifting her chin, she crossed her arms, scowling at him. “Don’t you dare argue with me, Dirk Masters. You’ll stay in the house and that is final.” Glancing at Clay, she turned, stomping out of the room.
Dirk stared at the closed door, his mouth drawn into a thin line, the pain in his leg momentarily forgotten.
“She is one stubborn woman,” Clay said.
“You have no idea.”
“It’s going to be hard to get away with anything.”
Dirk’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah, I know.”
“She may be the only thing keeping you from losing your leg.” Clay’s gaze fixed on Dirk, a brow lifted.
Dirk let out a breath, feeling tired and defeated.
“And if I’m not mistaken, she loves you.”
Dirk’s mouth quirked up at the corners. “Yeah. I think you may be right.”
“It’s a glorious morning, Sister. The storm yesterday cleared the air. I think it would be a good day for a walk.” Selma sat in her usual chair, watching wagons and horses navigate the muddy street.
“I do believe you’ve come up with a very good idea. After breakfast, we’ll change into our day dresses and start out.”
Courage Canyon Page 18