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.