Linda Ford (12 page)

He straightened and focused where she pointed. “That’s it. The road we want is just up ahead. See it?”

She nodded and in short order had the buggy moving along the shortcut. It wasn’t quite as wide or smooth as the road they’d been traveling before, but it was passable, even in this weather.

“Another thirty minutes and we’ll be there,” he said thickly.

Would he be able to stay upright that long? “Is there any place we can stop along the way? Any neighbors we’ll pass before we get to your place?”

“No.” Another bout of coughs. “The first part borders the back side of the Davis place—the house and barn are a ways off in the other direction. The rest of the road borders Hawk’s Creek pasture land. The closest shelter is, in fact, my house at Hawk’s Creek.”

Not the answer she’d hoped for. “All right, then tell me what I’m looking for.”

He slumped then roused himself. “You won’t be able to miss it.” He was mumbling now. “There’s an
ironwork arch over the entryway with the ranch’s name on it.”

Sounded easy enough.

Now if she could just keep him from falling out of the buggy until she got them there.

When he swayed again she decided drastic measures were in order. “Scoot over here.”

“What?” He seemed to be having trouble focusing on her.

“I said scoot over here. I want you to lean against me to help brace yourself.”

“I don’t think—”

The man was impossible! “Listen, I’ve put up with your stubbornness and fool pride up until now but I’m cold and wet and tired and I don’t have time for that anymore. And neither do you.”

His head came up and he blinked at her.

“You’ve been none too steady these past few minutes,” she continued, ignoring his reaction. “It’s obvious you won’t stay upright on your own power much longer.”

“I can manage until we get there,” he said stiffly.

“I doubt it.” She wasn’t going to sugarcoat this for him. “Even if tumbling out doesn’t break your neck, there’s no way I could get you back up here once you hit the ground.” She took her eyes off the road long enough to glare at him. “Now do as I say and get over here.”

He held his position a few moments longer, then slowly slid over until their shoulders touched. He was
so stiff she feared he would snap in half at the least bit of jarring.

Did he find contact with her so distasteful? Regardless of his reasons, from the looks of him he wouldn’t be able to keep that rigid stance up for long.

“Relax.” She tried to keep her tone firm but sympathetic. “Lean against me if you need to. The best thing you can do right now is to focus your energy on staying conscious.”

He nodded but his stiffness remained.

In a matter of minutes, however, he was starting to slump again. His head came down on her shoulder and she could feel the heat of his forehead through her clothing. He definitely had a fever.

She had to do what she could to keep him awake. “Griff, I need you to talk to me.”

“What? I—” His head came up again. “Sorry.”

“No, that’s okay. Lean on me if it helps, just stay awake. Why don’t you tell me about Inez? You say she’s been at Hawk’s Creek since before you were born. Was
she
born there?”

“No.” His shoulders fluttered in a shiver. “But she was very young when my grandfather hired her.” He coughed again and she winced at the painfully raspy sound of it.

But she had to keep him talking. “So he hired her as his housekeeper and she’s been there ever since. Is that it?”

“Almost. He hired her to help take care of my grandmother when she got real sick. The way I hear it, she took over the cooking on her own. Grandmother
never did get well again and…once she passed…Inez stayed on to…to run the household.”

He was mumbling now and she only caught snatches of the rest of his answer. “…wish…woman like that…keeps her word…someone to stay.” He slumped against her again and Ruby reflexively put an arm around his shoulder to hold him upright. No time to think about what his words might mean.

Lord, I need You to help me. Keep Griff from slipping down for just a bit longer. Guide me so I don’t miss the gate to the ranch. And please don’t let anything get in my path. I know that’s asking a lot, but I also know there isn’t anything You can’t do.

Ruby repeated that prayer several times over the next fifteen minutes as the rain came down harder and the wind grew gustier. Her arm and shoulder ached almost unbearably from the effort to hold on to Griff, but she didn’t dare take her arm from around his shoulder for fear he would slip down. Her teeth chattered from the cold as the rain blew into the buggy and soaked them both. Griff spoke periodically and tried pulling away from her, but his words were indistinct and his efforts were weak.

Twice she almost pulled the buggy over to wait out the storm, but she knew she had to get her companion to a warm, dry place as soon as possible. And if his instructions had been correct they had to be getting close.

“Hold on, please, we must be almost there. You’re going to be able to warm yourself by your own fire
and sleep in your own bed tonight after all, just like you wanted. I promise.”

Her only answer was another spasm of coughs.

Please God, don’t let me break that promise.

Griff felt disoriented. Time seemed to be jumping around. This was the third time he’d opened his eyes with no recollection of having closed them. And the weather kept getting worse each time with no transition from what it had been before. The rain was really coming down now and he felt chilled to the bone. Something was constricting him, keeping him from moving. That wouldn’t do. He tried pushing free but it was no good…

He roused what seemed a few minutes later to the feel of a soft shoulder cushioning his head and an arm around his shoulder. Is that what had held him earlier? He couldn’t remember.

His companion was talking under her breath—it sounded like a strange combination of prayer and an exhortation to him to not fall out of the buggy. A sudden catch in her voice, as if on a sob, set off alarm bells in his head. What was the matter? Had something happened to her? He should reassure her. After all, it was his job as her escort keep her safe. And he’d do that just as soon…

Voices. So many voices. They were coming at him from everywhere. But the words were garbled, urgent. He even heard that scraggly cat of hers complaining loudly. Where was Ruby? Then there were hands, lots of hands, grabbing at him, tugging on him, carry
ing him. The jostling made the pounding in his head worse. But he couldn’t let that stop him.

Where was Ruby? Were these hands after her, too? Was she safe? He had to make certain. She’d counted on him.

He struggled, but there were too many of them and they were too strong. Or maybe he was too weak. How could he be so hot and so cold at the same time? It was as if his head was disconnected from the rest of his body.

He called out Ruby’s name. She answered, but her voice was so distant. Was she still crying? He couldn’t tell.

Then the blackness swallowed him completely.

G
riff bobbed in and out of consciousness for a while, like a cork on choppy water. He wanted to sleep, to find relief from the pounding and the burning and the steel band wrapped around his chest, but the nagging feeling that there was something important he needed to do kept tugging him back to the surface again.

Ruby. She’d been crying. He had to make certain she was okay. But, no matter how hard he tried, his eyelids and arms wouldn’t cooperate and down he’d go again.

Finally he drifted up and this time the surface was cool and quiet, and the bands on his chest had loosened. This time he could actually open his eyes, though it was dark here, wherever
here
was.

Then the memories slammed into him—nightmare images of voices and hands, fire and chills, a yowling cat and…

And Ruby! He was supposed to provide her with safe escort. Was she okay? Had she—

“Well, hello there.”

She stood over him, a shadowy form in the dimness. Her voice was thick, as if she’d been asleep. Or weeping.

Had something happened to her? If only he could see her more clearly. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“But you were crying.”

“I’m all better now.”

“Good.” Griff settled back down. There was something heavy on his chest. From the pungent odor, he figured it was one of Inez’s poultices. The thing itched and smelled—it had to come off. He just needed a minute to gather his thoughts and his strength…

Griff barely blinked yet sunshine was now streaming into the room.

Ruby appeared at his bedside and smiled down at him. “Good, you’re awake again. You had us mighty worried. Now, you just rest easy while I let Inez know you’re awake.”

“Wait.”

She paused and came closer. Close enough that he could see the tired circles under her eyes.

“Is something wrong?” she asked. “Do you need me to get you anything?”

“No. I—” He tried to gather his scattered thoughts. “What day is it?”

“Tuesday.”

He frowned. “Tuesday? But that means I lost two and a half days.”

Her dimples appeared. “You didn’t lose them—you spent both of them right here.”

Whatever else had happened, she hadn’t lost her sense of humor. “I guess I owe you a big thank-you for getting me home the way you did.”

She waved him off. “I’m just glad that things turned out okay. And Inez has been treating me very well since I arrived, so there’s no need for any other thanks.” She turned to the door. “Speaking of Inez, I promised I’d let her know the second you woke up. She’s been beside herself worrying about you.”

After she’d left the room, Griff looked around. This wasn’t his bedchamber. In fact, it wasn’t a bedchamber at all—it was his mother’s sitting room, a room that was rarely used anymore. Someone had pushed the furniture to one side and a bed had been set up near the fireplace.

He winced as he shifted, trying for a more comfortable position. His chest muscles were sore as all get out. And why in the world was his left foot tender? It seemed he’d been a lot sicker—and a lot more out of it—than he’d thought. Pretty lowering to realize he’d put Ruby in a position to have to deal with his troubles.

His sister, Sadie, had always said his stubbornness was going to be the death of him—seems he’d nearly proved her right. Why in the world hadn’t he sought out a dry place to wait out the bad weather?

Then again, whatever ailment had laid him low might have overtaken him regardless of the weather. So pushing to get back to Hawk’s Creek and Inez’s
ministrations just might have been the best plan after all.

Feeling better about his decisions, Griff took stock of himself and his surroundings.

The poultice was gone—if it had ever been there in the first place. He wasn’t sure how much of the past few days was memory and how much delirium.

He stared up at the ceiling. He had only hazy memories of what had transpired once they’d turned onto that shortcut—just the jostle of the ride, the pounding of his head and his losing battle to stay conscious.

Wait a minute, there was something else—a scolding she’d given him and the feel of her arm holding him snug against her side. Had that really happened? The memory felt real enough. But how could a girl like Ruby have managed his practically dead weight while driving the buggy, especially in that weather?

He still had trouble believing she’d gotten him home when he’d been too sick to get himself here. For a wide-eyed dreamer, she’d sure proven herself resourceful in a pinch. Perhaps the good Lord had actually been looking out for
his
well-being more than Ruby’s when He’d put her in his path.

And it was curious that she was still here. Why hadn’t she gone on to Tyler? Had she been worried about him? Or was she getting cold feet about her plans for a new life?

Inez bustled in, interrupting his thoughts. “Now ain’t you a sight for sore eyes.” Her voice was gruff and she looked at him as if he’d been at death’s door
step. “I was beginning to wonder if you were gonna sleep straight through to Christmas.”

He gave her a teasing smile. “Now you know you can’t get shed of me that easy. I’m too tough to stay down long.”

“Too ornery is more like it.” She placed a hand on his forehead. “Fever seems to be all gone. How are you feeling?”

His throat and chest ached, but the pounding in his head was gone and his thinking was clear. “I won’t be roping any steers or running any races today, but compared to how I felt Saturday, I’m fine.”

She harrumphed. “I think
fine
is a bit optimistic, what with you lying there looking wrung out as wet laundry, but I’m glad to hear you’re better.”

Griff pushed himself up to a semi-sitting position. “Wet laundry? I’ll have you know I’m feeling stronger by the minute.” He patted his stomach. “All I need is to get some of your hearty meals in me and I’ll be right as rain.”

She reached behind him and plumped the pillows. “Don’t be expecting steak and potatoes just yet. It’s broths and soups for you until you’re a bit stronger.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled innocently up at her. “But it seems to me I’d get stronger a lot quicker with heartier nourishment.”

Inez placed her hands on her hips, just as he’d known she would. “Since I’m doing the cooking and the doctorin’, with Ruby’s help, I’ll decide what you need.”

What all had Ruby’s help consisted of? “I appreci
ate you looking out for Miss Tuggle the past few days. I hope having her around hasn’t added to your work.”

“Land sakes, no. In fact, she’s been a big help. Spelling me in watching over you, making herself useful in the kitchen.”

Ruby had watched over him? For some reason that made him decidedly uncomfortable. “I hope I wasn’t too much trouble for you ladies the past few days.”

“We managed.”

That wasn’t exactly an answer. But before he could dig deeper, she changed the subject. “How’s your foot feeling?”

“A mite sore, but not anything I can’t deal with. I don’t recall hurting it though.”

“We had some trouble getting you out of the buggy when y’all arrived. Truth to tell, you were delirious with the fever and fought us like a rabid wolf. I’m afraid your foot got banged up in the process. But don’t go blaming Red and the guys—it was an accident.”

“Seems I’d better be doing more apologizing than blaming.” He stiffened at a sudden thought. “I didn’t hurt anyone, did I?”

She gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’m afraid you left a few bruises here and there, but nothing worse.”

What about Ruby? Was that why he remembered her crying? Please, God, don’t let him have hurt her. “I didn’t hurt Ruby, did—”

She looked up quickly. “Mercy, no. No worries there. In fact, you seemed to think you were protecting her from goodness only knows what.”

Griff released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. At least he didn’t have that on his conscience.

“She’s quite a girl, isn’t she?” Inez added.

Griff nodded. He was beginning to see that himself.

“The good Lord was sure looking after you when He arranged for you two to travel together,” she said, echoing his earlier thoughts. “I don’t like to think what might have happened if you’d taken ill alone on that road. That girl likely saved your life.”

Before Griff could question her further, Ruby stepped through the open doorway, carrying a tray of food. Her cat was right at her heels.

“Here we go,” she said cheerily. “Inez’s marvelous cooking ought to help fix you right up.”

“Mmm-mmm. That sure does smell good.” He watched her closely, looking for some sign that she might be leery of him. “What is it?”

“Beef and vegetable broth.” Inez answered for her, patting his coverlet before she stepped back. “I expect you to eat it all up.”

“Don’t worry. I feel like I could eat a whole steer, hooves, horns and all.”

“Well, for today you’ll just have to settle for the broth. If you behave yourself and rest like you’re supposed to, I just might leave some meat and vegetables in it tomorrow.”

Ruby watched the interaction between Inez and Griff with surprise and a touch of longing. Griff didn’t balk at Inez’s solicitousness the way he had
with her. The two obviously cared for each other, as if the housekeeper were indeed part of his family, just as he’d claimed. How would it be to have someone in her own life who cared as much for her? The closest emotion she’d felt from her surrogate parents was care born of obligation.

Inez turned to Ruby, pulling her out of her thoughts. “If you don’t mind, would you stay here and help Griff with his meal? I want to let Red and the others know that he’s feeling better this morning.”

“Oh, but I can do that if you—”

Inez waved away her offer. “No, no. I need to talk to Red about something else anyway.” She glanced at Griff, then back to Ruby. “I can count on you to stay with him until he finishes every bit of that soup, can’t I?”

“Of course.”

Ruby faced Griff, feeling suddenly uncertain. She’d spent the past few days taking shifts watching over him in this very room, but an unconscious Griff Lassiter was very different from this alert, watchful man. Suddenly, the memory of holding him tight against her side in the pouring rain during the last twenty minutes of that awful drive was all she could think about.

Pasting a bright smile on her face that she hoped would mask her nervousness, she lifted the tray slightly. “Where would you like me to place this?”

He patted the coverlet in front of him. “Just set it here on my lap and I’ll take it from there.”

She did as he asked, helped him tuck a napkin
under his chin, then pulled a chair up closer to his bedside. “Do you need any help with that?”

“I can manage.”

She noticed his hand shook slightly as he ladled up a spoonful, but didn’t comment on it. She knew him well enough now to understand he wouldn’t appreciate her pointing out such a weakness.

Instead, she kept him company the best way she knew how—chatting. “I had a bowl myself earlier. Inez is quite a cook.” She reached down to stroke her cat’s head. “I can see why you spoke so highly of her. And I don’t mean just for her cooking ability. She’s nice.” Even knowing Inez would likely have offered the same to anyone, it had warmed Ruby to have someone offer genuine neighborliness, not a handout born of a sense of duty.

Griff scooped up another spoonful. “Couldn’t run this place without her.” He nodded Ruby’s way. “She had good things to say about you, too. I understand you’ve been lending a hand around here the past few days.”

Inez had spoken well of her? Ruby’s smile stretched wider. “I like to keep busy. And it was the least I could do in return for Patience and my room and board.”

He frowned at that. “We don’t usually ask our guests to work off their room and board.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to imply Inez
asked
me to work. I pestered her to let me help.”

He took another sip of his soup, but he kept his gaze on her and she was having trouble interpreting his expression.

“Sorry if my condition caused you to delay your trip to Tyler,” he said finally.

Actually, she hadn’t even thought about Tyler since she’d arrived here. “Oh, I don’t mind. It wasn’t as if I had to be there on a specific date.”

“True.” Another pause to eat, then, “The last part of that trip home is hazy for me. Care to fill in the blanks?”

She tried to keep her expression even as she remembered just how tense, how frightening the final leg of that ride had been. There were moments when she’d thought for sure he’d slide right off the carriage seat.

But she didn’t need to burden him with all of that. Instead she gave him a smile. “You stayed coherent long enough to point out the road I needed to take to get us on the shortcut. Then I just followed it until I found the wrought-iron arch with Hawk’s Creek Ranch spelled out.” Of course the rain had been coming down so hard at that point she’d had trouble making it out. She pushed that thought aside. “You gave good directions. When I pulled up at the house Inez and some of the ranch hands were waiting on me. Apparently someone spotted the buggy coming up the drive. Then they got you in the house and Inez took over.” Ruby grinned. “She’s very good at taking charge.”

“That she is.” He grimaced. “I guess I wasn’t much good as an escort after all. Sorry if I gave you a scare.”

That was putting it mildly. “I’m just happy it all
turned out okay.” She sat up straighter. “And you’ll be pleased to know that yesterday, when I mentioned the bull we’d left behind at the Callums’s place, Red immediately sent someone out to fetch it.”

Griff nodded. “Red is a good man.”

“And everyone’s been just as nice as could be to me. Of course, once they had you settled in, I
did
have to do some explaining as to how I came to be riding with you.”

He grinned. “I imagine you did.”

She’d been amazed that Inez and the others had heard her out and then took her in as if she were an old family friend instead of a stranger. She wasn’t used to receiving such an unconditional welcome.

“I hope you won’t think me awful for saying this,” she said impulsively, “but if you
had
to get sick, I’m glad I was with you when you did.”