Page 44 of Waiting for the Rancher
Clementine exchanged a look with Tanner. “We’ll go back for the wagon and transport him home.”
Tanner nodded, running his fingers through his overlong brown hair that was curling at the nape of his neck.
“No,” Sterling said, his tone firm. “The doctor thinks the less Maverick is moved around, the better chance he’ll have at recovery.”
“It’ll be fine.” Tanner spoke curtly, turning cold eyes on Sterling. “After all the traveling he’s already done, a little more won’t harm him. Besides, he’ll want to be someplace where he’s welcome.”
Hazel’s gaze bounced back and forth between Tanner and Sterling. Tanner was obviously upset that Sterling had blamed Maverick for Violet calling off the wedding. And he didn’t want to leave Maverick behind in what he considered a hostile place.
Sterling held Tanner’s gaze. “He’s welcome here.” It was as close to an apology as Sterling would give. Hopefully Tanner realized that.
Tanner hesitated and slid a glance at Hazel, his brows rising as if to ask her opinion.
“I’ll tend to Maverick.” The moment her offer was out for everyone to analyze, embarrassment swept through her.“I mean, I’m sure between the maids and us women folk”—she waved a hand at her mother and Scarlet—“we’ll be able to take good care of Maverick, especially since Clementine and Clarabelle need to be with Mrs. Oakley.”
Thankfully, her mother nodded. “Of course we can all help.”
Hazel had always been told that she looked like a younger version of her mother, having the same blond hair and bronze eyes and delicate features. More than outward beauty, her mother had an inner gentleness and politeness that Hazel had always admired and strove to imitate. Now was one of those times she was relieved that her mother was so gracious.
Scarlet, on the other hand, was scowling and shaking her head. She had fair hair too, but her eyes were a vibrant blue and were always so expressive, never leaving any doubt regarding her true feelings. Even though she’d been worried about Maverick, she wasn’t ready to forgive him for the way he’d hurt Sterling, and she certainly didn’t want to take care of him.
“No,” Scarlet whispered to Mother. “He can’t stay.”
Mother slipped an arm around Scarlet’s waist and began to lead her down the hallway toward the stairs. Hazel was grateful for Mother’s intervention so that they didn’t have to deal with one of Scarlet’s tantrums.
Tanner wasn’t paying attention to Scarlet or Mother. Instead, his gaze was squarely upon Hazel. “We don’t want to impose on you, Hazel.”
“It’s the least I can do.” Her voice wobbled with all the emotion she’d yet to sort through. “I’m the one who dragged him out to find Candy.”
“You’re not to blame.” Tanner’s tone was soothing, as if he were talking to an easily spooked mare. “I should have gone out with you.”
Deep inside, she knew Maverick’s accident wasn’t her fault any more than it was Tanner’s. Even so, finding someone toblame—including oneself—always seemed to be the natural way of reacting to a tragedy.
She swallowed the lump in her throat that threatened to push up and make her start crying again. She’d already shed enough tears for one day and had to stay strong. “I’ll be a good nurse. You won’t have to worry about Maverick.”
Tanner studied her a heartbeat longer, as though trying to determine her innermost thoughts. When he finally nodded, his mind made up, she sagged against the wall, grateful that she wouldn’t have to be away from Maverick.
“I was planning to head out today,” Tanner said, “but I’ll stay and help at the ranch until Maverick is able to come home and resume his duties.”
IfMaverick ever reached the point where he could work again. But of course, she didn’t voice her thought aloud.
She’d stay home and take care of Maverick as long as it took. Forever if need be. “I may need to cut back on how much time I can spend with the mares.”
Tanner waved off her concern. “I’ll manage.”
“But the foalings—”
“I’ll send you word if one of the mares goes into labor.”
She hesitated. After Candy’s foaling, she had at least a week, if not more, before the next mare was due. “I’ll come over when I can to check on things.”
“Don’t worry about anything.” Clementine squeezed her arm. “Clarabelle and I will be there to help.”
Hazel waited for Sterling to object to the unfolding plans, but he stood quietly beside the doctor, his shoulders slumped, his eyes sad.
Knowing Sterling and how sensitive he was beneath all his bluster and brawn, she guessed he was having regrets about the way his relationship with Maverick had deteriorated, especiallyhow he’d harbored such anger and unforgiveness instead of at least treating Maverick with some civility.
Even though she hated that Maverick had experienced the accident and would suffer as a result, she could only pray it would bring about healing, especially to their hearts.
