Page 62 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
“I’m going to have a look at your wound.”
The lamp provided adequate light for her to see a furrow along the side of his head, leaking blood. She got warm water from the kettle, clean rags from a drawer, and returned to his side.
Aware his gaze followed her every move, she wouldn’t allow herself to meet his eyes knowing if she did her last thread of self-control would snap. The basin clinked as she put it on the table. Her hands trembled as she plunged them into the water to dampen the rag. Her heart squeezed out one painful beat after another as she dabbed at the blood on the side of his head.
He winched once and then stiffened. She wondered if he even breathed.
The worst of the blood was cleaned off, she saw that the wound was not deep enough to expose the bone.Thank you, God. She dampened another cloth in cold water and pressed it tothe wound hoping to staunch the blood flow that hadn’t stopped since he’d sat down.
Wooden legs screeched on the floor as she dragged a chair forward to sit facing him.
“How does it feel?”
“Like a hot poker held to my head.”
“I’m sorry but so grateful it only grazed you.” She looked into his eyes, dark and shadowed in the low light. Yet his gaze slammed into her with the force of… well, not the bullet. She didn’t want anyone to experience that impact.
“Are you hungry?” She’d long ago put away the food. “I can warm up the stew. I have biscuits.”
“Sounds good.”
She checked his wound. It still oozed. “Press on it. I’ll get you a clean shirt. That one can’t be very comfortable.” Before he answered, she hurried to the bedroom and chose one of his work shirts, returned to see he’d pulled the stained one off. Knowing his skin must be sticky, she washed his shoulder, her fingers longing to linger and find strength and courage from the touch.
Shaking her head, she helped him put on the clean shirt and then warmed up food for him.
His chair grated on the floor as he pulled up to the table. His sigh made her think he endured some pain.
Someone tapped on the door and Addie slipped in. “I brought this elixir. It’s good to ease pain. A spoonful at a time.” She set the bottle on the table and glanced at Flint holding the cloth to the side of his head with one hand while he ate with the other.
“I’m glad you’re still with us.” Addie’s voice was soft with sympathy.
Flint turned his head, flinching at the movement. “Me too.”
“Let me know if you need anything.” With those words, Addie left, closing the door quietly behind her.
Bryn’s legs refused to hold her up any longer, and she collapsed on a chair that allowed her to see Flint. Questions raced through her mind but realizing he was tired and hurting, she held them back.
With a scraping of his fork, he finished his meal and sat back. “Am I still bleedin’?”
Forcing strength to her legs, she got to her feet and checked. “Still a little. But I’ll bind it up so you can relax.
He snorted. “Not sure I’ll be able to do that for some time.”
She had brought bandages with her from back east and got a roll she’d made by tearing an old sheet into strips. She covered the wound with a pad of clean rag and wrapped it into place. Stepping back, she grinned at him. “Makes you look tough.” Her throat closed off on the last word. “Good thing you are, or you might not be here.”
He covered her hands with his. “God protected me.” He nodded slowly. “And those two boys we got workin’ fer us.”
“I’m grateful.” Now was not the time to tell him about Rowena.
He continued speaking, making it impossible for her to say anything without interrupting. She welcomed the excuse.
“Glad it was me who found 'em and not one of the boys. They heard the shots and came to see what was goin’ on. They helped me tie up that pair.” His throat worked.
She turned her hand, pressing her palm to his. He squeezed hard but she didn’t mind in the least.
“What happens now?” They couldn’t keep a body and a prisoner in the barn.
“We’ll take them both ta town tomorrow. Send a wire ta the marshal. Arnold has a place in the luggage area where he ken secure the one until the marshal takes him away.” Another sigh.
