Rose(117)

“He doesn’t think you’re a fool,” Rose interceded. “He’s just worried about you.”

“Well, I’m worried about Hen.”

“We all are, but you won’t help matters by charging into the middle of you don’t know what. He’ll come home when he’s ready. Now sit down. Breakfast is almost ready.”

Twenty minutes later the uneasy silence was broken by the sound of a single horseman riding up to the house. Monty jumped up and hurried to the window. “Son-of-a-bitch!” he exclaimed. “It’s Hen, and the damned fool is leading a milk cow.”

“Everybody sit down,” George said when the whole crew seemed ready to dash for a window or the door. “Act like you hadn’t missed him.”

A little later, after he’d washed up, Hen entered the kitchen, sat down in the place Rose had set for him, served himself, and started eating. About the time he swallowed the second mouthful, just before the room exploded with curiosity, he lifted his head and looked at George.

“Zac, you’d better go milk the cow. If George has to drink coffee for breakfast, he won’t be worth shooting.”

Hen flashed George a rare smile and turned back to his breakfast.





“I don’t ever recall being more frightened in my life. Not even during the war,” George told Rose.

They were lying peacefully, side by side, enjoying the afterglow of their lovemaking. George still had to remind himself that Rose had married him, that she would be his wife for as long as they lived. It still seemed hard to believe.

Their lovemaking had been particularly intense tonight. Maybe it stemmed from the danger of the previous evening. Maybe it stemmed from realizing he could have lost Rose. Whatever the reason, he felt closer to her than ever.

“I can’t believe it took me so long to realize they would attack the house,” George said, wondering for the dozenth time if his survival instincts had deserted him. “You could have been killed before I got here.”

“Tyler was wonderful. I don’t think he’s a very good shot, but he’s fearless. I think he almost had a good time.”

“Not as much as Zac. That little rascal is still chattering about what happened.”

Slipping out of George’s embrace, Rose sat up in the bed. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you until now, but I’m worried about Zac. He didn’t have a good time. He was white as a sheet after he shot that man. I had to pry the rifle out of his grasp. He didn’t recover until you got here.”

George felt the harness of responsibility settle a little more heavily on his shoulders, the bands of guilt draw a little tighter around his chest. Would he manage to get Zac and Tyler to adulthood before something else went wrong?

Thank God he wouldn’t have any children of his own.

“I’ll try to spend a little more time with him.”

“Don’t let him know why you’re doing it,” Rose said. She chuckled softly. “Zac is very proud of himself. It would hurt his pride if he knew I told you of his weakness.”

“But you just said he was petrified.”

“He was, but didn’t you just tell me you had never been more scared in your life?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want me to announce that to your brothers? Monty would love to know. So would Tyler.”

“Of course I don’t.”

“That’s exactly how Zac feels. He has finally done something wonderful in his own eyes. He needs that if he’s ever to grow up and think himself your equal.”

George turned so he could face Rose.

“I don’t know why I ever thought I could manage this family without you.”

Rose turned pink with pleasure. “You’d have managed somehow.”

“No. I’ve finally accepted the fact that I can’t do all I once thought I could.”

“You’re not thinking of leaving, are you?” Rose asked, her eyes searching his, fear somersaulting through her stomach.

George moved closer. Putting his arm around Rose, he drew her close.

“I’m not thinking about leaving anybody, anything, or anywhere. Especially you. I’m just learning to accept the fact that I need help. I’m also finding out I’m terribly happy you’re here to give it.”

Rose snuggled a little closer. “Anyone could do what I’ve done.” She believed what she said, but she fervently hoped he would deny it.

“Not without loving each of my brothers as much as I do. I realized that when I was racing here, cursing myself for being so stupid, hoping I wasn’t too late. I knew that somehow you’d keep the boys safe.”

Rose couldn’t think of anything to say, so she squeezed her husband a little harder.