An Unexpected Widow (The Colorado Brides Series) by Carré White Page A

I remembered that he wasn’t able to feel anything. “Oh, Frank.” The men departed, giving us privacy. “You might never walk again.”
    “I don’t believe that, my dear. I’ve broken my legs, but they’ll heal.”
    “But you can’t feel them.”
    “I suspect that will come back in time.”
    “Are you sure?”
    He took my hand, squeezing it. “I have faith that all is the way it’s supposed to be. I’ve had a silly accident, but things will be good as new soon enough.”
    I sat on the edge of the bed. “I do hope so.” It gave me strength to see him so optimistic.
    He touched my face. “You look tired. You should go home. I’ve taken over the William’s bedroom. Those poor people will have to sleep in the parlor.”
    “You’re so calm.”
    “There’s no reason to make a fuss. I’m a clumsy fool who had no business being on a roof. Did you ride out here alone? Someone can bring you home. There’s no need to watch over me tonight. I’ll be just fine.”
    “I’m sleeping here. I’m not leaving you alone.”
    “They said I shouldn’t move my legs at all.”
    If I slept with him in the small bed, I was liable to disturb the doctor’s hard work, as Frank’s legs were in splints. “I…maybe I could sleep with the children.”
    “Don’t be silly. Go home and have a restful night. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    “I hate to leave you.” I held his hand, gazing into his battered face. “I thought the worst. I was so terrified.”
    “I’m fine, as you can see.”
    “What if your legs never work again?”
    “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
    “I can’t believe this.”
    “Nobody ever said living was easy, Hannah. We’re being tested now, and He’s watching. How we go on from this day forth will reveal our character. I’m not going to let a couple of broken bones slow me down.”
    His optimism was admirable, but a worrying feeling remained lodged in my gut. I couldn’t shake it. More bad news was surely on the way. “Fine. I’ll go home, but I’ll be here first thing in the morning.”
    He kissed my hand. “Good night, dear. Have a safe ride. You still have a measure of light to guide the way.”
    I hugged him, inhaling his scent, which was slightly musky. He’d been working and perspiring in the sun today. “I love you.”
    “I love you too.”
    I thanked the William’s for their hospitality, although Tom and Betsy looked crestfallen and exhausted. It was plain to see that they felt responsible for what had happened to Frank, as it was their roof he had fallen from. Nathan waited by the wagon for me, lending me a hand, whilst I took the seat. Jerry sat in the back, his expression blank. The sun had begun to dip, a ball of orange and yellow fire suspended over the mountains in the distance. I’d hardly noticed its beauty, my mind in turmoil over what had just happened.
    Nathan said nothing, guiding the horse down the bumpy lane; the sound of the wheels crunching over ruts and gravel mixed with the repetitive creak of the running gear. At the house, I alighted without assistance, saying nothing, as I went to the door. The men slept in the bunkhouse, and I would not see them again until morning.
    I lit a lamp, placing it on the kitchen table, while I moved about the kitchen, remembering the dinner I had been waiting to make. I put things away and saved what I could. In the bedroom, I changed into my nightclothes, washing my face and hands, pausing to look at myself in the mirror. There were faint circles under my eyes, and my skin looked exceedingly pale. Then I took down my hair, pulling the pins out, as thick locks fell over my shoulders. I made quick work of brushing and braiding. Once in bed, I glanced at the empty side of the mattress. It was strange to be in the bed alone. Turning down the lamp, I whispered my prayers, asking God to help heal Frank.
    In the morning, I woke exhausted, having only slept a few hours. After dressing and fixing my hair, I