Heart of a Texan by Leigh Greenwood Page A

goal. She closed it when she realized she couldn’t say that about the man who’d killed her father. “I don’t know. I shot you because, at the time, I felt as you do.”
    “Have you changed your mind?”
    She wanted to look away, but she didn’t. “I changed it about you.”
    Nate’s expression showed surprise. “Why?”
    “You talked in your sleep when you were feverish.”
    “What did I say?”
    “That you saw a fire. That you had to help Robert.”
    “Was that all you needed to convince you I wasn’t one of the attackers?”
    “You weren’t wearing a mask like the others.” She glanced away. “I always thought you were dumb for spending all your time following that man, but you never threatened Papa.”
    “Did I say anything else?”
    “You talked about someone named Caleb. Was that your brother?”
    Nate’s look softened, turned sad. “He was a year younger, twice as good-looking, and full of fun. Everybody loved him. My mother worshipped him. I used to get jealous, but Caleb would put his arm around my shoulder and tell me he loved me enough to make up for two mothers. Maybe he did because he wouldn’t let me go off to war without him. We joined the Night Riders together. Our captain was so successful at keeping everybody safe I couldn’t make Caleb understand we weren’t playing a game. He didn’t want to kill anybody or steal anything. He would get so excited after a successful raid that it was all I could do to keep him from giving away our position. He would sing . Can you believe that? Always some stupid song Ma had taught him when he was a kid. I swear half the troop thought he was nuts, but whenever there was any fun to be had, Caleb was part of it.”
    “He sounds like a good brother.”
    “He was spoiled and often careless, but I loved him more than myself. Hearing of his death killed Ma. Pa followed not long after.”
    “Do you have other family?”
    “Nobody close enough to make me go back to Arkansas.”
    Roberta would have wanted to go back to Virginia even if her closest relative had been a second cousin. She gave herself a mental shake. “I almost forgot. You need to eat.”
    “Give me something besides that flavored water.”
    “Not until the doctor says I can.”
    “Can I bribe you?”
    There was something about the way he looked at her that gave Roberta’s spirits a lift. “What have you got to offer?”
    “What will get me soup with beef and vegetables? I’ll settle for stewed chicken. How about eggs and sausage? Milk?”
    “Both milk cows are gone, the chickens are running loose, and I don’t have any sausage. If I give you beef and your fever comes back, your foreman will swear I’m trying to kill you.”
    “I’ll talk to Russ. I’m his boss so he’ll do anything I say.”
    “Sorry. I’m more afraid of the doctor than of you. I’ll be back as soon as I change my clothes and heat the broth.”
    “I’ll agree to swallow the broth if you’ll bring me my gun.”
    Roberta walked over to the bureau, opened the top drawer, took out a holster and gun, and handed them to Nate. “Russ took your rifle and saddlebags when he took your horse.”
    “Put it next to me so I can reach it.”
    Roberta reached across Nate to slide the gun under the sheet. “I figure it needs to be where no one can see it.”
    “You’re a smart woman. Now I’d appreciate it if you would bring me that broth. I am kinda hungry.”
    “I was hoping you’d have a change of heart,” Nate said when she returned and placed the bowl before him.
    “Your bribe wasn’t good enough.”
    Nate eyed the broth with disfavor. “I’ll have to work on that.” He grimaced. “Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is to have to be fed by a woman?”
    “Would you rather Russ do it?”
    Nate looked aghast. “I’d never be able to face my men.”
    “Then stop complaining and eat.”
    “I’m only doing this for fear that if I don’t you’ll shoot me again.”
    “Don’t tempt