Twice Blessed by Jo Ann Ferguson Page A

“What’s wrong?”
    â€œHe’s been shot.”
    Her fingers froze on the rough blanket as she stared down at the blood soaking through it from the dog’s right hind leg. Slowly she raised her gaze to meet Noah’s eyes, which were as brown as the pup’s, but now were filled with a fury that warned he would be a fierce enemy.
    â€œShot?” she asked. “Who shot him?”
    His mouth worked before he asked, “Will you help him before we go into all that? If he dies—” He glanced over his shoulder. “If something happens to him, Belinda will be heartbroken.”
    Emma nodded. “Hold him while I check him.” Without looking up, she asked, “Sean, will you get some towels so they can dry off?”
    â€œYes, Miss Delancy.” He ran back up the stairs.
    â€œSean?” repeated Noah, grasping her hand as she reached past him to push Cleo’s nose away from the dog before the cat created more problems. “What’s that lad doing here?”
    â€œNoah, can’t everything else wait until I’ve had a chance to tend to your dog?” She twisted her hand out of his loose grip.
    He nodded with reluctance, but his mouth remained in a tight frown.
    Emma bent to look at the dog so she would not remind Noah that he should not come to her house begging a favor and then sound irritated because she had opened her home to someone else in need. Nor should he touch her so frequently. It unsettled her far too much.
    When he cradled the dog’s head in his hands, she could not help noticing how gentle they were. His fingers were long and tapered, like an artist’s, but possessed that gentle strength. Something had stained them, outlining every thread etched into his palm.
    Emma told herself to concentrate on the dog, not Noah’s hands. She quickly discovered the bullet had only nicked the dog’s leg.
    â€œKeep him still, Noah.” She stood.
    â€œWhere are you going? If you need something from the store, I can get it for you.”
    â€œNo need to go to the store. I’ve got some medicine and bandaging in the kitchen.”
    She gathered what she needed and came back into the parlor. She cooed soothing sounds as she knelt again. Fuzzball relaxed beneath her touch. It was true. She did have a way with animals, for she had learned to tend them at her father’s side on their farm in Missouri before they moved to Kansas. He had supplemented his storekeeping income by taking care of his neighbors’ beasts when they ailed.
    Hearing sobs behind her, she said, “Noah, I can tend to Fuzzball alone. You might want to see to your young companion.”
    â€œCompanion? Oh, Belinda.” He came to his feet and crossed the room to where the little girl was sitting in the rocker by the stairs.
    As he comforted the little girl who must be his daughter, Emma washed the dog’s wound and bandaged it. She doubted if the wrapping would stay on long, for Fuzzball would want to tend to it himself as soon as he was able. And that was the best kind of healing, her father had taught. People should let their beasts do what they could to heal themselves.
    But a touch of laudanum would keep Fuzzball from chewing off the bandage tonight. She watched as the dog licked the diluted medicine eagerly. When he rested his head on his front paws and began to snore lightly, she washed her hands.
    Tending to the dog had been the simple part, she knew when she stood again. Noah was scowling at Sean, who was coming down the stairs. The boy glared back at him, his rounded chin jutting out like a foolish prizefighter’s.
    It was scant comfort that she probably would not have to worry about the nightmare returning tonight. She doubted if she would get any more sleep during what was sure to be a long night.

CHAPTER FOUR
    Emma smiled at the little girl, who was still wiping tears off her pudgy cheeks. The child was sitting on the sofa, her short legs in