Josiah looked at his mother with the one eye not swollen shut. “Couldn’t let you and Judith down.” He turned his head toward Yolanda. “I had another good reason to hold out.”
Yolanda kissed Josiah’s hand then looked at Peyton. “We have moved Mama’s things to my room. I will sit with Mac… Josiah when she is not. We wanted you two to have your room to yourselves.”
That sounded like a great plan to Peyton. “I have more good news. The San Miguel sheriff and his posse are on their way here and should arrive later today. They’ll take charge of the prisoners.”
Red frowned. “What if they escape?”
He was too exhausted to give that circumstance consideration. “I don’t know, Red. I only know the sheriff is on his way. This releases us from responsibility. Lawson is dead. No other fatalities and only one of his men injured, thanks to you.”
He looked at his battered brother-in-law. “Your ranch is safe, Josiah. Carlos’s friend is there now. Carlos has ridden to tell him the news. Carlos promised to stay there and safeguard the hacienda until one of us arrives. He’ll send his friend to let the other cowboys know. I suggested they continue work until they learn the outcome of who their new boss will be. I’m afraid I guaranteed them a salary to continue.”
Josiah tried to sit and fell back. “Thanks. The ranch and I are safe at last.”
Mama stood and made a shooing motion. “Josiah must rest. Everyone but Yolanda must leave now.”
Peyton gently tugged his wife’s hand. “I’d like to talk to you in our room.”
She didn’t resist. “We have many things to discuss.”
Inside their room, his brain grew foggy and he fell across the bed without even removing his moccasins. “We do but they’re jumbled inside my head. If I could have a nap for only an hour or two I would make more sense when we talk.”
She stood beside him. “When did you sleep last?”
“Seems weeks but it was only night before last. Except, I couldn’t sleep much then so it’s been a long time.” He pulled her beside him. “Just stay with me, Red. I’ll sleep better knowing you’re here.”
She leaned on her elbow. “Don’t be ridiculous. If you’re asleep you won’t know or care.”
His eyes searched hers. “My soul will know. My body will sense if you’re here beside me and I’ll rest easier.”
“Then I’ll stay here. I couldn’t sleep last night because I was worried about you and Josiah.” She nestled her head on his shoulder.
He held her hand against his heart. “Thank you.”
***
Judith realized Peyton had fallen asleep instantly. Poor man must be completely exhausted. So was she and his need to have her near reassured her. Perhaps he wouldn’t ask for the annulment. She sensed sleep claiming her.
Noise outside in the street woke her. She wondered how long she’d slept.
Peyton had his arm around her but rolled to sit up. “Hope that means Sheriff Lopez has arrived,” he sounded groggy. He leaned down and kissed her lips. “I hate to leave but have to. I’ll return when things are sorted.”
She hurried to the window to watch him. A crowd of men on horseback dismounted in front of the marshal’s office and jail. They had a large enclosed cart of the type used for prisoners.
She had wanted to get arrangements completed between Peyton and her before anything else distracted them. At least the sheriff would get the troublemakers out of town. Then, Josiah would be safe at his ranch.
She crossed to the other room and rapped on the door. At Yolanda’s invitation, Judith entered.
She was encouraged. “Josiah, in the few hours since I was in here you already appear to be better.”
He looked at Yolanda—or tried with only one eye open. “I have exceptional care. Also, she threatened me if I don’t get well.”
Yolanda’s loving gaze left no doubt of her affection for him. “I begged you, not threatened. However, I’ve decided to terrorize you if you don’t heal quickly so we can marry.”
“My love, I will marry you if I have to crawl on my belly. Before I can take you there as my bride, we need women to clean the hacienda. Judith, would you and Mama organize a cleaning brigade?”
“That sounds like a good idea. I’ll start on it right away.”
She left the lovebirds and went downstairs. “Señora Ramirez, my brother suggested that Mama and I take a group of women to clean the hacienda in preparation for him and Yolanda living there. I thought perhaps you could suggest two or three women we might ask.”
“Better than that, but you must call me Sofia. I will ask several women and take your Mama. You should stay here with your husband. Such a good man and you make a grand couple.”
“Who will help with the boardinghouse?”
“Don’t worry, I will take care of everything. We will make the hacienda as lovely for our children as when Señora Corrigan was alive.”
Judith understood Yolanda’s mother wanted to prepare for her daughter. She felt a little left out but there were many decisions to make with Peyton. She strolled out to the back garden. One of the many things she loved about so many New Mexico homes was the courtyard with a fountain surrounded by flowers.
Beyond that, a large vegetable garden and small orchard provided for the kitchen. She longed to have her own home someday. Where would that be and who would share it with her?
She yearned to have Peyton tell her he wanted them to remain together—to tell her he loved her. Strolling around the garden, the fragrance of roses and honeysuckle mingled with other scents to lift her spirits. Hard work
