“The tan one is. The largest one has household things in it and could be emptied. The third one I’m using for clothing storage.”
“Excellent. The empty trunk will make a good table for the guest room and allow more room in here.”
“Organize things the way you wish as long as you clear it with Spuds first. Tread easy, Cindy. He’s as worried as I am, though I doubt he would admit it.”
“He almost did. When I tried to get him to rest, he said he needs to keep busy.”
Mina looked toward the door. “What’s that commotion?”
“I imagine Dusty and Chico are bringing in the spare bunkhouse beds.”
She held out her hand. “I asked Spuds before I made the arrangement. He guaranteed the beds are not being used. They’re for fall roundup and spring branding times. I’ll check to see how things are progressing.”
Leave it to her cousin to organize things. Having her here eased Mina’s mind and her job as the owner’s wife. As long as Cindy didn’t do anything to upset Spuds or the other men, she could make any arrangements she wished. Provided she didn’t try to get Mina to leave Austin’s side.
Dusty and Chico set up one of the bunks in the master bedroom. Cindy sent them back to the kitchen or bunkhouse, wherever they wished. She made up the bed with fresh sheets and pillow case and clean blankets.
“Spuds loaned me a lamp for the bedroom I’m using. Your trunk makes a fine bedside table.”
“Oh, Cindy, you’re so nice to do this. You really are like my sister.” Mina spoke quietly. “I planned to use some of the money I have left to get guest room furniture.”
“I don’t know much about Austin’s family. Do you expect them to visit?”
“Austin’s brother in California probably won’t visit. His parents and sister and her husband live in Austin. The mother’s chest is delicate and Austin doesn’t believe the trip would be good for her. His sister and brother-in-law might want to visit though and reassure his parents.”
“I hear the train is coming as far as Millsap soon. That will shorten the stage trip by at least fifty miles. Then the trip won’t be so exhausting. Perhaps his parents can visit then.”
“That’s what he hopes. Lily and her family might even come someday.”
Cindy smiled at her. “I know you miss them. I hope they will come.”
Cindy sat with her into the night. They talked about trivial things but her cousin helped her survive the hours. Every few minutes, Mina checked Austin’s skin to bathe him and see if he had fever.
Mina caught her cousin yawning. “That does it, you need to go to bed. Right now, young lady.”
Cindy yawned again. “I will if you will.”
“All right. Since you have everything arranged for comfort, I will. I have to sleep in my clothes, though, because you kept my decent nightgown.”
Cindy gave her a sly grin. “Aren’t you glad I did?”
Mina couldn’t lie. “Now I am but I was peeved with you when I opened my valise. I admit I could picture you giggling as you exchanged the nightwear.”
“I did.” Cindy giggled and hugged her again. “Good night, dear cousin. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
When Cindy had left, Mina checked Austin’s skin for fever once more. He was too warm so she bathed him again with cool water. Then she sat in the chair, took off her shoes, and held his hand.
She didn’t know if he could understand what she said, but she talked to him. She hoped the sound of her voice reached inside him, wherever he’d gone. He appeared to sleep soundly with no movement.
His pocket watch was on the table by the lamp. She checked the time and found it was after three o’clock in the morning. With a sigh, she sat on the bunk bed.
She was afraid to sleep. What if Austin ran a fever? He needed her to be vigilant.
Spuds came in with fresh water. “I figured the other wasn’t still cold by now.”
“Thank you. So far, he hasn’t had a high fever, but his skin’s a little too warm. I’d guess a degree.”
“You go to sleep and I’ll watch him.” He sat in the chair.
“You look pretty tired.”
He touched Austin’s forehead. “I wasn’t having any luck sleeping. Might as well help you.”
Unable to glance away from him, she edged toward the smaller bed. “I was afraid to fall asleep before in case his fever climbed. I’ll feel safe with you watching him.” She reclined on the mattress and put her head on the pillow and settled her body.
Stretching out relieved her exhaustion. Perhaps sleep would restore her energy. Only Austin waking and being all right would relieve her worry. She said another prayer and fell asleep.
When she woke, Cindy was bathing Austin.
Mina sat up and swung her legs out of bed. “Has his fever climbed?”
Cindy looked up. “A little, but not much. He appears to be holding his own.”
Mina brushed her hair and smoothed her hands down her dress. “Sleeping in my clothes saves time in the morning. How long have you been up?” She checked Austin’s skin for fever, relieved to find his skin wasn’t hot to the touch.
“I’m used to getting up at seven so I woke up then. Since I came in here, Spuds left to cook breakfast. I offered but he wanted to prepare the meal. I got the feeling he didn’t want anyone else messing around in his kitchen.”
“That’s true. All he’s let me do is set the table. He’s a good cook, though, so that’s all right with me. I’m going to can vegetables
