***
Darcy didn’t know how long she floated in the darkness, how long she hung in the space between living and dying. She had no idea how much time had passed when she opened her eyes once more, this time the room around her coming into focus slowly.
She was in a room. The polished wood walls reflecting a warm light that drifted through a partially open window. The sound of bird song and the rustle of long grass fluttered on a cool breeze reminding her to breath.
Darcy closed her eyes as a wave of weariness washed over her. She was so tired, if she just let go she would drift off forever. Nothing in this world could touch her again. No one could hurt her, ever. Icy fear dropped into her heart and Darcy felt her soul quiver with dread.
Forcing her eyes open once more, she gasped for air, clawing for the cool breeze that had touched her a moment ago. Pain shot through her like a lightning strike and Darcy clutched soft sheets fighting to breathe.
“It’s okay,” a soft woman’s voice soothed as warm hands pressed into Darcy’s shoulders. “You’re safe. Just breathe, slow and easy.”
Darcy pushed leaden eyelids open as her body went numb. Her lashes seemed to stick, like the lock on a shuttered window, but she forced her eyes open drawing closer to the voice until she saw a raven haired beauty leaning over her. The woman must have been in her forties but she was still lovely. Her dark tresses falling in a long braid over her shoulder, her eyes dark and ageless.
“I’m Mae,” the woman’s voice seemed to float above Darcy, somehow out of reach but she tried to focus on it, grasping for the life line of another living soul. “I’m Blake’s aunt, be still, and I’ll fetch my husband. He’s a doctor.”
“Blake,” the name was a gossamer thread connecting Darcy to the world of the living and she wrapped it around her heart as her eyes closed once more.
***
“Blake, Reese, she’s awake,” Mae hurried into the kitchen once more taking in the now empty plates with a smile. “I’m going to fetch the children and take them to Fiona at the main house.” She flicked her eyes to Blake. “I won’t tell them anything other than that Reese has a patient. When you’re ready, you can tell the others yourself.”
Blake nodded. “Ask Pa, to come,” he called, as Mae slipped into a coat, his voice cracking on the words.
Mae nodded as Reese strode back the hall toward the bedroom.
“I’ll send word if we need anything else Aunt Mae,” Blake finally spoke, rising from his chair before heading down the hall as well.
Blake hesitated in the doorway, watching as his uncle lifted Darcy’s wrist and pulled out his pocket watch counting her heart beats. She looked so small and frail, completely helpless.
Swallowing hard as something thick and painful filled his throat, Blake gazed down at the pale figure in the bed. She was as white as the sheets, her short dark hair a startling contrast to her pallid features. Blake’s heart thudded in his chest as he willed her to open her eyes. His boots seemed glued to the spot as he watched Reese tuck Darcy’s arm under the blankets, slipping his watch back into a breast pocket.
“Her heart beat is weak but steady,” Reese whispered. “You come sit with her a while and call me if anything changes.”
“Will she live?” Blake forced the word from his throat where they grated like iron shavings.
Reese turned his blue eyes meeting Blake’s. “I don’t know. We got the bullet out, but she has lost a good deal of blood.” He turned back looking at the sleeping woman. “She seems to want to live though and that’s a good sign. If we can prevent infection, avoid fever, and replenish her strength, she has a good chance.”
Blake moved to the bed taking the stool his uncle had been sitting on. “I’ll stay.”
Reese’s warm hand rested on Blake’s shoulder and he nodded. “You couldn’t know what would happen,” he offered. “You did the right thing.”
Chapter 15
Blake brushed the damp hair from Darcy’s brow, his fingers lingering at her temple. She had willingly accepted the task that had led her to this situation, but he still felt responsible. If he hadn’t asked, this never would have happened.
Perhaps the woman sleeping before him, had led a rough life. Perhaps she had settled into a life of sin and vice, but she was still a soul with a choice before her. She had to live, she had to be given a second chance.
“Turnip?” Darcy’s voice was so weak Blake could barely hear it, but her lip twitched in an attempted smile as her eyes fluttered open.
“Darcy,” he leaned over brushing a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t talk. You’re safe. I’m here.” He held her hand gently offering a smile of encouragement.
“Where else would ya be?” a hint of sarcasm tinged Darcy’s voice and Blake clung to it as a sign of hope.
“Nowhere,” he grinned. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. You just stick around, so we can see this mess cleared up, ya hear?”
Darcy’s dark eyes closed and Blake sagged with hope and relief as the door behind him opened. Turning where he sat, Blake expected to see Reese returning, but when he saw his father, he sprang to his feet.
In two strides Blake was wrapped in his father’s strong arms. “Dad,” he choked feeling like a little boy who had lost a beloved pet and didn’t know what to do.
Clayton Allen didn’t speak, he simply wrapped his son in his arms and let his heart pray. Over the years he had learned to let go of what he couldn’t control and let God have His way
