“Talk about the man who has everything,” Allison said, smiling at him.
“Not quite everything,” Dwight said with weak humor. “My head could use a replacement.”
“You’ll get better day by day. Don’t be too impatient. I’ll take very good care of you.”
“Thanks.” He hesitated, staring up at her with his vivid blue eyes. “I get the feeling that you and Gene are having some problems. In view of that, I really appreciate the sacrifice you’re making for me,” he added.
She smiled wanly. “Gene and I had a difference of opinion, that’s all,” she said, trying to downplay it.
“In other words, he tried to get you into bed and you said no.” He chuckled when she went scarlet. “Good for you. It will do him good to have the wind knocked out of him.”
She didn’t say anything. Let him think what he liked. She couldn’t bear having anyone find out what had really caused her difference of opinion with Gene. It was a godsend that he was out with the cattle, and she didn’t have to see him until she’d settled in.
Winnie was there for supper, visiting with Marie while Allison got Dwight up and ready for the meal that would be served on a tray in his room.
“Gene won’t be in until late,” Marie said as she helped Winnie and Allison fix a tray. “I’m sorry this had to happen to Dwight, but it’s a good thing, in a way. It’s brought Gene to the realization that he’s still part of this family. I wouldn’t take a million dollars for that. He’s actually being civil to me, and he’s been wonderful to Dwight.”
“Sometimes it takes a near tragedy to make us appreciate what we have,” she agreed. “You two have a nice supper. I’ll come down and get something later. I’m not really hungry right now.”
“Okay,” Marie said, and smiled. “There’s plenty of stuff in the fridge, and if there’s anything you need in your room, let us know.”
“I’ll do that. Thank you, Marie.”
“No. Thank you,” the other woman replied, impulsively hugging her. “You don’t know what a load you’ve taken off our minds.”
“Yes, she does,” Winnie said warmly, smiling at Allison. “She’s very special.”
“I’m leaving.” Allison laughed. “See you later.”
She arranged Dwight’s tray and sat down by the bed while he maneuvered his utensils through a pained fog.
“Isn’t Gene home yet?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Marie said he’d be late,” she replied, hating to talk about him at all.
Dwight caught that note in her voice. He studied her curiously. “You haven’t told Gene anything about yourself. Why?”
She couldn’t answer that. In the beginning it had been because she didn’t want to scare him off. Now, she didn’t see any logic in it. She’d be gone soon and Gene wanted no more of her.
“I don’t know,” she told Dwight. “I suppose the way I’ve lived has taught me to keep things to myself. My parents were the kind of people who didn’t like whiners. They believed in honor and hard work and love.” She smiled sadly. “I’ll miss them all my life.”
“I miss my father that way,” he replied. “So do the others. Gene, too. Dad was the only father he really knew.”
“What about Gene’s real father?” she asked softly.
He started to speak and hesitated. “You’d better ask Gene that,” he said. “He and I are getting along better than we have in a long time. I don’t want to interfere in his business.”
“I can understand that. Can I get you anything?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Thanks. I think I could sleep a little now.”
She straightened his pillow with a smile. “I’ll get something to read and be nearby if you need me. You’ve got medicine for the pain. Please don’t be nervous about asking for it if you need it. Your body can’t heal itself and fight off the pain all at once in your weakened condition. All right?”
“You make it sound simple.”
“Most things are. It’s people that complicate it all. Sleep well.”
Winnie came up later to check on him, and volunteered to sit with Dwight while Allison went down to get herself a sandwich.
Marie had gone to a movie with one of her friends since Allison and Winnie were staying with Dwight. She had, she told them, needed the diversion. It had been a traumatic few days.
Allison understood that. She’d had a pretty traumatic few days herself.
She went downstairs and fixed herself a sandwich in the kitchen. She ate at the kitchen table, liking the cozy atmosphere, with all Marie’s green plants giving the yellow and white decor of the room the feel of a conservatory. She was just starting on her second cup of hot black tea when the back door opened and Gene came in.
He looked tired, his face under his wide-brimmed hat hard with new lines. He was wearing dusty boots and jeans and bat-wing chaps, as he had been that day Allison had met him in town, but despite the dust, he was still the most physically devastating man Allison had ever met.
He paused at the table, absently unfastening his chaps while he studied her. She was wearing the gray dress he’d seen her in several times, with her hair up and no makeup, and she looked as tired as he felt.
“Worn-out, little one?” he asked gently.
His unexpected compassion all but made her cry. She took a sip of hot tea to steady herself. “I’m okay.” She glanced at him and away, shyly. He was incredibly handsome, with that lean dark face and black hair and glittering peridot eyes. “You look pretty worn-out yourself.”
He tossed his Stetson onto the sideboard and smoothed back his black hair. “I’ve been helping brand cattle.” He straddled a chair and folded his arms over the back. “Got another cup?”
“Of course.” She poured him a cup of steaming tea. “Want anything in it?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Thanks.” He took
