Dr. Parker wipes a tear and looks up at his wife. Josiah and Clara Parker have patched her up more times than she cares to think about and right now they are at a loss for words. “This isn't your fault, Anika. I can give you some morphine for pain,” Dr. Parker offers, but she immediately shakes her head.
“No, Delaney needs me. Where is she?” Anika glances around the room in a panic.
“Easy, now. Mrs. Daniels has her, and we are going to take her home with us so you can rest,” Clara insists.
Anika looks up, and her tears roll down her swollen bruised cheek. “Thank you, I think that would be a blessing.” Her eyes look down at the tiny bundle who entered the world too early and presses one last kiss to her little face.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
“Perfection,” Clara replies softly.
“Are you ready?” Josiah says a prayer asking for guidance and waits for her to hand the child to him. He knows the longer she waits, the harder it will be to let go.
Trembling arms hold up the newborn and Anika moans a heartbroken sound as he takes her gently into his arms. “Would you like to name her before we go?”
“Her name is… Rosie Coltrane,” Anika whispers and wipes her eyes.
“Rosie is a beautiful name.” Clara sits with her and hugs Anika while her husband leaves the room quickly. When he returns a half hour later, he brings a dropper of morphine.
“Anika, Mrs. Daniels is going to stay with you tonight, and we are taking care of Delaney. I insist you let me give you something for the pain.” Anika looks up at him and laughs a sound bordering on hysteria.
“Will it heal the chasm in my soul, Dr. Parker?” No more tears fall, she is cried out for the moment. “Tomorrow I must tell my daughter that her sister is dead, and I can’t promise that we won’t be next. Thank you, but no thank you. If he comes back, I… I have to be ready.”
Josiah is livid. He has already spoken with the Sheriff, and he is out looking for Saul. Something has to be done to help these wounded soldiers. Too many women and children are paying the price. With all the men coming home from the war Saloons are on the rise. The church is trying to counsel families and push for change. In the meantime, they do what they can. He reaches over and pats her hand.
“You won't be alone this time. The Sheriff is going to put him in lockup for a little while to help get his head straight. We've already spoken with the Pastor, and they are going to help you and Delaney. I don't want you to be afraid tonight. Just rest and let your body heal. I think you have a few cracked or bruised ribs. Unfortunately, that could take a few weeks for the black and blue bruising to fade and heal. I don't see any reason why you can't have more children in the future. Please reconsider the drops for pain. You will heal quicker if you rest.”
“All right then, just this once.” Dr. Parker sighs with relief and quickly gives her the morphine before she changes her mind. “Thank you,” Anika's eyes are already closing as true exhaustion hits her. They file out slowly, and Mrs. Daniels promises to call if the bleeding gets worse or her pain increases.
Clara waits with Josiah while Mrs. Daniels goes to get Delaney and hugs her husband tightly. “Josiah,” she whimpers.
“I know, my love. We’re going to pray hard and find a way to help them.” Delaney comes quietly down the hallway and stares up at them with her beautiful hazel eyes.
“Is my Mama dead?” She asks suddenly.
Clara gasps and squats down immediately. “No Delaney, your Mother is sleeping. Dr. Parker took excellent care of her. We would like to take you home with us for the night though, so she can heal and sleep. Is that okay with you?” Delaney stares hard at her and glances at the door, chewing on her lip. Each time her mother is hurt, they let her stay with them.
“Okay, can Buddy sleep with me?” She asks hopefully thinking about their dog.
“Buddy wouldn’t sleep with anyone else,” Clara laughs and takes her hand, leading her to the carriage outside. “Let’s go see him.”
Chapter 2
Anika wakes to whispers and footsteps, but she can’t seem to force herself to open her eyes just yet. “What do we tell her?” Mrs. Daniels whispers.
“Is it too soon?” Another voice asks.
“The poor lass won't be able to bare it,” A third voice says a little louder. Anika's heart begins to pound as she thinks immediately of Delaney. Adrenaline rushes through her body, and she jerks straight up in bed and stares at the three women.
“What’s wrong? Is it Delaney?” She demands through her swollen, split lip.
All three women jump, and Mrs. Daniels gasps, “Merciful heavens!”
She rushes to prop a pillow up behind Anika and reassures her. “No. Delaney is fine, she is with Dr. Parker and Clara.”
A cup of water is pressed into her hand, and someone hands her a fresh damp cloth for her face. Anika drinks it gratefully and washes her face and neck before running out of patience. “Mrs. Daniels, I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me, but you said you needed to tell me something.”
The other two ladies immediately excuse themselves grabbing linens to wash and swiftly leave, promising to return later. Mrs. Daniels sits slowly on the side of the bed,
