NOTE: Ezra's middle name of Payton was given many years ago by a writer named Jean Williams in a wonderful story called "Second Childhood.
Chapter 6 - Lovers Lost In Sweet Desire
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Glancing up from the prone position he had assumed on the blanket, Ezra watched as Rebecca returned from the creek. She had gone to wash her hands and fill a canteen with cool water.
He was feeling deliciously drowsy after partaking in an incredible lunch. Propped on his elbows, he watched as Rebecca walked toward him.
She stopped every few feet picking some of the local wildflowers. The late afternoon sun made her auburn hair glow with an inner fire. It fell in waves about her shoulders. She smiled as she kneeled to smell a cluster of daises before picking them.
She finally arrived back to the blanket and sat down beside the gambler. "Aren't these pretty?" she asked holding the wildflowers out for his inspection.
"Beautiful," he murmured, his eyes transfixed on the young woman.
Rebecca unscrewed the lid from the canteen offering it to Ezra, "The water is wonderfully cold."
"Thank you, darlin," he replied as he sat up. She was right. It was very refreshing. Tilting his hat back he watched as Rebecca put away the rest of their lunch.
Out of the blue, Ezra asked, "You know, darlin, we have told each other a lot about ourselves, but I can't recall if you've ever said whether you have a middle name. Do you?"
Rebecca gave a shy smile. "I do, but don't laugh…it is Cheyenne. My father loves Westerns so he gave Sarah and I middle names after his favorite mov-." She cut off her explanation in mid-sentence unsure how to continue. She knew Ezra wouldn't understand what she meant by a movie having never seen one. Her mind raced to come up with a believable explanation.
"Westerns?" Ezra queried.
"That's what my father calls those dime store novels he likes to read. You know the ones about the Wild West."
Understanding flooded Ezra's face, "Ah I see! Still, why would I laugh? I think Cheyenne is a beautiful name. I'm sure the Indian tribe likes their name. What is Sarah's middle name?"
Rebecca smiled, "Her name is Autumn," she paused for a second before asking, "Do you have one…a middle name I mean?"
"I do," Ezra answered with a grin, "but it's not common knowledge."
"What is it?"
"Payton," he said finally.
"Payton…Ezra Payton Standish. I like it. It suits you."
"And Rebecca Cheyenne Dannon," Ezra smiled back at her.
"Together forever,"
Ezra gazed at Rebecca before kissing her softly.
She parted her lips allowing the kiss to deepen. Moving closer to Ezra, she removed his hat and ran her fingers through his hair.
He responded by easing her back onto the blanket running one hand down her side, feeling the soft curve of a breast then her hip. He continued to explore the sweetness of her mouth before he moved his lips to the hollow on her neck. Her pulse pounded wildly as he pulled her closer to him.
His hands began to move across her breasts as Rebecca gave a soft moan. He undid one then two of the buttons on her dress exposing her soft skin allowing him to kiss further down.
Rebecca lifted up her body in response as he continued to explore further undoing another button. She could feel his hard body pressing against her hip. It felt like his groin was pulsating and the heat it was giving off made her turn to him. He pushed into her making him moan as well.
Becca sighed again…deep in her throat as she moved her arms around the gambler to his posterior. Without thinking, she gave his butt a gentle squeeze causing Ezra to pull back in surprise.
She gazed into his green eyes giving him a grin. "Well I figured one good squeeze deserves another."
Ezra wanted to continue, to explore her body more, but he reined in his feelings. The one thing he absolutely did not wish to do was take advantage of Rebecca until she was ready. He wanted her…wanted her badly, but he wasn't sure if she was ready. So he would wait.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself as he sat up. Gazing down at his still prone lover, he said, "It's getting late, my darlin girl and I think we should return to town. Agreed?"
Rebecca nodded as she fastened the buttons on her dress, "I think maybe we should."
Ezra helped her to her feet and together they began packing up their belongings.
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Rebecca slung her backpack over her shoulder and stepped into the street. The early morning sun shone brightly on the little town around her. She placed a hand to her brow shading her eyes. Not many folks were up an about yet and that suited Rebecca fine.
Generally, she would have still been in bed, but a feeling of restless came over her. A strange dream had startled her from what had been a peace sleep. Sitting up in bed after she woke up, she just couldn't fall back asleep. When the first rays of daylight came through her window, she dressing as quietly as possible. Trying not to wake Sarah, she cautiously slipped from their room.
As she began to walk, knowing today was one of those days where she needed to get outside of Four Corners for a bit. Five months had passed since everything that happened from the moment of their arrival, to meeting her new friends, finding a singing job and to find love.
After getting over the initial shock of the situation, she at first looked on her new life as a big adventure, but lately she found she was becoming irritated over little things. She knew it was a frustration born of being from a different time where they had no indoor plumbing in the old west and couldn't find a good cheese burger joint.
Her feelings sometimes swung back and forth on how she felt about being in the 'Wild West' so she tried to cope as best she could. On days like this she tended to walk just outside of town to a spot she found comfortable, where she could indulge in a little bit of remembrance of her former life.
Rebecca had found a place where she could sit and listen to her MP3 player that carried her favorite music, music whether it was her own or another band's stuff. The music kept her sane and became a stabilizing force for her.
She had been playing her guitar and singing in her room, but she was trying to keep something familiar going in her life. Then when Inez offered the sisters the chance to perform again both women had jumped at the opportunity.
On her walks out of town, she also brought a well-worn paperback of Stephen King's "The Stand" to read. It had always been a favorite and somehow reading it and listening to her music kept her from feeling totally lost.
Then there was Ezra.
Since they had become involved he had become very important to her. I didn't take long to realize she was falling in love him. She had mentioned to Sarah on more than one occasion that she didn't think she could ever leave him…even if given the chance to return back to her time.
Sarah felt the same. Vin had become her life.
Lately though, she had made a few verbal slips of the tongue that she was sure might have had Ezra questioning her sanity. So her walks had become important for another reason…trying to center herself.
Her most recent slip was when she and Sarah had been working on some music for their first performance in the saloon. They were giggling and laughing as they always did with the guys sitting nearby having some lunch.
They had been trying to decide the right sound for a song. Sarah had finally played it the way it should be when Rebecca tossed up her arms saying; "No more calls please, we have a winner!"
Both girls erupted causing a laughing fit. Ezra had approached asking what she had meant by her comment. She remembered she had to come up with some lame explanation that he seemed to except. She just wasn't ready for him to know the truth. One day perhaps, but not yet.
Reaching the edge of town, she continued to walk in the direction of her safe haven. It wasn't faraway, but she knew she could listen to her music in peace.
On her way out of town, she failed to see Buck leaning against a post near the jail. He was drinking a steaming cup of coffee, when he watched Rebecca leave town on foot with her pack. Wondering where the young woman was headed, she was going to follow her. Sitting his coffee cup outside the jail, he turned to go after her when he spied a very sleepy Ezra exiting the hotel.
Walking across the street he waved cheerfully to the gambler, "Morning Ezra! Whatca doin up so early? This ain't like you at all."
He shoved his hat down on his head to block the morning sun's glare, "You are indeed correct Mr. Wilmington. This is not usual for me and if it were at all possible, I would still be resting comfortably in my feather bed. I, unfortunately, have the unpleasant task of taking the morning patrol. So once I partake of some coffee, I will be about my business."
"Uh huh," Buck said with a nod of his head, "Well, while you're out patrollin, you might want to look for Miss Rebecca. She just passed me on foot, heading for the edge of town. Not sure where she was going, but she went off in that direction. I was gonna track her down myself, but since you're her beau, you might as well go look for her."
"Rebecca went out on her own?" Ezra's sleepy demeanor vanishing in an instant, "Show me again which direction?"
Buck pointed down the street to his left, "It's only been a few minutes so you might be able to catch her if you hurry. I'll go with you."
"Thanks Buck."
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Rebecca pushed through the dense foliage to her hidden spot. Spreading the blanket, she looked in the sky. It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. She sat down and pulled her MP3 player out of the pack. Turning it on, she searched through the list songs. It was some of Def Leppard's greatest hits. She and Sarah had been trying to work on a version of their song 'Two Steps Behind'.
Stretching out on the blanket, she closed her eyes and began to relax. The tension she had been feeling drained away as she once again returned via her music to a life she no longer lived.
The spot where Rebecca lay was well chosen, as she never saw Ezra and Buck riding past. The music covered up his frantic calls as they searched for her. She soon slipped into a dreamless sleep.
Sometime later feeling slightly confused, she awoke unable to remember where she was. Pulling out her wristwatch, she checked the time. "Five hours!" she mumbled, "Lord, I didn't mean to stay gone this long." Putting everything back in her bag, she jumped up, folded the blanket and began the short walk back to town.
As she started returning home, the sound of horses approaching made her turn and stare down the road. Shielding her eyes she thought she saw Buck and Ezra approaching at a fast clip. She soon easily recognized Buck's big grey and Ezra's red jacket. The two men slowed their horses as they came up behind her.
"Afternoon guys. What are ya'll doin out here?" Rebecca asked with a smile.
Ezra started to say something, but Buck placed a hand on his friend's arm. Rebecca noticed for the first time that he wasn't smiling. In fact he looked very upset.
The gambler took a deep breath before saying, "Rebecca, where have you been? We have turning the countryside upside down looking for you. It isn't safe for you to wander around by yourself. Let us take you back to town."
"Oh I'm sorry," she began, "but I came out to take a walk and ended up falling asleep. Didn't mean to worry anyone."
Ezra's green eyes narrowed to slits, "You fell asleep! You fell asleep! Becca do you have any idea…"
Buck immediately cut in saying, "We were all pretty worried 'bout you, Miss Rebecca" He knew his friend was about to say something he would completely regret later so he stopped him. "It probably wasn't a good idea to come out here all by your lonesome."
Rebecca was a passionate, headstrong young woman and probably use to doing things her own way. Buck had noticed it early on in their friendship and Ezra knew it too. Probably one of the reasons he was so drawn to her. Still, right at this moment, fear was talking and it was about to get him into trouble.
Ezra reined in his emotions and repeated his earlier statement, "Let us take you back to town darlin." He held out his hand so she could mount his horse.
"That's alright Ezra. I can walk. It's not that far."
"I don't think so," he replied as he reached down grabbing her around the waist, pulling her up to sit in front of him.
"Hey!" she sputtered, "I'm perfectly capable of walking to town on my own!"
"I believe you have walked enough for one day, darlin."
Rebecca started to argue further, but stopped placing her head against Ezra's shoulder. He put his free arm around her waist before leaning his head against hers.
As the threesome headed back to town, Buck smiled. His friends belonged together and he was glad they finally were. Buck had known some couples that were like oil and vinegar, never agreeing on anything, but Ezra and Rebecca, while still in the early stages of their courtship, were different.
Oh, he knew there would be some bumps along the way…what relationship didn't have them. In the end, they belonged with each other. They were like two peas in a pod. They complimented each other.
Buck continued to smile long after they arrived back in town.
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Rebecca and Sarah took a bow as applause washed over them after finishing their last song. Smiling, Rebecca said, "Thank you everyone. Sarah and I are going to take a break and will return later with more music. Enjoy your drinks."
Rebecca saw Ezra seated at a far table playing poker so she started in his direction. He had asked her earlier if she would like to join him for dinner and she had agreed. This had been a wonderful night. The saloon was full as she picked her way between the tables headed in the gambler's direction.
Walking past a table, a hand snaked out grabbing her left wrist in a tight grip. The unseen hand jerked Rebecca around until she saw her assailant. A dirty-faced cowboy grinned up at her. He reeked of sweat, horses, and beer.
"Well now ain't you a pretty little filly! That was some show. How's 'bout givin me a private performance?"
Trying to be polite, Rebecca said, "I'm sorry sir, but I'm otherwise engaged for the evening. Please release me so I can go."
Grinning drunkenly he tried to drag her toward him forcing her into his lap as she struggled with him. He tried making kissing noising as he pulled her down.
Frightened, Rebecca slapped the cowboy hoping he would release her. Instead he drew back his arm backhanding her across the mouth, sending her crashing to the floor.
The boisterous saloon became deathly quiet as he jumped to his feet. Drawing back his hand again he snarled, "Ain't no woman's gonna hit me!"
Across at the bar, Buck had been watching the show with JD when he saw the drunkard grab Rebecca. He straightened up to get a better look at what was happening.
JD saw the cowboy too. "Hey Buck, that man has a hold of Miss Rebecca!"
"I see him boy!"
Suddenly the man backhanded Rebecca sending her to the floor. JD started in her direction when Buck took hold of his shirt collar.
"Let go of me Buck! Miss Rebecca's in trouble!"
"It's gonna be handled boy," Buck replied in a low voice.
"What are ya talking about? That guy's gonna hit her again! Let me help her!"
A sudden blur of red shot by the men and Buck repeated his words, "It's handled, boy."
Rebecca threw up her arms to fend off the coming blow only to see her attacker crash to the saloon floor, clutching his jaw. It took her a moment to realize Ezra was standing between her and the drunkard.
With his green eyes blazing, he growled, "You sir, need a serious case of manners especially when it comes to women. You will cease and desist your battery of this young woman. If you move to strike her again, you will have to answer to me!"
"Well who the hell are you?"
"Someone who will be your worst nightmare if you touch her again." He replied in a low menacing voice.
"Like Hell! No fancy pants dandy is gonna tell me what to do!" He scrambled to reach for his gun.
Ezra's derringer flew out the arm of his jacket and into his hand. Sticking it into the cowboy's face he gave him a cold stare. "You sir should apologize to this young lady before departing from these premises! And I mean NOW!"
With his hands thrust into the air, the man got slowly to his feet. He stared at Rebecca, who remained sprawled on the floor, "Apologies Ma'am." Backing out of the saloon, he disappeared into the night. Buck and JD followed the man to be sure he left town.
Ezra waited for him to go before turning to Rebecca.
She looked up at him, tears welling in her light blue eyes. A large, purplish bruise was beginning to show on her face and her mouth was swelling where he struck her.
Ezra reached down helping her to stand, "Are you all right, darlin?"
She nodded, afraid to say anything for fear she would break down in the middle of the saloon. A few tears slid down her cheeks as she brushed them away impatiently.
Nathan came over quickly from his table tilting Rebecca's face to the side, "You need to put a cold compress on that. It'll take down the swelling."
Rebecca nodded again.
"I'll see that it's done, Nathan," Ezra replied taking her by the arm. "Come along darlin." He guided her out of the saloon and over to the hotel.
Rebecca opened her hotel room and went to the dresser lighting the oil lamp. She turned toward Ezra, but couldn't hold back the tears anymore and began to sob in earnest.
Taking her into his arms, he held her, "Now! Now! Ezra's here and I'll never allow you to be hurt like that again. I promise."
He swayed gently as she cried until she was spent.
Ezra sat her on the edge of the bed then poured cold water into the ceramic basin on her dresser. Soaking the cloth then wringing it out he came over sitting down next to her. Ever so gently he applied the compress on her mouth.
Rebecca hissed softly, but said with a trembling voice, "Why? Why do men do things like that? Why do they feel the need to abuse women just because we say no?"
"Unfortunately darlin, there are men in this world who have an overpowering urge to abuse women."
As he continued to put cold on her face, she put her hand over Ezra's, "I can take of this. You really don't need to."
"I don't mind," he smiled as he wet the cloth again placing it on her mouth once more.
Rebecca stopped him for a moment moving the cloth aside. Leaning forward she kissed him softly. He shivered slightly from her touch.
"Thank you," she whispered. "What you did, I'll never find the words to tell you what it meant to me."
Ezra smiled almost shyly. Lowering his eyes for a second, he brought them back to her face, "I couldn't stand by and do nothing." He touched her mouth with his fingers; "A lady deserves better treatment than that."
"You think I'm a lady?" she asked.
"Absolutely!" he whispered.
Rebecca leaned forward once more gently kissing him. His lips were soft and she could feel his mouth open as the kiss deepened. She explored every inch of his mouth before pulling away.
He took a shuttering breath before saying, "You and I were supposed to have dinner tonight, were we not?"
She nodded.
"Well then," he said rising from the bed, "I suggest we go because otherwise I fear you and I may never leave this room…or this bed."
Rebecca's face burned from her blush. She rose and said, "Will you give me a moment to fix my hair and my face. Then overall collect myself?"
"Take all the time you need darling, I'll wait for you outside."
Ezra exited the room as she stood for a moment gazing after him. Trying to adjust her hair, clothes and looking at what could fix her face she couldn't help thinkin, 'He is a true gentleman.'
Finishing up. She turned down the lamp before opening the door and joined Ezra in the hall. Taking his arm they proceeded to the hotel restaurant.
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Rebecca sat down at the piano letting her fingers play across the keys. She didn't really have a song in mind, she just felt like messing. The afternoon sun cast a bright glow through the saloon windows creating rainbow patterns on the dusty floor.
She looked around the nearly empty hall knowing the place would be springing to life in another couple of hours. Inez leaned on the bar giving her a soft smile. They had become good friends since her arrival and Rebecca liked spending time with the lively bartender.
Rebecca played a couple of tunes humming a bit as she did. Finally she settled on the on the classical piece 'Moonlight Sonata' and began to play in earnest. Inez stopped and listened as Rebecca threw herself into the classical piece.
Ezra entered the saloon just as Rebecca began to play. He slipped quietly into a chair by the doors watching from a distance. As he listened to the music he realized he had never seen this side of her. The old piano wasn't a good one, but as she played the piece he closed his eyes…listening.
Most of the music he had seen seem them perform seemed rather modern, so this was different. Somehow it didn't surprise him though that she could play this way, given her musical background.
Continuing to listen to the gentle strains as the music drifted through the saloon, she suddenly changed into a different piano piece and began to sing:
If I'm not in love with you,
What is this I'm going through, tonight.
And if my heart is lying then…
What should I believe in?
Why do I go crazy?
Every time I think about you baby.
Why else do I want you like I do?
If I'm not in love with you
And if I don't need your touch
Why do I miss you so much, tonight
If it's just infatuation
Why is my heart achin
To hold you forever
Give a part of me I thought I'd never
Give again to someone I could lose
If I'm not in love with you
Ezra listened as Rebecca continued to sing. Passion filled the words as she sang and he marveled at her particular forte. He considered himself a talent at his poker prowess but whenever he listened to Rebecca sing it seemed to transport him.
Watching as her emotions playing across her face, she didn't realize she had acquired a small audience.
Oh why in every fantasy
Do I feel your arms embracing me
Lovers lost in sweet desire
Oh why in dreams do I surrender
Like a little baby
Someone help explain this feeling
Someone tell me
If I'm not love with you
What is this I'm going through, tonight
And if my heart is lying then
What should I believe in
Why do I go crazy
Every time I think about you baby
Why else do I want you like I do
If I'm not in love with you
As she finished the last few notes on the piano applause broke out startling her out of her self-imposed trance. Rebecca looked out and saw the crowd she had attracted. She gave an embarrassed grin bowing to those around the stage.
Spying Ezra sitting near the saloon doors, she waved to him. Cutting around the mostly empty tables she arrived at his spot sitting down with a weary sigh.
Tilting his head, he said, "Is something wrong darlin? Your sigh seems to indicate a problem?"
"Oh it's nothing. For some reason I've had a nasty headache since I woke up this morning…can't seem to shake it," she kneaded her temples for effect. "Is it just me or is it warm in here?
Ezra noticed a fine sheen of sweat coating Rebecca's face. Reaching over, he placed a hand on her forehead. She was indeed warm, "Darlin, you seem to have a fever. Maybe we should find Mr. Jackson?"
Rebecca shook her head. "I just need to shake this headache. I'm gonna go lay down for a bit. Sarah and I are supposed to sing tonight and if this gets any worse I don't think I'll be able to."
Ezra helped her to stand, concern still covering his face, "Alright darlin, but I still think Mr. Jackson should look in on you in a couple of hours if you are still indisposed. Perhaps he will be able to offer one of his noxious remedies to help at that time."
She offered him a weak smile as she left for her hotel room.
He watched as she slowly walked across the street still not sure he was acting correctly. He loved this woman with all his heart. Deciding he should find Nathan and tell him about Rebecca, Ezra went looking for the healer. Leaving the saloon, he headed for his clinic.
Suddenly the sound of a charging horse came up behind him on the street. Turning, he was just in time to catch Vin riding like a 'bat out of hell' He was also heading for Nathan's clinic.
Sarah was gripped tightly in his arms and appeared unconscious by the way she sagged against him. Jerking his horse to a stop in front of the clinic he leapt from its back still holding Sarah.
Ezra ran the last few feet toward him, "What appears to be the problem, Mr. Tanner? Is Sarah alright?"
Vin stared at Ezra with utter terror showing on his face, "Sarah's sick! We were riding then took ill, real sudden like. One minute she was complainin of a headache, next thing I know she passed out on the ground. She's hot, real hot Ezra and I'm scared. Do ya know if Nathan's in there?"
"I don't know Vin. I came down here because Becca was complaining about a headache too." he glanced in the direction of the hotel. Opening the clinic door he held it for Vin.
"NATHAN!" Vin yelled after placing Sarah on the bed, "Are ya in here?" He entered the back room, but returned almost immediately waving his arms in frustration, "Looks like he ain't here!"
Ezra thought for a moment, "Perhaps he's at the church. He might be helping Josiah with some project. Let me go find him."
Vin nodded sitting next to the bed. He took Sarah's hand, "Thanks Ezra I don't wanna leave her like this."
"Perfectly understandable Mr. Tanner. I'll return as soon as possible."
Hurrying toward the church, he hoped the dark healer was there, but in the back of his mind he knew he should go look in on Rebecca. The fear that she could be suffering with the sample ailment as Sarah was frightening him.
Upon entering the church, he found Nathan and Josiah attempting to move a heavy pulpit, "Nathan!" Ezra said with some urgency, "Vin's over at the clinic with Sarah. She's dreadfully ill."
Nathan looked up, as did Josiah. "What's wrong?" he asked, grabbing his coat.
"He brought her into the clinic…unconscious, but Vin said she was suffering a severe headache, running a high fear before she passed out." Ezra replied, as he tried to keep up with the taller man's stride.
"Running a high fever, hhmm," Nathan murmured, "We need some ice to bring it down…we'll need to pack her in it."
As the two men reached the clinic stepping inside, they saw Vin wiping down Sarah's face with a wet cloth.
"Thank God you're here Nathan; Sarah just had some kinda seizure. She's burning up. I've been wiping her down with cold water cause I didn't know what else to do!" Vin looked on helplessly.
"That's good Vin, the cold water will help," Nathan replied, putting his hand on her forehead. She was indeed burning up, "What I need is a lot of ice to pack her in. We need to get her fever down."
Vin stood and headed for the door, "I'll get it Nathan. Anything else you need?"
"Yes, if you see Mrs. Travis or Rebecca send them here. I could use their help."
"Will do," Vin replied as he took off out the door.
"Rebecca is at the hotel, Nathan. I was just going to go there and see how she's feeling. She informed me earlier she was also suffering a severe headache."
"What's that you say? She has a bad headache too. Then we best get Rebecca in her also in case she might be suffering with the same problem."
Nodding at Nathan, Ezra turned to leave when the clinic slowly opened. It was Rebecca. Her face was dripping with sweat, looking flushed with fever.
Staggering into the door, she could barely keep her head up. "Nathan," her voice above a whisper, "I don't feel very well. I think I need…" Rebecca never finished her statement as she collapsed onto the floor.
REBECCA!" Ezra yelled as he rushed toward her. Gathering her into his arms, he carried her to the other bed in the clinic laying her gently upon it.
Nathan pulled back her eyelids. Her eyes were rolled back in their sockets and her skin was on fire. He got to his feet preparing another pan of cold water.
Ezra stood beside the bed kicking himself mentally for allowing Rebecca to return to her room. He knew she was ill. After all she had felt hot to him. He should have insisted that she accompany him to the clinic. Pulling a chair next to the bed, he sat down and took hold of her hand.
"What can I do to help Nathan?" Ezra asked in a soft voice, his eyes never leaving her face.
"Well you could try to hurry Vin along and go find Mz. Travis or Inez. I'm gonna need some help."
He stood, but was reluctant to leave. His eyes remained fixed on Rebecca.
He finally turned and headed for the door as Nathan said, "Don't worry Ezra, I'm gonna take good care of both of them."
He nodded his thanks and hurried away passing Mary as she arrived.
She entered the clinic and quickly took in the scene before her. Nathan had both young women covered on his bed. Their faces drenched in sweat and rose-colored with the fever that burned inside them.
"What can I do to help Nathan?" Mary asked approaching the healer.
"Well I need both these two ladies made as comfortable as possible. I'm waiting on Vin and Ezra to bring back some ice. I have to cover them in it to bring down their fever. Otherwise both of them are gonna burn up inside. Will you watch them while I go see what's holding up is?"
Mary nodded and began to remove their sweat soaked clothing. Inez arrived a few minutes later to help her.
Nathan stood out on the clinic porch shading his eyes against the late afternoon sun. He looked to see if Ezra or Vin was on their way back.
He was worried. The fever both women had was too high and he hoped the ice would bring it down before they suffered permanent damage.
Suddenly he saw Vin, Ezra and Josiah approaching, carrying several blocks of ice between them. Nathan waved them on trying to hurry them.
"This was all we could carry, but I am going back for more," Ezra informed Nathan.
"Good, cause we might need it! I gotta get their fever down!"
Entering the clinic the men found both Mary and Inez hovering over the sisters. They had removed their clothing putting them in a pile. Nathan had the ice placed into a large bathtub beginning to chop it up.
Ezra sat down next to Rebecca and Vin next to Sarah. He took Rebecca's limp hand, feeling the heat radiating from it.
He glanced briefly over at Vin. His friend was terrified…could see it in his eyes. He knew that Vin's mother had died from a fever when he was young and Ezra wondered if this was dredging up that painful memory.
Nathan approached with some of the shattered ice and proceeded to pile it on the sisters. Mary and Inez continued to break the ice into smaller chucks. Nathan looked up saying, "We need more, lots more, all you can carry."
"I'll get every bit of it if I have to Nathan," Vin replied leaving with Ezra and Josiah on his heels.
Nathan went back and forth between the sister, upset with what could be causing this and praying he had the skills to save them.
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Lyrics to - If I'm Not In Love With You by Faith Hill