Chapter Eighty-Four

The ladies just thought they were prepared as they exited the wagons. The looks on Heath and Carl's faces showed obvious worry and concern. It was so much worse than they imagined.

The ladies schooled their features and began embracing the men and helping them inside the big house. Jarrod clung to Elisabeth in a way he had never done.

"How are you my love?" in a hoarse voice.

"Perfect now that you are home."

Her fingers searched his raven hair until she found the deep gash and bandage on his head.

"Yep, it was a big headache for a couple of days " he tried to joke but his countenance told a much different story.

She recognized his uneven pupils and pallor, "I bet it was." and she escorted him to his favorite chair by Victoria's at the fireplace. She slowed with a large contraction but kept her breathing regular. He did not notice her discomfort as injured as he was.

Maris made her way to Nick and the boys. Her belly clenched with a contraction and she willed it away. James David's ear was bandaged thankfully but she could see all three boys had wounds and stitches on their necks. JT and Chip had matching slings. She bravely pushed back her tears and found her courage.

All three boys and Nick surrounded Maris and held her tightly. They all jolted back when the baby gave a resounding thump they all felt.

Nick laughed loudly, "Pleased to meet you too. Boys, the baby is saying howdy—-or doesn't want to share his mama."

The boys laughed with ease. None of them had even felt a kick from a womb. Their eyes were wide with wonder.

JT went over to Elisabeth and his Father, "Mother I am sorry to have caused so much grief."

Tears ran down Elisabeth's face, "You are home and that's all I want."

The three of them embraced as much as they could with Elisabeth's big belly, Jarrod's gash, and JT's sling. The baby decided to shift and they could feel her belly roll and tighten.

"Second time today, I have been greeted by a new baby." JT laughed.

"Elisabeth, please sit down." JT dragged an ottoman over with his one good arm and they sat together in front of Jarrod.

Victoria came by and kissed JT and Jarrod on the forehead, "Thank God you are home."

"It's good to be home, lovely lady" he gave her his best smile but she wasn't fooled. He was seriously hurt.

She made her way to Nick still leaning heavily on his cane. She knew him well enough that he was in pain.

"Maris, Nicholas, let's get you both off your feet. Chip, James David you too." Victoria shooed them to the settee and chairs.

James David squeezed Hannah's hand as they walked to sit down, "I owe you an apology."

"No, you don't. Learning life lessons is more important than schoolwork according to my daddy."

James David laughed, "So call me Professor."

Sally kissed Heath on the cheek and whispered, "This is bad, isn't it."

"Yep, but it's a miracle of the good Lord himself. The Pinkerton on the train filled me in. There are two nurses still outside that traveled with them. Will stay for a couple of days—-but Sally, there is a girl outside too. Saved the boys. She's been through a lot. Rough life. I think she could use you right now. Wouldn't come inside the house. Said she was not good enough if they knew all she did—-baby, she's a survivor and her wounds go deeper than the ones you see."

"Heath, I love you. Rounding up strays is your specialty. Started with me on a stagecoach."

"Yep, but you saved me, Sally. So we was both strays who found each other."

They walked outside and Carl was sitting with the young girl as the nurses gathered belongings.

"Good afternoon, I am Sally Barkley. I would be might pleased if you to stay with me and Heath. House isn't quite as fancy but there's plenty of love in all these Barkley houses. We have a daughter close to your age."

For the first time, Esther looked up from the ground. She had been almost mute at the Springer's mansion and then the private rail cars except with Alice—-and just to thank her over and over again. Then she saw the big house around the bend. She wanted to bolt and run but she knew she was still so weak.

Carl helped her down to Sally, "Doesn't have her colt legs under her. Weak as a kitten."

"I can take care of myself," she teared up.

Sally took her arm, "I don't doubt that, and from what I understand you saved my nephews's lives. Pretty brave. But Esther—let me take care of you for a couple of days. Then we will talk. How does a feather bed and some soup sound?"

Carl and Heath watched Sally work her magic. She had not spoken ten words to them or the nurses."

"Yes ma'am"

"What kind of soup? Vegetables, chicken broth? I have some carrots and turnip green soup?"

The girl's eyes lit up, "My mama used to make that."

"Then we have made a first decision."

"I don't want to go into the fancy house."

"We won't. Heath, can you get a small rig?I will drive back to the house with Esther so she can eat and rest."

Heath got the rig, "Want me to drive?"

"I got it. Just make sure Thomson and Sawyer clean up for supper please."

"You got it." and he kissed her on the cheek.

Carl and Heath shared a look before they went into the mansion, "She's pretty special."

Heath laughed, " I know how to pick fillies."

Carl just shook his head and laughed, "You sound like Nick."

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