Chapter 15
Shadow Valley, Texas – November 1872
Buck settled beside Samantha on the bed, worry etching lines on his face as he offered her a glass of water. Bethany, her eyes red-rimmed from worry, claimed her sister had taken a drastic turn for the worse. Her pale complexion and listlessness were a stark contrast to the determined young woman he remembered.
The guilt of his absence sat heavy in his gut. He'd spent the past week in Coyote Canyon, with Honor and now the guilt of not being here for Samantha tore at his heart.
"How long has she been like this?" Buck asked softly, his voice laced with concern.
"A couple of days," Bethany replied, her voice trembling as she wiped away a stray tear. "Mama took her to the doctor. He thinks it's an infection from the break."
A knot of worry tightened in Buck's stomach. "What treatment has he prescribed?"
Bethany shook her head, her grip tightening on Samantha's hand. "Some medicine, but it doesn't seem to be working. She's either listless like this, or wracked with pain." The desperation in her voice was palpable.
"Let's get some fresh air," Buck suggested gently, feeling the room closing in on him. He leaned down and placed a comforting kiss on Samantha's pale cheek. "Get some rest, sweetheart."
Outside the bedroom door, Bethany crumpled into Buck's arms, her shoulders wracked with silent sobs. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost her, Buck!" She choked out, the fear in her voice a stark contrast to her usual facade.
Buck held her close, his own heart heavy with empathy. "Shhh," he murmured soothingly, stroking her back in a gesture of comfort. "It's going to be alright."
Suddenly, Desiree appeared at the top of the stairs, her expression etched with worry. "Samantha? How is she?"
"She's listless, doesn't seem quite herself," Buck explained. "Is this typical when she's in pain?"
Desiree sniffed dramatically. "Only when the pain is at its worst. We thought her leg was healing so well, then this." Her voice broke, and she dabbed at nonexistent tears with a lace handkerchief.
Buck, determined to help, offered a solution. "Maybe a specialist could be of assistance. Perhaps someone back east with more experience in these types of injuries? I could send out some telegrams this week and see what options are available."
Desiree's eyes widened with feigned gratitude. "You are truly too kind, Mr. Cross!" She gushed, drawing him into a suffocating embrace. Buck, caught off guard by her sudden display of affection, felt a flicker of unease. He couldn't quite place his finger on it, but something about the whole situation felt...off.