She looked to her husband and Alan spoke. “We think it will be a great lesson for Caleb. I’m needed here at the ranch, so we appreciate you taking him. We’ve got money set aside and have already talked to him about how he will work to pay off his debts.”
Joshua’s gaze went back to his nephew. “I’ll be glad to take you.”
“When can we do that?”
“Let me talk to Miss Lakeman about my duties at the dig and I can give you a better estimate on which days.”
He seemed to think about that for a minute. “I understand. You’ve got responsi ... responsi ... Daddy, what was that word again?”
“Responsibilities.” Alan winked at him. “Good job remembering our little talk last night.”
Joshua grinned. “Well, as much as I would like to stay all day and enjoy this fun, I should probably head out to work.”
He patted Caleb on the head, shook Alan’s hand, kissed his sister on the cheek, and then went over to his mother. He kissed her on top of the head. “No wrangling cattle today, deal?”
Her laughter was so good to hear. “Give Anna our love, please?”
“I will.” He couldn’t tell them what was on his heart and mind yet.
“Is she doing all right? What with all she’s carrying on her shoulders?” Mom always was a softy for people struggling.
He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “I think she’s doing pretty well, all things considered. I know her face lit up when she saw Caleb last night. I could tell part of the burden on the shoulders had been lifted.”
“But she’s got a bedridden father and a monumental task in front of her—what with the dig—should I send her a note?”
“I think she’d love that, Mom.” He patted his dad on the back and sent a wave. “I better get.” Walking out of the room, it was great to hear the family’s happy sounds. Back together and whole again.
Something they’d lacked after Mary went missing.
Thank You, God. He’d whispered that prayer so many times over the last twelve hours. But God understood how grateful he was for the safe return of his nephew.
After he saddled his horse, he grabbed the two canteenshe’d filled earlier and headed to the dig. Looking to the sky, he shook his head. They were headed for another scorcher, that was for certain. Not a cloud in the sky and he was already sweating—and it was barely mid-morning.
The trail to the dig was worn thanks to his many treks back and forth. Funny thing was, he had come to enjoy the work. And not because it was with Anna—although that definitely added spice to his life—but because the science truly was fascinating.
Over the last three years, he’d learned about the leaps and bounds they were making in scientific discovery. It was changing the face of medicine. Which was a good thing. Healing people always needed a boost when new ailments seemed to crop up overnight.
If only faith and science could be reconciled. Why couldn’t the two come together?
It didn’t make sense. They went hand in hand. Perhaps that was something he could talk to Mr. Lakeman about. Unlike many others in his field, he didn’t seem to have a problem with the two coming together in his life.
The last bit of shade was ahead. Right before the washout. Joshua better enjoy it while it lasted because that sun beating down on the white rock face made it feel like he was an egg frying right there.
His horse knew the way, and Joshua gave him the signal to move into a canter. He wanted to see Anna.
Anna. Whew. That kiss last night had kept him awake for a good while. Because he wanted more. And he wanted everything to be good and right between them so he could go back to university, finish up, come home, and marry her. As soon as possible.
Guess he better work on his patience.
The edge of the gulley was close, so he’d have to let his horse navigate the steep incline down into the area washed out by the floo—
Joshua was flying through the air...
And then tumbling down the washout.
Two large bones of the spine.
Anna laid them out on the table and began sketching them. They were remarkable. It had taken a good deal of time to get them out, but now that she could see them, hold them in her hand, she was amazed that they seemed to be—for the most part—intact.
