He lingered for a heartbeat longer. With a reluctant sigh, he brushed a kiss on her forehead and stood. As he stepped toward the door, Amy’s voice stopped him.
“Tim?”
“Yeah?” He turned, hope flickering in his chest for reconciliation.
“Could you leave the door open? Just a little. So, I can at least hear the girls?”
“Of course,” he said, leaving a slice of daylight breaking into the room. It was a small comfort, but if it helped Amy feel less isolated, he was all for it.
“PA, WE NEED MORE WIREfor the fence,” George called out. The boy stood by the paddock with a concerned furrow etched into his brow.
“All right,” Tim replied, trying to keep the weariness from seeping into his voice. “I’ll head into town later and pick some up.”
“Don’t you need to give Amy her medicine?” George asked, hesitant.
“Right.” The word came out like a sigh. Tim’s hand found its way to his hat, lifting it off to run a hand through his hair in frustration. The cattle needed tending, the fences repair, and Amy—his heart clenched at the thought—Amy needed him more than ever.
“Maybe Amy’s friend Cassandra can help,” George suggested tentatively.
“Maybe.” Tim replaced his hat and nodded.
“MORNING, TIM,” CASSANDRAgreeted with a smile as she wiped her hands on her apron. “You’re here awfully early.”
“Morning, Cassandra,” Tim nodded.
“Sit down, Tim. You look like you’ve been wrangling thunderstorms instead of cattle,” Andrew, Cassandra’s husband, said.
“Feels about right,” Tim admitted. “It’s Amy...she’s got bronchitis, and I’m trying to keep the ranch from falling apart.”
Cassandra shook her head. “You should have let us know sooner! I’ll gather our other ‘sisters’ and we’ll come over.
“Brenda’s already been helping,” Tim said. “I’m surprised at how much Amy does every day, and I didn’t appreciate it much when she was healthy.”
Cassandra sighed. “Amy’s always been that way. Hurry home, and I’ll get it all organized for you. Stop worrying.”
Andrew nodded. “I’ll talk to the others. I would bet David has a couple of hands he can loan you for a bit. His boys’ll pick up the slack.”
ENTERING THE BEDROOMwhere Amy rested, Tim found her propped up against pillows, her cheeks flushed from fever, yet there was a determined glint in her tired eyes. Tim took a seat beside her, taking her hand gently in his.
“I’ve been going crazy trying to manage this ranch and caring for you.”
Amy offered a weak smile. “You’re doing your best, Tim.”
“Best ain’t good enough,” he countered softly. “I’ve been blind, Amy. Blind to what’s truly important.” He squeezed her hand, feeling the delicate bones beneath her skin. “From now on, you come first. I’ll find a way to keep everything running, but not at the expense of us.”
Her eyes shone with unshed tears. “Tim, I don’t want to keep you from doing all you can for the ranch.”
“Shush now,” Tim interrupted gently. “You aren’t holding me back. You’re the reason I push forward. I’ve spoken to Cassandra and Andrew, and they reminded me we got a whole church ready to lend a hand. Cassandra is gathering all your sisters to help.”
“Really?” A hopeful note entered her voice.
“Really. We’re going to get through this together, Amy. You, me, the kids, and our neighbors. Like one big family.” His thumb caressed the back of her hand.
Amy nodded, her spirit rallying.
“Promise me something, Amy. Promise me you’ll focus on getting better. Let me worry about the rest.”
“I promise, Tim,” she said, her voice stronger than before. “And I’ll bake you an apple pie as soon as I’m up and about.”
