Noah by Ford Linda

Author:Ford, Linda
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crocus Mountain Publishing
Published: 2021-07-27T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

“I want to get up today,” Lainie informed Maude after breakfast. Three days of being confined to bed, knowing only what others told her filled her with anxiety.

She smiled to herself. Noah’s visits did more than relieve her boredom. Did more than ease her anxiety. She looked forward to them like sunshine after rain. Of course, she owed him her life. It was only natural she’d feel something when he walked in a room. But being in bed when he came made her more vulnerable than she cared for.

It was time to get up. Get her strength and resolve back.

Maude studied her a moment. “I suppose I can’t blame you for not wanting to stay in this room. Bear in mind that you’re bound to be weak for a while yet. And you’re sore. But let’s see what you can do. Wait while I prepare a chair.”

Maude returned in a few minutes. “Are you ready to get dressed?”

“I’m ready.” Someone had brought in her things. Likely Boyd. Maude helped her sit on the edge of the bed. She bit back a groan. Every move made something hurt. In fact, it made everything hurt but mostly her back and arm. She reached around and touched her back. Still swollen.

Maude helped her into her dress, brushed her hair and braided it then offered her a pair of slippers. “Your feet are too swollen to fit into your shoes.” She made a sling to hold Lainie’s broken arm.

“I’m ready.”

“Noah,” Maude called and Noah stepped into the room. “I thought it best to have his help."

Noah put an arm around her shoulders. She clung to him, grateful for his strength, unable to forget how he’d held her in his arms as he carried her back to camp. He’d only done what he must as a good and noble man. It didn’t mean anything more than that. Even as his arm supporting her didn’t. Besides, she didn’t need support. At least, not for anything but getting out of the room.

With his help, she took a step forward. Her left leg hurt but it bore her weight. They turned down the hall and made it out the door to the veranda. A chair with pillows to protect her back waited and she sank to it with a groan. Maude put a low stool under Lainie’s feet.

Wide-eyed, the children watched and rushed to her as soon as she was settled.

“You look like an old lady,” Missy said.

“No she doesn’t,” Boyd protested.

“I’m sure I do,” Lainie soothed. “I certainly feel like one.” She slowly relaxed against the pillows. John watched her.

“Good to see you up,” he said.

“Good to be up.”

Noah hovered at her side, then seeing she was settled moved away. She told herself she didn’t feel alone and ready to cry just because he now leaned against one of the uprights. She lifted her gaze to his and he smiled.

She widened her eyes to keep back tears that sprang up from nowhere. Her weakened state explained her unexpected reaction.

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