A Texan’s Luck ~ [Wife Lottery 03] by Jodi Thomas

Author:Jodi Thomas [Thomas, Jodi]
Language: deu
Format: epub
Published: 2010-12-23T20:14:00.923000+00:00

CHAPTER 17

Walker moved to the window facing the street and stared out at the morning. The rainy day reflected his mood. A window seat kept him from standing close enough to be seen by anyone passing. Part of him wanted to ride off and never look back at this town for as long as he lived.

The same feeling he'd had once before, he thought. His lifestyle in the army was hard on the body, but this place was hard on his heart.

Last time he'd been torn apart by love, and now he'd been pulled back because of duty.

The doctor walked to the front office, pulling off his bloody apron and reaching for his coat. He announced he planned to head over for breakfast at the cafe. "I've missed four or five meals, so it will take me a while to catch up. Don't expect me back soon, but tell the ranger he's welcome to make himself at home."

McClellan left without another word. Walker thought about asking him to bring back a couple of meals, but the fewer people who knew they were holed up here, the better.

Lacy moved about in the next room. The ticking of an old clock on the wall by the kitchen door seemed to be measuring time slower with each beat.

"Captain?" Lacy's voice drifted from just behind him.

He didn't turn around, didn't want to see the tears he knew were in her eyes. Without a word, he leaned back from the window, lifted his arm, and gently circled her shoulders.

She rolled into his embrace, crying softly against his chest.

For a long while he held her, glad that the room lay in shadow. Neither of them had slept much. The hours and emotions weighed on them both. Her nerves were raw, his control crumbling by the hour. But even with all the trouble around them, he closed his eyes and thought once more how good she felt in his arms. There seemed nothing better than Lacy willingly and warm in his embrace. The feel of her was addictive. Somehow, no matter how often they fought, she still returned to his shoulder when she cried.

He might never be more, but Walker knew he was one thing to her: a refuge.

Finally she stopped sobbing and stood next to him as if needing another's nearness.

Looking down at her, he wiped a tear from her face with his thumb. "Nell is going to pull through this, you'll see. That ranger won't let her die."

Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "And would you let me die?" she whispered.

The honesty of her question shocked him.

"No," he answered. He thought of adding something about it being his duty, but it was more than that. Somehow, through all the fights and danger, she'd become important to him. He'd stand in death's path if it rode for Lacy.

She stared at him for a minute, seeming to build her courage. "What happened to you back there on the stairs before dawn?" She glanced down at her hands. "I have to know what you intended.

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