The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan

Author:Sarah Morgan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2021-03-18T20:35:24+00:00

14

MARTHA

SPRINGFIELD~KANSAS~TULSA

Martha put a loaded breakfast tray on the table and pulled it close to the bed while Josh poured coffee. She was grateful for his calm, steady presence. “Why didn’t you tell Liza the truth?”

“Because then she would have worried and this is the first time in as long as I can remember that my daughter hasn’t seemed anxious. She’s staying in the cottage on her own. Taking her paints to the beach. I have no intention of saying anything that will draw a gray cloud over her blue-sky day.”

Martha hoped it was the right decision. She still felt shaken up after the night before. The responsibility weighed on her. If she were Liza, she’d want to know. But she wasn’t family, so she had to respect Kathleen’s wishes. “All right, but you heard what the doctor said. You overdid it yesterday. Too much sun, not enough water. You were dehydrated. I’m blaming myself.”

“Why? I’m old enough to decide whether I’m thirsty.”

“Apparently not. And today I’m going to be nagging you to drink every half hour.”

“Does gin count?”

“No.” Martha piled fresh berries into a bowl, relieved that Kathleen appeared to be back to her usual outrageous self. “This breakfast looks delicious, Josh. Where did you find all this?”

“I raided the kitchen. Friendly people.” He pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down, nursing a cup of strong coffee. “I agree with Martha. I don’t think you should rush to go anywhere this morning, Kathleen. Take it slowly and see how you feel later.”

All the antipathy and suspicion Martha had felt had vanished. She had more than one reason to be thankful for the fact that they’d picked up Josh Ryder in Devil’s Elbow.

Josh had been the one who caught Kathleen before she could hit the floor, and it had been Josh who had located a doctor in virtually the same time it had taken Martha to settle Kathleen on the bed.

He seemed to have a way of making things happen, and for that Martha was grateful.

She wouldn’t have wanted to be on her own with this. When Kathleen had collapsed onto Josh, Martha had felt terrified for her, vulnerable and a long way from home.

What if something happened to Kathleen? It was something she’d considered, of course, but there was a big difference between contemplating the possibility of something and experiencing it.

The doctor had proceeded to give Kathleen a thorough checkup, while Martha hovered in attendance.

Reassured that there was nothing that fluids and rest wouldn’t cure, Martha had then insisted that Kathleen follow instructions and rest on her bed for the evening. She’d intended to stay with her and keep her company, but Kathleen had insisted she wanted to be left alone to sleep. Martha had reluctantly agreed to spend the evening in her own room, next door.

She’d assumed Josh would do his own thing, but he’d insisted on keeping Martha company.

At first she’d protested. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“If Kathleen gets worse, you can sit with her while I call the doctor.

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