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way it jumped  that bob wire," Tommy said from behind him.
    "It's barbed wire son, and I believe the horse did jump it," his father said without turning around.
    "It's bull." Tommy shouted loud enough for Nate to hear before he took off across the open plain leaving his father and brother behind.
    "He's high strung Pa," Curtis said in his brother's defense.
    Travers said nothing. His mind was on other things.
    He stayed high in the saddle until the horses were out of sight. Then turned southward as he pushed his horse into a brisk trot. He didn’t say a word the entire trip back. He was thinking.

12
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    Dannie wanted to walk but Nurse Edmonton had other ideas, none of which involved Dannie leaving her bed.
    "When my dad gets back, he'll let me walk."
    "Your dad's not here. So what I say goes." 
    The nurse took Dannie's breakfast tray from in front of her. She had hardly touched her scrambled eggs and barely made a dent in her bowl of cereal.
    "What's all this commotion about?" Cindy stood in the hallway. She normally worked Saturdays at her veterinary practice in town. Her work schedule had taken a significant hit when Dannie became ill. Another vet made up the hours in her place.
    "The little one wants to frolic outdoors. She needs her rest."
    The nurse always referred to Dannie as the little one. It seemed impersonal to Cindy, but she let it slide.
    "It's a nice morning. I would think that a little fresh air would do her good." Cindy replied.
    "I don't think it would," the nurse said in a this matter's closed fashion. 
    Cindy thought it time to pull rank. "I'm Nathan's fiancé, soon to be the little one's stepmother, and I'm saying a few minutes outdoors won't hurt her."
    Dannie sat up in bed. "You and dad are getting married?"
    Cindy realized she might have made a mistake. Evidently her father had not yet given her the news.
    "Your father asked me to marry him last night. I said yes."
    "Whoopee!" Dannie yelled, causing her nurse to flinch. "It's about time."
    Cindy didn't know what to say. Dannie's response relieved her greatly. Katy Walker weighed heavily on her mind whenever she was with Dannie. The memories of her mother were cherished treasures, each one a separate shining jewel. She knew she  could never replace a single one. She didn't want to. She wanted Dannie to remember her mother as a loving presence. Someone who had loved her as equally as she loved Dannie and her father now.    
    Cindy sat down on the bed and took Dannie's hand.
    "Can we have a minute, nurse?" 
    The nurse left the room, tray in hand, her lips pursed in annoyance.
    "Bad attitude," Dannie said when she was out of earshot.
    "She's trying Dannie. She means well."
    "I guess," Dannie said.
    Their eyes met. "Is it too soon?" Cindy asked.
    Dannie knew what she meant. "No," she replied.
    Cindy lowered her eyes. They were no longer in the hospital. Crying was allowed.
    "My father will need someone when I'm gone," Dannie said. "You can comfort him."
    Cindy raised her head. "You're not going anywhere Dannie. I swear you are not going anywhere."
    Dannie smiled. She reached up and brushed a tear from Cindy's eye.
    "Sorry," Cindy murmured. The child had become the comforter. The adult, the one in need.
    "It's okay," Dannie said. The little one. The girl who knew much more than she spoke. She could feel it inside of her. Something awful trying to take her over. She could hold it back now, but it got a little stronger each day. Soon she would not be able to control it. Soon it would control her.
    "When are you getting married? Can I call you mom now?"
    Cindy had words to say, questions to ask. Suddenly the need for them went away. 
    "Soon. We're getting married soon, and yes, you can call me mom now."
    "Okay mom, so how about pulling rank and getting me outside."
    Nurse Edmonton shook her head but didn't say a word as Cindy carried Dannie out the front door. She lowered her to the ground at the foot of the porch steps. 
    They walked slowly, hand in