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I rolled my eyes. “Oka-a-ay.”
“Just being truthful. Our wife—Sadie? She hated us. Then she had a baby she didn’t want. Afterward, she couldn’t eat food, and she got sicker and sicker until she died. You can’t imagine how much I didn’t want to go through that again.”
His eyes were starting to close, so I stroked his head some more. “Don’t worry, Truett agreed to my terms. You’ll be rid of me soon.”
“No,” his eyes opened again. “I haven’t said yes to that. He doesn’t just get to decide things for all of us.”
“You will agree, though. When you’re thinking clearly.” He refused to look away from me, so finally I asked, “Do people call you Charlie?”
“Yes. You should call me Charlie. The others have nicknames, too. Freddie, Ollie, and True.”
Again, I was struck by how much I didn’t think I could call Truett True. I didn’t think I could do Ollie, either. They didn’t seem like nicknamed people.
“You’ve been up, too, Sloane.” He kind of slurred my name. “All night. Take a nap with me.”
Probably not a good idea because he might need me, but he pushed his forehead against mine, which had to be awkward on his stomach. It was suddenly like I could feel his body heat inside of me. His eyes started to close and then mine did, too.
The bed eventually dipped next to me, and I lifted my lids. Freddie was there. He snuggled close against me. “Not getting rid of me so fast, Sloane,” he whispered in my ear. “Go back to sleep. You and Charlie look comfortable, so I’m joining you.”
It was dark outside, and I was still too tired to really make sense of what he said. I closed my eyes again, listening to the sound of Jayne’s bed being climbed into. It must be Truett and Oliver. Had they all been fed? Did they eat Mama’s food?
Darkness took me over again.
I woke before any of them in the morning. Charles’ face was passive in sleep. He hadn’t cried out all night, and I hoped that meant he was getting better. Or maybe I just didn’t hear him. I lifted my head and sat up, which made Freddie roll over, opening his eyes.
He ran a finger up my arm, and goosebumps broke out where he touched me just as my nipples hardened. Oh wow. I guessed I liked that. I never had that exact reaction before. It was…enticing. And entirely inappropriate, given things. I needed to get away from him before my body got any more confused.
“What is on your agenda today, Sloane?” He smiled at me. “You should expect me to go with you, wherever that is.”
I smiled back, unable to stop myself. “I am staying here to watch out for Charlie and to be available if anyone needs me. I usually stay home mid-week, and people know they can come here and get help.”
He tugged on the edge of my hair. “Okay, staying here it is. By the way, you ride really well, but you aren’t gripping exactly right on the saddle. If someone wished to, they could knock you off it. Let me fix it for you? We’ll go out tonight on horses, and I’ll adjust your hold.”
Really? I could be knocked right off my horse? “Sure.”
“Good.”
Charles let out a long sigh and opened his eyes. “Stop talking to her. I have her attention right now. It’s on me.” He smiled. “So bugger off.”
“No.” Freddie swatted at him and then they both laughed. “You look better.”
“I’m feeling much better. Was a little touch and go, I think.” Charles took my hand. “Thank you, Sloane. I’m not up for riding right now, but I’m better at it than he is, just so you know.”
Truett groaned. “I’m the best rider out of all of you, and you know it.”
Oliver sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Sure, because when the three of us were doing chores and manual labor to survive, you were taking riding lessons in between eating crumpets at Judge’s house.”
They all laughed, and Truett shrugged. “I’ll own that. You so wish you’d been eating crumpets at Judge’s house.” He turned his attention to me. “Thank you for saving Charlie, Sloane. Thank you.”
I shook my head. “I bet he would have been okay without me. He’s tough. Strong. He would’ve been that guy who survived anyway.”
Charlie took my arm. “No, I wouldn’t have. Thank you.”
My cheeks had to be bright red. I jumped out of bed, pulling my arm free. “He should be okay for you to bring him back to your cabin, if you want to.”
“I’d rather stay here.” He spoke very fast.
“Okay, then make yourselves comfortable. Use the facilities as you’d like. I’m usually busy today.” I hurried from the room. “See you later.”
