Page 45 of The Gold Rush Bride

“One of us should be with him all night, in case he wakes up. Do you have more of that willow bark?”

Barnaby nodded. “I do, and I can make more.”

She bathed his forehead. “That would probably be a good idea. We need to keep it on hand at all times. Which shift do you want?”

“Neither, we stay together. He’s got enough room on the floor for one of the mattresses. We can share it. You’ll just have to sleep on top of me.” His mouth quirked up on one side and he winked. “You usually do anyway.”

Her face heated, and she smiled. “Yeah, I guess I do. Okay, I’ll stay with him and keep rubbing him down with cold water to see if his fever will break. You can get the mattress and bedding.”

“On my way.” He stepped out of the tent.

She turned her attention back to the injured man on the cot. “Thank you, Seth. You stopped that claim jumper and we’re grateful, so don’t you go dying on me before we get to thank you properly.”

Barnaby came back with the mattress and then left again for the blankets.

After he returned, she made the bed while he worked to cool Seth’s heated body. After a couple of hours of being rubbed down, Seth started to shiver. The fever broke, and now he had the chills.

“So...so...cold.” Seth’s teeth chattered.

“I’m just glad you’re awake, my friend.” Barnaby took his hand.

“Yes, we might have given up and left you for dead. Just kidding,” said Sadie.

Seth chuckled. “Ow, ow, don’t make me laugh.”

“You’ll be fine, you old faker,” said Barnaby.

“Perhaps, but why would I want to stop having a beautiful woman fuss over me?” Seth grinned.

Sadie slapped the washcloth against his shoulder. “We’re staying here until we think you can get on by yourself.”

“I’m fine. You two don’t have to worry about me.” He braced himself on the edge of the cot, threw his legs over the side and sat up. “See? I’m a tough old bird. Ain’t that right, Barnaby?”

“That you are, but we’ll be staying a few days to make sure.”

“If you must.” Then he grinned. “I’m looking forward to some good cooking.”

Sadie pulled a slow smile. “I can’t say how good the food will be, but I’m sure we’ll do our best. I do breakfast and breads. Barnaby does lunch and supper.”

“Any cooking that’s not mine is very much appreciated. I need to get up and do my business. Barnaby, will you help me get on my shirt and then out there?” He pointed outside.

“Sure.” He helped Seth button his long johns and then put on his shirt. “Just lean on me and I’ll get you there.”

Sadie watched as the two men left the tent. She had a new friend, and she couldn’t be more pleased, except if Barnaby would tell her he was happy about the baby. That worried her most of all.

CHAPTER12

With Seth’s recovery going well enough for them to return to their own camp, Sadie and Barnaby started working the river again.

Sadie worked up river from her husband when she noticed a small spring emptying into the river. She went to it, reached down into the hole the water bubbled from. She brought up a handful of dirt and rocks. Only when she got them in her pan, she saw they weren’t rocks, but nuggets.

Oh, my God.Her heart pumped and her body felt like lighting was running through it.She had to show Barnaby. She stepped out of the river and ran down to him.

“Barnaby! Barnaby!” she called over the roar of the river.

He looked up from where he stood about twenty feet from her, with his legs apart and braced against the rushing water.

She waved him over.