Page 21 of Westbound Awakening

The woman's face fell, and she seemed to shrink back into the wall. "You don't plan to keep me here when you become mistress of the house?"

"Oh no!" Mae went to her and patted her shoulder awkwardly. "I just don't want to be an added burden to you right now. I imagine taking care of my father is a lot of work."

"Yes, it is," Elma acknowledged, "but I love to do what I can for Senor Hawkins. He has been kind to me and my family." The woman brightened and looked up at her. "Please relax Senorita Hawkins. I bring you coffee this morning, and after today, if you wish to take over some duties, let me know." With a quick smile, Elma left the room without waiting for Mae to respond.

Where were her father's children? Why was he alone with only Elma and Alan? Mae washed her face and dressed then sat to brush out her hair.

Elma returned with a tray.

"Will my father be at breakfast?"

"No, Senor Hawkins does not come to breakfast. He is too weak and cannot leave his bed any longer."

"Oh. I will go see him then. Is now a good time?" Mae asked.

Elma pressed her lips together. "I think it's better if you wait until after breakfast. I just gave him a dose of medication and he is resting."

"Where is his family? Why is he alone?"

"Senor Hawkins has no family senorita, just you. Senora Hawkins died five years ago. They had no children. The only family here is one nephew, Senora Mary's nephew, who helps Senor Joe with the horses. His name is Joshua. He is gone to deliver horses, should return in a day or two."

"Is Joshua close to my father?"

"Oh yes, very much so." Elma beamed. “He is a very good man. Senor Joshua has been helping Alan and the ranch hands. The poor man has been running things here for your father since he became ill and also working on his own ranch.

Interesting. "Why doesn't my father leave this ranch to Joshua then? It would make more sense than to give it to me. I don't have any experience nor am I even sure I will live here."

Elma frowned. "He has his reasons."

"Yes, I suppose I will find out after breakfast then." Mae sipped her coffee while Elma shook the linens and made her bed. Already she'd discovered several interesting things. But she didn't care to learn much more. This was only a visit, and once she met her father and talked with him, she'd let him know she planned to return to Virginia. This was about seeing her father and ensuring he realized she did not hold a grudge. The only questions would be out of curiosity, to know if she had any siblings and also perhaps find out the true reason he summoned her.

Yes, it was best she address her concerns with her father as soon as possible. Although she owed the man nothing, if he wanted to make amends before dying, there was no reason to deny him that.

12

Today was not a good day to die. Neither was tomorrow actually. His entire body shook and his teeth chattered; yet he felt hot at the same time. John splashed cool water on his heated face from the basin in the hotel room. His stomach grumbled, the hunger almost unbearable. He should have asked about a room on the first floor. Just the thought of navigating the stairs to the first floor for breakfast made him feel sicker.

The second grumble motivated him, but his leg throbbing in response assured him that it would indeed be a torturous experience to descend. He looked at his reflection the mirror; his cheeks were hollowed, eyes glassy with purple circles underneath.

When was the last time he'd eaten? He pressed his lips together to keep from crying out when he moved back toward the bed and sat upon it, and a piercing ache throbbed deep into his leg muscle. In the two days since leaving Mae, his leg pain had worsened considerably. Once again the sense of dread enveloped him. Somehow he'd survive just long enough to find his child.

He said a prayer of thanks when a knock at the door sounded. "Please come in." His voice quivered slightly. A woman, who he recognized as the innkeeper's wife, slipped inside. She looked upon him and her mouth fell open, her eyebrows shooting high. It confirmed his belief. He must not look at all well.

"Would you like something to eat Mister McClain?" The woman asked. "We haven't seen you in a couple of days, so I thought it was best to check on you check and ensure all was well."

John sank further onto the bed, his shoulders leaning on the headboard. "Thank you ma'am, I'm obliged. I have been ill and not able to leave the room. Certainly would appreciate something to eat and perhaps some coffee."

"You seem to be running a fever. I can call Doctor Kennedy. You don't look well at all Mr. McClain." The rotund woman moved closer peering down at him with brows cinched together and placed the back of her hand against his jawline. "Mister McClain, you are very warm. I think you have a high fever. Let me send a boy to fetch the doctor right away."

"No, I thank you, but please don't call the doctor. I will go see him once I take care of some business. I'll be fine." He attempted to hide a shiver, yet she saw it by the thinning of her lips.

"Well all right, I'll see about getting you something to eat Mister McClain, but you should consider getting seen." She studied him with a scowl for a moment. "I'll bring you something for the fever."

The promise of food gave him energy. After she left, John got up and hobbled to the window to look down to the main street, which ran through the center of Hastings. On the street below, people moved about. A cart piled high with bales of hay passed, the driver reining back his horse when a man ran across the street waving at him to stop. The man caught up with the wagon, and after paying for it, he pulled a large bale of hay from the back of the wagon and tottered with it toward the stables. Two men on horseback pulled up at the saloon across from the hotel. Deep in conversation, they went inside. A trio of woman hurried past, their arms filled with parcels. From the looks of it, it was late in the morning.

Mae would like this town.

He caught sight of a woman exiting a doorway and leaned over the railing to wave at the women. Dressmaker was etched on the shingle over her head. Mae could live here with him. He shoved away from the window and almost collapsed from the pain the movement caused. "Damn it." With gritted teeth, he moved back to the bed. It was best he get Mae out of his head, stop thinking about her. Even if he survived this injury, there was no telling where he'd end up. Regardless of her lifestyle, Mae was used to a pampered secure life, which he could never provide, not if he continued to be sick or worse.