Relieved to have Louise’s attention shifted to the others, Nate told them about the fort. “It’s a bit rough around the edges. It’s built on an island.” He’d spare them the news that spring floods threatened its very existence every year. “It’s the home of the North-West Mounted Police.”
Young Adams leaned forward. “Now, there’s a noble occupation.”
“Indeed.” Nate spent the rest of the afternoon being plied with questions. And bouncing over the rutted trail.
Seeing him occupied with conversation, Louise closed her eyes and clung to the strap by the window. At some point she fell asleep, and her hand released the strap, her head tipped back.
He edged forward, worried she’d fall when they hit a nasty bump.
The next rut threw her forward.
Louise’s head snapped up as she tumbled toward him. Her eyes flew open, wide with fear as she waved her arms in an attempt to stop her fall.
He steadied his feet and caught her, then pushed her back against the bench. “You’re safe. You’re okay.”
She swallowed audibly, holding to his arms with such strength, he knew he would have five little bruises on each arm.
“Missy, trade places with me.” He kept his eyes on Louise as Missy edged past him.
She slowly released her hold on him and he sat down in the middle of the seat, placing one arm around her shoulders. “Put your head here.” He patted the spot on his arms where her head would rest. “I’ll hold you so you can sleep.”
She shook her head. “I’m not tired.”
“Then you must be the only one here who isn’t.”
The others murmured agreement.
“I’ve a very soft shoulder,” he said, hoping to tease her into relaxing.
She eyed the spot, then lifted her gaze to him. “I’m fine.” The protest on her lips did not reach her eyes.
He cupped his hand over her cheek and drew her head down to his shoulder. “Now, that’s not so bad, is it?”
He held her close with one arm about her shoulders. With the other, he grasped the leather strap so that she was held securely in his arms.
She resisted for a moment or two, then with a sigh that reminded him of a cat purring, she leaned into him and fell asleep.
Nate looked down at her, so peaceful, yet even in sleep, he detected signs of strain. He shifted his gaze to Missy.
“I’m worried about her,” Missy whispered, which did nothing to alleviate Nate’s concerns.
“I’ll take care of her.”
Missy nodded. “I know you will.” She opened her mouth as if she meant to say more but glanced at the others in the coach and didn’t speak.
Nate adjusted his position, getting as comfortable as possible, considering the way he sat. The stage jolted a bit and he held Louise steady. If only the trail would remain smooth for the next hour so she could sleep.
He no sooner thought it than the front wheels lurched into a rut and unseated them all. He braced his feet and held on tight, keeping both himself and Louise planted.
“Oh,” she groaned and pressed a palm to her bulging belly. Her eyes flew open and her gaze hit Nate’s, full of surprise and fear. Then she pulled her stubbornness back into place. “I’m fine.”
“Yup. Of course you are. No doubt enjoying this rough ride as much as the rest of us.”
She had the good grace to look less defensive. “No more, no less than the others.” She pushed aside his hand holding her in place.
“Did you have a good sleep?” he asked, keeping his voice so innocent that she frowned at him.
“Don’t tease me. It’s not kind.”
Missy leaned forward, an innocent look on her face. “After all she’s huge and uncomfortable. You should show her extra kindness.”
“Missy, not you, too!” Louise blurted out.
Missy widened her eyes. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“You’ve been fussing at me since we left. Just like Nate.”
He and Missy grinned at each other.
“I live for the day she’ll see me as an adult,” Missy said.
Nate replied, “I live for the day she’ll say she appreciates my concern.”
Miss Rolfe sighed. “She’s fortunate to have you. I’d give anything for a man who looked at me the way you look at her.”