Page 47 of Redeeming the Outlaw
“Why are you suddenly sitting there looking so happy?”
“I need you to find Rex... or Mudd. I don’t care who it is. Find someone to go to town and bring Briggs back here. I need to talk to him.”
Standing, Annamae moved to the side of the bed and pressed a hand to Whit’s forehead.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Checking to see if you are all right.”
“Just do it. I really need to talk to him.”
“I’ll be back.” Annamae swished her skirt as she headed out of the room.”
“Annie?”
Annamae turned with a little smile. “What else do you need?”
“Bring me another biscuit when you come back. And some coffee, please.”
Esther sat on the edge of her small bed, staring at the worn wooden floorboards. Doc hadn’t stopped by, and no one could take her to town. It had been four agonizing days since she left Whit’s room and told him she couldn’t be with him anymore. She even let Annamae tend to his burns, too afraid to face him after what she said.
Four days of sleeping alone in a cramped bed, reminiscent of the pup tent they used to share at the hideouts. She lay awake each night, longing for his arms to wrap around her as they did so many times before, but she resisted the urge to seek him out, knowing it would only lead to more heartache.
Instead, she kept herself busy with chores around the house, trying not to think about Whit or the feelings she still had for him.
Meanwhile, Esther and Tillie cooked and cleaned for the steady stream of men who came to talk to Whit about the Richards family. She couldn’t help but wonder if these men knew one of the Richards was right under their noses. The thought made her uneasy, but she knew she had to keep up appearances and play her part in this dangerous game.
“Esther!” Whit called to her as she walked past his room on the way to the kitchen.
She hesitated, her hand gripping the door frame tightly as she fought the urge to burst into his room and confess her love for him. He stood barefoot in front of the washing stand, dressed in his dark pants and shirt which he hadn’t fully buttoned. She could see the bandages under his shirt through the looking glass and noticed the angry welts on his face were starting to fade.
As he combed his wet hair, he caught sight of her standing in the doorway. Slowly, he made his way over to her while buttoning up his shirt, and it took all her strength not to break down right then and there.
As he reached the entrance, he casually placed one hand against the sturdy door frame and leaned toward her. Esther noticed he hadn’t finished buttoning the top few buttons, and a sprinkling of dark hair peeked through the top of the bandages. The musky scent of soap mixed with something distinctly Whit enveloped her as he stood mere inches away.
“You bathed,” she said.
His piercing blue eyes held her gaze for a minute, and then he laughed. “Is that all you have to say to me?”
She shifted uncomfortably under his stare. “I’m glad to see you are up and moving around, Whit.”
He inched toward her, his breaths becoming heavier and more audible. She couldn’t help but notice the subtle movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed nervously.
“Esther,” he breathed, his breath warm against her cheek. “Why are you avoiding me? I’ve missed you at night.”
Her eyes snapped to his. “It would be improper for me...”
He clasped her hand in his and gently guided it to rest on the doorframe. His voice was low and husky as he spoke. “I know you came and slept next to me at night.”
“How?”
“There’s nothing to be ashamed of, darlin’. You are the reason I got better.”
She swallowed hard, her heart racing at his proximity. “I’m not avoiding you, Whit. I’ve just been busy is all.”
His jaw clenched as he studied her face. “Too busy to tend to my wounds like you’ve always done?”
“You’re getting better.” Esther dropped her gaze, focusing on a loose thread on his shirt. “Annamae’s been doing a fine job. There’s no need to pretend we’re married anymore.”
