Page 119 of Forbidden (Old West 1)

Chapter Twenty

In the days that followed, Eddy grew stronger and stronger, and as a result was able to spend more time with her visitors. She hated being bedridden again but knew it was for the best. Fortunately, Jim prepared her meals. Doc didn’t want her eating Sylvia’s charred food, and Eddy was thankful. From Rhine, she learned what happened after she was shot by Natalie. Hearing that the driver lost his life left her saddened. “So is she still in jail?”

“No. Lyman called in some favors and a few days later got a judge to allow him to take her to a hospital in upstate New York for treatment. She’ll be there for quite some time.”

“Good.” Eddy wondered what Natalie’s fate might have been had she not been so privileged, but in the end it did not matter as long as she never had to cross paths with her again. “I’m sorry we have to put off the wedding.”

“You can’t enjoy the wedding night you’re so looking forward to if you’re still healing, so don’t worry about it.”

She smiled. “How are you and the girls getting along?”

“Regan will at least talk to me. Portia barely tolerates me.”

Eddy was saddened by that as well. “Has to do with her home life. She probably thinks you’re like the men who come and visit her mother.”

“What do you mean?”

“My sister Corinne is a whore.”

He stiffened.

“I’ll talk to the girls and try and explain our relationship. The only men they’ve ever come in contact with are Corinne’s customers, so give them some time. Before long they’ll love you as much as I do. Promise.”

He didn’t look convinced, but Eddy was.

“How long are they staying with us?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t been able to stay awake long enough to talk to them for any length of time but I will today. They said Corinne sent a letter. Are they in the hall?”

“Yes. They spent the morning with Vera. She’s in heaven getting them fitted for new clothes. I told her to spare no expense.”

“Better them than me,” Eddy cracked, and grinned.

He kissed her softly. “I’ll send them in.”

“Rhine?”

He turned.

“Thanks for saving me—­again.”

“You’re welcome. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

The girls came in and Eddy asked, “Did you have fun with MissVera?”

Regan nodded. “Our new dresses are so pretty.”

Portia stood by the window and looked out.

“Portia? What about you?”

“Why doesn’t Mama want us anymore?”

Eddy stilled. “What do you mean?”

Portia handed her a folded piece of paper. “It’s what she said in the letter.”

---