Page 93 of An Unescorted Lady

When everyone scattered George lingered. "So, you're gonna be a daddy, huh?"

"Looks that way, the doc said it was a miracle that she was alive, and the baby was unharmed. Do you realize what a miracle that is, George? I never put much stock in miracles before, but I sure am rethinking it."

"I'd say a big one. I'm happy for you Lance." George told him.

"Yeah, me too. But do me a favor," Lance looked straight at him now.

"If I get to pushing her too hard about what she remembers, nudge me, will ya. I'm so anxious for everything to be back to normal, I'm afraid I might try to rush her."

"That's sounds pretty normal to me, but I will, I promise."

"Thanks."

"When's the baby due?"

"She's five months pregnant so late winter early spring, I reckon." Lance said with a smile.

"I wasn't sure I'd live to see it," George muttered.

"What's that?" Lance asked.

"Three generations of Rogers men."

"Well, it could be a girl."

George chuckled, "That'd be something, too! You know the boys and I were worried about you, too."

"I'm fine now!" Lance told him.

"It ain't over yet, but I truly hope it will be soon."

"I know. But I married her for better or worse and I'm going to do my best to make sure it's for better."

"We'll help all we can boss." George assured him.

"You know," Lance shook his head and sat down on the cot he'd slept on, "I was shocked to see Weamer here today, and then this…"

"Yeah, he's a strange bird, but I knew him for a long time and he's really not a bad sort. He had been in an accident a long time ago, I guess you noticed he don't walk straight."

"I did notice that when he got down from his wagon, but I didn't know why."

"He and his dad were cutting down a tree and it fell on him, broke his leg in three places. People said he'd never walk again but he did. He was young when it happened and as people do, they made fun of him for years. He got to be recluse when his folks died and stuck to himself. I always felt a little sorry for him. It wasn't by choice, they badgered him to death. I remember that."

"Well, I owe him, and we're gonna see he gets a side of beef once a month." Lance told him.

"Alright, we'll see to that. It was good of him to do what he did."

"Yes, I'll always be grateful." Lance told him. "You mind if I bunk

here for the next few weeks."

"Not at all. You gonna leave her alone for a while."

"I think it's best."

"Probably so."

"And about the cooking… "

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