Page 119 of Forever After All

“Prayers and water,” Linc said resolutely. “How’s the baby?”

“We had a scare earlier, but he’s looking stronger now.”

Linc stared at Jess, and his chest ached. “I hope he pulls through this.”

Jameson let out a long breath. “Thanks, man. Keep us in your prayers. Jess is in good hands.”

Linc readjusted the rag on her head, and his worry mounted. “I hope so.”

“Let me make some calls and get someone headed toward you.”

“Thanks.” Linc hung up the call and tossed the phone to the side. He unpacked the tents and worked to get them up as quickly as possible. The ground was still soft from the storm the night before, and his boots slid in the mud every time he moved.

His phone rang on the ground beside Jess as he tossed blankets inside. Scrambling for it like a lifeline, he answered before the second ring.

“Hey.”

“I’m headed your way,” Brett said.

“Who else?”

“Blake and Patrick. He’s a new one, but he has paramedic experience.”

Linc hung his cowboy hat on the top of the tent and pushed a hand through his hair. “Just get here as fast as you can.”

“You know I will. Is she okay?” Brett’s usual joking tone was nowhere to be found.

“I don’t know. I’m not sure the meds are working much.”

“Take care of her. I’ll be there soon,” Brett said before abruptly ending the call.

At least Linc wasn’t the only one willing to do anything for Jess. Her brother would push the limits to get here. Linc would bet his life on it.

Hopefully, no one’s life was at stake here.

He crawled into the tent and spread out the blankets and pillows. Jess was miserable, and Linc was grasping at straws to make her comfortable any way possible.

After arranging the bedding, Linc stepped back outside. Jess lay in the same position he’d left her in, cuddled to the pack under her cheek. Even in sleep, her brows wrinkled, and her fists clenched to her chest.

He’d done plenty of praying on the ride this morning, but Jess’s fever wasn’t ready to let up. Squatting beside her, he brushed a hand over the side of her face. The wrinkle faded, leaving her features relaxed.

Gently, he slid his hands beneath her and lifted her into his arms. She didn’t stir, even as her head lolled against his chest.

She was so small in his arms, but it wasn’t hard to remember the fiery woman who managed one of the most important parts of the ranch with a fierce determination that had even men a decade her senior snap to attention.

He ducked to step into the tent and gently laid her on the blankets. She rolled onto her side instantly, and he tucked the thin sheet around her.

Kneeling at her side, he hung his head. He wanted to pray or ask or beg, but the words wouldn’t come to him. Everything in his head was a war of worry and desperation. What could he do with that? Panic?

Finally, he found the simplest request. It summed up everything she needed.

Help her. Please.

He found a canteen and propped it beside her head and closed the tent behind him as he stepped out. After the horses were taken care of, he’d spend the rest of the day by her side.

The phone in his pocket rang as he plopped the bucket of water beside Liberty.

The name on the screen conjured up a turmoil inside him.

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