Missy helped Louise wash and put on a fresh gown.
“It seems strange to have you taking care of me.”
“I know,” Missy replied. “You’ve always thought you should take care of me. It’s about time the roles were reversed.”
Missy brushed Louise’s hair and braided it as before, then Phil put the baby in Louise’s arms. “Ready for your husband?”
Louise nodded. She wanted him to see the baby.
Nate came in and the ladies slipped out, closing the door behind them.
Nate knelt at the side of the bed. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” She laughed with pure joy. “Isn’t she a beauty?”
Nate touched the baby’s head, put his finger in her hand, and the baby curled her fingers about his. His eyes grew watery.
“I think she likes me.”
She’d learn there was much to like about Nate—except their journey would soon be over. But all she said was, “Of course she does.”
“Have you picked out a name?”
She met his eyes. “I thought you could help me.”
He looked surprised and then pleased and then thoughtful. “Wasn’t Mrs. Porter’s name Chloe? I like that.”
“I do, too. How fitting to name her after her grandmother and a woman that was special to us both.”
“So Chloe it is?”
She nodded, almost overcome with emotion. Tears stung her eyes and she couldn’t talk.
Nate cupped her cheek with his hand and waited for her to calm herself. “The others are anxious to meet her.”
“Let them in.”
He opened the door and the group crowded into the room.
“Did you choose a name?” Missy asked.
“Chloe.”
Missy’s eyes clouded with tears. “After my ma?”
“Yes.”
“Chloe Hawkins. I like it.”
She had no wish to correct Missy, and Nate didn’t seem to notice. Of course, everyone else assumed the baby would have his name. She would not ruin the moment by thinking of the future.
One by one, the others slipped out. When she and Nate were finally alone, there was something she had to say. “Nate, you didn’t have to stay back on my account. I didn’t expect you to. Guess it surprised me that you did.”
He stared down at her, his expression unreadable, his blue eyes as dark as an evening sky. “Why didn’t you tell me you were so close to having the baby before we left?”
“Would you have taken us if you knew?”
“Probably not.”
“Then that’s your answer. But we’ll be okay now. Phil is a good sort.”
He crossed his arms. Standing above her like that, he looked formidable. Angry, even. “Do you really think I’d abandon you?”
“You wouldn’t be the first.”
He studied her for a moment. “Do you mean your mother?”
She nodded, shifting her gaze to the wee one in her arms. “Do you have any idea how it feels to have your mother leave you? I simply can’t imagine leaving my baby.”
He sat on the edge of the bed. “I suppose a woman would have to have some pretty major problems to leave her child.”
“I suppose so.”
“Problems that had nothing to do with the child.”
She considered his words as he waited, giving her time and space. Finally, she sighed. “I expect you’re right.”
“You know I am. Now, look, I promised to get you to the ranch and I will do so.” He patted her arm. “Think you can remember that?”
“I’ll try.” She wanted to ask if he would miss his meeting but couldn’t bear to risk this feeling of harmony between them. “We can leave yet today. I’m ready to travel.”
He chuckled. “It’s almost time for supper. Don’t think Dutch will want to set out now. So you relax and enjoy one more night in a comfortable bed.” He pushed to his feet. “Now I’ll let you rest before Phil chases me out.”
She didn’t need to sleep. She needed to get up and prove to them all she was ready to travel. But first she must tend the baby.
After she fed her newborn, Phil came in. “I’ll put her down and you sleep while you can.”
Louise wanted to protest but was too drowsy. As soon as Phil left the room, she fell asleep.