Free Charlotte's Mail Order Husband (New Montana Brides series) by Susan Leigh Carlton Page A

“I want to sit with my husband,” she said.
    Are you sure? I meant what I said,” Carter said.
    “I know you did, and I thank you for saying it. Now, may I?”
    “Yes.” He moved back, and she sat down and took Zebulon’s hand and began massaging it. The effects of the ether had worn off and he began to stir. He opened his eyes, looked at her, and said, “Lottie.” He closed his eyes and went back to sleep.
    “I need to get back to town. Send for me, if you need me,” Carter said.
    “ Carter,” Carrie said, “Thank you.”
    Case shook his hand. “You will be back tomorrow?”
    “Yes, I’ll be out in the morning, “ Carter said.
    “Carter… Doctor, thank you. For everything.” She stood and wrapped her arms around him and hugged him.
    The tears in her eyes were not tears of self-pity. They were tears of hope.

 
    chapterSixteen
    The Road To Recovery
    Lottie sat by the bedside, leaving only when necessary. She ate lunch for the first time since Zebulon was hurt. Late in the afternoon, she heard a scratchy voice say her name, “Lottie…”
    She raised up and saw both his eyes were open and looking at her. His head was beaded with sweat. She touched it and found it blessedly cool. “Carrie” she called out. “Can you come in here?”
    Carrie came hurrying into the room, followed closely by Case. “What is it?” she asked.
    “I think his fever’s broken. Feel his forehead,” Lottie said.
    Carrie laid her hand on the sweaty skin. “You’re right. Thank God.”
    Lottie had her face buried in the va lley between his shoulders and chin. “Welcome back, Darling. I thought I was going to lose you.”
    Three days later...
    Whit had the wagon by the back door of the Lazy J Ranch house. Case had put their things in the wagon. The doctor had given the okay for him to move about. They were going home again.
    “Zeb ulon, I’m going to check on the wood for the stove and fireplace,” Lottie said.
    Sh e was back in a few minutes. “Apparently, Whit had someone split some. We’ve got plenty for the time being.
    “You go sit down . I don’t want you to overdo it. I’ll fix us some lunch,” Lottie said.
    He heard her say, from the kitchen, “Well, would you look at that.
    “What is it?” Zebulon asked.
    “It looks like the cook fixed lunch for us.” There are some pork chops, beans and potatoes, and tomatoes in here. The work’s all done. I’ll get you a plate.”
    After they ate, Zebulon said, “We haven’t even seen the furniture yet. Let’s check it out. Most of what he had ordered had been delivered by the drayage company. “It’s beautiful.” Lottie said. “In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would live in anything so fine. Thank you, Zebulon. Thank you for making a home for me.”
    “Let’s look at the bedroom,” he said. “I was hoping this would be delivered before I brought you home. I guess Whit saw to setting it up.”
    “Zebulon, this is so incredible I can’t believe it. It must have cost a fortune. I’ve never seen anything as nice. Pinch me to make sure I’m awake.”
    “Where?” he asked.
    “Where what?”
    “Where should I pinch you?”
    “You behave. You know Carter said to take it easy.”
    He sat on the bed and patted the bed beside him. “I need to tell you something. I took gold out of Last Chance Gulch every day for over two and a half years. A lot of gold. Then I sold the claim. We own the ranch free and clear. It’s making a profit. We, notice I said we, have a fortune. I don’t have to work, but I like to, and when I work, I work hard.
    “I wanted a wife I could be proud of, and now I have one. I wanted a nice home , one I could bring my wife to, and now I have that.
    “ Lottie, I want us to have a nice life. And we will. I have some very good friends; you’ve met them, and now they’re your friends. One thing I don’t have… yet, is a son. All of this means nothing if there’s no one to leave it to.”
    “I’ll give you a son, Zebulon.