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you’re hurt?”
    “No. She just likes to point out how many more car accidents there are compared to buggy. She always complains when she needs to ride in an automobile to town. The buggy accidents just make the news more because folks get hurt worse—”
    Aaron’s eyes widened and he looked to Dat, as if realizing what he’d just said. But her father paid no attention. Instead, as he removed his hat and coat, Dat’s eyes were fixed on his wife.
    “’Tis a dangerous time of year to be traveling these roads.” Dat hung up his coat, then sat on the chair next to Mem. His hand reached over and took hers. “If I woulda known Aaron was coming I would have picked a driver I trust. Ben Stone—he’s a good driver. Would’ve got Aaron here in one piece.”
    Mem’s upper lip flinched, but she said nothing.
    Hearing Ben’s name, heat rose to Marianna’s cheeks. She hoped Aaron didn’t notice.
    “Of course, nothin’ we can do about that now.” Marianna sighed and then turned to Aaron. “What’s done is done and we have to get you on the mend. How did it break? How long did that doctor say you must be in that cast?”
    “My leg is broken right above the knee. They put in a plate and screws.”
    Marianna could tell his energy was fading fast.
    Aaron forced a small chuckle. “I wonder what the bishop will think of all the technology in my leg.” He sighed. “But that means I can’t move around much. Not for six weeks soonest. Could be longer.”
    Six weeks? Marianna looked to Mem.
    Mem’s jaw tensed, and her lips moved as if chewing down words that rushed to break through. She glanced at Marianna, then averted her eyes as if realizing she’d dug a hole that swallowed them all. Marianna would have a chance to spend time with Aaron, all right. No going around that now.
    Marianna scooted a kitchen chair closer to Aaron and sat. “I’m sorry to hear that. It’s a long time to lay around, but we’ll do our best to tend to you.”
    Aaron wet his lips and his eyes met hers. He blinked and she could tell he attempted to find words to turn their conversation to a more pleasant subject, but pain reflected in his eyes. His face reddened. Sweat beaded on his forehead. She reached for Aaron’s hand and he wrapped his large hand around hers tight—as if holding it would provide the relief he needed.
    Her throat tensed and tears pooled. How selfish she’d been to worry that Aaron’s being here would be a bother to her. He was in pain. This was a serious injury. And it could have been worse.
    I could have lost him. Could she imagine her life without Aaron?
    Her thumb stroked the top of his hand—the most physical contact they’d ever had. Somehow it seemed natural, right. “Do you need anything? Did they provide you with medication for the pain?”
    “ Ja, ja . But it’s not working as I’d like.” Aaron squared his shoulders. “The ride up here . . . think I tensed up because of the snow on the road. Couldna rest. Could not get comfortable. And when we passed the spot where the accident happened . . .” He shook his head.
    “How’d it happen?” Charlie piped up, for the first time being brave enough to join the adult conversation.
    “Charlie, he don’t need to be sharing.” Marianna looked to her hands. The roads up to the West Kootenai were dangerous even during good weather. The highway ride wasn’t bad, but then it turned onto a small, windy road. Then, once over the bridge, a wide, gravel path wound up the mountain with a steep cliff on one side, falling to the lake. Who would have guessed a whole community used that as their main thoroughfare. She disliked automobile travel on these roads as it was, although she agreed with her father. If she had to travel with anyone, it would be Ben who she’d trust.
    She fixed her gaze on her brother. “I’m sure Aaron needs to rest. We don’t need to bother him with that now.”
    “I don’t mind. Just an icy road, that’s all. Happened so fast. The van