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as much blood as possible, then took a thin band of material and wound it tightly around Tyler’s shoulder. Blood continued to ooze out. She knew he’d never survive if she didn’t stop the bleeding.
    “Wes, bring me your flat-iron griddle.” When Wes didn’t respond, she looked up. He hesitated, giving her a sour look. “You’ll see. Please, just get it. And hurry!”
    Lily took five layers of linen, ripped them into squares and set them on Tyler’s shoulder. When Weshanded her the griddle, she placed it over the cloth. “I hope this does it. The pressure should help stop the bleeding.”
    “That boy gonna be able to breathe?” The old man eyed the heavy griddle.
    “It’s not directly over his heart, and if we don’t do something quick, he’d not be breathing soon, anyway.”
    Wes flinched. Moisture touched the corners of his eyes. “He’ll be a breathin’.”
    Lily took a second to give Wes a reassuring smile. “I think he’ll make it, too. The blood isn’t soaking up the cloth as much anymore. All the same we’ll leave the griddle on until Doc Ramsey gets here.”
    “Sure is a good thing you was here, Miss Lillian.”
    Lily looked down at her patient. His face was pale, an ashen gray, and his broad chest was moving up and down in small shallow bursts. Lily took a clean cloth and wiped down his sweat-stained face. “Maybe it was a good thing I came to the ranch today, Wes.”
    “You’ll be a stayin’?”
    Wes asked with such a hopeful expression, Lily hadn’t the heart to deny him. Besides, she couldn’t leave the ranch until she was sure Tyler would be all right and Bethann was cared for.
    Maybe it was Tyler’s halfhearted proposal just days ago, or maybe it was her own unyielding sense of responsibility, but Lily felt obligated to take hold of the situation. Tyler needed her help.
    She shrugged off the repercussions. Her reputation would probably be ruined. Tongues in Sweet Springs could wag all they liked. In a short time, she’d be heading east to make a fresh start with her only remaining family member. With a sigh, she answered, “I’ll be staying.”

Chapter Four
    L etty Sue fainted dead away.
    Doc Ramsey had urged everyone to stay clear of his patient while he removed the bullet. Lily had been at the doctor’s side assisting when Letty Sue burst through the door, insisting on seeing Tyler.
    She took a long look at the unconscious man, then at his bloodstained shirt heaped in a pile by the narrow cot. Once-pristine white cloth dripping with Tyler’s life juices draped a stool in the corner. It was all Letty Sue saw before she dropped rather unceremoniously onto the floor.
    Doc Ramsey stole a glance her way and rolled his eyes. He asked Wes to fetch her ma. Lily reminded Wes to keep Bethann and Rhonda Mae in the house until Lily could look after them.
    Minutes later Joellen rushed in and brought her daughter to, then guided her outside away from another scene that might threaten her sensibilities.
    Doc Ramsey shook his head. “I’m not sure how much blood he’s lost, but he’s a strong man. And you did him a good turn by stopping the drainage like you did. It might’ve saved his life.”
    Lily wavered. “Then…he’ll live?”
    “God willin’. He’ll need constant care for several days. And most likely, he’ll develop a fever. Tyler won’t be splittin’ logs for a spell.” The doctor grinned. “I’ve known this boy a long time. He’ll be madder’n a hornet when he comes to.”
    “I’ll put up with his anger, Doc, as long as he wakes up.”
    Doc Ramsey peered down at her through his spectacles. “Miss Lillian, are you going to tend him?”
    Did she have a choice? Joellen had taken Letty Sue home. Wes was hopeless. His wrinkled skin had become almost as pale as Tyler’s from watching the doctor administer to the man. For a moment there Lily thought Wes was about to meet with the bunkhouse floor himself. Pride and a healthy dose of masculine ego were probably all