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every night to keep the wolves at bay—those pesky critters can get mighty ugly when they’re hungry.” He removed his hat. “Ma’am, I wouldn’t feel right sending you off like this unless I remind you of the snakes—’course it’s getting a little cold for the rattlers but you can never be too careful. If they get your horse then you’re on foot, and that would be troublesome. Trying to pack a bedroll and food—that’s tough, but if you’re lucky you’ll run into men on the road—but here again I’m presuming to tell you what to do and I do know how you don’t take kindly to that sort of thing. Now, some of those men are the mean sort. Real mean.” He settled his hat back on his head. “Guess that’s about it. You be sure and wrap up tightly because if snow moves in, a body can freeze to death in the elements.”
    By now Copper had lain over the saddle pommel and was staring blankly up at him. The cad. He was going to let her ride off to face certain death—a woman alone. A woman in so much pain she wanted to roll on the ground and tear her hair out by the roots.
    â€œWell.” He lifted his hand to smack the horse’s flank, sending her on her way. “Have a safe trip.”
    â€œStop!” She barely recognized her voice, but she knew she’d yelled. She broke into sobs. She hurt so badly.
    Redlin gently gathered her into his arms, and she buried her face in his warm shoulder and let her emotions come.
    His voice was warm against her temple. “I know you detest me, Copper, but I am not the enemy. I’m trying to help you.” He paused, lifting her chin, forcing her to look at him. Hot tears coursed down her cheeks. “You’re a sensible woman. What I’m going to tell you isn’t meantto frighten you, but you have to know the severity of your wound. The injury is so grave that you could lose your foot unless it’s handled properly. Infection might set in, but isn’t likely at this point since there’s no break in the skin, but Dr. Smith doesn’t know what we’re dealing with. Dr. Dyson will.”
    Her face nestled deeper into his buckskin jacket as the frightening words penetrated. She would be a cripple. She didn’t want to live.
    â€œThere’s an excellent doctor in Fort Riceson, and Matthews believes this man can save the limb.”
    â€œMy ankle isn’t infected now?”
    His tone gentled. “It doesn’t appear to be. That’s why we can’t waste time going on wild-goose chases. Let’s get to the fort first and see what Dyson says.” His gaze met hers in the moonlight. “Can we please call a truce in this insane feud between us? Will you stop fighting me and help me get you to Fort Riceson and back to good health?”
    She was so exhausted his plea barely touched the corner of her mind, but she understood the animosity must stop. If she was to have any chance to save the foot, she had to swallow her pride and get along.
    â€œNod if you agree.”
    She nodded.
    â€œThen let’s get you back to Adele’s wagon. She has a hot water bottle waiting for you.”
    â€œCan I have two spoons of laudanum tonight?”
    â€œAdele tells me you haven’t been swallowing the ones she’s given you. There’s a precious, limited supply.”
    â€œI won’t spit it out again.” That she could promise if this dreadful pain would only cease.
    â€œI’ll speak to Adele. We’ll keep you comfortable.”
    Josh Redlin might be the most maddening man the good Lord ever put on this earth, but at that moment Copper thought he was very close to being an angel.
    And she would swallow every beloved drop of laudanum.
    That was one promise she would have no trouble keeping.

Chapter 5
    T he wagon creaked over the rutted terrain. Copper lay on her pallet thinking that she had seen enough canvas ceiling to last a