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her breathing to stay steady. What was it about him that brought on such warm feelings?
    He rubbed the back of his head. The gesture only emphasized his strong arms, making the muscles bulge in a way that beckoned her to touch them.  Sarah took a step back.
    “Yeah, my head’s spinning like crazy,” he said. His voice sounded strangled and forced.
    “Here,” she thrust the shirt out to him. “One of my brothers’ shirts. It should fit you well enough. You should sleep.” She tilted her head to look at him. He really didn’t look well. “Would you like some tea for the pain?”
    “How do you know I have a headache?” His eyes narrowed.
    “Your eyes are glazed, and you’re holding the back of your head. I can make you some willow bark tea. It will take the pain away.”
    “Thanks for letting me crash here tonight,” he said. “I’ll get a ride to Canyon tomorrow.”
    She pointed a finger in the direction of her room. “Go lie down. I will bring you some tea. Tomorrow you will feel better.” She didn’t understand his strange phrases. Where was her mother when she needed her?
    He shuffled off to the bedroom, and Sarah couldn’t help but stare after him. She watched the muscles move on either side of his spine. He was a beautiful man. He was tall and lean, and looked strong. His face was nice to look at, although he did need to wash. He had a strong firm jaw, and intelligent eyes. How did such a man get himself lost in the middle of a thunderstorm?
    After he disappeared inside her room, Sarah rummaged through her mother’s jars and pouches for some willow bark. Finding it in a leather pouch, she removed a handful and put it in a tin cup. She stoked the fire in the hearth and set more water to boil.
    “What are we going to do with him, Grizzly?” Sarah took a seat in the rocking chair while she waited for the water to heat up. Her dog laid his huge head in her lap, and she stroked him between the ears. “He wants to return to the canyon, but I’m not sure he’s fit enough for such a long walk.” Grizzly’s ears twitched, and his black eyes stared up at her. He whined in apparent sympathy. Chase’s mention of companions left her with an uneasy feeling. One man she could handle on her own. More than one might be a problem.
    Sarah quietly opened the door to her bedroom with the hot cup in her hand. A slow smile formed on her face. Chase was sprawled face-down in her bed, one long leg dangling over the sides. He hadn’t bothered putting the shirt on.  He didn’t move. She set the cup on her little table next to the bed, and pulled the buffalo hide over him, then quietly left the room.
    *****
     
    Sarah stretched and yawned, then opened her eyes. For a second, she wondered why she was lying in Samuel’s bed. Then she remembered. Chase! How had he managed through the night? Bright ribbons of light from the early morning sun reached the loft from the window below. She hastily pulled her britches on, and strapped her belt around her waist. Her hair cascaded in disheveled waves down her back and over her face. She ran her hand through it to push it back. Then she climbed down the ladder.
    The first thing that caught her eye was the open door to her bedroom. She remembered closing it the night before. Grizzly was standing by the front door, whining softly. His head turned in her direction, sending her a pleading look with his almond eyes. Sarah peered into her room. The bed was empty. Chase must have gone outside. Had he left already? Her heart beat faster at the thought. Was that disappointment she felt?
    She opened the cabin door and stepped out into the bright morning, scanning the meadow that spanned in front of the cabin, all the way to the Madison River about fifty yards away. He was standing at the river’s edge, staring into the distance. He wore his odd half-britches, and the shirt she had given him the night before. He must have seen her. He trotted towards her.
    “Sarah, where are we?” He