My Heart Stood Still (Sisters Of Mercy Flats 2) by Lori Copeland Read Free Book Online Page A

said wearily, “Eulalie, you wouldn’t believe what’s happened.” While Eulalie dug buckshot out of Creed’s leg, Anne-Marie filled her in on the events of the past few days.
    “What do you think? You think Abigail and Amelia are safe?” Anne-Marie asked once the tale had unfolded.
    “Can’t say,” Eulalie admitted, “but you girls have a way of coming out on the good end of trouble.”
    Anne-Marie swayed with exhaustion as she held the lamp closer to the bleeding wound. “I hope so, Eulalie. Abigail and Amelia are all I have.”
    Eulalie picked out three large pieces of shot, each one plinking loudly in the enamel pan lying beside the table. When her fingers probed the torn flesh Creed moaned, his teeth clenching as the point of the knife discovered yet another fragment. Each one that clinked into the pan made Anne-Marie feel guiltier as she watched his face turn pale as a ghost’s even though he was thankfully unconscious.
    “Will he be all right?” She leaned closer, praying that he would recover. She should be afraid of this strange man, but she wasn’t. He was her defender, and the thought made her slightly giddy. She’d never had a man’s protection, not that she’d ever needed one. Abigail said that no woman needed a male hanging around, but sometimes when she was ranting on about the subject Anne-Marie thought, deep down, that maybe some women might. Men were strong and often kind and they could cut a cord of wood or clean a stringer of fish in less time than it took all three of the McDougal sisters.
    “For sure he’s a might stronger than his friend there,” Eulalie said.
    “I pray he will recover.”
    Eulalie bandaged Creed’s thigh and cast another look at Anne-Marie. “I’m guessing he ain’t your young man.”
    “No, he was just kind enough to help me. And look what I’ve done to repay him.”
    “He’s strong; all he needs is a few days to mend. And from the looks of you, a good rest wouldn’t hurt you any either. Let’s get him into bed, and then you try to get some sleep. And while we’re at it, let’s get you out of that nun clothing. It ain’t fittin for you to pretend to be something you ain’t.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    When Anne-Marie tried to move Creed he stirred, weakly pushingher away. Awake now, he turned defensive. “I can get to the bed on my own.”
    The cats gathered, meowing as though they wanted a better look at their guest.
    “Leave him alone, girls. He needs his rest.”
    Between Eulalie and Anne-Marie, the two women pulled Creed off the table and eased his body the few steps to the small cot in the corner of the cabin. But no sooner had they gotten him settled than they heard a moan coming from the man on the floor.
    Quincy sat up, grasping his head with both hands. “What happened?”
    “You fainted,” Anne-Marie said.
    “Fainted?” Quincy scrambled to his feet. “No, ma’am, I didn’t faint. I must’ve tripped over one of those cats, or something.”
    “Yes, that must be what happened.” Anne-Marie and Eulalie exchanged amused looks.
    Quincy spotted Creed lying on the cot. “Is he going to make it?”
    “Eulalie thinks he’ll be good as new in a few days.”
    “That’s good news.” He reached up gingerly to probe a knot the size of a goose egg forming on the side of his head.
    “It wouldn’t hurt any of us to get some sleep,” Eulalie said.
    Quincy edged toward the front door. “Well, I’ll just be going out to the lean-to. If you need anything, I’ll be close by.”
    Eulalie met his eyes, understanding passing between them. “It’s not necessary for you to sleep out there. Plenty of room in here where it’s warm.”
    “Thank you, ma’am, but I’d be more comfortable sleeping in the lean-to.”
    “Suit yourself. Just wanted you to know you’re welcome.” Shuffling to the stove, Eulalie took the lid off a pot and drew in the smell of the steamy contents. “Better have a bite to eat before you go. Mornin’s a ways