Alexander Ranch

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

"Bless your heart, Daisy. It's ten minutes to six," I heard someone say. I became immediately alert as I realized someone had come into the cabin. I could hear shoes coming towards me and then stop. I didn't dare move, however. I was frozen in place with fear at the sound of a new voice. Had that been the voice I'd heard in my sleep.

"It's not what you think," came Jordan's whispered voice. Then, I heard the rustling of the covers next to me. I couldn't see anything, only hear. I wanted so badly to turn around and see who Jordan was talking to. But, I didn't want them to know I was awake yet. So, I concentrated on breathing evenly.

"Then, what is it, Jordan? Do explain." The woman's voice sounded amused. Had he called her Daisy? This must be his sister in law I realized as the fog of sleep began to dissipate.

"Let's go in the kitchen so we don't wake her and I'll explain," he suggested sounding so relieved. I felt relieved also knowing that they didn't suspect I was awake. I wanted to hear what they had to say.

"Can you check her first? She was shot," Jordan asked anxiously.

"Shot!" Daisy's voice rose, all amusement gone.

"Shh!" Jordan admonished. "Yes."

I felt warm fingers touching my head where it peeked out under the blanket, and a soothing warmth flooded through me. My pain subsided a little. Then, the fingers were removed and I heard footsteps walking away. Moments later the murmur of voices could be heard farther away and my eyes fluttered open. Jordan's voice reached me. He sounded both relieved and agitated.

"I don't care what it looks like and it's not funny, Daisy. Damnit! This is serious."

"Ok, ok. You really are upset aren't you?"

"Yes! I could have killed her!"

"Oh, Jordan. You wouldn't have hurt her," the woman named Daisy chided gently.

"Not on purpose anyway," he retorted dryly. "Heck, I didn't know how badly she was hurt, or if she would survive the night."

"Well, my initial check shows she has some injuries, but nothing life threatening. Why don't you tell me what happened," Daisy suggested sounding much more concerned now. What did she mean her initial check. Had she checked me? Did I sleep through that?

"I was sitting on the beach watching the sunset. I was looking forward to spending the night all alone and having the cabin to myself," Jordan began. "I should have known better than to spend the last week with Logan and those two monsters he calls children."

"Yes, you should have known better. He's your brother. Don't you know yet when he's suckering you?" she laughed.

"Apparently not. It was fun, but I was exhausted. Who knew a 22 month old and a three year old took that much work? Daniela was a drill sergeant in a baby's body. She had us all wrapped around her little pudgy finger, and she knew exactly how to make us snap to attention. And, Tyler was just a blizzard that never seemed to sit still. He reminded me of the Tasmanian devil character in the LoonyToons cartoons."

"But, you knew this before you left, Jordan," Daisy mused, sounding puzzled. "You really are rattled, aren't you?"

"Of course I am. When Logan talked me into this joint venture it hadn't occurred to me that he was afraid to be alone with his overly active children. So, he sold me this false bill of goods that it would be awesome with just us men at the cabin with the kids. And, after being tortured by his heathens, I end up with a woman practically dying at my feet on my only night alone."

I didn't hear anything for a moment. Then, Daisy spoke in a calming voice, "Jordan, take a deep breath and tell me what happened."

"I'm sorry. As I was saying, I was sitting on the beach watching the sunset. Then, all of a sudden she was there."