Second Chance Cowboy

Chapter 4

            What else could he say?  As he held Lanie he thought about Beth. Vibrant, full of life Beth.  He tried to imagine her sick and helpless and needing her best friend.  He just couldn’t wrap his brain around it.  Not Beth. Then he remembered their conversation. She had been so worried about Lanie and wanting to make this arrangement for Lanie.  The bit about a getaway for Beth and Sam must have been something Beth told her, because Beth never mentioned it to him! This was all done for Lanie.  Just like Beth to send Lanie off on a retreat to relieve her stress while Beth undergoes chemotherapy, as if that wasn't stressful! 

            "Lanie, honey, listen to me."

            He tried again to calm her.  Her shaking sobs had quieted.  He knew her ribs were hurting her badly.  He would give her something to make her sleep later.  It would help give her stiffened muscles time to relax and perhaps ease her pain some even when she awakened.

            "Lanie." He gently rubbed her back.  "Lanie, this wasn't your fault.  Beth can be very persuasive.  She gets a bee in her bonnet and there's no stopping her." 

            "Oh Bethie” At least that's what he thought Lanie said. 

            "Lanie. Listen to me."

            She felt his big gentle hands lifting her from him. She tipped her head up toward him. O how she wished she could see him. 

            "Lanie, you need to get a grip on yourself.  This isn't helping Beth and it's certainly not helping you either. Your ribs must feel like they're on fire."

            There was a slow nod.  Her shoulders trembled.  He knew she was trying to stop crying.  He was grateful he could not see the heartbreak in her eyes.

            "Better?  Ok.  Now we can talk about this.  I have a story to tell you, and it's very different from the one you just told me.  But first, I'm going to wash your hair.  And that means I need to get these bandages off.  You must promise me you will be very still.  I don't want to hurt you or open anything up again, honey."

            Again there was a small nod and she stilled as if frozen in his hands.  He smiled.  He had always changed her bandages while she was sedated.  He wanted to ease the pain as much as possible for her.  He knew what it felt like to hurt all over.  Unconsciously he rolled his left shoulder and felt the scar brush his shirt.  He knew she really wanted the bandages gone from her eyes and he hoped it would be a distraction for her.  As he unwrapped the bandages he had to admit that he was glad as well.  He had wondered what color her eyes were from the first day.

            "I am going to ask that you be still while I wash your hair.  I don't want to get soap in your eyes.  When you open your eyes, do it very slowly and let your eyes adjust. They've been in the dark a very long time.  They will be very sensitive to the light."

            He worked carefully, gently removing the bandage.  The cut across her brow had been long and deep.  He had needed to stitch it.  He had worked very carefully to avoid scarring.  He had kept it bandaged with ointment to help keep the skin softened and to avoid infection.  It was still an ugly mess and he was glad he didn't have any mirrors in the cabin.  He cleaned it and applied fresh ointment. She sucked air through her teeth.

            "I’m sorry if I hurt you."

            "No, it's cold!" she laughed.  He smiled.  She had forgotten her tears.