Daniel slid his arm around her shoulders and drew her close. “Aye. I have a recipe my granny passed down to my mother. It’s a salve that prevents infection better than anything the doc gave us. Will you help me make some for Charles? I’m sure we can gather what we need nearby, and honey is a main ingredient, which we always keep on hand.”
“Of course, and I’ll help you nurse him back to health.” She rested her head on his shoulder. Exhaustion wrapped around her like a thick fog. She and Daniel had done what they’d set out to do, what she’d come back through time to accomplish. Right now, all she wanted was to savor the victory without thinking ahead.
Releasing a long breath, she snuggled closer to Daniel and closed her eyes. She’d have to remind herself to mention to Oliver they’d be staying a little longer. Charles would need help to get back on his feet, and Daniel couldn’t do everything on his own.
17
Daniel ladled aromatic chicken soup into a bowl and placed it on the wooden plank he’d use as a tray. Shortly after they’d arrived home, folks from town had started showing up with food and well wishes for Charles’s quick recovery. They’d all wanted to hear from Daniel’s own lips what had occurred in the ravine. Charles slept peacefully through the entire afternoon.
He suspected their neighbors from town also came to get a closer look at Meredith. Frederick must have spread the word about the embrace he’d witnessed. He smiled at the memory as he sliced off a piece of freshly baked bread and slathered it with butter and honey. For as long as he lived, he’d never forget the way Meredith had run into his arms, tears streaking down her face. Lord, it was good to be alive and in love.
“He’s fully awake now,” Meredith announced, heading for the sink with the basin of soapy water in her hands. The two of them had cleaned, salved, and wrapped Charles’s wound in sterilized bandages once they’d finished concocting the healing medicine. She’d remained to tidy up, and he’d moved to the kitchen to fix supper.
Daniel picked up the makeshift tray and started for his friend’s room. He found Charles propped on his good side with his eyes closed. “Are you hungry?” Daniel asked.
“More like nauseated. My head is throbbing as painfully as my side.” He opened one eye and squinted at him. “I suppose I should try to eat something though. Perhaps doing so will settle my stomach, and I need to build my strength.”
“I’m sorry you’re in pain.” Daniel set the tray on the nightstand.
“Sorry?” Charles huffed out a laugh, followed by a groan. “For God’s sake, Danny—I’m alive. I’ll take the pain over the alternative any day.” His voice broke.
“We’ve Meredith to thank for that, aye?” He helped Charles swing his legs over the side of the bed and to sit up.
“And you.” Charles met his gaze. “You’re the one who haunted Garretsville long enough to meet Meredith. You’re the one who convinced her to come back through time to warn us. It was you who had the plan and remembered all the details of our …” His Adam’s apple bobbed, and his eyes glistened. “You know.”
“Aye, and it’s glad I am that all went according to plan.”
“We neglected to consider bullets ricocheting off granite.” Charles grimaced, and his brow beaded with sweat as he settled himself.
“We should have known better than to believe the three would surrender peacefully.” Daniel supported Charles by the shoulders. “Is it too painful to sit?”
“Doesn’t matter what position I’m in. The pain is the same,” Charles gritted out. “Meredith says I need to get up and walk around, or I might develop blood clots which could make their way to my lungs or heart. She has the benefit of future knowledge.”
“She does, and that is to our advantage.”
“I know.” Charles’s brow furrowed. “I want to apologize for what I said before about her not belonging.” Charles sighed as he reached for the slice of bread. “Convince her to stay. Marry that lassie as soon as may be arranged, Danny.”
“If you insist.” Daniel chuckled.
“I do. I know it’s ridiculous, but I believe she’s our good luck charm.”
“Will you stand up with me at my wedding, Charles?”
“Of course I will.”
The two were quiet for a few moments, and Charles drew in a long breath and let it slowly. “Once I’m finished