Luke had gratefully allowed himself to be pulled into the brotherhood. It scratched an itch he’d had for a while; he’d been missing his own military brothers. But when he noticed that the women had begun to depart, he stole a glance at Shelby. Mel had put on her jacket and with Jack’s help with the children, she made her way out of the bar, leaving Shelby momentarily alone.
Their relationship had just started heating up when Doc died. In the couple of weeks since he’d had his arms around her now and then, but she only laid her head on his chest and sighed heavily, tired and sad. The load of Doc’s passing had been heavy, both emotionally and workwise. It derailed what would have been a serious seduction from him.
Luke went to her before she could leave or get caught up in conversation with someone else. When he approached her it gave him a lift to see her smile.
“I haven’t seen as much of you as I’d like,” he said.
“It’s been a difficult time. Are you doing okay?” she asked.
“Busy. I’ve gotten a lot done without you to distract me. Tell me about you.”
She shrugged. “We’ve been going through Doc’s things. It hasn’t been easy for Mel. I think her heart is breaking, but she’s so strong.”
“How about your heart?” he heard himself ask.
“I wasn’t as close to him as Mel was. I gather their relationship was intense, humorous, conflicted but trusting. They gave each other so much crap, it wouldn’t be obvious at first sight—but they loved each other. She’s been telling me stories about him for days on end—about him going into the backwoods to camps full of transients who could be dangerous, trying to help them without worrying about his own neck. About the way he used to bend the rules to be sure everything would work out for his town, his people. Really, he was an icon. I’m learning a lot.”
“You’re tired,” he said, running a finger along her soft cheek.
“It’s hard work. I don’t know what Mel would do without me right now, lucky I happen to be here. How’s the house coming?”
“The roof leaks, Paul’s going to be coming back out to help,” he said, smiling. “But I’ve sanded and varnished the floors, textured and painted the walls, put in new doors, windows and baseboards in the house, installed new cupboards and countertops. The porch is solid and the cabins all have new roofs, thanks to crews Paul could give me.” His grin became wider. “I can have a fire at night and the bathroom is functional, though I have to do a lot in there to make it nice. Art has a good little home next door. He’s real proud of that. It’s the first time he’s ever had his own house.”
“When we get through Doc’s things, I’ll come check it out.”
“We need some time, you and me.”
“That would feel good. But there’s hunting…”
“There’s hunting,” he confirmed. “Then hunting will be done and we’ll think of something.”
“I’ve committed to Mel and the clinic every week-day,” she said.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks,” she said. “But I’m going to be fine.”
“Then follow me out on the porch,” he said. “Let me get my arms around you for a minute before you go.”
“That’s the best part of my day,” she said, walking out the door with him, arm in arm.
When all the women had gone, the cards and cigars came out. The tables were pushed together and hands were dealt. Luke pulled up a chair and eagerly accepted a fat cigar. Everyone sat down except Jack. “I’m going home, guys,” he said. “Mel told me to stay, but she’s going through a hard time since Doc…”
“Yeah,” someone said.
“The girl’s hurting,” said someone else.
“Tell her we love her,” a third chimed in. “This crap’s hard on the heart.”
“I’ll tell her,” Jack said. “She’s real tough, but there are times that me being around helps. Four a.m.?” he asked.
“Four a.m. Loaded,” Preacher said.
“Listen, if I’m not here…” Jack said.
“No need to explain, buddy,” Paul said. “Mel comes first.”
“She hates it when I shoot at animals. And ordinarily, I’d shoot at them anyway…”
“No explanation necessary, Sarge,” Joe said. “This is one of those times…”