“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” EMMA threw the armful of laundry she carried onto the nearest chair as she hurried to where Ty sat on the edge of the bed.

“Doc said I should try to move around after a week. It’s been over a week.” He tugged at the sheet resting across his lap. “I’m going nuts lying here with nothing to do but think about the shit I can’t remember.”

She let out a deep breath. “You’ve remembered a few things.”

“Hell, gathering strays and nearly getting tossed by my horse doesn’t count.”

“There’ve been other memories, too. And it’s a start. Doc said it would take some time.” She watched the color of his eyes change from soft slate to a stormy grey as he spoke.

“I haven’t remembered us, Em.” His voice shook with emotion. “What if I don’t remember? What then?”

“Don’t borrow trouble, Ty.” She kept her voice calm and positive, though she felt neither. “It will come in time.”

“And if it doesn’t?”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” She went to the beautifully carved oak armoire her father had made for her and sifted through his clothing. “Let’s see if we can get you dressed.”

“How can you be so calm about this?” His voice vibrated with controlled tension.

She sat beside him on the bed, clothing clutched in her hands. “I’m not calm, Ty. I’m scared.” She took a deep breath. “But I’m also hopeful these little things you’ve remembered will slowly lead to bigger things.” She lifted something from the pile on her lap. “Maybe getting you up and about where you can look around will help.”

“What’s that?” He pointed to the black drawers she held.

“I didn’t think your jeans would slide on over your leg yet so I made these drawers for you to wear. They’re loose-fitting and tie at the waist so it shouldn’t bother your leg. And you can wear them around the house till you’re ready for jeans again.”

“They’re black.”

“Would you rather I used the pink dress with the yellow flowers on it?”

“You made these?” He looked skeptical.

“Well, Lupe helped me.” She shook them out. “Let’s see if they fit.”

Half an hour later, he sat in a chair by the window in his new drawers and a shirt. Getting his injured arm through the sleeve and back into the sling proved to be the biggest challenge. “Damn. I didn’t think I would be this weak.”

“You’ve been through a lot in the last two weeks or so.” She stood behind his chair, barely subduing the urge to wrap her arms around him. “Do you want to sit here a while or would you like to try and walk around some?”

“I think I better stick with just sitting here for now.” He turned to face her, paused and spoke softly, “Thank you.”

She smiled. “You’re welcome. Oh, got a telegram from Leo yesterday. They might hit Ft. Worth a few days early. They might even be headed back by the end of next week.”

“What about the new Herefords?”

They both started at his question then spoke at once.

“You remembered the Herefords!”

“I remembered something.”

This time, she didn’t resist and leaned over to wrap her arms around him. “That’s wonderful!”

Using his good arm, he took her hand and pulled her around until she stood in front of him. “Your horse threw you,” he whispered, “and you fell asleep in front of me on the way home.”

She forced a timid smile. “I did.”

They stared at each other for several moments before Emma spoke. “I have to go check on Papa and see if there was any significant damage from the storm last night.” She kissed his forehead. “I’ll see you later. Lupe will be around if you need anything.”

Emma glided down the stairs to her father’s room, happier than she had been since the day Ty left her under the oak tree. His condition improved more each day and after the night he insisted she lie down beside him, she continued to do so. Granted she was fully clothed but she did not plan for that to continue much longer. She wanted her husband back.

His memory of our time together is returning. Just yesterday he remembered pieces of our first official meeting in my office.

The moment she opened the door to Rafe’s room, her good mood vanished.

Hank Walker rose from his chair beside her father as she entered. “Well, if it isn’t the lovely Mrs. Roundtree. Always a delight to see you, Em.”

“Don’t call me that.” She didn’t bother to disguise her dislike as she moved toward her father. “What’s he doing here?”

Before Rafe replied, Walker cut him off. “I have business with your father.”

“What business?”

“Nothing you should be concerned about.”

“If it concerns my father or this ranch, it concerns me.”

“He brought the deed to the Brantley place over.”

Rafe’s voice held a hint of impatience though she wasn’t sure if it was with her or Walker. “Did you change the combination on the safe? He couldn’t get it open.”

“Yes.” After I found this snake in there acting like lord of the manor. “I thought you just leant him money for those repairs?”

“Doug Brantley is too proud for his own good,” chided Walker, “insisted on giving Rafe the deed until he paid it back.” He pulled a folded document from his coat pocket. “Give me the combination, and I’ll put this away.”

“No need.” She held out her hand. “I’ll take care of it later.”

A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes and quickly disappeared. “Of course.” He handed it to her, fingers brushing hers in the process. “Whatever you say, Mrs. Roundtree.” His unpleasant smile never reached his eyes. “How is your husband these days?”

Emma forced herself to remain calm, despite the anxiety she felt in his presence. “Better.” She turned to her father. “Do you need anything before I go?”

Rafe’s troubled look bounced from her to Walker. “I’m good. When will you be back?”

“Couple of hours.”

“I’ll keep Rafe company for a while. I know he’s tired of being by himself all the time.”

She refused to rise to the bait. “I want you gone before I get back.”

A quick kiss to her father’s forehead and she left without a backward glance, refusing to react to the prickle of unease creeping up her spine as she walked out.