The Outlaw of Cedar Ridge. Lori Connelly

bed. Evie did her best to help him ease down onto the mattress but couldn’t fully support his weight. He fell in the process. She hovered close, worried, until Ben reached up and cupped her cheek.

      “I’m sorry I upset you.”

      “I’m fine.” Her voice faint, Evie moved out of reach.

      Her gaze moved to his shoulder as she pulled the quilt up to his waist. The activity left white linen stained red. She fetched a rag, water and clean cloths then returned to him.

      “You don’t sound fine.”

      “I am fine.” Evie removed the bloodied bandage then started to wash the area.

      “All right.” Through gritted teeth, Ben pushed out terse words. “So what happened out there?”