“You’re welcome, but the praise should go to my brother, Colton. Were it not for his skill as a doctor, the outcome might not have gone so well.”
Vernon, with his well-trimmed beard, whiskers, and costly suit, added, “Then we’re glad your brother’s doctoring proved helpful. Burying Garrett would have put a damper on the wedding Melody and I have planned.”
Melody rolled her eyes. “Nothing is set in stone, Vernon.”
Spring found the interaction interesting. She was also aware of Hiram McCray’s intense scrutiny. It was difficult to tell what he was thinking, so she decided not to worry over it. Whatever was going through his mind would reveal itself soon enough.
Hiram asked, “Is your brother here? I’m excited to finally meet him.”
“He is. He’s busy at the moment with the thrown riders, but I’m sure he’ll make the time to come and say hello.”
“I assume you leave that aspect to the men.”
“If you mean the breaking and being thrown parts, no. I do that, as well.”
He stiffened with shock. He again turned to the now-amused Garrett who shrugged and said, “Life’s different out here, Hiram.”
His father was now viewing her as if she’d grown two heads. Unconcerned by that, she asked, “How long do you plan to stay in Paradise?”
“Just long enough for my son to gather his things, so he can return with us.”
Garrett didn’t seem pleased by the response.
Fannie said, “But for the moment, I just wish to find a place to sit that isn’t moving. Between the train, then the stagecoach, and the wagon ride here...”
“You can sit at one of the tables over there under the shade,” Spring said sympathetically. Ed had a number of trestle tables set up. “There’s also food available if you’re hungry.”
Melody said, “I’m starving.”
“Then let’s find a spot and get you all something to eat.”
As they walked, Spring noticed Garrett gently stretching his shoulders and back. “Are you okay?”
“Just a little stiff.”
His father asked with concern, “Are you certain you don’t need more medical attention? We can probably find another doctor in one of the bigger cities.”
Hearing that, Spring was offended on her brother’s behalf.
Garrett replied plainly, “I’m fine. Dr. Lee is a superior physician. I owe him my life.”
His mother rubbed his forearm comfortingly and asked, “Have the villains been found?”
He told her the news Whit shared earlier.
Melody said, “That’s good.”
Garrett added, “The sheriff is hoping to find Matt Ketchum soon.”
“I hope so, too,” his father said. “Seems like a pretty lawless place.”
Spring took offense again but remained silent.
Garrett didn’t. “I’m fairly sure more people are attacked in the District than here.”
Hiram grumbled, “If you say so.”
On the way to the table they stopped by the food station run by Chauncey Miller’s wife, Lacy, and Lucretia Watson and filled their plates with pieces of roasted chicken, slices of beef, vegetables, and biscuits. They then took seats at a table with enough free space to accommodate them, and the visitors sighed with relief.