“I believe it can be mended,” Willow said and she caught the doubtful looks on all those who stood around watching, Devin and Walcott included. She didn’t know what her husband thought, since he stood behind her.

“I’d be most grateful for any help you can give my daughter,” Roanna said, her tears still falling, which meant she didn’t believe Willow either.

Willow turned her focus on Erna. “It’s going to be painful since I must push the bone back into place, then I’ll wrap your arm and you won’t be able to move it for at least a full moon cycle or more, but I’ll fashion a sling for you to help with that.”

“What about fever?” Roanna asked.

“Time enough to worry about that if it happens. Right now I need to get that bone together and the wound covered, then Erna needs to rest,” Willow said.

“Our cottage,” Roanna said, slipping her arm around her daughter gently and leading the way.

“Anything I can do?” Slatter asked as his wife went to follow.

“No, but if I should need you, I will let you know,” she said and hurried after Roanna.

“I could use a drink and we should talk,” Devin said. “I brought ale and food with me. They’re in the cart.”

“Walcott, take some men and see to it,” Slatter ordered and Walcott hurried off.

Slatter wanted to stay near in case Willow needed him, but the air was cold, nipping sharply at the face, and he expected more snow would fall before the day’s end. His cottage wasn’t far from Roanna’s. He’d be able to reach Willow soon enough if she needed him, yet he was still reluctant to be away from her.

“You care for Willow,” Devin said.

“Don’t be foolish,” Slatter snapped and headed to his cottage annoyed that Devin saw in him what others couldn’t.

“I’ve never known you to care for any woman. Why her?” Devin asked, hanging his cloak on a peg and going to take a seat at the table. “And don’t bother to deny it. I’ve never seen you reluctant to leave a woman’s side. And there have been plenty who would have gladly have you remain with them. So, again, why Willow?”

“I don’t know,” Slatter said annoyed and joined his friend at the table. “I feel protective toward her and worry over her when she’s not close to me.” He shook his head. “I can’t explain it or make sense of it.”

“Damn, you’re falling in love,” Devin said with a grin so wide it looked like it would split his face in two.

“Don’t be absurd. I barely know her.”

“That means nothing, that you married her means something.”

“I married her to save her,” Slatter reminded.

Devin laughed. “You keep telling yourself that.”

The door opened and Slatter hurried to stand, then sat when he saw it was Walcott.

“I figured you’d want this,” Walcott said and placed a jug on the table.