Luke gave her a smile. “Tell him not to fear. We will be married as soon as possible, and he will be there to share in the celebration.”

“I’m so worried about him, Luke. I’m so afraid.”

He pressed open the door and pulled her into his arms. “I promise it’s going to be all right.”

“You can’t make that kind of promise. Diseases don’t care about promises.”

He lifted her face to his. “Don’t let this fear take ahold of you, Gloriana. The devil wins then. He wants you to be so afraid that you’ll again put up walls between you and God. Probably between you and me as well. We’re going to see this through with God’s help. Neither of us is going to leave you, Gloriana. And that’s a promise you can count on.”

Chapter 22

For two days and nights, Gloriana fought to get JT’s fever to break. Instead it seemed only to climb and the boy to grow ever sicker. She tried her best not to fear what might or might not happen.

On the second night, Abigail Lindquist stopped by to resupply Gloriana’s willow bark tea and to check on them.

“You’re doing everything right,” she assured Gloriana.

“Then why won’t the fever come down?”

Abigail shook her head. “It’s just often the way of it. Don’t despair. Keep getting fluids into him. That’s the most important thing right now.”

“Luke wants to help. He’s had the measles. Do you suppose it will be all right to let him see JT?”

“Of course. The quarantine is for those who haven’t had the disease. We keep it contained here, and hopefully those who haven’t had it will refrain from taking it. Luke should be fine to come and go.”

Gloriana breathed a sigh of relief. She was so worn out. Despite Sally being such a good baby and remaining well, she was in constant need of attention. Having Luke around to help with the baby might allow Gloriana a few minutes to herself.

After Abigail left, Gloriana went to check on her brother before starting a bottle for Sally. JT slept peacefully, although he now had some congestion. She could hear it rattle in his chest as he breathed. Abigail said it was important to keep moving him and even make him sleep propped up so his lungs would drain properly. Gloriana touched his forehead. He seemed a little cooler. Or was that just her own wishful thinking?

Sally began to fuss, and Gloriana knew it was only a matter of time until she was crying in earnest. Still, it was hard to leave JT. What if he needed her and Gloriana didn’t hear him? She desperately needed Luke to come by so she could tell him it was all right for him to stay. No matter what anyone thought.