Ivy pictured Jericho doing the same to their young’un. Jericho was gonna make a fine pa. Just the thought of him again brought a swell of longing into her chest. She wanted to see him real soon but reckoned Flynn wasn’t gonna be too happy about it.

“Better send word to Wyatt that I ain’t dyin’ anytime soon.”

Flynn nodded. “Yep. Did right away.”

She plucked at the coverlet. “I’d be obliged if someone could let Jericho know I’m doing fine.”

The room fell silent. Even Hartley went quiet, as though he sensed a sudden tension in the air.

“He’ll wanna come out and visit now that I don’t have one foot in the grave.”

Flynn and Brody stared at the coverlet as though it had suddenly turned into a mighty fine work of art. Savannah picked up Hartley, settled him on her hip, and then combed her fingers through the baby’s fuzzy hair.

What weren’t they telling her? “C’mon now. Might as well spit it out.”

Flynn cleared his throat but didn’t look up.

Savannah glanced from one man to the other before shaking her head and meeting Ivy’s gaze. Her gentle blue eyes were filled with a sympathy that sent Ivy’s pulse into a free fall.

“What happened?”

“He left earlier in the week.”

Left. Ivy’s mind spun to remember all the little things she’d picked up during her times of coherency. Someone had claimed Jericho was hunting down outlaws, that Otis was a criminal. If that was true, then of course he’d be gone. He had to take Otis—and the others who’d been in the cave—to prison, probably in Denver.

“Makes sense.” She tried for an attitude of nonchalance, not wanting anyone to realize just how much she missed him. “Got any idea when he’s coming back? If he’s been gone all week, it oughta be real soon.”

Flynn and Brody still didn’t meet her gaze.

“He didn’t say anything about when he’s returning.” Savannah’s comment held a note of pity that set Ivy on edge even more.

Hadn’t she overheard Brody and Flynn talking about shooting at Jericho? Had they kept Jericho away? Prevented them from being together? Her muscles tensed. “He came to see me, didn’t he?”

When no one responded, she had the answer she needed. “Land sakes, Flynn! Thought I was dreaming, but I wasn’t hearing things after all. You really did shoot at Jericho, didn’t you?”

Flynn finally lifted his chin, and his eyes flashed with obstinacy. “I was making a point, plain and simple.”

“And what point was that?” Ivy’s ire was rising, but she didn’t care.

“That I don’t want him getting within a hundred miles of you, or next time I’ll blast him to pieces.”