“He’s going to be all right,” Ellie said. “You just need to keep telling yourself that.”

“I’m praying for him. I pray you’re right and he’ll be okay.”

But the hours slipped past, and the only news of Alejandro’s condition came from a nurse who told them he was still in surgery.

Finally, a weary-looking doctor in wrinkled green scrubs walked through the door, and Kade, Ellie, and Maria all rose to meet him.

“I’m Doctor Sawyer,” he said. Average height, thick gray hair, deep lines around tired eyes. “You’re Alejandro Ramirez’s family?”

“As much family as he has around here,” Kade said.

The doctor nodded. “He’s out of surgery, recovering in the ICU. The bullet that entered his body took out a portion of his lung.”

Maria stifled a sob, and Ellie squeezed her hand.

“The fast action of the men who were with him prevented him from losing too much blood. We repaired the torn tendons and muscles, but the lung was the most serious injury.”

“He going to be all right?” Kade asked.

“In time, he should be fine. But he’s going to need some care while he recovers. A quiet place with someone who can change his dressings and see to his needs till he gets back on his feet would be best.”

“He can stay in the main house,” Kade said. “I’ll have a nurse brought in.”

“I’ll take care of him,” Maria said firmly. “I can do my work and still have time to look after him.”

Kade frowned. Ellie figured he was worried about Alejandro taking advantage of Maria’s tender feelings, but considering the polite way the ranch hand had always treated the girl, Ellie didn’t think he would.

“Fine,” Kade said. “Maria, are you sure this is what you want?”

“Sí, Señor Kade. I promise he will get the best of care.”

“Oh, I’m sure he will,” Kade said with enough sarcasm to send warm color into Maria’s cheeks. “You can stay in one of the guest cabins. The one with two bedrooms,” he added pointedly.

Maria glanced away. “Thank you.”

“Mr. Ramirez won’t be awake for at least a few more hours,” the doctor said. “I suggest you all go home and come back in the morning.”

Maria’s chin firmed. “I’d like to stay here tonight. I don’t want Alejandro to wake up alone.” She looked at Ellie. “But I don’t want to leave you with too much work.”

Ellie smiled. “Supper’s handled. It’s just breakfast. I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll have one of the men come into town in the morning to get you,” Kade said. “He can drive you back to the ranch to get your car, and you can return to the hospital anytime you want.”

Maria looked relieved. “Thank you. Thank you both so much.”