“What would be the point? You’d give her something else to worry about and she already has more than enough. I can’t believe she’s actually in Oakwood by herself. You have no idea what a step forward that is, although I’m a little worried about what it means for her and Sean. I do hope the man comes to his senses. Do you think I should call him?”

“I do not.” As someone who had been on the receiving end of Kathleen’s energetic attempts to meddle with relationships, Martha was swift with her response. “I think you should leave it to them. How are you feeling, really? And don’t put on a brave face.”

“I’m better. You heard the doctor, it’s nothing serious.”

“Doctors don’t know everything.” Martha poured Kathleen some juice. “You know what my diagnosis is? Too much meddling with my love life.” She was relieved to see Kathleen smile.

“That part has been relaxing. And look how well I did. Isn’t he perfect? I chose him for his shoulders and his nice eyes, but it turns out the rest of him is equally magnificent.”

“Kathleen—”

“If Josh hadn’t caught me, I probably would have knocked myself unconscious. I now have firsthand experience of his superior muscle tone. Maybe you could try fainting on him, that might accelerate the relationship.”

“Or kill it dead.”

“I wonder if he will find bacon?”

“I’m sure he will. He seems to be good at getting people to do what he wants them to do.” Martha poured herself a small cup of coffee, wondering how deeply to delve. “Did all that talk of the past upset you, Kathleen?”

“You heard the doctor—I didn’t drink enough, that’s all. I was too busy chatting to our lovely Josh because you were giving him the silent treatment.”

“I was focusing on the driving. And if you don’t stop matchmaking, I’m going to call Liza.”

“That’s blackmail.”

“It is. I learned it from you.” Martha sipped her coffee. “I wonder if we should spend another day here. I could amend our bookings.”

“Today is Kansas and Oklahoma. No need to amend anything.”

Was it safe for them to travel? What if Kathleen collapsed while she was driving and they were miles from the nearest big town? What if she needed to find another doctor? Where would she start?

Josh returned with bacon and after they’d finished eating they headed back to their rooms to pack up their gear.

Martha caught up with him by his door.

“Are you leaving?” Yesterday she’d been more inclined to drive over his foot than offer him a ride, but that was before the drama of the night before. The calm and kindness he’d shown had changed her opinion of him.

“Martha—” his voice was gentle “—the last thing you wanted was me coming along on your trip.”