"I'll go first," she said, though her voice trembled. Doc Calder smiled. That's a brave girl. He examined each child carefully, checking their eyes, skin, hands, and breathing. Then he looked over Yara as well.
When he finally stood, some of the tension had left his face. They've got mild sunburn and dehydration, but nothing they can't recover from. Good food, plenty of water, and a few days of real rest should set them right. He turned to Ryland. You were lucky to find them when you did.
Ryland slowly shook his head. That wasn't luck, Doc. His gaze shifted toward Yara and the children. That was a miracle. Just then, another figure came walking down the street.
Hester Wyn, owner of the general store, approached with her usual quick stride. She was a sturdy woman in her 40s, rosy-cheeked and broad-shouldered with a smile that seemed almost permanently fixed to her face. "Well, now, Ryland Voss," she called warmly. "You sure know how to give this town something to talk about." She looked toward the children.
"Is it true these little ones are your family now?" Ryland met her eyes without hesitation. "It is, Hester. They're my children." He glanced toward Yara.
All seven of us are family now. Hester studied the five youngsters for several long seconds. Dust still covered their faces. Their clothes were worn and torn. Weariness clung to them despite the excitement of reaching town.
Then her eyes settled on Yara, who stood quietly nearby with her head slightly bowed. Hester stood quiet for a moment, studying the worn clothes, dusty faces, and exhausted eyes in front of her. Then, without warning, her whole expression softened into a broad smile. "Well, that settles it," she said brightly. "These children need proper clothes right away.
Just look at them. Bring everyone by my store tomorrow morning. I'll see to whatever they need. Trousers, shirts, dresses, hats, the whole lot. Ryland felt his eyes sting.
Hester, I don't have enough money for all that right now. She waved the concern away as if he had mentioned nothing more important than the weather. You'll pay me when you can. Everybody in Dusty Creek knows you're good for your word. Besides, these little ones need help now, not 3 weeks from now.
The five children stared at Hester in open amazement. Aside from Ryland and Doc Calder, she was the first person in town who had welcomed them without suspicion, fear, or contempt. "Thank you very much, ma'am," Reco said softly. "You're real kind." The words hit Hester straight in the heart.
She crouched until she was eye level with the children and smiled warmly. "No ma'am around me. You can call me Aunt Hester. My store will always have an open door for you. Then she lowered her voice as though sharing an important secret.
And I keep candy behind the counter for children who know how to behave themselves. Candy? All five cried at once, their tired eyes suddenly shining. Everyone laughed. Even Yara, who had spent most of the evening tense and guarded, let out a quiet laugh of her own.