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and Sean? Shouldn’t they be helping?” Fletcher referred to his other cousins, Camden and Sean.
    “Stop your whining, Fletch. You know both are with the herd. They’ll be here when they can.” Quinn looked at what they’d accomplished, shooting a satisfied grin at Blaine.
    Brodie, Colin, Quinn, and Blaine had grown up practically joined at the hips. Camden, Bram, Fletcher, and Sean were similar, seldom separated, and now of age to take on more responsibilities.
    “We may have this finished before Colin and Sarah return.” Blaine scooped water from a nearby pale, poured it over his head, then shook his hair. The cold October air should’ve made him shiver. Instead, he felt refreshed.
    “Ach.” Quinn stepped away, too late to miss being sprayed with water. “Watch what you’re doing.” Shoving Blaine’s shoulder, he laughed. Sobering, he remembered all the good times he’d shared with the oldest cousins. He missed Brodie, and with Colin married, he didn’t have much free time.
    “Well, look there.” Blaine pointed to the trail from town. “Looks like Colin and Sarah.”
    “Aye, it’s them.” Quinn tugged his hat lower on his forehead and turned toward the others. “All right, lads. Let’s finish this last part then get back to the other chores.”
    “I wonder if he spoke to Brodie.” Of all of them, Blaine understood his cousin’s need to fulfill his dream of being a lawman. He might not have gone searching for work as a sheriff or marshal, or even a Texas Ranger, but he’d accepted the job when offered, disappointing his parents and surprising many in the family.
    “Appears we’ll be finding out.” Quinn set down the tool he’d been holding, straightening when the wagon came to a stop. “Welcome back.”
    Colin acknowledged the greeting then jumped down, reaching up to help Sarah. Setting her on the ground, he turned to survey the log addition, walking around to study what they’d accomplished since they’d left.
    “Looks good, lads. When will you finish?”
    “Two more days if we can get the laddies here to work harder.” Quinn shot a glance at Bram and Fletcher.
    “Aye, if we can get Cam and Sean to stop what they’re doing long enough to do some real work,” Bram joked, noticing something in Sarah’s expression he hadn’t seen before. “What is it, lass? Are you feeling all right?”
    She placed a hand on her stomach and swayed slightly, her face going pale.
    “What is it?” Colin’s expression grew serious as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him.
    “Ach, it’s nothing. I’m just tired and a bit chilled. I’d better go inside and lay down for a spell.” Her strained smile didn’t make Colin feel any better.
    “I’ll go with you.”
    “Nae. It’s right there.” She nodded to the large house about thirty feet away. “You stay here and help. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
    Colin watched her leave, concern wrapping around him.
    “What’s going on?” Blaine stood beside him, following his gaze, seeing the worry etched on his brother’s face.
    Colin saw Quinn’s brows furrowed and motioned him over. “We’ve not told Ma yet, so don’t say anything. Sarah is with child. It’s one reason we went into town. To see the doctor.”
    “Congratulations, brother.” Blaine clasped him on the shoulder, his voice low so the others wouldn’t hear.
    “Are you pleased with the news, Colin?” Quinn moved to stand in front of him, his face neutral.
    “Aye, I am. It’s just…”
    “She’ll be fine, if that’s what concerns you. You know the women won’t let anything happen to her or the baby. Ma may not even let Sarah out of her sight.”
    “I know, Blaine, but …” Colin drew in an unsteady breath. “So much can happen.”
    “Are we going to get back to work or are you laggards going to leave it up to Fletch and me?” Bram’s question had the three turning away from the house.
    “Who are you calling a laggard?” Quinn mumbled a few choice