“You’ve broken it!” Adam’s tone was curt and admonishing. Then he sighed as he stared down at his brother’s hand.

“It will heal.”

“It wouldn’t have to if you hadn’t plowed it into the doorframe.”

“Had to hit something, and that doorframe was handy.” The reply was matter of fact.

Adam rolled his eyes. “I guess it’s a good thing a cast iron stove wasn’t handy. Then it might have broken in three or four places.”

“A body gets mad sometimes, Adam.”

But it’s not usually you! Adam looked into Hoss’s face and sighed again. “Why didn’t you just hit what made you mad and save yourself a broken hand?”

“Too angry. I would have really hurt him, Adam. This is better.” A slightly pleading tone had entered Hoss’s voice.

“Oh, yeah, this is really fine. You’re going to be one-handed for weeks.” Adam’s words were sharp with sarcasm and bitterness.

“At least I’m not a southpaw like Joe. I’ll get along fine. Ya don’t have to worry; I’ll still pull my weight.”

Adam gave his brother a rueful glare. “It takes a team of oxen to pull your weight. Besides you know that‘s not why I’m angry.”

“Then just what burr is under your saddle? It’s not like I can’t tell you’re mad at me.” A slight irritation had crept into Hoss’s voice.

Adam looked down at the large hand resting on his thigh. “You hurt my little brother.”

Hoss’s brow furrowed with puzzlement. “Little Joe ain’t even. . .”

“I didn’t say baby brother.”

“Oh.” Hoss smiled. “You got to remember I’m grown, and you don’t have to look after me no more. I can take care of myself.”

“And this is an example of how well you do?” The only tone left in Adam’s voice was exasperation.

Hoss’s eyes grew serious. “It is, Elder Brother, if ya think on it. A little old broken bone in that big hand of mine don’t hurt half as much as carting around a load of guilt.”

Adam looked up into the clear blue of his brother’s eyes and accepted that Hoss’s words were simply true. “Well, don’t expect me to cool Pa down for you when he hears.” Adam shook his head and then smiled. “Come on. We’re going over to the doctor’s. I lay you ten to one he puts one of those new plaster casts on it.”

“We could just put my hand in a sling.”

“It needs to heal properly. Come on. Let’s get it over with.”

The two brothers rose. Hoss cradled his injured hand against his chest, and Adam slipped an arm around his brother’s shoulders.

“Can ya at least be there when I tell Pa?”

“I guess I can.”

With one last shake of Adam’s head, they walked toward Dr. Martin’s office.