“And I believe I have a big mouth,” Ben said.
Sara laughed, and the keys in her hand fell to the ground. They both reached for them at the same time. Once again, their hands met. This time Ben didn’t freeze.
Instead he picked up the keys. They straightened in slow motion, eyes locked on each other. With deliberation, Ben reached out to carefully tuck a wayward lock of dark hair behind Sara’s ear. His hand lingered.
She inhaled, holding her breath as he gently touched the scar, his fingers moving lightly over the thin silver line.
“I’m so sorry,” Ben said.
“Don’t be,” she whispered. “It’s part of who I am.”
He moved to weave his fingers in her hair until he gently cupped the back of her head. Leaning in, he inhaled, his eyes fixed on her mouth until her eyelids fluttered closed.
Sara sighed as his lips touched her warm mouth. For moments they stood, lost in a sweet mix of longing and simplicity.
Ben moved away, dropping his hand and clearing his throat. “I’m sorry.”
Sara slowly shook her head. “Ben, you’re sorry much too much.”
He released a pained breath. “Am I? Funny, I was thinking the same thing earlier.”
“Don’t be sorry,” she said.
“We have to work together. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, Sara.”
“I’m not uncomfortable.” She shrugged. “It was just a kiss. Besides, I have no intention of starting anything I can’t finish. My focus is on my career and my father right now. That’s plenty.”
Despite her words, he couldn’t help but notice the flush of pink on her cheeks. Oh, yeah, the kiss had touched her deeply. As much as it had him.
“Right,” he said.
“I’d better get going.” She opened the front door and stepped out into the night.
Ben followed her out to the porch.
At the Jeep, she turned and looked at him. “The offer is still good for church. The Lord has a seat reserved for you.”
“Oh, I’m sure He does.”
Sara’s smile seemed almost sad, and Ben felt the tug of emotion as she got into the car.
Mutt trotted outside, and together they watched her drive off. Ben shook his head as he glanced down at the little dog. A dog and a woman in his life.
Lord, things are starting to get complicated.
He didn’t want more opportunities to let anyone down. But it seemed the more he ran from involvement, the more involvement life was dishing up.
Chapter Nine
On Monday, Ben pushed open the door to the chapel garden, surprised to find the hospital medical director there. “Dr. Rhoades?”
Henry Rhoades spun around in his wheelchair. “Ben, good morning. You know, I think it’s about time you got used to calling me Henry.”
“Sir?”
“Henry. That’s my name.”
“Yes, sir. I mean, Henry.”
“What’s that you have there?”
Ben glanced down at Mutt, who had followed him to the garden.
“It’s a dog,” Ben said.
“Yes, I can see that.”
Mutt trotted over to Henry Rhoades and rubbed his head against his leg, begging for attention. Henry smiled and obliged, rubbing the little dog’s head.
“He stays in my office.”
“I wasn’t worried. Merely curious.”
“Sara assigned him to me.”
When Henry burst out with a belly laugh, Ben could only respond with a weak smile.
“That sounds like Sara. What’s his name?”
“Mutt.”
“Here, Mutt.” The little dog jumped into Henry’s lap. “Smart dog.” Henry rubbed Mutt’s ears and smiled. “Mutt is certainly welcome in the clinic, although I recommend doggie day care when the accreditation inspection process begins.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Anything I can do for you, Ben?”
“I was wondering if I could help you? I didn’t expect to see you in here today.”
“I have to admit, the closer we get to September, the more excited I am about the clinic opening. I’m doing my best not to micromanage, but I find myself down here at least once a day to see how things are coming along. Since I’m here, I can’t miss an opportunity to visit my favorite spot.”
Ben glanced around at the barren soil. “But the gardens aren’t completed.”
“In here it is.” Henry tapped his forehead. “So, how are things coming along?”
“Very well. We hired the office manager this morning. She starts next week, and she’ll take over interviewing and hiring the rest of the office staff. Housekeeping has been hired, as well. We have two physician’s assistants on board, one with a background in women’s health and the other in pediatrics. We’ve also started on the paperwork for the certification process.”
“Splendid. What about the staff physicians?”
“We’re interviewing again this week. This time we might get lucky.”
“Let’s hope so.”
“Sir—I mean, Henry—since you’re here, I have something to run by you.”
“Yes?”
Ben nodded toward the unfinished gardens. “What do you think about the possibility of turning this area into a memorial garden for your sister? Sara’s mother.”
The older man’s eyes rounded with interest. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“You mentioned a gazebo and benches. What about wildflowers from the valley planted in the flower beds? I understand those were her favorite.”
Henry smiled. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. I’m sorry I didn’t think of it myself.”
“You do?”
“Oh, yes. Have you mentioned the idea to Sara?”
“No. I thought maybe we could surprise Sara. No one would notice work out here, especially if it was on the weekends. You and I are the only ones who even come out here.”
Henry looked him up and down. “You’re very intuitive, aren’t you?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Trust me. You are. Perhaps because you’ve had a recent loss.”
Ben took a deep breath.
“We’d have to get Hollis’s permission to name it after Amanda,” Henry continued. “And once again, the unfortunate fact is that there is no funding for the gardens.”
“Would Mr. Elliott consider funding the garden?”
“The question is, are you willing to talk to Hollis?”
“Absolutely.”
“You don’t know Hollis.”
“I’m willing to take a chance.”
“Well then, I’ll set up a meeting for you. On his territory would be best. He gets cranky and unreasonable when he’s near the hospital. Hollis blames the medical profession as a whole for his wife’s death. In fact, I suggest you avoid any discussion of medicine at all. Stay on neutral ground, and there is the outside chance he just might agree to your ideas.”
“Yes, sir.”
Henry glanced at his watch. “I have an appointment. Can you push that button for me?”
Ben scooped Mutt off his lap and pushed the handicap access button. They both moved through the door and into the hallway.
“By the way, you and Sara did an amazing job assisting Eddie after his accident. I’ve heard nothing but glowing reports from the community. That’s the kind of PR we need around here.”
“I can’t take much credit. It was mostly Sara. She doesn’t miss a beat.”
“On the contrary, it was teamwork. Exactly what both you and Sara are doing here at the clinic.”
They turned as Sara came down the hall juggling papers and folders. She did a double take and stopped in front of them.
&
nbsp; “Did I miss something?” She looked from her uncle to Ben.
When her glance landed on him, Ben sensed the awkwardness between them. Since their kiss on Saturday, they’d both tried hard to maintain a professional distance. Yet once or twice, Ben found his gaze lingering on her face, remembering the sweet, stolen kiss of last weekend. When Sara had looked up and blushed, he knew she remembered, too.
“Oh, my gosh, did we have a meeting scheduled?” she asked.
“Oh, no, my dear. We were simply chatting.”
“About me? I heard my name.”
“We were discussing Eddie, actually,” Henry said. “And Mutt.”
“How’s he doing? Eddie, I mean. Have you heard anything?” Sara asked.
“I saw him in town. He’s doing well,” Henry said.
“I’m so glad.” She glanced at Ben as she knelt down to scratch Mutt behind the ears. “And your new companion here is doing well, also?”
“Mutt is taking over my entire life just fine, thanks.”
Sara laughed.
“I have to be going,” Henry Rhoades said. “Anything you need from me before I head back to the hospital for another boring meeting?”
Ben looked at Sara. “No, sir. I think we have everything under control.”
“I’m confident you do,” he said. “You two make quite a team.”
She gave Ben a cautious glance before smiling at her uncle. “Thank you, Uncle Henry.”
A team, Ben mused. Ironic that the team that had impressed the community would no longer be a team in a mere six weeks. His gaze followed Henry’s wheelchair down the hall.
Maybe he’d been looking at the situation all wrong. There had to be a compromise somewhere. He just had to dig deeper and find it.
* * *
Ben slowly drove his Land Rover through the impressive Elliott Ranch gates. To his left, miles and miles of land stretched before him. Grazing cattle dotted the distant fields, and ahead stood the huge, pillared two-story home.
This was what Sara Elliott called home? Not a modest ranch house, more like a small country mansion—and exactly what he imagined the home of the Cattle King of Paradise Valley to be.
He parked his car, strode up the expansive front steps and rang the bell. A small Hispanic woman answered the door.
“You must be Dr. Rogers—please come in. I’m Malla. Mr. Hollis is in his study. Follow me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The home was right out of a decorating magazine. Ben shook his head. Sara chided him about his expensive toys, yet the Elliott household rivaled anything in his Denver condo. The spacious open areas they walked through were elegantly furnished with southwestern décor. From the high ceilings accented with oak beams to the glossy polished wooden floors covered with rich handwoven rugs, the house spoke of old money and good taste.
He followed Malla to a room at the back of the house. Wide double oak doors opened to a large office. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves added warmth to the space, and a picture window provided an exceptional view of the land for the master of all he surveyed. Ben stepped in and nodded to the imposing man behind the massive desk as he admired the several Frederic Remington bronzes in the room.
“Sir, I’m Dr. Ben Rogers. Thank you for meeting with me.”
Hollis Elliott stood and came around the desk to shake his hand. Sara’s father was a tall man, almost as tall as Ben. His shock of white hair was a stark contrast to his black Western shirt and black jeans.
“You’re the man competing with Sara for the clinic director position.”
Ben paused, contemplating his response. He nodded thoughtfully. “I do have the honor of working with your daughter at the clinic.”
“Sara should be director of the clinic, you know. It’s what her mother would have wanted.”
“Yes, sir, I understand. Sara is a fine physician.”
“Where are you from, Dr. Rogers?”
“I’m a Colorado native.”
“That’s one point in your favor.” Hollis narrowed his eyes in a slow assessment when Ben didn’t respond to the bated comment. “Have a seat, “ he finally said.
“Thank you, sir.”
“What can I do for you?” Hollis asked.
“Sir, I’d like your permission to name the clinic garden after your wife.”
“After Amanda?”
“Yes. The Amanda Rhoades-Elliott Memorial Gardens.”
“This was your idea?”
“Yes, sir. It was.”
“What do you get out of it?”
Ben nearly jerked back at the words. Once again, he responded after thorough deliberation. Hollis Elliott was doing his best to intimidate.
Ben cleared his throat. “Sir, I greatly respect your wife’s career. Her contributions to rural medicine in Colorado are well known throughout the medical profession. I’d like to honor that and her dedication to the Paradise community.”
Hollis Elliott once again paused to assess Ben with hard, unflinching eyes. “That’s all you want?”
In that moment Ben decided not to mention the much-needed funding. No, it would be a huge error in judgment to allow Hollis Elliott any more leverage over the clinic. Ben would find his own funding. One way or another. The clinic gardens weren’t going to be another battleground for control, or stress for Sara if he could prevent it.
“Yes, sir.”
The older man took a deep breath. “You have my permission.”
“Thank you, sir.” Ben stood and reached out across the desk to shake his hand. “Oh, and it’s a surprise until the grand opening of the clinic. So if you could not mention anything to Sara, I’d appreciate it.”
Hollis gave Ben a short nod of assent. “Fine.”
“Thank you, again.” Ben turned to leave.
“We’re having an open house here at the ranch two weeks from Saturday. Family and friends. We do it every year. Big barbecue. I’d like you to come.”
Ben blinked and turned back, taken off guard by the invitation. “Thank you. What time?”
“Things get started around noon. Wear jeans and boots.”
Ben nodded.
“You do have boots?”
“Yes, sir. I do.”
“Good. Malla will see you out.”
The petite housekeeper was at his side as he left the study. She cocked her head and openly assessed him with a knowing smile.
“You like Miss Sara, don’t you?”
Ben jerked back at the words. He turned to look at the woman, but her thoughtful gaze never wavered. And he thought Hollis Elliott was formidable
“Sara needs a Godly man. A man who can stand up to her father.”
Ben searched for an appropriate response. “Ma’am?”
Malla opened the front door, and followed him to the porch. “I believe the Lord puts people in our paths for a reason. Don’t you, Dr. Rogers?”
Immediately Ben had a mental image of Bitsy Harmony and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Confused, he shook his head. “I guess I never thought about it much.”
“Maybe you should,” Malla said.
“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded and slowly walked down the steps toward his car.
By the time he reached the Land Rover, Sara’s Jeep had pulled up the long gravel drive.
Stunned surprise registered on her face as she got out of her car. “Ben, what are you doing here?”
“I had an appointment with your father.”
“My—my father?” She paled as she glanced from him to the house, where Malla stood on the porch watching them. Flustered, Sara grabbed her briefcase and purse and slammed the car door. “What could you and my father possibly have to talk about?”
“No big deal. It was about the clinic’s grand opening.”
As she opened her mouth to speak, Ben gently interrupted. “I have to run, Sara.”
And he did. Somewhere in the middle of his talk with Malla, an idea had taken hold in his head and his heart. He nearly shouted at the audacity of the plan. Now he was absolutely certain that the gardens would be completed.
It was almost as if this was the reason God had sent him to Paradise. Wasn’t that crazy?
* * *
Ben Rogers knew her father? It was her worst nightmare happening all over again. A frisson of panic wrapped itself around her throat until she could barely breathe.
Since last Saturday, she had been doing her best to forget that kiss at Ben’s house, struggling to maintain her direction on the path she had determined was her future, and struggling not to lose her heart to Ben Rogers.
Now this?
Lord, tell me this isn’t a repeat of two years ago. Tell me I’m just imagining things.
Heart heavy, she walked up the steps where Malla waited at the door.
“I just met your Dr. Ben. He’s so very polite and well mannered.” A glint of amusement flickered in her eyes. “And handsome, too.”
“Malla, he isn’t my Dr. Ben.”
“Well, then, I have a niece I’d like to introduce to him.”
“Emily? The nurse who works at Paradise Hospital?”
Malla nodded. “Unless you don’t want me to?”
Their eyes met. Malla was teasing her, trying to evaluate the situation with Ben. Oh, yes, the little housekeeper had been working for Hollis for much too long.
Sara pulled open the door. “Do you have any of that lemonade-and-tea mix left?”
Malla laughed. “Yes. But don’t think I don’t know what you are up to.”
“What?” Sara asked as she dropped her briefcase on the hall chair.
“Avoiding my question.”
“I’m not.” She picked up the mail and began to sort through the envelopes.
“Sí, querida, you are. I think that for the first time, you have met someone who is equal to you. A match.”
Sara glanced at Malla and frowned.
A musing smile touched the older woman’s lips. “Don’t you worry, your Ben, he can handle your father.”
“You heard them talking?” Sara dropped the mail and lowered her voice. “Do you know why Ben was here?”
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