Prairie Fever

by Tessa Layne

  “I know a great place we can go park after this meeting is over,” Gunnar suggested, half-serious.

  “I still have keys to the clinic,” she countered with a with an innocent pout.

  Gunnar let out a low chuckle that made her belly jump with anticipation. “That’s what I love about you, ’Zannah. You always go for the naughtiest option.”

  “Only with you.”

  “Banter aside.” He turned serious. “Are you ready?”

  Her mouth drew down as she nodded. Joking aside, the stakes were high tonight, and they both knew it.

  He offered his knuckles for a fist bump. “Well let’s go kick ass. Stay there.” He hopped out and jogged around the front of the truck, opening the door and extending his hand.

  These little gestures melted her, and built her confidence. With Gunnar by her side, she could do anything. Holding fast to his hand, they walked into the diner, and even when a dozen pairs of eyes turned her way, she didn’t falter. Not in the least. She drew herself up to her full height and entered the diner like it was her realm. “Good evening, everyone.”

  Gunnar gave her hand a final squeeze before he let go and moved to take his place at the head of the tables pushed together. She took a seat a few tables away, reviewing her notes but keeping half an ear on the proceedings. Present were Dottie, Blake and Maddie, Gloria McPherson, Nita Cruz and her son, Tony. Those were the votes she could count on. On the other side of the table sat the ones that needed convincing. Jonathan and Bobbie Appleberry, Judge Brewer, Diana Sanchez, and Chief Cruz and his wife, Amelia.

  She’d treated or worked with every person on the board, and as Gunnar brought the meeting to order, she fervently hoped her proposal would be compelling enough. The first half of the meeting was business as usual – the reading of minutes, the presentation of the budget by Judge Brewer, their treasurer, motions and amendments related to an upcoming fundraiser. Silence fell on the group. Gunnar motioned for her to join the table. Her stomach dropped like she was in the last car of a rollercoaster. Gathering her nerve, she stood and crossed to the open seat at the table, on Gunnar’s right. She could do this.

  Gunnar began. “As you’re all well aware. Prairie experienced a recent outbreak of norovirus that pretty much brought us to our knees. No one went unscathed, including Dr. Winslow.”

  She was grateful he’d left Lulah out of it. Their only path forward lay through professionalism, not playing up their relationship.

  “In the lead-up to that incident, you will remember that the board has had many… ah, healthy discussions on whether or not we’ve asked too much of Dr. Winslow.”

  Suzannah watched the board members for any clue of where they might be on the issue. It was like watching a tournament of high-rolling poker players in Vegas. Everyone around the table sat stony-faced, not giving away a thing.

  Gunnar continued. “Regardless of where we were on that day before the outbreak, I think we can all agree that Dr. Winslow was unequivocally overwhelmed on that day, and unable to perform her duties as we had envisioned.”

  The sick feeling returned to Suzannah’s stomach as heads began to nod. Dear God in heaven, they were going to sack her and then the collectors would come after the Hansen property. She couldn’t let that happen. No matter what. She’d take four jobs if necessary, wash dishes at Dottie’s. She wasn’t above that, she had a family to protect.

  Gunnar’s voice hardened. “That day, it became patently obvious that we’d asked way too much of Dr. Winslow. We looked for and hired a family practice doctor. What we needed that day was a fully operational critical care clinic. I think we can all agree, those are two very different job descriptions?” He paused long enough to look each board member in the eye and secure a nod before continuing. “Good. I’m glad to see we’re all on the same page. Jonathan–” he turned to Mr. Appleberry. “I understand you were in the clinic that day, yes?”

  He nodded, mouth formed into a perfect cartoon-like frown.

  “And you would have benefitted from critical care, yes?”

  Mr. Appleberry nodded again, frown deepening.

  “And, I understand from Parker Hansen you coded on the ambulance ride to Manhattan?”

  “Dr. Winslow saved his life,” Mrs. Appleberry interjected, giving her husband a formidable glare. “Jonathan was upset, and worried about the cost, but he’d have died if Dr. Winslow hadn’t insisted he be transported to the heart clinic.

  She could hug Mrs. Appleberry right now.

  “Exactly.” Gunnar swung his arm as an exclamation point. Suzannah bit her cheek to keep from grinning as pride filled her. If he ever gave up horses, he could be a lawyer in a hot second. “Which brings me to my proposal, prepared with the help of Dr. Winslow. Prairie… this region desperately needs a hospital. At the very least, a critical care center. We’ve been outfitted with equipment we don’t have the capacity to use, and if we built out, hired more doctors, technicians, and administrators, not only could we bring much-needed jobs to the region, but we could serve the wider community. How many Jonathan Appleberrys haven’t made it to the heart clinic in time? Catastrophic accidents with equipment are the leading cause of death in the farming and ranching community. How many could we save if we expanded our offerings? If the tornado had happened today, my uncle Warren, Maddie’s dad–” he gestured to her. “Still wouldn’t have survived. Why? Because we hired a family practice doctor, not an emergency room team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, x-ray techs, nurses and therapists. I hate admitting that, but gang, that’s the truth.” He looked at each person again before continuing. “And I think we all realize that. But before I entertain a motion to expand our clinic into a regional hospital or critical care clinic, I want you to hear from the expert in the room.” He swung the weight of his gaze to her, and it lit her up from the inside. Whatever happened next, Gunnar was all in for her.

  She stood, rolling her shoulders and stepping forward. “Thank you, all. I’d like to start with this simple graph…”

  Bit by bit, question by question, she drew them in, defending her numbers and her sources, sharing anecdotes from her time both at Research Medical Center and the Kansas City Free Clinic. Her throat began to dry, someone, Dottie, maybe, place a glass of water in her hand. After two hours, she faltered. “I-I’m sorry. I have to sit.” She wasn’t sure what else she could say. She felt like the Appleberrys were with her, and Chief Castro. But his wife wasn’t, and neither was Judge Brewer.

  Gunnar stared down the board, grim determination on his face. “I believe we have a majority, but I’d feel better if we moved forward with a unanimous vote. Prairie needs this. Our neighboring communities need us to take the lead on this. But I think I know what’s holding a few of you back. And that’s my relationship with Dr. Winslow.”

  Suzannah flashed hot from head to toe. All eyes turned to her, and she was sure she was as red as the cherries in Dottie’s cherry pie. Maybe it would be better if the earth opened up and swallowed her whole. She stared at Gunnar, trying to tell him with her eyes that whatever he had planned, it was a bad idea. He was her strongest advocate on the board. They’d sack her for sure if he stepped down, and her spidey sense was going crazy. He was going to step down. She shook her head imperceptibly. But he wasn’t looking at her, dammit. And she was sure that was intentional.

  Gunnar looked straight at Judge Brewer. “I think there are some of you who feel I have a conflict of interest.”

  “Well you are shacking up with her,” Mr. Appleberry grumbled.

  Gunnar’s eyes turned to ice. “Yes. I am. And we share a beautiful daughter together, the most amazing gift in the world. And I intend to marry Dr. Winslow as soon as she’ll let me. So, yes. We’re ‘shacking’ up together.” He air quoted. “Which is why I’m going to ask the board to accept my resignation, effective immediately.”

  Mrs. Sanchez gasped. Maddie’s hand flew to her mouth, eyes wide. Dottie turned purple. “Don’t you dare do a damned fool thing like that, Gunnar Hansen. I
swear I will go find Warren and bring him back to personally tan your hide.”

  He flashed her a grin as he shook his head. “I appreciate the sentiment, Dottie. You know I do. But this is for the best. And if it will convince Judge Brewer, and Mrs. Castro and Mrs. Sanchez, that we need a hospital, then it’s absolutely the right thing to do, and Warren would expect nothing less from a Hansen.” He turned to Maddie, eyes softening. “I’m sorry, Maddie Jane. I know you wanted one of us to lead the board, but your vision is best served by someone more objective than me.”

  Maddie looked like she was ready to cry. Suzannah wanted to join her. She wasn’t prepared for this. Warren’s legacy meant everything to the Hansens.

  Gunnar turned to her and took her hand. “I’m crazy in love with this woman. I can’t think straight when I’m around her, and I only want what’s best for her, and our daughter.”

  “And Prairie,” Suzannah added, voice tight.

  He nodded once. “And Prairie. But that means I shouldn’t be president of the board.” He laced his fingers through hers and turned back to the table. “But I do have a person in mind who will be an outstanding board president. I’ve already talked to him, and he’s willing. He has hospital board experience, access to deep pockets for fundraising, and is committed to staying in Prairie. I nominate Jason Case to by my replacement.”

  “But he’s not even here,” Chief Castro sputtered.

  “Nope. Have him in for an interview. Some of you know him already, and I think you’ll agree with me that he’s the real deal, and can take our clinic to the next level. For those of you who haven’t met him? Prepare to have your minds blown.” Gunnar pulled her arm around his waist, fingers still locked with hers, and turned to her, eyes bright. “But as of tonight, I’m officially a family man and Dr. Winslow’s biggest fan.”

  CHAPTER 25

  October 28th

  Gunnar paced in the kitchen of the farmhouse, the sounds of the bonfire drifting in through the screen door. The night was perfect. Crisp and cool, not muggy, and no bite to the air. His sister, Hope, wearing devil horns and looking ready to pop with the newest addition to the Hansen-Sinclaire clan, entered the kitchen from the upstairs. “Are you ready?” She beamed. “They look gorgeous.”

  Gunnar shook out his hands. “More than ready. I’ve been on pins and needles all afternoon.”

  Hope pulled him into a hug. “Aww, my big bwave bwover is nervous.”

  “Stop with the baby talk,” he grumbled.

  “No way,” she laughed. “Payback, big brother.” They shared a look that said so much. Hope blinked rapidly. “Seriously. Ben and I couldn’t be happier. Even if I didn’t get to pull all the revenge pranks I’ve been planning for years.”

  “I’ll always be two steps ahead of you, Hopey,” he teased, reverting back to a name he used to torture her with when they were younger.

  She gave him a wicked grin. “Maybe, maybe not. Just remember who’s wearing the horns.” She winked and waddled outside.

  He had to give his kid sister credit. The costume party and bonfire had been her idea. He and Suzannah had wanted something low-key, but that still involved their friends. And they hadn’t wanted to wait until Thanksgiving or Christmas. The kicker? Since everyone was in costume, none of their guests suspected a thing. No one questioned his Old West get-up. To be honest, it wasn’t far off from his dress duds, but he thought he resembled a rather dapper version of Wild Bill Hickok, wearing a trim velvet coat and a ribbon tie.

  He turned at the sound of heels on the stairs. Suzannah’s friends, Iris and Bailey, appeared, all smiles. Winning them over had been hardest of all, but in the end, the sweetest victory. And he loved them for loving Suzannah with a sisterly fierceness that came from a friendship forged in fire. Iris spoke first. “Have the ring?”

  “And the necklace.”

  “Good man,” said Bailey.

  Iris pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek. High praise. “You’re a good man, Gunnar.”

  “Especially with us to keep you on the straight and narrow,” teased Bailey.

  “I’ll have the last laugh when you fall hard and fast and get married inside of a week,” he predicted.

  “Bring it, cowboy, bring it.”

  “Is she ready?” he asked, ready to run upstairs and carry her down himself. Judge Brewer was waiting on the porch, into his third cup of witch’s brew. If they waited much longer, he’d be in his cups, and come hell or high water, he was marrying his woman tonight.

  “Patience, grasshopper. You can’t rush perfection.”

  “Speaking of,” Bailey cocked her head to the stairs, where his perfect little angel stood shyly, clutching a bouquet of roses covered in glitter.”

  He dropped to his knees. “Look at you.” Heaven help him when she became old enough for prom. He’d be a puddle. “Come here, princess. You’re beautiful.” Lulah had been very excited about the costume party, but had insisted on being a Batman princess, and she refused any help with her costume. She wore the pink sparkly dress he’d given her the first day he’d met her, with her pink and black Batman cape Iris had made, and a crown of black and silver bats. His girl, original to the core. “Are you ready?”

  She nodded, all smiles.

  He could not possibly love her more than he did right now. “Is mama ready?”

  “She’s bootiful.” Lulah turned as Iris and Bailey parted like the Red Sea, and there, standing on the bottom step stood his beautiful bride.

  He was gonna need a pacemaker, because his lungs just gave out and his heart froze. Emmaline Andersson had outdone herself. She’d created a Jessica Rabbit-like dress that hugged Suzannah’s curves in all the right places and showed just enough leg and cleavage to make his mouth water. But this wasn’t a wedding dress, it was a dress woven through with magic. White satin overlaid with silver spiderweb embroidery. Suzannah’s hair was done up in a complicated mass of braids covered in netting and silver embroidery, the effect was supernatural. She embodied the spirit of the orb weavers he admired so much in his mother’s summer garden. Mysterious, magic, sensual.

  “Wow. Just… wow.”

  She extended her hand, eyes soft and glowing. “Shall we get hitched?”

  “This is so much better than Vegas.” He took her hand and led her through the screen door. The porch was a riot of white fairy lights. Lanterns hung from the trees in the yard, and the light from the bonfire lent an ethereal glow to the gathering. He brought his thumb and middle finger to his lips and let out a sequence of sharp whistles. Slowly the roar died to a buzz and people closed in on the porch. “First off,” he boomed. “Thanks for coming to the first annual Hansen Hollows Halloween party.”

  A few people clapped, others raised their cups.

  “We have a little bit of a surprise for you,” he began, pulse suddenly racing. “As you know, not quite five years ago, I met the woman of my dreams. And although it took a while, she finally agreed to spend her life being Mrs. Hansen.”

  Murmurs raced across the group.

  “But just as important…” he bent and picked up Lulah, voice suddenly thick. “This amazing human has also agreed to let me be her daddy forever.” Lulah’s arms wrapped around his neck as their friends oohed and ahhed and began to cheer as they realized what was happening when Judge Brewer came to stand next to them. “But we all know it takes a village, a community. And we couldn’t do this without you. So, if you’ll bear witness, we’d like to get married tonight.”

  The whistles and shouts lasted for a full minute. And holding his baby girl, staring into the eyes of the woman he loved more than his life, they made forever promises and exchanged rings.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” shouted Judge Brewer.

  “Kiss the bride,” someone shouted from the back.

  Gunnar raised a hand. “Not yet.” He handed Lulah to her mother and dug into his pocket. He held up the necklace he’d designed with Suzannah’s help. “Lulahbelle, I made forever promises to your
mama tonight. To love her always, and to always be her family, and I want to make the same promise to you.” He placed the pendant, three interlaced circles studded with tiny diamonds and with a pearl in the center, around her neck. “I promise to be your daddy forever. To always be here for you no matter what. When you’re happy and when you’re sad. I promise that you and mommy and I will always be a family, and that no matter where life takes us, nothing can break our love for each other.” He kissed Lulah on the forehead, then wrapped his arms around both his ladies, and kissed his wife. The cheers of his family and friends couldn’t be heard over the symphony of joy in his heart. “It’s a Lulah sandwich,” his baby girl exclaimed.

  THE BEGINNING OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER …. For more than one couple.

  Mason Carter:

  Luci grips my arm, eyes wide. Isn’t this an interesting turn of events. “What now?” she hisses low in my ear. “I thought we were outing ourselves tonight.”

  “How was I supposed to know they were getting married?” Jesus. I might be dressed like James Bond, and I might know some real-life spies, but that didn’t mean I could read Gunnar Hansen’s mind.

  “Somebody’s got to tell them. Because I swear to God, daddy will not care that you’re a gazillionaire and you just bought the Kansas City Kings, he’s gonna hunt you down and shoot you.”

  “Because buying you a baseball team wasn’t romantic or anything.”

  She rolls her eyes, but I see the smile at the corner of her mouth. She might not want to admit it, but she secretly loves what I’ve done. “It was ridiculous. And completely unnecessary.”

  “Absolutely necessary to show you how much I love you, Starlight.” I pull her close, devouring her mouth the way I know she loves, making her know she belongs to me, and not caring who sees us. We’re going to be public knowledge in fourteen hours anyway. When I release her, my pulse is humming in my ears and we’re both a little breathless. “I’m taking you home tonight to make babies,” I growl in her ear, giving her lobe a sharp nip.