Giving up, he fastened his pants and returned his knife to his pocket. “Come on, Sylvester. Let’s go see George.”
His dog followed and they strolled to the bathhouse—actually Sylvester strolled and Riley limped. Every step sent his underwear and pants fabric rubbing across his sore backside. There were several customers at the bathhouse when they arrived. Riley waited until all the other men were engaged in the curtained off tubs.
“George, I have a delicate problem.”
His friend acted concerned and pulled him aside. “Something I can do to help?”
“Glad you asked. You see, I have this boil on my backside that hurts like the devil every time I move. I need you to lance it for me.”
George’s solicitous nature disappeared. “Are you crazy? Get on over to the doctor and have her take care of your problem. That’s her job. And, don’t you go using this place until that thing is healed, you hear?”
Riley hobbled as far as the gate to her office. He wasn’t sure he could expose his rear to her. At least, not under these conditions.
He’d faced weather disasters, robbers, gunfighters, an angry bear, and a contentious mountain lion. Surely he could do this. He pushed open the gate and shambled to the front door.
When he opened the office door, Shannon sat at her desk. Her eyes were red as if she’d been crying.
Sure enough, she dabbed at her face before she rose and offered a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Hello, Sheriff. This is an odd time for your rounds.”
Already he regretted coming here. “This is a… a medical problem.”
She stood and looked so hopeful he couldn’t leave without telling her about the danged boil.
“Oh, please come in and tell me what’s wrong.”
“When you thought I was limping, you were right. Now don’t laugh or make a joke about my problem. I, um, have this thing on my rear that’s getting larger and is irritated by my clothes.”
A frown furrowed her beautiful brow. “Sounds painful. Come into the treatment room and I’ll examine you.” She bent to his dog. “Sylvester, you wait right here, all right?”
As if he understood her, Sylvester plopped down and rested his muzzle on his paws.
She strode into the adjacent area. Riley followed.
She washed her hands and dried them. “Drop your pants and lie face down on that second examination table.” She pivoted to arrange medical supplies.
After turning his back to her, he unbuttoned his pants and pushed them and his drawers down to his thighs. Before she saw his nudity, he climbed onto the metal table.
When his manly parts touched the metal, he winced. “Yeow, that’s cold.”
She brought a tray holding evil looking devices. “Sorry about the metal. I know you’re uncomfortable, but this won’t take long.”
Her hands brushed against his skin and he closed his eyes. Her touch was gentle yet firm, which didn’t make sense. He longed to have her explore all of him.
“Sheriff, you have the largest sebaceous cyst I’ve ever seen. This should have been treated before now. How long have you been in pain?”
He couldn’t admit how many days he’d avoided treatment. “Not sure. Been bothering my walking this week.”
“The problem with this type cyst is that the protective film holding the inflammation has to come out or there’ll be a recurrence. I’m aware this hurts but trust that what I do is necessary.”
She sliced into his rear. Damn right, it hurt. He wanted the gentle hands back instead of the knife and whatever other torture device she was using.
He unclenched his jaw enough to say, “Get this taken care of and let me go on my way.”
She pushed on his rear. “You must be careful not to touch this area until the cyst has healed.”
Phew, he caught of whiff of something putrid. “What’s that smell?”
“That’s you, or rather the abscess from your infection.”
“Abscess sounds serious. Are you almost finished?”
“Not even close. Be brave, Sheriff McCallister. Pretend you have a gunshot wound and I’m digging out a bullet.”
He growled through gritted teeth, “Laugh if you want.”
“I’m not laughing, simply trying to distract you. Ah, that’s the cyst lining I’ve just extracted.”
“I never should have come here.”
“Wrong. You should have come to me days ago. Why didn’t you?”
“Aw, it’s not easy for a man to drop his drawers in front of a woman.”
She made a tut-tut sound. “I’d be willing to wager you’ve dropped your drawers in front of plenty of women in your lifetime.”
He gasped and peered over his shoulder. “I’m surprised you’d mention such indelicate things.”
She smiled at him then went back to work. “You should be used to me surprising you, Sheriff.”
“Now that’s the plain truth. I’ll give you five more minutes and then, finished or not, I’m out of here.”
“Your patience is rewarded. As soon as I get this gauze pad fastened in place, you can get up.” She rolled a bandage across his backside and reached under him to reach it from the other side.
He made a sound that sounded odd even to him and grabbed her hand. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Don’t flatter yourself that I’m making advances, Sheriff. I’m merely wrapping a bandage around you so I can tie the gauze in place.”
“I’ll deal with that.” He reached under his hips and retrieved the end of the cloth strip.
She tied the pad in place. “I’ve folded the gauze extra thick to prevent your clothing from irritating the wound. Keep the site clean and don’t scratch or rub the area until you’re healed.”
He waited until she turned her back to clean her instruments before he stood and pulled up his britches. “How much do I owe you?”
“Not a thing, Sheriff. This was a free clinic day, although you’re only my second patient. Your cyst may return. If it does, please don’t wait so long to seek treatment.”
He clamped his hat on his head. “Guess you were shocked seeing my behind. Serves you right for setting yourself up as a doctor.”
“For your information, Sheriff, I’ve seen my share of backsides since I’ve been a physician.” She shot him a wicked grin. “I have to say, yours is among the best looking.”
He figured if he’d ever blushed, he was doing so now. Her eyes danced with either anger or mischief. Maybe both.
“You’ve had your laugh. Not only did I have to ask for your help but for an embarrassing ailment. Don’t think I’ve changed my mind about women doctors. Looking at a man’s backside is not a job for a decent woman.”
Uh oh. Sparks ignited in her eyes and he figured he’d set off an explosion.
Sure enough, she stepped toward him. “I beg your pardon, Sheriff McCallister. I am as decent and proper as any woman you’ve ever met. You think if I sat in the parlor and embroidered I’d be making more of a contribution to the world?”
She poked at his chest with her forefinger. “You think being a sheriff is the only way to help people? Being a doctor means I can help people, really help them. That is if the stiff-necked people who share your opinion would come in and let me treat them.”
After sending her a glare, he stomped out of her office. Help people, my foot. She was one of those discontented women who thought being a wife and mother was unworthy of her.
Wait, she’d said this was her free clinic day and he’d been her second patient. He checked his pocket watch. Six o’clock. No wonder she’d been crying when he came by.
Why should that bother him? He didn’t understand, but thinking of her unhappy and growing old alone made him sad. She was much too spirited and lovely to deprive herself of a family. Aw, why the hell should he care?
Chapter Five
Shannon was disappointed but not surprised when the sheriff didn’t come by to play chess the evening after he’d been her patient. He was reall
y mad, and with no justification. She realized how much she’d come to look forward to his evening visits.
Not that they were friends exactly. She’d thought she was wearing down his objections to her. Today he had proved her wrong—but he had let her treat him.
Shannon was awakened near midnight by pounding on the office door. After throwing on her robe and grabbing her medical bag, she ran down the stairs. When she opened the door, a disheveled young man greeted her.
“Doctor, you have to come. My wife’s in trouble having our baby.”
“Of course. I’ll get dressed and hitch the horse to the buggy.”
“I’ll hitch the buggy and meet you in back. Please hurry.”
Before she could guide him through the house, he took off running around the corner. Shannon tied back her hair and dressed. By the time she raced to the carriage house, the buggy was waiting.
“I tied my horse to the buggy so I can ride with you and show you the way.”
She climbed in, covered their legs with a blanket, and clicked the reins, turning the direction he indicated. “You haven’t told me your name.”
“Orville Fraser. Can your horse go faster?”
“Not if you want us to arrive in one piece. How far along is your wife?”
“Almost nine months. This is our first. Emily’s been feeling bad all week and couldn’t keep up with her chores.”
“I hope you did them for her.”
“Tried, but I can’t do everything. Most things in the house didn’t get done.”
“If she’s not feeling well lately, she needed to see me.” What was the point of her scolding him now? Their time would be better served by learning more about the mother.
He scrubbed a hand across his face. “I should have insisted she come to town but she didn’t think she needed to yet. She hated for me to lose a day’s work on the farm.” He pounded a fist into his palm. “Aw, I should have brought her.”
“Well, you were right to come after me and we’re on our way now.”
They arrived at the Fraser farm in half an hour. By the time she set the brake, Orville had hopped off and raced to the door. Shannon carried her bag and followed him.
Blood’s unmistakable stench hit her when she entered the bedroom. As quickly as possible, she washed her hands, donned her apron and sleeve protectors, and went to the frightened woman who had tears streaming down her face.
“Calm down, Emily. Let me examine you and take charge. Orville, would you see to my horse?”
He stood frozen in place, staring at his wife and the blood spread on the sheets. “Emily needs me.”
“Not for a while. Orville, go take care of the two horses. They need you.” When he still remained motionless, she raised her voice, “Orville, right now.” To Mrs. Fraser, she asked, “Emily, when did the bleeding start?”
“Right after Orville left.” She clutched her stomach and cried out, “Ohhh! I hurt so much.”
More tears flowed on the frightened young woman’s face. “Please help me. I don’t want to die and I don’t want to lose this baby.”
Shannon smiled to reassure the young mother. “Actually, you’re having twins.”
“Two? No wonder the baby kicked so much.” She gasped and screamed.
From her supplies, Shannon took a pad of gauze and dripped a few drops of chloroform. She laid the pad over Emily’s mouth and nose. “Breathe in deeply, Emily. This will ease your pain.”
Dear heavens, the first one was breech. Working patiently for she didn’t know how long, Shannon maneuvered to turn the first twin. Her own sweat drenched her shirtwaist and ran into her eyes. She wiped her forehead against her arm.
Orville had returned and held his wife’s hand. “What are you doing?”
Shannon explained as she worked until she had turned and delivered the first infant. She gave the newborn to the father to clean and wrap.
Orville asked, “What’s wrong? I can tell you’re worried.”
The first baby cried and Orville was too distraught or too unlearned to know what to do with his son.
Shannon dripped a few drops more chloroform on Emily’s gauze mask. “The second baby has the natal cord wrapped around the neck. If the baby moves into the birth canal, the cord will choke the baby. I’m trying to disentangle the cord.”
Orville’s eyes widened. “You mean the second one may die?”
“Not if I can manage to save him or her. Please take care that the boy you have is warm and safe. Put his head on your chest and let him hear your heartbeat. Pat him gently and cover him with a blanket.”
Sweat beaded on her face and she wiped it away with her shoulder or arm. Poor Emily was a mess inside and had lost far too much blood. After what seemed hours, the second twin arrived safely. Shannon passed him to his father.
She sewed the vaginal tear that had been made before she arrived and could do an episiotomy. After she packed Emily to staunch the bleeding she began cleaning her. There wasn’t a second nightgown so Shannon used a man’s soft shirt.
At least there was a clean set of sheets. “Orville, this mattress will never recover. You’ll have to burn it and get a fresh one.”
He held a twin in each arm. “Can’t until fall harvest. Have to make do for now.”
She took one baby and laid him gently in the cradle. Then, she did the same with the other twin. “Is there anyone who can stay with you and help Emily?”
His face was as pale as the pillow cases. “Why is she so still? There’s too much blood.”
Shannon grabbed his arm and turned him to face her. “Orville, pay attention. Who can stay here a few weeks and help Emily with the house and babies?”
“I don’t know of anyone. We don’t get into town much.” He glanced over his shoulder.
She shook his arm. “Orville, concentrate on what I’m saying. Go to Mistletoe and ask Sheriff McCallister who he would suggest. He knows everyone in the county.”
“Now?” Poor man couldn’t stop staring at his wife.
“This very minute. I’ll care for the boys and your wife while you find someone who’ll help. Use the buggy.”
When he’d gone, she washed her hands again then checked on the twins. After heating more water, she cleaned the babies properly and rewrapped them. They were identical and red and absolutely adorable. Emily was awake but weak.
Shannon soothed her. “You have two fine boys, Emily. They’re both healthy and sleeping.” She helped her drink water. “Rest now and I’ll be here when you wake.”
“Orville?”
“He’s gone to find someone to help you in the house and with the twins. You want to see your boys?” Shannon set the babies beside their mother.
Emily didn’t even raise her arms. “I’m so tired. Tell me, are they really all right?”
“Perfect. Ten fingers and ten toes each. Do you have names picked out?”
“We thought maybe Edward or Frederick.”
“Eddie and Freddie sound good. I’m moving them back to the cradle. You go to sleep while I make breakfast.”
The kitchen was stocked with garden produce but not much else. After peeling potatoes, she set them boiling. In the small smokehouse, Shannon found a ham and cut off a chunk. She used most of it to add to the potatoes and made a thick soup. She saved a couple of slices to fry for Orville and whoever he brought with him.
Two hours passed and no Orville. Shannon had fed soup to Emily twice and had eaten a small bowl full herself. After sterilizing the instruments she’d used and returning them to her bag, she’d put the soiled sheets and gown to soak. She’d tidied the messy kitchen. Might as well do the laundry while she waited.
Late afternoon, Shannon heard the buggy arrive and went to the porch. A smiling middle-aged woman sat beside Orville. The sheriff rode his horse beside the buggy. And, from the thunderous look on his face, he was annoyed again.
Orville hopped to the ground and helped the woman alight. He picked up a suitcase and carried it toward the house. The
woman was tall and maybe twenty pounds overweight. Her salt and pepper hair was in a neat bun and her dress a serviceable brown calico.
Orville’s face was all smiles as he nodded toward the woman. “This is Mrs. Zimmerman. She has three grown children and four grandchildren and knows all about taking care of babies and new mothers.”
The smiling woman extended her hand. “You’re Dr. Callahan. I understand you had a busy night. From the sheets drying on the fence and the delicious aroma from the house, I’d say you’ve had a busy morning as well.”
“Mrs. Zimmerman, I’m relieved you could come. Emily lost a lot of blood and is extremely weak. I’ve fed her soup several times but she won’t eat much. The babies are fine.”
“Which is directly because of you. I’ve seen breech birth and stillbirth because of a misplaced natal cord. Mr. Fraser doesn’t realize what a miracle you’ve accomplished, saving both babies and their mother.”
“You’re kind, Mrs. Zimmerman. I did what I’m trained to do. I’m relieved you’ll be here to help Emily.” She spoke only for the older woman’s ears. “She and Mr. Fraser will greatly benefit from your guidance.”
They trooped inside the home with the sheriff bringing up the rear.
Orville hurried to check on his wife. By the time the other three reached the bedroom, he was kneeling beside the bed, clutching Emily’s hand.
He beamed as the others entered. “Sheriff, come see our twins.” The proud father rose and stood beside the cradle.
Riley had seen other newborn babies in his life, and they all looked pretty much the same, red and ugly. He bent over the cradle and made appreciative noises then congratulated Orville.
“Dr. Callahan, looks like more snow’s on the way. If you’re ready to head back to town, I’ll ride along.”
She blinked. “Of course. Let me get my bag and purse. Emily, I’ll return in a few days to see how you’re doing. If you need me in the meantime, Orville can ride into town.”
Riley waited while she set her bag in the buggy and then assisted her to the seat. She sent him a puzzled glance then spread a blanket over her skirts and picked up the reins.
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