Miriam reached for both of Alex's wrists, sliding her hands down until they fit in his. "I'll be fine. Thanks to your skills, my knee's getting better every day. I'm trying to make this easier on you, not harder."
He loosened one hand and reached up to finger a curl that had escaped her braid. When his gaze found hers, the amber flecks darkened to a rich chocolate. "I understand. You're the kindest woman I've ever known."
His hand cradled her cheek, and Miriam couldn't help but lean into the touch. His eyes wandered to her face, coming to rest on her lips. She could feel his gaze. Like a warm breath.
And then it was his breath. Her eyes drifted closed as his lips touched hers.
Sweet molasses. Like nothing she'd ever experienced.
~~~
As Alex's lips made contact with hers, a spark traveled all the way to his core.
By jingo, she was sweet.
He deepened the kiss, his senses filling with every part of her. The softness of her lips, the hint of coffee lacing her breath. The intensity of her response. He pressed harder, slipping a hand to her back and pulling her closer.
She stumbled, and the jolt cracked the trance of her kiss. What was he doing? Alex pulled back, sliding his arms to her shoulders. As much to steady himself as her.
He struggled to catch his breath, not able to meet her gaze. "I'm sorry." He had to get out of there. His body still raged with the desire to pull her close again.
"I'm sorry, I—" But he had no words to describe what he was feeling. Wasn't even sure himself. This woman may be all he'd ever dreamed of, but she was his patient. Get out of there.
Jerking his hands from her, he turned and strode out the door.
~~~
Miriam fumbled for the arms of the chair behind her, then sank into its seat. What just happened? The amazing effects of the kiss still lingered inside her. She pressed two fingers to her lips.
But the look in his eyes when he'd pulled away? Pure torture.
Had it been so bad for him? She'd never kissed a man before. Had no idea it was so…magical. But maybe she'd done it all wrong.
It sure hadn't felt wrong, though.
~~~
Miriam leaned on her crutches by the front door as she fastened the buttons spanning the front of Alex's borrowed coat. Both brothers insisted on walking with her to the boarding house. That was probably a good thing, as Alex had been stiff and formal since their kiss the day before. He seemed to take pains not to be alone with her. And when they were in the same room with Bryan or a patient, he never made eye contact. When he spoke to her, red usually crept into his face and ears.
If the kiss had been so bad, why couldn't he just forget it? Maybe she should apologize. But for what? For being a bad kisser? That would be awkward, and then some. At least she wouldn't be sleeping at the clinic anymore, which would lessen their chances of being alone together.
"All set?" Bryan strode into the front room with her meager bundle of possessions tucked under his arm. Alex appeared behind him, doctor's bag in hand.
She raised a questioning gaze on them both. "Are you going on calls after you drop me at the boarding house?"
"Never know when we'll need it. Like to be prepared with both of us out." Alex didn't meet her gaze, but strode around his brother to open the front door.
Bryan gave her a good-natured smile, and touched her elbow. "Ready when you are."
It was a long, silent walk down the block, across the street, and around the corner to Watson's. A little sun poked through the clouds, but the breeze that whipped up stung bitter cold. The coat helped, but she'd need to purchase one, or make her own, soon. She couldn't keep depending on Alex.
Bryan had secured a room for her on the first floor. A blessing, since stairs were still tricky with her crutches. Mrs. Watson led them to the room—second door on the left—and motioned for Miriam to precede her into the small chamber. The men stayed in the hallway.
"You just open your door an' call if you need anything, dearie. Mister Watson an' I stay at the other end of the hall, so I'll be listenin' for you." She was a petite woman, with curly brown hair cut short so it framed her heart-shaped face. Her puffy cheeks seemed to keep a constant rosy hue.
"Thank you." Miriam reached for the bundle from Bryan.
"Let me get that, hon." Mrs. Watson stepped in front of her to take it, then dropped the package on the bed. "I don't usually cook meals since the café's right next door." She paused, tilting her head at Miriam. "If I need to have something delivered, though..."
"Oh, no. I'll be helping at the clinic still, so I'll take most of my meals there." She shot a gaze at the men. Bryan eyed her with raised brows, but Alex only stared at his boot as it scuffed the floor. Had Alex not shared that news with his brother?
"I'll leave you be then." Mrs. Watson eyed the men, as if she weren't sure if she should leave Miriam alone with them.
"Thank you, Mrs. Watson. I appreciate all your help." Miriam gave the woman a smile and was rewarded with a pat on the shoulder.
"Any time, dearie. You just call."
The brothers murmured their thanks as she strode past. Bryan glanced around the room again. "You need anything to get settled?"
Miriam nibbled her lip. She needed more than she cared to say in front of male ears. "I do need a few things from the mercantile. Is there any way I could give you a list for the next time one of you go there? You can put it on Gideon's tab."
Bryan nodded. "Of course. If you write it now, we'll get it today." She couldn't see Alex's face where he stood, almost behind his brother.
Miriam glanced at the paper and charcoal on the nightstand. "I'll be quicker than a rifle shot."
After jotting down everything she could think of—from a comb to wool material and thread for a new cape—she swung on the crutches to the door. Neither man had dared step foot over the threshold.
"You can just give this to the clerk to gather." Please. The last thing she wanted was for these men to select her toiletries.
Alex stepped forward, reaching for the paper. "I'll stop back by with the supplies around lunchtime." He didn't quite meet her gaze, but it was the first time he'd spoken without being forced since the kiss.
"Thank you."
~~~
He was an idiot.
Alex pounded the words in his head as his boots slapped the wooden sidewalk. How could he have crossed the line with Miriam like that? Kissed her. While she was a patient under his care. He ground his fingertips into his palms.
He had to apologize. Had to clear the air between them. Promise it wouldn't happen again. And then he had to make sure it didn't…
Breathing in a deep breath, he straightened his shoulders. When he brought her supplies from the mercantile, they would talk.
"Ya know, she likes you." Bryan elbowed his side.
Alex scowled. "She's a patient, Bryan."
His brother waited a few moments before answering. "True. But she won't always be. Give it time. Don't close any doors."
Alex clenched his jaw. Don't close any doors? How could he see Miriam every day—work alongside her and experience her kindness and intelligence, not to mention her good cooking—without craving her as more in his life? The only way he could do it was by slamming that door shut and boarding it up. She was OFF LIMITS. No touching. Business only.
Now to explain it to her in a way that didn't break her heart. Because that would be his undoing.
Chapter Seventeen
When the knock sounded on Miriam's door, she slipped the ribbon in Emma to mark her page. "Coming."
Holding in a groan, she pushed off the bed and fit a crutch under her left arm. She was getting good at maneuvering with a single walking stick in these small spaces. Before she opened the door, Miriam brushed loose curls back from her face, then smoothed her skirt. Would Alex be in a better mood this time? Inhaling a deep breath, she grasped the handle.
The aroma of baked chicken and potatoes hit her first, even before she saw t
he large box piled high enough to hide the person carrying it. The crate shifted, and Alex's head peered around it. "Hungry?"
"I wasn't until I smelled that." She hobbled out of the way. "Bring it on in."
As he lowered his load to the floor, Miriam peered over his shoulder and realized it was two crates stacked. "I don't remember baked chicken on my list."
He lifted covered plates, jars, and utensils from the top crate and placed them on the dresser. "Figured you'd be settling in today, so you wouldn't make it to the clinic. And I wasn't sure you'd go to the café yourself." He shot her a look, his mouth quirked.
"I would if I got hungry enough." She limped to the dresser and lifted the cloth off a plate. The warm, savory aroma blasted her face. "Oh, that's heavenly."
That familiar twinkle sparkled in his eye. "Enjoy. There should be enough for dinner too." Rising, he lifted the crate that was still half full of food and settled it under one arm.
"Aren't you going to stay and eat with me?" Miriam's heart sank as she realized his intent.
Alex glanced down at the wood box he held. "I need to get back to the clinic. Left it closed too long already."
He paused, his brow furrowing, eyes still staring at the cloth covering in the crate. Then he raised his head and met Miriam's gaze squarely. The beat in her chest quickened.
"Miriam, I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have…done that." His gaze dropped to the floor, and red seeped into his cheeks. "I mean…you're a patient and I don't want you to be uncomfortable. I won't let it happen again."
Miriam's mind spun. Was he saying he'd stopped kissing her because she was under his medical care? Suddenly, it was more important that she make certain of that, than take her next breath. She squared her shoulders. "So you didn't hate the kiss?"
His head jerked up, brown eyes widening. "Hate it? No." His eyes darkened to chocolate, and the shadow of a smile touched his mouth. "A far opposite from hate."
And then he blinked, the red in his cheeks deepening to crimson. "But I shouldn't have done it. I'm sorry. It won't happen again." With a bow, his voice slipped into the Irish brogue. "I'll endeavor to be the perfect gentleman doctor, deserving of a fine lady patient such as yourself."
Dipping his chin, he turned and glanced toward the door. "I need to go now. I'll check on you in the morning. Is there anything else you need?"
No matter how she tried to hold it back, a smile forced its way onto Miriam's face. It didn't matter, though. He wasn't looking at her as he edged to the door. "This is more than enough. Thank you."
With one final look and a nod, Alex walked out the door, closing it behind him.
~~~
Alex plunged the pen into its inkwell and slumped against the back of his chair with a sigh. What a day. After he'd left Miriam at lunchtime, there'd been a steady stream of patients into the office. At times, two or three waiting for him. And as the day progressed, the clinic grew lonelier by the minute. Too many memories of Miriam, everywhere he turned.
Even his patients wouldn't let him forget about her. Mrs. Malmgren had stepped in the front door, ignored his greeting, and cocked her head like she was listening for raindrops. Then she waved her cane at him, her blind eyes wide. "Where's that pretty gal you were doctorin' on? You didn't run her off, did ya?"
Alex had pasted a smile on his face, so maybe it would come through his voice. "No, ma'am. She's doing much better and staying at the boarding house now."
A ship could have drowned in the frown lines covering her face. "Don't you lose her, Alex Donaghue."
The smile was a little easier this time, as he reached forward to take her elbow. One couldn't get upset with this spunky old woman. "Yes, ma'am. Come on back and we'll see how you're doing today."
She jerked her arm from his grasp. "Don't patronize me. You boys've moved too far away from your mama. Somebody's gotta do the job."
Alex couldn't help but smile at the memory of the sassy lady. But now his patients were all gone, leaving him alone. It'd been dark for at least an hour, and Bryan still wasn't back from his rounds.
At last, the front door opened in the next room, allowing the sound of the wind to howl in, until the click of the door shut it out. Alex leaped to his feet and strode to meet his brother. "It's about time you're back. Everything all right?"
Bryan stood just inside the room as he shucked his gloves first, then his coat. "Not exactly."
Alex's focus jerked to the tight expression on Bryan's face. "What's wrong?"
He let out a long breath. "Frank MacGregor died."
Every muscle in Alex's body went taut.
"He didn't show up for work this morning, so they sent a man to his shack."
Alex's throat worked, but no sound came out.
Bryan met his gaze. "He was in a bad way, Alex. You knew as well as I did he might not make it."
Alex stumbled back, bumped into the corner next to the hallway wall, and clung hard to the door post. "But he seemed so much better when he left here. He wasn't coughing blood anymore, and his breathing was easier."
Bryan's lips pinched. "His neighbor said his cough got worse after his first night home. Could hear him coughing all night through the walls."
"Then why didn't he come back to the clinic?"
Bryan gripped his shoulder, the volume in his voice dropping. "I don't know. You did the best you could, but I guess he knew he was dying. We can't fight God when a man's time comes."
Alex's jaw clenched. Can't fight God? Why didn't God help these people? The ache in his chest that had grown through the afternoon without Miriam was strong enough now to double him over. He'd failed again.
~~~
Alex squared his shoulders as he stood in front of Miriam's door at the boarding house. Would she be up yet? Maybe she wasn't planning to come to the clinic today. He didn't want her to think he needed her there. No matter how much that was true.
Inhaling a deep breath, he raised his knuckles and tapped on the wooden door.
Rustling sounded inside, then several soft thuds, and finally a muffled, "You can open it."
Alex reached for the wood knob and slowly twisted it. As he pushed the door open, Miriam stood at the foot of her bed, crutches under both arms. She was more beautiful than he'd ever seen her.
Her honey-blonde curls were pulled up into a coif that perfectly accented her elegant cheekbones. His eyes fell to the creamy skin of her slender neck. Everything about her was stunning.
"Good morning."
He swallowed, trying to summon liquid into his dry mouth.
"I'm ready." She hobbled forward.
"Ready?" He had to pull himself together.
She stopped a few feet from him. Her delicate brown brows arched and a smile played on her lips. "To go to the clinic."
He forced his gaze from her lips and focused on her eyes. A brownish green this morning, close to the olive color of her skirt. The skirt he'd picked out for her. "Oh. All right."
She still stood there, brows raised and watching him as if waiting.
Alex tore his gaze from Miriam and looked around. Was she waiting on him?
"Well, let's go then."
Right. Alex jumped to the side, then motioned toward the hall with a flourish. "After you, m'lady."
"Oh, I forgot my jacket. I mean, your jacket." She turned to retrieve the coat laying on the bed.
"I'll get it." He almost tripped over his feet getting into the room. Smooth, Donaghue. Get a handle on yourself.
When they stepped out the front door, Alex took a deep breath of the biting air. A fresh layer of snow had fallen in the night. Powdery and clean still, except for the single track that had formed in the middle of the street.
"Watch out for ice." He gripped Miriam's arm as she maneuvered the two stairs to the road so they could cross.
"Thanks." Her brow puckered as she carefully placed the crutches with each step. "Thanks for coming to get me this morning. You won't have to do it every day though. I should be fine after
this first time."
A smile tugged at his mouth. Such a strong-willed lass.
As the clinic came into view ahead, the gloom that hovered all night settled again over Alex's shoulders. Another patient. Lost. What was he doing wrong?
"Do you want to talk about it?" Miriam's voice was so soft, he almost didn't hear her over the breeze.
"Talk about what?" Had she sensed something wrong? Or did she want to discuss their conversation yesterday.
She cut him a glance. "Whatever's worrying you."
Alex let out a long breath. How could she read him so well? And she wanted him to talk about it? But something deep inside him did want to confide in her. Not that she could do anything about it. But still...
"Frank MacGregor died."
Her quick inhale was loud enough to hear over the wind. "No. He was getting better."
Alex kept his focus planted on the boardwalk ahead of them. "Appears he worsened not long after he left us."
"Alex, I'm so sorry." The grief in her words made him stop and turn to look at her.
Miriam touched his arm, and the pressure sank through his wool coat. Like a balm to his soul.
A rush of something burned the back of his eyes, but Miriam turned and continued hobbling down the sidewalk. He swallowed to collect himself.
"Do you think the pneumonia came back? Or was there something more?"
That was the question, wasn't it? Alex scrubbed a hand through his hair. "I don't know. The pneumonia seemed to be out of his lungs. I wonder if there's something in the mine that could have triggered the relapse." He sighed. "I guess we'll never know for sure."
They reached the clinic door, and he opened it for her to enter.
"Oh, warmth." She moved straight for the examination room where he'd loaded the stove box with wood. Beside the stove, she propped her crutches against the wall and slipped her coat off. "So what can I do first?"
~~~
Mountain Dreams Series: Books 1 - 3: Mountain Dreams Box Set 1 Page 37