How was she so perceptive? He let out a breath. "It's just…you and…Bryan." His neck flamed. He was an idiot.
She cocked her head, brows furrowing. "Your brother's injured. I only did what was needed—to help him and the patients that came in."
"I know but…the two of you together…all day." Why was he explaining this? He should clamp a hand over his mouth.
The corners of her lips tipped up. "I have to say, he's not as much fun as you."
A surge of heat sluiced through him. What was she saying?
Before he knew what happened, Miriam slipped under his arm. She wrapped her hands around his waist, and snuggled against his side. Her head rested on his shoulder. His arms closed around her, pulling her tighter. Closer.
"I missed you today." Her breath caressed his neck as her words drifted up to his ear. He tightened his hold on her, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair. How did it always smell so clean and fresh? He pressed a kiss on the top of her head. The memory of her soft lips flickered through his mind. He could still taste her sweetness.
But he couldn't make that mistake again. With monumental effort, he loosened his grip. Running his hands down her arms, he separated her clasp and stepped back. As cold air rushed between them, his body craved her warmth. He almost pulled her tight to him again, but instead, raised her hands to his lips. He was struggling on tenuous ground here.
As his gaze found hers, the same heat reflected there that washed through him. But there was more. Uncertainty? Her eyes held a question.
Lord, please don't let me mess this up. "I should walk you back to the boarding house."
Something flashed in her gaze before she turned away, pulling her hands from his grasp. "Let me get my things."
As Miriam disappeared inside, a cold breeze whipped up, cutting through his wool shirt. Its bite helped drown the ache in his chest.
~~~
Miriam tore her gaze from the sun shining through the dingy window. Maybe this was a good day to clean the glass. They'd had a warm spell these last few days, which put her in the mood for spring cleaning. Even if it was the first of December.
As she swept the front waiting room, her eyes drifted back through the window to the mountains in the distance. Snow still covered the peaks, but dark spots of pine trees showed where before there had only been white.
Would Gideon and Leah make it through the pass soon? That thought should bring excitement, right? So why the dread knotting her stomach? It would be wonderful to see Leah again. And Gideon too, of course. To hear all the news from the ranch. Be assured everyone was all right.
But when they came, she would have to go back with them. Leave her work in the clinic. Leave the doctors. Leave Alex. The thought made her throat burn. Miriam swallowed down the lump.
She'd even miss spunky Mrs. Malmgren, whose rusty voice penetrated the wall where Alex examined her in the next room.
"I'm getting along just fine, young man. I only wish I could convince my family of that. A bunch of worriers they are."
Alex's deep tenor was too low for her to understand his response. The door opened though, and he stepped out with Mrs. Malmgren's hand tucked under his elbow.
"They live in Carolina, in a little town called Charlotte. That man my daughter married took her all the way across the country and I've only seen those precious grandbabies once."
"What a shame." Alex's voice held that soothing tone that could calm a raging bear. "How old are your grandchildren?"
"Let's see. Marcus is twenty-five, so Clara Lee must be twenty-one. She has the prettiest red hair and freckles, just like I had when I was her age."
"She sounds lovely." Alex shot Miriam a wink as they shuffled through the front room, and she couldn't help but smile.
Mrs. Malgrem's head shot up, her senses acute. "Is that you, Miss Bryant?"
"Yes, ma'am." Warmth crawled up her neck. "How are you today?"
"Fine and dandy. Just had a nice talk with your young man here." Mrs. Malmgren patted Alex's arm.
"He's, um, not…" Miriam turned away, resuming her sweeping while her face commenced smoking. "I'm glad you're well."
Mrs. Malmgren only chuckled. "I'll see you youngsters later."
Alex closed the door behind her with a chuckle, but Miriam busied herself with the broom.
"She's something else, that old lady. If I have half that much spunk when I'm her age, I'll count my blessings."
"You'll be a trial to everyone around you." Miriam bent to reach the broom under a chair. Then her mind caught hold of what she'd said. She jerked upright. "Not that Mrs. Malmgren is a trial. I just meant your personality with her spunk could be hazardous." That wasn't much better, but she ducked her chin and focused again on sweeping.
Alex's deep chuckle drifted as he strolled down the hallway.
A knock sounded on the outside door. That was unusual. Most people charged right in like they would any other store in town. As Miriam limped to the door, Alex's footsteps grew louder behind her. Her mouth formed a smile. He was still so protective. Always aware and close by when patients were around.
She pulled the door open. And gasped.
"Miriam?"
"Leah!" She threw herself in her sister-in-law's arms, and reveled in the warm embrace. Closing her eyes tight against the sting of tears that threatened, she breathed in Leah's familiar rose scent.
"I can't tell you how good it is to see you." Leah finally pulled back and held Miriam at arm's length. "You don't look like you wrestled a wildcat."
Miriam grinned. "I'm walking now."
"I see that." A twinkle lit Leah's green eyes, and she pulled Miriam into another hug. "I was so worried about you." Leah whispered the words so only Miriam could hear.
Miriam inhaled a steadying breath. I will not cry.
"You ladies may not feel it, but it's a mite cold out here."
Miriam pulled back to see Gideon standing there, blowing puffs of steam into his gloved hands. "Well don't stand there, Gideon. Come inside."
With Leah's hand firmly in hers, Miriam turned to lead them into the clinic. She almost ran straight into Alex. "Oh." Her hand came up to catch herself…on his chest.
He grasped her elbow to help her stay upright, a sparkle in his eye. "Looks like we have special company." Slipping to the side in a smooth action, he motioned them in, then reached to clasp hands with Gideon. "Good to see you, Gideon."
"Alex, I'd like you to meet my wife, Leah."
Leah extended a graceful hand, every inch the lady in her emerald cape and kid leather gloves. "A pleasure, Doctor Donaghue. I can't thank you enough for your care and kindness to our dear Miriam." Withdrawing her hand from Alex's, she slipped it through Miriam's arm and pulled her close.
"It was a pleasure, madam." His eyes found Miriam as his mouth turned up. "A true pleasure."
The heat crawling up Miriam's neck would show on her face any minute. Time to change the subject. "Where are you staying?"
"Not sure yet. Had to stop and check on you first."
Miriam eyed her brother. "Mrs. Watson told me yesterday she had an open room upstairs. I doubt she's filled it. I'm staying downstairs."
"Perfect." Leah squeezed Miriam's arm. "You can ride with us in the wagon."
Miriam cut a glance at Alex. "I, um, still have things I need to do here. Why don't you get settled in, then come back for dinner?"
Leah raised a brow. "You have things to do here." She said it as a statement not a question, but the look in Leah's eyes made it clear Miriam would be required to answer when they were alone. "Of course. What say we come get you for dinner at Aunt Pearl's Café around six?"
She raised her gaze to Alex. "Doctor Donaghue, I hope you and your brother can join us. It's the very least we can do to thank you for your excellent care." Her eyes scanned Miriam from top to bottom. "I see our sister is much recovered."
Miriam bit back a grin. How wonderful it was to see her dear friend again. Even if Leah was a bit too perceptive.
>
Chapter Twenty
Through the afternoon, the knot in Miriam's stomach wound tighter. Gideon and Leah would expect her to go back up the mountain with them. But she wasn't ready. Had more to do here. Working with Alex and Bryan, helping the good people of this town. For once in her life, she was doing something that mattered.
"I put the closed sign up."
Miriam glanced at Alex as she wiped the counters in the examination room.
"Penny for your thoughts?" He strolled to her.
She looked down at the damp cloth in her hand. "Just thinking how much I'll miss this."
He stopped, only a couple of feet between them. What she wouldn't do for him to wrap her in his arms, and tell her to stay.
"When do you leave?" His voice held a hollow tone.
Miriam chanced a look at his face. Those amber eyes didn't hold their normal glow. Didn't share a glimpse into his soul like they normally did. Instead, they were almost shuttered. "I…I'm not sure."
He nodded and turned away, tightening the vise that already constricted Miriam's chest.
Gideon and Leah were right on time, but Bryan still hadn't come in from his rounds when they arrived.
"I'll leave a note for him, and he can join us later." Alex scribbled on a slip of paper before he ushered them through the front door.
Miriam eyed the wagon. "You didn't have to hitch the team for me. I walk back and forth to the boarding house every day."
Leah stepped forward and slipped her hand in Miriam's arm. "Tonight, we'll pretend it's a carriage."
With Aunt Pearl's Café just down the street and around the corner, it wasn't long before Gideon reined the horses in. Alex leaped from the wagon bed and reached up to help Miriam down, while Gideon assisted Leah from the other side. Alex's hands were strong on her waist, lingering for several extra moments as his gaze found hers. Miriam fought the desire to wrap her arms around his neck.
Inhaling a shaky breath, she stepped back. His gaze softened, and he extended his elbow. "Might I escort you, m'lady?"
"Thank you, kind sir." Hopefully, her cheeks wouldn't be as red as they felt.
Aunt Pearl herself greeted them as the group entered the restaurant. "Land sakes, if it ain't the Bryant's. Got a table for ya right by the window."
"Thank you, Aunt Pearl. I've been craving your sweet cinnamon rolls for weeks now." Leah graced the woman with a soft smile as Gideon tucked her into the chair beside Miriam.
"Got a batch in the oven now. I'll bring 'em out while they're warm." She glanced around. "I'm a bit shy of servers these days. I'll get some coffee for you folks."
As soon as the woman left their table, Miriam turned to her brother and sister-in-law. "Did you have trouble coming down the mountain?"
"Not bad." Gideon's usual succinct answer.
She pestered him with questions though, until he finally brought her up to speed on the ranch and animals.
"John's taking care of things for a few days. I moved the animals to the smaller south pasture so they'd be closer to his place."
Their food came, and conversation lulled for a moment while they dug into the corned beef and cabbage.
Leah was the first to speak. "Miriam, I received a letter from Emily, my friend in Richmond. She's excited we're coming, but won't be able to tour the Northern cities with us. Her sister's bedridden these days, and Emily doesn’t feel she can leave for so long."
Despite Leah's calm tone, Miriam could hear the threads of disappointment. "I'm sorry, Leah. That would have made the trip perfect."
Leah's smile was a little too bright. "It'll still be wonderful. I can't wait for you to see the ocean, Miri."
As the conversation continued, Miriam couldn't help but dart glances in Alex's direction. At first he seemed to follow the topic, but after several minutes, he barely raised his gaze from the food on his plate.
Bryan joined them halfway through the meal, bringing an interruption that eased the tension building in Miriam's shoulders. He and Gideon chatted about the latest news around town, including word that the local banker, William Clark, had just invested a chunk of funds in the Dexter 10-stamp mill for processing silver ore.
"I imagine we'll have another boom of miners and fortune hunters come spring." Bryan leaned over his plate. "As long as the mines keep producing the way they've been."
At last, Leah placed her cloth napkin on the table. "Gentlemen, as much as I've enjoyed this, I have some things at the boarding house I'd like to show Miriam. May we bid you good evening?"
Gideon's face fell, and he started to stand, but Leah reached a hand to halt him. "Stay and visit. That'll give Miriam and I time to catch up."
His mouth pulled on one side. "You'll do better without me there."
The men stood with them, and offered polite goodnights. Miriam tried to catch Alex's eye, but he kept his face averted. Something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put a finger on it. Like a barrier had risen between them as the evening progressed.
Leah was silent as they strolled arm in arm to the boarding house next door. Miriam tried to use the opportunity to sort her thoughts, but they were in such a muddle she hadn't made any progress when they stepped through the wooden front door.
"I put a satchel of clothes and things in your room. Mrs. Watson opened it for me." Leah steered Miriam toward her first floor chamber.
"Thank the Lord."
"I can't imagine how you've managed, Miri." Leah held her at arm's length. "This is new, isn't it?"
Miriam pressed a hand against the creamy lace of the shirtwaist Alex had picked out for her. "Isn't it lovely? I only had the one torn dress, so Alex brought this for me."
Leah's face took on an expression Miriam hadn't seen before. Calculating. Suspicious. Intrigued. "Come sit on the bed and tell me about Doctor Alex Donaghue."
What was there to say? That he was the kindest, funniest, most wonderful man she'd ever met? That she'd lost her heart to him, but he didn't seem to feel the same? That even though he'd given her the best first kiss she could have dreamed of, he seemed afraid to get near her now?
No, she definitely wasn't ready to bare her soul about Alex. Not until she could figure out where she stood with the man. Did he like her or not? He gave off too many conflicting signals.
"So…?"
Miriam sat on the bed and snuggled the pillow. "He's a great doctor. Very good with his patients."
"Good with patients like…you?" Leah's voice had a sing-song quality.
"All his patients."
"How do you feel about his other qualities?" Had Leah always been this pushy?
Miriam met her gaze squarely. "He's a fine man, and that's all I plan to say on the subject tonight."
Leah threw up her hands with a groan. "You're killing me." Her shoulders slumped and she reached for Miriam's hand. "All right, I'll let you off the hook. Tonight. Don't think I'm blind, though." With brows lowered, she gave Miriam a knowing look. "That boy's smitten. And you're not far behind."
Miriam nibbled her lip. Smitten?
Leah leaped to her feet. "Now, let me show you what I brought."
~~~
"I'm so happy for you, Mrs. Garner. A little brother or sister for Henry. I'm sure Mr. Garner is beaming."
Alex sat at the desk as Miriam assisted their patient to the front door. He should be making case notes, but couldn't keep his mind from following their conversation. Miriam had proved an invaluable help with his female patients who were in the family way. She calmed their unease, doted on each woman, and related in a way he never could.
He let out a long breath, but it did nothing to ease the hard knot in the pit of his stomach. Gideon said they'd be leaving tomorrow. Miriam with them.
What was he going to do without her? Elbows on the desk, he dropped his head in his hands and scrubbed his fingers through his hair. God, what can I do to make her stay? Nothing. She'd healed amazingly fast. He had no right to ask her to stay on and work at the clinic.
Maybe he could
go up and visit her on the mountain. Half a day's ride wasn't so far really. Not like she was going across the country. Yet. He let out another sigh. They were planning a trip back East, and from the sounds of it, she'd be gone six months at the very least. The journey sounded like all Miriam's dreams come true. Traveling in luxury. Seeing famous sights. She deserved every moment of it. The chance to live as an elegant lady of leisure, and attend balls and parties.
His stomach clenched at the thought of her dancing in another man's arms. Some wealthy aristocrat. That's what she deserved. A man far superior to him. She was worth so much more than he could give her. Just a simple doctor in a mining town.
Alex rubbed his eyes. He had to let her go.
~~~
Miriam pushed the food around her plate as she listened to Gideon rattle on about the supplies he'd purchased at the mercantile. He had everything loaded in the wagon, strapped down and covered in case they had rain or snow on the way up the mountain. Tomorrow. Why did they want to leave so soon? That was a silly question. Of course, Gideon needed to get back to the ranch.
But tomorrow? How could she leave the clinic? The patients? Alex? The brothers would have to go back to eating Alex's burned gruel and rubbery eggs. Who would keep the cobwebs away and sweep after the miners came through with their muddy, soot-covered boots? Heaven knew that hadn't been done very often before she came. And what about the babe growing in Mrs. Garner's abdomen? She'd never get to see the child. And Mrs. Malmgren. At least she could count on the feisty older lady to keep Alex in line. A grin threatened a corner of her mouth, but it wasn't hard to overcome as she thought of leaving them all.
"You going to eat that slice of ham?"
Miriam looked up at Gideon's question, then back down at the chunk of salted pork she'd been pushing around her mashed potatoes. "I guess I'm not that hungry."
"Mind if I take care of it?" Gideon's eyes held a covetous gleam.
She'd barely slid her plate two inches in his direction before his fork swooped in and speared the meat.
Mountain Dreams Series: Books 1 - 3: Mountain Dreams Box Set 1 Page 39