Daniel McClintock

by Caroline Clemmons

  “You will still be Daniel, just as you are Daniel now. The outside is a shell.” She leaned away and cupped his face in her hands. “I truly believe you will walk again. I do not lie and would not say this if it were not true.”

  He pulled away and wiped his eyes with his palms. “Like I was?”

  She shook her head. “You are right that nothing will be as it was. You have lost years of your life that cannot be reclaimed. Nothing remains the same. You will be a new Daniel, perhaps better than before even though you may walk differently.”

  He moved his hands from his face. “What do you mean by ‘differently’?”

  “Probably you will not be able to run and you may even have an unusual gait. Still, you will be walking from place to place to do as you wish.”

  “Like ride a horse.”

  “I said walking but, perhaps, if your legs are strong enough to swing into the saddle then you can. You know how your weight distributes itself as you go through the motions of mounting a horse better than I do.”

  He beat the mattress with his fists. “If I can’t ride, then I’ll be stuck with nothing to do but Pa’s record keeping.”

  “Nonsense. You are a grown man who is very intelligent and can do many things. You paint and keep finances. Who knows what else you will accomplish? There is far more to life than riding horses.”

  He shook his head. “Not for a rancher. This was supposed to be my ranch when Pa and Mama are gone. Dallas and Josh each have their own places. You think men would take orders from a cripple?”

  She snapped, “Don’t ever refer to yourself in that way. The only thing that will be crippled is your mind unless you stop. If you are going to mope and feel sorry for yourself, you can do so without me.” She stood and would have left.

  Daniel caught her hand. “No, don’t go. Please.” He guided her back to where she had been sitting.

  “Why should I stay?”

  He waited a few seconds to gather his courage before he replied. “I was thinking about Dallas’ children and now Josh having a baby.” He met her gaze. “I wondered if…if I’d ever be able to… um, father children?”

  Sympathy tinged her soft voice. “Only time will tell and I cannot guarantee anything. In my experience, some men are not able to have normal intimate relations even though they regain use of their legs. Most who relearn to walk are, though.”

  “So, I have to wait to learn which group includes me. That’s not helpful.”

  She laid her hand over his. “Daniel, you have worked hard. So have I and your mother before me. Josh and Dallas have done what they could, too. Dr. Sullivan—and your mother—prevented you from dying of pneumonia or heart problems, the diseases that usually attack paralytics. The young man, Lance, also helped you. You have excellent resources. But, I have been here only a few weeks. One cannot undo this much damage in so short a time.”

  “All right.” He caught her fingers with his. “How long do you think it’s going to take?”

  She shrugged and shook her head slightly. “There is no way I can tell. I will do the very best I can to help you. I expect you to do your best too.”

  “I have been. If I don’t walk again the reason will not be because I didn’t do my part.”

  She smiled and smoothed hair off his forehead with her fingers. “Good. Can you sleep now?”

  “Not without a goodnight kiss.” He had no idea what came over him. The words were out before he realized what he’d said.

  She blinked then tilted her head. “I beg your pardon? I am not certain I heard you correctly.”

  “You heard what I said. While I’m unable to follow through, I’m still a man with normal urges and would like to kiss you.”

  He pulled her toward him until he could cup her face. Her eyes widened but she made no move to stop him. She appeared mesmerized.

  When their lips met, hers were soft and sweet. Her mouth parted in a soft sigh and he deepened the kiss. He would have kept her near but she pulled away to stand.

  She touched her lips. “What have I done? This is forbidden between us. You are my patient.” She turned and hurried from the room.

  Daniel lay there in thought. Clara was the only woman he’d seen besides family since his accident. Maybe that’s why he’d not desired a particular woman before Clara came. Perhaps there was hope for him after all.

  ***

  Clara shut her door behind her. Poor man had been so unhappy. Who would not be in his position? Rebecca teased him about being grumpy, but he probably did not think that was correct.

  His kiss. She touched her fingers against her lips. Other young men had tried to kiss her—she had even let two of them. Tonight her reaction was very different.

  She scolded herself for returning his kiss. When Daniel’s lips touched hers, she had grown warm all over and tingles rushed down to her toes. How she had longed to nestle against his broad chest, to stretch out beside him.

  Scandalous thoughts like those must be put behind her. No matter how attracted she was to him, he was her patient and she must keep their relationship professional. Never before had she let a patient become so familiar—not in that way. Some hugged her and gave her cheek a kiss when they were leaving her care.

  Walking to the window, the smooth wooden floor felt cool to her feet. She peered out and saw a fox searching for prey. Would a mouse be as captivated by the fox as she had been by Daniel?

  Enough fanciful thoughts. She climbed back into her bed. Hoping for a dream with more forbidden kisses, she closed her eyes.

  ***

  The following morning, Clara took a deep breath and braced herself before she went into Daniel’s room. That kiss had ruined more than her sleep. Now it would hang between them, making both self-conscious.

  “Good morning, Daniel. Are you ready to have a sponge bath and face the day?”

  Before he answered, she poured water from the pitcher into the basin. Carrying the basin, his soap, and a clean cloth, she set the bath things where he could reach them. Then, she got a fresh one of the cloths he used as diapers.

  He’s a plate and I’m washing dishes. He’s a plate and I’m washing dishes.

  No matter how many times she told herself otherwise, Daniel was flesh and blood and so was she, as their kiss had reminded her all too much. She would simply proceed as if nothing had happened. At least, she would try. He was so handsome and intelligent and could be funny. No wonder her mind was a jumble.

  She pretended to be busy while he washed his genitals. He handed her the cloth and towel and she moved the basin out of the way to help him turn over. She was washing his back when Kathryn came in.

  “I wanted to look at those two places again that tried to become bed sores.”

  Daniel raised his head. “Have you two forgotten I’m not a cabbage or a science experiment?”

  Kathryn swatted his rear lightly. “Of course not, but don’t tempt me while you’re in such a vulnerable position.”

  Clara pointed to the places for Kathryn and spoke for his benefit, “Daniel, they have almost disappeared now that you are up so much.”

  Kathryn leaned near and ran a finger over them. “They’ll clear completely now. Thank goodness, because bed sores are such a serious problem.”

  “It is amazing to me that you prevented them for two years. I am very proud to know such an accomplished healer.”

  Surprise shot across Kathryn’s face. “Why, thank you, Clara. Well, I’ll leave you and Daniel to get on with getting ready for breakfast.”

  After Clara had helped Daniel turn onto his back again, she washed his legs and feet. She was careful not to make eye contact when she helped him with his diaper. How humiliating this must be for a man.

  “Do you wish to wear day clothes or your nightshirt?” A secretive glance proved he was avoiding looking at her.

  “I’ll stick with the nightshirt. Covers me down to my knees and is a lot easier than pants.”

  She handed him a fresh garment. “Good thing Emma
has help with the laundry. We generate a lot.”

  “Thank you for including her with your handkerchief gifts. She’s like a second mother to me. When Mama is calling on one of her patients, Emma fills in at home.”

  “She is protective of you and I can tell she loves you. How long has she been with your family??”

  He scrunched his brow. “As near as I can remember, she came when I was three or four. Say, did you know bullfrogs don’t sleep”

  “I do not know where you learned that but do you not question the time someone spent on such a subject?”

  “Aw, some university professor without a real job I guess.”

  “Being a professor is a job, one that Uncle Hans held. Are you ready to move to your chair?”

  “Here I go, doing your work again.”

  ***

  On the first Thursday in July, Clara sat at what she’d come to think of as her place. She marveled at the quantities of food served in this house. Today’s breakfast looked to be no different. Good thing she worked so hard or she’d gain weight.

  After the blessing, Kathryn clapped her hands. “Time to make plans for Saturday’s celebration.”

  Clara spread her napkin across her lap. “If I may ask, what celebration is this?”

  Austin set down his cup. “July 4th is our Independence Day, the day we celebrate our 1776 Declaration of Independence from British rule. There’s a picnic in the park with games and fireworks.”

  “Like Bastille Day in France?”

  A frown creased Austin’s brow. “Didn’t know about Bastille Day. Probably most countries have some sort of national festival.”

  “How long does this celebration last?”

  Her host appeared to ponder for a few seconds. “We get to the park about three in the afternoon but some folks arrive around ten and stay all day. This is a chance to see friends we don’t see often. Every family brings food to contribute and the meal is served about six.”

  He smiled at his wife. “Kathryn’s food disappears first because everyone knows she’s such a good cook.”

  Rebecca said, “I’m not entering them this year, but there are games like a three-legged race, balancing an egg on a spoon, tug of war, and others.”

  Kathryn leaned forward and peered at her son. “Daniel, do want to stay here or go?”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m staying here. Clara should go. I can use a day off.”

  Clara looked from him to his mother. “Of course, I will remain here. Daniel should not be alone for so many hours.”

  Emma rose to refill coffee cups. “I’ll stay here with Daniel. Being out in the heat is not my idea of fun. We’ll have our own celebration with his favorite foods.” She winked at Daniel. “I might even let him beat me at checkers.”

  Kathryn smiled at the housekeeper. “That’s nice of you, Emma. Seeing how we honor Independence Day should be interesting to Clara.”

  Rebecca raised her arms. “Yay! Clara, if you want me to I’ll take you around and introduce you to people.”

  Clara’s stomach jumped to her throat. Here in the McClintock home, she felt secure and welcome—except for Daniel’s stubbornness. Was she ready to meet so many others? What if they reacted like his grandmother?

  “I-If you are certain, then I will be honored to go with you. What may I do to help prepare the things you take with you?”

  Emma set down the coffee pot then patted Clara’s shoulder. “Choose the coolest dress you own. After all these years, Kathryn and I have a system. Rebecca helps, too. You just take care of our boy until time to leave the house.”

  Chapter Eight

  Saturday afternoon, Clara donned the coolest dress she owned. The blue dotted Swiss trimmed in white lace had a white dimity inset at the front in tiny tucks. She loved the dress and had been told it flattered her complexion and her eyes.

  After she removed the green ribbon from her straw bonnet, she replaced it with one the same shade as her dress. The hat’s white flowers went with any ensemble. She hoped the McClintock family would find her appearance acceptable.

  She was ready when Daniel banged on their adjoining wall. After grabbing her purse, she hurried to see what he needed.

  He held a sheet of paper. “I made a family chart so you can keep everyone straight. You’ll meet so many family and almost-family that they’ll become a blur. Hard to keep everyone’s relationship straight.”

  She accepted the paper and scanned the sheet. “Thank you. My goodness, what a lot of names. You are correct, today will be confusing.”

  “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine as long as you don’t eat any of Avis Dunhill’s cooking.”

  “I do not know this woman.”

  “When you get to the park, you’ll see long tables set up to hold the food. As people arrive or when it’s near time to eat, they put the dishes they brought on the tables. I tried some of her cake once and thought I’d eaten sand.”

  Clara chuckled. “Certainly, I will avoid her food if I can. Thank you for this guide. Good bye.”

  When they were on their way, the wagon was filled with quilts, baskets of food, and containers of water. She was not certain what some bundles contained. On her journey with Dr. Sullivan, she’d been too upset to pay attention. This time on the drive, she was able to enjoy the scenery.

  Rebecca pointed to a lovely house. “That’s where the Claytons live. Josh is married to their daughter Nettie and their son Lance used to help Daniel.”

  Clara referred to her paper guide. “Yes, I see.”

  Rebecca leaned closer. “What is that in your hand?”

  “Daniel created this chart showing who is related to whom and how. He said otherwise I would not be able to keep people straight.”

  Kathryn turned from the front bench where she sat with Austin. “What a good idea. I wish I’d thought of that.”

  They arrived at the park and there were families and couples already with their blankets spread. Band music drifted across from the gazebo on which hung red, white, and blue bunting. In a shady area among a group of trees, long tables were covered with tablecloths and what appeared to be bed sheets. Food, covered by cup towels, spread across the tables.

  Austin pulled near the tables. “You ladies wait here while I unload the food.”

  Kathryn pointed at the baskets. “The one with the red checked cloth is fried chicken. The one with the blue checked cover is desserts. Those other two go with the vegetables. The largest one nearest me is for our blanket.”

  He sent her a tolerant smile. “I know, I know, Sweetheart. Same every year.”

  She leaned back against the wagon bench. “I guess I worry too much.”

  Rebecca gestured to a huge tree. “Mama, I see our favorite spot. I’m going to make sure no one else takes it.”

  She climbed down from the wagon and took the top quilt from the stack. She reached the tree ahead of another group who’d headed that way. Rebecca pretended not to see them and spread the quilt.

  Clara leaned toward Kathryn. “What was I thinking? Should I have gone with her and spread another of the covers?”

  “When people see her they’ll remember we need a lot of space for our family. And, we have the drinks, dishes, more quilts, and chairs for Gran and Grandpa. Let’s wait and let Austin drop us off closer.”

  Clara relaxed. “Do the men who work for you attend?”

  “Yes, this is one reason why I prepare so much food. Traditionally bachelors don’t bring food. To be sure, I’ve told them they don’t need to bring anything but their appetites.”

  “That is nice of you and I’m sure they are grateful for your thoughtfulness.”

  “We have good men working for us and we want them to know we appreciate them. I prepare extra, too, for those who can’t afford to bring much.”

  Austin returned to drive them close to their chosen spot. When everything was unloaded, he moved the wagon near others and took care of the horses before joining them.

  Rebecca helped s
pread the other quilts then disappeared and returned with a young woman who looked to be her age. The girls were a contrast. Rebecca had blond hair and wore a pink dress while her friend had dark brown hair and wore red checks. “This is my best friend, Maddie. We’re going to go watch the games, Clara. Do you want to join us?”

  Clara was torn. “Do you mind if I just sit in the shade and relax? I love watching people from this comfortable spot.”

  “Of course not. Join us if you change your mind.” Rebecca left, chatting with her friend.

  Only a slight breeze blew, but the shade of a huge tree offered respite from the sun. The quilt was soft and Clara’s tensions sifted from her body.

  She looked up when Kathryn sighed. “You must be very tired after preparing all this food.” She couldn’t imagine any family having such resources.

  Kathryn removed her bonnet. “Now I can relax, though. Bless her, Emma started cooking cakes and pies yesterday. Plus, she boiled eggs and did everything possible to make this morning easier.”

  Clara studied the paper from Daniel. “You have a large family. How nice to have everyone living so near.”

  “Wonderful. I would hate for any one of my children to move far away. I want to see them often and to play with my grandchildren.”

  “And, now you have a lovely grandson as well as Dallas’ two.”

  Kathryn glowed at the mention of her grandchildren. “This will be the first July 4th celebration Josh has missed. Nettie has attended two of them.”

  Two smiling strangers approached, the man carrying an infant. Kathryn whispered Finn and Stella O’Neill and her father Council Clayton. Clara located them on the paper.

  Kathryn waved. “Stella, Finn, Council, this is Clara Van Hoosan.” She leaned near. “Their baby is Vincent Dallas O’Neill, who is six months old and one of those I delivered.”

  Clara nodded. “Pleased to meet you.” Finn was shorter than the McClintock men but very nice looking. His lovely wife’s gorgeous red hair hung free. Council was of medium height with brown hair.

  Kathryn gestured toward the newcomers. “Council is the local barber. Finn and Stella partner with Dallas in breeding horses. Folks, Clara is here to help Daniel.”