LITMIR.BIZ

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another week.” His gray eyes searched Maggie’s.

      Maggie smiled at him. “I know. Baby James came a little earlier than we expected. Not only was he early, but his coming into the world wasn’t as easygoing as we’d hoped.”

      The doctor glanced with concern from Maggie to Clayton. “What happened?” He walked across the room and took the baby from her arms.

      Hadn’t Clayton told the doctor how he’d saved the baby’s life? She watched as Dinah slipped into the room and took Clayton’s hand in hers. Her little sister pressed against his leg. Obviously, Gus’s visit had scared her more than Maggie had realized. Or was the little girl simply happy to see the man responsible for James’s well-being?

      Maggie pulled her gaze from the pair and explained the difficult delivery in a low tone, wishing Dinah were in the other room. Her voice cracked as she told him how the baby wouldn’t breathe for her. She looked to Clayton and said, “Thankfully, Mr. Young arrived and saved him.”

      The doctor turned to look at Clayton. “Is that right?” It wasn’t really a question as much as an expression of admiration.

      “It wasn’t really me, sir. God used me to help the child.” Clayton’s neck and cheeks turned red under the doctor’s interested gaze.

      “Well, then I’m glad the good Lord sent you when you were needed the most.”

      Maggie searched Clayton’s face. So, he believed in giving God credit for what he’d done. It gave her comfort to think that Clayton might be a God-fearing man.

      Doctor Anderson turned to face them once more. “Clayton, why don’t you take Miss Dinah downstairs for a little while?” He didn’t give Clayton time to answer before he spoke to her. “Maggie, I’m going to examine you both and make sure that you’re healthy enough to get back to a regular routine.”

      Worried blue eyes met hers. Maggie said, “Dinah, you can stay if you want to.”

      “No, I want to go with Clayton.” She clung tighter to his hand. “He’ll keep me safe.”

      Maggie moved her eyes to search his. Had he heard the fear in Dinah’s voice? What would he think if he knew just how badly her cousin-in-law wanted the ranch?

      Clayton nodded. “I can use her company in the horse barn, if that’s all right with you.”

      Maggie knew he’d take care of Dinah and for a brief moment allowed herself to dream that he really could keep them all safe. “Thank you.”

      Half an hour later, the doctor and Maggie walked out onto the front porch. “Now, don’t forget, Maggie, this first week rest downstairs until bedtime at night. Stairs will delay your healing. And no lifting anything heavier than the baby. If there are any indications of sickness in either of you, call on me right away. Otherwise, I’ll expect you to come into town in about six weeks so that I can check on the babe.”

      “I will. I’m glad we are both doing well. Thank you, Doctor, for coming out.”

      * * *

      Clayton felt Dinah’s small hand slip into his once more. They walked across the yard to the house.

      “Is baby James all right?” Dinah asked.

      Clayton laid a hand on her shoulder. His gaze moved from the doctor’s to Maggie’s.

      “He is a happy, healthy baby,” Maggie answered. Her smile seemed to brighten the already sunny afternoon.

      The doctor cleared his throat to get Clayton’s attention, then said, “Mr. Young, I’d like a few minutes of your time.” He motioned for Clayton to come closer to the porch.

      Clayton felt his face burst into flames as he realized the doctor had caught him staring at Maggie. He had no business staring at a new mother, even if she was the prettiest woman he’d ever met. Where were his manners? He walked up onto the bottom porch step.

      “You did a fine job with the baby.”

      Clayton rested an arm on the porch railing. “Thank you. But like I said, it was God’s doing, not mine.”

      The doctor nodded. “Yep, that’s how I feel every time a life is spared.” His gaze moved off into the distance for a moment. “I’m glad you were here for these two. Read and study those books I gave you. I’ve a feeling you are going to be a great doctor.” Doctor Anderson stepped around Clayton and into the yard where Dinah still stood.

      “Thank you, sir. I will.”

      The doctor knelt in front of Dinah. “Thank you for helping Clayton out in the barn while you waited for us. Here’s a bit of candy for all your troubles.” He handed Dinah a small peppermint stick and grinned at her before standing again.

      Dinah looked to Maggie, who nodded her permission for the child to keep the candy. Clayton tried to hide his grin as the child immediately stuck the treat in her mouth.

      “What do you say?” Maggie asked.

      She pulled the candy out with a frown, then said, “Thank you, Doctor Anderson.” Dinah turned her attention back to the candy.

      “Did you know that peppermint is good for an ailing stomach?”

      Clayton watched as Maggie opened her mouth to answer but then realized that the doctor was talking to him and not her. He answered, “Yes, sir. It’s also good for colds. Ma always kept a little peppermint around for hot tea when any of us came down sick.”

      The doctor slapped him on the back. “She sounds like a wise woman. When you get done with the books, come on back to town for more.”

      He turned to Maggie. “Remember what I said, get some rest over the next few days and ease into your regular routine.”

      “I will, Doctor. Thank you.” Maggie motioned for Dinah to come to her. Dinah looked up at Clayton one more time and then walked slowly to her side.

      Clayton frowned. Dinah had told him that Gus had come by the house earlier in the day and that he was a mean man. He planned on talking to Maggie. Dinah seemed really scared of the other man. He waved goodbye to the doctor.

      “Clayton, would you like to come in for dinner? I baked bread to go along with your soup.” Maggie rocked the baby in her arms.

      “Sissy makes the best bread. She’s teaching me, but mine isn’t as good as hers,” Dinah said around a mouthful of peppermint.

      He grinned down at the sticky-faced girl. “I’m sure your bread is pretty tasty, too.” Then Clayton looked back to Maggie. “I would love to eat with you lovely ladies.” He stepped back and opened the door for her to pass.

      Dinah followed close behind her sister. “No, I put too much salt in last time.”

      “Well, you are learning. My first pot of soup wasn’t too good either.” Clayton smiled at Maggie. “Why don’t you sit down and Dinah and I will set the table.”

      She looked tired. “Thank you.” Maggie moved to one of the hardwood chairs and eased into it.

      It didn’t take long to set the pot of soup on the table and slice up the now-cooled bread. “My ma makes this soup all the time. It’s one of my favorites. I hope you like it.” Clayton set a bowl in front of Maggie.

      She yawned. “I’m sure it will taste wonderful.”

      “Didn’t you get any rest while I was gone?” Clayton asked, handing Dinah a spoon. “Careful, half-pint, it’s hot.”

      “I rested but didn’t sleep.”

      He eased into his chair. “Dinah mentioned that Gus stopped by today.”

      She nodded. “He did.”

      “Can I say the prayers?” Dinah asked.

      Maggie smiled tiredly at her. “Yes, dear.”

      Dinah

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