LITMIR.BIZ

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silence for most of the trip to town. He dropped Coralee off at Lily’s Café and immediately headed back out of town. Coralee went in search of her sister to see if she was free to start looking for the twins’ new family.

      All afternoon, Coralee and Cecilia visited their neighbors in town. Their first stop was the mercantile, next door to Lily’s. Mrs. Collins was tending the counter and greeted them with a cheerful smile. After a few moments of small talk, Coralee got to the point. “I suppose you’ve heard about the cholera outbreak south of town.”

      The older woman cringed. “Such a frightening thing, cholera. Is it contained? Do we need to worry here in town?”

      “Oh, no, it doesn’t seem to be spreading very quickly. However, several families have been hit hard. In particular, it’s only a matter of time for Aaron and Liza Riley.”

      Mrs. Collins gasped. “Oh, just terrible. What of the children?”

      “That’s why we stopped in. The twins are fine, but Liza’s wish is for them to find a family here in Spring Hill. We came to see if you would be able to take them, or if you know of anyone who may be looking to add to their family.”

      “Oh, my. Mr. Collins would never stand for another child. Our youngest just married last fall, you know. No, we couldn’t. But you know all the news filters through here. If we get word of someone who might be able to provide a home for the children, I’ll come right to you.”

      They finished their visit and moved on. Each place was the same: they would chat for a moment before Coralee explained the twins’ situation. The men would shake their heads, the women murmur in distress. Then each would state with certainty that no, they couldn’t take on two toddlers. Here and there, someone would remember a relative who might have an interest in one child. But as soon as Coralee insisted that it must be both children, they would recant. She made sure to remind each neighbor that if they thought of anyone, they could let her or Jake know.

      Coralee and Cecilia finally headed home just in time to have supper with Cat. As soon as they ate and cleaned up the quick meal, Coralee fell into bed, exhausted and deflated from the difficult day.

      Her sleep was so deep that she didn’t wake until Cecilia shook her shoulder. Bright daylight filled the room, disorienting her for a moment. “How long did I sleep?”

      “Oh, it’s about noon.” Coralee shot up. She had planned to ride out to help Jake again after getting a few hours of sleep, but now half the day was gone. “Don’t worry about that.” Cecilia spoke as if she’d read Coralee’s thoughts. “Jake is here and wants to speak to you. I don’t think he has good news.” Cecilia left Coralee to dress.

      She chose a red calico dress with a tiny rose pattern, then parted her hair and arranged it in a quick bun at the nape of her neck. Jake was waiting for her in the parlor, looking drained. A sinking feeling filled her at the grief written on his face. “It’s the Rileys, isn’t it?”

      “And Mr. and Mrs. Williams,” he confirmed. He dropped into a chair and rested his elbows on his knees, hands clasped and head low. For a moment Coralee wasn’t sure what to do for him. But a nudge in her spirit gave her the answer.

      Perching on the edge of a chair near him, she leaned close. “Lord, we grieve for the dear neighbors we lost today, but we know they’re celebrating with You now. Please give Jake peace and rest so he can care for the others who are sick. And point us to the perfect home for little Phillip and Louisa. Amen.”

      When Coralee raised her eyes, Jake was staring at her. The look on his face was one she hardly expected to see from him. Flushing under the admiring gaze, she tried to ignore the fluttering of her heart. It had been so long since anyone had looked at her like she was beautiful. The moment stretched between them. His expression was intense, but not in the fuming way it had been a few days ago.

      “Thank you for praying for me, Coralee. I guess I need it right now.” He paused, looking like he was searching for words. “I’ve never lost patients of my own,” he finally admitted. “Of course, patients at the hospital died, but I was just a student. With Dr. Jay away, the people in this town are my responsibility, my patients. And I lost five of them. Leaving two innocent children orphaned.” His eyes searched hers, begging her to understand. “Cecilia told me you didn’t find anyone to take the twins yesterday. I stopped by the Trasks’ to be sure they’re all healthy and Mrs. Trask said they can’t keep the children any longer. But my hope is that I can find a home for them soon. They deserve a big, happy family to surround them with love.”

      A pang of regret made Coralee let out a slow breath. After all this time she couldn’t believe she still hoped he would include her, consider her a partner. But there he was, shouldering all the responsibility for the twins himself. “We’ll find someone. Everyone we spoke with knows to contact us the moment they hear of a family who could take in two toddlers. Word will spread and the perfect parents will turn up anytime now.”

      Jake nodded and stood. “I can’t stay too long. I’m going to get a few hours of rest, if I can. But I’m heading to get the twins after that.”

      Coralee’s heart ached for the sweet children. “I could go with you. I’ve spoken to the twins on many occasions at church. They might be more comfortable leaving the Trasks with someone they’re familiar with.”

      He hesitated but then nodded in agreement as they walked to the door. Pausing, he turned to her before stepping outside. Bright midday sun slanted through the open doorway, outlining his tall frame.

      “Until later, then, Coralee.” Intensity buzzed between them, making it hard for her to catch her breath. All she could do was nod, words sticking in her throat.

      After he was gone, she sat to rest, emotions swirling inside her. The way Jake had looked at her had been so familiar. It had felt like they were close friends again. Or a courting couple. But they were neither of those things and she didn’t want them to be. The risk of losing another man she cared about was too great. Her eyes drifted shut and light sleep claimed her, filled with visions of Jake taking her in his arms.

      She woke an hour later with a start. Cecilia had returned from her errands and joined her in the parlor. The middle Holbrook sister finished tying off the thread on the skirt hem she was mending before turning to Coralee.

      “How are you feeling?”

      Coralee took inventory of herself before responding. “Still tired, but better. Not a bit sick, if you’re worried about that.”

      “Oh, that’s good. I was a bit concerned. But I also wondered how you feel after working so closely with Jake.”

      “Working with Jake.” Coralee searched for the words to explain the last few days to her sister. “We fight a lot when we’re together. But he managed to put our past aside and work with me as a professional. That was nice, to be honest.”

      “I don’t want to pry, but I have to wonder if there are some feelings developing again between you and Jake.” Cecilia spoke with gentle earnestness, as she always did.

      As much as Coralee wanted to avoid the question, Cecilia’s genuine concern made it impossible not to give her an honest answer.

      “I don’t know what he’s feeling, but I can’t stop thinking about him. As a man, not just a colleague or Dr. Jay’s protégé. But I don’t think he trusts me. And I’m not planning to fall in love again.”

      Cecilia’s mouth curved into a slight smile, understanding filling her eyes. Coralee felt a wave of sympathy as she studied her sister. Cecilia was lovely. She was elegant and ladylike with a quiet, calm disposition. She should have had suitors lining up to call on her, but she never seemed interested in any of the local men. Now, Coralee thought that maybe Cecilia had experienced a bit of inconvenient love herself that made her keep men at arm’s length.

      “Coralee, I can only imagine how frightening it must be to think of falling in love again after all you’ve lost. But I don’t want to see you alone for the rest of your life.” Cecilia moved closer and took both Coralee’s hands

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