14. Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Justin closed his eyes. He felt sick to his stomach. It was a manifestation of his stress, he was sure. How could he have told Charlotte that he'd go to the festival? What was he thinking? He was going to go, and what—stand there and watch the love of his life with another at the festival? Smile and make conversation with the townsfolk, acting as though all were well?

Not likely. But, he'd told her he'd be there, and he'd never break a promise to her. Never.

He was so upset, he'd actually sent Charlotte to run a few errands for him, wanting a few moments to himself. He'd tasked her with a list for the general store, a letter to post in the mail, a lunch order from the diner, and even a trip to the livery, to let them know he'd want his horse later.

None of those things were important. Each of them had been made up. He just needed a chance to pull himself back together. His thoughts had gotten the best of him, and it was difficult to clear his mind. He was a fool. A glutton for punishment, one might say. What was he thinking?

The soft tinkle of the chime over the door rang. It was all Justin could do not to groan. Who was here? He knew he should have locked the door. But, he was the doctor, and so he stood from the chair he'd been slumped upon in the corner of the exam room and forced a pleasant expression on his face.

To his surprise, it was neither a patient nor Charlotte. Instead, her mother stood, twisting her hands.

"Mrs. Harrison," he said, worry filling him over her state. "Are you well?"

She turned to him, and her words tumbled out in a rush. "Doctor, forgive me. I don't mean to push my way into your business, but I can't stand by any longer and watch."

He nodded. "Shall we go to the examination room for some privacy?" He could only assume she meant the matter of August, and what she'd overheard.

"That would be fine," Mrs. Harrison agreed. She took one of the chairs in the small room. Once he'd closed it behind them, she lowered her voice. "Doctor, I know. I know that you are in love with Charlotte. I also know that the gifts she's gotten have been from you, not August."

This wasn't at all what he'd expected her to say. Justin stiffened, though he tried to remain calm. "I beg your pardon?"

I beg your pardon? That was the best he could do? The only thing he could think of to say?

"Yes," she told him. "A mother sees things. You need to tell Charlotte how you feel."

It struck him then. She was twisting her hands and looking anxious because she was upset. Of course she was. Her daughter, one who was both beautiful and of marrying age was working for him. They were alone, and it was likely she suspected him of acting inappropriately.

He had to set things right.

"Mrs. Harrison, I promise you that in no way have I compromised your daughter's reputation," he started.

"And why not?" she asked, surprising him.

"Wh-why not?"

"If you had, then we could have married the two of you, been rid of that horrid August Middleton and whatever plan he has for my Charlotte. You care for her, don't you?"

"I do," he said, panic rising in him. This wasn't a conversation he'd thought to have.

"Then why," she urged, "won't you tell her? Why do you let her think that scoundrel has sent her those thoughtful gifts? You must say something to her. Especially before it's too late."

Justin was silent for a moment. When he looked into Mrs. Harrison's face, all he saw was compassion. It made him want to tell her. To confess everything in his heart.

"My dear boy," she said quietly. "You care so much for her. So, why?"

"I'm not who she wants. It's him, not me," he suddenly burst out, pacing. All of his hurt, all of his insecurities and fears and upset rushed out of him. Now that the flood had started, he couldn't hold it back.

"I'm not rich, I'm not handsome. I have nothing to offer. A doctor with his first practice—a new one at that—in a small town is not wealthy. Why, half of my patients don't pay me in coin, but in service or food. I couldn't give her all she deserves."

"What does she deserve?" Charlotte's mother asked, placing her hands in her lap, while her eyes never left his.

"She deserves someone who loves her. Who can give her what she desires. Who can care for her and protect her and…and I am none of those things." He gestured wildly, hoping his hands would convey his desperation. "The only way that I can protect her is by staying away."

Justin lowered his head and whispered, "If I don't, he will hurt you both."

Bowing her own head, Mrs. Harrison said, "You are far more than you give yourself credit for. You are what Charlotte needs, and who she would love if she knew you felt the same."

In a quivering voice, she stood and moved to him. "Don't let that August Middleton stop you from what you need to do. He's a bully. I wish I'd said something to my husband before he was taken advantage of. I won't make that same mistake twice, which is why I am here. Never you mind what threats he makes toward me. The sheriff here will protect us if needed."

Justin didn't know how to answer. What was she saying? His head was pounding, and his stomach wouldn't stop churning. For a brief moment, he wished that he'd never even come to Spring Falls. Had he known that all of this was waiting for him, he'd have turned the other way.

But he wouldn't have. Couldn't have. Charlotte was worth even the most terrible of heartache. Her smiles, to him, were such that he'd lay down his life for her.

Or hide like a coward. Was that what he was doing? Letting that bully have his way, in an attempt to protect her?

Justin felt a sudden surge of anger as determination filled him. This woman before him, who had been through so much for so many years, was braver than he was.

No more.

She reached over and squeezed his hands, surprising him. Though she'd been there the whole time, he was so lost in his thoughts he'd forgotten. "You just think about what I've said. That's all."

He stood there watching as Mrs. Harrison left. Justin knew he didn't need to think on what she said. He'd already done that, and decided that Charlotte deserved to know the truth.

He loved her.