4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Shaking off his coat, Justin hung it on a peg and then rubbed his hands together. As cold as he was in his warm coat that was only two years old, he couldn't imagine how chilled Miss Harrison had been when she came home with only that thin shawl.

Hiring her, on a trial basis of course, had been the right thing to do. This would be a mutual benefit. She and her mother needed the financial help. He needed someone in his office. The arrangement had nothing to do with the way his heart had sped up when joy had lit her eyes, or how beautiful her smile was.

No. Nothing at all.

He rubbed his frozen hands together to warm them. It was far colder here than back home. There weren't many trees out on the prairies, so when the wind whipped, it rushed straight through everything in its path. The chill in the air was hard to shake, and Justin wouldn't lie—he was eager for spring to come.

A shout from outside caught his attention, and he glanced out the window to see two young men running away from a sign tacked on the general store across the street. He squinted at it.

"Winter festival. Huh." He'd have to ask Miss Harrison about that. There weren't too many details on the sign, at least, not that he could read from this distance. Him being new in town, and not really knowing too many people, perhaps he'd go.

Perhaps Miss Harrison would go with him. Justin wouldn't lie, he was more than delighted that the lovely young woman he'd seen walking through town was his new assistant, and he'd not only been able to make her acquaintance, but also now would spend more time with her. He intended to do all he could to keep the smiles on her face, not the sad expression he'd seen each time he'd spotted her previously.

Now that he knew the story of her father, that explained a lot. That family had suffered a great deal. They seemed so nice. He'd felt guilty accepting Mrs. Harrison's offer of dinner, worrying it might take food that they needed from them, but he enjoyed their company so much, and it was obvious they enjoyed his. Since he planned to hire Miss Harrison—and now pay her perhaps a bit more than he'd intended—he let his discomfort dissipate.

Besides, it had been quite an incredible soup. So simple, yet so filling and nourishing.

Snow began to fall in earnest now, illuminated by someone here or there passing with a lantern. The last of the sun's rays were gone, and the stores were closed. He was grateful he didn't have to seek his dinner at the diner or figure out how to make something for himself.

It had been a long two weeks getting the office situated, seeing patients on the outskirts of town, and seeking nonstop for a nurse. Thankfully, he now had one, or at least someone who could lighten the patient load, and he wouldn't have to work at such a frantic pace. Having someone to help here set his mind at ease.

Justin went through the locked door in the back storage room and up a flight of steps to where his rooms were. He had two. A bedroom and a larger room that served as a kitchen, dining room, and sitting room. It was rather convenient. The Jeffers had a house elsewhere, and this was just used on occasion when they had to stay overnight in town.

The furniture was nearly new, and the bed quite comfortable. He appreciated it very much right now as he stretched out and yawned. It felt good to rest. His body was tired .

So, why wasn't his mind? Why did it race around and around, thinking about Charlotte Harrison? Each time he closed his eyes, her beautiful face swam in front of him. Her voice was pleasing to his ears, and if he concentrated hard enough, he could almost hear her.

While she hadn't spoken much during the meal, when she had, it was obvious that she was intelligent and thoughtful in her answers. She'd make a fine nurse. He would enjoy her company as well.

Though he would be busy with patients, it would be nice to have someone to talk with between appointments or on quiet days. Justin wouldn't admit it to anyone else, but sometimes it was a little lonely being a doctor. While everyone was polite, there was a…distance that they kept.

It was necessary, but made it hard to develop friendships. Before he'd left, his peers had warned him that unless he lived in a place with other doctors, he might find the company he kept was mostly his own or that of his wife. Since he didn't have a wife, it had been a little lonely the last few weeks.

Perhaps having Miss Harrison here would change that.

He stilled suddenly. Why was it she popped into his head at almost every moment? He'd only just met her! What on earth was his mind doing? His thoughts were bordering on highly inappropriate. She was an employee. Perhaps one day a friend. It would—could—go no further .

The night passed slowly. At last, his mind stilled and he fell asleep to the sound of the wind's whistle. His office was sturdy, so he let the sound soothe him, and eventually, perhaps even too soon, morning came.

From his bed, Justin could see the first hint of dawn. He admired it for a moment, then reluctantly rose. Suddenly, he remembered. Today, Miss Harrison would arrive.

Dressing quickly, he put on the kettle and ate some bread and cheese. As he went down the stairs and checked the time, he saw the bakery opening. Justin grabbed his coat and ran across the street and down several buildings.

As he let himself into the warm storefront, he breathed deeply. There was the perfect blend of yeasty bread, freshly baked sweet rolls, savory pies, and cakes.

"Good morning, Doctor," the baker said as he carried a large tray of apple fritters. "What can I get for you this morning?"

"Ahhh…" Justin stood.

What should he get? What would Miss Harrison enjoy?

"May I have a moment to think?" he asked. "It all looks quite good."

"It is," a voice said, and a man walked closer.

Justin recognized the sheriff and nodded hello.

"I'll take two apple fritters," Sheriff Asher Steele said as he set two mugs on the counter. "Oh, and Jeff wants a sausage roll. I'll take one as well. "

"You got it," the baker said, and set to filling the order and the coffees in the mugs.

"Settling in?" the sheriff asked Justin.

"I am, and I've even found a local young woman to help in my office," Justin replied.

"Good," Sheriff Steele remarked. "If you ever need me, or think I can help, I'm across the street."

"Thank you, Sheriff," Justin said.

Sheriff Steele left, and the baker asked, "Decided what you'd like?"

"Yes," he answered. "Let me have a half dozen of your muffins. You choose which."

The baker filled a brown bag, and after he paid, Justin returned to his office. He set the bag on his desk and checked the time again. He'd be opening soon. That meant Miss Harrison would arrive.

As if he'd thought her into existence, his door opened, and the bell tinkled. "Good morning," Miss Harrison said with a slightly nervous smile. "I hope I'm not late."

"Not at all," Justin said. "I am glad you are here. Let me show you around before the first patient arrives."

During the next few minutes, he took her around the small office. First, he showed her the desk she was to use, then the examination room. She peeked into the storeroom, and then followed him upstairs where he kept the small stove, kettle, and mugs she was allowed to use .

"It's all so very tidy," she said as they came back down the stairs.

"I'll need your help to keep it that way," Justin admitted. "It's been difficult on my own."

"I am happy to be here, Doctor, and I thank you," she said. "I will do all that I can to assist you with whatever you need."

"Ah, Justin is fine, when we are not around patients," he said quickly. "There's no need to be so formal. We are in the West, after all. Aren't things more relaxed here? And we are so similar in age, I'd rather us speak as though we are friends."

She looked at him, surprised, but then nodded. "You must call me Charlotte, then."

"Charlotte," he repeated. His heart sped up again as he spoke her name. His mouth grew dry, and he glanced about for some water.

"I can start to copy your notes now," she offered.

"Yes, that would be good," he said.

As Charlotte settled into her desk, the first patient of the day arrived. Justin led the patient to the examination room, trying to focus on what the man was telling him about his aching back.

Perhaps hiring an assistant wasn't a good idea. He hadn't realized just how distracting having Charlotte here would be.