“The child should have his natural parents. I should not have let her walk away.”
Gwen was dumbfounded and wanted to cry, “What about us?” but the words stuck in her throat. Daniel had dismissed their kiss as a distraction that had cost him dearly. He’d never forgive her. She must leave this place. As soon as he was on his feet, she’d hand in her resignation to the McAlisters. Gwen was sure they’d be pleased to see her gone.
“What are you thinking?” he asked. “You look near tears.”
“My job is coming to an end.” Gwen stood. “I shall be sad to say goodbye, Daniel McAlister.” She took the lantern in her hand. “Good night. Yell out if you need anything.”
He did not call after her.
Gwen shut the door and felt as if the weight of the whole world lay on her shoulders. She collapsed against the wall while the tears spilled down her face. In the second bedroom, she laid down and drew a cover over herself. Sleep was a long time coming.
The next morning, she awakened to find Daniel looming over her. She threw off the cover and nearly stumbled into his arms.
“Whoa, girl. Didn’t mean to startle you.”
“What are you doing out of bed?” she asked.
“I was getting bedsores, and I was thirsty.”
“You should have called. I’d have brought you a drink.”
“You needed to sleep. You care far too deeply for someone so young and fragile.”
“I am not fragile, sir,” she said, standing tall while ironing out the wrinkles in her apron with the palms of her hands.
“Not in spirit, but I think you expect too much from yourself.”
“Why—because I’m a woman? Is this the old Daniel McAlister talking, because I’m not liking it?”
He stumbled with his words, as she barrelled past him. “I liked the new and revised version better. Go to your room, and I’ll bring breakfast. If your parents show up, they will surely send me packing for allowing you to be on your feet so soon.”
Daniel grabbed her arm, and she turned to face him with misty eyes. “I’ve upset you,” he said. “I’m sorry. Are you afraid of losing your job?”
“You are your old self again, and all the expectations of my employer are fulfilled. My services will not be required much longer. My leaving is inevitable.”
“We kissed. I recall that very well.” Daniel’s voice was low and intimate.
“And you kissed Jake’s mother, as well. Have you changed your mind about seeking her out?”
“No,” he said, “but with you, it was different. I felt complete, like we were meant to be together for all time.” He fanned his fingers through his hair. “And now, in considering my son’s best interests, I feel a responsibility to his mother, whether I like it or not.”
“She has a man, and you’re probably too late to play the dutiful suitor.”
“I was taught to be a gentleman. My depression was deep while I was with her. It left me vulnerable, and yes, I did succumb to a passionate moment. I knew it was a mistake, and we never came together again. I had no idea about the boy, but his birth makes the obligation to his mother necessary.”
“I’ve heard the story, Daniel,” said Gwen while trying to keep her temper in check. “Do as you please. I’ll be gone when you return from your obligation.”
“Please, you must stay and care for Jake. He loves you and will miss you terribly.”
“You can’t have everything, Daniel. I am a nurse. There are capable nannies here to care for Jake in your absence.” She shook off his hand. “Now, go back to bed. The doctor is coming by today, and he will give instructions as to the steps in your recovery.”
Daniel’s parents arrived shortly after she’d taken the tray from his room. Gwen nodded in the direction of the bedroom. “Daniel is waiting for you,” she told them.
Mrs. McAlister stifled a squeal and bolted for the door. “Thank you, Nurse Gwendolyn,” her husband said, following close behind her. He was a mannerly sort of gent, and lately, when he looked at her, she sensed him searching for something deep within. It was an odd feeling to experience her pulse quicken while in his presence, like God had a plan of which she was unaware, but of which she was a part of it. Gwen dismissed it as an absurdity.
She began to wash the dishes, and when she picked up the towel to dry, she startled at the senior Mr. McAlister’s proximity.
“Will you sit, Nurse Gwendolyn? We need to talk.”
Her heart crumbled. This was it: He was about it say, “Thanks, but we don’t need you anymore. Our long-lost son has returned, and all is well on the home front.” She was obedient and did as she was told, perching herself awkwardly on the edge of the straight back kitchen chair, and waited.
“My son’s memory has returned and we are grateful for your perseverance and belief that this miracle was possible,” Mr. McAlister stated.
“God is able to do even more than that which we might hope for. I am pleased that Daniel’s mind has become whole again.”
“Are you pleased about his absurd notion of chasing after the boy’s mother and doing the honorable thing?” Mr. McAlister asked. “He doesn’t believe she is wed and is willing to sacrifice his heart to take her in.”
“That is none of my business, sir. If that’s what his heart is telling him to do then…”
“We both know that is not what his heart is telling him to do. I’ve seen the looks that pass between you two. You care for my son, and he feels the same way about you. Why do you not order him to his senses?”
Gwen
