Gwen looked away. She’d become too comfortable with her life on the plantation and knew it was fast coming to an end. As much as she loved the clinic and tending to the medical needs of the employees, she understood there was no way she could stay and watch the new Mrs. McAlister take her rightful place next to Daniel.
Her heart had ached every moment he’d been away. To have known love for such a short time and then have it snatched from her kept the wounds open, and she expected she’d never heal from the loss of her first love.
As she flipped the sign over to read “Closed for the Day,” a movement on the porch caught her eye. Fearful she’d missed a patient, she turned apologetically toward the man, and her breath caught in her throat. Gwen mumbled, “Daniel.”
He walked toward her, smiling. “You are looking lovely today, all dressed in your professional attire. My mother told me of the clinic hours when I dropped by the homestead earlier. Am I on time for a cup of tea, Nurse Gwen?”
“You know my habits far too well.” Gwen managed a laugh. “I’ve craved a cup of tea all afternoon. Yes, please, come in, Daniel and we will catch up on the news. So much has happened here in your absence.”
“Yes, and on mine as well.”
As she fussed with the kettle to make a fresh cup of tea, she babbled on, suddenly nervous to be alone with Daniel. “All the old row shacks are renovated, and the inhabitants are extremely pleased with their homes. We are now working on the inside of the bunk house for the men you will hire to run your mill. And Daniel, did your father tell you of the progress there? Arthur is so excited he can hardly contain his enthusiasm.”
She turned abruptly with two full cups of tea in her hands to find him standing within touching distance. The hot liquid nearly splashed out over his clean suit of clothing.
“Whoa—you are one chatterbox today,” he said as he took his cup and stared at her. “I was hoping to do most of the talking before receiving an update on the McAlister Plantation.”
She gasped, thinking he had misinterpreted her intentions. “Are you upset that Arthur and your father have moved ahead with your vision? Summer has arrived, and there is much to do to get the operation up and running.”
“I am not upset—relax, Gwen. I am relieved that things have progressed. That’s why one hires a foreman, and Arthur will be the best.”
“Certainly the most enthusiastic,” Gwen said. “I believe this passion has been lying dormant in his subconscious for years. Are you quite certain it’s not a dream you two youngsters schemed up years ago?”
“Not to my recollection, which, I now thank God, He has returned to me in full measure.”
“I’m so pleased for your recovery,” Gwen said, barely able to choke out the words.
“It is a feather in your cap, my dear. Your first patient, fully recovered.”
“But you have not been my last,” Gwen said excitedly. “The clinic is full daily, and I’ve only had two cases for which I’ve needed to burden the doctor.”
“My parents are proud of your accomplishments. In fact, my mother speaks very highly of you and my son. I understand you’ve been visiting a lot.”
“Yes, and Jake has won the heart of his new grandparents; another prayer answered.”
“And have you prayed for me, Gwen?”
“Daily.” She’d neglected to say every moment of every day.
“The Good Lord has heard you, and somewhere in the loneliness of the night, I bowed my knee and rededicated my life to Him. Such peace has escaped me for a long time.”
“That is the best news. God is good.” She could barely stop from jumping into his arms to celebrate his surrender to God.
“Just one in a number of miracles. Seems He has been busy on both fronts. Do you care to hear of my search for Shannon?”
He was standing far too closely. They were breathing the same air.
Gwen sidestepped him. “Come to the table. Our tea is getting cold.”
He followed and sat next to her, turning his chair so it would face her. So as not to crick her neck, she did the same, causing their knees to almost touch. She sipped the tea and tried to stop her hands from shaking. “I’m listening,” she said, trying to sound nonchalant, as if her heart were not pounding in her chest at his proximity.
“It took two weeks for me to track her down, but I followed the clues north and found her in another small town. She was, indeed, married and is carrying their first child. She introduced me to her husband as an old friend, of course, and afterward, it took two days for her to sneak away to hold a private audience at my hotel.”
Gwen let a bated breath escape her lips and set the cup down. She clasped her hands together on her lap and wondered what it would all mean for them. Did he love her, or had their kiss been nothing more than a fleeting moment he’d already forgotten?
“She asked after Jacob, and I told her the boy was well taken care of. Her new man is pleased that she did not drag him into their new life and excited about his own seed growing within her. The man is a mite self-righteous, in my opinion, but Shannon seems to care for him and enjoys the lifestyle he provides for her.”
“I’m pleased she has found happiness,” Gwen mumbled.
“Are you, now?”
