It was almost as if someone knew the exact moment, he’d be coming downstairs and set the breakfast table at just the right moment. That was a little strange, but certainly not the strangest thing that had happened to him over the past two days. Strange or not, he was going to enjoy breakfast.
Sean sat down and dug into his waffles, after drowning them in butter and syrup. He’d worry about his cholesterol another day. He went through the waffles in record time and was enjoying a juicy sausage when he heard the saloon doors to the kitchen swing open.
“And who told you to help yourself to my breakfast, Mr. Quinn? After I slaved away at the stove to get everything just the way I like it. Sure and true, I’ve never seen the like of this,” Ashling said from behind him.
Sean stopped his fork full of sausage halfway to his mouth. He felt a surge of heat rush up his neck and into his cheeks and knew he was blushing deep red again.
“I…It never crossed my mind that…I’m so sorry to have just assumed all of this was for me,” he finally stammered as he stood and faced her.
To his surprise, Ashling was covering a smile with her hand, and a wonderful merriment filled her sparkling green eyes. Sean understood immediately that she was having fun at his expense and smiled as he shook his head.
“You must enjoy seeing a grown man blush, Ashling. In my entire life, I don’t think I’ve gone beet-red as much as I have since meeting you.”
She couldn’t hold back a giggle, and the sound of her laughter charmed Sean and he chuckled too.
I’m so sorry to be teasing you all the time, but you must confess you’re an appealingly easy target,” Ashling said.
“Others who know me wouldn’t agree, but I admit I’ve been easy fodder for your quick wit.”
I appreciate you being good-natured about it, Sean,” she said, as she put her hand on his shoulder and guided him back to the table. “Now sit down and finish your breakfast. I really did make it just for you. Of course, I had no choice since the rest of us ate hours ago.”
Sean laughed as he sat down. While he finished off the sausage that was still on his fork, he realized how pleasing it was to feel her warm hand on his shoulder. “Well, I have been sick, you know. But I must say that I’ve never slept away almost an entire day and night before.”
“Well, if you continue to sleep like the dead, you’ll be back among the living in no time.”
“I do feel pretty well this morning. Are you up to showing me around town, or do you have a load of work ahead of you?”
“As it happens, I have my rounds to cover this morning. If you don’t mind mixing my errands in with a bit of sightseeing, then we can soon be on our way.”
“Sounds like a very exciting day.”
“I doubt you’ll find going on rounds all that exciting, but at least you’ll see the sights and meet some town folk.”
Sean had a sudden impression he was being set up as Ashling’s target again, but it was probably just his imagination.
Chapter Three
You can’t kiss an Irish girl unexpectedly.
You can only kiss her sooner than she thought you would.
~ Old Irish Saying ~
By the time Sean had finished breakfast and rinsed his dishes in the sink, Ashling had gathered her things together. Sean grabbed his light jacket since there was a chill to the air despite the bright sunshine.
He had dressed casually in jeans and a pullover sweater. Sean was surprised to see that Ashling had changed into a pretty, flowered dress with a black belt that cinched the dress tightly around her trim waist. She wore a cream-colored, brushed cotton cardigan sweater over the dress. Add in her thick auburn hair and sparkling green eyes, and she looked every inch the classic Irish beauty.
“What’s in there?” he asked, pointing at an old, brown, leather bag she was carrying. “It looks like an old leather doctor’s bag from the days when they still made house calls. Don’t tell me you’re the doctor in Rundimahair.”
“Oh no, we have a fine doctor here who runs a state-of-the art medical clinic. It’s as fine as any you’d see on the west coast. I’ll take you by there if we have time.”
“So, what’s in the bag if you’re not a doctor?”
“They’re just odds and ends that I carry with me whenever I make my rounds. I’m what you might call a naturopath—a person who uses herbs and natural potions for healing.”
“I’ll have to introduce you to my office manager. She’s a great believer in all things natural. She’s always trying to get me to take some foul-tasting concoction or another.”
“I take it you’re not a true believer in Mother Nature’s healing arts then.”
“I’m open minded about it for the most part. I must admit that the vitamins Jennie gives me seem to work wonders. But if I’m really sick, I think I’ll stick with an experienced doctor. One who preferably graduated from medical school in the top of his class.”
“I’ll keep that in mind if you happen to have a relapse while we’re wandering around town.”
While they were enjoying talking together, they’d walked into the center of town. Sean was impressed by the layout of the small town. The center was a town square that was mostly green grass, trees and playground equipment. In the center of the square was a large gazebo that looked like it was used as the centerpiece for concerts or town gatherings. It all looked like something right out of a movie set.
The streets were narrow by today’s standards, but they were well laid out in a grid around the town square. It was a much better design than Sean had seen in many old coastal towns.
Most of the buildings were two-story attached
