The Amish Midwife's Secret

by Rachel J. Good

  By lunchtime, Kyle couldn’t wait for a break. Although he’d been there only two hours, he’d seen seven patients, and he still had all afternoon to slog through. He should send Leah home, but she’d been invaluable all morning. How would he manage without her this afternoon?

  He sank into the office chair and lowered his head into his hands. If only he could take a quick nap. Being up most of the night—plus the tension of the morning—had drained him.

  “Are you all right?” Leah’s soft voice behind him startled him.

  He nodded but didn’t turn. Looking at her when he was so vulnerable would destroy the façade he’d built of a professional doctor.

  “I’ll make you some lunch. I found the key to the house in Esther’s desk drawer. I’m sure she won’t mind if I make you a sandwich.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “You can’t keep going at this pace without something to eat.” Leah walked out the door before he could reply.

  She returned a short while later with a thick slice of meatloaf between homemade wheat bread slices slathered with mustard and mayonnaise. She’d loaded the plate with coleslaw, chips, and pickles. A large portion of berry cobbler with whipped cream completed the lunch.

  Kyle’s eyes lit up when she carried the food into the office. “Thank you. That looks delicious, but if this is what the doctor’s been eating, no wonder he had a heart attack.”

  “I’m guessing the heart attack came from stress. He works much too hard.”

  Was that a dig at him? Kyle dipped his fork into the coleslaw so he didn’t have to meet her eyes. Would the doctor have been less stressed if Kyle had accepted his offer earlier? He chewed slowly to avoid responding. Even if she hadn’t meant it as a criticism, he carried the guilt of knowing he planned to turn down Dr. Hess when he needed to retire.

  When he lifted his gaze from the plate, Leah seemed to be studying him, but she glanced toward the window. If he hadn’t been mistaken, she’d blushed. He checked to see what had caught her interest behind him, but the blinds were closed. Was she as interested in him as he was in her? If so, it would make it much harder to keep his distance.

  Leah reached for his plate as soon as he finished. “I’ll wash that and be right back. The one o’clock patient may come early.”

  She planned to stay for the afternoon? Kyle tried to tamp down the happiness flooding through him.

  You can’t fall for an Amish girl. It would be a major mistake.

  * * *

  Leah rushed to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Her hurry to return to the office had less to do with early arrivals and more to do with wanting to be around Kyle.

  Dipping her hands into the sudsy water, she scolded herself. Allowing herself to spend time with a man who attracted her betrayed her promise to Ben. She should leave as soon as the first afternoon patient arrived. The less time she was around Kyle, the better.

  But who would check in the patients and explain Dr. Hess’s absence? Who would lead them back to the exam rooms, file their charts, and answer the phone? Kyle had too much to do. Leaving him here alone with all this work on his first day would be unfair. No matter what it cost her, she’d help him. After all, she owed Esther and Martin more than she could ever repay. The doctor made frequent house calls now that Mamm couldn’t get around much. And when money was tight, he’d accepted eggs and milk as payment. Helping to keep their practice running would serve as a tiny repayment. She just had to keep Kyle from discovering her feelings.

  The afternoon went even more smoothly than the morning, but Leah breathed a sigh of relief when she escorted the last patient back to an exam room. She tidied the waiting room, straightened the reception desk, and pulled files for the next day and placed them in two neat stacks the way Esther had. Then she waited for the final patient to settle his bill and exit. She locked the cash box in a drawer in the file room and used the codes Esther had given her to lock that door and the storeroom that held sample medicines.

  Kyle remained holed up in the doctor’s office. Joel would be here soon. Leah overcame her eagerness to get away—to escape, really—from her fascination with Kyle, but she had to make sure he had the codes to the building.

  She tapped on the heavy mahogany door, and a faint come in drifted out. When she entered, Kyle had his back to the door. He lifted one of the wooden slats in the blinds to peer out into the backyard. Through the slit, trees lifted leafless branches to the overcast sky.

  “Are you all right?” she asked.

  “I’m fine.” His clipped tone indicated he’d rather not talk.

  Leah couldn’t go without assuring herself he’d be all right. “Esther has a few leftovers in the refrigerator. I could heat something for your dinner.”

  “I’ll be fine. I know how to use a microwave. All I’ve been eating most days for the past few years are containers of reheated leftovers.”

  “That’s a shame.” Leah couldn’t imagine what it would be like to eat rewarmed food almost every night. “Don’t you ever have home-cooked meals?”

  Kyle made a sound that resembled a snort. “Other than the delicious meals I had here at the Hesses’, I can’t recall any. Few of us make it through med school and residencies without relying on takeout, cafeteria meals, and leftovers.”

  Leah started to reply that it was sad, but she closed her mouth. He didn’t seem to be the type to appreciate pity. Maybe she could bring him a meal tomorrow. Nobody should work hard all day and not have a hearty supper afterward. “Joel’s probably waiting, so I need to go. Would you like me to come tomorrow?”

  Kyle dropped the blind slat he’d been holding but stayed facing the window. “I don’t think—”

  “Someone should be in the office to greet patients and answer the phone.” Why was she pushing this when he clearly didn’t want her here? Still, she couldn’t leave him alone. She’d been busy the whole day, and so had he. He might not realize everything she’d done today, but no way could he handle all those responsibilities in addition to seeing patients.

  “I suppose.” His response was so lackluster Leah regretted offering. Still, it wouldn’t be right to let Dr. Hess’s patients down. She should do this for his sake.

  Leah tried to ignore the niggling question in the back of her mind. So you aren’t doing this to spend more time around Kyle?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kyle stayed facing the window until the door clicked shut behind Leah. As much as he wished to have one last glimpse of her, the rational part of his mind overruled his desires. He’d be glad when he finished substituting for Dr. Hess. Keeping his feelings hidden would be difficult if Leah came in every day.

  Heaving a sigh, he stood and headed for the office door. He’d just stepped into the hallway when the side door burst open and Leah dashed in. Racing too fast to stop, she barreled into his chest. Instinctively, he reached out to steady her and wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close to his chest.

  She relaxed against him for a second and lifted her arms. For a moment, he dreamed she was about to wrap her arms around him. Then, her eyes wide and round, she pressed her hands against his chest and wriggled backward.

  Reluctantly, he released her and stepped a safe distance away.

  Her cheeks had turned a becoming shade of pink. “I— I’m sorry. I, um…forgot to tell you…the code.”

  Was she out of breath because she’d been running? Or had she had the same reaction to him that he’d had to her?

  “The code?” Still tantalized by her nearness, he could barely concentrate. He thrust his hands into his lab coat pockets to prevent himself from reaching out.

  “The code…to the door.”

  “Oh, right.”

  She rattled off the code so rapidly the numbers ran together.

  Kyle held up a hand. “Wait a minute. I’d better write this down.” Before thoughts of holding her crowded out the random digits she was reciting. Before he did something he’d regret, like stepping closer. Or enfolding her
in his arms again.

  He ducked into the office to regain his composure and emerged holding a tablet and a pen. Leah repeated the code, and he kept his head down as he wrote. “Thanks.” His gaze remained glued to the paper even after he’d finished writing the final number.

  “Joel is waiting.” Leah turned and scurried down the hall.

  This time Kyle didn’t have the safety of the office to prevent him from watching her leave. After the door closed behind her, he walked the short distance down the hall to click the lock into place but couldn’t resist lifting the blinds to peek out.

  Leah was getting into a car with an Englischer. She’d said Joel was picking her up. Was she dating an Englischer? What about the fiery-eyed Amish man—Ben, wasn’t it?—who’d entered the store the night Kyle had returned the boxes? He’d assumed from Ben’s jealousy he was courting Leah. Had they broken up?

  As the car pulled away, Kyle shook his head. If she chose to date Englischers, it was no business of his. Except it made the attraction he’d been struggling to suppress even harder to resist. After the car lights disappeared in the distance, he let the blinds drift back into place. Those retreating taillights reminded him of his life. Everyone he loved ended up leaving him.

  Warning himself not to fall for another woman who could only bring heartache, he trudged down the hall and into the house to microwave leftovers and spend the evening alone. While his food heated, he called the hospital for an update on Dr. Hess. Then he rang the doctor’s cell phone but got no answer. He left a message, letting the doctor know the day had gone well.

  If only he had someone else he could call to fill the silence. But working long hours a week as a resident and then traveling to different states to work as a covering physician had left him little time for friendships. And with his past, he had little desire for relationships.

  Maybe the combination of more leisure time here in the Lancaster area and Leah’s constant presence might explain his attraction. Or maybe not. He’d been drawn to her during his earlier visit, when he’d been bone weary and irritated with her natural remedies. He’d been surprised she hadn’t contradicted him today when he handed out prescriptions, but maybe she’d done that later while the patients paid their bills. It should upset him, but for some reason, it made him smile. Had he become so besotted with her he’d endanger his patients? Kyle shook his head. He had to find some way to get her off his mind.

  After he finished his solitary meal, he wandered through the downstairs rooms. What would it be like to settle in one place and live in a house like this? After moving to several cities to fill in for other doctors, he’d become used to empty apartments, take-out meals, and reheated food. Somehow, though, being in the Hesses’ warm, cheery home—perfect for a large, loving family—added to the longing in his heart for closeness and connection.

  Instead, he faced another lonely night, warmed only by the memory of holding Leah in his arms.

  * * *

  Leah woke the next morning with Kyle on her mind. Not only had she been dreaming of him, but last night before she fell asleep, she’d decided to be sure he ate some decent meals. She had no idea how long he’d be here, but if he spent all day with patients, he needed nourishing food. While she fixed breakfast, she prepared two meals to put in the Hesses’ refrigerator.

  Joel arrived early to drive her to the doctor’s office, and she appreciated the warmth of the car and her brother’s willingness to take her. She’d have frozen if she’d driven the carriage in this wintry weather. Joel seemed glad for the opportunity to chatter about his plans for expanding and improving the shop. Leah didn’t want to deflate his eagerness by asking if he’d run his ideas by Daed, so she murmured encouragement. Many of his suggestions would attract new customers. Leah hoped Daed would step back and let her brother manage the shop.

  “All those sound great,” she said. “I hope you can do them.”

  Joel’s face twisted. “You mean, will Daed let me try them?”

  Although Daed had asked Joel’s forgiveness and welcomed him back into the family, their father remained wary about trusting his non-Amish son with major decisions.

  A touch of bitterness in his tone, Joel said, “I may not be with the church, but that doesn’t mean I’ve changed my morals.”

  A buggy pulled out in front of them, and he slowed to its pace but craned his neck, evidently watching for a clear stretch of road so he could pass.

  Leah reached over and laid a hand on his arm. “Give him some time. He believes your decision to leave the Amish means you’ve turned your back on all our teachings.”

  “It doesn’t.” Joel almost shouted the words. Then he glanced over at her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you. Not when you and Mamm seem to understand.”

  “It isn’t easy, but if you give Daed some time, he’ll come around.”

  “I hope so,” Joel muttered, zipping around the buggy. When they neared Dr. Hess’s office, he took his foot off the gas and flicked on his turn signal. They coasted into the driveway, and Joel pulled into a parking space. “Thanks for listening.”

  Leah smiled at him. “You’re welcome. And thank you for the ride. And even more importantly, thank you for taking over the shop. I’m looking forward to having more time to train with Sharon.”

  Joel tipped his head toward the doctor’s office. “How do you plan to do that when you’re here every day?”

  “I called Sharon yesterday to let her know I’d be here for a few days until Esther can come back. I just pray we aren’t both needed at two different places at the same time again.”

  “I’ll pray too.” When her eyebrows shot up, he protested. “Just because I didn’t join the church doesn’t mean I don’t believe in God or prayer.”

  Leah regretted her automatic response, but Joel’s admission eased her worries. “I’m glad you still have your faith. If you reassured Daed about that, it might smooth things over.”

  “Maybe,” he said, but he sounded doubtful.

  “At least try.” She got out and slid her heavy bag from the backseat. “Have a good day,” she said before she shut the car door.

  A curtain on the second floor of the house fluttered into place as she crossed the parking lot. Had Kyle been watching them? Perhaps he’d only been checking to see if a patient had arrived early.

  Leah punched in the code and entered. She locked up behind her and headed down the hall. She’d reached the reception area when the door to the house creaked open and Kyle stepped out, his hair still damp and slightly tousled, as if he’d just emerged from the shower. His white lab coat highlighted his crisp appearance and…

  She lowered her gaze. “Is it all right if I put a few things in the Hesses’ refrigerator?”

  “That looks awfully heavy. Do you need some help?” Kyle reached for the bag.

  Leah drew back the bag before he touched it. “I can manage.” Her tone was sharper than she’d intended, because Kyle’s offer had started a strange fluttering in her heart. No one had ever coddled her before. That’s what Ben would call it. He’d expect her to handle it herself.

  “If you’re sure.” Kyle opened the door to the house and held it for her.

  Leah released a pent-up breath when it swung shut behind her. She unpacked the food and hurried back to the office. As long as they had no emergencies to take them past lunch, she’d slip into the house right before their scheduled lunch break to fix Kyle a hearty meal. Kyle had retreated to his office, so she could breathe easier. At least until the first patient arrived.

  The brisk pace of the morning appointments kept Leah’s thoughts from Kyle, except when she’d announce a patient’s arrival or assist with appointments. Then she spent a few moments waiting for her pulse to slow to a normal level before answering the phone or greeting new arrivals.

  While Kyle was in the exam room with the last patient of the morning, she headed into the house to heat her homemade chicken corn soup and make Lebanon bologna sandwiches on potato rolls. She ad
ded red beet eggs, canned pickles, and broccoli slaw. She’d just managed to sneak the food into the records room when Kyle emerged from the exam room with the patient, Mr. Garcia. She hurried into the hallway and shut the door, but Mr. Garcia sniffed the air.

  “Something smells good. Can I join you for lunch?” His eyes twinkled.

  “Of course,” Leah said. She’d give him her plate. She could cobble together a few things for her own lunch.

  Mr. Garcia laughed. “I was only teasing. I have my own lunch waiting for me back at the office.”

  “I hope it’s a healthy one.”

  At Kyle’s stern tone, Mr. Garcia looked sheepish. “Not today. I promise from now on I’ll do better.”

  “Until we get those numbers down, no sugar and limit your carbs.” He turned to Leah. “Does Dr. Hess have any pamphlets or printed diet sheets for managing diabetes?”

  The soup would get cold while she rummaged through drawers looking for information, but the patient’s health came first. “I’ll check at the desk.”

  Mr. Garcia and Kyle followed her out to the reception area and waited while she opened drawers. In the bottom drawer, neatly lettered folders listed various health conditions. She removed a handout from the one marked DIABETES and handed it to Mr. Garcia.

  “I expect you to follow that.” Kyle folded his arms across his chest, looking every inch a commanding doctor, and Leah’s heart fluttered.

  She turned her attention back to the paper. Ben, Ben, she repeated to herself. She shouldn’t allow another man to affect her like this. Not when she and Ben were courting.

  Mr. Garcia glanced over the paper. “It won’t be easy, doc, but I’ll try. You do know you’re taking away all my favorite foods.”

  “You’ll just have to make some new favorites,” Kyle suggested. “Like vegetables.”

  Wrinkling his nose, Mr. Garcia nodded and reached for the door. “Enjoy your lunch,” he said, closing it behind him.