A stricken expression crossed his face. “Almost died? Phoebe?”
“You must take care she doesn’t get cold or overtax herself or she could have a relapse.”
He strode over and scooped his wife into his arms. “We’re going home, dear. You’ll rest until you’re well.”
Phoebe’s head was on his shoulder as he carried her. Her eyes met Shannon’s. Perhaps the light played tricks, but Shannon thought she saw gratitude in Phoebe’s eyes.
Shannon gathered blankets left by the sick. Lily and Doreen came in.
Doreen took the cover from Shannon’s arms. “We’ll do that. Some other women are coming to tidy the church and then decorate for Christmas Eve.”
Lily took Shannon by the shoulders. “You go home before you drop on the floor.”
“If you’re sure you don’t mind, I think I will go rest a while.” She pulled on her coat and hat. Somewhere she had a scarf but she found her purse and that was enough. “I changed dresses but I’m not sure where I left the soiled one.”
Doreen shooed her toward the door. “We’ll bring it to you when we find it. You get on home.”
Suddenly, Shannon wasn’t certain she had enough strength to walk home.
Riley met her at the door. “I was coming to take you home.” He held her arm to guide her down the steps and to the buggy, where he lifted her onto the seat.
“There haven’t been any new cases of measles. There was one death.”
“Why didn’t I know about that? Who was so sick?”
“Remember I told you about Daniel Jacobs and how much I would love to punch the guy then arrest him for beating his wife? Well, he came down with measles and wouldn’t let his wife send for you.”
“How terrible for Mrs. Jacobs. She seems like a nice woman.”
“She told me her husband had a high fever and convulsions before he died.”
“Likely the measles went into encephalitis. Rare, but it happens. I didn’t like the man, but I hate that he died needlessly.”
“Yvonne’s looking for a job now because her late husband had no savings and she only has a few cents she saved back.” He pulled the buggy around to the carriage house.
“I hope she finds what she needs.” He lifted her from the buggy and walked toward the house. “Riley, put me down. I can walk.”
“I know, but you don’t have to. I’ll set you down inside the parlor.” When they were inside, Sylvester greeted her so eagerly his whole body wagged.
“Come on, boy, let’s take care of Plato.” Riley held open the door and the dog shot outside.
Shannon wondered if she’d left her medical bag in the buggy. She thought she was having an out of body experience. Her senses took in her surroundings, but as if someone else saw them and she watched the other person.
Her surroundings comforted her but at the same time were surreal. She loved this little house but would only be here another month. Plopping onto the wing chair in front of the fireplace, she enjoyed the decorations she’d made and she and Riley had placed around the room.
She didn’t have a tree, but then she didn’t have presents to give or receive. Tears pricked her eyes. What great hope she’d had for Mistletoe—and herself. Now what was she to do?
Riley and Sylvester came in the kitchen. Sylvester bounded to her and she hugged him then scratched his ears.
“Lucky dog. I’d have run in here if I thought I would get that reaction.”
She smiled at him. “Thank you for all your help, Riley.”
“I haven’t resigned yet. Come on, let’s get you upstairs.” He tugged her hand to pull her standing.
“Once I sat down, the little energy I had left whooshed away. I don’t think I can walk up the stairs.”
“Sure you can because I’ll help you. Then you’re going to climb into bed and sleep until you wake up on your own. No alarm.”
She started toward the office. “I have to erase the blackboard.”
“Taken care of by yours truly.” He turned her and guided her up the stairs.
In her bedroom, he led her to the bed.
“How wonderful, my own bed. And the fireplace is lit. Marvelous.” Heedless of his presence, she unbuttoned her dress and tossed it aside before she removed her shoes and crawled between the covers.
“I intend to stay here tonight, Shannon, unless you strongly object.”
“Why would I care, I’ll be asleep?”
He cleared his throat. “In fact, I’d like to cuddle up with you. Don’t worry, I’ll leave my britches on and sleep on top of the sheet so your virtue’s safe. I just need to know you’re asleep and warm and safe.”
“That sounds wonderful, Riley. I want to be safe and warm.”
He doubted she knew what she was saying. How she had the strength to last all those days and nights with only an hour’s sleep here or there was beyond him. He’d been there some, yeah, but he’d also come here and slept when he checked on Sylvester and Plato.
After going back downstairs, he locked the doors and made sure his dog had enough water. He stoked the stove so the kitchen would be warm in the morning. That done, he climbed the stairs.
His stomach fluttered like a schoolboy’s. What was wrong with him? Wasn’t like he was going to make love to her, he was just going to sleep beside her. She was sound asleep and wouldn’t even know he was in the room, much less in her bed. He spooned around her and fell asleep almost as quickly as she had.
Frigid wind battering the house waked him. Here he was snuggled in the one place he most wanted to spend time. This must be what heaven was like.
He smiled to himself. No, if this really was his idea of heaven, neither he nor Shannon would be wearing clothes and they’d both be touching under the cover. Whoa, better not be thinking along those lines or he’d not get any sleep.
All sounds disappeared except the wind and Shannon’s soft breathing. Lucky he’d stoked the fire downstairs and in here. The town was in for a cold night.
He worried about the elderly coping. During the winter, he took care of those who couldn’t shovel snow. In summer, he made repairs for them. Being Mistletoe’s sheriff was more caretaker than lawman.
But, he liked his job and intended to remain in office as long as the town let him. So far, no other candidates had come forward. The only complaints were from Jasper Amherst and Kenneth Porter, both of whom would complain about small change if it were raining money.
Chapter 12
Shannon waked warm and snuggled against Riley. For a few minutes, she savored the sensation of being treasured and protected. If only this could last forever.
No point wishing for the impossible. As quietly as possible, she slid from the bed and picked up her shoes before tiptoeing downstairs. She had no idea of the time. In fact, she had no idea of the day.
After fastening her shoes, she searched for something to prepare for breakfast. She sensed Riley’s nearness and turned.
He carried his boots and set them down by the kitchen table. “Morning.”
“I don’t even know what day this is. How long did I sleep?”
“About thirty-six hours. Today is Christmas Eve, Sleeping Beauty.” He sat down and pulled on his boots.
“Good heavens, were you here all the time I was asleep?”
“Naw, I had sheriff stuff to take care of but I came back here often. I kept checking on you to make sure you weren’t sick or something.”
“Guess I was more tired than I realized. I’ve never slept that long in my life. No wonder my head is groggy. That’s too much sleep.”
“I don’t agree. You worked ten days without more than three or four hours of sleep. I’m surprised you remembered your name after all that.”
“I do remember my name and where I am.”
“What are you wearing to church tonight?”
She mulled the idea over. “Don’t think I’m going.”
He leaped to his feet. “What? You have to go. It’s the most important night of the yea
r for the entire community. Everyone will be there.”
“There’s no point building community relationships if I’m not going to be a part of the community.”
“Shannon, I’m coming to pick you up at six o’clock this evening.” He kissed her lips firmly. “Please, as a special favor to me, be ready for the party.”
She didn’t comment because she hadn’t decided. One thing she intended to do, and that was to go to McGarry’s bathhouse. After packing a change of clothes, her sponge, and her favorite soap in a tote bag, she set off for a hot bath.
On her way, she met Robbie, looking dejected. “What are you doing outside, young man? You’re supposed to be resting and caring for Ila Mae.”
“Mama had today and tomorrow off work so I thought I’d look for a job. Mr. McGarry doesn’t need anyone.”
“I need someone to take care of my horse. You interested?”
His face beamed. “Yes, Dr. Shannon. Sometimes I helped Dr. Jones so I know what to do.”
“Go home and wait one week and then you come take care of Plato. I’ll pay you starting today, but you have to promise to rest.”
“I will and I’ll make sure Ila Mae does too.”
Shaking her head, she wondered how many other children weren’t following her instructions.
At the bathhouse, Mr. McGarry greeted her with a wide smile. “Doctor Callahan, nice to see you. Ladies’ side it right over here.”
“Thank you and you should call me Shannon. I’m so looking forward to soaking in a tub of hot water.”
He showed her how to regulate the water’s temperature and furnished a large white towel then left her in privacy. She undressed and climbed into the tub and sank into bliss.
Back in New York, she’d taken hot baths for granted. What a privileged life she’d led in spite of her battles to become a physician. Maids, stable hands, streetcars, and cabs were only a part of that other world.
Taking all that into consideration, she preferred her life here on her own. Too bad the citizens of Mistletoe didn’t reciprocate her fondness. At least some of the children were her friends now.
Walking back home, she was a hundred percent better. She’d caught up on her sleep and had a refreshing bath. The snow hadn’t melted, but the sky was sunny and the air crisp. She caught the scent of smoke from chimneys, but the air was fresh and clean compared to New York. She didn’t want to live in a congested place again.
So, what did she want? Tears gathered in her eyes. She wanted to live here in Mistletoe and be accepted by the other residents. She wanted to keep seeing Riley and having him kiss her.
Shannon decided that if she stayed here, she’d write her father and ask for the money her grandmother left her. She wasn’t supposed to get the inheritance until she married, but her father was the trustee. There would be enough to build on two or three rooms to her house and hire a housekeeper.
Back at her home, she gave Sylvester fresh water. Should she go to the party or not? Darned if she wouldn’t go and dare anyone to insult her.
She ironed her green silk and velvet dress. Last year, she’d worn this same dress at Christmas, but no one here had seen her in the gown. During her bath, she’d washed her hair. Now she brushed the curls and arranged a style she only wore for parties.
At a few minutes before six, she was still waffling on attending, but now she was dressed and looking her best. She’d even located her fur lined velvet evening cloak, smoothed out the creases, and fluffed up the matching muff. Perhaps that was too formal. When she saw how Riley was dressed, she’d know what coat or cloak to wear.
She heard noise in the carriage house and peeked out the window. Sure enough, Riley was there, so she let Sylvester out to run. When he’d hitched Plato to the buggy, Riley started her way. She waited until she heard him stomping snow from his boots then opened the parlor door.
Sylvester bounded into the house and plopped down on his bed by the fire.
Riley took off his hat when he came inside. He stopped and stared. “Holy mother of… you look beautiful.” He shook his head. “I mean you always do, but this is even better.”
She twirled for him to see the gown. “Too much?”
He pretended to consider. “Well, you could bare the shoulders a little more.”
“I’m serious, Riley. If I’m going to this event then I want to be dressed appropriately.”
His grin broke into laughter. “You look perfect. Women will be wearing plain cotton work dresses to ball gowns and everything in between.”
“You look very nice, Sheriff.” She took in his black suit, silver brocade vest, and black string tie. His gun looked out of place.
He followed her gaze. “Sorry I have to carry the gun, part of the job. Always have to be prepared.”
She handed him her cloak. “I almost decided not to go tonight. Then I thought I might as well. I hope no one will be rude to me on Christmas Eve.”
“No one could possible fault you tonight, Shannon. You’ll take everyone’s breath away.”
“What a nice compliment.” She held up her skirts so they wouldn’t drag in the snow.
When they arrived at the church, she watched a few others arriving while Riley secured Plato and came to help her descend.
“Looks as if we’re latecomers.”
“No, we’re right on time. Perhaps some had to come early to decorate.”
He nodded at several people gathered near the doors. One man nodded at Riley then pushed by to go in ahead of them. Instead of saying anything about the man’s rudeness, Riley stopped to speak to someone else she didn’t recognize.
When they walked into the church, a loud cheer broke out. Hanging from the ceiling over the refreshment table was a long banner that read:
Thank you, Dr. Callahan
Shannon was stupefied. She was certain her mouth hung open. “I’m truly speechless. All I can think of to say is thank you.”
Everyone clapped for her. Tears of happiness gathered in her eyes. This was more than she’d even dreamed.
Looking at Riley, she asked, “Did you know about this?”
He tugged at his collar. “Might have. Didn’t see the banner but heard there was something afoot.”
“I’m flabbergasted. I’d better find a place to sit before my knees give way.”
He led her to one of the pews that had been rearranged to accommodate the party. Harriet and Abner stopped by to speak to her.
Shannon took a hand of each one. “You have no idea how wonderful you two are. The food you sent helped heal the ill and nourish the caretakers.”
Abner acted embarrassed.
Harriet squeezed Shannon’s hand. “We always try to do our bit for the community. Someone started passing the hat to reimburse us. I think we took in more than we spent on food.”
Shannon gazed from one to the other. “I hope so. There was preparation time and delivery plus the goodness of your hearts. I’m so proud to know you two.”
About seven, Reverend Nichols stood on the altar and raised his hands.
“My dear friends, we have the special honor of a wedding tonight. Miss Everleigh Walsh is becoming the bride of Seth Ketchum.” He nodded to the pianist, who played the Mendelssohn wedding march.
Riley stood beside Shannon as she rose when the bride passed by. He leaned near her ear. “Walking her down the aisle is her uncle, James Walsh, who’s a local rancher.”
All evening people drifted by to speak to Shannon. After the party was over and Riley had delivered her to her parlor, he helped her remove her cloak. She chose to sit on the couch. She didn’t want this evening to end.
Riley sat beside her. “Now have you decided to stay?”
She affected a large sigh and arranged her skirts neatly. “I’m still not sure.”
He gestured to the chess set. “Want us to play chess to decide?”
She shook her head. “Mmm, no, I enjoy the game but that’s not what I had in mind.”
He slid his arm around her sho
ulders. “Want to play for a kiss?”
She flashed a coquettish smile. “You’re getting warmer.” Inside her heart pounded and at least a hundred butterflies took flight in her stomach.
He caressed her face. “How about you marry me?”
Her heart almost exploded with joy but she couldn’t let him know yet. “Why would I do that?”
Cuddling her close, he said, “Because I love you and don’t want us to ever be apart.”
She threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, Riley, that’s what I needed to hear. I love you too.”
Epilogue
Mistletoe, Montana, two years later
Shannon called, “Riley, we’re going to be late. Have you found it yet?”
His steps sounded on the stairs. He held up a small toy rabbit. “Under his blanket.”
One-year-old William Riley McCallister reached for his favorite toy.
Shannon called to her housekeeper-nanny, “Yvonne, it’s time to leave.”
Yvonne Jacobs hurried from her rooms off the kitchen carrying a small bag. “I’m ready. I have extra diapers and a soaker in case Will needs them. And him a change of clothes because you never know what might happen when food is involved. Shannon, let me carry him so you don’t muss your new dress.”
Shannon relinquished her son then took a moment to assess the beautiful tree in the parlor and the presents underneath.
From behind her, Riley slid his arms around her waist and rested his chin on the top of her head. “Happy, my love?”
Leaning back against his strong chest, she covered his hands with hers. “Happier than I ever dreamed possible. You’ve made all my dreams come true.”
He nuzzled her neck. “So have mine, because of you.”
Yvonne called from the back door. “Do Will and I have to go alone or are you two lovebirds joining us?”
Laughing, Shannon and Riley joined hands and left for the church’s annual Christmas Eve party.
Afterword
Dear Reader,
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