He put his hands on either side of her, trapping her against the sink. “Do you know what happens to women who disobey their husbands in the Clarke household, Mrs. Clarke?”
She giggled, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Why do I have a feeling I’m going to find out?” She asked turning her face up to his.
“I will not reward this behavior, Mrs. Clarke, regardless of how tempting you are.” His left eyebrow raised as he looked down at her.
She sighed. “Are you avoiding my question?”
“Possibly,” he admitted, keeping her pinned in front of him.
“Maybe we should pick this up later, Sheriff Clarke,” she suggested.
His eyes narrowed, then he reached for her hands and pinned them behind her back. She squealed as he placed kisses from her ear all the way to the base of her neck. “Do you know what happens when you play with fire, Mrs. Clarke?”
She groaned.
“We will resume this later,” he promised, releasing her hands, and walking out of the kitchen.
She stood there, panting, before she finally moved, heading for the guest room.
The door was ajar, but she knocked softly before entering. “Is the patient cleared for dinner, doctor?” She asked.
He turned, giving Claire a second glance as he took in her flushed cheeks. He smiled and her cheeks reddened further.
“The patient,” he declared, looking back at Magdalena, “is cleared for dinner, although still in trouble for not minding doctor’s orders.”
“Oh, my,” Claire feigned shock. “What’s the penalty for that? Is it serious?”
Magdalena’s mouth dropped open as she stared at her friend.
“We’ll have to see,” he admitted. “If she’s on her best behavior, she may get off with a short walk with the doctor after dinner.”
“And if she’s not?” Claire asked, biting her lower lip as Magdalena glared at her.
“As I said, we’ll see.” He said as he closed his bag with a last look at Magdalena and turned to walk out of the bedroom.
“What was that about?” Magdalena asked, mortified. “I thought you were on my side.”
Claire giggled. “Let’s eat. Dinner’s ready.”
THIRTY
The conversation around the dinner table was animated. Mary and Jim stopped by with Mary’s famous strawberry pie, and Claire invited them to stay for dinner. It was the second night in a row they’d all been together, and a great opportunity for Lance to observe Magdalena in her element.
He found her to be far more open in this environment surrounded by her friends, and quite funny. Jim teased her as though she were one of his sisters, and she responded in kind, tit-for-tat.
She’d only caught Lance staring at her once, but she’d blushed when she had. That combined with her increased heart rate whenever he was near, and he had hope that she might be developing feelings for him, as he was her.
She was beautiful. She had full, just waiting-to-be kissed lips, her honey-brown eyes sparkled when she laughed and were always lit with intelligence. There were gold flecks that danced when she was angry, and her petite nose and high cheekbones were framed perfectly by her sun-kissed light-brown hair. She was thin with curves in all the right places, and she was the first woman he’d found himself attracted to both physically and as a person.
The fact that she treated him as an equal rather than a potential husband was very appealing—God knew he was tired of the single women in Bareglen Creek making their attraction and pursuit of him so obvious.
Sully’s advice that he not back down from being who he was as an authoritative and dominant man, had actually helped. She even seemed to be responding to letting him care for her.
The truth was, he didn’t want a wife who was like a wet blanket; he wanted a woman who was his equal in every way. He couldn’t abide by a sullen or rebellious spirit, and he would expect her to obey him and respect his wishes, yet he also loved her strength and honesty. Magdalena had proven that she had an incredible heart while being strong, independent, kind-hearted and even God-fearing.
The more time he spent with her, the more convinced he felt that she truly was the woman for him.
Before his grandfather had died, he’d told him not to settle for a woman, but to wait for the one woman on this earth who could complete him like no other. His own parents were still very much in love, and he’d wondered if he would ever find that same level of respect and intimacy in a wife. Now that he’d found Magdalena, he had to figure out how to court her and convince her that he was equally the one for her, and he had one month in which to do it.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Magdalena addressed Lance, her eyes open and thoughtful.
He smiled. “I was thinking about my grandfather,” he admitted, meeting Magdalena’s eyes. “He was one of the best people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing, and he told me, right before he died, to wait for the one woman on earth who could complete me like no other.”
“Oh,” Magdalena whispered, her eyes locked on his.
He smiled into her eyes for a long moment before she blushed and looked away.
The conversation at the table halted until Claire jumped up offering to clear the table, and Mary jumped up telling them she’d be back with Strawberry pie. When Magdalena offered to help, they refused to let her, telling her to stay put.
Magdalena turned her attention toward Sully. “So what is going to happen with Raphael?” She inquired.
“I’m not sure yet, Magdalena,” he admitted. “For now I have three deputies standing watch at the orphanage, but that’s a short-term option and can’t be sustained long-term.”
She nodded. “But they’re his family,” she suggested, watching his reaction.
He sighed. “Yes, I know,” he hesitated, “but I have to tell you that it’s not safe for Raphael or the sisters or the children for him to stay there much longer.
Magdalena’s eyes filled with tears. “There’s no way to stop them?” She asked, rubbing her arm subconsciously, her eyes fixed on the wall beyond Sully, her mind elsewhere.
Sully looked at Lance who shook his head.
“Let’s not worry about it today, Magdalena, okay?”
She moved her eyes back to Sully. “But we need to figure this out,” she breathed, clearly upset. “Raphael should be moved soon if you decide that’s what needs to happen. It would be horrible if they return and find him,” her voice began to rise. “They won’t just take him—they’ll hurt the other children.”
Her eyes begged Sully to understand, even as she hugged her arms tightly around her waist.
“We’ll decide soon, Magdalena,” he assured her. “We will protect them, okay?”
It was as if she hadn’t heard him, her eyes were focused on the wall, yet not. “Maybe I should take him back to Philadelphia. My father has done some volunteer work there for an orphanage. Maybe Raphael could go there.” Her voice was distant.
“That’s one possibility,” Sully agreed.
Lance got up from his chair and went to her side. “Magdalena? Walk with me?” He asked.
She shook her head, as though coming out of a trance, and looked at him. “Okay,” she agreed. Then she looked at Sully. “Think about it, okay? I could send my father a telegram.”
“I’ll think about it, Magdalena. It will all work out,” he assured her.
Lance offered his arm and Magdalena put hers through it. He gently moved her to the front door and then moved to the porch.
Sully watched them leave, his face heavy with worry. Magdalena was right; they needed to do something about Raphael, and soon.
THIRTY-ONE
“So,” Claire asked, “How was your walk with Doctor Holloway?”
Magdalena smiled. “It was sweet,” she admitted. “He asked me if he could court me.”
“What?” Claire jumped up from her chair at the table and hugged her friend. “What did you say?”
“Well, I told him that I had to talk with you
and Sully because he asked if I could stay here with you, and then he could court me under Sully’s supervision since my father is in Philadelphia.”
“Wow, he did? That’s definitely sweet, and you said yes, right?”
“No, of course not.” Magdalena denied.
“What are you talking about? This is perfect!” Claire stared at her friend.
“I told him that I had to talk with you and Sully first, and he said that he understood—although I suspect he and Sully have already talked.”
Claire narrowed her eyes. “Hm. Well, if they have, Sully didn’t say anything to me about it.”
“Are you upset with him?”
Claire smiled. “No, silly, but I’m surprised he didn’t say anything to me about it.
“Maybe he was worried you would say something to me, so he kept it a secret?” Magdalena suggested.
“That’s possible. Very possible.” Claire agreed. “I’ll talk with Sully tonight and then you can get right back to Lance, okay?”
Magdalena’s eyes lit up. “Okay,” she agreed, sucking her lower lip into her mouth, and then smiling shyly at her friend.
“I knew you were the perfect match,” Claire smiled back. “I knew it when I first met him.”
“Really?” Magdalena asked with surprise.
“Yes. I knew it immediately. Admittedly he was and still can be a bit annoying,” she gave a pointed look at Magdalena who nodded in agreement, “but he’s also very smart, strong, kind, handsome, and good. I knew in my gut he was the right person for you. You need a strong man.”
Magdalena grasped Claire’s hand. “And to think I believed I never wanted to get married or be subject to a man—any man—ever, just a few short weeks ago.”
“That’s what love will do to you,” Claire agreed, “and more.”
Magdalena laughed. “You and Sully set a great example of true love. I think seeing you together is what opened me up to the possibility even though I never dreamed I would ever experience it personally.”
Claire nodded. “It was hard for me with Sully at first,” she admitted. “I was stubborn—so there’s that—but it was also hard to see Mary struggling with me finding love after she’d lost Mike.”
Magdalena closed her eyes and squeezed Claire’s hand. “That must have been very difficult,” she agreed.
“Don’t get me wrong, Mary was completely supportive and excited for me, but there were moments when I saw such a deep sadness in her that it made me almost shy away from my feelings for Sully. I guess I wanted to hide them from her, so it wouldn’t hurt her.”
“She’ll find love again,” Magdalena announced. “I just know it. She’s made to be the perfect wife in every way.”
“Yes, and I think I know just the right person for her, too, but it has taken a while for her to be ready for that.”
“Do you think she is now?”
“I think she is ready, or at least she’s very close.”
“It’s Lee Jamison, right?” Magdalena asked.
“You could tell?” Claire glanced sideways at her friend.
“The attraction between them is obvious—and so was Doctor Jamison’s decision to spend his two-week break here in Bareglen Creek!” She laughed. “But tell me, what’s up with each of us finding men who are so crazily intense—and bossy?”
Claire burst into laughter just as Sully walked through the door. “Speak of the devil,” she admitted.
He stopped in his tracks and eyed them suspiciously. “What are you two up to now?”
Claire stood and walked toward her husband. “Well, it appears that you, Sheriff Sullivan Clarke, have conspired apart from me to invite Lance Holloway to court our dear Miss Allen.” She stood in front of him with her hands on her hips. “True, or false?” She asked with eyebrows raised.
“True.” He admitted, and then he put his hands on his hips and took a step toward his wife.
“And it would appear that you, Mrs. Sullivan Clarke, have conspired with your friend and your sister regarding an ultimatum from Miss Allen’s father. True or false?” He asked.
She cocked her head. “False. I did not conspire with them, but rather facilitated what I believed was right for them…” she paused, “somewhat complicated situation.”
Sully’s lips turned up, and he shook his head at his wife. “Semantics.” He declared.
“Regardless, can we give our good friend Miss Allen our permission to stay with us in order to be courted formally by Doctor Holloway?”
“Yes, we can.”
Claire spun around and raced to Magdalena’s side. “You must tell him, immediately,” she implored her friend.
“Tell who what?” Sully asked, his eyes narrowed.
Claire turned back to her husband, taking his hand.
“Claire,” he growled. “Why do I have the feeling I’m not getting the whole story, and that I’m not going to like this?”
“Oh, Sully, it’s nothing, really. It’s just—well, it’s just that Magdalena’s father gave her an ultimatum, and I told you that.”
He nodded, his eyes locked onto Claire’s. “Yes, but—,”
“Well, the ultimatum he gave her consisted of a threat—he told her if she didn’t find someone to marry within three months and have a wedding date planned, he would force her to marry someone of his choosing. So you see why time is of the essence and that’s why—,”
Claire stopped talking.
Lance Holloway was standing at the open front door.
Claire raced to the front door, pulling Lance into the house. She looked from Magdalena, who was blushing furiously, to Lance.
“Lance, please let me explain…”
“I don’t think you need to explain any further, Claire.” He turned to Magdalena, “Is this true?” He demanded.
“Lance, please let me explain,” Claire begged.
He ignored her, his eyes laser-targeted on Magdalena’s. “Is. It. True?” He demanded, pain flickered through his eyes, then turned into anger.
“Yes,” she whispered, dropping her eyes.
Claire looked at her friend aghast. “Lance, you need to let her explain.” She implored shaking her head.
Lance looked at Claire with a crease in his brow. “I have all the explanation I need.” He confirmed before turning and walking out the door.
THIRTY-TWO
“Sister Theresa, you should be resting,” Magdalena scolded, jumping up from her desk and moving immediately to the sister’s side.
“Hardly,” she argued. “I’ll never get my strength back if I simply rest all day. Besides, I wanted to pop in and see how you’re doing and discuss the children’s curriculum with you.”
“Here, come sit at my desk,” Magdalena helped the sister move across the classroom then around her desk, gently lowering her to the chair. Are you sure you should be doing this?” Magdalena asked. “We don’t want Doctor Holloway to be upset with you.”
“Yes, I’m sure,” the sister insisted. “Now, pull up a chair and let’s have a talk.”
Magdalena pulled a chair near the desk and sat down, her full attention on the sister.
“Magdalena, your time here at the orphanage is coming to an end. We don’t have another option in place for a teacher, and I’m wondering if it is possible for you to extend your volunteer work for another three months.”
“Would the Bishop approve that?” Magdalena asked cautiously.
“I’ve approached him about it, and he’s assured me he would consider it.”
Magdalena nodded. “I see.” She licked her lips, then took the sister’s hands in hers.
“I know you have taken a shining for our young doctor, Magdalena.”
Magdalena’s head swiveled toward the sister, “There isn’t much that gets by you, is there?”
Sister Theresa simply smiled.
“It is complicated, Sister Theresa. There’s another situation at home with my father that you’re not aware of, and I’m not really sure it will work out be
tween Doctor Holloway and me.” She hesitated. “I feel honored that you would ask me to stay, and I will consider it and let you know as quickly as I can. Will that be all right?”
“Yes, that would be fine, Miss Allen.”
“Here, let me help you back to the house,” she reached under the sister’s arm to help her stand. Halfway to the door, she heard a horse approaching, and watched as Lance reigned his horse then tied him to the post, walking toward and then into the main building.
“Oh, my,” Magdalena said under her breath.
“Don’t be afraid of him, Miss Allen. I bear full responsibility for my decisions. You just leave him to me,” she assured Magdalena as they stood in the doorway, then together watched Lance leave the main building, striding toward them.
He looked up, his gaze intense and locked on Magdalena.
“Doctor Holloway,” Sister Theresa greeted him.
“Sister,” he acknowledged. “Miss Allen,” he greeted. “May I ask why you’re not in the main building resting?” His question, directed at the sister, was clipped and terse. He ignored Magdalena altogether and focused on the sister.
“I decided to go for a short walk to discuss some things with Miss Allen,” she advised him. “Miss Allen was not involved in my decision, and in fact, she was quite worried whether or not you had given me permission to be out and about.”
Lance glanced at Magdalena. “And what did you tell her, Sister Theresa?” He asked as he moved to the opposite side of the sister, and together he and Magdalena assisted her down the stairs.
“I told her that I was quite sure it was all right for me to be doing it, and that I’m not going to get stronger by resting all day long in that house.”
“Did you?” He asked, “And is this what you would advise Miss Allen to do, if she were the one who was injured, and I’d specifically advised her to rest until further notice?”
Magdalena bit her lip. It was quite something to see the sister being scolded by the doctor, and she was curious how she would answer him.
CHARMED Boxed Set 1, Hero Hearts Historical: Inspirational Western Romance Page 20
