“And . . .”
When he didn’t continue right away, she leaned back and looked up into his eyes. “And?”
“And I think I could use a little help with my paperwork, if you’re still willing to help me.”
She was flabbergasted. “What? I thought that wasn’t allowed.”
“As long as you are organizing the reports by date, which is what you suggested all along, it should be fine.”
She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I’ve about decided that you’re the most infuriating man I’ve ever met.”
“And you’re the most infuriating woman I’ve ever met. Good thing we can be infuriating together, right?”
“Right,” she said, snuggling into his chest again.
Chapter Fourteen
Evelyn made dinner for Joel at the Timmons’ house—baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and rolls so fluffy, they melted as soon as she bit into one. In fact, everything had turned out exceptionally well, and she was proud of herself.
“We’re sure going to miss you when you’re gone,” Mrs. Timmons told her. “Not just for your cooking, but your sweet disposition.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Timmons, but I won’t be far away, and I can drop by to visit,” Evelyn replied. She already knew she wanted to stop by at least once a week to keep dust from taking over the cabin entirely—she’d just have to be sneakier in how she went about it.
“When is this wedding going to take place, anyway?” Mr. Timmons boomed. “All the other Mounties are married now—it’s your turn.”
“I agree,” Joel said, reaching out and taking Evelyn’s hand. “It’s definitely our turn.”
Tingles raced all the way up her arm. She honestly couldn’t wait.
***
Late that night, she was awakened to pounding on the door. Mr. Timmons came out of his bedroom and opened it just a crack. “Oh, Doc Sturgis. What can we do for you?”
“I’m looking for Miss Murray. Is she here?”
“Yes, I’m here,” Evelyn called out from her small sleeping corner.
“Can you come? Timothy Horn has taken a turn for the worse.”
She had no idea why the doctor would come find her—she didn’t have any specialized skills—but she called out that she would come as quickly as she could. She dressed behind the curtain and pulled on her shoes, joining the doctor where he waited for her in the yard.
“Corporal Clark thought you might be the best choice, considering as how you’re a single lady and all . . .” Doc Sturgis cleared his throat. “Never mind. Point is, I have to take off Horn’s leg, and I need a nurse. Can you do it?”
Evelyn’s mind went completely blank. “You . . . you want me to assist with an amputation? I’ve never . . . I don’t know if I can.”
“The corporal said you’re the most capable young woman in town.”
“He did?” Her heart was pounding wildly. Why did Joel have to have so much faith in her? “I . . . I guess I can try.”
“Good. Now come on.”
She followed him toward the Mounties’ cabins, grateful he carried a lantern to show her the ruts in their path. When they reached Joel’s cabin, she could tell immediately that Timothy was in a tremendous amount of pain. His face was covered with a sheen of sweat, and he clutched the bedsheets as though trying to pull himself across the room. Joel sat near the head of the bed, trying to keep the writhing man still. He glanced up and gave Evelyn a quick nod. She understood why his greeting was so brief—there wasn’t time for more.
“Miss Murray, will you please wash up at the basin?”
Evelyn washed quickly, then returned to the doctor’s side.
“Corporal Clark will hold this anesthesia to the patient’s nose and mouth while we work.” Doc handed a cloth and a bottle over to Joel, who took them, doused the cloth, and administered it. Timothy eased into a more restful sleep after a few breaths.
“And now we must work quickly to remove the leg.” Doc threw back the sheet, and Evelyn gasped. The man’s skin was horribly mottled, and the smell was like nothing she had ever experienced before. Again, she wondered why Joel had to believe in her so completely. She would gladly trade this task with anyone else in the world.
“What do you need me to do?” she asked.
“Hand me the instruments I need as I request them, and use the gauze to absorb the blood.”
She took a deep breath. She could do this. She could do this. “All right. I’m ready,” she said at last, glancing at Joel. He gave her an encouraging smile.
“We’ll begin by preparing the incision site.”
Evelyn focused on Doc’s instructions, willing her hands not to tremble. She handed him the antiseptic, which he poured over the leg, and then the bone saw.
When the doctor approached the leg with the saw, she averted her eyes, looking instead at Joel. Even though Timothy was sedated, his body arched with pain, and Joel was kept busy holding him still so the doctor could operate. Evelyn was trembling so badly, it was difficult for her to stay upright.
“Please use the gauze, Miss Murray,” Doc Sturgis said, and she reached out blindly for what she needed.
Blood. There was so much blood. Timothy had already lost so much when he was shot, it was hard to believe he even had this much left inside him. Doc seemed to be thinking something along the same lines. “The human body does create new blood,” he explained. “If it’s given what it needs, it can regenerate its volume in about two days.”
“That seems like such a long time,” Evelyn said, feeling a little faint.
“It is, and that’s why we’re keeping a close eye on him. But the body has an amazing capacity to heal itself. We just have to let it do its job.”
Evelyn did her very best to remain calm while she pulled soaked linens out from under the patient and replaced them with dry ones. She had no idea what to do with the soiled cloths, so she bundled them up and tucked them into the corner. It was only at that moment she realized that when she and Joel were married, this would be her bedroom, and this bed would be her bed. She shuddered, wondering if she’d be able to get the room clean enough.
The doctor stitched up the patient’s leg as best as he could, bandaged it, and then leaned back and wiped his forehead on the back of his arm. “And now we wait,” he said. “If he lives until morning, chances are, he’ll survive.”
Chapter Fifteen
Evelyn walked outside and sat down on the steps with a thump. She was so tired, she was sure she would never get rid of the ache deep in her bones. Timothy Horn had made it through the night and was no longer sweating so profusely. Doc Sturgis believed he’d make a full recovery. Well, as full as a recovery can be when a leg is missing.
The door opened behind her and Joel came out, sitting down next to her. “Sunrise will be beautiful today,” he said. “And you were incredible in there.”
“I was a weak, wobbly mess,” she contradicted him. “I’ve never been so terrified.”
“I wouldn’t have guessed it.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I’m rather impressed by you.”
“Are you so impressed that you’re willing to buy me a wedding gift?”
“I could be. What would you like?”
“How about a new mattress and sheets?”
He threw his head back and laughed. “I was thinking the same thing. Yes, we will most definitely get a new mattress and sheets.”
“I guess I just never stopped to think about how much blood a body can hold. It never came up in my classes on elocution or Canadian history.” She shook her head. “You know, I’ve never once had a moment where I’ve said to myself, ‘I’m so glad I studied elocution.’”
“Haven’t you? Because I’ve been admiring your clear and precise speech since you arrived. In fact, that was the first thing I noticed about you. I was drawn to your pronunciation.”
She nudged him with her shoulder. “You were not.”
“All right, I was not. I was drawn to your beauty, most specifica
lly to your eyes. Your pronunciation was the second thing I noticed.”
“If you say so.” She sat there another moment, and then painfully pulled herself to her feet. “I think I need some sleep,” she said. “Do you mind if I go?”
“You’ve earned it,” he replied. “Let me walk you back.”
The sun came over the horizon just then, sending beams of pure golden light across the ground. Everything looked fresh and new, a rebirth, and the phrase “dawn of possibilities” came into Evelyn’s mind. She couldn’t remember where she’d heard that—probably read it in a book—but it seemed completely fitting for that moment.
As they walked past the mercantile, they saw Silas MacGruder standing in the doorway, and he called out to them.
“I heard a rumor that Timothy Horn was losing his leg,” he said.
“That’s right, I’m sorry to say,” Joel replied.
“Well, that just does it. We’ve had a few too many shot-up legs around here, don’t ya think?” He shook his head. “I tell you what—I’ll give Mrs. Horn some free merchandise from the store if it’ll help her out. With Tim down, who knows how they’re gonna get by.”
“That’s much appreciated, Silas,” Joel said, and Evelyn thanked him as well.
As they walked away from the mercantile, Evelyn’s heart sank. “I was so busy thinking about the amputation, I never stopped to consider what this would mean for the family,” she said. “How will they manage?”
“The good folks of the community will help them out,” Joel said. “Mrs. Horn will always have friends here.”
“Why wasn’t she present for the surgery?” Evelyn hadn’t thought to ask that question before either. There had been too much going on.
“She fainted earlier when she first saw her husband, and Doc Sturgis didn’t want to put her through any more than she’d already gone through. She’s got to stay strong for those little ones.”
“I believe I still might faint, if I’m being perfectly honest,” Evelyn replied. They had reached the Timmons’ home, and she turned to Joel with a tired smile. “You might not see me for a while—I think I’m going to sleep for about a week.”
“Oh? And miss our wedding day?” He grinned.
“Did we decide on a wedding day? Because I don’t think we did. I think we just said it was our turn.”
“It’s our turn to talk about it when you wake up.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight, my Florence Nightingale.”
“An appellation I don’t deserve, but I’m flattered nonetheless. I’ll see you later.” She waved a tired hand at him, went inside, and closed the door. Two crazy nights in one week—no wonder she was so tired.
***
The Timmons’ kitchen table was overflowing with jars, baskets, and covered dishes. “What is all this?” Evelyn asked when she finally woke up and was ready to hold coherent conversations again.
“Your friends have been bringing over food for the last hour. They said most of it is for the Horns and you’d know what to do with it, but that you’d better sit down and eat too before you catch your death of pneumonia,” Mrs. Timmons said.
“Pneumonia? I don’t understand.”
“Well, neither did I, but I agree. Sit down and eat some of this good food.”
Evelyn looked over the assortment and smiled. The Mountie brides certainly had gone out of their way. She chose some soup, cheese, meat, and bread, and as an afterthought, took a slice of cake. She certainly did feel better after she’d eaten, and definitely not in danger of getting pneumonia at all. She smiled, wondering what her friends had actually said and how Mrs. Timmons had misinterpreted it.
Then Mr. and Mrs. Timmons helped her bundle everything up and carry it to the Horns’ house. This visit was very similar to the one she’d paid them just the other day—it seemed like a lifetime ago—and yet it was more solemn because she knew Timothy’s situation now, and it was grim.
“How are you faring?” she asked Mrs. Horn, touching her shoulder.
“I’m not quite sure,” the woman replied. “They tell me my husband will be all right, but right now he looks so pale and sickly, it’s hard to imagine.”
“This is a good time to have faith,” Evelyn said. “Faith in what is meant to be, in the One who watches over everything, and in the strength of the community.” She motioned at the bounty of food that had just been brought in. “You will have what you need one way or another.” That seemed a rather bold promise to make, but as soon as she spoke the words, she knew how true they were. She was staying in Squirrel Ridge Junction, and she would see to it personally. This was her home, and these were her people. This was her difference to make.
Chapter Sixteen
Wednesday morning dawned as bright and clear as any day ever had. Joel and Evelyn had spent the last couple of days helping Timothy Horn relocate to his own home, catching Mrs. Horn up on all her household chores, stocking their larder with all kinds of food, and making sure the family was well cared for. Then they turned their attention to Joel’s cabin, scrubbing it down and replacing the mattress and sheets. Evelyn was overwhelmed with relief when the place no longer looked like a hospital ward.
Jess had insisted that she come over and dress for the wedding at her house so all the Mountie brides could help her. She wore the white dress and veil she’d brought from home, a lovely hairpin lent to her by Rose, and she carried a bouquet of autumn leaves and berries.
“I’m a bit jealous,” Rose said as she helped adjust the veil. “Yours is the only wedding we’ll all get to see.”
“That’s right—our wedding days were anything but traditional,” Tilly said with a laugh. “Maybe you were right to delay yours.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Evelyn replied. “If we’d gotten married that first day like we were supposed to, we might have saved ourselves a lot of unnecessary conflict.”
“But would it have been as fun?” Rose wanted to know, and Evelyn had to think about that for a minute. No, it probably wouldn’t have been as fun.
The girls left Jess’s house and began the short walk to the church. Just then, out from the bushes came Monty the moose. He ambled up ahead of them, looking for all the world like he was leading the wedding procession and wanted to give the bride away. He paused in front of the church doors, and Evelyn reached out to pat his side.
“The Mounties have declared that you’re off limits to all hunters,” she told him. “I don’t know how far word will spread about that, but as long as you stay close to town, you should be safe.”
He gave her a wink and a snort, and then he was off again, no doubt to find another hapless clothesline somewhere to destroy.
Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest when she saw Joel waiting for her inside. His red jacket stood out against the white interior of the church, and his smile—oh, his smile. She loved every inch of that smile, of his face. He had been worth the struggle—admittedly, the struggle she had helped create—but it had been worth it to get to this point. They were bonded now, two hearts knit together with the threads of forgiveness and humility.
Pastor Wilson cleared his throat, and she realized he was ready to begin. She tried to pull her attention back to the matter at hand.
“Are the two of you finally ready to tie the knot?” he asked them.
“Yes, sir, we are,” Joel replied.
“You realize I won’t be back in town for two weeks, so if you change your mind, you’ll have to wait to change it back,” he warned.
“That’s all right,” Evelyn said. “We’re not going to change our minds.”
“That’s good.” The pastor cleared his throat again. “Let’s proceed.”
All through the short ceremony, Evelyn was conscious of Joel’s smile, his touch on her hands, his soapy scent. She had no idea what she’d done to be so blessed, or how Miss Hazel had been so inspired to bring the two of them together. All she knew was that when they were pronounced man and wife—at long last—the tears she shed were
tears of pure, unfiltered joy.
***
Walter Bishop had generously donated his new barn for a reception held to commemorate all the Mountie weddings. Evelyn thought it was very sweet of the other couples to wait until she and Joel had gotten married too—it was much more fun to celebrate all together.
The difficulty with there being so few women in town was that the brides had to create their own wedding meal. It turned out all right, but Evelyn understood why brides in larger towns asked others for help. There was so much to consider.
After she and Joel had danced to a few songs and eaten the food and talked to all the people and smiled all the smiles, he reached out and took her hand. “May I walk you home, Mrs. Clark?”
She smiled, glancing down at the floor, knowing her face was bright red. “You may.”
The stars were bright overhead and an autumn breeze had kicked up as they walked along the road. Joel had borrowed a lantern from the barn, and it cast a warm and friendly glow around them. Evelyn shook her head to think about it—she’d left behind a family and a home she loved and had traveled miles and miles to a land she knew little about to marry a man she didn’t know at all. Now she was walking off into the dark with him like it was the most natural thing in the world. That was just it, though—it was the most natural thing in the world. They knew each other’s hearts now. They belonged together.
When they reached Joel’s cabin, he scooped her up and carried her over the threshold, not quite letting her go when he set her down. Instead, he kept his arms looped around her waist and gazed into her eyes.
“You’re an amazing woman, Evelyn Murray Clark,” he said, pulling her even closer. “I intend to spend the rest of my life showing you how amazing you are.”
“I like the sound of that,” she replied. “But I wonder . . .”
“Hmm?”
“I wonder if you could show me another one of your amazing kisses, speaking of things being amazing,” she suggested.
He didn’t reply. Instead, he lowered his lips to hers, and she forgot absolutely everything else in the world, including how to breathe.
RNWMP: Bride for Joel (Mail Order Mounties Book 4) Page 8
