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forgotten,” Julie said. She felt a trembling in her body at the nearness of Sam.
    For a long time neither Julie nor Sam said a word. They watched the dancing lights as the colors faded, then radiated and grew brilliant again. The stillness of the windless night made the cold easily tolerated, but Sam moved closer to block the chill from Julie’s back.
    Julie decided she had to deal with Sam. He wasn’t going to go away, and even though he planned to leave the next morning, it was necessary to tell him exactly where she stood.
    â€œSam,” Julie said as she turned to face him. She hadn’t realized just how close he was. Sam reached out and quickly pulled Julie into his arms. “Wait just a minute,” Julie protested. “You can’t keep doing this.”
    â€œOh yes, I can, and I intend to do it often after we’re married,” Sam said, refusing to let Julie loose.
    â€œMarried? I’m not going to—” Her words fell into silence as Sam lowered his mouth to hers. Julie expected the same brief type of kiss Sam had given her in the kitchen, but instead his mouth was firmly fixed on hers in a deeply passionate kiss. Julie had set out to concentrate on not responding, but easily lost that thought as Sam aroused feelings inside her that Julie had never known existed. Giving in, Julie allowed Sam to pull her tightly to his chest as her arms went around his neck.
    When Sam pulled back, Julie felt herself gasp for air. “You’ll never stop feeling lonely until you give in to your heart and marry me. Remember, two are better than one,” Sam whispered.
    â€œBut, I prayed about working as a nurse. I know it’s my destiny.” Julie forced the words from her muddled mind.
    â€œAnd you are mine,” Sam said before silencing Julie’s protests with his mouth.

Chapter 7
    O n the first day of November, Julie reported to Dr. Welch at the two-story Maynard-Columbus Hospital. The whitewashed clapboard building offered the most thorough medical help in northwestern Alaska and had seen more than its share of action.
    After meeting with Dr. Welch for a few days, Julie’s confidence returned. Dr. Welch was habitually happy. He was at his best when he was working in and around his patients, and his nurses enjoyed his vibrant love of life. Emily Morgan, training to take over as head nurse at the hospital, told Julie that it was Dr. Welch’s devoted wife, Lula, who’d made the gray-haired doctor so content.
    â€œYou know,” Emily said as she showed Julie to a small office, “she married him right after his internship in Los Angeles. She’s worked alongside him for many years.”
    â€œYes, I know,” Julie said as she slipped out of her parka. “I’m quite familiar with both the doctor and his wife. I was born in Nome.”
    â€œI didn’t know you were native to Alaska,” Emily said. “Oh, by the way, this is Nurse Seville,” she added as a rather plain-looking woman came into the office.
    â€œGlad to meet you,” the woman said, extending her hand. “I’m Bertha.”
    â€œIt’s nice to meet you as well,” Julie said and shook the woman’s hand. “I’m Julie Eriksson.”
    â€œWell, it’s quite a challenge you’ve carved out for yourself. I’ve made calls with Dr. Welch to the nearest Eskimo settlements, and I’ve never really enjoyed the sled travel. Although I must say, Doc enjoys every bit of it. But you’ll be out there on your own, driving your own team and facing the elements. I admire your spirit,” Bertha said honestly.
    â€œThank you,” Julie answered just as Dr. Welch entered the room.
    â€œAre you ready to go?” he questioned as he took a seat behind a paper-laden desk.
    â€œI sure am,” Julie responded. “I came to say good-bye and see if there were any last-minute instructions.”
    â€œTake good care of your