Kay stormed back out to the kitchen and left the men to
stare at each other.
"I take it the lovely Miss Donovan is joining us today?"
Dean only nodded and watched the younger man.
"I'm sorry, Alex, if that's a problem for you."
"It's no problem for me, Dean. I find myself daydreaming about the next time I'll see her. However, I
don't know how Miss Donovan is going to feel about my
being here."
A moment later they both heard the knock on the front
door.
"Well," Dean spoke again, this time softly, "we'll
know soon enough."
Marla answered the door and stood grinning at her
teacher. Marcail was just as glad to see her because the
Austin girls were some of her best students. The fact that
they prayed for her gave them a bond she did not share
with any of the other children. They were also bright and
well behaved, and looked at her with something close to
adoration, which was good for any teacher's confidence.
Daisy joined them as they made their way to the dining room. Even though both girls were talking at once,
Marcail didn't miss the sound of Alex's well-modulated voice. Surprisingly enough, she did not feel like running
away. There was a constant supply of chopped wood
next to her door, and Marcail wanted to thank him.
Unfortunately her mouth went dry the moment she felt
his eyes on her.
"Hello, Miss Donovan," Kay greeted her warmly.
"Come in and make yourself at home."
Marcail had to clear her throat before any words would
come out, and only then was she able to thank her
hostess. Dean greeted her, and then Marcail had no
choice but to meet the doctor's eyes.
"Hello, Dr. Montgomery," she began. "I want to
thank you for the firewood."
"You're welcome. Has there been ample?"
"Yes, more than enough, thank you."
Alex had to hide a smile. Such a speech had obviously
cost her, and he found the look of profound relief on her
face adorable. He realized in an instant that he wanted to
court this woman. With Linette, his attention had been
welcome; with Marcail, he didn't know whether he even
stood a chance.
Alex had sudden visions of the young men in Santa
Rosa, just waiting for her to disembark from the train
when she returned for Christmas. He couldn't believe
the wave of jealousy that overwhelmed him at the thought.
"Dinner is ready," Kay called as she added a soup
tureen to the table and everyone gathered around.
Marcail found herself next to Marla and across the
table from Daisy. Alex sat on Daisy's left, and even though
Marcail told herself not to, she looked at the young
doctor almost constantly.
Her mind ran in two directions. One moment she
found herself enjoying his handsome face, dark hair,
and blue eyes, but regretting the fact that he was a doctor. The next moment she wished his features were
pale and washed out, and that she found him repulsive.
Alex did not miss the way Marcail's gaze strayed to
him repeatedly. He tried to squelch the hope rising
within him that she might be interested, but it didn't
work. When Marcail said her goodbyes, Alex did the
same so they could leave together.
Marcail was looking uncomfortable all over again as
they walked out the front door. But Alex so wanted to be
with her that he ignored her look, took a big breath, and
asked if he could see her home.
twelve
Marcail's mouth was dry and her palms were wet.
She felt like some type of small prey that was being
stalked by a larger animal. She told herself she had no
one to blame but herself, as she realized her looking at
Dr. Montgomery had given him the wrong impression.
"Why don't I just rescind that question, Miss Donovan, since I've obviously upset you?"
Marcail's heart broke just a little at the dejected tone in
his voice and the look of resignation on his face, but she
felt she had to be honest.
"I'm sorry." Marcail's voice was soft, and Alex saw
very real regret behind her fear.
"Don't be," he assured her. "It's nice to know right up
front that my suit
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