Read Online His Forever Valentine by Kit Morgan - Free Book Online Page A

the sight of blood. Apparently, talking about it does me just as ill …”
    Matthew stood, and eyed her.  Would she be all right?  He looked between the se ated women. His intended saw it all as a grand adventure.  In fact, the more he thought on it, the more he realized she’d make a good doctor’s wife.  After all, if he took over Doc Brown’s practice one day, he’d need a wife with her gumption.  Charlotte, however, looked a little green around the gills, not they type of person to assist him in a doctor’s duties should the need arise.  He closed his eyes and sighed.
    “What about you?” Charlotte asked. “How are you holding up, your ankle …”
    “My ankle is of no consequence. I’m fine.”
    “I hope so,” said Elle. “The danc e is in two weeks.  You are going?”
    “Of course, wouldn’t miss it.”
      “Then we’d better help Rose pick out some fabric for a dress,” Summer suggested. “We have a few minutes before Clayton comes to get us, let’s see what Mrs. Quinn has up front.”
    Rose stood. “All right.” She turned to Matthew. “Thank you for a lovely afternoon. ” She looked down at Charlotte who still fanned herself. “And thank you for acting as chaperone. I enjoyed having you here with me.”
    Charlotte lifted her flushed face and smiled. “Thank you … I mean, you’re welcome.”
    Rose could feel the gratitude radiating off the girl. She glanced to Summer and Elle who were intent on the door, and already heading for it. They hadn’t ignored Charlotte, but didn’t go out of their way to acknowledge her, other than a simple “hello.” Was it like that all the time for the girl? Rose decided she’d befriend her, and see where it would lead. After all, everyone needed a friend.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Five
     
    Rose perused the fabrics, but truth be told, was much more interested in the goings on behind the mercantile. She puzzled over the handsome deputy and his reaction to the attention she gave him.  Attention she wasn’t sure she should be giving in the first place, besides, what good did it do her? Matthew hadn’t even been in the room!
    The three sat in silence for a few moments before Tom, (why was she thinking of him by his first name?) started telling them about the townsfolk in his hometown.  The stories instantly captured Rose, and she’d sat on the edge of her seat for him to finish each and every one.  They were short, but funny, and made her want to visit the quirky little place.
    “Look at this plum!” Elle said. “Isn’t it lovely?”
    Rose pulled her thoughts away from Tom Turner, and back to the business at hand. She looked at the beautiful satin. “That is pretty!  Oh, but I could never afford it.”  Good Heavens!  She hadn’t thought about money until now.  How could she afford anything?  She wasn’t married, and had no money of her own.  She would have to ask Matthew to purchase anything she might want.
    “We’ll have Mrs. Quinn hold it for you,” Summer said. “That will give you a chance to discuss it with …”
    “Matthew,” Rose said. “I was just thinking the same thing.” She turned away from them. “Matthew,” she spoke again, lower this time. She wanted to hear how it sounded.
    The bell above the door rang, and Clayton walked into the mercantile.  “Hello ladies, are you ready?”
    “We just need to have Mrs. Quinn put this bolt of cloth aside,” Summer told him and looked around. “Where is Mrs. Quinn?”
    Charlotte entered from back hall. “She’s helping Mr. Quinn unload the wagon out back. Do you want me to get her for you?”
    “No, I’ll do it myself. I want her to hold this for Rose,” Summer said and set the bolt of cloth on the counter. She brushed past Charlotte and proceeded down the back hall.
      Charlotte watched her go, before she turned to Clayton.  She said nothing, and offered him a smile.
    Clayton’s brow furrowed. “Are you all right, Charlotte?”
    “Of