Read Online When the Heart Heals by Ann Shorey - Free Book Online

decisions.”
    After seeing Curt to the door when he left for the academy, Rosemary sagged against the frame. Somehow she’d believed he would support her decision to help Jolene. Neighbors and friends had reached out to them once their parents shut them out. She was merely repeating the kindness. After a moment, she straightened her shoulders. No matter what he thought, she’d done the right thing.

    Wind gusts billowed Rosemary’s cloak as she walked the short distance between her home and the doctor’s office. From habit, she glanced at the hedge growing along the side of her neighbor’s property, looking for Bodie. He’d always accompanied her when she helped Faith at the mercantile. She missed him. Maybe today she’d ask the doctor if he would allow her to bring the dog to work with her.
    Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed movement in the neighbor’s yard. When she stopped to take a closer look, whoever it was appeared to duck behind the house. Her heart fluttered in her throat. Would Jolene remember to keep the back door locked? She turned, ready to dash home with a reminder, then realized she was being silly. Anyone could be walking between the houses. It was none of her business. She gave herself a mental shake and strode toward Dr. Stewart’s door.
    â€œMiss Saxon.” The doctor emerged from his private office the moment she entered. “I’d like a word with you.”
    From the sound of his voice, whatever he had to say wasn’t good. Remembering his reaction to Jolene’s presence in her home the previous evening, she braced for battle. If he thought he could dictate her private life, he’d better think again.
    She hung her cloak on a hook and faced him. “Yes, Doctor?”
    â€œIt’s about Miss Graves.”
    She lifted her chin, determined not to make the conversation easy for him. “What about her?”
    He grasped the front of his coat, tugging it downward. His face reddened. “You can’t continue to shelter her. How do you think it would look if word got out that she’d been my patient?”
    Her jaw dropped. “Why should that matter? I’ll shelter whomever I want. It’s my home, not yours.”
    â€œYou’re an exasperating woman.” He took a step closer. “It matters because your actions with my patients affect my reputation. People will believe you’re acting under my direction.”
    â€œYou’d have me turn her out on the street?”
    â€œJust find another place for her to live.”
    â€œIf she had another place, she’d already be there.”
    He narrowed his eyes. “I can’t allow you to take in an unmarried girl who’s with child.”
    â€œThat’s the most unreasonable statement I’ve ever heard. She’s already in my home, and she’s not leaving.” She thought about telling him her intention to visit Jolene’s family. Then anger burned through her. He was completely wrong. He didn’t deserve an explanation.
    â€œI’m not asking you. As your employer, I’m telling you.”
    Rosemary turned and lifted her cloak from the hook.
    â€œThen you’re no longer my employer. Good day, Doctor.”

8
    R osemary stalked toward home, her anger cooling. What had she done? Curt warned her to keep her temper. Now she’d cost herself the job she so desperately needed.
    She drew in a deep breath and held it while she tried to think what to do next. Buggies and riders on horseback passed by on the street. Sheriff Cooper entered the barbershop on the corner. A small boy darted past, schoolbooks swinging from a strap. Everyone had someplace to go—everyone but her.
    Without any conscious plan, her feet carried her to West & Riley’s. She needed a few extra things now that she was cooking for two people. In spite of what she’d said to Curt, Jolene had begun eating small amounts.
    She’d spend what