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

she had on food and then tomorrow collect what Dr. Stewart owed her for helping with Mrs. Haggerty’s baby. Her mind skittered away from another confrontation with him. She’d worry later.
    Entering the grocery store, her mouth watered at the combined aromas of coffee and fried bacon wafting from the restaurant portion of the building.
    Jacob West strode toward her, a smile lighting his attractive face. “What a fine way to start my day. Has the doctor changed his hours?”
    â€œNo.” She swallowed. “I’ve changed mine, you might say.”
    He cocked his head. “How so?”
    After Dr. Stewart’s harshness, Jacob’s friendly interest was a balm to her spirit. “We had a . . . disagreement. I don’t work for him anymore.” She dropped her gaze, focusing on a crack between the wooden floorboards.
    â€œHe was a fool if he sent you away. I hear nothing but good about your help in his practice.”
    A smile quivered on her lips. “Really?”
    â€œAll the time.” He reached into a glass jar on the countertop and handed her a peppermint. “This’ll make a bad day look better. Now, what can I get for you?”
    â€œJust a few things. Two pounds of rice, a pound of oatmeal, and some baking powder.”
    â€œWould your dog like a ham hock? The butcher brought more than I can use.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’d be happy if you’d take it off my hands.”
    â€œJacob—”
    He lifted a hand to stop her. “It’s the least I can do for my favorite nurse.”
    In spite of her embarrassment, she chuckled. “How many nurses do you know?”
    â€œOne. But she’s special.”

    Rosemary left the grocery with the image of Jacob’s face before her. The Lord must have guided her feet to the store, knowing how much she needed a kind word. Fortified by the encouragement, she turned west on High Street toward Lindberg’s Mercantile.
    Faith needed to know what happened, but Rosemary quailed at telling her. She’d been so proud of finding a way to support herself and now she was right back where she’d been before. Barely enough money to feed herself, let alone Jolene.
    Clouds blurred the sky, blotting out the feeble rays of the sun. She drew her cloak tighter against the gusting wind. She’d endured storms before—she would do it again.
    She turned onto King’s Highway, passed the newspaper office, and slipped inside the mercantile. Faith glanced up from an open ledger at the sound of the bell over the door. Her eyes widened when she saw Rosemary.
    â€œThis is a lovely surprise.” She closed the book with a snap and darted around the counter for a hug. “Did the doctor send you here for supplies? Paper? Ink?”
    â€œNo.” The enormity of the morning’s happenings engulfed her. Her eyes stung. “I came to say . . .” She cleared her throat. “I told Dr. Stewart I wouldn’t work for him any longer.”
    â€œWhat? Come, sit.” Faith took her hand and led her to the chairs near the stove. “Please tell me. Was he unkind to you?”
    Rosemary dropped her grocery-filled carryall next to a chair and sank down. “He said he couldn’t allow me to shelter Jolene. He told me she’d have to go.” Remembering the scene, her anger boiled afresh. “Can you imagine? He said it reflected on him, of all things.”
    Faith leaned back, a bewildered expression on her face. “How absolutely odd. I must say, I’m surprised. He seems such an affable soul. In fact, for a doctor, he’s quite friendly.”
    â€œYes.” She remembered the conversations they’d had in his office. He enjoyed learning about the townspeople and often went out of his way to chat with patients. His reaction to Jolene’s presence in her home left her baffled. She rubbed the back of her neck. “I remember him