Lauri Robinson Read Online Free PDF Page B

ill?”
    “For about a year now.” His gaze went to the door. “Dizzy. Shaky. Tired. Fainting spells.”
    “I didn’t know you knew.”
    He kept one arm around Rory but used the other to wipe a tear off her cheek. “Of course I knew. That’s why I agreed to stay home, let Toby and Jeb take the herd to market. Why I’ve appreciated you being here so much.”
    Something flashed in her eyes. Garret didn’t have time to question what, because Doc Richardson opened the door and stepped out. After replacing his glasses along the permanent grooves on the sides of his round head and hooking the wires behind his ears, Doc pulled the door closed and gestured for them to move down the hall.
    Garret held Rory to his side with one arm as they walked a few feet beside the doctor. “How is she?”
    “Fine now. It’s called diabetes,” Doc said. “I just got the supplies to test her this week. She has a goodly amount of sugar in her urine. There’s no real treatment, but lately it’s been discovered diet has a lot to do with it. She said she’d skipped breakfast this morning in order to get to church on time.”
    “She was too shaky to eat when I arrived,” Rory said.
    As worried as Garret was about his mother, the misery in Rory’s voice tugged just as hard on his heart.
    “When that happens, give her some of this,” the doctor said, handing a bottle to Rory. “That’s what I did. It’s mainly honey. Reports said it’d help, and it did.”
    Rory took the bottle and sniffled. Garret thanked the doctor, told him he’d be downstairs in a minute and then, with his arm still around her, he led Rory back down the hall.
    His mother was sitting up in bed and smiled brightly when they walked in. “Two of my favorite people,” she said.
    “How are you feeling?” Rory asked, rushing forward to fluff pillows and straighten covers.
    Garret took a moment to watch her and couldn’t help but remember how he’d questioned his mother when she’d first hired Rory. They had a cook, he’d said—there was no reason for her being here. He knew why now. He’d been afraid of seeing Rory every day. Ever since she’d moved to town, he’d been attracted to her, but because she was the preacher’s daughter, he’d shied away. Now he couldn’t imagine his home without her.
    He moved to the bed, and after returning Rory’s wobbly smile, he leaned down and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Since you’re in good hands and looking as lovely as ever, I’m going to go see Doc to his rig. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
    “Take your time, dear. Rory’s here.”
    “I know,” he answered, glancing toward Rory again. “I know.”
    Rory’s insides were spinning out of control. Seeing Abigail no longer in danger was a great relief, and she should be thankful Garret knew about his mother’s illness, but now that he knew, he might no longer want her to visit, especially after—
    She’d been terrified of facing him after how she’d behaved last week, but she shouldn’t have been. He’d avoided her like the plague. Always had. But she couldn’t stay away. Though she was paid, working here wasn’t like a job. She enjoyed taking care of Abigail and the rest of the family. It was what she’d always wanted. And more.
    “I’m sorry I frightened you, dear,” Abigail said. “Dr. Richardson said I shouldn’t go without eating. I do know better. I get the shakes when I do that.”
    “No, you shouldn’t have gone without eating,” Rory answered. “I’ll go get your lunch right now. And tell Tilly you can’t go without breakfast.”
    “Don’t blame her,” Abigail said. “She made breakfast, but I’d slept too late this morning.”
    Rory shook her head. “She should have made you take it with you, then.”
    Abigail grinned. “You are such a mother hen. You should be taking care of a bushel of kids, not an old woman.”
    “I like taking care of you,” Rory insisted with burning cheeks. She’d been thinking along those