Soiled Dove by Brenda Adcock

Author:Brenda Adcock [Adcock, Brenda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: Gay, Fiction, Lesbian, Romance, General, Religious
ISBN: 9781935053354
Google: xAc3bwAACAAJ
Amazon: 1935053353
Publisher: Yellow Rose by RCE
Published: 2010-06-08T00:00:00+00:00

TWO DAYS LATER, Clare sat on Dr. Wayne's examining table and through gritted teeth endured his poking and prodding. When he snipped the final stitch below her breast he said, "I would've thought your ribs would be a little further along than they are. Have you been resting and not putting any unnecessary strain on them?"

"Yep," Clare answered.

"Somehow I don't think that's the total truth, Clare."

"It's a ranch, Doc. Things happen that can't always be controlled."

"If you keep doing whatever it is that can't be controlled, you'll still be healing when Christmas comes. I want to see you again in about a month. Maybe by then you'll be able to take a deep breath without grimacing so much," he said as he patted her on the shoulder. "Keep the ribs wrapped for support. You can put your shirt back on now."

Clare slipped her arms carefully into the sleeves of her shirt and stood up. She refused to use her cane to walk and tried to appear as normal as possible. She stepped onto the boardwalk outside the doctor's office and strolled toward the dry goods store. By the time she made it down the street to the store she saw Ino carrying a large, squawking crate which he set carefully into the back of the buckboard.

"What the hell is that?" she asked when she was closer.

"A bunch a chickens, wire, some provisions, seed, and a few other things Miss Loretta needs for her cabin," Ino said as he shoved the crate onto the bed of the buckboard.

"How much longer before we can leave?"

"We'll be ready after we grab a beer."

Clare nodded and wandered into the dry goods store. She looked around until she saw Loretta near the back of the store looking through bolts of fabric. When Loretta saw her approaching she smiled.

"Did you get everything you need?" Clare asked.

"Yes, and thank you. What did Dr. Wayne say about your ribs?"

"They're healing."

"Did you tell him about the calf? I'm sure you re-injured your ribs."

Clare shifted her weight uncomfortably. "No need to tell him about that. It couldn't be helped." She reached across Loretta's body to feel a piece of fabric between her thumb and index figure. "Nice fabric," she managed, distracted by her closeness to Loretta's body.

"When I get paid I'll get some and make a lighter weight skirt for summer."

"Summer will be over in another couple of months. Get what you need. I owe you for ruining your other dress with that calf anyway."

"You don't owe me for that. I was just doing my job," Loretta protested.

"I don't pay you to tend cattle." Clare looked at the other bolts of fabric and picked one up. It was dark blue with gold and silver stripes. "This would work well for curtains. Maybe you should get this to cover the windows in your cabin. I trust my men, but they're human." Clare picked up the bolts and carried them to the front counter. Horace stared at her when she dropped them on the cutting table.

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