Twice Loved by Wendy Lindstrom

Author:Wendy Lindstrom [Lindstrom, Wendy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: A heartwarming small town sweet historical romance
Publisher: Rustic Studio Publishing
Published: 2016-09-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

“Radford!” Evelyn yelled, rushing into Radford’s bedroom. She grabbed his shoulder and shook him. “Wake up! Papa needs a doctor.”

He shot up in bed, his gaze darting around the room as though expecting something to fly at him from a darkened corner. “Where are they?” he panted.

Evelyn yanked his hand to jar him from the dark world that made his eyes wild. “Papa’s had an attack. I need you to get the doctor.”

Radford stared at her for two full seconds then shook the remnants of sleep from his head. “Where is he?” he asked, his voice gruff with sleep as he leapt from bed. Oblivious to his nudity, he yanked on his trousers and stepped barefoot into his boots, tying his laces with quick jerks.

They rushed across the hall to her father’s room where Radford checked her father’s breathing and pulse. “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he said then dashed from the room.

Evelyn turned up the lantern then held her father’s cool, frail hand. “Papa?”

He rolled his head toward her. His face was sagging on one side, as though his muscles had given up their job of holding skin to his face. “Why arn’ you in bed, pixie?” he asked, his speech slurred, his eyes glassy.

He used to ask Evelyn that same question years ago when he’d find her playing in her bedroom after she was supposed to have been asleep. Instead of chastising, he’d tuck her in bed with her doll and kiss them both good night.

Evelyn smoothed her hand across her father’s chest. “It’s my turn to tuck you in, Papa. Rest now. I’ll be right here.”

It seemed she sat at his bedside, holding his hand, for hours before Radford came back with Doc Finlay. The doctor greeted her briefly then examined her father in silence. When he finished, he rolled his shoulders and rubbed his neck. “He’s coherent and responsive, but your father is very weak. Providing there isn’t another attack, he’ll recover. I’ll check back tomorrow to see how he’s coming along.”

Radford took the doctor back to town and Evelyn sat in the chair next to her father’s bed, holding his hand while he slept. Occasionally she would place her palm near his mouth to check his breathing. When fatigue finally claimed her, she rested her head against the side of the chair and laid her hand upon his chest. The steady beat of his heart reassured her and she closed her eyes.

For three days she sat with him, unwilling to leave his side. Radford spent his time between the barn and the sickroom while Kyle, Duke, and Boyd took turns helping in the livery and coming to visit in the evenings.

On the third night, Kyle poked his head into the room. “How’s he doing?”

Evelyn glanced at her sleeping father. “He’s sick to his stomach today.”

“You don’t look so well yourself.” Kyle entered the room and pulled her into his arms, rubbing his palm across her back. “Can I do anything?”

Evelyn rested her cheek against his thick chest, thinking she could close her eyes and fall asleep right there.

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