Restorations (Book One Oregon In Love) Read Free

flu’s been going
around like wildfire and you look to be the latest victim.” She
packed her things away. “But the fact that you almost fainted
concerns me.”
    “Just a bit lightheaded,” Brian corrected
sleepily. “I stood up too fast to answer the door, that’s all.”
    Hattie smiled. “You need to eat some simple
foods to keep up your strength, and you must drink lots of fluids.
You’re somewhat dehydrated, and I’m wondering if you’d be better
off in the hospital.”
    He struggled to sit up, sputtering in
protest.
    She held up a hand. “If you can promise me
you’ll drink lots of water and juice over the next several hours, I
might feel more comfortable about leaving you here.”
    “I promise,” he said solemnly.
    Sara, still inwardly fuming, caught a
significant look from her aunt.
    “Dear, can I speak to you outside for a
moment?”
    Avoiding eye contact with Brian, she
followed the woman outside, closing the door firmly behind her. She
stomped to a stop in front of her aunt. “Out with it, Hattie!”
    “Well, I—”
    “You knew all along who was living here, and
that’s why you tried to keep me away! Not to mention the fact that
you also seem to be on awfully good terms with him. Hattie, how
could you?”
    “We’re just acquaintances, really.”
    “Answer the question!”
    Her aunt shifted from foot to foot. “I, um,
knew how much it would upset you, and while you’re still dealing
with the death of your grandfather, I felt I should wait to tell
you.”
    Sara regarded her aunt steadily while
rubbing the sore spot on her posterior.
    “Do you blame me?” Hattie continued. “If
poor Mr. Farris was well, you would’ve certainly given him a piece
of your mind. When he went down like that I thought...”
    She gave her aunt a
lowering look. “I have yet to fell a man with my words, Hattie. But
you still haven’t answered me as to why that person is here!”
    “Were you injured, dear?”
    Sara yanked her hand back around and shoved
it into the front pocket of her dress. “I’m waiting for an
explanation.”
    “I need to ask you something,” Hattie said,
blatantly ignoring her request. “I would feel better if Mr. Farris
had someone to keep an eye on him this evening, and you know I need
to go in tonight to work.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s nearly
time for me to leave. Do me a favor and sit with Brian for the
night.”
    Sara shook her head in baffled shock. What
was the woman thinking? Her first impulse told her to refuse
outright. But a part of her—a very small part—worried about Brian’s
health. She also had to admit to a morbid desire to speak to him.
She’d mentally rehearsed telling him off so many times, she knew
the speech by heart. And here was her opportunity.
    Hattie’s voice pulled Sara back to the
present. “I wouldn’t ask this of you unless I was really concerned,
and I assure you, he’s quite ill. If he takes a turn for the worse,
someone should be there to make sure he gets prompt medical
attention.”
    The pleading expression on her face swayed
her. Sara frowned, wishing she’d heeded her aunt’s advice and
stayed away from the farmhouse. “Okay, I’ll stay,” she said, unable
to keep her displeasure from her voice.
    “I know it’s asking an awful lot, what with
your history with him and all.”
    Sara stifled a hysterical laugh. Her aunt
didn’t know the half of it. “I’ll manage.”
    Hattie checked her watch again. “I’ll run to
the store and pick up a few things for Mr. Farris and be back in a
bit.”
    Sara slowly released a
pent-up breath after her aunt bustled to the car and drove away. A
doozy of a headache formed at the base of her skull, whether from
the jarring fall or her predicament, she wasn’t sure. Before her
thoughts and feelings became more complicated, she decided to
concentrate on how to care for the patient. Patient was a good word. Keep it impersonal .
    Back inside Brian’s bedroom, Sara relaxed
incrementally when