The Rhythm of My Heart Read Free

girl’s mother. When the two men walked into the room, the air filled with a protective vibe that screamed that this is a very close family. For some unknown reason, I felt the need to jump to Gracie’s defense when Ruby’s dad got snappy at her; it was instinct and I couldn’t stop myself quickly enough. Thank God, the guy is Grace’s brother, and the strong resemblance between the two men leads me to believe the older one is her father. This knowledge eases the tightness in my gut because this woman is already in my mind; the strong pull I feel toward her is undeniable. Grace and this intense attraction I feel, definitely needs to be explored.

    I am examining another patient when Allison pops her head in to inform me that Ruby’s x-ray results are back. I finish up with my patient, take a quick look at the films and head back to exam room two where the Rivers family is. When I walk in, they are talking in hushed voices about radiator hoses and an exhaust job. I quickly realize why their voices are hushed when I see Ruby asleep in her father’s arms. They all look up and their conversation stops when they see me. I smile down at Ruby. “I guess the pain meds kicked in.”
    Grace gives me a warm smile in return. “Yeah, I guess so; she’s definitely a lot calmer now.”
    “They tend to have that effect,” I reply with a chuckle and earn another soul-melting smile. She really is simply beautiful; I can’t take my eyes off her .
    “Ahmm.” I turn back to Ruby’s father, Charlie. “So, Doc, what happens now? Did the x-rays confirm if Rubes’ arm is broken?” he asks while glancing between Grace and me with a puzzled look on his face.
    I clear my throat and my thoughts. “Actually, yes it does. I just got the films back and they show a break just above her wrist so I am going to go ahead and put a cast on. The cast will be on for about six weeks. It’s a clean break so it should heal nicely, and of course, she will need extra assistance with everything. I know this will make her signing much more difficult but there’s no way to avoid the cast.”
    Bryan speaks up, “Nothing we can’t handle, Doc, but what about preschool? Ruby attends a special preschool for hearing impaired children. Will she still be able to go?” Before I can respond, he turns to Grace and Charlie. “If she can’t, Gracie, you’ll have to work from the house because Ruby can’t be at the garage with you.”
    Grace nods, but I need to know. “The garage?”
    Bryan turns his attention back to me. “Yeah, I own Rivers Auto Repairs. Charlie and Gracie both work with me, but it’s no place for our Rubes.” She works in her family auto repair shop. That’s not what I expected.
    “I’m sure Ruby will be fine at preschool as long as her teachers are informed of the extra assistance she’ll require.” I glance back down at Ruby still sound asleep. “Okay, so how about we get this cast done while she’s still sleeping?”
    Charlie stands and brings Ruby over to the bed, as Grace jumps down and announces to the room, “I’m going to grab a drink, anyone want anything?” Charlie and I decline but Bryan gets up.
    “I’ll come with you, Sweet Pea; you can spend a couple of minutes with your old man.” Grace beams at her father and they exit the room.
    As I gather the supplies to do Ruby’s cast, I can feel Grace’s brother staring at me. It continues as I apply the plaster to her broken little arm but as I am finishing up, I can’t hold my tongue any longer. “Is there a problem, Mr. Rivers?” I look up and meet his stare as the last strip is placed.
    “No, Doc, I appreciate you taking care of my baby.” He pauses then continues, “I am curious though; what’s with all the sly glances and smiles at my sister? Do you know each other? You were pretty quick to come to her defense earlier.”
    Okay, so this guy doesn’t beat around the bush and is obviously protective of his sister. How do I explain this? Or do I just