Whirlwind Reunion Read Free Page A

capture of the seven bastards had been a long time coming and the result of more than just Matt’s efforts. He had every right to feel victorious. And Annalise had leeched it right out of him.
    He had a Stockraisers’ Association meeting to attend in two days. Exhausted after months of spending intense effort on the rustlers, he didn’t look forward to the trip, but he was glad to have it. Come tomorrow morning, he would be on his way to Graham and away from Dr. Annalise Fine. And when he returned to Whirlwind, he intended to stay away.
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    In the days after seeing Matt, Annalise stayed busy. She treated a case of pneumonia, several sore throats, an earache and accepted an invitation out to Riley Holt’s for supper. She had known him and his brother, Davis Lee, her entire life and welcomed the chance to meet their wives, Susannah and Josie.
    She had also examined J. T. Baldwin’s injured leg. She wanted to examine him more thoroughly before saying she agreed with the doctor from Fort Greer that he would walk again. At the end of their visit, Matt’s pa had mentioned—twice—that her former beau had been gone all week to Graham for a Stockraisers’ Association meeting.
    She had murmured some unintelligible comment. She didn’t want to know where he was or what he was doing. She didn’t want to think about him at all.
    Five nights after Russ and Lydia’s wedding celebration,she responded to a frantic plea from Davis Lee Holt, Whirlwind’s sheriff, to examine his pregnant wife, who had begun to bleed.
    It was well after dark when Annalise stood at the foot of Davis Lee’s and Josie’s bed, asking questions. It was difficult enough to see her lifelong friend terrified, but the fear of miscarrying their baby on both his and his wife’s faces wrapped around Annalise like a coil of barbed wire.
    For a heartbeat, the pain of her own miscarriage was so sharp she couldn’t breathe. She forced away the memories, struggling to keep all her focus on her patient.
    Seven months along, Josie lay in the big bed. The lamp on a table beside her was turned as high as it would go and the soft amber light showed she was as pale as chalk. Annalise could see the sheen of sweat on both their faces.
    â€œThis has happened before,” Davis Lee offered hoarsely.
    Annalise frowned. “Miscarriage?”
    â€œTwo.” The bleakness in his eyes cut her to the bone.
    Two? Her heart twisted. Going through one had nearly destroyed her will to live. “You said the bleeding just started?”
    â€œYes.” Josie pushed a strand of brown hair out of her eyes. “I realized it was happening about ten minutes ago and sent Davis Lee for you.”
    â€œThat’s good.” Annalise was glad she lived only a hundred yards from the couple. She started to lift the sheets at Josie’s feet, expecting the lawman to step out of the room as other men did. When he didn’t, she glanced up.
    Josie took her husband’s hand. “Is it all right if he stays?”
    Annalise was surprised. In her experience, men didn’t want to be anywhere around female issues. “If that’s what you want.”
    As Davis Lee eased down on the edge of the bed, Annalise raised the linens, noting the crimson stain was in only one spot.
    Davis Lee spoke softly to his wife. “Just keep your eyes on me, honey. It’s going to be okay.”
    Josie gave him a small smile.
    The man’s tenderness put a lump in Annalise’s throat.
    The blood didn’t appear to be spreading and there were no clots. That was promising.
    She lowered the sheet to cover Josie’s feet. “The bleeding isn’t heavy. That’s a good sign. Have you had any cramping?”
    â€œOnly at the beginning tonight.”
    â€œDo you have any pain now?”
    â€œSome, but it isn’t sharp. It’s the baby, isn’t it?” Josie asked fearfully.
    â€œYes,”