“I ordered plants in different stages of growth so you would have blooms longer. I can teach you later how to encourage the plants to continue blooming. That’s what I do.”
Walker’s voice made him look up.
“Thank you, Julian. I have no idea what that means, but I appreciate your help. This will be beautiful to look at over the summer.”
Anna’s voice was light and happy. Did he really want to put a damper on that? No. He needed to keep his mouth shut and pray God would show him the way.
A carriage came down the lane toward them.
She stood and brushed the black dirt from her hands. “Oh good. It’s Doc Walsh. He must be coming to check on Dad.” She turned to Julian. “I think we’ll have to be done for tonight. Would you mind coming back tomorrow so that we can finish?”
“Sure.” He didn’t say anything else, just packed up his tools and unloaded the rest of the plants and seedlings.
As he drove his wagon away, Doc pulled up.
“Good evening, Miss Lakeman, Mr. Ziegler.” He secured the reins of his carriage, picked up a black bag, and hopped down. “As you can guess, I’m here to check on your dad.”
“Go on in.” Anna smiled and held out her hands. “Joshua and I will get cleaned up and meet you in there.”
Doc quirked an eyebrow at him. “Looks like I might have another patient.”
He’d been hoping the man wouldn’t notice. But he’d made a promise to Anna. “Yeah, if you have time, Doc...”
“Not a problem.” He headed into the house.
Joshua went to the pump and started cranking the handle. It was going to take more than a little water to get rid of all the dirt and grime. And the manure stench.
“I’m proud of you.” Anna beamed at him right before she splashed water on her face.
With a roll of his eyes, he grinned back. “You better be. That wasn’t easy.”
The rest of the evening passed in easy conversation with Mr. Lakeman and Doctor Walsh. The good doctor looked over Joshua’s bumps, bruises, and abrasions, and bandaged a few of the deeper ones. Then he leaned forward on his knees. “All right, young man. I’ve been waiting three long years to ask this question.”
Oh boy. What was this about?
“I know you’re getting close to finishing up your medical training. Any chance I can convince you to come back here and join forces with me?”
He hadn’t expected that. Doc Walsh was a relatively young man. And their town wasn’t all that big. “I’d love to come back home, but I didn’t think we needed another doctor in the area.”
“I’ll be honest with you. Doctor Williams left Green River and a few weeks later, Doctor Lansam went on to glory. That leaves Doctor Miller and he wants to retire. He’s almost seventy and doesn’t think he’ll be able to do it much longer. I had a discussion with him last week and he’s willing to stay on until you’re done. Then you and I would cover the entire area. Probably need to find another doctor to join us as well. As you know, there aren’t a lot of people willing to come out to the Wyoming Territory right now. It’s unknown. There’s Indians. And there’s not much out here other than the train going through.”
Joshua looked around the room. Anna’s face was expectant. Mr. Lakeman’s was encouraging. A dream come true. “I gladly accept your offer, Doc.”
The next half hour was spent in a flurry of questions and excitement. But now that he knew where he’d end up after school, he had one singular focus.
Speaking with Mr. Lakeman. As soon as he knew the man still approved, he would speak with Anna alone.
The doctor told Joshua to keep his wounds clean and to try not to take any more tumbles. He also gave instructions to Anna and Louise for Mr. Lakeman’s exercises and care. Keeping Peter from stress was a big part of the healing for his heart now that it had calmed down out of the severe rapid heartbeat.
After the doctor left for home, Anna’s father turned to him, a twinkle in his eye. “I’m excited for you, son. It’s the perfect opportunity.”
In that moment, emotions surged, and for a second, he thought he might even tear up. “I may never make a lot of money as a country doctor, but this is what I’ve always wanted to do. God called me into this. God paved the way.” He thought of all the times he’d been tempted to stay in the big city—that’s what his professor and adviser wanted for him after all—but he couldn’t imagine that kind of life. What he wanted was right here.
“I’m so happy for you, Joshua.” It looked like Anna had more to say, but then she closed her mouth. “Let me go refill Dad’s water.” She left the room.
That was okay, he would ask her to walk him out later and he could ask her what was on her mind.
Mr. Lakeman lifted his right hand. “I can see you’ve got something on your mind. I’m listening.”
