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“It did. And the bottom fell out of my world.”
Something glimmered in his eyes that hinted of deep pain and loss. This man had been through the ringer. She wished she could do something to take away everything he’d endured at the loss of her. But it wasn’t possible. At the moment all she could do was pray. She prayed for Aidan. And Kyle. She also prayed for her and Liam, that somehow all would be revealed to them in the weeks and months to come. And that whatever decisions they came to about their marriage and her future here in Love, they would both be at peace with them.
Chapter Seven
Liam sat in the office of his clinic, waiting for his ten o’clock patient to arrive. As it usually did, his mind wandered to Ruby. For the past week he had been trying to figure out ways to help Ruby settle into her old life. At the moment he remained stumped. How could he help his wife find her way back?
The situation was weighing heavily on him. He hated to see Ruby suffer. It reminded him way too much of how unhappy she’d been in those dark days before she’d left them for that last rescue operation. There had been a lot of tears and arguments leading to the unraveling of their marriage.
Just thinking about it made his chest tighten and sweat gather on his forehead. Losing Ruby seemed to be a recurring theme in his life. He didn’t know how he could stand to do it another time if her unhappiness caused her to leave town. It was the main reason he was holding back and trying not to invest too much emotionally in their relationship even though she had decided to stay in town for an indefinite period to see how things played out. What if she ultimately decided it was too difficult to remain in Love and headed back to Colorado? The truth was that Aidan wouldn’t be the only one with a broken heart. His own would be shattered...and not for the first time.
After hearing the jingle of the bell on the front door, he cast a quick glance at his desk clock. His patient, Myrtle Maplethorpe, was early today. Liam wouldn’t be surprised if she had arrived early to get the scoop about Ruby’s return. He got up from his chair and walked into the reception area. Cameron was standing there with Emma cradled against his chest. She had her thumb firmly rooted in her mouth and her eyes were closed. His niece looked as sweet as ever. Wanda, his receptionist, was gazing at Emma with adoration.
"I was just about to buzz you, Doctor Prescott," Wanda said, her expression sheepish. She walked behind the front desk and sat down.
“Hey, Cam. What brings you over here?” Liam greeted his brother.
Cameron’s features looked pinched. A frown marred his brow. “I think Emma might be sick. She’s been fussing quite a bit. She wouldn’t go down for her nap today and she feels a little warm.”
“Does she have a temperature?”
“I’m not sure. I figured I would just bring her over here so you could check her out. Paige is at that meeting over in Homer today, representing Lovely Boots. Declan flew her over. I’m on Dad duty.”
Lovely Boots was a corporation based in Love that sold genuine Alaskan boots created by Hazel. A majority of the proceeds went toward the town of Love in the hopes of improving the local economy. “Let’s go into one of the rooms so I can check her out,” Liam said, ushering his brother down the hall.
Once they were inside, Liam reached out for Emma. At first she resisted, snuggling deeper into her father’s chest. With all the gentleness in the world, Liam plucked her out of Cameron’s arms and placed her on the examination table. Her eyes flew open and for a moment tears welled in her eyes. “It’s okay, Emma. It’s me. Uncle Liam.” His voice was soft and tender.
Emma immediately turned and held her arms up toward Cameron. A small cry escaped her lips. “Shh, sweet baby girl. Uncle Liam needs to examine you so he can make you feel better.”
He’d never quite seen such a tortured expression on Cameron’s face. There was nothing like being a father to tie you up in knots.
“Why don’t you hold her while I take her vitals?” Liam suggesting, realizing Cameron needed this for comfort as much as Emma did.
Relief washed over Cameron’s face as he picked up Emma and rocked her in his arms.
For the next few minutes Liam examined his niece. “She has a temperature. It’s 102.”
“That’s high,” Cameron said, biting his lip. “Poor little thing. I knew something was off.” He pressed a kiss against Emma’s cheek.
The moment Liam checked in her ears he hit pay dirt. “She’s got a double ear infection, Cam, which is no doubt making it difficult for her to lie down. It increases the pressure and pain in her ears. Has she had one before?”
Cameron shrugged. “Not that I know of. At least not in the last eight months or so.”
Cameron’s answer referenced the fact that he had only known his daughter Emma since Paige had brought her to Love eight months ago. For the first fourteen months of her life, Cameron hadn’t known of Emma’s existence. Upon her return to town, Cameron and Paige had quickly fallen back in love and gotten married. They were now happily raising their daughter together.
“She’s going to need a course of antibiotics and some drops for the ear pain. We don’t want this infection to get any worse.”
“I’m glad I didn’t wait to come in. This way Emma will be on the mend right away.”
“I’ll call the prescription in to the pharmacy. I think I have some drops here somewhere.” Liam turned around and rummaged in his cabinets. “Here we are.” He handed Cameron a vial of drops that would take away some of Emma’s discomfort. He winked at his brother. “This way you and Paige might not have to stay up all night with a screaming child.”
“Bless you. It sure comes in handy having a doctor for a brother,” Cameron said with a grin.
“Glad to hear it,” Liam said. It made him feel good inside to know that he’d made his brother’s road a bit easier. It was worth all the years of struggle and schooling to be able to make his beautiful niece feel better. Being a doctor in his Alaskan hometown was extremely gratifying. He truly believed it was his calling and that God had led him on this path.
“I’ve been meaning to catch up with you,” Cameron said. “I know you’ve been really busy the last few days.”
“It’s been a whirlwind, that’s for sure.”
