A Marriage In Wyoming. Lynnette Kent
the new facts of her life. Rachel found herself gazing at Garrett but shifted her focus when he glanced in her direction. The less contact between them, the easier it would be to let whatever wanted to develop die.
âI guess youâd better tell them,â Lena said finally, with a sigh. âIf they donât want to be around me, at least Iâll know why.â
âGood choice.â Garrett patted her shoulder. âEverybody has been worried about you, so hearing the truth will comfort them. And I bet youâll find your friendships are the same as before. Youâre no differentâyou just have a few extra things to consider.â
Rachel considered that assessment too optimistic, but decided not to put a damper on the moment. âYouâll regain your balance,â she assured the girl. âThere are lots of professional athletes and Hollywood stars who live successfully with diabetes. You can, too.â
A nurse knocked on the door and then entered, carrying a food tray. âDinnertime,â she said. âDo try to eat as much as you can.â
Garrett got to his feet. âWeâll leave you alone for a few minutes. Then we have to head back to the Circle M, Justino. Weâve been gone all day.â
Out in the hall, he gazed at the papers in his hand. âLenaâs right. This reminds me of chemistry class, where your grade depends on doing the lab exactly according to the instructions. Only itâs not just a grade, itâs her life.â
Rachel hardened her heart against his concern. âAs I said yesterday, youâre taking on a formidable task. Are you sure Lena doesnât have family who could supervise her?â
âIâm sure. Caroline checked her records at the office. Thereâs no one listed in the paperwork.â
She shook her head. âThen, for better or worse, youâre going to have to master the information and use it. The more you understand, the less likely youâll be to make a mistake.â
He stared at her with wide eyes. âWhat kind of mistakes?â
âIf she takes too much insulin, then sheâll have to eat something to get sugar into her system. If she doesnât take enough, sheâll have to test her blood and adjust the next dose. Diabetes isnât an instantaneous problemâitâs a daily, weekly process of balance. With practice, you both should get used to the routine. How much longer does the ranch camp last?â
âAbout a month.â
âSo Lena has a month to absorb this process before sheâll have to take care of herself without help. Itâs not much time.â
âBut itâs all we get.â He blew out a deep breath. âI have a feeling weâll be bothering you a lot once Lena leaves the hospital.â
âIn that case...â She reached into her purse and brought out a few of the business cards she had ordered. âThis is the number. Take enough cards to put in various places you might call fromâthe kitchen, the place Lena sleeps, the barn, even. And keep your cell phone close by.â
âOur cell reception is sketchy out on the ranch, but we have landlines in all those places you mentioned, so I should be able to get in touch.â His mouth relaxed into a smile. âThanks for your help.â
The jump in her pulse as their eyes met was a reminder of why she should keep Garrett Marshall at a distance. She was just too susceptible to his charm. âNo problem. Thatâs what Iâm in Bisons Creek to do.â
There was a moment of silence, as he absorbed what sheâd said. âRight. Youâre the town doctor. Itâs your job.â Then he leaned through the doorway into Lenaâs room. âWeâd better hit the road, Justino. Donât want to miss dinner again. Lena, we will see you tomorrow morning. Have a good night.â
With the boy dragging reluctantly behind him, Garrett headed toward the elevator, giving Rachel a two-fingered salute off his hat brim as he passed.
Rachel realized sheâd hurt his feelings, but what else could she do? He imagined possibilities where she saw only obstacles, and encouraging him would be unkind. She was absolutely convinced they would both be better off never letting anything emotional develop between them. Garrett would understand one day. If she just held firm.
She went in and sat with Lena for a little while, encouraged to note that sheâd regained some appetite and had eaten a good portion of her dinner. Soon enough, though, texts to and from Justino were taking most of the girlâs attention, so Rachel stood up from the chair by the bed. âIâll leave for the night. But Iâll stop by tomorrow to check on how youâre getting along.â
Lena gave her a sweet smile. âThank you for being here. It helps to have you and Mr. Garrett to explain things.â
âIâm glad. Weâll do what we can to make this new life as easy as possible for you. Youâre old enough to be able to take care of yourselfâyou just have to learn how.â
Her phone buzzed again, but Lena didnât immediately read the text. âMy dad expects me to take care of my brothers when Iâm home.â
âWeâll work on your schedule so thatâs possible. And maybe we can get your dad to recognize the challenges youâre facing so heâll lighten your load.â
But Lena shook her head. âThat will never happen.â Another buzz on her phone distracted her. âNight,â she said, and shifted her focus.
âGood night.â
After leaving the hospital, Rachel stopped by the grocery store in Buffalo so she could stock the refrigerator and pantry in her new kitchen. The drive home showed her a breathtaking sunset as the clouds streaking the western sky glowed red and gold over the peaks of the Big Horn Mountains. Purple twilight shadowed the rolling plains at the base of the mountain range, adding to the rich palette of colors.
Coming back to Wyoming was a terrific choice. All the years away, sheâd missed the spectacular views in her home state.
As long as she kept her distance from Garrett Marshall.
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