My Sister's Prayer by Mindy Starns Clark Read Free Book Online Page B

grinning atop his shoulders. Nowhere did I see a family photo that included a wife, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t one.
    My eyes went to the far shelves, which were lined with a wide row of neatly labeled binders. Above that rested several plaques. Patients’ Choice Award 2012. On Time Doctor Award 2016. The latter made me smile, pleased to know there even was such a thing.
    Then I gasped, thinking of one possible reason why Nana may have wanted me to see this man specifically. Was this a fix up? Obviously,with all this punctuality and organization, he and I had a lot in common. And he was out-of-this-world gorgeous. But would she really take advantage of a grave medical situation just to play matchmaker? Before I could decide, Dr. Hill came back into the room, apologizing for the delay.
    â€œBetter watch out,” I teased, “or they might rescind your big award.”
    He glanced where I gestured and then laughed. “Yeah, that’s a kick, isn’t it? An On Time Doctor Award?” He returned to the leather chair behind the desk. “Though it’s a shame something like that even has to exist, you know? Why should doctors be celebrated for not making people wait? My time is no more valuable than anyone else’s.” A tinge of pink flushing his perfect cheeks, he added, “So says the man who just made you sit here twiddling your thumbs for five minutes. I’m sorry about that.”
    â€œIt’s fine. I was having fun looking around. Your children are precious.”
    Again he looked where I gestured, this time to the shelves behind him. “Oh, those aren’t my kids. Niece and nephews. They’re a handful, but I love ’em. You?”
    â€œMe?”
    â€œKids. Do you have kids?”
    â€œOh. No. I’m not married.” I held my tongue, resisting the urge to add that I wasn’t even dating anyone. I didn’t want to sound aggressive. Or pathetic.
    Feeling my own face flushing now, I tried to get us back on track, asking if there was anything he could tell me about my sister’s condition that would help me take better care of her. He responded in full-on doctor mode, talking about the healing process and bone repair and immobility, and it was all I could do to pay attention when his perfect lips were moving so beautifully over perfect teeth in that perfect face. What a man.
    Before I knew it, he was wrapping things up and asking if I had any questions even as he pushed back from his desk. “No, I think I’m good,” I said, scrambling for the handle of my bag, which had fallen sideways on the floor at my feet.
    By the time I stood up, he had come all the way around the desk and was standing directly in front of me. Rising to my full height plus today’s three-inch closed-toe wedges, I still had to look upward to see into his eyes.
    â€œOh, my,” he said, locking his gaze on mine. “I do like a tall woman.”
    â€œReally? What’s her name?”
    He laughed. “Ah, and a funny one too.”
    Were we actually flirting with each other?
    Almost as if remembering himself, he took a step back and replaced the sexy grin with a more professional demeanor. “Bottom line, Maddee, you sister’s prognosis is good as long as she’s diligent with the physical therapy.”
    â€œThank you. That’s great to hear.” I reached to shake his hand goodbye, but he held on to it for a few seconds too long before letting go.
    â€œShe’s blessed to have someone like you in her life,” he said.
    My cheeks grew warm again. “I’m blessed she’s in mine.”
    Another long pause, our eyes still locked together. “Listen, before you go, stop at the front desk and make sure we have your contact information on file. If we need to reach you, it would help to be able to call directly.”
    My pulse surged. If we need to reach you . Was there an extra layer to that