They Called Her Mrs. Doc. by Janette Oke Read Free Book Online Page B

common experience and a little joke.
    “Can we start over?” he asked candidly, and she was able to laugh and nod her head in agreement.
    He stood again, his brow puckered slightly in seriousness. She noted that his fingers clasped and intertwined nervously. Suddenly she felt nervous no longer. His own agitation had eased hers.
    “Shall I go out and come back in?” she asked with a teasing lift to her voice.
    He responded with a nod of his head, and an amused look slightly curved his mouth. “Would you?” he asked.
    “Of course,” she replied. She stood to her feet and gave him a smile that turned shy as she left the room, closing the door softly behind her.
    She stood for a few minutes trying to calm her racing heart, trying to get her trembling hands under control, then reached to push the door open, placed the nervous smile back on her face, and entered the room.
    “Miss Winston,” he said, advancing toward her and reaching for her hand. “I thank you for agreeing to see me.”
    She could not keep her smile from becoming soft laughter. He shared the joke, then continued. “I know I have done nothing in the past to show my feelings—but I have grown to admire you—and—” He paused long enough to draw in a quick breath. “I would be honored if you would allow me the privilege of calling.”
    “I—I would welcome—would be happy to—” Where were all the nice little speeches she had rehearsed so carefully for just such a moment? She felt like a schoolgirl again, tripping over her tongue in embarrassment. But he didn’t seem to notice. The pressure of his fingers on her hand had increased.
    “So it is agreed,” he said with apparent relief. “I was afraid you might not consider me. I have not yet graduated. But I have just learned that my internship is to be served in Ottawa. If I didn’t—didn’t take advantage of my opportunity now—I—would most surely lose you to another. I couldn’t risk that—you understand.”
    Cassie removed her hand and stood trembling. What had she done? What was he saying? “I—I haven’t agreed to marry you,” she stammered bluntly. “I just—”
    “Oh, I know—I know. I am sorry.” He turned slightly and his face flushed as hers had a few moments earlier. “I am making a dreadful blunder of things,” he admitted frankly. “I—I assure you—I am quite aware that you have made no promises. Please forgive me. I—I promise that I will be careful not to assume—more than you have—have been willing to grant me.”
    “A call,” said Cassie. “A call!”
    “Nothing more,” he continued. “I feel—feel honored that you have agreed to let me call.”
    “And your studies?” prompted Cassie. She had lived with her father long enough to understand the importance of studies as one neared graduation.
    “They will not suffer, I promise you. I would never jeopardize my training—not even—” He stopped and smiled at her again. “Not even for your pretty face.”
    Cassie returned the smile. It was hard not to respond to the way his whole face lighted up.
    “Very well,” she said and a bit of coyness crept in. She lowered her eyes and toyed with her lace hankie. A thought flashed through her mind. At least now Dr. Corouthers will be forced to see that I am not a child. She quickly pushed the thought aside. Somehow it seemed very childish indeed.
    “When?” he was asking and Cassie had to bring her attention back to the moment at hand.
    “When?”
    “When might I call?”
    She turned to him again and saw the eagerness in his eyes. He really was serious about it all.
    “Well, I—I suppose that will partly depend upon your study load,” she responded, stalling for time.
    “Next Thursday? I have an exam to write that day. My studying will need to be completed beforehand. I would welcome a chance to—to relax and—and enjoy some company after the grind of the day.”
    Cassie lifted her eyes to look directly into his. They were hazel. She had