Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander Read Free Book Online

upon so many factors—most of which were beyond his control.
    “Mr. Mullins will be fine, sir. I am sure of this.” Angelo’s expression turned politely conspiratorial. “He has the finest doctor caring for him. I should know.”
    Rand felt the compliment reverberating inside him as he watched the boy disappear down the hallway and through the curtained doorway. Angelo’s recovery from the beating he’d endured last fall was remarkable, as was his attitude about it. Recalling the event, Rand felt his stomach sour. In the weeks of recuperation following, Angelo had expressed hopes of becoming a doctor one day—a dream Rand thought possible. The boy was sharp minded and learned quickly, and he possessed a compassionate heart that served him well when ministering to people in pain.
    Rand planned on writing his colleagues back east about the possibility of Angelo serving as an apprentice in one of their practices. The boy’s Italian heritage would be a deterrent to some, but once the doctors witnessed Angelo’s aptitude and ability, those possessing more open minds might be willing to consider him. And they wouldn’t be disappointed.
    Rand took a deep breath and held it, then gave it slow release.
    He knew what it was like to be a young man and have no say in your future, to have everything planned out and decided by others before any other options had been explored. And he was determined to give Angelo the chance that he himself had finally been given. Life was too brief to spend it doing something you didn’t love. Better to discover what God had created you for, and do that with your whole heart.
    A low moan drew him back, and a rush of emotion bolted through him as Ben Mullins struggled to open his eyes. Rand moved closer and knelt. “Mr. Mullins . . . it’s nice to have you back with us, sir.”
    Blinking, Ben stared between him and Lyda, then squeezed his eyes tight, as if trying to make sure that what he was seeing was real. He rubbed his chest and winced, his breath ragged.
    Rand gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. “You’re going to be sore for a few days, sir. I’m sorry, that’s my fault.”
    Ben looked confused, but Lyda pressed a kiss to her husband’s forehead and narrowed her eyes at Rand, smiling. “Don’t you dare apologize, Dr. Brookston. You . . .” Her voice faltered. “You just gave me back my life.”
    Hurried steps filled the hallway, and Rachel rounded the corner. She scooted into the storeroom behind Lyda and held out a cup of water to Rand, not meeting his gaze.
    “Thank you.” He mixed the dried foxglove leaves with water and held the cup to Ben’s lips, supporting the man’s head. “This is digitalis, Mr. Mullins, a medication used to treat arrhythmia—a heartbeat with an irregular or abnormal rhythm, like yours.” He tipped the cup as he spoke, taking care not to spill the contents. “Due to Mrs. Boyd’s excellent foresight, it was here exactly when we needed it.” Along with the proffered olive branch, Rand tried again to snag Rachel’s attention, to no avail.
    Ben drained the cup, taking in gulps of air between swallows. He let out a sigh. “Thank you, Dr. Brookston. And thank you , Rachel.”
    “Yes.” Lyda turned. “Thank you, Rachel, for all you’ve done. And as for you, Ben Mullins . . .” She fingered the graying hair at his temple. “You frightened years off my life. Years I didn’t have to spare.”
    Ben offered a weak smile. “I’ve always told you I’m going to be the first to go, woman. Maybe now you’ll believe me.”
    Lyda shook her head and gently swatted his arm, but Rand caught a flicker of dread in her eyes, a hint of the future she was imagining. A future without her husband.
    “You ought not say such things to your wife, Ben.” Rachel smiled as she said it, but truth permeated her tone. “And for the record, you frightened years off the lives of both of us.” She touched his arm. “How are you feeling now?”
    He exhaled, his eyes