Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander Read Free Book Online Page A

fluttering closed. “Like I almost died.”
    “You almost did,” Lyda whispered.
    Ben opened his eyes and stared, frowning.
    “Your heart stopped, honey.” Lyda’s expression softened, her tone revealing she’d told him this before. She indicated Rand with a nod. “Dr. Brookston here got it started again.” Her hand trembled against his cheek. “He saved your life.”
    Ben blinked, and his focus slowly shifted. “Is that so, Doc?”
    Rand answered with a steady gaze, grateful that Lyda understood the gravity of the situation. Informing a husband or wife that their spouse had a life-threatening health condition such as Ben’s was oftentimes harder than telling the patient himself. People like Ben and Lyda Mullins tended to worry more about those they would leave behind than about themselves.
    Ben pursed his lips and a wry smile crept over his face. “Guess this means you’ll be wanting all those medical supplies of yours delivered free of charge now, huh, Doc?”
    Rand laughed softly. “That thought hadn’t crossed my mind, Mr. Mullins. But now that you mention it . . .”
    With a soft smirk, Ben gestured. “Speaking of orders, two more cases of lamp oil came in for you this morning. All I can say is you must be doing some mighty lengthy reading at night, Doc.”
    Rand laughed again but knew, with good reason, that it didn’t sound as natural this time. “I like to keep a good supply on hand for surgeries. The lighting in my clinic isn’t too good.”
    Ben nodded and started to push himself up.
    “No, sir.” Rand urged him back down. “Please stay where you are. Let’s give the medicine a few more minutes to take effect.” He positioned the stethoscope over Ben’s heart. “I know it’s going to hurt, but try to take some deep breaths for me.”
    Ben complied, grimacing. “Feels like someone slugged me right square in the chest.”
    Reading skepticism in the older man’s gaze, Rand nodded. “Guilty as charged, sir. Once you’re feeling better, I’ll meet you out on the boardwalk and you can take your best shot at me.” A glint of humor lit Ben’s expression again, and Rand did his best to keep his own smile from showing. “I’ll give you a chance to make things even between us.”
    Ben cocked his head to one side, as though seriously considering the offer. “You got it, Doc. Soon as I’m up and able, I’m callin’ you out.”
    Appreciating the dry humor and impressed that Ben could manage it in the face of such a serious—and what had to be alarming— discovery for him, Rand leaned closer to listen. Ben’s pulse was notably stronger than before, which wasn’t saying a great deal compared to a healthy heart. But it was the whooshing echo enveloping the beat that underscored his greatest concern. “Have you experienced any pains or tightness in your chest recently, sir? Any difficulty breathing?”
    Ben hesitated, frowning again, and shot a quick look at Lyda, which told Rand plenty.
    Lyda’s concern gave way to surprise—and frustration. “Ben Everett Mullins, why didn’t you say something?”
    Ben took hold of her hand. “I didn’t want you worrying. Not with everything that’s going on with the store. Besides . . .” He stopped and took a breath. “It’s only happened a handful of times, and it wasn’t too bad. Once I catch my breath, it goes away. For the most part.”
    “For the most part,” Lyda repeated, her tone indignant but concerned.
    Rand’s own concern edged up a notch. “How long have you been experiencing the chest pains? And do you recall what you’ve been doing when they occur . . . ? What brings them on?”
    Ben gave a shrug. “They’ve been coming more often in the past couple of months, maybe a little longer. And it usually happens when I’m unloading a wagon or toting a crate. But it doesn’t happen every time.”
    “So when you’re exerting effort?” Rand offered. He glanced around the storeroom. “And what were you doing today?”
    Ben