He shook himself out of his reverie, tapped Spark on the rump, and the horse began a steady pace that turned to a brisk trot. Daniel knew better than to allow Alistair’s remarks get to him, but his going on about pretty nurses, his late father, and the sheer audacity to comment on his mother’s looks was too much for Daniel.
He hadn’t felt this much turmoil since Ruth’s arrival, and he’d had no idea his father had agreed to give her a place to live on the ranch. She turned his world upside down; he’d never been this confused before.
Lord God, he prayed silently,I’m lost as ever but I feel that there is a reason you brought Ruth to us. Was this your plan all along? What is it that you want me to do? Please show me the way and I will follow.
Daniel felt drawn to Ruth and despite his mixed emotions, he was comfortable when she was nearby. He watched her at the dinner table and heard her soft voice full of devotion as she prayed over the evening meal. He realized all of a sudden that she had helped him remember how to pray again.
Daniel shivered as Spark came closer to the ranch and he thought winter would come early this year. He reminded himself to check with Rose tomorrow to see whether Alistair had conveniently forgotten to check the remaining medicine inventory in their pharmacy.
Spark’s hooves plodded along the trail and drew to a halt just outside the house.
Daniel dismounted and offered a feed bag, which Spark happily accepted and turned his neck sideways as Daniel stroked his neck, “Good boy,” Daniel said warmly.
Jimmy came bounding from the barn, “Daniel, what took you so long? Did you meander all the way home?”
“What’s wrong, Jimmy?” Daniel asked, relieving Spark of the riding gear. “I got here as quick as I could.”
“Muse is foaling,” Jimmy frowned, concern in his eyes. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it in time.”
“She’s foaling already?” Daniel grinned. “It’s about time. How is she doing?”
“She stopped pacing and is now lying on her side,” Jimmy reported, out of breath. Daniel followed him to the barn and stopped short in surprise seeing Ruth standing near the stall, watching Muse.
“Ruth?” He was glad to see her. “Are you here for the big event? Where’s Matthew?”
“Hello, Dr. Grant,” Ruth smiled pleasantly. Daniel noticed her beautiful dark eyes were bright. “I’d love to see Muse’s foal being born, but Matthew’s sleeping. He should be awake soon, so I’ll take my leave.”
Daniel frowned with concern as he saw her hands, and asked, “Why do you have that cloth wrapped around your hands?” He noted that Jimmy looked away, trying to dodge Daniel’s gaze.
Daniel sighed and Ruth squirmed uncomfortably. “Before you leave, I want to look at them,” he insisted and fixed her in place with a look. What had they been up to?
Seeing Ruth wince as she began to unwrap the now dry fabric, Daniel stepped closer, holding her gaze. She looked away, feeling her cheeks begin to warm.
“This may be uncomfortable,” Daniel said, and with a sidelong glance at Jimmy, he added, “Jimmy will tell me all about it later.”
Daniel resisted the urge to scold Jimmy, knowing he had bigger matters on his mind at that moment. Ruth’s hands were chafed and slightly blistered, and Daniel was keenly aware that he had promised himself to never let harm come to her. He disliked seeing her in pain.
“Whatever you did,” Daniel said softly which made Ruth look up in surprise, “please don’t do it again.” He wore a serious expression and his voice was full of concern.
He turned to Jimmy, “I assume this is yours.” He handed the canteen cover to Jimmy, who cast his gaze to the ground.
“I’m sorry,” Ruth said glumly, an unhappy look on her face. “It was completely my idea.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Daniel said firmly and walked to the stall where Muse nickered and tossed her head a few times. “You’d better go check on Matthew while Jimmy and I tend to Muse. Show Elizabeth your hands and she’ll treat them with diluted phenol. She’ll know where to find it.”
“Thank you, Dr. Grant,” Ruth said and felt her face grow hot.
“Daniel, Miss McKinley,” Daniel said over his shoulder. His back faced her as he kept watch over the stall. “I would prefer that you call me Daniel,” he turned his head and saw her color again. “And with your permission, may I address by your first name?”
“Yes, of course, Doctor—um, Daniel,” Ruth stammered in surprise. “Of course, I don’t mind. Please call me Ruth.”
He watched her leave the barn and knew Jimmy had been openly staring at him the entire time, questions clearly written all over his face.
Daniel knew Ruth probably wondered what caused the change in him. He didn’t even know himself, but he knew he wanted to hear his name on her lips.
Jimmy folded his arms and eyed Daniel quizzically, “You and Ruth are becoming quite friendly, eh?”
Daniel sidestepped the question. “Why happened to her hands and why were they bandaged with your canteen cover, of all things?” he wondered. He didn’t intend to make a fuss, and Ruth’s hands weren’t all that badly injured to begin with.
