Free The Doctor's Devotion (Love Inspired) by Cheryl Wyatt Page A

expecting him to scold her for the momentary orneriness.
    Instead, he grabbed a ceiling handle. “Go for it.”
    Wow. She did not expect that. “Really?”
    A slow grin crept across his face, giving it even more appeal. She slammed the pedal to the floor, and the truck peeled out and ramped dusty hills. Mitch whooped like Lem, making Lauren laugh.
    Grandpa was probably wondering what all the dust was about, so she drove back to the driveway like the well-behaved granddaughter she wasn’t.
    Lem stood on his porch, shaking his head and laughing.
    “He’s something, isn’t he?” Mitch eyed Lem fondly. Then faced Lauren. “You have more of his traits than you realize.”
    “What, his penchant toward orneriness?”
    Mitch chuckled. “Well, that, yes. But I mainly meant his uncanny ability to handle life’s problems rather than let the problems handle him.”
    Her grin faded. “I think you’re mistaken. That’s not me.”
    The gleam in his eyes grew fonder, and firmer. “Oh, yeah. It is. You’ll see. You’re the kind whose nettle surfaces the more they’re squeezed. Some strengths shine in weakness, Lauren.”
    “If you say so.”
    No one said anything for long moments. She was taken by how comfortable it was to be alone with him. Did he feel the same way?
    “Thank you, Mitch, for doing this. I know I haven’t been the nicest. So it’s supersweet of you to loan us your truck for the day.” She cut the engine, missing the fun of riding around.
    He smiled. “No problem. I hope the two of you have fun.”
    “I’ll be careful with your baby.”
    He stiffened and paused. Then peered toward the glove box, then away. He nodded more stiffly. “I know you will. I checked all the fluids, oil, transmission, wiper. And she’s gassed up.”
    When a downtrodden look accosted his face before he could mask it, she felt sudden remorse over not inviting him along. Should she?
    “What chores do you have planned today?” she asked.
    “Knocking out another couple items on his to-do list. Fixing the fence and replacing his screen door. Which I need to get out of here.” Mitch reached into the back of the truck and hefted out a solid wood-and-glass carved door as if it was cardstock light.
    She eyed the price tag he ripped off, and…wow.
    “Do you need help paying for that?”
    He shook his head. “Lem went in half. Or thinks he did. He insisted so I kinda fibbed and told him it was only a couple hundred bucks. I didn’t want him to have a flimsy door since he lives alone. This place doesn’t have a high crime rate, but it’s better to be safe.”
    “Thanks, Mitch, for all you do for him.” For some reason, she felt supersentimental about it today. “You could go with us if you want.”
    He rose slowly after setting the door against the siding. “Thanks. But I think I’ll hang here. Brock should be over soon.”
    Wow. She did not like the letdown she felt at his answer. She had wanted special, extended alone time with Grandpa. Mitch was making that possible. She should be happier than a raccoon in Grandpa’s cornfield right now.
    So why wasn’t she?
    Mitch accompanied her inside. His eyes landed on the corn bread and cobbler. His face erupted in elation.
    “Lauren made that.” Lem indicated the cobbler.
    Mitch’s face lit up in surprise and delight.
    Her insides turned to mush as he peered at the cobbler then back at her with deep appreciation.
    What if he didn’t like it? Her nerves quivered.
    He took a piece to taste and pretended to melt to his knees as he savored it. He liked it!
    “Now, that’s perfection right there.” He took a second bite and fastened her with another long look of surprise and approval. “I’m touched and impressed. And my taste buds are very, very happy right now.”
    She felt too giddy to speak, so she just nodded and smiled then turned to wash the already-clean counter so he wouldn’t see the blush and ridiculously gargantuan grin taking over her face.
    Lem came back into