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

the kitchen. “Ready to go?”
    Hmm. Just where had she left her brain? “Yep. Let’s hit the road.”
    Mitch loaded their basket in the truck. “Call if you have trouble.” He gave her a paper with his number on it.
    This made Lauren’s insides feel even more giddy. “We’ll be really late getting back.”
    “Not a problem. Brock’s coming to help before a training op. He’s giving me a ride home after we get some stuff done. Ian will drop me back off here tomorrow to get my truck.”
    “Thanks, Mitch.” Gack! How many times would that sentiment bounce out of her mouth? Maybe she thanked him profusely out of guilt? She’d been so ornery to him. Gratitude overwhelmed her for his giving—and forgiving—heart.
    “Have fun.” He patted the truck then stepped back.
    Lauren and Lem waved as Brock passed them outside Lem’s driveway. “That’s nice of him to help.”
    “Yeah, those PJs are something else. They’ve reformed this community of Refuge.”
    “I have a feeling Mitch and his trauma crew will do the same for Eagle Point.”
    “The unemployment rate was sky-high. The center definitely boosted morale. I feel terrible taking time away from his trauma work. I guess he didn’t really expect the place to take off the way it has…so fast anyway.”
    Nor did Lauren expect her pulse rate to take off at every mention of Mitch. Only, today her respect for Mitch and growing intrigue with him overpowered the troublesome jealousy and envy.
    She knew Mitch had to be sick and tired of her repeated mishaps and missteps of giving in to envy. He saw the jealous reaction, sure. But did he see her angst about it after?
    Why all of a sudden did his opinion of her matter so much?
    “I know for a fact he doesn’t mind helping you, Grandpa.”
    That must’ve comforted Lem because he stopped chewing his cheek.
    Lauren and Lem spent the day driving along the Mississippi exploring historic towns, museums and libraries. They stopped at a peach orchard and ate scrumptious homemade cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream.
    “This isn’t as good as yours,” Grandpa doted. “Mitch thought so, too. I know there won’t be a drop of your cobbler left when we get home tonight.”
    She smiled, remembering Mitch’s genuine reaction.
    After having their fill of orchard goodness, they headed to the southernmost tip of Illinois to visit a monument where some of their ancestors from Civil War times were buried.
    They stopped and perused in an historic bed-and-breakfast shop known for its authentic period antiques.
    Lauren purchased Mitch a statue of a doctor holding a little boy’s hand while a nurse gave a shot. When Grandpa eyed her funny, she quickly found a trinket for Brock, too, lest Grandpa get any ideas that she was growing fond of Mitch.
    She absolutely wasn’t. Though tingles walked up her spine, it was best to ignore it.
    “What now, carrottop?” Lem asked once back on the road.
    “Want to go for a hike at one of the state parks nearby?”
    “Wish I could. I can’t go more than a few miles, though.”
    “Oh.” Last time Grandpa could hike circles around her. Could a person age that much in five years? She needed to have a private conversation with Mitch about Grandpa’s health.
    “It’s too hot to hike today anyway,” she said to make Grandpa feel better about his lost stamina. They drove at leisure along a scenic route and spent time perusing specialty shops before driving through a wildlife refuge. “I enjoy seeing the familiar birds, animals, trees and foliage that makes Illinois more beautiful than I remembered.”
    Lem smiled and nodded.
    Memories of times like this with Grandpa also added to its beauty and appeal. Now she’d have new memories to draw upon. The thought of time with Grandpa being reduced to rare memories instead of daily experiences brought a profound sadness upon her. And disconcerting dread. Please don’t take him anytime soon, God.
    Lem adjusted his seat belt. “Remember when we