Free Orchard Valley Brides by Debbie Macomber

computer. No one seemed to notice Norah—least of all Rowdy, who was issuing orders like a general from his headquarters.
    â€œI hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Norah said, not bothering to restrain the sarcasm as she set down his tray.
    â€œNorah.” Rowdy’s eyes lit up and he laid aside the file he was scanning. Horn-rimmed reading glasses were perched at the end of his nose; they only made him look more attractive.
    â€œI brought your breakfast.”
    â€œI don’t suppose you have any more of those blueberry muffins, do you?”
    â€œI might.”
    â€œBut it’s going to cost me, right?”
    â€œNot exactly.” She’d read over the notes the night staff had left regarding Rowdy and learned he’d been on the phone until all hours of the night. He’d called her, of course, but that had been much earlier in the evening.
    She took the thermometer from its slot and stuck it under his tongue.
    â€œI haven’t got a fever! Why do you insist on takingmy temperature so many times?” he fussed when she was through.
    She made the notation and then took his wrist. “You were on the phone for nearly eight hours straight.”
    â€œJealous?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
    â€œI might be.” She was far more concerned about his apparent lack of concern for his health.
    â€œThere were people I needed to talk to, people I had to reassure. By the way, did you see we got coverage on CNN? My plane crash put Orchard Valley on the map.”
    â€œI’m sure the mayor is thrilled.”
    â€œHe offered me the keys to the city.”
    â€œUncle Jack? He didn’t!” Norah couldn’t believe it.
    Rowdy laughed boisterously. “No, he didn’t, but he should have.”
    Norah finished taking his pulse and recorded the information.
    â€œNow do I get those blueberry muffins or are you going to make me beg?”
    Norah removed two wrapped muffins from her sweater pockets. “Count your blessings, Cassidy. This is the last of the batch. My dad sent them to you with his best wishes.”
    â€œBless him.” Rowdy ignored the breakfast tray and unwrapped the muffins instead. “Meet Ms. Amelia Emerich, my executive assistant. You remember Robbins, don’t you?”
    Norah smiled at both of Rowdy’s employees.
    â€œI know your sister Valerie,” Ms. Emerich said. “A wonderful young woman. We all miss her terribly. Say hello for me, won’t you?”
    Norah nodded, carefully watching Rowdy. She wondered how he’d react to the mention of her sister’s name. He didn’t, at least not outwardly.
    â€œMr. Cassidy will need an hour later this morning,” Norah told Robbins and Ms. Emerich. “Dr. Silverman’s scheduled to—”
    â€œWhat time?” Rowdy broke in.
    â€œThe schedule says ten.”
    â€œHe’ll have to change it. I’ve got an interview with Time magazine at ten.”
    â€œRowdy, you can’t ask Dr. Silverman to rearrange his day because you’re meeting with a magazine reporter!”
    â€œWhy not? He’ll understand. I’m sure he won’t mind waiting. He might even want to talk to the guy from Time himself. I’ll try to arrange it if I can.”
    â€œKincade’s calling you at eleven,” Ms. Emerich told Rowdy.
    â€œThat’s right. Listen,” he said, directing his attention back to Norah. “Maybe it’d be best if you had Dr. Silverman check with Ms. Emerich before he does whatever it is he needs to do.”
    Norah was too stunned for a moment to react. “Dr. Silverman will be here at ten,” she said firmly. “If the reporter from Time magazine is here, then he’ll need to wait outside the room like everyone else. May I remind you once again that this is a hospital, Mr. Cassidy? You’ve managed to sweet-talk other people around here, but it won’t work with me. Is that