Free Orchard Valley Brides by Debbie Macomber Page A

understood?”
    A shocked silence fell after her words. Ms. Emerich and Robbins both stood with their mouths open, as though they’d never heard anyone speak to their boss like this.
    Rowdy’s eyes went from dark to darker. “All right,” he finally said, his voice sullen.
    Norah whirled around and marched out of the room.
    The results of Dr. Silverman’s examination revealed signs of improvement. If his leg continued to mend, Rowdy could be discharged within two weeks. No one was more relieved than Norah.
    The sooner Rowdy left, the better for her. Once he was gone, Norah felt confident her life would return to normal. Once Rowdy had left Orchard Valley, her heart could forget him.
    They’d only kissed once, but it was enough—more than enough. She knew this was a dangerous man. Dangerous to her emotional well-being. More important, he was in love with her sister.
    Â 
    Three days later, on a Monday afternoon, Norah stopped in to find Rowdy resting. The room was silent, which was rare. Norah guessed that Ms. Emerich and Robbins were out to lunch.
    â€œI’ve got your medication,” she said, spilling two capsules into the palm of his hand and giving him a small paper cup filled with water.
    Rowdy swallowed the pills.
    He looked exhausted. Norah was furious that he insisted on working so hard, especially now when he needed to rest. He ran everyone around him ragged, yet he demanded twice as much of himself. She shook off her thoughts as she realized he was speaking to her.
    â€œDid anyone ever tell you how much you look like an angel?” he asked.
    â€œJust you.”
    â€œYou’re very beautiful, Norah Bloomfield.”
    â€œAnd you’re very tired.”
    â€œI must be,” he said on the tail end of a yawn. “I wasn’t going to say anything until later.”
    â€œSay what?” she prompted.
    â€œAbout your angel face. You don’t look a thing like Valerie.”
    Her sister’s name went through her like an icy chill. The sister she loved and admired. The sister she’d always looked up to and idolized. Now, Norah could barely tolerate the sound of her own sister’s name.
    â€œRest,” she advised softly.
    â€œWill you be here when I wake up?”
    â€œI’m not sure.” The ward was full, and she didn’t have time to stay at his bedside, although it was exactly what she wanted to do. “I’ll be back later, when I’m finished my shift.”
    â€œPromise?” His eyelids were drifting shut even as he spoke.
    â€œI promise.” Impulsively she brushed the hair from his temple, letting her hand linger on his face. He was growing more important to her every moment, which terrified her. She dreaded the day he’d be released and in the same heartbeat willed it to hurry.
    When Robbins and Ms. Emerich returned half an hour later, Norah suggested they take the remainder of the afternoon off. Rowdy would be furious, but she’d deal with him later. He was pushing himself too hard; he needed the rest.
    Norah’s shift had ended at five, and she was sitting at his bedside when he awoke. He must have sensed she was there because he moved his head toward her and slowly smiled. “What time is it?”
    â€œFive-thirty.”
    His eyes widened. “That late? But what about—”
    â€œI gave them the afternoon off.”
    â€œNorah,” he groaned. “I wish you hadn’t. I was expecting several calls.” He struggled to a half-sitting position and his gaze shot to the phone. She stood and picked up the plug, dangling it from her fingers.
    â€œYou unplugged the phone?”
    â€œAs I explained earlier, you needed the rest.”
    Rowdy’s mouth snapped shut and anger leaped into his eyes.
    â€œAnd as I’ve explained before, this is a hospital, Mr. Cassidy, not Grand Central Station. If the call was that important they’ll try again tomorrow.”
    Rowdy