Free Rocky Mountain Redemption by Pamela Nissen Page B

time.”
    For some reason, that bit of knowledge settled on her like a soothing touch. That Ben had entrusted this young boy in that way cut off a few suspicions regarding the doctor’s character.
    â€œOh. I see,” she finally said.
    â€œYep,” he confirmed with a single nod. Threading his fingers together, he turned them outward and cracked his knuckles in slow succession, making her wince. “I’m gonna be a doctor jest like him someday. Gonna git me a black bag and some of those whatnots he carries ’round with him.”
    â€œReally now?” Callie pulled her legs beneath heras she turned to face him. “Will you attend school somewhere?”
    â€œYou betcha. I figure it won’t be for long, though, seein’ as how I’m learnin’ so much already.” Snuffling, he wiped his nose with the sleeve of his shirt. The innocent determination that cloaked Luke’s unwavering gaze prompted a smile she struggled to bridle. He jutted his chin out and moved closer. “Right now I go to the schoolhouse down the way, but only sometimes, cuz my ma don’ like it when I’m gone all day long.”
    â€œShe doesn’t? Why not?”
    â€œShe needs me to work,” he responded in an offhand sort of way as he eyed the chair next to the bed.
    â€œHere, have a seat.” She patted the edge of the bed, wondering if he lived on a large ranch that needed many hands to turn a profit. “So, you must live on a farm?”
    Luke edged over to the bed and sat down with hesitant care. And when he trailed his fingers almost reverently over the stitches on the quilt, she felt certain he wasn’t used to a well-built, hand-carved bed or lovely quilt.
    â€œNaw…we don’ farm. Ma’s mostly busy at nights. That’s why she needs me ’round durin’ the day to do the cookin’ and such.” Luke peered at her, his gaze drifting to her hair. “I leave now and again when Ma’s sleepin’ to visit Ben. Make sure he don’ need my help or nothin’ with his calls.”
    She smiled, her heart squeezing at his earnest loyalty. For some reason, she found herself easily imagining Ben taking this boy under his wing. Treating him like a son, even.
    â€œI found me some kittens the other day,” Luke offered.
    â€œYou did? Where did you find them?”
    â€œIn the alley behind Gold-Digger’s.”
    â€œGold-Digger’s?” she queried.
    â€œYou know, the saloon. Anyways, the kittens musta’ been ’bandoned by their ma cuz they was real hungry.”
    â€œAww…the poor things.” She felt equally sad thinking about this young boy scouting around in an alley behind a saloon.
    â€œDon’ you worry none.” He gave his head an adamant shake. “I’m raisin’ ’em now. Ben’s helpin’ me.”
    Turning toward her, Luke’s face was alight as he looped his left knee up on the bed. “Did Ben ever tell you ’bout me goin’ with him that one time?”
    â€œUmm, no. He hasn’t mentioned that.”
    â€œWell, I did. It was flat-out nasty, too.” His hazel eyes transformed from round orbs to narrow slits.
    â€œWhat happened?”
    â€œA broke leg pinned under a wagon.” He pointed to his midthigh with fingers that bore the red and raw signs of a recent blister that had her wondering what had happened. “We got ’im out jest in time. And Ben, he got the wound all patched up good as new. Took a spell for the feller to walk right again, but he did, jest like Ben said he would.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful. I’m sure the man is grateful.”
    â€œYep. Lucky we was both there seein’ to him.” He shoved his thick hair out of his eyes then pulled in an exaggerated breath. “Otherwise, no tellin’ what would’a happened.”
    Pride beamed like the noonday sun from Luke— Callie could feel it.