Violet (Suitors of Seattle Book 7) (11 page)

"Family business?" she asked.

"You really don't know anything about me, do you?" Why had she married him when she didn't know anything about him? She knew he was wealthy, but he didn't think she had any idea of the sheer magnitude of the wealth she'd married into.

She shrugged. "I know you're a kind man who takes your responsibilities seriously. I know you have a great deal of love in your heart for those who are worthy of it. I know you are a good businessman." She grinned at him impishly. "I know you're a good kisser and you make me feel things I never thought I'd feel." The morning had been extremely intense, and she hoped a little humor would make them both feel better. Besides, she really did like his kisses. She'd proven that more than once or twice.

"Oh really? Like what?"

She blushed. "You're not supposed to ask me that." She looked around, wondering if anyone was listening to their discussion.

"Why not? Are you my wife or not?" He loved watching her blush. There was very little in life he enjoyed more than being with his pretty young wife.

"You're just not. I'll show you later though." She wiggled her eyebrows at him to express her meaning, and he let out a laugh.

"That's what I love about you, Violet. Even when I think that I'm never going to be able to smile again, you say something that makes me laugh through the pain. I need that." She really was the perfect woman for him, and he'd be thanking God for her every day for the rest of his life.

She looked at him and sighed. "I love everything about you. I've never met a man who I was so drawn to. I never thought I would." She suddenly realized she had it all. She had a man she loved, an adorable little boy, and a career she'd been working toward since she was a small child.

He smiled. "I love everything about you, too. I'm so happy that I finally have the right to be alone with you and talk to you about my feelings. Our relationship had a rocky start with Nathan, and the murders, and your painting, and Edna, but we're going to have the best marriage you can possibly imagine."

She frowned. "Edna? What's wrong with Edna?" Didn't he adore Edna the same way she did? She was going to have to do some fast talking to make certain the older woman always had a home with them if he didn't care for her friend like she did.

Jonas squeezed her hand. "I can't believe you even have to ask..."

Epilogue

Iris sat down at her kitchen table and rubbed her neck. She needed to write a letter home before her mother came to Texas to check on her, but she needed sleep just as much. She could write a short one this week and promise a longer one next. Yes, that's what she'd do. No one needed Mary Sullivan to descend on Nowhere, Texas and set the whole place on its ear.

"Dear Mother,

Thank you for the letter. It's always so nice to receive news from home. I love it here in Texas. Of course, summer is approaching, and I'm not sure if that's going to change or not. I've heard the heat is stifling. I'm willing to brave it as long as I have my patients and Edna Petunia beside me though.

I like it here in Nowhere. It's hard dealing with some of the archaic attitudes people have about women in medicine, but I'm learning to cope. Why just today a widower brought his daughter in to me with a broken arm. He was angry to find out that Dr. I Sullivan was a woman. He said women doctors are menaces, and they know nothing about what they're doing. He demanded to see the
real
doctor. I told him it was me or make a five hour drive with his daughter in pain. He chose me. Francis Harvey may be a bigoted idiot, but he does love his children. He has girls ages ten, eight, and six. His poor wife died in childbirth with the six year old. I wanted to tell him I probably could have helped his wife, but I didn't know how. I certainly hope I won't be seeing much of him, but his attitude is similar to most of the men around here. For some reason, though, he just made me angrier than most.

Edna Petunia is settling in well here. I think she loves the sheer number of cowboys that ride through town. It was a brilliant idea for her to come along as my nurse and companion. You were definitely right about this not being a place a woman would want to live alone. I kind of think she has her eye on an old cowboy who rides into town every so often to get more whiskey to make a 'cough tonic.' You know, even after all these years of knowing me, that woman still totes that flask around and drinks out of it constantly? What is wrong with her? I wish I could convince her that drinking all the time was bad for her health, but at her age, she thinks she can get away with anything. She's apparently right, too!

How is the family? Is Violet's pregnancy going well this time? Her first pregnancy was a little scary, but I'm so glad Heather is doing well. I'm a little nervous that I can't be there for her this time, but at least she has doctors that we all trust taking good care of her. I wish everyone could come here and see Texas, but I know that's not going to happen anytime soon. I'll try to come home for Christmas as you suggested in your last letter, but I do need to make certain my patients will be taken care of. It's certainly good incentive to know that both Daisy and Jasmine will be there with their families this year. I don't think we've all been together since Violet's art show back in 1896. It's 1904! It's time! There's a good midwife in town, so I don't have to be worried about the pregnant women while I'm gone.

It's late, and I have to be at work early as usual. I'm going to close here. Let me know how things are at home. How are Papa's hands? Is the cream I made him for his arthritis helping? I miss you all terribly. I'll be home soon and all of your flowers will be back in your garden where they belong. I love you, Mama.

Sincerely,

Iris Sullivan, MD

P.S. I know you know who I am, but I worked so hard for those letters after my name, I just have to include them."

Folding the letter, Iris set it aside. She stood up and started to blow out the candle when she heard loud giggling from outside. Opening the door, she saw Edna Petunia standing with her cowboy, letting him touch her in places that were completely inappropriate.

Iris shook her head. She didn't know whether to scold Edna Petunia as if she were a teenager or let her do what she wanted to do. It wasn't as if she had marriage prospects. She closed the door softly, not wanting to disturb them. It wasn't her place to teach morality to a woman more than twice her age.

She padded through the small house in her bare feet and nightgown and into her bedroom. Edna Petunia would come in when she was ready to come in. The woman just did what she wanted to do anyway. It didn't reflect on Iris as a doctor, and certainly didn't reflect on her own work.

Iris refused to worry about it as she turned down the wick in her lantern and climbed between the covers. Tomorrow would be a busy day. She was the only doctor for a fifty mile radius, and everyone came to her. She yawned and puffed up her pillow.

As she was drifting off to sleep she heard another loud giggle. She couldn't help but smile as she closed her eyes. No matter how hard life was, Edna Petunia always had the ability to make her smile
.

Other Titles by Kirsten Osbourne

Brides of Beckham Series

Brides of Beckham First Four Box Set

Mail Order Mistake

Mail Order Maternity

Mail Order Match Maker

Brides of Beckham 5-7 Box Set

Mail Order Motherhood