“Now let’s get back in there, and—”
“Damn it, woman, can I get one word in here?”
She huffed. “What?”
“I know how often it happens. I was married, remember? What I meant was, how often does the swooning happen?”
“Oh.” Her pretty cheeks turned pink.
Well, that would teach her to run off at the mouth.
“You’ll have to ask Doc,” she said. “I’ve never swooned before.”
His groin jumped. God, she was pretty, all red and embarrassed. Damn, he wanted to make her swoon. Wanted to kiss those red lips until they both fell down panting. But not with Doc and Mary Alice in the next room.
“Ruthie?”
“Hmm?”
“Would you talk to her for me? She might be more comfortable talking to a lady about…these things.”
She smiled, lighting those gorgeous eyes. When had these britches become so darn tight?
“Of course I’ll talk to her. I’d be happy to. You know I’ll help with Mary Alice in any way I can. I adore that child. Now get in there. She needs to know she’s the same little girl to you that she was yesterday.”
“Well, of course she is. Why would she be any different?”
She stomped her foot again and her smile faded. “You exasperate me, Garth Mackenzie.”
He sighed. “What have I done now?”
“Mary Alice is different. She feels different. So assure her you love her as you always have, and all will be fine.”
“Of course I love her. She knows that.”
“Go tell her then.”
“That I love her?”
“Yes, that you love her. What do you think we’ve been talking about?” She balled her hands into fists and pounded his chest.
Just her touch nearly sent him over the edge. He held himself in check and followed her back to the other room where Doc was closing his black bag.
“I trust everything is in order?” Doc said.
“Yes, Doc,” Ruth said. “I just explained a few things to Mr. Mackenzie.”
“Mmm. Good. Will I see you later, Ruth?”
Her cheeks reddened. Lord, she was lovely. Garth never tired of looking at her.
“You may call any time, of course,” she said.
Call any time? What the hell? A railroad spike hit him low in the gut.
Doc grabbed his bag and smiled at Ruth. “I’ll do that. Thank you, Ruth.” He shut the door behind him.
Garth opened his mouth to ask what in tarnation Doc was talking about, but Ruth spoke first.