Sam, Sherry reminded herself. Sam and Kristin. She prided herself on remembering names because shed learned that her patients felt more relaxed when she related to them as people, one on one.
Sam! Allison scolded. That wasnt very nice.
He just says that word because Grandpa Pete says it and he thinks its funny, Kristin said. Then she turned shy blue eyes on Sherry. You have pretty teeth.
Best teeth money can buy, Sherry quipped.
Allison started to say something, then stopped.
What? Sherry prompted.
I was just wondering what happened to your real teeth, because Im a dentist and therefore unnaturally interested in peoples mouths. But its a rude question.
No, its not, Sherry said. I chipped two of them by falling off a bicycle when I was a kid. That was the story shed been using for a long time. It was a lot nicer than the truth.
Well, someone did an excellent job on your caps, Allison said as they headed back through the dining room and into the living room. Only a dentist like me would notice you have caps.
Thanks. Getting her teeth fixed was one of the first things Sherry had attended to after she got out of nursing school.
Jeff was just coming through the front door with Sherrys luggage. It hadnt seemed like so much when shed stuffed it all into the trunk and back seat of the Firebird, but now it looked like a tapestry-printed mountain growing in the middle of the room.
Jonathan frowned at the vast pile of luggage. Then he turned to Sherry. You are here just for a few days, right?
I know it looks like a lot, Sherry said apologetically. I never have been good at packing. Dont worry, the bags will be out of your way in a jiffy. She grabbed up as many of the smaller bags as she could carry and lugged them toward her room. Jeff and Allison got the rest.
This room is really nice, Sherry said, running a finger along the top of the oak dresser. The comforter on the queen-size bed looked fluffy and warm, and there were at least four pillows, all with matching pillow slips.
Anne made it over, Allison said. She has really good taste. In fact, Anne is the one who made me over.
Allison had told Sherry the whole story when they first became friends. Shed wanted to catch Jeffs eye, so shed done a radical makeover on herself, only to have Jeff fail to notice. Hed finally come to his senses and realized he loved Allison, but apparently his feelings had little to do with her appearance.
Want me to help you unpack? Allison asked.
Ill do that later. Right now, Id like to sit down with Jeff and learn more about Jonathans medical condition to find out exactly what sort of care you want me to provide. She slipped a notebook and pen from the outer pocket of one of her bags.
He has a concussion, Jeff said. He landed on his head.
Im surprised he didnt leave a dent in the ground, Allison said, instead of the other way round.
Of the two, his heads probably harder, Jeff agreed. Anyway, Sherry, Jonathan also has an angulated, displaced fracture of the tibia, but it was simple. There were no bone fragments, so the orthopedist didnt feel surgery was necessary, just reduction and a cast. But there was a lot of swelling and bruising, so he needs to keep the leg elevatedand keep off it, of course. Otherwise, just watch for signs of infection. He has some minor abrasions where the horse kicked him.
Sherry gasped. A horse kicked him?
After bucking him off, Allison added. These men and their horsesWell, anyway, other than keeping an eye on Jonathan, youll just need to cook and clean and help out with the kids. I know its not a job that requires your level of skill
Oh, I dont mind, Sherry said quickly, then realized how overeager she sounded. But the idea of playing house with Jonathan Hardison and his family was far more appealing than it should have been. Is Jonathan on any medication?
Antibiotics and Vicadin for pain, but hes not taking the pain pill. He said he didnt like how it made him groggy. Jeff pulled two prescription bottles out of his shirt pocket and handed them to Sherry. Make him take the Vicadin if the pain keeps him awake at night. He needs to sleep if he wants to heal.
Gotcha. She scribbled in her notebook as they all three returned to the living room.
Kristin has food allergies, Allison added. The list of everything shes allergic to is on the fridge.
More scribbles in the notebook.
Sam hates baths and will go to any lengths to avoid them, Allison said with a chuckle. Dont let him con you.
Sherry started to worry. What other idiosyncrasies did this family have, and what would they forget to tell her? Shed never done private-practice nursing before. Shed always worked in a hospital or doctors office, where there were plenty of people around if she had any questions or problems.
Why doesnt everybody stay for dinner? Sherry asked. I can make a Frito-chili pie thats out of this world.
JONATHAN COULDNT BELIEVE his ears. The woman had been in his house for, what, fifteen minutes? And already she acted like she owned the place, inviting people to dinner. He wanted everyone to go home. He was in no shape to entertain guests.
At least he wouldnt have to go to the table. He planned to take his meals right here on a TV tray.
But the aggravating woman messed up those plans, too. Realizing Jonathan would have to eat his dinner alone if everyone else sat in the dining room, she announced she would serve dinner in the living room. The kids can sit on the floor in front of the coffee table and everyone else can eat on TV trays. You have TV trays, right? She looked at Jonathan.
He was forced to smile and tell her where the trays were kept.
Frito-chili pie. Jonathan knew it was a Texas tradition, but he wasnt fond of Mexican food of any kind. He liked his meat and potatoes. But the smell coming from the kitchen as Sherry cooked wasnt too bad.
Allison got out the trays, and Kristin helped her set places for everyone. Anne put some lively zydeco music on the CD player, while Sally turned on every light and lamp in the house. Pretty soon it was like a party.
A party was the last thing Jonathan needed. Couldnt his family see that? And Sherrydidnt she know injured people needed peace and quiet? What kind of nurse was she?
In less than an hour she had dinner ready. He had to give her credit for efficiency. The steaming square of casserole on his plate didnt cheer him, though. He would have preferred a nice pork chop.
Do you normally have a blessing? Sherry asked as everyone got settled in with their plates and drinks.
Usually only when my fathers here, Allison said. I think I told you before, hes a minister. I suppose we should bless the meal. Would you like to do it, Sherry?
Oh, um, sure. She bowed her head. Jonathan would have done the same, but he was too entranced watching how Sherrys curls fell over one shoulder and breast, the very end teasing her cleavage. Thank you, Lord, for this food, she said, and for giving me a temporary job so the credit card companies dont come get me, and for Jonathan being on the road to a full recovery.
Amen.
Lets eat! Sam said, picking up his fork and digging in. Everyone else followed suit.
From his first bite, Jonathan thought his mouth had caught fire. He somehow managed to swallow, chasing the bite down with a gulp of milk, but he coughed afterward. Looking around, he noticed he wasnt the only one experiencing difficulty with the meal. Jeffs eyes were watering, Edward had covered his mouth with his hand and his eyes were bulging, and Anne was gasping for breath.
Kristin was less polite. She spit out her first bite. This is too hot! she announced.
No kidding, Sam said, staring at his food as if it were a poisonous snake.
Sherry looked at the children with concern. Is it? I put peppers in the pieI found them in the fridge, so I figured you wouldnt mind.
Pete chuckled. Thosere my peppers. I put em on everything, but these other tenderfoots dont like em. Pete took a second bite of the casserole, obviously not bothered by the piquant flavor.
Daddy, can I have a peanut butter sandwich? Kristin asked.
One by one everyone except Pete and Sherry found an alternate dinner. They tried to tell Sherry it wasnt her fault, but she was obviously embarrassed.
What about you, Jonathan? she asked. Can I fix you something else?
Im really not hungry, he announced. I think Ill just go to bed.
Sherry dropped the sponge she was using to clean spills off the coffee table. Ill help you.
He held up a hand to halt her approach. I can manage, thanks. But, to his humiliation, he couldnt. He was stuck in the recliner.
Ignoring his objections, Sherry went to work levering him out of the chair, helping him balance on his good leg while he situated the crutches.
Ive got it now, thanks.
But the infernal woman hovered over him as he limped toward his room. Its always hardest the first day on crutches, she said. Youll get the hang of using them soon. Of course, you shouldnt walk much at all these first few days.
I dont plan towhat in the name of all thats holy is that thing? Jonathan stopped at the doorway to his bedroom, staring at this monstrous flowered balloon-looking thing on his bed.
Its an inflatable bed-chair, Sherry said cheerfully, sliding into the room ahead of him. Its great for bolstering yourself up while confined to a bed. Because you dont want to lie flat all the
Im not confined to a bed, he grated out. I am not an invalid.
She plucked the offending object off the bed and shoved it aside. I like to use it when I sit up reading at night, she said, still cheerful despite his rebuff. Now then, where do you keep your pajamas?
She started opening and closing the dresser drawers as if she had the perfect right.
I dont wear pajamas.
Oh. All right, then. She pulled the covers back on his double bed. Sit down, and Ill help you
Damn it, woman, he roared, cant you see I dont want any help?
She stared at him a moment, then looked down at the floor. Yes, she said softly, thats been obvious since I got here. Its also obvious to me that whether you want it or not you need some assistance.
In case I havent made myself clear yet, let me try again. You are to confine yourself to cooking, cleaning and caring for my children. I can take care of myself.
She picked up the bed-chair and pulled its plug. It made an awful noise as she squeezed the air out of it. If thats what you wish. She didnt seem perturbed at all. Im only here to make things easier. If you need anything, call.
Jonathan could still smell her perfume after she left. Damn. He hadnt meant to be so rude. He knew she was only trying to do the job shed been hired for. But the sight of her in his bedroom had made him snap. Having a woman like her anywhere near his bed was asking for trouble.
Besides, if shed helped him undress, shed have discovered exactly the effect she had on him. It would be highly embarrassing for Sherry to know she could turn him on just by walking across the room.
He allowed himself a brief fantasySherry undressing him, cool, detached, her elegant hands touching him with a nurses practical manner, those long nails lightly raking his skin. He let out an involuntary groan and hoped everyone in the house hadnt heard.
IM SORRY JONATHANS being such a bear, Allison said as she helped Sherry in the kitchen. Hes normally very nice, just reserved. But hes not used to being so helpless.
Can you blame him, after I just about poisoned the whole family?
It was an honest mistake.
Well, Ill remember from now on. No spicy food for the Hardisons. Sherry smiled, trying to get over the humiliation of ruining her very first meal here. Listen, I know how some men are when theyre injured. They feel weak, powerless, and they compensate by bullying everybody that crosses their paths. Im used to it. It doesnt bother me. Although it did, a little. It was always important to her to do a good job, but she also wanted her patients to like her. Jonathan, she suspected, couldnt stand the sight of her.
Well, shed always enjoyed a challenge.
Maybe when the rest of us go, hell simmer down some, Allison said.
Youre leaving now? Sherry knew his whole family wouldnt be spending the night, but she was a little nervous about assuming full responsibility, especially for the children.
Pete will be here one more night, but he and Sally are getting married tomorrow morning and taking off on their cruise.
Does Jonathan expect to attend the wedding? Sherry asked, concerned.
Hed like to, but Jeff said no way.
What about the children?
Yes. Pete will take them to the church, but if you could get them ready, that would be a big help.
Okay. Sherry thought for a moment. Wheres the reception?
Were just having punch and cake at the church hall. Itll be a very small wedding. Why?
I dont mean to interfere, but I was just thinking, what if they moved the reception here? Then we could include Jonathan in the celebration.
Allisons eyes lit up. Thats a terrific idea! Lets run it past Pete and Sally and see what they think.
The older couple was enthusiastic about the suggestion. I dont know why I didnt think of it myself, Sally said. We havent invited that many guests, so space isnt an issue, and Ive always thought that church hall was ugly, anyway. Ill just call Gussie and Reenie and tell them to bring the refreshments and decorations here. Are you sure you dont mind?
Who, me? Sherry laughed. I love a party, any kind of party. She couldnt wait to tell Jonathan the good newsif he didnt throw something at her first.
JONATHAN WAS rudely awakened the next morning by a blast of sunlight. He opened his bleary eyes to find Sherry in his room, whisking curtains open.
Good morning. Whisk! Another curtain open. But the bright sun could hardly compete with the woman herself. Wearing black leggings and a hot-pink, clingy shirt, her outrageous mountain of blond curls piled carelessly atop her head, she was an erotic fantasy come to life.
Would you like breakfast in bed? she asked cheerfully. Or would you like to bathe and dress first and sit in your chair?
He was aghast at her audacity. Youyou cant just barge in here without knocking! he sputtered. This isnt a hospital, its my home, and my room.