13. Chapter 13 #2
"And your offer?" Claudine asked quietly. "For me to join your practice?"
"Stands firm," the doctor assured her. "Though I understand if ranch responsibilities take precedence."
Claudine nodded thoughtfully. "I need to discuss it with Michael more thoroughly. And there's Lucy to consider once she returns from Helena."
"Of course." Doc Miller patted her hand. "There's no rush for your decision. The position will remain open whenever you're ready."
That evening, Claudine shared the conversation with Michael as they sat on the porch watching twilight settle over the ranch. The air smelled clean after days of rain, carrying the scent of wet pine and fresh grass.
"What are your thoughts?" Michael asked when she finished relating Doc Miller's continuing offer.
"I'm torn," Claudine admitted. "Working with him would allow me to use my medical training more fully, to help more people."
"But?" Michael prompted, knowing her well enough to hear the unspoken reservation.
"But it would mean dividing my time between town and the ranch. Between medical duties and family responsibilities." Claudine turned to face him directly. "I won't neglect you and Lucy, Michael. You are my priority."
Michael considered her words. "What if it needn't be either-or?" he suggested. "Doc Miller visits outlying ranches monthly. Perhaps you could establish something similar here—regular clinic days at Crawford Ranch where neighbors might seek treatment without traveling all the way to town."
The suggestion caught Claudine by surprise. "You would convert part of our home to a medical clinic?"
"Why not? The old storage room near the kitchen could be remodeled easily enough." Michael's expression remained thoughtful. "You've already proven your value as a healer during this crisis. Why limit that gift now that the immediate danger has passed?"
Claudine stared at her husband with renewed appreciation.
The Michael Crawford who had advertised for a practical wife would never have considered such an unconventional arrangement.
The man beside her now saw possibilities rather than limitations, viewing her skills as assets to be supported rather than distractions from domestic duties.
"You continue to surprise me," she said softly.
"As you do me." Michael took her hand, his calloused palm warm against hers. "When I sent that advertisement, I sought someone to fill an empty place in my household. Instead, I found a partner who expands my understanding of what's possible."
Claudine squeezed his hand. "Thank you for seeing me so clearly," she whispered. "For valuing all that I am."
"How could I not?" Michael's voice held honest puzzlement. "Your capabilities are part of what makes you who you are. Why would I ask you to diminish yourself?"
Before Claudine could respond, hoofbeats sounded on the drive. They turned to see Tom Harris riding toward the house at a pace that immediately raised concern.
"What's happened?" Michael called as the foreman reined in.
"Telegram from Helena," Tom replied, handing over a folded paper. "Came to the general store an hour ago."
Michael opened it, his expression shifting from concern to alarm as he read the brief message. "It's Lucy," he said, passing the telegram to Claudine. "She's fallen ill with the fever."
Claudine went cold as she read the stark words: "Lucy Crawford ill with fever. Condition serious. Come immediately. Henderson family."
"I'll prepare to leave immediately," Michael said, already rising from his chair.
"We'll both go," Claudine corrected firmly. "She'll need proper medical care."
Michael nodded, relief evident in his eyes. "Tom, can you manage things here for a few days?"
"Of course, boss. Take whatever time you need." The foreman's weathered face showed real concern. "Little Lucy's tough. She'll pull through."
Claudine moved swiftly, packing her medical bag with supplies that had proven effective against the fever. Within an hour, they were on the road to Helena, traveling through the darkness despite the hazards of nighttime journey.
Michael drove with grim determination, pushing the horses as fast as safety allowed on the rain-slicked roads. Beside him, Claudine sat equally resolute, her mind cataloging treatments and calculating dosages appropriate for a child of Lucy's size.
"She's strong and healthy," Claudine said, breaking the tense silence. "And the Hendersons would have sought medical help immediately."
"I know," Michael replied, his voice tight with controlled fear. "But she's so small, Claudine. When Sarah died, I swore I'd never let anything happen to Lucy. I promised to protect her always."
"You have protected her," Claudine reminded him gently. "Sending her away was the right decision, given what we knew then."
"Was it? Or did I send her directly into danger?"
"You made the best choice with the information available," Claudine insisted. "Second-guessing helps nothing now."
Michael nodded, accepting her practical wisdom even as worry etched lines around his eyes. "Thank God you're with me," he said quietly. "I couldn't face this alone."
Claudine reached for his hand, moved by the trust in his admission.
"We'll get through it together," she promised. "Whatever comes."
The journey to Helena would take most of the night, leaving Claudine hours to prepare mentally for what awaited them. Lucy's illness represented their greatest challenge yet—a test of both Claudine's medical skills and their strength as a family.
As miles passed beneath their wheels, Claudine thought of the child who had accepted her so completely, who called her "Mama" with such natural affection.
Lucy's wellbeing had become central to Claudine's heart in ways she could never have anticipated when she first stepped off the stage in Pine Creek.
"We'll bring her home," Claudine said with quiet determination, as much to herself as to Michael. "Whatever it takes."
Michael's hand found hers in the darkness, their fingers intertwining in silent promise. Together they pressed on toward Helena, toward Lucy, toward the battle that would demand everything they had to give.