Page 43 of Heart of Mystic Valley
“How are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” she managed through gritted teeth, though her pale face and trembling hands betrayed her words.
Joshua’s eyes clouded with concern as he studied Faith’s ashen complexion. “No, you’re not,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Your shoulder needs tending to.”
She shook her head. “I can’t let this slow me down. The Gazette—”
“The Gazette can wait,” Joshua interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. “You need to see Doc Wainwright.”
Faith released a sigh, the fight draining out of her. “I suppose you’re right.” She winced as another wave of pain washed over her.
Joshua tightened his hold around her, his presence reassuring.
She glanced up at Joshua, noting the quiet strength in his stance, the genuine concern etched across his features. A memory flashed through her mind—Joshua as a boy, always thepeacemaker among his rowdy Beckett siblings, always there with a kind word or helping hand.
Faith couldn’t turn off the worry she felt. How would she get the story out about the explosion and robbery if she was laid up? Her father had always said a newspaper’s duty was to inform the public, no matter the cost.
“You’re awful quiet,” Joshua observed, breaking into her thoughts. “What’s on your mind?”
Faith managed a weak smile. “I’m thinking about the article I need to write. There has been so much going on.”
Joshua nodded, his expression thoughtful. “You’re right. I doubt what Mystic is going through is much different from all growing towns.”
Faith found herself drawing strength from Joshua, even as her shoulder throbbed mercilessly.
“Josh,” she said. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“I’m just doing what anyone would do.”
Faith shook her head, wincing at the movement. “No, you’re not. You’re…” She trailed off, searching for the right words. “You’re special, Josh. Always have been.”
The air between them seemed to crackle with unspoken tension. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a sharp cry of pain escaped her lips as she stumbled on a raised spot on the boardwalk.
“Easy there.” His arm tightened around her waist to steady her. “We’re almost to the clinic.”
Nodding, she bit her lip against the fresh wave of agony.
They approached the weathered clapboard building housing the town clinic. As Joshua expected, it was closed. Reaching the clinic’s porch, Joshua guided Faith to a spot where she could lean her undamaged shoulder against the doorframe.
“Rest here for a moment. I’m going to fetch the doctor. Will you be all right for a few minutes?”
“I’ll be fine. Just… hurry back?”
Joshua’s expression softened. “Fast as I can.” He turned and sprinted toward Dr. Wainwright’s house behind the clinic, his long strides eating up the distance.
Left alone, Faith leaned her head against the cool wood of the doorframe, her mind whirling. She couldn’t shake the memory of Joshua’s strong arm around her waist, the gentle timbre of his voice. When had her childhood friend become this dependable man who made her heart flutter?
The sound of rapid footsteps approaching drew Faith’s attention. Dr. Caleb Wainwright, his brown hair slightly disheveled, came hurrying toward her with Joshua close behind. The doctor’s dark eyes quickly assessed Faith’s condition as he neared.
“Faith. Joshua tells me you’ve had quite the mishap. Let’s get you inside and have a look, shall we?”
As the doctor opened the door, Joshua stepped closer to Faith, his brow furrowed with concern. “How are you holding up?”
She managed a weak smile. “I’ve been better, but I’ll survive. Thank you for fetching the doctor so quickly.”
“Josh, if you could assist her to the examination room, I’ll gather what I need from the back.”
Supporting Faith, they made their way inside. The scent of antiseptic and herbs filled the air. Though usually comforting, they now served to heighten her anxiety.
