Beloved Physician by Al Lacy

Central City Hardware. He left his desk in the outeroffice and moved to the open door of Kirby Holton’s office. “Boss, I’ve got the list all made up that you wanted. Think of anything else since we talked?”
    Kirby looked up from the paperwork on his desk. “Nope. That oughtta do it. You’re sending Greg, aren’t you?”
    “Yes, sir. I’ve got to get down into the mine and give instructions to those new men at level three. Greg’s at the water pump washing up right now.”
    “Good. See you later.”
    Art left the office and made his way down the slope to the water pump where Greg was washing coal dust from his face and hands. He noted that Greg had already hitched a team of horses to a nearby wagon.
    As he drew up, Greg took towel in hand and smiled at him with water dripping from his face.
    While Greg was drying his face and hands, Art said, “Here’s the list.”
    Greg took it. “Be back in a little while.”
    Art headed back for the office and when he was about to open the door, he looked over his shoulder to see Greg snapping the reins, putting the team into motion.

SIX

    M abel Downing and her niece were within a half-block of the general store when suddenly Cassandra pointed up the street. “Aunt Mabel, look!”
    Mabel turned to her, then followed the direction of her finger with her eyes and saw only the busy traffic moving both ways on the broad, dusty street. “What, honey?”
    “Up there at the nearest intersection. It’s Greg Holton in one of the mine’s wagons! He’s right behind that stagecoach. See him?”
    Mabel squinted, moved a step closer to her niece, and focused her attention just behind the stagecoach. “Oh. Yes. Now I see him.”
    Cassandra stopped quickly and turned toward the large window of a boot and shoe store. She looked at her reflection and dabbed at her hair, trying to make herself look presentable. Then turning back toward her aunt who had stopped and backed up with the shopping cart, she looked down at the dress she was wearing and tried to brush out the wrinkles in the skirt. “Oh, Aunt Mabel,” she said, doing what she could to smooth the fabric over her slim hips, “Greg’s going to see me in this awful dress! It’s so old. Can’t we do something soon so I can have some decent clothes? This is embarrassing.”
    Mabel looked her up and down. “My dear, you look lovely. After all, clothes don’t make the person.”
    Cassandra frowned. “Well, they may not, but it sure doesn’t hurt to look one’s best. Especially when the son of the richest man in town is coming our way.”
    Mabel chuckled. “I’m sure Greg won’t even notice that your dress is old, child. And besides that, there is absolutely nothing wrong with what you’re wearing.”
    “You just don’t understand.” Cassandra put on a smile while she waved to get Greg’s attention.
    A smile spread over Greg’s face when he spotted the lovely brunette waving at him. He waved in return.
    Greg quickly guided the wagon up to the side of the street, set the brake, and hopped out. “Hello, Mrs. Downing. Nice to see you.”
    Mabel warmed him with a smile. “Hello, Greg. Nice to see you, too.”
    Greg set adoring eyes on Cassandra. “And hello to you, young lady. My, don’t you look gorgeous!”
    Cassandra’s face tinted. “Thank you, Greg.”
    Mabel ran her gaze between them. “Tell you what, children, I’m sure you’d like to chat for a few minutes. I’ll go on to the general store and start shopping. Cassandra, you can come when you and Greg have had a few moments to get better acquainted.”
    Cassandra nodded and smiled.
    “Thank you, ma’am,” said Greg. “I do want to get better acquainted with her.”
    Mabel pushed the cart down the boardwalk, weaving among the people who were coming her way.
    Greg looked at Cassandra. “I’ve been waiting to hear from you about something I could do for you, but so far you haven’t contacted me.”
    “Well, I haven’t thought of some particular