One Shenandoah Winter by Davis Bunn Page B

is.”
    â€œYou really should go meet Poppa Joe,” Hattie said, giving her soft smile to both combatants.
    Connie found her anger fading, her shoulders slumping in tired resignation. “I’m sorry I got cross,” she muttered to the ground at her feet. “But Poppa Joe has been after me for weeks. I’d be grateful if you’d come.”
    There was a moment of silence before Nathan Reynolds snapped out in his customary harsh voice, “Make it midafternoon. I’ve got some things to see to in the morning.” He turned on his heel and started for the clinic, shouting at Will as he walked. “And you get back to work!”
    When the clinic door had slammed closed, Connie sighed and said, “Somebody’s gonna shoot that man. And I hope they do it real slow.”
    â€œI suppose I’ve heard a less pleasing invitation than the one you just gave Doc Reynolds,” Hattie said quietly. “But right now I can’t seem to remember when.”
    Now that it was over, Connie felt very tired. “Every time I’ve met that man, I declare he’s gotten me so riled I could grind riverbottom rock with my bare teeth.”
    Will Green called over, “I ain’t sure you oughtta gone and said what you did back there, Miss Connie.”
    â€œBeing the town’s only doctor doesn’t give him the right to make hearth rugs out of the rest of us, Will.”
    â€œBut Miss Connie—”
    Hattie said, “Not now, Will. Please.” She grasped Connie’s arm and pulled her across the street. “We need to talk.”
    Connie walked alongside her friend and said, “I can’t for the life of me understand what’s keeping you here with this man.”
    â€œBecause I don’t want him to go out and hire some sweet young thing who lets him stomp all over her and crush her spirit, that’s why.”
    â€œNow tell me the real reason.”
    Hattie guided them over to the riverbank before quietly replying, “I’ve had the strongest feeling that God wants me here.”
    Connie stared at the woman with strong-boned features and quiet country ways. “Girl, have you gone all soft in your mind?”
    â€œI knew you wouldn’t understand, that’s why I didn’t tell you before. But that’s how it’s felt. Ever since the moment I heard Ida May had quit, I felt like the Lord was asking me to come help out.”
    The power of Hattie’s quiet words left her shaken. Connie found herself recalling weeks back, on the first drive into town after Dawn’s return. Just as when the young girl had said she had prayed for Connie, she sensed a silent challenge. When Connie did not respond, Hattie went on. “You shouldn’t let him get you so riled.”
    â€œYeah, well, I’ve got myself a couple of other pots simmering on the stove today.” Connie let her other worries show. “There’s a big money fight brewing over Richmond way. Looks like I’m going to have to spend my Sunday trying to find people at home and twisting their arms while their guards are down.”
    â€œIt’s a shame, you having to work on a Sabbath.”
    â€œIf I don’t, the battle will be lost before the meeting starts Monday morning.” Connie stared down at the water for a time, wondering why giving into anger always left her feeling lonely afterward. “I missed Dawn this morning. Stopped by the house to pick her up, but there wasn’t anybody around.”
    â€œThat was my fault. It didn’t hit me until we were into town that neither of us thought to give you a call.” It was Hattie’s turn to sigh and shake her head. “I drove her so we could get in some more quality arguing.”
    Connie looked at her oldest friend. Hattie’s smile lines were pinched into crow’s-feet, the eyes dark with worry. “What’s the matter with Dawn?”
    â€œYou need to talk with