38

MATTHEW STOOD at the French doors in the O’Learys’ parlor and gazed out over the expanse of snow, attempting to sort through his thoughts.

The events of the previous night lingered in his mind. The elation of witnessing a new life come into the world, the joy of sharing that precious moment with Deirdre, their amazing kiss in the kitchen. He’d never felt closer to another human being—so much so that he’d almost thrown caution to the wind and blurted out his feelings for her. Yet he knew enough not to let his heightened emotions override his common sense. Instead, he’d spent the rest of the night reading his Bible and praying, attempting to discern God’s will for him—and for Deirdre.

As he prayed, he couldn’t seem to get Victor’s words out of his head, urging him to tell Deirdre the truth and let her make her own decision about her future. After the kiss they’d shared, he realized the validity of Victor’s advice. Deirdre deserved to know how he felt about her. If she rejected him, it would hurt, but at least they’d both have no regrets. No reason to wonder what might have been if only he’d spoken up.

Still, gathering the courage to reveal his heart was proving more daunting than he’d imagined.

Old fears and uncertainties rose up to taunt him. Would he ever be enough for her? Could she accept his faults? Tolerate his mistakes when he disappointed her?

Because of Deirdre, Matthew was a different man. One who put his daughter first, before his work, before his own needs. And never again would he jeopardize that relationship.

Could he extend that same commitment to Deirdre and, if so, would their love be enough to see them through the trials of life?

My love will sustain you.

His throat cinched as a new realization formed. God had played no part in his first marriage. But Deirdre’s deep spiritual conviction had bolstered his own fledgling faith—faith in a God who would strengthen and sustain them over the course of their marriage, no matter what the future held.

“Matthew?”

He turned to see Deirdre enter the room, the morning sun dancing off her auburn curls, and his breath caught. In a simple skirt and blouse, she had never looked more beautiful.

Matthew lifted one last fervent prayer, then moved to greet her. “Good morning. I hope you managed to get some sleep after all.”

“I did. Are you all ready to go?” She smiled, yet her eyes remained shrouded in sadness.

She looked so forlorn that every fiber in him wanted to kiss her. To take her in his arms and never release her. But he wouldn’t rush things.

“Not quite,” he said. “There are a few things I need to say before I go.”

Her brow crinkled. “What is it? You look serious.”

He moved closer. “I can’t leave without telling you the truth.”

Confusion flashed over her features. “I don’t understand.”

Matthew reached for her hand and led her to the sofa. “Please hear me out before you say anything.”

He sat beside her and drew in a breath, willing the right words to come. “Since I’ve met you, Deirdre O’Leary, nothing in my life has been the same. You’ve changed me in more ways than I can count. You’ve rekindled my faith, given me back my confidence, helped Phoebe thrive, and . . .” He inhaled and slowly released his breath. “You’ve taught me how to love.”

Deirdre’s hand flew to her trembling lips.

“As much as I fought it”—he swallowed, his voice a whisper—“I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love with you. I thought you had the right to know.” He held his breath, hardly daring to hope what she might say next.

Tears stood out in the green of her eyes. “Oh, Matthew,” she whispered. “I love you, too. So very much.”

He gazed down into her beautiful face, wanting to memorize every detail, every lash, every pore of her delicate skin. Get lost in the depths of her eyes. Eyes that shone with love for him.

Her lips parted, drawing him in, and he kissed her. Her mouth melded to his with an intensity that left him weak. She tasted of sweetness and strength. Her familiar scent of cinnamon and vanilla engulfed him. Tendrils of her hair caressed his jaw. He was lost, at sea in a storm of emotion such as he’d never experienced before.

This was true love, true passion. A soul mate to share his good days and his bad. Together, he knew they could weather any storm.

Deirdre’s heart filled with such joy she thought she would burst. She could scarcely believe what Matthew had just told her, yet his kiss bore evidence of his sincerity.

Moments ago, she’d entered the room to bid him a final farewell. The weight of it had pressed on her soul to such a degree that she’d almost taken the cowardly way out and stayed in her room until he’d gone. But she couldn’t resist the profound yearning to see him one last time.

Now he released her with a gentle sigh and looked deeply into her eyes. “I know how much becoming a doctor means to you, and I would never deprive you of that. I’m willing to wait, if that’s what you wish.”

Gazing at his handsome face, her addled mind struggled to make sense of his words. “Are you . . . are you asking me to marry you?”

He smiled. “That would be the ultimate goal—after you finish your schooling.”

“But that could take years.” She got up from the sofa and crossed to the fireplace, her spirit shuddering at the thought. Years of precious time lost. Years of Phoebe’s childhood missed.

Yet, the fact that he cared enough to consider her dreams only made her love him more.

Matthew rose and came to stand beside her. “Would you consider switching to the University of Toronto?” he asked softly. “That way you could still be an important part of our lives.”

“No, Matthew. That’s not good enough.” She lifted her chin, leveling him with a determined look that matched her resolve. “Phoebe needs me now. My career can wait.”

He frowned. “But if we marry, you’ll forfeit your chance at medical school. You know they don’t accept married women.”

Deirdre smoothed her hand over the front of his jacket, where the rapid beating of his heart belied his outward calm. “Lately, I’ve come to realize that becoming a doctor isn’t as important as it once was. When Aunt Fiona told me she’d found a place for me, I didn’t feel . . . anything. Certainly not the happiness I expected.” She took one of his hands and pressed it to her cheek. “Right now being with you and Phoebe is what brings me joy. And who knows, the rules regarding women doctors might change over time.”

His anxious eyes searched hers. “You’re sure? I don’t want you to resent me down the road for ruining your dreams.”

She smiled, filled with tenderness at his concern. “Dreams change, Matthew. I’ve simply exchanged one dream for another.” She kissed him then, pouring all her love into the joining of their lips.

When they parted, he shook his head. “I’m bound to disappoint you, you know. To inadvertently cause you pain. Neglect your needs.”

“And I will likely do the same. No marriage is perfect. That’s where God comes in. He will strengthen our love. Help us to forgive our mistakes and remember what true love is really about.”

His face seemed to light with hope, as though he’d finally started to believe they could be together. “If you’re certain about forgoing medical school, I have another idea.” His fingers twined with hers. “Some of the patients in my new clinic are bound to be children and I know you wanted to work in pediatrics. Would you be willing to help out—even on a part-time basis?”

She blinked. “You want to work with me?” A thrill went through her at the idea that Matthew valued her not only as a woman but as a peer, and that he’d welcome her working alongside him.

“Absolutely. It would be a sin to waste your nursing degree and your gift for healing. I think we’ve already proven that we make a remarkable team.” He gave her a bold wink. “In more ways than one.”

She held back a laugh. “Why, Dr. Clayborne, are you making inappropriate overtures to a colleague?”

Smiling, he tugged her back against his chest. “Yes, and I plan to continue doing so for a very long time. If you accept my proposal, that is.” He raised his brow, a touch of humor dancing in his eyes.

Sudden tears welled and she swallowed a rush of emotion. God had answered her prayers and given her the truest desire of her heart. “I would be honored to marry you, Matthew. I love you and Phoebe more than words can express.”

Relief spread over his features, and he grinned. “Well, since you claim to be at a loss for words, I believe kisses will have to suffice.”

Love radiated from his eyes as he touched his lips to hers and made good on his promise.

Buoyed with happiness, Connor entered the house, still hushed due to the early hour, and steeled himself for a confrontation with his father. Best to say his piece and get it over with.

Connor poked his head into the parlor, thinking Daddy might be reading the morning paper there, but only Deirdre and Dr. Clayborne occupied the room. The two seemed engrossed in a very intense conversation, so he slipped down the hall to the dining room. Daddy sat with his morning coffee, alone at the table. Just as well. Connor did not want Mama to be part of this conversation.

“Good morning, Connor,” Daddy said when he spied him. He studied his attire and frowned. “Have you been out all night?”

Connor ignored the question and pulled out a chair. “We need to talk.”

Daddy folded his paper and set it aside. “Very well. What’s on your mind?”

For once, Connor felt calm and assured, not letting his temper get the upper hand. “First of all, I want you to know that I’m in love with Josephine Miller and I intend to marry her. Secondly, you owe Jo an apology for the way you treated her last night. I will not allow you to disrespect the woman I love.” He leaned back and crossed his arms. “If any of this is unacceptable, I’m prepared to tender my resignation right here and look for somewhere else to live.” Connor congratulated himself on keeping an even tone.

Daddy studied him. “Are you finished?”

“I think that about covers it, yes.”

“Good. Then I will apologize to Josephine the next time I see her.”

Connor’s eyebrows shot skyward. “Just like that?”

“I have no qualms about apologizing. There was a reason I said what I did, and since your young lady passed my test with flying colors, I will make things right between us.”

“What test?”

“I wanted to ascertain her true motives—to see if she truly cared about you or was merely trying to snag a rich husband. Her fiery defense of you told me all I needed to know. That and the fact that she refused to marry you when you proposed.” A smile spread across Daddy’s face. “I do admire a woman with gumption. I believe Miss Miller will be a fine asset to this family.”

Connor’s mouth gaped open. This certainly wasn’t the reaction he’d expected. He frowned, still not quite ready to let his father off the hook. “How could you let Jo leave alone like that? She could have been in real danger if I hadn’t found her.”

Daddy chuckled. “Relax. I was ready to go after her, but Brianna told me you’d already charged to her rescue. Didn’t want to ruin your moment.”

“I can’t believe this.” Connor scratched his head. “You sure you’re all right with me marrying Jo?”

“I am. In fact, now that you’ve proved you’re ready, I believe a promotion is in order. How would you like the position of head trainer?

Connor blinked. “But that’s Sam’s job.”

“It seems Sam has decided to stay on with his brother and help run his ranch. He’ll be back in a few weeks to wrap things up here before he moves out West for good.”

Still bewildered, Connor stood and held out his hand. “Then I accept the job, sir. With pleasure.”

Daddy rose and shook his hand. “I’m sorry if you felt I rode you a bit too hard. Sometimes being the boss’s son means you have to work a little harder to prove yourself. But I always knew you’d rise to the challenge.” He pulled Connor into a tight embrace. “I’m proud of you, son. Not only for being a good trainer, but for being an honorable man.”

Connor’s throat tightened. “Thank you, Daddy. That means a lot.”

He slapped Connor on the back. “Well, with you and Gil running Irish Meadows, maybe now I can spend a lot more time fishing—and kissing your mama on the porch swing.”

Connor laughed out loud, imagining his mother’s reaction to that.

After yet another kiss, Matthew reluctantly pulled away from Deirdre’s intoxicating nearness. “If you’ll excuse me, my love, I need to have a word with your father.”

Her eyes glowed with mischief. “Are you going to ask him for my hand?”

With a grin, he raised her knuckles to his lips. “It’s the proper thing to do.”

She pressed closer. “We could do the impulsive thing and elope.”

“Is this when you expect me to curtail your rash ways with my common sense? Because I warn you, I’m not feeling very sensible right now.”

She laughed out loud. “I think I like you this way.”

He dropped a light kiss on her lips.

“What if Daddy says no?” she teased.

His lips twisted upward. “Then prepare to grab your bags and be off.”

Before he gave in to the temptation to kiss her again, he left the parlor in search of James. He found the man in his study, staring out the window.

James turned with a nod. “Matthew. All set to go?”

Matthew clasped his suddenly unsteady hands behind his back. “Not exactly.” He squirmed under the man’s gaze. “Actually, sir, I’ve come to ask for your blessing . . . on my marriage to your daughter.”

James’s mouth slacked open. “Sweet saints above, Katie was right.” He moved across the room toward Matthew. “Kathleen kept insisting Deirdre was in love with you, and you with her, but I didn’t believe a word of it. Not that I’m sure it justifies her faking that fall.”

Matthew stiffened. “She what?”

James shook his head. “I’m afraid I only discovered the truth after you’d arrived. Colleen convinced my wife to go along with this scheme to get you back here. They even had Mrs. Johnston sneaking Katie food at night. But don’t tell Deirdre. She’d be furious with them.”

Matthew released a breath. It was pointless to be upset over it now, especially when things had turned out so well. “Kathleen was right about one thing. I love Deirdre very much. It just took me a while to get the courage to do something about it.”

James leaned back against his desk. “What about her career? Is she giving it up?”

“Not altogether. I’ve asked her to work in my clinic when it opens.” He gave a hopeful smile. “I find I’m a much better doctor with Deirdre by my side. I’m confident our partnership will work well in all areas of our life together.”

James’s chest heaved beneath his vest. “Lord knows I have nothing but respect for you, Matthew. And if this is what Deirdre wants, well . . . I won’t stand in her way.” A muscle in his jaw ticked. “Her happiness is all I’ve ever wanted.”

“On that we definitely agree.”

James held out his hand. “Then I guess you have my blessing. Welcome to the family, son.”

Matthew swallowed hard and shook his hand. “Thank you, sir. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”

“There’s one more thing before you go.” James returned to his desk and picked up an envelope. “We seem to have overlooked the small matter of your fee.”

Matthew stilled. He’d forgotten all about payment, so entrenched had he become in the O’Learys’ lives. He waved James off. “I couldn’t, sir. You’re family now.”

“Nonsense. I promised you hefty compensation for abandoning your practice and devoting your time to Kathleen. I insist you take it.” He slapped the envelope into Matthew’s hands. “I hope this will help you establish your clinic.”

With unsteady fingers, Matthew withdrew the check, and his mouth fell open. “This is not the fee I agreed on. In fact, it’s more than double.”

“A fraction of what it’s worth to have my wife back. Consider it an investment in my daughter’s future.” James winked at him. “Now let’s get Deirdre and tell Katie the good news.”