A Virgin River Christmas (Virgin River #4)(20)

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I’d rather see this through, then I’ll go home.” And what she didn’t say was that she was a little afraid he might disappear again.

“But do you feel safe with him? It’s pretty rugged out here. Your tiger doesn’t have a lot of creature comforts.”

“I don’t think Ian has much, being out here like this. But it’s enough, isn’t it? It’s warm, there’s food, he made me tea, bought me orange juice. He gave me aspirin…”

“I don’t know him, Marcie,” Mel said. “And from what I hear, you don’t know him either. He’s a recluse—does he even have any friends?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “He has me.”

“Do I take that to mean he’s not roaring at you anymore?” Mel asked.

“I hope so. I think he’s all calmed down.”

“I don’t want to leave you in a bad place. That would be irresponsible of me.”

Marcie smiled a little. “When he was loading his truck with firewood to sell, he was singing. You should have heard him. He has the most beautiful voice. I knew when I heard that voice that he’s ferocious on the outside, but on the inside he’s a tender soul. And I think he’s proving I’m right, in spite of himself.”

“Of course, it’s your decision,” Mel said. “But there’s help if you need it.”

“Flu,” Doc said shortly. “Boy’s good—he should practice medicine. You’ll be all right after a couple of days of feeling like crap. I’m going to give you an antibiotic injection, although it will only treat any bacterial infection you might’ve picked up as a result of a viral flu. You’ll have to ride it out, but you’re young and healthy and seem to have a decent nurse. Ian took good care of the old man who lived here before him. He’s up to the job.”

“That may be,” Mel said. “But before I leave, I’m going to make sure he wants to do that. I’m going to have to ask him, Marcie. If he doesn’t want to take care of you through this illness, he shouldn’t have to—not when there’s an alternative. If his means are slim and he’s not inclined—”

“All right,” she said. “But when you ask him, will you please tell him I have eighty dollars I can give him? For anything I eat or drink?”

Mel smiled. “I’ll be sure to tell him that.”

“And can I ask a favor?”

“Sure. Ask away.”

“Any chance you have an older sister?”

“I certainly do.”

“Well, so do I—Erin Elizabeth. Our mother died when I was only four and our dad when I was fifteen. Erin’s seven years older and took complete responsibility for my younger brother and me. She’s a good person, if a little on the bossy side. She was adamantly opposed to me looking for Ian by myself. In the end there wasn’t much she could do to stop me—I am an adult, though she might argue that. Our compromise was that I check in every couple of days and, believe me, she’s more than ready for me to call off the hunt. Erin doesn’t mean to be, but she’s controlling. Sometimes a little hard to take…”

“Well, I have an older sister who can fill that bill. And heavens, you saw Jack!”

Marcie smiled. “I saw. Yes, I suppose you can relate. I need someone to call Erin, tell her that I found Ian, that I’m safe and sound and staying with him for a little while. If you could just explain he has no phone, so I’ll call her the next time I’m in town, it might give her a little peace of mind.”

“Is that the extent of your family?” Mel asked.

“Yes,” she said. “Me and Erin and our brother, Drew. But I also have my late husband’s family and there are a million of them. Just because he’s gone now, they won’t ever give me up. I’m far from alone, believe me. If I write down the number, will you call for me?”

“Provided Ian goes along with your idea, I’ll be glad to,” Mel said.

“We don’t have to tell her I got sick. Do we?”

“Oh, Marcie, I don’t like stretching the truth,” Mel said.

“Well—you don’t tell patient business. And you do think I’ll be just fine, don’t you?”

Mel made a face and shook her head. “Is this the way you’ve been getting around your sister?”

“You have to think fast around Erin. She’s brilliant.”

“Bottoms up,” Doc said, tapping the air bubbles out of a syringe. “I’ll give you some decongestant and cough medicine and beyond that, it’s just rest, juice, water, light meals—broth would be good for a day or so. Listen to your body and rest when you’re tired. A lot of sleep and fluids almost always kicks this sucker fast. No wood chopping or washing clothes in the creek. You’ll come around pretty quick, I bet.”

“But I can use the outdoor rather than the chamber pot, even though it’s cold?”

“Of course. Cold doesn’t make you sick, it makes you cold. Bundle up anyway, and make it quick.”

“You probably don’t have to recommend that…Have you ever felt the seat of an outhouse in December?” she asked.

“Girl, I had to get trained in how to flush when I was a young man,” Doc said. “Gets you down to business real quick, now, doesn’t it?”