A Daddy Sent By Santa. Susan Carlisle

they would recover soon.

      “Let’s go, Rick,” Lauren called to the policeman, who was doing something near the tractor. She closed the door and headed to the other side of the car.

      Somehow the sound of her soft, slow drawl and unusual tone that could only be native to the region took his mind off his pain. Who was this young woman who lived out in the middle of nowhere? And why did she? After Gabriella’s mistreatment of him, he was surprised that he’d even wonder about a woman, but curiosity about Lauren did keep his mind off his discomfort.

      Lauren got into the front passenger seat and closed the door. She swiveled in her seat and said, “Give me your hands.”

      “Again?”

      “Yeah. I need to start warming them. You are familiar with frostbite care?” she asked, a little irritated note in her voice.

      “Of course I am.”

      “Then you know I need to bring the feeling back slowly. I don’t have any more heat packs so I’ll need to hold them between mine. Body heat is the best.”

      He glanced at the man next to him to see his reaction, but he had his head back and his eyes closed. In a few minutes Paxton would rouse him to make sure he wasn’t unconscious from a concussion, but first...

      Paxton extended his hands.

      Lauren took them between her smaller ones and held them but instead of rubbing movements she blew on them. Her gaze met his, held. Her eyes were as black as the sky he’d so often lain under in Africa. Unspoiled, huge and comforting. There was look of caring he’d not seen in a woman’s eyes in a long time. Was he destined to judge every woman by Gabriella? He hoped not. Lauren blinked and the moment was gone.

      “You were good out there,” he said with true admiration.

      “Thanks.” She looked pleased with the compliment. Did she not get many of them?

      “You know, I’m used to being the one who gives the orders.” He watched a slow smile light up her face.

      “I know. I heard a few of them tonight.”

      “I think you’re pretty good at them as well.” He knew his grin was more grimace than smile.

      Rick climbed into the driver’s seat. “Everyone ready?”

      “Where’re we headed?” Paxton asked when they were riding down the road.

      “Lippscomb, Oklahoma. Closest hospital. By the way, I’m Lauren Wilson.” She nodded to the driver. “This is Rick Moore. That’s Art Thompson beside you.”

      “And I’m Dr. Paxton Samuels. Feel free to call me Paxton.”

      “You’re our new temporary doctor. Tough way to start your month,” she said, giving him a reassuring smile.

      “I won’t argue with that.” But everything about the last few weeks had been tough as well.

      She continued to blow and after a few minutes she looked at him. “I forgot to mention that I’m your nurse. So this probably won’t be our last adventure together.”

      He wasn’t sure if that sounded ominous or inviting, but it was definitely intriguing.