the new facts of her life. Rachel found herself gazing at Garrett but shifted her focus when he glanced in her direction. The less contact between them, the easier it would be to let whatever wanted to develop die.

      â€œI guess you’d better tell them,” Lena said finally, with a sigh. “If they don’t want to be around me, at least I’ll know why.”

      â€œGood choice.” Garrett patted her shoulder. “Everybody has been worried about you, so hearing the truth will comfort them. And I bet you’ll find your friendships are the same as before. You’re no different—you just have a few extra things to consider.”

      Rachel considered that assessment too optimistic, but decided not to put a damper on the moment. “You’ll regain your balance,” she assured the girl. “There are lots of professional athletes and Hollywood stars who live successfully with diabetes. You can, too.”

      A nurse knocked on the door and then entered, carrying a food tray. “Dinnertime,” she said. “Do try to eat as much as you can.”

      Garrett got to his feet. “We’ll leave you alone for a few minutes. Then we have to head back to the Circle M, Justino. We’ve been gone all day.”

      Out in the hall, he gazed at the papers in his hand. “Lena’s right. This reminds me of chemistry class, where your grade depends on doing the lab exactly according to the instructions. Only it’s not just a grade, it’s her life.”

      Rachel hardened her heart against his concern. “As I said yesterday, you’re taking on a formidable task. Are you sure Lena doesn’t have family who could supervise her?”

      â€œI’m sure. Caroline checked her records at the office. There’s no one listed in the paperwork.”

      She shook her head. “Then, for better or worse, you’re going to have to master the information and use it. The more you understand, the less likely you’ll be to make a mistake.”

      He stared at her with wide eyes. “What kind of mistakes?”

      â€œIf she takes too much insulin, then she’ll have to eat something to get sugar into her system. If she doesn’t take enough, she’ll have to test her blood and adjust the next dose. Diabetes isn’t an instantaneous problem—it’s a daily, weekly process of balance. With practice, you both should get used to the routine. How much longer does the ranch camp last?”

      â€œAbout a month.”

      â€œSo Lena has a month to absorb this process before she’ll have to take care of herself without help. It’s not much time.”

      â€œBut it’s all we get.” He blew out a deep breath. “I have a feeling we’ll be bothering you a lot once Lena leaves the hospital.”

      â€œIn that case...” She reached into her purse and brought out a few of the business cards she had ordered. “This is the number. Take enough cards to put in various places you might call from—the kitchen, the place Lena sleeps, the barn, even. And keep your cell phone close by.”

      â€œOur cell reception is sketchy out on the ranch, but we have landlines in all those places you mentioned, so I should be able to get in touch.” His mouth relaxed into a smile. “Thanks for your help.”

      The jump in her pulse as their eyes met was a reminder of why she should keep Garrett Marshall at a distance. She was just too susceptible to his charm. “No problem. That’s what I’m in Bisons Creek to do.”

      There was a moment of silence, as he absorbed what she’d said. “Right. You’re the town doctor. It’s your job.” Then he leaned through the doorway into Lena’s room. “We’d better hit the road, Justino. Don’t want to miss dinner again. Lena, we will see you tomorrow morning. Have a good night.”

      With the boy dragging reluctantly behind him, Garrett headed toward the elevator, giving Rachel a two-fingered salute off his hat brim as he passed.

      Rachel realized she’d hurt his feelings, but what else could she do? He imagined possibilities where she saw only obstacles, and encouraging him would be unkind. She was absolutely convinced they would both be better off never letting anything emotional develop between them. Garrett would understand one day. If she just held firm.

      She went in and sat with Lena for a little while, encouraged to note that she’d regained some appetite and had eaten a good portion of her dinner. Soon enough, though, texts to and from Justino were taking most of the girl’s attention, so Rachel stood up from the chair by the bed. “I’ll leave for the night. But I’ll stop by tomorrow to check on how you’re getting along.”

      Lena gave her a sweet smile. “Thank you for being here. It helps to have you and Mr. Garrett to explain things.”

      â€œI’m glad. We’ll do what we can to make this new life as easy as possible for you. You’re old enough to be able to take care of yourself—you just have to learn how.”

      Her phone buzzed again, but Lena didn’t immediately read the text. “My dad expects me to take care of my brothers when I’m home.”

      â€œWe’ll work on your schedule so that’s possible. And maybe we can get your dad to recognize the challenges you’re facing so he’ll lighten your load.”

      But Lena shook her head. “That will never happen.” Another buzz on her phone distracted her. “Night,” she said, and shifted her focus.

      â€œGood night.”

      After leaving the hospital, Rachel stopped by the grocery store in Buffalo so she could stock the refrigerator and pantry in her new kitchen. The drive home showed her a breathtaking sunset as the clouds streaking the western sky glowed red and gold over the peaks of the Big Horn Mountains. Purple twilight shadowed the rolling plains at the base of the mountain range, adding to the rich palette of colors.

      Coming back to Wyoming was a terrific choice. All the years away, she’d missed the spectacular views in her home state.

      As long as she kept her distance from Garrett Marshall.