Love's Magic - Betty McLain

Sweet & Wholesome Contemporary Romance Book Series

Love’s Magic by Betty McLain

Series excerpt

The door to Mallie’s room opened and Dr. Drake entered. He came over and checked Mallie’s chart. He looked at her color before turning to Dana.

“How is she? Has the swelling gone down more?” asked Dana.

“Yes, the swelling has reduced some more, but it still has more healing to do. The bone fragment has moved down so that it is just below the skull cap. We need to go in tomorrow morning and remove it before it moves into a place that is harder to get to. We also want to prevent it from doing any additional damage. The nurse will bring you the necessary papers for you to sign and prepare Mallie for surgery. Mallie will be the first patient in the operating room in the morning.”

“Will the operation take long?” asked Dana.

“It will take from forty-five minutes to an hour.” With this bit of news, the doctor left.

Dana picked up her phone to call Bob. She then noticed the time. It was only another hour until the work day ended. She would give Bob time to see his workers off before she called.

* * *

“Daniel,” thought Mallie.

“I’m here,” Daniel thought back.

“The doctor was just here. They have me scheduled for surgery in the morning. They are going to remove the bone fragment.”

“I’ll meet you on the beach.”

Daniel and Mallie were instantly on the beach. Daniel enclosed Mallie in his arms.

He drew back slightly and looked at Mallie. “What did the doctor say?” he asked.

“He said the bone fragment is just below the skull cap and they want to get it out before it moves into a worse spot or causes any damage. It makes sense, but I am so scared.”

Mallie snuggled closer to Daniel. He held her tightly, trying to soothe her fears. That was hard to do, considering he was just as scared.

While Daniel tried to reassure Mallie, Brian and Matt were talking in Daniel’s room.

“Where are you going to be stationed when you go back, or can’t you tell me?” pried Brian.

“I have a month left overseas, then I will be back in the states. I’m not sure where I will be, yet. I hope I will be close enough to home to be able to visit more. I have missed seeing everyone. Letters don’t fill the need to see my family.” Matt looked sad.

“I know what you mean. I don’t think I could handle being away from Katie and Sylvia. It’s hard just leaving Sylvia with mom while we are here. Katie has already called a dozen times to check on her.” Brian smiled ruefully at the thought.

“Being married and a mother really agrees with Katie. I don’t think I have ever seen her so happy.” Matt smiled at Brian.

Herman stuck his head inside the door. “Where’s Mary?” He asked.

“Katie took her home to shower and rest.” responded Brian.

“I convinced her that, between the three of us, we could keep an eye on Daniel.” Brian chuckled. “I think the real reason she went was so that she and Katie could call and talk to Sylvia. It’s been a couple of hours since Katie called my mom. I know she was itching to get out of here and call.”

Herman smiled. “You and Katie will have to come back for a visit when Daniel is better and bring Sylvia.”

“We will,” agreed Brian.

“By the way, Dad, A girl named Barbara stopped by the house while I was there. She wanted to know how Daniel was doing. She claims to be the same skinny little thing with freckles who used to pester us with Katie. Is she Daniel’s girlfriend?” Matt waited for Herman’s answer.

“No, she and her folks are just friends of the family. They have lived next door for years, so she comes over every now and again to visit. She owns the bake shop in town. She makes great donuts.”

“She sure does,” agreed Brian. “Katie went there and brought some back. I think she wanted to see Barbara, she said they were like sisters when they were growing up. The donuts from the bake shop melt in your mouth. I don’t think I have ever had any as good before. Katie and I will have to stop before we leave and get some to take home with us.” Brian sighed, just thinking about eating more of the sweet treat.

I was just telling Brian that my tour overseas will be up in about a month, then I will be back in the States. I am hoping I will be close enough to visit more often.

Herman’s face lit up at this news. “That would be great,” he said. It will make your mom so happy. She misses all of you when you are not around.”

“I miss her and you, too,” replied Matt.

Herman flushed at this display of affection, but he looked pleased at Matt’s words.

* * *

Bob came into Mallie’s room to see Dana staring out the window, looking depressed. He went over and put an arm around her. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“The doctor has Mallie’s surgery scheduled for in the morning. They are going to remove the bone fragment.”

Dana leaned into Bob, loving the feel of his comforting arms around her.

“Why didn’t you call me?” demanded Bob.

“He just told me a little over an hour ago. I knew you would be here as soon as the office closed. Besides, there was nothing you could do. We just have to wait for morning.”

Bob was happy at Dana’s words. She was coming to trust in his feelings and to depend on him. It made him happy to know Dana knew he would be there as soon as the office closed. Now, if Mallie would just get better, he could work on his and Dana’s relationship. There was no way he was going to let anything stop what they were building. When Mallie woke up, he fully intended to make a life for the three of them.

Bob led Dana over to the sofa. They sat and he enclosed her in his arms as they settled back to wait for morning.

“You don’t have to stay,” sighed Dana.

“I’m not going anywhere. Just relax,” soothed Bob.

* * *

It was a long night for Daniel and Mallie. Daniel knew the only thing he could do was hold her closely and let her know he was there for her. The only way they knew it was morning was when Mallie felt the prick of a needle and knew they were preparing her for surgery. She felt them pull her hair up, pin it, and then shave the bottom of her scalp. She hugged Daniel tighter as she felt them working with her hair. She knew she would be falling asleep, soon. She could only hope she would be waking when it was over.

* * *

“They are shaving the back of my scalp,” she told Daniel.

“It will grow back.” said Daniel. “Don’t worry, you will always be beautiful. Relax, I will be right here. I won’t leave for a minute. I will still be holding you when you wake up. I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you, too,” whispered Mallie, groggily.

Daniel sighed as Mallie fell asleep in his arms. He leaned back against the boulder and pulled her closer. It was going to be a long couple of hours.

* * *

The doctor came into the surgery waiting room where Bob and Dana were waiting. They had been waiting for almost two hours since they took Mallie downstairs.

Dana rose from her seat at once when she saw the doctor.

“Is it over? Is Mallie alright?”

“The operation went well. We got the fragment out with no complications. Mallie will be in recovery for about twenty minutes and then she will be taken back to her room. Why don’t you go to the cafeteria and get some breakfast and then meet the nurse in Mallie’s room? You can’t do anything for Mallie while the anesthesia wears off and you will be better able to cope with some food.” Dr. Drake encouraged Dana.

“Thank you, Dr. Drake. I think I could use something.” Dana smiled at the doctor and squeezed Bob’s hand.

They headed toward the cafeteria as soon as the doctor left.

“You know,” said Dana thoughtfully. “Dr. Drake sounded almost thoughtful there for a moment. Maybe we are starting to get through to him.”

Bob chuckled. “With you and Mary working on him he doesn’t stand a chance. He may as well surrender and be done with it.”

“Well,” said Dana. “It will be to his benefit as well as his patients to humanize him.”

Bob chuckled again as they made their way into the cafeteria.

“Oh,” said Dana. “There’s Brian. Let’s see how Daniel is doing.”

They headed over to the table where Brian and Matt were sitting, drinking coffee.

“Hello, Brian,” said Dana. “How’s Daniel doing this morning?”

“Hello, Dana. There’s been no change. This is Daniel’s brother Matt.” He indicated Matt at the table with him. “Matt this is Dana. Her daughter is in a coma, too.”

Both Matt and Dana said “Hello.”

“This is Bob Jenkins,” said Dana, indicating Bob.

The guys all shook hands and said “Hello, nice to meet you.”

“Why don’t you join us?” said Brian. “How is Mallie doing?”

“She had surgery this morning to remove the bone fragment. She is in recovery now and the doctor said that she was doing good.” Dana filled them in on the latest developments.

“I’m glad she’s alright,” responded Brian. “Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.”

“I will. Thank you,” said Dana.

“We have to get back upstairs. Enjoy your breakfast. I hope everything goes alright for Mallie.” Brian and Matt rose from their chairs and prepared to leave.

“Thank you,” said Dana.

“They are nice people,” said Dana, after they left.

“Yes,” agreed Bob.

* * *

Matt and Brian paused outside of the cafeteria.

“I think I will head back to the house for a while,” said Matt.

“Ok,” said Brian. “Do you need a key?”

“No, I stopped at Dad’s store and had a copy made yesterday. I didn’t want to have to keep taking Mom’s key.”

“I’ll let the folks know where you have gone. Get a little rest,” encouraged Brian.

“I will,” responded Matt. “Thanks.”

Matt called his driver to meet him out front and walked towards the front door.

Brian chuckled as he made his way back to Daniel’s room. It was something seeing his brother-in-law call for a driver whenever he needed a car.

“Where’s Matt?” asked Mary, looking around Brian when he came in alone.

“He headed back to the house to freshen up. I think he just wanted some fresh air.” Brian gave his opinion to the room at large.

“Did he say when he will be back?” asked Mary.

“He said two or three hours.”

“He’ll be back, don’t worry,” Brian gave his mother-in-law a quick hug for reassurance.

Matt didn’t head straight home when he left. He had the driver go through town and stop at the bakery. He told the driver to wait and went into the shop.

The bell over the door rang as he walked in.

“Be right with you said a familiar voice from the back room.”

Barbara emerged from the back room. She was wearing an apron, a covering on her head, and there was a dusting of flour on her face. She was beautiful.

Barbara grinned when she saw Matt.

“Hi,” she said. “Come to sample my donuts?” She looked at Matt, teasingly.

“Yes,” agreed Matt, “and to ask you to have dinner with me tonight.”

Barbara looked thoughtful. “It would have to be local. We wouldn’t have time to go anywhere else. I don’t close the shop until eight.”

“Where do you suggest? It’s been a while since I dined in any of the places around here. Is Marshel’s still open?”

“Yes, Marshel’s will be fine,” agreed Barbara. “I’ll meet you at the hospital about eight thirty.”

“Ok,” Matt nodded. “Now about these famous donuts, I’ll take four dozen. Mix them up.”

Barbara looked at him in surprise. “You must have some sweet tooth.” She remarked.

Matt chuckled. “I intend to pass them around. I want a dozen to give another lady at the hospital. Her daughter is in a coma, too. I thought they might cheer her up a little.”

“That’s nice of you,” Barbara looked at Matt approvingly.

Matt flushed slightly at the praise. He had not been trying to score points with Barbara when he thought about taking Dana some donuts, but, he was glad she liked the idea.

“I’ll see you tonight,” he said as he turned to go.

When Matt got to the car, he placed the donuts on the back seat and instructed his driver, Corporal James, to take him home. At the house, he retrieved the boxes from the back seat and handed one to the driver.

“You can pass these out to your buddies,” He told the surprised Corporal James.

“Thanks, Captain.” Corporal James said. “They will be surprised. What time do you want me to pick you up?”

“It’ll be a couple of hours. I’ll call you,” responded Matt. With an exchange of salutes, Matt turned to go inside.

* * *

Mallie started stirring and Daniel tightened his arms slightly.

“Are you alright?” he inquired. He had been sitting there, holding her and worrying about the operation. He figured as long as she was there in his arms, she was alright.

“I think so,” said Mallie. She yawned and smiled at Daniel. “I guess the anesthesia is still wearing off.”

“I have been so scared,” admitted Daniel.

“I know. Me, too.” Mallie rested against Daniel. She was just glad the operation was over. “I guess I need to go and see what is going on in my room, but I don’t want to leave you.”

“I need to check in at my room, too, but it is so nice just to stay here and hold you in my arms.”

Daniel held her a little longer before loosening his hold. “I guess we had better go. Let me know what is happening.”

“I will. You are always just a thought away.” Mallie squeezed his arm and disappeared.

Daniel sighed and did his own disappearing act.

* * *

Bob and Dana were sitting quietly on the sofa. He had his arm around her and they were talking softly. They must have been trying not to disturb her, Mallie thought.

Mallie settled down on the bed as she entered her body. Her head felt strange where the nurse had shaved the back of her head. They had her lying on her stomach with her head turned to the side, so the place on her head, where she had been operated on, was not disturbed. It was not very comfortable, but at least she was not in a lot of pain. The shots she had been given before and after the operation must be keeping the pain away for now, she reasoned.

Mallie tuned into what Bob and Dana were saying.

“I am glad the bone fragment is gone. I just wish the swelling would disappear and Mallie would wake up.” Dana sniffed into the handkerchief that she was twisting in her hand. It must have been Bob’s handkerchief. Mallie knew her mom did not carry handkerchiefs around with her.

“I know,” Bob gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “It won’t be long, according to the doctor. We just have to be patient.”

“I’m trying, but it is so hard to keep on waiting.” Dana turned her face into Bob’s chest and gave way to more tears.

Bob held her closely and let her cry. He thought the crying may help her release some of the tension and help Dana to feel better.

With a last sniff, Dana sat up straighter but did not move out of Bob’s arms. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t know what’s come over me. I keep crying all over you.”

“I am glad to be here for you. Don’t worry about a few tears. It’s a good outlet for stress. Don’t you feel better, now?”

“Yes, I do.” Dana sounded surprised.

“Good.” Bob smiled at her.

* * *

“Daniel,” Mallie thought.

“I’m here,” thought Daniel back.

“The operation was a success. They just have to wait for the swelling to finish going down. Mom is really stressed out. Bob is trying to comfort her and I think it is working. Those two are really getting close.”

“How do you feel about the two of them getting together,” asked Daniel.

“I think it is great,” said Mallie. “After all, you and I are going to be together when we wake up. So, I’m glad Mom won’t be alone.”

“I can’t wait,” said Daniel.

“Me neither,” replied Mallie.

* * *

Matt was sitting in a chair, in Daniel’s room, talking to his parents. Brian and Katie had gone back to the house to get a rest and check on Sylvia. The door opened and Barbara entered. Matt stood up.

“Hello, Barbara,” Mary quickly rose and went to give Barbara a hug.

“Hi, how is Daniel doing?” Barbara asked.

“There hasn’t been any change,” said Mary.

“I’m sorry,” said Barbara. “At least he hasn’t got any worse. Maybe he’ll start to get better soon.”

“Are you ready to go?” He asked her.

“Yes,” she answered.

“Where are you going?” asked Mary, puzzled.

“Barbara and I are going out to dinner.” Matt responded. Barbara flushed slightly.

“Oh,” said Mary. Her face brightened as she thought about this. “Well, have a good time.”

Herman chuckled as they left. “He certainly doesn’t let any grass grow under his feet.”

“I’m glad he’s getting out and having a good time. Barbara is a good girl. I think she has always had a crush on Matt. When she was a teenager, she was always hanging around where she could bump into him. Matt didn’t have a clue about her feelings. He just treated her like he treated Katie. I think that’s about to change.” Mary laughed at the thought.

Herman just chuckled, again.

Books In This Series

Love's Magic (Love's Magic Book 1)

Love's Dream (Love's Magic Book 2)

Love's Time (Love's Magic Book 3)

Love's Reflections (Love's Magic Book 4)

Love's Call (Love's Magic Book 5)

Love's Prophecy (Love's Magic Book 6)

Love's Sight (Love's Magic Book 7)

Love's Answer (Love's Magic Book 8)

Love's Enemy (Love's Magic Book 9)

Love's Retaliation (Love's Magic Book 10)

Love's Obsession (Love's Magic Book 11)

Love's Memory (Love's Magic Book 12)

Love's Gamble (Love's Magic Book 13)

Love's Plea (Love's Magic Book 14)

Love's Promise (Love's Magic Book 15)

Love's Voice (Love's Magic Book 16)

Love's Helper (Love's Magic Book 17)

Love's Tuna Salad (Love's Magic Book 18)

Love's Vigilante (Love's Magic Book 19)

Love's Dilemma (Love's Magic Book 20)

Love's Familiar Face (Love's Magic Book 21)