Bluebonnet Belle by Lori Copeland

suggest you calm down—”
    â€œI’ll calm down when I know what’s wrong with Grandpa!”
    He studied her a moment as if prudently weighing his answers.
    â€œI didn’t think you liked doctors. We’re quacks, remember? Unethical fools who don’t know the difference between a scalpel and a butter knife.”
    â€œYou don’t, as far as I’m concerned. If I had been home, I would have dosed Grandpa with herbs and put him to bed. But I wasn’t there, and Datha was, so here we are. I can hardly jerk him off the examining table and take him home, so we’ll just pretend I go along with your diagnosis.”
    Crossing his arms, he stared at her. “But you don’t. You know more than I do when it comes to the heart.”
    â€œNot more, but probably as much.”
    â€œFortunately, most sane people don’t agree with you.”
    â€œAre you saying I’m not sane?”
    â€œI’m not saying anything.”
    â€œThat’s wise, because most people haven’t had the experience I have with the egos of the medical community.”
    He stiffened. “Miss…?”
    â€œTruitt. April Truitt. Riley’s granddaughter.”
    â€œI knew I’d seen you somewhere before.”
    Stepping closer, she seethed. “You know perfectly well who I am. You told Grandpa about me selling the compound with Mrs. Pinkham, and don’t deny it. Because of you, I can’t sell it anymore!”
    His eyes turned glacial. “I don’t know where you got that idea, but I haven’t said a word to your grandpa about your activities with the Pinkham woman. How could I? I didn’t know who you were until five minutes ago!”
    April rolled her eyes in disbelief. “Oh, really, Dr. Fuller.”
    He met her defiant tone and matched it. “Yes, really , Miss Truitt. I don’t give a fig what you do—got that?”
    â€œDr. Fuller.” She drew herself upright, facing him. “I may not like it that my grandfather is here, but I trust you to do the best you know how—”
    â€œMeaning you think someone else could do better?”
    â€œMeaning that I want to know what’s wrong with him.”
    â€œThen what?”
    â€œThen I’ll determine what course of action to take.”
    After shooting her an angry glance, he studied his notes. “Your grandfather has a heart problem. Today’s episode may have been an attack, or it may have just been a warning. In any event, he needs rest. I’ll want to observe him.”
    â€œFor how long?”
    â€œAt least through the afternoon.”
    April was against leaving him here, but she supposed she must. If she caused a scene, it would upset Riley more. The extra time would give her the opportunity to consult with Mrs. Pinkham and old Mrs. Blake as to what herbal treatment would be most beneficial for him.
    Meeting his eyes, April whispered ominously, “I’ll be back for him late this afternoon.”
    Gray’s face tightened. “And I’ll release him as soon as I feel confident it’s safe.”
    Did he actually think he could take that tone with her?
    Apparently he did.
    He walked off before she could call him back.
    Datha was waiting for April when she stepped outside the office. “Is Mr. Ogden all right?”
    â€œHe’ll be fine,” she reassured her. “I’m glad you were there to take care of him.”
    â€œI was so scared,” Datha admitted, her shoulders slumping in relief.
    â€œThe doctor wants to observe him for a little while, but he’ll be back home by this evening.”
    â€œI’m so glad.”
    Â 
    It was nearing four o’clock when April returned. Gray was standing in the doorway of the examining room, studying the tall vase Francesca had purchased for the waiting room. No matter where he put it, it didn’t look right.
    When he heard the door open, he turned to greet the new