The Alaska Brides Collection Part 57

"Julie," Vern called softly as he gently shook his daughter. "Wake up. Dinner's on."

Julie wiped her eyes and sat up. "It's sure been a long time since I've had a wake-up call like this."

Vern smiled and Julie noticed the wrinkles that lined his face and the gray in his beard. When had he grown old? she wondered.

"Come on. The food will be cold by the time you make it to the table."

"I'll be right there," Julie said as she got up. "Just let me brush out my hair and change my shirt."

"All right, but it won't be easy to hold back August and Sam. They look mighty hungry," Vern said with a laugh.

"I'll hurry," Julie promised and went to her closet.

The clothes that hung there were those she'd left behind when she'd gone to Seattle. They seemed foreign to her. Finally settling on a navy print with long sleeves and a softly rounded, feminine collar, Julie dressed hastily and dug her hairbrush from her unpacked baggage.

Studying her reflection in the mirror, Julie thought she'd aged a great deal since leaving home. Maybe it was the trials of nursing duty or the loss of her mother, but she looked older than her twenty-two years.

She brushed back her dark hair and decided to let it fall just below her shoulders. There'd be plenty of time to pin it up when she was back at work. For now, Julie was determined to enjoy being a civilian without any obligation to a uniform or dress code.

She finished b.u.t.toning the cuffs on her sleeves as she made her way to the table. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," she said, taking her place.

"It was well worth it," Sam said with admiration in his eyes.

"Shall we say grace?" Vern asked and waited for everyone to bow their heads. "Father, we thank You for Julie's safe return, and we praise You for bringing Sam and her through the storm. Thank You for the bounty You've placed before us. Bless this house and all who pa.s.s here. Amen."

Julie whispered, "Amen," and lifted her head.

Across the table, Sam lifted a plate of bread and handed it to Julie. When their eyes met, she swallowed uncomfortably and accepted the plate. Sam offered a broad grin before turning his attention to the reindeer steaks that Vern pa.s.sed his way.

"So," Sam began the conversation while Vern and August occupied their mouths with food, "your brother tells me that you're about to embark on a new career. How soon will you have to report to work?"

"I, uh," Julie stammered, trying to think of what to say. "I told Dr. Welch that I needed a rest. I've been working almost nonstop since I left Nome in order to study nursing."

"That's true, Sam," August said as he paused to take a drink. "My sister never does anything halfway. She completed her courses at the top of her cla.s.s. She was suggested by none other than the hospital administrator for her position as a public health worker."

"I'm impressed," Sam replied with growing admiration.

It was exactly what Julie didn't want. She tried desperately to steer the conversation in another direction. "I know the need of the people in the villages. My mother was a good example. A doctor can only do so much. As a nurse, I can travel from village to village, and as a native, I'm already known to many and related to a great many more."

"Your mother would be proud," Julie's father said with a smile.

"I only wish I could have finished soon enough to help her." Regret darkened Julie's voice.

"Regret will only grow bitterness, Jewels," Vern said using his daughter's nickname.

Julie nodded. "I know. I'm not going to let it tarnish Mother's dream for me. I want to share more than medicine with the natives."

"Just what did you have in mind?" Sam questioned.

"Well," Julie began slowly as she put her fork down, "I would like to share the Gospel with them. Mother and I talked many times about caring for more than wounded bodies. We felt that there was a need to care for their wounded spirits, as well."

"Do you think folks in the villages will accept your ideas? They might not think too highly of a woman showing up to offer a cure for what ails them."

Sam's voice was lighthearted, but Julie resented his interference in her dreams. Instead of answering, she turned her attention back to the meal.

Vern realized Julie's silence was her way of dealing with things that hurt her. "I believe if the Lord lays a ministry upon your heart, He'll also open the necessary doors," he stated quietly. "Julie's felt this call for a long time. I have to believe that because she's gotten this far, G.o.d has been in it from the start. She'll do just fine."

Julie flashed a grateful look in her father's direction before allowing herself to look at Sam's face. She expected to find sarcastic laughing eyes staring back at her, but instead Sam's face seemed sober, almost apologetic.

The conversation took many turns after that, but Julie sensed that Sam wanted to say something more. When dinner was over, Julie insisted the men allow her to clean up the mess. She waited until all three had moved to the front room before she got up from the table.

The wind was still howling outside, and Julie knew without the benefit of an open window that the blizzard was raging. Part of her hated the long, dark winters when windows were boarded up to insulate against the cold, but another part of her loved the raw wildness of it. Days, even weeks, would pa.s.s when the only people she would see were those who shared a roof with her. This isolation was part of the region's attraction, and Julie knew she could never leave it for good.

"Still mad at me?"

Julie looked up from the dishes and met Sam's dark brown eyes. "I wasn't mad at you."

"Good," Sam replied, sounding relieved. "I'd hate for you to think lowly of me, especially when I think so highly of you." Julie's puzzled expression amused Sam. "You don't think a guy like me could think highly of a woman like you?"

"I don't know," Julie whispered. "I guess I never thought about it."

"Too busy with your studies and all?"

"I suppose," Julie answered.

"Well then, it's about time you heard it from someone who cares enough to be honest with you," Sam said as he put his hand on Julie's shoulder.

Julie grew painfully aware of Sam's closeness. She had no experience with this. What should she do? Before she could do or say anything, however, Sam leaned down.

"I think I've looked for someone like you all of my life."

His breath was warm against Julie's ear, causing her to shudder. She needed to move away from him, but in order to do so, she'd have to turn and face him. Making her decision, Julie turned quickly and found herself in Sam's arms.

"Don't. I mean, I...," Julie stammered. Why couldn't she say what she wanted to say? Then again, what was it she wanted to say?

"Don't be afraid of me," Sam whispered as he lifted Julie's face to meet his. "I'd never hurt you, Julie."

Julie felt her breath quicken at the sound of her name on Sam's lips. She could feel her heart in her throat. "I know," Julie managed to whisper just before Sam lowered his lips to hers.

The kiss lasted only a moment, but when Sam pulled away, Julie realized she'd wrapped her arms around his neck. Frozen in the shock of what she'd done, Julie met Sam's surprised stare.

"Sam," August's voice called out from the front room, "we've got the chess board set up. If you're going to play, you'd best get in here."

The tension was broken by the sound of her brother's voice, and Julie quickly dropped her arms and moved around Sam. "I'd better get back to work," she said as she left the kitchen with Sam staring silently after her.

Chapter 4.

The raging wind and snow left Sam little doubt he'd be staying with the Erikssons through another day. He smiled to himself as he dressed for breakfast. Julie would be there! He could hear her now as she moved around in the room next to his.

Maybe he'd been away from women too long, or maybe he'd been too selfish as a young man to notice, but the existence of a woman like Julie Eriksson was a welcome surprise to him.

Julie beat Sam to the kitchen, where Vern had already stoked the fire in the stove. August had another fire burning brightly in the front room, and several oil lamps had been strategically placed to offer the maximum light.

Julie knew better than to open the door, although a look outside was exactly what she desired most. She could hear the wind and knew the storm hadn't let up. How much snow would this blizzard leave behind? Two, maybe three feet? Julie thought of her upcoming job and wondered how much difficulty she'd have maneuvering the snow-packed trails. Maybe she'd grown too soft for the demands of her duties.

"Good morning," Vern said as he came in from one of the back rooms. "How did you sleep?"

"I was nearly asleep before I finished undressing," Julie said with a laugh. "I was just thinking that maybe I'm not cut out for life in the wilds after five years of civilization."

"Nonsense!" Vern exclaimed. "You have Eskimo and Swedish blood in your veins. That combination will overcome any obstacle in your way. You can do it, Jewels. I have confidence in you."

"So do I," Sam said as he stood leaning against the frame of the door. "I think you're more than able to meet any challenge. Of course, you'll find one or two unexpected surprises along the way, but you're one tough gal. I pity the obstacle that stands in your way."

"That's for sure," Vern chuckled as he motioned Julie and Sam to the front room. "Breakfast will be ready in a little while. You two relax in front of the fire, and I'll call you when it's time."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Julie protested.

Her father wouldn't have any part of it. "I'm still in charge here," Vern said in mock sternness. "Now scoot."

Julie shrugged her shoulders and made her way to the front room. Plopping down on the sofa, she stretched her feet out to absorb the warmth of the fire. Flames snapped and crackled as the logs shifted in the grate.

"You make quite the perfect picture sitting there," Sam said as he took a seat at the opposite end of the couch.

Julie felt the full impact of Sam's stare, and without looking at him she replied, "I wish you wouldn't talk like that."

"Why?"

"Because I'm already humiliated enough. You aren't helping matters one bit," she answered simply.

"Humiliated? Why are you humiliated?" Sam asked as he leaned toward Julie.

She grimaced. "I don't know how you can ask that. I'm totally ashamed of the way I acted last night."

"You mean when August beat you at chess?" Sam teased. Julie couldn't hold back her smile. "That's better," Sam added.

"What is?" Julie asked innocently.

"The smile. I love it when you smile," Sam said softly.

Julie shook her head. "I don't understand you, and I don't know how to deal with you," she said honestly.

"Go on," Sam urged.

"Go on?" Julie questioned as she finally looked Sam in the eye. "What do you expect me to say?"

"I expect you to face up to your feelings. You don't have any reason to feel embarra.s.sment. Especially not on account of our kiss."

Julie put her face in her hands and moaned. "I can't believe I'm sitting here talking to you about it. I get kissed for the first time..."

"The first time, eh?" Sam questioned with a teasing grin. "So I was the first man to kiss you. I think I like that."

Julie groaned. "Let's just forget it. Please!"

"I don't intend to forget it," Sam said firmly.

"Don't intend to forget what?" August asked as he bounded into the room.

Julie fell back against the couch and rolled her eyes. Sam only laughed. "I don't intend to forget that your sister saved my life. I'd like to do something nice for her. Something special."

"You've already done plenty," Julie said as she got to her feet.

Knowing that August couldn't see him, Sam made a face, nearly causing Julie to laugh. "I think I'll see if Pa needs any help," she said, struggling to keep a straight face.

Breakfast pa.s.sed quickly with the men sharing all the news they could think of. Julie remained silent until the subject of the dogs came up.

"I'll need all the help I can get with the dogs this morning," Vern said as he finished a huge bowl of oatmeal. "That storm's wreaking havoc with everything, and I've got to get treatment to the sick dogs and food to all of them."

"I'll be happy to help," Sam said, pushing his chair back from the table.

"Me, too," Julie agreed. "In fact, why don't I take care of the sick ones? That's my field of interest."

"That sounds great," Vern said and smacked his hands down on the table. He'd made that gesture often throughout Julie's childhood, and it always signaled that he was ready for action.

Julie hastily finished her oatmeal and got to her feet. "I'll be ready as soon as I get my coat and mukluks."

"Then the rest of us better get with it, or Julie will have everything done before we get out there," August added.

"Sounds good," Sam said and reached over for his own mukluks.

By the time Julie came back into the kitchen, the men were ready to go. Securing her parka, Julie followed her father and brother, with Sam bringing up the rear. When Vern opened the back door, a gusty wind sent them all back a step, putting Julie squarely into Sam's arms. Despite Julie's push to break away, Sam's grip remained firm. Deciding not to take the action personally, Julie continued to follow her brother into the snow.

"You come with me, Julie. I'll show you what I need done," Vern yelled above the wind. Julie nodded and felt Sam release her as she moved away to go with her father. She watched as Sam went with August to where the dogs were kept behind the house.

Vern ushered Julie into the outbuilding. While it wasn't warm, the building provided welcome relief from the blowing snow.

"Here," Vern said as he pulled Julie to the medicine cabinet. "I still keep all my concoctions and tonics in here. We're blessed to have only five dogs with any health problems. One is Sam's lead dog, Kodiak. He's getting a little extra care after the soaking he got in the Nome River. Other than that, he'll be fine and doesn't really need anything."

"Do you want me to feed him?" Julie asked.

"Yes," her father replied. "I've got a drum of dried fish over in the corner and a barrel of my own special blend for the sick dogs."