Page 9 of An Alaskan Twin Surprise (Home to Owl Creek 2)

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Rachel drove down Main Street and headed toward Doc’s pharmacy to pick up a few personal items for Helene. She also needed fingernail polish, polish remover and cotton balls so she could do her mother’s nails tonight. Rachel wanted to pamper her a little bit since she had the feeling it had been a very long time since she’d gone to the hairdresser or nail salon. As a nurse she knew how important it was to keep up a patient’s positive attitude and appearance.

At the moment, however, she was having a fierce conversation with herself about Gabriel Lawson.

Did he really think she would be so incredibly self-centered as to believe his presence at Mama’s house revolved around her? Had he followed her out of the diner so he could set her straight?

She wondered if he’d ever truly known her. They’d once been true kindred spirits, completely head over heels in love with each other.

There hadn’t been a doubt in Rachel’s mind about their shared future until Gabriel’s plane crash. Then it had all collapsed down around her. As a result, the terrifying memories of her father’s fatal plane wreck had washed over her in unrelenting waves for weeks on end. Her sleep had been plagued by fiery nightmares, and fear had been her constant companion. She’d been convinced history would repeat itself and that Gabriel too would perish in a plane crash. Her attempts to talk to him about her fears had been dismissed. She’d soon come to the realization that Gabriel’s number-one priority in the world had been his career as a pilot. Because of her fears, Rachel had pulled away from Gabriel emotionally in an effort to protect herself. In the weeks leading up to the wedding Rachel had felt very disconnected from her fiancé. Gabriel had been so distracted during that time she wasn’t even sure he’d noticed her distant behavior. In the end, she’d taken off before their wedding, unable to bear the thought of losing yet another person she loved in such a devastating way.

“Rachel Marshall! Is that you?” She looked up to see an older white-haired gentleman smiling down at her. With his piercing blue eyes and round spectacles, Rachel would recognize him anywhere. Doc Johnson had owned the pharmacy ever since she could remember. He’d also been the occasional substitute teacher in her high school science courses. Through the years he had given her massive encouragement about becoming a nurse.

“Hey, Doc. It’s great to see you.” Rachel leaned in and gave him a hug. Doc wrapped his arms around her in a comforting embrace.

“How’s the nursing going? I think it’s wonderful how you achieved your dream of becoming a nurse.” He shook his head. “I know it wasn’t easy.”

Rachel grinned. It had been a demanding road, but she felt a deep sense of pride in having gone the distance and obtaining her RN degree. It had taken her a total of five years, but it had been time well spent. Other than Lizzy and Faith, it was her greatest accomplishment. “No, it wasn’t a cake walk, but I really enjoy helping people so it’s been a great fit for me. I’ve been working in one of the biggest hospitals in Colorado.”

“I’m not surprised at all, Rachel. You’ve always been determined to pursue a medical career. It’s wonderful to see you back in town. Please give Helene my regards and tell her she’s been in my thoughts.”

“I certainly will, Doc.”

He snapped his fingers. “By the way, there are lots of women in this town who would welcome the services of a midwife in case you’re interested.”

“Thanks, Doc. That’s good to know.” Small Alaskan towns such as Owl Creek suffered from a shortage of trained midwives. Rachel had both the experience and the credentials to deliver babies and serve in that capacity. She had completed her graduate degree in midwife nursing through an online program and had delivered dozens of babies. It was too bad she wasn’t staying in town long-term. It would be fulfilling to be of service to women who needed help bringing their children into the world.

The exchange with Doc left her with a smile etched on her face as she headed outside into the Alaskan cold. Not everyone in town thought poorly of her. There were still some folks like Doc Johnson who remembered her fondly and were in her corner. It left her feeling invigorated. Hopeful.

Rachel rounded the corner and felt a solid presence crash into her.

“Oh, I’m so sorry—I didn’t see you th—” The words died on Rachel’s lips as she stared into the eyes of Iris Lawson. A chill swept through her. Iris was the last person she’d wanted to cross paths with in Owl Creek.

“Mrs. Lawson,” she said, forcing herself to be cordial.

“Rachel. I just heard you were back in town.” With her tall, thin frame, Iris was an elegant, well-dressed woman who exuded refinement. Although she’d always intimidated Rachel a bit, Gabriel’s mother had always treated her warmly until she’d broken her son’s heart.

Rachel nodded but kept quiet because she had no intention of politely conversing with the older woman. She could remember their last conversation so vividly it gave her goose bumps.

Iris’s eyes radiated uncertainty. “Rachel, could we talk over tea? I have so much to say to you. You’ve been in my thoughts for quite some time now.”

Every nerve ending in her body bristled. “I don’t think so,” she replied with a shake of her head. “You see, I haven’t forgotten all those hateful things you said to me the last time we spoke. Or the way you treated me.”

Iris began wringing her hands. “I owe you an apology. What I did was wrong. I had no business keeping you and Gabriel apart.”

“You did a little more than that, Mrs. Lawson. You kicked me when I was at my lowest point. I was in a very vulnerable state and you ran roughshod over me. There’s no way you could ever understand what that did to me.”

Tears pooled in Iris’s eyes. “I imagine you won’t fully understand, or perhaps you will since you’re now a mother yourself. I was desperate to protect my son. The thought of you ripping his heart out again led me to act in a shameful manner. I’ve regretted it every day since then.”

Rachel lifted her chin up. “I carry a lot of shame as well, but the one thing I know is that I never deliberately intended to hurt Gabriel or anyone else. I’m not sure you can say the same,” Rachel said, moving away from Iris so she could end the conversation and head back home.

Iris reached out and grabbed Rachel’s arm. The expression stamped on her face was one of pure panic. “Please don’t tell Gabriel about what I did. He’d never forgive me.”

Rachel shook herself away from Iris’s grip, determined not to get locked into a battle of wills with Gabriel’s mother. She turned away from Iris, tears burning her eyes as she made her way to her vehicle. Once she was safely inside, she allowed herself to cry.

Three years ago, she had run away from her wedding and the only man she’d ever truly loved, out of sheer terror. Weeks later her attempts to make things right had been thwarted by Gabriel’s own mother. Although she knew the time had come to explain things to her ex-fiancé, there was no way she could disclose Iris’s role in the situation.

She’d already hurt Gabriel enough for on

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