Letters From Al by Pieper, Kathleen (ebook audio reader TXT) 📕

I didn't know doctors made house calls anymore, and out-of-town house calls at that?"

"He was on his way home from a seminar and he just stopped by to see how I was." Maddy explained in amusement.

"You realize I hardly get any alone time with you anymore. I admit it, I'm envious."

"Oh, come on, jealous of a teenager who keeps me from being bored to tears when you're not here, and now, the poor, devoted doctor who healed me. Actually I think Aunt Polly called him, she's worried about my headaches." Alec looked relieved.

"Well, that’s different. Between your recovery and my running all over on this case, we haven't had much time alone together lately, and I miss it. Guess I'm being silly, huh?" He sat down on the bed beside her, looking contrite. "How are the headaches?"

"They're better, really. Dr. Richard said they'll be less and less. So, I'm fine." She leaned over and kissed him. "But thanks for worrying. By the way, do you know I simply adore a man in a uniform?"

"Great. That means I have to worry about every soldier, sailor or patrolman that stops you."

"Nope, only a cocky, deputy sheriff, and one I know in particular." Putting her arms around his neck, she drew him close. The curve of his shoulder fit her head comfortably.

"I sure wish I didn't have to go on this stupid trip tomorrow." He tucked the sheets around her, looking concerned.

"I'll be fine. The doctor said I'll finally be able to get out of bed now. Besides, Aunt Polly will be here. Just go so you can get back."

"Oh, I'll be back, it's not an overnight trip so you can count on that, just a long day. I know you're disappointed about losing the letters and diary and things. We might still find them."

"I doubt it. At least I have the copies I made, but you know one thing I really wish? That we could have found those stocks, it sure would have made life better for the whole town."

"What do you mean?" Alec held her carefully.

"Well, I'd like to fix this place up for a bed and breakfast. It's huge, the whole upstairs is bedrooms, but we'd need to add on more bathrooms and, well, I have a lot of other ideas. What do you think? Isn't that a good idea?"

"It’s a great idea.”

“We wouldn't have had to worry about money if we could have found Aunt Madeline's bonds. I was even thinking if they had been worth as much as Leland thought, it would have been enough to start a small library in town. But, it's only wishful thinking now. Someone's got those bonds and they’re just waiting to cash them in. That's what makes me so mad."

"That's awfully generous of you, Maddy, but then, it's one more reason I love you so much."

"Well, thank you for that. I can be generous with pretend money. But, it's only a pipe dream now. No money. No library, maybe no bed and breakfast inn if I don't get things figured out."

"Just don't worry so much, I said I'd help you. Promise me, or I won't leave." Her kiss reassured him.

While he was gone, Maddy had a lot of time to think and plan. The constant worry of having no money faded with the generosity of her aunt. To make it last, she had to manage her money sensibly. An earnest search for solvency grew and the bed and breakfast seemed the best idea.

A call to the local printer gave her some ideas on advertising. But she'd have to go over the status of the house with Alec next. It might not even be possible if the house wasn't in good shape.

"Maddy, your idea has sure got folks in town excited." Aunt Polly exclaimed as she sat down next to her in the kitchen the next day.

"Well, it's all in the planning stages yet so it's not a done deal. But Alec agrees it's a perfect answer to the problem of keeping a big house going." Maddy agreed excitedly. "There's so much that needs to be done yet. Alec said it might be a workable plan. He's got someone to check the water pipes and the wiring later next week. His friend Bubba already fixed that leak in the roof so Tommy and I can get at that damaged wall in the extra bedroom. We can at least do that. Tommy's coming over tomorrow, in fact."

"You sure you feel up to working like this?"

"Oh yes, Aunt Polly, I'm feeling fine. I haven't had any headaches now for a while. It's time I started doing a few things. I think I'll putter around outside, it's so nice out."

Later Aunt Polly found her weeding the corner flower garden when she brought her a glass of lemonade.

"Isn't it a little hot for you to be doing this?" There was disapproval in her voice.

"Oh, it's just so good to get out of the house. I'm taking it easy but that drink looks wonderful. Thank you. This is just what I needed." Maddy took off her gardening gloves and touched her forehead with the icy glass before taking a sip.

"I thought you said you weren't going to overdo it." Aunt Polly nodded towards the pile of weeds stacked beside her.

"That is a lot of weeds, isn't it?" Maddy looked a little sheepish. "But I was enjoying myself and I didn't realize how much time had gone by." She shrugged and sat on her knees.

"Well, I do. Too much time to be in this hot sun." Alec's voice boomed from the driveway.

"Alec, you're back. Welcome home." Maddy stood up and was greeted affectionately by Alec. "Wow, you are a sight for sore eyes. Hey, what are you doing?" Maddy said with a surprised laugh as he swept her up into his arms, heading towards the front porch.

"You are not supposed to be working so hard." He said in a firm but kind tone and deposited her in the wicker