Lois Richer - A Doctor's Vow

A Sister’s Vow

To fulfill a promise made to her twin, Dr. Jaclyn LaForge opens a children’s clinic in Hope, New Mexico. She’s determined to prove to the community that she’s the doctor they need. But it’s not just the children of Hope who need healing. It’s the fractured town itself, including handsome widowed rancher Kent McCloy, who steps up to make her dream a reality. As they work together to renovate the clinic, two wary hearts are under construction, as well. Can sweet, stubborn Jaclyn show Kent that life—and love—are worth cherishing?

Enjoy a special 15th anniversary bonus story from Love Inspired Historical, A Cowboy’s Promise by Linda Ford

“There’s a long way to go with this place, isn’t there?” Jaclyn’s voice was quiet, almost solemn. She stood, waiting for his answer as he locked the building.

“It’ll be tough, but it can be done.”

“You have enough on your plate. I don’t want to add to your burdens, Kent.”

“I want to make this clinic happen, Jaclyn. I see it as sort of a rallying point for the people of Hope.”

“You do? How?”

“Your clinic isn’t part of the old system. It’s new, different. Maybe it can help undo past damage and end some of the bitterness. Maybe that’s God’s plan in all of this.”

“Thank you for saying that, Kent. I admit I was a little discouraged when I came here tonight, but I feel reenergized now. You can’t know how much that means to me.” She stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips against his cheek. “You’re a wonderful man, Kent.”

If only Kent could have a chance to start fresh, like Jaclyn. He’d do so many things differently.

Maybe if he worked hard enough on her clinic, he could finally rise above his regrets.

LOIS RICHER

began to travel the day she read her first book and realized that fiction could take her to places she’d only dreamed of going. Through reading, an ordinary day was transformed into an extraordinary adventure. Creating that adventure for others became Lois’s obsession. Now, having written more than 40 books with three different publishers, Lois had been nominated three times for a prestigious Holt Medallion. With millions of books in print around the world, Lois continues to enjoy creating stories of joy and hope for Love Inspired Books. Married for almost thirty years, their two sons grown, Lois and her husband live in Canada but winter in Arizona. Their love of traveling makes it easy for Lois to find the perfect setting for her next story. Lois loves to hear from other readers. Contact her through www.loisricher.comor loisricher@yahoo.com or friend her on Facebook.

A Doctor’s Vow

Lois Richer

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Dear Reader,

Welcome to Love Inspired! We’re celebrating our 15th anniversary this month, and you’re invited to the party!

Love Inspired Books began in September 1997, offering readers inspirational contemporary romances. Fifteen years later, Love Inspired has never wavered from our promise to our readers; we are proud to publish short contemporary romances that feature Christian men and women facing the challenges of life and love in today’s world.

In honor of our anniversary, we are showcasing some of our top authors in September. Irene Hannon, Arlene James and Lois Richer were part of the original lineup in 1997, and we’re supremely blessed that they are still writing for us in 2012. Jillian Hart and Margaret Daley have been part of the Love Inspired family since the early 2000s. And newcomer Mia Ross rounds out the month. We hope you enjoy these sweet stories full of home, family and love.

As a special thank-you to our readers, each book this month contains a bonus story. Give them a try, and we know you’ll find our authors the very best in Christian romance!

Thank you for reading Love Inspired.

Blessings,

Melissa Endlich

Senior Editor

This book is dedicated to the One who makes dreams come true and does so far beyond

what we can ask or think. Thank you, Father.

* * *

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path

of everlasting life.

—Psalms 139:23–24

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

Fire!

Pediatrician Jaclyn LaForge quickly ushered her patients out of her brand-new clinic to safety. Her relief was short-lived when the clinic’s nurse grabbed her arm.

“Randy McNabb and his mom haven’t come out,” RaeAnn whispered. “I think they’re still inside.”

The volunteer fire department of Hope, New Mexico, wasn’t here yet and Jaclyn wasn’t going to wait for them. She kicked off her high heels.

“Wait,” RaeAnn begged.

“No child left unattended, RaeAnn. That’s our motto.” Jaclyn raced inside the building, praying Randy and his mom were safe. Surely God would answer this prayer.

Inside the clinic, she moved from room to room. When choking black smoke enveloped her, she dropped to a crouch, calling Randy’s name as she squeezed her burning eyes closed. Reopening them, she saw nothing. Her hand clutched air. Her lungs gagged on thick heavy smoke. She ripped off her jacket and held it over her face, trying to stem her terror.

Jaclyn reached for a shadow and knocked something over. She knew she couldn’t stay in the clinic, but when she rose to move ahead, shards of broken glass pierced her foot. She collapsed in pain.

Don’t let me die, God. Not before I’ve kept my promise to Jessica.

A gloved hand curled around her arm. Another nudged her jacket away from her mouth to plant a mask over her face.

She lifted it. “Randy—”

“Keep it there,” a gruff voice ordered. “And hang on to me.”

Jaclyn obediently inhaled the pure, clear air in gasps. Her rescuer heaved her over a very broad shoulder and carried her through the building. For the first time in years Jaclyn relinquished all control and allowed someone else to be in charge of her life.

As they emerged into the sunny spring warmth, Jaclyn pushed away the mask and inhaled, forcing her burning lungs to clear as she shot a prayer of thanks heavenward. Her rescuer gently set her on the ground. She lay still, overwhelmed by what had almost happened.

“Are you nuts? You don’t go into a burning building. Not ever.” The fireman in front of her ripped off his headgear and glared at her, his lips tight in an angry frown. But his fingers took her pulse with gentleness. He carefully eased her sooty jacket from her hands and tossed it away before checking her for burns. “Can you breathe okay? Do you need more oxygen?”

He tried to replace the mask but she pushed it away.

“I’m fine.” Well, that would be true if her stomach hadn’t just flipped in reaction to his touch. Jaclyn peered into cobalt-blue eyes and wondered who he was.