The Montana Doctor's Love (New Montana Brides Book 8) Read Online Free Page A

heavily, I had to change the sheets. I was up with him all night, afraid to leave him.”
    “When a person has a lot of fluid in their lungs, there’s little room for air. It literally is a life and death struggle. They are basically drowning. Did he complain of chest pain?” Patrick said.
    “Yes, he did. Is that his heart?
    “No, it’s caused by the buildup of fluid.
    “Is he going to make it?” she asked.
    “I wish I could give you some encouragement,” Patrick said, “but, frankly it doesn’t look good. Influenza and pneumonia are the leading causes of death. It is particularly deadly for the very old and very young.
    “Let the sisters take care of Preston, you need to take care of yourself. Have you eaten?”
    She shook her head. “I had no appetite. I fixed something for Emily, but I can’t even tell you what it was.”
    “That is not good. You’ve been inhaling the germs. You need to be strong, so your body can protect itself. I recommend you get the inoculation. It may help prevent you getting it.
    “Was your daughter exposed to the coughing?” he asked.
    “Some, but not during the night. Should she be inoculated too?” Mary Louise asked.
    “I don’t believe they do it for someone as young as she is,” he said. “I’ll ask the sisters. The inoculation causes a very mild pneumonia, when the body fights it off, it becomes immune.”
    “Am I at risk?” she asked.
    “I don’t mean to sound flippant, but everyone is at risk. That’s why I suggest you get the inoculation.”
    “Have you had it?” she asked.
    “I have. I was inoculated when I was at Washington General.”
    “I have to go to the office, I’ve got patients coming in, but the sisters will call me if he worsens. I’ll check on him later. I’m going to have them bring you a blanket. You need to get some rest.”
    Patrick made a house call to one of the outlying ranches to help the rancher’s wife with a delivery in a breech birth. After he was able to turn the baby, the delivery proceeded normally from that point. The sun was beginning to peek over the horizon when he returned home. He bathed, dressed and went into the kitchen.
    “How was Emily?” he asked his mother.
    “She is afraid for her papa. I think she’s still asleep. She is a delightful little girl.”
    He ate quickly, and returned to the hospital. Mary Louise was asleep in a chair in the corner of the room. He checked the chart at the foot of the bed. There was little change in the patient’s condition, his temperature was still elevated, his pulse rate was rapid, and his breathing ragged. This is not a good sign.
    “ I guess I fell asleep,” said a voice from the corner. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
    “I just got here. You were sleeping so peacefully, I tried not to disturb you.”
    “You didn’t.” she said, “Do you have any idea how noisy this place is?”
    “I do. I did three years residency in a noisy hospital. It was a madhouse, twenty-four hours a day. How much sleep did you get,” he asked.
    “Some, not much, I guess,” she said. “Is Emily okay? Did she ask where I was?”
    “I don’t know. I was out most of the night on a delivery. It was daylight when I got home. She was still asleep when I left. Mom said she was delightful.”
    “Good. I’m glad she hasn’t been much of a bother. I’ll try to get word to Mother and Dad, so they can come in and help
    “How is Press?”
    “I don’t see much change in the chart.”
    “That’s not good, is it?” she asked.
    “I was hoping for improvement. He seems more comfortable than he was when we brought him in. Has he been awake?” Patrick asked.
    “Some. He was trying to talk but it didn’t make sense.”
    “How long since you ate?” Patrick asked.
    “I don’t know,” she said.
    “You have to eat. When I come back, I’ll bring something. In the meantime, ask one of the sisters if there is any food.”
    “Are you this fussy about all of your patients?” she asked.
    “If