The Doctor's Sleigh Bell Proposal. Susan Carlisle

rug of red, greens and yellows punctuated the space.

      But it was the bedroom side that made the biggest impression. A large square canopy bed made of mahogany with identical twists carved into each of the four posts sat there. If she was going to spend a honeymoon somewhere, this would be her choice.

      She’d come close to a wedding a couple of times but it seemed like her father stepped in and changed her mind just as she was getting serious. It was as if he couldn’t trust her to know who and what she wanted. That was one of the reasons she’d come to Honduras. At least here she could make her own decisions.

      The open-air shower, shielded from any onlookers by plank walls, was a new experience. At first she found it intimidating but as the warm water hit her shoulders Ellen eased into the enjoyment of the birds in the trees chirping at her. She was officially enchanted.

      Half an hour later, Ellen headed down the plant-lined walk in the direction of what she hoped was the dining area. She turned a curve and a crystal-blue swimming pool that resembled a fern-encircled grotto came into view. The resort was truly amazing.

      Beside it Dr. Freeman sat on a lounger, talking on the phone. He wore a T-shirt, cargo shorts and leather thong shoes. His legs were crossed at the ankles. He appeared relaxed but the tone of his voice said that was far from the case. She wasn’t surprised. Her impression had been that he didn’t unwind often.

      “Look, we need those supplies. We have to raise the money.” He paused. “I can’t be in two places at once. You’ll have to handle it. And about the staff you’re sending me, I’ve got to have people who’ll stay longer than six weeks. No more short term. The people of rural Honduras need a standing clinic.” He glanced in her direction.

      Ellen continued toward a tall open-air building, hoping it was where she should go. Footfalls followed her.

      “Eavesdropping, Dr. Cox?”

      She looked back at him. “I wasn’t. I was just on my way to dinner. And I told you I prefer Ellen. When you say Dr. Cox it sounds so condescending.”

      “I’m sorry. Ellen.”

      She now wished she hadn’t insisted he call her by her first name. His slight accent gave it an exotic note that sent a shiver up her spine. Not wanting to give that reaction any more analysis, she said, “I’m hungry.”

      “The dining room is this way.” He started up the steps to the building and she joined him.

      They entered a large open space with a thatched roof supported by huge poles. A wooden desk with a local man standing behind it was located off to one side. He waved in their direction as they crossed the gleaming wooden floor. Ellen followed him around one of three groupings of wicker furniture toward a shuttered doorway that stood open. Inside were tables with white cloths over them and low lighting. Dr. Freeman kept moving then stopped at a single door and opened it.

      “Close the door behind you,” he instructed.

      Ellen did as he asked. They were now in a small room where a long table was set in the middle and a buffet area along one wall. The other members of their group were already there, talking among themselves. They grew quiet as she and Dr. Freeman joined them.

      “I thought you guys would already be eating.”

      “Not without you, boss,” Michael said with a grin.

      “You know better than that. Well, if no one else is going to start, I am.” Dr. Freeman picked up a plate off the stack on the buffet table. Everyone else followed his lead and lined up. Unsure of the protocol or the seating arrangement, Ellen moved to the back of the line. A minute or two later, with her plate full of chicken and tropical fruit, she considered which chair to take.

      “Come and sit beside me,” Michael offered.

      With a smile Ellen took the open seat. She glanced at Chance. His eyes narrowed as he looked in their direction.

      She and Michael discussed where she was from and what she thought of her hut then he asked, “So, Ellen, what brings you to our little slice of the world?”

      She shrugged. “I wanted to work where I could make a difference.”

      “You weren’t doing that where you were?” Dr. Freeman asked.

      She hadn’t realized he’d been listening to their conversation.

      “Yes, but these people really need someone here. I was seeing young mothers and babies. I found my job necessary and rewarding but there was a tug to do something more. Others were there to help those girls but not enough here to help these. I wanted to come here.”

      “How did you find out about us?” Michael asked.

      “I heard Dr. Freeman speak. I knew this was where I wanted to be.”

      “Well, Chance, you made a convert.”

      Dr. Freeman shrugged and went back to eating.

      “So, what did you think about the work today?” Michael asked.

      “It was different, I have to give you that. But I loved it.” She glanced toward the end of the table where Dr. Freeman was sitting.

      “You might feel differently after a few days of hot, unending work,” Dr. Freeman drawled.

      “Aw, come on, Chance, don’t scare her.” Michael smiled at her. “Don’t worry about him. The great Chance Freeman has seen so many people come and go here he’s a little cynical about all the new ones. Many don’t stay the full six weeks. Some have only lasted days. It’s made him a little jaded.”

      “That’s enough, Michael.”

      The doctor’s snap didn’t seem to faze Michael. He just grinned. Ellen looked at Dr. Freeman. “I don’t plan to be leaving anytime soon, Dr. Freeman.”

      “Dr. Freeman?” Michael chuckled. “We’re a casual bunch around here. First names work just fine. Especially after hours. Isn’t that right, Chance?”

      He leaned back in his chair. “Sure.”

      After that Michael turned his attention to Pete and Karen, asking them about themselves.

      Ellen concentrated on her dinner and was glad to have Dr. Freeman...uh, Chance’s attention off her. When everyone had finished laughing at a story Michael told, Chance tapped on the table with the back of his fork to gain their attention.

      “Okay, we need to talk about tomorrow. We’ll be in the Tooca area. Near the river. This is our first time there so let’s be on our toes. We’ll need to be at the trucks at four a.m., ready to roll. Get some sleep and be ready for a really long day.”

      Ellen shuffled out of the dining room with the rest of the group. It turned out that Karen was housed not far from her so they walked back toward their huts together. After leaving Karen, Ellen continued along the path lit only by lights in the vegetation. Thankfully the porch lights were on at her and Chance’s huts. One of the staff at the resort must have come by while she’d been at dinner.

      Ellen had just crawled under the covers when the light flicked on inside Chance’s hut. His silhouette crossed in front of the window. His passion for what he did was a major factor in why she’d come to Honduras. It was obvious he needed nurses and doctors to help him. So what was his problem with welcoming her?

CHAPTER TWO

      THE SUN WAS SLOWLY topping the nearest palm tree when the caravan of three vehicles pulled into a clearing near the River Sico. Chance climbed out of the Jeep that had been leading the caravan and walked over to speak to the local village leader, who was there to greet him. Returning to his staff, who were already beginning to set up the tent, he searched for Ellen. To his surprise she was all smiles and asking what she could do to help. The early hour didn’t seem to bother her. Did nothing faze the woman?

      She’d traveled for over