Peace was a an odd balm for the soul mused Richard as he got out of the Operating could be boring, but given recent events,, it was a welcome change. He had just saved the life of a man on whom his career in the village depended, a father whose daughters and grandson were delivered by him. It was a little too close for comfort but thankfully the procedure went well and if he could allow himself a little pride, he'd done rather well !
The last thing he expected was for his favourite nurse to be waiting for him in his office. Isobel had gone with Violet as far as Cora told him but here she was with the fire running, his cot arranged and a glass of whiskey on the desk. Her dress looked a bit rumpled and ringlets were falling out of the elegant setting they were up in at dinner during which he had the great opportunity to admire her up close in candle light before Robert transfigured into a red fountain.
Black suited her and the gold accents matched her hair. Dark red though was his preferred shade on her, it did something to her eyes which he could not explain. And this coming from a man who could not care less about womens fashion was saying something.
"I did not think you were here." He observed, as she got behind him to take the white operating gown before pouring some hot water in the basing for him to wash his face. She knew him so well, she still remembered his routine even if she transferred to admin.
"I could not stay home not today. But it would have been goulish to see Robert like that." She finished with a sigh.
He turned to face her and saw her tears fill up. He led her to this chair and handed her his handkerchief. Kneeling before her so they were a bit more eye level. Letting her collect herself for a minute he took her smaller, colder hands. Her eyes made contact with his crystally blue eyes, reassuring her soul. "He will be fine Isobel, trust me."
Her expression changed from worry to epiphany as she used the steadiness of his hands to kneel in front of him. Seeing Richard confused by their physical closeness was adorable and she put her hands on either side of his face. " You are a good doctor, an amazing friend and a wonderful man Richard Clarkson and I have not behaved well towards you, especially in recent times."
Richard seemed even more puzzled as she continued "You have seen a man you have known for years going through that and you not only saved his life but ended up taking care of me too. I cannot stand of happening to eithernof us before telling you that I love you Richard. I love you and I just-"
Interrupting her declaration Richard put his hands on her waist and pulled her to him, kissing his Isobel passionately, feeling her smile, he hummed his pleasure as her hands ended up playing with the hair at th base of his neck. Peace is where love grows.
AN Written for ravena :) and the rest of the ricobels!