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not really sure what to think yet. The name fits. I do feel like we're in the middle of nowhere." Iris looked over the rolling hills that were part of Texas's Hill country. "It seems like a nice place, but I don't know that this area will ever accept a female doctor."
    Francis frowned. "I didn't think I'd have been able to accept a female doctor a week ago.  Now I couldn't imagine taking my girls anywhere else. Why, I think I could even see you myself."  He was surprised that he felt that way, but she seemed to be a good doctor.  As long as it was nothing too personal, he could see her.
    Iris laughed softly. "You'll tell all your friends that I'm not a witch doctor?"
    Francis laughed. "Oh, no one thinks you're a witch doctor. They just think you're a midwife. I'll make sure everyone knows differently."  He paused for a moment, being careful not to offend her.  "Not that there's anything wrong with being a midwife."
    "Of course not.  Do you live far from your brother and his wife?"
    He shook his head. "Only about a mile. I made sure I could stay close because family's everything."  It had been hard for him to move out on his own, even though he'd been in his mid-twenties. 
    Iris smiled sadly. "I agree. Yesterday was my sister's birthday. I hate that I couldn't be there for it."
    He felt badly for her. "You couldn't find work closer to home?"
    She laughed softly. "I couldn't find work anywhere for a long time. It took me six months to find this job. There's a shortage of doctors in the West, but still no one wants a female."
    "I can't say I don't understand it. I did feel the same way. But after watching you with Mallie, I realize that you're very suited to your profession. You were kinder and gentler with her than any doctor I've ever seen.  I don't know if it's because it's your nature, or because you're a woman.  Maybe more women should be doctors."
    Iris smiled at his praise. She knew she was a good doctor, but that didn't mean that everyone around her would see it. She was glad he did. "Thank you."
    Francis shrugged, a little embarrassed that he'd praised her. "Just telling the truth."
    "So who all will be at Tracy's today?" she asked, changing the subject.
    "My girls and me. Andy and Tracy and their kids. And you. My younger sister Mattie comes some Sundays, but she's expecting again, and she's not feeling well with it."
    Iris frowned. "Would she mind if I called on her tomorrow?"
    Francis shrugged. "I wouldn't think so, but you never can tell. I can give you directions out to her place if you'd like."  He liked the idea that she cared enough to check on his sister.
    "That would be wonderful. I have some teas that often make women feel better while they're carrying."
    He pulled up in front of a large ranch house. He walked around and helped her down from the wagon. He knew she could get up and down on her own, but if Tracy were watching, she'd get onto him if he didn't help. Besides, he liked touching her and being close to her. "I grew up here."
    "Really? Was it only the three of you? You, Mattie, and Andy?" Iris was very curious about Francis. She told herself it was because she wanted to know about her patients, but she knew it wasn't true.
    "No, Arthur is younger than me but older than Mattie. He's in the area too, but he's north of Nowhere and we're south. He goes to a country church north of town."
    "Is he married as well?"
    Francis nodded. "He married a girl from school. He's the only one of us that married a local girl."
    "Any children?"
    "Four and another on the way. Are you looking for more patients?" he teased.
    Iris shook her head. "No, I'm just curious."
    Tracy came out of the house then, wearing her apron. "Dr. Sullivan! Come in!"
    Iris rushed toward the house. "Can I help with anything?"  She hated sitting idly while another woman did all the work.  She may not have learned to cook and clean growing up, but she'd learned since she moved out.
    Tracy's eyes widened. "No, of course not! You're a