Love and War in Bearclaw: Hawthorne Brothers, #1

By MB Jones

Three lives are turned upside down in Bearclaw over a chance meeting that leads to all out love and war. 

 

He had it all…

His new medical clinic, weekends running the ER and a great family. The only thing missing was maybe a girl to come home to, but that all changed when he laid eyes on the new girl in town. 

 

A new start…

A new home, a new place to call her own and maybe a new love? Could it be fate throwing her a curve ball and adding in her forever kind of guy to the new life she was building? 

 

Alls fair…

When you're fighting for love. And if she had anything to do with it, that other new girl in town would never get her hands on the perfect doctor. Because he would be hers, no matter the cost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MB Jones
• Release date: May 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223195993

MB Jones

M. B. Jones is a Louisiana native who loves all things outdoords, coffee and book related. Her favorite kind of day inclues being surrounded by her favorite people, close knit family, and her best-pup, Ares. 

Book preview

Prologue

Dear Diary,

We’re on the move. I know, I know. I said last time would be the last time but we have a new place to get to and a new life to start. There was a misunderstanding in the last city. Well, really, it was more than that but it was not my fault. I tried to make Trevor understand that I was his person. I was his forever. And he just couldn’t let go of the plaything that came between our relationship. That did not work for me. I needed him to commit to me and focus on me. But she just kept coming back around and distracting him. I had to make sure she was not able to come back again. But he misunderstood that I did it for us. So I had to let him go. He couldn’t see my vision or why I was doing what I did, so we were never going to work.

I’m still so upset over letting him go. But a new place means a new love and I am ready to find that. I’m ready to find the person that sees my vision and wants that too. So cheers to a new life and the next adventure in love!

Forever love, Me

Chapter 1

Scott

12:30 a.m.

A twenty-four-hour shift in the ER, then another three hours helping in the trauma unit and an almost two-hour drive back home in order to be the first doctor on call at the clinic at 6:00 a.m. was not Scott’s idea of as a good weekend; but here he was, an hour into the drive back home to Bearclaw. The town where he grew up; the town he left to go to medical school and become a big city doctor; and the town he returned to when his love of helping everybody won out over becoming a hotshot doctor in a big city hospital where he had to turn down cases and especially rush hour traffic. And Scott wouldn’t have it any other way now. Except for a large coffee. He wasn’t sure there was enough coffee in the world that would make him feel any better than he was sure he looked at the moment; but he knew that when he walked into the clinic, pride would be enough to get him through the next six to eight hours before he could go back home and crash. At least The Carafe would be open in time for him to stop and get his regular extra-large café latte, heavy on the espresso. Scott’s phone rang, pausing his thoughts of coffee and his pillows. He pushed the connect button to answer the call.

Hey Trent, what’s up?

Scott! Why are you skipping out on our weekly bro night? You know Thursday nights are our night! Scott chuckled at his youngest brother, Trenton’s, or Trent as he preferred to be called, whining but guilt that he had bailed on his brothers again created a pit in his stomach.

It wasn’t intentional, man. The hospital had a doc call out yesterday and needed somebody that could cover the ER. I was up in rotation, and we all know how busy that ER is without any other urgent cares in the area. A hard sigh left Scott’s chest. Eventually he wanted to be completely out of the hospital, but he signed a contract to work there and that contract was one of the major reasons he was able to open the clinic in Bearclaw at all.

Okay, when you frame it that way, I can’t stay mad that you blew off your favorite baby brother and Rudy. A loud thump came from Trent’s end of the call. The immediate OW that followed made it clear to Scott that his other brother, Rudy, had let Trent know exactly what he thought of Trent being the favorite. Scott laughed as his brothers bickered. Rudy, stop throwing all the bar napkins and let me talk to Scott! Look, you’ve missed the last two weeks cause of work and while, yeah, we get you’re in high demand, we miss our brother. Just don’t make plans for next week.

As he listened to Trent laughing with Rudy over the speakers of his car, Scott’s chest grew tight. He had missed his brothers the last few weeks. Really, if he thought about the last year, he had missed more bro nights than he had been able to make, and Scott knew he needed to make it up to them.

Okay, okay, I promise I won’t miss another Hawthorne brothers’ night out, Trent. But does it really count as a night out when you’re working behind the bar and Rudy and I are buying the girl you’re flirting with shots? Scott could hear the patrons at Sally’s Saloon, the bar Trent worked at, in the background and Rudy talking to others around them.

There were only two local watering holes in Bearclaw and as soon as Trent was allowed, he had gotten a job with Sally’s as a bar-back then worked his way up to one of the best bartenders the town had seen by the time he was eighteen. Their parents had agreed to Trent working there when he was still in high school as long as he agreed to work on a degree from one of the nearby colleges. Despite his rebellious nature, Trent had actually stuck with the agreement and was working on finishing a business degree while practically running Sally’s on the weekend.

You know damn well that it counts! What’s more fun than watching me make money?

Fine, it counts. I’ll make it up to both of you next week. The first two rounds will be on me. But make sure you are able to actually hang out with us so I can hear about the latest shit you’ve gotten yourself into!

A few more jokes on both ends and Trent ended the call to go help Rudy entertain some of their town’s locals. Scott almost debated going to surprise them for one drink but he wasn’t sure he’d make it through one beer before he was snoring on the bar. The three Hawthorne brothers had started their bro nights back when Scott was just a freshman in college. They had always been close and made sure to stay that way as each of them branched out into their own thing. These days, their nights out usually ended up at Sally’s to play a few rounds of pool and catch up with what had been going on with the others. Between the hospital shifts and starting up the clinic, Scott had been so busy over the last year that he had missed out on what was going on in his brothers’ lives.

While in medical school, Scott’s dream had always been to become one of the top doctors in the nation. He had quickly realized that he didn’t want that at all and the new dream to move back to his hometown and open a walk-in clinic had come to be. He learned that he liked to help out the people who couldn’t get in to see their normal doctor on the same day and the parents that had a rambunctious kid, or three, that fell off their bike and couldn’t drive the over two hours round trip to have a cast put on the child’s arm. Now that his new dream was finally coming true, he was doing everything in his power to keep HLB Medical Clinic alive; including working overnight shifts at the ER in the closest hospital to keep up his end of the five-year contract and make sure ends were meeting.

His hometown needed the clinic and Scott had worked his ass off to get through college and medical school in record time. His social life wasn’t what most thought it should be, but he was able to grab a beer with his brothers regularly and that was good enough for now. His mom only asked that he come over once a week for dinner and if he was working a hospital shift, she would save him a plate. Overall, Scott felt like his life was full. Except, he may need one more cup of coffee and some gummy bears for the last leg of this drive. Pushing his hair out of his eyes, Scott decided that he would stop at the gas station about two miles up the road.

Oh shit! is the only thing that came out of his mouth as Scott rounded a curve. Headlights flickered in the wooded area and smoke wafting out of the engine were all that he could see from the car that had hit the tree straight-on. This section of the highway was curvy and at night, the large oak trees cast shadows like towering giants with limbs that reached out over the blacktop road. It wasn’t uncommon for there to be a wreck in this area but Scott had never been the first person to come up on the accident.

As he pulled on to the gravel shoulder behind the car, he took in the blown out back tire and tried to check for silhouettes of the car’s occupants. He grabbed his phone and dialed 911 while he jumped out of his car. Scott ran to the driver’s side where, thankfully, the door was unlocked, and he could check the occupant out. He scanned the other seats and confirmed there were no passengers.

911, what’s your emergency? Scott switched his phone to speaker, set it down on the floorboard and reached in to check the pulse of the very blonde driver. A finger to her throat indicated a strong, steady pulse. This is Dr. Scott Hawthorne. There's a single car accident on highway 454 between mile markers 21 and 22. Female driver who's unconscious with a head wound. Steady pulse. No passengers. How long until you can have somebody here? He pushed the driver’s hair to the side and looked over the head wound. Not too deep. Good. Scott did his best to feel for any broken bones without moving her too much. Nothing felt wrong. She was lucky she had her seatbelt on or she may have gone through the windshield. The front end of the car had caved in around the tree it had plowed into.

We can have a unit there in about 12 minutes Doctor. Are you able to assess the patient while we have an ambo in route there? Scott pulled his scrub top off to apply pressure to the driver’s head. Of course, it would be early April and still chilly out. The world wouldn't be so kind as to have him come to the rescue of somebody on a warm night in May. A small moan came from under the blonde hair that was still covering half of her face, alerting Scott to the driver waking up.

I can. She’s coming around now. Miss? Can you hear me? I have 911 on the line. They are sending help now. My name is Dr Scott Hawthorne. Are you hurting or bleeding anywhere besides your head? He kept the scrub top pressed to the right side of her head. Scott squatted down further to get eye level with her so that she would stop trying to pick her head up all the way.

As the driver began to regain consciousness and open her light eyes, Scott checked her pupils. My head hurts is all. She croaked out to his question, her speech slightly slurred, and put a hand up to the spot he was applying pressure.

Doctor, the ambo and police are in route now. Do you need us to stay on the line? Scott heard the operator ask.

No, I’ll stay with her until they arrive. Thanks. The driver’s eyes kept losing focus and she was swaying slightly in her seat. Seeing the tell-tale signs of a mild concussion, Scott started to glance around the car while he shoved his phone back in his pocket. Must have hit her head pretty good on the airbag that deployed. Ma’am, an ambulance is on the way. Let’s keep you where you are. Think you can answer some questions for me? Scott could hear the sirens in the distance.

I think I can but I’m a little dizzy. I don’t know what happened. One second, I was driving and the next all I could see was the tree. I had no time to even hit the brakes. The driver started to ramble, her voice gaining strength the longer she talked. Scott tried to disentangle her arms from the deployed airbag with one hand, the other still held his scrub shirt to her head. The radio was still blaring an upbeat song where the girl was going on and on about bass in the background that Scott didn't recognize. I just lost control of the car. I wasn't even going that fast.

Can you hold this to your head while I make sure there’s no other injuries? Scott needed to assess the woman’s condition and make sure there were no broken bones or anything before anything else was done. His first thought after looking her over was her high heels were definitely not concussion approved shoes.

Yeah, yeah, I can do that. Thanks. She moved her hand to take over holding the makeshift towel and he continued his quick assessment, looking over her arms and checking her for any other open wounds that would need to be dealt with before she was moved. Scott eyed her from head to toe and noted that had they been in a bar, he would have acknowledged she was attractive, if somewhat too made up pretty with what he felt was over-the-top make-up for a small-town back road. In all honesty though, Scott had never been one for bleach blondes. Instead, he always found brunettes more his taste.

Looks like you are going to have quite the headache and some soreness and bruising. Definitely a concussion from hitting that airbag. I want you to stay right here and the EMT will get you situated once they get here.

Okay. I’m Heather, by the way. You don’t have to keep calling me ma’am. Thank you so much for stopping. I have no idea how long I was out. If you hadn’t stopped, another vehicle may not have come along for such a long time. Heather started to ramble again and looked up at Scott with such gratitude that he started to feel sheepish. It always made him uncomfortable accepting people's thanks for things a doctor should do. But he offered a small smile in return and made sure she had her balance before he turned away from her appreciative stare. Blue lights pierced the surrounding darkness as two police cars followed shortly by an ambulance pulled up and blocked the lane closest to them. 

Nice to meet you, Heather. I’m glad I was in the right place at the right time. Scott gave her another small smile then walked over to the officers as they started to climb out of their cars. Officers, thanks for getting here so quickly. From what I can tell it was a single car accident. Looks like the back tire blew out. Her name is Heather; no last name yet. I’m not sure how long she was here before I came up. The officers started assessing the car and jotting down notes while the EMTs walked to Heather’s car and started to check her vitals. Scott headed back over to them to answer any questions on her condition from when he found her.

Dr. Hawthorne, hey there. The dispatcher didn’t tell us it was you who made the call, just that a doctor was on scene already. Good to see you, man. Looks like you can’t stop saving lives even when you are out of the clinic and the hospital, huh? The EMT leaned over to shake his hand while he walked back to the ambulance to pull a blanket out of the cab. Scott felt Heather’s eyes assessing him from the car. He looked away and followed the EMT to the ambulance.

Hey Andrew, good to see you too. I think there were signs of a mild concussion, some dizziness and a minor gash on her forehead that I applied pressure to try and stop the bleeding. I’m just glad I got here when I did, Scott said as he glanced at Heather again. He was a little embarrassed at the picture Andrew was painting of him. She was beaming at him like he was a shining knight or something.

Miss? We called a wrecker to come get the car. Are there any belongings you want us to help you grab? Andrew, are y’all going to take her to St. Thomas’ ER to get checked out? One of the officers asked, looking between Andrew and Heather.

I need my purse and bags out of here. Where will my car be taken? I was on my way to my aunt’s house in Bearclaw. I don’t think it’s that far away, if I can get a ride there? I don’t think I need to go to the ER if all I have is minor stuff, right? Heather looked around the group before her eyes settled on Scott. From what Scott could tell, she was regaining her composure and balance but he would never suggest skipping a more thorough assessment after any kind of car accident. The other EMT started to help her out of the wrecked car to move into the back of the ambulance.

Well, it's definitely not recommended but you can refuse further treatment. It wouldn’t hurt you to get a more in-depth examination since that looks like it was a pretty hard hit. Andrew paused to look around at her car still tangled with the pine tree. But if it's what you want, we can let you go with the instructions on what to watch for with head injuries. And if you are stopping in Bearclaw for a few days, Dr. Hawthorne’s clinic is there. They can help you with any residual side effects from the concussion. We strongly advise that you follow-up with your family doctor within the next three to five days. Andrew didn't sound too enthusiastic about that answer but started grabbing the forms for her to fill out. Heather winced as his partner began to bandage the cut on her head.

Yeah, I think I just want to get to my aunt’s. I promise to follow all of your instructions. Heather continued to look between Andrew and Scott for their approval. He reached his arm around to pull his wallet out of his back pocket in search of his business card.

We can give you a ride to your aunt’s house if you want. Just tell us where all of your belongings are that need to come with you. Dr. Hawthorne, thanks for your help tonight. The officer said and shook Scott's hand before he walked over to where the wrecker was parking.

Heather, here's my card for the clinic Andrew mentioned. Let them explain all signs and symptoms that you need to be watching out for. If you notice any of them occurring, call the number on the bottom and the call service will get in touch with me or one of the other physicians. Scott handed her the card for the clinic. In the meantime, if you will be in Bearclaw for the next few days, stop by in a day or so just to make sure you don't have any residual problems, okay? Scott shook hands with the responders and gave them an easy smile. He knew they had a long night ahead of them too.

Thank you so much! I’ll be in town for a bit with my aunt so I’ll definitely follow-up with you. Heather reached to out to take his hand just as she remembered that she was still holding the top to his scrubs, now a bloody mess. Not the first time one of his scrubs had been covered in blood and Scott knew it wouldn't be the last. And I’ll wash this and bring it back to you, I promise. I am so sorry for the mess.

Not a big deal. I have more of those, Scott waved to the group one last time as he climbed into his Tahoe.

As he pulled back onto the road, Scott glanced at the clock on the radio. 1:27 a.m. He still had another thirty minutes to get to his house on the other side of Bearclaw, take a shower, and be awake at 5:00 a.m. to drive to the clinic, stop by The Carafe, have the clinic doors open and the phone lines on by 6:00 a.m. That extra-large café latte was going need about three extra shots of espresso to get him through the morning, thought Scott.

Chapter 2

Chelsey

Hey Morgan! Is Hayden around? I wanted to let her know that I talked to Joe about her ideas for the ads that she wanted printed in the paper. The smell of roasted coffee beans and sweet baked treats engulfed her as soon as Chelsey walked into The Carafe out of the cool, damp air. April in Louisiana was still on the cool side most days and this morning was no different. The low lights around the