Chapter 646

Evelyn Carter suddenly understood Alexander Hamilton's embarrassment when he was surrounded by children that morning. She pressed her lips together, fingers unconsciously tracing the stethoscope in her white coat pocket. "Let's eat first. It's a long story."

The nurses exchanged knowing glances before letting her off with amused smiles.

After lunch, Elder Thompson surveyed the messy courtyard and sighed, rubbing his hands. "Had we known Mr. Hamilton was coming, we'd have prepared proper dishes..."

Seeing the old man's guilt, Evelyn reassured gently, "City folks actually prefer rustic flavors. Wild herbs and berries are rare delicacies for him."

"Exactly!" The village elder's eyes lit up as he slapped his thigh and stood. "Little Bean and the kids are experts at foraging!"

Alexander sat nearby, his gaze never leaving Evelyn. Sunlight filtered through the old locust tree, casting dappled shadows on her white coat.

"So the village chickens are safe now?" He leaned close, amusement lacing his whisper.

Evelyn glanced at the excited children running off. "The chickens are spared, but the mountain greens won't be so lucky."

The clinic was unusually quiet that afternoon. During her rounds, every patient's family asked the same question.

"Dr. Carter, your husband is so handsome!" An elderly woman grasped Evelyn's hand. "How long have you been married?"

Her stethoscope nearly slipped.

"Almost four years," Alexander answered from the doorway, sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing toned forearms.

"And how old are your children?"

His smile faltered briefly. "...Not yet."

The ward erupted in chatter.

"Dr. Carter works so hard—when would she have time for babies?"

"Young couples these days prioritize quality of life over children."

"Doctor, are you two DINKs?"

Evelyn tightened her grip on the medical chart. "I love children."

All eyes turned to Alexander.

"I do," he met Evelyn's gaze steadily, voice firm. "Very much."

The villagers nodded sagely. "Ah, just too busy with work!"

"But Dr. Carter's an OB-GYN—she knows more than us."

"Right, of course..."

Alexander smoothly changed the subject, turning to reorganize the medicine cabinet. When Evelyn returned from rounds, the entire clinic sparkled—medicines neatly categorized, even the small fridge she'd mentioned polished to a shine.

"I thought you were tired?" She arched an eyebrow.

He remained straight-faced. "With everyone being so welcoming, I had to contribute." Pointing to the broken rocking chair in the corner, "Need that fixed?"

At dusk, a young nurse came skipping in. "Elder Thompson invited you both for dinner!"

The sunset painted half the sky crimson, stretching their shadows long across the ground.