Andi Sherman is now a nurse practitioner in Pediatrics. She has vowed never to return to Fern Lake. The offer of a partnership in a friend’s practice is tempting. She refuses until she learns Rob has given up the practice of medicine. She believes he will leave town. On the day after her July birthday, she returns and comes upon the accident, finds the dying woman and the baby. When she learns the little girl is her niece and Rob hasn’t left town she is conflicted. She still loves him but she can’t trust him. News from her brother brings a threat.
“I’ll be in the waiting room. I’ll take care of the paperwork.” As they wheeled his sister away, Rob opened the door into the waiting room. What had Patricia meant by “Take care?” He stopped at the admission’s desk. “I’m here about the woman who just arrived by ambulance.”
The clerk looked up. “Dr. Grantley, do you know her name. The EMTs had no idea. They found no identification but they left two suitcases I was about to open.”
“Her name is Patricia Grantley.” At her startled stare he continued. “I have no idea if she has insurance but I’ll handle the bills.”
She raised a clipboard holding several forms. “Fill these out as best as you can.”
Rob retreated to a seat at the rear of the room and added as much information as he knew. After returning them to the clerk she gave him the suitcases. He resumed his seat on one of the plastic chairs facing a television turned to a cooking channel.
A young woman with light brown hair entered. A diaper bag hung from her shoulder. Relief rolled like a stream released from a blockage. She must be the baby’s mother. Patricia hadn’t caused a fatality. The young woman stopped at the desk.
Who was she? Though curious knowing wouldn't halt the thoughts racing through his head. Something about her hair and her body drew him, made him think about sex. Her shorts revealed long tanned legs. Would her face match the rear view?
He groaned. She reminded him of Andi
You want college. Ditch Andi Sherman. She’s poor white trash, not to mention the reputation of her family. Drop her and you’re no son of mine. Forget college. Forget any inheritance.’
He still regretted that August evening at the lake. Rob swallowed memories of his failure to rebel against his bullying father.
The young woman turned from the desk. She studied the rows of waiting people. Her face blanched.
His felt on fire. Andi Sherman was back in town. Why? She
had no family in
“I’m sorry.” His voice sounded hollow.
“No reason. What happened in the past stays there.” Her mouth formed a thin line.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“The woman at the desk told me your sister was the driver of the accident I came upon.”
“She was.” He drew a deep breath. “Is your baby all right?”
Her laughter held a bitter note. “The child isn’t mine.” She dropped the diaper bag on his lap. “The baby was in the car your sister wrecked. I took the baby to may car and grabbed this. Forgot to give to the EMTs. Looks like the little girl is your responsibility.”
Rob swallowed. She was right but what did he know about
infants? “What are you doing in
“I’m joining a friend’s pediatric practice.”
“You’re a doctor. Congratulations.”
She shook her head. “Just a nurse practitioner.”
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