Christmas, Alabama

by Susan Sands

  “He he. Son, we take our time in the woods when we can get it around here. Just came off my stand at the lease. They said you were coming today, so I didn’t want to miss you.”

  Nick appreciated the effort. “Thanks for coming in.”

  “Suzette’s our department manager; she’s around here someplace. She’ll show you the ropes. When are you wanting to get started?” the older man asked.

  “I’m here, so I might as well start now, if you need me,” Nick answered. He was checked into a tiny motel off the highway, and had nothing else to do until he found a larger place to stay.

  “Well, son, I like your spirit.” Dr. Granger slapped Nick on the back and said, “Well, I’ll leave you to it. Got to go home and shower. I’ll be back when your shift ends. Just remember, we move at a slower pace here than in the big city. You’ll have to remember to be tolerant with our staff and our patients at first. I’ve seen it before, folks coming from bigger places. There’s a learning curve—not necessarily one that goes upwards, if you know what I mean.” The old doc gave Nick a wink and a nod then moved away, and left him staring, eyes glazed. Nick hoped his expression didn’t display the abject horror Dr. Granger’s words had just instilled within him.

  Nick took a breath. And then another. It was only for a month and a half, at most.

  “Hey there. I’m Suzette.”

  Nick turned to see who’d spoken. The rather husky voice did not match the face. She was stunning. “Hello. Nicholas Sullivan.” He stuck out his hand to shake.

  “Dr. Granger said you were coming in today. Lordy, we’ve been worried getting a replacement since Dr. Dawson said he was leaving us. Of course, Dr. Smith covers the third shift, but this is a job that takes three of you without making somebody do overtime.”

  Lordy, was right. Suzette appeared to have stepped right off the pageant stage and into a pair of hospital scrubs minus her crown. She was just under six feet tall with platinum blonde hair.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Suzette. Could you show me where my office will be so I can unload a few things?” He had his messenger bag slung over his shoulder.

  “Well, sure. It’s right this way.” He tried not to notice the way she sashayed ahead of him, her shapely hips swaying. Surely, she realized her walk was worthy of a runway in New York or Paris. Suzette led him into a nice-sized office with windows and a large antique desk and a comfy-looking sofa. The hospital was an old, historic building, like everything else in this town, but it had been renovated, and even seemed quite up-to-date from what he’d seen so far.

  Nick put down the heavy bag that held his few desk items and laptop on the sofa.

  “Here’s the key. I’ve hung a couple lab coats over on the hook in the corner. Your name tags are on them, and I’ve got your electronic key fobs to gain access to all the secured areas at the nurse’s station. You’ll have to show identification and sign for those.”

  “Great. You’ve managed to get a lot done quickly.” He pulled out his wallet and showed her his government issued ID. She then removed the high security items and handed them to him.

  His amazement must have been somewhat evident, because Suzette gave him a smile that might have held a tiny bit of scorn, and she said, “Ministry might be way out in the sticks, but we run a fine establishment and a tight ship.”

  Touché, Suzette. “From what I’ve seen thus far, I’m pleasantly surprised, I must admit.”

  She nodded, accepting his compliment as her due.

  Nick filled out a mountain of additional paperwork, careful to take his credentials and key fobs with him when Suzette introduced him to the staff working the current shift. He had to admit to again being impressed by the efficiency of the nurses, CNAs, and even by the maintenance engineers who all seemed to be extremely proficient and friendly in dealing with patients, and in their movement and interactions with one another.

  He’d interned and worked in multiple hospitals for over ten years now and knew when things were functioning as they should. It was a combination of organization and cooperation by the chief of staff, the charge nurses, and a positive working environment. When people were treated well, trained well, and paid well, it motivated them to perform at a much higher level.

  For a small, podunk town, he was pleased by what little he’d seen. Nick relaxed just a bit. At least he could slide into his work here without it being the worst-case scenario. His fears of walking into a Mayberry RFD episode had been replaying like a black and white movie reel in his head, complete with the classic Before the Shot Norman Rockwell print on the wall of the treatment rooms. He’d reserve judgment on that until he’d seen them.

  “You’re going to be the attending on call covering the ER and general surgery. So, pretty much anything that comes in will go through you before we call in a specialist.”

  “Everything?” So, here was the rub. Small towns meant less compartmentalization. More generalization.

  “Well, our nurses and nurse assistants handle the small complaints after you’ve had a look. You know, constipation and such. But you’ll deliver your share of babies and treat folks for trying to impress their kin here.” She smiled, nearly blinding him with her dazzling white smile.

  Shaking his head, he asked, “Trying to impress their kin?”

  “Aw, you know, when somebody says, ‘hey y’all, watch this,’ and then it doesn’t go so well.”

  Ah. Yes. Nick nodded. “I’ve seen plenty of that in my day.”

  Just then, the double doors swooshed open. The tiny brunette triage nurse approached, her rubber clogs squeaking, and handed Nick a chart as she spoke. “Female, twenty-eight weeks pregnant, complaining of upper belly pain. No bleeding. This is her second pregnancy. First one went full-term.”

  He took the chart. “You want me to handle this one?” he asked, uncertain of his current authority.

  “Dr. Griffin left you in charge. Said you wanted to start immediately.” She grinned at him then and said, “Oh, and since you’re new, the patient is the mayor’s wife.”

  “Well, then, I’ll leave y’all to it. I’ve got paperwork to do,” Suzette said. “Let me know if you have any questions, and keep me posted on Sabine’s condition,” she flung over her shoulder as she sashayed away.

  The nurse said to Nick, “Dr. Sullivan, I’ve put Mrs. Laroux in treatment room one.” She pointed down the hallway. “It’s marked. Georgie, our nurse on duty is with her now.”

  “Thanks.”

  Chapter Three

  “I’m okay. I didn’t need to come here,” Sabine said for what seemed about the hundredth time.

  “Clearly you’re not fine. I saw you double over in pain and you could hardly walk,” Rachel said, trying not to shout at her very stubborn sister.

  “It was gas. Have you ever been pregnant?”

  That shut Rachel up.

  But then she couldn’t help herself. They were siblings, after all. “No, but if I was, I would go to the doctor if I had that kind of pain.”

  The door opened and a doctor wearing a white lab coat entered the small treatment room. Rachel was expecting Dr. Griffin. This was not him. She’d overheard Ben tell Sabine they’d wrangled a new temporary doc from Atlanta at the last minute, but there hadn’t been any discussion of his resemblance, or being a possible body-double to Matthew McConaughey. Alright, alright, alright.

  “Good afternoon, I’m Dr. Sullivan. I understand you’re having some pain.” He nodded to Sabine, and then to Rachel, but didn’t make eye contact. His focus was all on Sabine. Very professional.

  Sabine flushed. “I’m embarrassed. I think I’m fine, maybe some gas, but my sister, here, and my mother insisted we come in.” Sabine gestured toward Rachel.

  Dr. Sullivan’s polite gaze moved to Rachel and he smiled. His eyes were a nice hazel gray, and his expression polite.

  “Well, let’s make sure you’re right and your sister is wrong, why don’t we?” He pulled the stethoscope from around his neck and placed it inside his ears an
d listened to Sabine’s chest, then had her lie down on the padded table. He placed the instrument on her belly and listened intently. “Your baby’s heartbeat is strong and steady. Are you feeling a normal amount of movement today?”

  Sabine nodded. “Oh, yeah. This little stinker is a kicker.”

  He nodded. “Have you had a lot of heartburn thus far?”

  “Some. When I eat red sauce or pepper.”

  “Have you had any spicy foods today?” he asked.

  Sabine grinned and nodded. “I’ve had boudin and smoked sausage.”

  “Don’t forget about the gumbo,” Rachel reminded her.

  “Your bowel sounds are quite audible.” Dr. Dreamy grinned. “Sounds like you’ve upset the balance in your gut. You’re far enough along to take an over the counter antacid, let your stomach settle, and see if you feel better by morning. If not, you should make an appointment to see your obstetrician tomorrow.”

  “See? I told you.” Sabine made a face at Rachel.

  “But.” He held up a finger. “Let’s do a quick urinalysis and blood glucose while you’re here.” He turned and made a quick note in Sabine’s chart and handed it to the nurse assistant, who left the room, presumably to arrange for Sabine’s tests.

  Rachel turned to the hunky healer and said, “Thank you for making sure, Doctor.”

  He looked at her then. Really looked. And his mouth went slack—just for an infinitesimal second—before he recovered. Rachel almost missed it. She wasn’t sure whether to be flattered or embarrassed. Rachel glanced at Sabine. Sabine hadn’t missed it either.

  In fact, the gleam in Sabine’s eye promised retribution for Rachel’s earlier told you so attitude. “Doctor Sullivan, did you just arrive in Ministry?”

  He smiled at Sabine. “Yes, today, in fact.”

  What was her sister up to?

  “I know this might sound unusual, but would you consider having Thanksgiving dinner with our clan tomorrow? My husband is the mayor, and has a huge family. They hold all their holiday gatherings at their family’s event planning business, The Evangeline House. We would love for you to join us.”

  He looked like a deer in headlights. Rachel understood. It was unusual for Sabine, who was normally so reserved, to turn on the full Prudhomme charm. But when she did, she was a sight to behold. Her midnight black hair and silver-gray eyes were downright hypnotic. “Uh, I’ve got to find a place to rent still.”

  “So, you’re free. Wonderful. We’ll have a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres at noon, then the meal at one o’clock. There will be lots of kids and babies, and likely some swearing. We dine casual, so come comfortable.”

  “Sabine, he might not want to subject himself to such chaos as the Laroux family gathering,” Rachel suggested and shot her sister a look. What happened to her gas?

  “Nonsense. It’s Thanksgiving. He should be with family—somebody’s family.”

  Rachel looked over at the irrationally handsome healer who was patiently observing their conversation. “I’d be delighted to attend Thanksgiving dinner. I do have family here, of sorts. I just haven’t let them know I’m in town yet.”

  “Oh. Who are you related to here in Ministry?” Sabine asked, clearly interested.

  “Judith and Jamie Dozier-Fremont.” He squinted his eyes and winced a little as if waiting for a reaction.

  Rachel and Sabine looked at one another. “Judith and Jamie are our dear friends,” Sabine said, reassuring him he was indeed related to fine folk. Rachel hadn’t missed his unsure expression, and understood it perfectly.

  “They are?” Dr. Sullivan seemed surprised. The nurse, Georgie, had returned with a test tube, and made a small snorting sound.

  “Well, sure. When was the last time you saw them?” Sabine asked.

  “It’s been several years. We only saw each other on holidays and in the summer at our grandparents. They were—characters—best I remember. I still see some shenanigans on Facebook.” He grinned, possibly a little embarrassed at that reveal.

  “Well, they’re grown women now, and they still have strong personalities, but we consider them friends. But I do suggest you contact them immediately, because if they find out you’re in town and they hear it from someone else first, you might have a problem,” Sabine warned.

  Rachel giggled. “A serious problem.” Rachel pictured Judith and Jamie, the doppelgangers for the Doublemint twins on the old Wrigley’s gum commercials. They were sassy, Southern, and had big attitude, Junior League pull, and were, by far, the most sought after for sorority recs in the county. If a Dozier-Fremont got behind you, you were in. In whatever or wherever you wanted to be.

  “I’ll take your advice and contact them in a day or so,” he said, and put a hand on the doorknob. “I’ll leave you in Denise’s capable hands for labs.”

  He quickly glanced at Rachel and the corner of his mouth quirked up. “See you both tomorrow. Can I bring anything?”

  “Not a thing,” Sabine answered.

  “Every ounce of strength and resilience you possess,” Rachel said and smiled sweetly.

  “Noted,” he said and left the room.

  When they were back in the car, Rachel let her pregnant sister have it. “If you weren’t carrying another adorable squishy niece or nephew in there, I would call you terrible names and maybe punch you in the arm.”

  “Why? The poor guy just arrived in town and has no plans for Thanksgiving dinner.”

  “Oh, and he’s a dead ringer for Matthew McConaughey. That couldn’t have factored into it. That and your need to find me a nice, handsome young man. You and Mom.”

  “I didn’t notice. This guy’s nowhere near that old. But his response to you didn’t escape my notice, or the lack of a ring on his finger. Doctors always wear wedding rings if they’re married to keep women from throwing themselves at them,” Sabine said.

  “Oh. You know what?” Rachel giggled a bit. “He’s headed for deep trouble. Word’s gonna get out that he’s new in town and single. I almost feel sorry for him.” She’d made a few single friends in town, and the disparity between the number of single women and men was exactly what she and Miss Maureen were discussing after the wedding the other night. The local women were on the hunt for fresh man meat—always.

  “Why can’t you keep an open mind? Maybe you’ve met a great guy with a good job, and just go from there?” Sabine asked.

  “Because things are never as they appear—people aren’t as they appear.”

  “Maybe in this case, the good doctor is just a nice single guy. Ben shared that they had to strong arm him just a little to get him over here from Atlanta.” The goings-on in a town this size involved everyone, and almost always, the mayor.

  “Why would anyone move from practicing medicine at a big hospital in a city like Atlanta to Ministry? Unless he was trying to get away from something?” Or, maybe, someone? Rachel thought.

  “Well, from what I heard, he drew the short straw because his contract was coming due. You know they must have had some leverage there,” Sabine said.

  “Maybe,” Rachel turned in the driveway to Sabine and Ben’s incredible stone and wooden-beamed house. Ben had owned the house for several years before he’d met Sabine. His goal in life had been to fall in love, settle down, and have kids. Ben was a happy guy. Because he was crazy about her sister, and they’d been blessed with little Janie and the squishy-to-be. Not to mention the animals Ben had used as his props to propose to Sabine in front of the entire town: Their large-pawed Labrador retriever, Ala, who co-dependently went nowhere without his sidekick Bama, the supposedly low-allergy Siberian breed feline. It was a love-hate relationship.

  Mayor Ben was standing on the porch, holding a squirming Janie, with the dog and cat at his feet. Ben was a fine-looking man, Rachel could admit. He’d been the most sought-after bachelor in most of Alabama before he’d met her sister. Ben had taken the attention from women of all ages as his due, having been the baby of four older sisters. He’d been surrounded by females hi
s entire life. But while Ben had dated pretty much the entire population of five counties, he’d not been interested in getting serious with anyone but Sabine.

  Ben stepped off the porch and approached the car to assist his wife with his free hand. Rachel hoped she would someday find a man who adored her half as much as Ben did Sabine.

  “Is everything alright?” he asked, a worried frown between his brows. Janie grinned and babbled.

  “I’m fine. I told you before I left that it was gas, and a little heartburn.” Sabine accepted his kiss and smiled. “The new doctor just arrived today. He seems nice.” Sabine shot Rachel a wink.

  “Your wife invited him to Thanksgiving dinner.”

  Ben laughed. “The more the merrier. Good thinking, honey. He probably didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

  “That’s what I thought,” Sabine said.

  Rachel wanted to pull her sister’s hair.

  “Honey, you alright?” Mom called out the door, an apron tied around her waist. She still wore a potholder on one hand.

  Sabine waved. “Fine, Mom. Just gas.”

  They made their way up the porch steps and into the kitchen, where the amazing smells of the dishes they’d been preparing still filled the room. Ala, the dog, who was physically full grown, but not yet out of his puppy phase at just over a year old, suddenly found Bama’s swishing fluffy tail irresistible, and gave chase, much to Bama’s annoyance. She yowled in displeasure, and her claws found purchase in Rachel’s shin and ankle before using them as a springboard to make her getaway.

  “Aaah. Your cat is trying to kill me,” Rachel yelped in pain, grabbing her ankle.

  “Oh, no. Are you alright?” Ben asked, handing Janie over to her grandmother.

  “She flayed me,” Rachel said, sticking out her leg and pulling up her black leggings. Sure enough, there were three somewhat deep welts about four inches long that were oozing blood.

  “Ouch. I’ll grab the first aid kit,” Ben said.

  Sabine came over and had a look and wrinkled her nose in sympathy. “Sorry about that. These animals can be such a menace.”