The Doctor and the Single Mom

by Teresa Southwick

  Jill gave herself a mental forehead slap. “Yes. Please. Can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea?”

  The older woman sat on the couch. “Nothing, thank you.”

  One by one C.J. looked at the adults in the room. “Are you guys just gonna sit around and talk?”

  “That’s how people become acquainted, young man. I would like to get to know your mother.”

  “Then I have an idea,” he said. “How about if Dr. Adam and I go outside and play ball? That way I won’t interrupt when you’re talkin’.”

  “Oh, sweetie—” Jill put her hand on his small shoulder. “Dr. Adam wants to visit with his grandmother because he doesn’t get to see her as much as he’d like.”

  “On the contrary,” she said. “We have time to catch up. I think that’s a wonderful idea, Christopher. Why don’t you take the child outside, Adam?”

  “Really?” He gave her a skeptical look. “You don’t mind?”

  “Not at all.” She looked at Jill. “We’ll have a chance for girl talk.”

  “Yuk.” C.J. raced out of the room and came back moments later with his mitt. He handed the ball to Adam. “Let’s go.”

  “Have fun, you two,” the older woman said.

  “Be good, Gram,” he said playfully on his way outside.

  “I always am.” Her voice oozed cool confidence.

  The door closed and Jill wished with all her heart that she could go with them. “Are you sure I can’t get you anything, Mrs. Stone?”

  “Thank you, no. Please sit. I’d like to chat.” She looked at the expanse of sofa beside her.

  Jill sat and tried to think of something to say that wasn’t about herself. Clearly the Stone family of Dallas had money and manners that would set too high a bar for a girl from Blackwater Lake, Montana, who had a child outside of marriage.

  “Your son is very cute.”

  “Thank you.”

  “He reminds me of Adam when he was that age.” There was a wistful expression on the woman’s face. “Not in looks, but that mischievous personality.”

  “He’s a handful,” Jill said fondly. There were several moments of awkward silence before she thought of something to fill it. “How was your trip?”

  “Grueling. This isn’t an easy place to get to, is it?”

  “I suppose not.” Jill felt the judgment vibes big-time, and the need to defend her home became uncontrollable. “Some people find the peace and quiet of a small town appealing. We often get visitors who come here for a break from big-city stress.”

  “There’s something to be said for a hospital and an airport nearby,” the other woman pointed out.

  “It’s not perfect, but no place is.”

  “The Dallas Metroplex comes very close.”

  Jill could read between the lines and couldn’t help pushing back. “Obviously you’re very happy living there, but Adam wasn’t.”

  “In my opinion, he simply needed to get the back-to-nature phase out of his system. He’ll come to his senses.”

  “That’s what I thought originally. In fact I told him the first hint of winter would have him throwing in the towel and heading for the hills, but I was wrong.” Jill remembered that time in the beginning, using her hostility against his charm. Now her antagonism was gone, leaving her with nothing to power her anti-Adam shield. “Not only did he stay, but he delivered my best friend’s baby in a blizzard, then came home and shoveled snow off my walkway.”

  “I know that dewy-eyed look, Ms. Beck. And I feel it’s my duty to warn you it would be unwise to start picking out wedding invitations and china patterns.”

  Jill badly wanted to tell this woman what she could do with her warning. Fury vibrated through her until she was shaking with it, but no way would she show weakness. She linked her fingers to stop her hands from trembling, then settled them in her lap.

  When under control, she met the other woman’s gaze and refused to look away, keeping her tone cool when she asked, “What makes you think I want to marry Adam?”

  “Because he’s quite a catch. Handsome. Rich. A doctor.”

  “Apparently he wasn’t enough for his ex-wife.”

  “So, he told you about that.” His grandmother’s mouth pulled tight, deepening the lines around her mouth. “Stupid girl.”

  Jill was surprised to find any common ground with this woman, but she totally agreed with that. “Her loss is Blackwater Lake’s gain.”

  “Not for long. His family is not happy about this decision.”

  “That’s unfortunate because Adam seems very happy with it.”

  “Maybe temporarily. It’s my impression that he’s—oh, what’s the word? Infatuated with you, Ms. Beck. But that won’t be enough to keep him here. He will come to his senses and return to Dallas. I assure you of that.”

  “You’re wrong, Mrs. Stone. He’s worked very hard to make himself a part of this community. People here don’t trust easily, but when you finally earn it, it’s yours forever. Adam has earned it. The man I know and—” Love? She couldn’t go there. Not yet and maybe never, but she had to say what was in her heart. “He’s content right where he is.”

  “You’re wrong, Ms. Beck. And sleeping with him isn’t love.” She stood and gracefully walked toward the door. “I truly hope you don’t get hurt when he realizes his mistake.”

  The only reason Eugenia Stone got the last word was that Jill was stunned into silence because the other woman knew she and Adam had sex. When she was done being stunned, Jill’s insecurity kicked in, fueled by the old woman’s words. Letting herself think about a family with Adam was like writing a prescription for heartbreak. She should have known better.

  Based on her experience, she should have known that when things were going well it was time to run in the other direction.

  * * *

  While driving his grandmother into town, Adam pointed out the scenic beauty of Blackwater Lake and the towering, snow-tinged mountains beyond. Her only comment was, “Hmm.”

  Maybe she was speechless with awe, but he didn’t think so. This place filled up his soul, but the difference in people was what made being a family practice doctor interesting and challenging. It was possible that Eugenia Stone’s soul was stirred by looking at the ocean. Or flowers. Or a closet full of designer shoes. Or maybe she didn’t have a soul.

  That wasn’t fair. She’d been good to him; he was her favorite. And he loved her very much.

  She was sitting at rigid attention when he glanced over to the passenger seat. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask why she was here, what the purpose of the visit was, but she’d only say that she didn’t need a reason to come and see her grandson. After that she’d add something snarky about it being difficult to visit a destination in the middle of nowhere.

  “So, how’s the family?” he asked instead.

  “Fine. Mostly.”

  This part of the road leading into town was winding and he had to keep his eye on it, so looking at her expression to read between the lines wasn’t an option. Questions were required.

  “Mostly fine? Or mostly not fine?”

  “Your mother is well. She’s in the process of losing ten pounds for your brother’s wedding.”

  “So Spencer has set a date?”

  “It seems Avery has her heart set on being a June bride.”

  “I wish someone had let me know,” he said.

  “Consider yourself informed now.”

  When his brother and Avery O’Neill had visited Dallas, his grandmother had been traveling and didn’t meet her with the rest of the family. Since Spencer was clearly head over heels in love, Adam assumed Eugenia had corrected the oversight. “What do you think of Avery?”

  “Charming girl.” There was real warmth in her tone. “Smart as a whip. Witty. Pretty. She’s
absolutely perfect for Spencer.”

  And how did she feel about Jill? Adam only wondered because there’d been tension between the two women. After he and C.J. came back inside, it had been impossible not to notice the coolness.

  He wasn’t going there. Why open that can of worms since he had no intention of declaring any intentions? “Okay, so Mom and Spencer are fine. That leaves Dad and my twin, Becky. Which one of them isn’t fine?”

  “Both.”

  “What? Really?” This time he did glance at her because the road was straight and just entering the town of Blackwater Lake. Her mouth was pulled tight, which he didn’t much like.

  “Your sister and her husband are going to marriage counseling. No one will tell me why they need it.”

  And Adam wouldn’t either. His sister had confided in them about her husband’s one-night stand, but she didn’t want their grandmother to know. Becky was confident the marriage could be saved and Eugenia Stone held a grudge if anyone had the audacity to wrong a member of her family. And she took her grudges very seriously. She’d treated his ex-wife like her own daughter, but when the marriage ended, some very unladylike language had come out of his grandmother’s mouth. No one could speak his ex’s name in her presence.

  Adam only said, “I think Becky and Dan will be able to work things out. They have demanding careers and twins of their own. Taking time for them as a couple isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to the relationship.”

  “Speaking of relationships... Can we talk about your landlady?”

  “Look,” he said. “There’s the Blackwater Lake Lodge.”

  “Don’t get me started on the things wrong with that place.”

  “Okay. Tell me about Dad.” Maybe he’d successfully deflected the personal question.

  She sighed loudly. “Other than the fact that he won’t listen to me or your mother?”

  “About?”

  “He’s working too hard and won’t slow down. He’s tired all the time and won’t see his doctor for a physical. So far our nagging has been unsuccessful.”

  “It sounds like you and my mother need to nag harder.”

  “It won’t work. I’m his mother. I know.”

  “Has Spencer talked to him?” If he tuned out his wife and mother, maybe he’d take the advice of one of the country’s leading cardiothoracic surgeons.

  “I think your mother is coordinating that endeavor.”

  “I’ll talk to Dad, too. We’re both doctors.”

  His grandmother waved her hand dismissively. “You and your brother may be physicians, but you’re also his children and by virtue of your youth, you don’t have the life experience to give him perspective.”

  He could see where this was headed and decided to change the subject again. Potter’s Ice Cream Parlor was just coming up on the right and there was a convenient parking space out front. He pulled into the diagonal lines. “How about some ice cream?”

  “I’d love some. If it’s good,” she added skeptically.

  He’d inherited his love of the stuff from her and knew her high standards would be met. “Best I’ve ever tasted.”

  After exiting the driver’s side, he walked around and opened the door for his grandmother. A cold wind was blowing from the north and he knew real winter was bearing down on them. Quickly he hustled her inside where it was warm, and crowded. He was surprised he’d been able to park out front.

  Carl Hayes was sitting with his wife at a table for two just inside the door. “Hey, Doc, how are you?”

  “You stole my line.” Adam grinned. “I’m doing great. Got family in town. This is my grandmother.”

  “That explains the resemblance. Except I can’t believe this young lady is old enough to be your grandmother.” He held out his hand. “Welcome to Blackwater Lake.”

  She smiled warmly at the compliment. “Thank you.”

  “We’re very lucky to have Adam here in town. He’s all right.”

  “He is very special,” she agreed.

  “Nice to see you, Carl.” Adam guided his grandmother to the glass ice-cream case. Maggie’s brother was behind the counter, his back turned. “Hey, Brady.”

  The other man looked over his shoulder and grinned. “Adam. Good to see you.”

  “Where’s Maggie?”

  “In the back feeding Dani.”

  “Her new baby girl,” Adam explained. “This is Brady O’Keefe. Brady, my grandmother.”

  “A pleasure.” She smiled politely. “Eugenia Stone.”

  “Great to meet you. What’ll you two have?” he asked.

  She looked over the choices, then said, “A small dish of vanilla with caramel and some of that crushed HEATH Toffee Bar topping.”

  “The usual for me,” Adam said.

  “Coming right up.” Brady scooped out the ice cream and set their orders on the counter by the cash register.

  Adam pulled a twenty-dollar bill from his jeans pocket. “What do I owe you?”

  Maggie was just walking out of the back room carrying her sleeping daughter. “It’s on the house.”

  “I was just about to tell him that,” Brady added.

  “No.” Adam shook his head.

  “How can I charge the doctor who came through a blizzard to bring my baby into the world?” She smiled down at the little girl in her arms.

  “Nice of you, but you’re giving up a lot of revenue. I’m here for the long haul and one of your best customers.”

  “Okay.” She swayed gently, rocking the baby as she thought it over. “How about a six-month cap on freebies?”

  “Fair enough. And thanks.” He handed over the vanilla, then picked up his own sundae. “This is my grandmother, Eugenia Stone.”

  “It’s really nice to meet you,” Maggie said. “Adam has your eyes.”

  “What a lovely thing to say.” There was a soft expression on his grandmother’s face as her gaze settled on the baby. “She’s beautiful. What’s her name?”

  “Danielle Maureen, after my husband and my mother.”

  “Lovely.”

  “I think so. Now eat your ice cream before it melts,” she teased.

  “Will do.” Adam grabbed some napkins from the dispenser on the counter and headed for a corner table. They sat across from each other and ate in silence for several moments.

  “She’s quite a beautiful young woman. Maggie,” his grandmother clarified.

  “She is.” Adam wasn’t sure if that was an observation or a comparison with Jill. “And courageous. Her husband was killed in Afghanistan before the baby was born.”

  “That’s dreadful.” Eugenia sadly shook her head. “I can’t imagine how she carries on.”

  “Family. Her mom helps.” Adam nodded toward the counter. “That’s her brother picking up the slack. The people in town pitch in. Jill is her best friend and worked a regular shift when Maggie’s obstetrician ordered bed rest at the end of her pregnancy. And that’s on top of raising her son and running her own business by herself.”

  Eugenia took a bite of ice cream and chewed thoughtfully. “Speaking of that, what is the nature of your relationship with Jill?”

  Mental head slap for bringing up Jill. He really didn’t want to talk about her or try to define what was between them. He just wanted things to be. “What makes you think there is one?”

  Adam had expected the question and should have had an answer ready but didn’t. It would have been easy enough to say they were just friends or she was nothing more than his landlady, but he couldn’t. Neither was the complete truth, but he didn’t know what the truth was.

  “Really, Adam, I wasn’t born yesterday. Remember that life experience I mentioned?”

  “What does that mean?” He hadn’t been this uncomfortable since he’d been a boy tryi
ng to hide the expensive vase he’d broken.

  “It means I could see the way she looked at you.”

  “How was that?” This was something he really wanted to know.

  “Like a woman in love, or very close to it.” She took a napkin and wiped her mouth. “And I saw the way you looked at her.”

  He didn’t want to know that. Thoughts of his soul had run through his mind earlier and it was said the eyes were a window to what was inside. His grandmother probably saw that he wanted Jill. He had from the very beginning. He liked and respected her and wanted her more than any woman he’d ever met in his life. That’s all it was and putting a label on it just made everything more complicated than necessary.

  “Grandmother, leave it alone.”

  “I can’t.” She jammed the plastic spoon into her half-eaten ice cream. “I hate that you’re here in this place without a life.”

  “On the contrary, I’ve made a life. These people are the salt of the earth. I’m proud to say they’re my friends.”

  “You have friends in Dallas. Think about your career. You can’t reach your potential here. Without a medical center and access to state-of-the-art equipment and treatment options, there’s no way to make your mark and rise to the top of your field.”

  “If I cared about that,” he countered, “I’d have chosen a more high-profile specialty. All I ever wanted was to help people. And these people need me.”

  “What about your needs?”

  “They are what I need. There’s no doubt in my mind that if I had a personal crisis they would be there for me, just like they were for Maggie Potter.”

  “You have family for that.”

  “And everyone in my family has a demanding career. I like living in a community where neighbors look out for each other.”

  “Your parents and siblings love you.” She folded her arms over her chest.

  “And I love them. Living in Blackwater Lake doesn’t change that.”

  “What about the Stone family legacy?” she asked quietly.

  “I’m going to assume that’s your way of saying that you love and miss me, too. That you wish I lived closer.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “Come home to Dallas, Adam. You don’t belong here.”