The Doctor's Return

by Narelle Atkins

  She placed the steaming mugs on the table and Luke strolled into the room, a beaming smile on his handsome face.

  “Hi, gorgeous.” He snuck a kiss on her lips.

  Her heartbeat quickened, the old nickname bringing back fond memories. “Perfect timing. I just made our coffee.”

  “Thank you.” He slouched in a seat beside her, unbuttoning the cuffs of his shirt and rolling up the sleeves.

  “Have you had a busy day?”

  He nodded. “Amy went home early because one of the kids had something on at school, and I picked up a couple of her patients this afternoon.”

  She sipped her latte, the strong brew bringing a smile to her lips. “You work too hard.”

  “I know.” He cradled his coffee mug between his hands. “But I’m taking this weekend off, from noon on Saturday.”

  Her smile widened. “I’m glad you’re not on call at the hospital.”

  “Me, too. Are you working here on Saturday?”

  She shook her head. “I have a few clients at the gym, then I’m heading out to see Jack and Kate for lunch and my parents for dinner. You’re invited to both.”

  “Okay. Is there any chance we can see your parents at lunch?”

  “Nope. They’re heading out of town to visit friends. Why?”

  His eyes lit up. “I was hoping to take you out to dinner.”

  She held his warm gaze. “Really?”

  He grinned. “Somewhere swish.”

  “Sounds great. We can go on Friday night.”

  “Don’t I have youth group?”

  “Not this week because of the school holidays.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “How come you seem to know more about my schedule than I do?”

  She chuckled. “I got lucky. Rachel and Kara were talking about youth group at church on Sunday night.”

  “That makes sense. Do you have plans with them on Friday?”

  “Nothing that can’t be changed. By the way, Rachel is cooking dinner for us and Kara tonight.”

  “That’s good news. She’s been experimenting with a few delicious new recipes.” He stretched his arms out over his head. “We can drive over to my place now.”

  “That works for me.”

  “So, we have a date for Friday night? I’ll take you somewhere really nice in Sunny Ridge.”

  “Sounds intriguing. Why Sunny Ridge?”

  “Because I’ll have half a chance of keeping you to myself without constant interruptions.”

  “True.” The Snowgum Creek residents tended to stop by their table when they went out to a restaurant in town. A little bit more anonymity in Sunny Ridge would be a nice change. “What should I wear?”

  “Something suitable for fine dining.”

  “Oh, we are going somewhere swish.”

  He laughed. “Only the best for my girl.”

  Her phone chimed in her purse. She checked the caller ID. Bruce. “I need to take this call.”

  “Sure.”

  She answered the call and walked out into the empty reception area.

  “Megan, I’m glad I caught you,” Bruce said.

  “What can I do for you?”

  “Give me an answer on the research position. I thought you were keen to take on the project next year.”

  She tightened her grip on her phone. “I’m still working through a few details.”

  Bruce paused. “I can find someone else, if you don’t want to do it.”

  “No, I’m interested but I’m not sure if I can make it work with my other commitments.”

  “I need a definite yes or no by Monday at the absolute latest.”

  “Sure.” She had five days to work out what she wanted to do. “I promise I’ll get back to you by Monday.”

  “Good. I have to lodge all the preliminary research information next week to finalize the funding arrangements. They need to know who will be the principal researchers for the project.”

  “I understand.”

  “If you say yes, your decision needs to be firm.”

  She cringed. “That’s why I’m not rushing my decision.”

  “Megan, I’d really like to work with you on this project. It would be an excellent career move for you, and probably lead to overseas research opportunities.”

  She squirmed. “I know, and I do appreciate the opportunity and your support. I’ll be in touch.” She ended the call and returned to the staff room.

  Luke rinsed his coffee mug in the sink. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, just a work call.”

  “A new client?”

  “Unfortunately, no.” Her stomach churned, the reality of her impending decision imploding her mind.

  Lord, I’m confused and conflicted over this decision. I don’t think it’s possible to have a relationship with Luke and take on the research job. I don’t know if I’m prepared to decline such an incredible career opportunity, but I can’t bear the thought of leaving Luke again, either.

  * * *

  On Friday morning Luke sat forward in his leather chair beside Kate in his room at the clinic. He wound the blood pressure cuff around her upper arm.

  Kate smiled. “I hope my blood pressure is still normal.”

  He nodded. “You’re doing very well, and now that you’re thirty-eight weeks you don’t have long to go.”

  “I wonder if the baby will come early or late.”

  “Who knows?” He pumped air into the cuff. “Your baby will make an appearance when he or she is ready. Have you packed your bag for the hospital?”

  “Yes, it’s sitting next to the door. Jack’s making sure my car is topped up with fuel, just in case we have to drive to Sunny Ridge in the middle of the night.”

  “A good plan.” He let out the air in the cuff, his attention focused on the monitor. “All good. The hot weather hasn’t affected your blood pressure.”

  “That’s good news. My ankles are a little bit swollen, but otherwise I’m feeling okay.”

  He placed the stethoscope on Kate’s swollen belly. “The baby’s heartbeat is strong.”

  Kate let out a deep breath. “I’m so glad to hear this. Bub has been less active over the last few days.”

  “The baby has dropped into a lower position in preparation for the birth, but you need to make sure you can still feel some movement.”

  She nodded. “I’m paying close attention.”

  “Good. Do you want to hear the heartbeat?”

  “Yes, please.” Kate took hold of the stethoscope, slipping the earbuds into her ears. “Wow, it sounds really loud.”

  He smiled. “Your baby is doing well.”

  “I’m so excited.”

  “Me, too.” He typed a few sentences on Kate’s file in his computer. “We’re done for today. Can you please make an appointment with Janice for next week?”

  “Sure.” She stood, stretching out her back. “I’m looking forward to being able to walk again instead of waddling.”

  He laughed. “You’re doing great. I’ll let your obstetrician know everything is on track.”

  “Thanks, Luke.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  He clicked out of Kate’s file, checking his appointment list in his online calendar.

  “I’m supposed to be meeting Megan. Is she around?”

  “I’ve no idea.” He stood and walked with Kate into the reception area. “My schedule has been nonstop for the last few hours.”

  Megan sat behind the reception desk, chatting with Janice. Her beautiful blue eyes lit up, and she walked over to her friends. “Kate, you’re looking great.”

  Kate smiled. “I thought you’d like this dress.”

  “Very girlie.” Megan turned i
n his direction, bestowing her megawatt smile on him. “Do you have time for coffee?”

  He nodded. “A quick one. I only have ten minutes.”

  “Sounds good,” Megan said.

  He followed Megan and Kate into the staff room.

  Megan switched on the coffee machine. “Kate, how did your appointment go?”

  “Very well. Bub’s heartbeat sounds really strong and Luke’s happy with my progress.”

  He nodded. “Kate and the baby are doing well.”

  “I’m so glad to hear it,” Megan said. “I know Jack is starting to fret.”

  “First-time-father jitters.” He grinned. “Megan, I have good news. I managed to book a table tonight at The Ridge.”

  “Wow.” Megan’s eyes widened. “I haven’t been there in years.”

  Kate’s jaw dropped. “You’re taking Megan to The Ridge? Tonight?”

  “I was lucky to snag a cancellation.” The Ridge was the best fine-dining restaurant in Sunny Ridge, with incredible views over the township.

  Kate tipped her head to the side. “What’s the occasion?”

  Megan concentrated on making their coffees. “No reason.”

  “Well, actually, Megan and I are dating.”

  “Really?” Kate switched her attention to Megan. “I had no idea things between you two had become serious.”

  Megan handed a coffee mug to Kate. “I was going to tell you at lunch but Luke has beaten me to it.”

  Kate sipped her coffee. “Does Jack know?”

  Luke shook his head. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to him this week because work has been crazy busy.” He didn’t add that he’d spent most of his spare time with Megan.

  Kate placed the mug on the table and lowered herself into a chair. “It seems like Megan and I have a lot to talk about over lunch.”

  He glanced at his watch. “You’ll both have to excuse me. I just remembered I need to call the hospital.”

  “Here’s your latte.” Megan passed him a mug, the aromatic blend teasing his senses.

  “Thanks. Enjoy your lunch.” He planted a kiss on Megan’s sweet lips before walking back to his office, a new lightness in his step. He had arrangements to make for tonight, and not a lot of time to get organized. He wanted tonight to be perfect.

  * * *

  Megan leaned forward in her chair opposite Kate in the staff room, sipping her coffee.

  Kate sat up straighter, her brows raised. “What’s going on? Since when did you and Luke get back together?”

  She pressed her lips together. “It only happened on Sunday. We went on a cycling day trip to the waterfall.”

  “Oh. Why didn’t you tell me about your cycling date?”

  “Because I didn’t want you to make it into a big deal.”

  Kate sighed. “Of course it’s a big deal. Luke doesn’t date unless he has serious intentions, and I didn’t know you’d decided to stay in Snowgum Creek indefinitely.”

  “Um, well, I still haven’t made up my mind.”

  Kate crossed her arms on the table, her voice firm. “Please tell me you’ve told Luke about the research job.”

  She examined her fingernails, avoiding Kate’s penetrating gaze. “Not yet.”

  “Megan, you can’t do this to Luke. How can you start dating him and not tell him you might be leaving next year?”

  “I’ve tried to tell him, but the right opportunity hasn’t presented itself.”

  “Seriously?” Kate sipped her latte. “You have to be honest with him, and tell him what’s going on in your head.”

  “But if I tell him, it’s only going to complicate everything. If I turn down the job and he knows nothing about it, then it makes life easier for everyone.”

  “You can’t spend your life running away from conflict.”

  “I don’t do that.”

  “Yes, you do. Look at the fiasco with Jason following you here. And the way you left Luke and ran away to Canada.”

  “That’s different.”

  “How? Sometimes you have to initiate the hard conversations. A healthy relationship involves honesty and open communication. Now that you’re dating Luke, you need to open up and share all this stuff with him.”

  She dragged her teeth over her lower lip. “I’m not good at this sharing business.”

  “Do you trust him?”

  Megan nodded.

  “Then you have nothing to fear by opening up to him. How do you know he won’t be supportive of you taking on the research job?”

  Her shoulders slumped. “His life is established here, and the research job is based in Sydney for at least two years.”

  “Have you made a decision about the job?”

  “Not yet. I don’t know what I want to do, but I have until Monday to make a decision.”

  “You need to tell Luke about this research job offer as soon as possible. Tonight would be good.” Kate’s tone brooked no argument.

  Megan’s grip tightened on her coffee mug. “Okay. I’ll tell him tonight.”

  Kate’s mouth curved up into a half smile. “You won’t regret sharing this with him. Luke’s a great guy, and I can tell he really cares about you. Together you can find a way forward.”

  She drank her coffee, contemplating Kate’s advice. Her best friend was right. Luke deserved to know about the research job opportunity, even if she ultimately decided to turn the job down. She had to find the courage to open up and share this news with him.

  Chapter 12

  Megan applied mascara and scrutinized her makeup in her bathroom mirror. She didn’t wear a lot of makeup for work, and the black eyeliner brought out the dark blue color of her eyes.

  She ran her hands over the fitted skirt of her knee-length sleeveless sapphire-blue dress. A balmy evening with possible storms was forecasted, unusual for this time of year. There were reports of wildfires breaking out in the mountains due to lightning strikes. She was thankful the fires wouldn’t affect their drive into Sunny Ridge, the opposite direction from the mountains.

  Her doorbell pealed, and she collected her purse on her way to the door. Luke stood on the threshold, immaculately groomed in a pressed pale blue shirt and navy blue suit pants.

  His smile broadened. “Wow, you look incredible.”

  Warmth rose up her neck. “Thanks. You’re looking pretty good yourself.”

  He stepped forward, pressing his lips to hers.

  She pulled back. “It’s too early in the evening for you to ruin my lipstick.”

  He laughed. “Your vanity is endearing, but I quite like the just-been-kissed look of smudged lipstick.”

  She playfully smacked his arm and closed her front door. “Let’s get going. I’m looking forward to dinner.”

  “Me, too.” He held her hand and led her to his Jeep.

  She negotiated the uneven front path in two-inch heels, glad to have him by her side to help maintain her balance.

  He opened the passenger door, and she stepped up into the soft leather seat.

  “Thank you.” She buckled her seat belt and tucked her hair behind her ears. The humidity had risen as the day progressed, and she lifted her hair off the back of her clammy neck. They’d need to use the air-conditioning during the two-hour drive to Sunny Ridge.

  Luke slid into his seat and started the engine. “Did you hear about the fires?”

  She nodded. “Thankfully they’re not close to us.”

  “The pine forests are tinder-dry.”

  “Yep, and there’s a faint whiff of smoke in the air.”

  He bumped up the air-conditioning. “Not for long. We’re driving away from the smoke.”

  Megan chatted with Luke during the drive. She procrastinated, and didn’t mention the research job o
n their journey to the restaurant. Why spoil their dinner with an intense conversation about her future employment? A much better idea to leave that conversation topic for the drive home.

  Luke negotiated the light traffic in Sunny Ridge, and headed to the other side of town. They crawled up a winding road to the restaurant, perched at the top of the steep hill with a three-sixty-degree view of the surrounding region. The sunset was imminent, the western sky highlighted by spectacular hues of pink and orange.

  Luke pulled into a space in the crowded parking lot, full of top-of-the-line SUVs and luxury cars. The wealthy residents of Sunny Ridge had claimed The Ridge as their preferred dining destination.

  He opened her door and helped her down, his grip firm on her hand. “What do you think of the view?”

  “It’s stunning.” The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a golden glow on the town below. “I hope we have a table with a view.”

  He smiled. “I requested one, and we’ll see what happens.”

  “Do you know the owners?”

  “Yes, and I used to dine here when I lived in Sunny Ridge.”

  “Why am I surprised? I’ll say it again—you could charm anyone.”

  He twined his fingers with hers. “I don’t care about charming anyone else. I just hope I’m charming you.”

  She nodded, leaning closer into his side. “You’re pulling out all the stops tonight.”

  “We’re just getting started.” He glanced at her feet. “Can you actually walk in those heels?”

  “Of course. Just because I live in running shoes at work doesn’t mean I can’t walk in heels when the occasion calls for it.” Her matching sapphire-blue pumps were a recent addition to her wardrobe.

  He laughed. “I’m just checking that I don’t need to carry you into the restaurant, since you looked a bit unsteady on your front path.”

  “Very funny. I’ll prove to you that I’m not a klutz in heels.”

  “Okay.” He retrieved his jacket from the backseat.

  “Are you cold?”