“Doctor, we can handle this,” the paramedic stated in a firm voice.
Matt met his look. “I appreciate your authority but the medical care he receives right away will make a difference whether or not he walks again. I’m an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in that care. Give me a fighting chance to give Ricky his legs back.”
The paramedic waited a moment before he said, “Okay. We’ll do it your way. They told me you were some big-time doctor.”
The beep-beep-beep of the wrecker backing into position on the opposite side of the cotton picker drew their attention.
“Let’s get that board in here,” the paramedic called.
The backboard was passed through the opening. They worked to position it into place under Rick’s head and shoulders.
A man from outside called, “Y’all are going to need to come out here while the picker is being lifted.”
“No way,” Matt announced. “I’m staying here. Applying pressure is too important. The ground is already damp with blood. Seconds could mean the difference. The car will protect me.”
“We aren’t willing to take a chance like that,” one of the EMTs said.
“I’m not asking you to,” Matt snapped.
“I’m staying too.”
Matt gave Shay a narrow-eyed look of displeasure, but didn’t bother to argue with her. By the look of determination on her face he’d never change her mind. He moved to Rick’s head.
Slipping his arms under Rick’s shoulders and clasping his hand over his chest, Matt prepared to pull him out. To Shay he said, “Be ready to apply pressure the second you can.”
The EMTs hovered outside of the little tunnel created between the picker and the car.
The metal of the machine groaned and rattled then shattered as it was being lifted. It moved only an inch. Finally, the big piece of equipment shifted far enough Matt could pull Rick out. Seconds later Shay applied pressure to the wound on the left leg while Matt settled Rick on the board.
The EMTs quickly joined them.
Matt moved around to Rick’s right side and began running his hands over his leg. Rick winced when he touched his upper thigh. It was broken. “Rick, move your feet for me.” Matt watched for the slightest movement. Relief washed through him when Rick’s right foot relaxed slightly.
“Good,” he told Rick. Matt then turned his attention to Shay. She still applied pressure to the other leg.
Shay met his look. “It’s a compound fracture.”
Matt nodded. “Let’s let these guys do what they do best, get him ready to be transported. The leg needs to be cooled down.”
“We have the ice packs waiting,” one of the EMTs said as he took over for Shay.
“Don’t remove his boots. We need them to slow down the swelling,” Matt ordered.
Shay backed out of her side of the tunnel, and he did the same out of his. He walked around the car and joined her near the road.
The encouraging sound of the whop-whop of the helicopter could be heard in the distance.
“What do you think?” She glanced to where Rick lay.
Matt’s lips thinned. “I won’t really know until we get to the hospital. He has major injuries.”
They both turned as the Life Flight helicopter set down in the middle of the road.
Matt touched her arm briefly. “I need to go talk to these guys. I’ll be right back.”
Soon the EMTs passed her with Rick secured on the board and ice packs around his legs.
Matt returned to her at a lope. “They have room in the copter for me. I’m going with Rick. I’ll let you know how he’s doing.”
“Okay.”
Matt didn’t have time to say all he needed to or wanted to. He gave Shay a quick kiss then ran toward the helicopter.
* * *
Pride filled Shay at the work she and Matt had done. The EMTs had commented it had been the most amazing example of heroism they had ever seen. They couldn’t get over her and Matt insisting they stay under the machine while the combine had been moved.
She watched as the helicopter lifted off until there was nothing but dim flashing lights and a hum of the engine. The noise of people moving around her and the slamming of doors said she needed to get going.
One of the guys working on the wrecker helped her back out onto the pavement. She headed for the hospital to check on Rick and to give Matt a ride home. By the time she arrived Rick was already in surgery. Matt had been invited into the OR to watch only because he didn’t have privileges at the hospital. Shay waited in the doctors’ lounge with the understanding a nurse would let Matt know she was there.
When she grew tired of her own company, she went out to the waiting room to look for Rick’s parents. She ended up spending the rest of the time sitting with them. Late in the night, the surgeon who had done Rick’s surgery with Matt beside him walked out to speak to the parents.
Dr. Roper, the best orthopedic surgeon in the city, introduced Matt. “This is the man that saved Ricky’s legs. Without his initial care there wouldn’t have been anything for me to work with.”
Matt moved over beside her. “Dr. Lunsford was just as involved.”
It was nice to have him remember her. John wouldn’t have been so inclusive in sharing the limelight.
The surgeon continued. “Ricky will need another surgery that we’ve planned for the end of the week. I’ve asked Dr. Chapman to assist me.”
She would see if she could find someone to cover for him at the clinic. Ricky needed Matt’s skills. His talents were being underused at the clinic. She’d known that from the first week Matt had been there. He should be where he could do the most good.
When Dr. Roper turned to move away, Matt touched her arm. “I’ll be right back.”
She nodded.
Matt and Dr. Roper stepped to the side and spoke quietly. They shook hands and Matt returned to her. “I’m beat. Let’s go home. I’m not used to seeing a case from start to finish. I usually come in at the middle.”
“Pace kind of picked up around here, didn’t it?” She yawned.
Matt put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close for a hug. “I think you are making fun of me.”
“Who, me?” She grinned.
Less than half an hour later she pulled into Matt’s drive. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
He didn’t immediately get out. It was one of the few times she had seen him looking unsure.
“You know when you have a night like tonight it reminds you that you need to appreciate the time you’re given.”
“It does.” What was he getting at? It wasn’t like Matt not to say what he meant.
“I’d like you to stay with me.”
“I thought you’d never ask.” She opened her car door and pulled her bag out of the back.
After a shared shower, they climbed into bed. Matt pulled her back against his chest and curled around her as if he wanted to protect her. He kissed her temple. Soon his breathing evened.
She followed him into sleep.
CHAPTER TEN
ON WEDNESDAY MORNING, Matt finished up with a patient and stepped out into the clinic hallway.
“Mrs. Dobbs, it was nice to meet you. Be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Lunsford for the week after next. I won’t be here.”
“Oh, I’ll just wait until you are,” the middle-aged woman said.
“I’m sorry, I’m moving to Chicago.”
She shook her head. “I hate to hear that. It’s hard to find a doctor you like. I was hoping you’d be around for a long time.”
“I think you’ll like Dr. Lunsford. I can personally vouch for her.” In more ways than he could say out loud.
“I’ll come back and check her out.”
Matt watched the woman leave out the front door of the clinic. He’d mi
ss this interaction with patients, but it had been invigorating being back in the OR the other night. He’d not actually gotten to do the surgery, but he’d watched and even offered help when asked. Many surgeons could be territorial, but Dr. Roper had been aware of Matt’s skills. It didn’t hurt that Dr. Roper had also seen Matt present a paper at a conference and had read a number of articles he’d written.
“I see you’ve been charming the female patients, Dr. Chapman.” Shay came up beside him with a grin on her lips.
He winked at her. “I’m only interested in charming one woman.”
“Then you can consider that done.” That special smile formed on her lips.
“How’s the new guy working out?” Shay had hired the blond doctor, Dr. Kurt Willis.
“I think he’ll work just fine. I’m glad he could start today since you’ll be gone tomorrow.”
“Sorry to have put you in a bind.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “You should be in the OR. I’m glad the hospital board gave you privilege. I know you can help Rick.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” It was nice having someone in his corner and he didn’t doubt for a minute Shay supported him.
The new doctor came out of an exam room and looked toward them.
“I better go.” Shay headed down to meet Kurt.
Matt moved to the next exam room door. He glanced at Shay. She and Kurt had their heads together, looking at the tablet. His chest tightened. Matt didn’t like that scene at all.
He’d already begun to worry about how he’d handle it when he had to say goodbye to Shay. Maybe he would get enough of her soon, but he didn’t think so. In fact, with each day and night that passed it was becoming more difficult. He had to continue to remind himself that text, phone calls and airplanes did exist, but it wouldn’t be the same as touching her.
Neither of them had discussed what they’d do when the time came. Yet he’d seen Shay looking off with a tightness to her lips and a sadness in her eyes. What had he done? The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Shay. He couldn’t even begin to describe how much he’d miss her.
Shay would never agree to leave Lewisville. This was her home, her clinic, the place she was passionate about, her life. He studied her. Her beauty held him. Shay had outside beauty, but she was even more beautiful on the inside. That was what really captured him. He felt honored she’d shared even a small part of her life with him.
The next evening at her house, he slipped into bed beside Shay. She made some changes in her bedroom, putting a bright cover on the bed and adding pillows with large flowers. New curtains lay over a chair ready for hanging. Pride filled him at how she’d embraced making changes. He pulled her into his arms appreciating her warmth and softness.
“Hey,” she murmured. “You’re later than I thought.”
“I wanted to stay until Rick was settled in ICU.” He rubbed his cheek against her hair.
“How’s he doing?”
“Okay. He’ll have a few more surgeries but he shouldn’t have but a small limp.”
Shay rolled over and huddled into his chest. “Because you’re so wonderful.”
He chuckled. “I like having a fan club.”
She kissed his chest as her hands came up around his neck. “I’m your biggest.”
* * *
Friday morning Shay stepped into the office to get some papers to give Sheree. Matt was there on the phone. His brows drew together in concentration.
“Yes, yes,” he said.
She quietly picked up what she needed and wiggled her fingers at him as she left.
He gave her a weak smile that didn’t make it to his eyes and said into the phone, “I should be able to make that work. I need to check on a few things and I’ll get back to you. I’m looking forward to it.”
As she came down the hall after speaking to Sheree she saw Matt standing in the doorway of the office. His lips formed a line.
Worry filled her. What was going on? “Is everything okay?”
“Can we talk a sec?”
Her heart thumped harder. She didn’t think she’d like what he had to say. “Sure.”
Shay entered the office and Matt followed, closing the door.
“What’s going on, Matt? You’re starting to scare me.” She stood facing him.
He took her hands. His thumbs rubbed the top of them a little harder than necessary. “It’s nothing like that. That phone call was from Chicago. They’d like me to come up as soon as possible. Monday, if I could.”
Shay’s hands tightened on his. She’d known this day would come, but it shouldn’t be this soon. Or hurt this much.
“The situation has changed up there. The other doctor is leaving a week early and they’re backlogged. They need me now.”
The note of excitement surrounded by sadness in Matt’s voice tugged at her heart. She’d heard it before when he talked about being in the OR with Rick. He missed his job. His skills were wasted at the clinic. “Then you should go.”
His brows drew together. “I don’t want to leave you in the lurch here at the clinic.” His gaze met and held hers. “I don’t want to leave you.”
“But you have to. I understand that. We knew this day was coming. You should go on. If they need you to come early then that means they can really use you. You have to go.”
“At least Kurt is working so you won’t even miss me.”
Miss him? She’d miss him with every fiber of her being, but she would survive. She’d changed since he’d come into her life. This time she wouldn’t get stuck and not move on with her life. Shay fortified herself to say, “Of course you’ll be missed, but you have to do what you need to. We’ll be fine here. I want you to be happy.”
Disappointment filled his eyes as he squeezed her hands. “I’ll have to leave in the morning to make the drive. That means it’ll mess up our plans to go to the farm.”
Shay’s chest tightened, making it hard to breathe. She’d get through this. Just like that he would be gone. “I understand. You need to pack. I’ll get you some snacks together for the road.”
“I was really looking forward to spending the weekend with you. But I should go. I need to get off on the right foot.”
She forced a smile. “I agree. It’s important to make a good first impression. You’re only leaving a week early.”
“But I would have spent that week with you. Maybe we can get together for a weekend soon. You could come see me.”
That was a nice dream, but she knew in reality that probably wouldn’t happen.
“I’m sorry about this. You know this isn’t how I would have planned my leaving, don’t you?” Concern still filled his eyes.
“Hey, I understand it’s life. We just have to deal.” She would take what it dished out and meet it. No more hiding for her. Still it hurt to have Matt leaving.
“Then I’ll call and tell them I’ll be there Monday.” He pulled her to him. “I want to take you out to dinner tonight to help make up for messing the weekend up.”
“I’d rather us just stay in. I’ll cook something easy and we can watch a movie after we get you all packed. Now, we should see some patients so we can get out of here on time this afternoon.”
He gave her weak smile. “I won’t miss working for such a demanding boss.”
The problem was she’d miss everything about him.
* * *
That evening Matt settled on the sofa at his place waiting for Shay to join him after their meal. When the word had gotten out that he was leaving, Sheree had arranged an impromptu going-away party during lunch. She ordered in sandwiches along with cake and ice cream. He’d worked in LA six years and not had that type of attention when he had left. This small group of people, even those who rotated in and out, had become his family in such a short while. Shay had worn a smile while everyone laughed
and told stories about his first few days in town, but it hadn’t reached her eyes. He sensed she was going through the motions.
As excited as he was to work in an OR again, he hated having to leave her.
Shay joined him on the sofa but left some distance between them. “How did it go with Ms. Gladys?”
He raised his chin with pride. “She said she’d miss me and if I was ever in town, she expected me to come for a visit. She’s bringing over an apple pie in the morning for me to take with me.”
“You made a real friend.”
“I’m pretty sweet on her too. Which comes as a big surprise to me.” It had. After he stopped holding back, he appreciated people more.
“People around here can grow on you.”
He took her hand, tracing her fingers with the tip of his. “You certainly did on me. Shay—” he waited until she looked at him “—I don’t want this to end here. I know it’ll be difficult, but I want to see you every chance we get. I’ll come down for long weekends, vacations, holidays. I’m not ready to give you up.”
A wry smile came to her lips as she looked anywhere but at him.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know if it’s such a good idea to make plans that we may not be able to keep. I’ve done the long-distance relationship stuff and it didn’t go well. Let’s just enjoy tonight and what may come without too many promises that might be broken. That way if it works out it’ll be great.”
“You do know that I’m not your ex-husband.”
“I do. It’s not just that, it’s where we live. The pace of life we live at. What we want. Enough of that. Let’s just watch the movie then go to bed.”
He pulled her into his lap. Maybe Shay was right. If she was, he wanted to make sure when she thought of him it brought a smile to her face.
“I was thinking about skipping the movie and moving on to the bed.” His lips found hers.
Taming the Hot-Shot Doc Page 13