Well, he’d better glean some facts. This was harder than he’d thought it would be. He glanced at Catrina and she sat tranquilly beside him, lending moral support, not interrupting. Just there. It felt good not to be on his own through this. ‘What hours do you have available?’
Marni laughed. ‘As I haven’t started yet it’s hard to say. Big picture—Monday to Friday, no more than forty hours, but the hours are flexible. And I get to keep the weekends for the boys and Bob.’
‘Where would she sleep in the daytime?’
‘We’ve a little room next to the boys’ room. Bob put two new folding cots in there and I think it’ll work well. And I’ll supply all the food. No hardship to make for one more and that way nobody wants what others have.’
It all sounded too good to be true. Plus they lived a few doors away from his own house. Even in this short time Piper seemed relaxed here. He gently swung her off his lap, book still in her hands, and rested her bottom on the floor. Just to see if she’d go.
As soon as she hit the floor she dropped the book and crawled curiously towards the two little boys. Stopped about a body’s length away and sat up. The three tiny people all looked at each other.
The adults smiled and Finn felt the tension leave his shoulders. The gods, or Catrina, had saved him again.
‘What about if I go and talk to my prospective employer tomorrow? Perhaps leave Piper here just for an hour and see how she goes while I negotiate? Then we’ll all know more.’
‘Why don’t you make it two hours? That will be a quarter of the time of her next visit, if you decide to go ahead. Just to give her time to settle. And take the rush out of your appointment. She’ll be fine. It will give us all a chance to trial the fit.’
‘I think that sounds like a plan. Yes, please.’ Finn stood up. Blew out a breath. ‘Phew. Thank you. I do feel better for asking and talking to you. That would be great.’ He glanced at Catrina, who stood as well. She smiled at him as if he’d just done an excellent job. It felt good. Reassuring.
Marni went across to the dresser and picked up a business card. ‘Here’s our phone number, and it’s got my mobile on it as well. You can ring or drop in when you know your time. The sheet has information about my business.’ She handed him a sheet of paper with her numbers and the payment rates. Easy.
‘That’s great.’ He picked up Piper, who had crawled over to him as soon as he stood up. She didn’t cling, more curious than panicked he’d leave her. ‘I’ll leave one of my own cards when I bring Piper. Then you can contact me any time.’
‘Give yourself ten extra minutes before you leave her tomorrow. To help her settle.’
He nodded. Then Bob came and shook his hand. Then they were outside and the door closed.
He felt like sagging against it. He’d done it. Another step towards a new life.
‘You didn’t say much.’
Catrina laughed. ‘I didn’t have to. You’re all made for each other.’
CHAPTER TEN
Trina
TRINA’S FIRST MORNING as Midwifery Unit Manager, and her first day shift for a long time, proved too busy to worry about a man she’d met on the beach and declared her friend. Though she had spent a fair time mulling over all the things she’d learnt about Finn the night before.
This morning, in her new world, the midwife coming off shift had celebrated a birth at five a.m., so still lots of settling of mother and baby for Trina to help with before mother left at lunchtime to go home. Another mother who preferred to rest at home, not separated from her toddler, and it made her think of her conversation with Finn yesterday. Finn again. She pushed those thoughts away and concentrated on the new tasks.
There were Monday pharmacy orders and sterile stock orders, and a hospital meeting and a visit from Myra, her neighbour, which lightened a busy time with a quick break.
‘Hello there, new midwife in charge.’ Myra’s serene face peered around the corner of the nurses’ station, where Trina typed efficiently into the discharged mother’s electronic medical records.
‘Hello, Mrs Southwell, what have you got there?’ Myra had a steaming cup and a white paper bag tucked under her arm. Ellie had said that Myra always brought something when the place got busy.
‘A long black with extra water, the way you like it.’ She smiled mischievously. ‘And a savoury tart with spring onion in case you haven’t had lunch.’
Trina glanced at the clock, the hour hand resting on the two. ‘An angel. That’s what you are.’ Though she would pack lunch tomorrow to make sure she had something. She hadn’t realised how hard it could be to get away from the ward to the cafeteria. She’d expected that on night duty but not through the day.
Myra tilted her head to scrutinise her. ‘Have you had time to stop for a few minutes?’
Trina sat back and gestured to the chair beside her. ‘Not yet. But I do now. And I will.’ She took the china mug Myra carried and took a sip before she put it down on the desk beside her. ‘Ah!’ She smiled at the older lady. ‘I seriously needed that.’ She looked at the mug again and picked it up. Took another sip and closed her eyes. ‘The world won’t stop turning if I don’t achieve everything today.’
Myra laughed. ‘Something I’ve learnt since I came here. So how is it going? Is it strange to be on the ward in the daytime?’
Trina glanced around the sunlit reception area. The windows that showed the gardens. The sunlight slanting across the polished wooden floors. ‘It is. And there are so many people I need to talk to.’ She pretended to shudder. ‘Business requirements have given me interaction overload. Present company excluded, of course.’
‘I won’t be offended.’ Myra looked at her with concern. ‘Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer sitting in the tea room and I could answer the phone for you while you finish your tart?’
Trina laughed. ‘No. This is a social conversation. Much more fun. Besides, I haven’t seen you for days. How are you? How is married life? Any adventurous plans?’
‘I’m well. Ridiculously content, and I’m trying to talk Reg into coming away with me on a cruising holiday. There’s a last-minute deal that’s breaking my heart not to take.’
Trina could see Myra at a Captain’s Cocktail Party, dressed to the nines in those stunning vintage outfits she seemed to source at will. Trina could never find anything when she looked in the pre-loved section. Or if she did she looked ridiculous. But Myra looked soft and elegant and stunningly stylish. She sighed and let the envy go. She hadn’t really thought much of clothes since Ed. ‘That sounds fun. Does he like the idea?’
‘More than I thought he would. But it all depends if he finds locum relief for the practice. I’m a little keen for him to scale right back but he’s become immersed in the bay and the hospital.’
Trina could see why Myra wanted to play. ‘I haven’t seen him out on his surfboard lately.’
‘He still goes out every Sunday with his son. It’s lovely to see. Says he doesn’t have the need to get out of bed at the crack of dawn now—especially with me in it.’ Myra smiled with just a hint of pink in her cheeks and Trina smiled back.
‘Understandable.’ She thought of Finn. Her own cheeks heated and she dipped her head and took a sip from her mug to hide it. Of course he was the locum Myra hoped for, and of course she wasn’t blushing just because of Myra’s mention of mornings in bed. ‘Is he hopeful of the locum situation?’
Myra sighed. ‘There’s a young doctor in town he’s had a chat with. Some family issue that’s keeping him from starting, but hopefully that will sort soon. If not, I think he should advertise.’
‘I met the one I think he’s talking about. Finlay Foley. He’s a single dad. Has a delightful little one-year-old.’
Myra unwrapped the tart from its white paper bag and pushed it towards Trina. ‘That’s the one. That’s right—Reg said he had a daughter. What’s he like?’
‘He’s an amazing dad. Anyone can see that. It’s a wonder you haven’t seen him walking along the beach with his little girl on his back.’
Myra’s eyes brightened. She lifted her head in delight and glanced towards the general direction of the beach way below, though she wouldn’t be able to see it. ‘Oh. I have seen him. Younger than I expected. I didn’t think of him as a doctor. Looks too young.’ She lowered her voice and said suggestively, ‘And handsome.’
Trina laughed. ‘I used to see them in the mornings after work when I walked. Been here for a month but I’ve only really talked to him this weekend.’ Funny how it felt as if she’d known Finn for ages. What was that? ‘His little girl turned one yesterday. And I did mention Marni as a suggestion for childminding. He’s thinking about it.’
‘Oh, that’s marvellous news. And a really good idea. Marni is the perfect mother to those tiny boys. I might get Reg to give him a nudge—not a big nudger is my Reg. But I would like to catch that sailing if possible.’
Trina laughed. ‘You might have a surprise when you get home, then.’ She picked up the tart and bit into the buttery pastry with slow enjoyment. The tang of Parmesan cheese, fresh spring onions and cream made her eyes roll. She took another bite and savoured. Before she knew, the tart was gone. ‘Goodness, Myra. I should have a standing order for those.’
Myra laughed. ‘My man is a bit pleased with my cooking.’
Trina picked up her coffee and then paused as a thought intruded. If Finn took over Dr Southwell’s practice while he was away, he’d be working in the hospital. And he’d probably walk through Maternity. Might even seek her out as a friendly face. Not that everyone wasn’t friendly at Lighthouse Bay. Maybe he’d even come over if they needed a third for a tricky birth. Their own personal paediatrician.
Her belly seemed to warm and it had nothing to do with food and hot coffee, though they had been good. She finished the last of the coffee not quite in the present moment. It was all positive because he was a paediatrician. Good for those babies that didn’t breathe as well as you expected them to. Oh, my.
‘You look much better for stopping and eating,’ Myra said with some satisfaction. She stood up. ‘I won’t bother you any longer and let you get on before your afternoon midwives come on.’
‘You’re never a bother. More of a life-saver. Thank you.’ She glanced down at the empty crumpled white bag. ‘You’ve made my day.’ In more ways than one.
* * *
Trina finished work at five-thirty that evening and decided to walk quickly down the breakwall and blow the stress of the day away. The administration side of the maternity unit would take a little time to get used to but she’d mastered most of the things that had slowed her up. The joy of finishing work and not having to worry about sleep until it was dark felt like a sweet novelty. Especially when, on her way back, she saw that Finn and Piper, wrapped in scarves, were walking too. Finn swung along effortlessly, the bundle on his back wriggling when she saw Catrina.
Finn raised his hand and changed direction and she sat on the breakwall and waited for him to reach her. As they approached she couldn’t help watching his stride as his strong thighs closed the distance between them. His broad shoulders were silhouetted against the ocean and his eyes crinkled with delight as he came up to her.
The smile he gave her made the waiting even more worth it. She realised she’d been staring and spoke first. ‘Hello. How did Piper go today?’
He patted Piper’s leg. ‘She didn’t want to leave when I went to pick her up.’
Trina tried to hide her smile behind a sympathetic look but it didn’t stick.
He pretended to scowl at her. ‘You think that’s amusing?’
She straightened her face. ‘I’m pretty sure you were relieved too.’
He dropped his mock-injured façade. ‘Absolutely. It felt good to see her so comfortable in another setting. And I owe that to you.’ A genuine heartfelt smile which she might just snapshot and pull out later when she got home. ‘Thank you, Catrina.’
She’d done nothing. He seemed so serious. And he seemed to expect some comment. ‘For the little I did you’re very welcome, Finn.’
‘I’m serious.’ Had he read her mind? ‘In fact, Piper and I would like to invite you to our house to share dinner on Thursday night. In celebration of her finding childcare and me starting work next Monday. If you don’t have a previous engagement?’ There was a tiny hesitation at the last comment and she wondered why he thought she would.
‘No previous engagement.’
Was that relief on his face? ‘Just our usual slap-up meal. So you don’t have to cook when you get home.’ He hurried on. ‘It will be early and if you needed to you could still be home by dark.’
She laughed. It would certainly be an early dinner as night fell about seven. ‘I finish at five-thirty so can be there by six. Though sometimes the wheels fall off at work and that could slow me down or make me cancel.’
He shrugged. ‘Been there. We’ll take that as we have to.’
Trina smiled. Of course. A paed would know that. ‘In that case, lovely. Thank you.’ She tweaked the baby toes at Finn’s chest. ‘Thank you for the invitation, Piper.’ The little girl gurgled and said, ‘Mum, Mum, Mum.’
Trina pretended she didn’t see Finn’s wince. ‘I bet she was saying that all the time at Marni’s house. The boys will come ahead on their speaking with her there.’
He still looked subdued so she went on. ‘Soon they’ll be able to say fiss.’
Finn seemed to shake himself. She saw him cast his mind back and his smile grew. Could see when he remembered the rock pool. Saw the relief for the change of focus.
His smile dipped to rueful. ‘You’re right.’ Then he straightened and gave her his full attention again. ‘How was your first day as the boss?’
‘Administrative. Hats off to Ellie for never complaining about all the paperwork and ordering. But it’s well worth it to have finished work at this time and still get a full night’s sleep. It will be amazing when Daylight Saving comes back in and it doesn’t get dark till after eight at night.’
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Finn
FINN SHIFTED ON the hard boardwalk, listened, but inside he thought, Yes, she’s coming on Thursday. He felt like dancing a jig. Didn’t want to think about why. The tension that had been building slowly released. She made him feel like a teenager which, though disconcerting, made a good change from feeling like an old man most of the time.
He’d considered the invitation from every angle because it had become increasingly important he didn’t scare Catrina away and he still remembered her warnings when they’d first met. Enjoying her company had lifted his life from survival to anticipation. And he anticipated that Catrina could be great company for the foreseeable future if he stayed careful.
But she’d said she didn’t want a relationship. It suited him fine, he kept telling himself that, and it had nothing to do with the fact that every time he saw her he noticed something new about her.
Like that especially golden strand of hair that fell across her forehead and made him want to move it out of her eyes. Or the way the soft skin on the curve of her long neck made him want to stroke that vulnerable spot with one finger. Just to assess if it felt like the velvet it resembled.
Of course it was all about Piper—she needed to have a female figure in her life who didn’t demand anything—but Catrina gave so much warmth he could feel himself thawing more each day. Or maybe it was the fact he’d told himself he’d change now that Piper’s first birthday had passed.
He tamped down the suspicion it could be selfish to blow so persistently on the flame of their friendship when he didn’t have much to offer, was still married in fact, but he could feel the restoration of his soul and sensibilities. And the better he was in himself the better he was for Piper.
So he’d considered all the barriers she might have had to agreeing to a first dinner date and had methodically worked on arranging for them to disappear. To make it easy for both of them.
It would be a celebration—Piper’s care with Marni and his new job.
She started work early the first four days of the week—so he’d invited her on Thursday—she had to eat, so no reason not to grab a free meal from him on the way home.
Plus he was hoping to set up some connections with her over the coming weekend and that would seem more impromptu if he mentioned those on Thursday.
And the big card—Catrina had to be curious to see his house. It had all paid off.
‘Did you like the Southwells’ surgery?’ Her voice startled him back into the present moment. He thought back to earlier in the day. To the white cottage that held Dr Southwell’s medical rooms.
‘It’s quaint. Not as strange as it could have been. A small practice, one receptionist, and I’d have my own room to settle into, which is always better than using someone else’s. I’ll have all my equipment sent ASAP.’ Or he could drive back and get it, but the idea made him shudder.
Catrina’s voice grounded him. ‘That’s good. Did you see any patients?’
‘You mean behave like a real doctor?’ He smiled at her. ‘Not yet. But I will start with those with urgent needs and Reg seems to think I could concentrate on children, which would suit me very well, and meet a need for the community.’
Catrina nodded slowly as she thought about it. ‘I know at the base hospital it takes a few weeks for the paediatrician to see new patients. Perhaps you would even have some of those mums driving their children over this way, like the Lighthouse Bay mums go to the base for the service. Certainly easier for people like Marni to take the boys for their premmie check-ups.’
‘Plus I’d be available for general patients when it was busy, but it seemed pretty sleepy today. Perfect hours of work for a dad with a little girl to consider.’
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