And Jack wanted Sophie.
She wanted support from him and she hadn’t seen it. Through Sophie, Jack had come to see things in another light. He’d blamed Sophie and Greg Fulton for Aleah’s death for too long. He’d blamed himself and had been tormented by grief. It had to end. Period. Jack wanted a full life...a life that included Sophie.
He started by walking into the Recovery Alliance with a sheaf of papers under his arm. “I’m here to see Eleanor,” he said to a teenaged volunteer who was placing brochures on a table.
“She’s in her office. I’ll show you,” she said. “I’m Mindy, by the way.”
“Jack Carter,” he said, suddenly humble as he noticed a group of people sitting at the far end of the room talking in quiet tones, intent on each other. These were the people who needed help—his help. He felt their compassion for each other and wondered if they were healing. He hoped so.
Jack walked into Eleanor’s office and shook her hand as she rose. “Eleanor, I’m Jack Carter. I own Carter and Associates, the insurance agency down the block. I’m very pleased to meet you. Sophie Mattuchi told me you need an umbrella insurance policy for the Alliance.”
“Please, sit down. And yes. That’s true, but our funds—”
Jack stopped her immediately by placing the folder on the desk. “It’s paid for. This year and next. It’s my donation to your efforts here. I’ve come to realize that I’ve been wrong about a lot of things lately, but what you’re doing, Eleanor, is admirable. You and all the volunteers need the backing of the entire town. I’m just one guy right now, but I want to help.”
Eleanor threw her hands over her mouth. Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know what to say! Mr. Carter, thank you. So very much!”
“Call me Jack. I’m here for anything else you need.” He reached in his jacket pocket and took out an envelope. “I’m just getting my feet on the ground myself with my business, but as time goes on, I can do better. For now, this should help keep the lights on.”
Eleanor didn’t open the envelope. Her eyes were glued on Jack. She was speechless.
“I’d also like a couple of those posters to put in my windows. I’m told I have the best visibility in town.” He grinned widely.
“You do at that, Jack.” Eleanor smiled. “I’ll get them for you.”
* * *
SOPHIE SAT IN Emory Wills’s office, wondering if the president’s scowl could possibly get any deeper.
She knew why she was here. The fork in her road demanded a decision. She knew her deepest passion was to help addicts recover, but she’d worked too hard and too long for her position at the hospital to let it go without a fight.
Emory folded his hands over his stomach. “I assume you’re aware of why I asked for this meeting.”
“Sir, I believe it’s about Jeremy Hawthorne. I was his sponsor through the Recovery Alliance,” she admitted, so he didn’t have to accuse her.
Emory raised his eyebrow. “And the coroner is calling it a suicide since his housemate found a note. Did you know that?”
“No, sir.”
“We received a report from Trent Davis at the police department. For all intents and purposes, the case is closed. Cut and dry.”
Sophie swallowed. “But not for me. Am I being fired?” Better to get it over with.
“Sophie, you have to understand the position you put me and the hospital in. Because you were his sponsor, the expectation is that you would have been able to do something. Counsel him—”
“Save him?”
He shook his head. “No one on staff would think that. But ordinary, nonmedical people believe those things. And those people might try to sue the hospital. That’s why I have rules in place that staff members here are not to align themselves with non-hospital-affiliated institutions and groups. This is Indian Lake, Sophie. A small town where people talk. We’ll never know if Jeremy would have taken his life under other circumstances, in another town. But do you understand my position?”
“Yes, sir. I do.”
“I don’t want to fire you, Sophie. Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Barzonni came to me to plead your case. They don’t want to lose you. If you can promise me that you will end your work with the Alliance, then I won’t fire you.”
Sophie had known this day would come from the first moment she’d agreed to help Eleanor. As much as her passion was to help Eleanor and her clients, Sophie’s parents had sacrificed all their lives to give her an expensive education. She couldn’t let them down. Nor could she abandon Dr. Caldwell and Nate, who’d come to her defense. Her cardiac and ER patients needed her, too. Perhaps someday she’d find a way to do everything, but today she had to make a choice.
“I’ll stay with the hospital, sir.”
Emory rose and extended his hand. “You’re an asset to this hospital, Sophie. I’m proud of you.”
Sophie left the office and closed the door softly. She didn’t feel victorious. She was sad. She’d had high expectations for all she could do with the Alliance. She’d wanted so desperately to matter. But in the end, she knew where her expertise lay. And if she wasn’t stretched so thin, she’d be an even better nurse for all the people who counted on her.
After stepping off the elevator, she passed the ER, feeling the ghosts of Aleah and Jeremy. It was more than grief that caused her sadness, she realized; it was also the empty place in her heart where Jack had been.
* * *
JACK ENTERED EMORY WILLS’S office and found the man pacing in front of the large window. Midday sun streamed across the wood floor, striking dust motes.
“This isn’t my day, Jack,” Emory said without turning around.
“Sorry?”
“I just went to the Indian Lake Deli for lunch and saw posters for the Recovery Alliance in your windows. I thought we talked about this.”
Jack opened his folder. “We did. I’m ignoring you because I think you’re wrong.” He relished the feeling of taking this stand. He took out the policies he and Katia had painstakingly put together.
Carter and Associates needed Emory’s endorsement and recommendation to acquire other Indiana hospitals’ insurance business. Jack knew he could be tossing those opportunities away by defying the president. But right was right. Sophie had shown him that. He also wanted to prove to Sophie that he was on her side.
“What?” Emory spun around.
“I’ve looked into the Alliance and what they’re doing, and I don’t see where you’re coming from with your rules. I’d never be so presumptuous as to tell you how to run your hospital, but they have a valid place in our community and I’m already supporting them. If you considered the bigger picture, you’d see the hospital actually could support them. No laws broken. You could form a partnership. There are all kinds of ways to go about this, if you’d open your mind to it. And I’m willing to help with any liability issues. No extra charge.”
Emory’s pursed lips were white and his scowl told Jack he’d been shot down. Rejected. “Jack, this meeting is over.”
“That’s fine, Emory. I’ve drawn up these policies for you and I assure you my quotes are the best you’ll ever see for the coverage I’m offering. I’m saving you a great deal of money. If there’s any truth to the rumor that other hospital chains are looking to acquire you, you might want to show them these.”
Emory appeared stoic and immovable. The man had dug in his heels. Jack had always relied on his gifts of persuasion to sway clients, but this was more than a
sales pitch. It was the right thing to do for everyone involved. Jack deeply believed Sophie would eventually make a difference with her efforts. He wanted to share in that kind of satisfaction. It felt good to help the Alliance and their clients. He knew that now.
“Listen, Emory. There’re a lot of needs in this town. You can’t do it all. The hospital can’t, either. Nor can I alone. But, thanks to a certain employee of yours, Sophie Mattuchi, I’ve learned that I can do what I can do. Maybe if I’m lucky, I’ll have an impact.”
Emory stared at the folder and gave his head a slight shake. “I don’t see it.”
Jack slid the policy closer to Emory. “Listen, you helped me a great deal when I came to town. Many of your employees are my clients. I’m a loyal kind of guy and I like to pay back when I can.” Jack held out his hand. “I like doing business with you, Emory. I hope you change your mind.”
Emory looked Jack in the eye. “It’s not that simple. Right now, I don’t think it’s likely, Jack.”
“Well, I’m sorry about that.” Jack shoved his hands in his pockets, still refusing to accept defeat. He’d leave the folder. Jack wanted to believe there was still hope. He turned to go and stopped. “Emory, think over what I said about the Alliance. Please.”
“See you at Rotary, Jack.”
Jack gave him a crisp nod and left.
* * *
THE BACKS OF the silver maple leaves glinted in the setting sun as Sophie pushed herself around the running trail. The west wind whipped across the top of the lake, turning small whitecaps into beckoning waves. The first chill of autumn teased the air and already Sophie mourned the end of summer. With summer’s passing, she would have to admit to the end of her romance with Jack.
It had only been a little over a week since she’d sent Jack away, and she’d never felt so empty or so alone. How was it possible that before she’d met Jack, she hadn’t minded coming home after a long day and simply curling up with a book? She hadn’t minded walks to The Louise House by herself. She hadn’t minded that her phone sat dormant except for calls from her mother.
Everything was different now. It was as if the sun had lost half its warmth. Her days were longer—and her nights. The nights were interminable. All she did was think of Jack, and if she actually managed to fall asleep, she dreamed of him.
Sophie blew out the heaviness in her chest. It seemed impossible to miss his silly selfies of Frenchie, but each day that passed without some crazy photo, another hole opened up inside her. Most of all, Sophie missed the way Jack would look at her as if she were the only woman in the world.
Maybe he’d loved her. But not enough to support her the way she needed.
One thing she knew for sure was that despite all her nursing education and experience with cardiac care, she didn’t have the first clue how to heal her own heart.
Sophie raced past Jack’s condo and peered up through the trees, only to see his empty deck. No one to wave to. No one to notice her passing by.
Sophie reached her car and checked her fitness tracker. Three miles in eighteen minutes and five seconds was still a good run. Not her personal best, but she’d take it.
She unlocked the car and saw a missed call from Mrs. Beabots. She grabbed her phone and called her landlady back.
“Hi, Mrs. Beabots. I saw that you called...No. I’m out at the lake. Is there something you need?...Sure. Sure. I can stop and pick up some ice cream for you...Oh, Louise has it ready? That’s nice...Sure. I’ll tell her to put it on your bill...Okay. See you in a bit.”
Sophie pulled on her black velour zip jacket with silver cords down the sleeves. The nip in the air was just enough to give her a chill. She yanked the clip out of her hair and fluffed her waves, knowing the sweat would dry momentarily.
She used a baby wipe to clean her face and glanced at the cloth. Apparently she hadn’t quite cried off all her mascara.
When she reached The Louise House, Sophie was surprised to find the place full, considering the cooler temperatures outside. Then she noticed the chalkboard sign announcing that Louise’s pumpkin and gingersnap ice cream was back.
Now Sophie knew why Mrs. Beabots wanted ice cream tonight.
“Hi, Louise,” Sophie said with a little wave as she walked up to the counter. “I understand Mrs. Beabots called in an order. I’m here to pick it up.”
“Huh?” Louise cocked her head. “She did?”
“Uh, yes. I assumed it was for the pumpkin ice cream. If she forgot to order it, could you scoop up a pint for her?”
“Sure, honey.” Louise smiled broadly. “Tell you what. Why don’t you have a seat? I have another recipe I’m trying out on my favorite patrons. Would you be willing to taste my gingerbread and brownie ice cream for me?”
“Sure,” Sophie replied. “Anything to help.”
Louise glanced toward the glassed-in candy shelves. “There’s a spot over there. That table.”
Sophie followed her gaze and saw Jack standing up, staring at her with an apprehensive smile on his lips.
She started to turn away.
Jack bolted toward her. “Sophie. Don’t go,” he said loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. “I need—”
He was at her side in two more strides. Long strides. Purposeful ones.
“What, Jack? What do you need?”
“I have to tell you something. It can’t wait.” He took her elbow, urging her toward his table.
She looked around the room. People were staring at them. “Jack.” She shook her head. “I don’t think—”
“I love you,” he said. Loudly.
“You what?”
“I love you.”
Was this happening? She continued shaking her head. “No, Jack. You don’t.”
“Yes, Sophie. I do. And I’m not afraid or too embarrassed to say it front of everyone here. Complete strangers, by the way.”
He put both his hands on her shoulders, pulled her to him and kissed her. It was a lingering kiss, soft and committal. It promised forever. It was the most exciting, endearing and loving kiss she’d ever received in her life. She knew absolutely that she couldn’t live through another wrenching breakup with him.
But they would have to part.
They had to.
“Jack.” She breathed his name as their lips parted.
“Sophie.” He rested his cheek against hers, his breath feathering her ear. “Hear me out. Stay.”
The fight had gone out of her. “Okay, Jack.”
Jack held her hand as he led the way to his table. He pulled out the antique ice-cream chair for her and when she sat, he kissed the top of her head.
“I thought about what you said to me. And you were right, Sophie. How could you ever trust and respect a man who didn’t support you and your beliefs?”
Sophie opened her mouth to respond, but he placed his fingertips over her lips.
“I was a little slow on the uptake, and I blamed you and Greg Fulton for Aleah’s death. Then I blamed myself. I was wrong. My guilt got in the way of us. I’ve forgiven myself, and I know I’m not completely healed, but I’m a work in progress.” He took a deep breath. “What I’m trying to say, Sophie, is that I’ve put a few things into action that I think will help people like Jeremy. I gave Eleanor that policy you asked me for. I also told Eleanor I’ll contribute in any way I can.”
“You didn’t? You did?”
“Did.” He smiled and touched her cheek. “I also went to Emory, and he�
��s finally agreed to help underwrite the Recovery Alliance and to do away with his rules. He’ll tell you himself, but if you can work the hours out, he’ll let you continue volunteering for Eleanor.”
“Jack, is this true?”
“Uh-huh.”
Sophie had to make an effort to shut her gaping mouth. She was staring at a hero. Her hero.
Sophie rested her cheek in his palm. “This is too much. I mean, you accomplished something that Eleanor has been trying to do for so long. So have others.”
Sophie felt her heart open. She savored his touch, the sincerity in his eyes. She’d missed him.
“Jack, you’re amazing. I’m stunned. It’s going to take me a bit to absorb all of this.”
“Don’t take too long,” he teased. “Sophie...”
“Jack, stop. I need to say something and I’m going to bumble it because I’ve never felt this way—ever. I love you, Jack. There I said it. Didn’t I? Did it come out right?”
“Yes...” he croaked. She could have sworn his eyes misted up.
“I love you,” she repeated. “I have for quite some time, actually. I didn’t think I’d ever find love. And then came you. Everything changed.” She leaned so close, their noses nearly touched. “Am I making any sense at all?”
“Perfect sense,” he replied, but before he could finish his thought, Louise came over and placed two sundaes in front of them.
“Try yours first, Sophie. I think you’re going to like it.” Louise winked at Jack and gave them both spoons.
Jack leaned in even closer. “Promise me that the next time I act like a pompous fool, you won’t break up with me? I never want to be without you.”
“I promise.” She smiled. With all her cardiac training, Sophie knew that a heart could not melt. It was a muscle. Strong. Vibrant. Powerful. But something was happening inside her that science couldn’t explain.
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