The Doctor's Blessing

by Patricia Davids

  Tossing her handbag on the dining room table, Amber checked her message machine. It showed a big fat zero. It seemed she wasn’t as popular as Dr. White.

  In the kitchen, she put the kettle on and grabbed a box of tea from the cupboard. She was pouring the hot water into her cup when her doorbell rang.

  When she opened the door, she saw Phillip standing on her steps. In her heart, she had been hoping he would come.

  Looking tired and frustrated, he said, “I didn’t know where else to go.”

  She took a step back. “Come in. I just made some chamomile tea. Would you like some?”

  “Sounds great, thank you.” He followed her into the kitchen and took a seat on one of the bistro chairs at her small round glass table near the bay window.

  Fluffy came over to investigate the new visitor. Purring loudly, he wound in and around Phillip’s ankles. Phillip picked him up and scratched behind his ears, a maneuver Fluffy loved.

  “If he bothers you I can put him up.” Amber fixed Phillip his tea and carried it to him.

  “No, I like cats. Is this the well-named Fluffy?”

  “It is. Of all the animals I’ve fostered, I like him the best.”

  Handing Phillip his cup, she sat down opposite him. “What did Harold have to say?”

  Phillip put Fluffy on the floor. “The gist was that if I can’t run his clinic any better than this, I need to go back where I belong.”

  “That was harsh and not like Harold.”

  Propping his elbows on the table, Phillip said, “I spoke to his primary doctor after Harold hung up on me. His doctor says he’s been improving rapidly when he isn’t worried about his patients here. His doctor and I are both afraid this may trigger a setback.”

  “Oh, no. I was worried about that, too.”

  “So you weren’t the person who called and updated him on our troubles.”

  Scowling, she retorted, “No.”

  “I didn’t think so.”

  Somewhat mollified, Amber said, “It wasn’t Wilma, either.”

  “Rats. She was at the top of my list.”

  “It doesn’t matter who called him.”

  “Maybe not, but I’d like to find out who it was.”

  “If you leave, we’ll go under anyway.”

  “It seems we can’t stay afloat with or without me. I came here to help my grandfather. I owed him that much. I’m even beginning to understand why he feels so protective of these people, why he loves the simplicity and peaceful lives they lead. But instead of helping him out, I’ve made things worse.”

  She wanted to take Phillip’s hand, to reach out and hold him and offer him comfort, but she didn’t dare. She had no idea where such a move would lead. Her attraction to this man was simply too strong. The last thing she wanted was for him to find out how she felt.

  After taking a sip of her tea, she asked, “What are your plans? Will you leave?”

  “That may depend on you.”

  Taken aback, she frowned. “What do you mean?”

  He hesitated and suddenly she knew. Happiness surged through her veins. “You’re going to sign a collaborative practice agreement with me.”

  “Yes, but before you start doing the happy dance, I’ve got a few restrictions.”

  Her scowl came back. “Such as?”

  “I’ll allow home births as long as I’m in attendance. If I’m going to be ultimately responsible for these women and their babies, I want to be there.”

  This was the last thing she expected. “Let me get this straight; I can do home deliveries, but you have to be there?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about my prenatal and postnatal visits, the birthing classes I hold here and my seeing women at the clinic?”

  “All those things can continue. After every delivery, I want to see both mother and baby at the clinic within two days.”

  “Harold liked to see them at two weeks unless there were problems. Remember, these women have to come by horse and buggy, not in a comfortable car.”

  “All right, I’ll compromise and say one week.”

  Rising, she carried her cup to the sink and poured out her tea. “What makes you think you’re more capable of delivering a baby than I am?”

  “I’m an MD.”

  Spinning around, she glared at him. “How many babies have you delivered?”

  “Fifty-four.”

  “Fifty-four compared to my five hundred and two. You’re asking me to give up my autonomy, to project the image that I can’t do my job. Why would I want you tagging along?”

  “So that you can do your job. Being a midwife is what you love, isn’t it? I’m offering you the opportunity to get back to it.”

  Crossing her arms, she leaned back against the sink. “Will you let me do my job? Or will you interfere if you see something you don’t like?”

  “You can do your thing as long as no lives are endangered. If we can’t agree on this, it won’t matter anyway.”

  He was right. Amber considered her options. If she didn’t work with Phillip, she would remain out of business until Harold returned. If he returned.

  She had to admit she’d known for some time that Harold needed a partner. He was getting on in years. Finding another doctor who allowed home deliveries would take time. Time she would not have if the clinic went under.

  Staring at the tips of her shoes, she said, “Dr. White, I accept your proposal under one condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  She looked up. “That you begin searching for someone to take over the practice in the event Harold can’t return.”

  “I’ve been doing that.”

  “I don’t mean temporary help.”

  “You mean someone with the same Amish-friendly philosophy that Harold has?”

  “Yes.”

  “I can’t guarantee we can find someone or that he or she will permit home deliveries.”

  “I’ll face that when I come to it. This town needs a full-time doctor.”

  They were both silent for several long seconds. Amber suspected they were thinking the same thing. She asked, “Shall we arm wrestle to see who gets to mention this to Harold?”

  A touch of humor glinted in Phillip’s eyes. “I’m good with that.”

  “I was kidding.”

  “I’m not.”

  She leveled her most serious gaze at him. “Your mission, Dr. White, should you accept it, is to convince your grandfather that he needs a partner.”

  “Will this message self-destruct in five seconds?”

  “No. I will be here to remind you constantly that God never gives us more than we can bear.” A smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

  “I still think the suggestion would be better coming from you.”

  “No.”

  He crossed his arms. “From both of us then.”

  “Maybe, but you first,” she insisted.

  Rolling his eyes, he said, “I’ve already mentioned something like that once.”

  “And how did that go over?” she asked with interest.

  He shook his head. “Not well.”

  Her smile vanished. “You’ll simply have to keep after him. If he doesn’t agree, our clinic could be without a doctor in a few more years. I pray that doesn’t happen for a long time, but I have to be practical.”

  “I’m not sure you know what you’re asking me to do.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Phillip knew Amber was right. Harold needed to start looking for a partner or someone to replace him. Since their last conversation on the subject ended with Phillip accidentally running Harold down with his car, he wasn’t eager to broach that subject again. His relationship with his grandfather was tenuous at best. It might not survive many more blowups. And he wanted it to survive.

  Amber said, “If you are going to be seeing my patients, you need to get up to speed on their cases. I’ll get their files for you.”

  He hated giving in on this. He’d hate himself more if Harol
d had a serious setback following his angry outburst tonight. It had never been Phillip’s intention to ruin Harold’s health, his business or his standing in the Amish community. Yet in the past month he had accomplished just that.

  Coming out of her office, Amber handed Phillip a heavy box. “If you look at my outcomes, you’ll see how safe giving birth at home is for low-risk pregnancies.”

  He shook his head. The woman did not give up. “You’ve won. What more do you want? Is that everything?” He gestured toward the box.

  “Yes, even those patients I sent to the hospital because of complications. What I want is for you to accept what I do. Wait a minute. Before you leave, let me get a few other things for you.”

  She sat down at her desk and booted up her computer. A few minutes of searching gave her a dozen articles in favor of home deliveries with qualified nurse-midwives in attendance. Handing them to him, she said, “If you won’t believe me, maybe you’ll believe the data from other experts in the field. Say you’ll at least read these.”

  He looked at the loaded box he held. “Sure, in my spare time.”

  “It won’t be that bad. I’ve put the charts of the women who are due first on the top.”

  “Good. So, how do we get the word out?”

  “It won’t take long. I’ll make a few calls.”

  He cocked his head to the side. “I thought you said they don’t use phones.”

  “No, but the businesses they use do. We can start by putting a notice in the paper and notes up at the grocery and feed stores.”

  “I can see the headlines tomorrow. Dr. Phillip White Crumples Under Pressure.”

  Her gaze turned sympathetic. “I realize you’re doing this only because Harold insisted, but I do want to thank you.”

  It was hard to resist her when she was being nice. “I’ll admit I’ve been curious about how you handle the whole thing at someone’s home.”

  “I’m sure your questions will be answered within a few days. I have women due the end of this week and two due the following week.”

  He patted the top of the box she’d given him. “Then I’d better get my homework done.”

  “If you have any questions I’ll be happy to answer them. I plan to make this very easy on you.” They walked together to her front door.

  “Why, after the grief I’ve given you so far?”

  “Because I believe in what I do, and I want you to feel the same way. Birth at home is a beautiful, spiritual experience.”

  He thought simply looking into her eyes was a beautiful, spiritual experience. He stopped trying to kid himself. He was falling hard for this woman.

  The last thing he’d expected to find in Ohio was someone like Amber Bradley. He deeply admired her grace, her humor, her dedication to the Amish people, her skill as a nurse and her profound faith.

  Leaving Hope Springs was going to be much harder than he’d anticipated.

  It didn’t take long for word to get around that Amber was back in business. The first person Amber told was her friend Katie. After several moments of rejoicing in the lobby of the Wadler Inn, Katie declared that she’d be happy to pass on the news.

  On Monday afternoon, Bishop Zook arrived at the clinic and had a brief chat with Phillip. Amber was not included. Phillip looked surprised by the fact she wasn’t being asked to sit in. She wasn’t. Men dominated Amish society. Only men held Church offices and could work outside the home. Unmarried women could hold jobs to help support the family, but once a woman married she stayed at home.

  The bishop, satisfied that Phillip was willing to allow home births, left to share the news with the rest of the Church district. That evening, Amber resumed prenatal visits with her expectant mothers.

  Phillip accompanied her. She knew it was important for the families to meet him prior to the big day, but spending so much time alone with him as they traveled the back roads of the county began wearing on her nerves. Each hour she spent with him made it increasingly difficult to maintain a professional attitude. The one thing helping her was the knowledge that he didn’t agree with what she was doing.

  Sunday morning rolled around on the first day of August with the good soaking rain so many farmers had been praying for. In church, Amber made a point of sitting with Nick and several of her cousins during the service. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Phillip come in.

  Nick leaned over to whisper, “I see your special friend is here.”

  Slanting a glance at her handsome cousin, she caught his mischievous grin and made a face. “He’s not my anything, Nick.”

  “That’s not what I’ve been hearing.”

  Okay, who had been talking? “Not all gossip in Hope Springs is true, you know.”

  Nick glanced toward the back of the church then crossed his arms. “The man might think you’re avoiding him.”

  Amber focused her attention on the sanctuary where a large stained-glass window depicting a shroud-draped cross was set high in the wall. Instantly, she felt guilty.

  It’s not that I’m avoiding Phillip, Lord. It’s just that…okay, I’m avoiding him.

  Being in Phillip’s constant company was making her wish for things that could never be. He was charming and funny. He loved kids. In spite of their many differences, it would be so easy to fall for the guy.

  She hadn’t fallen for him, but she could feel herself stumbling.

  Remember, he isn’t staying in Hope Springs. He has a life waiting for him in Hawaii.

  She had a wonderful life here. A life she had always wanted. So why didn’t it feel as wonderful as it once had?

  During the service, she prayed for the strength to keep a level head and her heart intact. After church was over and they all went outside, she remained with her cousins, exchanging small talk and getting updated on family matters. The sun had come out and the air smelled fresh-washed and sweet. She saw Phillip standing off to the side of the church steps. He looked lonely by himself, and very handsome in his charcoal gray suit and pale green dress shirt.

  Amber wavered and nearly went to talk to him. The arrival of the mayor saved her. As the tall, lanky public servant pumped Phillip’s hand and loudly expressed his gratitude, Amber made a quick escape.

  Her respite lasted until Monday. At least they were busy through the morning, which left them little time together. In the afternoon, Phillip sat down with her to finish reviewing the charts of her clients.

  Amber was leery that he would be critical of her methods. She knew she did good work, but this collaboration could prove to be difficult if they didn’t see eye to eye on the basics.

  Closing the last chart, he looked up at her. “You’re very thorough. The only patient I question as low-risk is Sophie Knepp.”

  “Why? Everything about this pregnancy has been great.”

  “She has lost two children.”

  “From what Harold and the family told me, those little girls died at the age of two from medical problems. It was before my time here. Her last two pregnancies have gone without a hitch.”

  “Still, I’m not comfortable with doing a home delivery with her.”

  “Will you be comfortable with any of them?” Amber snapped. She didn’t mean to be snippy but the words were out before she could stop them.

  He sat forward in his chair and crossed his arms on the desktop. “You think I’ll find something wrong with all your patients?”

  “No. I’m sorry I said that.”

  “We’ve got some trust issues here, don’t we? Maybe we should begin addressing those.”

  Leaning back in her chair, she studied him intently. “I want to believe you’ve got my back here but it’s a little hard. I know you’ve been forced into this and it goes against what you believe. Besides that, you aren’t invested in these patients because you’ll be leaving in a few weeks.”

  “Fair enough. The only thing I can do is to let my actions speak for me.”

  Just then her cell phone rang. Opening it, she spoke briefly with the caller a
nd then hung up.

  Looking at Phillip, she said, “Here and now you should know this isn’t about us anymore. From now on, our focus must be making sure our clients have a wonderful birthing experience.”

  “And safe.”

  Nodding, she echoed him. “And safe. Agreed?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Amber rose to her feet. “Well then, you’re about to see your first home birth. That call was from a neighbor of Mary Yutzi. She’s in labor and we need to go.”

  He picked up the phone. “Wilma, do I have any more patients scheduled this afternoon?”

  Amber grinned. He was going to find balancing office work and delivering babies to be a real time challenge.

  He said, “Cancel Mrs. Curtis and reschedule her for tomorrow morning.”

  Hanging up the phone, he rose. “Let’s go welcome a new child of God into this world.”

  As soon as they arrived at the Yutzi farm, Phillip watched Amber quickly set up her equipment. Mary was still walking the floor with her hands pressed to the small of her back. Her husband was holding her elbow and speaking softly to her as he walked by her side.

  After examining her, Amber smiled. “You’ve got a ways to go yet.”

  Getting up from the bed, Mary looked at Amber. “But you will stay, ja?”

  “I’ll stay. Dr. Phillip and I can make ourselves at home. Why don’t you take a walk outside? It’s a beautiful day.”

  With her attentive husband at her side, Mary went out the front door.

  Amber said, “Walking will move her labor along more quickly.”

  She removed her gloves and washed while Phillip checked over her supplies.

  “Clamps, suction bulb, Ambu bag, oxygen, IV fluids, Pitocin, a baby scale. You’ve got a whole delivery suite here.” He sounded impressed.

  “There’s more in the car if I need it. Are you feeling less apprehensive about this?”

  “Maybe. Cleanliness isn’t an issue here. This home is as neat as a pin.”

  “That’s true for most Amish homes.”

  It wasn’t long before Mary and her husband returned. Phillip stood in the bedroom doorway and watched as Amber helped her lie down. When Mary was comfortable, Amber listened to the baby’s heartbeat with her fetoscope. “Everything sounds fine. How are your contractions?”