Rocky Point Promise

by Barbara McMahon

  “Good. It turns out I’m going to have plenty of people sitting on my side. I thought at first that everyone in town would come because of Joe.” She glanced at Faith. “His family’s been here forever. But several of my clients said they’re coming because of me.”

  “Joe’s family’s been here that long?” Faith asked.

  “Mine, too, though I didn’t know that until after I moved here last April. Several of the families around here were settlers in the wild country. This was all Massachusetts back before the Revolution. They fought side by side against the British.” A reflective light filled her eyes. “I wonder what would have happened if I’d been raised here instead of Nevada? Maybe Joe and I would have met years ago and have a houseful of kids by now. But I don’t think that was the Lord’s plan. This is.”

  “You speak with such assurance.”

  “You should have seen me a few months ago. Uncertain about everything. But now I have a feeling of rightness about everything. We’ve prayed about it and we both believe this is the way the Lord wants us to go.”

  “I’m still searching,” Faith said slowly.

  A burst of laughter from the kitchen had her involuntarily smiling as she turned to see what the girls were doing. Obviously, the puppies were still a big hit.

  “Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” Gillian quoted softly.

  “I am. It’s still new to me, but I find more and more confidence in the direction I think the Lord is leading me as I settle in here.”

  “You have many friends who like you a lot. Just think, in the years ahead, my kids can play with yours, we’ll grow old together and remember back when I was a nervous wreck about my wedding and you were the newcomer to town.”

  Faith didn’t say anything. She wasn’t going to explode Gillian’s wishful thinking today. She hoped Gillian and new husband had a house full of kids. Maybe she could go over to see them, just as Jenny came to visit with the puppies.

  Labor Day dawned to a clear sky and warm temperatures. Faith prepared potato salad—enough for everyone she expected at the picnic. She gathered her things and brought Maggie with her to the park. The puppies were contained, and were getting used to their mama being gone for short periods. She was close enough to take Maggie home when she’d had enough, but Faith wanted to show off her dog to her friends.

  Stan arrived first and laid claim to two of the picnic tables that were close together. Faith joined him, placing her bowl on one table.

  “You picked the best ones. They’ll be shady all day.”

  “I hope so. I’ve been here two hours already.”

  She laughed, glancing around. Other groups were arriving, staking claims to tables. Soon the park would be full. Then picnickers would have to set up on the grass. “Good move. Here come Peter and Dana.”

  Soon most of the members of the singles group had arrived. Faith didn’t expect Tate to join them—she knew he had to work today. But she wouldn’t let that interfere with her enjoying her new friends. Lively discussions ensued. There was a lot of laughter, and everyone made a big to-do over Maggie. She wagged her tail nonstop.

  “What a love. Is this the one who had puppies?” Rachel asked. “I might like one as a guard dog for the antiques shop.”

  Faith shook her head. “Unless you want burglars licked to death, I’m not sure that would be a wise move. These are the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet.”

  “Oh, well, then just for companionship. You’re a lot of fun, aren’t you, Maggie?” she crooned to the dog, scratching behind her ears.

  Maggie almost purred she was so delighted.

  “I’m sold. Keep one of the puppies for me,” Rachel said.

  “That’s the lot, then. She only had four puppies and three are already spoken for, so you’ll get the last one.”

  “Oh, good! Who else is getting them?”

  “Jenny Kincaid was the first. Then a couple of her friends. We’ve talked about going to obedience-training classes together. In Monkesville. Though Tate suggested we see about having the trainer come here once a week if we got enough people interested.”

  “Oh, if it works with my schedule, count me in. If the dog’s so sweet, he can stay at the shop with me. I love places that have pets there to greet customers,” Rachel said.

  “I’ll let you know,” Faith promised.

  Stan put the charcoal in the barbecue grill between the tables and soon had the coals glowing. “Bring on the meat,” he called. Two of the other men joined him while the rest of the group congregated around one of the tables.

  “Grilling outdoors is not only a man’s chore,” one of the women called over.

  The men around the grill waved the comment away to the merriment of everyone.

  Faith was enjoying herself, though she couldn’t help looking at the road when a car drove by, hoping Tate would find a couple of minutes to stop by.

  Janette noticed and grinned. “He’ll come if he can,” she said, leaning closer so only Faith could hear.

  “Who?” she asked, which made Janette giggle.

  “As if you don’t know.”

  Myra Simpson arrived then. She was one of the older members of the group. “I need help,” she called. Immediately everyone scrambled off the benches and hurried to her car.

  “I brought an old-fashioned ice-cream maker, rock salt, ingredients and ice. The ice is in the cooler.”

  “Fabulous idea,” someone said, reaching out to take one handle of the cooler. Someone else took the other and they lifted it from the trunk, carrying it over to the tables. The rest of the items were gathered up to bring to their picnic area.

  Faith was excited at the thought of homemade ice cream. She didn’t think she’d ever had it before. There were so many new things for her to experience in her adopted hometown. She was delighted she’d made the move.

  “I’m going to take Maggie home. I’ll be right back,” she said, still by Myra’s car. There were more and more people in the park now. Plus, the puppies would be wondering where their mama was.

  When she returned to the park, the first of the grilled hot dogs and hamburgers were being served. After the blessing was said, the entire group began eating.

  Faith offered to crank the ice-cream maker a half hour later. It got harder and harder with each turn of the crank. Others urged her on, but she was glad when Janette said it was her turn. They all wanted to help make the treat. Her arm was aching, but she was glad to have the experience.

  Just then, Tate walked across the grass toward them. Her heart raced and she felt as if the day gained brighter color than before. She couldn’t help the smile of welcome on her face.

  “Hi, Tate,” one of the others called. “You’re right on time.”

  He nodded, his gaze sweeping the group, settling on Faith. He smiled. “Making ice cream?”

  “Yes, and it’s not as easy as it looks.”

  “Harder to crank the more the cream becomes solid,” he said.

  “You’ve done this before,” she said, stepping closer, happy he’d been able to stop by.

  “Every summer as a kid. My dad always had to finish it. Once we were grown, I think he was glad to give it up.”

  “Let the sheriff have a turn,” Stan said. “I have a couple of burgers left. Want something to eat?”

  “Sure. I’ll get it.”

  Faith went with him as he dished up a plate and sat at one of the tables. “So is everything peaceful today?” she asked.

  “So far. Parties everywhere, though. Which could lead to drinking and an altercation or two tonight. But I always hope for the best. Having fun?”

  “Oh, yes.” Faith looked around. No one else had come to the table. Everyone was still by the ice-cream maker, laughing as each new person had more and mo
re trouble cranking the handle.

  “I found it hard going when I was doing it,” she said, laughing at Janette’s grimace as she tried to turn the handle. “I can’t wait to taste it. Peach ice cream, with cut-up chunks of peaches,” she explained.

  “Myra’s favorite,” he said, then took another bite of his hamburger.

  “Guess what? Rachel’s taking the last puppy. Once they’re weaned, they’ll all have good homes. Then I’m having Maggie spayed.”

  “Good idea. One of my deputies talked to a woman who does obedience training. He asked her if she’d give a couple of classes in Rocky Point. There could be a lot of folks who would participate. She said if there were fifteen or more, she’d do it.”

  “Rachel’s interested, and the girls and me. With other dog owners, we could end up with that many. I’ll ask around. Maybe Dr. Mallory would let me post a sign at the clinic.”

  “We’ll post one at the station, and try the ice-cream shop. They’re good about supporting local events.”

  Tate finished eating just as Myra declared the ice cream ready. Everyone had a small serving and pronounced it the best ice cream ever. He liked watching Faith as she discovered the joy of homemade ice cream. She seemed to blossom in this group. Her laughter was infectious. Her eyes were a bright blue, shining with happiness. He could watch her all day.

  Which wasn’t possible. Checking his watch, he noted that he’d spent almost an hour at the picnic. Time to get back on rounds.

  “I’ve got to go,” he said, rising and putting the paper bowl in the trash. Did he imagine it, or did Faith look disappointed?

  “Glad you could join us, if only for a little while,” she said.

  “Me, too.” He wished he could reach out and touch her. Spend more of the day with her. Enjoy her company as the rest of the group would be able to all afternoon. Duty called, however.

  As he drove through town, he questioned his own feelings. Before meeting Faith, he had been certain he would never fall in love again. That he couldn’t risk his heart on losing someone he loved. But now, she brought sunlight and happiness into his life. Just being with her gave him a feeling of joy. Maybe the Lord was telling him it was not set in stone that he not remarry.

  Whoa, remarry? He didn’t want to think that far ahead. Right now he just wanted to spend time with her. Get to know her better. See what developed between them. He knew enough of her history to recognize that he had better be one hundred percent certain of what he wanted before speaking to her. He would never want to be a man who would let her down, as her former fiancé had.

  So maybe he’d better take things slower. Be sure. Give her time to know what she wanted. Give himself time to know what he wanted. She had fought cancer and won. What if it came back? Could he deal with that a second time?

  Tate didn’t like himself much when he considered that he might wish to run from such a situation. But how could he stay around and watch her waste away as Mandy had? His gut twisted at the thought.

  Lord, Your will be done. If Faith’s the one for me, give me the strength to claim her, love her and build a future for us together, whatever comes.

  The next morning Faith walked to work. Already she could see the change in Rocky Point. There was hardly a soul out and about. Unlike every other day she’d been there, when families and groups of kids had been all over. School started today. Visitors had returned home. Now she’d get to experience the Rocky Point of residents only.

  She was the first to reach the clinic and walked through, turning on lights, opening the doors to the exam rooms. They had been prepared Saturday before she left, but she wanted to make sure everything was ready for the day.

  Exam room two had no paper supplies. Faith frowned. Everything had been set on Saturday. She checked in the cupboard beneath the sink. None there, either. She sighed. Going to the supply closet in the back, she gathered paper towels, a roll of paper that went on the exam table, wipes and a box of tissue. Once the room had been taken care of, she checked the others to make sure nothing was missing. All seemed in order.

  She walked to the front. Enough was enough. When Marjorie arrived this morning, Faith was going to have it out with her.

  Please, Lord, give me the right words. I want to work harmoniously with everyone. Please let me get through to her. Even if I leave, it doesn’t mean the doctor will hire her niece, does it? But this has to stop.

  She raised the blinds in the reception area. In no time patients would arrive and the day would begin. She hoped Marjorie would arrive early. She was not going to put up with her recalcitrant attitude any longer.

  Idly, she straightened the reception desk. There was a pink message slip partially beneath the blotter. She pulled it out, seeing her name. Her oncologist had called last week. A feeling of dread engulfed her when she saw the note—anomalies.

  She swallowed hard, the words blurring. Anomalies in her test results. Her heart pounded. Did that mean the cancer had returned? She swallowed hard. Oh, please, not that.

  She sank down in the chair, staring at the pink slip. She was a nurse. She knew the terminology used to soften diagnoses. Anomalies sounded better than a problem. But it was the same thing.

  Marjorie would be here any moment. Suddenly her petty harassments faded in importance. Faith jumped up and went to the back. There was a phone at the small area by her computer. She quickly called the doctor’s office. Why hadn’t Marjorie made sure she got this last week? How cruel to sit on it for days on end.

  “Dr. Stephens’s exchange,” said the voice answering the call.

  “I need to speak to Dr. Stephens,” Faith said, trying to keep the panic from her voice.

  “I’m sorry, the doctor’s on vacation. Dr. Hutchins is handling his calls. He’ll be in the office at nine.”

  “What about Dr. Stephens’s nurse?” she asked. She could give Faith the information.

  “The medical office is closed for two weeks. Dr. Hutchins is handling all calls.”

  “Okay, give me his number and I’ll call at nine.” That was only a half hour away. An endless half hour waiting to hear the results of her tests. Her heart sank. Tears blurred her eyes. She thought she was cured.

  Help me, please, Father God. I’m so scared. I thought I was healed. Your power can heal everything. If it’s Your will, please make me better. For a long moment she stared off to nothing. But if not, then maybe my time here is over. Thank You for the blessings I’ve had so far.

  She felt numb. Vaguely she heard Marjorie come in. A few minutes later Dr. Mallory arrived.

  “Good morning, Faith. I expect our days will be a little quieter now that the kids are in school and the tourists are gone,” he said in passing.

  “Good morning,” she responded. She wanted to blurt out the situation. But held back. She didn’t know the prognosis. Anomalies. It couldn’t be good, however.

  It was well after nine before Faith had a chance to call Dr. Hutchins’s office.

  “Sorry, the doctor is with a patient, can I help?” his receptionist said.

  Faith explained things to her, but was told she’d have to speak to the doctor. The woman took Faith’s phone number and promised to give it to the doctor as soon as he was free.

  The morning dragged by. At her lunch break, Faith dashed home. She walked Maggie, watching the dog with a heavy heart. She loved this dog. But if the cancer had returned, and she needed to go through chemotherapy again, she wouldn’t have the energy to keep up with a young, healthy dog. Maggie loved walks, runs. How could she deal with that? She had been so enervated the last time she’d had chemo treatment.

  Standing at the park she looked around, memories flooding in. The picnic had been so much fun. Meeting Tate here a couple of times gave her good memories. The contentment she felt sitting on the bench and gazing at the sea
seemed far-off today.

  Tate.

  Her heart dropped. She couldn’t let him know. He’d been so devastated by his wife’s illness and death. She couldn’t let him know. He thought he’d run if he were ever faced with such a situation again. But she didn’t think so. How could she expect him—even as a friend—to stand by and watch her fight the cancer again. Every setback would remind him of Mandy’s losing battle.

  She sat on a bench. “I’m not sure I’m up to that,” she said softly, gazing at the sea. “Maybe this is just the way things are supposed to be.”

  She’d have to return to Portland. There were no facilities here to deal with the treatment that would be required. She’d see if she could find a small place near the hospital. She knew all too well how hard it was to do things when she had no energy. Driving became a chore. A place close by would suit her best.

  Maggie rested her head on Faith’s knee. Petting the dog, Faith looked at her. “I’ll miss you, Maggie. But I don’t think I can do it all. I’ll find someone to take you. You’ll have a happy life.” Tears blurred again. She loved this dog. How could she give her away? Yet how could she care for her in the months to come if she needed another round of chemotherapy?

  When they returned to the apartment, Faith called the doctor’s office again, only to get the answering service because the office was closed for lunch. She left her name and number.

  Returning to work, she tried to push aside the situation, focusing on the patients who came in, on the work she needed to do. But she couldn’t shake the feeling of impending doom.

  At four-thirty, she went to the front. The waiting room was empty. Marjorie was writing on the desk calendar.

  “Did I get any calls?” Faith asked.

  The older woman looked up. “A couple, but you were busy. And this is a place of business. I’m not your social secretary.” She moved some papers and came up with two pink messages, handing them to Faith. The doctor had called twice.

  “This is important. If he calls again, please come find me,” Faith said, annoyed to have missed the calls, annoyed with Marjorie’s attitude. But she was too worried to deal with the older woman now.