A Doctor's Patience (Hero Hearts; Medical Romance)

by Hayley Wescott

  Her eyes were wide with surprise and she realized her hand was on his shoulder. She didn’t remember reaching out to touch him, but she was glad she had. He didn’t give her a chance to respond to his declaration since, as soon as the last word was out of his mouth, he was up and heading out the door.

  She watched him walk away knowing her world had just changed again. This time for the better.

  20

  She’d allowed herself to live as a victim. She’d felt sorry for herself because of how someone she trusted took advantage of her. That stopped now. Her eyes were open, and her choices would be vastly different from this point forward.

  Walking down the hallway to the ICU waiting room, she saw her mom and dad sitting inside. She hurried up to see them.

  “Mom. Dad.”

  They’d seen her coming and came to meet her in the hallway. “Hey, sweetie.” Her mom enveloped her in a warm hug and then relinquished her to her father’s embrace.

  “We saw Jacob. He doesn’t look like himself with all the tubes.” Her dad looked worried but was keeping up a brave front.

  “I know. It was hard for me to see him the first time. But Dr. Dawson assures me we’re just waiting on the antibiotics to work. They may be able to take the tubes out in the next day or so. He wants him off the tubes as soon as possible.”

  “Well, that boy is a fighter. He’s going to kick this.” Her dad took her arm and led her to the waiting room. The room was empty which was a relief. She wanted to be alone with people who cared about her at least for a few minutes.

  Phoebe sat down between her parents and reached to each side of her for their hands. They sat quietly for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. She decided that now was as good a time as any to talk to them about what had happened with Dan.

  “Mom? Dad? Something happened this morning that I need to tell you about. I called Dan to tell him about the setback with Jacob. He showed up.”

  Her mother’s jaw dropped. “What? He came here?”

  Phoebe nodded. “I know. I was just as surprised as you are.”

  “Well, if you’re telling us he showed up, there must be more to the story. He doesn’t just show up and things go normally from there.” Her father’s face looked grim and mildly annoyed.

  “He got mad that they put the tube in and made a scene.” She shrugged and took a deep breath. “Things got heated between us and he gave me until next week to get out of the house.”

  Her mother gasped. “Oh, no. I knew he’d do something like this eventually. I never thought he’d do it at a time like this.”

  “Nobody should be surprised by this. It sounds just like him. Another ploy to set up some scheme to get what he wants—whatever that might be at any given time.” Her father stood up and started pacing the room.

  Phoebe took a moment and gathered her thoughts. “I’m not going to plead with him to change his mind. I’ve been his prey for too long. I have to change things. Jacob deserves better than this.”

  “Now, honey, you’re not responsible for what he did.” Her mother’s tone was loving, but firm.

  “I know, Mom. But I didn’t have my eyes open. I was dependent on him and still am. That has to change.” She looked from one parent to the other. “Would it be okay if Jacob and I move in with you for a while?”

  Her parents looked at each other, and her father smiled.

  “Before you say anything, I want you to know that I’m going to work harder to find a steady job instead of doing the odd jobs I’ve been doing. I’ll help with expenses.”

  “You’re always welcome. We’ll do anything we can to help, Phoebe.” Her father came to her side and sat next to her again.

  “I think you shouldn’t stay another night in that house. We’ll get Jacob’s room ready for when he gets out of here.” Her mother smiled. “I think that might be the move that can help you break away.”

  “I think so, too, Mom. Thank you both.”

  * * *

  Phoebe pulled into her driveway and hurried inside, looking over her shoulder as she unlocked the door. The last thing she wanted was for Dan to be lurking and startle her, especially if she was alone. She never thought he’d go this far, but he had, and she was on edge just being in the house.

  Walking in, she was a little nervous even though she was almost sure he wasn’t here. It was the oddest feeling that the place didn’t really feel like home. Now she knew they’d be leaving, she realized it never really had felt like home.

  Pulling herself back to the present, she grabbed the necessities out of the house, only picking up the things she knew she’d need for the next few days. She’d have to get the rest of their clothes later. There were other things she wanted to take, but she didn’t have room for everything in her car. She’d have to come back, perhaps with her father to help.

  Remembering Alec’s declaration of love, her heart warmed. That didn’t make all these problems go away, but it made her feel much less lonely. She could draw strength from him. Maybe one day he’d draw strength from her, too.

  It was time to move forward with her life. She’d do it her way.

  21

  Jacob started to improve quickly, and the tubes were removed. Within just a few days, he was out of the ICU and in a private room again. Phoebe felt like she could finally breathe again. Over the next week, she spent her days at the hospital with Jacob, amazed at his progress.

  Her mom and dad, along with Anna and a few other friends, efficiently packed up their belongings and stored them in her parent’s big garage. The afternoon her dad stopped by and told her that the house was now empty was another emotional milestone. She felt a lump in her throat, not because of sadness, but because she was gratefully anticipating what came next.

  Alec had been by her side through all the changes and they’d spent every evening together. Since he’d told her he loved her she’d started regaining the confidence she’d lost. She felt revitalized in a way she had lost hope for. Her slide to losing her self-assurance had happened so gradually she didn’t even recognize the signs.

  Sitting with Jacob the day Dan had given her as the day she had to be out of the house, she was amazed at his progress. He was more energetic than she’d seen him in some time. The color was back in his face and he looked like himself again.

  “So, how’s my favorite patient today?” Alec joked, walking into Jacob’s room.

  “I’m good, Dr. Dawson. When can I go home?”

  Phoebe looked at Alec and laughed. “He’s been asking that since I got here. I’d say he’s better.”

  Well, I think you should be able to go home today. How does that sound?”

  “Yippee! I’m so glad to go home. Mama, when can we go?”

  “Hold on, Jacob. You can’t just get your stuff and leave. There is a bit of paperwork we have to do first. But I’d say after lunch, you’ll be out of here.”

  “Gosh. Last night you said you’d release him soon, but I didn’t think it’d be today.” Phoebe looked up at him with a half frown.

  “His labs came back with everything in the normal range. He’s regained enough of his strength that I think now he just needs to get home.”

  Phoebe looked from Alec to Jacob and nodded. “That’s great news, honey. You’ll be home soon.”

  “I know. I can’t wait to get back to my own room.” Jacob was sitting up in bed with his Go Fish cards in front of him. “Do you want to play a game, Mama?”

  “Um, no, Jacob. Not right now. Listen, honey, I need to tell you about some things. When we go home today, we’ll be going to stay with Nannie and Papa for a while. We’re not going to live in the little house anymore.”

  “Why?” He looked confused.

  “It’s just a good idea for us to move away from the house, okay. But we’ll have all our stuff at Nannie and Papa’s house, though. Papa already moved your things into the room you sleep in when you’re there.” Phoebe leaned in and smiled to hopefully get him in an accepting mood.

 
He shrugged. “Okay, I guess. Will Dad know where I am?”

  “I’ll make sure he knows, sweetie.” She cut a look at Alec. He was flipping through Jacob’s chart, but she could tell he was listening. “So, Dr. Dawson, would you care to come by for supper tonight? I think we might have a celebration dinner for Jacob’s first night home from the hospital.”

  Jacob clapped his hands and bounded up and down on his bed. “Please come, Dr. Dawson. My mom’s a good cook!”

  Phoebe smiled and looked at Alec with a raised eyebrow. “So, six-thirty?”

  “Six-thirty it is.” He nodded at Phoebe. “It should be a good night for a party. Jacob, I’ll be honored to join you.”

  Jacob giggled. “Good. We can play Go Fish.”

  Glancing back at Alec, Phoebe smiled and held out her hand. He took it and squeezed it. “They’ll be in with the paperwork after lunch. Get him settled in and I’ll see you tonight.”

  He leaned down and kissed her quickly on the lips. She looked over at Jacob and the look on his face was priceless. She’d expected him to not even notice the kiss, but evidently, he had. His eyes were wide with surprise.

  She looked up at Alec and smiled. “See you later. And Alec… thank you.”

  He nodded and then he was gone.

  22

  Jacob’s homecoming supper was a festive event, though small and intimate. Phoebe and her mother cleared the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen while the men gathered around the TV in the den.

  When they were finished, Phoebe and her mother joined them. As they were walking in they heard Jacob’s excited tone. “I think we should play Go Fish.”

  Phoebe cut an apologetic look to her mother who smiled in return. “I’m in!” she said, sitting down next to Jacob on the couch.

  “Cool!” Jacob looked excitedly at his grandfather, who nodded with a grin.

  “Y’all enjoy that game. Dr. Dawson and I are going to sit on the porch.” Phoebe looked at Alec with a raised eyebrow.

  He got the not-so-subtle hint and followed her to the front door.

  “It’s such a nice night. I thought it might be better for Jacob to spend time with Mom and Dad while you and I enjoy a few minutes together.” Phoebe turned her head to him as she pulled the door open.

  They each took a rocking chair and sat side by side in silence for a long moment. “It is a lovely evening. Thanks for inviting me to share it with you all.”

  “I know it wasn’t much of a celebration, but Jacob enjoyed being the center of attention even if it was just his family. And, it never hurts for my mom to fix his favorite meal.” Phoebe laughed. “The boy does love to eat.”

  “Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts? That’s his favorite meal?”

  “Well, my mom told him she’d fix his favorite as long as it wasn’t hot dogs or pizza. So, this probably counts as his third favorite.”

  They chuckled.

  “I see. But seriously, what kid likes Brussels sprouts?”

  “Well, Jacob only likes them the way his Nannie fixes them. Roasted. I have to admit, I feel the same way.”

  “Well, they were good. I can’t deny that. A good down-home Southern meal did me right tonight. I’m stuffed.” Alec patted his belly as he looked out at the well-manicured yard.

  Phoebe continued to rock gently back and forth in her chair. The movement was relaxing and comfortable.

  “Alec, at the risk of getting sappy, I want you to know I’m really thankful that you’re in our lives. Of course, you’ve done a wonderful job as Jacob’s doctor and obviously I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the care you’ve taken with him.” Phoebe reached out for his hand and he took hers and squeezed it gently.

  “Well, the truth is, I do care about your son. But I didn’t give him any special attention from a medical standpoint. I did take a personal interest in him, though, that part I can’t deny. I also care deeply about his mother, but I think you already know that.” He smiled, and Phoebe felt her cheeks flush.

  “Well, I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.” Phoebe looked away. Even now, she sometimes felt flustered around him. Though she wanted to tell him how much she had fallen for him, she didn’t know if she could find the right words to do it.

  She didn’t know how or why this man was able to open the doors to her heart like he had, and she wasn’t sure she was ready for it, either. For so long she had been the woman who had survived being cheated on by her husband, she had been the woman who had been left with the sick child when her husband divorced her. She had simply thought of herself as a victim. Now, all that was washed away. She felt new. She felt hopeful and happy.

  Alec had changed so much for her, and though she was still scared about what could happen, she was beginning to see that life was full of risks – and she could survive taking them. Phoebe was tired of living her life in fear of what could go wrong, she wanted to start being excited for the things that could work out.

  He continued to be there for her in spite of all the trouble she faced. He’d been the voice of reason. He was the one she could turn to no matter what was going on. He had been her rock.

  As scary as it was for her to admit, Phoebe knew what she wanted now. She also knew who she wanted to go through the rest of her life with. And she was sure he wanted her, too.

  “Phoebe?”

  She blinked quickly to take herself out of her thoughts and back to the present with Alec. She turned and looked at him with a smile. “Hmm?”

  “You were a million miles away. What were you thinking about?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Just all the ways my life has changed. Jacob. You.” She breathed in deeply and let it out slowly. He waited. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Alec. I’ve been hesitant to accept that because of the risk. But not now. I’ve changed, too. I’m willing to risk my heart again.”

  He got up and knelt in front of her taking both hands. “I don’t take your words lightly, Phoebe. I know it’s been a journey for you to trust anyone again. I’m so happy you decided I’m worthy of your trust. You know I love you—I’ve told you a million times in the last week. You and Jacob mean more to me than anything, Phoebe. I want the three of us to be a family. Will you marry me?”

  As he looked into her eyes, he waited. She could see he was nervous, but she could also see confidence. She was surprised at the sudden proposal, but she was happy about it, too.

  She didn’t feel as she had felt when Dan proposed to her. Right now, she felt giddy, excited, hopeful. The thought of being Alec’s wife made her heart pound in her chest, and she didn’t know if she could contain herself.

  “Alec…” She began, but he cut her off.

  “Phoebe, I know this wasn’t a romantic proposal. It’s not how I imagined doing it.” He looked down and then back up into her eyes. “I know our courtship has been full of stops and starts. Our first date was almost a year ago, and since then it’s been a roller coaster ride. You need to know that I’ve been half in love with you for a very long time. On our first date, the deal was sealed for me. I knew you were the one from that day forward. I’ve been patient. I’ve tried to show you my heart. Now’s our time, though. Please say you’ll marry me.”

  She leaned forward and kissed him. A long, sweet, loving kiss that made her toes curl. He put a hand to her cheek and caressed her tenderly. Her heart sang with joy and promise.

  “I don’t need a romantic proposal, Alec.” Phoebe felt her heart skip a beat as she nodded. She felt tears fill her eyes and she couldn’t control her emotions. “I can’t say no, and I don’t want to. So, yes, I’ll marry you.” Her last words were in a whisper as a single tear trickled down her cheek.

  He reached up to wipe the tear away and then softly kissed the spot where the tear had been.

  “Happy tears?” he asked.

  “Yes. Very happy tears.” She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him again.

  23

  Deciding to keep thei
r secret until Jacob was back on track, two weeks after Phoebe accepted Alec’s marriage proposal the three of them had a cookout at Alec’s house. Hot dogs and hamburgers were on the menu and they played games and laughed all afternoon.

  Over supper at the picnic table in the back yard, Phoebe and Alec exchanged looks. She raised an eyebrow and nodded.

  “Hey, Jacob, have you enjoyed spending time with Dr. Dawson?” Phoebe looked at her son and he looked up.

  “Especially here, at his house?” she prompted, and Jacob thought for a minute.

  “Sure.” He looked confused and shrugged.

  “Well, then, how would you like to live here? All three of us?”

  He looked back and forth between the two of them, even more confused now. He didn’t answer.

  Phoebe knew she wasn’t handling this well at all. She looked at Alec and he looked worried. She thought for a moment and decided the direct approach was better.

  “Okay, Jacob. Here’s the deal. Dr. Dawson, Alec, has asked me to marry him. I’ve said yes. You and I will be moving here after we’re married. He’ll be your step-dad. What do you think about that?” Phoebe smiled hopefully at him and waited for his response.

  “It’s fine with me. But what about Dad? Will he be mad?”

  “Hmm. I don’t know what your dad will say, honey. But that’s not for you to worry about. What you need to know is that he’ll always be your dad. Alec won’t try to take his place—he’ll be your friend, though.” She looked up at Alec.

  “That’s true, Jacob. You’re always going to be able to count on me. I love your mother and I love you, too. Got it?”