The Nature of Love (Love in the Spotlight #3)

Chapter 43

Forty-Three

I stared down the hall, my mind focused on Chris and the would-we or wouldn’t-we dilemma we faced. When I thought of Chris, my thoughts immediately turned toward his goodness, the gentle care he exhibited, and his baby blue eyes—my kryptonite. The man was as good-looking as his personality. Husband-potential jackpot.

“What are you grinning about, Dr. Kennedy?”

I blinked and met Dr. Collier’s gaze. “Um, just thinking.”

“About a guy, right?”

After Dr. Collier had told me she prayed for me, we’d started talking more and more when we met. I wouldn’t go so far as to call her a friend, but she was certainly more than my resident.

My cheeks heated. “Maybe,” I replied hesitantly.

She giggled. “I totally understand. I’ve been dating this guy for a couple of months, and he already has me thinking of weddings and married life.”

“Really?” Didn’t most people think two months was too soon for that?

“Mm-hmm.” She pulled out her cell. “This woman I follow on Insta has an awesome job of modeling wedding dresses. She picks a theme and then gives you tips on how you can recreate something similar or make it your own.”

Dr. Collier scrolled through the woman’s profile, showing all the stunning photos of her in different gowns. “Wow.” What must it be like to make money modeling dresses?

“Yesterday she modeled a dress that her sister wore. This was just one she did for fun, not sponsored or anything. Their mom passed away when they were young, and since their mom didn’t have a traditional wedding, there was no wedding dress to pass on.” Dr. Collier waved a hand. “Anyway, her older sister bought one with the intention of letting the other sisters wear it if they ever married. They plan on passing the dress down to the next bride-to-be in the family.”

My breath caught as I thought of Ellynn’s wedding dress. Piper had shipped it to me, because I’d intended to pass it down to Cheyenne or Ashlynn. But what if I wore it whenever Chris and I chose to marry? I bit my lip as the idea took root.

“The woman said that knowing she had something of her sister’s and would be sharing the heirloom with future generations meant a lot to her.”

I could feel my own tear ducts welling up.

“Don’t cry, Dr. Kennedy!” Dr. Collier sniffed. “I’m sorry. Maybe this was a bad idea to share with you.”

“No.” I shook my head. “Continue.”

“There’s not much else to share. I sobbed like a baby when I read this yesterday. Such a beautiful moment, right?”

I nodded. “A priceless memory.”

“Right? I hadn’t thought of it like that before. Maybe I’ll see if my mom still has hers.”

“I’m sure she does. What mother doesn’t want to pass on a dress to her kids?” At least, keeping a dress seemed like something people my age and older did, but I could be wrong. My mother never had a wedding, but I had no idea if she was even alive to ask had I wanted to go that direction.

Was it bad that the thought didn’t faze me? She had long since been a nonfactor in my life. I just went through living like I didn’t have a mother.

He’s a Father to the fatherless.

I thought of the Scripture Nevaeh had sent me. Did that include motherless as well? Though I didn’t know where my dad was either. Both of my parents had checked out of the parenthood department.

“What kind of wedding would you want?” Dr. Collier asked.

Great question. What did I want? I mulled over the question and instantly knew. “Something simple. Something with my family and closest friends. I don’t need to invite tons of people or go all out on décor. Just knowing I’d be marrying the person God sent me would be enough.”

“Aww, Dr. Kennedy, you’re a romantic at heart.” She nudged me with her shoulder, then froze. “I’m so sorry. I did it out of habit. I know you’re my superior and...” She gulped. “I’m sorry,” she squeaked.

“It’s okay, Dr. Collier.” I huffed out a laugh. “I never thought of myself as a romantic, but I think you might be right.” I pointed to her phone. “And the idea of wearing my sister’s wedding dress would mean the world to me.”

Sympathy crossed her face. “I can imagine your sister would be happy to be connected with you on that special day in that way.”

“I think she would too.” My throat felt raw, but my heart was full.

Now all I wanted to do was rush home and try on Ellynn’s wedding dress. Would it fit me?

Dr. Collier and I parted ways, but my mind constantly went ba ck to the dress hanging in the back of my closet. This felt like a sign from God. Had Chris woken up and had a similar thought? I stopped in the corridor and pulled out my phone.

Erykah

Thinking of you.

Chris

You beat me to the punch. I just opened our thread to text you the same thing.

Erykah

Now I can get through the rest of the day knowing you’re thinking of me.

Chris

I won’t stop.

Erykah

??

“Dr. Kennedy, I’ve been looking for you.”

I looked up at the sound of my boss’s voice. “Everything okay, sir?”

“Yes, yes, just fine.” Dr. Cook studied me. “Uh, I have something in my possession I wondered if you had use for.”

“What’s that?” I straightened.

“My dad’s wedding ring. Something kept telling me this should be yours.” He winced. “I’m not trying to get into your business. I try to be professional but also as personable as possible, so please don’t take this the wrong way. And if you have no use for it, I completely understand.”

I bit my lip. Every time God showed me He saw me, He heard me, overwhelming gratitude consumed me. How could the God of the universe care enough for me when my own parents never had? Maybe that’s why His love is such a balm.

“May I see it?”

“Yes.” Relief smoothed his brow. He dug through his pocket, pulled out a little black box, and passed it to me.

With a flip of a lid, I stared at the simple wedding band inside. The silver band had a cross in the center and two anchors hanging from it. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

“I love it,” I whispered.

“Then it’s yours if you want it.”

“How much would you like for it?” I looked up to meet his gaze.

He waved a hand. “Nothing. It’s free.”

“Dr. Cook, I couldn’t.” We weren’t family. I couldn’t just take his family ring without offering some form of compensation.

“Please, Dr. Kennedy. You’ve been through a lot these past few months. If this brings you any measure of happiness and can be used by you, keep it.”

I wanted to hug him, but I’d never done that. Ever. “Uh, may I...” Why was this so awkward? “Hug you?” I rushed out.

A smile covered his face. He gave me a side hug, squeezing my shoulder firmly. “It’s been a joy to watch you blossom. Even your residents have noticed.”

“They have.” I smiled, thinking of my earlier conversation with Dr. Collier. I guess love softened my rough edges.

After I placed the ring box into my office drawer for safekeeping, I locked it, then pocketed the key. My cell rang, and my brow furrowed at the unknown number.

“Hello?”

“Dr. Kennedy, this is Governor Jankowski.”

“How are you?”

“Just peachy. Hey, listen, I have a venue that I’m no longer able to use and was wondering if you or the hospital had use for it. Not sure how often you have conferences and whatnot.”

“What kind of venue?”

As the governor spoke, my wheels turned. This had to be the answer to our prayers. After thanking the governor for thinking of me and accepting the use of the venue, I turned to my email. A message from my Realtor informed me the seller had not accepted my offer. I assessed myself. I didn’t feel sad but a little relieved. Life felt like it was actually going in the right direction.

Love from the Father, love from Chris, and the sweet, pure acceptance and love from my nieces. Piper and Nevaeh had welcomed me with open arms, and Dr. Cook and Dr. Collier had taken a chance to look past first impressions. God had surrounded me with people who could help me thrive and who accepted me for me. He’d answered the deepest desire of my heart: to belong. Something I’d stopped hoping for long ago.

Thank You so much. I’ll forever be grateful.