Chapter 17
Grace: New bucket list item: Get a dog.
Damon: Great idea! What made you decide that?
Grace: This hospital isn't as big or as busy as the one in Richland, so I don't get much exercise. I need to get out more, but it's cold, so I keep talking myself out of it. If I had a dog, I'd be forced to get some exercise.
Damon: What breed would you get?
Grace: Undecided. One that doesn't shed much and is hypoallergenic.
Damon: Big or small?
Grace: Medium or small, but not the little ones that bark a lot.
Damon: I have a new bucket list item too: Dance with Grace in the rain.
Grace: Sounds fun, but the rain in Washington is cold.
Damon: I'll take you to the South then. It's not cold when it rains there.
Grace: But they have tornadoes in the South and the Midwest.
Damon: The beach then. We can dance in the rain on the beach.
Damon: Grace + Beach + Rain = <3
Grace: Rain on a beach usually means a hurricane is coming.
Damon: Stop trying to rain (pun intended) on my daydream.
Grace: I thought it was a bucket list item, not a daydream. There is a difference.
Damon: I wish we were having this conversation in person, so I could kiss your smart mouth to shut you up.
"Are you still thinking about getting out of the Army?" Grace had been on a video chat with Damon for almost twenty minutes and she was trying to work up the courage to tell him she loved him.
She knew it clear to her bones—had known for a week—so why was it so hard to tell him?
Because he might not want anything to do with me when I tell him about my baby.
"It depends." He gave her a serious look.
It was a little unnerving to have him look at her so intently, but she loved that he gave her his full attention when they talked.
"I don't want to push you, Grace, I hope you know that. But I need to know if there is a future for us before I change the direction of my life."
Grace tamped down her reservation and gave him her biggest grin.
"I hope there's a future for us, otherwise my only other options are Zack Hastings or Travis Brooks.
" She giggled when he scowled and let out a growl.
She loved that he was jealous even though there was nothing to worry about.
"You should know your mom turned your room into her sewing room.
You'll get Faith's old room when you return. "
"When I return..." He placed heavy emphasis on the word when. "It won't be because I plan on living with my mom." His stare grew more intense, warming Grace's cheeks.
"Hey, Grace, your mom—" James or rather Dr. Young—Grace never knew what to call him—poked his head into the radiology office. "Oh hello, Damon, how are you?" He stepped behind Grace's chair.
"Hi, Uncle James, I'm doing good."
"Glad to hear it." Dr. Young leaned forward. "Are you staying warm enough?"
"Haha. It's still hitting the mid-eighties here during the daytime."
"In that case, are you staying hydrated?"
Damon chuckled. "I do my best."
"I hate to interrupt, but I need a quick word with your girl here."
"I'll talk to you later, Gra—"
"No need to end your call." Dr. Young motioned toward the phone.
"I'll make this quick." He sat in the chair next to her.
"I hope I'm not overstepping, but your mother told Hope and I that you're thinking about getting your Doctorate in Radiology.
I think it's a fabulous idea." He pulled a folded paper from his pocket.
"I've taken the liberty of doing a little research.
Here's a list of medical schools whose curriculum is mostly online, except for clinicals and such.
I'd be happy to write you a letter of recommendation should you decide to apply.
I'm sure Dr. Henderson and Dr. Waite would be willing to as well. "
“Thank you.”
Grace could also ask some of the doctors from the hospital in Richland, and maybe even Shirley. Then she grimaced at that thought. Not because she didn’t have a great work ethic, but rather she wasn’t sure her stoic, former supervisor would be able to articulate that.
Dr. Young looked at her phone again. "Take care, Damon."
"Bye, Uncle James."
Dr. Young stepped toward the door before turning back. "Oh, and Grace, we have a tuition reimbursement program, so don't let the cost of going to school hold you back." Then he winked. "I also happen to know of two couples here in Providence who would be more than happy to provide a...scholarship."
"Thank you." She forced her lips up. "I appreciate that."
Mixed emotions swirled through Grace. She'd easily forgiven Damon for telling her mom she was thinking about getting her doctorate, but she wasn't sure how to feel about her mom sharing the news.
She was touched that Paige's dad would go to so much effort on her behalf.
A thrum of excitement buzzed through her as she fingered the folded paper he'd given her.
"I guess the cat's really out of the bag now, isn't it?" Damon pulled her from her thoughts.
"I guess so."
"Please don't be mad at me or your mom." His expression and tone were apologetic.
"I'm not." Grace's words were quiet as conviction settled in.
"What's going on inside that beautiful head of yours right now?" Damon's words were cautious.
She picked up her phone from where it leaned against her water bottle and talked as she typed. "New bucket list item: Get my Doctorate of Radiology."
"Yes!" Damon cheered. "I knew you'd go for it. You've got too much passion and drive to let anything hold you back."
She swiped back to the screen with his handsome face. "Sounds like we should both plan on changing the course of our lives."
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
She didn't speak. She simply grinned and nodded.
Damon pumped his free hand in the air. "Yesss!"