Chapter 9 #4
When they were alone, David said, “Why’d you do that, Janey? Your husband won’t appreciate that I’m in here with you.”
“You’re my doctor. Why would he possibly object?”
“Maybe because I’m also your ex-fiancé?”
“That was a very long time ago.”
“Not all that long.”
“Long enough that we’ve all moved on, haven’t we?”
It seemed to matter greatly to her that he agree, so he nodded.
“I want you to be happy, David.”
“That’s far more than I deserve from you.”
“I don’t like what you did, but I forgave you a long time ago. If I can forgive you, maybe it’s time to forgive yourself, too. Hmm?”
“Maybe,” he conceded.
“I heard you’re seeing Daisy.”
Startled by the blunt statement, he met her gaze. “Yeah.”
“I like her. She’s perfect for you.”
“Is that right?” he asked, feeling mildly embarrassed to be having this discussion with Janey of all people.
“Uh-huh.”
“Don’t you have other things on your mind besides my love life?”
“So it’s love?” Her delighted smile reminded him of many a sparring match with her in the past. She’d always been a worthy opponent.
“None of your business. Let’s talk about you, your baby and your bed rest.”
“I’d rather talk about your love life.”
David laughed at the scowl she directed his way. “I know it’s a major drag, but it’s in your best interest and the baby’s to stay as quiet as you possibly can. No strenuous activity, nothing that makes your heart beat fast.”
“Well, that eliminates a few of my favorite things.”
David tried not to let the memories of how much she’d enjoyed sex wash over him, but some things were hard to forget. “Definitely none of that.”
“You’re a real killjoy, Dr. Lawrence.”
“So I’ve been told a few times. We’ll see you in the clinic tomorrow. If you call when you get there, we’ll meet you with some wheels to keep you off your feet.”
“Oh, a wheelchair. It just gets better and better.”
He zipped his bag and stood to leave. “It’ll all be fine, Janey, as long as you follow doctor’s orders.”
“Joe’s first question is going to be whether we should leave now for our house on the mainland.”
“You have to do what makes you comfortable, but personally I don’t think it’s necessary. We can take good care of you here for the next four weeks and get you to the mainland to deliver with plenty of time.”
“And I’ll be able to travel?”
“We never know anything for certain, but based on what I know now, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“I’ll be quoting you later tonight when Joe is packing our bags.”
“Good luck with that. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“David?”
“Yes?”
“This is the second time you’ve come when I needed you. I just want you to know that your generosity doesn’t go unnoticed.”
David let her words wash over him, a gentle balm on the wounds he carried with him. “When I think of you, Janey—and I think of you often—I try not to focus on how we ended, but rather on the very good years we spent together. And I’ll always come when you need me.”
“There’s going to be an invite coming your way to Mac and Maddie’s cookout this weekend. I hope you’ll come with Daisy.”
“I’ll try to make it.” He turned to leave and nearly ran smack into Joe. Judging by the stormy expression on Joe’s face, he’d heard what David said about coming when she needed him. That was okay. David didn’t regret saying it.
“I’ll see you both in the clinic tomorrow,” David said, anxious to get out of there.
“Thank you for coming,” Joe said, surprising David with a handshake.
“Any time.” He let himself out the front door and found Janey’s parents sitting on the porch swing.
“Everything okay?” Big Mac asked.
“It is for now, but she’s going to need to stay off her feet for the next few weeks.”
“Nothing can happen to my little girl,” Big Mac said, his voice hitching on the last two words.
“That’s the last thing in the world I want either.”
Big Mac stood and came over to him, his height and size as imposing as it had been when David began dating Janey as a fifteen-year-old. He extended his hand to David. “Thank you for checking on her.”
David shook the older man’s hand. “Happy to do it.” Aware of them watching him, he went down the stairs and got into his car. Driving into town, he allowed himself to wallow in the odd feelings that came with seeing Janey, even if she was married to another man and pregnant with his child.
This time, however, he didn’t feel bitter so much as sad for what he’d had and lost, for what he’d failed to treasure the way he should have.
As his thoughts shifted to Daisy, waiting for him in town, he was suddenly desperate to see her.
When he was with her, there was no time for bitterness or regret.
With her he found hope and renewal and other things he couldn’t yet name.
He decided to call her to see if he was still welcome so late.
“Hey,” she said when she answered his call, her voice husky and sleepy sounding.
“Hey. Just checking to see if you’re still up or if you’d rather take a rain check.”
“I’m still up, and I’m not issuing any rain checks tonight.”
Smiling, he said, “I’ll be there in a few.”