by Amy Ruttan
She nodded. “I wanted a career and he wanted roots, so we ended our relationship.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s fine. I’ve learned not to be dazzled by the best in show at a hospital.”
“I hadn’t noticed that about Mark before, but I suppose he is. So, would you have been enticed if it hadn’t been Dr. Pearson?”
“Nope. I’m not swayed that way. They can try, but I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Good,” he said, and slipped his arm around her. It felt natural.
It was darker out—the start of a few scant hours of darkness. It wasn’t completely summer yet. The end of June would bring about the really long days.
Evelyn stared up at the sky. Just over the harbor there was the faint ripple of the northern lights, but the dwindling dusk and city lights obscured them, stopping the truly stunning display they could’ve made.
“Oh,” she whispered, staring up at them in awe. “I’d forgotten about them too. It’s been so long.”
“They’re beautiful. I never tire of them,” he said dreamily.
“Léelk’w told me they’re the spirits of the departed dancing.”
“I heard you’re supposed to whistle at them to make them dance.”
Evelyn frowned. “But I heard that some Inuit in Canada believe whistling at them means the spirits will come down and grab you. Don’t whistle.”
“Okay. I wouldn’t want to be grabbed.”
Evelyn chuckled. “No, neither would I.”
They stood there in silence, just staring up at the green ripple of northern lights, his arm still around her.
It had felt so good when he’d placed his arm around her, and when his hand had been in the small of her back. Maybe it was the wine talking, but if Derek had been the bait, and if she’d been a different person, then she would have jumped at the job John was so slyly offering her.
Evelyn took a step forward, and before she knew what was happening she was lost in those gray-green eyes and swept up into a kiss that was tender at first but then, as she melted into his arms, became more intense. It felt so right, so good.
What are you doing? This isn’t smart.
She broke off the kiss and pushed him away. “Sorry,” she said breathlessly.
Derek glanced down at her, saw her staring up at him. “What?”
Embarrassed, she looked away. “Nothing—just tired.”
Chicken.
“Okay, let’s get back to the hotel so you can get some rest. It’ll be a busy day tomorrow.”
Evelyn nodded and they walked back to the hotel. His arm was by his side, the magic of the moment broken, but it was good that it had been shattered.
Derek was off limits.
She just wished she could remember that and stop testing fate.
CHAPTER TEN
EVELYN SPENT THE day mostly by herself, getting ready for Jennifer’s arrival at the hospital in the afternoon, because there were no staff in Patient Intake working on a Sunday and she had refused to let John call one in. She’d told Joe to text her when they arrived so that she could meet them in the lobby and explain everything.
She hadn’t seen Derek in the morning, but she’d left him a note at the front desk to let him know that she’d taken a cab over to the hospital. That kiss was still burned onto her lips, but she was nervous about seeing him. She wasn’t sure if she’d be able to control herself around him. His kiss had made her completely melt and she wanted more. So much more.
It was for the best that she ignored him and focused on work.
That was why she was here.
Dr. Pearson had made himself scarce, and she was glad for that. The resident she’d been assigned was more than capable.
She had the NICU team on standby, and an operating room available to her should she need it, but she was hoping that she wouldn’t.
Sometimes there was no reason at all for intrauterine growth restriction, and even though the baby would be born prematurely, with some health complications, there was still a very high chance that the baby would grow up to be a healthy adult.
That was if there was no chromosomal inconsistencies in this amniotic fluid draw, and Evelyn was really hoping that there wasn’t.
Her phone buzzed and she saw that Joe had sent a message to say that they were in the lobby. Evelyn took one last look around the exam room where she’d be doing the work and then made her way down.
As it was Sunday the main lobby of the hospital was pretty empty because there were no scheduled procedures. It was the other side of the hospital that housed the emergency room, and that was always busy.
Jennifer was in a wheelchair, and Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that. It meant that Jennifer was taking her advice on bed-rest.
“Joe, Jennifer, I’m so glad you made it.”
Joe nodded, and Jennifer was smiling, but Evelyn could tell she was scared out of her mind.
“Thanks for doing this, Evie,” Joe said.
“It’s no problem. I’m just glad we’re able to do it—and so quickly. I’m sorry it’s so far from Wolf’s Harbor, but this is for the best.”
“Well, I’m ready if the baby needs to be delivered today,” Jennifer said nervously.
Evelyn took her hand and felt Jennifer’s fingers tremble in hers. “I do this all the time. We’ll check on the baby, and if he or she is doing well we’ll try to keep him or her in there as long as we can. But I do plan on delivering your baby at thirty-five weeks. That’s my current choice. So week thirty-four we’ll get you to Sitka, yes? You can wait it out in the hospital and then I’ll come and perform a C-section.”
“It has to be a C-section?” Jennifer asked with trepidation.
“Your baby is measuring very small, and I’m not sure it would survive the trauma of a vaginal birth. It’s for the best, and I promise you it’s not as bad as it seems.”
Joe pushed the chair, following Evelyn through the hospital.
She could tell that Jennifer was nervous, and couldn’t even begin to imagine what she was going through. Over a year ago Jennifer had lost a baby, quite far along, and now this.
Evelyn was going to do everything in her power to make sure this baby lived. As she did with all her patients.
“How long do we have to stay in Juneau?” Jennifer asked as they rode the elevator up to the obstetrical floor.
“Only a couple of days,” Evelyn said. “We just want to make sure that you don’t go into preterm labor. I’m sorry—this must be a hit to your business, Joe.”
“Nah, Dad is covering for me.”
“This is our room. Jennifer, there’s a hospital gown. Change into it and I’ll come back in a few minutes. This will be over before you know it, and then we’ll get you into a hospital room and get you fed.”
Jennifer nodded and Evelyn shut the door to give them privacy.
As she headed to the next room to get the chart she saw Dr. Pearson headed towards her. He had a scowl on his face.
She was secretly pleased he was so put out. He was a dumb-ass and needed to be taken down a notch. She was annoyed that he was headed in her direction, though.
Great.
At least she knew how to deal with arrogant guys like him.
“Ah, Dr. Pearson. How can I help you this fine morning?” Evelyn asked sweetly, and crossed her arms to hold her ground.
“Dr. Saunders—I thought you might be a bit more gracious, given that I run this department. Your behavior last night—”
“Was justified,” Evelyn snapped, cutting him off.
“And how do you figure that?” Mark growled under his breath.
“Christina. You were supposed to turn her baby the day I arrived, but you decided you wanted to head back to Juneau early. Thanks for leaving the apartment like a pigsty, by the w
ay. I really appreciated that.”
“I had more pressing matters to attend to!”
“You were supposed to wait for me and give me at least some information about the patients.”
“Is that what you’re bitter about? Because I didn’t stick around and clean an apartment? You were late. I had to catch the last ferry from Hoonah.”
“No, I couldn’t really care less about the apartment, or the fact you’re a slob. What I care about is the fact you didn’t turn Christina’s baby and a day later she went into labor. I had to deliver a frank breech in a clinic. Not in a hospital—in a clinic.”
“She had time. It was her first, and the baby would’ve turned on its own.”
“She was thirty-eight weeks. That’s not a premature infant. That’s almost full term.”
“I couldn’t have known she would go into labor early. It was her first,” Mark snapped.
“That doesn’t matter. It should’ve been done when you said you were going to do it. I delivered a frank breech and had a uterine tear. Thankfully both of them survived.”
To give him credit Mark did look relieved about that fact. At least he wasn’t a totally heartless jerk.
“Well, I’m glad—but the way you brought it up last night was totally unprofessional. That’s not how we handle things around here.”
“Alaska is no different from any other hospital I’ve worked in.”
Mark rolled his eyes. “Please. Alaska is not the same as the rest of the country. And Wolf’s Harbor is small town—completely backward. I’m surprised you’re even bothering with those people...but then again the way you and Derek were making eyes at each other last night I maybe get why you’re bothering so much.”
The urge to reach out and slap Dr. Pearson was strong, but she kept it in check. Still, she was worried that he’d seen something. What had Derek seen? Maybe Derek thought she was giving him a signal.
Aren’t you?
Whatever it was, she knew it couldn’t continue—and if other people were noticing it then Mo might notice it, and she couldn’t let that happen.
“I will not humiliate you further, Dr. Pearson, but be advised that I have reported your inaction to the Alaska Health Board and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Small town or not, the people of Wolf’s Harbor matter.”
Mark opened his mouth to say something further, but instead spun around on his heel and stormed off.
Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to calm her ire. Her pulse was thundering in her ears and she was still fuming.
Mark had basically written off the people of Wolf’s Harbor because he felt they were backward for wanting to live a simpler life. He obviously didn’t know that he was messing with a Wolf’s Harbor native.
And really he didn’t need to know that.
It wouldn’t make any difference anyway.
She took another deep calming breath. She needed to focus. She had a job to do. A delicate procedure. And she wasn’t going to let someone like that get into her head and screw it up.
* * *
Derek purposely kept away from the hospital because he didn’t want to distract Evelyn.
Oh, who are you kidding? You don’t want to be distracted by her.
Last night, walking her home, when they had been staring up at the northern lights all he’d wanted to do was take her in his arms and kiss her. And he’d done just that because he hadn’t been able to control himself.
The scent of her hair was still burned into his brain.
The feel of her soft lips against his.
The way his blood had burned with desire for her.
How he’d wanted her even more.
And for the life of him he couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun. When he’d felt unburdened and free.
It was nice.
It had been a long time since he’d cut loose.
Mo’s grandparents took her a lot during the summer, but he never really enjoyed himself without her. Usually, he was lonely with her gone and would work to fill the void.
He was still missing Mo, but it had been nice spending the evening with Evelyn and watching her handle the two other surgeons. It was a side of her he quite liked.
Strong-willed, stubborn and headstrong.
She had backbone and integrity.
He admired that in her.
So what was he so afraid of?
Having his heart broken again and, worse, having Mo go through the pain of losing someone she loved.
It was better to keep his distance. He must have temporarily lost his mind last night, when he’d taken her in his arms and kissed her.
He went up to the hospital to see if Evelyn wanted to have some dinner and to ask how the procedure had gone. He found her in the obstetrical patients’ wing at the charge station, charting and grinding her teeth.
Derek frowned, hoping that nothing had happened to Jennifer and Joe’s baby.
“Evelyn?” he said cautiously.
She glanced up and then smiled, but the smile was brief. “Oh, hey. Where have you been all day?”
“Keeping out of your hair,” he said. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, why would you...? Oh.” She shook her head and tsked under her breath. “Just a run-in with Mark before the procedure. It set me on edge.”
“How is Jennifer doing?”
“Good. She came through with flying colors. The baby’s heartbeat is strong. Now I’m just waiting on the testing of the fluid. Joe and Jennifer are staying here until Wednesday, but they’re in good hands if she goes into labor. We can head back to Wolf’s Harbor tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I got a message from Janet that there’s a new pregnant patient in town and she’s quite nervous.”
“They always are.” Evelyn chuckled. “Not that I blame them. I’d be terrified.”
The words surprised him. “You don’t want kids?”
“No,” she said. “I like kids but...it’s terrifying.”
He was disappointed in her response, and then he was annoyed with himself for caring and for thinking about her constantly. What was going on with him?
“I came by to see if you wanted some dinner.”
“I would love some,” she said. “Where are you thinking?”
“The hotel restaurant? You should really get some rest before the long drive back to Wolf’s Harbor. And we have to pick up Mo on our way out of town.”
“Okay, let me go and make one last check on Joe and Jennifer and then I’ll change out of these scrubs. It’s going to take a couple of days for the labs to run the amniotic fluid. I can’t sit around here waiting, though I want to. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Derek was relieved that Jennifer Yazzie had come through the procedure with flying colors, but he had never doubted that she would—not with Evelyn taking care of it.
She was such a talented surgeon.
I wish she would stay.
He cursed under his breath, angry at himself for continuing to think that way. Evelyn wasn’t going to stay and he couldn’t get attached even if he wanted to do just that. Surgeons like Evelyn never stayed. And how much work could Wolf’s Harbor pull in for a surgeon of her caliber? Not much. They were a town of just under a thousand people. Most of that population elderly or male.
Not a huge call for OB/GYNs, even though his clinic did also serve the surrounding area. There were a lot of small villages near Wolf’s Harbor.
Maybe there would be enough work for her. That was if he could get his small hospital off the ground.
Stop trying to find reasons for her to stay. You’ll only get hurt.
“There you are. I was wondering where you’d got too.”
“Just wandering. Waiting,” he responded gruffly.
He had to get control of these thoughts.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
No.
“Yeah, fine. Let’s go get something to eat.”
Derek couldn’t remember when he’d got so good at pretending that he was okay. It was just something he’d learned to do. Learned to cope with the fact that he’d forgotten what it was like to feel.
* * *
It was his fault that dinner was so awkward. He’d thrown those walls back up, even though he wanted to let Evelyn in. He didn’t blame her when she excused herself and went to bed early. It was for the best.
The next morning was no better, but when they picked up Mo from his in-laws whatever tension there was seemed to melt away.
Or at least Evelyn acted as if there was no awkwardness between them for the benefit of Mo, which he appreciated immensely.
She was so good with Mo, and Mo just adored her. Why did this have to be so complicated?
“I can’t wait to get back home,” Mo chirped from the back seat.
Derek smiled as he glanced back at her in the rearview mirror, and then he looked over at Evelyn, who was smiling too, but then she frowned.
“What’s going on?” she asked as they approached the ferry terminal, which seemed to have a blockade around it.
“I don’t know.” Derek slowed down and one of the state troopers who had clearly set up the blockade came forward when Derek stopped and rolled down his window.
“Good morning, folks. Are you headed to Hoonah?”
“Yes,” Derek said. “We’re on the first ferry back.”
“A fog bank has rolled in from Sitka. It’s pretty bad and there are no ferries operating that way at the moment.”
“So what do we do?” Derek asked. “Will the ferry service resume once the fog bank clears?”
“Tomorrow. hopefully,” the trooper said. “Even the planes are grounded. If you have tickets you can head to the office. They’ve made arrangements for accommodation for all stranded passengers.”
“Thank you, Officer.”
The state trooper nodded and stepped back, directing Derek where to go.
“What do we do?” Evelyn asked.
“Well, we’re stuck. We’ll find out what accommodation they have for us and I’ll call Dr. Vance and let him know about our delay.”
