The Doctor's Return

by Narelle Atkins

  She slipped her phone into her purse. “What are you having?”

  “A sandwich and coffee. It beats a muesli bar on the run. They’ll bring it over to us soon.”

  “How’d you manage to get table service?”

  He grinned. “A perk of being a doctor.”

  “Why am I surprised? You can charm everyone.”

  “The truth is they feel sorry for us poor overworked doctors.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Are you free for an early-morning ride on Wednesday?”

  “I think so. Are you seeing Emily in Sunny Ridge tomorrow?”

  “We have lunch plans. Why?”

  “Rachel dropped by the clinic this morning with a T-shirt Emily left behind at our place.”

  “No worries. I’ll swing by the clinic on my way to the gym after work. Are you working until six?”

  “I’m not sure. Do you have the keys with you? I can leave the T-shirt on your desk.”

  “Sounds good. You should do the cycle class with me tonight if you can escape early.”

  “We’ll see what happens. My afternoons are usually too long.”

  The young girl brought their order to their table.

  He thanked her and unwrapped his sandwich. “Now, Megan, what time do you want to leave on Wednesday morning?”

  “My first P.T. session at the gym is at eight, so it would need to be really early.”

  “Sure. I should have caught up on sleep by then.”

  “Was the camp exhausting? You looked wiped out last night.”

  “Yes, it was good fun and we went on a really long hike.”

  “In the mountains?”

  He nodded. “You remember the uphill trail that takes at least four hours to walk?”

  “Did you see any red wallabies by the creek?”

  “Yes, they’re still congregating in the usual spot.”

  She smiled. “It’s a pretty walk, and I love the spectacular mountain views.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You could always become a youth group leader and join us on the hike next year.”

  “I don’t know what I’m doing next year.”

  “When will you learn if the hospitals are renewing your contract?”

  “Not until next year. I have the option of going back to the snow next winter.”

  “Really? Is that what you want to do?”

  She squirmed in her seat, lowering her lashes. “I have time to think and pray before I need to make any big decisions.”

  “Fair enough.” He was glad to hear she was praying about these decisions. Did her prayers include contemplating a future with him?

  * * *

  On Wednesday morning, Megan cruised with Luke on the cycle track that followed Snowgum Creek to the edge of town. A couple of gray kangaroos grazed nearby, the dew on the grass glistening in the morning sunlight.

  She lowered the gears on her bike as they approached the crest of a hill. “Which way do you want to go?”

  He cycled beside her, his legs pedaling in sync with hers. “To the outskirts of town. I have something I want to show you.”

  “Really? What is it?”

  He laughed. “You’ll just have to wait and see. We’ll be there in less than ten minutes.”

  She scrunched her nose, her curiosity piqued. The lookout was in the opposite direction of where they were heading.

  He rode ahead and peeled off the main track onto a rough dirt path that led back toward the road.

  She followed behind, pumping her legs as he picked up speed and raced ahead in a cloud of dust. They’d already completed forty minutes of interval training, and it was time for a recovery session combined with a short break.

  He wove through a maze of tree-lined streets, not a car moving in sight. She rode single file behind him, her throat scratchy. She couldn’t wait to stop and take a long drink of iced water.

  Luke turned onto the street that eventually led to his house high up on the hill overlooking the township. Surrounded by five acres, it was prime real estate and he’d demolished the old cottage the previous owners had lived in.

  She’d seen his house-building progress from a distance, but she hadn’t ventured into this exclusive part of town in years. The street was lined with acreages, the blocks becoming larger the farther they rode.

  Before long they reached the gate to his property. He stopped beside a large barrel-shaped metal letter box, checking to see if he had any mail.

  She pulled up next to him. “So, this is your new place.”

  He nodded, flicking through his mail before stashing it in a bag attached to the back of his bike. “What do you think?”

  “It’s a lovely location.”

  “I’ve had my eye on this place for years and grabbed it as soon as the previous owners put it on the market.”

  The grounds at the front, including a long gravel drive, were well maintained. Lawn and native shrubs were planted around a number of established gum trees. “I hope you’re investing in a riding mower.”

  He laughed. “That’s the first thing Ben said, too. Come on, I’ll show you the house.”

  She rode beside him up the drive, admiring the impressive view of the township below. Following his lead, she stashed her bike under a tree and headed toward the wide front veranda that wrapped around two sides of the house.

  He juggled a set of keys in his hands. “We’ve finally reached the lockup stage, after a number of delays.”

  “When will the house be ready?”

  “Who knows? I’m on various tradesmen’s waiting lists. Last week I managed to get the fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom installed. That was a big achievement.”

  She nodded as she stepped inside on the concrete floor and looked around. Luke gave her a tour of the sprawling single-level house. The bathrooms were the closest to being finished, needing only to be tiled and painted. He led her through three separate living areas, and showed her the laundry, study and triple garage.

  “Wow.” She stood in the spacious galley-style kitchen, envious of the enormous amount of counter space he had compared to her cottage kitchen. “You didn’t cut any corners.”

  He shook his head. “That’s why it’s taking so long, but it’s worth doing it properly. I’m installing ducted heating and air-conditioning, plus a pool, spa and entertaining area out back.”

  Leaning back on the new granite counter, she held his warm gaze. “You’re creating a beautiful home.”

  “That’s the plan. I don’t intend to move away from here for a very long time.”

  She swallowed hard, the implications of his words seeping into her mind. He had built this home with a family in mind. It would easily accommodate three or four children. She could see a couple of mischievous boys with golden eyes running around the house, playing outdoors in the trees and swimming in the pool.

  She gulped down a couple of mouthfuls of water from her bottle, the cool liquid refreshing her parched throat. This could be her life, her future. The life she’d be living now if she’d accepted Luke’s marriage proposal eight years ago.

  He smiled. “Do you want to see the back of the property, or has time run away from us?”

  She glanced at her watch. “I need to head back, but you can stay longer if you need to do some work here.”

  He shook his head. “I’m done and ready for a long sprint. It’s downhill all the way home.”

  “That’s a relief. Thanks for showing me your house.”

  “I’m glad you like it, and you didn’t make any comments about the size of the kitchen like the rest of my family.”

  “What did they say?”

  “That it’s a waste that I’ll have the largest and most functional kitchen out of everyone in the family.”


  She chuckled. “They have a point, but they could always volunteer to come over and cook for you.”

  “That’s my comeback. One day I may even have the time to learn how to cook properly.”

  “You’re living in a dream world if you think your current workload will drop anytime soon.”

  “Then I’ll have to switch to plan B.”

  “Which is?”

  His eyes twinkled. “Find someone who’ll cook for me.”

  She lowered her lashes, the challenge in his voice stirring her heart. Did he view her as a potential wife, after everything that had happened? Could she be happy living here as Luke’s wife, raising his children?

  She turned away and picked up her bottle. “I need to get moving.”

  “Sure, I’ll lock up behind you and meet you out front.”

  She rushed toward the front door, her pulse galloping. She’d spent her life running from responsibility and long-term commitments. Was she capable of settling down in one place, living in one house, without becoming restless for new adventures?

  * * *

  Megan sat next to Luke in the back row of the Snowgum Creek Community Church. The morning sun filtered through the stained-glass windows on the eastern side of the church. After embarking on two midweek outdoor cycling sessions with Luke this week, including her first visit to his future home, she’d hung out with Rachel and Kara last night at his house.

  She snuck a sideways glance in his direction while half listening to the sermon. He was bleary-eyed, with dark shadows under his eyes highlighting his fatigue. He’d been in and out all evening, on call at the hospital. His life was chaotic, and she understood why he wanted to lighten his workload.

  The sermon was the second part in a series on the book of James. Their pastor addressed the issue of faith being alive and demonstrated by Christian service. She leaned back in her seat, his words catching her attention. Her faith had become stagnant in recent years. She didn’t have the depth in her personal relationship with God that she’d seen in her friends and Luke.

  She closed her eyes, absorbing the pastor’s words like a dry garden receiving rain for the first time after a long drought. She prayed that God would show her what she needed to do, what He wanted her to do.

  Megan opened her eyes, a new clarity and sense of peace permeating her mind. This was why Luke had chosen to be a youth group leader and now sat beside her, exhausted. He valued doing God’s work. But he’d taken on too many activities and suffered the consequences.

  She had the opposite problem. Her life choices reflected her desire to please herself, with little regard for others or the need to do God’s work in the world.

  She let out a big sigh. Her deliberate refusal to address issues and deal with conflict had created massive problems in her life. What if she’d had the courage to speak up last year and tell Jason his actions made her uncomfortable? Would the conversation have deterred him from following her to Snowgum Creek? Or was his obsession with her inevitable, irrespective of how she handled the situation?

  The service moved into a time of prayer and she bowed her head, reflecting on her life choices in recent years. Emily had given her wise advice and helped her work through a number of issues. She understood why Luke valued his friendship with Emily.

  She’d let go of her long-held grudge against Kara, recognizing it was based on childish issues that no longer existed. Kara had made an effort to befriend her, and they were now spending a lot of time together with Luke and Rachel.

  She stood for the last song. Luke swayed in her direction, his arm brushing against her as he regained his balance.

  Megan leaned in closer, whispering in his ear, “Are you okay?”

  “I’m just tired, and almost fell asleep during the prayers.”

  “You need a long sleep this afternoon.”

  He squeezed her hand. “I’ll be okay.”

  She laced her fingers within his warm grasp, reluctant to let go of his hand when the song ended.

  He remained standing, stifling a yawn while she picked up her purse.

  She held out her open palm. “Keys, please.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’re in no condition to drive.” She frowned. “Why didn’t you sleep in this morning?”

  “I slept for a few hours after dawn, and felt okay when I woke at eight.” He dug his keys out of his jeans pocket and handed them to her. “No detours via the mountains.”

  She curved her lips into a slight smile and dropped his keys into her purse. “We’re going straight to your house, unless you want to pick up something for lunch on the way?”

  “A Vegemite sandwich will do me for lunch. I feel too tired to eat.”

  “Okay, let’s get going. I’m supposed to be meeting Rachel and Kara for lunch at my favorite café.”

  “Good.” He walked beside her to the main door. “That means the house will be quiet. Can you keep Rachel away for a few hours?”

  She nodded. “They can come back to my place after lunch, and you can message me when you wake up.”

  “Will do.”

  She queued at the door with Luke, waiting to shake her pastor’s hand before heading out into the bright spring sunshine.

  They shuffled forward, crossing the threshold at the entrance to the church.

  Amy’s father was their pastor, and he shook her hand before gaping at Luke. “What have you done to yourself? You look beyond exhausted.”

  Luke shrugged, shaking his pastor’s outstretched hand. “Work has been full-on.”

  The pastor furrowed his brows. “Is it okay if I book a time to see you this week for a pastoral visit that’s long overdue?”

  “Sure.” Luke rubbed the back of his hand over his eyes. “Call Janice and book a time that suits you.”

  “I will.” He turned to Megan. “Are you driving him home?”

  “Yes, before he falls asleep standing up.” She reached for Luke’s hand and led him away from the crowd gathered outside the church. “Did you park in your usual spot?”

  “I think so.”

  She located his Jeep in the parking lot and made herself comfortable in the driver’s seat.

  He reclined the passenger seat and stretched out his legs. “You got what you wanted.”

  “It would have been nice if it was under better circumstances.” She bit her lip. “I’m worried about you. Do you ever take a chunk of time off work?”

  He yawned, covering his mouth with his hand. “The clinic is always busy, and my patients don’t take a vacation from being sick.”

  “Couldn’t you get Emily or someone to fill in?”

  “It isn’t as easy as you think to find a replacement, and Emily already has a busy job at the hospital.”

  “I’m glad you’re taking more weekends off from the hospital.”

  He grinned. “I’m looking forward to our cycling day trip in a couple of weeks.”

  “It’s been too long since I’ve done a long ride in the mountains.”

  “It’ll be fun.”

  She drove the short distance to Luke and Rachel’s home, liking the feel of the Jeep. She could get used to driving his car.

  He led her into his house and headed straight for the sofa. “I’m just going to sit for a minute.”

  “Sure, I’ll fix your sandwich.”

  She located fresh bread in the kitchen and made his sandwich. Minutes later she entered the quiet living room. Luke was sprawled full length on the sofa, his eyelids shut and breathing shallow. His face relaxed as he lay curled up on his side, a smattering of whiskers covering his unshaven jaw.

  She placed his jacket over his shoulders and torso before draping a light blanket over his legs. He pulled the jacket closer to his body, a faint smile on his full lips
. He looked settled for at least a few hours.

  Megan returned to the kitchen and covered his sandwich with plastic wrap. The camp last weekend plus his rigorous work schedule had wiped him out. She frowned, hoping he wasn’t getting sick.

  He wasn’t the only one who needed to reconsider their work schedule. Bruce was anxious for an answer on the research position. She didn’t know if she was prepared to drag herself away from Luke and her new life in Snowgum Creek.

  Chapter 10

  Luke slowed his cycling speed and sipped water from his bottle. The midmorning sun scorched his bare arms and legs, the weather unseasonably hot for this early in spring. He swiped beads of sweat off his brow, his hair damp under his bike helmet. Megan rode ahead, her fitted T-shirt clinging to her back as she powered along the winding road.

  A herd of brumbies galloped through the pine forest on the high side of the road. The wild horses raced up the hill, weaving around the pine trees. Apple orchards sloped down from the other side of the road, providing a picturesque view of the valley heading back toward Snowgum Creek.

  The road ahead straightened out for a long uphill stretch. Megan braked, riding onto the dusty shoulder of the road and coming to a halt under a pine tree. He caught up to her, his breathing ragged.

  She smiled. “We picked a hot day.”

  “Yep.” He gulped down a big mouthful of water. “I think we’re in for a hot, dry summer.”

  She held her bottle next to her red-tinged cheek, cooling her face. “I’m glad we set out early. How far are we from the waterfall?”

  “About ten miles. The trees will filter the sun once we’re deeper in the pine forest.”

  “That’s a relief.” She took off her wraparound sunglasses and wiped the lenses with the hem of her T-shirt. “We don’t need sunstroke.”

  “Did you still want to race to the crest of the hill?”

  “Of course.” Her deep blue eyes sparkled, tiny wrinkles forming in the outer corners as she squinted in the sunlight. “We always race each other on the straight uphill stretches.”

  “Okay.” He had no hope of beating her, and she knew it. “Can we rest here for a few minutes first?”