Christmas-Day Fiancée (St Gregory's Hospital)

by Lucy Clark

  ‘I can’t wait until you’re discharged,’ he murmured.

  ‘Going to carry me up the stairs to my bedroom again?’

  ‘Ha! There’s nothing wrong with your legs, Nat. You can walk.’

  ‘Huh. Some knight in shining armour you turned out to be.’

  ‘Is that what you want, honey? Someone to rescue you?’ The teasing light had disappeared from his eyes and his tone was serious. Natalie felt as though he could see deep into her soul—all the way to the depression she’d been doing her best to hide from him.

  ‘There’s a sadness in your eyes and I wish I knew what I could do to help.’

  Much to her chagrin, tears welled in her eyes and she squeezed his hand. ‘You do the most. Just being here, your visits, help.’

  ‘Do they?’

  Natalie closed her eyes and carefully rested her head back on the pillows, still getting used to her new, bob-length hairstyle. She brushed the hair back behind her ear with her left hand, trying to put off for as long as she could the conversation she knew they had to have.

  When a tear escaped and trailed down her cheek, Marty tenderly brushed it away and that opened the floodgates. ‘Aw, honey,’ he whispered as he gathered her closer. He wasn’t sure what to do but just holding her worked for him and he hoped it worked for her, too.

  ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’ she finally said, her voice breaking and another few sobs shaking through her body.

  ‘Do what?’

  ‘Us!’

  ‘Us?’ He seemed surprised and pulled back to look at her. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I just don’t know what’s going to happen to me. Janelle’s happy with my progress but things have just…Oh, I don’t know.’

  ‘Hey, hey. We’ll work it out.’

  She nodded, not sure she believed him. She wanted to believe him—in fact, when he was with her, she felt as though she could do anything, but when he left, doubts began to set in, especially through the long, lonely nights.

  ‘I think,’ she said softly, ‘that I just need some time.’

  ‘Time?’ he asked cautiously.

  ‘Time to just think and figure things out.’

  ‘Meaning?’

  ‘Meaning I’m going to ask for no visitors tomorrow.’

  ‘Christmas Eve? Probably a wise decision. The entire hospital is getting ready for Christmas Day and tomorrow promises to be worse than the last few days.’

  ‘I mean no visitors, Marty.’

  ‘You don’t want to see me?’

  ‘I need to work things out.’ When he opened his mouth to protest, she quickly went on. ‘My life has changed—dramatically. Janelle thinks I might need skin grafts and they take a long time to recover from, and who knows when I’ll have full movement back in my arm. I won’t be able to work and…’ She trailed off, feeling a fresh bout of tears welling up.

  ‘Shh.’ He kissed her lips, silencing her for the moment.

  ‘And I have months and months of rehabilitation coming up and you don’t need that,’ she added softly when he’d finally released her mouth.

  ‘I don’t need it?’ He frowned. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I…I…’ She worked hard to control her breathing. ‘I need to think.’

  ‘About me?’

  ‘Marty, I can’t do this to you. I can’t put you through all this.’ She indicated her right arm.

  ‘Why not?’ he demanded.

  Natalie’s breathing increased and she tried hard to swallow over the enormous lump in her throat. ‘I have a long journey ahead of me—’

  ‘And I’ll be there with you every step of the way.’

  ‘I don’t want you to look back with regrets, and besides…’ She stopped, her lower lip wobbling as she failed to hold onto her emotions. ‘I’m not pretty any more.’

  ‘Oh, honey.’ He shook his head, then kissed her again.

  ‘You deserve one of your pretty girls to hang around with, not me. I don’t want to be a burden to you. You’ve been through a rotten relationship before and I don’t want that to happen to you again.’

  ‘It won’t happen again.’ Frustration welled up in him and he wanted to blurt out that he loved her, that everything was going to be fine and that he wanted to marry her. He’d had the proposal planned perfectly for Christmas Day and he desperately wanted to surprise her. Besides, with the mood she was in right now, she’d probably refuse him and there was no way he was going to chance that. ‘You and I are good together,’ he said. ‘And besides, ever heard the saying beauty is only skin deep? It’s very true. I’m not as superficial as that anatomy text book you used to date. I’m here for the long haul and you probably won’t believe me when I say that you are very pretty, but it’s true.’

  ‘But my life has just been changed. I’ve been dealt a different set of cards and I don’t know where everything fits. I’m confused and scared and I need time to figure things out. You’re the one who said I like being in control and that’s very true, but right now I feel so completely out of control that I need to figure out a plan.’

  ‘Do you think I’m going to leave you?’ Marty watched her eyes carefully and saw her look away.

  ‘Marty, it’s not going to be easy. It’s also no way to start off a relationship.’

  ‘Sure, but you know me. I love a challenge.’

  Natalie closed her eyes and shook her head, not sure whether to laugh or cry. ‘You always know the most perfect thing to say.’

  ‘And don’t you forget it,’ Marty teased, then grew serious. Carefully, he cupped her face in his hands, his gaze tender and caring. ‘I’ll give you space tomorrow but only tomorrow. It won’t be easy but I’ll respect your wishes. Just tell me one thing.’

  Natalie held her breath and waited for his question.

  ‘Do you love me?’

  He sounded unsure, which wasn’t like Marty at all. In that one instant Natalie realised how much power she had over him. She held his gaze, hoping he’d see the truth in her eyes.

  ‘Yes.’

  Marty exhaled the breath he’d been holding, his gorgeous smile spreading across his lips and melting her heart once more. ‘Then that’s all I need. That will help me through tomorrow.’ This time, when he bent to kiss her, there was a new promise and a new hope that coursed through them both.

  ‘Come on, Marty,’ the nurse said as she walked in. ‘Oops. Sorry.’ She didn’t leave but instead crossed to the foot of the bed. Marty reluctantly released Natalie. ‘It’s time for you to leave.’

  Marty nodded, not looking at the other woman. He only had eyes for his darling Nat. He brushed another kiss across her lips. ‘Christmas morning can’t come soon enough,’ he murmured.

  When he left, the doubts started to raise their ugly heads again and when she woke up on Christmas Eve, depression had once more settled over her. She didn’t eat much at breakfast or lunch, instead closing her eyes and wallowing in self-pity, telling herself she had every right to do so.

  When Janelle came around to review her, Natalie was wiping her eyes and blowing her nose.

  ‘You look a sorry sight,’ the doctor said. ‘I understand you’ve asked for no visitors or phone calls today.’

  Natalie nodded.

  ‘Think that’s wise?’

  ‘Who knows?’ she blurted as a fresh bout of tears began.

  ‘Who indeed?’ Janelle replied. ‘Let’s take a look at your arm.’

  It was almost a relief to focus on what was happening rather than sifting through her thoughts.

  ‘You’re missing him, aren’t you,’ Janelle stated.

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Oh, as if you need to ask. The whole hospital is buzzing with rumours that you and Marty are a couple. As the new bachelor to the hospital, he didn’t last long. He’s already called the nurses’ station quite a few times this morning, checking up on you, and he’s asked me to contact him after my review.’ Janelle chuckled. ‘Marty Williams is definitely off the bachelor roster. It’s qu
ite clear that he loves you very much.’

  ‘It is?’

  Janelle merely laughed again as she carefully examined Natalie’s arm.

  ‘This is looking very good, very good indeed. In fact, I don’t think we’re going to need skin grafts after all. It’s healing very nicely all by itself. Naturally, you’ll have scarring but in two, three years’ time you’ll hardly be able to notice them.’

  Natalie watched as the nurse carefully rewrapped her arm in the special burns dressing.

  ‘Really?’

  ‘I’m not in the habit of lying to my patients, Natalie, especially when one of them is a colleague.’

  Natalie breathed an amazed sigh of relief. ‘Thank you, Janelle. That is the best Christmas present you could have given me.’

  When she was left alone, Natalie thought over her situation and realised it wasn’t as bad as she’d initially thought. She was still in for a lot of treatment and rehabilitation but she knew she would cope. She had the support of Beth and Davey and her mother…and Marty? If she let go of him, she’d not only be recovering from her injuries but from a broken heart as well. Janelle had said that he loved her but she’d yet to hear those words from his own lips. It was clear he cared for her and he’d said he would be sticking around to help her, but in what way? As her friend? Boyfriend? Was he willing to take another chance at marriage? She had no idea where their relationship was going.

  Taking a deep breath, she vowed to find out. Tomorrow, Christmas Day, would be a day of discoveries…and hopefully they would be discoveries that would make her happy for the rest of her life.

  By the time the evening meal was served, she had a completely different outlook. She loved Marty and was determined to show him they belonged together. That night she slept a lot better and in the morning, with help from the nurses, she managed to shower and carefully wash her hair.

  ‘I’m beginning to like my hair this length,’ she told the nurses. ‘I don’t need to worry about putting it up to keep it out the way.’

  Natalie waited impatiently for Marty to come and was very surprised when Sister Dorset walked into her room just after breakfast, pushing an empty wheelchair.

  ‘Good morning, Natalie. Merry Christmas.’

  Natalie simply stared at the other woman. Had Sister just called her Natalie? ‘Er…good morning, Sister.’

  ‘Ready for your first Christmas surprise?’

  ‘I…um…I guess so.’

  ‘Right. Out of bed, then.’ Sister Dorset helped Natalie up, brushing away the burns unit nurse when she came in to see what was going on.

  ‘I’m fine, Nurse. I’m taking Dr Fox down to Paediatrics and I’ll have her back in an hour.’

  ‘Of course, Sister,’ the nurse replied, and with that, Natalie was effectively transferred into Sister Dorset’s care.

  They didn’t speak a word until they were in the lift when Sister Dorset said, ‘That’s quite a young man you have there, Natalie.’

  ‘Marty?’

  ‘Yes. Dr Williams has proved himself in many areas in a short space of time. He’s trustworthy, honest, caring and good with the children. Not only that but he obviously loves you very much.’

  ‘So everyone keeps telling me.’

  The lift doors opened and Sister slowly pushed her along the corridor. ‘He came down to the ward the day after your accident looking at least ten years older. He told me he could see you were depressed and he wasn’t sure what to do or how he could help.’ She paused outside the doors to the paediatric unit. ‘I told him to be himself and follow his instincts.’ Sister nodded. ‘Yes, he’s quite a man.’ A smile twitched at her lips as she said, ‘Why, if I were thirty years younger, you’d have a run for your money.’

  ‘Sister!’ Natalie was surprised and shocked to hear Sister talking like this.

  Sister Dorset actually chuckled. ‘It’s Christmas, Natalie. Enjoy the more mellow side of me while you can. I also think it’s only fair to tell you that I know of the little bet you and Dr Williams had going.’

  Natalie coloured. ‘Oh, Sister. I’m sorry. There was no harm meant and—’

  ‘It’s quite all right. Reminded me of the fun I used to have when I was just a student nurse. I only want to say that your young man has earned himself the right to call me by my first name, as have you—but only when we’re off duty, if you don’t mind.’ She opened the door to the ward. ‘And perhaps today.’ She smiled at Natalie again, before pushing the chair into the ward.

  ‘Well, this is certainly a day for discoveries,’ Natalie muttered quietly to herself as Sister took her down to the playroom, which was full of children and parents. Some children were in wheelchairs, others in their beds, some on chairs and others on the floor. The craft tables had been pushed aside and the Christmas tree had been brought in, its lights flashing merrily.

  The children all cheered when Natalie was wheeled in and several came over to wish her a merry Christmas and give her a hug. Tears swam in Natalie’s eyes but for the first time since the fire they were tears of happiness and love.

  Then the sound of jingling bells filled the air and the children went into hyperdrive as they realised what was happening.

  ‘It’s Santa,’ some of them whispered, and even the older children were excited.

  ‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ said a deep voice, and a moment later Santa, in his baking-hot velvet suit, appeared in the doorway. A loud cheer went up and some of the children rushed to hug him while others sat and stared.

  ‘Merry Christmas,’ Santa called, then looked around the room. ‘Now, are there any children here who have been good?’ he asked.

  Again a loud cheer went up and the noise was deafening. Natalie’s heart filled with love and it bubbled over as she watched Marty making the children so happy. She’d once thought that he would make a wonderful father and now she knew for sure. Hopefully he was going to be the father of her children.

  He gave out presents, personally labelled for each child that was there. Then he gave out small Christmas food baskets, beautifully wrapped, to the parents. It wasn’t until all the presents had been given out that Sammy, who was lying in his bed, which had been pushed next to Natalie, said, ‘But Dr Natalie didn’t get anything, Santa.’

  ‘Sammy, my boy, you’re so right,’ Santa Marty said. ‘And I know just the present to give her.’ He dug into his sack and pulled out an envelope. Natalie took it with shaking hands then glanced up at Santa. Then, much to the surprise of everyone in the room, Santa bent and kissed Dr Natalie firmly on the lips—beard and all.

  A few of the parents clapped and the staff certainly did, but Natalie heard one child say, ‘What about Dr Marty? I thought he liked Dr Natalie?’

  Natalie smiled at him then looked back at the envelope. With trembling fingers she opened it and pulled out a string of paper dolls. All had been decorated with smiling faces and a message had been written across their bodies. It said, WILL YOU MARRY ME?

  Natalie’s breath caught in her throat and she looked up at Santa adoringly. ‘Why, Santa, I thought you’d never ask,’ she murmured, before he kissed her again. Then she whispered, ‘You’d better make your exit before the children guess you’re not the real Santa.’

  ‘Good point.’ He straightened. ‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ he said again. ‘Santa has a lot more boys and girls to see, so you all have a very happy day and remember to be good next year.’ After a few more cuddles he was gone, and ten minutes later Dr Marty came back into the room, disappointed he’d missed Santa but interested to see what the children had received.

  ‘Santa kissed Dr Natalie,’ Sammy said immediately.

  ‘Did he now?’ Marty raised his eyebrows and smiled at Nat. ‘Should I be jealous?’

  Natalie returned his smile. ‘Perhaps. Looks as though you might have competition.’ A few of the parents laughed. ‘Santa even proposed.’

  ‘Hmm. I can see I’m going to have to fix this.’

  At that moment Sister Dorset bustled in and declared it was time for
Dr Natalie to return to her own ward. Natalie promised to come and see them all the next day and, after giving Sammy a special Christmas hug, allowed herself to be wheeled back to the burns unit.

  ‘Are you tired?’ Marty asked her.

  ‘A little.’

  ‘Uh-oh.’

  ‘Why?’

  There was a knock on the door and Beth, Davey, Lisa and Cassie came into the room. Marty pulled out a piece of mistletoe from his pocket and kissed the other women in the room on the cheek. Then he held it over Natalie’s head.

  ‘Do you honestly need mistletoe as an excuse?’

  ‘Probably not, but I thought it might be kind of romantic for our first official Christmas kiss. After all, I have to compete with Santa.’

  Natalie laughed. ‘Plan on giving me a plethora of kisses?’

  ‘Absolutely.’ With that, he lowered his head and all her doubts vanished into thin air once more.

  ‘They’re at it again,’ Beth muttered. ‘I thought this was supposed to be a party.’

  ‘So it is. Bring in the trolley,’ Marty said, and Natalie was surprised when Sister Dorset once more walked into her room, this time wheeling a hospital trolley full of presents and food.

  ‘Thank you, Aggie,’ Marty said, then turned and winked at Natalie, showing her he’d won their bet. Then he handed around Santa hats, placing one carefully on Natalie’s head and then a kiss on her lips.

  ‘Reminds me of the day we met up again.’

  She smiled.

  ‘I like your hair like this. Have I told you that?’

  ‘Really? I think I like it, too.’ Natalie raised her left hand self-consciously to her head.

  ‘You’re beautiful,’ he whispered.

  ‘Thank you, you charming man.’

  ‘Marty “Charming” Williams. That’s me. Regarding our bet, I’ll collect on my winnings later. Right now, it’s party time.’ And to prove his point he popped a party popper into the air, the tiny streamers coming down and landing on her bedcover.