by Lexy Timms
Elijah rolled her onto her back and began a blazing trail of hot kisses as his tongue teased its way down her stomach. He stopped suddenly and came up so his hands were on either side of her shoulders. He grinned and stared down at her.
“What?” Her hips rotated and pushed against his. She could feel his erection against the thin cotton of her underwear.
“I just had an idea.” He shrugged slightly, his hips meeting hers with the same pressure. “How do you feel about Rapt Bach Estates?” He couldn’t quite look her in the eye. He shrugged again. “Dumb idea. Sorry.”
Charity rose up on one elbow and used her free hand to gently touch his chin so Elijah would look at her. “In New Zealand?”
He tried to put on his doctor’s face so Charity couldn’t read his thoughts. She could see it meant more to him than he wanted to admit. “Thought it might be neat to get married down there. Plus after this fiasco, I think we could all use a little holiday, your father included.”
Rapt Bach Estates would be anyone’s dream wedding. “Think Julie and Simon would come?”
Elijah kissed her hard on the mouth. “Definitely! We could do it at the house, or in the yard—”
“Or on the beach.”
“Even better!”
She rubbed her nose against his, loving his sudden boyish excitement. The past couple of months seemed to have only had worry and stress in them. “Think your mom would want to help throw a little ceremony together?”
“I’m sure she would! I’ll just have to tell her we’re engaged first.”
“Elijah! Seriously?”
He straddled her and began planting kisses in her hair, on her forehead, cheeks, nose, lips, everywhere. “She knows,” he mumbled between touching her skin with his lips, “I told her before I left last time that you were the girl I was going to marry.”
“Pardon?”
She could feel him smile against her neck before he replied, “It just took you a little longer to realize it.”
Elijah surprised her all the time with his little tweaks of love. He hit her with comments she never saw coming. His mother was definitely less surprising. “I don’t think your mother’s too into me.”
“She actually likes you, believe it or not. She just wasn’t impressed with me when I took you to Dad’s funeral without telling her. She doesn’t like to be caught off guard. She’s one for organization and schedules. She’ll love to help set up something at the house.”
“It won’t be massive like your father’s funeral will it?”
“Nope. Just you and me.”
“And five hundred of your mother’s closest friends?”
He stared deeply into her eyes. Charity couldn’t pull away from the beautiful ones staring back at her. “How about: you, me, your dad, my mom, Simon and Julie, Albert and Mia?”
“I can handle that.” She didn’t need anything big. It sounded… perfect. She didn’t want to think about the hearing tomorrow but it inevitably snuck in. “What’s our plan then? Wait till after tomorrow to decide the next step?”
He shook his head. “No. That damn thing isn’t going to change anything. No matter what happens tomorrow, let’s pick a date and stick to it.” He reached for his phone and opened up the calendar. “While you’re in Atlanta this weekend, I’ll check with your dad, my mom and with Simon and Julie to see what works.”
“How about three weeks from Saturday?” she said jokingly.
Elijah scrolled down the calendar. “That might work for me. Three or four weeks is more than enough time to clear any surgeries or reschedule them. We could leave on Wednesday and go for ten days if you want. Would you need to tell Atlanta or just play hooky?” He showed her the calendar. “What do you think, May thirty-first or June sixth?”
“Either.” She laughed again. This was crazy. “Whatever works for everyone else.” She covered her face with her hands and shook her head. “I’m going to have to find a wedding dress.”
“I’ll have to find a tux.”
“What kind would you get?”
He gave his head a single shake. “I’m not saying. Tradition is the bride can’t see the groom’s outfit till he’s walking down the aisle.”
She playfully elbowed him. “That’s the bride tradition silly. I don’t believe our wedding’s going to be very traditional.”
He chuckled. “Everyone’s going to think I knocked you up.”
“My father will just love that.”
“He probably would. That man needs some grandchildren to remind him he’s getting older. He’s like a machine.”
Charity nodded, her mind racing on thoughts of planning a wedding in about three weeks. “Let’s make up our own wedding vows. Nothing big or dramatic.”
“Just sweet and simple?”
“Yeah. I like that.”
“Me, too.” He tossed his phone on the nightstand and gathered her in his arms. This time his kiss held no teasing. He opened his mouth and his tongue slipped between her lips. A moment later he pulled away from her suddenly. “Hey, does this mean I don’t have to plan a honeymoon? We’ll just stay at the house? Kick my mom out for a week? Send her and your father to the mainland so they won’t hear our cries of passion?”
She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck so she could pull him close against her again. “Wedding and honeymoon in New Zealand? Heck yeah, I’m totally game! Now stop blabbering and show me some of your honeymoon skills.”
Chapter 4
Elijah reached for her hand as they stood waiting in the courtroom. Charity glanced to her left and tried not to let her gaze linger. She couldn’t help it. Laura stood whispering to her lawyer, her hand perched perfectly on his elbow in a rather intimate manner. She wore a long grey skirt and blouse today, a Kleenex or handkerchief tucked into her sleeve. Still trying to play the role as the victim. Bile rose up the back of Charity’s throat. The woman was probably trying, if she hadn’t already succeeded, in sleeping with her attorney.
The judge came through his chamber door and when he sat down, everyone else in the room was allowed to sit.
He slipped his glasses on and the silence in the room was only broken by the odd sheet of paper he shuffled and stacked in front of him. He cleared his throat and Charity felt Elijah tense up beside her. She couldn’t imagine what was going through her father’s head at the moment as he sat on the other side of Elijah, beside their attorney.
The judge folded his hands and leaned forward, his eyes intent and serious. “This is a hearing, not a trial. It was brought in front of me, without a jury, to decide if there were grounds to bring this to trial.” He paused a moment before continuing, “During sexual harassment suits, unsavory allegations come to light, and in many cases companies – or hospitals in this case – will settle quickly to avoid bad publicity. This hearing should not have become a public fiasco, but it did. As much as I tried to close the doors to it publically, I apologize in not succeeding.” He took his reading glasses off and folded his hands again. “In some instances, cases must go to trial to reach a verdict. Juries can then choose to send a message to corporate defendants by handing down multi-million dollar verdicts, or in some cases to lone plaintiffs.”
Laura’s dramatic inhale echoed across the room. She leaned over to her lawyer and whispered in his ear.
The judge glanced at her before putting his reading glasses on and picked up a sheet of paper. “They can also decide in favor of the defendant.”
Charity’s heartbeat echoed inside her ears. They were going to trial. This nightmare was going to be dragged out even longer. Every inch of their lives, her father’s, the hospital was going to be put on wicked display for the media to attack like a pack of vultures. She bit her lip.
“I’ve listened to both sides of the parties invoiced in the hearing,” the judge continued, oblivious to the thoughts running inside Charity’s head. “I do not find this hearing needs to go to trial.”
Charity blinked, unsure she had heard him correctly. Did th
at mean…? She glanced at Elijah from the corner of her eye, but the doctor face he wore revealed nothing.
“Dr. Elijah Bennet is held in high regard at the hospital, by his staff, his patients and those around him. Dr. Scott Thompson has treated this hospital like his own child. The board has already put new practices and by-laws into place to prevent this sort of misunderstanding from happening again. I, and the city, can appreciate the efforts being put forth.”
Elijah squeezed Charity’s hand and she caught a glimmer of a smile trying to peek through his unreadable face.
The judge turned his attention to the accuser and her lawyer. “You cited,” he began, shuffling through a few pages in front of him and slipping his reading glasses up his nose again, “that Dr. Bennet chased you down, he would make unprofessional comments while working with you, while alone and with other staff in the room.” He set the paper down. “The list of allegations goes on and on. However, I am confused because you have not shown one piece of evidence to prove any of this. The incident where Dr. Thompson saw the two of you seems to have been a set up by you. Patients, staff and others have all said the same thing, Dr. Bennet and his fiancé, Charity Thompson, have been the victim of your shenanigans.”
Laura stood and jabbed a finger at the judge. “You’re in with them! You dirty piece of sh—”
Her lawyer pulled her back into her chair before she could finish.
The judge banged his gavel. “One more outburst like that and I’ll find you in contempt of court.” He inhaled and waited a moment before speaking again. “It is my findings that the charges against the hospital, the allegations against Dr. Bennet are all false. There is no evidence to show otherwise. Taking this hearing to trial will only waste the tax payers and this city time and money.” He stared down the bridge of his nose at Laura and her lawyer. “You shot Ms. Charity Thompson. She chose not to take you to court. I suggest you be reminded of that as you fulfill the requirements of that settlement. There is still a restraining order in place.” He lifted his gavel and cleared his throat. “I find the defendant, Scott Thompson Hospital, and also Dr. Bennet, cleared of all the charges.” He banged the gavel down in one final thud. “Hearing adjourned.”
The bench Charity sat on shook as all of them jumped up. Their attorney quickly shook hands with each of them. “I’d like to get this out to the press right away. This is the one time, I’m glad they are hanging outside like a pack of vultures.” He grinned and shook Dr. Thompson’s hand one more time.
Elijah turned and hugged her tight.
Her stitches pulled but she didn’t care. This ordeal was finally over. It felt surreal. “It’s done.”
“Thank goodness. I can’t believe it!”
“Let’s just hope she’s out of our lives.”
“Forever.”
Her father cleared his throat. “She will be. I plan on making sure of that.” He glared past Charity to the woman who now stood hissing at her lawyer, grabbing her things and slapping her hand against the table.
It was her turn to deal with the backlash of the media. Charity didn’t have an ounce of sympathy for her. Not anymore. She hoped the woman got the help she needed. She had to, or she wouldn’t ever be able to practice as a nurse again. That was part of the agreement they had signed after the shooting.
Charity shook her head. She didn’t want to waste another moment thinking about her. “It’s nearly lunch, should we go and celebrate?”
Her father shook his head. “I need to get back to the hospital. Maybe we can do dinner tonight?”
Elijah clapped him on the shoulder. “I know the feeling. I just want to get back to work and focus on our jobs. What a relief!”
Charity felt like a little kid trying to interrupt their conversation. It was silly. She straightened and gathered her purse. “You guys go back to the hospital. You should be there. My flight leaves in a few hours. I need to pack—”
“Flight?” Her father’s eyebrows mashed together and worry lines formed across his forehead.
“Remember? For the ribbon cutting event in Atlanta. I said I would be there for it.”
“The hearing just finished. Couldn’t you wait till Monday?”
She smiled. “I don’t think I can ask a hospital to postpone opening a new oncology floor because my dad wants me home for the weekend.”
“That’s not what I meant.” Her father folded his arms across his chest.
“Then what did you mean?” Charity hated being frank but sometimes it was the only way things worked with her dad.
“I just…” He waved his hand. “Never mind.” He gave Elijah a curt nod, his mouth in a tight line. “She’s your problem now.”
“Excuse me?” Charity wanted to stomp her foot, but kept her boot glued to the floor.
“I’m kidding!” Her father chuckled. “Sorry. I only meant it as a joke. We both know we’re your problem, Charity, and I’m glad you still love us for it.” He glanced at her side. “If Elijah feels your injury is healed enough to fly, I’m not going to say anything. I can appreciate your dedication to the job and also to your family. Thank you for staying here throughout the hearing. You didn’t have to, but I’m so glad you did.” He stepped around Elijah and gave her an awkward hug. “Thank you.” He kissed the top of her head.
Charity didn’t know what to say. She was too stunned by the sudden public display of affection her father never showed her.
He stepped back, a look of surprise on his face as well. “Guess I’m happy this waste of time in court is over.” He sobered and checked his watch again. “Time to get some proper PR done now and let the papers write the correct version.” He grinned again. “Looking forward to Gerritt’s comments.”
Charity and Elijah watched Dr. Thompson whistle as he strolled out of the courtroom.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this… excited.” Elijah shook his head.
“I know,” Charity replied. “Talk about blow the roof off with the enthusiasm.”
Elijah laughed as he put his arm around her. “He’s a good guy, you know. I’m just glad this damn thing is over.”
Charity leaned into him. “Me, too.”
Chapter 5
Charity didn’t want to leave Elijah, but she had to get back to Atlanta. She had been gone long enough and she knew once she got working again she would love it. She was glad Elijah had gone to the hospital instead of with her back to his place. He teased her in the car that they should both play hooky and hide out under the covers all afternoon and night, avoid phones and doorbells, or anything until hunger or something worse drove them out of bed.
When she dropped him off at the hospital she had nearly opened her window and called out to him to come back. She didn’t like the sight of his retreating figure, it tore at her heart strings. It took every ounce of courage to pull away from the curb with just a smile and a wave when he turned around to look at her before stepping through the sliding doors.
Her father had insisted she take her mother’s BMW. The car had sat in the garage the past six years. The day Elijah had taken her home from the hospital, the grey four-door had been sitting in the drive, clean and shiny, almost like new. When she called her father, he would barely talk about it, only saying that it was ridiculous to have the car in the garage and have her renting something to take her to physio. He refused to say anything else.
Her mom had bought the car about nine months before she got really sick. Less than a thousand miles, the thing ran like brand new. Her father had brought it in yearly, but other than that, Charity doubted he had driven it. Sometimes she swore she could smell her mother’s perfume while she drove it.
She left the car in Elijah’s garage and had taken a taxi to the airport. She justified it by saying it was cheaper than doing park and fly, but what she wouldn’t admit to Elijah was that she didn’t want anything to happen to the car. If someone broke into it or hit it, she would be devastated.
Now in a taxi in Atlanta, she leaned back and closed
her eyes enjoying the last few rays of sunlight shining through the window. If they were seriously planning on getting married in a month or less she had to start dress shopping. She had no idea what kind of wedding dress to buy. She had bought a bridal magazine at the airport and had skimmed a few pages. She figured she would look through it tonight and check more dresses out online at the same time.
Her phone vibrated against her hand. She yawned and swiped the screen on.
How you doin’? Have you landed yet?
Elijah.
She smiled. Good. Missin’ u. In cab to my place. How r u?
A moment later the phone vibrated again.
Bored. Hospital is crazy busy but I hate you being there and I’m stuck here. I think I’m going to have to take a job in Atlanta.
She giggled. I can check if there’s a janitorial opening at the hospital.
Not cool… but I’ll take it. I just have to ask your dad if it’s okay.
She laughed at the picture in her head regarding that conversation. The taxi driver looked at her from the rearview mirror.
Elijah sent another message. How long are you staying? I forgot to ask. Slightly sidetracked with the judge’s response.
She leaned over the seat and spoke to the driver, “I’m about a block up on the right.” She gave him her address and reread Elijah’s message. She replied: Hopefully next Friday. Or Saturday at the latest. My return is open. I don’t know how far behind I am, and now I have to tell Malcolm I’ll be away two weeks to tie the knot with you, and I’m just back, I figured I should be here as much as possible.
The driver pulled in front of her place. She paid and tipped the man after he helped get her suitcase. She hadn’t packed much because she’d been worried the weight might be too much after flying and she didn’t want to injure her side.
She made her way into her house. It felt strange, like it didn’t belong to her anymore even though all her things were exactly where she had left them. The place needed a slight dusting but other than that, it was clean. She sat on the lounge sofa in the nearly empty living room, dropping her suitcase beside her. She gingerly laid back.
