The Doctor's Blessing

by Patricia Davids

  “That’s good to know. Martha shouldn’t have been driving that big wagon with her arm in a splint.”

  “She wasn’t driving. Her son was.”

  “That little one who ran to our clinic?”

  “Yes, but it wasn’t his fault. Some teenage boys driving by in a pickup threw firecrackers under the wagon and spooked the horses.”

  He stopped. “Does the officer know that?”

  Amber glanced over her shoulder. “I doubt it. They won’t talk to the authorities about it. They will forgive whoever has done this. It is their way.”

  “Someone should tell the officer. Can you get a description of the vehicle from them?”

  “No. They won’t talk to me about it. I’m an outsider, like you.”

  “But you’ve lived here for years.”

  “That makes no difference. I’m not Amish.”

  The sheriff came over to them. Tall and blond, with eyes only a shade lighter than Amber’s, he smiled at her fondly. “Hey, cuz. Can you give me any information about what happened here?”

  “Hi, Nick. I can tell you what I overheard but not much else.” She relayed her story while he took notes.

  After a few minutes, he put his notepad away. “Thanks. Not much chance of solving this but I’ll give it my best shot. How about you, Doc? Can you add anything?”

  “Sorry, no.”

  Amber said, “Dr. White, this is Nicolas Bradley, my cousin. Nick, this is Harold’s grandson. Phillip’s taking over the clinic until Harold gets back.”

  The two men shook hands. Nick said, “Sorry we didn’t meet under better circumstances. Ordinarily, this is a pretty quiet place. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to work. Amber, see you later.”

  As he went to finish interviewing the witnesses, Amber turned to Phillip. “We should get to the hospital.”

  Reaching out, he gently brushed some dirt from her cheek. “I should get to the hospital. You should get home.”

  Her heart turned over and melted into a foolish puddle.

  Don’t do this. Don’t go falling for a man who’ll be gone in a few weeks.

  It was good advice. Could she follow it?

  Drawing a quick breath, she forced her practical nature to the forefront. This rush of emotion was nothing more than a reaction to their working together during a crisis. It would soon fade.

  With a logical explanation for her irrational feelings, Amber was able to smile and say, “Dr. White, you can’t find your way to the grocery store. How are you going to find your way to Millersburg?”

  He looked as if he wanted to argue. Instead, he nodded toward his car. “Get in.”

  Chapter Six

  Phillip tried to concentrate on the road ahead, but he couldn’t ignore the presence of the woman seated beside him. Her foolish bravery, her skill and quick thinking under pressure impressed him to no end. He saw now why his grandfather valued her so highly.

  He said, “You did a good job back there.”

  “Thanks. It’s not the first horse-drawn vehicle accident I’ve been to. Although there’s usually a car involved.”

  “If they’re so unsafe, why do the Amish continue to use their buggies?”

  “It’s part of being separate from the world. It’s who they are. Turn left at the next corner. You handled yourself well. Your grandfather would be proud of you.”

  “I hope so.”

  “He means a lot to you, doesn’t he?”

  Phillip glanced at her. “Yes. More than you can know. How did you end up working for him?”

  “Long story.”

  “Longer than the drive to Millersburg?”

  Her smile slipped out. “Probably not.”

  “So tell me.”

  “When I finished my nurse-midwife program, I started looking for a place to set up my practice. I knew I wanted to do home deliveries among the Amish. I know you don’t approve. Rest assured, you aren’t the only doctor who feels that way.”

  “But my grandfather sees things differently.”

  “Yes. I began talking to Amish families at local farmers’ markets and other gatherings. It was at the produce market in Millersburg that I heard about your grandfather. He’s held in very high regard in the Amish community.”

  “He’s devoted more than thirty years to these people. They should think highly of him. I’m sorry. Go on.” He might not approve of their lifestyle, but he had to remember she did.

  “I came to Hope Springs and explained to Harold how I wanted to practice. He was delighted. We both knew it wouldn’t be easy building a practice for me, so he hired me to work as his office nurse, too. Those first couple of years he mentored me every step of the way.”

  “I envy you knowing him so well and working so closely with him.” Surprised that he’d admitted that out loud, he checked for her reaction.

  “Your grandfather has taught me so much. The Amish say if you want good advice, seek an old man. It is true—but don’t tell Harold I called him old.”

  Phillip laughed. “It will be our secret. I wish I could get him to act his age.”

  “How is he supposed to act?”

  “The man is seventy-five years old. He should be retired and enjoying his golden years.”

  She waved a hand, dismissing his assumption. “If Harold is able, he’ll be back. We need him.”

  Phillip needed him, too. He’d longed for a father figure all his life. His mother’s string of “Uncles” who lived with them over the years hadn’t filled that need. If anything, they made it worse. Meeting Harold in person had finally started to fill the hole in Phillip’s life.

  All he’d wanted was to spend more time with his grandfather. Their weeklong visit had been drawing to a close far too quickly. Phillip’s suggestion that Harold think about relocating to Hawaii had been met with an unexpectedly harsh response.

  His grandfather had made it abundantly clear that his place was in Hope Springs. Harold’s anger seemed entirely out of proportion to the suggestion. Phillip still didn’t know why. Was he wrong to want his grandfather near him for what few years the man might have left? Were these backward Amish more important than Harold’s own flesh and blood?

  Phillip glanced at Amber. “Harold has given enough of his life to this backwater burg. He deserves a few years of peace and relaxation.”

  Her smile faded, replaced by a puzzled frown. “I think that’s up to Harold to decide.”

  Phillip reined in his sudden anger because he knew she was right. For the rest of the ride, neither of them spoke. When they pulled into a parking space outside the hospital’s E.R., Phillip turned off the engine. Sitting with his hands still gripping the steering wheel, he said, “I’m sorry I snapped at you. I have issues with my family but that’s no reason to take it out on you.”

  She stared at him for a long moment. The spark of annoyance in her eyes gradually died away.

  “You’re forgiven. Care to talk about what happened between you and Harold in Hawaii? I’m getting the impression that something is seriously bothering you.”

  “So you’re a mind reader as well as a midwife?”

  She waved her hands back and forth. “Some people say I’m sensitive that way.”

  He chuckled at his own line being thrown back at him. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got to deal with things in my own fashion.”

  Reaching out, she laid her hand over his where it rested on the steering wheel and asked gently, “Are you sure that’s best?”

  The touch of her hand made his heart stumble, miss a beat and then race like it did when he was surfing into the pipeline at Oahu. And like being inside the curl of a giant wave, Phillip knew he’d just entered dangerous waters.

  His next move could shoot him into the clear or send him headlong into a painful battering.

  Amber meant her touch to be comforting, an offer of friendship. It turned into something more in an instant. The warmth of his skin sent her heart racing. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from his. Wh
at was he thinking? Did he feel it, too, this strange and wonderful chemistry that sparked between them? On some purely feminine level, she knew he did.

  The attraction both thrilled and frightened her. She’d never reacted to any man this way, and she’d been in a few relationships over the years.

  The ambulance pulled out of the E.R. bay as they sat staring at each other. Phillip slowly withdrew his hand. Looking out the window, he said, “We should go in and find out how Martha is faring.”

  Embarrassment flooded Amber to her very core. Did he think she was making a pass at him? She’d only known him a few days. He was her boss. Nothing had been further from her mind, but that might not be the way it looked to him. She quickly opened her car door and got out.

  Inside the E.R. doors, the charge nurse came to greet them. “Hello, Amber. I heard about your excitement.”

  “Yes. Give me pregnant women and crying babies any day. Gloria, this is Dr. Phillip White, Harold’s grandson. Dr. White, this is Gloria Bender. She’s the head of the ER department.”

  The two shook hands. Gloria said, “Dr. White, I received the notice just this morning that you’ve been granted privileges here.”

  “Excellent. Where is Mrs. Nissley and who’s seeing her?”

  “Dr. Kline was on duty when Mrs. Nissley came in. X-rays confirmed a spinal fracture. She’s been taken to MRI to assess the complexity of her injury. The two of you did a good job stabilizing her in the field. It made our work much easier.”

  Wearily, Phillip rubbed a hand over his face. “Thanks. Do we know yet if her spinal cord is compressed or if it is severed?”

  “I haven’t heard. Dr. Kline started her on steroids to reduce any swelling. I know he wants to speak to you as soon as he’s done. His plan is to take her straight from MRI to surgery where he’ll clean out and close the gash on her leg. If she needs spinal surgery, she’ll be airlifted to Akron.” Glancing at her watch, she noted, “They should be finished in about thirty minutes.”

  “Thank you.” He sighed heavily. Amber could sense his frustration.

  Gloria returned to her office, leaving them alone once more. Phillip’s face mirrored the same worry running through Amber. If Martha’s spinal cord was severed, she’d never walk again.

  He said, “Thirty minutes. Guess that leaves us enough time to get a cup of coffee.”

  “It’s not gourmet, but the coffee in the cafeteria here is drinkable. Let me tell Gloria where we’ll be and then I’d like to wash up first.”

  He smiled and looked her over. “Good idea. You’ve got grass in your hair.”

  “What?” she squeaked as her hands flew up and brushed at her scalp.

  “Come here.” He pulled her over and plucked the offending blades from where they’d lodged in her braid.

  She kept her gaze riveted to the floor.

  I’m not going to blush and babble like a teenage girl with a crush on the top jock. I’m a professional and I can act like one.

  Phillip took a step back. “There, I think that’s all of it.”

  “Thank you.” Without looking at him, she made her escape to the ladies’ room, where she splashed water on her heated face.

  Staring into the mirror for a long time, she said, “I can’t hide in here forever. I’m going to be working with the man. I’ve got to get a handle on my emotions.” Standing up straight, she added, “Right? Can do!”

  Bucked up by her personal pep talk, Amber exited the room.

  Phillip also took the time to wash up and sternly remind himself that he and Amber shared a professional relationship. He couldn’t allow it to become anything else.

  Unfortunately, it was easy to forget that when he looked into her compelling eyes. Determined to stick to his professional standards of behavior, he left the washroom.

  Amber was waiting for him but avoided looking him in the eyes. Together, they walked out of the E.R. and took the elevator to the lower level of the hospital.

  Stepping out, they walked without speaking down a short hallway to a wide set of double doors. Amber pushed one open to reveal a small, cozy room where a dozen round tables were covered with red-checkered tablecloths. Several Amish men sat at one of the tables near the back of the room. They glanced up, then resumed their quiet conversation.

  Phillip said, “This doesn’t resemble any hospital cafeteria I’ve eaten in and I’ve eaten in plenty.”

  “It is homey, isn’t it?”

  The smell of fresh-baked bread and fried chicken filled the air. A young Amish woman wearing a dark maroon dress under a white apron with a white organdy cap on her head stood behind the low counter.

  Amber approached her. “Hello, Barbara.”

  “Hello, Amber. How’s Martha Nissley doing?”

  “She’s still in surgery. Can we get a couple cups of coffee?”

  “Sure. Have a seat anywhere and I’ll bring some out.”

  Phillip realized he was hungry. The half sandwich he’d shared with Amber hadn’t been enough to fill the void in his midsection. He pointed to a chef’s salad under glass in the serving area. “Let me have one of those and give Miss Bradley anything she’d like.”

  “I’ll take one of your wonderful cinnamon rolls, Barbara.”

  “Icing or no icing?”

  “Are you kidding? The icing’s the best part.”

  Phillip eyed her petite figure in surprise. “It’s refreshing to meet a woman who isn’t afraid of a few calories. Shoofly pie and now a cinnamon roll?”

  Amber giggled. “Oh, Barbara doesn’t put any calories in her rolls, do you?”

  Smiling shyly, the Amish waitress shook her head. “Not a one.”

  While she went to get their order, Phillip led the way to a table near the back corner. As he sat down, the elder of the two Amish men approached him. Phillip recognized him as Martha’s husband.

  “I thank you both for your kindness to my wife today. Gott was gut to send you in her hour of need.”

  Phillip nodded. “You’re welcome. I’m glad we were still in the office when your son arrived. He must have run like the wind.”

  “He wanted to help his mama. He felt bad about the accident but it wasn’t his fault. Also, I want to tell you we are praying for your grandfather. He has done much for the Plain People hereabouts. We praise Gott for bringing him to us.”

  A lump rose in Phillip’s throat, making it hard to speak. He had been harsh in his judgment of these people and he had been wrong. “Thank you.”

  Barbara arrived with their food. Mr. Nissley nodded to them and returned to his own table. After Barbara set the plates down, Amber asked her, “How is your Grandmother Zook doing? Is she taking her heart medication like she should?”

  “Mammi is gut. She has more energy every day.”

  After the waitress left, Phillip watched Amber dig into her steaming roll. “Do you know everyone around here?”

  “Not everyone, but many of the Amish. I delivered Barbara’s two youngest sisters.”

  “It must be odd.” He cut a hard-boiled egg in half and forked it into his mouth. “What?”

  “Knowing everybody. Having them know you.”

  “Why do you think that’s odd?”

  He shrugged. “It just is. Can I try of bite of your roll? It looks good.”

  “Sure.” She pushed her plate toward him. When he’d cut himself a generous piece, she said, “I take it you’ve never lived in a small town?”

  “I’ve lived in three or four. Just not for long.”

  “You moved around a lot?”

  “Yes, you could say that.” He couldn’t count on both hands the number of schools he’d attended before his mother settled in Hawaii and he started college.

  After taking a sip of coffee, Amber glanced at the large round clock on the wall behind him. “Gloria said thirty minutes. That was ten minutes ago. We should hear something soon.”

  He closed his eyes as he savored his sample of roll. “There are some very good cooks around here. Is it diff
icult working among the Amish?”

  “It can be challenging. Many don’t readily accept an English midwife.”

  Puzzled, he glanced at her. “English?”

  “It’s what they call anyone who isn’t Amish.”

  “I used to think my grandfather’s Amish stories were exaggerations.”

  She grinned at that. “Harold is a talented storyteller. I don’t doubt he has embellished some things.”

  “The Amish really don’t allow their children to go past the eighth grade in school?”

  “That’s true.”

  “It’s hard to believe anyone in this day and age is opposed to higher education.”

  “They aren’t opposed to it. They just don’t want it for their children. They believe in on-the-job training for skills that will keep their family and community together. They aren’t all farmers, you know. Many are successful small-business owners. Their work ethic and craftsmanship skills are second to none. Employers love to hire the Amish. They work for less and work hard.”

  “You sound like you approve of this.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “Don’t you believe in freedom of religion?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “Do you believe a person has the right to choose his own lifestyle?”

  “Yes.” He didn’t like feeling he was in the wrong some how.

  “The Amish lifestyle is their religion. They do not separate the two.”

  Her intenseness reminded him of his mother’s Pomeranian standing guard over his food dish. Phillip wasn’t looking to get bitten. He’d had enough trouble for one day. “I defer to someone who knows them better than I ever will.”

  After they finished eating, they returned to the E.R. waiting area and were soon joined by Dr. Kline. Shaking hands with the big, burly man in blue scrubs, Phillip immediately had the feeling that Martha was being well taken care of.

  “Good news. The spine isn’t severed. A bone fragment is compressing it. That’s why she can’t move her legs. I’ve already placed a call for an airlift to Akron.”

  Dr. Kline continued with a description of Martha’s injuries. Phillip conferred with him over some of her interim care and then left the hospital knowing she was getting the best possible treatment.