Juliet's Journey To Love (The Great Smoky Mountain Getaways Book 1)

by Elsie Davis

  “Hello,” he said, his deep husky voice helping to restore her calm.

  “Hey, it’s Juliet. We need you at the clinic. I need you to come to the clinic. Stat.”

  “You know I don’t work there—and you know why. I trust your medical opinion, but if it’s over your level, send the patient to ER in Gatlinburg.” He was shutting her down cold, but Dr. Kensington had met his match.

  “That’s almost an hour away. Come on, Jake. It’s Johnny Trenton. He’s a twelve-year-old boy with a treble hook buried deep in the muscle. I can’t do the surgical procedure or the stitches, and we both know it—but you can. You’re the doctor in charge at the clinic since you haven’t found anyone to take Dr. Brown’s place.”

  “Johnny Trenton?” Jake repeated the name as if hoping he’d heard her wrong.

  “Yes. Do you know him?”

  “Know him? I helped deliver him.” Jake let out a deep sigh, not even bothering to hide it from her. “This won’t work. What if I can’t help him? Or worse, it goes horribly wrong?” he asked, the fear in his voice coming across loud and clear.

  “Please,” she begged. “Help me. Remember, you took an oath. Just like I did. We have to help him.” Her plea was met with silence. Please, Lord, give him the courage to do this.

  Fine. I’ll be there in twenty minutes if I step on it.” The timing would involve a bumpy road and high speeds, but he wasn’t going to let her down.

  “Thank you,” she said softly, letting out the deep breath she’d been holding.

  “Thank me afterward—if nothing goes wrong,” he muttered as he hung up the phone.

  Juliet kept a watch out for Jake and was relieved when he showed up. Dressed for the part in a white clinical jacket, this newer version was quite impressive. Dr. Kensington was in take-charge mode and ready for action. Apparently, twenty minutes was all it took to get him mentally prepared to renter the world of medicine.

  “Glad you’re here, Dr. K.” Juliet said, shooting him an encouraging smile. “You’ll be fine…so relax. They’re in room two, waiting. The treble hook has two barbs lodged deep in the muscle. I’ve cleaned the wound and rewrapped it to help stop the bleeding, trying to stabilize him until you arrived. X-rays are negative for bone damage, and they are in the room if you want to look at them.”

  Jake nodded. “Thanks. It sounds like you have it all under control.”

  They walked in the room; Juliet pleased to see Johnny’s coloring almost back to normal. The pain medication had kicked in and was doing its job.

  “Thank goodness you’re here, Dr. K,” Mrs. Trenton said, worry lines creasing her face. Juliet explained what’s going on and that you were on your way. That’s when I knew this would all be okay. You’re the best,” she said, dabbing at the tears in her eyes with a tissue. Her concern for her son was touching.

  “I’ll do my best, Mary.” He turned to Johnny. “Hey, kiddo. Sorry about this, but I’ll see what I can do to fix you right up.”

  “Okay. Is it going to hurt?” Johnny asked.

  “Maybe just a little, but you’re a tough kid and I think it’s nothing you can’t handle,” Jake said, shooting the kid a conspiratorial wink that earned him a half smile and nod from Johnny.

  Dr. K had a way with kids, Juliet’s respect going up another notch.

  Jake turned to her. “Did you give him any pain reliever?” And just like that, the good doctor was falling right back into a routine and doing what he knew best—doctoring.

  “I did. Fifty mg of Fentanyl and 5 mg of Versed to help him relax. They’re already starting to work and he’s managing his pain level much better.”

  “Perfect. Way to get on top of it. Tetanus shot?” he asked, as he started to unwind the bandage.

  “Not yet. I thought you should look at the wound and the hook first. He had one four years ago. We could just do a booster, but I thought you should decide.”

  Jake finished unwinding the gauze and removed the sterile pad on top. She liked the confidence he portrayed to the child and his mother, even if he doubted his own abilities. He looked closely at the wound, using a magnifying glass to get a closer view of the hook and the angle it was embedded into the muscle.

  “It’s in there good, but nothing we can’t manage. I need you to lie down,” he said, putting an arm behind the boy to ease him back onto the pillows. “I’m going to surgically remove the barbs from the muscle, and then I’ll stitch you up. We’ll use a local anesthetic around the wound so you won’t feel anything. You’ll be back fishing in no time at all,” Jake said, shooting the boy a smile.

  Juliet’s heart melted at the sight.

  “Okay, Dr. K. Not sure about the fishing part, though. I may be done with that.”

  “Let’s go with the tetanus booster, Juliet. It looks clean, so good call. Also, can you set up a combo of lidocaine and epinephrine for the local?”

  “Sure thing. I’ll be right back with the local. Here’s the booster,” she said, handing him the syringe. Juliet shot him a smile…a small reward for his efforts so far, hoping to encourage him.

  “Thanks,” he said, pausing only a second as their gazes locked. Jake turned back to the boy. “And as to you, young man, there’s no sense turning away from what you love. It’s just an accident. I’ll be expecting you to catch me a big catfish for my supper as repayment for services today.”

  Juliet wasn’t sure Jake fully understood the advice he was giving the child. It was advice Jake himself would benefit from applying to his own life. The trouble, however, was finding the right way to help him see the truth.

  A few minutes later, Juliet returned and handed him the vial with the local anesthetic. “I’ve already set up the surgical tray and the stitch prep, so as soon as he’s numb, we’re ready.”

  Jake nodded. “This will pinch a bit, but nothing terrible. I promise.”

  Johnny nodded, although his color turned a shade or two more pale at the sight of the needle.

  Making quick work of the local, Jake handed her the used needle to dump in the hazardous waste container. “Let’s give this a minute or two to set in.” Minutes passed, Jake checking over the instrument tray. He tapped on Johnny’s arm in a few test areas. “Can you feel my touch?”

  “Nope. Arm feels better too.” Johnny was more relaxed now, which would also help Jake have an easier time removing the hook.

  “That’s partly the pain reliever and partly the local. You’re very brave, you know.”

  “Thanks,” Johnny mumbled.

  Jake went to work, using the scalpel to cut around the barbed areas with precision and care to get as little tissue as possible. She knew from extensive training and experience this would help expedite the healing.

  Together they worked as a team. She knew instinctively which instruments he needed—and when, earning several looks of surprise and an appraising glance for her efforts. Juliet also knew she could have managed the surgery, but two things kept her from resorting to such extremes. One, she wasn’t licensed to do the procedure. Two, it was a gifted opportunity to get Jake back in the office, one she hadn’t wanted to let go of lightly. Call it divine intervention if you will, but it worked.

  Within fifteen minutes, the hook was out, and Jake had the boy stitched up. “You want this as a souvenir,” Jake asked, holding the hook up for Johnny to see.

  “Umm, sure.”

  His mother reached to take it. “Doesn’t do much for me, but boys are different, I reckon.” She let out a deep breath. “I can’t thank you enough for coming in to help Dr. K. You and Juliet make a wonderful team. You’ve been missed around here, and it just wasn’t the same with the other Doc. He didn’t seem to love and connect with the community the way you once did. Hollow Creek needs you back.”

  Juliet looked over at Jake and grinned. “Dr. K gets all the credit here. I’m only his assistant. And I agree…Hollow Creek does need him back.” She wasn’t above repeating the point he needed to hear over and over…until he started believing it.

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nbsp; Jake flushed red. “Thanks. Glad I could help.” He left the room without another word.

  Juliet finished up, giving instructions to Johnny and his mother. “I’ll be back after I get your paperwork printed to send home with you. He’ll need to get an appointment with an orthopedic doctor as a follow-up to make sure there’s no muscle damage.” She headed down the hall in search of Jake and found him in the office. He stood staring out the window, as though lost in thought, not noticing she’d come in the room.

  “Great job, Dr. K.,” Juliet said, getting his attention.

  He turned to face her, the joy on his face undeniable. Jake crossed the room to her side and took her hands. “We did it. I can’t thank you enough for calling me and leaving me no other choice but to show up. Best thing you could have done.”

  Jake hugged Juliet, surprising her even more if it were possible. The new Jake would be hard to resist like this, non-believer or otherwise. Forget that her heart skipped a beat in a moment of weakness, she still had to do the right thing. And she’d been brought up to always do the right thing.

  “You’re welcome,” she said, pulling back slightly to gaze up at him. Seconds passed, but neither one moved.

  Then, ever so slowly, Jake leaned in, his mouth closing over hers. It was as if time stood still, and she didn’t want to break the contact between them. Instead, she did the unthinkable—she kissed him back.

  So much for resisting.

  A buzzer sounded throughout the office, breaking them apart as they both remembered where they were and that they had jobs to do.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, the questioning look on his face leaving her confused. “I guess I got caught up in the joy of the moment.”

  “Me, too.” He wasn’t the only one confused. Her answer was the only one she could give without looking like a love-sick fool.

  Juliet headed for the door, stopping only briefly to turn back before she left the room. “I’ll look in on Johnny and see what he needs.” It would give her the chance to calm her racing heart and figure out what the kiss might have meant, and what she wanted to do about it.

  By the time Juliet finished, she eagerly returned to the office, more than ready for another conversation with the doctor. And perhaps, even another kiss.

  Finding the office empty, she buzzed Olivia.

  “Is Jake out there with you by any chance?” she asked in a rush, almost certain the answer would confirm her suspicions.

  “No, he left not long ago. Do you want me to call and get him back here? Is there a problem with Johnny?” Olivia asked, concern in her voice.

  “No, don’t call him. There’s no problem.”

  Other than the fact he’d left without so much as an explanation or a goodbye.

  13

  Walking toward the church Sunday morning, Juliet found herself falling in love with the quaint community as neighbors who were out and about waved to her like she was an old friend. Pretty flowers blossomed everywhere with almost every lawn meticulously landscaped. Children playing basketball or chasing each other around, the sound of laughter a welcome one. It was all quite homey and reminded her of Dylan where she’d grown up. And the place she couldn’t wait to leave.

  Somewhere along the way, she’d come a full circle in her thinking, the peacefulness of small-town living growing on her once again. The quiet also gave her plenty of time for reflection, but so far, most of her thoughts seemed to be centered on Jake. More specifically—the kiss. But so far, she’d come no closer to figuring out what to do about it. If there was anything to do about it, considering he’d pulled another disappearing act.

  There was no denying she liked him. Juliet continually tried to tell herself he was all wrong for her, but it didn’t stop her from wondering if, in time, he’d consider another relationship. And by that, she meant with her.

  The problem was his kiss. Or rather his apology for it, followed by a swift exit and continued silence.

  Perhaps he’d simply gotten carried away with jubilation to celebrate the success of the surgical procedure. Except doctors don’t kiss nurses to celebrate—unless they’re interested in said nurse.

  Perhaps the kiss was done to celebrate his return to medical practice—or at least that’s what she thought at the time. Except he’d left and hadn’t come back.

  But one thing was for certain, if Jake didn’t show up by Monday morning, Juliet would ramp up her efforts to help him by finding another way. And she’d be forced to admit the truth—the kiss meant nothing to him.

  Juliet shook her head, trying to dispel all thoughts of Jake Kensington. She walked into the sanctuary and found a seat toward the back. Several people waved, recognizing her from the office.

  An older woman and her husband came and sat next to her. “Good morning, dear,” the woman said. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Gilda Harrington, and this is my husband, Tom.” She pointed at the older man who leaned forward to wave at her, his smile equally warm and welcoming as his wife’s.

  “Good morning. It’s nice to meet you both. I’m—”

  “The new doctor in town,” Gilda said with a flourish. “I’ve heard all about you.”

  “Not quite. I’m a nurse. I’m sure anything you’ve been hearing is about Dr. K,” Juliet added, trying to set the record straight.

  “Mrs. Trenton had a lot to say. And yes, we heard Dr. K was back, but she said you were wonderful with her boy, making him comfortable and less scared. And giving him shots. That boy doesn’t like shots, but he sure didn’t mind the pretty doctor giving him one.” Gilda chuckled.

  “Nurse,” she corrected. It’s like the town had one mode—doctors and medical centers went hand in hand. It was a nice thought. Flattering in fact, but not the truth, nonetheless. “That was sweet of her. Johnny is such a good kid, and I hope he’s doing well. No ill aftereffects.” She didn’t bother to tell the woman that Dr. K’s return wasn’t official. That was up to him. Juliet had been the catalyst to force him back into the clinic the first time, but the rest was up to him—more or less. Juliet was above giving him a shove in what she considered the right direction.

  “I don’t think so, but after church, if you come to the picnic, you can see for yourself. Johnny will be there from what I understand. But then, lots of folks in town show up for the church’s picnics. Not many say no to a free meal.” Gilda shot her a wink, as though it were a hush-hush secret between them.

  “I’d love to come, and not just for the free food.” Juliet thought it would be a good chance to meet people, and she could check on Johnny’s arm.

  They all turned their attention to the front of the room as the praise team started to sing, their voices beautiful and powerful. She’d expected a choir, but it turned out Hollow Creek was progressive with uplifting and vibrant music, the sounds sending shivers of love and joy throughout her body.

  The pastor was just as engaging; his humorous and yet real viewpoints in combining today’s world, and the biblical view held her enthralled, reminding Juliet of her father’s sermons. Ever since she could remember, she’d listened to her him preach, hanging onto his every word.

  Pastor James’s sermon really hit home when he started discussing family life. Except where she was thinking of her own childhood home, Pastor James was referring to families just starting out. Marriage. Life. Family. New beginnings. A topic she wasn’t keen on. Most people her age already had a family and kids, or they were well on their way. But not her.

  It didn’t help as she noticed Gilda and her husband holding hands. They looked as though they’d been together all their lives and were still in love—and still in church. A significant factor in the relationship and another confirmation of what Juliet had known for years. Equally yoked relationships stood a better chance of survival. Not perfect, but better.

  After the message, she headed outside and made her way to where other people were gathering and starting to set up for the picnic. It wasn’t long before someone shoved a box of napkins in her arms.<
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  “Do you mind spreading these out on that table?” the young man asked, pointing at one of the tables to the right.

  Juliet smiled and nodded. “Sure thing. I’m willing to help in whatever way I’m needed.” She made her way to the table indicated and began spreading the napkins out like a fan, trying to do something fancy for the occasion.

  “Such a pretty arrangement,” an older woman said, coming to stand next to her. “Thank you for helping out, dear.”

  “I’m glad you like it. My dad always said anything worth doing, is worth—”

  “Doing well,” the woman said. “Sounds like your father is a smart man. Looks like we’re going to have a good turnout, but then folks enjoy this sort of thing right after church. I don’t believe I know you. I’m Diane Booker,” the woman said holding out her hand.

  “I’m Juliet Walker, the new nurse at the medical center in town. Temporarily anyway,” she said, shaking hands.

  “That man over there,” Diane said, pointing to an older gentleman about twenty feet away, “is my husband, Bill.” He headed their way, a broad smile on his weathered face.

  “Hey, honey. This is Juliet Walker, the new nurse in town,” Diane said by way of introduction.

  “Nice to meet you. Welcome to Hollow Creek,” Bill said, shaking her hand.

  “Thank you. I’ve just got to ask, how long have you two been married? You seem cozy, like so many others in church this morning. It’s like the town has something in the water—like an eternal spring of love and hope or something,” she teased. Hollow Creek was overflowing with couples in love, and Juliet was a bit envious.

  “Nah. Folks around here just like to keep things simple. Of course, the men all know the secret to a happy marriage.” Bill grinned, as if privy to a secret joke.

  “Which is?” she asked, wondering if he would admit to what Juliet already figured out about Christian marriages.

  “Happy wife, happy life.” Bill burst out laughing as he leaned toward Diane and kissed her on the cheek.