Two Weeks (The Baxter Family #5)(38)

When he arrived at her house, Cole hurried around and opened her door. The way he always did. Something he had learned from his dad. He was about to hug her the way he had at the clinic, but she kept her distance, her words a little too quick. “Thank you, Cole. See ya later.”

Cole wasn’t sure what she meant. He should be thanking her. She had followed through on her promise and gone to see his mom. Something that was obviously not easy. He took her hands in his. It was mid-February, and the temperature was below freezing. Snow still covered the ground and Cole could see his breath. He searched her eyes. “For what?”

“For making me talk to her.” She smiled. Her cheeks were still red, but her eyes were dry now. “Your mother is amazing.”

Peace washed over him. “You two are a lot alike. I think that’s why God brought you into my life.”

Elise hesitated, then she looked down. A slight nod and she pulled her hands away. “I have to go.”

Cole watched her leave and on the drive back home he realized something. She hadn’t exactly said she wouldn’t have an abortion. But she wouldn’t, right? Not after listening to his mother. Elise had definitely looked touched by his mother’s story, by her encouragement. Her silence on the drive, her gratitude for the talk. She couldn’t possibly go through with it now.

Or could she?

As Cole turned into his driveway, he pictured Elise sitting beside him earlier, crying, trying to figure out what to do. His heart had gone out to her the entire time. Then he imagined her website full of paintings and the song in her voice when she talked about her dreams. He saw her pretty face and waves of hair, and how she looked like a Disney princess in need of a prince.

A rescue.

That could be him, right? He had thought about it before, only now the idea was more real. His dad had stepped in and saved the day for his mother. He parked his SUV and leaned back in his seat. Look how that had turned out. Yes, it was something he could definitely do. After graduation he would get a job and take college classes online. He and Elise could get married and he would be the father her tiny baby needed. She could take art courses at the community rec center. That was possible, right?

All so her baby could live.

Suddenly all of it was clear in Cole’s mind, and it didn’t scare him. The idea made him smile. And that was when another thought hit him. A thought that took his breath. He not only liked Elise Walker.

He loved her.





11




Brooke Baxter West was headed down the hallway to Bloomington Hospital’s pediatric unit when a man in a sharp gray suit rounded the corner and nearly ran her down. He stopped and looked straight at her. Then Brooke placed him. The father of one of her very sick patients.

Abigail Green. She had gone home from the hospital yesterday.

“Mr. Green.” Brooke stopped and crossed her arms. Was the little girl sick again? “How’s Abigail?”

“Call me Alan.” He exhaled, as if he’d been holding it in until now. “She’s so much better.” He looked like he might break down. “I came here to thank you.” He seemed to catch his breath. “Dr. West. You saved my daughter’s life.”

A warmth spread through Brooke’s heart. This was why she loved being a doctor. Moments like this. “Just doing my job.” She leaned against the wall. Abigail had come in with what seemed like the flu. It had been Brooke’s idea to check for myocarditis. An infection of the heart.

“I respectfully disagree.” Mr. Green’s expression filled with gratitude. “Do you know how many doctors wouldn’t have checked her heart?”

He was right. But there was a reason, and Brooke wouldn’t miss the chance to give credit where it was due. “Well, Mr. Green. I have to be honest.” Brooke felt her look deepen. “Every morning I ask God two things.” She hesitated. “Give me wisdom beyond my own. And bring healing to my patients.”

A soft laugh came from Abigail’s father. “I knew you were a Christian. I told my wife. Because who checks a sick little girl’s heart unless God’s giving that doctor supernatural guidance?” He leaned against the wall opposite Brooke. “She’d only been here for an hour and you were ordering all the right tests. Before we knew what was happening she was being wheeled into surgery for the heart cath.”

Brooke remembered the process with the little girl. Myocarditis had to be caught early, before the infection damaged the heart. Many people die from the illness. Others need a heart transplant after being sick for just a week or two. Abigail was going to recover completely without any lasting effects.

All because God prompted her to run specific tests. And the infection was caught in time.

Brooke smiled and straightened again. Patients just down the hall were waiting for her. “I can’t imagine practicing medicine without God leading me.” She held out her hand and shook his. “I’m glad she’s doing well.”

“Here.” He pulled two business cards from his pocket. “I’m an adoption attorney. If I can ever help you in any way, let me know.” He shrugged. “Not sure how that would look. But I pray about my work, too.”

Meetings like this always felt divinely orchestrated. Brooke took the cards and shared a final handshake with the man. “Tell your wife hello for me. And let Abigail know I’m glad she’s feeling better.” Brooke paused. “I’m still praying for her.”