Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses(20)

“I’ll bet you’ll do an amazing job,” he said smiling, his hands becoming less shaky as he looked at her.

“I hope so.”



* * *



“I’ve been having trouble getting a deep breath, and I keep having a fluttering in my chest,” Caroline said as Abbey tried to listen to her heartbeat. She was usually quiet when Abbey checked her vitals, but today, she was quite chatty. Abbey closed her eyes to focus on the heartbeat. She jotted down the number in her log and pulled her stethoscope from her ears.

“Still? Let me see.” She fished out the printout from the EKG that she’d received from the doctor at Caroline’s last visit. It had come back abnormal, and they were awaiting more tests. Years of practice had taught her not to show any alarm, but as she looked at the paperwork, she did feel that it was possible Caroline could have an arrhythmia. This would not be good, given the fact that she had also complained of hip pain. Caroline’s hip problems were coming on the heels of a diagnosis of arthritis of the spine.

“What is it?” Caroline asked. Her face didn’t show any worry either, but she never would. She wasn’t the type. Instead, she almost looked annoyed. “What do I have wrong now?”

“I’m not a doctor. I wouldn’t want to try to diagnose you. We need a specialist to take a look.” What she didn’t want to say was that, if they needed to operate for any reason, an arrhythmia might complicate surgery, if not eliminate the possibility of it. It would just be too risky. Abbey mentioned none of this as she packed away her instruments.

“Have you been to Nick’s today?” Caroline asked.

“I’m heading over there after I finish checking you over.”

Caroline pursed her lips. “Nick’s little decorating job is dipping into my conversation time. I’m getting jealous,” she teased.

“It’s your fault,” Abbey teased back. “You were the one who set it up.”

Caroline smiled. “Ah, well. It’s far worse for him to be alone than it is for me. It’ll be good for him to have some company.” She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “It’s an awfully large home to have all to himself.”

“I thought that too.”

“When he bought it, he was married.”

“Oh?”

That annoyed look consumed Caroline’s features again. It was clear to Abbey that she had strong feelings relating to her comment, but her manners were preventing her from saying anything. “He’s divorced now.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Abbey knew all too well what it was like to have a failing relationship. She knew that a divorce was only the tip of the iceberg and all the heartache and loss and disappointment were lurking under the water where no one else could see. Telling people she’d broken up with Max’s dad was a tidy way to discuss it, but all of that emotion had been there.

“I’m not. Sarah wasn’t right for him. She put too much pressure on him. She was never happy.” Caroline shifted in her seat again, her leg clearly giving her some trouble. “Sarah’s remarried now. She has kids.”

Abbey knew how unsuccessful relationships had taken a toll on her. She was absolutely over Max’s father, Vince, but there was always that lingering feeling of wanting to be with someone who loved her. She didn’t often allow the thought to process, but sometimes, she wished she didn’t have to go through life alone and raise Max all by herself. It would be so nice to have someone to experience life beside her, someone she could share it all with. But, as soon as the thought entered her mind, she reminded herself of how lucky she was. Max was a good boy, he had a great temperament, he was healthy, and she had enough money to put food on the table. Wishing for the luxuries of life only made her feel guilty.

“Things happen for a reason. I believe that,” Caroline said.

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am!” She winked at Abbey. “I’m right about this as much as I’m right about you being the person to decorate Nick’s house. Go talk some sense into him. Tell him he needs area rugs.”

“Haha.” Abbey looked at her watch. It was time to go. “I’ll call the doctor and make you an appointment.”

“Sounds good. And when you talk to Nick, tell him I’d love another visit.”

Abbey nodded and packed her things. Then, she headed out to Nick’s.





Chapter Six





When Richard let Abbey in, he allowed her to find her own way, assuming she knew where to go by now. As she stared at the sparkly Christmas trees she’d erected, the most gorgeous music came toward her. It was like nothing she’d ever heard before—sad, and light at the same time, the notes circling her like a musical cyclone. Every sound echoed through the large space, the deep notes filling her ears and settling in the pit of her stomach. It was so beautiful. She followed it to see where it was coming from, but she had a pretty good idea.