Jill Weatherholt - Second Chance Romance

He remembered. Phoebe had tried to convince her niece to visit Sweet Gum for years, but she’d always been too busy. He knew that she’d made partner at her law firm at an unusually young age. He thought she had a family, but maybe he was wrong. Something had happened last year, but Phoebe never wanted to talk about it. He wasn’t the type to get into people’s business, so he’d never pursued the subject.

“Jackson? Are you there? Is everything okay?”

His chest felt heavy. “It’s Melanie.” He gazed across the courtyard. A squirrel scurried through the fescue, toting a nut in its mouth.

“Melanie?” The dishes stopped clanking. “What happened?”

Jackson knew Phoebe better than most, but he wasn’t quite sure how she would react to the news. “She’s been in a car accident.” He paused to give her time to take in the news.

“Oh my word! Is she okay?” Phoebe asked, releasing short breaths into the phone.

“She was unconscious when I pulled her from the car.”

“Unconscious!”

“Please calm down and let me finish. There’s a serious cut on her forehead and one on her cheek. Though I don’t know if she has any internal injuries or a concussion. She’s in the ER with Dr. Roberts.”

“Thank God he’s on duty. He’s the best. I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

“Why don’t you stay put? I’ll pick you up. You shouldn’t drive when you’re upset.”

There was no hesitation. “Don’t be ridiculous. It will take longer. Besides, I want you there with Melanie until I arrive.”

He’d learned years ago not to argue with her. “Please take your time. The rain has stopped, but the roads are covered in wet leaves. It’s very slick. Be safe.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve been driving these roads since I was a teenager.” Phoebe hung up without saying goodbye.

Jackson turned and walked inside the hospital. He hoped to get a little information on Melanie’s condition from Sara, but he’d probably need to wait for Phoebe so they could both talk to Dr. Roberts.

Once inside, cleaning agents infiltrated his nose. He spied Sara chatting with a handsome young doctor. Jackson took a seat in the waiting room and prayed for the next ten minutes.

Finally Sara walked toward him. He stood and met her halfway. She brushed her blond bangs away from her eyes. “Dr. Roberts is ready to speak with Phoebe when she arrives.”

Jackson ran his hand across his chin. It was rough. He never liked to shave on his days off. One fewer thing to do. “How’s Melanie? Has she regained consciousness?”

Sara pursed her lips. “I’m sorry, Jackson, but you know I can’t talk to you about her condition. Neither can Dr. Roberts. You’ll have to wait for Phoebe.”

The young nurse disappeared through the ER doors, leaving behind a trail of potent fragrance.

Within a couple of minutes, Dr. Roberts appeared. Jackson had always admired him. With salt-and-pepper hair and slightly slumped shoulders, his experience was evident in his face and manner of speaking. He still worked five days a week and even made the occasional house call, if needed. He’d been on the staff at Sweet Gum Memorial for decades. He was not only an excellent doctor but also a pillar within the community.

“Dr. Roberts, it’s good to see you.” Jackson rubbed his hand across the back of his neck. Another tension headache was setting in.

The doctor smiled and extended his hand. “It’s good to see you, too, Jackson. It’s been a while. How’s your sweet little girl?”

Jackson shook his offered hand. “She’s great. Thanks for asking. This year she started afternoon kindergarten. She’s a voracious reader.”

Dr. Roberts nodded. “That’s great to hear. Books can open up an entire world to a child.” He cleared his throat. “Now, back to the patient. You know the confidentiality laws prohibit me from talking to you about Melanie’s condition. Once Phoebe arrives, I’ll fill you both in if it’s okay with Phoebe. She’s next of kin, so she’ll make the call. I know you’re worried, so I’ll say only that you can relax.”

“That makes me feel better.” Although she was just a stranger, there was something about Melanie. He wanted to protect her. He wasn’t sure where these feelings were coming from. Maybe it was because of her relationship to Phoebe. What else could it be?

“Speaking of Phoebe, how is she doing these days?”

Jackson noticed a sparkle in Dr. Roberts’s eye when he asked about Phoebe. Many years had passed since Phoebe’s husband had died. Jackson always hoped for a spark to ignite between her and the doctor. He’d love to see her enjoy a little male companionship. She still had many years ahead of her, time she shouldn’t spend alone. Of course, people could have said the same thing about him. “Phoebe’s doing great, busy as ever. I called her about fifteen minutes ago. I told her I’d pick her up since the roads are so treacherous. Of course she insisted on driving herself.”

He smiled. “Sure sounds like Phoebe. She’s quite stubborn when she gets her mind set on something. I’ll never forget that after my sweet Jane went to be with the Lord, Phoebe brought me an enormous meal every day. I told her it wasn’t necessary, but she insisted. I had mashed potatoes coming out of my ears.” Dr. Roberts laughed a deep belly laugh.

Jackson thought now was the time to slip in a good word about Phoebe, and perhaps devise a plan of action. “She’s stubborn, but you have to admit she’s a terrific cook. Her meat loaf and garlic mashed potatoes are the best in the valley.” He’d always heard people say the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. “You should taste her new apple-pie recipe. She puts in just the right amount of cinnamon.”

“Stop, Jackson. You’re making me ravenous.” His tongue ran across his lips, and he rubbed his stomach. “I haven’t had time to eat lunch. I’ll probably have a slice or two of frozen pizza for dinner.”

Perhaps overstepping his bounds, Jackson took a chance. This man needed a home-cooked meal and a little female companionship. “I should talk to Phoebe about inviting you over for Sunday dinner. She always cooks enough for an army. Rebecca and I come home with a ton of leftovers.” Phoebe loved to have a house full of people. He’d definitely work on this.

Dr. Roberts nodded. “I like the way you think, young man. Just tell me when and I’ll be there.” He extended his hand to Jackson. “I’ll come out and talk to Phoebe when she arrives. Oh, and make sure she introduces you to Melanie. I’m sure she’d love to meet the man who rescued her.”

“Thanks again,” Jackson said and took a seat to wait for Phoebe’s arrival.

When she burst through the hospital entrance minutes later, he saw her quickly race down the hall straight toward him. “How is she, Jackson?” She removed her raincoat and flung it over her arm.

Sara came down the hallway holding a cup of coffee in each hand. “Hi, Phoebe. I saw you pull into the parking lot. I’m happy you made it here safe.” She smiled. “I thought you and Jackson could use this.” She handed them each a steaming Styrofoam cup. “I’ll let Dr. Roberts know you’re here.” She pointed to a private room next to the waiting area. “You can have a seat in there.”

Jackson nodded and took a quick sip. Strong and black, it was just what he needed. “Thanks for the coffee, Sara.” He took hold of Phoebe’s hand. “Let’s go sit down for a minute.”

A small circular oak table and four chairs filled the entire windowless room. The strong aroma of the cleaning agents in the hallway gave way to the smell of pink tea roses in a crystal vase decorating the middle of the table. The chair screeched when Jackson pulled it out for Phoebe.