When the girls left, she went down the hall and peeked into the nursery. It smelled like baby powder and lemon shampoo. The twins were sound asleep and she closed the door. Went to her bedroom. She changed out of her pretty dress and put on summer pajamas. In the kitchen, she poured herself a glass of wine and looked at the picnic basket he’d placed in her car. As she stared at it, second thoughts raced through her mind. Had she done the right thing?
For the babies. She’d done the right thing for the babies.
She took a sip of the tart Chardonnay, then her cell phone rang. She checked the ID. Her boss. “Hello, Curt.”
“Hello, Anabelle. I have some news for you.”
“What is it?”
He cleared his throat. “I’m retiring at the end of the summer. My wife has breast cancer.”
“Curt, I’m sorry.”
“I need to be home more.”
“Of course you do.”
“I’d like to recommend you for my job?”
She dropped down into a chair. “Me? Why not one of the regular cardiologists?”
“Because I think your personality suits the job better.”
“The other doctors see me as…something less than arealcardiologist.” The same thing one of Oliver’s brothers said.
“They’re snobs. They’ll adjust, though.”
“Curt, I have one year old babies.”
“Yeah, I know you have responsibilities. But you can make your own hours.”
“I…see. Can I have some time to think about it?”
“Until the end of the week. Anabelle, you can do this. Youshoulddo it.”
“I’ll let you know as soon as I decide.”
When she disconnected, she leaned back and sighed. How could she possibly do this job? The Chief of Cardiology provided clinical and administrative leadership for the department, oversaw patient care, controlled research and educational programs. He or she managed staff, developed strategic plans, figured out budgets, and ensured compliance with regulations.
Buck up, Anabelle!Take the job. You do have room in your life. Especially if Oliver’s out of it.
She didn’t believe in fate. But she couldn’t help thinking that one door closed—Oliver—and another opened—the Chief of Cardiology.
She thought about calling her mom, but she needed to make this decision on her own. Raising her chin, she picked up the glass of wine and brought it to the bedroom, sat on her bed and thought about her career. Long and hard.
Chapter 5
Finn clapped Oliver on the shoulder when they left the collective at the end of the day. “Hey, buddy. How you doing?”
Dark clouds flashed through Oliver’s eyes. “Great. I gotta hot date tonight.”
“What happened to Anabelle? Last we talked, things were going well with her.”
Oliver swore. “She dumped me.”
Finn’s jaw literally dropped. “What?” For as long as he’d known Oliver, women had flocked to him and held on once they got him. “Why?”
“I…” He shook his head. “I don’t want…I can’t think about…” Moisture filled his eyes.