Unexpected

Chapter 10 - Surprise

It wasn't a family photo without Mel. Then he changed his mind, because the three of them were a family. He would use it as his screensaver on his log in at the office. His patients always liked to see pictures of his children.

He disappointed his mother-in-law because he wouldn't buy apple cider. "Buy some but don't share with them." He pointed to his children. "It isn't pasteurized and they're too little to fight off the bad bacteria."

"You worry too much. Nothing bad will happen."

"Really, how do you know? Because I sure don't. I wish I could protect them completely, but I can't. However proven dangers are off limits." She knew enough not to argue.

Nick coddled his children and worried more than he should, but one bad thing didn't prevent another from happening. Growing up, his father was similar, and they never broke certain rules. Seat belts before they were the law, life preservers on the boat, swimming only with an adult watching. The list went on; perhaps it was the legacy of the widower.

Because he had Louise to babysit, Nick made plans to have dinner with his high school friend, Paul. He was recently divorced and so they were perfectly miserable together. They planned to meet for margaritas and burritos around the corner from the hospital in Portland. Since Nick was nearby, he went to see Lily. It surprised him that she had company. He stood outside the door and listened as Sara sang to Lily. Her voice was beautiful. She could have pursued a career in music like his niece, Ella. He imagined if the two of them ever sang together it would be amazing. His thought gave him a funny feeling he couldn't identify.

He suddenly felt bad, because he knew he had been scowling at her all week. He was being irrational, but every time he saw her, he remembered the bastard. He knew they were just talking, but Miles acted overly friendly and she didn't seem bothered by it. Standing there listening to her sing to Lily, he had been wrong to think the way he had. She was much too compassionate and caring for the bastard. She was the type of girl who a guy brought home to meet his mother, not one who jumped into bed with Miles.

When she was finished singing, he entered the room. "Dr. B! You're back!"

"I came to Portland for dinner and decided to stop by." He looked at Sara who smiled at him.

She must be a saint to smile at him after the way he treated her.

Surprised that she was there, not that it was any of his business, he asked, "No plans on Saturday night?"

"I do. I have dinner plans too."

"With the wallet guy?"

She thought for a moment. "Yes, actually. Lily and I were having a nice time though. I'll give you a chance to visit now. Goodbye Lily." He watched as she kissed Lily's forehead and left.

Why was he relieved that she was going out with the wallet guy? Because it meant she wasn't with her landlord.

He enjoyed his time out even though he was on call and had to skip the margarita. It was just as well, tequila brought back some bad memories from his college days. The food was good, but he had always been a fan of spicy food. He didn't stay out late, because he had early rounds. When he arrived home, Louise was waiting for him.

"Did you have a nice evening with your friend?" She emphasized the word 'friend'.

It was as if she didn't trust him when he said he was going out with Paul. He sensed that she would prefer he was on a date instead. He didn't even try convincing her, because somehow it made him seem like he was lying.

It is like having two mothers. Sighing he answered, "It was fine. How were the munchkins?"

"Perfect angels. They're wonderful, because you're a great dad, maybe a bit neurotic, but still great." She was always giving him compliments on his parenting. Although she apparently still disagreed with him about the benefits of pasteurization.

"I think Julie gets the credit, not me."

"No, even if my girl was still with us, it would be all you. She wasn't built for motherhood. She loved them. She just loved her career more. It came first, but you loved her despite her faults and for that I'm grateful."

"I wish things had been different. I wish I knew..." They had talked about his suspicions and regrets countless times together.

"She loved you. Let the past go. You need to move on and find your own happiness again."

"I'm not sure I know how. I don't know if I want to. I'm not cut out for the whole marriage thing." He meant it. His parents and siblings had perfect marriages, and it put too much pressure on him. Every flaw in his marriage was so much larger compared to theirs.

"Oh hogwash! I love my daughter and miss her every day, but she wasn't cut out for the life you were building. She was selfish and being a wife and mother requires selflessness. The right woman will come along and you will know. I, for one, will dance at your wedding, and George will be there to lead me."

"You're crazy!" He shook his head. He knew enough not to argue with her, but he completely disagreed.

He rose early and finished his rounds quickly. Lily was sleepy, so he didn't spend much time with her. When he arrived at the office, Sara was already there.

Was she always early?

She was out the night before too. They were busy, because as fall progressed so did various viruses and illnesses. They were close to finishing up with the last of their appointments when Louise came in with Bridget and Jack, who occasionally stopped by.

Nick said, "This is a surprise!"

Louise frowned. "Actually, It's an official visit. We were at the playground and Bridget scraped her knee."

"Are you alright sweetie?" He asked his daughter.

"It hurts, Daddy."

"I have one more patient, then..."

"I can look, if Bridget doesn't mind," Sara said.

"Sara! Please! Sara!"

Nick smiled. "Well, it's settled then. Thanks."

Everyone liked Sara; Lily, Bridget, Tim, Mr. Michaud and Miles. She really did offer a lot to like. A sinking feeling told him that was becoming a problem.