Perfectly Honest (10 page)

But someday, she vowed, setting the cell phone on the dresser before heading back to the kitchen, things would have to change.

Chapter 16

Zodiac Zach
—
Don’t leave home without him.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Love is in the stars. Gather more information and be ready to counter opposition that arises. Now is not the time to be perfectly honest.

Marla looked comfortable in the kitchen, emptying a cooler of food into the refrigerator. “I brought some fried chicken and potato salad for dinner.” Her gaze swept over Mikaela. “I hope you’re not one of those skinny girls who’s afraid to eat.”

“No, not at all,” Mikaela responded. She eyed the rapidly dwindling cookie jar. “I’m happy to eat anything someone else makes.”

“That’s good. I always try to bring something with me when we visit Sam. He’s a great one for heading out to restaurants, but he appreciates a home-cooked meal. You probably already know that,” she said with a smile. “I’ll just finish putting these things away, and then you and I can sit and get to know each other. I put the kettle on for a cup of tea. Would you like one, too?”

“Sure, that’d be great. Thanks. I’ll get the teapot out. Will Walt join us?” Mikaela stood for a moment trying to remember where it was stored.

“He’s already out having a swim. He loves the pool, especially after that long drive. He worried you might think it rude, but I assured him we would have a nice little chat, and he could join us later. You don’t mind, do you?”

“No, not at all.” Mikaela set out cups and found the sugar and cream. When the kettle whistled, she poured the water into the teapot and added the teabags. Marla set cookies out on a plate and carried them over to the table in the nook.

As they stirred their tea, Marla leaned forward with excited eyes. “I want to know all the details. What’s your sign?”

Mikaela blinked. “My sign?”

“Yes. You know, Sam is a Scorpio. I hope you’re not a Virgo. All the Virgos are a little . . . zealous. Too much energy, if you ask me. And I don’t know that Pisces would be a good fit either. They tend to daydream the day away, don’t you think? I think Sam needs someone a little more grounded. Taurus would be okay, but they do tend to be a bit stubborn. And Leo, well, I think a Leo would be a bit too boisterous, maybe a bit too bossy for Sam. I wouldn’t like to see another Scorpio. Can you imagine? That would be the worst kind of clash. Don’t you think? Now, last year, I would have said Sagittarius. It was a good year for Sagittarius. This year, I’m thinking a Libra or Aquarius would be good. I could see that working. I’ve given this a lot of thought. I’ve told Sam. I told him he has to watch the sign, but I never know if he really listens.”

Mikaela’s head spun. “I’m an Aries.”

“Oh perfect.” Marla clapped her hands. “That’s a good match, especially this year. The moon cycle is perfect for an Aries-Scorpio match. I’ve always thought Aries was best at thinking things through before they do something irreversible. That will be the perfect balance to Sam’s Scorpio impulsiveness,” she announced confidently.

Mikaela almost burst out laughing. Yup, that’s her all right. Thinking things through. Planning change. Avoiding the irreversible. Marla’s nailed it, she thought. Sam really should have paid more attention to the sign.

“What is your Chinese zodiac?”

“Pardon?”

“You know. Your heavenly stem, your earthly branch, your animal, your element?”

“I’m not really sure.”

“Hmmm. We’ll have to figure that out. Sam is a Tiger. At least he’s born a Tiger. Personally, internally I think he’s a dragon. Truly there is a bit of ox and secretively, I suspect a little goat. But then I’m his mother.” She patted Mikaela’s hand. “So if you were a horse, dog, or dragon, that would be wonderful. Oh dear, I do hope you’re not a monkey. That would not be good.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m not a monkey,” Mikaela assured her.

“That’s a relief. There are so many things to think about when you choose a mate. Are you a yin or yang?”

“Yin?” Mikaela guessed, hoping to make Marla happy.

“Perfect,” Marla beamed. “Sam’s a yang. The perfect match. You know Olivia and Ron are yang-yang so I do worry. But they produced the most beautiful daughter. Just goes to show there’s something good there somewhere.

“And what is your favorite color?” Marla asked earnestly.

Seriously? She was engaged to her son and that’s what she thought was important? She was beginning to understand why Walt went for a swim. “Ah, aquamarine?”

“Oh, aquamarine,” Marla repeated, nodding her head. “Now would that be more blue or more green?”

Mikaela just stared. “Blue?” she guessed.

“Oh lovely. I love blue, too.”

“That’s important to finding someone compatible?” Mikaela asked skeptically.

Marla laughed. “No, now that would be silly, dear. No, I just asked because I enjoy quilting in my spare time, and I’ve decided to make a quilt for each of the kids as a wedding present. So yours shall be blue. And I’ll get started on that right away.” She munched on a cookie. “Have you picked a date for the wedding?”

“Ah, no, not really. We want to take our time and do it right,” Mikaela said vaguely.

“Yes, that’s the best way. That’s the Aries in you. You’re the planner. In the end, I’m sure it will be beautiful and exactly what you want.”

Exactly what I want? Mikaela thought and sighed. “I hope so.”

Marla was about to ask another question, but the sight of Walt coming into the kitchen interrupted her. He had changed into jeans and a warm sweater. Dark hair brushing his shoulders was still damp. “Now Marla, I hope you’re not bombarding Mikaela with questions,” he said, squeezing Marla’s shoulder.

Marla reached up and covered his hand with her own. “Not at all,” Marla replied. “We’re just getting to know one another.”

“I should apologize for heading out for a swim, but the pool is irresistible. Jonathan and Sam did a good job there.”

“No need to apologize,” Mikaela said with a smile. “I know what you mean. I enjoy it, too. Would you like a drink? Coffee, tea or something cold?”

“If you’re having tea, I’ll join you. Thank you.”

Mikaela rose to find another mug and poured fresh water into the teapot. As she fixed the cup, she asked, “How far did you drive today?”

“Just from Cannebury to here. It usually takes about five hours, but the weather turned just outside of Pemton so we took it slowly. It looks like it’s really coming down now.”

Mikaela looked out the window to watch the snow falling steadily and the wind picking up to blow it around. “It’s the first snowfall of the season. I thought it would melt, but it looks like it’s staying.”

“I think it’ll be up over those chairs by the time it’s all said and done,” Walt agreed. “When is Sam due home?”

Mikaela looked at the clock. “Soon. He operated today so he shouldn’t be too late.”

Walt nodded. “They haven’t started operating around the clock at this hospital?”

Mikaela shook her heard. “Not yet. They’re talking about it, but so far they haven’t had the volume to warrant it. Maybe as the population grows? I know Sam would appreciate it. He’s always looking for more OR time.”

“That’s probably the only thing he doesn’t like about this new job,” his mother agreed.

“Well, it’s the bread and butter that pays the bills,” Walt said. “It’s hard to do your job as an eye surgeon without the surgery.”

“So Mikaela, Sam tells us you’re a painter.”

Mikaela’s heart sank. Really? Was that before he knew the whole truth or was that what he wanted his parents to know? She hesitated for a moment, and waged an internal debate. Truth or perpetuating a lie that would be complicated to continue? The truth won. She cleared her throat. “Well actually, I do paint, but it was a business I started with a friend to put myself through university.”

“You’re an artist?” Marla asked.

“No. It was house painting. It kept us pretty busy in the day.”

“What did you take at university?” Walt asked.

“Sciences in undergrad and then medicine. I’m an obstetrician-gynecologist.”

Both Marla and Walt did a double take.

“An obstetrician-gynecologist?” Marla asked, stiffening and leaning back in her chair.

Mikaela was taken aback. “S . . . Sam didn’t tell you?”

“No, he didn’t,” Marla said firmly. “I do hope that your profession hasn’t turned you away from having children.”

“N—No,” Mikaela stammered.

“Well, that’s a relief,” Marla said. “I’m looking forward to having more grandbabies.”

Sam’s dad sat in stony silence. “Are you any good?”

Mikaela looked at him. That wasn’t a question she heard every day. “I think so.”

“Humph,” Walt grunted. “Not all of them are.”

There’s a story there, Mikaela thought. “No, not all.”

Walt’s eyes widened slightly and a glimmer of respect swept his features.

“Well,” said Marla with forced cheerfulness, “if you think Sam will be home soon, maybe I’ll get dinner ready. That is, if you don’t mind eating early.”

“No, not at all. That’d be great. I can help. Should I text Sam to see where he is?”

“Well, I don’t like to bother him, but it would be helpful. And I suppose if he’s busy, he’ll just answer when he’s free.”

Mikaela nodded. “The benefit of texting. I’ll go grab my phone.”

Without glancing at Walt and uncomfortable with the tension in the air, Mikaela left the room. She could hear Marla speak in a soothing voice and shut the bedroom door to respect their privacy.

Mikaela picked her cell phone off the dresser and sat down heavily on the bed. Sam’s parents had seemed so friendly before she corrected them about her job. What was that all about? She thought it would feel good to tell the truth. But it hadn’t at all. She rubbed the ache over her heart.

She glanced at her cell phone. Sam had sent a text twenty minutes earlier.

On my way
.

He should be home by now. Glancing out the window, Mikaela saw dark clouds and gray skies. Snow piled up and drifts were forming as the wind swirled the snow against the house. As she debated whether to go and shovel the driveway for Sam, the front door opened and Sam shouted hello.

Mikaela took her time joining them to give Sam some time to say hello to his parents. When she walked into the kitchen, they were standing around the island chatting.

Sam glanced over, and reached out to draw her close and drop a gentle kiss on her lips. “So I take it you’ve met Mikaela,” Sam said to his parents as he gave Mikaela a reassuring squeeze.

“We did, indeed,” Marla beamed. “We had a nice chat. You’ve met your match, dear. I see you make a lovely couple together,” she said as her expression softened.

Sam smiled. “I knew you’d approve.”

“She says she’s an obstetrician,” Walt said flatly.

Sam looked over at his dad. “Yes.”

Mikaela caught the look that passed between the two. She was not going to be the cause of tension between Sam and his dad. “Is that a problem?”

Marla started to fuss. “Of course not—”

“As a matter of fact, it is,” Walt said, folding his arms across his chest.

“Why?” Mikaela asked with a frown.

“I don’t like obstetricians.”

Mikaela studied his face. He was serious. That was a first. She’d had women unhappy with her in the throes of a delivery, but it never lasted. And the partners always seemed happy, even grateful, that someone else was sitting at the other end where the action was happening. “Why?”

Walt just looked at her with sad eyes and a stony expression.

“Dad,” Sam began.

“No, I think it would be better if I understood,” Mikaela said.

“I don’t have any respect for them. They’re a bunch of quacks and half the time they don’t know what they’re doing,” Walt said.

“I’m sorry,” Mikaela said quietly.

“Sorry? Sorry for what?” Walt asked.

“I’m sorry you feel that way. And I’m sorry if something happened that made you feel that way.”

“What do you know about it?” He looked at her sharply.

“Nothing really.” Mikaela sighed. “But you’re right. Well, partially right. Despite all of our training, we don’t always have control over what happens in a delivery. It’s sad. As much as I wish for a happy ending every time, it doesn’t always happen. It’s heartbreaking for everyone.”

Walt looked away and stuffed his hands in his pockets. Finally he cleared his throat and looked Mikaela in the eye. “I appreciate your honesty,” he said gruffly.

Mikaela nodded without saying anything.

“Well,” Marla said, breaking the tension, “let me get the table set for dinner. I’ve brought fried chicken and potato salad. Are we ready to eat?”

“I am,” said Sam. “Let me get changed.” He tugged on Mikaela’s hand. “Coming?”

Chapter 17

happenstance horoscope

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You’ll be touched by the support around you. Take what’s offered. Jumping in when needed will bring its rewards. Don’t hesitate.

Sam led Mikaela to the bedroom and shut the door behind them. He turned her to face him. “I’m really sorry about that.”

Mikaela raised her hand to stop him and shook her head. “Don’t apologize, Sam. You’re not responsible for your father’s words. I didn’t want something like that hanging in the air every time we met. Better to air it now and know where we stand.”

“Maybe,” said Sam. “But I could have warned you. They lost a child,” Sam explained. “I don’t remember much, and they hardly ever talk about it. I was six years old, and my mom was pregnant. They went to the hospital with my mom in labor, and everything was good but then came home devastated. The baby died at birth. Obviously my dad blames the obstetrician. I don’t really know what happened, but there was a lot of anger with the grief. That was my first funeral.”

“I’m so sorry, Sam,” Mikaela said quietly.

“Thanks. Just give my dad time. It’s not personal.”

“Of course. I don’t want to come between you two. I’m sorry to make him, your mom, and you, relive that grief.”

Sam shrugged and shook his head. “You didn’t.” Sam looked around the room. “Sorry about all this. There’s room in the closet for your stuff.” He pulled off his tie and unbuttoned his dress shirt as he entered the walk-in closet.

Mikaela swallowed and sat down on the bed. She heard him unbuckle his belt.

“They don’t usually stay more than a couple of days,” Sam said. He had changed into jeans and walked out into the bedroom shirtless. Grabbing a sweatshirt off the floor, he pulled it over his head.

Enjoying the view, Mikaela sat on the bed and nodded.

Catching her expression, Sam walked over and stood in front of Mikaela. He pulled her to her feet. “We should go back out there.”

Mikaela nodded.

“Hungry?” Sam asked softly.

Mikaela nodded.

Sam smiled and bent his head to brush his lips over hers. “Me, too,” he whispered.

Mikaela rose to meet him and enjoyed the feel of his hard chest against her. He deepened the kiss and she slipped her hands through his hair.

How many nights had she lain awake wanting this? she thought, pressing closer. She couldn’t get enough of his touch. She loved the feel of his lips and his tongue and oh god . . . they should stop . . . his parents were in the next room . . . she was going to have to share a bedroom with him tonight . . . her heart was going to break. She stepped back abruptly.

“Your mom’s waiting with dinner. We should go,” she said, her voice shaky as she brushed a hand through her hair.

“Sure.” Sam tried to read her expression.

Mikaela avoided meeting his eyes. She opened the bedroom door and, straightening her clothes, went to the kitchen. Sam followed behind her more slowly.

Marla was just setting the plates on the table when they walked in.

“I can get the cutlery,” Mikaela said, a little too brightly.

“Thank you dear. Then I think we’re all set.” Marla set the plates out and added serving spoons to the chicken and the salads.

“Would anyone like wine?” Sam asked. “Or a beer? Dad?”

“I’ll have a beer if you’re having one,” Walt replied.

“Yeah, I could use one.”

Mikaela sent Sam a guilty glance. She barely had a handle on how to act when they were alone. His parents in the house just added another complicated layer. He caught the look and she quickly looked away.

Mikaela swallowed the last crumb of her pie and wiped the napkin across her lips. “That was delicious, Marla. Thank you very much for bringing dinner,” she said as she sat back, feeling pleasantly full.

“Yes. Another outstanding meal, Mom. Thank you. Would you like coffee or tea?” Sam asked, glancing at his parents.

“I’d love an extra-hot, sugar-free, caramel, half-caf, skinny, grande, moche latte with a little extra foam,” his mom said.

Sam stopped and stared.

“Just kidding. I’ve always wanted to order that,” she said with a laugh. “A herbal tea would be lovely, dear, if it’s not too much trouble.”

Sam chuckled. “Tea, I can do.”

Mikaela stood up to help.

“Relax. I can get it,” Sam offered. Sam collected the plates and brought them to the counter, on his way to filling the kettle and brewing the coffee.

As he set steaming mugs down a few moments later, Sam glanced out the window. “It’s a good thing you came today. Look at that snow. It doesn’t look like it’s slowing down at all.”

Gone were the big fluffy snowflakes that drifted down quietly earlier in the day. Now the wind whistled against the windows. As darkness settled, the snow blew in white sheets across the lake, cresting on waves that crashed and roared against the shore.

“If it can’t be seen, it wants to be heard,” Mikaela murmured.

“I hope you don’t have to go out tonight,” Marla said with concern.

Mikaela and Sam shook their heads as Mikaela’s phone rang. She picked up her phone and wandered to the next room. “Hello?”

“Hello, Dr. Finn. It’s the Emerson Hospital switchboard here. Dr. Grant is on the line for you. Please hold.” There were a series of clicks. “Go ahead.”

“Mikaela?”

“Hi Sylvie. How’s it going?”

“Good. Good,” she said in a distracted voice. “Sorry to bother you at home. I know you’re not on call, but I was wondering if you could take a look at a patient. She’s a primip in her
thirty-sixth week, followed by Dr. Henderson at St. Peter’s. Her contractions started about three hours ago, and the ultrasound shows the baby is breech. With this weather, she’s not going to make it to Rivermede and it looks like she’s heading toward a C-section. Any chance you’re around and could come?”

Mikaela glanced out at the raging storm and grimaced. “Yes, of course. I just need to shovel out from the mess outside, but I could be there in half an hour.”

Sylvie sighed in relief. “That would be great.”

“If you could make sure she’s prepped and ready to go in case it all happens fast, I’ll be as quick as I can.”

“Great. Thanks. See you shortly.”

Mikaela hung up the phone and walked back into the kitchen. “That was the hospital. Unfortunately I have to go in and help out with a delivery.”

Marla looked at her sympathetically. “Oh dear. We spoke too soon.”

Sam stood up. “I’ll grab a shovel and get a path cleared to the road. You can take the Jeep. It has four-wheel drive and will be safer. Hopefully the snowplows have been out this way,” he said as he poured the rest of his coffee in the sink.

“I’ll help, too,” Walt said as he got up and followed Sam.

“I’ll just get changed and join you,” Mikaela said.

“I can drive you to the hospital, Mikaela, if you’re worried about driving,” Sam offered. He pulled on boots, tugged on a hat, and found warm gloves.

Mikaela looked at him gratefully. She hated driving in weather. “Really? What about getting back home? If I drive, I can stay the night if the roads are terrible.”

Sam shrugged. “I can do some paperwork and wait for you. I could always crash in one of the on call rooms.”

She was so relieved she almost wept. “That would be great.”

“No problem. Let’s see if we can get out of the driveway.”

Mikaela went to change and quickly grabbed some overnight essentials. She was pulling on a warm coat and scarf when Sam came back in. Walt followed behind him and stamped the snow off his boots.

“That was fast,” Mikaela said with raised eyebrows.

“Turns out you have friends in high places.” Sam grinned.

“What?”

“Look,” Sam said as he opened the door.

A massive snowplow was slowly backing out of the driveway, clearing a wide swatch as it went.

“What’s he doing?”

“Apparently he’s the uncle of the newborn you’re about to deliver. They got word to him that you needed to get to the hospital pronto, so he’s here to deliver you. Not your average limo but considering the weather . . .”

“Much preferred. That’s so great.”

Sam laughed.

“I better get going. Thanks for offering to drive me. I appreciate it,” she said and leaned over and pressed her lips softly to his. “Wish me luck. I’ll let you know how it goes, but don’t wait up for me.” She scooted out the front door, and pushing against the swirling snow, she climbed up into the waiting snowplow.

Mikaela waved as the snowplow honked and slowly pulled out into the road.