It was almost four a.m. when I crawled into bed with Sutton, but I did it with a big heart and a clear mind, knowing that I’d finally landed on a project I would be proud to put my name to.
I want more than that though. I want to be here to see through the whole implementation process, the community consultation, sourcing the funds, building the service from the ground up. Most of all, I want to watch it thrive and serve the townsfolk.
And while I can’t see a way for that to happen right now, I’m willing to do as much as I can for as long as I have left in town to make it happen.
“Tell me, Blair. If you could do anythin’ at all to improve things for our patients in Timber Falls, what would that be? If money wasn’t an issue, if staffin’ was taken care of, and there was no red tape or obstacles in your way?” Tabitha asks.
I close my eyes, take a deep breath and slowly open them again. “We need a mobile clinic that can visit people in their homes. A rural medical service that can reach patientsbeforethey wait too long andneedspecialist care–whether that be oncology, pain services, diabetes, cardiology, or all of the above. We need to reach our patients earlier and give them access to primary healthcare.”
Tabitha’s eyes light up but she stays silent when I finish, doing it for so long that I start to wonder if I’ve somehow misunderstood my mission here.
Then I see it, unshed tears gathering in her eyes as a slow-growing smile takes over her face. “I knew it.”
I frown, tilting my head and looking her over as I try to work out what she’s talking about. “Knew what?”
‘That you were the right person for the job.”
“Thank you,” I say, pride swelling within me. “I know I won’t be here to see the implementation, but I’d love the opportunity to work on it until Uncle George comes back.”
Tabitha shakes her head and for a moment my heart sinks. “No, Blair. I don’t want you to implement the project.”
“Oh. OK.”
She leans forward in her chair, leaning her elbows on the table just as I lift my shaky hand and take a much-needed gulp of wine. “I want you to oversee the entire hospital. I want you to replaceme.”
That’s when I proceed to spit said wine all over her.
I don’t go back to the hospital once Tabitha and I finally part ways. To be honest, I’m still in a bit of a daze as I get into my car.
I sit there for a good long while, running through what just happened in my head.
“You’re joking,” I say.
“Nope,” she replies, picking up her own glass and grinning. “I’m deadly serious, actually. This whole long service leave coverage for George was also my way of conducting a six-month-long interview. Well, more like three months now.” A knowing smile plays on her lips. “As you can see from my job offer, you aced it. Congratulations.”
I stare at her, my brain still struggling to catch up. “I don’t understand. You want me to take over your job?”
“Sure do. Not sure if you can tell, Blair, but I’m a little–OK, a lot–older than you. I’ve seen and done almost all there is to see in small town hospitals and big city ones too. I’ve dealt with more than my fair share of local, state, and federal politicians. I’ve pleaded, listened to, and appeased enough unhappy residents and advisory groups to last a lifetime. I want to retire, and I want to do it knowing that I’m leavin’Timber Falls District Hospital in safe hands–ones I know will look after the work that I’ve done and build on it.”
“And you think that’s me?”
“No, dear. I know it is. That’s why George recommended you in the first place. Besides, you’re goin’ to be family soon enough anyway.”
That’s when I discovered that not only are Uncle George and Tabitha in love, but they plan is for the two of them to run off to retire in Florida.
What Idoknow is that I now have options.And a mighty big decision to make.
Tabitha told me to take as long as I needed but then laid out all of the moves she’d already made, proving that she knew she wanted me all along. Case in point, she has already secured the required board approvals and the start-up funding required. The woman has even drafted her resignation letter. All she needs now is my answer.
That’s something I hope I’ll get some clarity on when I visit Starchild.
Chapter 23
Sutton
Ever since Blair’s meeting with Tabitha, it’s been obvious that she has had a lot on her mind. I know she’ll tell me whatever it is when she’s ready though which is why I haven’t pushed her to share.
My guess is that it has something to do with the elephant in the room that we’re both not talking about–what her future past her six-month contract at the hospital may hold. Because I don’t want to put any pressure on her, I haven’t told her what I already know to be true–wherever she goes, I go. Whatever she decides, I’ll support her one hundred percent.
