“She finally came to her senses, Mrs. Lake. And I don’t mind saying I’m exhausted from all the effort. I’m going to see that she makes it up to me.”
Mrs. Lake laughed.
“How are you and Cousin George enjoying your new house?” Kenzie asked.
The older woman smiled. “He’s concerned about the chimney. He’s not entirely convinced it remained undamaged from the earthquake. I told him I’d have it checked a second time, but you know how he can be.”
Kenzie nodded. “Indeed. Well, if anyone can settle his nerves, it’s you. I’ve never seen him so happy.”
“He’s happy with his work as much as with me. He seems to enjoy not having all that responsibility. Now he can just sit around dreaming up ideas and mess up my kitchen. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work. However, Mr. Murdock left you a ledger to write your ideas in, Dr. Fisher. It’s just over there on the table by the kitchen. He said to sketch out what you had in mind.” She pulled a pencil from her pocket and handed it to him. “I found this for you in case you didn’t have one of your own.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Lake.”
Kenzie looked at him oddly. “What’s this all about?”
Micah led her to the table where the ledger waited. “Have a seat. I want to talk to you about some ideas I’ve had.”
She looked skeptical but nevertheless did as he asked. Micah sat beside her and opened the sketchbook. “I spoke to Caleb about a possibility and want to talk to you about it as well. After all, since we’re to marry, you have a say in the matter.”
Her brow raised. “What matter?”
“Living here.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Here? At Solid Rock?”
“Yes.” He kept his expression serious. “You see, I’d like to expand the operation to include a hospital. I did a lot of thinking while enjoying Mr. Morgan’s hospitality. A hospital focused on helping the poor—regardless of their ability to pay—is much needed. Not only that, but it ties in nicely with what Caleb and Camri hope to accomplish here. Caleb told me that he finally feels clear on God’s direction for him. He wants to make this entire area a haven for those in need.”
“I see.”
He couldn’t tell from her short statement whether she approved or not. “I’d like very much for you to be my nurse and help with the patients.”
“Show me what you have in mind?”
He smiled. “Just like that? No argument?”
She crossed her arms. “I don’t always argue with you.”
“You used to.”
A thin smile touched her lips, and she batted her eyes in a coquettish manner. “All right. Would youlikeme to argue with you?”
He laughed. “Not really. I suppose I’d do better to just explain my ideas, eh?”
“Indeed.”
Micah sketched out the dimensions of the present warehouse and then added on an entire wing. “I thought we could build our own quarters on the backside, overlooking the water. Caleb has an idea for buying up all the land around us. He’s working on it now. He wants to create a park, as well as a small house for himself and Judith. He wants to make a place of rest and tranquility that will minister to the hearts and souls of the poor women and children who come here for help. My father even plans to hold services here—after his regular services at the church, of course. Oh, and Camri wants a little school, as well.”
“What a surprise.” Kenzie laughed, shaking her head. “She would put us all in school desks if she had her way.”
“Patrick said she wants to start a free school for adults who had to quit at a young age. I think it’s a very good idea, myself.”
Kenzie nodded. “As do I. Don’t tell Camri, but I happen to agree with her defense of education.”
“And what do you think of my idea for a hospital?”
She looked at the rough sketch he’d made. “How big would you want it to be?”
“I’d like there to be room for fifty beds in four different wards.”
