New Beginnings (19 page)

She did. Which made the decision all that much more difficult. It wouldn’t affect just her. Cam would be affected one way or another as well.

Elena was eager to get to work early on Monday morning.

In the employees’ lounge, she spread out the brochures Cesar had brought home from the travel agent.

“Our trip to Spain is back on,” she announced. “We leave February 19.”

“That’s wonderful!” Candace said. “After all the trouble you had because of the blizzard, I’m glad you’ve rescheduled your trip.”

“Yes, and we’re going to be there for Carnival, which is a really big deal in Spain. Our first stop is Cádiz. They have a provincial contest for singing groups at Teatro Falla. That’s the name of the theater where they all perform.” She flipped open a brochure to show them the picture. “Just look at these costumes. Have you ever seen anything more elaborate?”

James peered over Candace’s shoulder. “I’m not sure I’d want to wear a lace-trimmed shirt like that guy. Particularly not in pink.”

“No, no, it’s perfect.” Elena laughed. “All the men dress up like this. It’s the custom.”

“I have enough trouble wearing an Uncle Sam–striped top hat for the Fourth of July. I think I’ll pass on a Carnival costume.”

Standing nearby, Anabelle said, “I’m sure you and Cesar will have a wonderful time.”

James noticed that Anabelle was unusually quiet this morning. Maybe she’d had a tiring weekend.

He glanced at his watch. “Gotta get to work, ladies. You’d better take lots of pictures while you’re in Spain, Elena. Otherwise I’ll never believe the guys actually wear those costumes.”

“Oh, I will. You’ll see for yourself, I promise.”

James winked at Elena and then made for the stairs to the second floor. Dr. Drew was planning to discharge Trisha Witten this morning. He imagined the entire family would come to escort her home. The difference between how sick Witten had been before her liver transplant and how much healthier she’d been looking recently was nothing less than a miracle.

A miracle due in large measure to the driver of the snowplow who had pulled James out of the ditch.

Determined to thank the driver, James had made phone calls to the Deerford Street Department, the state police, and anyone else he could think of. Nobody claimed credit for sending a plow out to rescue him.

Shaking his head, he concluded he’d never know who the driver had been or where he’d come from. James would have to chalk it up to the mysterious way the Lord intervened when He was most needed.

He checked the patient census in his unit, delivered meds as needed, and made notes on the appropriate records. By the time he finished, Dr. Drew arrived with the discharge papers for Mrs. Witten.

“Her vitals are excellent this morning,” the doctor said. “With help at home, she should manage quite well. I’ve arranged for her to see Dr. Hildebrand by the end of the week.”

“Looks like Mrs. Witten will make it to her daughter’s wedding.”

“As long as she follows the orders and takes her meds properly, she’ll be dancing with her husband that night.” Dr. Drew signed off on Witten’s discharge.

The doctor left to return to his office, and James gathered up the paperwork. He made a call to the volunteer coordinator’s office, notifying them of the patient’s discharge.

A few minutes later, Phyllis Getty, wearing her kelly-green volunteer jacket, arrived striding down the hall with a wheelchair.

“Heard you’ve got a passenger for me.” For a tiny woman who was well into her eighties, her voice carried like that of a drill sergeant.

“You heard right. A very special lady who is soon to be the mother of the bride.”

“Lovely,” she barked. “I adore weddings.”

He led Phyllis to Mrs. Witten’s room. Dressed in a comfortable jogging outfit, she was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Phyllis wheeled the chair up to the bed and set the brake. “Now’s your chance to be queen for the day. I’m here to whiz you off to your fairy-tale adventure.”

Mrs. Witten laughed. “I’m afraid I’m moving too slow these days to be whizzed anywhere.”

“I’m guessing your family will be spoiling you for the next several days, which is your due as their honored matriarch.”

“You’ve got that right,” Neil Witten said. He helped his wife ease into the wheelchair. “She’s not going to lift a finger except to get her strength back.”

“I’ve got your toiletries and extra nightgown, Mom,” Tammy said.

Phyllis handed Trisha two of the flower arrangements that had adorned a wall shelf. “You hang on to those, and your husband will carry the other two.”

Neil did as he was told.

“Okay, I’ll lead.” Phyllis wheeled the chair around and aimed for the door. “You follow, and we’ll have no laggards. This beautiful lady is eager to get home where she belongs.”

Just before Trisha went out the door, she grabbed James’s hand. “I can’t thank you enough for what you did.”

“You can thank me best by having a long and happy life.” He glanced at Tammy. “And enjoying your grandchildren when they arrive.”

Tammy flushed, and Trisha squeezed his hand.

“Time’s a wasting, folks. Let’s move it along.”

James stood back to let them pass. A sense of pride and gratitude filled him. It was one of those moments when he knew the Lord had used him, Dr. Drew, and the rest of the staff of Hope Haven to do His healing work.

He wondered if he’d feel the same way about his job if the opportunity to move up to nurse supervisor were offered to him. How might the Lord use him in that role?

B
Y WEDNESDAY, ANABELLE KNEW SHE COULDN’T PUT
off her decision any longer. To leave the job offer dangling like a forgotten Christmas ornament on the tree wasn’t fair to the hospital or to Albert Varner.

First thing after she arrived at work, she went downstairs. Penny was already in her office searching for something in a pewter-gray filing cabinet. From the back, it looked like Penny had a new perm, her curls tightly coiled gray springs.

“Good morning, Penny. Is Mr. Varner in?”

The executive assistant visibly flinched at the sound of Anabelle’s voice. When she turned, however, she gave Anabelle a warm smile.

She glanced at Varner’s closed office door and frowned. “Did you make an appointment?”

Since Penny arranged all of the CEO’s appointments, Anabelle was pretty sure she knew the answer. “Sorry. I was hoping he’d have a moment. If he’s too busy, I’ll come back later.” Although, now that her mind was made up, she hated to delay any longer.

Penny held up one finger. “Let me check.”

She sat at her desk chair and used the intercom, speaking in a low, almost secretive voice. She looked up at Anabelle. “He’ll see you now.”

Anabelle nodded her thanks. A large part of Penny’s job was to protect her boss from interruptions. She played that role extremely well.

Anabelle knocked once, opened the door, and stepped into Mr. Varner’s office.

“Anabelle! Excellent.” He came around in front of his desk and took her hands. “I was hoping you’d drop by this morning. No need to let grass grow under our feet, huh? Yes, indeed, don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” He gestured effusively toward the guest chairs.

“Now then, are you ready to get started? I’m sure Leila left everything in order, but I know you’ll want to—”

“Albert,” she interrupted. “I’m not going to take the job.”

His eyes wide, he took a step back. “If you feel you need more time—”

“No, Albert. While I appreciate the offer, I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to retire.”

He half staggered behind his desk and collapsed into his chair. “Retire?” he echoed in a high-pitched squeak, his voice pinched with shock.

“Yes. I’d like to give notice now. I plan to retire effective February 1.”

He shook his head as though trying to erase her words. “I don’t know how that’s possible. I was sure you’d accept the promotion. More money. More responsibility. More status here at Hope Haven.”

An odd swell of pity filled Anabelle’s chest as Albert lost even the patina of an executive. “I’ve never been motivated by those things, Albert. I’m sixty-five years old. It’s time for me to step aside and let someone else have their chance. But please know that I have absolutely treasured working at Hope Haven. It has been one of the most joyful experiences of my life.”

“Oh dear…” He rested his forehead on his hand. “I’ll have to find someone else to promote. And replace you as well. Oh dear…”

“There are any number of nurse supervisors who would do an excellent job as nursing administrator. As for my position…” She paused thoughtfully. “I can think of several nurses who could fill my shoes. I especially recommend James Bell.”

“James? Yes, he’s a good man. I’ll have to consult…This is quite a surprise, your turning down the promotion. The board will have to review the situation. There’s a meeting tomorrow morning.” He began scribbling notes on his yellow pad.

Anabelle stood. “I should get back upstairs. Again, I appreciate you considering me for the promotion. I’m sure you’ll be able to fill the slot, both open positions, quite easily.”

Too busy writing himself notes, Albert didn’t even acknowledge her comment. Or her departure.

The sigh she released was one of both relief and dismay. No question, it was time for her to leave Hope Haven Hospital and move on with the rest of her life.

Upstairs, she let Becky know she was back on the floor, gathered up her clipboard, and checked on each of the patients in the CCU. After retirement, she’d miss dealing directly with patients and handling the crises that were common with those who had severe heart problems. If she’d accepted the promotion the situation would be the same, little or no patient contact.

Yes, she assured herself, she’d made the right decision.

When she returned to the nurses’ station, James was seated at the computer making notes on patient charts. He was wearing hospital green scrubs.

He glanced up. “Hi, Anabelle. How’s it going?”

“I’m going to retire.” She put her hand to her mouth, surprised by her own unfiltered announcement.

He visibly did a double take, his gaze snapping back from the computer screen to her. “You’re retiring? I thought you were taking the nursing administrator’s job.”

She took a deep breath. “Well, I decided to retire instead. It’s time, James.”

“Wow. I didn’t see that one coming.” He thrust his fingers through his short, graying hair. “So that means—”

She gathered her wits about her. “It means you should put your application in for my job, nurse supervisor. With your experience, you’d be a shoo-in.”

“I don’t know about shoo-in.” He scooted his chair back from the computer. “I’m looking at two kids who will soon be in college, and Fern’s meds aren’t exactly cheap. You can be sure I’ll apply for the job.”

Elena strolled up to the nurses’ station. “What are you applying for?”

“Anabelle’s job,” James said.

“Oh, Anabelle, you’re taking the administrator’s job.” Elena hugged her. “That’s wonderful.”

Touched by Elena’s enthusiasm, Anabelle returned her embrace. “Actually, I’m uh…I’m not taking the job. I’m retiring.”

“You’re what?” Elena squeaked.

Carrying an armload of flannel blankets, Candace stopped at the nurses’ station. “What’s all the ruckus about?”

Leaning back in his chair, James folded his arms across his chest. “Anabelle’s retiring.”

“No, you can’t do that,” Candace said. “You’re too young to retire.”

Chuckling, Anabelle said, “Thank you, Candace. That’s the nicest thing anyone’s said to me in a long time. But the truth is, I’m plenty old enough to retire. Besides, with Ainslee expecting her second child this summer, I want a chance to spend time with Lindsay Belle and the new baby.”

“So who’s going to be the new nursing administrator?” Elena asked.

They all looked to Anabelle for an answer.

“I have no idea. Having to fill two jobs at the same time has put Varner in quite a state, I’m afraid.”

“Poor man. I don’t think he deals well with change,” Elena said. “So when is your last day, Anabelle?”

“I told him February first would be my effective date.”

“That soon?” Elena chewed on her lower lip. “That doesn’t give us much time to plan a party for you. We’ll have to do it the weekend before February first. That only gives us two and a half weeks to get everything done.”

“I don’t need a party,” Anabelle said with a smile and wave of her hand.

Elena ignored her objection. “That Sunday afternoon, which would be January 29. We’ll have the party at Baldomero’s. Mama will be so pleased.”

“Really, it’s not necessary—”

“I can help with decorations,” Candace volunteered.

“Please, I don’t want you to go to a lot of—”

“I’ll make up some flyers,” James said. “Spread the word around the hospital.”

“We’ll do appetizers so people can drop in anytime.” Elena picked up a sheet of paper from the nurses’ station and began to write down ideas. “Let’s see, chips and guacamole, taquitos, a variety of cheeses, and fresh fruit. Mama makes some delicious Southwestern egg rolls.”

Anabelle threw up her hands in surrender. “I give up.”

Elena shot her a smug smile. “Good idea.”

Later, Anabelle was eating lunch in the cafeteria with Elena when Penny Risser approached their table.

“You didn’t take the promotion.” Penny’s stunned expression made it look as though she’d just learned her eldest child had failed kindergarten.

“That’s true. I’m going to retire instead.”

Penny’s rather pointed chin began to tremble. Tears appeared in her eyes. “I’m going to miss you.” Penny bent down, gave Anabelle a quick hug, and then whirled to march out of the cafeteria.

Anabelle glanced at Elena, whose mouth hung open.

“I think the earth just turned on its axis,” Elena said.

“No, I think Penny has had a difficult job being Mr. Varner’s executive assistant. At heart, she’s a warm, loving woman.”

Elena nodded. “I think you’re right.”

Sipping a spoonful of her chicken-noodle soup, Anabelle considered Penny to be one of those people who shouldn’t be judged too quickly. Rather, she was a person who, given a chance, could be a woman’s best friend.