She had?Hmm.Maybe that thought earlier about missions wasn’t a completely dumb idea.“So what happened next?”
“So Liam Darcy’s representative was very persuasive, as was Jerrold, who reminded the board that because they didn’t use the HCQIA peer protections as mandated that a suspension was unjustified, and I was entitled to back pay for lost earnings.Dr.Rialto and Dr.Singh were both adamant that I come off my probation immediately, and be given senior resident status, which is awesome.”
“Thatisawesome.Wow.”
She nodded.“I think their arguments, and the testimonies of the others I’ve worked with in the ED, showed everyone that the allegations really had no truth, and were based on personal vindictiveness.”
“Well of course they weren’t based on truth.It was like a witch hunt.”
She nodded.“I felt the same way.It seems this whole debacle started because a staff member made a complaint, and didn’t think I was a team player, and needed to be taught a lesson.”
His jaw sagged, and he fought the temptation to swear.“Are you serious?”
“Sad, isn’t it?But anyway, the investigation discovered that this person was making false allegations in other instances as well.It dragged out even longer because CPS was involved.Seems like there was about half a dozen legal teams to unravel the truth, so it’s no wonder it took so long.Then Jerrold discovered the board member’s connections to the accuser, which came out when the board member tried to pressure others too.He mentioned this to Liam and that person was exposed, and the rest of the hospital board were ultimately convinced that these accusations against me were baseless, and recommended to the committee that the accusations should be dismissed.”
“I can’t believe you’re taking this so well.”
“I’m just so tired I don’t think I have much emotion left.And really, people can be such… people, can’t they?I mean, we all mess up, and maybe I could’ve been a little bit nicer—”
He opened his mouth to protest—
“—but I think it was always Dr.Visek’s issue, rather than mine, so I’m not gonna take that on board.”Her smile twisted.“Besides, from all I’ve learned recently, apparently Christians are meant to forgive.So it looks like I’m going to have to do that.”
“Yeah, but don’t do that straightaway,” he teased.
She chuckled but shook her head.“I need to do it straightaway because I don’t want this to live in my heart any longer.It’s lived there long enough.”
“Wow.Can I say that I think you are very mature?”
“Apparently.”
He smiled.“Well, I’m impressed.And amazed.And so happy for you.And relieved.I was praying for you every minute, it seemed.”
She nodded.“It may sound weird, but I could actually feel that.It was like each time someone would argue, I’d start to get worried and then just feel this lightening in my spirit.I’m sure somebody was praying for me in those moments.”
“You’ve had a lot of people praying for you.Ryan messaged me while you were in there.Obviously the Northwest Ice crew have been praying also.”
“I need to find your Mitchell friend and say thank you.”
“I think we might need to have a party to celebrate.Actually, we have a team event at Christmas that we could go to.”
Her gaze slid to his.“But those things are for couples, aren’t they?And we’re not.”
His heart hurt.Oh how he longed to give her the answer she obviously wanted to hear.
After studying him for what felt like half a lifetime, her gaze fell, and she looked at the view.Lake Washington glimmered in the sunshine.Or was that Union Bay?He didn’t know, the circuitous paths that had led them here throwing off his sense of direction.
“You know, we might not be a couple, but I can take a plus-one who’s a friend.And you’re my friend.You’re my oldest friend.My dearest friend.And if you’re not doing anything else then, I’d still like you to come.”
Her lips pressed together, and he could tell his words had disappointed her.She took another sip, placed the cup on the wooden bench between them.“I’ll think about it.”
And he would too.Because it seemed like it would take forever until God released him to finally say what was in his heart.
I love you.
CHAPTER28
Nerves filled her as she parked her new car outside the address Kyle had given her.She didn’t know why she was here, but had a sneaking suspicion, one that filled her with anticipation.Because it might finally mean he saw her again as more than just the mother of his child.But first things first.
