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She’d flown to Florida the previous Friday, met with the execs who had the power to extend the generous package she’d been offered. It was a wonderful opportunity, but she’d yet to make her final commitment.
“Witnessed many births?” Dr. Robards asked.
Natalie wasn’t sure whether he spoke to Matthew or to her, but Matthew was who answered.
“I delivered a few babies during med school, but the only one I’ve been in on for the past ten years is my goddaughter’s.”
Dr. Robards made a cut along Delaine’s bikini line close to where she’d been cut for last month’s surgery on the baby’s heart. “Nothing like witnessing the miracle of life. Been in on thousands, but each one never fails to humble me.”
Within seconds, he was pulling Delaine’s baby from her womb, handing her over to the nurse, who brought her to the waiting incubator and neonatologist.
The neonatologist worked rapidly on the premature baby, doing a quick assessment, clearing the airway and inserting a breathing tube.
While monitors and lines were attached, Natalie and Matthew performed an ultrasound on the baby’s tiny heart.
“We have good flow,” Natalie said, relief filling her. Delaine’s baby was early, but, at thirty weeks, had a fighting chance. “Just look. Her little heart is working.”
* * *
Matthew tried not to let Natalie’s joy get to him, but was happy with what he was seeing, too. The baby’s chest, although scarred, looked great for a month out from surgery. As they’d predicted, healing had been accelerated in utero.
“She’s not out of the woods yet, but, I admit, what I’m seeing is encouraging.”
Natalie nodded, stepping back so the neonatologist could check a line.
At this point, taking care of the baby’s prematurity needs took precedence over her heart surgery, which thus far seemed a success. Hopefully, nothing would happen to change that status.
Natalie and Matthew left the unit together, stripped out of their surgical gear and trashed the protective equipment.
“Carrie okay?”
Surprised by Natalie’s question, he paused. “She’s good. We’ve started counseling to help us, mostly me, deal with our grief and our new family dynamics.”
“That’s good. Carrie is so resilient. She’s going to be fine.”
“Resilient and brilliant.”
Natalie nodded. “Have you taken her back to see Zoie?”
“We’ve practically taken up residence at the zoo.”
Recalling her own zoo adventure with the girl as they’d watched Zoie’s birth, Natalie smiled. “I’m sure that makes her happy.”
Matthew wanted to ask what made Natalie happy, but what was the point? Obviously, he wasn’t the answer.
* * *
“You want to talk about this?”
Natalie glanced up to see her former boss standing in her office doorway, her resignation letter in hand, then glanced back at her computer screen to save the work she’d been charting. She motioned for him to come into her office.
“There’s really not anything to say. It’s a great opportunity.”
“That’s not why you typed this letter,” Dr. Luiz corrected, causing Natalie to look up from where she’d been studying her computer screen to keep from having to meet his gaze.
“If you’re talking about Dr. Coleman, I accepted the fact that he was given the position I’d hoped I’d fill weeks ago.”
The man she’d admired above all others stared at her so intently she could avoid his gaze no longer. Still, she owed him nothing beyond that she’d given him a copy of her resignation first. She had two others ready to be delivered—one to the board and one to Matthew.
