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CHAPTER22
Liam
I was so nervous sitting in my truck waiting for Kyleigh to come out of the hospital. Maybe it was because she really wanted to get back to work. Nursing is her passion, and I understood that. Although she didn’t need to work, and I could easily provide for her and her parents, she was proud, and didn’t want to have to rely on anyone. Not even me. Then again, she also came from a country where women couldn’t always count on men. It wasn’t going to be easy to let go and learn to trust completely.
I saw her approaching my truck, and I couldn’t tell from her expression whether she got the job. I got out and walked around the other side to open the door for her. Do I ask or not?
There was no right answer. So I took my best guess.
Once we were back on the road, I asked, “How did your meeting go?”
“It was…good. I was offered a position,” she said, but something in her tone said she wasn’t as thrilled as I expected her to be.
“Did you accept it?” I asked.
She shook her head. “Liam, I don’t know how to say this, but…it’s not like when I worked at the hospital in Tabiq. They might have all the technology, but they are missing something I value very much. Patient care should be first and foremost. But here, they are hung up on paperwork. I’ve never heard questions regarding documentation so the patient can be billed for services.”
I wasn’t familiar with how things were done in Tabiq, but learning that it was different didn’t surprise me. “I thought Finn would’ve prepared you ahead of time.”
“He answered the questions that I asked, but I told him I wanted to do this on my own. I even refused to take his letter of recommendation. He wanted to help, but I need to prove that I can do this on my own, and not because of his name and his former title at this hospital,” she said.
And some think the Irish are stubborn. Ha. They never met anyone from Tabiq.“You don’t need it. I know firsthand what a good nurse you are,” I said, reaching over and taking her hand in mine.
She snickered. “I don’t think coming home from work and having me kiss your boo boo’s is considered nursing.”
“True. I don’t think I’d want you providing such TLC to any of your patients,” I replied. Then on a more serious note I said, “You know there is no rush. You will find what works for you.”
“I…I was talking to your mother about it a couple of days ago. I think I know what I want to do,” she said.
My mother told me that she had gotten together with Kyleigh and her mom, but I thought it was just a lunch date - maybe to discuss wedding plans. I was glad Kyleigh felt comfortable talking with my mother. It wasn’t necessary for all the ladies to get along, but it sure made my life easier knowing they did.
“You don’t want to be a nurse any longer?” I asked.
She chuckled. “That’s a ridiculous question. Of course I do. But I had only been thinking about working in a hospital environment again, and your mother opened my eyes to something else.”
“What is that?”
“I can be a traveling nurse, visiting people who are homebound. I don’t know why I never thought of that. I mean, we do that in Tabiq, but never realized other countries do the same,” she said.
I could see the joy in her eyes as she spoke. “That’s an amazing idea and you’d be perfect at it.”
“Do you really think so?” she asked.
“I know it.”
“It doesn’t pay as well as the hospital,” she stated.
“Kyleigh, we are getting married next week. Whatever I have is yours. We spoke about finances, and even without your salary, we will have a comfortable life. But honestly, I’m glad you found something that will fulfill you. It’s important. Staying home would not do it for you. It wouldn’t work for me, either.”
“But my parents. How will I be able to afford for them to live here?” she asked.
“Remember when you were talking to my mother?”
She nodded.
“At the same time, my father and I met with your dad. I need someone to help me. He’s going to start after the wedding. And while we are on our honeymoon, my father will show your dad the ropes.”
“Do you really need him, or are you just making up a job so he won’t feel like he’s accepting charity?” she asked. “He’s very proud.”
