Mending the Doctor's Heart by Tina Radcliffe

Author:Tina Radcliffe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2012-10-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

On Monday, Ben pushed open the door to the chapel garden, surprised to find the hospital medical director there. “Dr. Rhoades?”

Henry Rhoades spun around in his wheelchair. “Ben, good morning. You know, I think it’s about time you got used to calling me Henry.”

“Sir?”

“Henry. That’s my name.”

“Yes, sir. I mean, Henry.”

“What’s that you have there?”

Ben glanced down at Mutt, who had followed him to the garden.

“It’s a dog,” Ben said.

“Yes, I can see that.”

Mutt trotted over to Henry Rhoades and rubbed his head against his leg, begging for attention. Henry smiled and obliged, rubbing the little dog’s head.

“He stays in my office.”

“I wasn’t worried. Merely curious.”

“Sara assigned him to me.”

When Henry burst out with a belly laugh, Ben could only respond with a weak smile.

“That sounds like Sara. What’s his name?”

“Mutt.”

“Here, Mutt.” The little dog jumped into Henry’s lap. “Smart dog.” Henry rubbed Mutt’s ears and smiled. “Mutt is certainly welcome in the clinic, although I recommend doggie day care when the accreditation inspection process begins.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Anything I can do for you, Ben?”

“I was wondering if I could help you? I didn’t expect to see you in here today.”

“I have to admit, the closer we get to September, the more excited I am about the clinic opening. I’m doing my best not to micromanage, but I find myself down here at least once a day to see how things are coming along. Since I’m here, I can’t miss an opportunity to visit my favorite spot.”

Ben glanced around at the barren soil. “But the gardens aren’t completed.”

“In here it is.” Henry tapped his forehead. “So, how are things coming along?”

“Very well. We hired the office manager this morning. She starts next week, and she’ll take over interviewing and hiring the rest of the office staff. Housekeeping has been hired, as well. We have two physician’s assistants on board, one with a background in women’s health and the other in pediatrics. We’ve also started on the paperwork for the certification process.”

“Splendid. What about the staff physicians?”

“We’re interviewing again this week. This time we might get lucky.”

“Let’s hope so.”

“Sir—I mean, Henry—since you’re here, I have something to run by you.”

“Yes?”

Ben nodded toward the unfinished gardens. “What do you think about the possibility of turning this area into a memorial garden for your sister? Sara’s mother.”

The older man’s eyes rounded with interest. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“You mentioned a gazebo and benches. What about wildflowers from the valley planted in the flower beds? I understand those were her favorite.”

Henry smiled. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. I’m sorry I didn’t think of it myself.”

“You do?”

“Oh, yes. Have you mentioned the idea to Sara?”

“No. I thought maybe we could surprise Sara. No one would notice work out here, especially if it was on the weekends. You and I are the only ones who even come out here.”

Henry looked him up and down. “You’re very intuitive, aren’t you?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Trust me. You are. Perhaps because you’ve had a recent loss.”

Ben took a deep breath.

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