But let’s take it one step at a time. And the first step is repairing the superficial damage. Since I’m here, I’ll take care of that.”
“I don’t mean to sound mercenary, especially with my daughter’s welfare in question,” she said. Her chin lifted a notch as if fierce pride was in major conflict with her survival instincts. “And I’m grateful that you were able to examine her, but it would be best for Janie to have a doctor who’s covered under my insurance plan here at work.”
“They can do it,” he agreed. “But without a specialist’s training, the results won’t be as favorable. If you want the best possible outcome for Janie, a plastics guy is the way to go. My brother has extended me temporary privileges here at Walnut River General.”
“Does that mean my health insurance would cover your services?”
“No.” But he was here and this child needed his help now. “But I’m the best man for the job, and there won’t be a charge.”
She stiffened. “Charity?”
“Your independent streak is showing. I just want to help Janie.”
A range of expressions crossed her face, all the way from wariness to resignation. She sighed and said, “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
She looked fragile, vulnerable and more worried and desperate with every word that came out of his mouth. “How long until phase two?” She took a deep breath. “The implant?”
“After the swelling goes down. My best guess is about three to four weeks.”
“Tell me it’s not more complicated than phase one,” she said.
He met her gaze head-on. “She’s going to need surgery.”
“That’s complicated.”
“And someone who specializes in reconstructive surgery,” he confirmed.
“Okay. Three to four weeks.” She nodded and glanced at her daughter, clearly trying to process the information as rationally as possible. “Then I’ll have time to check out my health-care coverage.”
David knew for a fact that there wasn’t a doctor in Walnut River who could do the procedure. “I’d be happy to recommend someone good who’s as close to Walnut River as possible.”
“So there could be more out-of-pocket expenses,” she said absently, almost as if she were thinking out loud.
“It’s possible.” Ella had told him she was a single mother. That probably meant divorced. He wished he could be indifferent to the fact that she was unattached but there was a part of him that couldn’t seem to work up a proper level of regret. Still, divorced parents came together for their children. “Surely Janie’s father will help—”
“Hardly.” Unexpected bitterness filled Courtney’s gaze. “Her father was a soldier.”
Too late now to wish he’d paid more attention when his sister had told him about a single mom who had big trouble. “Was?”
“He died in Iraq. Unfortunately he wasn’t as conscientious about military dependent’s benefits as he should have been.”
“I’m sorry.”
About that and so much more. He was an idiot. An idiot who made assumptions. An idiot who felt himself being sucked in by big brown eyes and a pair of dimples that wouldn’t quit. Courtney Albright desperately needed his help.
The last time he’d become involved with a desperate woman it had cost him everything.
Chapter Two
Courtney held her little girl’s small hand while they both watched David snap on his latex gloves, then inspect the metal tray full of medical tools beside him. She was pretty sure her own eyes were as wide as her daughter’s and the fear factor was up there for both of them. If only she was the one facing the procedure. That would have been so much easier than watching Janie go through it. And that wasn’t the end of the ordeal. There was still a surgery, but she couldn’t deal with that now. One trauma at a time.
David had changed into blue scrubs and it was disconcerting that he looked just as good as he had in his jeans and leather jacket. How stupid was she for even thinking that?
“Okay, beautiful, are you ready?” David asked.
She assumed he meant Janie since he was looking at her. “Do you have any questions, peanut?” Courtney questioned.
“Is it gonna hurt?” Her mouth trembled as she looked at him.
He looked at Janie. “I’m going to give you some medicine so it won’t hurt. A small pinch and then nothing.”
“Promise?”
“Yes.”
“What else is gonna happen?”
“I won’t lie to you, Janie.” David met her gaze. “I’m going to tell you exactly what’s going on.”
“No medical doublespeak requiring a translator?” Courtney asked.
“Honesty is always the best policy.” He must have seen the skepticism in her eyes because he added, “Especially with children. They always know when something’s not right. It’s my goal to keep her calm. If she’s not prepared for this she’s going to get agitated. Agitation is quickly followed by restlessness, then tension and stress. None of that is helpful.”
That made sense. “I see your point.”
He nodded, then focused on the child. “You’re going to feel a little pulling. Do you think you can be very still for me? More still than any other six-year-old girl ever?” When Janie nodded solemnly, he smiled. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
Courtney squeezed her daughter’s fingers while David picked up a swab and dabbed it over the area. He’d already explained that it was a topical anesthetic to take the edge off the injection that would numb her for the procedure. Now was where she did her mom thing. She needed to distract Janie while David worked.
“I think a six-year-old who can be more still than anyone ever deserves a special prize,” she said.
“What?” Janie asked, her attention snagged as hoped for.
“It’s got to be pretty special. What’s the most special thing you can think of?”
“What about ice cream?” David suggested.
“I like vanilla ice cream,” Janie said. “Milkshakes are best. But I think a toy would be good, too.”
“What toy?” Courtney asked.
“Maybe a doll. With a stroller.”
“Okay, Janie. It’s time to hold still for me. Then we can get serious about that doll-and-stroller thing.”
Janie tensed and whimpered when he did
