more proud of you if you were my own daughter.” He shook his head and gave a low chuckle. “Lord knows I’ve spent more time with you in this hospital than I have with my own children, my own grandchildren, or my wife.”
It had been a while since Anna had heard Dr. Shephard refer to his wife. Then again, they didn’t socialize like they used to. In the earlier years, they’d often find time for a quick cup of coffee and a chat. Even the occasional dinner out—her and Phillip, Dr. Shephard and his wife. But as her hours and workload increased, the time for socializing had dwindled, then all but faded. She knew he understood why she had had to stop accepting his invitations. A doctor’s life was nothing if not demanding.
“It’s yours, if you want it,” Dr. Shephard said.
Want it? She’d never wanted anything more. “I won’t let you down,” she said, her voice not betraying even a quiver of her excitement.
“Of that, I have no doubt.” Dr. Shephard set down his coffee, a small frown darting across his brow. “But, Anna, before you accept—”
Hadn’t she already?
“Why don’t you take a day or two to think the offer over?”
“I—”
“We have a calling, Anna,” he said, cutting in with a smile of understanding. “It’s one of the most noble things a person can do: help another. But it doesn’t come without costs. This new position will require even longer hours, working weekends. More stress, less time for your family. And with Phillip away . . .”
“Everything will work out perfectly.” She stood, excitement making it impossible for her to stay seated for one moment longer. She couldn’t wait to call Phillip tonight. He was going to be so proud of her. “Thank you, Dr. Shephard. For everything. I would not be the doctor I am today if it wasn’t for you. I don’t need any additional time. Not only do I want this position, but my family is behind me one hundred percent. You have nothing to worry about.”
Dr. Shephard stood and clasped her hand in both of his. “Somehow I knew that would be your answer.”
She smiled. “How?”
“Because it’s the exact same thing I said almost thirty years ago.”
For the first time since entering his office, she let her elation show. Her smile grew until it spread across her face. They were alike, she and Dr. Shephard. She’d always known it. Driven, smart, dedicated. Someday, down the road, after he’d retired, his title and this office were going to be hers. One day she would become the first female chief of staff at Seattle Trinity.
“I won’t let the hospital down, Dr. Shephard. I promise.”
He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I know you won’t, Anna.”
The rest of the day flew by in a blur. The hospital, always short-staffed, was even more so without Dr. Bernard. By the time Anna pulled into her driveway, it was after eight. Letting herself in the side door, she set her coat, purse, and briefcase on the hall bench and made her way into the kitchen. The minute she stepped into the large granite and stainless steel space, she caught a whiff of something wonderful. Something that reminded her of an exquisite Italian bistro. Her stomach growled; she hadn’t eaten all day.
Her housekeeper was at the sink, finishing up the dishes. Marie turned as Anna entered. “So?”
Anna could not contain her smile. “Yes.”
Marie broke out into a huge smile. “Congratulations. But I never had any doubts.”
Anna smiled as she sank onto one of the chairs in the breakfast nook. God, it felt good to sit down. She’d been going nonstop all day. “What would I do without you?”
Marie dried her hands and went to the fridge. “You’d forget to celebrate your promotion with cake.” She pulled out a two-tiered coconut-dusted sugar confection. “Every celebration needs cake.” Her eyes twinkled, daring Anna to say anything. Most nights, Anna had a roasted chicken breast or grilled piece of fish with a small salad. But Marie was right. Tonight was different. They were celebrating.
Anna eyed the beautiful cake. “And what were you going to do with it if I didn’t get the promotion?”
“Hide it.”
Anna laughed. “Is that manicotti I smell?”
Marie nodded. “And not one word about the amount of cheese I used.”
Anna laughed again. “Deal.” Manicotti was Cody’s favorite—a fact they both knew. As always, Marie’s thoughtfulness was appreciated. Anna couldn’t wait to have this special dinner with her son.