Page 10 of New Hope

I kissed the top of my mom’s head. “I love you,” I choked out.

She looked up at me, warmth shining in her blue eyes, the soft lines on her face marking a history of a life well lived. “I love you too, baby. Come on. Let’s get you fed.”

* * *

Dinner was delicious, with warm chowder and fresh baked bread, topped with some of Mom’s homemade butter and blackberry jam. As usual, the conversation flowed easily around the table, each person taking turns telling what they’d been up to that week. I listened quietly as Hannah told my parents all about Ellie, but I soon found my mind drifting to Ellie’s dad.

Ford Scott was easily one of the most handsome men I’d ever met, but my attention was caught by more than his looks. My mother always said the eyes were the window to a person’s soul, and Ford’s eyes had spoken of worry, wariness, and overwhelming sadness. He’d been friendly enough, but there had been an underlying barrier there, as if he was used to keeping people at arm’s length.

The only time I’d seen it slip completely away was when he’d smiled at Ellie as he’d picked her up in his arms. In that moment, I’d seen a father who loved his little girl completely, who’d do anything to keep her safe and happy. It was the same way I felt about Hannah, and it immediately made me feel a certain kinship with the man.

When we finished eating, Dad and I cleaned up the kitchen while Mom and Hannah set to work gathering the items they would sell at the market the next day. Hannah loved working alongside her nana, learning how each item was prepared and talking to customers who stopped by their booth. Despite my arguments, Mom insisted on paying Hannah ten dollars each Saturday for all her hard work. Hannah called it her fun money. The rest of the money they earned, my parents put into a savings account for Hannah’s college.

I joined them afterward, helping load the boxes of goods into my parents’ SUV then I gave them each a hug and kiss. I held Hannah and she wrapped her arms around my neck, peppering my face with kisses which she said should last me until we saw each other the next day. I laughed, squeezing her tight before setting her back on the ground and climbing in my car. With a final kiss blown to her out the window, I drove away.

Ten minutes later, I walked into my own house. Like many homes in New England, it was a colonial style, two stories tall with white clapboard siding, navy blue shutters around each window, and a bright red front door that gave it a cheerful, welcoming feel. Located along a rocky stretch of beach not far from the wharf, the place had sold for a hefty price, but being able to live right on the water was worth every penny to me.

The interior of the house had loads of charm as well with spacious rooms, built-in bookshelves and cabinets, gleaming hardwood floors, and white crown molding around each of the tall ceilings that stood out against the light gray color of the walls. A colorful rug and comfy seating made the living room an inviting place to hang out while the large stone fireplace offered warmth for those cold winter nights.

The kitchen, my favorite room in the house, was beautiful with white marbled countertops and a restaurant quality gas stove. Pots and pans hung above the island counter, easily accessible using a pulley system and the long farmhouse table provided plenty of room for friends and family to eat when they came over. A curved staircase led to the second floor where both Hannah’s and my bedrooms were located. There were two additional rooms that were used as a guest room and my home office.

I loved our home, every nook and cranny holding memories of a happy life with my daughter, but it was times like now, when she wasn’t here, that it all seemed a little too quiet, too big for one person to occupy alone. I loved being a father and I didn’t even mind doing it alone. After all, it was what I’d signed up for. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I sometimes found myself wishing for more. Sometimes I longed to have someone to share the rest of my life with. Someone who would hold me close and look at me like I was the only person in the world.

Dread began to creep in as I pictured a time when Hannah would be grown and ready to move on. If the first eight years of her life had been any indication, I knew the time would fly by. A feeling of loneliness began to settle over me, but I shook it off before it could completely take hold. I would have plenty of time to worry about that day when it came. Making sure everything was locked up, I made my way to my room so I could shower and get to bed.

* * *

Carol walked into my office carrying a cup of coffee milk and set it down on my desk. The official state drink, it was a favorite among Rhode Islanders, made with a mixture of milk and coffee syrup. I finished typing out my notes then picked it up, breathing in the rich aroma before taking a sip, careful not to burn my tongue. I swore I could feel the caffeine flowing through my veins as I leaned back in my chair and sighed.

“Forget regular coffee. This stuff is the nectar of the Gods. Thank you.”

Carol laughed. “Don’t thank me, it was Don’s doing.”

“How is your husband and what’s he doing stopping by without saying hello?”

“He had to get Carly to the vet. She was up all night throwing up.”

I raised my eyebrows at her. “Swallow something again?”

“I think so. I have no idea what I’m going to do with that dog. I thought Golden Retrievers were supposed to be smart and easily trainable, but she grabs everything she can find and swallows it before we can get it away from her. It doesn’t matter how many commands we give her. I think she got ahold of one of JT’s socks this time. I’ve told that boy to put them away, but you know kids.” She let out a weary sigh. “Anyway, Don made an appointment to get her checked out, but after being up all night, we’re both exhausted, so he stopped by with some caffeine.”

I gave her a sympathetic smile. “Well, I appreciate it and I hope Carly is able to pass whatever it is and doesn’t need surgery again.”

Carol snorted. “You and me both. She keeps this up and I’m going to need to take on a second job. It’s a good thing I love her.”

The chime over the front door sounded, alerting us to someone coming in. “Sounds like your next patient is here. You finish your drink and I’ll get them set up in a room.”

“Thanks, Carol,” I said as she slipped out the door.

I finished my coffee then stood and slipped my lab coat on. It had been a fairly quiet morning, so far and I’d taken advantage of the lull between patients to catch up on some of my paperwork. Carol was stepping out of exam room three when I walked out of my office. She handed me the patient’s file and I took a few minutes to go over it.

Eleanor Rose Scott. Ellie. I smiled as I saw the name. I quickly scanned her forms which had been written in a distinctly masculine scrawl. I gathered all the necessary information then knocked on the door before sliding it open. Ellie saw me first and her forehead crinkled in confusion. Ford had been talking to her, but looked over his shoulder as I walked in, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Hi! What are you…?” His words trailed off as his eyes roamed over my lab coat and the name stitched on the left breast. “Oh, you’re—”

“Dr. Adams, yes.” I reached out a hand and he took it, shaking it in his firm grip the way he’d done when we’d first met.

“Wow! I had no idea you were a doctor.”

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