Patty stood back this time with a smile and said, “I would really like that. Thank you. I know it would make Mikie feel better knowing that you recommended the person to us.”
Mikie had come back onto the porch to join them. He was having a difficult time looking Krista in the eye. She understood why. He was feeling guilty for having Patty leave their hometown at a time like this. But adding more guilt onto his own was only going to make him doubt his ability to take care of Patty and her children. He needed encouragement, not to be knocked down.
“Patty said you found a job in Boston. Congratulations.”
“Yeah. Going to be a janitor for one of the richest families in Boston,” Mikie said.
“Really? And who would that be?” Krista asked. Not that she followed the rich and famous, but she wanted to check out Mikie’s new employer. She might be saying it was none of her business, but she would still keep an eye on him.
“The Henderson family. I’m gonna be working at Henderson Corporation. You can’t miss the building if you’re going to Boston. It’s huge. I’m hoping I can work my way up to maintenance someday. Got to start somewhere,” Mikie said.
She couldn’t argue with that. Not everyone was born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Actually, in her line of work she was uniquely qualified to say that she’d never met anyone who was. Of course, there were several obstetricians at her conference yesterday that probably had been born into wealthy families. She remembered when she went to college that there were doctors there who didn’t have to wait tables at the same time as going to school. But then again, all that hard work paid off in the long run. And now she had her own practice, one she was very proud of. Not many people could be the doctor in their own hometown and care for people they’ve known all their life.
“I hope it all works out for you. Seems like you have a lot of changes taking place all at once. But if you work together, love and support each other, I am sure you’re going to be fine.” She was saying this for her benefit, too. She needed to believe that these two young people were going to be okay in Boston. Moving away and starting a life of your own was normal. Krista just had a difficult time letting go.
Goodness I couldn’t imagine what I would do if I had children of my own. They would probably say I’m overprotective and that I smother them. I can’t help but be who I am.
Mikie gave Christa a hug and said, “Don’t worry, we will be blowing up your phone with pictures. At least for the first set,” he laughed.
“Don’t be planning more children until after I have these,” Patty warned. “Remember I’m having twins. That means I get to take an extra-long time before I have any more.”
Mikie laughed again. “You’re right. You could have twin boys who are just like me. Then you might not ever want to have more kids.”
Patty chuckled. “I’m more worried we’re going to end up with girls like me.”
As Krista watched Mikie and Patty together, she realized that she was worrying for no reason. Were things going to be easy for them in Boston? Probably not. They’d have to adjust to a different lifestyle, and that takes time. But then again, every couple had to face that. Even just living together takes time to get used to. Of course, what would she know about that? The only one she lived with was Donnie, and he was very easy to get along with.
Because Donnie always gets his way.
“I guess I should get to the office just in case any patients decide to call. I still can’t believe you’re not going to be one of them.”
Patty began crying. “Don’t worry. We’re gonna be back here almost every weekend to visit.”
“You need to get as much rest as you can. Remember you’re eating for three, and don’t forget to rest for three.” Then she turned to Mikie and said, “And you have to remember to do the same.”
Mikie patted his stomach and said, “I already eat for six.”
Patty rolled her eyes and said, “Dr. Chinto meant resting. Not eating.”
Mikie shrugged. “I liked it better the way I heard it.”
Krista smiled, headed down the stairs, and got back into her vehicle. She had to leave before she got teary-eyed. Yes, it was an emotional time for this young couple, but she really was going to miss them. Montpelier was growing, but very slowly. And each young couple that moved away to start their families elsewhere was only making it feel even smaller.
When she got to the office, Laurel was already there. Not only was she a decent dog sitter, but she was a passable receptionist as well. She wasn’t top notch when it came to details, but she was great at taking names and phone numbers and scheduling appointments. And since Krista didn’t need much else, Laurel was fine for the position.
“Did anyone call?” Krista asked.
Laurel said, “Only Mrs. Jones. She’s having problems with her big toe again.”
Krista shook her head. “I hope you told her that I don’t treat feet. And she should call her MD.”
Laurel said, “Do you think that would matter? Mrs. Jones doesn’t listen to anyone except for you. She’ll be in at ten.”
No point in discussing it further. Laurel was right. Mrs. Jones refused to see any other physician. Whether it was for a headache, a hangnail, or a bump on her toe, she had to come in and talk to Krista about it. But it wasn’t usually a medical issue. Mrs. Jones was almost 90, and she liked to come in just to talk. If Krista did house calls, which she did on occasion, Mrs. Jones would have her there all day long drinking tea and eating biscuits.
Krista asked, “Anyone else?”
She already knew the answer would be no, but one could always hope. None of her patients were expecting a baby soon. Come to think of it, she hadn’t delivered a baby in months. Not that Patty and Mikie had the right idea, but she needed to deliver babies to have her own practice.