A Life Unplanned (16 page)

"Even so, I'm causing trouble. It doesn't look good. It's going to be difficult to find a new job in Waco with so many complaints against me."

"But they'll be dismissed!"

"They'll still have been brought against me." He sounded so defeated.

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. They would've come after me sooner or later. I just want to get everything over with. My attorney, Brian Whitman, and his wife, Kelly, are digging into the website and filing charges against the women who've posted false accusations. Because it's affecting my livelihood and my ability to move closer to my children, they shouldn't be too hard to prosecute. Brian said their intent was to do harm to my career with known lies. It should be an open and shut case, once they can identify everyone."

"Well, that's good. Maybe you can get rid of them once and for all."

"One can only hope."

Trent did his best not to dwell on the mess for the rest of the weekend. Unfortunately, the meeting with the hospital board weighed heavily on his mind. When it was just me and him, he would rest, but was distractedly quiet. I didn't push him.

True to his word, Trent had me slotted for the first appointment with Dr. McKenna. She was sweet, beautiful and extremely smart. I didn't know why Trent never bothered to date her. They would have been a perfect match. It didn't help that my jealously flamed wildly, when Trent handed her little Katie. Her cuddling my daughter made him smile, and I hated it. I was on the verge of asking to see the guy doctor, when I was ushered into the exam room.

I quickly changed into my little gown, and Dr. McKenna returned with the nurse I believed was named Amy. The whole side of her face was swollen and black and blue.

Trent jumped to his feet in shock. "What happen, Amy? Are you alright to work?"

She burst into tears and my jealously flared again, when Trent pulled the crying woman into his arms.

"She was mugged on Saturday night in the grocery store parking lot," McKenna answered for her.

"Mugged? This isn't New York, how on earth was she mugged?" Trent asked shocked.

"It's been the only violent crime committed by a stranger against a stranger in the past thirty years. The sheriff has everyone on it. It's been a huge upset. I'm surprised you didn't hear about it from your grannies."

"I'm sure they're busy doing their own investigation," Trent mused.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Vera and her little card-playing clan didn't come up with the perp before the police."

Katie chose that moment to fuss and caused my milk to let down. I was regretting not leaving her with Tyler and Maylene at "Maymay's house" while I went to the doctor, but most people had met Tyler at the baby shower, and Trent wanted to show off his daughter.

"I'm so sorry, Clara. This must all seem silly to a big city girl. I'm sure you know lots of people who’ve been mugged," McKenna apologized, but I wasn't sure how to take it.

"I usually just stay out of the bad neighborhoods. I didn't think there was one here, though," I said looking sympathetically at Amy. I didn't want her to think I blamed her for the attack.

"Exactly!" McKenna exclaimed excitedly. She wasn't acting very professionally, but I had to keep in mind that this wasn't just my doctor, but Trent's friend. "We don't really have a bad neighborhood. Well, there are those two four-plexes that are Section Eight housing, but they aren't really scary, just a bit rundown."

"I hope they catch the guy who attacked you, Amy. Thank heavens he only mugged you and didn't do anything worse."

"I hope so, too, but it wasn't a guy, it was a girl who attacked me."

Trent's brow furrowed, but he didn't say anything.

We switched topics and got right to my exam, once I finished feeding Katie. When McKenna asked about birth control, I looked at Trent to answer for me. I knew we had discussed it, and he'd know what to ask for better than I would.

I was surprised by McKenna's smirk and Trent's blush. Amy started giggling, and I thought they were being a bunch of unprofessional nuts.

Trent finally cleared his throat and answered. "We discussed her getting an IUC. She doesn't menstruate while she's nursing, so now would be as good a time as any to put it in," he tried to sound casual, but failed.

"You know you have to give her a day or two if there is spotting," McKenna reminded.

I huffed. "He knows, and he doesn't budge on rules like that."

"Well, it's good to know Trent cares enough to put your health before-" McKenna started, but Trent cut her off.

"I'd never put her at risk."

I squeezed his hand. "We know, honey. There's no better person to look after me than you." It was true.

He smiled softly at me and kissed me lightly. "Thank you, sweetheart."

Amy suddenly hugged me. "I'm so glad you're here. You make him so happy," she gushed.

It was going to be weird having my OB/GYN and her nurse as my friends. There was obviously no way around it. I would suppose it was just part of living in a small town, where everyone knew everyone else.

Then it hit me. Trent's office was the only OB/GYN office in town, and they had three doctors, and three nurses. Amy, being one of those nurses, would have seen every woman in town at some point over the years, and she hadn't recognized the woman who had attacked her. I suddenly understood why Trent's brow had furrowed.

There was a woman in town who should not be here.

Chapter 20 - Resigned

We had taken separate cars to the doctor's office, so I could leave him at work and head back home…to his house. I called Maylene, and she answered right away. I could hear Tyler giggling in the background. "Hi, Maylene, I'm done with my appointment. I was going to swing by and pick up Tyler, but he sounds like he's having fun. Do you want to keep him a while longer?"

"That'd be great. You and Katie should go have a good nap. Tyler and I will be fine. I'll call you when he gets tired of me and wants to go home."

"That may be a while," I laughed.

"I know, I just don't get him often enough. I want to make the most of what time I do have with him." There was no hurt or malice in Maylene's words, but they hit me hard all the same.

I settled in at Trent's place, ready to feed Katie and chat on the phone with my mom. I hadn't seen her in a few days, and I missed her insight and encouragement. I really needed both.

Before I had a chance to dial her number, my phone rang. "Hey, Mom, I was just getting ready to call you."

"Hey, honey, how are you holding up? You had your doctor's appointment today, didn't you?"

"Yeah, it went well. I really got a taste of the small town mentality today."

"A good taste I hope. I'm sure I could get Maylene on their case if someone is mistreating you."

"No need for that. It's just weird to have a doctor and a nurse who think of you as a friend. The nurse, Amy, hugged me and thanked me for making Trent happy."

My mother giggled.

"They were gossiping and stopped just short of teasing Trent when we discussed birth control."

"Which did you choose to go with? Nothing permanent I hope."

"Still pushing for the big family I see," I teased.

"Well…Trent is a sweet man. He really seems to enjoy being a daddy, and you really are a great mom, honey. Not to mention your kids have pretty awesome grandparents."

"That they do."

"Speaking of grandparents, when are you coming home? I miss my little bug and his baby sister."

"I'm not sure," I answered sadly.

"Any word on Trent's transfer?" she asked hopeful.

"No, there's a hang-up on it, but we're working on it."

"The kids are young, honey. They'll adjust to separation, and it won't be forever."

The problem was I wasn't sure I wanted any separation.

"What's going on in that head of yours? I know something's up. I could feel it all the way up in Waco," she pushed. She was a great mom and always had a sixth sense about these things.

"Mom, I really missed him when he was gone," I confessed.

"Oh, sweetie, I'd be worried if you didn't. I'll bet he missed you, too."

"He said he did…"

"But you're not sure you believe him."

"What if he's just with me because of the kids?"

"Did you know he talked about you?"

"What?"

"When he was home in Livingston, he spent all his free time with Maylene and talked non-stop about 
you
."

"I'm sure he talked more about the kids-"

"No, he was worried about you. He bragged that you're a great mom, and he was lucky to have you. He worried you were overdoing it and not taking care of yourself. He loves the kids, but knows you can handle them. He knows you'll make sure they have everything they need, but that self-sacrificing attitude that welcomed him and his family into your life is the same one that makes him worry that you aren't taking care of yourself and getting enough to eat.

“He knows you prefer boneless skinless chicken breasts and kept bugging his mother for more recipes, insisting you needed more protein. He did a mess of research on water filters, because he wanted to make sure you had the best quality water all of the time. He was stressed that you were going to run out of bottled water and end up with tap. He didn't want you to get dehydrated. He confessed that he was scared you didn't need him or want him and were only letting him around the kids because of your sweet nature, not because you liked him personally."

"But I do like him, Mom…a lot," I whispered the last part.

"I know, honey. I could see it on both of your faces, that and you both look completely clueless. As if you didn't grow up in two-parent families with obvious good examples of relationships. You're a couple of awkward fools!"

"Mom, I'm scared."

"Of what, sweetheart?"

"What if he can't move to Waco? What if he's stuck here? What if I have to give up my life, my job, my friends, my parents, and move to Livingston to be with him? I've never lived outside of Waco."

"First of all, you'll never lose your parents. That's just not happening. Second, Maylene has a guestroom specifically designed for me and your dad. We have a standing invitation and will use it frequently. I'd miss you like mad, but we can talk on the phone and have weekend visits, baby. I want you to be happy. If Trent makes you happy, we'll be behind you one hundred percent."

"And if it all goes wrong?"

"You know we'd never turn you away. You're our baby, honey. We'll always catch you if you fall, not to mention you're tenacious. I doubt you'd be down for long. Though, I wouldn't mind keeping you to myself for a few months. If it goes bad, feel free to wallow."

"Mom," I whined, and she chuckled in response.

"I really don't think it's going to go bad. You both have a great support system, and he loves you, Clara. He really does. It's so obvious to everyone else. I don't know why you both don't see it. I know you love him, honey. Don't try to deny it."

"I won't," I confessed, as the realization shook me.

"You're a sweet girl and can make new friends, not to mention you can always come and stay with us to visit your old ones. I'm sure you could find a new job around there when you're ready, and I can guarantee Maylene would happily watch her grandbabies while you're at work. If you need to stay in Livingston, I know you'll be fine."

"You really think so?"

"I know so, baby. You always land on your feet, and this would be no different. Not to mention that everyone I've met in Livingston seems to adore you. I think you'll do just fine."

"Thanks, Mom, that's what I needed to hear."

"That's me, the all-knowing wise mommy. You know you can always count on me and your dad."

"I know."

"Good, now put that poor man out of his misery and tell him you love him and want to live with him. You're both driving me and Maylene batty."

"Okay, Mom, I will."

"Good girl. I love you, sweetie."

"I know, Mom, I love you, too."

I finally felt at peace. My mom always knew how to fix things. She always knew just what to say. I knew what I had to do. It was time to tell Trent that I wanted to be with him and was willing to stay in Livingston with him, if that was what we needed to do to be together. I held on to the hope that he really wanted to be with me as much as I wanted to be with him.

I put Katie down in her bed and went to get some more water out of the kitchen. It was then I noticed the water filter attached to the faucet. There was a box on the counter, and it looked like he had a second one ready to install somewhere else.

I sent him a quick text, and he called me instead of texting me back.

"How are you settling in? Do you have everything you need?"

"Yeah, the water filter on the sink is nice."

"Good, good, I'm glad you like it. I have another one to put in at your place when I take you home…" he said the last bit a little sadly.

How did I miss it before? "Trent, what would you think about me maybe moving to Livingston, instead of you moving to Waco?"

"Really? Baby, do you mean it? Would you really be willing to do that?"

"I've been thinking about it a lot, and I missed you, Trent, and so did the kids. I don't want to have to wait some unknown amount of time for you to only maybe get a job and be able to move to Waco."

"I promise I'm doing everything in my power to do it. I swear I'm not putting it off or dragging my feet, Clara. Please believe I'm really trying. I really do want to be with you and the kids."

"I know, Trent. I've seen how much it's stressing you out. I'd miss my friends and family, but…"

"But what?"

"I think I'd miss you more." I wondered if he understood how much he meant to me.

"I wish you didn't have to choose. I wish I wasn't caught up in this damn mess," he grouched.

"Since I'm quitting my job in Waco, I'll need to find one here."

"Oh…okay…so you don't want to…I guess I…I'll help in any way I can."

"What's wrong?"

"Are you going to move somewhere else?" His voice sounded so small and sad.

"I don't know. Do you want me to? I won't force myself on you. I know we're still kind of new to everything."

"NO, no, it's not forcing. I want you to live with me, if that's okay. If that's what you want. I don't want you to feel like you have to, but I'd like it…a lot. I'd like to be able to be there for you when you need me, Clara."

"You are, Trent. Thank you."

"Thank 
you
."

It was amazing how much lighter I felt after my chat with Trent. I was downright giddy. My heavens, I was moving in with Trent, and he wanted me here! I burst into a fit of giggles and let out a little squeal. I had to call my mother and let her know how it went.

I ended up talking to her for a couple of hours, as we planned our move and tried to figure out what to keep and what to let go. I didn't have a lot of furniture, but I didn't think it would fit in Trent's house.

I received a text from Trent saying he'd bring home Tyler and some dinner for us to celebrate. I hoped since I didn't have any spotting that he'd really be up to a full-on private party for two after the kids were asleep.

It was starting to get late, and Trent hadn't made it home yet. Katie was up from her evening nap, and I was getting worried. I called Trent's cell phone, but there was no answer. I could only guess he was still talking with the hospital board.

I was about to leave a message for him, letting him know I'd pick up Tyler and make dinner instead, when the house phone rang.

"Hello," I wondered who was calling.

"Clara, is Trent there?" McKenna asked.

"No, I think he's still at the hospital."

"Do you know what the hell he's doing?"

"Talking with the board? Your guess is as good as mine."

"Did you put him up to resigning, to walking out on me and Dr. Davis, leaving us with an overload of patients?"

"No, what are you talking about? We just decided that I should move here instead of him going to Waco, so he could keep his job."

"Then why the hell would I get a call saying he'd turned in self-incriminating evidence and resigned? He'll never be able to practice anywhere again!" McKenna snapped.

"That can't be right. He hasn't done anything. Someone is setting him up. They must've planted the evidence or-"

"He went back and handed them over personally. They weren't planted. I didn't think Trent would ever…"

"He didn't…he hasn't. There's a group of bitches trying to ruin his life. I don't know what they said to him to make him turn that in, but they have to be blackmailing him or something."

"Trent's a stubborn bastard. No one can make him do anything, except for maybe you and the kids. You're his only soft spot."

My heart dropped. "I have to go," I barely got out, before I was on the phone, calling Maylene in a panic. I didn't even let her get her greeting out. "Do you have Tyler?"

"No, I dropped him off at Trent's office for him. He's not home?" she asked confused. It was a little after eight o' clock. She knew we kept Tyler on a strict bedtime schedule.

"I think something's wrong, Maylene. He's not answering his phone, and McKenna just called, ranting about him quitting and turning in incriminating evidence on himself. Someone has gotten to him. We have to find him!"

"I'll call the police to go check on him and call his lawyer. If Trent planned to do anything, Brian would know about it," she tried to reassure me, but it wasn't working. I wouldn't feel better, until I had my boys home and in my arms.

"I'm going to go to his office. I have to see if he's okay. I'll call you if he's there." I hung up before she could say anything and quickly strapped my daughter into her seat. Maylene must have been true to her word, because an officer was walking around the building. "Is he here?" I asked panicked.

"His car is, but no one is answering when I knock on the door. I have a call in to Dr. McKenna to come down and unlock it. He's probably just lost track of time and is going over files or something."

"He has our son with him. He wouldn't lose track of time. Tyler would be hungry and driving him nuts, because it's past his bedtime. Something's wrong!" I burst into tears, and McKenna came running up the walk and opened the office door quickly.